Round Table Discussion on “PV Manufacturing Policy”

GoI launched Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme (Tranche II) under “National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV modules with a budget allocation of Rs. 19,500 Cr. The aim of the scheme is to achieve Giga Watt Scale manufacturing capacity of high efficiency SPV modules in the country. One of the objectives of the programme is to attract cutting–edge PV technologies of high efficiency. Promoting setting up of integrated plants and to develop an eco- system of materials, components to augment large scale indigenous manufacturing base.

Though the existing manufacturing capacity of solar cells and solar modules is estimated to be over 4 GW and 20 GW, respectively, but capacity utilisation is reported to be quite less due to various issues, higher costs being one of them.

The demand for PV capacity keeping the 500 GW of RE target by 2030 and the new green hydrogen policy is phenomenal, in addition to the other stimuli like distributed solar power in villages, agrovoltaics on the path to de-carbonise the world. Creating local manufacturing base and reducing the dependence of imports is of utmost importance. While the GoI is targeting to reduce the imports through regulations and imposing duties, this alone will not be enough to achieve self-sufficiency. The duties and over regulations are also detrimental, creating hurdles leading to delays in execution of projects and in turn miss the project implementation targets.

Out of the box innovations and considered new thoughts are the needs of the current scenario. In this context, TERI organized a round table discussion on 16th February, 2023 at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) office, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm on the 'PV Manufacturing Policies' with select invited experts.