DCR Panels & ALMM List-II: What MNRE’s 2026 Rules Mean for Your Project
DCR Panels & ALMM List-II
Made-in-India cells are now mandatory for subsidised, government, net-metered and open-access projects.
DCR Panels & ALMM List-II: What MNRE’s 2026 Rules Mean for Your Project
India is moving its solar supply chain upstream. After ALMM List-I made it mandatory to use enlisted modules, MNRE introduced ALMM List-II for solar cells. Since 1 June 2026, projects in covered categories must use modules built with cells from enlisted Indian manufacturers — popularly called DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) panels.
Which projects need List-II / DCR modules?
- Government and government-supported projects
- PM Surya Ghar residential rooftop (subsidy-linked)
- PM-KUSUM Components B and C
- Projects taking net-metering or open-access benefits (after the transition window)
Purely private projects that use no subsidy, net-metering or open-access benefit are generally outside the mandate — but they should still be checked case by case.
The 2026 orders at a glance
| Date | MNRE action | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jun 2026 | ALMM List-II effective | Covered projects must use enlisted Indian cells |
| 6 Jul 2026 | Clarification for government rooftop | Compliance depends on bid date; non-competitive projects commissioned from 1 Jun 2026 must comply |
| 18 Jul 2026 | Exemption extended | Net-metering & open-access projects exempt if commissioned by 31 Dec 2026 |
| 21 Aug 2026 | List-II 9th revision | More TOPCon & HJT cell models enlisted |
| 1 Jun 2028 | ALMM List-III (planned) | Wafers & ingots to be covered |
“Commissioned” means installed, inspected, metered and synchronised to the grid — not just ordered or delivered. Plan net-metered and open-access projects to commission well before 31 December 2026.
DCR vs non-DCR: what changes for you
DCR modules typically cost more per watt than non-DCR modules because Indian cell capacity is still catching up with module capacity. In exchange, they unlock subsidies and keep projects compliant for net-metering and open access. IG Solar sources DCR and non-DCR modules from leading Indian manufacturers — including Waaree, Adani, Pahal, Goldi, RPSG Solvanta and Aroma Solar — and selects the right option for each project category.
Always verify the exact module and cell models against the latest ALMM list on the MNRE website at the time of procurement — the lists are revised frequently.
- ALMM List-II (cells) mandatory from 1 June 2026 for covered projects
- Net-metering & open-access projects exempt only if commissioned by 31 Dec 2026
- PM Surya Ghar subsidy needs DCR modules (Indian cells + modules)
- ALMM List-III (wafers & ingots) planned from 1 June 2028
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