The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has reiterated that all stakeholders, including solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and module manufacturers, renewable developers, procurers, and implementing agencies, should align their activities as per the Approved Lists of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM) order issued in January 2019. The notice applies especially to banks and financial institutions that are involved in lending to the renewable energy sector, asking them to comply strictly with the ALMM order.

In the notice, the MNRE added that it had been consistently directing all implementing agencies (of central and state governments) to explicitly include the clauses in their tender documents regarding the mandatory requirement of procuring solar PV cells and modules only from the ALMM Lists once they become effective.

Amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the lockdown, the MNRE recently issued a notice stating that the date for the implementation of the Approved Lists of Models & Manufacturers for solar cells has been extended by six months from March 31, 2020, to September 30, 2020.

The MNRE had issued the ALMM Order 2019 in January last year to ensure the reliability of solar PV manufacturers and protect the consumers’ interests. The ALMM order provides for the enlistment of eligible models and manufacturers of solar PV cells and modules complying with the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification and publishes the same in the ALMM list.

According to the order, ALMM list-I consists of models and manufacturers of solar PV modules, while models and manufacturers of solar PV cells have been listed under List II.

The ALMM order also states that after the effective date, all solar PV power projects which are either government-owned or assisted or are installed under government programs, should “mandatorily” procure solar PV cells and modules from models and manufacturers included in the ALMM List 1 (for modules after the effective date.

Recently, the representatives from the renewable industry had written to the MNRE asking for the implementation of ALMM to be extended to at least June 30, 2021, citing the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, among other issues. Mercom had suggested the date should be moved to the end of the year to give the industry the chance to stand on its feet again.

Previously, Mercom had analyzed how the standardization and quality control measures for cell and module technology to maintain the quality of products being deployed have affected the solar sector.

Anjana is a news editor at Mercom India. Before joining Mercom, she held roles of senior editor, district correspondent, and sub-editor for The Times of India, Biospectrum and The Sunday Guardian. Before that, she worked at the Deccan Herald and the Asianlite as chief sub-editor and news editor. She has also contributed to The Quint, Hindustan Times, The New Indian Express, Reader’s Digest (UK edition), IndiaSe (Singapore-based magazine) and Asiaville. Anjana holds a Master’s degree in Geography from North Bengal University, and a diploma in mass communication and journalism from Guru Ghasidas University, Bhopal.