The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has made a significant update to its Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), incorporating 3,501 MW of new solar module capacity, bringing the total to 37,421 MW.

This expansion includes major contributions from Tata Power Solar and Goldi Solar, with 2,525 MW and 976 MW added, respectively, elevating the number of module manufacturers on the ALMM to 81. Notably, the list still does not feature any foreign manufacturers.

In a move to enhance the diversity and efficiency of solar modules for government projects, MNRE has now included cadmium telluride thin film-based models alongside the traditional crystalline-silicon models.

This addition comes with specific efficiency benchmarks: 19% for grid-scale power projects, 18.5% for rooftop and solar pumping projects, and 18% for solar lighting. As a result, only modules with efficiencies of 18% or above have been considered for enlistment under ALMM List-1 as of March 22, 2024.