Building self-reliance in the solar value chain
A multi-pronged policy mix has been adopted by the government to promote solar adoption. In the Budget 2024-25, a corpus of INR 10,000 crore was allocated to promote the solar industry, a 110% increase from the previous year. Solar manufacturing equipment have been exempt from the basic customs duty list to boost domestic manufacturing. In contrast, there is a 10% customs duty on the import of solar glass as we currently have enough capacity to meet all our domestic requirements.
Key takeaways from Renewable Energy India Expo 2024
Solar module manufacturers are quickly ramping up to multi gigawatt-scale capacity to tap the domestic demand. At technology level, TOPCon modules based on 210 rectangular silicon wafer (G12R) cell are taking center stage.
India added 11.3 GW of solar module, 2 GW of cell manufacturing capacity in H1 2024
India’s cumulative solar module manufacturing capacity reached 77.2 GW, and solar cell manufacturing capacity totaled 7.6 GW as of June 2024, according to Mercom India.
Zetwerk secures 1,515 MWp PV modules contract for NTPC’s Khavda solar project
The contract involves the manufacturing and supply of 1,515 MWp of made-in-India solar PV modules for NTPC’s 1.2 GW Khavda solar project in Gujarat.
Gautam Solar to set up 2 GW PV cell manufacturing facility
Gautam Solar plans to establish a 2 GW PV cell manufacturing plant with an estimated investment of INR 1,000 crore.
MNRE proposes ALMM mandate for solar cells from April 1, 2026
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has invited suggestions from stakeholders on the draft guidelines of the approved list of models and manufacturers (ALMM) for solar cells as it proposes to make it effective from April 2026.
India installed 15 GW of solar in first half of 2024
India added 14.9 GW of new solar capacity in the six months ending June, breaking all previous half-yearly and annual PV installation records.
Axitec opens new 300 MW solar module factory in Tamil Nadu
Axitec’s 300 MW plant in Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, is equipped to manufacture solar modules based on n-type TOPCon technology.
India installed 12.1 GW of solar in H1 2024
India installed about 9.6 GW of utility-scale solar, 1.8 GW rooftop, and 688 MW off-grid capacity in the Jan.-June period of 2024, says a new report by JMK Research.
Union Budget 2024-25: Solar developers call for ALMM deferment, tax cuts, and more
With Union Budget to be presented next week, developers hope for reduction in GST [goods and services tax] and import duties on solar components, and deferral of the ALMM [Approved List of Models and Manufacturers] imposition until domestic supplies are sufficient.
