Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced on March 18, 2026, in New Delhi, the extension of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework to cover solar ingots and wafers under a new ALMM List-III, with mandatory compliance starting June 1, 2028.
This policy change requires government-backed solar projects, including those under net metering and open access, to use ingots and wafers from approved domestic manufacturers. It targets developers, manufacturers, and the broader renewable energy sector by pushing backward integration in the solar photovoltaic value chain.
The extension builds on existing rules: ALMM List-I already covers solar modules, and List-II for solar cells takes effect from June 1, 2026. From June 2028, modules under List-I must use cells from List-II and wafers from the new List-III. The ministry introduced grandfathering provisions to exempt projects already in the pipeline or commissioned before the date, according to an official MNRE statement.
ALMM List-III for ingots and wafers will only be issued if at least three independent manufacturing units (not under common ownership) achieve a combined annual capacity of 15 GW, with matching ingot-to-wafer production. Manufacturers must demonstrate equivalent ingot capacity for wafer enlistment.
“Expansion of ALMM Framework to Strengthen Domestic Solar Manufacturing,” Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said in a statement on the decision.
Ingots are large silicon blocks grown from raw material, sliced into thin wafers. Wafers serve as the base for solar cells, which are assembled into modules. The ALMM ensures only listed domestic products qualify for subsidized or government-tendered projects, originally to counter low-cost imports and promote local quality manufacturing.
This step follows earlier ALMM phases for modules (effective since 2021) and cells, part of India’s broader push for self-reliance in renewables under Atmanirbhar Bharat. It addresses heavy dependence on imported wafers and ingots, mainly from China, as domestic module and cell capacities grow.
The policy will directly affect solar project developers in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Karnataka, where manufacturing clusters exist, as well as EPC contractors and component suppliers. It supports job creation in upstream manufacturing and strengthens supply chain security for India’s solar targets.
Industry experts noted potential short-term challenges, such as limited current domestic wafer capacity and possible cost increases if supply lags demand, though analysts said the capacity threshold and lead time aim to mitigate risks.
Next, MNRE will finalize guidelines and begin enlisting manufacturers once the 15 GW threshold is met. The List-III is expected to be published ahead of the June 1, 2028, effective date, allowing time for compliance in new projects.
