MNRE Extends Self-Certification for Solar PV Inverters Above 200 kW Till 31 December 2026

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has extended the self-certification facility for high-capacity solar PV inverters through Notification S.O. 3706(E), issued on 3 July 2026. This notification extends the self-certification period for Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) Inverters with a capacity above 200 kW and Grid-interactive solar PV Inverters with a capacity greater than 200 kW. This extension allows manufacturers additional time to prepare for the certification process and to comply with the mandatory BIS registration due to limited testing infrastructure in India. If you are a solar inverter manufacturer, importer, EPC contractor, renewable energy company, or BIS consultant, this latest notification from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is important for your business. The extension is valid up to 31 December 2026 or until further notice, whichever is earlier.

Why Did the Government Issue This Extension?

The Government observed that:

• India currently has limited BIS-recognised testing facilities for high-capacity solar inverters, making it difficult to test every inverter within the required timeframe and delaying Certification.
• Many manufacturers require additional time to complete mandatory testing and certification.
• Without an extension, manufacturers could face delays in supplying products to ongoing solar projects.
• To avoid disruption in the renewable energy sector, the Government decided to temporarily continue allowing self-certification.

Which Products Are Covered Under This Extension?

Only the following products are covered:

What Was the Earlier Rule?

Earlier, the Government issued the Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025, which was notified on 27 January 2025, mandating compulsory registration for five categories of solar products and replacing the Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017. The new Order became effective 180 days after publication. Subsequently, manufacturers of high-capacity Solar PV Inverters (>200 kW) faced challenges due to a limited number of BIS-recognised laboratories, a backlog of products awaiting testing, and lengthy testing timelines.

On 5 August 2025, S.O. 3597(E) permitted self-certification for solar inverters exceeding 200 kW until 30 June 2026. To prevent disruptions to solar projects, manufacturers were allowed to continue supplying products based on self-certification. This exemption has now been extended to 31 December 2026.

What Does Self-Certification Mean?

Self-certification allows manufacturers to continue to supply eligible high‑capacity inverters without immediately completing full BIS registration, as long as they comply with the conditions set by the Government.

The notification does not remove the requirement for BIS registration. It only extends the temporary self-certification arrangement for eligible products by giving a temporary relaxation to give more time due to limited testing infrastructure. Manufacturers should continue preparing for complete compliance before the extension expires.

What Should Manufacturers Do Before 31 December 2026?

Manufacturers cannot simply issue self-certification. They must meet certain conditions, as these documents demonstrate that the product complies with the applicable safety and performance requirements. Rather than waiting until the deadline, manufacturers should use this period to complete all necessary testing, documentation, and certification activities to ensure uninterrupted market access after 31 December 2026.

• Manufacturers may use self-certification only if they hold a valid IEC Certificate that corresponds to the required Indian Standards.
• Products must have test reports issued by accredited testing laboratories. 
• Manufacturers should begin compiling all documents required for BIS registration.
• Plan for BIS Certification Without Delay

Why is This Extension Important?

The extension offers several benefits:

• Prevents delays in large-scale solar power projects and keeps them moving while certification is obtained.
• Provides manufacturers with additional time to obtain BIS certification and complete the paperwork. They can continue selling inverters under self‑certification while they work through the formal process.
• The extension reduces pressure on labs by addressing the shortage of testing capacity.
• Supports uninterrupted manufacturing and imports.
• Helps maintain the supply chain for utility-scale solar projects.

Conclusion

The MNRE notification S.O. 3706(E) dated 3 July 2026 offers a significant temporary respite to manufacturers of Solar PV Inverters above 200 kW by extending the self-certification facility until 31 December 2026. This is a temporary measure that will help the solar industry by extending the period for self-certification of SPV inverters above 200 kW due to insufficient testing facilities. Manufacturers who are unfamiliar with the BIS registration process may consider working with an experienced BIS certification consultant, such as ERCS Pvt Ltd, to support product testing, documentation, application preparation, laboratory coordination, and regulatory compliance. Professional guidance can help streamline the certification process and reduce the risk of delays or non-compliance.