India has extended the deadline for mandatory local sourcing of solar cells for certain renewable energy projects, giving developers more time until December. The relief applies to projects under open access and net metering, which can continue using imported solar cells during the exemption period.
The move temporarily relaxes the ALMM-II requirement, which is tied to the use of domestically approved solar cell models and manufacturers. By allowing imported cells for another seven months, the government is easing compliance pressure on projects that may otherwise have faced supply or timing challenges.
At the same time, the decision does not signal a retreat from India’s broader push to strengthen domestic solar manufacturing. The extension appears to balance two goals: keeping renewable energy installations moving in the near term while reaffirming support for local production over the longer run.
For the solar sector, the change is likely to provide short-term certainty for project planning and execution in the open access and net metering segments. It also gives developers a clearer runway through the rest of the year as the industry adjusts to sourcing rules linked to India’s clean energy and manufacturing ambitions.
