MNRE Clarifies ALMM Rules For Government Solar Projects With Behind-The-Meter Installations

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a key clarification on the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) related to solar PV projects, with a specific focus on behind-the-meter projects used by government bodies and public sector enterprises. This clarification, dated July 10th, 2025, addresses doubts about the applicability of ALMM rules, particularly for solar PV cells.

Government solar projects have been covered under the ALMM framework since January 2nd, 2019. Later, projects under Net-Metering and Open Access were brought into the ALMM scope through amendments dated January 13th, 2022, and March 28th, 2022. However, a clarification issued on October 7th, 2022, stated that behind-the-meter solar plants used only for captive consumption by individual consumers or groups of consumers would not fall under ALMM requirements.

This led to confusion about whether government bodies and public sector enterprises using behind-the-meter systems for self-consumption were also exempt. MNRE addressed this on May 16th, 2025, stating that since government projects were originally covered by ALMM and later Open Access and Net-Metering projects were added, the October 2022 exemption does not apply to behind-the-meter systems used by government or public sector entities. Therefore, such entities must comply with ALMM rules even for behind-the-meter installations.

Following this, a specific request was made to clarify if ALMM compliance for solar PV cells could be exempted for such projects commissioned before June 1st, 2026, whether under the RESCO or CAPEX model for captive consumption. After reviewing the request, MNRE has issued a final clarification.

According to the latest update, behind-the-meter solar PV projects intended for captive use by government entities or public sector enterprises, and commissioned before June 1st, 2026, must use ALMM-listed solar PV modules. However, they are not required to use ALMM-listed solar PV cells. This gives limited flexibility for projects nearing execution.

On the other hand, projects commissioned on or after June 1st, 2026, must use both ALMM-listed solar PV modules and ALMM-listed solar PV cells. This requirement will ensure tighter quality control and adherence to domestic manufacturing standards for such government-backed projects.

The clarification, approved by the Secretary of MNRE, aims to settle all confusion and ensure compliance with ALMM norms while supporting the broader goals of promoting high-quality components in India’s renewable energy sector.