Solar cells made using imported blue wafers no longer eligible: MNRE

The revised norms exempt thin-film solar modules from this requirement, ensuring that modules manufactured in integrated Indian factories continue to qualify under the DCR mandate.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced revised domestic content requirement (DCR) norms for solar cells, mandating that only those based on crystalline-silicon technology and manufactured in India using undiffused silicon wafers (black wafers) will qualify as domestically produced.

According to the new guidelines, all manufacturing processes from wafer to solar cell must take place within India. The undiffused silicon wafers used in production must fall under Customs Tariff Head 3818. Solar cells made using imported diffused silicon wafers (blue wafers) will no longer be eligible under DCR-mandated programmes, impacting manufacturers reliant on imported components.

However, the revised norms exempt thin-film solar modules from this requirement, ensuring that modules manufactured in integrated Indian factories continue to qualify under the DCR mandate. The changes are aimed at boosting domestic solar manufacturing and reducing dependency on imports.

Industry stakeholders have raised concerns over the limited availability and rising costs of DCR-compliant solar modules. The supply constraints could impact major government initiatives, including the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan, which rely on affordable and accessible solar modules for nationwide implementation.

Experts caution that these restrictions could disrupt the supply chain, potentially delaying project timelines and affecting investment strategies in the renewable energy sector. As the government pushes for self-reliance in solar manufacturing, the industry awaits further clarity on supply chain measures and potential incentives to mitigate rising costs and ensure project viability.