The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued an official memorandum to clarify the implementation of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. The clarification addresses several industry concerns related to exemptions, tender conditions, and compliance timelines for different categories of solar power projects.

According to the ministry, solar projects awarded through competitive bidding will be exempt from the ALMM List-II requirement if the final date for bid submission was on or before August 31, 2025. This exemption applies to tenders that were active as of July 28, 2025. However, MNRE has made it clear that if tender documents issued between December 9, 2024, and July 28, 2025, specifically required the use of ALMM List-II cells, those conditions will continue to apply. The new clarification does not override existing contractual obligations.

For net-metering and open access solar projects, MNRE has granted an exemption from ALMM List-II cell requirements for projects commissioned on or before December 31, 2026. Developers will still be required to use solar PV modules listed under ALMM List-I. The ministry also clarified that this exemption applies regardless of when the project began and does not require registration on any portal.

Residential rooftop solar consumers installing systems without availing subsidies under the PM-Surya Ghar Scheme will also remain exempt from ALMM List-II until March 31, 2027, provided they submit their applications through the national portal.

MNRE has also clarified the rules for rooftop solar projects on government buildings. Projects awarded through tenders with bid submission dates on or before December 9, 2024, or between July 28, 2025, and August 31, 2025, are exempt from ALMM List-II requirements. For tenders submitted between December 9, 2024, and July 28, 2025, compliance will depend on the conditions mentioned in the respective tender documents. Projects with bid submission dates after August 31, 2025, must comply with ALMM List-II.

For behind-the-meter captive projects, private consumers are exempt from both ALMM List-I and List-II requirements. However, government and public sector captive projects must use ALMM-listed modules immediately, while listed solar cells will become mandatory after December 31, 2026. MNRE also clarified that these guidelines do not change the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) provisions applicable under specific government schemes.