No blanket extension of ALMM List-II for solar PV cells beyond 1 June 2026; case-to-case relief allowed

📌 Summary:

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) decided there will be no blanket extension of the deadline for applicability of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar PV cells beyond 1 June 2026
• Under the existing framework, Net-Metering and Open Access projects commissioned before 1 June 2026 are exempt from ALMM List-II; projects commissioned after that date must comply
• The decision followed representations from stakeholders — some sought an extension while others opposed it
• MNRE considered a Department of Expenditure memorandum (29 April 2026) which advised treating the ongoing West Asia situation as war and suggested a time extension of 2-4 months on a case-specific basis, not a blanket one
• To protect investments already made, certain Net-Metering, Open Access and Renewable Energy projects will be granted case-to-case time extensions — where modules are installed but commissioning is pending, or where effective steps (land acquisition, financial closure, connectivity, approval of electrical drawings) have been undertaken
• Developers may submit claims with documentary proof through a dedicated portal of the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) by 30 June 2026; an Expert Committee will examine them
• Residential consumers under the "Give It Up" campaign of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana remain governed by existing guidelines until 31 March 2027
• Aim: ensure policy stability in the solar PV manufacturing ecosystem and make India self-sufficient in solar PV manufacturing

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 (Environment) — renewable energy, domestic solar PV manufacturing, energy security and Atmanirbhar Bharat in clean energy.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• ALMM = Approved List of Models and Manufacturers; List-II applies to solar PV cells
• ALMM List-II applicability deadline: 1 June 2026
• The claims portal is operated by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE)
• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a rooftop solar scheme; its "Give It Up" campaign lets consumers voluntarily forego the subsidy

🔑 Key Term: ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) — a list maintained by MNRE of eligible solar PV models and manufacturers (List-I covers solar modules, List-II covers solar PV cells), mandated for government-supported projects to promote domestic manufacturing.