Centre Mandates Use of India-Made Solar Cells from October
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Centre Mandates Use of India-Made Solar Cells from October

In a significant policy shift to bridge the gap between India’s solar module and cell manufacturing capacities, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has mandated the use of India-made solar cells in renewable energy projects starting later this year, instead of June 2026 as previously planned.
The order, issued on 28 July, requires public sector undertakings including NTPC, NHPC, SJVN, and SECI to revise their tender documents accordingly. These PSUs, acting as renewable energy implementing agencies (REIAs), must now include this mandate in upcoming bids to align with India’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
This requirement will come into effect 30 days after the MNRE publishes ‘List II’—the approved list of Indian manufacturers and models of solar cells—expected by next month. Consequently, tenders floated from October 2025 onward will need to comply. However, bids finalised within 30 days of the list's publication will be exempt.
No exemption will be granted for projects under key government schemes such as PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM KUSUM, which already adhere to domestic content requirement (DCR) norms mandating Indian-made solar components.
The Centre believes this measure will stimulate demand for Indian solar cells and reduce reliance on imports, particularly from China. Currently, India’s annual production capacity stands at 91 GW for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules but only 27 GW for cells. Notable domestic producers include Tata Power, Adani Green Energy, and Waaree Energies.
Meanwhile, implementation delays continue to hamper the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar PV module manufacturing. Of the 130.7 GW capacity awarded under PLI, only 25.5 GW has been commissioned to date. The scheme offers incentives over five years post commissioning. As of now, 17.5 GW of module and 6 GW of cell capacity have been developed under PLI.
The accelerated mandate is expected to strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem and ensure long-term sustainability in the renewable energy supply chain. 

In a significant policy shift to bridge the gap between India’s solar module and cell manufacturing capacities, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has mandated the use of India-made solar cells in renewable energy projects starting later this year, instead of June 2026 as previously planned.The order, issued on 28 July, requires public sector undertakings including NTPC, NHPC, SJVN, and SECI to revise their tender documents accordingly. These PSUs, acting as renewable energy implementing agencies (REIAs), must now include this mandate in upcoming bids to align with India’s target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.This requirement will come into effect 30 days after the MNRE publishes ‘List II’—the approved list of Indian manufacturers and models of solar cells—expected by next month. Consequently, tenders floated from October 2025 onward will need to comply. However, bids finalised within 30 days of the list's publication will be exempt.No exemption will be granted for projects under key government schemes such as PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM KUSUM, which already adhere to domestic content requirement (DCR) norms mandating Indian-made solar components.The Centre believes this measure will stimulate demand for Indian solar cells and reduce reliance on imports, particularly from China. Currently, India’s annual production capacity stands at 91 GW for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules but only 27 GW for cells. Notable domestic producers include Tata Power, Adani Green Energy, and Waaree Energies.Meanwhile, implementation delays continue to hamper the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar PV module manufacturing. Of the 130.7 GW capacity awarded under PLI, only 25.5 GW has been commissioned to date. The scheme offers incentives over five years post commissioning. As of now, 17.5 GW of module and 6 GW of cell capacity have been developed under PLI.The accelerated mandate is expected to strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem and ensure long-term sustainability in the renewable energy supply chain. 

Next Story
Products

TOTO India Launches Premium G & L Showers with Sleek Faucet Range

TOTO India has launched its G Shower and L Shower series, alongside an expanded range of GT, LH, and Pull-Out lavatory faucets. The collection blends advanced technology, refined aesthetics, and everyday comfort, staying true to TOTO’s philosophy of creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The G Shower series delivers the 3Rs of showering: Relaxing, Refreshing, and Revitalizing. Features include the Calming Shawl spray mode, Warm Spa technology, and multiple overhead and hand-shower options across eight finishes. The L Shower complements this with easy-to-use controls sui..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Hero Future Energies Secures Funding for 120 MW Hybrid Project

Hero Future Energies (HFE), through its SPV Clean Renewable Energy Hybrid Three, has secured Rs 19.08 billion in funding from the State Bank of India (lead) and Canara Bank. The funds will be used to develop and construct HFE’s 120 MW renewable energy hybrid project at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The project, contracted with SJVN, integrates wind, solar, and storage technologies to deliver reliable peak power. With a 21-year repayment period, the funding ensures timely execution and the commencement of commercial operations. The financial closure demonstrates continued lender confidence in..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

IOC GPS Renewables Raises Rs 8.36 billion Debt for Compressed Biogas Plants

IOC GPS Renewables Private Limited (IGRPL), a joint venture between IndianOil Corporation  and GPS Renewables, has raised Rs 8.36 billion (approx. US$ 95 million) in debt financing from Indian Bank to execute nine Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects across India.   The funding is the largest single-bank debt raise in the CBG sector and the first fully non-recourse financing in India for these projects. The plants—four in Haryana, three in Uttar Pradesh, one each in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh—will each produce 15 tonnes of CBG per day using paddy straw as feedstock. All nin..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?