The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has modified reforms in the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019. This Office Memorandum was issued on March 22, 2024.
The MNRE had issued reforms on 10th May 2023 bringing changes to the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). Notably, these reforms introduced minimum module efficiency thresholds based on end-use categories for enlistment in ALMM.
Initially, the reforms stipulated different efficiency thresholds for various applications such as utility/grid-scale power plants, rooftop and solar pumping, and solar lighting. However, in a recent modification, MNRE has revised these thresholds, aligning them with BIS standards and specifying minimum module efficiency requirements for each category.
The revised efficiency thresholds now stand as follows:
- For Crystalline- Silicon technology-based Solar PV Modules:
- Category I: Utility/Grid Scale Power Plants – 20.00%
- Category II: Rooftop and Pumping – 19.50%
- Category III: Solar Lighting – 19.00%
- For Cadmium Telluride Thin Film technology-based Solar PV Modules:
- Category I: Utility/Grid Scale Power Plants – 19.00%
- Category II: Rooftop and Pumping – 18.50%
- Category III: Solar Lighting – 18.00%
This amendment aims to ensure compliance with quality standards and enhance the efficiency of solar photovoltaic modules used across different applications.
