The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued its latest update to List I of the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (ALMM) Order, 2019. This revision, the thirty-eighth in the series, reflects additions and modifications to the previous list.
The ALMM Order mandates the compulsory registration of solar PV module manufacturers and their models for deployment in government projects, government-assisted projects, and projects under government schemes and programs.
This latest update, dated May 21, 2025, follows previous Office Memorandums (O.M.s) issued by the MNRE. These earlier O.M.s outlined the criteria for enlisting solar PV module manufacturers and models under the ALMM, emphasizing compliance with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and specific minimum module efficiency requirements based on the application or use.
The minimum module efficiency criteria for enlistment in ALMM List-I are as follows:
| Category | Application/Use | Minimum Module Efficiency (c-Si) | Minimum Module Efficiency (CdTe thin film) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category-I | Utility/Grid Scale Power Plants | 20.00% | 19.00% |
| Category-II | Rooftop and Solar Pumping | 19.50% | 18.50% |
| Category-III (ALMM List-I DRE) | Off-grid projects/applications (solar lamps, lights, street lights, fans, etc.) requiring individual module capacity < 200 Watt peak (excluding agricultural pumps and PV rooftops) | 18.00% | 18.00% |
| Category-IV | Any other application | 19.00% | 18.00% |
The MNRE has clarified that only those models of Solar PV Modules meeting these specified efficiency criteria have been considered for enlistment under ALMM List-I.
The latest Revision-XXXVIII, detailing the additions and modifications to the ALMM List-I, is provided in Annexure-I of the Office Memorandum. The previous Revision-XXXVII dated April 21st, 2025, along with any provisional enlistments (excluding those now included in the main ALMM List-I), is also included in the document.
The MNRE has emphasized that the validity of ALMM enlistment is contingent upon a valid BIS Registration. Failure to maintain a valid BIS registration will result in the delisting of the manufacturer and their models from the ALMM.
Details regarding the BIS Registration Number (R. No.) allotted to each enlisted manufacturer and manufacturing unit are provided in the ALMM list. Further information related to BIS certification, such as validity and included models, can be verified on the BIS website using the provided link.
This regular updating of the ALMM List-I ensures that only quality and standardized solar PV modules are used in government-related solar projects, contributing to the overall growth and reliability of the solar energy sector in India.
