India’s MNRE Expands ALMM List-II to 27.8GW, Adds HJT Cells for the First Time

Why It Matters

The expansion and mandatory ALMM compliance tighten the link between domestic manufacturing capability and public project eligibility, accelerating high‑efficiency technology adoption and reshaping India’s solar supply chain.

Key Takeaways

• ALMM List‑II capacity rises to 27.8 GW, up 1.3 GW.
• Reliance adds 1.238 GW HJT cells, 25.6% efficiency.
• Jupiter Solartech and Websol contribute 991 MW and 600 MW PERC capacity.
• From June 1, 2026, government projects must use ALMM‑II cells.
• MNRE plans ALMM List‑III for wafers, highlighting upstream capacity gaps.

Pulse Analysis

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s latest revision of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List‑II pushes total listed capacity to 27.8 GW, a modest 1.3 GW increase over the February baseline. The most notable addition is Reliance Industries’ heterojunction (HJT) line, which brings 1.238 GW of cells capable of 25.6 % efficiency and a zero‑busbar architecture. Smaller players such as Jupiter Solartech and Websol Energy System also expanded their PERC bifacial capacity by 991 MW and 600 MW respectively, reinforcing India’s push toward higher‑efficiency domestic production.

Effective 1 June 2026, every government‑backed solar project must source modules built with cells listed on ALMM List‑II. This requirement turns the expanded capacity list into a de‑facto eligibility criterion, steering large‑scale developers toward manufacturers that have cleared the regulatory hurdle. While the move accelerates technology adoption, it also raises the capital bar, favoring well‑funded firms capable of investing in HJT and advanced PERC lines. Analysts expect a consolidation trend as smaller, less‑capitalised players either partner or exit the market.

The ministry’s proposal for an ALMM List‑III dedicated to silicon wafers signals an awareness of upstream bottlenecks that could constrain the newly expanded cell capacity. If the wafer tier is secured quickly, India could sustain a vertically integrated supply chain and reduce reliance on imports, sharpening its competitive edge against China and Southeast Asian producers. Industry insiders anticipate that the combined effect of mandatory ALMM compliance and the rollout of high‑efficiency HJT modules will drive domestic cost reductions while positioning India as a technology leader in the global solar market.