The government is finally implementing the policy of an Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), which will restrict solar power project developers from depending on imported panels.
The government has made efforts to boost indigenous solar manufacturing
- Import Restrictions: The Approved Models and Manufacturers list was created to restrict imports from China, which controls a substantial percentage of the worldwide solar supply market.
- India expects to generate approximately 500 GW of electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, with solar power accounting for at least 280 GW. This means building at least 40 GW of solar energy each year until 2030. So, there is a need to focus on indigenous solar projects.
Challenges ahead:
- Unrealistic targets: Despite high ambitions, India’s solar capacity additions have been slow in recent years, thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. The country plans to increase installations to between 25 and 40 GW each year.
- Imports account for a large portion of India’s solar installations, which has an impact on domestic panel makers, who must pay for government certification but lose business to cheaper Chinese panels. For example, solar panel imports increased by approximately $1,136.28 million in FY24 compared to $943.53 million in FY23
Conclusion:
India’s ALMM programme intends to increase local solar manufacturing, in line with ambitious renewable energy ambitions. Address issues such as reaching targets and lowering reliance on imports through strategic planning and assistance.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/solar-surge-the-hindu-editorial-on-moving-away-from-imported-solar-panels/article68016322.ece