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Solar Module Capacity Under ALMM Grows to 215.5 GW as MNRE Adds 11.9 GW in Latest Update

August 13, 2026 By Gaurav Nathani 5 min read
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The 215.5 GW Milestone: Navigating the H1 Commissioning Rush

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has finalized a substantial expansion of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-I for solar PV modules. In the August 2026 update, the Ministry added 11,964 MW of registered capacity, bringing India’s cumulative total to 215.52 GW.

This surge in enlistments follows a frantic first half of the year, which saw 34 GWdc of solar capacity added—a 38% increase over the previous year. This “commissioning rush” was largely catalyzed by two factors: the passing of the June 1, 2026, ALMM List-II (cells) mandate and the phased withdrawal of inter-state transmission (ISTS) charge waivers. Developers have accelerated project timelines to secure the 75% waiver before it dropped to 50% in July 2026, highlighting the sector’s sensitivity to shifting fiscal incentives.

Manufacturer Enlistments and Capacity Expansions

The August update introduces four new entrants to the ALMM roster and records massive capacity augmentations by established industry leaders, many of whom are seeking to stabilize supply chains amid tightening Domestic Content Requirements (DCR).

New Entrants to ALMM List-I:

  • SLR Solar: 1,020 MW
  • Veda Solar: 546 MW
  • Senses14 Power Solution: 57 MW
  • Poola Energy: 15 MW

Significant Capacity Augmentations:

  • Adani New Industries: +4,781 MW
  • SAEL Solar P6: +1,855 MW
  • Credence Solar Panels: +1,796 MW
  • Fujiyama Power Systems: +1,014 MW
  • HR Solar Solution: +631 MW
  • RPSG Solvanta (formerly Best Apartment): +249 MW

Capacity Reductions:

  • Sova Solar: Registered capacity saw a 79 MW reduction, adjusting its total to 1,289 MW.

Technological Pivot: The N-type Architecture Dominance

The 2026 update underscores a decisive technological pivot toward N-type architectures. New entrants SLR Solar, Veda Solar, and Poola Energy have specialized exclusively in TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) modules, including bifacial variants that are becoming the standard for commercial and industrial rooftops.

To streamline the adoption of these higher-power bins, the MNRE issued a waiver in June 2026 regarding factory inspections. Manufacturers are now exempt from additional on-site audits for modules falling within 3% of their maximum registered power rating, significantly reducing the “time-to-market” for upgraded high-efficiency models.

Technology Benchmarks: 2026 Market Standards

FeatureMonocrystalline PERCN-type TOPCon (Bifacial/Monofacial)
Efficiency Range20.3% – 21.5%20.9% – 22.8%
Wattage Class530 – 560 Wp545 – 625 Wp
DCR FrictionLower; supply is abundantHigher; supply is tight
Heat CoefficientStandardBest-in-class for hot regions

Regulatory Mandates and the “Cell Supply” Asymmetry

The industrial landscape is now defined by the split-mandate of List-I (Modules) and List-II (Cells). As of June 1, 2026, the mandate for cell-level compliance is active: all solar projects commissioned from this date must utilize ALMM-approved modules containing ALMM-approved solar cells.

While the government has aggressively pushed for vertical integration, a critical supply-demand gap remains. As of July 22, 2026, registered domestic solar cell capacity stands at 31.76 GW, with actual production projected to reach only 29 GW in the coming year—far short of the estimated 50 GW annual module demand. This shortage has created a massive financial hurdle for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firms, with DCR-compliant modules commanding a 70% to 100% price premium over non-DCR alternatives.

Scope of ALMM Mandate: Compliance is non-negotiable for:

  • Government-Linked Projects: All central and state projects, including CPSEs.
  • Subsidized Schemes: Specifically the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
  • Consumer Access: All Open Access and Net-Metering projects.

Implementation Timelines and Exemption Windows

The MNRE has outlined specific transition periods to prevent a total stall in project development while the domestic cell industry catches up.

  • PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Strict DCR rules apply. Residential rooftop projects must use Indian-manufactured cells to qualify for central subsidies (up to ₹78,000).
  • “Give It Up” Exemption: Valid until March 31, 2027, this exemption applies specifically to residential applications filed through the PM Surya Ghar National Portal.
  • Net-Metering & Open Access: Projects in these categories have been granted a limited commissioning window until December 31, 2026, to navigate the new cell-level mandates.
  • Case-by-Case Reviews: MNRE has rescinded blanket transitional exemptions for delayed projects; all such extensions are now reviewed individually via the DCR Portal.

Strategic Outlook: Vertical Integration and Trade Barriers

The trajectory for the Indian solar market points toward absolute vertical integration. The MNRE has already proposed ALMM List-III, which will extend domestic content requirements to wafers and ingots.

However, two major risk factors loom over the industry’s H2 2026 performance. First, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended anti-dumping duties of up to 30% on Chinese-origin solar cells, a move that could further exacerbate the DCR price premium if adopted by the Central Government. Second, the reliance on Southeast Asian cell imports—particularly from Indonesia, where imports nearly tripled in early 2026—may face increased scrutiny as the government seeks to prevent the rerouting of Chinese-origin components. For developers and EPCs, procurement strategy is no longer just about wattage—it is a high-stakes exercise in regulatory compliance and price-risk management.

Official Solar Compliance Portals

Official ALMM Documents & Lists (2026 Updates)

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