New Delhi: Some solar module makers and vendors have raised concerns over the availability and rising cost of solar cells following the implementation of compulsory local sourcing rules from June 1, saying there is a significant mismatch between module manufacturing capacity and domestic cell availability.Industry representatives met officials from the renewable energy ministry both before and after the implementation of the second Approved List of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM) to discuss their concerns. The primary issue among some non-integrated module and ancillary equipment makers-those who do not manufacture their own solar cells-is that while India has around 225 GW of nameplate module manufacturing capacity, and around 193 GW in ALMM-I, only about 30 GW of solar cell capacity is currently available domestically.From current capacity of cells, not all are the higher efficiency ones, which are the most used, the Rajasthan Solar Association said.ET BureauCell makers say demand can be met this yrManufacturers of solar cells, however, say there is no shortage of supply relative to current demand and additional capacities scheduled to come online progressively by December will be sufficient to meet requirements. They also said that demand from projects requiring domestic content can be adequately met in calendar year 2026."There is an overcapacity in solar modules as the annual requirement is only around 50 GW," a solar cell manufacturer said.The renewable energy ministry did not give a blanket extension of the deadline on requests of these representatives but had allowed exceptions for projects on certain conditions.They had stated that the decisions reflected commitment towards policy stability in the solar manufacturing ecosystem and self-sufficiency in the segment.The Indian Solar Manufacturers Association has projected that demand for domestically manufactured cells would not exceed 22-25 GW in calendar 2026. The association expects cell manufacturing capacity to rise to nearly 103 GW by December.Of the projected 103 GW capacity by year-end, about 50 GW is already under active construction.
Solar module cos flag cell shortage; makers say demand can be met this year
Solar module makers face challenges with local cell sourcing rules. They report a significant gap between module manufacturing capacity and domestic cell availability. While module capacity stands at 225 GW, domestic cell capacity is only around 30 GW. Cell manufacturers counter that current demand is met and future capacity will suffice.
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