ALMM List-I and List-II Explained for Solar Installers
ALMM for installers in 2026: List-I modules, List-II cells from 1 June 2026, who must comply, cut-off dates, exemptions, DCR, and how to check paperwork.
Short answer: ALMM is MNRE's Approved List of Models and Manufacturers. List-I covers modules; List-II covers cells and took effect on 1 June 2026. From that date, net-metering and open-access projects (and government-backed projects) must use List-I modules made with List-II cells, with limited exceptions based on commissioning or bid dates. For PM Surya Ghar, you also need DCR documentation. The date that matters for most rooftop jobs is the commissioning date (check current notification).
The lists
| List | Covers | Status (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| List-I | Solar PV module models and factories | In force for covered projects |
| List-II | Solar PV cell makers | In force from 1 June 2026 |
| List-III | Wafers | Reported for 1 June 2028 (check current notification) |
MNRE publishes and updates the lists. Each entry names the manufacturer, factory location, model range and enlisted capacity, with a validity period.
Who must comply
The ALMM order covers projects under government schemes and government-assisted projects, and projects under net metering and open access. For rooftop installers, that means:
- Every net-metered residential or commercial rooftop commissioned from 1 June 2026: List-I modules with List-II cells.
- PM Surya Ghar subsidy jobs: DCR modules (Indian cells and modules), verified on the NISE DCR portal, which also satisfies the cell requirement.
- Open-access projects: same rule as net metering.
Cut-offs and exemptions
MNRE's clarifications (May–July 2026) set these rules:
Net-metering and open-access projects: - Commissioned before 1 June 2026: exempt from the List-II cell requirement. - Commissioned on or after 1 June 2026: must comply, unless granted a case-by-case extension. Relief of a few months was considered for projects with modules already installed or key milestones done, with claims filed on a NISE portal by 30 June 2026.
Government rooftop projects awarded by bidding (by last bid submission date): - On or before 9 December 2024: exempt. - 9 December 2024 to 28 July 2025: as per the tender documents. - 28 July 2025 to 31 August 2025: exempt. - After 31 August 2025: must comply.
Government rooftop projects not awarded by bidding: exempt if commissioned before 1 June 2026; otherwise comply unless an approved extension under the 25 May 2026 guidelines applies.
PM Surya Ghar "Give It Up" applicants (households that forgo the subsidy but apply via the national portal): MNRE allowed them to stay under the scheme guidelines until 31 March 2027, with relaxation from List-II. They do not need to apply separately on the NISE DCR portal.
ALMM vs DCR, side by side
| ALMM List-I + List-II | DCR | |
|---|---|---|
| What it checks | Approved module model and approved cell maker | Indian-made cells and modules for a specific scheme |
| Verified on | MNRE ALMM lists | NISE DCR portal (by serial number) |
| Needed for | Net metering, open access, government projects | PM Surya Ghar subsidy and other DCR schemes |
| Practical overlap | Approved cells today are Indian-made | DCR modules use Indian cells |
What changes on site and in the office
- Stop stocking non-DCR modules for net-metered jobs unless you have a confirmed exemption.
- Match paperwork: invoice model = label model = ALMM entry = DCR entry (for subsidy).
- Record serial numbers and photograph labels before installation.
- Check validity: ALMM enlistments have expiry dates; check the current list on the purchase date.
- Commissioning date is key: delays that push a project past a cut-off can change compliance.
- Off-grid and non-net-metered jobs: confirm whether they are covered before using non-DCR modules.
Pricing impact
Because approved cells are currently Indian-made and Indian cell capacity is smaller than module capacity, compliant modules carry a premium over modules with imported cells. For subsidised homes, the subsidy more than covers it. For commercial net-metered roofs without subsidy, the premium now applies to all new jobs, so quote with current DCR prices and check them weekly. See pricing 3, 5 and 10 kW jobs and DCR vs non-DCR.
Common mistakes
- Assuming "Made in India" means DCR (many Indian modules use imported cells)
- Using an ALMM List-I module with imported cells on a new net-metered job after 1 June 2026
- Mixing DCR and non-DCR pallets of the same wattage on site
- Letting enlistment validity lapse between quote and purchase
A two-minute ALMM check before every purchase order
- Model on List-I? Find the exact model and wattage under the manufacturer's entry, and check the factory location matches the label.
- Cells on List-II? Ask the supplier which cell line the batch uses and get it in writing on the invoice or a declaration.
- DCR needed? For PM Surya Ghar subsidy jobs, confirm the serial numbers are on the NISE DCR portal.
- Validity? Check that the enlistment is valid on the purchase date.
- Commissioning date? Note the planned date and any risk of slipping past a cut-off.
What to tell your customers
Homeowners hear "ALMM" and "DCR" from several installers and get confused. A simple line works: "From June 2026 every new grid-connected system must use approved Indian-made cells. I will show you the certificate and serial numbers, and the same papers go to the subsidy portal." Clear paperwork is a selling point, not a burden.
Talk to Sunlectric
We stock DCR and List-II-compliant modules from several Indian makers, with DCR certificates and serial data ready for the portal, and flag non-DCR stock clearly on our daily price sheet. WhatsApp +91 89567 89307 (wa.me/918956789307) to check a model's status before you quote. The Academy policy module covers ALMM, DCR and net-metering paperwork.
Sources
- MNRE amendment operationalising List-II from 1 Jun 2026: SolarQuarter, 29 Jul 2025
- No blanket extension; case-by-case relief; NISE portal by 30 Jun 2026: Angel One, 26 May 2026
- Government rooftop cut-off dates (MNRE memorandum, 6 Jul 2026): TaiyangNews
- Give It Up relaxation to 31 Mar 2027: TaiyangNews, 9 Jun 2026
- List-III reported date: SolarSquare, updated 27 Aug 2026
- ALMM lists: MNRE (check the current list)
Questions people ask
What is ALMM?
The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers, maintained by MNRE. List-I covers solar PV modules and List-II covers solar PV cells. Projects covered by the ALMM order must use listed products.
From when does ALMM List-II apply?
From 1 June 2026. Net-metering and open-access projects commissioned on or after that date must use List-I modules made with List-II cells. MNRE ruled out a blanket extension but considered limited case-by-case relief. Check current notification.
Is ALMM the same as DCR?
No. DCR means both cells and modules are made in India, verified on the NISE DCR portal, and is required for PM Surya Ghar subsidy. ALMM is an approved list. With List-II now in force, ALMM-compliant modules for net-metered projects also use approved cells.
Do off-grid projects need ALMM modules?
Off-grid systems outside government schemes and without net metering or open access are generally outside the ALMM order. Check the order for your project type.