The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has decided not to give a blanket extension beyond June 1, 2026, for new rules requiring the use of approved locally made solar cells in many solar power projects.The government said the decision is aimed at supporting local solar manufacturing and giving long-term policy clarity to the industry.However, some delayed renewable energy projects may still get extra time on a case-by-case basis to protect investments already made by developers.These include projects where solar equipment has already been installed but the project is yet to start operations, or projects where major groundwork has already been completed.According to the ministry, such groundwork could include land purchase, financing arrangements, power connectivity approvals, and delivery or installation of solar modules.Under the current rules, certain solar projects that begin operations before June 1, 2026, are exempt from the new sourcing norms.
Projects starting after that date must comply with the rules.Developers seeking extra time will have to apply through a dedicated portal set up by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) before June 30, 2026.An expert committee formed by MNRE will review the applications individually and decide whether extensions should be granted.The ministry said the move tries to balance support for India’s domestic solar manufacturing industry with the need to protect investments in projects delayed despite substantial progress.MNRE also referred to a Finance Ministry memorandum issued in April 2026, which said disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia situation could be treated as war-related events.
The memorandum suggested that any deadline relaxations should be granted selectively rather than across the board.Separately, the ministry clarified that residential consumers participating in the “Give It Up” campaign under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana will continue under existing scheme rules until March 31, 2027, if they voluntarily give up government subsidy.Such consumers will still need to apply through the scheme’s national portal.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has decided not to give a blanket extension beyond June 1, 2026, for new rules requiring the use of approved locally made solar cells in many solar power projects.The government said the decision is aimed at supporting local solar manufacturing and giving long-term policy clarity to the industry.However, some delayed renewable energy projects may still get extra time on a case-by-case basis to protect investments already made by developers.These include projects where solar equipment has already been installed but the project is yet to start operations, or projects where major groundwork has already been completed.According to the ministry, such groundwork could include land purchase, financing arrangements, power connectivity approvals, and delivery or installation of solar modules.Under the current rules, certain solar projects that begin operations before June 1, 2026, are exempt from the new sourcing norms. Projects starting after that date must comply with the rules.Developers seeking extra time will have to apply through a dedicated portal set up by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) before June 30, 2026.An expert committee formed by MNRE will review the applications individually and decide whether extensions should be granted.The ministry said the move tries to balance support for India’s domestic solar manufacturing industry with the need to protect investments in projects delayed despite substantial progress.MNRE also referred to a Finance Ministry memorandum issued in April 2026, which said disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia situation could be treated as war-related events. The memorandum suggested that any deadline relaxations should be granted selectively rather than across the board.Separately, the ministry clarified that residential consumers participating in the “Give It Up” campaign under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana will continue under existing scheme rules until March 31, 2027, if they voluntarily give up government subsidy.Such consumers will still need to apply through the scheme’s national portal.
