India Raises Solar Module Efficiency Standards: Impact on Developers, Installers & Consumer
Wiki Article
The solar landscape in India is
about to see a significant shift. The MNRE has issued a draft notification
proposing to raise the minimum efficiency thresholds for solar
photovoltaic (PV) modules under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers
(ALMM). The move effective from 1 January 2027 (and further tightening in
2028) is aimed at phasing out
lower-efficiency modules and raising the performance bar for all
government-supported and large-scale solar projects nationwide.
Source: https://www.renovapulseenergy.com/post/india-plans-higher-solar-module-efficiency-rules-by-2027
What are the proposed changes?
Here’s how the new thresholds stack up, depending on
application and module technology:
- Utility
/ Grid-Scale Projects - Crystalline-Si
(c-Si) modules: from current 20.0% to 21.0% in 2027, then 21.5%
in 2028. - Thin-film
Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) modules: from 19.0% to 20.0% in 2027,
then 20.5% in 2028. - Rooftop
Solar & Solar Pump Projects - c-Si
modules: from 19.5% to 20.5% (2027), then 21.0% (2028). - CdTe
modules: from 18.5% to 19.5% (2027), then 20.0% (2028). - Off-grid
/ Small-capacity (<200 Wp) & Other Applications - Both
c-Si and CdTe modules: thresholds to rise to 19.0% in 2027, then 19.5%
in 2028.
Importantly, modules currently enlisted under ALMM — or
those to be enlisted soon — that don’t meet the revised thresholds will be delisted
once the new norms come into effect.
Why is MNRE doing this?
1. Raise the Quality & Performance Bar
With rapid advances in solar PV technology globally from
Mono-PERC and TOPCon to emerging HJT and high-performance thin-film variants
module efficiencies have improved significantly. By increasing the minimum
thresholds, MNRE aims to ensure that India’s solar installations deploy top-tier,
high-efficiency modules rather than outdated, low-performance ones. This
will lead to higher energy yield per panel, greater reliability, and
better long-term returns.
2. Phase Out Obsolete Modules & Encourage Innovation
The updated norms serve as a filter against obsolete
technologies. Manufacturers will be pushed to upgrade production lines, adopt
the latest PV technologies, and invest in higher-quality manufacturing — which
in turn will strengthen the domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem.
3. Support India’s Solar Growth Goals Sustainably
India’s module manufacturing capacity is projected to rise
substantially — from about 109 GW currently to roughly 165 GW by March 2027. By
ensuring more efficient modules are deployed, this capacity growth aligns with
higher-quality output and helps in achieving long-term sustainability and grid
stability objectives.
What does this mean for developers, businesses &
end-users?
- Developers
/ EPC Contractors: Projects awarded under government schemes must only
use ALMM-compliant modules. The new standards mean that low-efficiency
modules currently in inventory might become unusable for new government
tenders post-2027. - Businesses
& Commercial Buyers (like you at ReNova Pulse Energy): This is a
chance to lock in high-efficiency modules now — ensuring better lifetime
performance, future-proofing investments, and potentially higher returns
(through better yield, lower balance-of-system costs per unit energy). - Manufacturers
& Suppliers: There will be a push for upgrading module designs and
manufacturing lines. Those not willing to upgrade may risk being delisted. - End
Consumers / Rooftop and Small-scale Users: The stricter norms
translate to better-performing solar systems, higher energy generation per
installed kW, and improved long-term reliability.
Why this change matters — especially for firms like
ReNova Pulse Energy
For a company like ReNova Pulse Energy, which focuses on
solar panels, inverters, and solar heat pumps, this policy shift provides a
strong opportunity:
- You
can differentiate your offerings by emphasizing high-efficiency
modules that meet or exceed the upcoming MNRE standards. - You
can tailor proposals not just for compliance, but for long-term value
— clients will appreciate the higher energy output, better returns on
investment, and durability. - With
growing domestic manufacturing capacity, sourcing compliant
high-efficiency modules is increasingly feasible, reducing dependence on
imports and supply uncertainties.
Conclusion
The MNRE’s draft proposal to raise minimum module efficiency
marks a pivotal moment for India’s solar industry. It signals a shift
from volume-driven deployment toward quality-driven, performance-oriented
growth. For manufacturers, developers, and solar service providers — this
is a call to upgrade, adapt, and align with next-gen solar standards. For
businesses and end-users, it opens doors to more efficient, reliable, and
future-proof solar installations.
As India accelerates toward its renewable energy targets,
embracing these higher-efficiency norms will help ensure that solar power
remains not just abundant, but also robust, efficient, and sustainable.