India to Launch Approved List of Models and Manufacturers for Solar Cells, Boosting Domestic Production

India announces ALMM List II for solar PV cells, reinforcing its green energy goals and domestic manufacturing capabilities. The initiative aims for cleaner energy and a reduced reliance on imports.

In a significant stride towards strengthening India’s renewable energy landscape, the government has announced the planned introduction of an Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar cells. Expected to be implemented on April 1, 2026, this new initiative aligns with India’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and mirrors the established ALMM List I order for solar modules introduced in 2019.

Supporting Domestic Solar PV Manufacturing

Since its inception, the ALMM List I has mandated the exclusive use of listed domestic solar PV modules for government-backed solar projects, giving a considerable boost to local manufacturing. With the forthcoming List II, the government aims to similarly promote the domestic production of solar PV cells by requiring all government-supported solar modules to incorporate cells from this approved list. This policy reinforces India's shift toward self-reliance, reducing dependence on imported solar technology.

Increasing Domestic Solar PV Capacity

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) released a memorandum explaining that delays in introducing List II stemmed from insufficient domestic capacity to meet the demand for solar PV cells. However, recent projections show a substantial boost in capacity over the next two years, enabling the government to implement List II by April 2026. Existing module manufacturers listed on ALMM List I, with module expirations beyond March 31, 2026, will be required to use ALMM-approved solar PV cells from List II. Non-compliant modules risk delisting from List I.

Projects bidding before the issuance of the ALMM List II order, however, will remain exempt from using List II-approved cells.

Industry Experts Applaud ALMM List II for Enhanced Quality and Efficiency

The industry has responded positively to the introduction of ALMM List II. Vineet Mittal, President of the Sustainable Projects and Developers Association (SDPA), believes this move will drive domestic manufacturing by ensuring that only high-quality, approved solar PV cells are used in government projects. Mittal emphasizes that this quality control will further India’s self-sufficiency in the solar industry, providing a reliable, locally sourced alternative to imports.

Yogesh Dua, co-founder of UTL Solar, praised the government’s initiative, noting that a mandatory ALMM list for solar cells aligns with India’s long-term vision for green energy. According to Dua, this policy will lead to more efficient, cost-effective solar projects and benefit consumers, strengthening India’s journey towards sustainable development.

India's Renewable Energy Target on the Horizon

With the launch of ALMM List II, India strengthens its stance on clean energy while fostering a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem. This initiative not only positions India as a global leader in solar manufacturing but also moves the country closer to its ambitious renewable energy targets.