- ALMM = Approved List of Models and Manufacturers, set by MNRE.
- List-I = approved modules. A model must be listed by its exact model number.
- List-II = approved cells; set for around 1 June 2026 — confirm if deferred in the latest MNRE order, status as of 20 Jun 2026.
- ALMM is needed for most government-linked work: subsidy, many tenders, net metering.
- ALMM is not the same as DCR or BIS — check each rule that applies.
- Every list, date and capacity here is point-in-time — verify against the current MNRE order and live ALMM list.
If you run a rooftop or C&I EPC in India, the ALMM list is the first gate your bill of materials must pass. Pick a module that is not on the list and the wrong job can be rejected — after you have already paid for the panels. This guide explains the list in plain words so your procurement survives the 2026 changes.
What the ALMM list is
The ALMM list is the official register of solar models and makers that MNRE allows in government-linked projects. If a module is not on the list, you usually cannot use it for subsidy work, many tenders or net metering. The list protects scheme money and pushes domestic manufacturing.
The key word is model. ALMM lists each module by its exact model number and wattage, not just by brand. A maker can have ten models listed and three that are not. So you check the model on the box, never just the brand name.
ALMM full form and meaning
The ALMM full form is Approved List of Models and Manufacturers. MNRE created it so only tested, traceable modules from approved makers go into schemes that use public money. In plain terms, ALMM is a "safe to use" list for solar hardware on government jobs.
Why MNRE keeps the list
The list does two jobs. First, it screens out poor-quality or untraceable modules. Second, it supports Indian makers by limiting which products qualify for subsidy and tender work. Both reasons matter to you, because they set what you can legally install and bill.
What List-I covers
List-I covers finished solar modules. A module model has to appear on List-I to be used in most government-linked projects. This is the part of ALMM that is live and enforced today, and it is the one your procurement checks on every order right now.
To get on List-I, a model goes through factory inspection and testing to standards like IEC 61215 and IS 14286. Once listed, the model carries an entry you can match to the datasheet and the nameplate. Modules also carry RFID or QR tags and serial numbers that tie back to the list.
Listed by model, capacity and maker
Each List-I entry names the manufacturer, the model number and the wattage range. If the panel on site does not match the listed model and wattage, it is not covered — even if the same brand has other listed models. Always read the exact entry, not the brand.
What List-II covers
List-II covers the solar cells inside the module. Under List-II, the cells must come from an enlisted Indian cell maker, not just any source. This pushes domestic content one level deeper than List-I, from the panel down to the cell.
List-II is set to take effect around 1 June 2026, but that date faced deferment requests and court proceedings. Do not treat it as settled. Confirm whether it was deferred in the latest MNRE order, status as of 20 Jun 2026, before you plan your cell-level sourcing.
Why List-II is harder for EPCs
Module supply is fairly stable. Indian cell supply is tighter, and TOPCon cell capacity has been short. So List-II can squeeze your options and lead times. Build slack into your plan and read our List-II cell mandate guide for the detail.
List-III and the full ladder
List-III is planned to cover wafers and ingots, taking domestic content one more step up the chain, around 2028 (verify the current timeline). Together, List-I, List-II and List-III form a ladder that walks Indian content from the module down to the raw silicon.
Source: MNRE ALMM orders. Dates point-in-time — verify against the current MNRE order.
List-I vs List-II at a glance
The simplest way to hold the difference: List-I is about the panel; List-II is about the cell inside it. List-I asks "is this module model approved?" List-II asks "are the cells in it from an approved Indian maker?" A module can pass List-I and still fail List-II once that rule is live.
For procurement, that means two checks, not one. You confirm the module model is on List-I, and once List-II applies you also confirm the cell source. Our DCR vs non-DCR guide shows how this overlaps with domestic content rules.
Where ALMM applies
ALMM applies to most government-linked solar work. The main cases are the PM Surya Ghar residential subsidy, many central and state tenders, and net-metering approval in many states. Private C&I jobs without subsidy or net metering may not need it, but always check the specific tender or DISCOM rule.
Subsidy and PM Surya Ghar
Residential subsidy under PM Surya Ghar needs ALMM-listed modules, and DCR on top where the scheme demands domestic content. If you do this work, see the PM Surya Ghar hub for the full installer flow.
Net metering and tenders
Many DISCOMs require ALMM-listed modules before they approve net metering. Many SECI, NTPC and state tenders write ALMM into the bid. Read each tender clause and DISCOM circular, since the scope changes and some points are litigated. Check which projects need ALMM for a fuller map.
