October 2026: New IEC Standard Enhances EMC for Photovoltaic Systems

The energy engineering industry took a significant step forward in October 2026 with the publication of a single but highly impactful international standard. The latest edition of IEC 62920 sets a new global benchmark for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in photovoltaic power generating systems, focusing on power conversion equipment (PCE). With the surge in solar installations and the increasing complexity of grid integration, this revised standard is a timely resource for manufacturers, system integrators, quality managers, and engineers seeking robust EMC compliance and future-ready PV solutions.

Overview

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are at the forefront of modern energy transformation, driving decarbonization and grid modernization efforts worldwide. Central to these systems is power conversion equipment—components like inverters and converters that connect solar arrays, storage solutions, and utility grids.

International standards in this sector underpin safety, interoperability, and market access. The new IEC 62920:2026 addresses mounting EMC challenges for today’s PCE, particularly as more installations feature integrated wireless technologies and operate in diverse environments. This article unpacks the standard’s scope, technical updates, requirements, and practical implications for stakeholders across the energy sector.

Read on to discover:

What IEC 62920:2026 covers
Its key EMC requirements and changes
Technical best practices for implementation
Compliance considerations and industry impact

Detailed Standards Coverage

IEC 62920:2026 - EMC Requirements and Test Methods for Photovoltaic Power Conversion Equipment

Full Standard Title: Photovoltaic power generating systems – EMC requirements and test methods for power conversion equipment

What is covered:

IEC 62920:2026 defines comprehensive electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for power conversion equipment (PCE) in photovoltaic systems, both grid-interactive (grid-connected) and stand-alone. It encompasses DC-DC, DC-AC, and AC-DC converters, including those interfacing with energy storage (batteries) and equipped with wired or wireless communication capabilities.

The scope addresses PCE deployed in residential, commercial, light-industrial, and industrial environments, connected to either low-, medium-, or high-voltage AC networks. Crucially, this standard not only prescribes the emission and immunity testing conditions and procedures but also clarifies performance criteria across PCE classes and installation situations. Photovoltaic modules and balance-of-system (BOS) components are excluded, focusing solely on the power conversion hardware.

Key requirements and specifications:

PCE classification: Divides equipment for use in residential (Class B) and non-residential (Class A) settings. Labelling and documentation must clearly state suitability.
EMC test coverage: Specifies detailed test setups and procedures for immunity (against electrostatic discharge, radiated RF, surges, voltage dips) and emissions (conducted and radiated, both low- and high-frequency).
Communication functions: Expanded test methods now address wired and wireless communication technologies, including antenna ports and network connectivity.
Current and voltage disturbance limits: Introduces new and revised thresholds for disturbances at DC and AC ports, harmonized with CISPR and IEC EMC frameworks.
Performance criteria: Revised guidance for PCE behaviour during and after EMC tests, accounting for diverse use cases (e.g., charging/discharging energy storage, standby mode).

Who needs to comply:

Manufacturers of PV inverters, DC/DC and DC/AC converters
System designers integrating PCE in residential, commercial/industrial, grid-tied, or off-grid solar arrays
Quality and compliance managers (including those responsible for international market access)
Testing laboratories and certification bodies in the renewable energy sector

Practical implications for implementation:

New test procedures: More detailed and harmonized with global EMC benchmarks—essential for laboratories and manufacturers updating compliance processes.
Stricter communication module requirements: If PCE includes wireless or radio-enabled controls, extra testing and reporting are now mandated.
Labelling and user information: Clear guidance for correct installation and end-use environments, reducing end-customer risk.
Wider applicability: Now applies to equipment using medium and high-voltage grids, not just residential or small-scale installations.

