The Rise of Solar Panel Manufacturing in India
India is fast emerging as a global leader in renewable energy, and at the heart of this green revolution is the booming industry of solar panel manufacturing in India. With ambitious national goals like achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and the “Make in India” initiative, the solar manufacturing sector is witnessing unprecedented growth.
From household rooftops in Gujarat to massive solar farms in Rajasthan, India’s demand for domestically manufactured solar panels is soaring. And the industry is responding—through technological innovation, increasing capacity, and government-backed incentives.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about solar panel manufacturing in India, including:
- The current solar manufacturing in India landscape
- Top solar panel manufacturers in India
- Government schemes supporting the sector
- The step-by-step manufacturing process
- Challenges, future outlook, and FAQs
Whether you’re a solar entrepreneur, buyer, or investor, this guide will give you expert insights into India’s solar production ecosystem and why it’s poised to become a global hub.
Table of Contents
Growth of Solar Panel Manufacturing in India
The last decade has seen solar panel manufacturing in India evolve from a niche sector to a strategic national priority. With rising demand for clean energy, a growing push for self-reliance, and government-backed incentives, India’s solar industry is scaling both in terms of volume and innovation.
The Numbers Behind the Growth
- As of 2024, India has crossed 30 GW of annual solar panel production capacity, with a roadmap to hit 100 GW by 2030.
- The country aims to install 280 GW of solar energy by 2030 as part of its overall renewable energy targets.
- Domestic content requirement (DCR) policies have spurred demand for made-in-India solar panels in government and residential projects.
This rapid growth isn’t just about meeting local demand—it’s about turning India into a solar export powerhouse.
Why India is Betting Big on Domestic Manufacturing
Here are key drivers fueling the expansion of solar panel manufacturing in India:
- Make in India Push – The government is prioritizing local production across key sectors, and solar is one of them.
- PLI Scheme (Production Linked Incentive) – ₹19,500 crore allocated to boost domestic module manufacturing from raw materials to finished panels.
- Import Dependence Reduction – India aims to reduce its dependency on Chinese solar imports (which currently stand at ~70% market share).
- Job Creation – The sector is expected to create over 1 million jobs by 2030 across R&D, production, installation, and services.
- Demand Surge – Residential and commercial solar installations are booming across metros and Tier 2 cities like Pune, Surat, and Bhopal.
Did You Know?
India has moved from being an importer of solar panels to a country with vertically integrated solar manufacturing units producing everything from wafers and ingots to cells and modules.
Top Solar Panel Manufacturers in India
As the demand for solar energy continues to surge, several Indian manufacturers have emerged as global players in the solar supply chain. From modules to wafers, and now even integrated production lines, the companies leading solar panel manufacturing in India are setting benchmarks in efficiency, innovation, and reliability.
Here are some of the top solar panel manufacturers contributing to India’s clean energy mission:
1. Waaree Energies Ltd.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Manufacturing Capacity: 12 GW (2024)
- Highlights: Waaree is one of India’s oldest and largest solar panel manufacturers, known for both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. The company is expanding into cell and wafer production too.
2. Adani Solar
- Headquarters: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Manufacturing Capacity: 4 GW (expandable to 10 GW)
- Highlights: Adani Solar is part of the Adani Group and operates India’s first fully integrated solar manufacturing plant, producing everything from ingots to modules.
3. Tata Power Solar Systems
- Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
- Manufacturing Capacity: 4 GW (2024 target)
- Highlights: Backed by Tata Group, the company offers modules, cells, and EPC services. Known for quality, Tata Power Solar panels are widely used in government and defense projects.
4. Vikram Solar
- Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Manufacturing Capacity: 3.5 GW
- Highlights: Vikram Solar exports to over 30 countries and is investing heavily in R&D for high-efficiency PERC and bifacial panels.
5. RenewSys India
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Manufacturing Capacity: 2.5 GW modules, 1.3 GW PV cells
- Highlights: One of the few Indian manufacturers to also produce solar encapsulants, back sheets, and EVA sheets, making them vertically integrated.
