MNRE Simplifies Procedure for ALMM List-II Exemption for Eligible Rooftop Solar Projects
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has simplified the procedure for ALMM List-II exemption for certain rooftop solar projects, permitting developers to submit installation-related documents like GIS-tagged site photographs, invoices, daily installation reports and self-certification, in place of Electrical Inspectorate certification.
June 15, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey
In an Office Memorandum dated June 15, 2026, MNRE said that the clarification pertains to its earlier order issued on May 25, 2026, regarding the applicability of ALMM List-II for solar PV cells and the protection of investments already made.
The ministry said that it had received several representations from stakeholders seeking a simplified procedure to claim exemption from ALMM List-II requirements under Category-I, which covers projects where solar PV modules had already been installed at the project site but commissioning could not take place before June 1, 2026.
Under the earlier procedure, developers were required to submit approval or certification from the concerned Electrical Inspectorate confirming completion of DC-side installations, including module installation.
Accordingly, MNRE has decided that rooftop solar PV projects installed before June 1, 2026, but pending commissioning under the net-metering framework, may apply for exemption from ALMM List-II through the National Institute of Solar Energy's online portal. Applicants will be required to submit supporting documents demonstrating that 100 percent of the solar PV modules required for the project had been installed before the cut-off date.
The documentary evidence may include GIS-tagged site photographs, invoices, daily installation reports and self-certification.
The ministry further clarified that during the period between submission of the exemption application and the final decision by the competent authority, the concerned distribution company (DISCOM) may verify the rooftop solar project based on the supporting documents submitted by the developer and allow commissioning using modules from ALMM List-I. However, such commissioning will remain subject to the final outcome of the exemption application.
MNRE has specified that this special window will remain open for only one month from the date of issuance of the clarification. All eligible projects are required to be commissioned within this period.
In cases where commissioning is delayed due to issues attributable to the concerned DISCOM, the reasons for delay must be recorded in writing while issuing the commissioning certificate.
The ministry has made it clear that no applications will be entertained after the expiry of the one-month window. It has also placed the responsibility of verifying and certifying eligibility for exemption entirely on the concerned DISCOMs.
Distribution utilities will be required to maintain records of verification, including installation completion dates, reasons for commissioning delays and confirmation of compliance with eligibility conditions.
MNRE emphasised that the relaxation is a transitional measure intended to address a limited set of cases and should not be interpreted as an extension of the June 1, 2026 effective date for the applicability of ALMM List-II for solar PV cells. All other provisions of the ministry's May 25, 2026 order will continue to remain in force, stated MNRE.
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