ALMM List-II 2026: What Solar Manufacturers Need to Know
A practical guide to MNRE ALMM List-II for solar PV cells, including cell sourcing, manufacturer verification, traceability, IQC, DCR, BOM control and compliance requirements for Indian solar module manufacturers.
ALMM List-II is the MNRE list covering approved solar PV cell manufacturers and models under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers framework.
ALMM List-I covers solar PV modules, while ALMM List-II covers solar PV cells. The first ALMM List-II for cells was issued on 31 July 2025 and is being updated regularly.
What Is ALMM List-II?
ALMM stands for Approved List of Models and Manufacturers.
The framework was introduced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to establish an approved list of eligible solar PV models and manufacturers.
ALMM List-I
Covers eligible solar PV modules.
ALMM List-II
Covers eligible solar PV cells.
MNRE's official ALMM page states that the first ALMM list for solar PV modules was issued on 10 March 2021, while the first ALMM list for solar PV cells was issued on 31 July 2025.
Why Was ALMM List-II Introduced?
Solar PV modules are long-life products. Their performance, warranty and traceability can depend heavily on the quality and origin of their constituent materials, including solar cells.
For manufacturers and project stakeholders, a controlled approval framework can help improve:
Traceability
Identification of cell manufacturer and model.
Quality Control
Better control of approved cell sourcing and documentation.
Compliance
Supports applicable project and government requirements.
Manufacturing Control
Encourages controlled supplier and material management.
ALMM List-II 2026: Current Status
MNRE is regularly updating ALMM List-II for solar PV cells. The official ALMM page currently lists the 11th Revision of ALMM List-II dated 05 October 2026.
| Revision | Date | Product |
|---|---|---|
| First ALMM List-II | 31 July 2025 | Solar PV Cells |
| 5th Revision | 13 February 2026 | Solar PV Cells |
| 8th Revision | 22 July 2026 | Solar PV Cells |
| 9th Revision | 21 August 2026 | Solar PV Cells |
| 10th Revision | 28 September 2026 | Solar PV Cells |
| 11th Revision | 05 October 2026 | Solar PV Cells |
When Did ALMM List-II Become Important?
The implementation of ALMM List-II became particularly important from 1 June 2026.
MNRE subsequently issued clarifications concerning the implementation and transition arrangements.
Therefore, manufacturers should not interpret 31 December 2026 as a universal postponement of ALMM List-II requirements.
ALMM List-I vs ALMM List-II
| Parameter | ALMM List-I | ALMM List-II |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Solar PV Modules | Solar PV Cells |
| Manufacturer | Module Manufacturer | Cell Manufacturer |
| Model | Module Model | Cell Model |
| First List | 10 March 2021 | 31 July 2025 |
| Updates | Regular | Regular |
| Manufacturing Impact | Module Eligibility | Cell Sourcing & Eligibility |
Depending on the project and applicable government requirements, manufacturers may need to consider both module-level and cell-level ALMM requirements.
What Does ALMM List-II Mean for Solar Module Manufacturers?
The biggest practical change for module manufacturers is stronger control over solar cell procurement.
A procurement team should not ask only:
For applicable projects, the question should become:
How to Verify a Solar Cell Under ALMM List-II
Before purchasing cells, verify the relevant information against the latest applicable MNRE ALMM documentation.
Step 1: Verify the Cell Manufacturer
Confirm that the manufacturer is included in the applicable ALMM List-II.
Step 2: Verify the Exact Cell Model
Do not rely only on the supplier's company name. Check the exact model information against the applicable list.
Step 3: Verify Technology and Format
Confirm the cell technology, format and other controlled technical parameters against your approved specification.
Step 4: Check Project Requirements
Check whether the project has additional requirements such as DCR or other scheme-specific conditions.
Why Cell Traceability Is Important
ALMM-related controls make material traceability increasingly important for module manufacturers.
A robust manufacturing system should ideally connect:
The same information should also be retrievable in reverse when investigating a customer complaint or quality issue.
ALMM List-II and Incoming Quality Control
ALMM verification can be incorporated into the IQC checklist for solar cells.
| IQC Checkpoint | Verification |
|---|---|
| Supplier Name | Match approved supplier |
| Cell Manufacturer | Verify against applicable ALMM documentation |
| Cell Model | Verify exact model |
| Technology | Confirm specification |
| Cell Dimensions | Measure/verify as per specification |
| Visual Quality | Inspect incoming material |
| EL Quality | Perform applicable sampling/inspection |
| IV Parameters | Verify as applicable |
| Batch / Lot | Record traceability information |
| CoA / CoC | Verify applicable documents |
| Project Requirement | Check ALMM/DCR/project conditions |
ALMM vs DCR: Do Not Confuse Them
One of the most important points for solar manufacturers is that ALMM and DCR are not the same requirement.
ALMM
Relates to the approved models and manufacturers under the applicable ALMM framework.
DCR
Refers to applicable domestic-content requirements under a particular scheme or programme.
ALMM List-II and Solar Module BOM Control
The cell should be properly controlled within the manufacturing BOM.
| BOM Parameter | Example Control |
|---|---|
| Cell Technology | TOPCon / HJT / Other approved technology |
| Cell Type | N-type / applicable type |
| Cell Format | Controlled approved format |
| Cell Manufacturer | Approved supplier/manufacturer |
| Cell Model | Controlled model |
| Efficiency | Approved specification |
| ALMM Status | Verified where applicable |
| DCR Status | Project-specific verification |
Engineering Change Control for Cell Substitution
Suppose a module manufacturer normally uses one approved TOPCon cell supplier but procurement wants to replace it with another supplier.
