O Inmetro (National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology) should present, by the beginning of next year, an ordinance that aims to regularize the use of hybrid inverters in the Brazilian photovoltaic market.
This is an update to the Ordinance no. 004 / 2011 (which is currently in force) and which also provides updates for other segments of the solar sector. The document is just waiting for a date to be published and come into effect definitively.
Currently, according to Brazilian standards, there is no regulation for the use of hybrid inverters connected to the grid. The legislation only allows installation of inverters for renewable sources connected to the electrical grid, but operation with batteries, in on-grid or off-grid mode, is not yet regulated.
According to André Gellers, country manager at SMA, the measure – when published – will represent a milestone for the solar energy sector.
“Hybrid systems are already a reality in Brazil. Today there are many inverters installed that do not inject into the grid. I believe it is past time for us to have regulations that help this technology contribute to energy generation,” he said.
Read more: Are we ready for hybrid inverters?
João Souza, engineer responsible for Ecori Energia Solar, explains that, with the measure, there will be changes in rules that will impact the operation and interaction of hybrid inverters with the grid. “We are experiencing a very significant change in regulation and standards to adapt hybrid inverters in Brazil,” he said.
Ariel Martins, technical and commercial specialist at inverter manufacturer Fronius do Brasil, assesses that the change will bring more security to the Brazilian photovoltaic sector, since from the moment it is published, all manufacturers will be able to implement it immediately, respecting the deadlines that are established. “Once the document is out, all companies should start applying (the changes)”, he highlighted.
Deadlines for manufacturers
According to the new ordinance, manufacturers of hybrid inverters with up to 75 kW of power will have a deadline – after publication of the document – to obtain registration of their equipment with Inmetro.
For other segments and consumers, the technology can be connected to the network as soon as the document is published. “The deadlines are for manufacturers to adapt to. It won't make a difference to dealerships, consumers, installers and distributors. It will be available to manufacturers, who will have to submit documents for registration,” said Souza.
According to the Ecori engineer, after this period there will be no excuses. “All inverters with up to 75 kW will have to be registered with Inmetro. And, above 75 kW it will continue without need and it will be as it is today with on-grid inverters”, he highlighted.
Souza also pointed out that, if a consumer has a photovoltaic system at home and decides to buy a hybrid inverter, they will not need to contact the concessionaire to change the on-grid function and start using the hybrid form.
