WhatsApp groups are full of two dates: “21 June solar mehnga” and “30 June last date.” Both sound official. Neither is fully right. MNRE’s ALMM List-II rule applies from 1 June 2026 for many on-grid projects commissioned on or after that day. 30 June 2026 is the NISE portal deadline to file case-by-case exemption paperwork — not the day List-II “starts.”
This article is written for farmers and rural small entrepreneurs who want rooftop net metering, a PM Surya Ghar kit, or a grid-linked pump — not for MW developers only. For the full policy breakdown, read ALMM List-II on-grid cost guide. For farm-scale solar income, see PM-KUSUM.
Correct dates: List-II compliance for covered projects → commissioning from 1 June 2026. Exemption claims on NISE portal → by 30 June 2026. There is no MNRE “21 June” start date — that mix-up often comes from confusing June month headlines.
Why farmers are confused: 1 June vs 21 June vs 30 June
| Date | What it actually means |
|---|---|
| 1 June 2026 | ALMM List-II (cells) mandatory for applicable net-metering / open-access projects commissioned on or after this date (with List-I modules) |
| 21 June 2026 | Not the national MNRE List-II start — often a misread of news, vendor marketing, or confusion with 30 June |
| 30 June 2026 | Last day to submit case-by-case exemption documents on the NISE portal |
If your dealer said “wait till 21 June, prices will settle,” verify in writing against mnre.gov.in orders. MNRE (May 2026, reported in Mercom, TaiyangNews, etc.) declined a blanket extension of the 1 June date.
Real impact on a kisan’s pocket
Module prices (market reports, not government MRP)
Industry press in 2026 often cites:
- Rs 25–27 per watt for compliant domestic modules
- Earlier import-heavy era quotes around Rs 21–22 per watt
On a 3 kW rooftop for a farmhouse or dairy:
- A Rs 4–5/W swing ≈ Rs 12,000–15,000 difference in panel stack alone
- Full EPC with inverter, structure, and DISCOM fees can move more
That hurts — but non-ALMM panels on a subsidised or net-metering job can cost more later through subsidy rejection or meter refusal.
Net metering and “light at home”
ALMM does not directly switch off your lights. It affects what hardware DISCOMs accept when you apply for grid-tied systems. If you already have a plant and power behaviour is wrong, that is usually wiring / export-only / outage behaviour — see on-grid solar no power fix.
Who feels List-II the most?
Higher impact
- New rooftop net metering after June 2026
- PM Surya Ghar applicants buying fresh kits
- Open-access or large farm plants commissioning now
- Component C grid-connected pump solarisation with grid export rules
Lower or different rules
- Standalone PM-KUSUM Component B off-grid pumps (still check state tender ALMM)
- Projects fully commissioned before 1 June 2026 (confirm with DISCOM)
When in doubt, ask: Will my system export to the grid or need DISCOM approval? If yes, treat ALMM as default.
Case-by-case exemption: your escape hatch (not automatic)
MNRE allowed limited relief, not a free pass for everyone.
Category I: 100% modules installed on site before 1 June 2026, project not commissioned — Electrical Inspectorate proof on DC work.
Category II: Effective steps before cutoff — e.g. 75% land possession, financial closure, connectivity approval, approved drawings, modules arrived or >50% installed with geo-tagged photos and invoices.
Apply: NISE portal by 30 June 2026.
If you are mid-project, gather papers now — committee review and possible field inspection take time.
More context: wait or install solar in 2026.
Step-by-step: before you pay advance to the vendor
- Write the commissioning target date on the quotation — installation ≠ commissioning
- ALMM List-I model number for modules + proof cells are List-II sourced
- DISCOM pre-check — net metering capacity in your feeder
- Subsidy portal rules — PM Surya Ghar / state scheme may reject non-listed kits
- Second quote from a compliant integrator — compare Rs 25–27/W class honestly
Pair this with farm planning: PM-KUSUM pump subsidy, Rajasthan curtailment risks if you lease land in high-solar states, and government subsidy list.
Bottom line for farmers
- List-II starts 1 June 2026 for covered commissioned projects — ignore the 21 June myth
- 30 June is for exemption filing, not “when ALMM begins”
- Expect higher module quotes short term (Rs 25–27/W band in trade press)
- Case-by-case exemption exists — but only with documents on NISE
Disclaimer: ALMM lists and MNRE orders change. Verify on mnre.gov.in and NISE. Ask Kisan is not MNRE or your DISCOM.
Last verified: June 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is ALMM List-II starting on 21 June or 1 June 2026?
The MNRE compliance date for ALMM List-II (domestic cells) on applicable net-metering and open-access projects is 1 June 2026 for projects commissioned on or after that date — not 21 June. The 30 June 2026 date is the NISE portal deadline for case-by-case exemption claims, which causes confusion.
Will solar panels cost more for farmers after June 2026?
Trade reports cite domestic module prices around Rs 25–27 per watt versus roughly Rs 21–22 earlier. Small rooftop systems may see tens of thousands of rupees higher EPC cost. Subsidy schemes still require ALMM-listed equipment — there is no shortcut with non-listed cheap panels on covered projects.
What is the NISE portal deadline?
If you qualify for case-by-case relief (modules installed before 1 June but not commissioned, or documented effective steps), claims with proof must be submitted on the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) portal by 30 June 2026.
Does ALMM affect PM-KUSUM solar pumps?
Standalone off-grid pumps under Component B follow PM-KUSUM procurement rules — confirm ALMM on your state tender. Grid-connected pump solarisation (Component C) and any net-metering-linked farm rooftop may fall under ALMM List-I/List-II rules from June 2026. Always match model numbers to the current MNRE list.
Should a small farmer wait to install solar?
If you need power now and have a compliant quotation, delaying solely for price drops is risky — domestic supply may stay tight short term. If your project started before 1 June with documented progress, explore NISE exemption by 30 June instead of assuming a blanket extension exists.
