The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on Monday, 25 May 2026 ruled out a blanket extension for the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II compliance deadline for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, confirming that projects commissioned after June 1, 2026 must meet ALMM List-II norms. The decision follows a review of industry representations and wider stakeholder consultations, with the ministry concluding that no universal deadline relief was warranted.

What the Decision Means

Under the confirmed framework, all renewable energy projects commissioned after June 1, 2026 will be required to use solar PV cells that figure on the ALMM List-II. Net-Metering and Open Access projects commissioned before the deadline, however, remain exempt under the existing regulatory framework and will not be affected by this directive.

Why No Blanket Extension Was Granted

The ministry noted that stakeholder feedback was sharply divided — some developers sought a deadline extension while others actively opposed any relaxation. Critically, MNRE also factored in an Office Memorandum dated April 29, 2026, issued by the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance, which advised that the ongoing West Asia situation may be treated as a war-equivalent disruption. The memorandum recommended that any extensions, if necessary, be granted only on a case-specific basis rather than through a blanket policy — a position the ministry ultimately adopted.

Case-by-Case Relief: Who Qualifies

While a universal extension was declined, the government acknowledged that certain projects with substantial prior investments may still be eligible for individual time relief. Projects where solar module installation has already been completed but commissioning remains pending are eligible, as are projects that have undertaken significant implementation steps. These steps include land acquisition, financial closure, connectivity arrangements, approval of electrical drawings, and the arrival or installation of solar modules.

How Developers Can Apply

Developers seeking an extension beyond June 1, 2026 must submit their claims with supporting documentary proof through a dedicated portal developed by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). The submission window closes on June 30, 2026. The ministry has not yet detailed the criteria by which individual claims will be evaluated, leaving some uncertainty for project developers in the pipeline.

Broader Industry Context

The ALMM framework was introduced to promote domestic manufacturing of solar components and reduce India's dependence on imported — primarily Chinese — solar equipment. List-II, which covers solar PV cells, has been a more contentious addition, as domestic cell manufacturing capacity has lagged behind module production. This is not the first time the ALMM deadline has faced pressure; the government had previously deferred List-II enforcement amid similar industry concerns. The refusal to extend the deadline again signals a firmer policy stance on domestic content compliance, even as the sector navigates global supply chain pressures linked to the West Asia conflict.