The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced that residential rooftop solar consumers under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY) who choose the “Give It Up” option and forgo Central Financial Assistance (CFA) will be exempt from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II requirement for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells until March 31, 2027.
The clarification addresses industry queries regarding the applicability of ALMM List-II norms for consumers opting out of central subsidies under the scheme. Under the PM Surya Ghar programme, consumers can receive subsidies of up to Rs 78,000 for a 3 kW rooftop solar system.
According to MNRE, residential consumers availing net metering through the scheme and selecting the “Give It Up” category can install rooftop solar systems without using ALMM-listed solar PV cells, provided their applications are submitted through the PM Surya Ghar National Portal and projects are commissioned before March 31, 2027.
The ministry also clarified that eligible consumers under this category will not be required to separately apply for ALMM List-II exemption through the Digital Clearance and Registration (DCR) Portal of the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
MNRE stated that the exemption applies only to residential rooftop solar projects under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. All other rooftop solar installations outside the programme will continue to be governed by existing ALMM regulations and related orders.
The memorandum has been circulated to state energy departments, distribution companies (DISCOMs), renewable energy agencies, and other stakeholders for implementation.
The move is expected to provide greater flexibility to residential rooftop solar consumers and support the government’s efforts to accelerate solar adoption. It also comes at a time when the industry continues to face a shortage of DCR-compliant solar modules due to limited domestic manufacturing capacity and rising demand.
Industry observers believe the clarification may encourage vendors to promote non-DCR modules, which are generally more affordable and easier to source. However, persuading consumers to forgo subsidies of up to Rs 78,000 from the Centre, along with state incentives of up to Rs 30,000 in several states, could limit adoption of the “Give It Up” category.
The development also comes amid rising rooftop solar installation costs. While many installers continue to offer 3 kW systems in the Rs 1.8 lakh to Rs 2.3 lakh range, some vendors are quoting prices as high as Rs 3 lakh. With DCR-compliant modules costing significantly more than non-DCR alternatives, industry participants expect pricing pressures to continue in the months ahead.
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