The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has clarified that solar projects installed exclusively to charge energy storage systems (ESS) will not be exempt from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) requirements. If the electricity generated by a solar project is used to charge an ESS that is either directly or indirectly connected to the grid, then such projects do not qualify as behind-the-meter projects meant solely for captive consumption. Therefore, they will not be eligible for exemption from the ALMM requirements for solar modules.
Furthermore, the MNRE clarified that the behind-the-meter classification only applies to projects developed strictly for captive use by individual or group consumers, without any interaction with the grid. The applicability of ALMM requirements for solar cells in such setups depends on whether the ESS project itself is exempt. If the ESS is exempt, the linked solar project may also be exempt. However, if the ESS is not exempt, then the associated solar project will also be subject to ALMM compliance.
Earlier this month, the MNRE amended its ALMM order for solar PV cells, making the mandate effective one month after the ALMM list is published, while retaining June 1, 2026 as the commissioning date requirement for projects.
