The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has clarified that behind-the-meter projects for captive consumption by government entities or public sector enterprises must use solar modules from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).

However, these projects are exempt from using ALMM-compliant cells if they were commissioned before June 1, 2026. Projects commissioned after this deadline must use ALMM-listed modules and cells.

This clarification follows a query from stakeholders who sought to confirm whether compliance with the ALMM list for solar cells is not required for behind-the-meter connections commissioned before June 1, 2026, and executed under the renewable energy service company or capital expenditure modes for self-consumption purposes.

In 2022, MNRE exempted behind-the-meter solar projects solely used for captive consumption by a consumer or group of consumers.

The Ministry clarified that this exemption does not apply to behind-the-meter connections for captive consumption by government entities or public sector enterprises, as government projects have been covered under ALMM from the beginning.

As of June this year, ALMM approved module capacity stood at 90.95 GW. The Ministry updated the ALMM by adding 2,988 MW of solar module manufacturing capacity. The total number of module manufacturers has now increased to 105.

Reliance Industries is the latest addition to the ALMM list, with a capacity of 1,716 MW. Avaada Electro increased its capacity by adding 1,272 MW.

In May, MNRE issued clarifications on solar cells in the ALMM. It clarified that it would treat potential induced degradation (PID) and non-PID cells as different products or families and list them separately.

In March, MNRE clarified that net billing, virtual, and group net metering will also be treated on par with net metering provisions under ALMM List-II.

Last year, the Ministry clarified that the List II applies to solar cells, which will be brought under the ambit of ALMM from June 2026. The inclusion of solar cells in ALMM aims to increase the  domestic production capacity of solar cells.