​​What is ALMM?

 In an effort to reduce India's reliance on imports of solar-related products and to make India more self-sufficient, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has declared that solar module producers are required to register their products on the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).

What is ALMM Regulation?

According to the ALMM regulation, only the specified solar PV models and module manufacturers can be utilized for solar projects in India. These include government projects, government-assisted initiatives, government plans and programmes, including open access and net-metering projects.

What is an ALMM list?

The Certified List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) is a list of solar photovoltaic (PV) module models and manufacturers approved by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

In simple words, the list relates to government-tendered utility-scale solar projects (for example, SECI), rooftop solar (net-metering), the corporate PPA market, and government initiatives (for example, KUSUM).

​​BIS v/s ALMM

The ALMM is open to both domestic and international solar module producers.

The main goal of developing a certified List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) was to assure the quality of solar panels and the manufacturer's dependability.

Enlistment requires a product and performance certificate from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

While the BIS provides product quality certification, the ALMM covers certification for the process, manufacturer, and manufacturing facility.

​​ALMM Documents

The following documents duly signed by the authorized signatory shall be provided with the Application form:

 1.Copy of certificate of incorporation

 2.Authorized Letter for authorizing the authorized signatory to sign the application

 3.Copy of BIS certificate/registration, as applicable

 4.Copy of certificates declaring Standards from Accredited Labs of BIS

 5.Affidavit and Indemnity Bond in the prescribed format signed by Authorized Signatory and attested by Judicial Magistrate or Executive Magistrate or Notary Public

 6.Other Documents

​​ALMM Procedure

 1. Applicants for ALMM are required to send their completed application forms to the ALMM cell of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

 2. In addition to the application fee, the applicant for ALMM is required to submit proof of their financial and physical manufacturing capabilities, ranging from the most recent three years or the period of existence of the respective unit, whichever is less. This evidence must date back to at least one of these time periods. The applicant may provide evidence in the form of specifics regarding the purchase of raw materials, the production and sales of goods, a profit and loss account balance sheet, and so on.

 3. In addition to the application fee, the applicant for ALMM is required to submit proof of their financial and physical manufacturing capabilities, ranging from the most recent three years or the period of existence of the respective unit, whichever is less. This evidence must date back to at least one of these time periods. The applicant can show proof by giving details about the purchase of raw materials, the making and selling of goods, a profit-and-loss statement, and so on.

 4. In cases where an initial inspection is needed, once the operations of the unit have been checked and found to be satisfactory, the applicant will have to submit details about the unit's purchases of raw materials and sales of finished goods for the next year, broken down by month. They will also have to send in bank statements that show these purchases and sales, as well as a certificate from their buyers saying that they did a good job and a certificate from their banks saying that they are financially stable.

After a preliminary inspection, if there are no operational problems or performance problems, the unit will be able to move on to the next step, which is a full inspection.

 5. Checking the site after that, the Implementation Support Agency will be able to checkout the site if the applicant manufacturing unit pays the fees for inspection.

 6. The approved list of models and manufacturers under ALMM (Lists I and II) will be posted on the website of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and will be updated every three months.

Validity

The enlistment shall be valid for a period of two years from the date of enlistment and can be renewed after that.

ALMM List

The ALMM consists of two lists:-

• List-I (Solar PV models and manufacturers)

• List-II (Solar PV cells and manufacturers)

The MNRE has been updating List I regularly by the ALMM order. 46 local module makers with a total capacity of 11,497 MW were included in the most recent order (4 March 2022).

The administration intends to disclose List II, but no timetable has been set.

Relevance and Impact

ALMM does not have any overseas manufacturers as of March 2022.

This will boost home production of solar modules.

The list is essential for manufacturers and project developers.

Limiting the list to local manufacturers may cut imports in the solar sector, but it may also operate as an obstacle to adding the 25-30 GW necessary to meet India's 500 GW non-fossil fuel objective by 2030.

​​Who should care?

• Solar project developers

• Renewable energy investors
  

• Solar module manufacturers

• Solar rooftop and open-access customers