India's Solar Manufacturing Capacity Reaches 18.6 GW Under PLI Scheme

New Delhi, Aug 7 (KNN) India's solar photovoltaic module manufacturing capacity has reached 18.6 gigawatts under the government's Production Linked Incentive scheme, with solar cell production capacity approaching 10 gigawatts.

Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik provided these figures in a written parliamentary response on Wednesday.

According to the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers and data from manufacturers, solar manufacturing capacities installed under the PLI scheme as of June 30, 2025, comprise 18.5 GW of solar modules, 9.7 GW of solar cells, and 2.2 GW of ingot-wafers.

The minister noted that the timeline for operationalising awarded solar PV manufacturing capacities varies depending on multiple factors including land acquisition, financial closure, equipment procurement, and installation processes.

Under the first tranche of the PLI Scheme for High Efficiency Solar PV Modules, Letters of Award have been issued to three companies: Shirdi Sai Electricals, Reliance Industries, and Adani New Industries.

These firms are authorised to establish 8.737 GW of fully integrated solar PV module manufacturing facilities. The second tranche has seen 11 successful bidders receiving approval to set up 39.6 GW of fully or partially integrated solar PV module manufacturing units across India.

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy currently reports India's total installed solar cell manufacturing capacity at 26.35 GW, with plans to expand this to approximately 42 GW by June 1, 2026.

The PLI scheme aims to promote domestic solar PV module manufacturing while reducing the country's import dependence in the solar energy sector.

The initiative has shown measurable results in reducing import dependency. Commerce Ministry data indicates that solar module imports to India decreased from USD 3,363.21 million in fiscal year 2022 to USD 2,151.75 million in fiscal year 2025.

The government first issued PLI scheme guidelines for high-efficiency solar PV modules on April 21, 2021.

To support domestic manufacturers, the government has mandated the use of domestically sourced solar PV cells and modules for several schemes, including the CPSU Scheme Phase-II, PM-KUSUM Components B & C, and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

Additionally, authorities have implemented a Basic Customs Duty on imported solar PV cells and modules while exempting customs duties on certain goods required by domestic solar PV manufacturers.

(KNN Bureau)