New Delhi: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has allowed rooftop solar PV power projects that were installed before June 1, but could not be commissioned by their distribution company (DISCOM) under the net-metering framework before that date for valid reasons, to apply for exemption from ALMM List-II for solar PV cells. The relief, set out in an office memorandum issued on Monday, will be available for one month.
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Earlier on May 25, the ministry had issued an order which had ruled out any blanket extension of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II beyond June 1, subject to protection of investments already made. The ministry said it had received several representations seeking a simplified procedure for claiming exemption from ALMM List-II under Category-I, covering projects where solar PV modules were installed on site before June 1, but which were not commissioned by that date.
Eligible developers may apply for the ALMM List-II exemption through the portal, https://solardcrportal.nise.res.in/, supported by documentary proof. The qualifying criterion is that 100 percent of the solar PV modules required for the project were installed on site before June 1. As proof, projects must submit "GIS tagged Site photographs and documentary evidence, such as invoices, daily installation reports, and self-certification."
In the interim, between an application being filed on the portal and the final decision by the competent authority, the concerned DISCOM may verify the project on the basis of the documentary proof submitted and allow it to be commissioned using solar PV modules from ALMM List-I, subject to the final outcome of the application.
"However, this window will be available only for one month from the date of issuance of this clarification, within which all such projects are to be commissioned, and in case any project is delayed due to issues with the concerned DISCOM, the same shall be recorded in writing while issuing the commissioning certificate," the memorandum said.
"No cases shall be entertained after expiry of the above period under this dispensation. The concerned DISCOM shall be solely responsible for verification and certification of eligibility for exemption from ALMM List-II (for solar PV cells) as detailed in para 3(a & b) above," it said. DISCOMs must maintain a record for such cases, indicating the date of installation completion, the reason for the delay in commissioning, and confirmation of compliance with the eligibility conditions.
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The ministry said the relaxation does not amount to an extension of the ALMM List-II deadline. The relaxation "is issued strictly to address a limited transitional situation. It shall not be interpreted as an extension of the Effective Date of 1st June 2026, for the applicability of ALMM List-II (for solar PV cells) for commissioning of Net-Metering/ Open Access, Renewable Power Projects," the order said.
