The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has taken another major step to strengthen the domestic solar ecosystem. From June 2028, both solar PV cells and wafers will come under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).

MNRE will form a new ALMM List-III for wafers. This will be issued only when at least three independent wafer manufacturing plants are operating in India with a collective annual capacity of 15 GW or more.

Manufacturers will also be required to have an ingot capacity equal to their wafer capacity to qualify. This requirement ensures that the ALMM reflects full and true production capabilities.

From the effective date, all solar modules in ALMM List-I must use ALMM List-II cells, and these cells must use ALMM List-III wafers. This structure will make a fully integrated domestic value chain.

Exemptions and Implementation Timeline

Not all projects will be subject to this rule immediately. Projects with a bid deadline before the cut-off date (one month after the first wafer ALMM list release) will be exempt from using wafers listed in the ALMM. However, they will still have to follow module and cell compliance.

Net metering and open access projects initiated before June 2028 will not require wafers from ALMM. But modules, cells and wafers for any project initiated after June 1, 2028 must be sourced strictly from ALMM lists.

For government-backed captive projects:

• Before June 2026- only modules required.
• Between June 2026 and June 2028- modules and cells required.
• From June 2028 onwards- modules, cells, and wafers all required.

Strong Push for Domestic Content

MNRE has provided some flexibility for thin film solar PV modules manufactured in integrated plants. These will be considered as per the requirements of ALMM chain.

Meanwhile, the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) obligations will remain strict for schemes like PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, and CPSU Phase-II. No relaxation will be given under these government programmes.

Guidelines for wafer utilization under ALMM List-III will be issued individually, providing manufacturers with a clear path for compliance.

The new ALMM framework is a major step forward for India’s solar mission. By making registration mandatory for wafers, cells, and modules, MNRE is pushing for a self-reliant solar manufacturing base. It will fortify India’s supply chain, increase quality, and support the country’s clean energy future.