MNRE Issues Clarification on Import of Lead-Acid Battery for Solar Applications

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced that it has offered explanation 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 delivered in 2017.

The order reported 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 repercussion of the order on lead-acid batteries imported for numerous applications excluding solar photovoltaic applications.

In its latest announcement, the ministry elucidated 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 employing 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 utilized 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.