The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced on May 25 that it will not provide a broad extension for the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar PV cells. This decision follows extensive consultations with industry stakeholders and a review of current market conditions. The ministry clarified that all projects commissioned after June 1, 2026, must strictly adhere to the ALMM List-II provisions.
While the deadline remains firm for most, the government has carved out specific exemptions to protect ongoing investments. Net-Metering and Open Access projects that achieve commissioning before the June 1 cutoff will remain exempt under the current framework. This distinction aims to ensure that smaller-scale installations are not unfairly penalized by the transition to stricter domestic sourcing requirements.
- Case-by-case relief — Developers can seek extensions if they prove substantial progress like land acquisition or financial closure
- Deadline for claims — All documentary proof must be submitted via the National Institute of Solar Energy portal by June 30, 2026
- West Asia impact — The government cited geopolitical tensions as a reason for allowing specific rather than blanket extensions
The Ministry of Finance issued an Office Memorandum on April 29, 2026, suggesting that the volatile situation in West Asia be treated with the same weight as a war-like scenario. Consequently, the MNRE decided that any relief should be granted based on the merit of individual cases rather than a universal policy shift. This approach ensures that only projects facing genuine logistical or financial hurdles receive additional time.
To qualify for an extension, developers must demonstrate that solar module installation is either finished or that significant implementation steps are underway. The National Institute of Solar Energy has developed a dedicated portal to streamline these applications. Officials stated, "The goal is to maintain the momentum of domestic manufacturing while ensuring that substantial investments already on the ground are not stranded."
