| Work Detail |
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has made changes to the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Order for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, specifically for off-grid applications. These changes focus on projects such as solar lamps, solar street lights, solar fans, and other similar applications, excluding solar-powered agricultural pumps and solar PV rooftop systems. The amendment relates to reducing the minimum module efficiency threshold for enlistment in the ALMM for off-grid solar applications where the individual solar PV module capacity is less than 200-Watt peak. This decision follows the original ALMM Order issued on January 2, 2019, which made it mandatory for all solar PV modules used in government-supported projects to be sourced from models and manufacturers listed in the ALMM. Over time, this order has been accompanied by various clarifications and procedural guidelines, including the guideline issued on March 28, 2019. According to the most recent operational memorandum dated May 10, 2023, and its subsequent amendment dated March 22, 2024, minimum efficiency requirements were set for different categories of solar applications. For utility-scale grid power plants, crystalline-silicon (c-Si) based modules were required to have a minimum efficiency of 20%, while cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin film-based modules needed 19%. For rooftop systems and solar pumping, the thresholds were 18.5% for c-Si and 18% for CdTe modules. Off-grid lighting projects, however, were also subject to an 18% efficiency requirement, which many developers and stakeholders felt was too stringent for small-scale applications. After receiving multiple representations from the industry requesting relaxation of efficiency thresholds for small off-grid systems, MNRE reviewed the matter. The ministry has now announced revised efficiency thresholds for off-grid applications. These off-grid solar projects, involving PV modules of less than 200-Watt peak, will now be eligible for ALMM enlistment with a minimum efficiency of 18% for both c-Si and CdTe technologies. However, these modules will not be listed in the main ALMM List-I but in a newly created separate list named ALMM List-I (DRE), dedicated to distributed renewable energy systems. The revised norms aim to support the adoption of smaller solar applications in rural and underserved areas by making it easier for manufacturers to comply with the ALMM requirements. This decision was approved by the Hon’ble Minister for New and Renewable Energy. |
