MNRE Expands ALMM Framework To Include Solar Wafers, Strengthening Domestic Supply Chain

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced an important amendment to the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (ALMM) Order, expanding its scope to include solar wafers. This step is aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing and making India’s solar supply chain more self-reliant.

As per the Office Memorandum issued on March 17, 2026, MNRE will create a new category called “List-III” under the ALMM framework, specifically for wafer manufacturers. However, this new requirement will not come into force immediately. The ministry has set June 1, 2028, as the “Effective Date” from which the use of ALMM-listed wafers will become mandatory.

Before List III is officially introduced, certain industry conditions must be met. The list will only be published if there are at least three independent wafer manufacturing units in India that are not owned by the same entity. Together, these units must have a combined annual production capacity of at least 15 GW. In addition, companies applying for inclusion in the wafer list must also have matching capacity for manufacturing solar ingots. This requirement is intended to ensure deeper integration and quality control within the domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem.

The amendment introduces a clear chain of sourcing requirements for solar projects. Solar modules must be procured from List-I, the solar cells used inside those modules must come from List-II, and now the wafers used in those cells must be sourced from List-III. If manufacturers fail to meet these traceability norms after the 2028 deadline, they risk being removed from List-I, which could impact their ability to supply to government-backed projects.

To address different types of projects, MNRE will maintain separate sub-categories such as List-I(a), List-I(b), and List-II(a). These will allow certain exemptions where non-listed cells or wafers may still be used under specific conditions.

The government has also provided relief for ongoing and near-term projects. Projects where the last date of bid submission falls on or before a defined “cut-off date” will not be required to use ALMM-listed wafers, even if they are completed after 2028. This cut-off date will be set seven days after the first wafer list is published. Similarly, rooftop solar projects under net-metering and open-access systems that are commissioned before June 1, 2028, will be exempt from the wafer requirement.

Government-owned captive projects will follow a phased approach. They must use ALMM-listed modules by June 2026. If commissioned after that, they will also need to use listed cells, and projects coming online after June 2028 will be required to use listed wafers as well.

The ministry has clarified that thin-film solar modules produced in integrated manufacturing facilities will be treated as compliant with the new cell and wafer rules. It also confirmed that existing Domestic Content Requirement policies for schemes such as PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar will remain unchanged. Further detailed guidelines on wafer enlistment are expected soon.

Mr. Prashant Mathur, CEO, Saatvik Green Energy stated “MNRE’s decision to extend ALMM to ingots and wafers marks a watershed moment in India’s solar journey. At Saatvik, we have long championed the belief that true energy independence begins upstream from wafers, not just modules. This policy vindicates the foresight of companies that invested early in integrated, end-to-end domestic manufacturing. It is more than a regulatory change; it is a bold affirmation that India is determined to own its solar supply chain, cut import dependencies, and generate high-quality manufacturing jobs at scale. Saatvik welcomes this move as a decisive step toward building a resilient, self-reliant solar ecosystem that powers India’s future.“

Mr. Suhas Donthi, CEO, Emmvee Group, said “Backward integration and upstream expansion are core to Emmvee’s strategy, and this is a timely move by the Government in that direction. Our plans were already in motion, and this policy support will help fast-track execution while strengthening the broader domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem.

Today, a significant portion of upstream components remains import-dependent, making this policy a critical step toward building a truly self-reliant and integrated solar manufacturing ecosystem in India, and we welcome the move wholeheartedly.”