MNRE Extends Certification Deadline for High-Capacity Solar Inverters to 2026

In a move aimed at easing compliance for large-scale solar equipment makers, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has pushed back the deadline for mandatory certification of high-capacity solar inverters.

A Gazette notification states that SPV (Solar Photovoltaic) inverters with a capacity above 200 kW now have until June 30, 2026, or until further orders, whichever comes first, to meet the requirements of the 'Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025.'

The extension follows industry concerns over limited availability of accredited testing facilities in India. With manufacturers struggling to obtain Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification in time, MNRE will allow operations under self-certification during this extended period. The relaxation, however, comes with strict safeguards to ensure quality is not compromised.

Under the revised framework, manufacturers must hold valid International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) certificates that align with specified Indian Standards. For item number 4, these include IS 16221 (Part 2): 2015 / IEC 62109-2:2011 and IS/IEC 61683:1999. For item number 5, the list includes IS 16221 (Part 2): 2015 / IEC 62109-2:2011, IS 16169:2019 / IEC 62116:2014, and IS 17980:2022 / IEC 62891:2020. Test reports must be sourced from accredited laboratories to maintain traceability and regulatory oversight.

The 2025 Order, which replaces the earlier 2017 regulation, mandates compulsory registration of five key categories of solar products. First notified on January 27, 2025, it originally carried a 180-day compliance window. The decision to delay implementation for certain categories reflects a pragmatic stance by the government, balancing manufacturing needs with quality assurance.

The notification is expected to offer relief to large-scale solar developers and inverter manufacturers. Industry players see the move as a crucial breather that will allow them to align operations with evolving regulatory norms, even as India accelerates its push toward ambitious renewable energy targets.