The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has expanded the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) by adding 64 MW of new solar module capacity. The cumulative module manufacturing capacity now stands at 22,191 MW.

With the latest addition, the ALMM now has 72 module manufacturers.

Nearly half or 39 companies have enlisted module capacities of 500 Wp and above.

Even after the latest update, the ALMM has no foreign manufacturers.

MNRE has introduced significant changes to the ALMM. The reforms include enlisting models from manufacturers that adhere to Bureau of Indian Standards norms and meet specific minimum module efficiency criteria based on the following:

• Category I (grid-scale power projects): minimum module efficiency of 20%
• Category II (rooftop and solar pumping): minimum module efficiency of 19.5%
• Category III (solar lighting): minimum module efficiency of 19%

As of May 10, 2023, only models of solar modules with 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 ALMM.

The enlisted capacities of some companies saw changes. The capacities of Aplex Solar (8 MW), Abhishek Solar Industries (142 MW), and Rhine Solar (28 MW) were increased, while that of SAEL Solar Energy saw a reduction of 24 MW.

Eight companies have been granted provisional enlistment for a cumulative capacity of 11,817 MW.

Credence Solar Panels has been granted 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 BIS certification, and a time limit of two months will be provided for factory inspection and final enlistment, failing which the provisional enlistment will be deemed the final enlistment.

The ALMM order has been kept in abeyance for one financial year, i.e., FY 2023-24. Projects commissioned by March 31, 2024, are exempt from the requirement to procure solar modules from ALMM.

Subscribe to our real-time Regulatory Updates to ensure you never miss any critical updates from the renewable energy industry.