Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Framework

Context: Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has introduced ALMM List-III for ingots and wafers, which will come into effect from the 1st of June, 2028.

About Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Framework

• Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Framework is a quality-and-reliability framework that ensures solar equipment used in the country’s solar projects meets the domestic manufacturing standards.
• It was introduced under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Order, 2019.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India.

Note: Only the solar panels (modules) and manufacturers listed in ALMM are allowed to be used in certain projects.

Features of Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Framework

• Tier Structure: ALMM shall consist of LIST-I, specifying models and manufacturers of Solar PV Modules, LIST-II, specifying models and manufacturers of Solar PV Cells, and LIST-III (Proposed), which includes ingots and wafers.
  • Only the models and manufacturers included in ALMM are eligible for use in Government Projects under Government Schemes & Programmes, Net-Metering Projects, installed in the country, including Projects set up for the sale of electricity to Government.
• Grandfathering Provisions: Projects already in the pipeline or those with bids submitted before the cut-off date (7 days after the first list is published) are protected to avoid disruption.
• Domestic Content Requirement (DCR): This order reinforces and does not dilute existing DCR provisions under current MNRE schemes.

Why was ALMM introduced?

The ALMM framework was created to:

• Ensure the quality and reliability of solar panels
• Promote domestic manufacturing (Make in India)
• Reduce dependence on imports (especially low-quality products)
• Protect consumers and improve the long-term performance of solar projects

Where is ALMM applicable?

ALMM Framework compliance is mandatory for:

• Government solar projects
• Government-subsidised schemes (like rooftop solar, KUSUM, etc.)
• Public sector and many large-scale solar tenders

Note: If a project does not use ALMM-listed modules, it may not get approval or subsidies.

How Manufacturers Get Listed in the ALMM Framework?

To be included in the ALMM Framework:

• Products must meet BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification
• Manufacturing facilities are inspected
• Performance, quality, and capacity are verified

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