MNRE Solar Cell Code 2026: ALMM List-II Nomenclature Explained
Understand the proposed MNRE 14-character solar cell code, including material origin, TOPCon/HJT technology, wafer size, cell efficiency, DCR traceability and ALMM List-II requirements.
India's solar-cell manufacturing industry is moving toward more standardized product identification.
On 5 October 2026, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued a revised proposal for a standardized nomenclature of solar PV cell models under ALMM List-II.
The proposal introduces a 14-character alphanumeric code after the manufacturer's brand name. The proposed code is designed to identify important information about a solar cell, including the origin of polysilicon, ingot, wafer and cell, cell technology, wafer format and efficiency.
This article describes the proposed MNRE nomenclature. It should not be described as a finalized mandatory code until MNRE formally adopts the proposal.
MNRE has proposed a standardized 14-character solar PV cell model code for ALMM List-II.
The proposed code identifies:
- Polysilicon origin
- Ingot origin
- Wafer origin
- Cell manufacturing origin
- Cell technology
- Wafer size
- Cell efficiency
- Three reserved positions
- What Is the MNRE Solar Cell Code?
- What Is ALMM List-II?
- Why Is MNRE Proposing a Standard Code?
- MNRE Solar Cell Code Structure
- First Four Characters: Material and Cell Origin
- Cell Technology Codes
- Wafer Size Codes
- Cell Efficiency Code
- MNRE Solar Cell Code Example
- Solar Cell Code and DCR
- Importance for Solar Module Quality
- Role of NISE
- Existing ALMM Cell Models
- Current Status
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the MNRE Solar Cell Code?
The proposed MNRE solar cell code is a standardized identification system for solar PV cell models listed under ALMM List-II.
Under the October 2026 proposal, a cell model would carry the manufacturer's brand name followed by a 14-character alphanumeric code.
The purpose is to create a more consistent way of identifying solar PV cells across India's manufacturing and supply-chain ecosystem.
What Is ALMM List-II for Solar Cells?
ALMM stands for Approved List of Models and Manufacturers.
MNRE maintains ALMM lists for approved solar PV models and manufacturers.
Solar PV Modules
ALMM List-I covers approved solar PV module models and manufacturers.
Solar PV Cells
ALMM List-II covers approved solar PV cell models and manufacturers.
The first ALMM list for solar PV modules was issued on 10 March 2021, while the first ALMM List-II for solar PV cells was issued on 31 July 2025.
MNRE's current ALMM page lists the 11th Revision of ALMM List-II for Solar PV Cells dated 5 October 2026.
Why Is MNRE Proposing a Standard Solar Cell Code?
Solar-cell manufacturers often use their own commercial model names.
A manufacturer may use a model name based on its internal product family, while another manufacturer may use a name based on wafer format or efficiency.
A standardized nomenclature can make technical identification and traceability easier.
Potential benefits include:
- Solar-cell model identification
- Manufacturing traceability
- Supply-chain documentation
- Cell-origin identification
- Technology identification
- Wafer-format identification
- Efficiency identification
- ALMM documentation
- Module BOM verification
MNRE Solar Cell Code Structure Explained
The proposed code contains 14 characters after the manufacturer brand name.
| Position | Information | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Polysilicon origin | F |
| 2 | Ingot origin | D |
| 3 | Wafer origin | D |
| 4 | Cell origin | D |
| 5–6 | Cell technology | TC |
| 7–8 | Wafer size | GB |
| 9–11 | Cell efficiency representation | 256 |
| 12–14 | Reserved positions | xxx |
First Four Characters: Material and Cell Origin
The first four positions identify the origin of four stages in the manufacturing chain.
D = Domestic
D represents domestic Indian origin.
F = Foreign
F represents foreign origin.
Example: FDDD
F = Foreign polysilicon
D = Domestic ingot
D = Domestic wafer
D = Domestic cell
Important Point About Blue / Diffused Wafers
MNRE's applicable domestic-content framework distinguishes between domestic cell manufacturing and the use of imported diffused or blue wafers.
Therefore, cell processing in India by itself should not be treated as automatic proof of DCR eligibility.
DCR eligibility must be evaluated against the applicable MNRE requirements and project-specific documentation.
