Textile units in Tamil Nadu with solar projects aimed at self-consumption are opposing a new directive from the Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation (TNGECL) that requires the use of solar modules only from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). The Tamil Nadu Spinning Mills Association has appealed to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to revoke this mandate and has threatened legal action if their request is not addressed.
The TNGECL directive mandates that solar projects must use only ALMM-approved modules for commissioning and grid tie-up approval. This requirement, enforced by the Non-Conventional Energy Sources (NCES) wing of Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), has impacted companies such as Kaiser Green Energy and Armstrong Spinning Mills, which had applied to wheel power for captive use.
The spinning mills association has requested that the MNRE Secretary withdraw the directive, allowing the import of solar modules for private projects. The industry argues that they rely heavily on captive solar power due to the inconsistent utility power supply from distribution companies.
Association chief advisor K. Venkatachalam contends that the ALMM list should apply only to government projects, not private entities. TANGEDCO has stated that without ALMM compliance, connectivity will not be granted, potentially causing significant losses as companies face delays with imported modules. The textile sector, which contributes 75 per cent of the renewable energy capacity in Tamil Nadu, finds importing solar modules more cost-effective and efficient. Venkatachalam highlights that domestic procurement would result in a nearly 30 per cent cost increase.
A senior official from NCES noted that the ALMM requirement now applies to all entities, both private and government. This directive aligns with MNRE regulations after a previous one-year suspension of the mandate.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
