The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued the ninth revision of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II, signaling an aggressive push toward upstream vertical integration in India’s solar supply chain. The latest update adds 3,700 MW of solar cell capacity, pushing the total enlisted domestic cell capacity to 35,458 MW (approximately 35.5 GW). This growth in the cell segment is accompanied by a massive expansion in the solar module sector (List-I), which now boasts a cumulative capacity of 217,107 MW. The revision reinforces the government’s mandate to consolidate a domestic “DCR Compliance Stack” for subsidy-linked and government-backed energy projects.
Cell Enlistment Surges as Waaree Sets Efficiency Benchmark
The ninth revision of List-II is characterized by a significant leap in technical sophistication. Most notably, Waaree Energies has achieved a new milestone with the enlistment of its G12R monocrystalline n-type TOPCon bifacial cells, which report average efficiency ratings of 25.39%. This technical upgrade reflects the industry’s rapid transition from legacy P-type Mono PERC to high-efficiency N-type technologies.
Key Solar Cell Capacity Revisions – August 2026
| Manufacturer Name | Revised Enlisted Capacity (MW) | Technical Status |
| Waaree Energies | 4,021 MW | Enlisted G12R N-type TOPCon (25.39% Eff) |
| Avaada Electro | 3,621 MW | Capacity Expansion Enlisted |
| EMMVEE Energy Private Limited | 2,153 MW | Capacity Expansion Enlisted |
| TP Solar | 2,000 MW | Updated Technical Specifications |
| RenewSys | 1,100 MW | Updated Technical Specifications |
| Premier Energies | 2,000 MW | Updated Technical Specifications |
| Reliance Industries | 452 MW | Updated Technical Specifications (HJT) |
Mundra to Kutch: Module Capacity Climbs to 217 GW
Parallel to the cell updates, the MNRE’s August update to ALMM List-I (Modules) added 12,724 MW of new capacity. The geographical footprint of Indian manufacturing continues to concentrate in Western and Southern hubs, with substantial new expansions in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.
New Market Entrants (List-I):
- SLR Solar: 1,020 MW
- Veda Solar: 546 MW
- Senses14 Power Solution: 57 MW
- Poola Energy: 15 MW
Major Strategic Expansions:
- Adani New Industries (Gujarat): Added 4,781 MW from its flagship facility in Kutch.
- Credence Solar Panels (Gujarat): Increased capacity by 1,796 MW.
- Fujiyama Power Systems (Uttar Pradesh): Commissioned 1,014 MW in Dadri.
- SAEL Solar P6: Expanded by 2,694 MW.
- HR Solar Solution (West Bengal): Added 631 MW at its Howrah plant.
- RPSG Solvanta: Increased capacity by 249 MW.
Note: Sova Solar saw a marginal reduction of 79 MW following model-specific technical updates.
The December Deadline: A Narrowing Window for Exemptions
MNRE notifications from July and August 2026 have clarified the regulatory roadmap, ending industry speculation regarding further delays. The implementation of List-II (Cells) is now governed by the following mandates:
- No Blanket Extension: The government has officially denied a general extension for ALMM List-II compliance beyond the June 1, 2026, cut-off.
- The 31 December “Safe Harbor”: A strictly limited exemption window exists for Open Access and Net Metering projects. To avoid mandatory List-II cell sourcing, these projects must be commissioned on or before December 31, 2026.
- Post-Deadline Liability: Any project commissioned after the December 31 deadline must comply with both List-I and List-II requirements.
- The DCR Compliance Stack: For projects under government-linked schemes—including PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM—the use of modules from List-I is insufficient; these modules must contain cells sourced exclusively from List-II approved manufacturers.
Foundational Context: The ALMM Tiers and DCR Rules
The ALMM framework is organized into three distinct regulatory tiers:
- List-I: Solar PV Modules (Currently mandatory).
- List-II: Solar PV Cells (Mandatory for non-exempt projects).
- List-III: Solar Ingots and Wafers. The mandate for List-III is effective June 1, 2028, but with a specific “trigger” condition: the list will only be operationalized when at least three independent wafer manufacturers with a combined 15 GW capacity are enlisted.
