Photovoltaic (PV) power systems are an important part of India’s growing renewable-energy infrastructure. Solar power systems use power converters and inverters to convert, control and manage electrical energy generated by photovoltaic modules for different applications.<\/p>\n
Because these devices perform important electrical conversion and control functions, their safety is a significant consideration. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has specified requirements for Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems<\/strong> under IS 16221 (Part 2):2015<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The standard is titled \u201cSafety of Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems: Part 2 Particular Requirements for Inverters\u201d<\/strong> and is based on IEC 62109-2:2011<\/strong>. BIS describes the standard as covering safety requirements for photovoltaic-system inverters.<\/p>\n For manufacturers, importers and suppliers of solar inverters and applicable photovoltaic power converters, understanding the BIS certification requirements is important before supplying these products in the Indian market.<\/p>\n IS 16221 (Part 2):2015<\/strong> specifies particular safety requirements for inverters used in photovoltaic power systems.<\/p>\n The BIS standard corresponds to IEC 62109-2:2011<\/strong>. It is intended to address safety aspects of power conversion equipment used with photovoltaic systems.<\/p>\n The standard can apply to inverter configurations such as:<\/p>\n The exact applicability depends on the design, intended use and technical characteristics of the product.<\/p>\n BIS records for compulsory certification identify Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems<\/strong> against IS 16221 (Part 2):2015<\/strong>. The associated title specifies the particular safety requirements for inverters.<\/p>\n A manufacturer seeking compliance generally needs to establish that its representative product meets the applicable requirements through testing and the prescribed BIS certification process.<\/p>\n For businesses entering the Indian solar equipment market, BIS compliance can therefore be an important part of product approval and market-entry planning.<\/p>\n Solar inverters operate with potentially hazardous electrical energy and are connected to photovoltaic arrays, AC systems, batteries or utility networks depending on their configuration.<\/p>\n Appropriate safety assessment helps address areas such as:<\/p>\n The BIS standard’s safety framework specifically addresses hazards including electric shock, fire and mechanical hazards.<\/p>\n Depending on their construction and intended application, products that may require assessment under this category can include:<\/p>\n The exact product classification should always be verified against the current BIS requirements and the technical construction of the equipment.<\/p>\n Grid-interactive inverters convert DC electricity from photovoltaic arrays into AC electricity suitable for connection to an electrical grid.<\/p>\n These products may include functions such as:<\/p>\n The inverter’s complete technical configuration should be considered when determining the applicable testing and certification requirements.<\/p>\n Off-grid solar inverters are designed for systems that may operate independently from the utility grid.<\/p>\n They can be used with:<\/p>\n Where battery or energy-storage functionality is incorporated, the technical documentation should clearly identify the battery technology, electrical ratings and protection arrangements.<\/p>\n Hybrid inverters can combine several operating functions, such as:<\/p>\n Because these products can contain multiple operating modes and energy sources, the product configuration should be reviewed carefully before laboratory testing.<\/p>\n The standard covers a wide range of safety considerations for photovoltaic inverters.<\/p>\n The inverter is evaluated for protection against hazardous electrical energy and electric shock.<\/p>\n Relevant areas may include:<\/p>\n The physical construction of the equipment is assessed to address applicable mechanical hazards.<\/p>\n This can involve:<\/p>\n Fire-related safety is an important part of inverter evaluation.<\/p>\n Assessment can include:<\/p>\n PV inverters may be installed in demanding environments. Depending on the product, environmental assessment can consider conditions such as:<\/p>\n For products intended for locations where exposure to liquids is possible, applicable liquid-related safety requirements may need to be assessed.<\/p>\n Applicable requirements may address potential chemical hazards associated with the equipment, components or operating environment.<\/p>\n Testing is an important part of the BIS certification process.<\/p>\n Current BIS LIMS listings show laboratories offering testing against IS 16221 (Part 2):2015<\/strong>. The listed test scope includes areas such as:<\/p>\n Additional testing can apply depending on the inverter design and relevant clauses.<\/p>\n Depending on the product and applicable scope, testing may involve:<\/p>\n The laboratory verifies the applicable general requirements and test conditions for the equipment.<\/p>\n Electrical safety characteristics are evaluated to determine whether the inverter provides the required protection against hazardous electrical conditions.<\/p>\n Thermal behaviour can be evaluated under relevant operating and fault conditions.