- List-I = approved modules; List-II = approved cells.
- From 1 June 2026, subsidised PM Surya Ghar modules must use List-II domestic cells.
- Non-ALMM/non-DCR equipment = subsidy rejected and the DISCOM may refuse the commissioning certificate.
- "Give It Up": forgo the subsidy and you may use non-List-II cells if commissioned by 31 March 2027 (verify current).
- Verify ALMM status at the point of order, not at installation, and record certificate numbers on invoices.
The single biggest equipment rule for subsidised rooftop work changed on 1 June 2026. It is no longer enough for your panel to be on the approved-module list — the cells inside it now have to come from an approved-cell maker too. Get the sourcing wrong and the customer loses the subsidy and the EPC loses the job. Get it right and it is just a checklist at the purchase order.
ALMM List-I vs List-II in plain words
ALMM is the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers — the government's list of solar equipment allowed in subsidised and government-linked projects. It comes in two parts. List-I is the approved list of modules (the finished panels). List-II is the approved list of cells (the wafers inside the panel that actually generate power).
DCR — the Domestic Content Requirement — sits alongside this. A DCR module uses Indian-made cells in an Indian-made panel. Several PM Surya Ghar segments, including RWA and group-housing common facilities, mandate DCR modules, so a DCR cell must itself be on List-II from 1 June 2026.
The 1 June 2026 rule, before and after
The rule is simple to state: from 1 June 2026, modules used in PM Surya Ghar must be built from cells made by ALMM List-II manufacturers. A List-I panel assembled on non-List-II cells no longer qualifies. Here is the change on a timeline.
Before 1 June 2026
Subsidised PM Surya Ghar modules had to be on ALMM List-I (approved modules). The cells inside were not separately mandated from List-II.
From 1 June 2026
The module must be List-I AND the cells inside it must come from an ALMM List-II (approved cells) manufacturer. A List-I panel built on non-List-II cells no longer qualifies for the subsidy.
Up to 31 March 2027
"Give It Up" window: a consumer who forgoes the central subsidy may use non-List-II cells for a project commissioned by this date (verify current with MNRE).
Which projects the rule covers
The List-II cell requirement is not limited to home rooftops. It applies across the government-linked rooftop and solar segments, so an EPC working any of these must source List-II cells.
- Residential rooftop under PM Surya Ghar — the core subsidised segment.
- PM-KUSUM Components B and C — agricultural pumps and feeder-level solar.
- Net-metered rooftop systems linked to the scheme.
- Open access solar projects in scope.
- Government tenders that specify ALMM compliance.
If you run a mixed pipeline of home, society and government work, standardise on List-I modules with List-II cells across your whole catalogue. That avoids a sourcing mistake when a job moves between segments.
The "Give It Up" exemption
There is one escape hatch. A consumer who chooses to forgo the central subsidy may use modules with non-List-II cells, provided the project is commissioned up to 31 March 2027. This is the "Give It Up" route. Verify the current rule with MNRE before you rely on it, as exemption windows can move.
When Give It Up makes commercial sense
The maths is straightforward: only give up the subsidy when the saving on cheaper non-List-II equipment is larger than the subsidy forgone. For a small residential job the subsidy is usually worth more than the equipment saving, so List-II compliance wins. For some larger non-residential systems where the per-kW subsidy is capped or absent, sourcing flexibility can be worth more. Run the number on each project; do not make it a default.
Why non-ALMM equipment kills the subsidy
Using non-ALMM or non-DCR equipment has two hard consequences. First, the subsidy claim is rejected. Second, the DISCOM may refuse to issue the commissioning certificate, which means the system cannot be formally energised under the scheme. The customer can lose up to ₹78,000 in central subsidy, and the EPC ends up owning the dispute and often the replacement cost.
This is real enforcement, not theory. Sourcing is checked against the installed bill of materials, and a mismatch on cell make or List-II status is a clean ground for rejection. The cheapest way to avoid it is to verify before you buy — see the subsidy rejection reasons guide for the full list of what trips a claim.
A procurement SOP that keeps your BOM compliant
Compliance is won at the purchase order, not the inspection. Build these four steps into how your procurement team buys panels.
Check ALMM at the point of ORDER
Verify the module is on List-I and the cells are List-II when you place the purchase order — not at installation. A model can drop off the list between order and delivery.
