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India’s Solar Cell Capacity Reaches 25 GW, Led by 9 Manufacturers: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

Waaree Energies, TP Solar, Adani Solar, First Solar, are among the 9 key manufacturers driving the domestic solar cell production in India.

February 14, 2025. By Abha Rustagi

India's current installed solar PV cell manufacturing capacity stands at approximately 25 GW, stated Pralhad Joshi, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), in response to a Rajya Sabha query. This figure is based on information provided by the Solar PV Manufacturers Associations, namely the All India Solar Industries Association (AISIA) and the North India Module Manufacturer Association (NIMMA).

The country's top manufacturers contributing to this capacity include Waaree Energies (5.4 GW), Tata/TP Solar (4.6 GW), Adani Solar (4.0 GW), and First Solar (3.2 GW, thin-film technology). Other key players include Emmvee Photovoltaics (2.5 GW), Premium Energies (2.0 GW), Renew Power (2.0 GW), Jupiter International (0.9 GW), and Websol (0.6 GW).

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.

Commenting about the future demand for solar cells and the support provided to startups and MSMEs for research and innovation, the minister said, "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. The Ministry is implementing a 'Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme (RERTD)' through various research institutions and industries to develop indigenous technologies and manufacturing for widespread applications of new and renewable energy in an efficient and cost-effective manner in the country. The Ministry provides up to 100 percent financial support to Government/non-profit research organisations and upto 70 percent to Industry, start-ups, private Institutes, entrepreneur, and manufacturing units," he added.

On the status of Approved List of Models and Manufacturers List II, and how it protects the local manufacturers from unfair competition, the minister elaborated, "On December 9, 2024, MNRE has issued an Office Memorandum (O.M.) for implementation of ALMM for Solar PV Cells. The said O.M. proposes issuance of ALMM List-II for solar PV cells which is envisaged to be effective from June 1, 2026, as per the terms and conditions specified in the said O.M."

"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, as per the details specified in the O.M.," added Joshi.

With these measures in place, India’s solar manufacturing sector is poised to expand rapidly, playing a crucial role in the country’s transition towards sustainable and self-reliant energy production.