The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has extended the approved list of models and manufacturers (ALMM) framework by introducing ALMM list-III for solar ingots and wafers.
The new requirement will come into effect from June 1, 2028, with grandfathering provisions for projects already in the pipeline. The order extends the mandatory sourcing requirement, already applicable to modules and cells, further upstream in the solar manufacturing chain to include ingots and wafers. Key provisions include mandatory use of ALMM-listed wafers for all projects from the effective date, including net metering and open access projects, and a cut-off date set at seven days after publication of the initial ALMM list-III for wafers. The initial list will be issued only after at least three independent manufacturing units with a combined capacity of 15 GW are available. In addition, manufacturers seeking enlistment in ALMM list-III for wafers must also have equivalent ingot manufacturing capacity. The order further provides that, from the effective date, ALMM list-I for solar photovoltaic modules will include only those modules manufactured using ALMM-listed cells and wafers.