Indian Government Plans Strict Regulations for Domestic Solar Panel Manufacturing

In a significant development, the Indian government is set to implement a policy over the next 3-4 years that will require solar panels to be composed of domestically manufactured cells, wafers, and polysilicon in order to be registered under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). This move is part of a broader effort to boost the domestic manufacturing of solar panels and promote the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative. Minister for New and Renewable Energy, RK Singh, has instructed his ministry’s officers to formulate a policy in this regard.

Under the ALMM, modules with lower efficiency will be phased out, and only those incorporating Indian-made cells will be eligible for registration. Minister Singh stated that in the near future, the government plans to extend this requirement to include wafers and polysilicon as well.

The overarching goal is to curtail the import of solar panel components and protect the interests of the Indian people. Minister Singh emphasized that merely importing cells from abroad, assembling them in India, and labeling the product as “Made in India” when the majority of its components originate from other countries, primarily China, will no longer be acceptable.

Additionally, the ministry will conduct a review of the ALMM next year to ensure that manufacturers do not endorse outdated equipment or technologies. This policy shift reflects the government’s commitment to fostering the growth of domestic solar manufacturing while maintaining quality and transparency in the sector.