Overview
A solar inverter is a power converter that continuously turns the PV array's DC into mains-quality AC and, in grid-tied systems, feeds it into the network in synchronism. That makes its certification different from the wider solar and renewable-energy equipment category and from the PV modules: the key evidence is an IEC 62109-1 and IEC 62109-2 safety report for the exact model, an EMC test report covering emissions and immunity, and — for grid-connected models — islanding-prevention and utility-interface evidence, with the rated values and protection settings matching the tested product.
Solar inverters fall under the SABER conformity scheme. A Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is required for the inverter range, and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is required for each consignment before it can clear Saudi customs. PV modules are covered on our Solar Panels page, and charge controllers, mounting systems and battery storage on the wider Solar & Renewable-Energy Equipment page; this page covers inverters specifically.
Product Types
The SABER route and inverter-specific requirements apply across products including:
- String inverters (residential and commercial)
- Central inverters (utility-scale)
- Microinverters
- Hybrid / battery-storage inverters
- Off-grid and standalone inverters
- Power optimizers and module-level power electronics (MLPE)
- Solar-pump inverters / drives
The scope of your certificate is defined from the topology (grid-tied, hybrid, off-grid), the power and voltage ratings and the HS code. We structure the certificate so the inverter range you actually export is covered.
HS Codes
Solar inverters are commonly classified under the headings below. These are examples only — the correct code depends on the exact product.
- 8504.40 — Static converters (inverters and similar power-conversion equipment)
- 8504.90 — Parts of static converters and inductors
- 8504.40 sub-lines — hybrid inverters with an integrated battery-management function, where applicable
Applicable Saudi Requirements
Solar inverters are certified through SABER registration on the Saudi platform. The main requirements are:
- A valid PCoC issued against the applicable Technical Regulations and inverter safety / grid standards
- An SCoC for each individual shipment before customs clearance
- An IEC 62109-1 and IEC 62109-2 safety report for the exact inverter model
- An EMC test report covering both emissions and immunity
- Islanding-prevention and utility-interface evidence for grid-tied models (IEC 62116 / IEC 61727)
- An ingress-protection (IP) rating and operating-temperature range suitable for outdoor Saudi installation
- Nameplate ratings (AC / DC voltage, power, MPPT range) matching the test report
- A registered Saudi importer on the SABER platform to link the shipment
Technical Regulation
Solar inverters are assessed under the Saudi Technical Regulation for Low-Voltage Electrical Equipment and Appliances and the Technical Regulation for Electromagnetic Compatibility, together with the inverter-specific standards. Internationally the core set is IEC 62109-1 (safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems — general requirements) and IEC 62109-2 (particular requirements for inverters). Grid-connected models additionally need islanding-prevention evidence (IEC 62116) and utility-interface compliance (IEC 61727), and the grid-support settings must meet the connection rules of the Saudi network operator and the Saudi small-scale solar PV regulatory framework. EMC follows the CISPR 11 / IEC 61000 series, and overall efficiency may be declared to EN 50530. The exact regulation and standard set is confirmed at assessment from the topology and HS code. Our Technical Regulations guide explains how regulations are matched to products.
Testing / Standards
Solar inverters are typically evaluated against the applicable IEC standards for power-converter safety, EMC and grid interface. Typical verification includes:
- IEC 62109-1 — safety of power converters for PV systems: general requirements
- IEC 62109-2 — particular requirements for inverters
- IEC 62116 — islanding-prevention measures: test procedure (grid-tied)
- IEC 61727 — PV systems: characteristics of the utility interface
- CISPR 11 / EN 55011 — conducted and radiated emissions
- IEC 61000-6-1 / -6-2 — immunity; IEC 61000-3-2 / -3-12 — harmonic current
- EN 50530 — overall efficiency of grid-connected PV inverters
- IEC 60529 — degree of ingress protection (IP rating)
- IEC 62040 series where the inverter also provides a UPS / backup function
Existing accredited test reports may be accepted where they cover the exact model, firmware and grid-code profile and are within validity. We review your reports before arranging any new product testing, so you only test what is genuinely missing.
