MNRE Keeps ALMM List-II Deadline, Allows Case-Based Relief

India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has decided not to provide a blanket extension to the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II deadline beyond June 1, 2026, for solar PV cells. It, however, has agreed to treat projects on a case-by-case basis. 

Under the existing policy, all net-metering and open-access renewable energy projects commissioned on or after June 1, 2026, must source solar modules from ALMM List-I and solar cells from ALMM List-II (see India To Impose ALMM For Solar Cells From June 1, 2026). 

The ministry said it received requests both supporting and opposing an extension of the deadline. During the review process, it also considered the Ministry of Finance memorandum dated April 29, 2026, which advised the treatment of the ongoing West Asia situation as war and suggested a time extension for a period of not less than 2 months and not more than 4 months in specific situations and not through a blanket policy. 

After consultations with solar manufacturers and renewable energy developers, MNRE said there was broad agreement on maintaining policy stability to support long-term investor confidence in domestic solar manufacturing. 

At the same time, the ministry acknowledged the need to protect investments already made by developers. 

As a result, it has now ruled that projects that have completed solar module installation but are yet to be commissioned, or projects that have taken ‘effective steps’ toward ‘grounding’ the project, may be considered for exemptions or time extensions on a case-by-case basis. 

MNRE said such projects must meet specific conditions related to land possession, financial closure, connectivity approvals, electrical drawing approvals, and module delivery or installation progress.  

For instance, developers will need to geotag and timestamp photographs of the project site to demonstrate that more than 50% of PV modules required for the project were installed before June 1, 2026. Similarly, they will be required to submit documentary proof of 100% of the modules required for a project arrived at the project site. 

Developers seeking relief must submit applications and supporting documents through the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) portal by June 30, 2026. Claims will be reviewed by an expert committee, and field inspections may also be carried out if required. 

The ministry also clarified that net-metering residential consumers under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) who opt out of central financial assistance through the ‘Give It Up’ campaign will remain under the scheme guidelines until March 31, 2027. 

While the ministry is trying to appease both sides – manufacturers and developers – with this move, supporters of the policy say the MNRE order strengthens India’s domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It also improves long-term energy security and supports supply chain localization and self-reliance. 

On the other hand, critics argue that the move could delay projects, increase costs, create supply shortages, and affect EPC contractors, developers, and government solar schemes. It will only benefit a smaller group of domestic manufacturers, especially since there isn’t enough advanced cell manufacturing capacity domestically to meet market demand. 

According to MNRE, this decision reflects the government’s commitment towards ensuring policy stability in the solar PV manufacturing ecosystem, while also safeguarding investor confidence and project investments already made by developers who have been unable to commission their projects despite taking effective steps.