If you want your solar modules used in government-backed projects in India, ALMM enlistment is non-negotiable. It is the list that decides whether your products can even be considered for a large share of the country's solar demand.

What is ALMM?

ALMM stands for the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers. It is a register maintained by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) that identifies solar PV models and manufacturers approved for use in specified projects. Only products from enlisted manufacturers can be procured for government-supported solar projects.

The list is structured in two parts:

  • List-I – approved models and manufacturers of solar PV modules.
  • List-II – approved models and manufacturers of solar PV cells.

List-I for modules was first issued in March 2021. List-II for cells was introduced later, with cell-level requirements being phased in as domestic cell manufacturing matured. The direction of policy is clear: increasing localisation across the solar value chain.

Where does ALMM apply?

ALMM enlistment is required across a wide set of government-linked demand, typically including:

  • Government-supported and government-assisted solar schemes.
  • Projects with Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) conditions.
  • Rooftop and agricultural programmes such as PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM.
  • Net-metering, open access, and many state and central tenders.

In practice, if a project touches government support in almost any form, the modules used will usually need to come from an ALMM-listed manufacturer.

BIS comes first

Valid BIS certification is a prerequisite for ALMM enlistment. Manufacturers should secure their BIS registration before applying, since the ALMM process builds on it.

The enlistment process

While details are periodically revised, the enlistment journey generally follows these stages:

  1. Application submitted through the MNRE ALMM portal, along with the required fee.
  2. Document and eligibility review of the manufacturer and the models applied for.
  3. Factory inspection of the manufacturing facility, coordinated through MNRE and its designated agencies.
  4. Enlistment of the approved models and manufacturer on the relevant list once requirements are met.

Recent reforms that made enlistment easier

To encourage participation, the government introduced several reforms. These included a substantial reduction in the application fee, an increase in the enlistment validity period, and a provision allowing manufacturers to withdraw an application before factory inspection with a large share of the fee refunded. The overall effect has been to lower the cost and risk of applying.

Why ALMM enlistment matters

  • Market access – it unlocks eligibility for a major portion of India's solar demand tied to government programmes.
  • Credibility – enlistment signals that a manufacturer has passed facility-level scrutiny.
  • Alignment with policy – it positions manufacturers within India's push for domestic solar manufacturing.
  • Long project life – since solar installations are expected to run for around 25 years, quality vetting protects both developers and end users.

Key Takeaways

  • ALMM is maintained by MNRE and lists approved solar modules (List-I) and cells (List-II).
  • It is mandatory for government-supported and DCR-linked solar projects.
  • BIS certification is a prerequisite, and a factory inspection is part of the process.
  • Recent reforms reduced fees and extended the validity of enlistment.

Sources & References

  1. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy – Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM): mnre.gov.in
  2. MNRE – Solar PV Order and ALMM notifications: mnre.gov.in

This article is general information for solar businesses and is not legal or regulatory advice. ALMM rules, fees, validity periods, and applicable schemes are periodically revised by MNRE. Always verify current requirements against official notifications, or consult a qualified advisor before acting.

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