Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM)

Approved List of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM) – India’s Quality Benchmark for Solar Modules & Cells

Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. What is ALMM and who introduced it?
3. Why the ALMM list was introduced
4. Is ALMM necessary for solar projects in India?
5. ALMM Procedure – Documentation & key criteria
6. Latest status of ALMM – Module manufacturers (List I) & Cell manufacturers (List II)
7. Key take-aways for developers & EPCs
8. References / Links

1. Overview

The Approved List of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM) is a regulatory list maintained by MNRE that lists eligible solar PV module models and their manufacturers (as List-I) and, more recently, solar PV cell manufacturers/models (List-II). Ministry of New and Renewable Energy+1
Only the modules (and in future cells) included in this list are permitted for procurement in many government-funded or subsidy-linked solar projects — thereby ensuring quality, traceability and domestic manufacturing compliance.

2. What is ALMM and Who Introduced It?

• The ALMM regime stems from the “Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019” issued by MNRE on 02 January 2019. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy+1
• Under the Order, MNRE publishes List-I (solar PV modules) and will publish List-II (solar PV cells). Ministry of New and Renewable Energy+1
• The first List-I was published on 10 March 2021. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy+1
• For solar PV cells (List-II), enforcement of mandatory usage is set from 1 June 2026. Press Information Bureau

3. Why the ALMM List Was Introduced

The ALMM scheme was introduced for multiple strategic reasons:

• To drive “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) in solar manufacturing by favouring domestic production of modules (and soon cells).
• To ensure that solar modules used in large scale and subsidy-linked projects meet minimum quality, performance and warranty benchmarks, thereby reducing risk of under‐performing installations.
• To bring standardisation and transparency into procurement for government/utility based solar projects, open-access, net-metering & subsidy schemes.
• To promote trackable manufacturing: modules listed under ALMM must be from manufacturing units as claimed, with BIS certification etc. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy+1

4. Is ALMM Necessary for Solar Projects in India?

Yes — subject to project type:

• Projects availing government funding, subsidies or under schemes (such as rooftop solar with subsidies, PM-KUSUM, solar parks, open access tenders involving government agencies) must procure modules from manufacturers/models listed in ALMM List-I. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
• From June 2026, projects will also need to procure solar cells from List-II manufacturers (for modules to be eligible) as per MNRE’s amendment. Press Information Bureau
• For purely private commercial/industrial rooftop installations without any subsidy or scheme obligation, ALMM may not be strictly mandatory — but using ALMM-listed modules is best practice from quality/compliance perspective.

Note to EPCs/Developers: Always verify the exact model number of the module is on the latest List-I (or cell is on List-II) at time of procurement, because the list is updated frequently and failures to comply can delay approvals or subsidies.

5. ALMM Procedure – Documentation & Key Criteria

Documentation required by manufacturers for enlistment:

• BIS registration certificate for module (or cell) models
• Manufacturing unit details, capacity, technology
• Quality management systems, test reports
• Application to MNRE using prescribed ARMM/ALMM formats.
  (See MNRE document repository) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy+1

Key eligibility criteria (some of the latest standards):

• For modules (List-I), minimum module efficiency thresholds apply. For example: crystalline-silicon modules for utility scale (Category I) must have ≥20 % efficiency; rooftop (Category II) ≥19.5% etc. Legality Simplified+1
• Valid BIS certification must be maintained; if BIS registration expires, module/manufacturer may be delisted. S3WaaS

Process summary:

1. Manufacturer submits application →
2. MNRE reviews technical/quality data →
3. Once approved, manufacturer/model listed under List-I or List-II →
4. Projects can procure modules/cells from listed manufacturers only (if scheme demands) →
5. Periodic updates: MNRE issues revisions, new entrants, delistings. Mercomindia.com+1

6. Latest Status of ALMM

6.1 Module Manufacturers (List-I)

• As of mid-2025, one reliable source indicates that there are 93 domestic module manufacturers included under List-I with cumulative capacity of over 22,000 MW. solarclap.com
• Another source reports that the total number of module manufacturers under ALMM had reached 107, with cumulative manufacturing capacity ~91,458 MW. Mercomindia.com
• Official MNRE website lists “Updated (13.10.2025) List-I under ALMM order for Solar PV Modules”. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy+1
• So, while exact manufacturer-count may vary depending on update version, the data indicates around 90–110 module manufacturers are enlisted.
• For website context: “Over 100 module-manufacturers” is a safe headline.

6.2 Cell Manufacturers (List-II)

• The first List-II (for solar PV cells) was published by MNRE as of 23 September 2025 for 6 manufacturers spanning 9 solar-cell manufacturing units and total capacity ~13,066 MW. Energetica Magazine+1
• This means that for cells, the ALMM regime is freshly applied and will become mandatory from June 2026.

6.3 What this means

• Module manufacturers: being enlisted under List-I provides eligibility to supply modules for government schemes, open access, net-metering etc.
• Cell manufacturers: as of now fewer, but ramping up; upcoming requirement will make module suppliers ensure cells are from List-II where applicable.
• It signals a strong growth in domestic manufacturing capacity and enforcement of quality standards in India’s solar ecosystem.

7. Key Take-aways for Developers & EPCs 

• Before procurement of modules, always verify that: the manufacturer is listed under ALMM List-I and the exact module model is listed.
• For projects to be commissioned post June 2026, check whether cell-procurement rules (List-II) apply and ensure modules used are compliant.
• Update your internal procurement checklist: ALMM compliance → BIS certificate verification → Module model coverage → Validity of listing.
• Use the ALMM enlistment number and capacity details in your project documentation to strengthen proposals for incentives/subsidies.
• Communicate to clients (especially in rooftop/commercial projects) the benefit of using ALMM-listed modules – better quality assurance, eligibility for subsidies, lower risk.
• For your website content (solar design, simulation, EPC services), highlight your familiarity with ALMM compliance as part of quality assurance in your sales/marketing messaging.
• Because your company is servicing projects like government tenders, CSR solar installations, export etc., being ALMM-savvy strengthens trust.

8. References / Downloads

• MNRE Official page for ALMM: “Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM)” – MNRE website. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
• First revision of ALMM List-II (Cells) & capacity details. Energetica Magazine+1
• Overview of module manufacturer count under ALMM. Mercomindia.com+1
• Minimum efficiency thresholds and eligibility criteria. Legality Simplified+1
• Download the Latest ALMM List -1 23-10-2025 
  Download Latest ALMM List-2 23-09-2025