WHAT IS ALMM ?

The term ALMM stands for an Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). This term was coined by MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy). This is a list of solar cell and module types and manufacturers in India that have been certified by the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) but not necessarily all BIS certified solar cell and module types come under ALMM.

Presently there are 78 enlisted manufacturers in the ALMM list, this list is updated as per the requirement and the updated list is shared on the official website of MNRE ( www.mnre.gov.in ).

Why ALMM Matters

ALMM serves several critical purposes within the solar industry:

1. Quality Assurance: By featuring only approved models and manufacturers, ALMM helps consumers and businesses make informed decisions, ensuring that they invest in reliable and high-quality solar products.

2. Regulatory Compliance: Governments and regulatory bodies often mandate the use of ALMM-compliant products to uphold safety and performance standards in solar installations. Adherence to ALMM listings is often a prerequisite for subsidies, incentives.

3. Market Transparency: ALMM fosters transparency within the solar market by providing a centralized platform where consumers, installers, and other stakeholders can access trustworthy information about solar products and manufacturers.

How Does ALMM Work?

The process of getting listed in ALMM typically involves rigorous evaluation and assessment by regulatory bodies or certification agencies. Manufacturers must submit their products or components for testing and inspection to ensure they meet the specified criteria. This evaluation process often involves thorough scrutiny of design, manufacturing processes, materials used, performance testing, and compliance with relevant regulations.

Upon successful evaluation, the models or manufacturers are added to the ALMM. Listings may come with expiration dates,  periodic re-evaluation to maintain compliance with evolving standards and technologies.

The Technical Specifications:

1. Testing Standards: Before solar panels can be approved, they undergo rigorous testing by MNRE authorized labs. These tests check things like how much power they produce in ideal conditions, their power tolerance, how they handle different temperatures, how strong they are against physical stress, and how they hold up over time. Only panels that meet or beat these standards make it onto the approved list.

2. Focus on Efficiency: The rules on how efficient solar panels need to be kept are getting stricter. This pushes companies to use the latest technology, like PERC cells and half-cut cell designs, to squeeze more power out of every square meter of panel.

3. Durability and Reliability: Approved panels also have to pass tests to make sure they can handle tough conditions like heat, UV rays, and physical stress. This ensures they can keep working reliably for at least 25 years, even in India’s harsh weather. 

ALMM has to go under rigorous testing by MNRE
Link : https://www.saurenergy.com/solar-energy-news/april-2022-almm-list-10-new-manufacturers-1-2-gw-fresh-capacity-approved

Conclusion

ALMM serves as a cornerstone of quality assurance and regulatory compliance in the solar industry. By providing a curated list of approved solar panel models and manufacturers, ALMM helps ensure the reliability, performance, and safety of solar energy systems worldwide. For consumers, businesses, and regulatory authorities alike, leveraging ALMM-certified products and suppliers is key to fostering a sustainable and resilient solar energy infrastructure.

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