India Introduces Mandatory Standards for Grid-Connected Solar Inverters: Complete 2025–2026 Guide

Introduction

The solar industry in India is witnessing rapid growth driven by ambitious renewable energy targets, policy support, and falling costs. As rooftop and utility-scale solar installations scale up, the quality of solar components — especially inverters — becomes ever more critical.

Solar inverters are the linchpin of any grid-tied (on-grid) photovoltaic (PV) system: they convert DC power generated by solar panels into AC power usable by the grid or homes. Poor-quality inverters can degrade system performance, reduce energy yield, pose safety risks, and undermine grid stability.

Recognizing these challenges, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, has introduced mandatory standards for grid-connected (on-grid) solar inverters up to 100 kW. These norms aim to ensure higher efficiency, verified performance, and lower energy losses – ultimately protecting consumers and strengthening India’s solar ecosystem.

In this deep-dive guide, we explore everything: from the rationale behind the policy, the exact efficiency targets, certification and testing frameworks, to the broader impact on the solar market.

2. Why BEE Made Inverter Standards Mandatory

There are compelling reasons why BEE introduced these mandatory standards:

2.1 Quality Assurance & Reliability

• Many inverters in the Indian market do not meet high-efficiency or safety benchmarks.

• Substandard inverters cause frequent failures, reducing system uptime and lifespan.

• With a regulated standard, manufacturers are pushed to improve design, reducing incidents like overheating or fire risk.

2.2 Energy Efficiency & Loss Reduction

• Inefficient inverters waste a portion of the DC power generated by solar modules.

• By enforcing a Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS), BEE ensures that inverters convert and deliver DC-to-AC power more effectively.

• More efficient inverters mean higher usable yield for system owners, improving payback.

2.3 Consumer Protection & Transparency

• Without a standard label, customers often rely on manufacturer-claimed efficiencies, which may not be independently verified.

• The BEE labeling program gives consumers a reliable benchmark to compare inverters.

• This reduces the risk of buying low-quality or misrepresented inverters.

2.4 Environmental Impact

• Increased efficiency translates to more clean energy produced per unit of capacity.

• According to BEE estimates, this regulation could avoid 21.1 billion kWh of electricity loss and reduce 15.1 million tonnes of CO₂ over a decade. Bureau of Energy Efficiency+2PSU Connect+2

• Thus, the policy contributes significantly to India’s climate goals and green energy transition.

2.5 Market Competitiveness & “Make in India”

• By mandating BIS certification and higher performance, the regulation encourages domestic manufacturing of high-quality inverters. Bureau of Energy Efficiency+1

• It also weeds out cheap, low-performing imports, pushing the industry toward innovation and global competitiveness.

• As the Minister said, “We cannot make in India for the world unless we ensure quality.” Bureau of Energy Efficiency

3. Overview of the BEE S&L Program for Solar Inverters

The program to enforce these new standards is part of BEE’s Standards & Labeling (S&L) Program. Key highlights:

• The S&L Program is a well-established initiative by BEE aimed at improving energy efficiency across appliances. Bureau of Energy Efficiency+1

• In March 2024, BEE officially rolled out the S&L program for grid-connected solar inverters (without storage) with a rated capacity up to 100 kW. Press Information Bureau+2EQ Mag Pro+2

• Under the program, inverters must meet minimum overall efficiency criteria defined in alignment with test protocols from IS 17980:2022 and IEC 62891:2020. Press Information Bureau+1

• Only BIS-certified inverters, complying with IS 16221-2:2015 (safety standard), are eligible for the program. 

• The S&L program functions like a MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standard), ensuring that inverters not only exist but perform to a verified benchmark. 

• The initiative is expected to deliver significant energy savings and CO₂ reductions over the next decade. EQ Mag Pro+1

4. Scope and Applicability: Which Inverters Are Covered

It’s critical to understand exactly which inverters fall under this mandatory standard.

