MNRE Tightens Traceability Of Domestic PV Cells And Modules With New ALMM Rule

MNRE Enhances Traceability of Domestic PV Cells and Modules

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently amended a provision under the “Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019.” In its latest notification, MNRE introduced two new clauses dated May 10, 2023. These changes come even as Domestic Content Requirements (DCR) became mandatory for most solar projects from April this year, except those related to green hydrogen production.

Revised Inspection Timeline to Prevent Delays

Under the earlier provision, manufacturers had a two-month window from the receipt of their application for provisional enlistment. If this period lapsed without completion, the provisional enlistment would automatically become final. Additionally, all deemed enlistments required examination, with the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) submitting a report to MNRE within two months, explaining any delays in inspection or other procedures.

The revised provision maintains NISE’s role in examining enlistments. However, MNRE introduced an additional clause: “If inspection delays are attributable to solar PV manufacturers, their provisional enlistment shall be revoked. NISE must submit a report to MNRE within two months, detailing the reasons for non-completion of inspection.”

Streamlining Data Collection via an Online Portal

MNRE’s latest provision establishes an online portal operated by NISE. This portal collects data on production, sales, and exports from solar PV manufacturers. Manufacturers enlisted in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) must enter data on this portal regarding their solar PV manufacturing facilities starting from April 2023. The deadline for data submission is within four weeks of the order’s issuance. Failure to comply may result in delisting from ALMM.

Additionally, future applications for enlistment, renewal, model additions, or provisional enlistment in ALMM must include a certificate on the solar PV manufacturer’s letterhead. This certificate confirms that data on production, sales, and export related to the manufacturing facilities has been entered into the portal from April 2023 onwards, up to the month preceding the ALMM application submission. Non-compliance will lead to rejection of the ALMM application.

Enhancing Traceability of Domestically Manufactured Solar PV Cells and Modules

MNRE’s new clause aims to improve the verification process for domestically manufactured content. The provision mandates that NISE’s portal will ensure traceability of domestically manufactured solar PV cells and modules. It will also assist in verifying Domestic Content Requirements (DCR) for solar PV modules deployed in the country. The exclusive mechanism for DCR verification will be through this portal. If a solar PV module claimed to be DCR compliant fails verification, the concerned manufacturer may face penalties as outlined in MNRE’s O.M. dated October 16, 2023.