Nurture Electro Service Private Limited - Compliance & Certification Solutions

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What is ALMM?

ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) is a mandatory list published by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, under the provisions of the Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices, and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017.

The ALMM includes all models and manufacturers of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, inverters, and other solar components that are eligible for use in government-sponsored solar projects, subsidy schemes, and net-metering installations in India.

ALMM is maintained and updated by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), which acts as the implementing agency for MNRE.

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Why ALMM is Required?

Quality Assurance

Ensures only high-quality, reliable solar modules are deployed in India's solar projects, preventing premature degradation and performance issues.

Promote Domestic Manufacturing

Encourages domestic solar manufacturing by mandating local production for government projects.

Consumer Protection

Protects consumers and project developers from substandard imported solar products.

Performance Monitoring

Enables tracking of module performance and facilitates warranty enforcement.

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Objectives of ALMM

Primary Objectives

Create a comprehensive database of approved solar modules
Ensure minimum quality standards for solar PV systems
Facilitate easy selection of reliable products for projects
Reduce dependence on low-quality imported modules

Strategic Objectives

Support 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative
Promote Make in India in solar manufacturing sector
Protect domestic solar industry from dumping
Ensure long-term reliability of solar assets

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When ALMM has Started?

January 2019 - MNRE issued the Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices, and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017, establishing ALMM.

April 2021 - ALMM became mandatory for all government-sponsored solar projects, including those under CPSU scheme, PM-KUSUM, and rooftop solar installations availing subsidies.

2019

ALMM Established

2021

Mandatory Implementation

2023

List Updated (80+ Manufacturers)

2024

ALMM for Inverters Proposed

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What Products are Covered in ALMM?

Currently Covered Products

Solar PV Modules

Crystalline Silicon (Mono/Poly), Thin-Film modules of all capacities

Solar Cells

For domestic content requirement (DCR) projects

Solar Inverters (Proposed)

String inverters, central inverters, micro-inverters

Batteries (Under Consideration)

Solar batteries and energy storage systems

Note: ALMM currently applies to Solar PV Modules. Solar Inverters and other components may be added in future phases.

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For Whom ALMM is Applicable?

Solar Module Manufacturers

Manufacturers wanting to sell modules for government projects must get ALMM registration

Project Developers

Must use only ALMM-listed modules for government-sponsored solar projects

EPC Contractors

Contractors executing government solar projects must procure ALMM-listed modules

Mandatory Applicability: ALMM is mandatory for all government-sponsored solar projects, including those under:

Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme
PM-KUSUM Scheme for farmers
Grid-connected rooftop solar subsidy schemes
Solar projects under SECI, NTPC, and state nodal agencies

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Role of Manufacturer & Importer in ALMM

Role of Manufacturer

Application Submission: Apply to NISE for ALMM enlistment with required documents
Testing Compliance: Get modules tested from MNRE-approved laboratories
Factory Inspection: Allow NISE officials for factory audit and verification
Quality Maintenance: Ensure consistent quality and performance of all supplied modules
Renewal: Apply for renewal before ALMM validity expires (typically 2 years)

Role of Importer / Foreign Manufacturer

ALMM for Imported Modules: Foreign manufacturers can also apply for ALMM enlistment
Authorized Representative: Must appoint an authorized Indian representative
Testing in India: Module testing must be done in MNRE-approved Indian labs
DCR Restriction: For DCR projects, only domestically manufactured modules qualify

Important Note for Importers:

While foreign manufacturers can get ALMM enlistment, only modules manufactured in India are eligible for Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) projects. Imported modules may only be used in Open Category projects.

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Timeline for ALMM Certification

Step 1

Product Testing

45-60 days

Submit module samples to MNRE-approved laboratory (NISE, TERI, CPRI, etc.) for testing as per IEC/BIS standards.

Step 2

Documentation

15-20 days

Prepare and compile all required documents including manufacturing details, quality management system certificates, and technical specifications.

Step 3

Application Filing

7-10 days

Submit online application to NISE along with test reports and required documents. Pay applicable fees.

Step 4

NISE Review & Inspection

30-45 days

NISE officials review application, verify documents, and conduct factory inspection/audit.

Step 5

ALMM Enlistment

15-20 days

Upon approval, manufacturer and module models are added to ALMM. Total timeline: 4-6 months.

Expedited Processing: With complete documentation and pre-testing, timeline can be reduced to 3-4 months.

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Testing Requirements for ALMM

Mandatory Tests for Solar PV Modules

Electrical Tests

• Maximum Power (Pmax) measurement
• Current-Voltage (I-V) curve measurement
• Temperature coefficient measurement
• Low irradiance performance
• Insulation resistance test
• Wet leakage current test

Reliability Tests

• Damp Heat Test (1000 hours)
• Thermal Cycling Test (200 cycles)
• Humidity Freeze Test (10 cycles)
• UV Preconditioning Test
• Mechanical Load Test
• Hail Impact Test

Approved Testing Laboratories:

• NISE, Gurugram • TERI, New Delhi • CPRI, Bengaluru • ERDA, Vadodara • IIT Bombay • NCPRE, IIT Bombay • VDE India • TÜV SÜD

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ALMM Standards & Requirements

Requirement	Specification	Standard Reference
Module Efficiency (Mono PERC)	≥ 19.5%	IEC 61215 / IS 14286
Module Efficiency (Poly)	≥ 18.5%	IEC 61215 / IS 14286
Power Output Tolerance	±3% (Positive only)	IEC 61215
PID Resistance	≤ 5% degradation	IEC 62804
LID (Light Induced Degradation)	≤ 2%	IEC 61215
Warranty - Performance	90% @ 10 years, 80% @ 25 years	MNRE Guidelines
Warranty - Workmanship	Minimum 5 years	MNRE Guidelines

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Importance of ALMM & How It Ensures Quality

Why ALMM is Important?

Quality Benchmark: Sets minimum quality standards for solar modules in India
Project Performance: Ensures long-term reliability and performance of solar assets
Investor Confidence: Builds trust among investors and financial institutions
Domestic Manufacturing: Promotes 'Make in India' in solar sector
Standardization: Creates uniformity in product quality across suppliers

How ALMM Ensures Quality?

Mandatory Testing: All modules must pass rigorous IEC/BIS tests
Factory Audits: Regular inspection of manufacturing facilities
Performance Monitoring: Ongoing surveillance and market checks
Documentation: Complete traceability of materials and processes
Enforcement: Penalties for non-compliant modules and manufacturers

ALMM Certification