4.1 Covered Category

• Grid-connected (on-grid) inverters only; off-grid or hybrid (with storage) inverters are not part of this phase. Press Information Bureau

• Both single-phase (230 V AC, 50 Hz) and three-phase (up to 415 V AC, 50 Hz) inverters are included. CORPSEED ITES PRIVATE LIMITED

• Rated output power: up to 100 kW. Any on-grid inverter beyond that capacity is not covered under this specific S&L mandate. Press Information Bureau

• Only non-storage inverters are included. In other words, inverters that don’t integrate a battery are in scope. TaxGuru

4.2 Eligibility Criteria

• Inverters need to be BIS-certified under IS 16221-2:2015 to be eligible for the label program. 

• Only products tested under the standards IS 17980:2022 or IEC 62891:2020 (or their amendments) will qualify. 

• Dynamic MPPT efficiency (which refers to tracking under variable load) is not covered in the efficiency calculation; the program focuses on static MPPT efficiency and steady-state conversion efficiency. Mercomindia.com

5. Efficiency Requirements & MEPS Table

One of the most important parts of the regulation is the Minimum Efficiency Performance Standard (MEPS) for inverters.

5.1 Efficiency Thresholds (Voluntary Phase)

During the voluntary phase (15 March 2024 to 31 December 2025), the minimum overall efficiency criteria are: Press Information Bureau

These values are based on steady-state conversion efficiency combined with static MPPT efficiency as per IS/IEC test protocols.

5.2 Efficiency Requirement (Mandatory Phase from Jan 2026)

• From 1 January 2026, compliance with these efficiency thresholds becomes mandatory for inverters < = 100 kW.

• Importantly, the regulation defines no negative tolerance: the inverters tested must meet or exceed the stated efficiency. 

• The minimum efficiency benchmarks are drawn from test standards IS 17980:2022 and IEC 62891:2020, ensuring internationally recognized test rigor. 

6. Testing Standards and Protocols

To verify that inverters meet the mandated efficiency, BEE has defined strict testing standards and labs.

6.1 Standards to Be Used

• IS 17980:2022 — Indian standard for measuring maximum power point tracking (MPPT) efficiency.

• IEC 62891:2020 — International standard that aligns closely with IS 17980 for MPPT and efficiency testing. 

These standards provide methods to measure:

• Static MPPT efficiency (how well the inverter tracks the maximum power point under steady-state conditions)

• Steady-state conversion efficiency (how much DC power is converted to AC under fixed input conditions)

6.2 Testing Laboratories

• Only accredited laboratories are acceptable for testing. These include:

  • NABL-accredited labs

  • ILAC / APLAC-accredited labs

  • Government-recognized labs (such as those approved by NISE)

• The lab must issue a test report that certifies the efficiency, based on the IS/IEC standard. 

6.3 Sampling & Verification

• BEE or its agency may randomly sample inverters from retail or distributor channels. Mercomindia.com

• If a sample fails initial tests, BEE can order double the number of samples of the same model for retesting. 

• This ensures that samples are not cherry-picked by manufacturers, promoting genuine quality.

7. BIS Safety Certification Requirements

Efficiency is not the only criterion — safety is equally critical.

• Only inverters with BIS certification under IS 16221-2:2015 are eligible for the S&L program.

• IS 16221-2:2015 is the Indian standard that governs safety of power converters used in solar PV applications, especially regarding electrical safety, isolation, fault tolerance, and protection.

• BIS certification involves checks of manufacturing processes, safety features, protection mechanisms, and quality control to ensure that inverters are robust and safe to deploy.

• This ensures that under the new regime, inverters are both efficient and safe, reducing the risk of fire, leakage, or catastrophic failure.

8. Labeling: BEE Endorsement Label Explained

One of the central goals of the program is transparency — and that comes through the BEE endorsement label for inverters.

