MNRE Invites Stakeholder Feedback on Standardised Nomenclature for ALMM Solar PV Cell Models
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has invited comments from stakeholders on a proposal to introduce a standardised 14-digit alphanumeric nomenclature for Solar PV Cell Models listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II. The initiative aims to establish a uniform identification system for solar PV cells, improving product traceability, transparency and technical identification across the solar manufacturing value chain.
In an Office Memorandum issued on August 3, 2026, the ministry noted that ALMM List-II currently contains model names submitted by individual manufacturers. However, in the absence of a prescribed naming standard, manufacturers use their own proprietary model naming conventions, resulting in considerable variation across the industry and making it difficult to identify the technical characteristics of solar PV cells through their model names.
To address this challenge, MNRE has proposed a standardised coding framework that would assign every ALMM-listed solar PV cell model a unique 14-digit alphanumeric identifier incorporating key technical specifications of the product. According to the ministry, the new system is intended to bring greater uniformity in product identification while enhancing traceability throughout the manufacturing and supply chain.
Under the proposed structure, the identification code will include information related to the origin of the wafer, ingot and polysilicon, indicating whether each component is of domestic or foreign origin. The nomenclature will also specify the cell technology, such as Mono PERC, TOPCon, HJT or Back Contact, along with the wafer size, number of busbars, and a manufacturer-specific identifier covering brand, revision, variant or other unique product details.
To illustrate the proposed framework, the ministry has shared sample model codes demonstrating how the alphanumeric sequence can communicate the complete technical profile of a solar PV cell. For instance, a code can identify whether the wafer and ingot are domestically sourced while the polysilicon is imported, specify the use of TOPCon technology, indicate the wafer size and busbar configuration, and include a manufacturer-specific reference.
MNRE stated that the proposed nomenclature is expected to serve as the unique identification number for every solar PV cell model enlisted under ALMM List-II. Besides facilitating model identification, the ministry believes the system will promote greater traceability of solar PV cells across the value chain and could serve as a common product identifier for regulatory, commercial and other industry purposes. It also noted that clearly identifying the domestic or foreign origin of cell components would help distinguish between products covered under ALMM List-I and ALMM List-I(a) based on their Bill of Materials (BoM).
The ministry has invited comments and suggestions from manufacturers, industry associations and other stakeholders on the proposed standardised nomenclature.
