MNRE's New ALMM Rule Puts Solar Cells in the Spotlight

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced that the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells listed in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) will become mandatory one month after the list is published.

Originally introduced in 2019 for solar modules, the ALMM mechanism ensures that only approved models and manufacturers are used in government-backed renewable energy projects. On 28 July 2025, MNRE issued an amendment to the ALMM order dated 9 December 2024, officially bringing solar PV cells under its purview. This move applies to all projects tendered by government agencies, including those under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003.

The new mandate will take effect for all government-supported projects commissioned from 1 June 2026, as per earlier notifications. The one-month transition window following the list’s publication is intended to give developers and bidders time to adjust, streamlining the tendering process and reducing ambiguity.

With India currently boasting 91 GW of solar PV module capacity and 27 GW of solar cell capacity, the ministry expects this policy shift to catalyze domestic cell manufacturing and better align supply chains across the solar value chain.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.