The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced an expansion of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Order to introduce ALMM List-III, covering solar ingots and wafers, effective 1 June 2028. The move includes grandfathering provisions to protect projects already in the pipeline, ensuring a smooth transition for ongoing developments.
The existing ALMM framework mandates sourcing of modules and cells from approved domestic manufacturers. The new order extends this requirement upstream to ingots and wafers, a segment where India remains heavily dependent on imports.
Key Provisions
- Effective Date: 1 June 2028, from which all projects, including net-metering and open-access projects, must use ALMM-listed wafers.
- Cut-Off Date: Seven days after the publication of the initial ALMM List-III for wafers; all bids under the Sec 63 route submitted after this date must specify ALMM List-III compliant wafers.
- Threshold for List Issuance: The first list will only be sent out when at least three independent manufacturers are up and running and have a total capacity of 15 GW, which will make sure there is enough supply in the country.
- Required Ingot Capacity: Manufacturers who want to be on the ALMM List-III for wafers must also be able to make the same amount of ingots, which encourages upstream integration.
- Module List Integrity: From the effective date, ALMM List-I (solar PV modules) will only include modules manufactured using ALMM-listed cells and wafers. Separate lists will be maintained for grandfathered projects.
- DCR Compliance: The new order does not dilute or override existing Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) provisions under MNRE schemes.
Expected Benefits
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, said, “This is a decisive step towards strengthening India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem.” He added, “The move will boost domestic production, enhance supply chain resilience, reduce import dependence, and ensure higher quality standards across the solar value chain.”
ALMM List-III is expected to drive investment in ingot and wafer manufacturing, improve supply chain security, ensure quality and traceability, and create skilled employment in upstream solar manufacturing.
Background
The ALMM framework, which began in 2019, makes sure that solar panels and other equipment used in India are made to the country’s standards. It applies to projects that involve competitive bidding, net metering, and open access under Section 63. The ALMM List-I (modules) has grown from 8.2 GW in 2021 to 172 GW since it was first made available. In just seven months, ALMM List-II (cells) grew to 27 GW. This shows how well the framework works to get people to invest in the country.
This expansion marks a significant step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat and India’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
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