<\/p>\n The inverter may be evaluated under specified single-fault conditions to determine whether the resulting condition remains safe.<\/p>\n Applicable inverters may require assessment of protection against backfeed voltage.<\/p>\n The declared electrical ratings of the inverter are assessed according to the applicable requirements.<\/p>\n Where applicable, additional requirements may apply to grid-interactive inverters.<\/p>\n Current BIS laboratory listings specifically identify testing for additional requirements for grid-interactive inverters<\/strong> under IS 16221 (Part 2):2015.<\/p>\n There is no single fixed testing price<\/strong> for every solar inverter.<\/p>\n The cost depends on factors such as:<\/p>\n Current BIS LIMS listings show substantial variation in laboratory charges. Examples include approximately \u20b91.60 lakh, \u20b92.04 lakh, \u20b93.50 lakh, \u20b95 lakh and higher<\/strong>, while some larger-capacity or more extensive testing programmes are listed at substantially higher amounts.<\/p>\n For example, a current BIS LIMS listing from CPRI shows testing for an inverter up to 500 kW at approximately \u20b912.65 lakh<\/strong>, with the note that charges can depend on capacity and that the testing includes IS 16221 Part 1 because Part 2 refers to Part 1.<\/p>\n These are laboratory charges, not a universal BIS certification fee. The final amount should be confirmed with the selected BIS-recognized laboratory based on the exact inverter capacity and testing scope.<\/p>\n Manufacturers should understand that IS 16221 Part 2 is not completely independent of Part 1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Part 2 specifies particular requirements for photovoltaic inverters, while the applicable general requirements from the related standard framework also need to be considered.<\/p>\n This is reflected in current BIS laboratory information. For example, CPRI notes that its IS 16221 Part 2 testing charges include testing as per IS 16221 Part 1<\/strong>, because Part 2 refers to Part 1.<\/p>\n Therefore, manufacturers should not assume that testing only a limited set of Part 2 clauses will represent the complete certification testing programme.<\/p>\n The exact documentation depends on the applicant, product and certification route. Common technical and application documents can include:<\/p>\n Before sending a solar inverter to a laboratory, it is useful to prepare complete technical information regarding:<\/p>\n Providing accurate technical information helps the laboratory determine the applicable test scope.<\/p>\n The inverter is reviewed to determine its product category, applicable BIS standard and certification requirements.<\/p>\n The product datasheet, circuit diagram, component details, ratings and manuals are examined.<\/p>\n A suitable BIS-recognized laboratory having the required testing scope is identified.<\/p>\n Representative samples are submitted to the laboratory and tested according to the applicable requirements of IS 16221 (Part 2):2015 and related requirements.<\/p>\n After successful testing, the laboratory prepares the relevant test documentation.<\/p>\n The required application and supporting documents are prepared and submitted through the applicable BIS process.<\/p>\n BIS reviews the application, test report and supporting documentation.<\/p>\n If BIS raises queries or requires additional information, the applicant needs to provide the appropriate clarification or documents.<\/p>\n After successful completion of the applicable requirements, the required BIS certification\/registration is granted.<\/p>\n Solar inverters are manufactured in a wide range of capacities, including:<\/p>\n Testing costs and laboratory requirements can vary considerably with capacity.<\/p>\n Current BIS LIMS information demonstrates this variation. Some laboratories publish capacity-wise charges, while others provide a complete test charge or proforma quotation depending on the inverter.<\/p>\n Therefore, manufacturers should provide the exact rated capacity when requesting a testing quotation.<\/p>\n Foreign manufacturers intending to supply photovoltaic inverters in India also need to evaluate the applicable BIS requirements.<\/p>\n The certification process may involve:<\/p>\n All product details should remain consistent across the product, test sample, test report, labels and BIS application.<\/p>\n Manufacturers may face delays because of issues such as:<\/p>\n A technical pre-assessment before sample submission can help identify potential issues.<\/p>\n The inverter should carry the applicable product identification, ratings, warnings and other required information.<\/p>\n Depending on the applicable requirements, product information can include:<\/p>\n The exact marking requirements should be confirmed against the applicable BIS requirements at the time of certification.<\/p>\n A BIS consultant can support manufacturers and importers with:<\/p>\n For solar inverter manufacturers, professional coordination can be particularly useful because the testing programme can vary substantially according to inverter capacity and technical configuration.<\/p>\n Qualitance India<\/strong> provides professional BIS certification consultancy services for manufacturers and importers of electrical, electronic, solar and other regulated products.<\/p>\n For photovoltaic power converters and solar inverters, our support can include:<\/p>\n We help manufacturers understand the applicable BIS requirements and organize the certification process from initial product assessment through application and approval.