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ALMM & DCR hub · state guide

ALMM, DCR & net-metering in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

How ALMM List-I, DCR and net-metering rules apply for EPCs across APSPDCL, APEPDCL, TSSPDCL and TGNPDCL — the caps, the approval flow, and the BOM checks that keep a job alive.

By the SuryaHub team Updated 20 June 2026 13 min read
TL;DR for EPCs
  • For subsidised and most net-metering work in AP & Telangana, the module must be on ALMM List-I.
  • DCR is mandatory only where the scheme asks for it — most clearly PM Surya Ghar.
  • AP runs through APSPDCL/APEPDCL/APCPDCL (APERC); Telangana through TGSPDCL/TGNPDCL (TGERC).
  • Net-metering size caps are point-in-time — verify with the DISCOM and the regulator before you quote.
  • Check every model on the live ALMM list at the moment you order, not months earlier.

If you install rooftop solar in Andhra Pradesh or Telangana, two rule sets decide whether a job gets paid: the national ALMM and DCR module rules, and the state net-metering rules run by your DISCOM. Get the module wrong and the DISCOM can reject the file — even after the panels are on the roof. This guide maps both for EPCs working across APSPDCL, APEPDCL, TSSPDCL and TGNPDCL.

The short answer for AP & Telangana EPCs

For subsidised and most government-linked net-metering work in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the module model must be on the live ALMM List-I, and DCR applies where the scheme demands it. The DISCOM checks the exact model number and serials at approval. So your job survives only if the BOM is clean at the moment you order — not at the moment you bid.

ALMM and DCR are national rules set by MNRE. Net metering is a state rule set by the regulator (APERC in Andhra Pradesh, TGERC in Telangana) and run by the DISCOM. You must satisfy both. The rest of this guide breaks each one down.

Do AP & Telangana need ALMM-listed modules?

Yes. For subsidised work and most net-metering approvals in both states, the module model must appear on the live ALMM List-I. ALMM is the MNRE Approved List of Models and Manufacturers. A module is listed by its exact model number, not just the brand, so two near-identical models from the same maker can have different statuses.

List-I, List-II and List-III

List-I covers approved modules. List-II covers approved cells — the rule that the cells inside the module must come from an enlisted Indian maker. The List-II cell mandate had an effective date around 1 June 2026, but that date faced deferment requests and court action. Do not treat it as settled. Confirm whether it was deferred in the latest MNRE order, status as of 20 June 2026. List-III for wafers and ingots is planned for around 2028 — verify.

Why the model number matters

The DISCOM and the subsidy portal match the model and serial against the live list. If you order a model that was listed in your quote but delisted before delivery, the file can be rejected. Read our guide on how to check the ALMM list and check it again on the day you place the order.

The DISCOMs and regulators you deal with

Andhra Pradesh net metering runs through three DISCOMs — APSPDCL, APEPDCL and APCPDCL — under the regulator APERC. Telangana runs through TGSPDCL and TGNPDCL under TGERC. Each DISCOM has its own portal, fee, and inspection step, even within the same state.

Know your district DISCOM

Your district decides which DISCOM you file with. A multi-district EPC may deal with two or three portals in one state. Treat each as a separate workflow with its own login and document set. Confirm the live portal name and URL with the DISCOM before you build a process around it — portal names and addresses change.

When DCR applies in AP & Telangana

DCR is mandatory only where the scheme requires domestic content, most clearly the PM Surya Ghar residential subsidy. DCR means the module and its cells are made in India, proven by a DCR certificate from the NISE DCR portal. ALMM-listed does not mean DCR — a module can be on List-I and still not be DCR.

Subsidy vs commercial jobs

For a residential rooftop owner claiming the PM Surya Ghar subsidy in either state, you almost always need a DCR module plus a valid DCR certificate. For many commercial, industrial and open-access jobs, non-DCR modules are allowed and often cheaper. See DCR vs non-DCR panels to pick the right one, and always confirm the DCR rule for your exact scheme against the current MNRE order.

Net-metering caps and rules — verify these

Net-metering size caps in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana depend on consumer class and sanctioned load, and APERC and TGERC revise them. Treat every figure below as point-in-time. Confirm the current cap with the DISCOM and the latest regulator order before you size and quote a system.

ALMM List-I (modules)
Module model must be on the live MNRE list for subsidised and most net-metering work
National — MNRE · Verify model on the live list
List-II (cells)
Cells from an enlisted Indian maker; effective date litigated
National — MNRE · Confirm if deferred in latest order
DCR certificate
Needed where the scheme requires domestic content (PM Surya Ghar subsidy)
National — NISE portal · Verify on NISE DCR portal
Net-metering cap
Upper system size for net metering varies by consumer class
State — APERC / TGERC · Confirm current cap before quoting
Inverter standard
ALMM/CEA listed inverter with anti-islanding
National + State · Confirm DISCOM inverter list

Caption: National vs state rules for AP & Telangana. Source: MNRE, APERC, TGERC and the DISCOMs — figures point-in-time, verify before quoting.

