Do net metering and open access solar projects have to use ALMM List-II solar cells?

Yes, with a window. Net metering and open access solar projects commissioned from 1 June 2026 must use ALMM List-I modules and List-II cells, but MNRE's July 2026 memorandum lets them commission without List-II cells until 31 December 2026. Projects commissioned after that must comply.

The rule and the window

• MNRE's memoranda of 9 December 2024 and 28 July 2025: net metering and open access projects commissioned on or after 1 June 2026 must source modules from ALMM List-I and cells from ALMM List-II.
• MNRE's memorandum of 18 July 2026: no blanket extension of List-II, but a limited window lets net metering and open access projects commission with exemption from List-II until 31 December 2026.
• Before this, the dispensation for these projects ran until 31 May 2026.
• Projects commissioned after 31 December 2026 must comply with List-II.

What it means for a project now

1. If commissioning will slip past 31 December 2026, specify List-II cells in the purchase order now.
2. Ask the EPC contractor for the module model, its ALMM List-I entry, and the cell manufacturer and model.
3. Keep the module datasheets and invoices; the discom may check them at net metering or open access approval.

Why it matters

ALMM List-II covers solar cells made by enlisted manufacturers at enlisted plants. A project that misses the window with non-listed cells risks delays in its net metering or open access approval.

What Senseible does here

Senseible can store your solar installation documents, module datasheets and commissioning certificate next to the generation readings, so the evidence for both compliance and Scope 2 sits in one record.

• Does ALMM apply to factory rooftop solar?
• How to check cells on ALMM List-II
• PM Surya Ghar domestic content modules
• Rooftop solar with net metering in Scope 2

Sources: MNRE office memorandum No. 283/53/2026-GRID SOLAR, 18 July 2026: ALMM List-II window for net-metering and open access projects till 31 December 2026, MNRE office memoranda amending the ALMM Order, 2019: 2 February 2021, 13 January 2022 and 28 March 2022 (No. 283/54/2018-GRID SOLAR)

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. MNRE office memorandum of 18 July 2026. MNRE has changed these dates several times; check for a newer memorandum before ordering (checked 23 October 2026).