Rising Players to Watch
- Premier Energies (Telangana)
- Goldi Solar (Gujarat)
- Saatvik Green Energy
- Jakson Solar
These emerging companies are expanding aggressively and adopting advanced manufacturing technologies such as TOPCon and HJT (Heterojunction Technology).
Want to know how residential panels from these brands are installed across Maharashtra? Explore our Solar Company in Pune
Step-by-Step Solar Panel Manufacturing Process in India
The process of solar panel manufacturing in India is a highly engineered operation, involving advanced machinery, precision chemistry, and quality control at every stage. Whether it’s for domestic installations or export-grade modules, manufacturers follow a streamlined, ISO-certified flow to deliver efficient, durable solar panels.
Let’s break down the entire manufacturing journey:
1. Silicon Ingot Formation
- Raw Material: High-purity quartz sand is processed to create polysilicon or monocrystalline silicon.
- In the Czochralski process, silicon is melted and slowly crystallized into cylindrical ingots (for monocrystalline) or cast into blocks (for polycrystalline).
2. Wafer Slicing
- Silicon ingots or blocks are sliced into ultra-thin wafers (~180–200 microns) using diamond wire saws.
- Wafers are cleaned, inspected, and prepared for further processing.
3. Cell Processing
This is where wafers become functional solar cells:
- Texturing: Improves light trapping
- Doping: Introduces boron/phosphorus to create electric fields
- Anti-reflective coating: Usually silicon nitride, gives cells their blue color
- Metallization: Screen-printed silver/aluminum contacts
- Firing: To solidify contacts and boost efficiency
4. Cell Interconnection
- Cells are soldered and connected in series to form a solar cell string.
- Busbars are added for current flow.
- The string layout depends on the panel wattage and type (36, 60, 72, or 144 half-cut cells).
5. Module Lamination
- The cell matrix is sandwiched between layers of EVA sheets, tempered glass, and a backsheet.
- It’s vacuum-sealed and passed through a laminator to bond all layers.
6. Framing & Junction Box
- An aluminum frame is fitted for structural support.
- A junction box is attached on the back with bypass diodes for protection.
7. Testing & Quality Control
- Each module undergoes:
- EL (Electroluminescence) Testing
- Flash Testing (to measure voltage/current)
- Insulation Testing
Labels are added with key specs: wattage, voltage, current, efficiency, and certifications.
Final Output: Certified Solar Panels
Panels are then packed, barcoded, and ready for dispatch to rooftops, solar farms, or export hubs.
Fun Fact: Over 90% of solar panel manufacturers in India now use automated robots for soldering, lamination, and testing — boosting quality and reducing error rates.
Government Schemes & Support for Solar Panel Manufacturing in India
The Indian government has been a strong catalyst in boosting solar panel manufacturing in India through a range of policy measures, incentives, and long-term programs. These initiatives are designed to make India not just self-reliant in solar production, but a global solar export hub.
1. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
Launched by MNRE under the National Programme on High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules, the PLI scheme offers:
- ₹19,500 crore in funding
- Targeted support for end-to-end solar panel manufacturing in India (from polysilicon to modules)
- Benefits for companies like Reliance New Energy, Adani Solar, Waaree Energies, etc.
- Objective: 10 GW of integrated manufacturing to reduce imports
2. Bharat New Energy Policy
Under discussion, this unified policy framework is expected to:
- Replace fragmented solar schemes
- Prioritize domestic sourcing
- Enable easier approvals for setting up solar giga-factories
3. Custom Duty & Trade Protection
To discourage cheap imports and support Indian manufacturers:
- 40% Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on solar modules
- 25% BCD on solar cells
- Implementation since April 2022
This has made imports costlier, giving Indian manufacturers a competitive edge.
4. DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) for Govt Projects
Public sector and DISCOM-led rooftop projects under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana now require:
- Panels made in India
- Vendors enlisted under ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers)
💡 Solar Ace Energy sources DCR-compliant panels from top manufacturers, ensuring both quality and subsidy eligibility.
