Page 59 - Policy Economic Report - March 2026

POLICY AND ECONOMIC REPORT
OIL & GAS MARKET

Government Extends ALMM Framework to Solar Ingots and Wafers; To Come into Effect from 1 June
2028

MNRE has expanded the ALMM Order to introduce ALMM List-III for Ingots and Wafers, which will take
effect from 1 June 2028. Suitable grandfathering provisions have been built in to protect projects
already in the pipeline. The current order of MNRE, extends mandatory sourcing requirements from
ALMM lists, already in place for modules and cells, one step further up the solar supply chain to include
the ingots and wafers, which currently remains heavily import-dependent

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, said that it is a decisive step towards
strengthening India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem. The Minister said that the move will boost
domestic production, enhance supply chain resilience, reduce import dependence, and ensure higher
quality standards across the solar value chain.

Key Provisions

? Effective Date: 1st June 2028 - the date from which ALL projects must use ALMM-listed wafers
including Net metering/ open access projects.

? Cut-Off Date: 7 days after the initial list of ALMM List-III for wafers, is published. Bids submitted
under Sec 63 route, after this date must mandatorily specify use of ALMM List III compliant
wafers.

? Threshold for issuing the initial list: At least 3 independent manufacturing units (not under
common ownership or control) with a combined capacity of 15 GW, ensuring the list is issued
only when this minimum domestic supply is available.

? Mandatory ingot capacity: Manufacturers seeking enlistment in ALMM List-III for wafers, must
also have equivalent ingot manufacturing capacity, promoting upstream integration for ingots.

? Module list integrity: Effective Date onwards, ALMM List-I (Solar PV modules) will include only
such modules which are manufactured using ALMM-listed cells and wafers. Separate lists will be
maintained for grandfathered projects to avoid disruption.

? DCR provisions: This Order does not dilute or override any Domestic Content Requirement (DCR)
provisions under the existing MNRE schemes.

Expected Benefits

Wafers are the critical intermediate stage between polysilicon and solar cells. India currently has limited
domestic wafer manufacturing capacity and relies substantially on imports.

The introduction of ALMM List-III is expected to:

? Drive investment into ingot and wafer manufacturing facilities in India;
? Improve supply chain security and reduce vulnerability to import disruptions;
? Ensure quality and traceability of solar components all the way from wafer to module;
? Create skilled employment in upstream solar manufacturing;

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