India Accelerates Solar Manufacturing with 44.2 GW Modules and 7.5 GW Cells Added in H1 2025 – EQ
In Short : India added 44.2 GW of solar module capacity and 7.5 GW of cell manufacturing capacity in the first half of 2025, driven by a 186 GW project pipeline and strong policy support. TOPCon and monocrystalline technologies led additions, while HJT appeared for the first time. With 182 GW of modules and 86 GW of cells under construction, India aims to strengthen domestic production and reduce import dependence.
In Detail : India’s solar manufacturing sector saw significant growth in the first half of 2025, adding 44.2 GW of module capacity and 7.5 GW of cell production. This surge is fueled by a strong 186 GW project pipeline planned through 2027 and ambitious government targets for 2030, highlighting the country’s commitment to expanding domestic solar capabilities and supporting renewable energy transition.
TOPCon technology dominated the new module additions, contributing 39.9 GW, followed by 3 GW of monocrystalline modules. For the first time, heterojunction (HJT) module capacity of 1.2 GW was introduced, reflecting India’s push toward advanced, high-efficiency solar technologies to meet both domestic and export demand.
As of June 2025, 91.5 GW of module production and 13.1 GW of cell production had received ALMM certification, ensuring compliance with India’s domestic manufacturing policies. These certifications aim to support local manufacturing, encourage investment, and align with the government’s vision of building a robust domestic solar supply chain over the next decade.
Indian manufacturers currently have 182 GW of module capacity and 86 GW of cell capacity under construction, scheduled for commissioning by 2027. Additionally, 97 GW of modules and 84.7 GW of cell capacity have been announced for future expansion, expected to come online by 2030 or earlier, demonstrating long-term planning and commitment.
India imported 44.6 GW of solar modules and cells in H1 2025, with cells accounting for 66% and modules 34% of the imports. Despite rising domestic manufacturing, the sector remains dependent on imports for raw materials like polysilicon, highlighting the need to scale up local production and reduce supply chain vulnerabilities.
Exports remained modest, with nearly 3 GW of modules and 83 MW of cells shipped primarily to the United States. However, U.S. tariffs of 50% on Indian solar panels have affected export volumes, creating challenges for manufacturers who previously relied on overseas markets to absorb production capacity and drive technology upgrades.
Many Indian factories are currently operating at just 25% of their total capacity, indicating underutilization despite rapid capacity additions. This gap underscores the importance of policy support, investment incentives, and infrastructure development to fully realize the country’s solar manufacturing potential and achieve efficiency gains.
Government initiatives, clean energy mandates, and domestic procurement policies are playing a critical role in sustaining growth. Incentives and regulatory frameworks are encouraging manufacturers to expand, adopt advanced technologies, and compete with global players while contributing to India’s climate and energy goals.
Looking ahead, India aims to reach 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with nearly 170 GW of projects already underway. The next few years will be crucial as the country strengthens its domestic solar manufacturing base, reduces import dependency, and solidifies its position as a major player in the global clean energy transition.
