MNRE Rules Out Blanket Extension for ALMM List-II Deadline, Allows Case-Specific Exemptions
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has ruled out a blanket extension of the June 1, 2026 ALMM List-II compliance deadline for solar cells, while allowing project-specific exemptions for net-metering and open access projects that had achieved substantial progress before the cutoff date.
May 26, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey
In an Office Memorandum, MNRE stated that all net-metering and open access renewable energy projects commissioned on or after June 1, 2026 must mandatorily source solar PV modules from ALMM List-I and solar PV cells from ALMM List-II. The ministry noted that it had received multiple representations from industry stakeholders seeking either extension or non-extension of the deadline.
MNRE said the issue was examined in consultation with solar PV manufacturers as well as renewable energy developers. According to the ministry, there was a broad consensus that policy stability should be maintained to preserve long-term investor confidence in domestic solar manufacturing. At the same time, stakeholders also highlighted the need to protect investments already made in projects nearing completion.
The ministry referred to an OM issued by the Procurement Policy Division under the Ministry of Finance in April 2026, which treated the ongoing West Asia conflict as a force majeure event in cases where contractual obligations had been directly impacted. The memorandum allowed procuring entities to extend project completion timelines by two to four months without penalties in eligible cases.
Based on these, MNRE decided not to grant any blanket extension beyond June 1, 2026. However, renewable energy projects that had either completed solar module installation or undertaken “effective steps” towards project execution before the deadline may be considered for exemption from ALMM List-II requirements on a project-specific basis.
Under Category I, projects where 100 percent of solar PV modules had been installed before June 1, 2026 but commissioning remained pending may qualify for exemption. Developers will be required to submit approval or certification from the concerned Electrical Inspectorate confirming completion of DC-side installations, including module installation.
Under Category II, projects that had undertaken “effective steps” before the deadline must satisfy multiple conditions simultaneously to qualify for consideration. These include possession of at least 75 percent of project land before June 1, 2026, achievement of financial closure, grant of in-principle connectivity, and approval of electrical drawings before May 1, 2026.
Additionally, developers must either demonstrate that 100 percent of required solar modules had reached the project site before notification of the memorandum or prove that over 50 percent of modules had already been installed prior to June 1, 2026. Supporting documents such as land records, loan sanction letters, connectivity approvals, GST invoices, e-way bills, geo-tagged photographs and Electrical Inspectorate certifications will be required.
MNRE said all applications must be submitted digitally through a dedicated portal developed by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) by June 30, 2026. No physical applications will be accepted. Claims will be evaluated by an expert committee constituted by MNRE, which may also undertake field inspections wherever necessary.
Separately, the ministry clarified that residential consumers opting out of Central Financial Assistance under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana “Give It Up” campaign will continue to remain governed by the scheme guidelines until March 31, 2027 and must continue applying through the national portal.
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