India Extends ALMM to Solar Ingots and Wafers from June 2028

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has extended its Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework to cover solar ingots and wafers. The new rule will take effect from June 1, 2028.

According to an official notification, the move aims to boost domestic manufacturing of these critical components. Solar ingots and wafers are the building blocks of solar cells, which are then assembled into modules.

Currently, ALMM applies to solar modules and cells. By adding ingots and wafers, the government wants to strengthen the entire supply chain within India.

The decision comes amid India's push to become a global hub for solar manufacturing. The country has set ambitious targets for renewable energy capacity, and domestic production is seen as key to reducing dependence on imports, especially from China.

Industry experts say the extension will encourage more investment in upstream manufacturing. However, they also caution that the 2028 deadline gives manufacturers time to scale up.

The ALMM list is a mandatory requirement for projects that use government-supported schemes. It ensures that only approved models and manufacturers are used, maintaining quality and reliability.

With this change, from June 2028, any solar project under government schemes must use ingots and wafers from ALMM-approved sources. This is expected to create a stable demand for domestically produced components.

The MNRE has been gradually tightening domestic content rules. Earlier, it mandated that solar modules be sourced from ALMM-listed manufacturers. Now, the focus shifts to the earlier stages of production.

Solar ingots are made from polysilicon, which is melted and crystallized. Wafers are sliced from these ingots. Both processes require high precision and significant capital investment.

India currently has limited capacity in ingot and wafer manufacturing. Most of the supply comes from China, which dominates the global market. The new policy is part of a broader strategy to reduce this dependency.

The government has already introduced production-linked incentives for solar manufacturing. The ALMM extension is another tool to promote local production.

Some manufacturers have welcomed the move, saying it provides clarity and a timeline for expansion. Others have expressed concerns about the availability of raw materials and technology.

The ministry has not yet specified the criteria for inclusion in the ALMM list for ingots and wafers. Details are expected to be released closer to the implementation date.

This policy aligns with India's commitment to increase non-fossil fuel capacity to 500 GW by 2030. Solar power is expected to play a major role in achieving this target.

The extension of ALMM to ingots and wafers is a significant step. It signals the government's intent to build a complete solar manufacturing ecosystem within the country.