MNRE Extends Deadline For Self Certification of Solar Inverters

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has extended the deadline for self-certification of solar PV inverters up to December 31, 2023. This comes after the earlier deadline of June 30, 2023 lapsed a few days back.

The ministry claimed that the decision was taken in the light of dearth of test facilities in the country for the solar equipment. However, the ministry had asked the solar PV inverter companies to comply with the other specified industry standards for self-certification.

The Union government earlier issued an order in 2017 titled ‘Solar Photovoltaics Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) for six products included in the schedule. It was set to come into force from September 5, 2018. Later the deadline for self-certification of SPV inverters was extended.

The new order has asked the developers to get the test reports from the accredited test labs after their compliance.

“In view of the availability of limited test facilities and providing more time for compliance, the implementation of Quality Control Order, 2017 for SPV inverters (items 4-5) stands extended from 30.06.2023 to 31.12.2023 or till further orders, whichever is earlier, based on self-certification, subject to the condition that such manufacturers have valid IEC certificates corresponding to IS (IS 16221(Part 2):2015/IEC 62109-2:2011 for item No 4 and IS 16169:2014/IEC 62116:2008 for item No. 5), specified in the said order for these items and test reports from accredited test labs, for smooth implementation of the order,” the order said.

Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) on 5/9/2017 under the BIS Act had notified the Solar Photovoltaics Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order 2017 for quality control in SPV Power Projects. It includes SPV modules, inverters and battery storage. As per the order, no person shall manufacture or store for sale, import, sell or distribute goods, which do not conform to Indian Standards specified in the Order.