Reliance HJT Solar Cells Enter MNRE ALMM List-II
⚡ Quick Read
- What happened: Reliance Industries has become the first manufacturer to list HJT solar cells (1,238 MW capacity) under the MNRE’s ALMM List-II.
- Why it matters: This enables developers to meet the June 2026 mandate for domestic cell sourcing in government-backed solar projects using high-efficiency HJT technology.
- Watch: The scaling of Reliance’s Jamnagar Giga Complex toward its 20 GW target and the adoption of HJT modules in upcoming utility-scale tenders.
Background and Context
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has taken a significant step toward bolstering the domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem by including Reliance Industries Ltd’s heterojunction (HJT) solar cells in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II. This development marks a pivotal shift for the Indian solar energy sector, as it is the first time HJT technology has secured a spot on this critical list, signaling a transition from traditional PERC and TOPCon technologies toward more advanced, high-efficiency architectures.
Key Details
Reliance Industries has secured ALMM approval for an annual HJT cell manufacturing capacity of 1,238 MW. These cells are produced in the 210 mm × 105 mm format, utilizing zero-busbar designs that achieve efficiencies of up to 25.6% with power outputs between 5.28 W and 5.66 W. Furthermore, the company’s HJT modules, which are already included in ALMM List-I, boast a manufacturing capacity of approximately 1,716 MW per year. These modules, available in both monofacial and bifacial glass-to-glass configurations, reach power outputs of up to 720 Wp with module-level efficiencies of 23.12%.
What This Means for EPCs and Developers
For EPC contractors and solar developers, the inclusion of Reliance HJT solar cells is a strategic development. The MNRE has mandated that, effective June 1, 2026, all government-backed solar projects must utilize modules manufactured with cells sourced from ALMM List-II. By integrating HJT cell production at the Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Complex, Reliance ensures that developers can meet the stringent domestic content requirement (DCR) while deploying superior technology. HJT cells offer a distinct advantage in India’s climate, characterized by a better temperature coefficient and approximately 25% lower degradation over their operational lifespan compared to conventional panels.
What Happens Next
Reliance Industries is currently scaling its end-to-end solar manufacturing facility at Jamnagar, with an initial target of 10 GW, eventually expanding to 20 GW. Beyond solar, the company is establishing an integrated battery manufacturing ecosystem with an initial capacity of 40 GWh, scalable to 100 GWh. As India continues to push for energy independence, the availability of high-efficiency, domestically produced HJT cells will be instrumental in meeting the ambitious renewable energy targets of the nation, ensuring that the India renewable energy sector remains competitive on a global scale.
