Government to register only Indian-made solar panels under ALMM: RK Singh

The government intends to include solar panels composed solely of domestically produced cells, wafers, and polysilicon in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers within the next 3-4 years. The Minister for New and Renewable Energy, RK Singh, has directed officials in his ministry to formulate a policy for this purpose. The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) was introduced by the government with the aim of promoting the domestic manufacturing of solar panels.

Less efficient modules will be excluded from the ALMM, the minister stated. He emphasized that their policies will evolve to prioritize solar modules with domestically manufactured cells. Within the next one or two years, such a policy will be introduced. Subsequently, in another one to two years, a policy will be implemented, requiring wafers and polysilicon to also be produced within India. Singh clarified that registration under the ALMM will be limited to players whose cells, wafers, and polysilicon are made in India.

This approach will contribute to genuine "Make-in-India" efforts, as the government will refrain from encouraging the import of solar panel components in the coming years, the minister noted. He expressed concerns about importing cells and assembling them domestically, potentially misleading consumers about their origin. The ministry plans to conduct a review of the ALMM next year. Furthermore, Singh underscored that manufacturers will not be allowed to endorse outdated equipment or technology to safeguard the interests of the Indian population.