MNRE Eases ALMM Rules, Allows Co-Branded Modules from Non-Manufacturing Firms

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has eased enlistment norms under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), allowing certain non-manufacturing Indian companies to register co-branded solar modules in partnership with approved OEMs.

The amendment to the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019 modifies clauses 4.3 and 5.14 of existing guidelines. It creates two eligibility categories: one where both the brand owner and OEM are ALMM-listed, and another where only the OEM is listed, with the brand owner limited to supplying Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) projects under 1 MW.

For the second category, the brand owner must be registered in India, have no manufacturing facility worldwide, and sign a co-branding agreement with an ALMM-listed OEM. Both parties will jointly guarantee product warranties, and models will undergo physical inspection before listing.

Applications must be submitted by the brand owner with details of the agreement, manufacturing capacity, and validity period. A flat INR 1,000 application fee applies. The validity of co-branded enlistment has been extended from two to four years, or until the earliest expiry of the agreement, OEM’s enlistment, or the model’s ALMM validity.

MNRE says the changes will make the ALMM framework more inclusive, opening the door for smaller solar firms and startups to participate in government-linked renewable projects while maintaining quality control.