Every solar EPC in India working on government-backed projects, PM-KUSUM, SECI tenders, state DISCOM tenders, or MNRE-scheme installations, must source modules and cells from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).
Miss this requirement and your project faces disqualification, forfeiture of performance security, and potential blacklisting. Yet most EPC founders do not understand exactly how the ALMM list works, what it means for their bill of quantities, and what to do when their preferred module is delisted mid-project.
Quick answer. ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) is MNRE’s register of solar PV products approved for government-backed projects in India, set up under the ALMM Order of 2 January 2019. List-I covers modules, List-II covers cells from 1 June 2026, and List-III covers ingots and wafers from 1 June 2028. A BOQ must name listed model numbers.
TL;DR
- ALMM is mandatory for all government-scheme solar projects, PM-KUSUM, SECI tenders, DISCOM tenders, and MNRE subsidy schemes. Private C&I projects with no government funding are exempt.
- The list is updated monthly, so BOQ engineers must re-verify current status within 30 days of procurement, not at the bid stage.
- ALMM applies at the specific model-number level, not just the manufacturer level. An unlisted model from a listed manufacturer is still non-compliant.
- ALMM-listed modules carry a ₹0.5-2.0/Wp price premium that must be priced into the BOQ's module line item.
- DCR-designated tenders add a further layer: cells must come from ALMM List-II listed manufacturers, on top of List-I module listing.
- ALMM, DCR, and BIS certification are three separate compliance layers with different scopes and different consequences for non-compliance.
This guide covers the ALMM structure, how to check current ALMM status, the BOQ impact for both C&I and utility-scale projects, and the process for when your preferred manufacturer is not on the list.
What Is the ALMM List? Meaning and Full Form
The ALMM was created to address a critical vulnerability in India’s solar supply chain: heavy dependence on Chinese-manufactured modules without quality verification or domestic manufacturing incentive. The scheme works in two ways, it sets a minimum quality floor (manufacturers must meet BIS standards to be listed) and it creates a procurement preference mechanism that channels government-scheme spending toward ALMM-listed products.
Definition. The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) is a government-maintained register under MNRE's ALMM Order of 2019. It is distinct from the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR), ALMM applies to all government-scheme projects, while DCR is a subset requirement specifying that modules must be manufactured in India using Indian-made cells.
The ALMM has three lists:
- List-I, Solar PV Modules: Lists approved module models by manufacturer, technology type (mono PERC, bifacial, TOPCon), and wattage range. This is the primary list that affects BOQ decisions.
- List-II, Solar PV Cells: Lists approved cell manufacturers. From 1 June 2026, projects under the ALMM mandate must use modules made with List-II cells, separate from any DCR requirement.
- List-III, Ingots and Wafers: Added by an MNRE order announced on 18 March 2026 (PIB), effective 1 June 2028. Inverters are not on the ALMM; they fall under BIS quality control orders and standards such as IEC 62109.
The legal basis: the MNRE ALMM Order (2 January 2019, as amended) mandates that any solar module used in a government-funded or government-tendered project must be listed in Part I of the ALMM. Non-compliance voids the procurement and can trigger penalty clauses in the EPC contract.
Current ALMM Status, What Is and Is Not Listed
As of Q1 2026, the ALMM List-I covers:
60+
Listed manufacturers
MNRE ALMM List-I, March 2026
12,000+
Approved module models
MNRE ALMM List-I, March 2026
₹0.5-2/Wp
ALMM price premium
Mercom India market data, Q1 2026
3-6 months
ALMM registration timeline
MNRE registration process, 2025
The critical distinction for BOQ purposes: the ALMM lists specific model numbers, rather than only manufacturers. A manufacturer may have 200 module models but only 50 listed on ALMM. If your BOQ specifies a model not on the list, even from an ALMM-listed manufacturer, the procurement is non-compliant.
Watch out. The ALMM List-I is updated monthly. A module that was on the list when you bid the project may be delisted by the time you procure it, due to the manufacturer failing a re-audit, voluntarily withdrawing a model, or upgrading to a new product line. Always verify current ALMM status within 30 days of procuring modules, not at the bid stage.
