MNRE Proposes Standard Solar Cell Nomenclature Under ALMM-II

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed a standardised nomenclature for solar PV cell models listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II.

Under the draft proposal dated October 5, 2026, each solar PV cell model would carry the manufacturer’s brand name followed by a 14-digit alphanumeric code. The code is intended to provide a uniform identification framework and capture key technical details of the cell.

The proposed code would indicate the origin of polysilicon, ingot, wafer and cell, followed by the cell technology, wafer size and cell efficiency.

The first four positions would use D or F to indicate domestic or foreign origin. The fifth and sixth positions would identify cell technology, with codes including MP for Mono PERC, TC for TOPCon, HJ for HJT, BC for Back Contact and PS for Perovskite.

The seventh and eighth positions would indicate wafer size, including MA for M10, MB for M10R, GA for G12 and GB for G12R.

Positions nine to 11 would represent the first three digits of cell efficiency, with the decimal point omitted. For instance, a cell with 24.67 percent efficiency would be represented as 246, while a cell with 25.55 percent efficiency would carry 255. The final three positions would remain reserved.

MNRE said the proposed nomenclature is aimed at improving uniformity, identification and traceability of solar PV cell models across the value chain.

All inspections conducted by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) for new ALMM List-II enlistments after issuance of the office memorandum would follow the proposed nomenclature.

For manufacturers and models whose inspections have already been completed, as well as those already enlisted under ALMM List-II, the model nomenclature would have to be revised within two months of the memorandum’s issuance. NISE would coordinate with manufacturers for the revision.

The ministry said the standardised nomenclature could also serve as a common product identifier for regulatory and commercial purposes. The cell-origin information would help distinguish between ALMM List-I and List-I(a) solar modules based.