MNRE Clarifies on Manufacturers Exempt from BIS Registration

In a bid to provide further relief to solar module manufacturers, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued clarification on the ‘definition of model’, ‘quantum of application fee’ and provisions w.r.t. manufacturers currently exempted from BIS registration and certification for ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) application purpose.

As per the clarification on ‘model’, the ministry said that, if two different modules have same technology (say multi-crystalline), and have same no. of cells (say 72 cells), have proper ratings either identical (say 320 Wp and 320 Wp) or slightly varying but within the permissible variation range of ± 5 percent from the mean wattage (say 315 Wp and 345 Wp which are within ± 5 percent of the mean wattage module of 330 Wp), they shall be treated as one model, subject to all other major technical aspects being similar.

However, if the two modules, having some difference in technical features like different voltage rating, different no. of bus bars, different anti-reflective coating etc, they will not be treated as one model, the ministry said.

Similarly, for photovoltaic (PV) cells, all the cells based on same technology (multi-crystalline/ mono-crystalline/ mono PERC/ bifacial/ half-cut, etc) and having proper ratings within ± 5 percent of the power rating of the mean wattage as submitted by the applicant, shall be treated as one model, subject to all other major technical aspects being similar.

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