Solar Energy Ingots and Wafers Included in Approved List of Solar Energy Models and Materials (ALMM)

Ø  More Govt. Control on Solar Panels

Ø  Expansion of ALMM Framework to Strengthen Domestic Solar Manufacturing

Ø  Move to deepen domestic value addition across the solar supply chain, reduce reliance on imports, and reinforce India's ambition to become a global solar manufacturing hub

·         Policy move by: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

o    Introduces ALMM List-III covering ingots and wafers

·         Announcement by: Pralhad Joshi

o    Aimed at strengthening domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem

Key Provisions

·         Effective date:

o    1 June 2028 → Mandatory use of ALMM-listed wafers for all projects (including net metering/open access)

·         Cut-off for bids:

o    7 days after initial List-III publication

o    Applies to projects under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003

·         Minimum threshold for rollout:

o    At least 3 independent manufacturers

o    Combined 15 GW capacity

·         Integration requirement:

o    Wafer manufacturers must also have equivalent ingot capacity

·         Module compliance rule:

o    ALMM List-I (modules) will include only those using ALMM-listed cells & wafers

·         Grandfathering provision:

o    Existing/pipeline projects protected from disruption

·         DCR safeguard:

o    Does not override Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) norms

Why This Matters

·         Wafers are a critical link between polysilicon and solar cells

·         India is currently heavily import-dependent for wafers

Expected Benefits

·         Boost domestic manufacturing (ingots + wafers)

·         Reduce import dependence

·         Strengthen supply chain resilience

·         Ensure quality & traceability across solar value chain

·         Generate skilled employment

Strategic Significance

·         Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat

·         Helps achieve 500 GW non-fossil capacity target by 2030

Background (ALMM Progress)

·         ALMM framework ensures quality & domestic sourcing

·         List-I (Modules):

o    Grew from 8.2 GW (2021) → ~172 GW

·         List-II (Cells):

o    Reached 27 GW in 7 months

 

[ABS News Service/18.03.2026]

MNRE has expanded the ALMM Order to introduce ALMM List-III for Ingots and Wafers, which will take effect from 1 June 2028. Suitable grandfathering provisions have been built in to protect projects already in the pipeline. The current order of MNRE, extends mandatory sourcing requirements from ALMM lists, already in place for modules and cells, one step further up the solar supply chain to include the ingots and wafers, which currently remains heavily import-dependent

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, said that it is a decisive step towards strengthening India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem. The Minister said that the move will boost domestic production, enhance supply chain resilience, reduce import dependence, and ensure higher quality standards across the solar value chain.

Key Provisions

·         Effective Date: 1st June 2028 - the date from which ALL projects must use ALMM-listed wafers including Net metering/ open access projects.

·         Cut-Off Date: 7 days after the initial list of ALMM List-III for wafers, is published. Bids submitted under Sec 63 route, after this date must mandatorily specify use of ALMM List III compliant wafers.

·         Threshold for issuing the initial list: At least 3 independent manufacturing units (not under common ownership or control) with a combined capacity of 15 GW, ensuring the list is issued only when this minimum domestic supply is available.

·         Mandatory ingot capacity: Manufacturers seeking enlistment in ALMM List-III for wafers, must also have equivalent ingot manufacturing capacity, promoting upstream integration for ingots.

·         Module list integrity: Effective Date onwards, ALMM List-I (Solar PV modules) will include only such modules which are manufactured using ALMM-listed cells and wafers. Separate lists will be maintained for grandfathered projects to avoid disruption.

·         DCR provisions: This Order does not dilute or override any Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) provisions under the existing MNRE schemes.

Expected Benefits

Wafers are the critical intermediate stage between polysilicon and solar cells. India currently has limited domestic wafer manufacturing capacity and relies substantially on imports.

The introduction of ALMM List-III is expected to:

·         Drive investment into ingot and wafer manufacturing facilities in India;

·         Improve supply chain security and reduce vulnerability to import disruptions;

·         Ensure quality and traceability of solar components all the way from wafer to module;

·         Create skilled employment in upstream solar manufacturing;

This expansion of ALMM represents an important step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and the country’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Background

India's Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Order, 2019 is a quality-and-reliability framework that ensures solar equipment used in the country’s solar projects meet the domestic manufacturing standards. It applies for projects awarded through competitive bidding under Sec 63, Electricity Act,2003 and for net-metering or open-access projects.

Since ALMM was introduced, domestic solar manufacturing has expanded significantly. ALMM List-I (solar PV modules) has grown from 8.2 GW in 2021 to around 172 GW currently. ALMM List-II (solar PV cells), introduced more recently, has already reached 27 GW within seven months, demonstrating the framework's effectiveness in stimulating domestic investment.