New Delhi: India should take up full-value chain of solar manufacturing from polysilicon to modules in a phased manner where 15 gigawatt (GW) capacity could be targeted over two to three years for manufacturing of cells and modules to begin with, according to The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).The NGO released a policy paper today titled “‘Solar PV Manufacturing in India: Silicon Ingot & Wafer - PV Cell - PV Module”. The government should consider prioritising PV manufacturing value chain as a strategic industry and local manufacturing capacity of 15 GW of ‘full value chain Silicon Ingot to solar modules’ should be operational at competitive prices by 2024, the paper said.
For this it suggests initiating a Phased Manufacturing Programme under the Make in India plan. “It is possible to have indigenous solar manufacturing facility that delivers on the three points of reliable energy access, cost of supply, and local manufacturing that can meet demand,” said Ajay Mathur, director general, TERI.
The government should invite bids for manufacturing of solar panels with full value addition in India, along with ensured sales for four years, according to Ajay Shankar, Distinguished Fellow, TERI. He added that the government should also provide land, power supply and environmental clearance and develop solar manufacturing plants along the lines of SEZ.