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 frame this as of August 2026, and policy windows like this do get revised. Confirm the current position on mnre.gov.in before you lock a procurement plan or sign a supply contract.