India’s solar industry is entering a new phase where module quality, domestic manufacturing, traceability and regulatory compliance are becoming increasingly important. Two terms that solar developers, EPC companies and module buyers need to understand are ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) and DCR (Domestic Content Requirement).
ALMM is a framework introduced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to ensure that eligible solar PV modules and manufacturers meet specified requirements.
Under the ALMM framework, List-I covers approved solar PV module models and manufacturers, while List-II covers approved solar PV cell models and manufacturers. MNRE continues to update these lists during 2026.
For applicable government and government-assisted projects, as well as specified open-access and net-metering projects, buyers need to ensure that the modules comply with the applicable ALMM requirements.
DCR stands for Domestic Content Requirement. It requires eligible projects under specified government schemes/programmes to use domestically manufactured solar components.
MNRE's current DCR framework specifies that, for crystalline-silicon solar cells, a cell qualifies as domestically manufactured when it is manufactured in India using the required undiffused silicon wafer ("black wafer") and the prescribed cell-manufacturing processes are carried out in India.
Therefore, simply assembling a module in India does not automatically make the module DCR compliant.
| ALMMDCR | |
| Focuses on approved manufacturers/models | Focuses on domestic manufacturing requirements |
| Includes module and cell lists | Requires specified domestic content |
| Important for applicable projects | Applies where the relevant scheme/program requires DCR |
| Managed through MNRE's ALMM framework | Verified through the applicable DCR process |
Before purchasing solar modules, buyers should verify:
1. Manufacturer status – Is the manufacturer included in the applicable MNRE ALMM list?
2. Module model – Is the specific module/model covered by the applicable approval?
3. Cell compliance – Where applicable, are the cells sourced from an eligible ALMM List-II manufacturer/model?
4. DCR documentation – For DCR projects, is the required domestic-content documentation and verification available?
5. Technical specifications – Check module power, efficiency, bifaciality, degradation rate, warranty and applicable certifications.
6. Project eligibility – ALMM and DCR requirements can depend on the type of project and applicable government scheme, so compliance should be checked against the project's specific rules.
With India's domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem expanding, compliance is becoming an important part of procurement—not simply a paperwork exercise. MNRE has continued updating both ALMM List-I for modules and List-II for cells during 2026, making it important for buyers to verify the latest applicable list before finalizing procurement.
For developers and EPC companies, selecting compliant modules at the procurement stage can help avoid regulatory and project-execution issues later.
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