Business · Trade · 8 hrs ago
Solar module makers seek extension of local cell sourcing deadline
Solar module makers in India are seeking more time to meet rules requiring projects to use cells from approved domestic suppliers.
The Renewable Energy Manufacturers Association of India has asked Niti Aayog for an extension, with one industry representative saying it wants the deadline moved to December 2027.
The rules aim to support domestic manufacturing and apply to solar projects covered by the mandate.
Available approved cells lag far behind module capacity: the association says India has 95 gigawatts of producible TOPCon module capacity but only 15.8 gigawatts of listed TOPCon cells.
It says less than 2% of that module capacity is available on the open market, as integrated manufacturers use most of their output themselves.
The supply gap could burden module-only manufacturers that cannot source enough eligible cells.
The government has already extended some project deadlines and exemptions, but the request for a further extension has not been decided.
The Renewable Energy Manufacturers Association of India has asked for more time to meet rules requiring solar projects to use cells from approved domestic suppliers.
The group says domestic cell supply is insufficient for the country’s module-making capacity, leaving module-only manufacturers facing higher costs.
It seeks to extend the deadline for module-only makers until December 2027 and has proposed a time-bound, availability-linked bridge.
The association said India had 95 GW of producible TOPCon module capacity, compared with 15.8 GW of enlisted TOPCon cells.
The rules apply to projects covered by the mandate, while some project categories have received exemptions until December.
- Who
- The Renewable Energy Manufacturers Association of India, representing non-integrated solar module manufacturers.
- What
- It has asked for an extension of the deadline for compulsory local sourcing of solar cells, seeking a deadline of December 2027 for module-only makers.
- When
- The request was reported on November 1, 2026. The current deadline for major projects is December.
- Where
- The association made its representation to Niti Aayog in India.
- Why
- It says domestic cell supply has not kept pace with module capacity, and that module-only manufacturers are carrying the cost.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The local sourcing requirement was notified, giving manufacturers and project developers time to prepare.
The ministry ruled out a blanket extension of the June 1 deadline but allowed project developers to seek case-specific relief.
ALMM List-II came into effect, requiring approved domestic cells for covered projects.
The government extended exemptions for net-metering and open-access renewable energy projects until December.
- Association
- Renewable Energy Manufacturers Association of India
- Capacity represented
- 160 GW of nameplate module capacity
- Requested deadline
- December 2027
- TOPCon module capacity
- 95 GW of producible capacity
- Enlisted TOPCon cells
- 15.8 GW