The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released a draft amendment to its Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) order, signaling a major move to extend the compulsory registration mechanism to wafers, a key component in solar PV cells. The draft, which is open for stakeholder comments until October 11, 2025, aims to create a fully integrated domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem. This Office Memorandum was issued on September 12, 2025.
The proposal introduces a new, three-tiered mandatory sourcing structure for solar projects under the purview of ALMM:
- Solar PV modules must be sourced from ALMM List-I.
- These modules must use solar PV cells from ALMM List-II.
- The solar PV cells must, in turn, use wafers from a newly proposed ALMM List-III.
Key Proposed Changes and Timelines
- Effective Date: The new ALMM List-III for wafers is slated to become effective from June 1, 2028.
- Capacity Requirement: For the first ALMM list for wafers to be issued, it must contain at least three independent manufacturing units with a combined annual capacity of at least 15 GW.
- Integrated Manufacturing: To be eligible for enlistment in the wafer list, a manufacturer must possess an equivalent ingot manufacturing capacity. This provision is intended to foster a fully integrated domestic supply chain, from the raw ingot to the final module.
Exemptions and Transitional Provisions
The draft outlines several exemptions to ensure a smooth transition:
- Bid-Based Exemption: Projects where the last date of bid submission falls on or before a specified “Cut-Off Date” will be exempt from using wafers from ALMM List-III, regardless of their commissioning date. They will, however, still be required to use ALMM-listed modules and cells.
- Specialized Lists: The Ministry will maintain new sub-lists for modules and cells that do not use ALMM-listed wafers, which will cater to projects exempted from the new rules.
- Captive Projects: Captive projects owned by government entities will have phased compliance, with requirements for ALMM-listed wafers applying to those commissioned on or after the new effective date.
- Thin Film Technology: Solar modules based on Thin Film technology are considered to be in deemed compliance with the wafer and cell requirements.
This strategic move is expected to significantly reduce India’s dependence on imported solar components and create a robust, homegrown manufacturing base for the entire solar value chain. Stakeholders are invited to submit their comments to karndhar.sg@nic.in by October 11, 2025.