In Short : The Indian government plans to register solar panels equipped with locally sourced components, as announced by Power Minister RK Singh. This initiative aims to boost the domestic manufacturing sector, encouraging the use of indigenous materials in the production of solar panels. By promoting locally sourced components, the government intends to enhance the self-reliance of the solar industry, fostering economic growth and sustainability. This move aligns with India’s efforts to strengthen its renewable energy infrastructure and reduce dependency on imports, marking a significant step toward achieving energy security and environmental sustainability.
In Detail : Singh cautioned against the practice of importing cells from abroad, assembling them locally, and marketing them as ‘Made in India.’
The government is formulating plans to restrict the registration of solar panels to those composed of domestically manufactured cells, wafers, and polysilicon within the next 3-4 years.
Minister for New and Renewable Energy, RK Singh, has directed the relevant officials within his ministry to craft a policy addressing this initiative. The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) was introduced by the government to bolster domestic production of solar panels.
Minister Singh noted that modules with lower efficiency will be excluded from the ALMM. He stated, “We will adapt our policies to safeguard only those modules that feature cells made in India. In the coming one or two years, we will implement such a policy. Furthermore, within the subsequent 1-2 years, we will enact a policy mandating that wafers and polysilicon must also be manufactured in India.”
Singh said, “We will exclusively register those manufacturers under ALMM who utilise India-made cells, wafers, and polysilicon.”
The minister further indicated that the ALMM will undergo a review next year to ensure that manufacturers do not endorse outdated equipment or technologies that may compromise the interests of the Indian populace.
