In News:

In a significant move to strengthen India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has expanded the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework to include solar ingots and wafers, effective from June 1, 2028. This marks a shift towards end-to-end domestic value chain integration in the solar sector.

About ALMM Framework

The ALMM framework, introduced in 2019, is a regulatory mechanism aimed at ensuring quality assurance and reliability of solar photovoltaic (PV) components used in India.

• Launched by: MNRE under the ALMM Order, 2019
• Objective:
  • Promote Atmanirbhar Bharat in solar manufacturing
  • Ensure high-quality solar components
  • Reduce dependence on imports, especially from China

Key Features of ALMM

1. Mandatory Certification

• Only ALMM-listed manufacturers and models are eligible for:
  • Government-supported solar projects
  • Projects under net metering and open access
  • Projects awarded through Section 63 of the Electricity Act

2. Tiered Structure

The framework is organised into multiple categories:

• List-I: Solar PV Modules
• List-II: Solar PV Cells
• List-III (New): Solar Ingots and Wafers

The inclusion of upstream components (ingots and wafers) is a major policy shift.

3. Quality Assurance Mechanism

• Mandatory physical inspection of manufacturing facilities
• Conducted by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE)
• Verifies production capacity and technological standards

4. Domestic Content Reinforcement

• Functions as a non-tariff barrier supporting Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) policies
• Encourages indigenous manufacturing across the value chain

5. Grandfathering Provisions

• Protects projects already in the pipeline
• Ensures policy stability and minimal disruption for developers