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India Mandates Domestic Solar Ingots & Wafers from 2028 to Boost Manufacturing

The Indian government has expanded its Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework to include solar ingots and wafers, with the new mandate taking effect from June 1, 2028. The move, announced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, aims to strengthen the domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem and reduce dependence on imports for these key components. Provisions are included to protect projects already under implementation, and the initial manufacturer list will only be issued once sufficient domestic capacity is operational. This policy is expected to enhance supply chain security and support employment in the renewable energy sector.

Key Points: India Extends ALMM to Solar Ingots, Wafers from June 2028

  • ALMM extended to ingots & wafers
  • Effective from June 1, 2028
  • Aims to cut import reliance
  • Includes grandfathering for existing projects
  • Requires 15 GW domestic capacity first
2 min read

Govt extends ALMM framework to solar ingots, wafers; effective from June 1, 2028

Govt expands ALMM framework to solar ingots & wafers to strengthen domestic manufacturing, cut imports, effective June 1, 2028.

"will strengthen domestic solar manufacturing, reduce import dependence and improve supply chain resilience - Pralhad Joshi"

New Delhi, March 18

The government on Wednesday extended the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers framework to include solar ingots and wafers, with the new norms set to come into effect from June 1, 2028.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced ALMM List-III for ingots and wafers, expanding mandatory domestic sourcing requirements beyond modules and cells to upstream components of the solar value chain.

The ministry said "grandfathering provisions" have been included to protect projects already under implementation.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, said the move will strengthen domestic solar manufacturing, reduce import dependence and improve supply chain resilience.

In a post on X, he said the expansion of the ALMM framework to include ingots and wafers marks a decisive step towards building a self-reliant solar ecosystem and will help position India as a strong global player in renewable energy.

Under the new framework, all projects, including those under net metering and open access, will be required to use ALMM-listed wafers from the effective date.

A cut-off date has been set at seven days after the publication of the initial ALMM List-III for wafers. Bids submitted after this date under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003 must specify the use of ALMM-compliant wafers.

The initial list will be issued only after at least three independent manufacturers, with a combined capacity of 15 GW, are operational to ensure adequate domestic supply.

Manufacturers seeking inclusion in ALMM List-III for wafers will also be required to have equivalent ingot manufacturing capacity.

The ministry said that from June 2028, ALMM List-I (solar modules) will include only those modules manufactured using ALMM-listed cells and wafers, while separate provisions will be maintained for existing projects.

It added that the order does not affect existing Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) provisions.

Wafers are a key intermediate component in solar manufacturing, and India currently relies significantly on imports in this segment.

The government said the move is expected to boost domestic manufacturing, improve supply chain security, and support employment generation in the sector.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the intent to boost manufacturing is good, I hope this doesn't lead to higher costs for solar projects in the short term. The condition of needing 15 GW domestic capacity before the list is issued is crucial. Fingers crossed the industry scales up in time.
R
Rohit P
Finally! We import way too many wafers. This policy will create thousands of jobs in manufacturing hubs like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The grandfathering clause for existing projects is a sensible move to avoid disruption.
M
Michael C
As someone working in the renewable sector here, the 2028 deadline gives a clear runway for investment. The requirement for wafer makers to also have ingot capacity ensures vertical integration. Smart long-term planning.
S
Shreya B
Hope the quality standards are maintained. Sometimes in the rush for 'Make in India', product reliability suffers. MNRE must ensure ALMM-listed ingots and wafers are world-class, not just locally made. Our solar farms need to last 25+ years.
K
Karthik V
Great move for supply chain security. Geopolitical tensions can disrupt imports anytime. Having our own manufacturing from ingot to module makes our renewable energy goals truly sustainable and independent. 👏

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