ALMM-III: India's Next Solar Revolution Begins – What the New ALMM Framework for Solar Ingots & Wafers Means for the Renewable Energy Industry

By Ajay Yadav

Renewable Energy Leader | Solar Policy Advocate

India's solar sector is witnessing another transformational policy shift.

After successfully implementing ALMM List-I (Solar Modules) and ALMM List-II (Solar Cells), the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has now announced ALMM List-III, extending the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers framework to Solar Ingots and Wafers.

The new provisions will become effective from 1 June 2028, marking another significant milestone in India's mission to become a global renewable energy manufacturing powerhouse.

This isn't merely another compliance requirement.

It represents the Government's vision of building a completely integrated domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem, reducing import dependency, strengthening supply chain resilience, improving quality standards, and making India a global manufacturing hub.

What is ALMM?

The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) is a quality assurance and manufacturing promotion initiative introduced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

The objective is simple:

Only products manufactured by approved manufacturers meeting prescribed standards can be used in government-supported solar projects.

Initially, ALMM focused on Solar PV Modules, ensuring better quality, traceability, and encouraging domestic manufacturing.

Over time, the framework has expanded.

Today, India's solar manufacturing roadmap is evolving from simply producing modules to manufacturing every critical component of the solar value chain.

The Evolution of ALMM

The policy evolution clearly indicates India's long-term manufacturing vision.

Phase 1 – ALMM List-I

✅ Solar Modules

Objective:Ensure quality modules while promoting domestic module manufacturing.

Phase 2 – ALMM List-II

✅ Solar Cells

Objective:Encourage indigenous solar cell manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported cells.

Phase 3 – ALMM List-III

✅ Solar Ingots

✅ Solar Wafers

Objective:Create a fully integrated manufacturing ecosystem starting from upstream production.

India is now moving towards complete vertical integration.

What is ALMM-III?

Under the latest notification by MNRE,

From 1 June 2028, eligible solar projects will need to use Solar Wafers manufactured by ALMM List-III approved manufacturers.

This is one of the biggest policy decisions taken for the Indian solar manufacturing industry in recent years.

Key Highlights of ALMM-III

Effective Date

1 June 2028

The policy gives the industry nearly two years to prepare for implementation.

Coverage

The framework now includes:

• Solar Ingots

• Solar Wafers

which form the foundation of solar cell manufacturing.

Upstream Integration

One of the most important features is that manufacturers seeking inclusion in ALMM List-III must also possess equivalent domestic ingot manufacturing capacity.

This encourages:

• Vertical integration

• Better quality control

• Reduced dependency on imports

• Supply chain security

Minimum Manufacturing Threshold

The first ALMM List-III will only be notified once:

• At least three independent manufacturers

• Have a combined operational capacity of 15 GW

This ensures that sufficient domestic capacity exists before implementation.

Grandfathering Provision

Projects already in the pipeline have been protected.

This is an extremely positive decision because it avoids disruption of:

• ongoing tenders

• EPC execution

• financing arrangements

• procurement contracts

Domestic Content Requirement (DCR)

The Government has clarified that existing DCR provisions remain unchanged.

Why Has MNRE Introduced ALMM-III?

India currently imports a significant portion of upstream solar materials.

Although module manufacturing has grown rapidly, the country continues to rely on imports for critical raw materials.

ALMM-III addresses this gap.

The objectives include:

Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing

India wants to manufacture not only modules but the complete solar ecosystem.

Reducing Import Dependence

Solar manufacturing should become less vulnerable to global geopolitical risks and supply disruptions.

Building Supply Chain Resilience

Domestic production creates a stronger and more reliable manufacturing ecosystem.

Enhancing Quality Standards

Quality improves when every stage of manufacturing is traceable and monitored.

Promoting Investments

The policy is expected to attract investments into:

• Ingot manufacturing

• Wafer manufacturing

• Cell manufacturing

• Ancillary industries

• Equipment manufacturing

Creating Employment

Expansion of upstream manufacturing will generate thousands of skilled jobs across India.

Impact on Different Stakeholders

Module Manufacturers

They will increasingly source domestically manufactured wafers, strengthening local supply chains.

Cell Manufacturers

Cell manufacturers may need to align procurement strategies with ALMM-compliant wafer suppliers.

EPC Companies

Procurement planning will become even more important.

Companies should begin identifying future ALMM-III compliant suppliers well before implementation.

Solar Developers

Developers should consider future compliance while planning long-term projects and investments.

Investors

ALMM-III sends a strong policy signal.

India remains committed to long-term manufacturing-led growth in renewable energy.

This could encourage significant investments into upstream solar manufacturing.

Challenges Ahead

While ALMM-III is a welcome initiative, successful implementation will depend on several critical factors:

Clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

The industry has previously faced implementation challenges during ALMM-II due to delayed procedural clarity.

Learning from those experiences, detailed SOPs should be issued well before implementation.

Timely Capacity Creation

Manufacturers will require time for:

• Land acquisition

• Capital investment

• Equipment procurement

• Technology partnerships

• Commercial production

Financing

Large-scale upstream manufacturing requires significant investments.

Easy access to financing will play a crucial role.

Supply Chain Readiness

Raw materials, equipment suppliers, logistics, and skilled manpower must grow simultaneously.

Lessons from ALMM-II

The implementation of ALMM-II highlighted the importance of:

• Early policy clarity

• Well-defined implementation guidelines

• Coordination among MNRE, DISCOMs, EPC companies, and developers

• Timely communication to state agencies

One of the biggest lessons was that uncertainty can slow project approvals and create confusion across the industry.

As ALMM-III approaches, proactive planning and timely SOPs will be essential to ensure a smooth transition.

How Businesses Should Prepare Today

Although implementation begins in 2028, preparation should start now.

Industry stakeholders should:

• Review procurement strategies.

• Engage with prospective ALMM-III manufacturers.

• Assess long-term supply chain risks.

• Update project planning and contracts.

• Monitor MNRE notifications and future amendments.

• Evaluate investment opportunities in upstream manufacturing.

Early preparation will provide a significant competitive advantage.

A Step Towards a Fully Integrated Solar Value Chain

India's manufacturing roadmap is becoming increasingly clear:

Quartz → Polysilicon → Ingots → Wafers → Cells → Modules → Solar Power

ALMM-III strengthens one of the most critical upstream segments in this value chain.

It is another decisive move toward making India not just a large consumer of solar technology, but a global manufacturing leader.

Conclusion

The introduction of ALMM List-III is more than a regulatory expansion—it is a strategic policy aimed at transforming India's solar manufacturing landscape.

By bringing Solar Ingots and Wafers under the ALMM framework from 1 June 2028, the Government is reinforcing its commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat, enhancing supply chain resilience, and supporting the nation's ambitious renewable energy goals.

However, the success of ALMM-III will depend on timely implementation guidelines, coordinated execution, industry preparedness, and robust domestic manufacturing capacity. If implemented with clear SOPs and proactive stakeholder engagement, this policy has the potential to accelerate India's transition from a leading solar market to a global solar manufacturing powerhouse.

The next chapter of India's clean energy journey has already begun—and ALMM-III is set to play a defining role.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ALMM-III?

ALMM-III is the third phase of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers framework introduced by MNRE, covering solar ingots and wafers.

When will ALMM-III come into effect?

The framework will be applicable from 1 June 2028.

Which products are covered under ALMM-III?

Solar ingots and solar wafers.

Why has the Government introduced ALMM-III?

To strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependence, improve quality standards, and build a resilient solar supply chain.

Will existing projects be affected?

No. Projects already in the pipeline are protected through grandfathering provisions.