5. Faster Solar Park Approvals & Land Allotment
State-level policies (especially in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana) now offer:
- Single-window clearance
- Subsidized land leases
- Capital subsidies for infrastructure
📎 External Source: For official updates, visit the MNRE Official Portal
Solar Panel Production Capacity & Export Trends
The rise of solar panel manufacturing in India isn’t just about meeting domestic demand—it’s also a strategic move to become a global supplier in the clean energy supply chain. With world-class manufacturing infrastructure, India is quickly gaining ground as an exporter of high-quality solar modules.
🌞 India’s Current Production Capacity (2025)
India has rapidly scaled up its annual solar panel manufacturing in India capabilities, particularly for modules and cells:
| Component | Capacity (2024) | Target (by 2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Modules | 30+ GW | 100 GW |
| Solar Cells | 10+ GW | 50 GW |
| Wafers/Ingots | ~5 GW | 30 GW |
| EVA/Backsheets | ~8 GW | 25 GW |
Notable Export-Ready Brands
- Vikram Solar – exporting to 30+ countries
- Waaree Energies – certified for IEC, CE, UL standards
- Goldi Solar – strong in African markets
- Adani Solar – supplying to USA & Gulf
What Makes Indian Panels Export-Grade?
- Compliance with international certifications (UL, TUV, IEC)
- Competitive pricing with quality assurance
- Government-backed financial support (like PLI)
- Trained workforce and automated lines
Solar Panel manufacturing in India story is now as much about quality and export as it is about scale.
Challenges in Solar Panel Manufacturing in India
Despite the tremendous growth in solar panel manufacturing in India, the sector still faces several roadblocks that need strategic resolution. These challenges impact scalability, cost-effectiveness, and India’s ability to compete globally with countries like China.
1. Heavy Dependence on Imported Raw Materials
- India imports ~80% of its solar-grade polysilicon, wafers, and ingots, primarily from China, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
- This creates supply chain vulnerability and cost fluctuations.
🧪 Solution in Progress: Incentivize local production of upstream materials under expanded PLI schemes.
2. High Capital Costs for Upstream Infrastructure
- Setting up vertically integrated plants (from polysilicon to modules) requires massive CapEx and long ROI cycles.
- Access to low-interest, long-term finance remains limited for MSMEs.
🏛️ Policy Ask: Dedicated solar manufacturing loans through public-sector banks.
3. Logistics and Infrastructure Gaps
- Limited solar-grade industrial parks with plug-and-play infrastructure.
- High inland transport costs for bulky panel shipments from factory to project sites.
🛣 States like Gujarat and Telangana are creating solar parks with proximity to ports and rail networks.
4. Lack of R&D in High-Efficiency Technology
- While Indian manufacturers lead in polycrystalline and mono PERC, they lag behind in TOPCon, HJT, and bifacial panel innovation.
- Limited research-to-manufacturing pipelines from academia to industry.
🎯 Need of the Hour: Govt–Industry–Institution collaborations to fund solar tech innovation.
5. Quality Standardisation
- Not all manufacturers meet international Tier-1 standards, which affects exports and large-scale EPC projects.
- The ALMM (Approved List of Models & Manufacturers) was introduced but remains under revision.
- Proposed Fix: Regular audits, better testing labs, and upgraded BIS standards.
Future Outlook of Solar Panel Manufacturing in India
The future of solar panel manufacturing in India looks promising, driven by technological innovation, growing global demand, and proactive policy support. India’s vision is not just to be energy independent, but to become a global clean energy manufacturing hub by 2030.
1. India’s 2030 Vision – 100 GW Manufacturing Capacity
- Under the National Solar Mission, India plans to scale its domestic module production from 30 GW (2024) to 100 GW by 2030.
- Parallel efforts aim to localize the entire supply chain—from polysilicon to inverters and storage.
