The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has augmented the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) by incorporating an additional 64 MW of solar module capacity. This expansion brings the total cumulative manufacturing capacity of solar modules to 22,191 MW.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in India is a pivotal government body dedicated to advancing sustainable energy initiatives. MNRE formulates policies and programs to promote renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and bioenergy.
The ALMM has expanded its list of module manufacturers, reaching a total of 72 companies. Among them, 39 companies, nearly half of the total, have declared module capacities exceeding 500 Wp. Notably, there are currently no foreign manufacturers included in the ALMM. MNRE has implemented significant reforms to the ALMM, incorporating models from manufacturers adhering to Bureau of Indian Standards norms.
These reforms also entail specific minimum module efficiency criteria for different categories: 20% for Category I (grid-scale power projects), 19.5% for Category II (rooftop and solar pumping), and 19% for Category III (solar lighting). As of May 10, 2023, only models with module efficiency equal to or greater than 19% have been considered for enlistment under ALMM List-1.
GreenBrilliance Renewable Energy (50 MW) and Ritika Systems (40 MW) were removed from the ALMM. Several companies experienced changes in their enlisted capacities, with Aplex Solar (8 MW), Abhishek Solar Industries (142 MW), and Rhine Solar (28 MW) seeing increases, while SAEL Solar Energy witnessed a reduction of 24 MW. Additionally, eight companies have received provisional enlistment, totaling a capacity of 11,817 MW.
Credence Solar Panels achieved provisional approval for a 670 W solar module, surpassing the current highest enlisted module capacity of 650 W. Provisional ALMM enlistment is granted within seven days of Bureau of Indian Standards certification, and a two-month timeframe is provided for factory inspection and final enlistment.
Failure to complete the final enlistment within this period will result in the provisional enlistment being deemed final. It’s worth noting that the ALMM order has been suspended for one financial year, specifically FY 2023-24. Projects commissioned by March 31, 2024, are exempt from the requirement to procure solar modules from the ALMM.
