Business · Trade · 2 hrs ago
Indian solar makers seek German suppliers amid proposed Chinese export curbs
China's proposed export curbs are pushing Indian solar makers to seek alternatives.
The restrictions would cover technology and equipment used to make solar components, including wafers, polysilicon and advanced cells.
Indian manufacturers are looking particularly to Germany, as well as to suppliers in other parts of Europe, Japan and Taiwan.
India aims to build 100 gigawatts of capacity for wafers, ingots and polysilicon by the end of this decade, with about 30 gigawatts currently in the pipeline.
German suppliers may not meet the scale of demand, and equipment from Europe could cost 40–50% more and take longer to arrive.
Higher costs and delays could complicate India's manufacturing plans, while the search for alternatives reflects concerns about relying on Chinese supplies.
Manufacturers are exploring international partnerships, and industry figures say stronger domestic technology and equipment capabilities will be important over the medium to long term.
China’s proposed restrictions on exports of solar manufacturing technology and equipment have led Indian manufacturers to explore suppliers in Germany and other markets.
The proposed curbs could affect India’s plans to build a domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem.
India is targeting 100 gigawatts of wafer, ingot and polysilicon capacity by the end of this decade, with about 30 gigawatts currently in the pipeline.
Industry stakeholders say European suppliers could diversify sourcing, but warn that they may not meet the scale of Indian demand.
Equipment from European suppliers could cost 40–50% more and take longer to arrive, potentially raising costs and delaying projects.
- Who
- Indian solar manufacturers are exploring alternatives, including European suppliers. China is proposing the export curbs.
- What
- The proposed restrictions cover solar manufacturing technology and equipment. Indian manufacturers are seeking alternative sources.
- When
- The proposed restrictions have prompted manufacturers to explore alternatives. The date the proposal was made is not stated.
- Where
- India is seeking suppliers, particularly in Germany and elsewhere in Europe.
- Why
- Manufacturers are concerned about the reliability of Chinese supplies and the potential effects of the proposed curbs on India’s domestic manufacturing plans.
Indian manufacturers seeking to diversify
Industry stakeholders warning about capacity and cost
Sourcing
Indian manufacturers seeking to diversify
Manufacturers are exploring suppliers in Germany and other markets to reduce reliance on Chinese equipment.
Industry stakeholders warning about capacity and cost
European suppliers may not be able to meet the scale of demand from Indian manufacturers.
Costs and delivery
Indian manufacturers seeking to diversify
European technology offers an alternative to Chinese turnkey lines.
Industry stakeholders warning about capacity and cost
European equipment can cost more and take longer to deliver, raising costs and delaying projects.
Domestic capacity
Indian manufacturers seeking to diversify
Diversifying technology partnerships can support India’s manufacturing capabilities.
Industry stakeholders warning about capacity and cost
India needs to become self-sufficient in technology, and Indian machinery suppliers are hoped to step up over the medium to long term.
Indian solar manufacturers began looking for alternative suppliers, particularly in Germany.
Indian manufacturers engaged with European technology suppliers, including Centrotherm and RENA Technologies.
- India’s capacity target
- 100 gigawatts of wafers, ingots and polysilicon by the end of this decade
- Capacity in pipeline
- About 30 gigawatts of wafer and ingot capacity
- European equipment premium
- 40–50%
- Suppliers named
- Centrotherm and RENA Technologies
What people are saying
It is not certain whether any other country would be able to cater to the high demand coming from India
The solution is to diversify technology partnerships and strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities,
Companies are actively engaging with suppliers such as Centrotherm and RENA Technologies for advanced cell manufacturing capabilities.
Indian solar manufacturers are increasingly exploring equipment and technology partnerships across Europe, Japan, Taiwan and other markets, reducing concentration risks