The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued an important clarification on the implementation of the Approved List of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II requirements for solar PV cells used in rooftop solar projects on government buildings. The clarification was released through an official memorandum dated July 6, 2026, with the objective of removing confusion over the compliance requirements and ensuring uniform implementation across government-backed rooftop solar projects.
The ALMM framework has been introduced to promote the use of domestically manufactured solar equipment in India. Under this framework, ALMM List-I covers solar PV modules, while ALMM List-II applies to solar PV cells. The mandatory use of ALMM List-II compliant solar cells was originally scheduled to come into effect from June 1, 2026. However, following feedback and representations from industry stakeholders, the ministry has now clarified how the rules will apply to different categories of rooftop solar projects.
For rooftop solar projects on government buildings that were awarded through a competitive bidding process, MNRE has specified different compliance requirements based on the last date of bid submission. Projects where the final bid submission date was on or before December 9, 2024, will remain fully exempt from the ALMM List-II requirement. This means such projects can continue using solar cells that are not listed under ALMM List-II.
For projects with bid submission dates between December 9, 2024, and July 28, 2025, the applicable rules will be those mentioned in the original tender documents. The ministry has clarified that these projects will follow the conditions already specified at the time of bidding rather than any new compliance requirement.
Projects with bid submission dates between July 28, 2025, and August 31, 2025, have also been granted an exemption from the mandatory use of ALMM List-II compliant solar cells. However, any rooftop solar project where the last date for bid submission falls after August 31, 2025, must fully comply with ALMM List-II. Such projects will be required to procure solar PV cells only from manufacturers included in the approved list.
The ministry has also provided separate guidelines for rooftop solar projects on government buildings that are not awarded through competitive bidding. These include projects developed under Net-Metering and Open Access arrangements.
According to the clarification, projects commissioned before June 1, 2026, are exempt from the mandatory domestic solar cell requirement. However, projects commissioned on or after June 1, 2026, will generally have to comply with ALMM List-II.
MNRE has also referred to its earlier guidelines issued on May 25, 2026, which allow developers to seek a formal extension if their projects cannot meet the compliance deadline. If a competent authority approves the extension request, the concerned project will continue to remain exempt from the ALMM List-II requirement. If the extension is not approved, the project must use ALMM List-II-compliant solar PV cells.
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