In Short : India’s renewable energy sector, especially solar, has seen exponential growth over the past decade. To support this expansion while ensuring quality, reliability, and self-reliance, the Government of India introduced the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. This mechanism plays a key role in shaping the domestic solar industry and safeguarding the country’s energy transition.
What is ALMM?
The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) is an official registry published by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, that lists eligible solar PV module manufacturers and their certified models.
- Only the modules included in the ALMM are permitted to be used in government-funded solar projects, schemes, and programs (including those connected to the grid).
- The list specifies module types, technology (mono PERC, polycrystalline, bifacial, etc.), and the manufacturing facility location.
- Manufacturers—both domestic and foreign—must apply, undergo rigorous testing, and meet standards before their products are listed.
In simple terms, ALMM acts as a quality control and eligibility filter for solar modules deployed under India’s renewable energy programs.
Why Was ALMM Introduced?
The introduction of ALMM in 2019–20 was driven by multiple policy, economic, and strategic factors:
1. Ensuring Quality and Reliability
- Prior to ALMM, the market saw the entry of substandard or uncertified solar modules, raising concerns over performance, safety, and lifespan.
- ALMM ensures that only tested and verified modules are installed in government-linked projects, reducing project risks and improving long-term performance.
2. Promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliance)
- India has heavily depended on imported solar modules, mainly from China, which account for over 70–80% of supply.
- ALMM was designed to encourage domestic manufacturing by prioritizing Indian firms in the registry, thus aligning with the broader “Make in India” initiative.
3. Preventing Dumping and Market Distortions
- Cheap imports, often sold below cost, threatened the viability of Indian manufacturers.
- ALMM, along with measures like Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on solar imports, was intended to create a level playing field and protect domestic industry.
4. Boosting Energy Security
- Dependence on imported modules posed strategic risks, especially in light of global supply chain disruptions (COVID-19, geopolitical tensions).
- By fostering local manufacturing, ALMM strengthens India’s renewable energy independence and resilience.
5. Supporting Policy Targets
- India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
- ALMM acts as a regulatory tool to ensure that capacity addition is both sustainable and reliable.
Criticism and Industry Concerns
While ALMM has noble intentions, it has faced pushback from developers and investors:
- Supply Bottlenecks: Domestic manufacturing capacity has lagged behind demand, creating shortages when imports were restricted.
- Cost Pressures: Limited supply and higher local prices increased project costs, raising tariff concerns for solar developers.
- Policy Uncertainty: Frequent changes, temporary exemptions, and phased implementations created confusion in the market.
Recognizing these challenges, the government temporarily suspended ALMM enforcement for private projects in 2023–24 to ease supply constraints while continuing to strengthen domestic capacity.
The Road Ahead
ALMM is not just a regulatory tool; it is a strategic industrial policy instrument. Its success depends on:
- Rapid scaling up of domestic manufacturing capacity (cells, wafers, polysilicon).
- Consistent and transparent policy execution.
- Balancing quality assurance with market flexibility.
If executed well, ALMM can help India achieve its twin goals of becoming a global solar manufacturing hub and ensuring sustainable renewable energy growth.
✅ In Summary
ALMM was introduced in India to ensure quality, protect domestic manufacturers, reduce import dependence, and strengthen energy security. Despite challenges, it remains a cornerstone policy in India’s journey toward a clean and self-reliant energy future.
