The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued key clarifications and guidelines under O.M. No. 283/59/2024‑GRID SOLAR dated 28.07.2025, regarding the implementation of the Approved List of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar PV cells, especially in relation to tenders and projects using ALMM‑compliant solar PV modules. The clarifications aim to address stakeholder queries concerning the transition to ALMM List‑II compliance.
Key Provisions & Clarifications
Cut‑off Date & Exemption for Solar Cell Compliance
- Projects (including those bid under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003) that are mandated to use solar PV modules from ALMM List‑I, and whose bid submission deadline falls on or before the cut‑off date, will be exempted from the requirement to use solar PV cells from ALMM List‑II, regardless of their commissioning date—even if it is after 1 June 2026.
- The “cut‑off date” is defined as one month after the publication of ALMM List‑II for solar PV cells. For example, with List‑II published on 1 August 2025, the cut‑off date becomes 1 September 2025.
Mandatory ALMM List II for Post Cut‑off Tenders
- For projects whose last date of bid submission falls after the cut‑off date, tender / RfS documents must mandate that both solar PV modules and solar PV cells used be from ALMM List‑I and List‑II respectively, regardless of commissioning date (i.e., even if commissioned before 1 June 2026).
- For tenders issued before the O.M. but with bid deadlines after the cut‑off date, the bidding agency should issue an amendment requiring bidders to comply with ALMM List II for cells.
Net‑Metering & Open Access Projects
- Net‑Metering and Open Access renewable energy (RE) power projects must use ALMM‑listed modules, unless exempted under existing MNRE orders.
- Such projects are exempt from ALMM List‑II cell requirements if commissioned before 1 June 2026.
- Projects commissioned on or after 1 June 2026 must mandatorily use both ALMM List‑I modules and ALMM List‑II cells.
ALMM List Publication & Effective Cut‑off
- The first version of ALMM List‑II for solar PV cells was published on 31 July 2025, making the effective cut‑off date 31 August 2025.
Scope of ALMM for Modules & Cells
- ALMM for solar PV modules (List‑I) applies to government and government‑assisted projects, open access and net‑metering projects, and sale of power to government under Section 63 of the Electricity Act.
- ALMM for solar PV cells (List‑II) applies to all projects covered under module ALMM, subject to the conditions in the 28.07.2025 O.M.
Domestic Content Requirements (DCR) Remain Unchanged
- The Order does not relax DCR obligations in MNRE schemes such as Components B & C of PM‑KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, Muft Bijli Yojana, and CPSU Scheme Phase II.
- Projects under these schemes must continue complying with scheme‑specific DCR guidelines.
- Exemptions under Component C of PM‑KUSUM are unaffected: projects with LoA issued on or before 31 March 2024 remain exempt, while those with LoA issued thereafter must comply fully.
Transitional & Tendering Provisions
- Tenders with bid submission between 09 December 2024 and 28 July 2025: existing conditions (if they require ALMM cell compliance) remain valid; no automatic relief.
- For projects under state/UT schemes (not financially aided by the Centre), ALMM for cells applies if they fall under any government scheme or program.
- Projects under Section 62 (sale to government) are also subject to ALMM for cells.
- For captive solar projects under open access, commissioned before 1 June 2026 using ALMM‑List I modules, a change of ownership after the effective date does not require retroactive ALMM List II cell compliance—unless capacity is modified post cut‑off.
Applicability to Competitive Bid Projects
- Projects bidding under tariff-based competitive processes (Section 63) may participate even if they are already partially commissioned or have untied capacity. If their modules are not ALMM cell‑compliant, ALMM cell requirements must be applied in subsequent capacity or new tenders, as per Order.
This clarification has been released following stakeholder requests to simplify and reconcile the transition to ALMM compliance for solar PV cells, ensuring fairness and predictability during the transition period.
This Order is issued with the approval of the Secretary, MNRE.
