Government Confirms 25 GW Solar Cell Capacity Among Nine Firms In India

India at present has around 25 GW of installed solar PV cell manufacturing capacity, according to the Solar PV Manufacturers Associations, the All India Solar Industries Association (AISIA) and the North India Module Manufacturer Association (NIMMA). The data was shared by  Pralhad Joshi, the minister of New and Renewable Energy And Consumer Affairs & Food And Public Distribution.

Nine Indian Companies Comprise Of 25 GW Capacity

He further gave details about the nine solar companies with their updated solar cell capacities. The 9 solar companies include the US-based First Solar (3.2 MW), Waaree Energies (5.4 MW), Tata/ TP Solar (4.6 MW), Adani Solar (4.0 MW), Emmvee Photovoltaics (2.5 MW), Premier Energies (2.0 MW), Renew Power (2.0 MW), Jupiter International (0.9 MW) and Websol (0.6 MW).

When asked about the current quantum and value of domestically manufactured solar cells, and whether they meet the existing demand, the minister replied, “At present, it is not mandatory to use domestically manufactured solar PV cells for all solar projects. However, for projects under CPSU Scheme Phase II, components B & C of PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana wherein government subsidy is given, the projects are mandated to use domestically manufactured solar PV cells and solar PV modules as per the condition specified under such schemes.”

While explaining the future demand for solar cells, he said in his written reply, “With the implementation of projects under CPSU Scheme Phase II, PM-KUSUM, and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the Government has created a demand for domestically manufactured solar PV cells which is envisaged to support domestic solar PV cell manufacturers. With a 500 GW target, demand for solar cells is expected to increase exponentially.”

R&D Program 

He added, “The Ministry is implementing a “Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme (RERTD)” through various research institutions and industry to develop indigenous technologies and manufacturing for widespread applications of new and renewable energy efficiently and cost-effectively in the country. The Ministry provides up to 100% financial support to Government/non-profit research organizations and up to 70% to Industry, start-ups, private Institutes, entrepreneurs, and manufacturing units.”

ALMM 

When inquired about the status of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List II, and how it protects the local manufacturers from unfair competition, the minister stated, “On 09.12.2024, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued an Office Memorandum (O.M.) for implementation of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar PV cells for Solar Cells. The said O.M. proposes issuance of ALMM List-II for solar PV cells which is envisaged to be effective from 1st June 2026 as per the terms and conditions specified in the said O.M.”

He added, “Further, the said O.M. inter-alia states that all projects falling under the purview of ALMM shall have to mandatorily source their solar PV modules from models and manufacturers included in ALMM List-I for solar PV modules and such solar PV modules in turn shall have to use solar PV cells from amongst the models and manufacturers enlisted in ALMM List-II for solar PV cells.”