Summary:
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### Context
* The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued an Office Memorandum (OM) on **28th July 2025** regarding the **Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM)** for **Solar PV cells**.
* This OM supplements the existing ALMM framework for **solar PV modules (List-I)** by operationalizing **ALMM List-II (solar cells)**.
* The first ALMM List-II for solar PV cells was published on **31st July 2025**, making **31st August 2025 the cut-off date**.
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### Key Provisions from OM (Paras 5, 6 & 8)
1. **Para 5 – Exemption for older bids:**
* Projects where the **last date of bid submission** is **on or before the cut-off date (31st August 2025)** must use modules from **ALMM List-I**, but they are **exempt from using cells from List-II**, regardless of commissioning date (even after June 1, 2026).
* No relaxation in **Domestic Content Requirement (DCR)** for MNRE schemes like **PM-KUSUM (B\&C), PM Surya Ghar, CPSU Scheme-II**.
2. **Para 6 – Applicability to newer bids:**
* Projects with **last date of bid submission after the cut-off date** must use both **modules from List-I** and **cells from List-II**, irrespective of commissioning date (even before June 1, 2026).
* Bidding agencies must **amend tender documents** to incorporate this condition.
3. **Para 8 – Net-Metering & Open Access Projects:**
* Mandated to use ALMM-listed modules.
* Exempt from ALMM cells if commissioned before **1st June 2026**.
* After 1st June 2026 → both **modules (List-I)** and **cells (List-II)** compulsory.
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### FAQs – Major Clarifications
1. **Projects covered under ALMM (modules & cells):**
* Government & government-assisted projects, projects under schemes, open access/net-metering, and projects selling to government under Section 63.
* For cells, all module-covered projects are included, with cut-off date rules applied.
2. **Cut-off rules simplified:**
* If **bid submission before 31st Aug 2025** → exempt from ALMM cells.
* If **Net-Metering/Open Access commissioned before 1st June 2026** → exempt from ALMM cells.
3. **DCR unaffected by ALMM:**
* DCR provisions under CPSU Scheme-II, PM-KUSUM (B\&C), PM Surya Ghar remain **mandatory**, irrespective of ALMM orders.
4. **Transition cases (Dec 2024 – July 2025):**
* Bids between **09.12.2024 – 28.07.2025** remain bound by tender conditions; no automatic relaxation.
* Reverse auctions after July 28, 2025, must follow **original bid conditions**.
5. **Availability of lists:**
* ALMM List-I (modules) & List-II (cells) available on MNRE website.
6. **State/UT schemes:**
* ALMM rules apply even if no Central financial assistance is taken.
7. **Captive/Open Access transfers:**
* If commissioned before 1st June 2026 with ALMM List-I compliant modules, transfer after this date does not require List-II compliance.
* But, any **capacity addition/modification after cut-off** requires List-II compliance.
8. **Already commissioned projects participating in bids:**
* If commissioned before cut-off, exempt from List-II even if participating in new bids.
* Post cut-off → covered under List-II.
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### Overall Summary
* **ALMM List-I (Modules)** has been operational; **ALMM List-II (Cells)** now enforced.
* **Cut-off date = 31st August 2025**.
* **Commissioning deadline for exemptions = 1st June 2026**.
* **Old projects (before cut-off)** get exemptions from List-II, but **new bids/projects (after cut-off)** must comply with both lists.
* **DCR obligations remain unchanged** across relevant MNRE schemes.
* The framework ensures stricter domestic sourcing for solar supply chains while giving limited transition relief to ongoing projects.
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