Solar module duty sop under ALMM may not continue after March 31
import of solar module import called the approved list of module manufacturers (ALMM), beyond March 31, people aware of the development said.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, in a meeting with solar project developers and module manufacturers Tuesday, took a stock of the capacity additions and commissioning timelines, one of the persons said, adding that overall view was that a further relaxation is not required as adequate time had been given to the industry.
A final call on the issue would be taken shortly after taking into account all considerations, another person said, adding that some concession for commissioning could be given for modules that have reached the site before March end.
The government had exempted solar projects commissioned by March 31, 2024, from the mandatory requirement of procuring solar modules from the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019. The ALMM mandate was introduced in 2021 requiring solar project developers to buy modules from an approved list as a non-tariff barrier to boost domestic manufacturing.
However, with the gap between domestic supply and demand of solar modules, the government had put the mandate in abeyance for FY24. After representations from project developers, the government issued a notice on February 9 for the reimposition of ALMM mandate along with relaxation to the projects that were in advanced stage of construction and the order for the modules had been placed and line
