MNRE Issues Clarification On ALMM List-II Rules For Solar PV Cells And Project Compliance

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a new Office Memorandum on September 23, 2025, providing clarification on the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar PV cells. The memorandum, presented in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) format, aims to guide stakeholders on the provisions outlined in an earlier MNRE communication dated July 28, 2025. The clarification primarily focuses on the implementation of ALMM List-II for solar PV cells and its impact on ongoing and upcoming projects.

A key aspect of the new guidelines is the concept of a “cut-off date” for projects awarded through a bidding process. MNRE has specified August 31, 2025, as the cut-off date, considering that the first ALMM List-II for cells was published on July 31, 2025. Projects with the last date for bid submission on or before this cut-off date are not required to use solar PV cells from ALMM List-II, even if their commissioning is scheduled after June 1, 2026. In contrast, for projects where the bid submission occurs after August 31, 2025, it is mandatory to use cells from ALMM List-II, irrespective of the commissioning date.

The memorandum also addresses specific government programs and schemes. Projects under schemes such as PM-KUSUM (Components B & C), PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, and CPSU Scheme Phase-II must continue to follow the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR). These programs are required to use domestically manufactured solar PV cells and modules as per their respective guidelines, and there will be no relaxation in this requirement.

For Net-Metering and Open Access Renewable Energy Power Projects, the new ALMM rules apply depending on the commissioning date. Projects commissioned before June 1, 2026, are exempt from using ALMM List-II cells. However, any project commissioned on or after this date must comply with the requirement to use both ALMM List-I modules and ALMM List-II cells. The memorandum clarifies that the ALMM rules for cells apply to all projects under any central or state government scheme, even if the project does not receive central financial assistance.

The document also provides clarity on projects that were bid out between December 9, 2024, and July 28, 2025. The July 28, 2025, memo does not automatically relax bid conditions for such projects. If the original bid documents required the use of ALMM List-II cells, that requirement continues to remain valid. In cases where the Letter of Award (LoA) was issued before August 31, 2025, the awarding entity must explicitly communicate to the awardees that the original bid conditions continue to apply.

To ensure easy access and compliance, MNRE has stated that the ALMM List-I for modules and List-II for cells are available on its official website. This initiative provides clarity to developers, manufacturers, and project authorities on the proper implementation of ALMM guidelines, ensuring uniformity across various solar projects in India. The memorandum helps streamline the adoption of approved solar PV cells and modules while maintaining domestic content standards where applicable, supporting the country’s solar manufacturing and renewable energy growth objectives.

This guidance reinforces MNRE’s commitment to clear regulatory frameworks and provides certainty to stakeholders regarding the adoption of ALMM-compliant solar PV cells in both government-supported and independent renewable energy projects.