MNRE Clarifies ALMM Cell Norms for Rooftop Solar Projects on Government Buildings

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 (often referred as ALCM in industry parlace) for rooftop solar projects installed on government buildings, addressing ambiguity surrounding projects awarded through bidding as well as those developed under net-metering and open access mechanisms. In an Office Memorandum dated July 6, 2026, the ministry clarified that the applicability of ALCDM for solar PV cells will depend on the date of bid submission and the commissioning status of projects. The clarification follows multiple representations received by the ministry seeking clarity on the implementation of ALMM cell requirements for government rooftop solar projects. Four Categories Defined For rooftop solar projects on government buildings awarded through competitive bidding, MNRE has specified four categories: Projects with the last date of bid submission on or before December 9, 2024, will remain exempt from ALMM List-II requirements for solar PV cells. Projects where the last date of bid submission fell between December 9, 2024, and July 28, 2025, will continue to be governed by the provisions specified in the respective tender documents regarding ALMM List-II applicability. Projects with the last date of bid submission between July 28, 2025, and August 31, 2025, will be exempt from the requirement to use ALMM List-II enlisted solar PV cells. Projects with the last date of bid submission after August 31, 2025, will mandatorily comply with ALMM List-II requirements for solar PV cells. The ministry has also clarified the position for rooftop solar projects on government buildings that were not awarded through bidding but are implemented under net-metering or open access arrangements. According to the clarification, projects commissioned before June 1, 2026, will remain exempt from ALMM List-II for solar PV cells. Projects commissioned after this date may still avail exemption if they have been granted an extension under MNRE's Office Memorandum dated May 25, 2026, subject to approval by the competent authority. However, projects commissioned after June 1, 2026, without such an exemption will be required to source solar PV cells from manufacturers enlisted under ALMM List-II. Series of notifications The latest clarification builds upon a series of previous notifications issued by the ministry, including the original implementation framework for ALMM List-II issued on December 9, 2024, the amendment issued on July 28, 2025, the first ALMM List-II released on July 31, 2025, and subsequent clarifications issued in August and September 2025. These notifications had shifted the effective cut-off date for projects awarded through bidding and addressed frequently asked questions related to ALMM implementation. .