Government Proposes ALMM Mandate for Solar Wafers by June 2028.

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed a plan to include solar wafers under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) from June 1, 2028. This move is contingent on India’s domestic manufacturing capacity for wafers reaching approximately 15 gigawatts (GW).

The proposal aims to bolster India's self-reliance in solar manufacturing, as the country currently lacks a significant domestic ecosystem for producing polysilicon, ingots, and wafers. These are critical components in the solar supply chain, where polysilicon is melted into ingots and then sliced into thin wafers.

The MNRE has released a draft for the new ALMM List-III, specifically for solar wafers, and is inviting feedback from stakeholders on the proposed amendments to the ALMM order. The deadline for responses is October 11, 2025. This initiative is a key step toward creating a more integrated and robust domestic solar industry.