Centre cuts solar PV module ALMM registration fee, extends validity

17 May 2023 CW Team

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has made several reforms to its Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) system for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules.

The reforms, primarily aimed at reducing costs for solar PV producers, shortening the time between application and enlistment, reducing compliance burdens, and improving overall convenience in the ALMM process, include:

1. An 80% reduction in the application fee.
2. Significantly lower inspection fees, with reductions of up to 70% in certain cases.
3. Exemption from factory inspection when adding additional models to the ALMM that are similar to those already enlisted but have lower wattage.
4. Manufacturers are allowed to withdraw applications before the factory inspection and receive a 90 percent refund of the application fee.
5. Extending the validity of ALMM enlistment from two to four years.
6. Provisional enlistment in ALMM within seven days of receiving Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) registration, with a two-month deadline for factory enlistment and final enlistment. Failure to meet the deadline will result in deemed enlistment.
7. All future ALMM applications must include a scanned copy of the application, and processing will commence without requiring hard copies, which can be submitted later.
8. Introducing minimum module efficiency limits specific to end-use categories for ALMM enlistment:
- 20% for utility/grid-scale power plants
- 19.50% for solar and rooftop pumping
- 19% for solar lighting

In the meantime, BS Bhalla, Secretary, MNRE, stated that the changes in the ALMM for PV modules would enhance the ease of doing business and support the expansion of local production of solar PV modules to meet current and future demand.

The PLI Scheme has not only boosted domestic manufacturing capacity of solar modules but also facilitated vertical integration of the value chain in India.

Also read:
TCC seeks consultants for green power project optimisation
Vibrant Energy partners with Envision for 149 MW wind turbine order

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has made several reforms to its Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) system for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. The reforms, primarily aimed at reducing costs for solar PV producers, shortening the time between application and enlistment, reducing compliance burdens, and improving overall convenience in the ALMM process, include: 1. An 80% reduction in the application fee. 2. Significantly lower inspection fees, with reductions of up to 70% in certain cases. 3. Exemption from factory inspection when adding additional models to the ALMM that are similar to those already enlisted but have lower wattage. 4. Manufacturers are allowed to withdraw applications before the factory inspection and receive a 90 percent refund of the application fee. 5. Extending the validity of ALMM enlistment from two to four years. 6. Provisional enlistment in ALMM within seven days of receiving Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) registration, with a two-month deadline for factory enlistment and final enlistment. Failure to meet the deadline will result in deemed enlistment. 7. All future ALMM applications must include a scanned copy of the application, and processing will commence without requiring hard copies, which can be submitted later. 8. Introducing minimum module efficiency limits specific to end-use categories for ALMM enlistment: - 20% for utility/grid-scale power plants - 19.50% for solar and rooftop pumping - 19% for solar lighting In the meantime, BS Bhalla, Secretary, MNRE, stated that the changes in the ALMM for PV modules would enhance the ease of doing business and support the expansion of local production of solar PV modules to meet current and future demand. The PLI Scheme has not only boosted domestic manufacturing capacity of solar modules but also facilitated vertical integration of the value chain in India. Also read: TCC seeks consultants for green power project optimisation Vibrant Energy partners with Envision for 149 MW wind turbine order

Technology

28 Oct 2025

Building Faster, Smarter, and Greener!

Backed by ULCCS’s century-old legacy, U-Sphere combines technology, modular design and sustainable practices to deliver faster and more efficient projects. In an interaction with CW, Rohit Prabhakar, Director - Business Development, shares how the company’s integrated model of ‘Speed-Build’, ‘Smart-Build’ and ‘Sustain-Build’ is redefining construction efficiency, quality and environmental responsibility in India.U-Sphere positions itself at the intersection of speed, sustainability and smart design. How does this translate into measurable efficiency on the ground?At U..

Infrastructure Transport

28 Oct 2025

Smart Roads, Smarter India

India’s infrastructure boom is not only about laying more kilometres of highways – it’s about building them smarter, safer and more sustainably. From drones mapping fragile Himalayan slopes to 3D machine-controlled graders reducing human error, technology is steadily reshaping the way projects are planned and executed. Yet, the journey towards digitisation remains complex, demanding not just capital but also coordination, training and vision.Until recently, engineers largely depended on Survey of India toposheets and traditional survey methods like total stations or DGPS to prepare detai..

Real Estate

28 Oct 2025

What Does DCPR 2034 Mean?

The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified b..