Safety of Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems Part 2-Particular Requirements for Inverters
Utility-Interconnected Photovoltaic (PV) Inverters
Strategic Recommendations for Utility-Interconnected PV Inverters – IS 16169
- Apply for BIS CRS Registration
All utility-interconnected PV inverters must be BIS-certified under IS 16169 before import, manufacture, or sale in India. - Collaborate with Compliance Experts
Engage ERA Global experts for BIS application filing, grid-safety testing, islanding detection verification, and documentation support for R&D or export exemptions. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – For CRS application, test lab coordination, and regulatory guidance. - Track Notifications & Amendments
Stay updated via ERA Regulatory Newsletter on CRS amendments, BIS standard revisions, and MNRE circulars affecting utility-interconnected inverters. - Conduct Gap Assessment
Audit inverters for IS 16169 compliance—covering islanding prevention, grid synchronization, electrical safety, and BIS marking readiness.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Utility-Interconnected Photovoltaic (PV) Inverters |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 16169 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Secondary Cells and Batteries Containing Alkaline or Other Non-Acid Electrolytes – Safety Requirements for Portable Sealed Secondary Cells and for Batteries Made from Them for Use in Portable Applications – Part 1: Nickel Systems. |
| Quality Control Order | Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017 under the BIS Act, 1986 |
| Notification & Amendments | S.O. 2920(E), dated 5th September 2017 |
| Final Enforcement Date | CRS 2017 → 5th September 2018 (one year after notification) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure safe interconnection of PV inverters with the utility grid, preventing unintentional islanding, electrical hazards, and grid instability. |
| Products Covered | All inverters designed for utility-interconnected PV systems, including single-phase and three-phase inverters. |
| Exemptions | - Products exclusively manufactured for export - Units imported for R&D, testing, or demonstration purposes (to be scrapped/exported later) |
| Industries Impacted | - PV inverter manufacturers and importers - Solar EPC and project developers - Grid-connected solar system integrators - Renewable energy distributors and retailers |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Must conform to IS 16169 - BIS CRS registration mandatory prior to manufacture, sale, or import - Each inverter must bear BIS Standard Mark and registration number |
| Testing Parameters | - Islanding detection and prevention tests - Electrical safety and insulation verification - Grid synchronization and voltage/frequency compliance - Overload and fault condition handling |
| Certification & Enforcement Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – certification authority; enforcement assisted by MNRE and local authorities |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Non-compliance may result in registration cancellation, seizure of non-conforming inverters, monetary fines, and legal action under the BIS Act, 1986 |
| Conclusion | All utility-interconnected PV inverters sold, imported, or manufactured in India must comply with IS 16169 under BIS CRS, ensuring grid safety, compliance with islanding prevention measures, and standardization. |
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Notification
Utility-interconnected PV inverters were included under the Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017 via S.O. 2920(E), dated 5th September 2017, with enforcement effective from 5th September 2018.
Overview
Utility-interconnected inverters are critical for connecting PV systems to the electrical grid safely. IS 16169 ensures that these inverters prevent unintentional islanding, maintain grid stability, and comply with safety measures for voltage, frequency, and fault conditions.
Objective & Scope
The BIS CRS framework ensures that all utility-interconnected inverters in India are tested for grid safety, islanding prevention, and operational reliability, mitigating risks of electrical hazards, grid malfunctions, and unsafe installations.
Products Covered
- PV inverters for grid-connected solar systems
- Single-phase and three-phase utility-interconnected inverters
- Inverters used in residential, commercial, and industrial PV installations
Exemptions Provided
- Inverters manufactured exclusively for export
- Units imported for demonstration, testing, or R&D (non-commercial use)
Industries Impacted
- PV inverter manufacturers and importers
- Solar EPC companies and grid-connected system developers
- System integrators for residential, commercial, and industrial projects
- Renewable energy distributors and retailers
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All utility-interconnected PV inverters marketed in India must:
- Comply with IS 16169
- Be tested and certified under BIS CRS
- Carry the prescribed BIS Standard Mark and registration number
Enforcement Timeline
CRS 2017: Effective 5th September 2018
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Enforced under the BIS Act, 1986, with monitoring by BIS and MNRE. Violations attract penalties including registration cancellation, fines, seizure of non-conforming inverters, and legal action.
Conclusion
Since September 2018, all utility-interconnected PV inverters manufactured, imported, or sold in India must comply with IS 16169 under BIS CRS, ensuring safe grid interconnection and compliance with islanding prevention standards.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.