Notable changes from previous editions:

Explicit inclusion of PCE with radio functionality
Updated immunity and emission criteria for both wired and wireless communication ports
Surge immunity requirements broadened to network ports (wired and wireless) for Class B PCE
Addition of disturbance current limits when using artificial networks as voltage probes
Enhanced criteria and measurement methods for conducted/radiated common mode disturbances (especially above 1 GHz)
New annexes detailing conditional measurement methods for non-power ports

Key highlights:

Stricter EMC limits for all PCE in PV systems, including those with wireless functionality
Expanded emission and immunity requirements for communication ports and antennas
More precise classification of application environments and PCE classes

Access the full standard:View IEC 62920:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The adoption of IEC 62920:2026 will be essential for organizations designing, manufacturing, testing, or installing photovoltaic power conversion systems. Here’s how compliance shapes the industry:

Market access: Many regions, including the European Union and Asia-Pacific, mandate compliance with the latest IEC EMC standards for PV systems. Obtaining local or international certification is often contingent on compliance with these requirements.
Risk mitigation: Enhanced EMC limits and test procedures help reduce issues such as operational malfunctions, adverse grid effects, and radio frequency interference, protecting both electrical infrastructure and consumer appliances.
Product differentiation: Manufacturers who certify compliance demonstrate commitment to safety and reliability, often gaining competitive advantage in tenders or when working with utilities.
Implementation timeline: Organizations should plan for a transition period during which new equipment is tested and certified. Existing projects or inventory may require re-certification depending on market regulation and customer contracts.
Non-compliance consequences: Inadequate EMC performance can result in failed certification, market withdrawal, or increased field support costs due to interference or failure events.

Benefits of adopting IEC 62920:2026:

Facilitates smooth global trade and export of PCE
Reduces risk of non-compliance penalties
Enhances reliability and resilience for both on-grid and off-grid PV installations
Encourages best practices in design and quality control

Technical Insights

Common technical requirements across IEC 62920:2026:

Classification of equipment and sites: The standard provides precise definitions for location categories (residential, commercial/light-industrial, industrial) and PCE classes (A & B), ensuring correct application of emission and immunity limits.
Immunity tests: These include electrostatic discharge (IEC 61000-4-2), radiated RF field (IEC 61000-4-3), electrical fast transient/burst (IEC 61000-4-4), surge (IEC 61000-4-5), conducted disturbances, and voltage dips/interruption (IEC 61000-4-11, -34).
Emission tests: Both conducted and radiated emissions are measured, following methods from CISPR 11, 16, and 32, among others. Limits are now defined up to and above 1 GHz, meeting demands for advanced wireless compatibility.
Port-specific criteria: Emission and immunity requirements are detailed by port type (AC/DC power, signal/control, wired network, antenna), with additional artificial network configurations provided for difficult test scenarios.

Implementation best practices:

Early design integration: Engineers should consider EMC compliance from project inception, selecting components and PCB layouts that minimize emissions and maximize resilience.
Testing to the latest edition: Ensure labs and internal quality teams use the new 2026 standard’s test setups and operating condition guidance.
Documentation: Maintain thorough records of test configurations and justifications, as now required by expanded reporting guidelines.
Labelling and instruction: Provide clear product class identification and use-case warnings in manuals—as mandated for both Class A and Class B equipment.
Continuous updates: Monitor regional regulatory updates, particularly where local power quality and grid code standards intersect with IEC 62920:2026.

Testing and certification considerations:

Work with accredited laboratories familiar with CISPR and the IEC 61000 series
Address both continuous (emissions) and transient (immunity) disturbances
If integrating wireless modules (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee), conduct antenna and network port EMC tests as outlined in the latest edition

Conclusion and Next Steps

The October 2026 update to IEC 62920 sets a new gold standard for EMC in photovoltaic power conversion, addressing the fast-evolving landscape of smart, grid-interactive, and radio-enabled solar power systems. Organizations involved in renewable energy—from design to deployment—must prioritize familiarization and timely compliance to remain competitive, ensure safety, and facilitate global market access.

Key takeaways:

New and expanded EMC requirements can impact product design, testing, and documentation processes
Stricter immunity and emission limits reflect technological advancements and market needs
Early adaptation is critical to safeguard against regulatory non-compliance and operational disruptions

Recommendations:

Review the full IEC 62920:2026 standard and assess current equipment against the new criteria
Update internal design, test, and documentation protocols
Schedule staff training on the revised standard’s requirements
Engage with accredited certification bodies for seamless market access

Stay ahead of the curve: Access the full IEC 62920:2026 standard now. For more technical resources and compliance guidance in the energy and heat transfer engineering sector, visit iTeh Standards.