2. Rise of Next-Gen Technologies
Indian manufacturers are shifting focus from standard poly and mono panels to advanced technologies, including:
| Technology | Description | Efficiency Range |
|---|---|---|
| TOPCon | Tunnel oxide passivated contacts for higher gains | 22–24% |
| HJT | Heterojunction of crystalline and amorphous silicon | 23–25% |
| Bifacial | Panels generate from both front and back sides | 21–23% |
| Thin Film | Flexible panels for niche & mobile applications | 12–18% |
These innovations will allow India to compete globally, especially in the US and European markets.
🌏 3. India as a Global Exporter
- Trade agreements and improved shipping infrastructure are expected to boost exports of Indian solar modules to:
- Africa (off-grid needs)
- Europe (subsidy-driven residential market)
- Southeast Asia (growing commercial solar adoption)
India’s solar panels are already finding traction in Netherlands, UAE, Kenya, USA, and Bangladesh.
4. Collaboration & FDI Opportunities
- Global solar giants are exploring joint ventures and technology transfer to tap into India’s production ecosystem.
- Recent examples include:
- LONGi exploring partnerships
- Risen Energy setting up India-based assembly lines
5. Policy Continuity & Incentives
- If PLI II and state subsidies continue without disruption, India can completely eliminate solar module imports by 2027–28.
- The ALMM list revamp is likely to boost trust and standardisation across utility-scale and export projects.
FAQs – Solar Panel Manufacturing in India
These frequently asked questions will help clarify your understanding of the scope, challenges, and opportunities related to solar panel manufacturing in India.
Which are the top companies solar panel manufacturing in India?
Some of the leading manufacturers include:
Waaree Energies
Adani Solar
Tata Power Solar
Vikram Solar
RenewSys India
These companies manufacture modules, and some also produce cells, wafers, and EVA components.
Is India self-sufficient in solar panel production?
Not fully—India has strong module and cell production capacity, but still depends heavily on imported wafers and polysilicon. However, the PLI scheme is accelerating full supply chain localization.
What is ALMM, and why is it important?
ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) is a mandatory registry for solar equipment approved by MNRE. Only products listed here are eligible for subsidy-backed government projects, ensuring quality and reliability.
Are Indian solar panels export quality?
Yes. Many Indian manufacturers meet international certifications like IEC, UL, CE, and export to over 30 countries. Panels are tested for performance, durability, and compliance.
How does the government support solar manufacturing in India?
Through:
PLI scheme
Basic Customs Duty on imported panels/cells
DCR policy for domestic projects
Subsidies for setting up factories (at the state level)
These incentives help reduce import reliance and boost domestic jobs.
Can a startup invest in solar manufacturing?
Yes, but capital requirement is high—especially for upstream components like wafers and polysilicon. Startups are encouraged to explore component supply chains, EPC services, or R&D in high-efficiency tech.
What are the new trends in solar panel technology in India?
The industry is shifting toward:
TOPCon & HJT modules
Bifacial & half-cut cell panels
Smart modules with MLPE (module-level power electronics)
These advancements increase power output and reduce long-term cost of energy (LCOE).
Conclusion – India’s Solar Manufacturing Future is Bright
India’s journey toward becoming a clean energy powerhouse is being powered—quite literally—by the rapid growth of solar panel manufacturing in India. From increased production capacity and advanced technologies to government incentives and global exports, the country is laying a solid foundation for long-term solar dominance.
Whether you are:
- A residential buyer seeking reliable, affordable panels
- A solar entrepreneur eyeing dealership or distribution opportunities
- An investor looking to enter the solar manufacturing ecosystem
- Or simply someone who wants to understand the energy transition…
Now is the time to watch, support, and participate in India’s solar revolution.
At Solar Ace Energy, while we do not manufacture panels ourselves, we proudly partner with India’s top Tier-1 manufacturers to deliver MNRE-compliant, high-efficiency solar systems tailored to your needs.
Get in touch with Solar Ace today and take your first step toward clean, cost-effective energy.
📧 Email: info@solaraceenergy.com
📞 Call: +91 95867 22221
