The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has clarified the applicability of the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019, to solar projects.

According to MNRE’s Office Memorandum on March 10, 2021, the ALMM mandate applies to projects with bid submissions completed 30 days after the list’s publication date.

Specifically, the ALMM Order for List I (Modules) became effective for bids with submission deadlines on or after April 10, 2021.

The Ministry has reiterated that the ALMM Order for List I (Modules) only applies to projects whose last date for bid submission is on or after April 10, 2021.

The clarification is vital for project developers and bidders to follow the correct regulations. Projects submitted before April 10, 2021, are exempt from the ALMM Order for List I (Modules), providing some flexibility for those projects already in the pipeline.

The MNRE’s reaffirmation of the applicability of the ALMM mandate aims to streamline compliance and prevent any misunderstanding that could impact the progress of solar PV projects across India.

The ALMM mandate was reimposed on April 1, 2024. The order on reimposition, however, does away with the exemptions for projects under open access and rooftop solar by private parties announced earlier. Most industry stakeholders had expected the government to continue the relaxation available under the earlier order.

The ALMM order 2019 was held in abeyance for a year, i.e., the financial year 2023-24. Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy R K Singh had then said that India’s fledgling module manufacturing capacity was insufficient to cater to the large planned solar capacity pipeline.

Following the reimposition, MNRE added 4.1 GW of new solar module capacity to the ALMM.

Mercom earlier explained the application process for ALMM inclusion and renewal.