The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has clarified that solar power projects installed solely to charge energy storage systems (ESS) will not be exempt from compliance with the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) requirements.

Solar installations that feed power to or charge an ESS which, either directly or indirectly, supplies electricity to the grid, will not be categorised as behind-the-meter (BTM) projects for captive use. As such, they will not qualify for exemption from ALMM compliance for solar modules.

MNRE reiterated that BTM classification is limited to solar projects used strictly for captive consumption by individual or group consumers, with no grid interaction.

Regarding ALMM compliance for solar cells, the Ministry noted that if the ESS is exempt from ALMM rules, then the associated solar project may also be exempt. However, if the ESS is not exempt, the solar plant charging it must comply with ALMM rules.

This clarification comes in response to stakeholder queries on whether private sector entities installing solar plants solely for battery charging purposes could qualify for ALMM exemption or be considered BTM systems.

In a recent update, MNRE stated that BTM projects developed by government bodies or public sector undertakings must still use ALMM-listed modules. However, such projects are temporarily exempt from ALMM compliance for solar cells if commissioned before 1 June 2026. Projects commissioned after this date must use ALMM-listed modules and cells.