Compliance · 6 min read · Published 4 Apr 2026
ALMM List-II goes live 1 June 2026 — what installers must know
The Approved List of Models & Manufacturers gets a second list, and from 1 June 2026 it becomes mandatory for any grid-connected project that touches a government scheme. Here's the plain-English version.
What's actually changing?
Up to now, MNRE's ALMM (Approved List of Models & Manufacturers) has been a single list — List-I — covering finished solar modules. From 1 June 2026, MNRE introduces List-II, which covers solar cells. To stay eligible for any central or state government solar incentive, the modules you install must be made from cells that appear on List-II.
In short: it's no longer enough that the brand of your panel is on a list. The cells inside that panel must also be from an approved manufacturer.
Why MNRE is doing this
India imports the vast majority of its solar cells from China. List-II is the government's lever to push manufacturing onshore. By tying subsidies to cell origin, MNRE is creating a captive demand for Indian cell makers who would otherwise struggle to compete on price.
For installers, this is neither good nor bad — it's just a paperwork change. The work is in making sure the panel you ordered actually qualifies.
Who is affected
- PMSG (PM Surya Ghar) residential projects — yes, blocked if non-compliant
- CPSU scheme (Central Public Sector Undertaking) — yes
- State subsidy schemes linked to MNRE — yes
- Open-access & net-metering projects — yes if claiming any incentive
- Behind-the-meter commercial / industrial with no subsidy — no, you can technically still use non-ALMM modules, but most banks now demand ALMM for project finance
Net effect: in 2026, if you sell a residential or subsidised project with a non-ALMM-List-II panel, you cannot apply for the subsidy — and your customer will not pay you the difference.
How to verify a panel is compliant
- Open the latest ALMM List-II PDF from mnre.gov.in. It's republished every quarter.
- Find the cell manufacturer (e.g. "Adani Solar — Mundra plant", "Waaree — Surat").
- Confirm your module manufacturer's cell sourcing declaration for the specific batch you bought.
- Keep the declaration on file — the DISCOM inspector will ask for it.
This last step is the one that trips most vendors up. The module brand on the box might be ALMM-listed, but if the cells inside that batch came from a non-listed cell line, you fail. Always demand a batch-specific cell sourcing certificate from your distributor.
What to ask your panel distributor
- "Is this batch made from ALMM List-II cells?" (yes/no)
- "What's the cell manufacturer name and plant location?"
- "Can you give me the certificate of origin for this batch in PDF?"
- "If MNRE updates List-II next quarter and removes this cell maker, will you replace the panels free of charge?"
Get the answers in writing (email or WhatsApp counts) and store them with the project record. If a dispute happens later, you'll need them.
How SolarIonix tracks ALMM
Inside SolarIonix every project has dedicated fields for panel brand, model and ALMM-compliance flag. You can attach the cell-sourcing certificate to the project, so when an inspector asks, the document is one tap away. We also remind you when MNRE publishes a new List-II revision so you know which projects to re-verify.
See how SolarIonix tracks ALMM →