MNRE extends ALMM enlistment date for solar cell and module manufacturers

Solar cell and module manufacturers now have additional six months—until September 30, 2020—to get enlisted with the MNRE’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). Only products and companies making to the list will be eligible for a wide range of government-backed projects.

The decision has been taken in view of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

“Due to temporary disruptions due to Covid-19 epidemic and the current lockdown and the prevailing situation due to such epidemic, it has been decided with the approval of Hon’b1e Minister (NRE & Power) to extend the effective dates for ALMM LIST-I (solar PV modules) and ALMM LIST-II (solar PV cells) by six months from March 31, 2020 to September 30, 2020”—read an MNRE notification issued in this regard.

In a move to ensure the quality of solar cells and modules, the MNRE, on 02.01.2019, had notified that all the module and cells manufacturers were required to comply with Bureau of Indian Standards norms and get enlisted with the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) before March 31, 2020.

The document will list approved models and manufacturers for modules and cells in separate sections.

The MNRE circular dated 02.01.2019 stipulated that “Only models and manufacturers included in this list will be eligible for use in government [and] government-assisted projects; projects under government schemes; and programs installed in the country, including projects set up for [the] sale of electricity to government under the guidelines dated August 3, 2017. Further, from March 31, 2020, it will mandatory for approved PV module makers to source their cells from fellow approved manufacturers.”