No Change in ALMM Policy; Centre Provides Extended Relief Window for Select Solar Projects up to December 2026

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has maintained its Approved List of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM) policy for solar PV cells.
• No blanket extension for ALMM List-II applicability will be provided for solar power projects.
• A limited exemption from ALMM List-II has been extended for Net-metering projects and Open Access RE power projects.
• These specific projects can now commission with the exemption until December 31, 2026, extended from the previous deadline of May 31, 2026.

Detailed Insights:

• The decision aims to support standalone solar PV module manufacturers by protecting their existing investments in inventories.
• It provides these manufacturers sufficient time to increase sourcing of solar cells from ALMM List-II enlisted manufacturers.
• The extension was decided after detailed deliberations with various stakeholders in the solar industry.
• This move facilitates a smooth transition to ALMM List-II for the specified project categories.
• The government remains committed to achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in solar PV manufacturing and strengthening India's position in the global value chain.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Approved List of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM): A list of eligible models and manufacturers of solar PV cells and modules for government projects and schemes.
• Net-metering projects: Solar power systems that allow consumers to feed excess electricity back into the grid, receiving credit for it.
• Open Access RE power projects: Projects that allow large consumers to buy renewable energy directly from generators through the grid, bypassing local distribution companies.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: A vision of making India a self-reliant nation across various sectors, including manufacturing.