How ALMM Affects Your BOQ Preparation
The ALMM requirement changes BOQ preparation in five specific ways:
1. Module selection must precede the BOQ. On non-ALMM projects, the BOQ can specify module performance parameters (minimum Wp, efficiency, temperature coefficient) and allow procurement to source the best-priced option. On ALMM projects, the BOQ must name a specific model or a defined list of ALMM-compliant models, because non-listed alternatives cannot be substituted after contract award.
2. Price escalation risk must be BOQ-priced. ALMM-listed modules trade at a premium of ₹0.5-2.0/Wp over non-ALMM equivalents, depending on technology type and market availability. For a 5 MW project at 600 Wp modules (approximately 8,333 modules), a ₹1/Wp ALMM premium adds ₹50 lakh to the module line item in the BOQ.
3. Model continuity risk must be flagged. If a module model goes through a mid-production revision (cell technology upgrade, backsheet change, connector change), the manufacturer must file a fresh ALMM application for the revised model. Specify “ALMM-listed equivalent with prior written approval” clauses in the BOQ to handle this risk without triggering a procurement restart.
4. Traceability documentation must be planned from BOQ stage. ALMM compliance requires maintaining a full chain of custody from manufacturer to site: manufacturer ALMM certificate, invoice referencing the ALMM-listed model number, site inspection and serial number log, third-party quality verification certificate. Budget for this documentation cost in the BOQ’s O&M and commissioning section. If you’re assembling the broader documentation package for scheme approval, our guide to preparing a solar DPR for MNRE submission covers the full template.
5. For DCR projects, List-II compliance adds a layer. If the project requires DCR compliance (domestic content requirement), the BOQ must additionally verify that the modules use cells from ALMM List-II listed manufacturers. This rules out imported-cell modules regardless of whether the module itself is ALMM List-I listed. For the full domestic-content ruleset, see our MNRE DCR compliance field guide.
The ALMM Compliance Checklist for BOQ Preparation
The ALMM Compliance Checklist is a 6-step verification framework that BOQ engineers should run before finalising any government-scheme solar project BOQ.
Project Scheme Check
Confirm whether the project is funded under a government scheme (PM-KUSUM, SECI tender, state DISCOM, MNRE subsidy). ALMM is mandatory for all such projects. Private commercial rooftop and C&I projects with no government funding are exempt.
DCR Requirement Check
Check the tender document for a DCR clause. If DCR is applicable, the module must be ALMM List-I listed AND use cells from an ALMM List-II listed manufacturer (Indian cell maker). This eliminates most imported-cell modules from consideration.
Current ALMM Verification
Download the current ALMM List-I PDF from the MNRE portal on the day of BOQ finalisation. Verify that the specific model numbers in your BOQ appear in the current version. Check manufacturer registration validity dates.
Price Premium Quantification
Obtain three ALMM-compliant module quotations at the specified wattage and technology type. Calculate the ALMM premium against your baseline non-ALMM module price. Add this premium to the module line item in the BOQ with an explicit ALMM compliance note.
Substitute Model Identification
Identify 2-3 ALMM-compliant alternative models from different manufacturers as approved substitutes in the BOQ. This protects against the primary model going out of stock or being delisted before procurement. Heaven Green Energy's solar module range spans several ALMM-listed technology types worth reviewing when building a substitute list.
Documentation Trail Budget
Budget for ALMM documentation: ALMM certificate (from manufacturer at no cost), third-party quality verification (₹0.50-1.0/Wp), serial number logging and site inspection report. Include these costs in the commissioning section of the BOQ.
ALMM vs DCR vs BIS, Understanding the Three-Layer Compliance Stack
The three compliance requirements for Indian solar module procurement are often confused. They are separate regulations with different scope and different consequences for non-compliance, and they’re only part of a longer list of questions EPCs raise on compliance, covered in our Solar Compliance FAQ.
