The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) proposed raising the minimum efficiency requirements for solar cells to qualify for the Approved List of Modules and Manufacturers (ALMM). ALMM approval is mandatory for any solar modules or cells sold within India.
Align with Technological Advancements
MNRE stated that increasing efficiency thresholds—measuring how effectively sunlight converts into electrical energy—will ensure the ALMM reflects the latest advancements in solar PV technology. The ministry added that the higher benchmark will also serve as a barrier to low-efficiency and obsolete technologies, keeping them out of the approved list.
Proposed Efficiency Increase from 2027
In its Draft for Stakeholder Consultation, MNRE has recommended:
*A 1 percentage-point increase in efficiency across categories starting January 1, 2027
*An additional 0.5 percentage-point increase effective January 1, 2028
These revised thresholds apply across four categories:
*Utility and grid-scale
*Rooftop solar and pumping
*Off-grid systems with domestic requirement
*Other applications
Each category includes specific efficiency benchmarks for crystalline silicon and thin-film (CdTe) technologies.
Utility-Scale Solar Efficiency
For the utility-scale category:
Current requirement:
*20% (crystalline silicon)
*19% (cadmium telluride)
Proposed from 2027:
*21% (crystalline silicon)
*19.5% (cadmium telluride)
Existing Modules May Be Delisted
Importantly, MNRE has stated that once the new efficiency norms take effect, all modules currently listed in ALMM—as well as those added in the coming months—will be removed unless they meet the updated thresholds. This move aims to push manufacturers toward higher-performance technologies.
Industry Advancements Support the Move
The solar industry has already achieved significant improvements in cell efficiency:
*Mono-PERC and TOPCon technologies now deliver up to 24% efficiency at the cell level.
*HJT technology promises even higher performance.
*In research labs, experimental cells have surpassed 30% efficiency.
As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, with such advancements, MNRE’s proposed revisions aim to ensure India’s ALMM-approved modules keep pace with global technology standards and support the country’s fast-growing renewable energy sector.
