MNRE Extends ALMM to Solar Wafers and Ingots, to be Effective from June 1, 2028
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has expanded its ALMM framework to include ingots and wafers under a new List-III, mandating their use from June 1, 2028. The first list will be published when at least three independent wafer manufacturers with a combined 15 GW capacity are enlisted, and the cut-off date will be 7 days post the initial list issuance
March 18, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey
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 remain heavily import-dependent.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, 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.
The amendment outlines several key provisions governing the implementation of ALMM List-III for wafers. The effective date has been set as June 1, 2028, from which all applicable projects, including net metering and open access projects, will be required to use wafers enlisted under ALMM.
A cut-off date has also been defined as seven days after the publication of the initial ALMM List-III; bids submitted under the Section 63 route beyond this date must explicitly mandate the use of ALMM-compliant wafers.
The issuance of the initial list itself is contingent upon the availability of at least three independent wafer manufacturing units, not under common ownership or control, with a combined manufacturing capacity of 15 GW, ensuring adequate domestic supply before enforcement. Additionally, manufacturers seeking enlistment under ALMM List-III will be required to have equivalent ingot manufacturing capacity, thereby promoting upstream integration.
From the effective date onwards, the integrity of ALMM List-I for solar PV modules will be tightened, allowing only those modules that use ALMM-listed cells and wafers, while separate lists will be maintained for grandfathered projects to ensure a smooth transition. The amendment also clarifies that it does not dilute or override existing Domestic Content Requirement provisions under schemes of the MNRE.
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 catalyse fresh investments in ingot and wafer manufacturing facilities across India, while strengthening overall supply chain security by reducing dependence on imports and exposure to global disruptions. It will also enhance quality assurance and traceability across the solar value chain – from wafers to modules – bringing greater transparency and standardisation. Additionally, the move is likely to generate skilled employment opportunities, particularly in the upstream segments of solar manufacturing.
Srivatsan Iyer, Global CEO of Hero Future Energies, remarked, “The proposal to introduce ALMM List-III for solar wafers marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s renewable energy ecosystem through deeper supply chain localisation. By extending policy support across modules, cells, and now wafers, this move reinforces the government’s commitment to building a resilient and self-reliant solar manufacturing base.”
He further added, “While this presents a strong opportunity to accelerate domestic innovation, reduce import dependence, and enhance long-term energy security, given that this will require careful capacity planning, ecosystem readiness, and significant capacity build-up, pushing the target date back would lead to a more robust manufacturing ecosystem, and not cause any short-term disruptions.”
Vinay Rustagi, Chief Business Officer, Premier Energies, said, “Bringing ingots and wafers under ALMM is highly desirable and the logical next step in deepening India’s solar manufacturing sector. Currently 100 percent of our demand for solar wafers is met from imports, making the sector highly prone to supply shocks, exchange rate volatility and trade disruption.”
He further added, “We expect total investment of around INR 50,000 crore in this business over the next 3 years, bringing tens of thousands of jobs plus special tech know-how. Premier Energies has already announced a plan to set up 10 GW ingot-wafer capacity costing INR 5,900 crore. For the solar sector, the policy change means greater security of supply and self-sufficiency in these highly uncertain times.”
Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Power, remarked, “The proposal for ALMM List-III to include solar wafers and ingots is a progressive step towards strengthening the energy supply chain and the solar ecosystem in India. This policy extension accelerates domestic innovation and quality to meet the domestic manufacturing standards. These developments will support capacity expansion across the renewable energy ecosystem and further strengthen India’s path towards Atmanirbharata in clean energy production.”
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