Even if the replacement cell appears technically similar, it should not automatically be treated as an unrestricted material substitution.
TOPCon, HJT and Cell Formats
India's solar cell manufacturing ecosystem is expanding across different cell technologies and formats.
TOPCon
Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact technology used widely in current n-type cell manufacturing.
HJT
Heterojunction Technology combining crystalline silicon with thin amorphous-silicon layers.
G12R
A newer rectangular cell format increasingly relevant to high-power module designs.
Other Technologies
Cell technologies and formats should always be verified against the applicable controlled specification and current ALMM documentation.
Changing the cell technology or format can affect module design, string configuration, electrical parameters, interconnection, dimensions and certification.
Proposed MNRE Solar Cell Nomenclature 2026
MNRE is currently seeking stakeholder comments on a proposed standardized nomenclature for Solar PV Cell Models under ALMM List-II.
The official MNRE consultation notice shows a start date of 06 October 2026 and an end date of 04 December 2026.
If finalized, standardized nomenclature could make solar cell model identification and traceability easier for manufacturers, module producers, procurement teams, QA/QC departments and auditors.
What Should QA/QC Teams Do Now?
Solar manufacturing quality teams can prepare by integrating ALMM verification into their existing QMS and material-control procedures.
- Create an ALMM verification checklist.
- Maintain an approved cell supplier list.
- Verify exact cell models.
- Add applicable ALMM verification to IQC.
- Maintain cell batch and lot traceability.
- Link cell batches with production records.
- Control supplier and cell substitutions.
- Monitor MNRE ALMM revisions.
- Maintain audit-ready documentation.
ALMM List-II Procurement Checklist
Before Purchase Order
- Check current applicable ALMM List-II.
- Verify cell manufacturer.
- Verify exact cell model.
- Confirm cell technology.
- Confirm cell format.
- Check project requirements.
- Check DCR requirements separately.
- Obtain required supplier documentation.
During Material Receipt
- Verify supplier.
- Verify manufacturer.
- Verify model.
- Verify batch/lot.
- Check packing documents.
- Perform IQC.
- Record material traceability.
Before Production
- Confirm material approval.
- Confirm BOM.
- Confirm engineering approval.
- Confirm project-specific compliance.
What Should Manufacturers Prepare for Audits?
A good audit-ready system should be able to answer five basic questions.
1. Where Did the Cell Come From?
Supplier and manufacturer records.
2. Which Model Was Used?
Purchase and material records.
3. Was It Eligible?
Applicable ALMM/project compliance evidence.
4. Which Modules Used It?
Production and batch traceability.
Dispatch, packing list and ERP/customer records should provide the required traceability.
This forward and backward traceability is valuable for NCR investigations, CAPA, warranty claims, customer complaints and compliance audits.
ALMM List-II 2026 Compliance Checklist
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Current MNRE ALMM List-II available | ☐ |
| Approved cell supplier list updated | ☐ |
| Exact cell model verified | ☐ |
| Cell technology verified | ☐ |
| Cell format verified | ☐ |
| Supplier documents available | ☐ |
| IQC checklist updated | ☐ |
| Cell batch traceability available | ☐ |
| Production traceability available | ☐ |
| BOM controlled | ☐ |
| Engineering change procedure implemented | ☐ |
| DCR requirement separately checked | ☐ |
| Customer/project requirements verified | ☐ |
| ALMM revision monitoring assigned | ☐ |
| Audit records maintained | ☐ |
Related Solar Manufacturing Guides
Solar Module Manufacturing BOM
Understand the major components and material structure used in solar PV module manufacturing.
Solar Cell Sizes: M10, M10R, G12 and G12R
Learn what the M and G designations mean in modern solar cell formats.
Solar Radiation vs Irradiance vs Irradiation
Understand important solar-energy measurement terminology used in PV engineering.
Solar Panel STC vs NOCT
Understand the difference between laboratory STC ratings and more realistic operating conditions.
Final Takeaway
ALMM List-II 2026 is not simply a list that solar cell manufacturers need to monitor.
For applicable projects, it can directly influence how solar module manufacturers purchase, qualify, inspect, trace and document solar cells.
The practical manufacturing workflow should therefore be:
With MNRE continuing to revise ALMM List-II and consulting stakeholders on standardized solar cell nomenclature, cell identification, supplier control and traceability are becoming increasingly important parts of the Indian PV manufacturing quality system.
Frequently Asked Questions
ALMM List-II is the MNRE list covering approved solar PV cell manufacturers and models under the ALMM framework.
The first ALMM List-II for solar PV cells was issued on 31 July 2025.
MNRE's official ALMM page currently lists the 11th Revision of ALMM List-II for Solar PV Cells dated 05 October 2026.
No. ALMM and DCR are separate requirements. The applicable project or scheme requirements should be checked independently.
Not necessarily. For projects where ALMM List-II applies, manufacturers should verify the applicable manufacturer and cell model against the current MNRE requirements.
No. MNRE describes the provision as a limited window for specified Net-Metering and Open Access renewable-energy projects. It should not be treated as a universal extension.
MNRE is currently consulting stakeholders on a proposed standardized nomenclature for Solar PV Cell Models under ALMM List-II. The current official consultation is dated 06 October 2026 to 04 December 2026.
Cell traceability helps manufacturers connect the cell manufacturer and batch with production lots and module serial numbers. This is useful for quality investigations, customer complaints, warranty cases and audits.
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) – Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM)
- MNRE – Request for comments on proposed standardized nomenclature for Solar PV Cell Models under ALMM List-II
- MNRE – ALMM List-II revisions and implementation notices
Always refer to the latest applicable MNRE notification, ALMM list and project-specific requirements before making procurement or compliance decisions.
