What project owners need to know.
ALMM List-II is the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's Approved List of Models and Manufacturers for solar PV cells. From 1 June 2026, modules on ALMM List-I must be made with cells from manufacturers enlisted in List-II, so projects covered by ALMM now need domestically made cells as well as domestic modules. MNRE added the cell list through an amendment reported on 10 December 2024. It refused a blanket extension in May 2026 but allowed case-by-case relief, and a limited window to 31 December 2026 for selected net-metering and open-access projects. Mercom reported enlisted cell capacity nearing 30 GW after the seventh revision (May 2026), against more than 200 GW of listed module capacity. The next step upstream is ALMM List-III for ingots and wafers, announced for 1 June 2028.
What ALMM is, and where List-II sits
MNRE introduced the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) through an order issued in 2019. Only manufacturers and models on the list can supply covered government-supported, net-metering and open-access projects. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) describes it in its September 2026 landscape study as a market-access instrument that has moved from quality and traceability towards localisation.
The framework now has three layers. List-I covers solar PV modules and was first issued in March 2021. List-II covers solar PV cells; its first list was issued in July 2025, according to CSE. List-III, for ingots and wafers, has been announced for 1 June 2028. Each list pushes the domestic-content requirement one stage further up the value chain.
- List-I: approved solar PV module models and manufacturers
- List-II: approved solar PV cell models and manufacturers, binding from 1 June 2026
- List-I(a): ALMM modules that do not use List-II cells, usable only by exempt projects
- List-III: ingots and wafers, announced for 1 June 2028
What the List-II order requires
Energetica India reported on 10 December 2024 that MNRE had amended the ALMM order to add List-II for solar PV cells with effect from 1 June 2026. From that date, only modules made with List-II cells remain on List-I. Modules that are ALMM-listed but use non-listed cells move to a separate List-I(a). That list can be used only by projects that must use ALMM modules but are exempt from the cell requirement.
The order linked exemption to bid timing rather than commissioning. Projects whose last bid submission date fell before the order were exempt from the cell requirement even if commissioned later. Tenders already issued but closing after the order had to be amended. CSE summarises the current position as covering utility-scale projects whose bids were submitted after 31 August 2025. Thin-film modules made in integrated List-I facilities were deemed compliant.
- Covered projects must use List-I modules that are built with List-II cells
- Exemption follows the bid date set out in the order, so check each tender's dates
- Non-compliant module lines move to List-I(a) rather than disappearing
- Always read the current MNRE order and clarifications, not a summary
The 2026 relief decisions
As the deadline approached, MNRE did not move the date. Energetica India reported on 26 May 2026 that an MNRE office memorandum ruled out a blanket extension of the 1 June 2026 deadline for net-metering and open-access projects. Instead it allowed case-by-case exemptions for projects that had made substantial progress, such as modules already installed or defined milestones met before the deadline. Applications ran through a National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) portal until 30 June 2026 and went to an expert committee.
A PIB release of 18 July 2026 then set a limited exemption window to 31 December 2026 for net-metering and open-access projects. CSE reads the combined position as requiring these projects to use List-II-based modules if commissioned from 1 January 2027. It also notes that residential rooftop consumers in the PM Surya Ghar 'Give It Up' category remain exempt until March 2027. None of this changes the List-II rule for utility-scale bids, and none of it delays List-III.
- No blanket extension of the 1 June 2026 date
- Case-by-case relief for projects with documented progress, decided by committee
- Limited window to 31 December 2026 for selected net-metering and open-access projects
- Project eligibility depends on the specific category, dates and documents
How much cell capacity is enlisted
Mercom reported on 4 May 2026 that enlisted cell capacity under List-II was nearing 30 GW after the seventh revision. CSE's study uses 29.8 GW listed as of 30 April 2026. It records about 61 GW of further cell capacity announced for commissioning during FY2026–27, much of which will operate only part of the year. MNRE's public ALMM page lists later revisions, including a ninth revision of List-II dated 21 August 2026.
