ALMM – Overview
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in its effort to reduce India’s dependence on solar-related product imports and make India self-reliant announced compulsory registration of solar module manufacturers under the Approved list of models and manufacturers (ALMM)
The aim is to inspect the manufacturing unit physically, check the actual manufacturing facility, and check the certifications (BIS) and their validity.
Objective to be achieved – Atmanirbhar Bharat, vocal for local, Employment generation.
What is ALMM and who introduced it?
The term ALMM stands for an Approved List of models and manufacturers (ALMM). This term was coined by MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) This is a list of solar cell and module types and manufacturers in India that have been certified by the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards).
Presently there are 78 enlisted manufacturers in the ALMM list, this list is updated as per the requirement and the updated list is shared on the official website of MNRE ( www.mnre.gov.in )
The list contains all the relevant/actual data of each and every manufacturer
It contains – the official address of the factory, its production capacity and the range of solar modules manufactured by them
The list also contains information on BIS certification and its validity, and we all know BIS is mandatory for solar modules & Inverters.
Why Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) list is introduced?
Presently the cell manufacturing capacity in India is Approx. 6 GW and to achieve the target of 500GW we need more cell & Module manufacturers in India
As we all know India has a target to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy and out of this 500 GW Solar has the maximum contribution
And to achieve this target we need Indian Solar cell & Module manufacturers – this will generate employment opportunities.
Objective to be achieved – Atmanirbhar Bharat, vocal for local, Employment generation
To achieve this target Govt. has introduced many Policies
- PLI scheme for the production of modules & cells
- Solar rooftop policy with subsidy – for the residential sector
- The open access policy for C&I Customers
- Captive & Group captive schemes for solar power plants
- KUSUM Yojana – Component A, B&C
- Solar rooftop policy for the C&I segment
Is ALMM necessary for solar projects in INDIA?
YES, all projects installed under govt. the scheme has to use solar modules manufactured by ALMM listed company
Apart from this for subsidy schemes, you have to use DCR (Domestic content requirement) Solar modules.
Any project violating this norm will be penalized, and not get the final approval.
ALMM procedure – Fees – documentation
As the procedure, Fee structure, and documentation keep on changing.
It’s better to directly coordinate with MNRE officials/office or NISE (National Institute of Solar Energy) as they take care of this ALMM List & Listing.
NISE conducts lots of activities like training, BIS certification, research programs as well as certifications.
So the best thing is to visit NISE Gurugram and understand the complete policy procedure & guidelines.
Latest list of ALMM
In the latest list of ALMM, there are 90 companies listed while in the first list of ALMM, there were only 23 companies were listed.
As of March 2022, ALMM does not include any foreign manufacturer. This will encourage the domestic manufacturing of solar modules. The list is crucial for manufacturers and project developers. Limiting the list to domestic manufacturers may reduce imports in the solar industry but may act as a roadblock to adding the 25–30 GW required to achieve India’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030.
For the latest updates & updates list visit www.mnre.gov.in or www.solarrooftop.gov.in