The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed reducing the minimum module efficiency requirement for off-grid solar projects listed in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). 

Under the proposed amendment, the efficiency for crystalline silicon (c-Si) modules used in off-grid solar projects will be lowered to 18%, from the current 19%. However, the efficiency requirement for cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film modules will remain unchanged. 

These adjustments apply to off-grid solar power projects and applications, such as solar lamps, lights, streetlights, and fans, but exclude solar pumps and rooftop systems. The projects must utilise modules with a capacity of less than 200 Wp each. 

MNRE is also introducing a new ALMM List-I category for distributed renewable energy, which will include off-grid applications like solar street lights and fans. This change comes in response to requests from stakeholders seeking more flexible efficiency thresholds for off-grid solar projects. 

The amendment also introduces a fourth category, ‘any other application,’ covering projects beyond utility/grid-scale rooftop, solar pump, and off-grid applications. In this category, c-Si modules will require a minimum efficiency of 19%, and CdTe thin-film modules will need to achieve 18%. 

MNRE has invited feedback on these proposals by March 1, 2025. For utility/grid-scale projects, the minimum efficiency remains at 20% for c-Si modules and 19% for CdTe thin-film modules. The thresholds for rooftop and solar pump modules are set at 19.5% for c-Si and 18.5% for CdTe. 

Recently, MNRE set performance standards for various solar components, including modules, inverters, and storage batteries. In January, the Ministry added 3 GW of new capacity to the ALMM, bringing the total module manufacturing capacity to 67,401 MW. In 2024, MNRE announced the inclusion of solar cells in ALMM, effective June 1, 2026, in support of growing domestic production capacity. 

(Mercom)