The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has provided important relief for residential rooftop solar consumers under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. According to a recent clarification, homeowners who choose the scheme’s “Give It Up” option and do not claim Central Financial Assistance (CFA) will be exempt from the ALMM List-II requirement for solar PV cells until March 31, 2027.

The decision is expected to provide greater flexibility for residential rooftop solar installations while helping accelerate rooftop solar adoption across India.

What Is the “Give It Up” Option?

Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, eligible residential consumers can receive government subsidies for rooftop solar systems.

However, consumers who voluntarily choose not to claim the subsidy can apply under the “Give It Up” category.

These consumers can still avail:

• Net metering benefits
• Rooftop solar installation approval
• PM Surya Ghar portal registration

But they will not receive central financial assistance.

ALMM List-II Exemption Until March 2027

MNRE clarified that residential rooftop solar consumers using the “Give It Up” option will not be required to install ALMM List-II compliant domestic solar PV cells for projects commissioned up to March 31, 2027.

Key points include:

✅ Non-DCR solar panels allowed
✅ No ALMM List-II compliance required
✅ No separate NISE DCR portal registration needed
✅ Application must be submitted through the PM Surya Ghar National Portal

This exemption only applies to eligible residential rooftop solar projects under the PM Surya Ghar programme.

Why the Exemption Matters

The clarification comes at a time when the solar industry continues facing shortages of DCR-compliant solar modules and cells.

Industry experts believe the exemption could:

• Improve module availability
• Reduce project waiting times
• Lower rooftop solar installation costs
• Give consumers more technology options

Non-DCR solar modules are generally available at lower prices and are easier to source compared to domestically compliant DCR modules.

Subsidy Benefits Still Remain Attractive

Although the exemption offers flexibility, consumers choosing the “Give It Up” category will lose access to significant subsidy benefits.

For example:

• Up to ₹78,000 Central Subsidy on a 3 kW system
• Additional state subsidies in some states
• Reduced overall project cost

Industry observers expect most middle-class households to continue preferring subsidized rooftop solar systems due to the strong financial benefits available under PM Surya Ghar.

Impact on Rooftop Solar Market

The decision could create two distinct residential rooftop solar segments:

Subsidized Systems

• DCR compliant modules
• Government subsidy benefits
• Higher compliance requirements

Non-Subsidized Systems

• Non-DCR modules permitted
• Faster project execution
• Potentially lower upfront system pricing

The choice will largely depend on consumer priorities, project timelines, and overall installation costs.

🇮🇳 Supporting Rooftop Solar Growth

The PM Surya Ghar scheme remains one of India’s largest rooftop solar programmes, targeting widespread adoption of residential solar energy.

MNRE’s latest clarification is expected to:

• Increase consumer flexibility
• Address module supply concerns
• Support rooftop solar growth
• Accelerate renewable energy adoption

The move aligns with India’s broader objective of expanding clean energy generation while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.

MNRE’s decision to allow non-DCR solar panels under the PM Surya Ghar “Give It Up” category provides greater flexibility for residential rooftop solar consumers.

While the exemption may help reduce installation delays and improve module availability, the substantial subsidy benefits available under the standard PM Surya Ghar scheme are expected to remain the primary choice for most homeowners.

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