Renewable energy operations in India are progressing with substantial improvement. The country has installed more than 200 GW of renewable power facilities thus far. Nationwide targets established the Indian government to build 500 GW of electricity production using non-fossil fuel sources before 2030. The achievement of this target requires solar power system development.

The Indian government has committed under the Paris Agreement to minimize its carbon emissions to a 45% reduction by 2030. India must do both increase solar power consumption and establish domestic production of solar equipment to reach this goal. India depends on other countries for many important parts used in solar panels. To become self-reliant, India needs to build its solar manufacturing system. This will help create jobs, reduce costs, and make the country less dependent on imports.

Solar Energy is Leading the Way

Between April 2024 and January 2025, around 86% of new renewable energy in India came from solar power. This shows how fast solar energy is growing.

However, even though we are building many solar parks and rooftop systems, most of the solar cells and raw materials still come from outside India. To fix this, the government has taken some important steps.

One of them is the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). This rule says that only solar panels and cells made in India can be used in government projects. This has helped local manufacturers get more business.

But there’s still a long way to go—especially when it comes to making solar cells and wafers, which are the key parts of solar panels.

Why Solar Cell Manufacturing Matters

India has improved in making solar modules (the full panel), but making solar cells is more difficult and needs advanced machines and knowledge. Solar cells require very clean environments and complex processes like coating and layering.

To become fully self-reliant, India must start making these cells on a large scale. We also need to work on newer technologies like TOPCon, Backcontact, and Perovskite cells. These are more efficient and are already being used in other countries.

Investing in these technologies will help India make better quality panels that produce more electricity from the same amount of sunlight.

The Problem with Raw Materials

India still depends heavily on importing important materials like polysilicon, wafers, solar glass, and junction boxes. These are essential for making solar panels.

Even though India is now making more frames and some basic parts locally, we need to build factories that can make these core materials too. This will make the entire solar supply chain stronger and reduce delays or extra costs caused by importing.

To help with this, the government should also give incentives to companies that make these materials—just like it does for panel makers.

Need for Skilled Workers and Research

Making high-quality solar panels and cells needs skilled workers. India must invest in training programs to help workers learn how to use new machines and technologies.

Also, research and development (R&D) is very important. Countries that lead in solar technology spend a lot of time and money on research. India needs to do the same.

New ideas in coating, silicon purity, and high-efficiency designs can only come from strong R&D programs. Working together with universities, startups, and private companies can speed up innovation in this field.

Competing with the World

If India wants to export solar products to other countries, we must make sure our products meet international quality standards.

Right now, India exports only a small amount of solar products, but this can change. Many developing countries want affordable solar solutions. If India offers good quality at a fair price, we can become a global solar hub.

For that, we must focus on better packaging, certifications, trade policies, and strong branding.

Vision for the Future – 2047 and Beyond

India’s long-term vision, called Vision 2047, imagines a future where renewable energy powers most of the country. To make this dream come true, solar manufacturing in India needs to become fully local and independent.

We already have strong government policies and big investments from Indian companies. But we must keep working on the remaining challenges—especially in making solar cells, training people, and producing raw materials at home.

The right approach in solar development will transform India into a global solar manufacturing leader while achieving its energy targets.

The Indian nation follows a proper strategy for solar energy development. The expansion of solar manufacturing serves as the primary solution for decreasing imports while simultaneously lowering world emissions and producing new employment opportunities that aim to establish India's energy independence.

Expanding solar panel and material production in India will make our nation a world leader in sustainable energy development both for ourselves and all nations.