Record ALMM certificate numbers on the invoice
Ask the supplier to print the List-I model number and the List-II cell certificate reference on the tax invoice and delivery challan. This is your audit trail.
Match the BOM to the claim
Make sure the make, model and serial numbers on the installed panels match the bill of materials you submit in the subsidy claim and to the DISCOM.
Re-verify before commissioning
Lists are updated periodically. Re-check status before the inspection so the DISCOM cannot refuse the commissioning certificate on a sourcing ground.
How to read the official ALMM lists
The ALMM List-I and List-II are published by MNRE and updated periodically. To keep your catalogue clean, check the manufacturer name and the exact model against List-I, and the cell manufacturer against List-II. A model that was approved last quarter can be removed, and a new capacity can be added, so always work from the current published list rather than a saved copy.
Keep the List-I model reference and the List-II cell certificate number on your approved-vendor record, and re-check both before each large order. Treat the lists like a live document and your bill of materials stays compliant by default.
How SuryaHub helps you stay ALMM-compliant
SuryaHub keeps every module make, model and ALMM List-I / List-II certificate number against the bill of materials for each job, and ties it to the DISCOM and subsidy-claim steps, so a non-compliant item is flagged before commissioning rather than after rejection. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL, and figures here are scheme facts, not guarantees.
Keep every BOM ALMM-clean
See how SuryaHub tracks List-I and List-II numbers against each claim.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ALMM List-I and List-II?+
ALMM List-I is the approved list of solar PV modules (the finished panels), while ALMM List-II is the approved list of solar PV cells that go inside those modules. For PM Surya Ghar, the module must be on List-I and, from 1 June 2026, the cells inside it must come from a List-II manufacturer.
What is the ALMM List-II rule from 1 June 2026 for PM Surya Ghar?+
From 1 June 2026, modules used in PM Surya Ghar must be built from cells made by ALMM List-II approved manufacturers. A List-I module assembled on non-List-II cells no longer qualifies for the subsidy. This covers residential rooftop, PM-KUSUM, net-metered, open access and government tender projects.
What is the Give It Up exemption for ALMM List-II?+
The Give It Up exemption lets a consumer who forgoes the central subsidy use modules with non-List-II cells, provided the project is commissioned up to 31 March 2027. It only makes commercial sense when the saving on cheaper non-List-II equipment beats the subsidy given up. Verify the current rule with MNRE before relying on it.
What happens if I use non-ALMM modules in PM Surya Ghar?+
If you use non-ALMM or non-DCR equipment, the subsidy claim is rejected and the DISCOM may refuse to issue the commissioning certificate. The customer can lose up to ₹78,000 in central subsidy, and the EPC carries the dispute. Always verify ALMM status before ordering, not after installing.
What is DCR in PM Surya Ghar modules?+
DCR stands for Domestic Content Requirement: the module must use Indian-made cells in an Indian-made panel. Subsidised PM Surya Ghar segments such as RWA and group-housing common facilities mandate DCR modules, and from 1 June 2026 those domestic cells must also be from ALMM List-II manufacturers.
How does SuryaHub help with ALMM and DCR compliance?+
SuryaHub tracks each module make, model, ALMM List-I and List-II certificate number against the bill of materials and the subsidy claim, and flags any item that is not compliant before commissioning. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL, and figures here are scheme facts, not guarantees.
Sources & references
ALMM List-I / List-II rules, the 1 June 2026 cell requirement and the exemption window come from primary government sources. Always confirm the current status with your DISCOM and MNRE before you order.
- National Portal for PM Surya Ghar ↗
Module and cell sourcing rules for subsidised rooftop projects.
- Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) ↗
ALMM List-I / List-II orders and the 1 June 2026 cell requirement.
- Press Information Bureau (PIB) ↗
Government announcements on ALMM enforcement and exemptions.
Written by the SuryaHub team · reviewed against MNRE & National Portal sources · updated 19 June 2026.
Method: ALMM and DCR rules are taken from the government sources above and re-checked every 30 days. Subsidy figures are scheme facts, not guarantees; exemption dates can change — verify current with your DISCOM / MNRE. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; only Suryantra Energy and RGESPL are real pilots.
Change log: 19 Jun 2026 — first published.