The recent reimposition of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) regulation by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has once again raised questions for existing and aspiring solar manufacturers on the elaborate process for getting ALMM-enlisted. The ALMM mandate is back in force from April 1, 2024, clearing the confusion caused over the exemption of open access and private rooftop solar power projects in MNRE’s previous order.

Government-owned power transmission utility Power Grid Corporation of India (POWERGRID) has won the contracts to establish three inter-state transmission systems projects on a build, own, operate, and transfer basis to evacuate 18 GW of power from various renewable energy zones in Rajasthan and Gujarat. POWERGRID received the letters of intent on April 16, 2024. The scheduled commercial operation date of the projects is 24 months from the date of the letters of intent.

The MNRE has invited comments and suggestions on the draft guidelines for implementing the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in the residential rooftop solar segment. The last date for receiving the comments/suggestions is April 23, 2024. The Government of India launched the program on February 13, 2024. It aims to install rooftop solar projects in ten million households at a cost of ₹752.01 billion (~$ $8.9 billion).

Tech giant Apple has announced a joint venture with Mumbai-based renewable energy firm CleanMax to power its operations in India with renewable energy as part of its goal to be carbon neutral across its entire value chain by the end of this decade. As part of the collaboration, CleanMax has installed 14.4 MW of rooftop solar power projects across six industrial sites in India.

The European Commission and member states have signed the European Solar Charter, outlining a coordinated set of actions to support the continent’s struggling solar photovoltaic (PV) industry and tackle unfair competitive practices. The EU has targeted at least 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. A heavy reliance on imported solar modules, primarily from China, has threatened the viability of existing European solar manufacturers.