Follow India Renewable Energy News on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights

MNRE Proposes Lower Efficiency for Off-Grid Solar Modules in ALMM Amendment

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed an amendment to reduce the minimum module efficiency requirement for off-grid solar projects under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). According to the proposed changes, the minimum efficiency for crystalline silicon (c-Si) modules used in off-grid applications will be lowered from 19% to 18%, while efficiency requirements for cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film modules will remain unchanged.

This amendment applies specifically to off-grid solar applications such as solar lamps, lights, streetlights, and fans, excluding solar pumps and rooftop systems. The modules used in these projects must have a capacity of less than 200 Wp. MNRE has also proposed the creation of ALMM List-I (distributed renewable energy), which will cover off-grid applications, including solar streetlights and fans.

The proposed changes respond to industry stakeholders' requests for lower efficiency thresholds to facilitate the adoption of off-grid solar solutions. Additionally, MNRE has introduced a new "any other application" category for projects that do not fall under utility/grid-scale, rooftop, or off-grid categories. This category will have a minimum efficiency requirement of 19% for c-Si modules and 18% for CdTe thin-film modules. MNRE has invited industry feedback on the amendment until March 1, 2025. However, efficiency requirements for utility/grid-scale projects will remain at 20% for c-Si modules and 19% for CdTe modules. Rooftop and solar pump systems will continue to require a minimum of 19.5% for c-Si modules and 18.5% for CdTe modules.