The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a notification to extend the date of self-certification of six solar products from September 20, 2018 to January 1, 2019.

The extension was given to the solar module manufacturers after discussion with the stakeholders including the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and test labs recognized by the BIS. The industry has also asked the MNRE for more time to comply with the order.

Mercom earlier reported that the MNRE had extended the self-certification deadline from June 30, 2018 to September 4, 2018.

But to get this extension, the manufacturers (in the case of foreign manufacturers their partners or liaison office in India) of crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules, thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules, and PV module should submit their samples to test labs recognized by BIS before or on October 31, 2018.

In case of manufacturer of products such as power inverter for use in photovoltaic power system and utility –interconnected photovoltaic inverters with islanding prevention measures, the self-certification will be allowed for their products who have valid IEC corresponding to IS without submitting samples for testing to test labs as the series guidelines for testing are still being framed.

Similarly, the self certification of storage battery by manufacturers will be allowed with proof of samples submitted to test lab till October 31, 2018.

The reason for the previously given extension was also that the industry sought more time to comply with the order.

In September 2017, MNRE had first issued the Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices, and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017 to check the quality of domestic solar components.

Recently, Mercom reported on the various challenges faced by the industry in face of the new BIS certification guidelines for solar modules.

Mercom also reported previously on the dearth of test centers in the country. The announced National Lab Policy and Quality Control Order are adding a new wrinkle that could slow down project commissioning, according to solar project developers and manufacturers in the country.