In Short : The government is preparing a major overhaul of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), proposing significantly higher solar module efficiency norms from 2027. The move aims to raise product quality, boost domestic manufacturing standards, and ensure India deploys more advanced, durable, and high-performance solar technologies across all segments.
In Detail : The planned ALMM revision reflects India’s intent to push the industry toward next-generation module technologies. By raising efficiency thresholds, the government aims to encourage manufacturers to upgrade production lines and adopt globally competitive technologies such as TOPCon, HJT, and advanced bifacial modules.
Higher efficiency norms are expected to enhance overall project performance, enabling developers to generate more power using the same land or rooftop area. This will be particularly beneficial for utility-scale projects where land optimization is key.
The overhaul will also help India reduce reliance on older, lower-efficiency technologies that may not support long-term national renewable energy ambitions. By encouraging high-efficiency manufacturing, the policy supports the broader goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.
For domestic manufacturers, the shift creates strong incentives to modernize and invest in advanced cell and module production lines. Companies capable of meeting the new standards will gain greater competitiveness in both Indian and global markets.
Developers may initially face higher procurement costs due to more advanced modules, but long-term gains include better performance ratios, improved project economics, and lower levelized cost of energy over the asset life cycle.
The government is expected to introduce the updated norms in a phased manner, ensuring the industry has adequate transition time. This approach will help avoid supply bottlenecks and allow manufacturers to gradually align with the upgraded criteria.
The revised ALMM will also strengthen quality assurance for end users by ensuring that only high-performance, reliable modules are deployed across utility, commercial, and residential projects. This supports long-term system durability and reduces operational risks.
Overall, the planned ALMM overhaul marks a transformative step in India’s solar sector. By prioritizing efficiency, quality, and global competitiveness, the new norms set the foundation for a more advanced and future-ready domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem.
