MNRE Releases List Of Module Makers for Government Contracts

The ALMM list, to be updated monthly, will be valid for two years.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, in an office memorandum released yesterday, announced the names of 23 Indian firms those products would be eligible for use in government contracts for solar plants. The list is for module manufacturers right now.

The word “Government” shall include Central Government, State Government, Central Public Sector Enterprises,
State Public Sector Enterprises and Central and State Organizations / Autonomous bodies.

The Approved Models & Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (ALMM) order shall be applicable on all such bids whose last date of bid submission is on or after 10.04.2021.

With a validity of two years, the government has also promised to update the list on monthly basis, keeping the opportunity open for other manufacturers that qualify in the intervening period.  Approvals are done based on inspections by NISE (National Institute of Solar Energy)  and a special effort was made to weed out manufacturers that were claiming production of modules done elsewhere, as the ministry puts it. Probably referring to manufacturers adding their own badge to products after importing them or buying them locally from other Indian manufacturers even.

The list will be welcomed by industry, as it makes a start on what is likely to be a very crucial upcoming period, as far as government sponsored contracts go. As we have been highlighting, a significant part of growth in the coming years will come from government led initiatives fronted by its PSU’s, besides the regular auctions mechanism through SECI and other state governments.

Coming a day after clarity on the BCD issue, one hopes that the new wave of purpose will sustain long enough for the industry to find its feet again.