Quick Facts
What ALMM is
ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) is the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s official list of solar photovoltaic modules and their manufacturers eligible for use in government-subsidised solar projects in India. The list is maintained, updated quarterly, and published on MNRE’s website (mnre.gov.in/almm).
ALMM was introduced in 2019 to address two concerns: quality assurance in government-funded solar installations, and support for Indian solar manufacturing. By restricting subsidy eligibility to manufacturers that meet defined quality, testing, and manufacturing-capacity criteria, MNRE aimed to elevate the standard of solar deployment across the country.
The list is divided into multiple categories. List I covers solar PV modules. List II covers solar cells. Both lists are updated quarterly with additions and removals based on compliance reviews.
How ALMM eligibility works
To be listed on ALMM, a manufacturer must meet several criteria.
Manufacturing capability: Demonstrated ability to manufacture solar modules in India or import them under specified conditions. Manufacturing capacity in nameplate MW per year is reported.
Quality assurance: ISO certification, in-process quality control systems, and documented quality management procedures.
BIS certification: Each module model must hold BIS test certificates for IEC 61215 (design qualification) and IEC 61730 (safety).
Compliance verification: MNRE-appointed inspectors may visit the manufacturer’s premises to verify the documented processes.
Financial standing: Sufficient financial strength to warrant the modules and stand behind their long-term performance.
Application fees and documentation: Required submissions through MNRE’s portal.
After review and approval, the manufacturer and specific module models are added to the ALMM list. Listing is valid for a defined period and renewable subject to continued compliance.
Where ALMM applies
ALMM listing is mandatory or strongly required in:
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: All residential rooftop solar projects receiving central subsidy.
PM KUSUM: All solar pumps and Component A plants under government schemes.
Central Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Programme: All projects receiving central CFA.
SECI tenders: Most utility-scale tenders run by SECI require ALMM-listed modules.
NTPC and other PSU tenders: Generally require ALMM listing.
State DISCOM tenders: Often required, especially for projects with state subsidy.
Private and commercial projects without government subsidy are not bound by ALMM, but most use ALMM-listed products for bankability and contracting convenience.
How to verify ALMM status
The MNRE website hosts the current ALMM list at mnre.gov.in/almm. The list shows manufacturer name, registered office, manufacturing location, and specific module models (with model numbers and Wp ratings) that are approved.
To verify a specific product, search the manufacturer’s name and confirm that the proposed model number is on the latest list. Listings are version-controlled with dates, so the current quarter’s version should be referenced.
Manufacturers often display their ALMM listing status on their websites and product datasheets. This can be cross-checked against the official MNRE list.
ALMM and BIS
ALMM and BIS are related but distinct.
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards): Issues product certifications based on IEC standards. BIS testing under IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 is required for ALMM eligibility. BIS focuses on the product.
ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers): Lists manufacturers and models that meet BIS standards plus additional MNRE criteria including manufacturing capacity, quality systems, and financial standing. ALMM focuses on the manufacturer plus product.
A product can pass BIS testing without being on ALMM (if the manufacturer has not applied or does not meet additional MNRE criteria). However, an ALMM-listed product must have BIS certification.
Common manufacturers on ALMM
Indian manufacturers with significant ALMM presence in 2026:
Adani Solar, Waaree Energies, Vikram Solar, Tata Power Solar, Renewsys, Premier Energies, Servotech, Reliance, Ola Solar, JNK India, Goldi Solar, Insolation Energy.
These manufacturers have multiple model variants on ALMM, covering Mono PERC, TOPCon, and increasingly HJT technologies. Manufacturing capacities range from a few hundred MW to multi-GW.
ALMM listings include modules of various power ratings (typically 400 Wp to 700 Wp) and forms (full-cell, half-cell, bifacial, monofacial).
Common mistakes regarding ALMM
Checking only manufacturer name without verifying specific model. Each model variant must be separately listed.
Using outdated ALMM list. The list is updated quarterly; a product listed last year may not be currently listed.
Confusing BIS with ALMM. BIS is testing; ALMM is the broader eligibility list.
Procuring modules from non-ALMM manufacturers for subsidised projects. Subsidy is denied if non-ALMM modules are installed.
Mixing ALMM and non-ALMM modules in a single project. May invalidate subsidy claim.
Ignoring ALMM updates between procurement and installation. The list at procurement may differ from the list at installation.
Best practices
Verify ALMM listing in writing at procurement, with current list reference.
Document module model numbers, BIS test certificate numbers, and ALMM listing references in procurement contracts.
For long projects, recheck ALMM status periodically. The list changes quarterly.
For non-subsidised projects, consider ALMM listing as a bankability indicator alongside BloombergNEF Tier 1 and PVEL scorecards.
Subscribe to MNRE notifications to track ALMM updates.
When in doubt, contact the MNRE help desk for clarification on specific products and applications.
Standards and references
ALMM is administered under the MNRE ALMM Procedure 2019 with subsequent amendments. The current list is published at mnre.gov.in/almm. The framework references IEC 61215, IEC 61730, and IEC 62804 testing through BIS certification. State-specific nodal agencies also reference ALMM in their scheme documentation.
Related glossary terms
- BIS for Solar Modules
- IEC 61215 Standard
- IEC 61730 Standard
- MNRE
- Mono PERC
- TOPCon Solar Panel
- HJT Solar Panel
- Tier-1 Solar Panel
- PM Surya Ghar Yojana
Key takeaways
ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) is MNRE’s official list of solar modules and manufacturers eligible for government-subsidised solar projects in India. The list is maintained by MNRE, updated quarterly, and based on BIS certification plus additional manufacturing capacity, quality, and financial criteria. ALMM listing is mandatory for PM Surya Ghar, PM KUSUM, SECI tenders, and most government-funded solar projects. For private projects, ALMM is optional but commonly used as a bankability indicator.