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MNRE Plans 1 % Increase in ALMM Solar Module Efficiency Norms from January 2027

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed a phased tightening of efficiency standards for solar modules listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). As per the draft notification, the minimum efficiency requirement would increase by 1% starting January 1, 2027, followed by an additional 0.5% hike from January 1, 2028.

According to the ministry, the revision is intended to promote the use of modern, high-efficiency technologies and gradually eliminate outdated or lower-performing modules from the Indian market.

Under the proposal, the upgraded efficiency benchmarks would be implemented in two steps—first in 2027 and then in 2028. For utility-scale and grid-connected installations, crystalline silicon (c-Si) modules would need to achieve 21?ficiency in 2027 and 21.5% in 2028, while cadmium telluride (CdTe) modules must meet 20% and 20.5%, respectively.

Requirements for rooftop and solar pumping systems would also tighten, with c-Si modules needing 20.5?ficiency in 2027 and 21% in 2028, and CdTe modules needing 19.5% and 20%. For off-grid DRE systems using modules under 200 Wp, both c-Si and CdTe technologies must reach 19?ficiency in 2027 and 19.5% in 2028.

Other categories of applications would follow similar revised benchmarks, with c-Si modules required to meet 20% in 2027 and 20.5% in 2028, and CdTe modules needing 19% and 19.5% during the same period.

MNRE noted that these adjustments are critical to ensuring that ALMM remains aligned with commercially relevant technology standards and pushes manufacturers to upgrade to advanced, high-performance production capabilities. The ministry added that the new efficiency levels are designed to improve system performance and enhance the long-term reliability of solar installations nationwide.

Stakeholders have been invited to submit comments and suggestions on the proposal by December 27, 2025.

MNRE has also clarified that any modules currently listed—or those added in the coming months—that do not meet the revised efficiency thresholds will be delisted from ALMM List-I once the new standards take effect.