The MNRE ALMM portal is the authoritative source for current listings, while the BIS mandatory certification portal is the reference for IS 14286 and IS 16221 compliance status.
| Requirement | Authority | Scope | Consequence of Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALMM (List-I) | MNRE ALMM Order 2019 | All government-scheme projects | Project disqualification, PBG forfeiture |
| DCR (Domestic Content) | MNRE tender clause | DCR-designated tenders only | Tender disqualification, potential blacklisting |
| BIS (IS 14286/IS 16221) | Bureau of Indian Standards | All solar modules sold in India | Import clearance rejection, market recall |
| IEC 61215/IEC 61730 | IEC (imported via BIS) | All solar modules | IEC certification prerequisite for BIS |
For a typical state DISCOM tender in 2026, a module must satisfy all four layers simultaneously: BIS-certified (legal sales requirement), ALMM-listed (government procurement requirement), and, if the tender is DCR-designated, Indian-manufactured with ALMM List-II cells.
Field tip. When preparing a BOQ for a state tender, download the tender's specific module procurement clause and cross-reference it against the ALMM current list, the DCR qualification certificate from the manufacturer, and the BIS certification number on the module datasheet. All three references must be documented in the BOQ annexure before bid submission.
Bid timing matters as much as listing status; our SECI tender calendar for engineering teams shows which upcoming bids are affected.
How ALMM Affects PM-KUSUM and SECI Projects Differently
PM-KUSUM Component A (Large-Scale Ground Mount)
PM-KUSUM Component A projects (500 kW to 2 MW) require ALMM-listed modules. The PM-KUSUM scheme additionally requires that the project generates power for the grid, so metering-point yield accuracy also matters, connect this requirement to your PVsyst simulation inputs. See the detailed PM-KUSUM guide for scheme-specific requirements.
PM-KUSUM Component B (Standalone Pumps)
Component B projects (individual agricultural pump solarisation) have historically had more relaxed enforcement of ALMM in some states, but MNRE’s 2024 clarification extended ALMM applicability to all PM-KUSUM components. BOQs for Component B must now include ALMM-listed modules.
SECI Utility-Scale Tenders
SECI tenders above 50 MW enforce ALMM with strict post-commissioning verification. The commissioning certificate requires submission of module serial numbers mapped to ALMM-listed models, third-party quality verification reports, and a module traceability register. Failure to provide complete documentation delays COD (commercial operations date) certificate issuance, which delays PPA payment commencement.
The inverter side of the same commissioning file follows its own protocol, QBits Energy’s guide to solar inverter commissioning in India covers the parallel documentation set.
The DISCOM net-metering process for commercial rooftop projects does not currently require ALMM compliance for private-funded projects, but state-subsidised rooftop schemes under MNRE do.
Pros and Cons of Specifying Only ALMM Modules in Your BOQ
PROS OF ALMM-ONLY BOQ
- Full compliance with government scheme requirements
- Higher probability of passing third-party quality audit
- Module traceability supports warranty enforcement
- Reduces procurement risk from unknown quality manufacturers
- Required for IREDA and PFC project finance disbursement
CONS OF ALMM-ONLY BOQ
- ₹0.5-2.0/Wp price premium vs unconstrained market
- Limited model selection reduces best-price negotiation
- ALMM delisting risk between bid and procurement stages
- 3-6 month registration delay for new models from preferred manufacturers
- Availability constraints for specific wattages or technology types
Verdict. For any project with government funding, ALMM-only BOQ is non-negotiable, the compliance risk of using non-ALMM modules outweighs the ₹1-2/Wp price premium by orders of magnitude. For purely private C&I projects with no government scheme involvement, the ALMM premium is an unnecessary cost. The BOQ should clearly document whether ALMM compliance is a contractual requirement or a voluntary quality commitment.
Want to see an ALMM-compliant solar BOQ?
Download Heaven Designs' sample BOQ with ALMM compliance columns, DCR certification fields, and BIS cross-reference documentation.
