In an effort to reduce India’s dependency on solar product imports and make it self-reliant, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced that solar module manufacturers must register under the Approved list of modules and manufacturers (ALMM).
The objective is to physically inspect the manufacturing unit, examine the actual manufacturing site, and assess the legitimacy of the certificates (BIS).
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Latest List of ALMM 2023
The latest list of ALMM was updated on the 03rd of Aug 2023. This is the 13th revision since it was first introduced.
In the first list of ALMM, there were only 23 solar companies that got approval. From an initial 23 manufacturers adding up to 8200 MW of total capacity, the list today has expanded to 82 manufacturers with a capacity of over 15,000 MW.
Major Changes in the Latest ALMM List
- With this latest revision, the number of MNRE-approved solar companies has been reduced from 91 to 82. The reason for fewer solar companies on the list is that many solar PV Module Manufacturers, whose models’ validity expired on 09.03.2023, had not applied for renewal on or before 09.03.2023.
Such solar companies have been delisted from the latest ALMM List dated 26.07.2023.
- In a circular dated 10.05.2023, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy made major reforms to the Approved List of Models and Manufactures for Solar Photovoltaic Modules.
After these reforms, only such models of Solar PV Module Manufacturers will be included under ALMM which comply with the BIS Standards among other things, and are having the following minimum module efficiency:
| Category | Application/Use | Minimum Module Efficiency required to be eligible for enlistment under ALMM |
|---|---|---|
| Category I | Utility / Grid-Scale Power Plants | 20.0% |
| Category II | Rooftop and Solar Pumping | 19.5% |
| Category III | Solar Lighting | 19.0% |
- Apart from this, additional solar modules from Goldi Solar, Bluebird Solar & Emmvee have been granted provisional enlistment in MNRE’s ALMM List-I. The final enlistment of these modules will be done subsequently, subject to the conditions fulfilled.
What is ALMM List & Who Introduced It?
The term ALMM stands for Approved List of modules and manufacturers (ALMM). This term was coined by MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy). This is a list of solar models and manufacturers of solar PV modules in India approved by the MNRE.
ALMM consists of two lists:
- List-I (Solar PV models and manufacturers)
- List-II (Solar PV cells and manufacturers)
The list contains:
- Name of the manufacturer
- Location of manufacturing facility
- Enlisted capacity
- Types of module enlisted
- Applied models
- Enlisted models
- No. of cells in the module
- System voltage
- ALMM Validity
The MNRE has been updating List I periodically under the ALMM order. As of the latest order (26 July 2023), 82 domestic module manufacturers with a cumulative capacity of over 15000 MW have been included. The government plans to release List II but there is no timeline for the same.
For the latest updates & updated list visit www.mnre.gov.in or www.solarrooftop.gov.in
Why ALMM List is Introduced?
As everyone is aware, India has set a goal to produce 500 GW of renewable energy, with solar accounting for the majority of that total. And to achieve this goal, we require Indian solar cell and module manufacturers as they will create jobs.
There are currently about 3 GW of cell producers in India, and in order to reach our goal of 500 GW, we must increase this number.
Is ALMM Necessary for Solar Projects in India?
Yes, For all projects installed under government schemes, the modules should be manufactured by ALMM listed company.
Also, for government 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.
Conclusion
As of Aug 2023, 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.
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