According to recent guideline amendment by the Union ministry of new & renewable energy (MNRE), the eligible entities of the Approved List of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM) of solar modules can now additionally participate in open access and net metering projects.
The amendment was carried out to “Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019,” on January 13, 2022.
The original order states that only models and manufacturers included in the ALMM list would be eligible for use in government projects, government-assisted projects and projects under government programs installed in the country.
To this list has been added open access, and net metering projects. Thus, there has been expansion in scope. The earlier provisions would continue to exist. The amendment will come into force effective April 1, 2022.
The ALMM order continues to include domestic projects set up to sell electricity to the government under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, which is to say projects, based on the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism where the government is the procurer of electricity.
The term “government”, as per the order, includes Central Government, State Governments, Central Public Sector Enterprises, State Public Sector Enterprises and, Central and State Organisations/Autonomous bodies.
The MNRE order has clarified that “government” projects would also include projects set up under Component A of the “PM – KUSUM” scheme. [PM – KUSUM stands for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan.]
Positive reactions
The domestic solar equipment manufacturing industry has generally reacted positively to the amendment. Here are some reactions from leading industry players and bodies.
- “We are thankful to the government for taking this step which will help consumers to get better quality and reliable supplier, lenders and investors will have more confidence on their investment as module is major and most important component of solar power projects. Domestic industry is suffering for a long time due to almost 90 per cent imports of solar modules. Local manufacturing capacity in India which is more than our requirement now will have some business.”
—Hitesh Doshi, President, All India Solar Industries Association (AISIA)
- “The ALMM policy amendment by MNRE is a significant announcement in interest of all stakeholders. The announcement has come at an appropriate time, just when BCD will be implemented. The combined effect of both these policies will be massive, and I am sure India will grow to become a solar manufacturing hub in the coming years.”
—Bharat Bhut, Cofounder & Director, Goldi Solar
- “The move will help provide necessary ammunition to the Make in India movement. It will also help smaller manufacturers expand capacities and improve business as the industry will see an uptake in demand.”
—Manish Gupta, President, North India Module Manufacturer Association (NIMMA)
Featured photograph (source: Tata Power Solar) is for representation only
