MNRE Introduces New Compliance Portals for Solar PV Manufacturers

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced important changes to the rules for registering solar photovoltaic (PV) modules concerning MNRE’s O.M. No. 283/22/2023-GRID SOLAR/Pt dated May 10, 2023. These changes aim to make the manufacturers' registration process smoother and more transparent.

One of the changes is about provisional enlistment. If the inspection by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) is completed but MNRE does not receive the recommendation within two months, the provisional enlistment will become final. However, if the delay is caused by the solar PV manufacturers, the provisional enlistment will be revoked. NISE must submit a report to MNRE explaining any delays.

Another clause introduces a portal operated by NISE for collecting data on production, sales, and exports from solar PV manufacturers. Manufacturers already on the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) must input data from April 2023 onwards within four weeks from the issuance of this memorandum. If they do not comply, they risk being delisted from the ALMM. Future applications for enlistment or renewal must include a certification that data has been filled in on the portal, or the applications will be rejected.

The order also establishes a portal to ensure the traceability of domestically manufactured solar PV cells and modules and verify compliance with Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) provisions. Existing ALMM manufacturers must register their facilities on this portal within one month of the issuance of this memorandum. This portal will be the only way to verify DCR compliance in the future, and non-compliance may lead to penalties. Future applications must include a certificate confirming data input on this portal.

The amendment to the ALMM order by MNRE is due to the need for better compliance, streamlined inspections, and improved data transparency among solar PV manufacturers. These changes include stricter timelines for factory inspections, the introduction of data collection portals managed by NISE, and the reimposition of ALMM regulations without exemptions for open access and unsubsidized rooftop solar projects. These measures are intended to ensure more effective monitoring and accountability within the solar PV sector in India​.

For more information, visit the official MNRE website.