<\/p>\n IS 16221 (Part 2):2015 is the Indian Standard for Safety of Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems: Part 2 Particular Requirements for Inverters<\/strong>. It is based on IEC 62109-2:2011.<\/p>\n Power Inverters for use in photovoltaic power systems were included in the government notification requiring compliance with IS 16221 (Part 2):2015, with the specified implementation date of 1 January 2019<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The standard addresses particular safety requirements for inverters used in photovoltaic power systems.<\/p>\n Yes, grid-interactive photovoltaic inverters can fall within the scope, subject to the applicable product requirements.<\/p>\n Applicable stand-alone photovoltaic inverter configurations can fall within the standard’s scope.<\/p>\n Hybrid or multi-mode inverter configurations may be covered depending on their design and intended operation.<\/p>\n Inverters incorporating battery or energy-storage functions can fall within the relevant requirements. Their complete configuration should be assessed before testing.<\/p>\n Testing is a fundamental part of demonstrating conformity for the applicable BIS certification process.<\/p>\n There is no single fixed amount. Current BIS LIMS listings show laboratory charges ranging from several lakh rupees to substantially higher amounts depending on capacity, laboratory and testing scope.<\/p>\n Yes. Current BIS laboratory listings demonstrate capacity-based variations for certain laboratories and test programmes.<\/p>\n Yes. Part 2 refers to the applicable general requirements of Part 1, and some laboratories explicitly include Part 1 testing within their Part 2 testing programme.<\/p>\n Documents can include product specifications, circuit diagrams, component information, manuals, photographs, ratings, manufacturer details and the applicable laboratory test report.<\/p>\n Foreign manufacturers can pursue the applicable BIS compliance route subject to the prescribed requirements and documentation.<\/p>\n This depends on the similarity of the models and applicable BIS grouping\/testing requirements. Model differences should be reviewed before laboratory testing.<\/p>\n MPPT configuration forms part of the inverter’s technical characteristics and should be declared during product assessment.<\/p>\n Battery voltage and battery configuration can affect the technical assessment and should be accurately included in the product documentation.<\/p>\n Yes. The intended installation environment can affect applicable environmental and enclosure-related requirements.<\/p>\n Current BIS laboratory scopes for IS 16221 Part 2 include software and firmware performing safety functions<\/strong>, where applicable.<\/p>\n Yes. Qualitance India provides BIS certification consultancy, technical documentation assistance, laboratory coordination, testing support and BIS application assistance.<\/p>\n You can start by providing the inverter datasheet, model number, rated capacity, input\/output ratings, circuit\/block diagram, battery details if applicable, product photographs and manufacturer information. These details can be reviewed to determine the applicable certification route and testing requirements.<\/p>\n If you manufacture or import solar inverters, photovoltaic power converters, grid-connected inverters, off-grid inverters or hybrid solar inverters<\/strong>, Qualitance India can assist you with the BIS certification process.<\/p>\n Our consultancy support covers product assessment, applicable-standard verification, laboratory coordination, documentation, testing coordination, BIS application assistance and certification follow-up.<\/p>\n Qualitance India \u2013 BIS Certification Consultancy<\/strong><\/p>\n Phone:<\/strong> +91-9310-615-170 Contact Qualitance India to discuss your photovoltaic inverter and understand the applicable BIS testing and certification requirements.<\/p>\n IS 16221 (Part 2):2015<\/strong> establishes particular safety requirements for inverters used in photovoltaic power systems and is based on IEC 62109-2:2011<\/strong>. BIS and government records identify power inverters for photovoltaic power systems under this standard for compulsory compliance.<\/p>\n The certification process involves appropriate product classification, technical documentation, laboratory testing and submission of the required application documents. Testing requirements and costs can vary significantly according to inverter capacity, construction, operating mode and laboratory scope.<\/p>\n For manufacturers and importers entering or expanding in the Indian solar market, obtaining the correct BIS compliance support can help organize the certification process and address the applicable safety requirements for photovoltaic power converters and inverters.