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, a key step in strengthening India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem.
The new provision, called ALMM List-III, will come into effect from June 1, 2028, according to an official announcement.
Key Highlights
- ALMM framework extended to include solar ingots and wafers
- New rules to be implemented from June 1, 2028
- Mandatory use of ALMM-listed wafers in all solar projects
- Minimum domestic capacity requirement before list rollout
- Focus on reducing import dependence and boosting local manufacturing
Strengthening Domestic Solar Supply Chain
The expansion of ALMM moves the policy further upstream in the solar value chain.
While earlier provisions covered solar modules and cells, the inclusion of ingots and wafers addresses a segment where India still relies heavily on imports.
Wafers are a crucial intermediate product used to manufacture solar cells, making this step significant for building a complete domestic ecosystem.
Official Statement
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said the decision is aimed at enhancing domestic production capacity and improving supply chain security.
He noted that the move will help reduce reliance on imports while ensuring higher quality standards across solar components.
Key Provisions Explained
Under the new rules, all solar projects including those under net metering and open access will be required to use wafers listed under ALMM List-III from June 2028.
The government will issue the initial list only after at least three independent manufacturers achieve a combined production capacity of 15 GW, ensuring adequate domestic supply.
Manufacturers seeking inclusion must also have matching ingot production capacity, encouraging vertical integration within India’s solar industry.
Additionally, solar modules listed under ALMM will need to be made using approved cells and wafers, maintaining quality and traceability across the supply chain.
Context and Background
The ALMM framework, introduced in 2019, is designed to ensure quality and reliability in solar equipment used in India’s power projects.
It applies to projects awarded through competitive bidding under the Electricity Act, 2003, as well as certain grid-connected systems.
Since its introduction, domestic manufacturing capacity has expanded significantly. Solar module capacity has grown sharply, while cell manufacturing has also seen rapid development in recent months.
Public Impact
The policy is expected to encourage investment in domestic solar manufacturing, particularly in upstream segments like ingots and wafers.
This could create jobs, improve supply chain stability, and reduce vulnerability to global disruptions.
In the long term, a stronger domestic ecosystem may help lower costs and support India’s renewable energy targets.
Conclusion
The expansion of the ALMM framework marks a strategic step in India’s push towards self-reliance in clean energy manufacturing.
With implementation set for 2028, the move provides industry players time to scale up capacity while aligning with the country’s broader goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Source: PIB
Last Updated on: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 4:34 pm by Outlook News Team | Published by: Outlook News Team on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 4:34 pm | News Categories: Bengaluru
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