The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a clarification regarding the applicability of its Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and cells, specifically addressing behind-the-meter captive consumption solar power plants by government entities and public sector enterprises. This Office Memorandum was issued on July 10, 2025.
The ALMM framework, which mandates the use of approved models and manufacturers, initially covered government projects from January 2, 2019. Subsequently, net-metering and open access projects were brought under its ambit through amendments in early 2022. While a clarification on October 7, 2022, exempted “behind-the-meter solar power plants solely used for captive consumption by a consumer or group of consumers” from certain ALMM amendments, its applicability to government and public sector enterprises had remained a point of query. The ALMM for solar PV cells was separately implemented on December 9, 2024.
Responding to a query on whether this captive consumption exemption extended to government entities and public sector enterprises, MNRE had clarified on May 16, 2025, that since government projects were covered under ALMM from the very beginning, the aforementioned exemption does not apply to their behind-the-meter captive consumption connections.
Building on this, MNRE has now further clarified the requirements concerning ALMM listed solar PV cells for such projects:
For behind-the-meter projects for captive consumption of Government entities or public sector enterprises:
- Commissioned prior to June 1, 2026
These projects are mandated to use ALMM enlisted solar PV modules but are exempt from using ALMM enlisted solar PV cells.
- Commissioned on or after June 1, 2026:
These projects are mandated to use both ALMM enlisted solar PV modules and ALMM enlisted solar PV cells.
This clarification, issued with the approval of the Secretary, MNRE, aims to provide clear guidelines to all stakeholders involved in the execution of solar power projects for captive consumption by government and public sector bodies.