The imbalance is the point. CSE puts listed module capacity at over 219 GW, several times the enlisted cell base, and new TOPCon cell lines are still ramping. That is why List-II has been the most contested ALMM step so far, and why enlisted cell capacity should be read from the latest MNRE revision rather than from a headline.
- Enlisted cell capacity: about 30 GW in spring 2026 (Mercom, CSE)
- Listed module capacity: over 219 GW (CSE, 2026)
- Further revisions continue; the current list is on MNRE's ALMM page
- Announced cell capacity is not the same as enlisted or operating capacity
Why cells point to wafers next
Every domestic cell still starts with a wafer, and CSE estimates India's operational ingot–wafer capacity at about 2 GW as of April 2026. It reports roughly 38 GW of solar wafers imported from China in FY2025–26. A domestic cell built on an imported wafer satisfies List-II, but the upstream dependency remains.
That is the gap ALMM List-III is designed to close. A PIB release of 18 March 2026 announced List-III for ingots and wafers from 1 June 2028. The initial list is to be issued once at least three independent units with a combined 15 GW are available, and wafer makers must hold equivalent ingot capacity. For cell makers, List-II is the compliance question of 2026. Securing a qualified wafer route before List-III starts is the planning question for 2027 and 2028.
- List-II localises the cell; it does not localise the wafer inside it
- List-III, from 1 June 2028, adds ingots and wafers
- Wafer enlistment is tied to equivalent ingot capacity
- Cell makers should map wafer sourcing well before 2028
How JRST supports this requirement
JRST works on the upstream end of the chain that ALMM is now reaching: ingot and wafer project planning, crystal-growth and wafering equipment scope, crucibles and consumables, utilities and production readiness. This guide summarises public MNRE, PIB, CSE and trade reporting as of October 2026. ALMM rules, exemptions and lists change, so applicability to any project must be confirmed against the latest MNRE documents and with appropriate advisers.
Discuss your requirement
Mohammed Saif Zaveri connects JRST's industrial content to execution conversations.
As Co-Founder and designated partner of JRST Technology LLP, Mohammed Saif Zaveri works across industrial growth, strategic partnerships, client conversations, equipment strategy, and project pathways for silicon, solar, semiconductor, and advanced-manufacturing opportunities.
This knowledge page is part of JRST's public industrial knowledge base, designed to help buyers move from search terms and early research toward a structured technical-commercial discussion.
View Mohammed Saif Zaveri's profileConnect on LinkedInFrequently asked questions
What is ALMM List-II for solar cells?
ALMM List-II is MNRE's Approved List of Models and Manufacturers for solar PV cells. From 1 June 2026, modules on ALMM List-I must use cells from manufacturers enlisted in List-II, which makes domestically made cells mandatory for covered projects.
When did ALMM List-II take effect?
On 1 June 2026, under an MNRE amendment to the ALMM order reported in December 2024. MNRE refused a blanket extension in May 2026 and instead allowed case-by-case relief.
What is ALMM List-I(a)?
It is a separate list of ALMM modules that do not use List-II cells. Only projects that must use ALMM modules but are exempt from the cell requirement can use it.
Do net-metering and open-access projects have to follow List-II?
Yes, subject to the relief MNRE announced. A PIB release of 18 July 2026 set a limited exemption window to 31 December 2026 for selected net-metering and open-access projects. Check the project's category and dates against the current MNRE documents.
How much solar cell capacity is on ALMM List-II?
Mercom reported nearly 30 GW after the seventh revision in May 2026, and CSE uses 29.8 GW as of 30 April 2026. Later revisions have followed, so check MNRE's current list.
What is ALMM List-III?
ALMM List-III is the announced list for solar ingots and wafers, effective 1 June 2028. It is to be issued once at least three independent manufacturers with a combined 15 GW are available, and wafer makers must have equivalent ingot capacity.
How can JRST help?
JRST supports ingot and wafer projects with requirement-led planning, equipment and consumables scope, and production-readiness sequencing, which becomes relevant as cell makers look for a domestic wafer route before List-III. Compliance and enlistment remain subject to MNRE's process.
Primary sources and further reading
Last reviewed 2026-10-09. Technical scope, policy eligibility, availability, and commercial terms should be independently confirmed for each project.