The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has amended its regulation on compulsory registration of approved models and manufacturers of solar modules and cells in the country.

Previously, if the application consisted of multiple models, the application fee would increase by 10% for every additional model. Now, in the amended version of the regulations, in case the application consists of multiple models, an additional 1% will be charged for every additional model.

The previous regulation also stated that if the applicant is already enlisted for a particular model of module or cell, then the application fee for additional models would be 10% of the primary application fee. Now, the amendment states that if there are multiple models, the fees would be 10% of the primary application fee and 1% for every additional model after that.

These amendments have reduced the fee payable by the manufacturers.

Models here refer to solar cells and modules having the same nominal power output rating. All BIS approved solar cells and modules with the same output rating will be considered one model.

In October 2018, the ministry came up with an order which specified the requirements for compulsory registration of solar module manufacturers in the country. It was aimed at reducing India’s dependence on solar imports and making it self-sufficient with a broad manufacturing base covering solar wafers, cells, and modules. The MNRE had said that it would enlist eligible models and manufacturers of solar modules and publish the same in a list called the ‘Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).’ This was in line with the Quality Control Order released last year.

The move came in the wake of companies using sub-standard material to make cells and modules, impacting the actual power generation and longevity of the projects.

In January this year, the MNRE issued a notification wherein it said that after March 31, 2020, all government-owned solar projects and others set up for the sale of electricity to the government will be required to procure components from ALMM  enlisted vendors only.

Soumik is a staff reporter at Mercom India. Prior to joining Mercom, Soumik was a correspondent for UNI, New Delhi covering the Northeast region for seven years. He has also worked as an Asia Correspondent for Washington DC-based Hundred Reporters. He has contributed as a freelancer to several national and international digital publications with a focus on data-based investigative stories on environmental corruption, hydro power projects, energy transition and the circular economy. Soumik is an Economics graduate from Scottish Church College, Calcutta University.