The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has clarified that there will be no blanket extension of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II implementation deadline beyond June 1, 2026. As per the earlier government notification, all renewable energy projects under Net-Metering and Open Access categories commissioned on or after this date must use solar PV modules listed under ALMM List-I and solar PV cells listed under ALMM List-II. The Ministry stated that it had received several representations from stakeholders seeking either extension or continuation of the existing timeline. However, the government has decided to retain the current implementation schedule in order to maintain policy consistency and support long-term confidence in India’s domestic solar manufacturing sector.
At the same time, MNRE has announced limited relief measures for genuine renewable energy developers who have already made substantial investments in their projects but may not be able to commission them before the deadline. According to the memorandum, such projects may be considered for time extensions on a case-by-case basis. The Ministry said this relaxation is intended only for bona fide projects where solar modules have already reached the project site, have been installed, or where major groundwork activities have already been completed before June 1, 2026.
The Ministry also referred to the Force Majeure provision issued by the Ministry of Finance due to disruptions arising from the ongoing situation in West Asia. Under this provision, eligible projects may receive contractual extensions ranging from two to four months without penalties.
MNRE has divided eligible projects into two categories for availing exemption from the ALMM List-II requirement. The first category includes projects where 100 percent of the required solar PV modules were installed on-site before June 1, 2026, but the project was not commissioned. Such developers will need to provide certification or approval from the Electrical Inspectorate confirming the DC-side installation work.
The second category includes projects where developers had taken “Effective Steps” toward implementation before June 1, 2026. To qualify, developers must show possession of at least 75 percent of the required project land, financial closure through loan agreements or sanction letters, and in-principle connectivity approval before the deadline. Electrical drawings should also have been approved before May 1, 2026. In addition, developers must prove that either all modules had reached the site before the notification or more than 50 percent of the modules had already been installed on-site, supported by geo-tagged photographs and invoices.
MNRE said all applications must be submitted online through the portal developed by the National Institute of Solar Energy before June 30, 2026. Claims will be reviewed by an Expert Committee, and physical applications will not be accepted.
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