India's Solar Photovoltaic Module Manufacturing Capacity Hits 18.6 GW Under PLI Scheme

Strategic Insights -

The Indian government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has achieved significant milestones in boosting the country's solar photovoltaic module manufacturing capacity. As of June 30, 2025, the capacity has reached 18.6 gigawatts, with solar cell production capacity approaching 10 gigawatts. This growth is attributed to the scheme's efforts to promote domestic solar PV module manufacturing and reduce the country's import dependence in the solar energy sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PLI scheme has enabled India to reach a solar photovoltaic module manufacturing capacity of 18.6 gigawatts, with solar cell production capacity nearing 10 gigawatts.
  • Three companies, Shirdi Sai Electricals, Reliance Industries, and Adani New Industries, have received Letters of Award to establish 8.737 GW of fully integrated solar PV module manufacturing facilities under the first tranche of the PLI scheme.
  • The second tranche has seen 11 successful bidders approved to set up 39.6 GW of fully or partially integrated solar PV module manufacturing units across India.
  • The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy reports India's total installed solar cell manufacturing capacity at 26.35 GW, with plans to expand this to approximately 42 GW by June 1, 2026.
  • The PLI scheme aims to promote domestic solar PV module manufacturing while reducing the country's import dependence in the solar energy sector.
  • The initiative has shown measurable results in reducing import dependency, with Commerce Ministry data indicating a decrease in solar module imports from USD 3,363.21 million in fiscal year 2022 to USD 2,151.75 million in fiscal year 2025.

Statistics:

  • India's solar photovoltaic module manufacturing capacity has reached 18.6 gigawatts under the PLI scheme as of June 30, 2025.
  • Solar cell production capacity is approaching 10 gigawatts.
  • The PLI scheme has enabled the establishment of 8.737 GW of fully integrated solar PV module manufacturing facilities through Letters of Award to three companies.
  • The second tranche has seen 11 successful bidders approved to set up 39.6 GW of fully or partially integrated solar PV module manufacturing units across India.
  • India's total installed solar cell manufacturing capacity stands at 26.35 GW, with plans to expand this to approximately 42 GW by June 1, 2026.
  • Solar module imports to India decreased from USD 3,363.21 million in fiscal year 2022 to USD 2,151.75 million in fiscal year 2025.

Sources:

  • Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik's written parliamentary response on Wednesday, August 7.
  • Approved List of Models and Manufacturers and data from manufacturers as of June 30, 2025.
  • Commerce Ministry data indicating a decrease in solar module imports.
  • Ministry of New & Renewable Energy reports on India's total installed solar cell manufacturing capacity.
  • Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from KNN (Knowledge & News Network).