Govt proposes Rs 11k-cr plan to boost domestic solar panel manufacturing

Financial support, more projects, duty exemption offered to 'Make in India' solar products

To promote manufacturing in India of solar photovoltaic cells and modules, the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) has drafted a set of proposals for financial and other support. Direct financial support of Rs 11,000 crore is proposed.

"The objective is to eventually have the entire spectrum of manufacturing, from poly-silicon to modules," goes the draft, reviewed by Business Standard. Comments have been invited from the industry, after which the final scheme would follow.

Domestic solar manufacturing had been hit by cheaper import in earlier years. So, MNRE initiated a Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) under the National Solar Mission.