MNRE Sets June 30, 2026 Deadline For Solar Project Extension And ALMM Exemption Applications Through NISE Portal

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a detailed memorandum outlining the procedure for granting commissioning extensions to certain Net-Metering and Open Access solar power projects beyond May 31, 2026. The directive also covers exemptions from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II requirements for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells.

The decision follows an earlier MNRE order dated May 25, 2026, which allowed eligible solar projects to seek commissioning extensions on a case-by-case basis. Such eligibility applies to projects where solar modules have already been installed but commissioning has not yet taken place, or where developers can demonstrate that substantial progress has been made toward project implementation.

To ensure a transparent and efficient review process, MNRE has directed all renewable energy developers to submit their applications and supporting documents through a dedicated online portal developed by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). The portal is available at solardcrportal.nise.res.in, and developers must complete their submissions by June 30, 2026. The ministry has clarified that physical applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

For evaluating these requests, MNRE has constituted an Expert Committee chaired by Shri Sivakumar V. Vepakomma, Director (Power System) at the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI). Other members include Shri S. K. Dey from the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), Dr. Jai Prakash from NISE, and Shri Pratik Prasun from SECI, who will serve as the Member Convener. The committee will review applications submitted through the portal and may conduct field inspections whenever considered necessary. Final approval for projects reviewed by the central committee will be granted by the Secretary of MNRE.

To accelerate decision-making, MNRE has delegated authority for smaller projects with a solar component capacity of up to 10 MW (AC) to State Governments and Union Territories. In such cases, the senior-most Secretary of the Power, Energy, or Renewable Energy Department of the respective State or UT will act as the final approving authority. Projects located across multiple states will continue to be assessed by the central MNRE committee.

The memorandum also requires States and UTs to establish their own four-member Expert Committees within five working days and inform MNRE accordingly. Once applications are processed, approved projects will receive a unique ALMM List-II Exemption Certificate through the online portal, while rejected applications will receive a formal explanation stating the reasons for rejection. The memorandum was issued with the approval of the Secretary, MNRE, by Scientist-E Sanjay G. Karndhar.