BIS Registration (CRS) for
Utility – Interconnected Photovoltaic Inverters – IS 16169 in India

UTILITY –INTERCONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC INVERTERS  – IS 16169

Utility-interconnected photovoltaic (PV) inverters are devices that convert the direct current (DC) produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) that can be used to power homes, businesses, and the utility grid. These inverters are typically used in grid-tied PV systems, which are connected to the utility grid and can feed excess power back into the grid.

The primary function of a utility-interconnected PV inverter is to maintain the voltage and frequency of the AC output at a level that is compatible with the utility grid. This requires sophisticated control algorithms that continuously monitor the voltage and frequency of the grid and adjust the output of the inverter accordingly.

In addition to voltage and frequency control, utility-interconnected PV inverters also include a range of safety features to protect the grid and the equipment connected to it. These features typically include over-voltage protection, under-voltage protection, over-current protection, and ground-fault protection.

In many countries, there are regulations and standards in place that govern the design, installation, and operation of utility-interconnected PV systems. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety of the grid and the people working with and around the equipment. It is important to consult with a qualified professional when designing and installing a utility-interconnected PV system to ensure compliance with these regulations and to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.

In July 2013, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) added several products under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Utility –Interconnected Photovoltaic inverters was one of them. Under Scheme II of Schedule II, Utility –Interconnected Photovoltaic inverters gets BIS registered and assures that the product is of good quality and safe.

PREREQUISITES FOR OBTAINING BIS REGISTRATION -

Manufacturers - BIS license is issued to the manufacturer. importer or Trader are not eligible to get BIS license. An importer can be an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) of a foreign manufacturer license will be issued to the Manufacturer.

Manufacturing Address – Manufacturer has to mention same address in the application as mentioned in Business License. If a manufacturer has more than one manufacturing location then separate BIS license/Registration is required for each location.

Products - Each product Category/ Indian Standard require BIS Registration number. But if the same product category includes several models or series model, one License / Registration Number can cover all Series models of the same product category or lead model.

Brands / Trademarks – For Every/Each Brand or Trademark require separate BIS Registration Number.

PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN BIS CERTIFICATION OF UTILITY –INTERCONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC INVERTERS  AS PER IS 16169

1. Procedure for Domestic Manufacturer :

The BIS registration process generally includes a licensing process and a surveillance process. The steps involved in the licencing procedure are as follows:

1. Manufacturers submit online application in BIS Portal.
2. Product samples will be tested from BIS approved laboratory.
3. Submit an online/offline hardcopy of your application, together with a sample test results.
4. Verification of the report by BIS officials.
5. Issuance of Licence.

1. Procedure for Foreign Manufacturer :

Under the FMCS programme, a foreign manufacturer is given a BIS licence in accordance with the BIS Act of 2016 and the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Rules of 2018.

1. Name an Indian representative who can speak on behalf of an international manufacturer.
2. Submit online application.
3. Get sample tested from BIS approved laboratory.
4. Submit hardcopy of application and the sample test report.
5. Verification of the application by BIS Official.
6. Issuance of Licence.

DIRECTIONS FOR NOMINATION OF AUTHORIZED INDIAN REPRESENTATIVE (AIR) :

It is obligatory for foreign applicants to nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for their operations in India to obtain a BIS Bureau of Indian Standards Certificate. Unless they have a local office in India. AIR, as the local representative, is responsible for submitting and managing the certification application and is available to answer query.

Following are the rules to be followed by foreign manufacturers while nominating an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) :

• Case 1 : Foreign Manufacturer have liaison office or branch office in India :
  • That liaison officer will be designated as AIR officer.

• Case 2 : Foreign Manufacturer does not have liaison office or branch office in India :

1. Proprietor or registered user of the brand/trademark appearing on the article is located in India :

• The AIR will be the brand's or trademark's owner.

1. No proprietor /registered user of the brand/trademark appearing on the article, located in India :

• Other entity/Company will become the AIR.

EXPENSES INVOLVED IN OBTAINING BIS CERTIFICATE FOR UTILITY –INTERCONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC INVERTERS  AS PER IS 16169 UNDER THE PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (SCHEME-II) OF BIS :

• In the certification process, product testing is the most important stage as it determines whether the quality of the product meets Indian standards.
• For the same purpose, investments in testing facilities are required to install test equipment for internal factory test laboratories.
• Apart from charges mentioned above in the table, we may ask you to pay/reimbursement for a Pre-Visit at your Factory Premises to ensure the conformity of your product as per the relevant Indian Standard & BIS guidelines for its BIS certification.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR BIS REGISTRATION OF UTILITY –INTERCONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC INVERTERS  AS PER IS 16169

The list of documents that BIS requires is as follows:

• BIS application form filled by proper procedure.
• Name and address documentation for the factory and the applicant.
• Third-party lab test report in accordance with Indian Standards
• If the Application is signed by an authorised signatory, an authorization letter from the CEO in that person's name is necessary.
• The Indian Agent and Nomination Form information is applicable to overseas or international manufacturers.
• Technical information on the items, including the PCB layout, the schematic diagrams, the user guide, and the critical component list
• Recognition receipt
• Undertaking and Affidavit certified with ID Proof and authorised Native Representative's signature" (in case of the foreign or overseas manufacturer)
• Official Test Results from the BIS Laboratory

• Choose a BIS recognized testing lab and an experienced Service provider.
• When you choose a lab for sample testing, keep in mind that the lab's license should be valid and not suspended.
• All documents must be signed by the manufacturer, brand owner and the Authorized Indian representative.
• In the Design Data Form (CDF) the product detail must be filled in accurately and in the Critical Components List (CCL) the product component information should be correctly.
• The test report is valid for 3 months/90 days. Before that you have to submit to BIS.
• All documents must be prepared before the sample is tested in lab.

ROLE OF ERCS PRIVATE LIMITED IN GETTING YOUR PRODUCT REGISTERED:

• For BIS registration and produce a standard quality product, the manufacturer must ensure that their product must follow the specified Indian Standard Specifications (ISS) which we directly interpret to you from the BIS officials as per the Indian Standards.
• ECRS Private Limited will be your friend, philosopher and guide in the whole process of getting your product certified by the concerned authorities/ departments.

• Scope of work by ECRS Private Limited:

1. Ensuring the conformity of your product as per IS 16169:

ERCS Pvt. Ltd. has developed a vast network within the Electronic Industry & various BIS departments to assist for ensuring conformity of the product Utility –Interconnected Photovoltaic inverters according to IS 16169.

1. Effective documentation with the awareness of the BIS guidelines:

In order to facilitate the manufacturing industry in obtaining BIS certifications, guidelines have been developed. Our team has the experience of completing over 500 projects and technically competent acquaintances in various Industries.

We are familiar with the Indian Standard Specifications & BIS guidelines and deliver the most suitable interpretation to the Quality Control Personnel so we can do a reliable and effective documentation of your product in accordance with the BIS guidelines.