ALMM vs DCR vs BIS
ALMM, DCR and BIS are three separate rules that often apply together. ALMM lists approved models. DCR demands India-made module and cells, proven by a DCR certificate from the NISE portal. BIS (IS 14286 / CRS) is a product-safety registration. A module can be ALMM-listed but not DCR, so never assume one covers another.
The practical takeaway: a panel for a subsidy job may need to pass all three — ALMM-listed, DCR-certified and BIS-registered. Check each one against the job. Skipping any can fail an inspection or a subsidy claim.
How a model gets listed
A manufacturer applies to MNRE, passes factory inspection and lab testing, then the model is added to the list. Testing covers standards like IEC 61215 and IS 14286. As an EPC you do not run this process, but it explains why a brand-new model may not yet be listed even if the brand is well known.
This matters for planning. If a supplier offers a "new model coming soon", confirm it is actually on the live list before you commit the order. A model that is mid-application is not yet usable for government-linked work.
How to check a module against the list
Check the exact model number from the datasheet and nameplate against the live ALMM list on the MNRE portal. Match the maker, model and wattage. Then confirm the serial and RFID or QR tag are traceable. Do this at the moment of order, because the live list is point-in-time and entries can change.
For a click-by-click walkthrough, see how to check the ALMM list. To verify domestic content as well, see DCR certificate verification.
How SuryaHub helps you stay ALMM-compliant
The risk is human: a buyer orders a model that is not listed, and nobody catches it until inspection. SuryaHub puts ALMM and DCR status next to every approved model inside procurement and inventory, so the team can only raise a BOM from compliant modules and can prove the model, serial and certificate later. It ties into government workflows for the subsidy and net- metering steps too. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; the only real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL, and every ALMM figure here is point-in-time, to verify against the current MNRE order.
Enforce ALMM on every BOM
See how SuryaHub blocks non-listed modules before they hit the order.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the ALMM list?+
The ALMM list is the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers maintained by MNRE. ALMM names the exact solar models allowed in most government-linked projects, such as subsidy, many tenders and net metering. A module must be enlisted by its precise model number, not just by brand, to qualify.
What is the difference between ALMM List-I and List-II?+
ALMM List-I approves finished solar modules, while ALMM List-II approves the solar cells inside those modules. List-I is enforced today. List-II requires cells from an enlisted Indian maker and is set to take effect around 1 June 2026 — confirm whether it was deferred in the latest MNRE order, status as of 20 June 2026.
Is ALMM the same as DCR?+
No. ALMM and DCR are separate rules. ALMM lists approved models and manufacturers. DCR, the Domestic Content Requirement, demands the module and cells be made in India, proven by a DCR certificate. A module can sit on ALMM List-I yet not be DCR, so an EPC must check both where each rule applies.
Which projects need ALMM-listed modules?+
ALMM-listed modules are required for most government-linked solar work. This includes the PM Surya Ghar subsidy, many central and state tenders, and net-metering approval in many states. Always verify the exact scope against the current MNRE order, because the applicability window is revised often and some cases are litigated.
How do I know if a solar module is on the ALMM list?+
To know if a solar module is ALMM-listed, check the live ALMM list on the MNRE portal by the exact model number, not the brand. Match the model, wattage and manufacturer on the module datasheet and nameplate to the entry. The live list is point-in-time, so verify it again at the moment you place the order.
How does SuryaHub help with ALMM compliance?+
SuryaHub keeps each approved model, its ALMM and DCR status and its serials inside procurement, so the team orders only compliant modules and can prove it later. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; the only real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL, and all ALMM facts here are point-in-time, verify against the current MNRE order.
Sources & references
ALMM definitions, lists and dates come from primary government sources. Every list, date and capacity is point-in-time — confirm it against the current MNRE order and the live ALMM list before you order.
- Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) ↗
Issues ALMM orders and publishes List-I, List-II and the live model list.
- NISE DCR portal ↗
Where DCR module status is issued and checked (verify the exact URL).
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) ↗
IS 14286 and the compulsory registration scheme for modules.
Written by the SuryaHub team · reviewed against MNRE, NISE & BIS sources · updated 20 June 2026.
Method: ALMM list structure and applicability are taken from MNRE orders and re-checked regularly. All lists, dates and capacities are point-in-time and may be litigated; verify against the current MNRE order, the live ALMM list, NISE and BIS. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; only Suryantra Energy and RGESPL are real pilots.
Change log: 20 Jun 2026 — first published.