India to Introduce ALMM for Solar PV Cells from June 2026
New Delhi, December 9, 2024 – The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced a major step to boost India’s domestic solar manufacturing industry by extending the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework to include Solar Photovoltaic (PV) cells.
This decision builds on the ALMM Order, 2019, which already mandated the use of ALMM-listed solar PV modules in government-supported and certain private projects. While the framework originally included provision for solar PV cells (List-II), the list had not been issued so far, due to lower domestic cell production capacity.
With India’s solar PV cell manufacturing capacity expected to grow significantly in the coming year, MNRE will now operationalise ALMM List-II for solar PV cells, effective June 1, 2026.
Key Highlights of the Amendment:
Mandatory Sourcing:
- From June 2026, all solar PV modules enlisted in ALMM List-I are required to use solar PV cells from ALMM List-II.
Project Exemptions:
- Projects where bids were submitted before the issuance of this order will not be required to comply with the new ALMM List-II mandate, even if commissioned after June 2026.
- Projects bid after this order’s issuance must use both ALMM-listed PV modules and PV cells, regardless of commissioning date.
Net Metering & Open Access Projects:
- Commissioned before June 1, 2026 – exempted from the List-II requirement.
- Commissioned on or after June 1, 2026 – must use ALMM-listed PV modules and PV cells.
- Thin-Film PV Modules produced in integrated ALMM-listed units will be deemed compliant with the new rule.
- Procedural guidelines for the enlistment of solar PV cell manufacturers under List-II will be issued separately.
Speaking on the development, an MNRE official highlighted:
“This move will give a significant push to domestic solar manufacturing, ensure higher quality standards, and reduce dependency on imported cells. With this, India is moving closer to its vision of becoming a global leader in solar energy.”
Official Approval from the Renewable Energy Minister
This policy amendment reflects India’s continued focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in renewable energy, ensuring the growth of a robust domestic supply chain that supports the country’s ambitious solar capacity targets.