Strengthening India's Solar Ecosystem: Mandate for Domestically Manufactured Solar Cells

The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a significant directive mandating the use of domestically manufactured solar cells for all solar projects under net-metering and open-access arrangements, effective June 1, 2026. This policy marks a critical evolution of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework, which previously focused primarily on solar modules. The mandate is designed to address a structural weakness in India’s solar supply chain. While India has successfully scaled up its solar module assembly capacity, it remains heavily dependent on imports—primarily from China—for solar cells, the core component of modules. By providing a clear timeline and a guaranteed domestic market, the government aims to incentivize investments in high-tech cell manufacturing facilities within the country. This aligns with the broader 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) vision and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the National Programme on High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules.