Exploring the Latest ALMM List: Is the Era of Polycrystalline Solar PV Modules Ending in India?

In a recent memorandum issued by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) on 20th September 2023, significant updates have been made to the criteria for the enlistment of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in India. The memorandum, titled “Updation of List I (Manufacturers and Models of Solar PV Modules) of ALMM Order, 2019,” brings to light the evolving landscape of solar technology in the country and raises intriguing questions about the future of polycrystalline modules, as well as the potential emergence of advanced technologies like heterojunction.

Key Highlights:

The MNRE issued a significant memorandum on 20th September 2023, updating the criteria for the enlistment of solar PV modules in India.

The memorandum introduces minimum module efficiency requirements for different categories of solar PV modules, with an emphasis on higher efficiency.

The updated efficiency standards are as follows: 20.0% for Utility/Grid Scale Power Plants, 19.5% for Rooftop and Solar Pumping, and 19.00% for Solar Lighting.

Only solar PV modules meeting these efficiency standards will be eligible for enlistment under the ALMM Order, 2019, post the 10th of May 2023.

These changes raise questions about the future of polycrystalline solar PV modules in India, as they have traditionally been less efficient than other types.

The blog explores the potential shift towards more efficient technologies like monocrystalline and the emergence of advanced options like heterojunction modules.

Heterojunction technology combines amorphous and crystalline silicon, offering significantly higher efficiency and better performance, which could shape the future of solar modules in India.

While heterojunction modules are currently more expensive, ongoing research and development efforts may lead to cost reductions and greater accessibility.

Background:

To provide context, the MNRE had previously implemented the “Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2019.” This order aimed to standardize and regulate the solar PV industry by maintaining a list of approved manufacturers and models that meet specified criteria.

Key Updates:

The recent memorandum, dated 20th September 2023, builds upon earlier orders and introduces significant reforms:

1. Minimum Module Efficiency: Perhaps the most noteworthy change is the stipulation of minimum module efficiency requirements for various categories of solar PV modules. These requirements are as follows:
   • Category I (Utility / Grid Scale Power Plants): 20.0%
   • Category II (Rooftop and Solar Pumping): 19.5%
   • Category III (Solar Lighting): 19.00%
   This means that, going forward, only solar PV modules meeting these efficiency standards will be eligible for enlistment under the ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) Order, 2019.
2. Enlistment Criteria: Post the 10th of May 2023, only solar PV module models with an efficiency equal to or greater than 19.00% are considered for enlistment under ALMM List-I.

The Implications:

These changes in the criteria for solar PV module enlistment raise a pertinent question: Is the era of polycrystalline solar PV modules officially coming to an end in India? Polycrystalline modules, while affordable, have historically had lower efficiency compared to monocrystalline counterparts. With the MNRE’s push for higher efficiency, it is possible that the industry will see a shift towards more efficient monocrystalline and other advanced technologies.

Embracing Heterojunction Technology:

While the memorandum signals a shift towards higher efficiency, it also opens the door for advanced technologies like heterojunction solar technology. Heterojunction modules combine the strengths of both amorphous silicon and crystalline silicon, offering significantly higher efficiency and better performance under challenging conditions such as high temperatures. These modules are known for their higher energy yields and superior temperature coefficients.

The future of solar PV modules in India could be shaped by the emergence of heterojunction technology. While this technology is currently more expensive than traditional polycrystalline modules, ongoing research and development efforts could lead to cost reductions and make heterojunction modules more accessible.

Conclusion:

As India continues its journey towards a greener and more sustainable energy future, the changes outlined in the recent MNRE memorandum are indicative of the evolving solar landscape in the country. The emphasis on higher module efficiency raises questions about the future of polycrystalline modules, and the potential rise of technologies like heterojunction is an exciting prospect. Only time will tell how these changes will impact the solar industry in India, but it is clear that the pursuit of efficiency and innovation is at the forefront of the nation’s renewable energy agenda.