The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced the inclusion of solar PV cells in a newly introduced List-II under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). This amendment will take effect from June 1, 2026, and marks an expansion of the ALMM framework, which previously only covered solar modules.
The addition of solar cells to ALMM aims to align with the increasing domestic production capacity. The MNRE proposed a draft amendment to include solar cells within the ALMM framework in September 2024. Projects required to use ALMM-enlisted solar modules from List-I will now also need to ensure that the modules are manufactured using solar cells listed under List-II starting June 1, 2026.
However, exceptions apply to projects with bid submission deadlines preceding the issuance of this order, exempting them from the List-II requirement regardless of their commissioning date. Furthermore, tenders issued after the introduction of List-II will explicitly include provisions mandating the use of both ALMM List-I and List-II-certified products. Projects commissioned before June 1, 2026, must comply if their bidding aligns with the revised timeline.
Net-metering and open access renewable energy projects required to use ALMM-listed modules will also need to adhere to List-II requirements after June 2026, unless commissioned before the cutoff date. Thin-film technology-based modules manufactured in integrated facilities listed under ALMM List-I will be considered compliant with List-II regulations. Additionally, from June 1, 2026, a separate List-1(a) will be maintained for modules meeting List-I criteria but not using cells from List-II. These modules will be applicable only for exempted projects. Reportedly, the MNRE further plans to release detailed procedural guidelines for enlisting solar cell models and manufacturers under List-II in the coming months.
