MNRE Amends Order for Implementation of ALMM for Solar PV Cells

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued an office memorandum amending the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019 (ALMM order) for the implementation of ALMM for solar PV cells. The ALMM order specified two lists, one outlining models and manufacturers of solar PV modules and the other for solar PV cells. The first was issued immediately, and the second was kept on hold since the installed capacity of solar PV cells in the country was lower than demand. With the expected increase in demand next year, List-II is proposed to be issued, which shall be effective from 1st June 2026.

As per the amendment, all projects falling under ALMM shall have to mandatorily source their solar PV modules from List-I, and such solar PV modules in turn shall have to use solar PV cells from List-II. However, an exemption has been provided for projects where the last date of bid submission was on or before the issuance of this order, irrespective of their date of commissioning.

To effectuate this, a clause must be added in tender documents/Request for Selection (RfS) documents. Where tenders have been issued prior to this order, but the last date of bid submission is after the issuance, an amendment must be issued mandating this requirement. Procedureal guidelines concerning the list would be issued separately.

Net Metering and Open Access RE Power Projects, which are mandated to use ALMM-enlisted modules, will stand exempt from the requirement of using solar PV cells from ALMM List-II if such projects get commissioned prior to 1st June 2026. In addition, thin film technology-based solar PV modules enlisted in ALMM List-1 shall be deemed to be in compliance with this requirement.

In June this year, the MNRE issued a clarification granting exemption from List I to projects where the bid submission date was before April 10, 2021. This move aligns with India’s broader goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power capacity by 2030 and making substantial strides in its commitment to clean energy.