Non-DCR Solar for Businesses: The 31 December 2026 Deadline

India runs two Approved List of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM) lists. List-I governs the module; List-II governs the solar cell — the requirement that the cell itself, not just the assembled module, be domestically manufactured. List-II became mandatory for most projects from 1 June 2026 (government/PSU-tendered projects had no exemption at all). MNRE Office Memorandum No. 283/53/2026-GRID SOLAR, dated 18 July 2026, then extended specific relief to net-metering and open-access renewable projects: those commissioned on or before 31 December 2026 can still use non-DCR (imported-cell) modules.

The rule tests your commissioning date, not your order date. A net-metering or open-access project commissioned on or before 31 December 2026 can still use non-DCR (imported-cell) modules. A project commissioned from 1 January 2027 onward must use ALMM List-II compliant panels — domestic cells. For an MSME planning a net-metered rooftop, that compresses the procurement-to-commissioning timeline more than most vendors mention up front.

Practically, expect domestic-cell modules to carry a premium and tighter availability as the deadline nears and demand bunches up. If your commissioning is likely to slip into 2027, plan around List-II pricing and supply now rather than discovering it at the inspection stage. This is separate from the residential rule — PM Surya Ghar subsidised homes already require DCR modules regardless of this window.

We last checked this on 4 October 2026 and found no change to the 31 December 2026 date — MNRE has said there is no blanket extension. Policy windows like this do get revised, so confirm the current position on mnre.gov.in before you lock a procurement plan or sign a supply contract.