Brazil: Updates of the INMETRO certification regulation for photovoltaic systems

 

Brazil published the Ordinance no. 515, of November 10, 2023 that amends Inmetro Ordinance No. 140, of March 21, 2022, which approves the Technical Quality Regulation and Conformity Assessment Requirements for Electricity Generation, Conditioning and Storage Equipment in Photovoltaic Systems.

It contains mainly technical updates of the supportability requirements for voltage variations for on-grid inverters, as well as new protection requirements against electrical arcs for inverters.

Since the publication of the aforementioned Inmetro Ordinance No. 140 in March 2022, The National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (INMETRO) has established an obligatory conformity assessment for photovoltaic systems.  Within 24 months of the entry into force of the regulation, all photovoltaic products need to pass relevant testing, be registered with INMETRO and labelled accordingly.

Manufacturers of PV modules seeking legal access to the Brazilian market must obtain INMETRO certification. This certification is essential for each module type or product line that undergoes the same manufacturing process.

The Brazilian standards applicable to PV modules are akin to and tested in accordance with the corresponding IEC standards. Modules of identical types must undergo testing at a laboratory, which includes a series of potentially destructive tests. Additionally, factory inspections aligned with ISO 9001 form an integral part of the certification process.

INMETRO certification includes the assignment of an energy efficiency label. To qualify for the Etiqueta Nacional de Conservação de Energia (National Energy Conservation Label), abbreviated as ENCE, PV modules undergo an assessment of energy efficiency. Efficiency ratings range from A (best) to E (worst).

Following successful testing, INMETRO issues a certificate indicating the tested energy efficiency class. PV modules certified by INMETRO must prominently display the INMETRO mark, denoting the testing body. Manufacturers approved by INMETRO are subject to regular reassessment.

The regulatory text of the update of the Inmetro Ordinance No. 140 can be found HERE.

To find out more product compliance, compliance for photovoltaic equipment and the Brazilian INMETRO certification, please contact the Product Compliance Institute directly.