8.1 What Does the Label Include?

• Model number, manufacturer, and rated output power (kW)

• Verified overall efficiency (test-verified figure)

• Test report or certificate number (or lab identifier)

• Label period or validity (to make sure label is up-to-date)

• Possibly MPPT efficiency data, depending on how BEE structures the label

8.2 Why an Endorsement Label (Not Star-Rating)?

• Unlike typical consumer appliances (where 1-star to 5-star ratings are common), inverters have tight efficiency ranges.

• Many tested inverter models already operate in high-efficiency bands (e.g., 94–99%), so a standard star rating would not differentiate meaningfully between them. 

• Therefore, BEE has opted for an endorsement label, which explicitly shows the efficiency percentage. 

8.3 Labeling Fees

• During the voluntary phase, the labeling fee is ₹ 5 per kW of rated inverter capacity. Press Information Bureau

• This is a modest charge, making participation accessible while ensuring that the program is sustainable.

9. Implementation Timeline: Voluntary Phase → Mandatory Phase

Understanding the timeline is crucial for manufacturers, importers, EPCs, and buyers.

9.1 Voluntary Phase (15 March 2024 – 31 December 2025)

• During this period, inverters can voluntarily apply for BEE labeling if they meet efficiency and BIS criteria. 

• It gives manufacturers time to test existing models, apply for certification, and plan production lines.

• Labeling during this phase helps build trust, but is not yet mandatory for sales.

9.2 Mandatory Phase (From 1 January 2026)

• From this date, BEE efficiency compliance becomes mandatory for all on-grid solar inverters (≤ 100 kW) manufactured or imported. 

• Inverters that do not meet the MEPS or do not carry the required label cannot be legally sold under the S&L program terms.

• Testing reports must come from accredited labs, and inverters must be BIS-certified.

• Non-compliance may attract penalties or restrictions (discussed later).

10. Economic and Environmental Impact

These new standards are not just regulatory — they bring strong economic and environmental benefits.

10.1 Energy Savings

• BEE projects 21.1 billion kWh of cumulative energy savings between FY 2024-25 and FY 2033-34. Bureau of Energy Efficiency+1

• These savings stem from reduced losses in inverter conversion and more efficient MPPT behavior.

10.2 Carbon Emission Reduction

• These energy savings translate to ~15.1 million tonnes of CO₂ avoided over the same period. EQ Mag Pro+1

• This represents a meaningful contribution to India’s climate targets, especially for the residential and commercial rooftop solar segment.

10.3 Market Growth & Industry Competitiveness

• The grid-connected solar inverter market already has a dominant share (80% of inverter market) as per BEE.

• Introduction of this label and mandatory standard is expected to boost the inverter market further, with demand for high-quality inverters going up. 

• Domestic manufacturers may scale up production, leading to cost reduction via economies of scale.

• Foreign manufacturers will need to comply with BIS + MEPS, which may raise the entry bar and filter out low-quality imports.

10.4 Consumer Confidence & Payback

• Buyers will now have verified efficiency data, enabling more informed purchase decisions.

• Higher efficiency means more energy generation per year, improving system payback period.

• Over the life of the system, improved efficiency and lower downtime (due to quality) yield higher returns.

11. Compliance Process for Manufacturers

Manufacturers, importers, and OEMs must navigate several steps to comply.

Step 1: Design & Engineering

• Review existing inverter designs and compare to MEPS table.

• If existing models don’t meet thresholds, redesign or tune firmware / hardware.

• Prepare technical documentation: circuit diagrams, safety features, MPPT architecture.

Step 2: BIS Certification

• Apply to BIS for certification under IS 16221-2:2015.

• Provide factory audit information, product designs, and quality control processes.

• After review, BIS may grant certification for each model.

Step 3: Testing in Accredited Labs

• Submit samples (manufactured or imported) to NABL / ILAC / APLAC / NISE labs.

• Get test reports for efficiency (IS 17980 / IEC 62891) and MPPT performance.

• Ensure that tested units represent real production batches (to avoid cherry-picking).

Step 4: Apply for BEE Label

• After test report, submit model registration to BEE's S&L portal.

• Provide test reports, BIS certificate, and product details.

• Pay required labeling fee (₹ 5/kW for voluntary phase) or applicable fees. Mercomindia.com+1

• Once approved, affix the BEE endorsement label on units.

Step 5: Manufacturing & Quality Assurance

• Ensure production units remain consistent with the tested sample.

• Maintain internal batch testing, quality checks, and manufacturing traceability.

• Establish service centres and repair infrastructure in India for compliance & warranty.

Step 6: Market Surveillance & Re-Testing

• Be ready for random market sampling by BEE / agency.

• Maintain records of test reports.

• In case of any design changes (new hardware, firmware), retest and possibly recertify.

12. Challenges & Risks for Industry

Implementing mandatory efficiency standards is not without its challenges:

12.1 Testing Capacity

• Not enough accredited labs to test all inverter models, especially as manufacturers scale up.

• Lab backlog may delay certification, affecting production schedules.

12.2 Increased Cost

• Testing, certification, and labeling add cost. For smaller manufacturers, this can be substantial.

• These costs may be passed to consumers, potentially raising the upfront price of inverters.

12.3 Compliance Risk

• Manufacturers might under-estimate design changes between tested sample and serial production, leading to non-compliance.

• Random market sampling means risk of recalls or fines for non-compliance.

12.4 Firmware Updates

• Many inverters receive firmware updates post-production. If significant changes, models may need retesting.

• Managing version control and ensuring that all deployed units remain compliant is operationally challenging.

12.5 Market Pushback

• Some importers or smaller brands may resist due to cost or lack of testing capacity.

• Risk of “grey market” inverters being sold without labels if enforcement is weak.

12.6 Enforcement & Monitoring

• Effective enforcement requires coordination between BEE, BIS, and possibly DISCOMs or state regulators.

• Without strong enforcement, non-compliant inverters may continue to dilute market quality.

13. Impact on EPCs, Installers & Consumers

The new standards will reshape the solar value chain:

13.1 EPC & Installer Impact

• EPCs must source only BIS-certified, BEE-labeled inverters for new projects post-2026.

• They will need to verify inverter certificates, test reports, and label authenticity.

• This could add complexity to procurement, but leads to improved system reliability.

• Installers may also have to educate clients about the benefits of high-efficiency inverters to justify any price increases.

13.2 Consumer Impact

• Homeowners and commercial customers will now have verified performance data, reducing the risk of buying substandard inverters.

• Better efficiency increases energy yield, lowering the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) from their solar systems.

• Potentially lower maintenance, fewer failures, and greater trust in inverter brands.

• Long-term benefits outweigh any slightly higher cost due to certification.

14. Monitoring, Enforcement & Penalties

To ensure compliance, the government and BEE will put in place monitoring and enforcement mechanisms:

14.1 Label Verification & Surveillance

• BEE (or its designated agency) will randomly sample inverters from the market to verify performance and label accuracy. 

• Non-conforming units may be penalized, delisted, or ordered off the market.

14.2 Penalties for Non-Compliance

While specific penalty amounts are not always publicly detailed in the initial notification, typical enforcement may include:

• Fines for selling non-certified inverters.

• Revoking of certification or label permission.

• Product recalls if performance is significantly below standards.

• Prohibition to sell non-compliant models in India.

14.3 Role of BIS and State Regulators

• BIS will perform factory audits, check batch consistency, and review test reports.

• State regulators or nodal agencies may coordinate with BEE to enforce these standards at the importer, distributor, and retail level.

• For government-linked schemes (e.g., PM Surya Ghar), DISCOMs or subsidy agencies may demand proof of certification / label before approving net-metering or subsidy applications.

15. Recent Regulatory Updates (2025)

Since the launch, several important updates or clarifications have emerged:

15.1 New Notification (Nov 2025)

• The Ministry of Power issued a notification in November 2025 for minimum efficiency standards effective from 1 January 2026. CORPSEED ITES PRIVATE LIMITED

• This formalizes the MEPS requirement and makes BEE-endorsement mandatory for inverters up to 100 kW. 

