Global safety science company UL has announced the launch of testing services for solar photovoltaic (PV) inverter manufacturers in India.
UL has expanded its facility in Bengaluru to help manufacturers comply with requirements of the standards mandated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Solar PV inverter manufacturers can benefit from affordable third-party BIS-recognised local laboratory for inverter safety and quality.
Manufacturers of solar PV inverters or converters are required to have their products tested from a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-recognised laboratory as per MNRE’s quality control order, “Solar Photovoltaics Systems, Devices and Component Goods Order 2017”. Manufacturers who complete the tests as per Indian Standards (IS) are eligible to apply for approval and issuance of registration number from BIS.
The new testing services are now available for residential, commercial and industrial application projects at UL’s Bengaluru facility. The laboratory is accredited by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and is recognised by the BIS under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) to conduct testing of solar PV inverters based on testing of representative models from a series or family.
Compliance with Indian and international standards will help Indian manufacturers compete locally and globally and thus gain market access in several potential markets including European and Asian countries, says UL.
The solar PV inverter manufacturers can benefit from affordable third-party BIS recognised local laboratory for inverter safety and quality. The issuance of the test report and subsequent approval from BIS will help ensure that the solar PV inverter model complies with IS 16221 Part 1 and Part 2 and IS 16169 standards. The UL laboratory can test inverters with a rating of up to 50kW with two independent test setups — one for low power ratings of up to 10kW and the other for ratings of up to 50kW, which reduces the turnaround time for manufacturers.
UL can test for NABL Accredited CAB Combined ILAC MRA Mark Test reports for International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62109-1 and -2, IEC 62116, IEC 61727 and IEC 61683/IS 61683 standards. Compliance with Indian and international standards will help Indian manufacturers compete locally and globally and thus gain market access in several potential markets including European and Asian countries.
MNRE extends deadline
In an independent development, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has extended the deadline for the self-certification of solar inverters to December 31, 2020 from the earlier June 30, 2020. MNRE said that the six-month extension was announced due to the disruption caused by the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown following which the industry had sought more time for compliance. The Ministry’s latest notification stated that the extension would apply to manufacturers with valid International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) certificates.
Featured photograph (source: enr.com) is for illustration only
