India's Solar Capacity To Surpass Domestic Demand
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

India's Solar Capacity To Surpass Domestic Demand

India’s solar module and cell capacity are projected to touch 200 gigawatt-peak (GWp) and 100 GWp respectively by the end of FY28, outstripping the annual domestic module demand of 50 GWp over the next three years, according to a CareEdge Ratings report released on Wednesday. The trend is expected to benefit integrated players while smaller standalone module units may face consolidation due to margin pressures.
As of July 2025, India’s module manufacturing capacity stood at 118 GWp, while cell capacity was 27 GWp. However, effective operational capacity is estimated at 80–85 GWp for modules and 11–13 GWp for cells, with the rest still stabilising. This translates into annual production of 50–60 GWp for modules and 8–10 GWp for cells, leaving an import dependency of 40–45 GWp for cells.
The accelerated expansion has been supported by rising solar installations, strong policy push, and greater financing access. Domestic cell capacity is projected to reach 100 GWp by FY28, backed by over Rs 550 billion in capital expenditure and increased backward integration efforts. As a result, module production is likely to depend more on exports, while cell output may surpass local demand in the medium term.
CareEdge said integrated players will remain more resilient due to cost efficiencies, whereas pure-play module manufacturers could be vulnerable.
The sector enjoys several tailwinds, including strong demand prospects, favourable policies, and better financing avenues, CareEdge Director Jatin Arya noted. However, challenges such as dependence on Chinese supply chains, uncertain export prospects, and slower renewable energy capacity additions remain concerns.
The report also highlighted that a reduction in GST could cut project costs by 4–5 per cent. Meanwhile, tightening US trade rules may impact Indian module exports, though the medium-term outlook stays positive if domestic manufacturers remain compliant and cost competitive.

India’s solar module and cell capacity are projected to touch 200 gigawatt-peak (GWp) and 100 GWp respectively by the end of FY28, outstripping the annual domestic module demand of 50 GWp over the next three years, according to a CareEdge Ratings report released on Wednesday. The trend is expected to benefit integrated players while smaller standalone module units may face consolidation due to margin pressures.As of July 2025, India’s module manufacturing capacity stood at 118 GWp, while cell capacity was 27 GWp. However, effective operational capacity is estimated at 80–85 GWp for modules and 11–13 GWp for cells, with the rest still stabilising. This translates into annual production of 50–60 GWp for modules and 8–10 GWp for cells, leaving an import dependency of 40–45 GWp for cells.The accelerated expansion has been supported by rising solar installations, strong policy push, and greater financing access. Domestic cell capacity is projected to reach 100 GWp by FY28, backed by over Rs 550 billion in capital expenditure and increased backward integration efforts. As a result, module production is likely to depend more on exports, while cell output may surpass local demand in the medium term.CareEdge said integrated players will remain more resilient due to cost efficiencies, whereas pure-play module manufacturers could be vulnerable.The sector enjoys several tailwinds, including strong demand prospects, favourable policies, and better financing avenues, CareEdge Director Jatin Arya noted. However, challenges such as dependence on Chinese supply chains, uncertain export prospects, and slower renewable energy capacity additions remain concerns.The report also highlighted that a reduction in GST could cut project costs by 4–5 per cent. Meanwhile, tightening US trade rules may impact Indian module exports, though the medium-term outlook stays positive if domestic manufacturers remain compliant and cost competitive.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

CM Inaugurates Rs 3.7 Billion Vilholi Water Treatment Plant in Nashik

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Nashik Municipal Corporation’s 274 MLD Vilholi Water Treatment Plant and the upgraded Mukane water supply scheme, a Rs 3.7 billion project designed to provide a reliable and sustainable water supply to more than 55 lakh residents. The system will also cater to over 1 crore visitors expected during the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.Funded partly through Rs 2 billion Green Sustainable Bonds, the project strengthens Nashik’s long-term water security, ensures year-round availability, and enhances the city’s preparedness for peak tourist inflow. It..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Indian Speciality Chemical Industry Poised for Strong Global Growth

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), in partnership with Al Rostamani Group, has inaugurated three major facilities at its Dubai headquarters: a Training and Knowledge Transfer Building, a Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, and an Integrated Agri-Aquaculture System. The launch took place in the presence of H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the UAE’s agricultural innovation ecosystem.Fully funded by Al Rostamani Group, the new facilities reinforce ICBA’s role as a leading ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Mooreast to Explore Up to 500 MW RE Projects in Timor-Leste

Mooreast Holdings, listed on the Singapore Exchange Catalist, announced that it will begin feasibility studies this month for the development of up to 500 megawatts (MW) of large-scale renewable energy (RE) projects in Timor-Leste.The studies follow a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed between Mooreast and the Secretario de Estado de Electricidade Agua e Saneamento (SEEAS), the secretariat for Electricity, Water and Sanitation under Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Public Works. Under the LOI, Mooreast will explore the development of 300–500 MW of floating renewable energy over the next five to ten ye..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement