India has expanded the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework to cover solar ingots and wafers, marking a major policy step to strengthen domestic solar manufacturing. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has introduced ALMM List-III for these upstream components, with the new rules set to come into force from 1 June 2028. The move is aimed at reducing import dependence, improving supply chain resilience, and raising quality standards across the solar value chain.
New ALMM List-III Framework
The revised framework makes it mandatory for solar projects to use ALMM-listed wafers from the effective date. This applies to all solar projects, including net metering and open access projects. Bids submitted after the notified cut-off date under the Electricity Act will also have to comply with the new wafer requirement.
Focus on Domestic Manufacturing
The government has linked the rollout of List-III to the availability of domestic capacity. The initial list will be issued only after at least three independent manufacturers become operational in India with a combined capacity of 15 gigawatts. Manufacturers will also need equivalent ingot production capacity to qualify. This is intended to promote upstream integration and reduce dependence on imported intermediate products.
Protection for Ongoing Projects
Projects already in the pipeline will be protected through grandfathering provisions. Existing Domestic Content Requirement norms will continue unchanged. This ensures policy stability for ongoing solar installations while the new framework is phased in over time.
Strategic Significance for Clean Energy
The measure supports India’s wider target of achieving 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. It also aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance in clean energy manufacturing. By covering ingots and wafers, the ALMM framework now extends deeper into the solar supply chain and strengthens domestic industrial capability.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026