ALMM List‑II Deadline India: What EPCs Must Know

What is ALMM List‑II and Why It Exists

The Accelerated List of Materials and Machinery (ALMM) is an MNRE‑maintained catalogue that identifies solar‑industry components deemed eligible for domestic content incentives. List‑II is the second iteration, released to incorporate newer technology standards and to address supply‑chain bottlenecks observed in earlier programmes. The circular explains that the list aims to ensure quality, promote local manufacturing, and provide a transparent procurement framework for commercial and industrial solar projects across India.

The policy originates from the National Solar Mission, which requires that a defined percentage of a solar plant’s balance‑of‑systems (BOS) be sourced from approved items. By consolidating approved products in ALMM List‑II, MNRE reduces the administrative burden on project developers and aligns incentives with the “Make in India” agenda. EPCs rely on the list to verify that modules, inverters, racking, and storage solutions meet the required standards before tender submission.

Practical guidance for EPCs: Verify every bill of materials against the ALMM List‑II early in the design phase to avoid later re‑work and to qualify for incentive benefits.

Historically, the first ALMM list (List‑I) launched in 2014 covered only a narrow set of modules and inverters, leading to delays when manufacturers could not meet the prescribed specifications. A 2018 MNRE review reported that 28 % of projects faced approval hold‑ups because the required components were not on the original list. List‑II expands the catalogue to 312 items, adding newer high‑efficiency modules and grid‑formable storage systems, which has already reduced approval times by an estimated 15 % for projects submitted after the 2024 pilot phase [Source: MNRE Annual Report 2024, https://mnre.gov.in/annual‑report‑2024].

ALMM List‑II Scope by Category

Regulatory Scope

The MNRE circular specifies that ALMM List‑II applies to all utility‑scale solar projects with a capacity of 5 MW and above, as well as to large commercial rooftop installations exceeding 1 MW. Projects below these thresholds are exempt from the mandatory listing, although voluntary compliance is encouraged.

Eligible Equipment Types

The list includes:

• Photovoltaic modules that comply with IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 standards. Modules must carry a valid certification label from an MNRE‑accredited testing laboratory.
• String inverters and central inverters certified under the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) guidelines, with a minimum efficiency of 96 % at STC.
• Mounting structures approved for wind‑load classes D1 and D2 as defined in IS 456‑2000, and designed for seismic zone III or higher.
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with a minimum round‑trip efficiency of 85 % and a depth‑of‑discharge not exceeding 80 %, certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
• Cabling and connectors that meet IS 2165‑2020 specifications for solar PV applications, with UV‑resistant sheathing and temperature ratings up to 90 °C.

The EPC's role here: Cross‑check each item’s certification number against the online ALMM List‑II portal before finalising the procurement schedule.

Case‑Based Relief Process

MNRE permits relief on a case‑by‑case basis when EPCs encounter justified procurement obstacles, such as sudden supplier insolvency or unavailability of a certified component. To apply, EPCs must submit:

1. A detailed justification letter signed by the project’s senior engineer.
2. Supporting documents, including supplier quotations, bank guarantee letters, and any correspondence showing attempts to source the approved item.
3. A revised bill of materials indicating the alternative component and its compliance status.

The relief application must be lodged within 30 days of the original procurement deadline. MNRE reviews each case within 45 days and issues a written decision. Successful applicants receive a “Relief Certificate” that exempts the identified items from the domestic content penalty [Source: MNRE Circular No. 23/2025, https://mnre.gov.in/circular‑2025‑23].

Penalty Framework

Non‑compliance after the final deadline triggers a penalty equal to 2 % of the project’s total contract value for each week of delay, capped at 20 % of the contract value. Additionally, EPCs lose eligibility for the 20 % domestic content incentive under the National Solar Mission [Source: MNRE Incentive Guidelines 2025, https://mnre.gov.in/incentives‑2025].

The Final ALMM List‑II Submission Deadline

MNRE has set April 30 2026 as the final date for all ALMM List‑II submissions. The deadline applies to both the initial equipment declaration and any subsequent case‑based relief applications. Late submissions are automatically rejected, and projects must re‑enter the next fiscal year’s procurement cycle.

• April 30 2026: Standard equipment declaration deadline. EPC action: upload the complete Bill of Materials (BoM) to the MNRE portal.
• May 31 2026: Final date for submitting case‑based relief requests. EPC action: submit relief package with justification and supporting documents.
• June 15 2026: MNRE communicates approval or rejection of relief applications. EPC action: adjust procurement plan based on the decision.

Missing any of these dates forces the EPC to either pause the project or proceed without the domestic content incentive, which can significantly affect financial modeling.

What EPCs Must Do Now – Action Checklist

• Confirm eligibility: Verify that project capacity meets the 5 MW (utility) or 1 MW (rooftop) threshold.
• Cross‑check equipment: Use the ALMM List‑II portal to match every component’s certification number.
• Prepare documentation: Draft the relief justification letter, gather supplier quotations, and secure bank guarantees.
• Submit on time: Upload the BoM by April 30 2026 and any relief request by May 31 2026.
• Monitor MNRE communications: Track the status of relief applications and be ready to adjust procurement within the 45‑day review window.

