ALMM: MNRE Proposes To Increases Min Module Efficiency From 2027, Issues Draft Paper

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed phasing out lower-efficiency solar modules from government-supported projects, according to its latest draft notification revising the eligibility criteria for domestic manufacturers under the ALMM framework.

The draft outlines a phased increase in minimum threshold efficiency requirements of solar modiles used across different market segments between 2027 and 2028.

Upto 21.5% Efficiency For Utility Scale 

For crystalline silicon modules used in utility-scale projects, MNRE has proposed raising the minimum efficiency threshold from the current 20% to 21% from January 1, 2027, and further to 21.5% from January 1, 2028.

For thin-film modules based on cadmium telluride (CdTe) technology, commonly used by manufacturers such as First Solar, the ministry has proposed increasing the minimum efficiency requirement from 19% to 20% in 2027 and to 20.5% in 2028.

For Rooftop Solar 

In the rooftop solar and solar pump segments, the minimum efficiency threshold is proposed to rise from 19.5% to 20%, and then to 20.5%. Similar increases have been suggested for off-grid and other applications. Across all segments, the prescribed thresholds for CdTe modules remain slightly lower than those for crystalline silicon technologies.

MNRE has also indicated that manufacturers failing to meet the revised efficiency criteria will be removed from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).

“The solar PV modules which are presently enlisted in ALMM or get enlisted in ALMM in the next few months, but have efficiencies below the revised module efficiency thresholds proposed above, will be removed from ALMM List-I once the new thresholds become effective,” the draft order said.