The net-metering approval flow

The flow in both states is broadly the same: apply, get a feasibility check, install with a listed module and inverter, then pass a joint inspection before the DISCOM sets the net meter. ALMM and DCR are checked at the document stage and again at inspection.

Where compliance is checked

The DISCOM reads your module model against the live ALMM list and, for subsidised work, your DCR certificate. At the joint inspection, the team can scan serials and match them to the listing and the certificate. A mismatch here stalls the approval. Our guide on ALMM at DISCOM approval walks through exactly what they check.

Why approvals get rejected

Most rejections trace to a module or paperwork problem, not the wiring. The fixes are simple if you catch them before the order goes out.

  • Model not on the live list — it was listed at bid time but delisted before delivery.
  • Serial not found in the ALMM RFID or QR check — see the serial fix guide.
  • DCR certificate mismatch — the certificate names a different model or batch than the panels delivered.
  • Inverter not on the approved list — the DISCOM keeps its own inverter list; confirm it.
  • System over the cap — sized above the current net-metering limit for that consumer class.

Building a clean BOM for AP & Telangana

A clean bill of materials is your best defence. Lock the module model, confirm it on the live ALMM list, attach the DCR certificate where needed, and record every serial before the panels leave the warehouse.

The order-day checklist

  • Re-check the exact module model on the live ALMM List-I on the day you order.
  • For subsidised work, confirm the DCR certificate covers the same model and batch.
  • Confirm the inverter is on the DISCOM and ALMM/CEA lists.
  • Record module serials and keep the RFID or QR data with the file.
  • Confirm the system size fits the current net-metering cap for that consumer class.

Read BOM compliance for procurement for the full method, and use the compliance checklist template on every job.

How SuryaHub helps EPCs in AP & Telangana

SuryaHub checks every module model on the BOM against the ALMM list, stores the DCR certificate and serials with the job, and tracks each net-metering file across APSPDCL, TSSPDCL and the other DISCOMs in one place. The procurement and inventory module flags a non-listed model before the order goes out, and government workflows keep each DISCOM file moving. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; the real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL, and every figure here is a scheme rule to verify, not a guarantee.

Catch a non-ALMM module before you order

See how SuryaHub checks every BOM and tracks each DISCOM file.

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Frequently asked questions

Do solar modules need ALMM listing for net metering in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana?+

Yes. For subsidised and most government-linked net-metering work in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the module model must sit on the live ALMM List-I. The DISCOM can check the exact model number at approval. Always verify the model on the current MNRE ALMM list before you order.

Is DCR mandatory for rooftop solar in AP and Telangana?+

DCR is mandatory only where the scheme requires domestic content, most clearly the PM Surya Ghar residential subsidy. Many commercial and open-access jobs in AP and Telangana can use non-DCR modules. Confirm the DCR rule for your specific scheme against the current MNRE order and the NISE DCR portal.

Which DISCOMs run net metering in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana?+

Andhra Pradesh net metering runs through APSPDCL, APEPDCL and APCPDCL under APERC. Telangana runs through TGSPDCL and TGNPDCL under TGERC. Each DISCOM has its own portal and inspection step. Confirm the live portal name and the current process with the DISCOM for your district.

What is the net-metering size cap in AP and Telangana?+

Net-metering size caps in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana depend on consumer class and the sanctioned load, and the rules are revised by APERC and TGERC. Treat any single number as point-in-time. Confirm the current cap with the DISCOM and the latest regulator order before you size and quote a system.

Can an ALMM-listed module still be rejected at the DISCOM?+

Yes. A module can be ALMM-listed yet still be rejected if the serial number does not match the listing, the model was delisted after you bought it, or the paperwork is for a different model. The DISCOM verifies the exact model and serials, so check the live list at the moment you order.

How does SuryaHub help EPCs in AP and Telangana?+

SuryaHub checks every module model on the BOM against the ALMM list, stores the DCR certificate and serials, and tracks each net-metering file across APSPDCL, TSSPDCL and the other DISCOMs in one place. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; the real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL.

Sources & references

ALMM and DCR rules are national; net-metering caps and portals are state-specific and change often. Always confirm the live position with MNRE, the regulator and your DISCOM before you quote.

Written by the SuryaHub team · reviewed against MNRE, NISE, APERC/TGERC & DISCOM sources · updated 20 June 2026.

Method: National ALMM/DCR rules and state net-metering points are taken from the sources above and re-checked every 30 days. State caps and portal names are point-in-time field estimates — verify before quoting. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; only Suryantra Energy and RGESPL are real pilots.

Change log: 20 Jun 2026 — first published.

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