Sri Lanka’s solar power sector is facing a significant disruption following the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) sudden enforcement of new technical requirements for solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters. The Solar Industries Association (SIA) has voiced strong opposition, warning that the move could derail numerous projects currently in progress across the country.
In a letter addressed to Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) Director General Harsha Wickramasinghe, the SIA expressed alarm over the recent enforcement of Low Voltage Ride Through (LVRT) criteria. These new standards, the letter states, are being implemented without any grace period or transitional provisions—even for inverter models that were previously approved and imported under SEA’s existing licensing framework. According to the SIA, the SEA has overseen the licensing of projects collectively exceeding 50 megawatts in capacity, and developers made investments based on the authority’s prior guidance.
The SIA further explained that while some inverter models can be upgraded to meet the LVRT requirements, many others are incompatible. As a result, developers may be forced to either abandon or extensively redesign their projects, causing significant financial and logistical setbacks.
To address the crisis, the SIA has proposed that large-scale solar installations above 500 kilowatts (kW) be allowed to meet LVRT standards through the installation of external relays on either the low or medium voltage side. For smaller systems under 500 kW, the association recommends a six-month grace period to allow developers to complete projects under the previous regulations.
In the letter, SIA President Javid Kamil and Secretary S. Sanjeewan reiterated their support for the application of LVRT standards to all future inverter imports, but insisted on the need to safeguard those who acted in accordance with prior rules and approvals.
When contacted by The Daily Morning, CEB spokesperson Engineer Dhammika Wimalaratne said a response would be issued, though none was received before publication.