India Extends Solar Cells Local Sourcing Deadline for Open Access, Net Metering Projects
India Extends Solar Cells Local Sourcing Deadline for Open Access, Net Metering Projects
IN · Published Jul 18, 2026
The Indian government has extended the deadline for renewable energy projects under open access and net metering to use imported solar cells without adhering to the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM-II) until December
This exemption, announced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, aims to provide relief to standalone solar module manufacturers and allow them to utilize existing inventories. The extension applies to commercial and industrial projects, which contributed 15 GW to India's 44.61 GW solar energy capacity in FY26.

Impact & Risks

The extension provides temporary relief to developers and manufacturers, allowing them to use imported solar cells for ongoing projects. However, the government has clarified that the localization policy remains unchanged, and the exemption is limited to specific project categories. This could lead to challenges for manufacturers in transitioning to domestically approved solar cells, potentially affecting the pace of renewable energy adoption.

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