No more imported solar PV cells can be used in government-backed projects from June 1, 2026.
The ministry of new and renewable energy has introduced an Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar PV cells on the lines of module manufacturing to boost India's transition towards green energy with Made-in-India solar PV cells.
The government had introduced the ALMM order (List I) in 2019 for solar modules to boost the manufacturing and usage of made-in-India solar panels. It was made mandatory to source PV modules from models and manufacturers included in the ALMM List I.
According to an office memorandum of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the ALMM order dated January 2, 2019, specified models and manufacturers of solar PV modules, whereas ALMM List-II identifies and includes models and manufacturers of solar PV cells.
Step will boost domestic production
Lalit Bohra, joint secretary of MNRE told The BuckStopper that List II of solar PV cells has not been issued because the installed capacity of solar PV cells in the country was lower than the demand.
“With installed capacity of solar PV cells in the country expected to increase substantially in the next two years, it has been decided to issue List-II of solar PV cells under ALMM, which shall be effective from June 1, 2026,” Bohra said.
The introduction of an ALMM mechanism for solar cells will boost domestic manufacturing by ensuring that only approved, high-quality, and reliable products are used in government-backed projects.
“This will promote self-reliance in the sector and significantly reduce dependency on imports, which is crucial for achieving India's long-term renewable energy goals,” Bohra added.
Prakash Bhandari is a veteran journalist with over 50 years of experience. He has worked with The Times of India for 30 years and contributed to leading publications as well as international news agency AFP.
