The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has invited comments on a proposed amendment to the ‘Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Compulsory Registration) Order’ issued in January 2019. This order was initially created to specify approved models and manufacturers of solar PV modules and solar PV cells through two separate lists. List-I was meant to cover solar PV modules, while List-II was intended to cover solar PV cells. However, despite the initial provisions, List II has not yet been issued.
The absence of List-II has been attributed to the country’s lower installed capacity for manufacturing solar PV cells. However, this is expected to change as the solar PV cell manufacturing capacity in India is predicted to increase substantially in the coming years. As a result, the MNRE has proposed to issue List-II for solar PV cells, which will take effect from April 1, 2026.
The new regulations will require all projects covered under the ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) to source their solar PV modules from manufacturers included in ALMM List-I for modules, and these modules must use solar PV cells from ALMM List-II for cells. The inclusion of manufacturers and models in List II will make it compulsory for projects to use components only from approved manufacturers listed under ALMM.
Projects that have a bid submission deadline before the issuance of this new order will be exempted from the requirement to use solar PV cells from List II. However, for projects that are bid out after this order comes into effect, including those under the guidelines issued by the Central Government, a clause will be added to their tender documents requiring the use of solar PV modules and solar PV cells from the respective ALMM lists. This clause will be binding unless the project is commissioned before the implementation date of List-II.
Additionally, solar PV modules that are already included in ALMM List-I and have an enlistment validity period extending beyond March 31, 2026, will also be required to comply with the new requirement. These modules must incorporate solar PV cells from the manufacturers listed in ALMM List-II starting from April 2026. Failure to meet this requirement could lead to the delisting of these modules from ALMM List-I, making them ineligible for use in projects that fall under the scope of ALMM regulations.
The MNRE is seeking feedback on this draft amendment to the ALMM Order and has invited stakeholders to share their views, comments, and suggestions. The deadline for submitting responses is October 6, 2024.
The ALMM Order was initially introduced in 2019 to streamline and standardize the use of high-quality, approved solar PV components in the country’s solar energy projects. With the upcoming implementation of List-II, the aim is to ensure that both solar PV modules and solar PV cells used in these projects meet specific standards and come from recognized manufacturers. This move is expected to further boost domestic manufacturing and support the growing demand for solar energy in India.
The issuance of List-II will also contribute to maintaining the integrity of solar energy projects, ensuring that only reliable and certified components are used, thus enhancing the overall performance of solar installations across the country.
Discover more from SolarQuarter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
