Conversation Highlights:
–At Jinko Solar, we’ve already launched the Tiger Neo Solar Modules, which are based on N-Type Technology.
–It is great to see all major PSUs in India being so enthusiastic about RE with the likes of NTPC leading the way.
What changes can be seen in the Industry after the BCD Implementation on solar panels?
The industry is gearing up to invest more in Local Manufacturing. Also, some of the players are finding loopholes in the system to bring Duty-free products from other routes. Overall, reduced demand due to heavy Duty imposition.
What do you have to say about the dynamics of Price – Demand – Supply for this year and the next year?
It looks like due to global disturbances, the prices are going to stay on the higher side briefly before it settles down. The demand-supply situation will improve after seeing many new manufacturing capacities getting commissioned. Next year, if no further disturbance is there, the prices shall stay lower than what it is this year.
What is the new product lineup for the current and next year?
Several Global Manufacturers are launching their new technologies. At Jinko Solar, we’ve already launched the Tiger Neo Solar Modules, which are based on N-Type Technology. These products have been accepted very well by the Industry due to their High Efficiency, Low Degradation as well as High Bi-facility. All these advantages make this product a low LCOE product, which makes Investors happy as this means better ROIs on their projects.
What is your view on the pricing and technology roadmap in the industry?
Pricing and Technology go hand in hand. We’re making all efforts to support the industry by offering our Latest Technology products to reduce overall lifetime investment by Solar Power Developers. At present, as you see, the price trend of Solar Modules is stable, only the landed price is higher due to BCD. It is likely to go down as we see more manufacturing capacity getting commissioned across the Globe. Also due to high demand during certain peak times, say Q4, we may see a spike in the prices.
What was the total quantity you supplied to India in the last year? What is the expectation for the coming year?
We did great business in India last year. We led all charts every quarter across all analyses from Bridge to India, JMK, etc. From Q1 2021 to Q1 2022, we supplied almost 5 GW capacity to India. We also completed an 8GW cumulative shipment milestone this year.
What do you have to say about ALMM / BIS etc?
It’s a must for any country to get its own Quality Standards and other regulations. However, these standards and regulations should be constantly upgraded to match with Global Standards. At present, as we understand, these standards are not up to the mark and need improvements. Another key factor is that such standards should act as enablers for Industry’s growth rather than act as hurdles. We strongly believe that MNRE will find ways to help Industry and allow a level playing field for all global players till the time sufficient capacity is not developed in India.
How do you see the present opportunities in India in terms of projects in tender, pipeline, etc, and opportunities in manufacturing?
India is a booming market. 3rd largest in the Globe. It is one of the most preferred investment destinations as well. The present Project’s demand is also great. However, if we see the expected installation targets going up to 2030, this annual demand could be made higher. In terms of manufacturing, we see a big demand due to the PLI scheme and the push for local manufacturing. However, let’s not rely on domestic manufacturing only due to its very limited supply chain control within the country.
Has the rupee devaluation affected the Solar Industry and your business?
No major implications for our business as such.
What types of trends do you see coming in for solar tariffs?
If all factors are considered, the tariffs should remain range bound.
What are the likely changes and impacts we will witness in the industry when it comes to technologies like Energy Storage, RTC, Hybrid RE Projects, Floating, etc?
These types of installations could be key supporters of plain Vanilla Solar Installations that the country has witnessed to date. However, India which has always been a price-sensitive market, may not have total reliance on such high-cost installations. At present India needs to complete its main RE target at a reasonable tariff. Energy Storage and other kinds of projects will only make the installation targets slower and costlier at the same time. Let’s stick to the base load from Conventional Energy while adding more RE power within the country. In all, such additional installations may be there in a low percentage in order to find their own way towards several new Technologies.
What is your view on India’s 2030 target?
We should allow a level playing field to meet the high demand first. Later we may develop the local industry to sustain the growth. If we get influenced by just one segment, it is likely to create stress on the overall economy of RE installations.
What expectations do you have from the Government, Policy Makers, and Regulators?
We expect Govt to support all Industry segments towards meeting the RE goals of the country. The key stakeholders, Solar Power Developers, who invest for 25-30 years in a project, need to be heard first before anyone else.
What is your view on the rise of PSU’s role in the RE Sector?
It is great to see all major PSUs in India being so enthusiastic about RE with the likes of NTPC leading the way. We believe these companies have huge potential and can contribute significantly to solar capacity addition by way of tenders and self-consumption. They are severe competitors with the private players in all solar auctions. We hope that the new policies will allow Jinko and other foreign brands to cater to the huge demand of PSUs directly which hasn’t been the case till now.
