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ALMM-II: MNRE Exempts Select Solar Projects Based on Bid, Commissioning Timelines Photograph: (AI)
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued detailed clarifications on the applicability of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, providing greater certainty to developers across utility-scale, rooftop, behind-the-meter (BTM) and government solar projects.
In an Office Memorandum, the ministry said the clarification follows multiple representations seeking guidance on the implementation of ALMM List-II for solar PV cells after its July 18, 2026 notification.
For projects awarded through competitive bidding, MNRE said those with the last date of bid submission on or before August 31, 2025 will remain exempt from the requirement to use ALMM-listed solar PV cells. Projects with bid submission deadlines after August 31, 2025, however, will have to comply with ALMM List-II.
The ministry also clarified that tenders with bid submission dates between December 9, 2024 and July 28, 2025 will continue to be governed by their original bid conditions. It said its Office Memorandum issued on July 28, 2025, which shifted the ALMM List-II applicability cut-off to August 31, 2025, does not automatically alter conditions contained in existing tender documents.
For net-metering and open-access projects, MNRE said projects commissioned by December 31, 2026 will be exempt from ALMM List-II for solar PV cells. The exemption applies irrespective of whether the project was initiated before or after July 18, 2026 and does not require any prior approval. However, compliance with ALMM List-I for solar PV modules will continue wherever applicable.
The clarification also extends to residential rooftop installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Residential consumers availing net metering under the scheme will remain exempt from ALMM List-II for solar PV cells until March 31, 2027, provided applications are submitted through the PMSG National Portal. The requirement to use ALMM-listed solar PV modules, however, will continue to apply.
For rooftop solar projects on government buildings awarded through bidding, MNRE has prescribed separate treatment based on bid timelines. Projects with bid submission dates on or before December 9, 2024 will remain exempt from ALMM List-II. Projects with bid deadlines between December 9, 2024 and July 28, 2025 will continue to be governed by their tender conditions, while those with bid deadlines between July 28 and August 31, 2025 will also remain exempt. Projects where bids closed after August 31, 2025 will be required to use ALMM-listed solar PV cells.
For government rooftop projects not awarded through bidding, projects commissioned by December 31, 2026 will be exempt from ALMM List-II for solar PV cells. Those commissioned after that date will have to use ALMM-listed cells.
The ministry also clarified the position for behind-the-meter (BTM) projects. It said ALMM List-I for modules and ALMM List-II for cells will not apply to captive BTM solar projects developed by private consumers or groups of consumers, excluding government entities and public sector enterprises (PSEs).
For captive BTM projects developed by government entities and PSEs, projects commissioned by December 31, 2026 will be required to use ALMM-listed solar PV modules but will remain exempt from using ALMM-listed solar PV cells. Projects commissioned after that date will have to use both ALMM-listed modules and ALMM-listed cells.
MNRE also clarified that the latest Office Memorandum does not affect Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) provisions applicable under various government schemes. It said DCR obligations will continue to be governed by the respective scheme guidelines, and the ALMM clarification does not dilute requirements relating to domestically manufactured solar PV modules or cells wherever DCR norms are applicable.
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