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).
Latest List of ALMM 2023
The latest list of ALMM was updated on the 27th of Feb 2023. This is the 10th revision since it was first introduced. With this latest revision, the number of MNRE-approved solar companies has increased to 91.
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 91 manufacturers with a capacity of over 22,000 MW.
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 (27 Feb 2023), 91 domestic module manufacturers with a cumulative capacity of over 20000 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 Feb 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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