The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced the introduction of List-II for Solar PV Cells under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), set to come into effect on June 1, 2026. This move expands ALMM to cover solar cells, complementing its existing focus on solar modules. Projects that are required to use ALMM-listed modules (List-I) must ensure these modules are produced using cells from List-II starting June 2026. Projects with bid deadlines prior to the new order’s issuance are exempt from the List-II requirement, regardless of their commissioning date. Future tenders, issued after the adoption of List-II, will specify the need to use products approved under both ALMM List-I and List-II. Projects commissioned before June 1, 2026, must adhere to the new rules if their bidding aligns with the updated timeline. Net-metering and open access renewable energy projects that require ALMM-listed modules must also comply with List-II from June 2026, unless commissioned prior to that date. Modules using thin-film technology and produced at integrated facilities listed under ALMM List-I will meet the List-II criteria. From June 1, 2026, a new category, List-1(a), will be maintained for modules that meet List-I standards but use cells not listed under List-II. This will apply only to projects that are exempt from the List-II requirement. MNRE is expected to release detailed guidelines for the enlistment of solar cell models and manufacturers under List-II in the coming months. According to Mercom’s State of Solar PV Manufacturing in India 1H 2024 report, India added 11.3 GW of solar module capacity and 2 GW of solar cell capacity in the first half of 2024. These additions were fuelled by the reinstatement of the ALMM mandate in April and a strong solar project pipeline of 132.7 GW planned from 2024 to 2026. (Mercom)