Self-Certification Scheme For Solar Inverters Extended Till 2024: MNRE

Solar inverter firms can now continue the practice till December 31, 2024. Photo by-IStock

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in its recent notification allowed an extension on the self- certification for Solar inverters till 2024. 

The last notification was published in a gazette notification on 28.07.2023. to review the availability of test facilities for limited capacities. “It gave more time for compliance, and implementation of Quality Control Order (QCO), 2017 for SPV inverters (items 4-5). These inverters are of the capacity of more than 100 kW (>100 kW) stands extended from 31.12.2023 to 31.12.2024 or till further orders, whichever is earlier.” stated the notification. 

The notification added that, “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. 3. The QCO 2017 for SPV inverters of the capacity up to 100 kW stands implemented w.e.f. 01.01.2024.”

The notification mentioned that “Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017” vide S.O. 2920 (E) dated 5.9.2017 for six products. It came into force with effect from 5.9.2018 and the same was modified vide S.O. 5259(E) published in Gazette of India dated 12.10.2018.”.

Last year in 2023, 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.

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.