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India to Mandate Domestic Solar Wafers Under ALMM from June 2028

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed a major expansion of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework by including solar wafers starting June 1, 2028, as part of its drive for full backward integration across the solar value chain.

In a draft amendment, MNRE has suggested creating ALMM List-III for wafers, similar to existing lists for modules (List-I) and cells (List-II). Under the proposal, all ALMM-eligible projects will be required to use modules from List-I, cells from List-II, and wafers from List-III. Stakeholders can submit comments until October 11, 2025.

The framework stipulates that ALMM List-III will not be issued unless at least three independent wafer manufacturers with a combined capacity of 15 GW annually are available. Manufacturers must also possess ingot-making capacity equal to their wafer capacity. India currently lacks significant wafer manufacturing facilities.

The government’s ALMM mandate has already enabled India’s solar module manufacturing capacity to cross 100 GW, with the first ALMM List-II for solar cells released in August 2025, listing 13 GW of capacity.

Exemptions will be provided for projects with bid submission dates before the cut-off, defined as one month after the first List-III is issued. However, from June 2028 onward, modules, cells, and wafers must comply with the respective ALMM lists, including for open access and net-metering projects.

Thin-film modules produced in integrated facilities will be deemed compliant. Projects under government schemes like PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, and CPSU Phase-II will face no exemptions from domestic sourcing requirements.

The move is expected to drive investment into wafer and ingot production, filling the last major gap in India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem.