MNRE further updates the Approved List of Solar Photovoltaic Modules

The Ministry of Renewable Energy has recently announced significant reforms in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Modules. The reforms dated 10.05.2023, aim to promote higher efficiency and adherence to quality standards in solar PV modules used for various applications. This notification was issued on 26th July, 2023.

Under the new guidelines, the enlistment of models of Solar PV Module Manufacturers in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) will be subject to stringent criteria. Only models that comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and meet the minimum module efficiency requirements will be eligible for enlistment under ALMM.

The minimum module efficiency required for each category of application is as follows:

1. Category I: Utility / Grid Scale Power Plants: The minimum module efficiency required for eligibility is 20.0%.
2. Category II: Rooftop and Solar Pumping: Solar PV modules must have a minimum module efficiency of 19.5% to be eligible for enlistment.
3. Category III: Solar Lighting: The minimum module efficiency required for eligibility in this category is 19.00%.

Effective immediately after 10.05.2023, only models of Solar PV Modules with an efficiency equal to or greater than 19.00% have been considered for enlistment under ALMM. This move aims to ensure that solar PV modules used in various applications are more efficient, leading to increased solar power generation and better utilization of resources.

In addition to this, the Ministry has taken action against Solar PV Module Manufacturers whose models’ validity expired on 09.03.2023 and failed to apply for renewal on or before the specified date. Such manufacturers have been delisted from the ALMM List.

The List – I (Manufacturers and Models of Solar PV Modules) of the ALMM Order, 2019, containing the approved models and manufacturers, is available at Annexure-I. The Ministry has provided details of provisional enlistments granted by the MNRE in ALMM List-I, which can be found on the subsequent pages after Annexure-I.