The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has clarified the process for rooftop solar projects seeking exemption from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II requirement for solar cells, offering relief to developers who had already completed installations before the new rule came into effect.
The clarification applies to rooftop solar projects where all modules had been installed at the site before June 1, 2026, but the systems could not be commissioned under the net-metering framework due to delays on the part of the concerned distribution company (discom).
According to the ministry, project developers can now apply for an exemption through the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) portal. The application must be supported by GIS-tagged site photographs and relevant documents such as invoices, daily installation reports, and self-certification to demonstrate that the project was substantially completed before the deadline.
The move comes after MNRE received multiple requests from industry stakeholders seeking a simpler and more transparent process for projects that had already incurred investments but were unable to secure commissioning approvals in time.
To protect these investments, the ministry has decided to allow exemptions on a case-by-case basis. The aim is to ensure that projects which were physically completed before the implementation of the ALMM List-II requirement are not unfairly impacted by procedural delays.
MNRE has also clarified that while exemption applications are being reviewed, distribution companies can verify project details using the supporting documents submitted by developers. Based on this verification, discoms may proceed with commissioning such projects using solar modules listed under ALMM List-I.
The ministry has specified that this exemption window will remain open for one month from the date of the clarification, and all eligible projects are expected to complete their commissioning during this period.
In cases where commissioning is delayed because of issues on the discom’s side, MNRE has stated that the reason for the delay should be formally recorded in writing at the time the commissioning certificate is issued.
The clarification is expected to provide much-needed certainty for rooftop solar developers and consumers who had completed installations before the regulatory change but were left waiting for final commissioning approvals.
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