Archive · 19 Jul 2026
India Extends Solar Project Relief Window
The Indian government has given more time for certain solar energy projects to be completed.
These projects, which include those that share solar power within a community or sell it directly to consumers, now have until the end of 2026 to be finished.
This is a change from the earlier deadline of May 2026.
However, the main rule about using only approved solar panels (called ALMM List-II) remains the same.
The government has said that this extension is only for these specific types of projects and not for all solar projects.
The decision was made after talking to different people in the solar industry to make sure the change happens smoothly.
The government also extended the deadline for solar project developers to apply for exemptions from the ALMM List-II until July 23, 2026.
MNRE extended the exemption from ALMM List-II for net-metering and open access RE projects till 31st December 2026.
The larger ALMM List-II policy for solar PV cells remains unchanged.
No blanket extension is provided for all solar power projects.
Original deadline for the exemption was 31st May 2026.
The extension aims to provide relief to specific segments of renewable energy projects and ensure a smooth transition to mandatory domestic cell sourcing.
- Who
- Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE)
- What
- Extended exemption from ALMM List-II for select solar projects
- When
- Till 31st December 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To provide relief to net-metering and open access renewable energy projects and ensure a smooth transition to mandatory domestic cell sourcing
- Extension Date
- 31st December 2026
- Policy Affected
- ALMM List-II
- Projects Affected
- Net-metering and open access RE projects
- Original Deadline
- 31st May 2026
- Ministry Involved
- Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE)
- Exemption Application Deadline
- 23rd July 2026
- Solar Cell Manufacturing Capacity
- 30 GW
- Solar Module Manufacturing Capacity
- 200 GW
Sources
Centre extends relief window for select solar projects till Dec 2026; ALMM policy remains unchanged
MNRE extends exemption for net-metering, open access solar projects
Centre extends non-ALMM solar cell sourcing relief for select RE projects
Centre defers domestic solar cell sourcing mandate till December 31