The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a memorandum clarifying the application of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. The memorandum includes clarifications across exemptions, tender conditions, and compliance timelines for different categories of solar power projects.


According to the detailed clarifications, solar projects awarded via competitive bidding will not be required to fulfill the ALMM List-II requirement if the final date for bid submission was on or before August 31, 2025. However, this exemption is only applicable to tenders that were active as of July 28, 2025 and tenders issued between December 9, 2024, and July 28, 2025 that specifically called for ALMM List-II cells will remain bound to those terms. The new clarifications do not supersede existing contracts.


Projects commissioned on or before December 31, 2026, MNRE has granted an exemption from ALMM List-II cell requirements. Although the developers must source solar PV modules from ALMM List-I.


The ministry asserted that this exemption is applicable to all projects regardless of their start date and requires no portal registration.


Additionally, Residential rooftop solar consumers who do not claim subsidies under the PM-Surya Ghar Scheme will also be exempted from the ALMM List-II until March 31, 2027, provided they submit their applications through the national portal.


Furthermore, MNRE specified rules for rooftop solar projects on government buildings. Tenders submitted on or before December 9, 2024, or between July 28, 2025, and August 31, 2025, have been exempted from ALMM List-II requirements and tenders with submission date between December 9, 2024, and July 28, 2025, will follow individual contract terms, while all bids after August 31, 2025, must comply.


The ministry also clarified that private consumers setting up behind-the-meter captive solar projects are also not required to fulfill ALMM List-I and List-II requirements but after December 31, 2026, listed solar cells will be mandatory.


MNRE further emphasised that these guidelines do not change the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) provisions applicable under specific government schemes.