The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has expanded the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework to include solar ingots and wafers, introducing a new ALMM List-III that will come into effect from 1 June 2028.
The move extends mandatory domestic sourcing requirements beyond solar modules and cells to upstream components such as ingots and wafers, which currently remain heavily import-dependent.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi described the expansion as a decisive step towards strengthening India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem.
He noted that the measure will boost domestic production, enhance supply chain resilience, reduce import dependence and ensure higher quality standards across the solar value chain.
Under the new provisions, all applicable projects, including net metering and open access projects, will be required to use ALMM-listed wafers from the effective date.
The framework also introduces key eligibility conditions for manufacturers.
To be included in ALMM List-III for wafers, companies must have equivalent ingot manufacturing capacity, encouraging backward integration in the solar value chain.
Additionally, the initial list will only be issued once at least three independent manufacturing units with a combined capacity of 15 GW are established, ensuring adequate domestic supply before enforcement.
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From the effective date, ALMM List-I for solar modules will include only those modules manufactured using ALMM-listed cells and wafers. Separate lists will be maintained for grandfathered projects to avoid disruption.
The government stated that the move is expected to drive investment into ingot and wafer manufacturing facilities in India, improve supply chain security and reduce vulnerability to import disruptions, ensure quality and traceability of solar components all the way from wafer to module, and generate skilled employment in upstream solar manufacturing.
Wafers represent a critical intermediate stage between polysilicon and solar cells, and India currently has limited domestic capacity in this segment.
According to the government, this expansion of ALMM represents an important step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and the country’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
India’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Order, 2019 is a quality-and-reliability framework that ensures solar equipment used in the country’s solar projects meet the domestic manufacturing standards.
It applies for projects awarded through competitive bidding under Sec 63,Electricity Act,2003 and for net-metering or open-access projects.
Since ALMM was introduced, domestic solar manufacturing has expanded significantly.
ALMM List-I (solar PV modules) has grown from 8.2 GW in 2021 to around 172 GW currently.
ALMM List-II (solar PV cells), introduced more recently, has already reached 27 GW within seven months, demonstrating the framework’s effectiveness in stimulating domestic investment.
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