The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has mandated that solar photovoltaic (PV) cell and module manufacturers begin monthly data submissions through the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) DCR Portal to monitor supply chain stability and identify pricing anomalies following the operationalization of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II. This centralized reporting framework is designed to verify domestic content and ensure energy security as the industry transitions toward mandatory domestic cell sourcing.
Mandatory Reporting Framework and Timeline
The regulatory framework establishes a recurring data collection cycle for all entities involved in the solar manufacturing value chain:
- Frequency and Scope: Manufacturers of solar PV cells and modules must submit production and pricing data on a monthly basis.
- Platform: Reporting is conducted exclusively via the DCR Portal developed by NISE.
- Submission Deadlines: Industry participants, including manufacturers and project developers, must submit all historical data and relevant claims for relief through the portal by June 30, 2026.
- Review Process: Submissions, particularly regarding relief and extensions, will be evaluated by an MNRE-constituted expert committee based on the submission of mandatory documentary proof.
Integration with ALMM List-II Compliance
The data collection mandate is functionally integrated with the ALMM framework, which requires that solar projects utilize modules from List-I and cells from List-II. The mandatory use of domestically manufactured solar cells takes effect on June 1, 2026.
To provide regulatory clarity for tenders issued under Section 63 of the Electricity Act 2003, the MNRE issued an amendment on July 28, 2025. This amendment specifies a “one-month rule,” stipulating that the mandate for domestic cell use becomes enforceable 30 days after the official publication of the ALMM cell list. This measure is intended to assist bidders in government-bid tenders in aligning their procurement with the available domestic supply of both modules and cells.
Data Points and Regulatory Objectives
The MNRE requires manufacturers to provide granular technical and financial data, including monthly production volumes and market price ranges. The reporting tracks technology variations, specifically Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) and Monocrystalline technologies, to ensure the reliability of the domestic supply chain.
The three primary regulatory objectives are:
- Energy Security: Verifying the production capacity of domestic manufacturers to meet the 2030 target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy.
- DCR Verification: Ensuring adherence to Domestic Content Requirements for subsidized and government-mandated projects.
- Market Monitoring: Detecting price anomalies. This is in direct response to reported price inflation where module costs rose from ₹21–22 per watt to ₹25–27 per watt following the imposition of anti-dumping duties on solar glass and the reduction of Chinese export rebates.
Current Market Context: Supply-Demand and Pricing Data
The monitoring mandate arrives amid a transition in domestic manufacturing capacities. As of December 2025, cumulative module manufacturing capacity reached approximately 210 GW, while cell manufacturing capacity stood at 27 GW. By March 2026, cell capacity reached 40 GW, driven by additions from players such as Cosmic Power and Websol Energy.
Market data highlights the following conditions:
- Manufacturing Concentration: According to the Mercom report, the top ten manufacturers account for 99.5% of current cell production capacity, indicating a high concentration of market power.
- Technology Mix: Approximately 70% of module capacity utilizes TOPCon technology. For cells, monocrystalline technology accounts for 57% of production, followed by TOPCon at 39%.
- Supply Deficit: With annual solar demand estimated at 50 GW, the domestic cell supply gap remains at approximately 20 GW. This deficit, combined with external trade factors, has contributed to the 30% increase in overall project costs reported by developers.
Implementation and Relief Mechanisms
The MNRE has clarified that there is no provision for a “blanket” extension of the June 1, 2026, deadline. Project developers seeking relief or time extensions due to supply constraints or grid connectivity delays must utilize the NISE portal to file claims.
These claims require the submission of comprehensive documentary proof for a case-by-case review by the expert committee. While manufacturers are responsible for the submission of production and pricing data, project developers remain the primary claimants for relief regarding the applicability of ALMM List-II for projects commissioned after the June deadline.
Leave a Comment