Rooftop solar projects on government buildings get ALMM List-II exemption
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a clarification on the applicability of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar PV cells for rooftop solar projects installed on government buildings.
The clarification, issued through an Office Memorandum dated July 6, 2026, seeks to address ambiguities following the implementation of the ALMM List-II framework for solar PV cells, which came into effect on June 1, 2026.
Applicability clarified
MNRE had notified the implementation framework for ALMM List-II on December 9, 2024, requiring projects covered under the ALMM framework to source solar modules from ALMM List-I and solar PV cells from ALMM List-II.
The first ALMM List-II was published on July 31, 2025. Subsequently, the Ministry revised the applicability for projects awarded through bidding by shifting the cut-off date from December 9, 2024, to August 31, 2025.
Under the latest clarification, projects awarded through bidding with the last date of bid submission on or before December 9, 2024, are exempt from ALMM List-II requirements.
Projects with bid submission dates between December 9, 2024, and July 28, 2025, will be governed by the provisions specified in the respective tender documents.
Projects with bid submission dates between July 28, 2025, and August 31, 2025, are exempt from ALMM List-II requirements, while projects with bid submission dates after August 31, 2025, will be required to comply with ALMM List-II.
For rooftop solar projects not awarded through bidding, including net-metering and open access projects, those commissioned before June 1, 2026, are exempt from ALMM List-II.
Projects commissioned after June 1, 2026, that have been granted a time-extension exemption under MNRE’s Office Memorandum dated May 25, 2026, will also remain exempt, provided the exemption has been approved by the competent authority.
Projects commissioned on or after June 1, 2026, without such exemption will be required to comply with ALMM List-II requirements.
Tender conditions remain applicable
MNRE has clarified that for projects where the last date of bid submission fell between December 9, 2024, and July 28, 2025, any requirement in the tender document mandating compliance with ALMM List-II will continue to remain valid and binding. The subsequent amendment to the applicability date does not override conditions specified in the bidding documents.
The Ministry also reiterated that net-metering and open access projects commissioned before June 1, 2026, continue to remain exempt from ALMM List-II, as communicated earlier.
The Office Memorandum has been issued with the approval of the Secretary, MNRE, and circulated to all concerned stakeholders.
The featured photograph is for representation only.
