ALMM LIST-II: NO EXTENSION BEYOND JUNE 1, 2026 – WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

INTRODUCTION: THE FIRM ALMM LIST-II DEADLINE

In a decisive move that has sent ripples through India’s solar industry, the 

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has notified that there will be no 

blanket extension of the deadline for mandatory compliance with the Approved 

List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List II for solar PV cells beyond June 

1, 2026. This isn’t a suggestion—it’s a firm mandate that will reshape how solar 

projects are developed, procured, and commissioned across the country.

The ALMM List-II requirement marks a historic shift in India’s solar manufacturing 

ecosystem. For the first time, the government is mandating that solar modules used 

in major projects must contain domestically-manufactured solar cells. This policy 

aims to reduce import dependency, strengthen India’s energy security, and build an end-to-end solar manufacturing supply chain.

But here’s the critical question: Are you ready for June 1, 2026? Whether you’re 

a project developer, EPC contractor, homeowner, or investor, understanding the 

compliance requirements and exemptions is now non-negotiable.

WHAT IS ALMM LIST-II? UNDERSTANDING THE MANDATE

Starting June 1, 2026, any ALMM-listed solar module procured for a non-exempt 

project must contain cells sourced exclusively from manufacturers approved under 

ALMM List-II. This represents a deeper level of supply chain control compared to 

the existing ALMM List-I, which only regulates the finished solar modules.

The amendment entails the introduction of “List-II” for solar photovoltaic (PV) 

cells under the ALMM framework, making it compulsory for solar PV projects to use 

domestic solar cells, effective June 1, 2026. The policy is strategic: it boosts 

India’s domestic solar cell manufacturing while reducing dependence on imported 

cells, a move that strengthens energy security and supports India’s renewable 

energy targets.

Current Status: As of May 2026, the first ALMM List-II includes nine manufacturers 

with combined production capacity exceeding 13 GW per year. This capacity is expected 

to expand significantly by June 1, 2026.

WHO GETS EXEMPTIONS? THE THREE CATEGORIES

Certain renewable energy projects that have already undertaken implementation steps 

may be granted case-specific relief to protect investments already made. However, 

these exemptions are narrow and require specific conditions:

CATEGORY 1: PROJECTS COMMISSIONED BEFORE JUNE 1, 2026

If your project is fully operational and commissioned before June 1, 2026, you are 

automatically exempted from ALMM List-II requirements, regardless of when cells 

were sourced. This is the most straightforward exemption path.

CATEGORY 2: BIDS SUBMITTED BEFORE DECEMBER 9, 2024

All projects where the last date of bid submission is before the issuance of this 

order shall stand exempted from the mandatory requirement of using solar PV cells 

from ALMM List-II, irrespective of their date of commissioning. These projects 

are protected even if commissioned after June 1, 2026.

CATEGORY 3: CASE-SPECIFIC RELIEF (LIMITED)

The first category includes projects where 100 per cent of the required solar PV 

modules had already been installed at the project site before June 1, 2026, but 

commissioning could not be completed within the stipulated timeline. These may 

receive individual relief based on specific circumstances.

IMPACT ON DIFFERENT PROJECT TYPES

All net metering projects and open access RE power projects which get commissioned 

on or after June 1, 2026 would be required to mandatorily source both solar PV 

modules from ALMM List-I and solar PV cells from ALMM List-II.

ROOFTOP SOLAR PROJECTS:

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has advised DISCOMs and state authorities 

to expedite the inspection and issuing of commissioning certificates of rooftop 

solar projects already installed before the June 1, 2026 deadline. The urgency 

here is clear: thousands of homeowners racing to commission installations before 

the deadline.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES:

For PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and other subsidy programs, non-compliance 

means losing tax benefits and subsidies entirely. This is not a minor issue—it’s 

a deal-breaker. To claim the direct-to-consumer subsidy (which can be up to 

₹78,000 in 2026), the modules must be ALMM-Listed and verified for quality.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO RIGHT NOW?

FOR PROJECT DEVELOPERS & EPCs:

Verify whether your projects fall under exemption categories immediately. If 

commissioning before June 1 is impossible, explore case-specific relief with MNRE 

before the deadline passes. Sourcing ALMM List-II cells adds roughly 2-5% to BOM 

costs—factor this into project economics. Review all pending tenders and ensure 

contractual terms align with List-II compliance. Communicate delays to stakeholders 

immediately rather than hoping for extensions.

FOR HOMEOWNERS & ROOFTOP SOLAR ADOPTERS:

If your installation is complete or near-complete, prioritize commissioning before 

June 1. Contact your DISCOM or authorized inspector to schedule inspection urgently. 

Delays beyond this date mean compliance with stricter rules. The PM Surya Ghar 

subsidy structure heavily favors early commissioning—use this incentive to accelerate.

FOR INVESTORS & SYSTEM INTEGRATORS:

This mandate benefits domestic cell manufacturers. Companies like Adani Solar, Tata 

Power Solar, and others approved under List-II will see increased demand. This is 

a long-term structural shift favoring domestic suppliers. Consider supply chain 

partnerships with approved manufacturers. Energy storage and grid solutions will 

become more valuable as solar adoption accelerates.

CONCLUSION

The MNRE’s firm stance on no blanket extensions sends a clear message: the mandate 

for using solar PV cells from the ALMM List-II for projects commissioned from June 

1, 2026 onwards is firm. India is serious about building a self-reliant solar 

supply chain, and this policy is the enforcement mechanism.

If you’re on the wrong side of June 1, 2026, with non-compliant equipment, you’re 

looking at project rejection, subsidy loss, and potential financial penalties. This 

isn’t a gray area—it’s binary compliance.

The opportunity exists for those who act now: verify exemptions, accelerate 

commissioning, source List-II cells, and ensure your projects align with the new 

reality. The solar industry’s next chapter starts June 1, 2026. Make sure you’re 

ready.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. For project-specific 

guidance, consult MNRE directives and qualified solar professionals.

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