Solar module availability issues persist post ALMM reinstatement
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Solar module availability issues persist post ALMM reinstatement

Two months after the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) was reinstated, industry stakeholders report ongoing challenges regarding the availability and affordability of solar modules. According to them, the reversal of the ALMM policy has not alleviated these issues. Sarthak Sengupta, Head of Procurement at Amplus Solar, stated that N-type DCR modules in the domestic market cost approximately Rs 22 per Wp for a module size ranging from 545-550 Wp, while non-DCR modules utilizing Chinese cells are priced around Rs 15 per Wp. He noted that even with the inclusion of a 44 per cent basic customs duty and surcharge, imported modules are priced at an average of Rs 12. Availability of N-Type/Topcon modules is particularly challenging.

Ashish Agarwal, head of solar business at BluPine Energy, mentioned that it is premature to conclusively assess the impact of the ALMM restoration on domestic supply and pricing, given that only two months have passed since the deadline expired. He observed a significant uptick in orders received by domestic module manufacturers during this period. Agarwal added that suppliers are expressing concerns about potential delays in future deliveries due to increasing factory bookings, highlighting the urgency in securing future production capacities.

The government reinstated the ALMM policy on April 1, 2024, affecting all projects except utility projects with pre-July 2021 power purchase agreements and behind-the-meter projects.

Two months after the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) was reinstated, industry stakeholders report ongoing challenges regarding the availability and affordability of solar modules. According to them, the reversal of the ALMM policy has not alleviated these issues. Sarthak Sengupta, Head of Procurement at Amplus Solar, stated that N-type DCR modules in the domestic market cost approximately Rs 22 per Wp for a module size ranging from 545-550 Wp, while non-DCR modules utilizing Chinese cells are priced around Rs 15 per Wp. He noted that even with the inclusion of a 44 per cent basic customs duty and surcharge, imported modules are priced at an average of Rs 12. Availability of N-Type/Topcon modules is particularly challenging. Ashish Agarwal, head of solar business at BluPine Energy, mentioned that it is premature to conclusively assess the impact of the ALMM restoration on domestic supply and pricing, given that only two months have passed since the deadline expired. He observed a significant uptick in orders received by domestic module manufacturers during this period. Agarwal added that suppliers are expressing concerns about potential delays in future deliveries due to increasing factory bookings, highlighting the urgency in securing future production capacities. The government reinstated the ALMM policy on April 1, 2024, affecting all projects except utility projects with pre-July 2021 power purchase agreements and behind-the-meter projects.

Next Story
Real Estate

Rethinking Slum Development

In July 2024, the Supreme Court directed the Bombay High Court to initiate suo motu proceedings to evaluate the implementation of the Maharashtra Slum Area (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act.During the ensuing proceedings, the Division Bench of Justices expressed concern about the plight of slum dwellers, saying, “Merely because you are a slum dweller doesn’t mean that you are left to the discretion of developers. They end up with a pittance.” The Bench also noted that the buildings allocated to slum dwellers were akin to “vertical slums”. “The buildings are congested. ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Ring in the New!

Lighting:OLED (organic light emitting diode) panels such as those by Philips are the latest option in soft lighting fixtures that can be embedded into walls, ceilings or furniture, says Nilesh Sawant, Principal Architect, Nilesh Sawant Architect. “Being thin and flexible, they lend themselves well to different applications while delivering the energy-efficiency associated with LED technology.”And Sapna Aggarwal, Founder, ANSA Architecture & Interiors, says “Embedded light-emitting diodes can create a dreamy illumination, while dimmable LEDs are useful for allowing..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Jhansi Library

The Jhansi Library, commissioned by the Jhansi Development Authority (JDA) under the Jhansi Smart City initiative and built by Bootes Impex, a net-zero construction-tech company. It is the first library in Asia to achieve EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. This milestone marks the library as India’s first and only net-zero library, aligning  with India’s Net-Zero Vision 2070.Sustainable designDeepak Rai, Managing Director, Bootes Impex, explains, “The project's vision ..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000