The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has updated the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar photovoltaic modules, with the addition of a combined capacity of 2,271 MW by four manufacturers.

The cumulative module manufacturing capacity under ALMM now stands at 62,765 MW.

Bluebird Solar, Novasys Greenergy, ReNew Photovoltaics, and Saatvik Green Energy are the companies that added capacities.

Bluebird Solar contributed 6 MW, Novasys 181 MW, ReNew 910 MW, and Saatvik 1,174 MW to the added capacity. HR Solar Solution, Emmvee Photovoltaic Power, SAEL Solar, and Vikram Solar, with an applied capacity of 4,001 MW/year, were added to the provisional ALMM list.

In October, the MNRE expanded the ALMM by adding 2,079 MW of solar module capacity.

The ministry recently issued a draft amendment to the ALMM Order to bring solar cells under its ambit. The mandate for solar cells is expected to be operational by April 2026.

In another update earlier in the year, MNRE revised the guidelines for the inspection and final enlistment of provisionally listed manufacturers. According to the new rules, the final enlistment must be completed within two months of the application

The ALMM mandates all the listed modules adhere to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and meet minimum efficiency requirements. Utility-scale modules must achieve a minimum efficiency of 20% for silicon-based technologies and 19% for cadmium telluride thin-film modules.

According to Mercom’s State of Solar PV Manufacturing in India 1H 2024 Report, India added 11.3 GW of solar modules and 2 GW of cell manufacturing capacity in the first six months of 2024. The capacity additions were driven by the reinstatement of the ALMM mandate in April this year and a robust solar project pipeline of 132.7 GW planned between 2024 and 2026. The ALMM Order had been suspended for a year.