In a highly significant development, the Union ministry of new & renewable energy (MNRE) has announced an important amendment to the ALMM Order of 2019, thereby making it compulsory for solar PV projects to use domestic solar cells, effective June 1, 2026.
The amendment entails the introduction of “List-II” for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells under the ALMM framework. The ALMM Order of 2019 is officially termed as “Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (ALLM) Order, 2019.”
Why List-II
List-II was introduced in keeping with India’s growing competence in the field of solar power equipment. So far, the absence of List-II was due to limited domestic supply of solar cells, a government release said.
Implication
From June 1, 2026, all solar PV modules used in projects – including government-backed schemes, net-metering projects, and open access renewable energy initiatives – will be required to source their solar cells from ALMM List-II, ensuring quality and reliability in solar PV cells used in India’s energy infrastructure.
Exemption
For projects that have already been bid out but whose last date of bid submission is before the issuance of this order, an exemption will apply, allowing them to proceed without the requirement to use solar PV cells from List-II, even if their commissioning date is post June 1, 2026.
However, for all future bids, the requirement to source both solar PV modules and cells from the respective ALMM lists will be mandatory, marking a decisive shift towards quality assurance and sustainability in India’s solar power sector.
Rationale
By mandating the use of solar PV cells, which will be included in the ALMM List-II following a rigorous procedure to verify the quality and reliability, the government aims to foster a robust domestic solar PV supply chain, reduce the carbon footprint associated with solar module imports, and bolster India’s energy security.
Thin-film solar cells
Under the new amendments, thin-film solar modules manufactured in integrated solar PV module manufacturing units will be considered in compliance with the requirement to use solar PV cells from List-II, further driving technological innovation and diversification within the sector.
Detailed guidelines
In the coming months, the MNRE will issue detailed procedural guidelines for the enlistment of solar PV cells under ALMM List-II, providing clear instructions for manufacturers and project developers on how to comply with the updated requirements, the release added.
