The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued clarifications on the applicability of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) list-II for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, which came into effect on June 1, 2026. The ministry clarified that projects awarded through competitive bidding will be exempt from the requirement to use ALMM list-II-listed solar PV cells if the last date of bid submission was on or before August 31, 2025, provided the bids were live on July 28, 2025. However, where tender documents issued between December 9, 2024 and July 28, 2025 specifically mandated the use of ALMM list-II solar PV cells, those conditions will continue to apply.
According to the ministry, the revised cut-off date reflects the amendment issued on July 28, 2025 and the publication of the first ALMM list for solar cells on July 31, 2025. Further, net metering and open access projects commissioned by December 31, 2026 will remain exempt from ALMM list-II for solar PV cells. However, such projects must continue to comply with ALMM list-I requirements for solar PV modules, wherever applicable.
Earlier in July 2026, MNRE provided a limited exemption for net-metering and open-access renewable energy projects. Under the exemption, these projects can be commissioned without using ALMM List-II compliant solar PV cells until December 31, 2026.
