MNRE Brings Major Relief for Commercial Solar Projects: Non-DCR Solar Panels Allowed Until 31 December 2026

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, has announced a significant relief for the commercial and industrial (C&I) solar sector. In its latest notification, the government has granted a temporary relaxation allowing eligible commercial solar projects to use non-DCR solar panels/cells until 31 December 2026, subject to specific conditions.

This announcement has been welcomed by EPC companies, solar installers, vendors, and commercial consumers as it is expected to reduce project costs, improve equipment availability, and accelerate solar adoption across India.

If your business is planning to install a commercial solar power system, understanding this latest update is essential.

What Was the Rule Earlier?

With the implementation of ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) List-II for Solar PV Cells, many commercial solar projects were expected to use approved domestic solar cells for commissioning after 1 June 2026. While the objective was to strengthen India's domestic manufacturing ecosystem, the industry faced challenges such as:

• Limited availability of domestic solar cells

• Higher procurement costs

• Delays in project execution

• Increased financial burden on commercial consumers

These challenges affected many businesses planning rooftop and ground-mounted solar projects.

What Has Changed?

The latest notification from MNRE provides a temporary relaxation for eligible projects.

Under this notification, qualifying Net Metering and Open Access renewable energy projects can continue to use Non-DCR/Non-ALMM List-II compliant solar cells for commissioning until 31 December 2026, subject to the conditions mentioned by the Ministry.

This temporary relief provides greater flexibility to EPC companies and commercial project owners who were facing delays due to limited domestic cell availability.

However, it is important to understand that this is not a blanket exemption for every commercial solar project. The relaxation applies only to eligible project categories mentioned in the official notification.

Read the Official MNRE Notification

This article is based on the official notification issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India.

For complete details, refer to the official documents below:

Official MNRE Notification:
https://mnre.gov.in/en/notice/almm-list-ii-for-solar-pv-cells-no-blanket-extension-subject-to-limited-window-till-31-12-2026-for-commissioning-net-metering-and-open-access-re-power-projects/

Official Office Memorandum (PDF):
https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3716e1b8c6cd17b771da77391355749f3/uploads/2026/07/202607181895863474.pdf

Before making any procurement or installation decisions, project developers should carefully review the official notification to confirm whether their project qualifies under the latest guidelines.

What Does Non-DCR Mean?

One of the biggest misconceptions circulating on social media is that non-DCR means imported or foreign-made solar panels.

That is not correct.

DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) refers to projects where government policy requires the use of specified domestic content.

Non-DCR simply means that the project is not subject to Domestic Content Requirement. The modules or cells may be imported or may also be manufactured in India, depending on the supplier.

Therefore, non-DCR should never be interpreted as "non-Indian" solar panels.

Benefits for Commercial Project Owners

The latest MNRE notification offers several practical advantages for commercial and industrial consumers.

Lower Installation Cost

One of the biggest benefits is reduced project cost. Since developers have more procurement flexibility, commercial solar systems can become more affordable compared to relying solely on limited domestic supply.

Faster Project Completion

Solar EPC companies can source materials more efficiently, reducing project delays and ensuring quicker commissioning.

Better Equipment Availability

The temporary relaxation helps improve the availability of solar modules and cells, reducing dependency on a limited domestic supply chain.

Improved Return on Investment (ROI)

Lower installation costs help businesses recover their investment faster while significantly reducing monthly electricity expenses.

Who Can Benefit?

This notification is especially beneficial for:

• Manufacturing industries

• Commercial buildings

• Factories

• Warehouses

• Hospitals

• Educational institutions

• Hotels

• Shopping complexes

• Industrial parks

• Businesses planning Net Metering or Open Access solar projects

Companies that postponed their solar projects due to increasing costs may now find this an ideal opportunity to move forward.

Don't Miss the 31 December 2026 Deadline

The relaxation announced by MNRE is temporary.

Eligible projects must be commissioned on or before 31 December 2026 to take advantage of the current exemption.

Businesses planning commercial rooftop or industrial solar installations should begin project planning, approvals, procurement, and installation well in advance to avoid missing the deadline.

After this period, the government may reinstate the standard compliance requirements unless a new notification is issued.

Is Every Commercial Project Eligible?

No.

This is perhaps the most important clarification.

Many videos and social media posts are creating the impression that every commercial project in India can now freely install non-DCR panels.

That interpretation is incorrect.

The latest MNRE notification specifically applies to eligible Net Metering and Open Access renewable energy projects, subject to the conditions mentioned in the official notification.

Businesses should verify their eligibility before finalizing any procurement decisions.

Why This Decision Matters for India's Solar Industry

India's commercial solar market has been growing rapidly, but the availability of domestic solar cells has remained one of the industry's biggest challenges.

This temporary relaxation provides much-needed relief by:

• Reducing project delays

• Supporting faster commercial solar adoption

• Helping EPC companies execute projects more efficiently

• Lowering installation costs for businesses

• Supporting India's renewable energy targets while domestic manufacturing capacity continues to expand

It represents a balanced approach that supports both the growth of India's solar industry and the long-term vision of strengthening domestic manufacturing.

Planning a Commercial Solar Project? Choose the Right Solar Partner

If you're planning to install a commercial rooftop solar system or industrial solar plant before 31 December 2026, choosing the right EPC partner is just as important as understanding the latest government policy.

Jasko Energy, recognized as one of the best solar companies in Ahmedabad, offers complete commercial and industrial solar solutions, including project consultation, system design, Net Metering assistance, installation, and commissioning support.

Whether you're installing solar for a factory, warehouse, office, educational institution, or commercial building, Jasko Energy helps businesses maximize savings while ensuring compliance with the latest MNRE regulations.

Final Thoughts

The latest MNRE notification is undoubtedly a positive step for India's commercial solar industry. By providing temporary relief for eligible Net Metering and Open Access projects until 31 December 2026, the government has allowed businesses to reduce installation costs, improve project feasibility, and accelerate the transition to clean energy.

However, businesses should remember that this is not a universal exemption for all commercial solar projects. The relaxation applies only to projects covered under the conditions specified by MNRE.

If you're planning to invest in commercial solar, now is the right time to evaluate your project's eligibility and begin the installation process before the deadline. Partnering with an experienced EPC company like Jasko Energy, the best solar company in Ahmedabad, can help ensure your project is executed smoothly while making the most of this limited-time opportunity.