India has recorded a decline in solar cell and module imports by 20% and 57%, respectively, during the first eight months of the 2024-25 fiscal year, according to a report by analytics services provider Rubix. The data suggests progress toward self-reliance in the country’s solar manufacturing sector, supported by domestic capacity expansion and government initiatives.
Decline in Imports and Domestic Growth
Rubix’s estimates indicate that imports from China have decreased significantly. In 2023-24, Chinese imports accounted for 56% of India’s solar cell imports and 65% of module imports, down from over 90% in previous years.
Several domestic manufacturers, including TP Solar (Tata Power’s solar division), Reliance Industries, Waaree Energies, Vikram Solar, Gautam Solar, AdSolar, and Rene, are increasing their production capacity. These expansions aim to strengthen domestic supply and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Government Policies Supporting Domestic Production
The Indian government has implemented policies to promote local solar manufacturing, including the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which is expected to further boost domestic production in the sector.
Despite this progress, India still relies on imports for photovoltaic (PV) cells and wafers due to the limited domestic production of cells and the lack of wafer manufacturing facilities. However, Indian PV manufacturers are increasingly focusing on exports, particularly for solar modules.
Growing Solar Module Exports
According to Rubix, India’s solar module exports in 2023-24 were nearly 35 times higher in value than its solar cell exports. The country’s top three PV manufacturers—Waaree Energies, Adani Solar, and Vikram Solar—exported over half of their annual production in FY2024. Other manufacturers, including Grew Energy, ReNew Power, Navitas, Solex Energy, and Saatvik Energy, are also expanding their international presence and supply chain networks.
India’s Renewable Energy Commitments
At COP26 in 2021, India set ambitious renewable energy and emissions reduction targets under its “Panchamrit” pledge. These goals include achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity, generating half of the nation’s energy needs from renewable sources, and reducing emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. Additionally, India aims to lower its emissions intensity by 45% and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
The renewable energy sector continues to gain momentum globally, with India positioning itself as a key player in solar energy production and exports. The decline in imports and the expansion of domestic manufacturing indicate a shift towards greater self-sufficiency and increased participation in the global solar market.
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