New wafer list to align with module and cell sourcing norms, pushing India towards a fully indigenised solar ecosystem

The Government of India has proposed the creation of an Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for wafers used in solar module production, with implementation slated for June 2028. The move is aimed at strengthening the domestic supply chain for solar equipment and advancing energy security through backward integration.

The ALMM mechanism, which functions as a non-tariff barrier, requires that solar equipment be sourced only from manufacturers featured on the approved list. Lists for solar modules are already in effect, while those for solar cells are due to be enforced from June 2026. The proposed wafer list would be the third in the series.

According to the draft framework, ALMM-III for wafers will only be notified once there are at least three independent wafer manufacturing units operating in the country, with a combined annual capacity of 15 GW. These units must also maintain equivalent ingot manufacturing capacity, since wafer listings will be considered alongside ingots.

This initiative builds on the government’s Rs 24,000 crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme launched in 2022 for high-efficiency solar modules, which extended to wafer-ingots and polysilicon manufacturing. At present, India has an estimated solar module manufacturing capacity of 100 GW and around 25 GW of solar cell capacity.

Under the existing ALMM framework, all solar projects are required to procure modules from List-I and cells from List-II. Once introduced, the sourcing rules will extend to wafers under List-III, marking a step towards the development of a fully indigenised solar supply chain.