MNRE extends ALMM framework to include solar wafers

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has amended the Approved Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Order to expand domestic sourcing requirements to silicon wafers. The amendment introduces a new compliance layer under ALMM, aimed at strengthening India’s end-to-end solar manufacturing ecosystem. The requirement will take effect from June 1, 2028.

Expanded ALMM compliance chain
The ALMM framework previously covered solar photovoltaic (PV) modules under List-I and solar PV cells under List-II. The amendment adds wafers through a new List-III. From the effective date, projects under ALMM will be required to source wafers from manufacturers enlisted in List-III.

The compliance structure now follows a three-tier chain: wafers (List-III), cells (List-II), and modules (List-I). Module manufacturers will retain their List-I status only if they use cells and wafers listed under ALMM. Non-compliance may lead to delisting.

Conditions for notifying List-III
MNRE has specified that List-III will be issued only after certain capacity and ownership criteria are met. The list requires at least three independently operating wafer manufacturing units, with no common ownership or control, and a combined manufacturing capacity of at least 15 GW per annum.

In addition, eligible manufacturers are required to have matching ingot manufacturing capacity. Standalone wafer slicing units without upstream ingot production will not qualify for enlistment.

Cut-off date and exemptions
A Cut-Off Date will be defined as seven days after the initial issuance of ALMM List-III. Projects with bid submission deadlines on or before this date will not be required to comply with the wafer sourcing condition, irrespective of their commissioning timelines.

Projects where either the power purchase agreement (PPA) is signed or bids are submitted before the Cut-Off Date will continue to be exempt, even if engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) or module supply tenders are issued later.

Project-wise applicability
The amendment outlines differentiated timelines across project categories. Net-metering and open access projects commissioned before June 1, 2028 are exempt from wafer requirements, though compliance with List-I and List-II remains applicable. Projects commissioned on or after this date will need to comply with all three lists.

For government-owned captive projects, those commissioned before June 1, 2026 are required to use only ALMM-listed modules. Projects commissioned between June 1, 2026 and June 1, 2028 will need to use both ALMM modules and cells. Full compliance across modules, cells, and wafers applies to projects commissioned on or after June 1, 2028.

Thin film module manufacturers with integrated facilities listed under List-I will be treated as compliant with List-II and List-III requirements.

No change to DCR provisions
MNRE has clarified that Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) provisions under schemes such as PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, and CPSU Scheme Phase-II remain unchanged. The introduction of wafer-level ALMM requirements does not alter existing DCR obligations.

Next steps
Detailed procedures for enlistment under ALMM List-III are to be issued separately. The order has been approved by the Minister of New and Renewable Energy and signed by Scientist-E Sanjay G. Karndhar.

The June 2028 implementation timeline provides a limited window for manufacturers to establish or align ingot-to-wafer capacity, which may influence investment and execution strategies across the solar manufacturing value chain.

The featured photograph is for representation only.