ALMM List-II Solar Cell Mandate in India (Late 2026): TOPCon vs HJT Prices & PM Surya Ghar Impact

Shraddha
📅 September 30, 2026 • 🔍 Fact Checked • ⚡ 2026 Verified

MNRE ALMM List-II: The Domestic Cell Transformation

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has taken a decisive step toward complete energy sovereignty by operationalizing ALMM List-II (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers for Solar PV Cells). While ALMM List-I ensured that solar modules were assembled in India, List-II mandates that the silicon solar cells inside the panels must also be manufactured domestically for all government-funded and subsidized projects.

This mandate coincides with the massive technological leap from older P-Type Mono PERC to N-Type TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) and HJT (Heterojunction Technology) across Indian gigafactories.

22.8%–24.2%
TOPCon Cell Efficiency
₹19–₹24/W
Domestic Cell Price Range
₹78,000
Central Subsidy Cap
30 Yrs
HJT/TOPCon Warranty
🔬

30-Second Quick Takeaways

Crucial market insights on ALMM List-II, TOPCon cells & solar pricing

Technology Deep-Dive: TOPCon vs HJT vs Mono PERC

Parameter Mono PERC (P-Type) TOPCon (N-Type) HJT (Heterojunction)
Cell Efficiency 21.2% – 22.0% 22.8% – 24.2% 24.0% – 25.2%
Temperature Coefficient -0.35% / °C -0.29% / °C -0.26% / °C
Bifaciality Factor 70% ± 5% 80% – 85% 90% – 95%
1st Year Degradation 2.0% 1.0% 1.0%
30-Year Power Output 84.8% 87.4% 88.5% – 90.0%

What ALMM List-II Means for PM Surya Ghar Subsidies

For Indian homeowners applying for the ₹78,000 subsidy under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, strict DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) compliance is non-negotiable. Here is how to ensure your installation gets approved without delay:

INSTANT CALCULATION

⚡ Calculate Your 2026 Solar Savings & Subsidy

Select your monthly electricity bill to calculate the ideal system capacity, PM Surya Ghar subsidy, and lifetime savings:

Recommended System: 3.0 kW (Rooftop/Hybrid)
PM Surya Ghar Subsidy: ₹78,000 (Central Govt)
Net Out-of-Pocket Cost: ₹1,15,000 – ₹1,35,000
Estimated 25-Yr Savings: ₹9,80,000+
Open Full Custom Rooftop Calculator →

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between ALMM List-I and ALMM List-II? +
ALMM List-I covers solar photovoltaic module manufacturers, certifying the complete assembled solar panel. ALMM List-II extends compliance deeper into the supply chain, listing approved domestic manufacturers of the silicon solar cells used inside those modules.
How does ALMM List-II affect the price of rooftop solar panels for homeowners? +
With domestic cell gigafactories scaling up rapidly in 2026, domestic DCR TOPCon solar panels are priced competitively around ₹21 to ₹26 per watt, narrowing the price gap with imported non-DCR modules to under 8% while providing full subsidy eligibility.
Why is N-Type TOPCon preferred over Mono PERC for residential solar in India? +
N-Type TOPCon has zero Light Induced Degradation (LID), lower first-year degradation (<1%), higher bifaciality factor (up to 85%), and exceptional low-light morning/evening generation compared to standard Mono PERC.
How do I verify if my solar panels have genuine DCR ALMM certification? +
Each certified module carries an embedded laminated RFID tag containing the manufacturer name, cell manufacturing date and country of origin, IEC certificate number, and unique serial number readable on the National Portal.
Shraddha