IS 16169 BIS Certification for Solar Inverters and Power Converters
Solar Inverters and Power Converters made, imported or sold in India must be certified against IS 16169 under CRS registration (Scheme-II). What the standard covers, how testing works and how to get the registration.
About IS 16169
| Standard | IS 16169 |
|---|---|
| Title | Safety of Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems Part 2-Particular Requirements for Inverters |
| Product covered | Solar Inverters and Power Converters |
| Category | Solar PV Systems & Components |
| Scheme | CRS registration (Scheme-II) |
| Notified under | Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017, S.O. 2920(E), dated 30 August 2017 · Order PDF |
Editions and amendments of IS 16169
| Edition | Published | Status |
|---|---|---|
| IS 16169:2019 Utility - Interconnected photovoltaic inverters - Test procedure of islanding prevention measures (First Revision) | 30 Jun 2019 | Current, next review 26 Feb 2031 |
| IS 16169:2014 Utility - Interconnected photovoltaic inverters - Test procedure of islanding prevention measures | 30 Jun 2019 | Withdrawn 21 Feb 2026 |
No amendments to the current edition are listed by BIS.
Testing against IS 16169
Samples are type-tested at a BIS-recognised laboratory in India; foreign lab reports are not accepted. BIS then reviews the test report and documents and grants the registration. Market surveillance samples follow.
The test report has to cover every clause of IS 16169 that applies to the product, in the edition current on the date of testing. When BIS revises IS 16169 or replaces it with a new edition, existing licence holders move to the new edition by the date BIS sets in its notification.
How to get CRS registration under IS 16169
Registration is granted to the manufacturer for a specific factory, brand and models. Overseas manufacturers must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative to apply and hold the registration in India.
- Confirm the Indian Standard and group models into a series
- Submit samples to a BIS-recognised lab in India for testing
- Apply on the CRS portal with the test report, factory and brand documents
- BIS review and grant of the R-number registration
- Mark products with the Standard Mark, IS number and R-number
Timeline. Lab testing usually takes 2 to 6 weeks; BIS processing typically takes another 3 to 6 weeks after a complete application with the test report.
Fees. Application and annual licence fees of ₹1,000 each, a processing fee of ₹25,000 per year, and ₹20,000 for each additional test report, plus lab testing charges (BIS Conformity Assessment Amendment Regulations, 2026).
Mark. Certified products carry the BIS Standard Mark (CRS) with the IS number and the R-number.
Frequently asked questions
What does IS 16169 cover?
IS 16169: Safety of Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems Part 2-Particular Requirements for Inverters. BIS has made certification against it compulsory for solar inverters and power converters.
Is BIS certification under IS 16169 mandatory?
Yes, for solar inverters and power converters, under the Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017, S.O. 2920(E). The product needs a valid BIS registration (CRS) and must carry the BIS Standard Mark (CRS) with the IS number and the R-number.
Where is a product tested for IS 16169?
Samples are type-tested at a BIS-recognised laboratory in India; foreign lab reports are not accepted. BIS then reviews the test report and documents and grants the registration. Market surveillance samples follow.
How long does IS 16169 BIS certification take?
Lab testing usually takes 2 to 6 weeks; BIS processing typically takes another 3 to 6 weeks after a complete application with the test report.
Other standards in Solar PV Systems & Components
- IS 14286 Crystalline Silicon Solar Panels (PV Modules)
- IS 16077 Thin-Film Solar Panels (PV Modules)
- IS 16221 Solar Inverters and Power Converters
- IS 16270 Grid-Tied Solar Inverters
- IS/IEC 61730 2 products
Source: BIS lists of products under compulsory certification (Scheme-I, Scheme-II), checked October 2026. See the full BIS product list or all Indian Standards.
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