MNRE boosts the solar energy sector by including opening access and net-metering projects in ALMM

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India has recently taken a major step towards making the Indian Solar Energy sector more vibrant and quality-driven. The ministry has amended the "Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) of Solar Modules (requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019" to include open access and net-metering projects. Both will be subject to change from April 1, 2022.

As per the amendment, for all government projects, government-assisted projects, government-sponsored projects, open access projects, and net metering installations across the country, only products from manufacturers on the ALMM list will be allowed to be used. The enlistment would also be necessary for projects under Component A of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program.

The enlistment requirement was identical to the prior rule, but it was not relevant to open access and net metering programs, which are now included in the change.

The inclusion of open access and net-metering initiatives under ALMM is bound to bring in a positive change in the Indian solar energy market. As modules are the most significant component of solar power projects, this move will ensure that the consumers get better-quality and more trustworthy products. This will result in an overall increase in demand and that would help small manufacturers expand their capacity and grow their businesses, while the investor will have more confidence in their investments.

Navitas Solar, a Surat-based leading solar energy systems provider, welcomed the announcement, saying that the move will boost the manufacturing of the solar modules and the industry will see an acceleration in the demand while bringing much-needed quality assurance in the products.

An updated list of ALMM-ordered models and manufacturers was released by the MNRE in November. Mandatory registration rules for solar module manufacturers were established by MNRE in 2018. Models and manufacturers must have received Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification under the 'Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices, and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017' and must have established a manufacturing capacity for production in India to be included on the list.