Govt. Proposes ALMM Mandate for Solar Cells, Effective from April 2026

MNRE Invites Stakeholder Feedback On Proposed ALMM Amendments For Solar PV Cells, Effective From 01 April 2026

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has recently proposed an amendment to the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Order, signaling a significant step in India's solar industry development. According to a MarCom report, the government plans to extend the ALMM framework to include solar cells, with the final list expected to be operational by April 2026. This move aims to enhance the domestic manufacturing landscape and reduce India's reliance on imported solar cells.

The ALMM framework, initially introduced in January 2019, primarily focused on regulating the quality of solar modules. ALMM List-I currently includes approved models and manufacturers of solar modules. Despite initial plans to issue a separate List-II for solar cells, this was never implemented, largely due to delays in establishing the required domestic manufacturing capacity.

However, with the new amendment, the government is accelerating its efforts to boost domestic solar cell production. List-II, which will include approved models and manufacturers of solar cells, is set to be introduced by April 2026. This will ensure that solar modules listed under ALMM List-I use only ALMM-approved solar cells from the newly established List-II.

Key Highlights of the Amendment:

1. Implementation Timeline: The ALMM List-II for solar cells will come into effect by April 1, 2026. Solar projects that fall under the ALMM framework will be required to use modules listed in ALMM List-I, and these modules must incorporate cells approved in List-II.
2. Project Exemptions: Projects with bid submission dates before the issuance of List-II will be exempt from using ALMM-approved solar cells. However, any projects bid out after the amendment will need to comply with the new requirements.
3. Delisting Risk: Solar modules that fail to comply with the use of ALMM List-II-approved cells after the April 2026 deadline could face delisting from ALMM List-I, posing a significant risk to manufacturers who fail to meet the new standards.
4. Domestic Capacity Growth: The ALMM framework has already seen a significant expansion, with an additional 4,089 MW of solar module capacity added, bringing the cumulative approved module manufacturing capacity to 54,706 MW. This aligns with the government's strategy to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen domestic manufacturing.
5. Final Enlistment Process: MNRE has also revised its guidelines for the final enlistment of provisionally listed manufacturers. If inspections by the National Institute of Solar Energy are completed but MNRE has not received recommendations within two months, provisional enlistments will automatically become final.

Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments and suggestions regarding the draft amendment by October 6, 2024. This feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the final implementation of the ALMM List-II, which will significantly influence the future of solar cell manufacturing in India.

For India's solar industry, this amendment represents a critical push toward achieving self-reliance, reducing import dependence, and positioning the country as a global leader in solar energy production. With the ALMM framework expanding, manufacturers must stay ahead of these changes to remain competitive in the evolving market.

Bluebird Solar stands ready to meet the challenges of this new landscape, continuing to invest in state-of-the-art technology like Mono PERC and TOPCon to deliver high-quality solar modules that comply with both ALMM List-I and List-II standards. We are committed to supporting India’s renewable energy goals by providing reliable, efficient, and domestically manufactured solar solutions.

Source: mercomindia