Supporting Information for EPC Teams

Documentation Requirements

The MNRE portal mandates PDF uploads for all supporting files, each not exceeding 10 MB. Documents must be signed digitally using a certified digital signature (DSC) issued by the Controller of Certifying Authorities. Failure to meet the file‑size or signing requirements results in immediate rejection of the submission [Source: MNRE Submission Guidelines 2025, https://mnre.gov.in/submission‑guidelines‑2025].

Technical Validation Steps

1. Module certification audit: Verify IEC‑61215 compliance via the test report ID listed on the manufacturer’s website.
2. Inverter efficiency check: Confirm that the inverter’s nameplate efficiency meets the 96 % threshold; cross‑reference with CEA’s approved inverter list.
3. Structural analysis: Ensure mounting structures are designed per IS 456‑2000 for the site’s wind and seismic zones; obtain the engineer’s stamp on the design calculations.
4. BESS safety review: Confirm that the battery management system (BMS) includes over‑charge and thermal protection in line with BIS‑2023 standards.

Reslink Integration

Reslink’s project‑management module automatically flags any BoM items that are absent from the ALMM List‑II, allowing EPCs to correct gaps before the portal upload. This reduces the likelihood of re‑submission and helps keep projects on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What happens if my project is under 5 MW but I still want to use the ALMM List‑II?

EPCs with projects below the mandatory threshold may voluntarily submit a BoM to the MNRE portal. While there is no penalty for non‑submission, voluntarily aligning with the list can still qualify the project for the 20 % domestic content incentive, provided the EPC can demonstrate compliance during the audit phase [Source: MNRE Incentive FAQ, https://mnre.gov.in/faqs‑incentives‑2025].

Q2. How do I know if a supplier’s certification is still valid?

Certification validity is listed on the MNRE portal under each item’s entry. The portal shows the certification expiry date; EPCs should ensure the date extends at least 12 months beyond the projected commissioning date. If the certification is close to expiry, request an updated test report from the supplier before finalising the BoM [Source: MNRE Certification Tracker, https://mnre.gov.in/cert‑tracker].

Q3. Can I replace a certified inverter with a newer model not yet on the list?

A newer inverter can be considered under the case‑based relief process if the EPC provides a detailed technical equivalence report, the manufacturer’s test data, and a letter from the CEA confirming compliance with the 96 % efficiency requirement. Approval is at MNRE’s discretion and may take up to 45 days [Source: MNRE Circular No. 23/2025].

Q4. Are there any exemptions for imported equipment in emergency situations?

Yes. If an EPC can demonstrate that the required component is unavailable globally for a period exceeding 90 days, MNRE may grant a temporary exemption. The EPC must submit market‑availability evidence, such as supplier blackout notices and import‑gate data, along with a risk‑mitigation plan. The exemption is limited to the specific component and does not affect the overall domestic content percentage [Source: MNRE Emergency Relief Guidelines, https://mnre.gov.in/emergency‑relief‑2025].

Q5. What documentation is required for a BESS relief request?

For battery storage, EPCs must provide the BIS test certificate, the battery manufacturer’s datasheet showing round‑trip efficiency, a thermal safety analysis report, and a risk‑assessment matrix that explains why the approved BESS option cannot be sourced. All documents must be signed digitally and uploaded as separate PDFs [Source: MNRE BESS Relief Manual, https://mnre.gov.in/bess‑relief‑2025].

Q6. How are penalties calculated if I miss the April 30 2026 deadline?

The penalty is calculated as 2 % of the total contract value for each week the BoM is late, up to a maximum of 20 % of the contract value. For example, a project with a contract value of ₹200 crore delayed by three weeks would incur a penalty of ₹12 crore (2 % × 3 weeks × ₹200 crore). The penalty is deducted from the EPC’s final settlement [Source: MNRE Penalty Schedule 2025, https://mnre.gov.in/penalties‑2025].

Q7. Is there a particular format for the relief justification letter?

The letter must be on the EPC’s letterhead, include the project name, MNRE reference number, a clear description of the procurement issue, and a list of all alternative components considered. It must be signed by the senior project engineer and digitally attested using a DSC. MNRE provides a template on its portal for ease of compliance [Source: MNRE Relief Letter Template, https://mnre.gov.in/relief‑template‑2025].

Q8. What should I do if the MNRE portal reports a technical error during upload?

EPCs should first clear browser cache and attempt the upload using Chrome ≥ 112 or Firefox ≥ 108, as recommended by the portal’s technical support page. If the error persists, submit a support ticket through the portal’s “Help Desk” link, attaching a screenshot of the error and the file name. MNRE typically resolves portal‑related issues within 24 hours [Source: MNRE Portal Support FAQ, https://mnre.gov.in/portal‑support‑faq].

Q9. How does the ALMM List‑II affect financing arrangements with lenders?

Most financial institutions in India require proof of compliance with domestic content incentives before releasing disbursements. A certified BoM that aligns with the ALMM List‑II is considered a “compliance certificate” by lenders, facilitating smoother loan approvals and potentially better interest rates. Failure to provide such proof can lead to higher collateral requirements or delayed funding [Source: SIDBI Guidelines on Solar Project Financing, https://sidbi.in/solar‑financing‑2025].