Solar Cell Technology Codes in the MNRE Proposal
Positions 5 and 6 identify the solar-cell technology.
| Code | Technology | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MP | Mono PERC | Monocrystalline Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact |
| TC | TOPCon | Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact |
| HJ | HJT | Heterojunction Technology |
| BC | Back Contact | Back-contact solar-cell architecture |
| PS | Perovskite | Perovskite photovoltaic technology |
TC — TOPCon
TC represents TOPCon, or Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact technology.
HJ — HJT
HJ represents heterojunction technology, commonly called HJT.
Wafer Size Codes: M10, M10R, G12 and G12R
Positions 7 and 8 identify the wafer format.
| Code | Wafer Format |
|---|---|
| MA | M10 |
| MB | M10R |
| GA | G12 |
| GB | G12R |
If the code contains GB, the proposed nomenclature identifies the wafer format as G12R.
How Is Solar Cell Efficiency Represented?
Positions 9 to 11 represent the cell efficiency using a three-character representation.
The decimal point is omitted in the proposed representation.
24.67% → 246
25.55% → 255
For example, MNRE's illustrative code uses 256 to represent 25.67% efficiency.
What Are the Last Three Characters?
Positions 12 to 14 are reserved for future identification requirements.
MNRE Solar Cell Code Example
One illustrative example is:
| Part | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | ABC | Manufacturer brand name |
| Polysilicon | F | Foreign origin |
| Ingot | D | Domestic origin |
| Wafer | D | Domestic origin |
| Cell | D | Domestic cell manufacturing |
| Technology | TC | TOPCon |
| Wafer format | GB | G12R |
| Efficiency | 256 | 25.67% |
| Reserved | xxx | Reserved positions |
FDDDTCGB256xxx = Foreign polysilicon + Domestic ingot + Domestic wafer + Domestic cell + TOPCon + G12R + 25.67% efficiency representation + reserved positions.
MNRE Solar Cell Code and DCR: Are They the Same?
No.
Identification
The proposed code identifies characteristics and origin information associated with the cell model.
Policy Requirement
DCR refers to applicable domestic-content requirements under relevant schemes, projects or government policies.
Therefore, the presence of a D in the proposed code should not by itself be treated as a DCR certificate.
DCR compliance must be evaluated using the applicable MNRE requirements, project documentation and verification process.
Why the MNRE Cell Code Matters for Solar Module Quality
The proposed nomenclature is particularly relevant for solar module manufacturers and QA/QC teams.
Solar cells are a critical Bill of Materials component. Standardized identification can help connect incoming cells with supplier documentation, BOM records and production traceability.
IQC — Incoming Quality Control
At incoming inspection, quality teams can use the cell model identification together with supplier documents, ALMM records and purchase specifications.
BOM Verification
The proposed code can help verify cell technology and wafer format against the approved BOM.
Traceability
- Supplier
- Cell model
- Cell batch
- Purchase order
- Incoming inspection
- Production line
- Module model
- Final inspection
- Dispatch records
What Is NISE's Role?
NISE stands for National Institute of Solar Energy.
Under the proposed framework, standardized nomenclature would be applied to inspections for new ALMM List-II applications after the applicable memorandum.
The proposal also describes a transition for existing ALMM List-II models, with NISE coordinating with the concerned manufacturers.
What Happens to Existing ALMM List-II Cell Models?
The proposal is not limited to future cell models.
Existing models that have already undergone inspection and models already enlisted under ALMM List-II would transition to the standardized nomenclature within the period specified after the final memorandum is issued.
The exact implementation timeline should be taken from the final MNRE memorandum rather than assumed from the consultation proposal.
What Should Quality Engineers Check?
If the nomenclature becomes final, quality teams should consider adding standardized cell-code verification to their incoming-material checklist.
- Verify cell manufacturer.
- Verify ALMM List-II listing.
- Verify cell model/code.
- Verify cell technology.
- Verify wafer format.
- Verify efficiency information.
- Verify applicable origin documentation.
- Match supplier documents with the approved BOM.
- Record batch and lot traceability.
- Maintain records for audit and customer requirements.
Does the MNRE Cell Code Replace Solar Cell Testing?
No.
A model code is an identification and traceability tool. It does not replace physical or electrical quality testing.
Solar-cell and module quality systems may still require appropriate inspection and testing such as:
- EL inspection
- IV testing
- Visual inspection
- Dimensional verification
- Material verification
- Supplier qualification
- Batch traceability
- Process audits
Why the MNRE Solar Cell Code Matters in 2026
India's solar-cell manufacturing ecosystem is expanding across multiple technologies and wafer formats.
