Rooftop solar projects risk losing ALMM-II exemption due to DISCOM delays: MNRE
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has advised distribution companies (DISCOMs) and other relevant authorities to ensure the timely inspection and commissioning of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects ahead of the upcoming Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM)-II requirement for solar cells.
In an office memorandum dated July 28, 2025, MNRE amended the implementation guidelines for ALMM applicable to solar cells. Under the revised framework, net-metering projects and open access renewable energy power projects commissioned on or after June 1, 2026, will be required to use solar PV modules listed under ALMM List-I and solar PV cells listed under ALMM List-II.
Projects commissioned before June 1, 2026, will remain exempt from the requirement to use solar PV cells from ALMM List-II, provided they are otherwise required to use ALMM-listed modules.
According to the Ministry, representations have been received highlighting delays in inspection and issuance of commissioning certificates by DISCOMs and other authorities. Such delays could affect rooftop solar projects that have already been installed, or are expected to be installed well before May 31, 2026, causing them to miss the June 1, 2026 deadline and become non-compliant with ALMM-II requirements.
To address the issue, MNRE has advised all DISCOMs, electricity departments, State Nodal Agencies (SNAs), and Chief Electrical Inspectors to Government (CEIG) offices in states and union territories to facilitate timely inspection and commissioning of eligible rooftop solar projects.
The Ministry stated that the communication has been issued with the approval of the competent authority.
The directive comes amid rapid growth in rooftop solar installations under programmes such as the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. With the ALMM-II compliance deadline approaching, timely commissioning has become important for developers and consumers seeking to avoid the near-term cost and supply challenges associated with domestically manufactured solar cells.
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