MNRE boosts ALMM with 3.5GW solar module capacity

27 Mar 2024 CW Team

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced an expansion of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), incorporating 3,501 MW of new solar module capacity. It was stated that the cumulative module manufacturing capacity has now reached 37,421 MW.

Tata Power Solar accounted for 2,525 MW of the newly added capacity, while Goldi Solar contributed 976 MW.

It was further mentioned that with this latest inclusion, the ALMM now comprised 81 module manufacturers and notably, foreign manufacturers were still absent.

MNRE mentioned that significant alterations were introduced to the ALMM, encompassing the addition of another module technology and minimum efficiency requirements. It was emphasised that the listed efficiencies served as obligatory benchmarks for modules intended for government projects.

The reforms included the enlistment of cadmium telluride thin film-based models alongside the existing crystalline-silicon models from manufacturers adhering to Bureau of Indian Standards norms and meeting specific minimum module efficiency criteria. The minimum efficiency requirements for cadmium telluride thin film-based modules were specified as follows:

? For Category I (grid-scale power projects): a minimum module efficiency of 19% ? For Category II (rooftop and solar pumping): a minimum module efficiency of 18.5% ? For Category III (solar lighting): a minimum module efficiency of 18%

It was noted that as of March 22, 2024, only models of solar modules with efficiency equal to or greater than 18% had been considered for enlistment under ALMM List-1.

Provisional approval was granted to Credence Solar Panels for various capacities of Bifacial Mono c-Si PERC solar modules, including 670W, 610W, 570W, 560W, and 530W. It was highlighted that the 670W modules exceeded the current highest enlisted module capacity of 650W.

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