New reforms for solar equipment manufacturers

The reforms in the ‘Approved List of Models and Manufactures for Solar Photovoltaic Modules’ (ALMM) mechanism aim to increase the ease of doing business for solar equipment manufacturers and cut down on costs.

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Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced substantial reforms in the ‘Approved List of Models and Manufactures for Solar Photovoltaic Modules’ (ALMM) mechanism.

It aims to reduce the cost to solar PV manufacturers and curtails the time between application and enlistment. In addition, it aims to reduce the compliance burden and increase the ease of doing business in the entire ALMM process.

One of the major reforms introduced by the Ministry is the reduction in application fees by 80%. The other major reform relates to a reduction in inspection fees. The reduction of inspection fees in certain cases is as high as 70%. Exemption from factory inspection has been provided if enlistment is for additional models in ALMM, being similar to those already enlisted by the applicant but are of lower wattage. 

Under the new reforms, the manufacturers will be allowed to withdraw applications before the factory inspection. They will be entitled to a refund of 90% of the application fee. The ministry has also provided a grant of provisional enlistment in ALMM within seven days of receipt of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) registration. 

Mr B S Bhalla, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said that changes in the ALMM for photovoltaic modules would enhance the ease of doing business. He added that reforms would also help in elevating the domestic production of solar photovoltaic modules for meeting the current as well as future demand.