Solar Sector Poised for a Major Leap: Projects to Now Utilize Indigenous Materials

The Government of India has taken a significant step to boost clean energy and reduce dependence on imports. The government has proposed that, starting in June 2028, all solar products manufactured in the country must exclusively utilize domestically produced solar ingots and wafers. This decision has been taken specifically with the objective of curbing imports, particularly those from China. Currently, India remains entirely dependent on China for essential solar panel components—such as cells, wafers, ingots, and polysilicon. The government has already mandated the use of domestically manufactured solar panels in state-funded projects. Furthermore, directives have been issued to ensure the utilization of domestically produced solar cells starting in June 2026.

Emphasis on Boosting Manufacturing Capacity

India’s current manufacturing capacity for solar ingots and wafers stands at approximately 2 gigawatts (GW). Several major companies are preparing to invest in order to scale up this capacity. Companies such as Waaree Energies, Tata Power, and Indosol Solar have proposed investing billions of rupees in this sector.

Ambitious Target for 2030

India has set an ambitious target to expand its non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity to 500 GW by 2030. The government believes that promoting indigenous production across the entire solar manufacturing value chain will not only bolster energy security but also stimulate job creation and investment within the country. This initiative is being hailed as a pivotal step toward making India self-reliant in the clean energy sector.