Archive · 22 Jun 2025
India's Solar Imports Surge: China Dominates Cell Market Amidst Domestic Growth
India is buying a lot more solar parts from China, especially the cells that go inside solar panels.
Even though India wants to make its own solar panels, it still needs parts from China.
There are some rules about using imported parts, but some projects don't have to follow them.
Chinese companies are selling these parts very cheaply, which makes it hard for Indian companies to compete.
India is trying to make more of these parts itself, but it is a slow process, and it relies on China for the equipment.
Some companies are working with other countries and using different ways to make solar panels to avoid relying too much on China.
India's solar cell imports from China jumped 141% in FY25, while module imports dipped only 2%.
India's solar module manufacturing capacity has surged, but cell capacity still lags behind demand.
Exemptions to the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) order allow continued module imports.
Chinese dominance and price dumping pose challenges to India's domestic cell manufacturing.
Manufacturers are exploring strategies like joint ventures and alternative technologies to diversify supply chains.
- Who
- India, China, solar energy manufacturers, and the Indian government.
- What
- India's solar cell imports from China have increased significantly while module imports decreased slightly.
- When
- FY25 (2024-2025), with data from FY24 and projections for the future.
- Where
- India and China, focusing on the solar energy sector.
- Why
- India's increasing demand for solar energy, combined with challenges in domestic manufacturing and Chinese market dominance, drives these trends.
Indian Solar Manufacturers
Chinese Solar Manufacturers
Dumping of Chinese Solar Cells
Indian Solar Manufacturers
They are concerned about price dumping from China which undermines the Indian solar technology supply chain.
Chinese Solar Manufacturers
China's overcapacity is leading to price dumping and unfair competition.
Chinese Dominance in Wafer-Making Equipment
Indian Solar Manufacturers
Need to reduce reliance on Chinese equipment and diversify the supply chain.
Chinese Solar Manufacturers
The government should support efforts to secure energy technology supply chains to reduce reliance on China.
- Solar Cell Import Increase (FY24 to FY25)
- 141%
- Solar Module Import Decrease (FY24 to FY25)
- 2%
- India's Module Manufacturing Capacity (March 2024)
- 38 GW
- India's Module Manufacturing Capacity (Present)
- 91 GW
- India's Cell Manufacturing Capacity (March 2024)
- 9 GW
- India's Cell Manufacturing Capacity (Present)
- 25 GW
- Chinese Share of Solar Cell Imports (FY25)
- 90%
- ALMM Order for Cells Implementation
- June 1, 2026