Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Framework

Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Framework

Context

In a strategic move to deepen domestic value addition, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) expanded the ALMM framework in 2025-26. The new mandate includes solar ingots and wafers, the upstream components of solar cells, effective from June 1, 2028. This expansion aims to reduce structural dependence on imports and complete the domestic solar supply chain.

About the Framework

• What it is: The ALMM is a quality and reliability benchmark registry. It ensures that solar components used in Indian projects meet rigorous domestic manufacturing and performance standards.
• Launched In: 2019 (under the ALMM Order, 2019).
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Aim: * To promote Atmanirbhar Bharat in the renewable energy sector.
  • To mandate high-quality standards for solar components.
  • To reduce import dependency (primarily from China) and prevent the dumping of obsolete technology.

Key Features

• Mandatory Certification: Only manufacturers listed in the ALMM can supply components for government-assisted projects, Net Metering/Open Access schemes, and projects under Section 63 of the Electricity Act.
• Tiered Structure:
  • List-I: Solar PV Modules (Active).
  • List-II: Solar PV Cells (Active).
  • List-III: Solar Ingots and Wafers (Effective June 2028).
• Physical Verification: Enlistment is not automatic; it requires a technical audit of manufacturing facilities by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) to verify production capacity and quality control.
• Non-Tariff Barrier: It serves as a regulatory tool to reinforce Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) policies, ensuring the "heart" of the solar panel is made in India.
• Grandfathering Provisions: Includes clauses to protect projects already in the pipeline, ensuring that sudden policy shifts do not cause financial distress to developers.

Significance

• Supply Chain Security: By including ingots and wafers, India moves from being a mere "assembler" of imported parts to a full-spectrum manufacturer.
• Quality Assurance: Prevents the Indian market from becoming a dumping ground for sub-standard or low-efficiency solar products.
• Economic Impact: Drives massive private investment into high-tech manufacturing and creates high-skilled employment in upstream solar technology.
• Global Competitiveness: Prepares Indian manufacturers to meet international standards, potentially turning India into a net exporter of solar components.

Challenges

• Cost Escalation: Domestic components are currently more expensive than imports, which may lead to higher tariffs for solar power in the short term.
• Capacity Constraints: The domestic industry must scale up rapidly to meet the 2028 deadline for wafers and ingots to avoid supply bottlenecks.
• Technology Lag: Keeping pace with rapid global advancements (like N-type or TopCon cells) requires continuous R&D investment by listed manufacturers.

Way Forward

• PLI Integration: Syncing the ALMM framework with the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to provide financial cushions for manufacturers moving upstream.
• R&D Support: Establishing a dedicated fund for solar innovation to ensure ALMM-listed products remain globally competitive in efficiency.
• Phased Implementation: Maintaining a clear, long-term roadmap to give developers and investors the predictability needed for large-scale capital commitments.

Conclusion

The expansion of the ALMM framework to include ingots and wafers is a bold step toward total energy sovereignty. While it presents short-term pricing challenges, it secures the long-term health of India’s solar ecosystem by ensuring that the transition to green energy is built on a foundation of "Made in India" technology.