MNRE clarifies ALMM List-II exemption process for utility and C&I solar projects
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a clarification allowing utility-scale and commercial & industrial (C&I) solar projects installed before June 1, 2026, to be commissioned while their applications for exemption from Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II requirements are under review.
The move addresses concerns over projects that were physically completed before the June 1 deadline but were unable to begin operations due to delays in commissioning and uncertainty surrounding compliance with the new domestic solar cell sourcing requirements.
Background
On May 25, 2026, MNRE mandated the use of solar cells listed under ALMM List-II for commissioning of solar projects after June 1, 2026. Following the order, several state authorities withheld commissioning approvals for projects that had been installed before the deadline but had not yet been formally connected to the grid.
According to MNRE, the clarification is intended to prevent already-installed projects from becoming stranded assets and to avoid disruption to power generation.
Eligibility criteria
The relief applies only to utility-scale and C&I solar projects that were fully installed before June 1, 2026, but could not be commissioned by that date due to valid reasons.
Project developers must have submitted an application on the designated government portal seeking exemption from the ALMM List-II requirement.
Interim commissioning allowed
MNRE has permitted state authorities to allow such projects to be commissioned and begin power generation while their exemption applications are being processed.
The ministry clarified that such commissioning will be provisional and subject to the final outcome of the exemption application.
Distribution companies (DISCOMs) and state authorities have also been directed not to delay grid connectivity, power wheeling or energy banking solely because the exemption certificate is pending.
One-month deadline
The relief is available only for a limited period. Eligible projects must be commissioned within one month from June 23, 2026.
MNRE stated that no applications or requests under this arrangement will be considered after the expiry of the one-month window.
Earlier relief for rooftop solar
The latest clarification follows a similar order issued on June 15, 2026, for rooftop solar projects installed before June 1, 2026, but awaiting commissioning under net-metering arrangements.
Under that order, project owners were required to apply through a dedicated portal and submit GIS-tagged site photographs, invoices, daily installation reports and self-certification confirming that all required modules had been installed before the deadline.
Eligible rooftop projects were allowed interim commissioning using modules listed under ALMM List-I while exemption requests were under examination. The commissioning deadline for such projects has been set at July 15, 2026.
Policy unchanged
MNRE has clarified that both the June 15 and June 23 orders are transitional measures and do not alter the June 1, 2026 deadline for mandatory use of domestically manufactured solar cells under ALMM List-II.
The ministry stated that the relaxations are intended to facilitate commissioning of projects that were already installed before the deadline, while maintaining the broader objective of promoting domestic solar manufacturing.
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