--- title: ALMM List-II for Solar Cells 2026 | Arrays Ingenieria description: Since 1 June 2026, projects under MNRE's ALMM order need List-I modules made with List-II cells. Who it covers, exemptions and how to comply. url: https://arraysingenieria.com/almm-list-ii-solar-cells/ last_updated: 2026-10-11 source: Arrays Ingenieria (Arrays Ingenieria Pvt. Ltd.) --- Guide · Policy # ALMM List-I and List-II Explained: The Made-in-India Rule for Solar Modules and Cells MNRE's Approved List of Models and Manufacturers now covers solar cells as well as modules. What List-I and List-II mean, which projects they bind, the exemptions, and how to stay compliant. On this page - What ALMM is and why it exists - List-I and List-II side by side - Which projects must comply - What it means for price and supply - How to check compliance before you order - Frequently asked questions - Sources By the [Arrays Ingenieria engineering team](https://arraysingenieria.com/about/) · Updated 11 Oct 2026 · 3 min read **Key takeaways** - ALMM List-I covers solar **modules**; List-II, for solar **cells**, applies from **1 June 2026** - Covered projects must use List-I modules that are themselves made with List-II cells - Projects whose bid deadline fell on or before the amendment are exempt from the cell requirement; net-metering and open-access projects commissioned before 1 June 2026 were exempted too - MNRE has signalled a third list, for wafers, later in the decade (reported for June 2028) - Ask for the ALMM listing, the model number and the cell source in writing before you order modules ## What ALMM is and why it exists The **Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM)** is a register kept by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Only the module models and manufacturers on it may be used in the projects the ALMM Order covers. MNRE issued the order in 2019 to make sure that solar plants built with public support or for public utilities use reliable equipment from verified factories, and to build up manufacturing in India. Until 2026 the order had one list, **List-I for solar PV modules**. MNRE then amended the ALMM Order 2019 to add **List-II for solar PV cells**, with effect from **1 June 2026**. ## List-I and List-II side by side The ALMM lists in 2026 | List | Covers | In force from | What a covered project must do | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | List-I | Solar PV modules (model and factory) | 2021 (original order of 2019) | Use only modules from List-I | | List-II | Solar PV cells (manufacturer and factory) | 1 June 2026 | Use List-I modules made with List-II cells | | List-III (signalled) | Wafers | Reported for June 2028; not yet in force | Watch for MNRE's notification | In practice List-II means that a covered project needs modules whose **cells were also made in an ALMM-listed Indian factory**. A module assembled in India from imported cells stays on List-I but no longer satisfies a project that needs List-II cells. ## Which projects must comply The order applies to projects set out in it, chiefly: - Government and government-assisted projects, including those under central schemes - Projects selling power to the government or to DISCOMs, such as plants built under central or state tenders - Projects under schemes that require it, such as PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar (which already insist on domestic-content modules) - Net-metering and open-access projects, which MNRE has brought within the order's scope, subject to the exemptions below ### The exemptions - Projects whose **bid submission deadline was on or before the date of the List-II amendment** are excused from the cell requirement, though they still need List-I modules. - Net-metering and open-access projects **commissioned before 1 June 2026** were exempt from sourcing List-II cells. **Purely private captive plants** Whether a privately funded captive plant must use ALMM modules depends on how it connects and sells power, and on your state's rules. Many clients choose ALMM equipment anyway for quality and future flexibility. Check the position for your project before ordering. ## What it means for price and supply Indian cell capacity is growing quickly but is smaller than module capacity, so modules with domestic cells (often called DCR modules) carry a premium over modules with imported cells. Lead times can also be longer in peak months. Plan for it: fix the module specification at the design stage, get written confirmation of the ALMM listing and cell source from the supplier, and lock delivery dates into the project schedule. ## How to check compliance before you order - **Find the list**Download the current List-I and List-II from MNRE's ALMM pages; the lists are updated regularly. - **Match the model**Check the exact module model number, wattage and factory address against List-I. - **Trace the cells**Ask the module maker for the cell manufacturer and factory, and check it against List-II. - **Keep the paper trail**Keep invoices, the ALMM extract and the maker's declaration. DISCOMs, scheme portals and inspectors can ask for them. - **Inspect on delivery**Match nameplates and serial numbers on site with the documents before installation starts. Modules on a ground-mount tea-estate plant in Assam. On every project we match nameplates and documents to the specification before installation. Arrays Ingenieria does not manufacture modules or inverters. On CAPEX projects we specify ALMM-listed or client-approved makes, and on installation contracts we check and record what arrives on site, so the documents are ready when the DISCOM or inspector asks. ## Frequently asked questions What is ALMM List-II? The list of approved solar cell manufacturers, added to MNRE's ALMM Order 2019. From 1 June 2026 covered projects must use List-I modules that are made with List-II cells. Is ALMM mandatory for rooftop solar? It is mandatory for projects covered by the order, including scheme-backed rooftop solar such as PM Surya Ghar. For other rooftop plants it depends on the connection and the state rules; many owners choose ALMM equipment anyway. What are DCR modules? Domestic Content Requirement modules: modules made with Indian cells. Schemes such as PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM require them. Will there be an ALMM list for wafers? MNRE has signalled a List-III for wafers, reported for June 2028. It is not yet in force; watch for the notification. ## Sources - [PIB: MNRE amends the ALMM Order 2019 (List-II for solar cells)](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2082901) - [China Briefing: An investor's guide to solar manufacturing in India](https://www.china-briefing.com/china-outbound-news/an-investors-guide-to-solar-manufacturing-in-india) - [Energetica India: Union Budget 2025-26 cuts duty on solar cells and modules to 20%](https://www.energetica-india.net/news/union-budget-2025-26-solar-cells-and-modules-duty-cut-to-20-percent) This guide explains public policy in plain language for planning purposes. Rules, rates and deadlines change: confirm the current position with the notifying authority, your DISCOM and your tax adviser before you commit. Last checked 11 Oct 2026. **About the authors.** Arrays Ingenieria is an ex-servicemen-led solar EPC and installation & commissioning company working Pan-India, from Assam's tea estates to industrial rooftops. [Our story](https://arraysingenieria.com/ex-servicemen-led-msme/) · [Our projects](https://arraysingenieria.com/projects/) [CAPEX Solar EPC](https://arraysingenieria.com/capex-solar-epc/)[EPC Turnkey](https://arraysingenieria.com/service-epc/) From Our Sites ## Case Studies on This Topic Real plants our veteran-led crews have built, with the scope of work in detail. [Tea Estate · Inaugurated by the CM: **Koomber Tea Estate: 595 kWp Solar Plant, Inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Assam**595 kWp · Koomber Tea Garden, Silchar, Cachar district (Barak Valley), AssamRead the case study](https://arraysingenieria.com/project-koomber-tea-estate-595kwp-solar-cm-inauguration/)[Tea Estate · Ground-Mount: **Borpatra (Barpatra) Tea Estate: 230 kWp On-Grid Solar Plant**230 kWp · Borhat, Sivasagar district, AssamRead the case study](https://arraysingenieria.com/project-barpatra-tea-estate-230kw-solar/) Keep Reading ## Related Guides [Policy: **Solar Import Duty in India (2026): Customs on Modules and Cells, and What Budget 2026-27 Changed**Customs duty on imported solar equipment was restructured in Budget 2025-26 and adjusted again in Budget 2026-27. 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