Whereas the Central Government had issued Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods

## Policy Analysis Report: Extension of Self-Certification for SPV Inverters **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) published on January 25, 2021. The notification concerns an amendment to the "Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods Requirements for Compulsory Registration Order, 2017." The core purpose of the amendment is to further extend the self-certification deadline for SPV inverters (items 4 and 5) until June 30, 2021, under specific conditions related to valid certifications and test reports. The report details the background, rationale, key changes, stakeholders, and potential impact of this extension. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the MNRE notification published on January 25, 2021, regarding an amendment to the "Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods Requirements for Compulsory Registration Order, 2017." The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods Requirements for Compulsory Registration Order, 2017 (S.O. 2920 E dated 5 September 2017). * **Core Objective(s) (Inferred):** The original policy likely aimed to ensure the quality and standardization of solar photovoltaic systems, devices, and components through compulsory registration. This suggests a focus on improving the reliability and performance of solar energy installations. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Amendment Rationale:** The amendment extends the self-certification deadline for SPV inverters. The text explicitly states that the extension is granted due to constraints and difficulties faced by the Solar Energy Federation, Power Products Manufacturers Traders Association, and industries. These difficulties stem from COVID-19 disruptions, high testing fees, and the limited availability of test facilities capable of testing SPV inverters up to 150 kW capacity. The industry sought more time for compliance, leading to this extension. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification focuses on an **amendment**, specifically extending the self-certification deadline for SPV inverters. * **Part of Original Policy Changed:** The amendment modifies the implementation timeline for specific items (4 and 5 – SPV inverters) within the "Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods Requirements for Compulsory Registration Order, 2017." The original deadline was set at 31.12.2020. * **New Rule/Provision:** The self-certification deadline for SPV inverters (items 4 and 5) is extended from December 31, 2020, to June 30, 2021. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** This extension provides manufacturers with an additional six months to comply with the compulsory registration order for SPV inverters. However, this extension is conditional. To benefit from the extension, manufacturers must possess valid IEC certificates corresponding to IS IS 16221Part 2:2015IEC 621092:2011 for item No. 4 and IS 16169:2014IEC 62116:2008 for item No. 5 and test reports from international test labs. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Manufacturers of SPV inverters. * Solar Energy Federation. * Power Products Manufacturers Traders Association. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the responsible agency. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is also implicitly involved through the reference to standards. * **Timelines:** The key timeline specified is the extension of the self-certification deadline to June 30, 2021. * **Implementation related to the changes:** Manufacturers seeking to utilize the extension must demonstrate compliance with the specified IEC/IS standards and provide test reports from international test labs. This creates a conditional extension, placing the onus on manufacturers to prove their products meet the required standards. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **Likely Intended Outcome of Changes:** The extension aims to alleviate the immediate pressures on SPV inverter manufacturers caused by COVID-19 and testing limitations, preventing potential disruptions in the solar energy sector. The condition of possessing valid certifications and test reports is aimed to maintain a reasonable level of quality assurance during the extended self-certification period. The amendment attempts to balance the immediate needs of the industry with the long-term objectives of the original policy. **9. Conclusion:** The MNRE notification provides a six-month extension for self-certification of SPV inverters, addressing the constraints faced by manufacturers due to COVID-19 and testing limitations. This extension is conditional upon manufacturers possessing valid IEC/IS certifications and international test reports. This amendment represents a temporary adjustment to the original policy's implementation timeline, seeking to mitigate potential disruptions while maintaining a degree of quality control. The extension is significant as it impacts the compliance requirements for a key component in solar energy systems and potentially affects the pace of solar energy deployment.

Key Entities Referenced