Solar inverter makers get 5-mth extension

New Delhi: As a relief to the green energy sector, the government has again extended the deadline for solar inverter makers to get self-certification from accredited laboratories till June 30, 2023. On September 5, 2017, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) had had issued solar photovoltaics, systems, devices and components goods (requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017, which was stipulated to come into force with effect from September 5, 2018. The order was modified and the date of self-certification for solar inverters was extended up to December 31, 2022.

In view of the availability of limited test facilities, the MNRE has decided to provide more time for compliance, official sources told Bizz Buzz. The MNRE controls the quality of solar photovoltaic (SPV), which includes SPV modules, solar inverters, and battery storage used in solar power projects. These products are required to conform to the specified Indian standards, corresponding to the standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission.

In the case of inverters, two standards have been specified for quality control. These cover safety requirements as per IS 16221-Part II and islanding prevention measures tests for utility inter-connected photovoltaic inverters as per IS 16169. Both standards are adopted from those of the IEC.

In order to ensure the quality and reliability, it's important that the inverters are tested for safety, efficiency, environmental tests, and grid interconnection aspects, the sources said. In this context, the relevant Indian and IEC standards covering safety, efficiency, environmental, and islanding prevention measures tests for utility-interconnected photovoltaic inverters were perused.

Further, in order to make the process of testing simple and consistent, a view was taken to develop an inclusive standard for photovoltaic grid tie inverters for complete performance evaluation.This led to the preparation of the technical requirements for solar photovoltaic grid tie inverters in consultation with experts from inverter test labs, industry, and IITs.