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MNRE Clarifies ALMM Criteria for Solar Cells, Sets New Rules for Enlistment

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued key clarifications regarding the inclusion of solar cells in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), which will become effective under List II from June 1, 2026. Until now, only solar modules were covered under ALMM.

A major clarification includes treating PID (Potential Induced Degradation) and non-PID cells as distinct product families, requiring separate enlistment. MNRE will also collect efficiency and wattage data during ALMM inspections to calculate and list average efficiencies. Minor physical changes—such as efficiency variation within ±2% (relative), dimensions within ±2 mm, and thickness within ±10 µm—won’t require a new physical audit.

Additionally, temperature coefficient tolerances will not mandate re-listing unless there’s a change in cell technology. Different technologies must be registered individually with separate applications. The ministry confirmed that reference solar cells used in evaluation will follow IEC 60904 standards, with classification based on cell type, technology, dimensions, and PID attributes, not on wattage or efficiency alone.

In a parallel move, MNRE recently reduced the minimum efficiency requirement for crystalline silicon modules used in off-grid solar projects from 19% to 18%, likely to ease adoption and promote wider deployment in rural and remote areas. These changes aim to facilitate a smoother transition as India gears up for broader domestic solar cell production and stricter quality oversight under ALMM.