MNRE expands ALMM requirement to open-access and net-metering solar projects

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has expanded the scope of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) to open access and net-metering projects from April 1, 2022. Accordingly, only the models and manufacturers included in the ALMM list will be eligible for use in government projects, government-assisted projects, projects under government schemes and programs, open access, and net-metering projects, installed in the country. 

These include projects set up for sale of electricity to the Government under the Guidelines issued by Central Government under Section 63 of Electricity Act, 2003 and projects under Component A of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program.

The MNRE, in its drive towards reducing India’s dependence on solar imports and achieving self-reliance, had made it mandatory for solar module manufacturers to get registered under the ALMM to be eligible for a wide range of government-backed projects.

The decision on expanding the ALMM scope has been lauded by representatives from North India Module Manufacturers Association (NIMMA), Indian Solar Manufacturers Association (ISMA), All India Solar Industries Association (AISIA), and industry leaders.

Welcoming the decision, Hitesh Doshi – President, All India Solar Industries Association said, “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 modules are a major and most important component of solar power projects. Domestic Industry is suffering for a long time due to almost 90% of imports of solar modules. Local manufacturing capacity in India, which is more than our requirement, now will have some business.

Manish Gupta, President, North India Module Manufacturers Association (NIMMA), said, “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.”

Bharat Bhut, cofounder and director, Goldi Solar, a Gujarat-based solar manufacturer, said, “The ALMM policy amendment by MNRE is a significant announcement in the interest of all stakeholders. The announcement has come at an appropriate time, just when BCD [basic customs duty] 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.”