The MNRE has proposed a uniform 14-digit alphanumeric naming system for ALMM List-II solar PV cell models
The proposed code captures product origin, technology, wafer size, busbars. and a manufacturer-specific identifier to improve traceability, it says
Separately, it has rescinded its March 29, 2024, ALMM clarification with immediate effect
India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has invited stakeholder comments on a proposed standardized nomenclature for solar PV cell models listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II.
The ministry said the move aims to create a uniform system for identifying cell models and improving traceability.
According to an office memorandum dated August 3, 2026, solar PV cell models in ALMM List-II are currently identified using manufacturer-specific naming conventions. MNRE said the absence of a common format has resulted in inconsistent model names that do not provide a uniform basis for identifying the technical characteristics of the products.
To address this, the ministry has proposed a 14-digit alphanumeric nomenclature for all solar PV cell models enlisted under ALMM List-II. The code, it explained, is intended to provide a unique identification number for each enlisted model while incorporating its key technical information.
Under the proposal, the nomenclature will identify the origin of the wafer, ingot, and polysilicon as either domestic or foreign. It will also specify the cell technology, such as Mono PERC, TOPCon, HJT, or Back Contact, followed by the wafer size, number of busbars, and a manufacturer-specific identifier.
The ministry has included sample codes to illustrate how the format would work. Besides supporting ALMM enlistment, it is expected to promote uniform identification and traceability across the solar PV value chain and could also serve as a common product identifier for regulatory and commercial purposes.
The ministry added that the cell origin would also distinguish between modules listed under ALMM List-I and ALMM List-I(a) based on the bill of materials (BoM).
The ministry has asked stakeholders to submit comments and suggestions on the proposal by August 13, 2026.
In a related guidance, MNRE has rescinded its office memorandum dated March 29, 2024, with immediate effect. That memorandum had provided a mechanism for considering exemptions for projects that had received solar PV modules at site by March 31, 2024, but could not be commissioned due to reasons beyond the developer's control.
The ministry said projects still seeking such exemptions may continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis as a measure to remove difficulties.
Separately, MNRE recently updated ALMM List-I for solar PV modules through Revision-L (50), introducing new additions, model updates, and other revisions. Based on the latest revision, the cumulative enlisted manufacturing capacity under ALMM List-I now exceeds 200 GW. At the end of March 2026, it had reached about 172 GW.
