Archive · 29 Nov 2025
MNRE Proposes Solar Cell Efficiency Hike for ALMM
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in India wants to make solar cells more efficient.
They want to raise the minimum efficiency that solar cells must have to be sold in India.
This change will happen in two steps: first in 2027, and then a little more in 2028.
The goal is to make sure that only the best and most advanced solar cells are used.
Right now, the best solar cells can turn about 24% of sunlight into electricity.
The new rules will make sure that the solar cells used in India are as good as possible.
MNRE proposes raising solar cell efficiency for ALMM eligibility.
Increase of 1% in 2027 and 0.5% in 2028 across all cell categories.
Current efficiency levels for utility scale are 20% (crystalline) and 19% (thin film).
Proposed levels for utility scale are 21% (crystalline) and 19.5% (thin film).
Existing modules will be removed from the ALMM list once new efficiency levels are implemented.
- Who
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
- What
- Proposed increase in solar cell efficiency for ALMM eligibility
- When
- Effective from January 1, 2027 and January 1, 2028
- Where
- India
- Why
- To ensure solar PV modules reflect advancements and act as a barrier to low efficiency technologies
- Proposed Increase
- 1% from 2027, 0.5% from 2028
- Current Efficiency (Utility Scale)
- 20% (crystalline), 19% (thin film)
- Proposed Efficiency (Utility Scale)
- 21% (crystalline), 19.5% (thin film)
- Effective Dates
- January 1, 2027 and January 1, 2028
- Purpose
- Ensure advancements, barrier to low efficiency technologies