Investment in research and development is essential for enhancing solar technologies and cultivating a skilled workforce for advanced manufacturing.

India aims to achieve a remarkable target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with a strong emphasis on solar power.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, India installed 15 GW of solar capacity, bringing the total to 90.8 GW by September, a significant increase from just 2.8 GW in 2014.

India has the opportunity to lead in sustainable solar manufacturing by minimizing environmental impacts and focusing on recycling solar panels.

Strengthening government support, such as expanding the Production Linked Incentive scheme and requiring domestic sourcing for government-backed projects, will be crucial for this transition.

This includes the need to produce solar cells starting from silica refining, a process that is costly and requires advanced technology.

Despite this growth, the country currently relies on imports for nearly 80% of its solar equipment, with over 60% sourced from China.

In FY 2024, India's solar sector imports reached $7 billion, with $3.89 billion coming from China, raising concerns about energy security and economic resilience.

To reduce this dependency, India must develop a robust domestic solar manufacturing industry that goes beyond merely assembling imported components.

By enhancing local manufacturing capabilities and fostering international collaborations, India can work towards becoming a self-sufficient solar power leader.

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) emphasizes the necessity of a self-reliant solar manufacturing industry in India, particularly in polysilicon and wafer production.

GTRI suggests several steps to boost domestic manufacturing, including investing in upstream solar production and expanding initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive scheme.