Q1: What initiatives has India taken to boost its solar manufacturing base?
A1: India has implemented several initiatives, including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which incentivizes manufacturers to increase solar PV (photovoltaic) module production. Additionally, the government has been promoting domestic manufacturing through policies like the Approved List of models and manufacturers (ALMM) order.
Q2: How does the PLI scheme contribute to the growth of solar manufacturing?
A2: The PLI scheme offers financial incentives to manufacturers for enhancing solar module production. It aims to establish fully integrated solar PV manufacturing units and reduce import dependency. Under this scheme, significant capacities for polysilicon, wafers, cells, and modules are envisaged.
Q3: What are the projected capacity expansions under the PLI scheme?
A3: Under the PLI scheme, Letters of Award have been issued for the establishment of around 48,337 MW of integrated solar PV manufacturing units. This includes capacities across various stages of the solar value chain, such as polysilicon, ingot-wafer, cell, and module manufacturing.
Q4: How is India’s solar manufacturing capacity expected to grow?
A4: According to ICRA, India’s solar PV module manufacturing capacity is anticipated to exceed 60 GW by 2025, up from the current level of around 37 GW. This growth is expected to be driven by improved backward integration into cell and wafer manufacturing.
Q5: What role does the ALMM order play in promoting domestic manufacturing?
A5: The ALMM order mandates the use of approved solar PV models and manufacturers for government-backed projects. This policy aims to encourage the use of domestically manufactured solar modules and reduce reliance on imports.
Q6: What are the challenges in scaling up India’s solar manufacturing?
A6: Key challenges include the dependency on imports for raw materials like polysilicon, ensuring timely implementation of projects under the PLI scheme, and maintaining cost-competitiveness in the face of fluctuating global prices.
Conclusion:
India’s efforts to boost its solar manufacturing base focus on increasing domestic production capacities, providing financial incentives, and promoting self-reliance in the solar energy sector.
SRIRAM’s