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Introduction Photovoltaic (PV) power systems are an important part of India’s growing renewable-energy infrastructure. Solar power systems use power converters and inverters to convert, control and manage electrical energy generated by photovoltaic modules for different applications. Because these devices perform important electrical conversion and control functions, their safety is a significant consideration. The Bureau of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3864,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"inline_featured_image":false,"slim_seo":{"title":"BIS CRS Certification for Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems | IS 16221 (Part 2):2015 | BIS Consultancy - Qualitance India","description":"Introduction Photovoltaic (PV) power systems are an important part of India's growing renewable-energy infrastructure. Solar power systems use power converters"},"_slim_seo_primary_term_category":0,"_slim_seo_primary_term_post_tag":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3863","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3863","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3863"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3863\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3865,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3863\/revisions\/3865"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3864"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3863"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3863"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3863"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}What Is IS 16221 (Part 2):2015?<\/h2>\n
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BIS Certification for Power Converters Used in Photovoltaic Power Systems<\/h2>\n
Why BIS Certification Is Important for Solar Inverters<\/h2>\n
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Products Covered Under the Scope<\/h2>\n
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Grid-Connected Solar Inverters<\/h2>\n
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Off-Grid and Stand-Alone Inverters<\/h2>\n
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Hybrid Solar Inverters<\/h2>\n
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Safety Requirements Under IS 16221 (Part 2):2015<\/h2>\n
Protection Against Electric Shock and Energy Hazards<\/h3>\n
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Protection Against Mechanical Hazards<\/h3>\n
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Protection Against Fire Hazards<\/h3>\n
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Protection Against Environmental Conditions<\/h3>\n
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Protection Against Liquid Hazards<\/h3>\n
Protection Against Chemical Hazards<\/h3>\n
Testing Requirements for IS 16221 (Part 2):2015<\/h2>\n
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Important Tests for Solar Inverters<\/h2>\n
1. General Test Requirements<\/h3>\n
2. Electrical Safety Testing<\/h3>\n
3. Thermal Testing<\/h3>\n
4. Single-Fault Condition Testing<\/h3>\n
5. Backfeed Voltage Protection<\/h3>\n
6. Electrical Rating Tests<\/h3>\n
7. Grid-Interactive Inverter Testing<\/h3>\n
BIS Testing Cost for IS 16221 (Part 2):2015<\/h2>\n
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Relationship Between IS 16221 Part 1 and Part 2<\/h2>\n
Documents Required for BIS Certification<\/h2>\n
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Information Needed Before Laboratory Testing<\/h2>\n
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BIS Certification Process for Solar Inverters<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Product Assessment<\/h3>\n
Step 2: Technical Documentation Review<\/h3>\n
Step 3: Laboratory Selection<\/h3>\n
Step 4: Testing<\/h3>\n
Step 5: Test Report<\/h3>\n
Step 6: BIS Application<\/h3>\n
Step 7: BIS Scrutiny<\/h3>\n
Step 8: Clarifications<\/h3>\n
Step 9: Registration\/Certification<\/h3>\n
BIS Certification for Different Solar Inverter Capacities<\/h2>\n
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BIS Certification for Imported Solar Inverters<\/h2>\n
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Common Problems During Solar Inverter Certification<\/h2>\n
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Product Marking and Documentation<\/h2>\n
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Role of a BIS Certification Consultant<\/h2>\n
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Why Choose Qualitance India for BIS Consultancy?<\/h2>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
1. What is IS 16221 (Part 2):2015?<\/h3>\n
2. Is BIS certification required for solar inverters?<\/h3>\n
3. Which products are covered by IS 16221 Part 2?<\/h3>\n
4. Does IS 16221 Part 2 apply to grid-connected inverters?<\/h3>\n
5. Does it apply to off-grid solar inverters?<\/h3>\n
6. Does it apply to hybrid solar inverters?<\/h3>\n
7. Are battery-based solar inverters covered?<\/h3>\n
8. Is testing mandatory?<\/h3>\n
9. How much does BIS testing cost for solar inverters?<\/h3>\n
10. Does inverter capacity affect testing cost?<\/h3>\n
11. Is IS 16221 Part 1 also relevant?<\/h3>\n
12. What documents are required?<\/h3>\n
13. Can a foreign manufacturer obtain BIS certification?<\/h3>\n
14. Can multiple inverter models be covered together?<\/h3>\n
15. Does the number of MPPT inputs matter?<\/h3>\n
16. Does an inverter’s battery voltage affect certification?<\/h3>\n
17. Does outdoor installation affect testing?<\/h3>\n
18. Are software and firmware considered during testing?<\/h3>\n
19. Can Qualitance India assist with BIS certification for solar inverters?<\/h3>\n
20. How can I start BIS certification for my photovoltaic inverter?<\/h3>\n
Get BIS Consultancy for Photovoltaic Power Converters and Solar Inverters<\/h2>\n
\nEmail:<\/strong> info@qualitanceindia.com<\/a>
\nWebsite:<\/strong> https:\/\/qualitanceindia.com\/<\/a><\/p>\nConclusion<\/h2>\n