BIS Certification for Solar Inverters

Launching a solar power inverter in India is about more than building a good product. Before it reaches installers or customers, the inverter must meet the country's safety requirements and be registered with the Bureau of Indian Standards under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

What is BIS certification for solar inverters?

Power inverters are central to every photovoltaic system. They take the direct current produced by solar panels and convert it into the alternating current used by appliances and the grid. Because they handle electricity and work in varied conditions, they must meet strict safety standards.

Under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), solar inverters must be tested against the relevant Indian Standard and registered with BIS before they can be sold in India. The registration confirms that the product has been evaluated for safety and performance against that standard.

Which Indian Standard applies?

The key standard for inverters used in photovoltaic power systems is IS 16221 (Part 2):2015, which covers the safety of power converters and inverters for use in PV systems. Among other things, it addresses:

• Protection against electric shock.
• Insulation requirements.
• Temperature limits.
• Protection against abnormal operating conditions.
• Safe product construction.
• Performance under intended operating conditions.

Conformance to this standard helps ensure that inverters operate safely and reliably over their service life.

Which inverters are covered?

The scope under IS 16221 (Part 2):2015 is broad and generally includes:

• Residential, commercial and industrial solar inverters.
• Grid-connected and off-grid inverters.
• Hybrid solar inverters.
• Single-phase and three-phase photovoltaic inverters.

Manufacturers should check their product specifications against the standard to confirm whether a particular model falls under the CRS requirement.

Why BIS certification is mandatory

Registration keeps unsafe and poorly built inverters out of the Indian market and protects both users and the grid. Without CRS registration, inverters covered by the scheme cannot be manufactured, imported, or sold in India, and non-compliant shipments can be held at customs or lead to penalties.

Who needs inverter certification?

• Indian manufacturers of solar inverters.
• Foreign manufacturers supplying into India, through an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR).
• Importers, brand owners and private-label companies selling notified inverters in India.

Brand owners remain responsible for ensuring the products they sell are made by a manufacturer with valid BIS certification and correct labelling.

The certification process, step by step

1. Identify the applicable standard and confirm your model falls under CRS.
2. Get the inverter tested at a BIS-recognized laboratory.
3. Prepare the documentation, including technical details and the test report.
4. Submit the application on the BIS CRS portal.
5. BIS review and verification of the application and test results.
6. Grant of registration with a unique R-number and permission to use the Standard Mark.

Documents typically required

• Product technical specifications and electrical ratings.
• Test report from a BIS-approved laboratory.
• Manufacturing or business licence and ISO certificate.
• Trademark details, where applicable.
• Authorisation letter, and AIR documents for foreign manufacturers.

Benefits of certification

• Legal market access for inverters covered by the scheme.
• Proven safety and quality against a recognized Indian Standard.
• Smoother customs clearance and fewer regulatory surprises.
• Stronger credibility with installers, EPC contractors and buyers.

How Deep Yog Solar helps

Deep Yog Solar manages the complete inverter certification journey: confirming the applicable standard, coordinating sample testing at BIS-recognized labs, preparing and filing your application, acting as or coordinating the Authorised Indian Representative for foreign manufacturers, and following up with BIS through to the grant of registration.

This page is general information for solar businesses and is not legal or regulatory advice. Standards, fees, and timelines are periodically revised. Always verify current requirements against official BIS notifications, or speak with our team before acting.