MNRE Clarifies ALMM List-II Applicability for Government Rooftop Solar Projects

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a clarification on the applicability of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells to rooftop solar projects on government buildings, aiming to remove ambiguity over compliance requirements for projects awarded through competitive bidding.

In an Office Memorandum dated July 6, 2026, the ministry referred to its earlier guidelines issued on December 9, 2024, which established the framework for implementing ALMM List-II for solar PV cells. Under the framework, ALMM List-II became effective from June 1, 2026, requiring all projects covered under the ALMM mechanism to procure solar PV modules only from manufacturers listed in ALMM List-I. These modules must, in turn, use solar PV cells sourced from manufacturers included in ALMM List-II.

The ministry noted that the December 2024 framework had exempted net-metering and open-access renewable energy projects commissioned before June 1, 2026, from the requirement to use ALMM-listed solar PV cells, although such projects were still required to use ALMM-listed solar PV modules. Projects commissioned on or after June 1, 2026, were mandated to comply with both ALMM List-I for modules and ALMM List-II for cells.

Subsequently, MNRE amended the implementation framework through an Office Memorandum issued on July 28, 2025, making changes to the relevant provisions governing the applicability of ALMM List-II. Following the release of the first version of ALMM List-II on July 31, 2025, the ministry effectively shifted the cut-off date for determining the applicability of ALMM-listed solar cells for projects awarded through competitive bidding from December 9, 2024, to August 31, 2025.

The ministry said that, based on representations received from stakeholders, it had issued a clarification on August 12, 2025, exempting certain government projects executed under net-metering, behind-the-meter and open-access mechanisms from the mandatory use of ALMM-listed solar PV cells.

Under the clarification, government projects awarded through competitive bidding where the last date for bid submission fell on or before August 31, 2025, are exempt from sourcing solar PV cells from ALMM List-II. However, these projects must continue to procure solar PV modules from manufacturers listed under ALMM List-I.

To further address implementation issues, MNRE also issued a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on September 23, 2025, clarifying that projects awarded through bidding are eligible for exemption from ALMM List-II only if the last date for bid submission was on or before August 31, 2025. The ministry also specified that this provision applies only to bids that were active as of July 28, 2025.

The latest clarification is intended to provide greater certainty to government rooftop solar developers and implementing agencies regarding the applicability of ALMM requirements, while ensuring a smoother transition to the mandatory use of domestically approved solar PV cells under India's renewable energy manufacturing framework.