The Indian government has extended the deadline for implementing the Quality Control Order (QCO) for solar photovoltaic (SPV) inverters with a capacity of more than 100 kW. This notification was published on January 30, 2025.
The new deadline is now December 31, 2025, or until further orders are issued, whichever comes earlier.
Background
The “Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017.” was initially issued on September 5, 2017, and later modified on October 12, 2018. This order included mandatory registration requirements for several solar products. Previously, self-certification for SPV inverters above 100 kW was extended until December 31, 2024.
Reason for Extension
The extension has been granted due to the limited availability of test facilities for these large-capacity inverters. Providing manufacturers with additional time for compliance will ensure a smoother implementation of the QCO.
Conditions for Self-Certification
During this extended period, manufacturers can continue to self-certify their SPV inverters (greater than 100 kW) provided they meet the following conditions:
- Valid IEC Certificates:
Manufacturers must possess valid IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) certificates corresponding to the relevant Indian Standards (IS 16221(Part 2):2015/IEC 62109-2:2011 for item No. 4 and IS 16169:2014/IEC 62116:2008 for item No. 5) as specified in the order.
2. Accredited Lab Test Reports:
Manufacturers must also have test reports from labs accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) or an equivalent accreditation body.
This extension offers manufacturers of large-capacity solar PV inverters more time to obtain the necessary testing and certifications. The conditions attached to self-certification ensure that products entering the market still meet required quality and safety standards.
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