At the same time, ALMM List-II is being updated through successive revisions.
A common cell nomenclature can therefore become increasingly useful for manufacturers, module companies, procurement teams, EPC companies and quality professionals.
Is the MNRE Solar Cell Code Final?
MNRE's official notice is a request for comments on the proposed standardized nomenclature for solar PV cell models under ALMM List-II.
Therefore, the 14-character system should currently be described as proposed, not as an already finalized mandatory code.
The final nomenclature or implementation procedure may change following stakeholder consultation.
What Solar Manufacturers Should Prepare
1. Review Existing Cell Models
Map existing commercial model names against technology, wafer format, efficiency and origin information.
2. Review BOM Records
Ensure that cell supplier and cell-model information is consistently maintained in the module BOM.
3. Review ERP / Master Data
ERP and production systems may eventually require fields for standardized cell identification.
4. Review Quality Documentation
Incoming inspection, supplier qualification and traceability documents should be capable of linking cell models to batches.
5. Monitor the Final MNRE Notification
Do not make permanent regulatory changes based only on the consultation proposal. Follow the final MNRE memorandum and implementation requirements.
MNRE Solar Cell Code 2026: Quick Cheat Sheet
| Position | Code / Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | D / F | Polysilicon origin |
| 2 | D / F | Ingot origin |
| 3 | D / F | Wafer origin |
| 4 | D / F | Cell origin |
| 5–6 | MP / TC / HJ / BC / PS | Cell technology |
| 7–8 | MA / MB / GA / GB | M10 / M10R / G12 / G12R |
| 9–11 | Example: 256 | Efficiency representation |
| 12–14 | xxx | Reserved |
Final Takeaway
The proposed MNRE Solar Cell Code 2026 is designed to introduce a common identification system for solar PV cells under ALMM List-II.
The proposed 14-character code communicates information about the manufacturing-chain origin, cell technology, wafer format and efficiency.
Origin → Technology → Wafer Size → Efficiency → Reserved
This illustrative code represents foreign polysilicon, domestic ingot, domestic wafer, domestic cell, TOPCon technology, G12R wafer format and the efficiency representation shown in the MNRE example.
For solar manufacturers, procurement teams and QA/QC professionals, the proposed nomenclature could become an important traceability tool if finalized.
However, the key point is that this is a proposed nomenclature until MNRE formally finalizes it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MNRE solar cell code?
MNRE has proposed a standardized 14-character alphanumeric nomenclature for solar PV cell models under ALMM List-II.
How many characters are in the proposed cell code?
The proposed identification code contains 14 characters after the manufacturer's brand name.
What does D mean in the MNRE cell code?
D represents domestic Indian origin.
What does F mean in the MNRE cell code?
F represents foreign origin.
What does TC mean?
TC represents TOPCon, or Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact technology.
What does HJ mean?
HJ represents heterojunction technology, commonly called HJT.
What does MA mean?
MA represents the M10 wafer format under the proposed nomenclature.
What does MB mean?
MB represents M10R.
What does GA mean?
GA represents G12.
What does GB mean?
GB represents G12R.
What does 256 mean in the proposed code?
In the MNRE illustrative example, 256 represents 25.67% efficiency.
Is the MNRE solar cell code mandatory?
As of October 2026, the standardized nomenclature is a proposal under consultation and should not be described as a finalized mandatory requirement until MNRE formally adopts it.
Does the cell code prove DCR compliance?
No. The code provides identification and origin information. DCR compliance must be assessed against applicable MNRE requirements and project documentation.
What is ALMM List-II?
ALMM List-II is MNRE's approved-list framework for solar PV cells. The first List-II was issued on 31 July 2025 and has subsequently been revised.
Who is NISE?
NISE stands for National Institute of Solar Energy. The proposed framework refers to NISE in relation to inspection and implementation of the nomenclature.
Related Search Keywords
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Official References
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy — Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM)
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy — Proposed standardized nomenclature for Solar PV Cell Models under ALMM List-II
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy — ALMM List-II for Solar PV Cells
Editorial note: Regulatory proposals can change during consultation. Always verify the latest MNRE memorandum and applicable ALMM revision before using the nomenclature for compliance, procurement or contractual documentation.
