Centre eases norms for solar PV makers
New relaxation effective from March 28; Now, if the applicant has several manufacturing sites or they are sourcing their finished products from other manufacturers and selling the same under their own brand names, they would be exempted from inspection
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New Delhi: In order to enhance the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has changed rules for the manufacturers of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. The new rules offer relaxation in the inspection for the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).
As per the existing rules, if the manufacturer has multiple sites, or they are sourcing their finished products (cells or modules, for which the application has been made) from other manufacturers and selling the same under their own brand names, all manufacturing sites, including that of the applicant’s, shall be subjected to inspection.
From March 28, relaxation would come into effect. Now, if the applicant has several manufacturing sites or they are sourcing their finished product (cells or modules for which the application has been made) from other manufacturers and selling the same under their own brand names, they would be exempted in two cases, official sources told Bizz Buzz.
First, if an ALMM enlisted model of the brand owner is manufactured under a co-branding arrangement in an ALMM enlisted manufacturing facility of another manufacturer (original equipment manufacturer or (OEM) using the same manufacturing process and bill of materials.
Secondly, there would be exemption if an ALMM enlisted model of a manufacturer (OEM) is manufactured under a co-branding arrangement in the ALMM enlisted manufacturing facility of the said OEM using the same manufacturing process and bill of materials but bearing the brand name of another ALMM enlisted manufacturer.
The co-branding arrangement here refers to a form of partnership between two companies where the brand owner and the OEM execute an agreement, which allows the brand owner to its manufacturing facility to make products for the brand owner.
The MNRE, which came up with the ALMM order in 2019, has a list of 66 ALMM who can supply equipment to solar projects in the country. It is essential for solar equipment manufacturers to be on the list to do business in India.
