The inverter manufacturers will be allowed self-certification without submitting samples to test labs as the series guidelines for submitting samples to test labs are under preparation
In view of the lingering confusion around the implementation of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for solar inverters and to meet the demands of all stakeholders, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has extended the deadline by six months for getting BIS certification for solar inverters.
The ministry set the new deadline of June 30, 2019, after recently meeting with all the stakeholders of industry. The earlier date of implementation was January 1, 2019.
As the guidelines for submitting the samples at test labs are presently under consideration, the inverter manufacturers and suppliers will be allowed self-certification even without submitting the samples.
“And whereas, the issues related to testing of inverters (items 4-5) was discussed with industry and test labs recognised 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,” said a latest notification by MNRE.
“These manufacturers will be allowed self-certification without submitting samples to test labs as the series guidelines for submitting samples to test labs are under preparation,” it added.
Lack of lab facilities
The inverter manufacturers were struggling in getting clarity on the ambiguous process of BIS certification for solar inverters. Due to unavailability of labs, unreasonable costs of testing, lack of series guidelines, lack of testing facilities and manpower and confusion by notifications from the ministry, the compliance becomes impossible of the Solar Photovoltaics Systems, Devices and Component Goods Order 2017 order.
Previously, the government had made it mandatory that tests must be conducted by labs for registration with the BIS. The notification of the order was issued in September 5, 2017. However, the government has extended the deadline several times as the industry has been demanding more time for the compliance due to unavailability of lab facilities.
