ALMM List-I vs. List-II Explained: What Changed for Solar Projects from 1 June 2026

If you bought a solar panel for a government-backed or subsidy-linked project after 1 June 2026, it is no longer enough for the panel alone to meet the rules. The cells inside the panel must also meet the rules. That is what the ALMM List II change is about, and it has already shifted which suppliers Indian EPCs and project developers can choose.

ALMM List I has been about complete solar modules since 2021. ALMM List II is about the solar cells inside the modules. It started on 1 June 2026. If a module is listed in List I but it uses imported cells that are not approved, then it does not automatically count as compliant for projects that are not exempt. 

In the rest of this note, the key changes are set out. It also covers who is exempt. It shows how to check the product you plan to buy so you can see if it actually qualifies. 

What ALMM Actually Is

ALMM, or the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers, is a control list run by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Its main goal is to reduce risk for project teams that buy solar gear. It also supports the growth of solar manufacturing within India.

When a model is “ALMM-listed,” it means that model tied to a specific maker has been checked. After review, it is allowed for projects that must follow ALMM rules.

This requirement shows up most often in government-linked work. It is also common in projects that rely on subsidies. Another area is Section 63 tenders. 

List-I vs List-II: The Core Difference

The practical effect: from 1 June 2026, a panel on List-I that uses cells not on List-II is no longer fully compliant for a non-exempt project, even though the panel itself passed List-I quality checks.

Why This Rule Exists

India’s module production has expanded much quicker than its cell production. During the same 7th revision window, MNRE logged about 91 GW of ALMM listed module capacity. In that period, cell capacity was only around 27 to 30 GW. So the difference stayed wide. A big part of the “Made in India” modules were still Indian panels put together using imported cells. Most of those cells came from China.  

List-II aims to narrow this issue. It pushes for cells to be approved and made domestically. The rule is not only about the finished panel. MNRE’s own wording is clear. The intent is to get panels that are truly made in India, not just put together here. 

ALMM List-I(a): The New Sub-List You Need to Know

MNRE made a new item in its module list called List-I(a). It covers modules that clear List-I quality tests, even if the cells used in them do not satisfy the List-II cell rule. This does not count as a bypass. A panel from List-I(a) can be used only when the project has an official exemption from the List-II cell condition. If someone uses a List-I(a) panel in a project that is not exempt, that project will fail to meet the rules. This holds true even if the panel itself has a valid List-I quality stamp. 

Who Is Exempt, and Until When

MNRE has shared more notes since the first December 2024 order. The current exemption setup is as below.

1) Projects already in the bidding stage: If a project had its last bid submission date on or before the set cut-off, then it is exempt from the List-II cell rule. This is true even if the plant starts later.

2) Net metering and open access RE projects: These projects can skip the List-II cell condition. The limit is tied to timing. They must be commissioned by 31 December 2026. After that date, the relaxation no longer applies. Still, these projects must use ALMM List-I-compliant modules. The only change is that the cell-level List-II demand is eased, and only until the date above.

3) DCR-linked schemes: No easing applies here. MNRE said clearly that PM-KUSUM Components B and C, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, and the CPSU Scheme Phase-II keep the same Domestic Content Requirement terms as before. So if your project is under DCR, you cannot avoid List-II by leaning on the net metering exemption.

4) Fresh tenders issued after the order: If a tender was put out before the order, but its bid deadline is after the order date, then the tender must be updated. The update has to ask for both ALMM List-I and List-II compliance. This is required even if the project is planned to be commissioned later. 

What This Means, Practically, for Different Buyers

• On government-linked projects, EPCs and developers should verify the cell source for every module against the latest ALMM List-II before they say anything in writing. Do not do this check after signing. The list changes from time to time. By April 2026 it is already at the 7th revision. So a module that was fine last quarter may not be fine today.

• For homeowners and C&I buyers using PM Surya Ghar or net metering, your panels still need current ALMM List-I compliance to get subsidy benefits. If you start commissioning before 31 December 2026 and your setup fits net metering or open access, then the List-II cell condition will not apply to you yet. Still, you must meet the List-I module requirement. Also follow the DCR rules where they apply.

• For procurement and legal teams, keep proof of key dates. Store the bid submission date, the tender issue date, and the award letter. Under the exemption rules, it is these dates that decide whether List-II covers the project. The commissioning date alone does not decide it. 

How to Check Compliance

ALMM List-I and List-II are shown on the MNRE website, and they are updated from time to time. If you are working on a project that is not exempt, do not lock the module order until you get clear written proof from your supplier or installer. Ask them to confirm three points. First, the module model and the module maker must show up in the latest ALMM List-I. Second, the cells used in that exact module batch must be listed in the latest ALMM List-II. Third, your project type must not fall under the accepted exemptions. A solid installer should be able to provide all three answers right away. If they stall, avoid, or refuse, take that as a clear red flag.

The Bottom Line

ALMM List-II is not a small change in process. It adds an extra step to the domestic content rule. Instead of only looking at the final panel, it looks at the cell inside the panel. It started on 1 June 2026. After that date, non-exempt projects faced real compliance checks.

The exemptions exist, but they are limited. They also have a time window. They are linked to bid submission timing. For net metering and open access, there is also a firm commissioning deadline of 31 December 2026. Do not wait until an inspection to find out you missed a requirement. Fix your compliance papers early.

About Metalbook

Metalbook pays close attention to solar policy and materials rules in India. This matters because those rules can affect mounting structure and the timing for BOS items. If you want help mapping ALMM checks to your procurement plan, our team can go through it with you.