India launches standards & labeling programme for grid-connected solar inverters

Initiative aims to boost energy efficiency, promote sustainable choices, and drive greener energy transition.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, has introduced another Standards and Labeling Programme. This initiative aims to assist consumers in making informed choices regarding the cost-effectiveness and energy performance of various energy-consuming appliances. The goal is to enable consumers to save energy, reduce electricity consumption, and contribute to a greener planet. The latest addition to the BEE’s Standards and Labeling Programs is the Grid-Connected Solar Inverter. The program was launched by the Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister, R. K. Singh, in New Delhi recently. This program will aid consumers in acquiring higher-quality inverters for use in solar rooftop systems.

Also present at the launch event were Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary of New & Renewable Energy Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of Power Ajay Tewari, and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Sudeep Jain, along with Director General of BEE Abhay Bakre.

Addressing the audience, the Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister emphasized that the Standards and Labeling Programs of BEE have resulted in a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 60 million tonnes annually. He highlighted the importance of the program in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and emphasized its benefits for both consumers and the system, leading to substantial energy savings. The Minister also discussed the Perform Achieve Trade Scheme of BEE, which has contributed to a reduction of about 110 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

Furthermore, the Minister stressed that the Standards and Labeling Program ensures product quality, which is crucial for global competitiveness. He emphasized the need to uphold quality standards to excel in international markets and noted that consumers are willing to pay a premium for products of good quality. He cited the success of the S&L Program as evidence of consumer willingness to invest in quality products, underscoring the importance of expanding the program to cover more products.

The Minister highlighted the significance of the S&L Program for grid-connected solar inverters in boosting the rooftop solar program, particularly in light of the recent PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana announced by the Prime Minister. He emphasized the potential contributions of the program to achieving the goals of the rooftop solar mission.

The Standards and Labeling Program for Grid-Connected Solar Inverter has been launched under the voluntary phase, effective from March 15, 2024, until December 31, 2025. The program sets a Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) for grid-connected solar inverters without storage, with rated capacity up to 100 kW, in alignment with recent Quality Control Orders issued by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. Only BIS-certified solar inverters complying with safety standard IS 16221-2:2015 are eligible to participate in the program. The program is expected to result in significant energy savings and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

In conclusion, the launch of the Standards and Labeling Program for Grid-Connected Solar Inverter represents a significant step towards promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in the renewable energy sector. It empowers consumers to make informed choices and encourages manufacturers to produce high-quality products, thus driving India’s transition towards a cleaner, greener future.