ALMM

The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) is a Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) order that restricts solar photovoltaic (PV) modules used in government-supported, government-assisted, and government-procured projects (including open-access and net-metering projects) to those manufactured by listed entities whose models meet specified Indian technical and quality standards. ALMM List I covers solar PV modules and was first notified on March 2, 2019; it was operationalised in stages and re-enforced from April 1, 2024 after a one-year suspension intended to ease supply during a module crunch. ALMM List II — covering solar PV cells — is being notified with effect from financial year 2026-27 to deepen domestic value addition. ALMM is paired with the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for high-efficiency modules (cumulative outlay of about ₹24,000 crore across two tranches) and Basic Customs Duty (40% on modules and 25% on cells since April 1, 2022).

• 1 Issued under the Electricity Act and MNRE administrative orders; binding on government-supported solar projects
• 2 List I (modules) notified March 2, 2019; re-enforced April 1, 2024; List II (cells) being notified for FY 2026-27
• 3 Complements PLI Solar (about ₹24,000 crore) and BCD of 40% on modules and 25% on cells (from April 1, 2022)
• 4 Aims to reduce import dependence — China holds more than 80% of the global solar PV value chain
• 5 Critics flag higher module prices and missed renewable capacity targets; supporters cite manufacturing scale-up to about 80 GW module capacity
• 6 Linked to India's 500 GW non-fossil capacity goal by 2030 (Panchamrit commitment)
• 7 WTO challenge risk: subsidies and local content elements can attract disputes under SCM and TRIMs

On May 22, 2026 at the WTO Dispute Settlement Body in Geneva, India blocked China's first request for a panel on India's solar tariffs and the ALMM regime, arguing the measures are consistent with WTO rules.