The government announced plans to introduce an Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar wafers, set to take effect in June 2028. The policy is designed to boost local wafer manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports, creating a stronger and more resilient domestic supply chain for solar equipment.
As part of the proposal, at least three independent wafer manufacturing units—together capable of producing 15 GW annually—must be operational before the wafer ALMM becomes effective. This follows earlier ALMM initiatives for solar modules and cells, reinforcing India’s commitment to building an integrated solar ecosystem.
Understanding the ALMM Framework
The ALMM serves as a regulatory tool and non-tariff barrier to imported solar equipment. It mandates that projects requiring solar modules use only components from approved domestic manufacturers. This not only ensures quality and reliability but also accelerates the government’s push for energy security and self-reliance in renewable energy.
Background: India’s Solar Growth Story
India has made major strides in solar energy over the past decade. The country currently boasts around 100 GW of module manufacturing capacity and nearly 25 GW of cell capacity. To further support this growth, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has already issued two ALMM lists—one for modules and another for cells, with the latter set to apply from June 2026.
Key Features of the Wafer ALMM Proposal
The draft ALMM-III for wafers includes several strict requirements:
*Manufacturers must also demonstrate matching ingot production capacity to ensure quality across the value chain.
*Only independent wafer manufacturers, without cross-ownership or shared control, will qualify.
*The three units combined must achieve a minimum annual capacity of 15 GW.
The integrated approach ensures uniform standards from ingots to wafers, while safeguarding competitiveness within the domestic market.
Boosting Local Production Through Policy
The upcoming wafer ALMM complements the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, launched in 2022 with a ₹24,000 crore budget. The scheme incentivizes high-efficiency solar module, ingot, and polysilicon manufacturing—critical raw materials often imported from abroad. Together, these measures create a comprehensive framework to encourage local investment and innovation.
Strengthening Supply Chains
By requiring projects to source equipment only from ALMM-listed manufacturers, the government expects to stimulate job creation, promote technological advancement, and strengthen domestic supply chains. This ensures that India not only builds capacity but also develops resilience against external market shocks.
Ensuring Compliance and Traceability
The policy lays down strict compliance rules for solar projects:
*Modules must come from ALMM-I listed suppliers.
*Cells must be sourced from ALMM-II manufacturers.
This structured system guarantees traceability and accountability across the entire solar production chain.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
If implemented successfully, the wafer ALMM will represent a major step toward achieving India’s clean energy targets. By 2028, India aims to significantly expand renewable power generation while positioning itself as a global hub for solar manufacturing.
With the renewable energy market rapidly growing worldwide, India’s focus on wafers—one of the most critical and import-dependent components—could pave the way for long-term energy independence and leadership in sustainable technologies.
Conclusion
As reported by usasolarcell.com, the proposed solar wafer ALMM marks a transformational milestone in India’s renewable journey. By nurturing domestic wafer capacity, the government not only strengthens its solar supply chain but also aligns industrial growth with environmental sustainability. This policy, coupled with ongoing incentives, sets the stage for accelerated green energy adoption and economic resilience in the years ahead.
