BEE Certification for Solar Inverters

As India races toward its renewable-energy targets, the solar inverter - the device that converts panel DC into grid-quality AC - has moved from a voluntary efficiency programme to a mandatory one. From 1 January 2026, all single-phase (230 V AC, 50 Hz) and three-phase (up to 415 V AC, 50 Hz) non-storage, grid-connected solar inverters up to 100 kW must meet BEE's minimum efficiency performance standards (MEPS) and carry the BEE endorsement label.

The efficiency thresholds are notified under the BEE Standards & Labelling programme and tested to IS 17980:2022 / IEC 62891:2020. MEPS rises with capacity: roughly 92% below 1 kW, 93% for 1-3 kW, 95% for 3-5 kW, 96% for 5-10 kW, 97% for 10-20 kW and 98% above 20 kW (up to 100 kW). The figure is based on steady-state conversion efficiency combined with static MPPT efficiency, so it reflects real conversion performance rather than a peak headline number.

Crucially, BEE labelling sits on top of a BIS prerequisite: inverters must be BIS-certified under IS 16221-2:2015 to be eligible for the endorsement label, and only models tested under IS 17980:2022 or IEC 62891:2020 qualify. This makes solar inverter compliance a two-layer project. Standphill India runs both layers - BIS under IS 16221-2 and BEE MEPS labelling - coordinating accredited testing, managing the tight 2026 continuation deadlines, and handling importer-route registration for inverters sourced from China and elsewhere.

Solar inverters are not star-rated like appliances - they carry an endorsement label confirming they meet a minimum efficiency floor:

• BEE sets a minimum efficiency performance standard (MEPS) the inverter must meet to be sold
• MEPS scales with capacity: ~92% (<1 kW), 93% (1-3 kW), 95% (3-5 kW), 96% (5-10 kW), 97% (10-20 kW), 98% (>20 kW), up to 100 kW
• Efficiency = steady-state conversion efficiency combined with static MPPT efficiency
• Tested under IS 17980:2022 or IEC 62891:2020 at an accredited lab
• BIS certification under IS 16221-2:2015 is a prerequisite before BEE labelling
• The label carries model number, rated output power and verified efficiency

Typical timeline: a few weeks to a couple of months, driven mainly by lab testing and document readiness. Standphill India runs all five stages for you.

• Company incorporation / registration
• GST & PAN
• Brand / trademark certificate
• Authorised signatory letter
• Copy of valid BIS certificate (IS 16221-2:2015) - prerequisite
• ISO 9001 of manufacturing unit (if available)
• NABL/BEE-approved lab test report (Efficiency (MEPS))
• Model technical specifications
• Sample BEE label / specimen
• User manual & product images
• Security deposit payment receipt
• For importers: import & authorisation papers

Solar inverter compliance is uniquely demanding - a BIS prerequisite (IS 16221-2), MEPS testing to IS 17980/IEC 62891, and 2026 deadlines that have already deactivated unregistered models. Standphill India is a specialist BEE certification consultant for solar inverters: we sequence BIS first, then MEPS efficiency testing and BEE endorsement labelling, manage continuation and new-model registration, and structure importer-route filings for overseas inverter brands. Indian manufacturers and importers, end-to-end.