MNRE has issued a revised draft proposal

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a revised draft proposal to introduce a standardized nomenclature system for solar photovoltaic (PV) cell models listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II.

The revised proposal was issued through an Office Memorandum dated October 5, 2026, following stakeholder feedback on the initial draft released on August 3, 2026. MNRE has invited further comments and suggestions on the proposed framework until October 12, 2026.

The proposed nomenclature is aimed at bringing greater consistency to solar cell model names while improving identification, traceability and transparency across the solar PV manufacturing and supply chain.

14-Digit Identification Code Proposed

Under the proposed framework, each solar cell model listed under ALMM List-II will carry the manufacturer’s brand name followed by a 14-digit alphanumeric identification code.

The code will provide key information about the cell, including the sourcing origin of polysilicon, ingots and wafers, manufacturing location, cell technology, wafer size and efficiency.

The first three positions will identify the sourcing origin of polysilicon, ingots and wafers, with each component classified as either domestic (D) or foreign (F). The fourth position will specify whether the solar cell itself is manufactured domestically or overseas.

MNRE has clarified that solar cells manufactured using imported “blue wafers,” or diffused silicon wafers, will not be classified as domestically manufactured under the proposed system.

Technology and Wafer Size to Be Included

Positions five and six of the proposed code will identify the cell technology. The framework includes codes such as MP for Mono PERC, TC for TOPCon, HJ for Heterojunction (HJT), BC for Back Contact and PS for Perovskite.

Positions seven and eight will indicate the wafer size. Proposed codes include MA for M10, MB for M10R, GA for G12 and GB for G12R.

The next three positions, from nine to eleven, will represent the cell’s efficiency. These digits will correspond to the first three digits of the efficiency percentage after truncation.

For example, a solar cell with an efficiency of 25.67% would be assigned the efficiency code “256.” The final three positions, 12 to 14, will be reserved for future designations.

Existing ALMM Models Also Required to Adopt New Format

MNRE has stated that all new inspections conducted by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) for ALMM List-II enlistment will follow the proposed nomenclature system.

Solar cell models that have already been enlisted or inspected before the issuance of the memorandum will also be required to adopt the standardized naming format within two months.

The proposed system is expected to establish a common identification framework for ALMM-listed solar cells, helping regulators, manufacturers and other stakeholders track key technical and manufacturing details more consistently.

Stakeholders can submit their comments and suggestions on the revised proposal to MNRE at [email protected] by October 12, 2026.