Solar Boost: Govt lifts ALMM mandate for projects commissioned by March 2024
Notable because
The lifting of the mandate allows the use of solar modules manufactured by foreign manufacturers (beyond those in the earlier approved list) for government projects, schemes, and programmes, as well as open access and net-metering projects. This solar push will benefit projects of ~25 GW granted before the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) was introduced, but whose commercial date was set after it. The government has also imposed a 40 per cent basic customs duty on module imports and a 25 per cent duty on cell imports.
What to look out for in the months ahead
Some overseas manufacturers are introducing superior and efficient products at an even lower cost. When can our indigenous manufactured units at least match international quality and pricing? How can the government continue pushing for solar energy while promoting domestic manufacturing?