ALMM Certification

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), in its effort towards reducing India’s dependence on solar-related product imports and making India self-reliant, announced compulsory registration of solar module manufacturers under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).

The aim of ALMM is to inspect the manufacturing unit physically and it is mandatory for the vendors who are supplying to the state-owned solar projects. This is an addition to the quality check by the Government of India, which is at present time limited to product (BOM) testing by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards).

The model as mentioned in the guidelines of ALMM cites the models/cells of the same nominal power output rating. All BIS-approved Models/cells in possession of the applicant with the same nominal power will be treated as one single model.

The application fee for 1 model of the cell is Rs. 5000 per MW of the total installed manufacturing capacity for solar PV modules of the applicant.

In the case of multiple models in the application, the application fees shall be as above for one model and an additional 1% charge for every additional model.

Quantum of Inspection Fees:-

In case, the applicant has more than 1 manufacturing site, or the applicant is sourcing his cells/models from some other manufacturers and selling the same models/cells under his brand name, in all such cases, the applicant’s own manufacturing unit and the manufacturing unit from where the applicant is sourcing his / her solar models/cells shall be subject for inspection.

Bank Account Details for Application fees Submission: -

• Account Name - National Institute of Solar Energy - ALMM Account
• Account number - 38372319873
• IFSC Code - SBIN0006604
• Bank - State Bank of India
• Branch Address - Shop no 109-110, Qutub Plaza, Shopping Centre, DLF Qutub Enclave, Phase 1, Gurugram, Haryana.

The Procedure for Obtaining ALMM Certification is as Follows

• The application form for ALMM have to be submitted with ALMM cell of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• While applying for ALMM, the applicant has to submit, apart from application fee, evidence of their financial and physical manufacturing capabilities, ranging from the last 3 years or the period of existence of the respective unit, whichever is less. For evidence, applicant can include details of purchase of raw materials, production and sales details, profit and loss account balance sheet etc.
• The application form along with acknowledgment of application fees paid and the required documents need to be submitted with the ALMM cell of the Implementation Support Agency for further verification.
• In cases involving preliminary inspection, after getting satisfactory verification of the operations of the unit, the applicant shall be required to submit details on month-wise basis, to the next one year regarding the purchase of raw materials, sales of finished goods, bank statements showing such transaction of purchase of raw materials and sales of finished goods, a satisfactory performance certificate from their buyers and solvency certificate from their concerned banks.
• After a Preliminary inspection has been done, and where if it found that there are not any operational issues, performance-related defaults, the unit shall qualify for the next step i.e. Site Inspection. The applicant manufacturing unit then will become eligible for site inspection by the Implementation Support Agency, on payment of necessary inspection fees.
• The approved list of models and manufacturers under ALMM (List I & List II) will be uploaded on the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) official website ad will be quarterly updated.

The Address to Submit the Application Form for ALMM Certificate: 

Application form for applying ALMM certificate is available on Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) website.

ALMM Cell, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Block - 14, C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi - 110003, India.

Quality Checking of Models/Cells: - 

• After getting enlisted under ALMM, the models and the manufacturer shall be subjected to random quality check/test, including inspection of the enlisted manufacturing sites and in case of any failure of non-compliance, they shall be removed from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).
• The cost of inspecting the enlisted manufacturing sites has to be reimbursed by the enlisted unit within one month of the inspection/audit. Failing to do so shall remove the enlisted unit from the ALMM approved list.

Renewal of Enlistment in ALMM: -

• The renewal procedure will be the same as during the fresh enlistment. Although the application fee has been kept at 50% of the prevailing application fee for fresh enlistment. All other conditions, inspection fee, procedures applicable, etc. for fresh application shall be applicable for renewal of ALMM.
• While applying for renewal of ALMM, the applicant has to submit the application fee along with the required documents that are required during fresh application.
• After renewal of ALMM, the validity of ALMM also extend by another 2 years and again can be renewed thereafter.

The following documents duly signed by the authorized signatory shall be provided with the Application form:-

• Copy of certificate of incorporation
• Authorized Letter for authorizing the authorized signatory to sign the application
• Copy of BIS certificate/registration, as applicable
• Copy of certificates declaring Standards from Accredited Labs of BIS
• Affidavit and Indemnity Bond in the prescribed format signed by Authorized Signatory and attested by Judicial Magistrate or Executive Magistrate or Notary Public
• Other Documents