ALMM For Solar Cell Manufacturers To Start From June 2026

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) today amended the Approved List of Module Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar cell manufacturing. Anticipating a substantial growth in India’s installed solar PV cell capacity over the next year, the MNRE proposed issuing List-II of solar PV cells under the ALMM. This list will take effect on June 1, 2026. It was earlier proposed from April1, 2026.

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After the stated period, the ALMM-1 (for solar modules)  will retain only solar PV modules that use cells listed in ALMM List-II for cell manufacturers. The MNRE will remove manufacturers who fail to comply. The ministry will also maintain a separate ALMM List-1(a) for modules that do not use cells from ALMM List-II, which will apply only to projects exempted from using cells listed in ALMM List-II.

The Minister of New and Renewable Energy introduced this amendment to address the anticipated growth in the country’s solar PV cell production capacity. The latest order aligns with the provisions outlined in the ALMM Order dated January 2, 2019. Projects under the ALMM must source solar PV modules exclusively from models and manufacturers listed in ALMM List-I for modules. The MNRE emphasized in its notification that these modules must use solar PV cells listed in ALMM List-II.

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Exemptions

The amendment exempts projects with bid submission deadlines on or before the issuance of this order from using solar PV cells from ALMM List-II. These projects can continue to use modules from ALMM List-I, regardless of their commissioning date, including dates beyond June 1, 2026.

For projects with bid submission deadlines after the issuance of this order, the MNRE mandates the inclusion of a clause requiring the use of both solar PV modules and cells from ALMM List-I and List-II, respectively. This requirement applies to all projects, even if commissioned before June 1, 2026. Additionally, for tenders issued before this order but with bid submission deadlines after its issuance, bidding agencies must amend their tender documents to include the updated ALMM provisions for solar PV cells.

Compliance For Net-Metering and Open Access Projects

Net-metering projects and Open Access renewable energy (RE) power projects must use ALMM-listed modules unless exempted by MNRE's orders. Projects commissioned before June 1, 2026, do not need to use cells from ALMM List-II. However, projects commissioned on or after this date must source both modules from ALMM List-I and cells from ALMM List-II.

Thin-film solar PV modules listed in ALMM List-I and manufactured in integrated module manufacturing units listed in ALMM List-I will comply with the requirement to use cells from ALMM List-II.

The MNRE will issue procedural guidelines for enlisting models and manufacturers under ALMM List-II separately.