India pushes solar cell approval waiver to end‑2026

Net-metering and open access projects received relief from List-II sourcing rules.

India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has extended the exemption from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II requirement for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells for select projects until 31 December 2026.

The exemption applies to net-metering projects and open access renewable energy projects, allowing them to be commissioned without meeting the ALMM List-II requirement for solar PV cells.

The extension follows the previous exemption period, which ended on 31 May 2026, and consultations with solar industry stakeholders.

MNRE said there would be no change to the government’s ALMM List-II policy and no broad extension would be provided for all solar power projects.

The ministry said the extension would support solar PV module manufacturers by protecting investments made in existing inventories and providing more time to increase sourcing from ALMM List-II-listed solar cell manufacturers.

The government has maintained ALMM List-II as part of efforts to promote domestic solar PV manufacturing and reduce reliance on external supply chains.

MNRE said solar PV manufacturing remains a focus of the government’s efforts to build domestic capacity and establish India as a participant in the global solar value chain.