MNRE Extends Solar Inverter Certification Deadline To June 30

MNRE Extends Solar Inverter Self Certification Period To June 30

By Saur News Bureau/ Updated On Fri, Feb 3rd, 2023

Highlights :

The MNRE had previously extended the self- certification of solar PV inverters from June 30, 2022, to December 31, 2022 under BIS.
An inadequate test lab facility for solar PV inverters in the country is a key reason behind the extension.

MNRE Extends Solar Inverter Self Certification Period To June 30

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has yet again extended the deadline for the solar inverter makers to get valid International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) certificates and test reports from accredited laboratories of their solar inverters until June 30, 2023.

The MNRE had come up with the Solar ‘Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017′ that asked for compulsory registration with six products that was in the schedule on September 5, 2017. The MNRE has been extending the deadline for the industry to comply with the Quality Control Order, 2017, for solar PV inverters.

Last time, the ministry had extended the self-certification of solar PV inverters from June 30, 2022, to December 31, 2022 under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

The New Order

“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 stands extended from 31.12.2022 to 30.06.2023 based on self-certification,” said the new order published in the Official Gazette. The order held that the extension is subject to the condition that solar PV inverter manufacturers have valid IEC certificates and test reports from accredited test labs, for smooth implementation of the order.

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There is a dearth of quality test facilities for solar PV inverters in the country. Hence, for self-certification the inverter makers will require more time for the mandatory compliance.

Ever since the 2017 guidelines have come into place for the six products, the solar PV inverters’ mandatory compliance deadline was extended multiple times. Industry players have also complained about lack of clarity in procedures related to self-certification.

The MNRE had also approved new guidelines that asked for grouping of solar inverters. The guidelines held that in case there was any change in the design or material employed in the making of solar PV inverters, there required testing. A change in the construction or components in an inverter would also attract fresh testing.