MNRE Clarifies ALMM Cell Norms For Rooftop Solar Projects

10 Jul 2026 CW Team

For competitively awarded projects the ministry set four categories based on the last date of bid submission. Projects with the last date on or before December nine, 2024 remain exempt from ALMM List-II requirements for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. Projects with the last date between December nine, 2024 and July 28, 2025 will be governed by provisions in their tender documents regarding ALMM List-II.

The memorandum states that projects with the last date between July 28, 2025 and August 31, 2025 will be exempt from the requirement to use ALMM List-II enlisted solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, while those with the last date after August 31, 2025 must comply with ALMM List-II. The distinction aims to provide certainty for bidders and contracting authorities.

For rooftop projects implemented under-net-metering or open access the ministry clarified that projects commissioned before June one, 2026 remain exempt from ALMM List-II. Projects commissioned after that date may still avail an exemption if granted an extension under the ministry's Office Memorandum dated May 25, 2026 subject to approval by the competent authority. Projects commissioned after June one, 2026 without such an exemption must source solar photovoltaic (PV) cells from manufacturers enlisted under ALMM List-II. The clarification builds on earlier notifications including the original framework issued on December nine, 2024 the amendment of July 28, 2025 and the first ALMM List-II released on July 31, 2025.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy issued an Office Memorandum dated July six, 2026 clarifying applicability of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells to rooftop solar projects on government buildings. The memorandum links ALMM List-II applicability to the date of bid submission for competitively awarded projects and to commissioning status for projects under-net-metering or open access. The move followed multiple representations seeking clarity. For competitively awarded projects the ministry set four categories based on the last date of bid submission. Projects with the last date on or before December nine, 2024 remain exempt from ALMM List-II requirements for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. Projects with the last date between December nine, 2024 and July 28, 2025 will be governed by provisions in their tender documents regarding ALMM List-II. The memorandum states that projects with the last date between July 28, 2025 and August 31, 2025 will be exempt from the requirement to use ALMM List-II enlisted solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, while those with the last date after August 31, 2025 must comply with ALMM List-II. The distinction aims to provide certainty for bidders and contracting authorities. For rooftop projects implemented under-net-metering or open access the ministry clarified that projects commissioned before June one, 2026 remain exempt from ALMM List-II. Projects commissioned after that date may still avail an exemption if granted an extension under the ministry's Office Memorandum dated May 25, 2026 subject to approval by the competent authority. Projects commissioned after June one, 2026 without such an exemption must source solar photovoltaic (PV) cells from manufacturers enlisted under ALMM List-II. The clarification builds on earlier notifications including the original framework issued on December nine, 2024 the amendment of July 28, 2025 and the first ALMM List-II released on July 31, 2025.

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