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

Canonical: https://senseible.earth/answers/almm-list-ii-solar-cells-open-access-net-metering

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?](https://senseible.earth/answers/does-almm-apply-to-factory-rooftop-solar)
- [How to check cells on ALMM List-II](https://senseible.earth/answers/how-to-check-solar-cells-on-almm-list)
- [PM Surya Ghar domestic content modules](https://senseible.earth/answers/pm-surya-ghar-domestic-content-modules)
- [Rooftop solar with net metering in Scope 2](https://senseible.earth/answers/rooftop-solar-net-metering-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](https://mnre.gov.in/static/uploads/2026/10/f5ffa3db3ba9f186679e204adceb05df.pdf), [MNRE office memoranda amending the ALMM Order, 2019: 2 February 2021, 13 January 2022 and 28 March 2022 (No. 283/54/2018-GRID SOLAR)](https://mnre.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/07/746e21ef54906bb5c4e123c36fe2821d.pdf)

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).