The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) released a draft order for implementing the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for wafers and ingots – ALMM List-III. The draft specifies that at least three independent wafer/ingot manufacturing units must be operational in India, with a combined minimum annual capacity of 15 GW, for the list to take effect. The effective date of nationwide implementation is set for 1st June 2028.
Early Issuance to Facilitate Planning
Similar to the ALMM for solar cells, MNRE intends to issue ALMM List-III ahead of its effective date. The date of first issuance will determine the “cut-off date” after which bidders in utility-scale DISCOM PPA tenders must use ALMM List-III compliant modules. The draft also clarifies that ALMM List-III will apply to net metering, open access, and behind-the-meter (BTM) projects, though with staggered implementation timelines.
Issuing the order nearly three years in advance allows solar manufacturers to plan wafer capacity expansion alongside upcoming cell capacities, bridging the upstream integration gap in the domestic PV value chain. Since wafer and ingot manufacturing is less capital-intensive and technologically complex than cell production, the move is likely to encourage greater domestic participation. The government may also consider developing a similar list for polysilicon in the future, aiming to localize the entire PV value chain.
Strengthening India’s PV Manufacturing Ecosystem
India’s PV manufacturing sector is at a pivotal juncture. As the country scales its manufacturing capabilities across the PV value chain, the draft ALMM List-III underscores a commitment to self-sufficiency and positioning India as a viable alternative to China in global solar markets.
To complement capacity expansion, the government should promote research and development (R&D) and strengthen technical capabilities, ensuring that the domestic PV supply chain produces high-quality products. As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, balancing robust domestic manufacturing with future project development goals will be critical to advancing India’s Net Zero emissions ambitions. Achieving this balance will also help secure a resilient and globally competitive solar industry.
