India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has reinstated the so-called Model and Manufacturer Approval List (ALMM) authorization with effect from April 1, 2024. Only solar products and manufacturers on ALMM approved by the MNRE will be eligible to participate in government-backed projects. The MNRE introduced the policy to protect India's domestic industries from dumping of Chinese products.

The ALMM licensing provides an opportunity for Indian domestic manufacturers to serve the huge market by erecting non-tariff barriers for Chinese products. ALMM includes solar module models and manufacturers that comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

"The mandatory use of ALMM components ensures that Chinese components are excluded, thus giving a huge boost to Indian component manufacturers," said Tanmoy Duari, CEO of AXITEC Energy India. "This not only expands the market for Indian manufacturers, but also insulates them from competition with their Chinese counterparts, boosting local solar production and innovation."

Goldi Solar is one of ALMM's listed PV manufacturers. The company plans to invest 6 GW of module manufacturing and 5 GW of battery production by 2026.

Ishver Dholakiya, managing director and founder of Goldi Solar, said: "ALMM is a balancing mechanism that provides significant advantages to domestic manufacturers and creates a favourable environment for Indian companies." "This presents an excellent opportunity for local manufacturers, particularly in two key areas: rooftop solar and utility-scale projects."