MNRE Offers Clarification on Import of Lead-Acid Battery For Solar Applications

The ministry clarified that secondary cells and batteries of lead acid and nickel-based chemistry are covered under the order.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has offered clarification regarding the import of batteries of lead-acid based chemistry under the ministry’s Solar Photovoltaics Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) order which was first issued in 2017.

The order notified by the MNRE covers solar PV modules, inverters and storage battery, for quality control in solar power projects in the country. The ministry noted that there was some miscommunication regarding the implication of the order on lead-acid batteries imported for various applications including solar photovoltaic applications.

In its latest notification, the ministry clarified that secondary cells and batteries of lead acid and nickel based chemistry are covered under ‘Storage Battery (IS 16270)’ listed in the above order, which are used in solar power projects utilising solar PV systems.

“Such imports may be allowed subject to IEC 61427 certification of the product and certificate issued by this min astray and an undertaking from the vendor/supplier that the products will be utilised for SPV power projects in the country only. Further import of such products be allowed only if they meet notified specifications,” the ministry issued in an Office Memorandum.

However, for applications other than solar, the concerned agency importing such batteries may produce the relevant documents to customs for the use of batteries including orders for supply in the country and submit an affidavit that the imported batteries are not to be used in solar applications.

In January, MNRE extended the deadline for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for solar inverters for another six months i.e. June 30, 2019.

The MNRE said in its notification that, “The issues related to testing of inverters (items 4-5) was discussed with industry and test labs recognized by BIS, it is hereby notified that the date of self- certification relaxation for these items stands extended by six months i.e. up to 30th June 2019 subject to the condition that such manufacturers should have valid IEC and test reports from international test labs corresponding to IS.”