Context
The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) is a list of models and manufacturers of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules approved by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).1 As per the ALMM order, only the listed solar PV models and module manufacturers can be used for solar projects in India. These include government projects, government-assisted projects, projects under the government, government schemes and programmes, and open access and net-metering projects.2 In simple words, the list applies to government-tendered utility-scale solar projects (example, SECI), rooftop solar (net-metering), the corporate PPA market, as well as government schemes (example, KUSUM).
Domestic and foreign solar module manufacturers can have their products enlisted in the ALMM. The key objective of introducing such a list was to ensure the quality of solar panels and the manufacturer’s reliability.3 So far, there are no foreign manufacturers on the list.
To get enlisted, manufacturers require a product and performance certificate from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This enlistment on the ALMM list is valid for two years.4 While the BIS ensures product quality certification, the ALMM covers certification for the process, manufacturer, and manufacturing facility.
ALMM consists of two lists:
- List-I (Solar PV models and manufacturers)
- List-II (Solar PV cells and manufacturers)
The MNRE has been updating List I periodically under the ALMM order. As of the latest order (4 March 2022), 46 domestic module manufacturers with a cumulative capacity of 11,497 MW have been included.5 The government plans have to release List II but there is no timeline for the same.
Relevance and Impact
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 non-fossil fuel target by 2030.
Who should care?
- Solar project developers
- Solar module manufacturers
- Solar rooftop and open-access customers
- Renewable energy investors
References
- [1] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. “Approved Models in Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules,” 2 January 2021. https://mnre.gov.in/img/documents/uploads/a6b78bd7ac304c8c8ea3ad56c7b6895f.pdf.
- [2] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. “Approved Models in Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules: Amendment,” 13 January 2022. https://mnre.gov.in/img/documents/uploads/file_f-1642076985274.pdf.
- [3] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. “Approved Models in Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules,” 2 January 2021. https://mnre.gov.in/img/documents/uploads/a6b78bd7ac304c8c8ea3ad56c7b6895f.pdf.
- [4] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. “Approved Models in Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules: FAQs.” https://mnre.gov.in/img/documents/uploads/4d60ff757c9a48bbba499200b19c56bc.pdf.
- [5] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. “Approved Models in Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules,” 4 March 2022. https://mnre.gov.in/img/documents/uploads/file_f-1648116607557.pdf.
