JMK Research

A new report by JMK Research and IEEFA says Indian solar manufacturers need to create a strong foundation for sustainable development overall by integrating raw materials and impetus to R&D in their plans, rather than focusing solely on output.

A report has stated the renewable-plus-fossil fuel model is the best short term option to meet the assured supply conditions in the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s round-the-clock power tenders. Further out, as the cost of batteries decline, that technology is likely to become the most viable option for providing critical, non-intermittent power.

The International Energy Agency predicts that India will record the world’s fastest growth in energy consumption from buildings through 2040. The energy demand could create a big market for solar installers and equipment providers, particularly in the commercial and industrial sector. While building codes now include provisions for renewable energy integration, effective implementation will be key to ensuring compliance.

Rooftop solar growth in India has so far largely been driven by a few large creditworthy organizations in the commercial and industrial sector. However, if accessible financing options are made available, growth can also be replicated in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as well, says a new report.

According to a new report, India’s commercial and industrial sector will increase its rooftop solar deployments by 47% year-on-year, with bifacials and large-size high-wattage modules offering cost-effective support for reducing electricity costs.

The government’s renewed efforts to curb solar equipment imports and upscale domestic manufacturing have started bearing fruits. The launch of the production-linked incentive (PLI) Scheme and the imposition of a basic customs duty (BCD) on imports have favored domestic capacity expansion.  

During the fiscal year 2020-21, India installed utility-scale solar projects amounting to 3.5 GW, about 39% less year-on-year.

India added 4.6 GW of solar in the January-December period of the year 2020. Chinese manufacturers maintained the lead in module and inverter shipments. Longi Solar captured the lion’s share of module sales. Sungrow led the inverter supplies for utility-scale installations and Goodwe for rooftops. 

A new report says the imposition of safeguard duties and basic custom duties is only a partial solution to help the domestically produced solar modules remain competitive with imported panels. The government needs to adopt a long-term strategy towards PV manufacturing that supports backward integration and sustained innovation.

India’s new solar capacity addition was badly hit due to the pandemic. The nation installed just 2.32 GW during the first nine months of the year. However, there was a silver lining too!