MNRE Extends ALMM Framework to Solar Ingots and Wafers from June 1, 2028
Table of Contents
- •ALMM List-III to Cover Solar Ingots and Wafers
- •Boost to Domestic Solar Manufacturing
- •Capacity Requirements for Manufacturers
- •Existing Projects Protected
- •Supporting India’s Renewable Energy Goals
- •Outlook
New Delhi: 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, marking a significant step toward strengthening India’s domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem. The newly introduced ALMM List-III will become effective from June 1, 2028, making the use of approved wafers mandatory for eligible solar projects across the country.
The move is aimed at promoting self-reliance in the solar value chain, improving supply chain resilience, reducing dependence on imports, and ensuring higher quality standards for solar manufacturing in India.
ALMM List-III to Cover Solar Ingots and Wafers
Under the revised framework, all solar projects, including net metering and open access installations, will be required to use wafers listed under ALMM List-III from June 1, 2028.
Additionally, bids submitted after the notified cut-off date under the Electricity Act must mandatorily utilize ALMM List-III compliant solar wafers, ensuring wider adoption of domestically approved components.
Boost to Domestic Solar Manufacturing
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi described the decision as a major milestone in strengthening India’s solar manufacturing capabilities.
According to the minister, extending ALMM to ingots and wafers will:
- Increase domestic manufacturing capacity.
- Strengthen India’s solar supply chain.
- Reduce reliance on imported solar components.
- Improve quality standards across the solar value chain.
- Support the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in renewable energy.
Capacity Requirements for Manufacturers
The ministry stated that the first ALMM List-III will only be notified after at least three independent manufacturers become operational with a combined production capacity of 15 GW within the country.
To qualify for inclusion, manufacturers must also maintain equivalent solar ingot production capacity, encouraging upstream integration and strengthening India’s complete solar manufacturing ecosystem.
Existing Projects Protected
To ensure a smooth transition, the government has introduced grandfathering provisions, allowing projects already under implementation to continue without disruption.
The ministry also clarified that the existing Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) norms will remain unchanged under the new policy.
Supporting India’s Renewable Energy Goals
The expansion of the ALMM framework aligns with India’s ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
By encouraging domestic production of critical solar components such as ingots and wafers, the government aims to build a more resilient and globally competitive renewable energy manufacturing industry while reducing import dependency and accelerating the country’s clean energy transition.
Outlook
The inclusion of solar ingots and wafers under the ALMM framework represents another significant policy initiative to deepen domestic manufacturing across India’s solar supply chain. Industry stakeholders are expected to benefit from greater policy certainty, improved investment opportunities, and enhanced local value addition, supporting India’s long-term goal of becoming a global renewable energy manufacturing hub.
