MNRE issues first revision of ALMM List-II for solar PV cells

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released the first revision of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar PV cells, along with a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to clarify its implementation. Both documents were issued on 23 September 2025.

The revision adds two manufacturers to List-II, which was first published on 31 July 2025. TP Solar Ltd., based in Tamil Nadu, has been included for two cell types with a combined annual capacity of 4,533 MW. Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited, from Karnataka, has been enlisted for one cell type with an annual capacity of 280 MW. The enlistment for these manufacturers is valid for four years, until 22 September 2029.

The initial List-II contained nine manufacturers, including Emmwe Energy, Premier Energies, Mundra Solar, ReNew Photovoltaics, Jupiter International, and FS India Solar Ventures. Their enlistment remains valid until 30 July 2029, except for FS India Solar Ventures, which is valid until 28 April 2028.

The FAQs clarify that ALMM List-II for solar cells applies to all projects already covered by ALMM List-I for solar modules. This includes government schemes, open access, and net-metering projects. For bidding-based projects, the key determinant is the last date of bid submission. Projects with bid submission deadlines on or before 31 August 2025 are exempt, while those submitted after that date must use cells from List-II.

For net-metering and open access projects, the effective date is 1 June 2026. Projects commissioned before this date are exempt from the cell requirement, but projects commissioned on or after 1 June 2026 must comply with both List-I for modules and List-II for cells.

The ministry has also clarified that the ALMM orders do not change existing Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) provisions under schemes such as CPSU Scheme Phase-II, PM-KUSUM, and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. These schemes will continue to mandate the use of domestically manufactured cells and modules.

The FAQs further state that ALMM requirements for cells apply to all central and state government schemes, regardless of central financial support, as well as projects selling power to the government under Section 62 of the Electricity Act, 2003. In the case of ownership transfers for projects commissioned before 1 June 2026, compliance with List-I will suffice, and List-II will not apply. However, any additional capacity installed after that date will need to comply with both lists.