Documents Required
A typical solar-inverter application uses the set below; our full documents required guide explains each item.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- HS code of the inverter range
- Product photographs showing the rating label and terminal markings
- Technical datasheet: rated AC / DC power, voltage windows, MPPT range, IP rating and operating-temperature range
- Accredited IEC 62109-1 and IEC 62109-2 safety report
- EMC test report covering emissions and immunity
- Anti-islanding / grid-interface report for grid-tied models
- Manufacturer details and Declaration of Conformity where relevant
- Saudi importer registration details
PCoC Process
The Product Certificate of Conformity certifies the inverter range against the applicable standards. In outline:
-
Classification and scope
We confirm the topology, ratings, HS code and applicable standards, and define what the certificate should cover.
-
Report review
We check whether your IEC 62109, EMC and anti-islanding reports match the manufactured model, firmware and grid-code profile.
-
Technical review
An approved certification body reviews the documents, rating label, marking and test evidence against the regulation.
-
PCoC issued
Once the review is satisfied, the PCoC is issued on the SABER platform. It is typically valid for one year.
SCoC Process
A Shipment Certificate of Conformity is issued per consignment and is what customs checks at the border. In outline:
-
Shipment details submitted
The invoice, packing list and the linked PCoC are submitted for the specific consignment.
-
Verification
The shipment is verified against the valid PCoC, the declared model and nameplate ratings are confirmed, and the SCoC fee is settled on the platform.
-
SCoC issued
The SCoC is issued for that shipment, allowing it to clear Saudi customs. Each new shipment needs its own SCoC.
Certification Timeline
The main variable is whether valid IEC 62109 and EMC reports already exist for your exact model. Our SABER timeline guide covers this in detail.
- With acceptable existing test reports — a PCoC can typically be arranged within a few working days
- When fresh testing is required — the IEC 62109 safety, EMC and islanding-prevention programme is the main driver, usually a few weeks depending on scope
- SCoC — normally issued quickly per shipment once a valid PCoC is in place
Common Problems
- No IEC 62109-2 report — only a generic electronics or power-supply safety report submitted
- Anti-islanding / grid-interface evidence missing for a grid-tied model
- EMC report covering only emissions, not immunity (or the reverse)
- IP rating or operating-temperature range not suitable for outdoor Saudi installation, or not stated
- Nameplate AC / DC ratings or model number not matching the certified type
- Inverter declared under HS 8541 (module heading) instead of 8504
- Hybrid inverter's battery port not addressed — storage interface safety left out of scope
- Firmware or grid-code profile not set for the Saudi network
We check these points up front — especially the IEC 62109-2 report and the anti-islanding evidence — so shipments are not held at customs for avoidable reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a generic electronics safety report enough for a solar inverter?
No. A PV inverter needs IEC 62109-1 and IEC 62109-2, which cover DC-side insulation and arc faults, protective interconnection and PV-specific protection that a general appliance or power-supply standard does not address. A generic report alone does not satisfy the requirement.
Do the panels and the inverter go on the same certificate?
No. PV modules are certified against IEC 61215 and IEC 61730; inverters follow a separate route against the IEC 62109 series plus EMC and, for grid-tied units, grid-interface requirements. Each needs its own PCoC.
Does a grid-tied inverter need anti-islanding testing?
Yes. Grid-connected inverters need islanding-prevention evidence (IEC 62116) and utility-interface compliance (IEC 61727), and the grid-support settings must match the Saudi network operator's connection rules. Off-grid inverters do not need islanding tests but still follow the IEC 62109 safety route.
Is grid-operator approval the same as the SABER certificate?
No. SABER conformity is the import and customs requirement. Connecting the system to the Saudi grid is a separate approval from the network operator under the small-scale solar PV framework. We focus on the SABER certificate and can flag what the grid connection will require.
How much does SABER certification for solar inverters cost and how long does it take?
It depends mainly on whether valid IEC 62109 and EMC reports already exist for your exact model, firmware and grid-code profile. With acceptable reports a PCoC can often be arranged within a few working days; if fresh safety, EMC and islanding testing is required that programme is the main variable. Send your inverter details and reports for a specific quote and timeline at no cost. See our SABER certificate cost guide.
Which products and HS codes does this cover?
The same SABER route applies across string, central, micro, hybrid and off-grid inverters and power optimizers — generally classified under HS 8504.40 (static converters), with 8504.90 for parts. We confirm the correct classification for your exact product during assessment.
Get Your Solar Inverters Certified
Send us your inverter topology, rated AC and DC values, IP rating, firmware / grid-code profile, HS code and any existing IEC 62109, EMC or anti-islanding test reports. We will confirm the applicable Technical Regulations, testing and marking requirements, review your testing, and coordinate the PCoC and each SCoC so your shipments clear Saudi customs without delay.