The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has made it clear that there will be no general extension for the implementation of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II standards for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. But the ministry has set a short transition period for some renewable energy projects to allow the industry to adjust to the new domestic sourcing rules.
The official office at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan has issued a notification dated July 18, 2026, to provide interim respite to renewable energy projects created under Net-Metering and Open Access categories. Projects would be authorised to commission without meeting with ALMM List-II requirement till 31st December 2026. The exemption for these projects was previously slated to expire May 31, 2026.
With this decision, developers working on eligible Net-Metering and Open Access projects will have additional time to complete their installations using existing supply chains. However, the ministry has made it clear that any such project commissioned after December 31, 2026, must use solar PV cells sourced only from manufacturers included in ALMM List-II. Compliance with these requirements will become mandatory from January 1, 2027.
The latest office memorandum replaces several earlier notifications issued by the ministry during May and June 2026 regarding the implementation of MNRE ALMM List-II. It also builds on previous guidelines released in 2024 and 2025, under which all Net-Metering and Open Access projects commissioning on or after June 1, 2026, were required to use solar PV modules listed under ALMM List-I and solar PV cells approved under ALMM List-II.
MNRE stated that the decision to grant a limited transition period was taken after detailed discussions with stakeholders from across the solar industry. The ministry said the extension is intended to safeguard investments that have already been made in ongoing projects while ensuring a smooth and orderly transition toward mandatory domestic sourcing of solar PV cells.
The ministry further clarified that this is a one-time project specific exemption and the same should not be taken as a general extension of ALMM List-II implementation schedule. Developers need to be ready to be fully compliant when the new deadline approaches.
The Office Memorandum was issued by Sanjay G. Karndhar, Scientist-E, MNRE with consent of Hon’ble Minister for New and Renewable Energy. The order has been sent to all interested parties and placed on the official website of the ministry for immediate execution.
Electrify your feed! Click here to join our Whatsapp group and to get the latest updates, expert insights, and innovations driving India’s energy storage revolution.
