The Indian government is set to launch an Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar cells, following the structure established for solar modules, to accelerate the country’s green energy initiatives.
The new list, known as List II under the ALMM, is expected to become effective on April 1, 2026, and will include approved models and manufacturers of solar PV cells. The first ALMM list, introduced in 2019, focused on solar modules to promote the use of domestically manufactured solar panels, making it mandatory to source PV modules only from approved suppliers.
According to a recent memorandum from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, while ALMM List I currently applies to solar PV modules, List II will cover solar PV cells, further supporting local production. List II had been delayed due to lower domestic solar cell production capacity, but with significant growth expected in the next two years, the government is now preparing to implement it.
The draft amendment also proposes that solar PV modules listed in ALMM List I, which have an expiry date after March 31, 2026, must use solar PV cells approved under List II from April 1, 2026, onward. Modules that fail to incorporate cells from List II risk removal from ALMM List I.
Additionally, the draft specifies that projects with bid deadlines prior to the ALMM List II order issuance will be exempt from the requirement to use solar PV cells from List II. Vineet Mittal, President of the Sustainable Projects and Developers Association (SDPA), highlighted that the ALMM for solar cells would strengthen local manufacturing by ensuring high-quality products in government-backed projects. This, he noted, is key to reducing import reliance and aligning with India’s renewable energy goals.
Yogesh Dua, co-founder of UTL Solar, echoed this sentiment, noting that the ALMM mechanism will enhance the sector’s sustainability and aid India in achieving its 500 GW green energy vision, ultimately benefiting consumers with more efficient solar projects.
