Economy · 25 Jul 2026

ALMM order solar cells

With reference to India's solar manufacturing sector, which one of the following statements is correct?

AIndia's solar panel assembly capacity of about 200 GW is roughly matched by its effective solar cell manufacturing capacity.
BIndia depends on China for about 95 percent of its solar cell imports.
CThe Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) order took effect to promote panel assembly capacity rather than cell manufacturing.
DIndia's effective solar cell operating capacity, at 16-18 GW, exceeds its solar panel assembly capacity.
This question is based on: India Banned Chinese Solar Cells Before It Could Replace Them
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 25 Jul 2026
About this question

Why in news

Domestic-content rules requiring Indian module makers to source cells locally took effect on June 1, but insufficient domestic cell capacity has forced nearly a third of small and medium solar panel makers to halt production.

Why for UPSC

This tests basic but critical numerical facts about India's upstream-downstream solar manufacturing gap - a theme UPSC frequently draws on for GS3 questions linking policy design to real economic outcomes.

Prelims summary

India's 200 GW solar panel assembly capacity vastly outstrips its 16-18 GW effective solar cell capacity, with China supplying about 95% of India's cell imports - the mismatch behind the post-ALMM shortage.

On web, answers are shown once after a test — no save or reattempt. For unlimited reattempts, Hindi medium, and Mentor Observations, use the TAN App.