MNRE Eases ALMM Cell Compliance for Rooftop Solar Projects Delayed by DISCOMs

MNRE Eases ALMM Cell Compliance for Rooftop Solar Projects Delayed by DISCOMs Photograph: (Archive)

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has provided a one-time relief mechanism for rooftop solar projects that were physically completed before June 1, 2026 but could not be commissioned due to delays by distribution companies (DISCOMs), allowing such projects to seek exemption from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II requirement for solar cells.

In an Office Memorandum issued on June 15, the ministry said it had received multiple representations from stakeholders regarding rooftop solar projects where modules had already been installed before the June 1 deadline, but commissioning under the net-metering framework could not be completed because of reasons attributable to the concerned DISCOMs.

Under the clarification, developers and consumers can apply for exemption from ALMM List-II through the National Portal for Rooftop Solar, provided 100% of the solar PV modules required for the project had been installed before June 1,

Applicants will be required to furnish supporting evidence, including geo-tagged site photographs, invoices, installation reports and self-certification documents.

Pending a final decision on such applications, the concerned DISCOM may verify the submitted documents and allow commissioning of the rooftop solar project using modules containing solar cells not covered under ALMM List-II, MNRE said.

The ministry, however, clarified that the relaxation would remain available only for one month from the date of issuance of the memorandum and is intended solely to address a transitional situation arising from the implementation of the solar cell sourcing mandate. Projects availing the exemption must be commissioned within the stipulated period, failing which no further claims will be entertained under the dispensation.

MNRE further stated that DISCOMs will be responsible for verifying eligibility, maintaining records of such cases and certifying the reasons for delay in commissioning. The utilities will also be required to document compliance with the eligibility conditions prescribed by the ministry.

The clarification comes weeks after MNRE made ALMM List-II applicable to solar cells from June 1, 2026, requiring projects covered under the framework to use domestically approved solar cells. The ministry emphasized that the latest relaxation should not be construed as an extension of the implementation deadline and that all other provisions of its earlier order dated May 25, 2026 remain unchanged.

The move is expected to provide relief to rooftop solar consumers and developers whose projects were ready for commissioning before the ALMM cell mandate took effect but remained stranded due to procedural delays at the utility level.