The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a request for comments on its draft order. The draft proposes raising the threshold solar photovoltaic (PV) module efficiencies required for enlistment in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-I. The revised efficiency requirements across different categories proposed by MNRE are as follows: For Category I (utility/grid-scale) projects, the existing efficiency thresholds are 20 per cent for c-Si modules and 19 per cent for CdTe modules. MNRE proposes increasing these to 21 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively, from January 1, 2027, and further to 21.5 per cent and 20.5 per cent, respectively, from January 1, 2028.
In Category II (rooftop and solar pumping), c-Si modules currently require 19.5 per cent efficiency, which is proposed to rise to 20.5 per cent in 2027 and subsequently to 21 per cent in 2028. Furthermore, for CdTe modules, the existing threshold of 18.5 per cent is proposed to be increased to 19.5 per cent in 2027 and 20 per cent in 2028.
Additionally, for Category III (off-grid distributed renewable energy projects with capacity less than 200 Wp), the current efficiency requirement is 18 per cent for both c-Si and CdTe technologies. The proposed thresholds will rise to 19 per cent for both technologies from 2027, followed by 19.5 per cent from 2028. Lastly, for Category IV (other applications), c-Si modules must currently meet 19 per cent efficiency, increasing to 20 per cent from 2027 and 20.5 per cent from 2028. CdTe modules, presently at 18 per cent, are required to meet 19 per cent in 2027 and 19.5 per cent in 2028.
Earlier in November 2025, the MNRE released standard operating procedures for the ALMM Wind and ALMM wind turbine components.
