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.
30-Second Quick Takeaways
Crucial market insights on ALMM List-II, TOPCon cells & solar pricing
- ALMM List-II Rollout: Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) enforces ALMM List-II, mandating that government-subsidized rooftop solar projects must utilize domestically manufactured solar cells in addition to modules.
- Domestic Cell Capacity Boom: Over 25GW+ of indigenous N-Type TOPCon and HJT cell manufacturing capacity has gone operational across Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
- TOPCon vs HJT Superiority: N-Type TOPCon and Heterojunction (HJT) cells offer 22.8%–24.5% efficiency and superior temperature coefficients (-0.29%/°C), outperforming older P-Type Mono PERC modules in Indian summers.
- PM Surya Ghar Guarantee: Ensuring your installer provides ALMM List-I and List-II certified DCR modules guarantees timely approval and direct bank transfer of the ₹78,000 PM Surya Ghar subsidy.
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:
- Mandatory DCR Certification: Verify that your installer provides an ALMM List-II compliant certificate indicating both cell and module Indian origin.
- Scan Embedded RFID Barcodes: Genuine ALMM panels have an RFID tag laminated under the front glass containing unique serial numbers verifiable on the National Portal.
- Price Stability: Thanks to 25GW+ of domestic cell production, DCR TOPCon bifacial panels are available at just ₹21–₹25/watt, ensuring high quality without inflated costs.
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