Get the sample pack →How Heaven Designs Helps
BOQ preparation for ALMM-compliant projects requires daily monitoring of the MNRE ALMM list, cross-referencing with procurement schedules, and documenting the compliance chain in a format that satisfies SECI and DISCOM project officers. Heaven Designs maintains a live ALMM tracking database and integrates compliance verification into every BOQ and design package we deliver.
- Solar Rooftop Detailed Engineering Design, BOQ with ALMM-compliant module selection, BIS cross-reference, and DCR certification documentation.
- Solar Ground Mount Design, utility-scale BOQ with ALMM List-I verification, substitute model list, and procurement risk flags.
- Engineering Documentation India, full documentation stack including ALMM certificates, third-party quality reports, and serial number traceability registers.
- Electrical CEIG Drawings, drawings referencing ALMM-listed equipment for DISCOM submission.
- Download a sample deliverable, see an ALMM-compliant BOQ with all compliance columns completed.
Contact us to get your BOQ reviewed for ALMM compliance before bid submission. Turnaround: 3 business days.
FAQ
What is ALMM List 3?
ALMM List-III is the MNRE list of approved solar ingot and wafer manufacturers, announced in March 2026 and effective 1 June 2028. From that date, List-I modules must use ALMM-listed cells and wafers. The first list issues only once at least 15 GW of independent capacity exists.
Which projects require ALMM-listed modules in India?
All projects receiving government funding, subsidies, or procured under government tenders, including SECI tenders, state DISCOM tenders, PM-KUSUM (all components), MNRE rooftop subsidy scheme, and state solar policies with subsidy components, require ALMM-listed modules. Purely private commercial and industrial solar projects without government funding are exempt from the ALMM requirement.
How often is the ALMM list updated?
The MNRE updates the ALMM List-I list monthly. New manufacturers and models are added upon successful registration audit, and existing listings may be suspended or delisted if a manufacturer fails re-audit or voluntarily withdraws. Always verify the current ALMM status within 30 days of procurement finalisation, not at the bid stage.
What is the ALMM registration process for a new module manufacturer?
A manufacturer seeking ALMM List-I registration must: (1) obtain BIS certification under IS 14286 or IS 16221 for the module models; (2) pass a factory inspection by a MNRE-empanelled third-party inspection agency; (3) submit an application with product test reports, factory audit report, and manufacturing capacity declaration to the MNRE; and (4) receive registration approval, typically within 3-6 months. Models must be re-audited annually to maintain listing.
Can I use a non-ALMM module if the ALMM-listed model is unavailable?
No. For government-scheme projects, there is no approved substitution mechanism for non-ALMM modules. If your specified ALMM model becomes unavailable, you must identify an alternative ALMM-listed model and obtain written approval from the implementing agency before procuring the substitute. This process typically takes 2-4 weeks, plan your procurement schedule accordingly.
Does the ALMM requirement apply to modules imported for Indian projects?
Yes, with an additional layer. Imported modules must obtain both BIS certification and ALMM registration before they can be used in government-scheme projects. The BIS certification process for imported modules typically takes 6-12 months longer than for domestically manufactured modules. Most major Chinese manufacturers (LONGi, JA Solar, Trina, Risen) have completed both certifications for their primary product lines.
What happens if a module is delisted from ALMM after I have procured it?
If a module is delisted after procurement but before installation, the implementing agency may issue a show-cause notice. Best practice: obtain a letter from the manufacturer confirming ALMM listing validity at the time of procurement. If delisting occurs post-installation, document the procurement date and ALMM status at that date as part of the commissioning record.
According to Mercom India’s ALMM policy tracking, enforcement of post-installation delisting has been inconsistent, but the legal risk remains.
How does ALMM interact with BIS solar module standards?
BIS certification under IS 16221 (for modules) and IS 14286 is a prerequisite for ALMM registration, a module cannot be on the ALMM list without first passing BIS certification. However, BIS certification alone does not guarantee ALMM listing. A manufacturer with BIS-certified products must separately apply for ALMM registration and pass the MNRE factory inspection. The two registrations must be maintained independently with their own renewal timelines.