15.2 QCO Deadlines for Larger Inverters

• For inverters above 200 kW, the MNRE extended the BIS compliance deadline to 30 June 2026. 

• This gives flexibility to manufacturers of large-scale inverters to align with BIS standards.

15.3 Labeling Process & Portal

• The BEE S&L portal for inverter model registration and label application has been made live.

• Companies are required to register their models, upload test reports, BIS certificates, and pay the labeling fee.

15.4 Strategic Alignment with PM Surya Ghar

• The S&L program aligns with rooftop solar subsidy and net-metering schemes like PM Surya Ghar. Bureau of Energy Efficiency

• This ensures that even under subsidy-driven rooftop programs, only high efficiency, certified inverters are deployed.

16. Future Roadmap for Inverter Standards

Looking beyond 2026, India’s policy direction on inverter standards might evolve along the following lines:

16.1 Inclusion of Hybrid / Storage Inverters

• After on-grid inverters, the next logical step could be labeling or MEPS for hybrid (battery) inverters.

• As storage adoption grows, regulating hybrid inverters will become critical to ensure efficiency and safety.

16.2 Stricter Efficiency Standards

• Over time, BEE may raise the minimum efficiency thresholds (MEPS) as inverter technology advances.

• Dynamic MPPT efficiency (under fluctuating conditions) may also be introduced as a tested metric.

16.3 Smart Inverter Features

• Standards may be added for grid-support functionalities: reactive power control, voltage regulation, and frequency ride-through.

• Cybersecurity requirements: As inverters get connected (for monitoring or via M2M), security norms could be mandated.

16.4 Monitoring & Digital Certification

• A unified digital certificate system may be launched, with QR-based verification of BEE labels by installers and consumers.

• Real-time reporting of inverter performance (efficiency, yield) via a national portal or through DISCOM apps.

16.5 Make-in-India Push

• Increasing localization of inverters: more R&D, more domestic manufacturing aligned to these quality norms.

• “Green inverters”: Inverters with better lifecycle sustainability, recyclability, and modular design.

17. Summary & Key Takeaways

1. India’s BEE has launched a mandatory efficiency standard for grid-tied (on-grid) solar inverters up to 100 kW.

2. The S&L Program was launched on 15 March 2024; voluntary until 31 Dec 2025. Press Information Bureau

3. Efficiency benchmarks (MEPS) range from 92% (below 1 kW) to 98% (≥ 20 kW). Press Information Bureau+1

4. Testing must follow IS 17980:2022 / IEC 62891:2020 in accredited labs. Energetica India+1

5. Only BIS-certified inverters (IS 16221-2:2015) can participate. Press Information Bureau

6. Inverters must carry a BEE endorsement label that clearly shows efficiency. Mercomindia.com

7. From 1 January 2026, compliance with these standards becomes mandatory. Energetica India

8. Anticipated benefits: ~21.1 billion kWh saved, ~15.1 million tonnes CO₂ avoided. EQ Mag Pro

9. Challenges include testing capacity, cost burden, and enforcement risk.

10. The roadmap likely includes standards for hybrid inverters, smart inverters, and stronger grid-support features.

18. Conclusion

The introduction of BEE’s mandatory standards for grid-tied solar inverters marks a turning point in India’s solar industry. By enforcing stringent efficiency and safety norms, the regulation ensures that solar installations deliver real-world performance, protect consumers, and contribute to the country’s energy transition goals.

For manufacturers, this is a call to up their game — invest in quality, test rigorously, and deliver certified products. For EPCs and installers, it’s a moment to align with the future of reliable solar deployment. For consumers, it’s reassurance that their solar investment is backed by tested, labeled, and certified technology.

As India continues to scale up solar capacity, these standards will play a foundational role in building a high-quality, efficient, and trustable solar ecosystem. The mandate may bring short-term challenges, but its long-term impact will drive better energy yields, stronger systems, and a greener future.