The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has expanded the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) by adding 2,084 MW of new solar module capacity. The cumulative module manufacturing capacity under ALMM now stands at 56,520 MW.

Junna Solar System, Sun N Sand Exim, and Powertrac Solar Projects were the new entrants to the ALMM, accounting for 94 MW, 69 MW, and 47 MW, respectively.

Waaree Energies, RenewSys India, and Goldi Solar increased their enlisted capacity by 1,144 MW, 495 MW, and 235 MW, respectively.

Sunbond Energy, which has an enlisted capacity of 60 MW, was included in the provisional ALMM list with an applied capacity of 290 MW.

In a recent update to the ALMM Order, MNRE revised the guidelines for the inspection and final enlistment of provisionally listed manufacturers. According to the new rules, the final enlistment must be completed within two months of the application. If the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) has conducted the inspection but MNRE has not yet received the recommendation, the provisional enlistment will automatically become final after two months.

However, the provisional enlistment will be revoked if the solar photovoltaic manufacturers cause an inspection delay. All deemed enlistments will undergo review, and NISE must provide MNRE with a report detailing the reasons for any incomplete inspections and procedures within two months.

Recently, MNRE also issued a draft amendment to the ALMM Order to include solar cells in the ALMM framework. The final list is expected to be operational by April 2026. Stakeholders can submit their comments and suggestions by October 6, 2024.

The draft amendment proposes that List II, which specifies approved models and manufacturers of solar cells, will be issued by 2026. Once the List-II is effective from April 1, 2026, all solar projects falling under ALMM’s purview will be mandated to use solar modules listed in ALMM List-I, and these modules must use cells listed in ALMM List-II.