• The PLI scheme for solar PV modules will be implemented by the ministry through IREDA as the implementing agency

• The MNRE said that the capacity that can be awarded to one bidder under the PLI scheme will be 50 percent of the bid capacity or 2,000 MW, whichever is less

New Delhi: The Central government has released guidelines for the implementation of the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the manufacturing of high-efficiency solar PV modules in India. According to the guidelines released by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on April 29, the PLI scheme for solar PV modules will be implemented by the ministry through Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) as the implementing agency and beneficiaries will be selected through a transparent bidding process.

Earlier on April 7, the Cabinet had approved and allocated an amount of Rs 4,500 crore to be spent over a period of five years.

PLI scheme will give preference to manufacturers who've set up high-capacity plants

"Preference will be given to manufacturers who set up higher capacity plants. However, in order to qualify for the bid, the applicant manufacturer will have to undertake to set up a manufacturing plant of minimum 1,000 MW capacity," said the MNRE. The guidelines added that greenfield new solar PV module manufacturing units would be eligible for PLI and brownfield projects will also be allowed to participate under the eligibility criteria.

Max 50% of bid capacity will be awarded to a single bidder

While stating that manufacturers can bid for any megawatt capacity, the MNRE said that the capacity that can be awarded to one bidder under the PLI scheme will be 50 percent of the bid capacity or 2,000 MW, whichever is less, to accommodate at least three manufacturers under the overall envelope of Rs 4,500 crore. Commenting on the disbursement under the scheme, the guidelines said that the manufacturing units sanctioned under the programme would be eligible for getting PLI on an annual basis on sales of high-efficiency solar PV modules for five years from the commissioning or five years from the scheduled commissioning date.

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The scheme is also aimed at promoting the setting up of integrated plants for better quality control and competitiveness, to develop an ecosystem for sourcing of local material in solar manufacturing, generate employment, and reducing import dependence.

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