The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has increased the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) by including an additional 3,501 MW of solar module capacity. This brings the total cumulative manufacturing capacity of modules to 37,421 MW. Tata Power Solar contributes 2,525 MW to the recently added capacity, whereas Goldi Solar adds 976 MW. Following this recent addition, the ALMM currently encompasses 81 module manufacturers. Despite the most recent update, the ALMM still does not include any foreign manufacturers. The MNRE has implemented notable changes to the ALMM by incorporating an additional module technology and setting minimum efficiency standards. These listed efficiencies serve as compulsory benchmarks for modules utilised in government projects.
The reforms entail the inclusion of cadmium telluride thin film-based models alongside the current crystalline-silicon models. These models must comply with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms and achieve specific minimum module efficiency standards. The specified minimum efficiency for cadmium telluride thin film-based modules is outlined as follows: category I, pertaining to grid-scale power projects, requires 19 per cent of minimum module efficiency. Category II, which covers rooftop and solar pumping and category III, focusing on solar lighting, necessitates a minimum module efficiency of 18.5 per cent and 18 per cent, respectively.
As of March 22, 2024, only solar module models with an efficiency of 18 per cent or higher have been taken into account for inclusion in ALMM list-1. Provisional approval has been granted to Credence solar panels for bifacial mono c-Si PERC solar modules with capacities of 670W, 610W, 570W, 560W, and 530W. These 670W modules exceed the existing highest enlisted module capacity of 650W. Provisional inclusion in the ALMM is approved within seven days of obtaining BIS certification. A two-month window is allocated for factory inspection and ultimate inclusion. Failure to complete the factory inspection within this timeframe will result in the provisional inclusion being considered final. The implementation of the ALMM directive has been suspended for one fiscal year, specifically for fiscal year 2023-24. Projects that are completed by March 31, 2024, are exempt from the obligation to obtain solar modules from ALMM.
