The Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has confirmed that the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) mandate for solar PV cells will remain unchanged and officially take effect on June 1, 2026.
As a key mechanism to ensure manufacturer reliability, protect consumer interests, and safeguard national energy security, the ALMM framework has played a pivotal role in India’s solar industry development. In recent years, it has significantly boosted domestic solar manufacturing. Currently, India’s solar PV module capacity has reached 91GW, with solar cell capacity at 27GW, demonstrating robust growth momentum.
To further streamline government tenders, MNRE issued an amendment on July 28, 2025, to the ALMM order for solar PV cells (originally announced on December 9, 2024). The amendment aims to clarify and simplify procedures for government agency tenders under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
Key Updates:
- The ALMM mandate for solar PV cells will become mandatory one month after the ongoing ALMM list publication.
- For projects commissioned after June 1, 2026, the ALMM enforcement date remains unchanged as per prior notification.
This move provides greater clarity and convenience for bidders, who must submit required documents during tendering while accounting for ALMM-compliant modules and cells.
Industry Impact:
Experts highlight the significance of MNRE’s decision, as it:
- Accelerates domestic solar manufacturing initiatives
- Addresses challenges faced by renewable developers in ALMM compliance
- Bridges the gap between India’s growing module production and cell manufacturing capabilities
With these regulations, India’s solar cell production is expected to expand rapidly, supporting the nation’s clean energy transition and sustainability goals. The move also positions India more competitively in the global renewable energy market.
