MNRE Allows Two Solar Module Makers To Enlist New Models Under ALMM

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) today issued a new order allowing two Indian solar module manufacturers to enlist additional models under the Approved List of Module Manufacturers (ALMM) scheme. It included Bangalore-based Emmvee Photovoltaic Power and Noida-based Bluebird Photovoltaic Power.

Per the details, the ministry has allowed Emmvee to enlist six mono-c-Silicon PERC modules. It comprises two models with 144 cut cells in the solar modules, 108 cut cells, and 132 cut cells. The earlier listing of Emmvee had mono-c-silicon monofacial and bifacial modules with half-cut models. It had a total listed capacity of 525 MW per year.

For Bluebird, the ministry allowed enlisting three new mono c-silicon modules. It included 120 half-cut cells in a module, 132 half-cut cells, and 144 half-cut cells. In the earlier list of May 31, 2023, the firm enlisted several mono C-silicon modules with full cell type. Bluebird, till May 31, 2023, had a capacity of 21 MW per year per the ALMM list. 

MNRE said that both these additional models were included in the list provisionally, and the final enlistment in ALMM would be done after the applicants fulfill the conditions mentioned in the ALMM orders. The ministry last revised its ALMM list on May 31, 2023. It has also brought some reforms to the scheme.

The ministry has now allowed enlisting only those solar PV modules that comply with the BIS standards and follow the minimum module efficiency. As per the norms, the utility and grid-scale power plants need to have a minimum efficiency of 20%. For the rooftop and solar pumping, the ministry has specified 19.5% efficiency, whereas for solar lighting, the efficiency stands at 19%. 

The ministry had clarified that after May 10, only those models would be considered for the ALMM, which had a module efficiency equal or greater than 19 percent. As per the ALMM list, India had 82 module manufacturers under the ALMM list. All module manufacturers’ cumulative capacities under the revised ALMM list currently stood at 19,190 Megawatt (MW) by June 2, 2023.