The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has mandated that all domestic solar cell and module manufacturers file all data on the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) portal from January 1, 2024.

From December 1, 2024, any solar module whose DCR credentials cannot be verified through the DCR verification portal will not be accepted under MNRE’s CPSU Program Phase-II, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM KUSUM. The National Institute of Solar Energy operates the portal.

To ensure better traceability of domestically produced solar cells and modules, the ministry has amended the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) order to include the new provision about DCR verification.

“All the existing ALMM enlisted manufacturers shall register their solar PV manufacturing facilities on the said portal and start feeding the data in respect of solar PV modules and solar PV cells being manufactured by them,” the ministry said in an office memorandum.

The portal will now be the exclusive mechanism for verifying domestic content requirements. If any module that has been claimed to be DCR compliant fails the DCR verification, the manufacturer concerned will face action.

Additionally, all future applications for enlistment, renewal, addition of modules, or provisional enlistment in ALMM should be accompanied by a certificate certifying that data regarding solar modules and cells manufactured by the facilities has been filled in the portal. If not, the ALMM application will be rejected.

The ministry, in October 2024, expanded the ALMM by adding 2,094 MW of solar module capacity. The cumulative module manufacturing capacity under ALMM now stands at 58,422 MW.

In September, MNRE issued a draft amendment to the ALMM order to include solar cells in the ALMM framework. The initial list is expected to be operational by April 2026. Stakeholders were allowed to submit their comments and suggestions by October 6, 2024.