Defining the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) The distinction between DCR and non-DCR modules rests on the “Black Wafer” requirement. To qualify as DCR-compliant, cells must be manufactured in India starting from undiffused silicon wafers (Black Wafers) classified under Customs Tariff Head 3818.
- Blue Wafers: Modules assembled in India using imported pre-diffused “Blue Wafers” or imported cells are classified as non-DCR.
- Utility: While non-DCR modules can be ALMM List-I approved for quality, they are barred from subsidy-linked schemes where the DCR stack is required.
Implementation Guidance for Stakeholders
The convergence of List-I and List-II requirements necessitates a shift in procurement and verification strategies:
- EPC Companies: Must implement a “Double-Check” protocol. It is no longer enough to verify module enlistment; you must confirm the cell manufacturer is active on ALMM List-II and match the cell serial numbers against the manufacturer’s DCR undertaking.
- C&I Consumers: Businesses currently planning Open Access or Net Metering projects must ensure their EPC partners hit the December 31, 2026, commissioning target to utilize existing non-DCR stock.
- Residential Buyers: Participants in PM Surya Ghar should note that subsidy eligibility is now hard-linked to both ALMM lists. Installers must provide proof of List-II cell compliance to the DISCOM for successful subsidy disbursement.
The 5-Step ALMM Verification Drill
To avoid project audits and the risk of blacklisting, the MNRE recommends the following verification drill:
- Direct PDF Pull: Download the latest List-I and List-II PDFs directly from the MNRE website. Avoid using third-party summaries or stale documentation.
- Wattage Variant Match: Verify the exact model and wattage. A manufacturer being listed for a 545 MW variant does not automatically mean their 560 MW variant is approved.
- Written Cell Declaration: Demand a written confirmation from the module supplier naming the cell manufacturer and their List-II status.
- Serial Sample Check: Photograph serial labels on delivery and cross-match them with the manufacturer’s flash-test data and DCR certificates.
- Compliance Pack Assembly: File the invoice, technical datasheet, and serial photos together to form the “Compliance Pack” required for DISCOM inspections.
Official Portals and General Web Resources
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Portal
- Link: https://mnre.gov.in
- Purpose: The central Indian ministry governing renewable energy, quality frameworks, and ALMM lists.
- PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Portal
- Link: https://pmsuryaghar.gov.in
- Purpose: The national portal facilitating residential rooftop solar applications, subsidies, and DCR validation.
- Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI)
- Link: https://www.seci.co.in
- Purpose: The nodal implementing public sector agency handling government tenders, utility-scale renewable bids, and clean energy programs.
- Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
- Link: https://cea.nic.in
- Purpose: The statutory body responsible for managing India’s grid regulations, electricity demand planning, and integration.
Official MNRE Notifications and Policy Documents
- 9th Revision of ALMM List-II for Solar PV Cells (Dated 21.08.2026)
- Link: 9th Revision of ALMM List-II (PDF)
- Purpose: Enlists the approved models and manufacturers of solar PV cells for DCR compliance.
- Updated List-I under ALMM Order for Solar PV Modules (Dated 03.08.2026)
- Link: Updated List-I under ALMM (PDF)
- Purpose: Outlines the latest list of approved solar module manufacturers and models.
- MNRE Clarification on Limited Exemption of ALMM List-II for Net-Metering & Open Access Projects (Dated 18.07.2026)
- Link: ALMM List-II Limited Exemption Order (PDF)
- Purpose: Outlines the official guidelines regarding the limited exemption window for open access and net metering projects commissioned on or before 31 December 2026.
- MNRE Order on Non-Blanket Extension of ALMM List-II (Dated 25.05.2026)
- Link: MNRE OM dated 25.05.2026 (PDF)
- Purpose: Enforces the implementation timeline of the ALMM List-II cell mandate and outlines measures protecting investments already made.
- MNRE Clarification regarding applicability on rooftop solar projects on Government Buildings (Dated 06.07.2026)
- Link: Government Buildings Clarification (PDF)
- Purpose: Clarifies rules regarding cell sourcing under ALMM List-II for solar PV projects on government rooftops.
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