In a major push to strengthen India’s domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem, the government has expanded the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework to include solar ingots and wafers. The new provision, introduced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), will come into force from June 1, 2028.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, described the move as a decisive step toward boosting domestic production, reducing import dependence, and strengthening supply chain resilience in the solar sector.
ALMM Expansion: Moving Up the Solar Value Chain
The MNRE has introduced a new category—ALMM List-III—which will cover solar ingots and wafers. With this expansion, the ALMM framework now extends beyond modules and cells to include upstream components that are currently heavily reliant on imports.
This step is expected to deepen domestic value addition across the entire solar supply chain and support India’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for solar manufacturing.
Key Provisions of the New ALMM Framework
Effective Date: From June 1, 2028, all solar projects—including net metering and open access—must use wafers listed under ALMM List-III.
Cut-Off Date for Bids: Seven days after the initial ALMM List-III is published, all bids under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003 must specify the use of compliant wafers.
Minimum Manufacturing Threshold: The ALMM List-III will be issued only when at least three independent manufacturers with a combined capacity of 15 GW are operational in India.
Mandatory Ingot Integration: Manufacturers applying for ALMM List-III must also have equivalent ingot production capacity, encouraging backward integration.
Module List Integrity: From the effective date, ALMM List-I (solar modules) will include only those modules made using ALMM-approved cells and wafers. Separate provisions will be maintained for ongoing projects to avoid disruption.
No Change to DCR Norms: Existing Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) rules under MNRE schemes will remain unchanged.
Grandfathering Provisions to Protect Ongoing Projects
To ensure a smooth transition, the government has included grandfathering provisions. These safeguards will protect projects that are already under development or in the bidding pipeline from being affected by the new requirements.
Why This Move Matters
Solar wafers form a critical link between polysilicon and solar cells. Currently, India has limited domestic capacity in this segment and depends significantly on imports.
The introduction of ALMM List-III is expected to boost domestic investment in ingot and wafer manufacturing, enhance supply chain security and reduce import risks, improve quality and traceability across the solar value chain, and generate skilled jobs in upstream manufacturing.
Supporting India’s Clean Energy Goals
This policy expansion aligns with India’s broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and supports the country’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Background: Growth of ALMM Framework
The ALMM Order, introduced in 2019, serves as a quality assurance mechanism for solar equipment used in India. It applies to projects developed through competitive bidding and those under net metering or open access.
Since its introduction, ALMM List-I (Modules) has grown from 8.2 GW in 2021 to around 172 GW, while ALMM List-II (Cells) has reached 27 GW within just seven months of launch.
The expansion to include ingots and wafers marks the next phase in strengthening India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem.
With this move, the government is signaling a clear shift toward full supply chain localization, aiming to make India more self-reliant and globally competitive in solar manufacturing.
Sorce : PIB
Edited by D . Rishidhar Reddy
Image generated using AI
About The Author
