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					</table>As India accelerates the transition to domestically manufactured solar cells and modules, manufacturers and developers are increasingly prioritizing supply chain readiness, engineering support, and technology adoption over equipment price alone.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mnre-extends-almm-cell-exemption-for-net-metering-open-access-solar-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allowed</a> net-metering and open access solar projects commissioned by December 31, 2026, to continue using solar cells that are exempt from the ALMM List II requirement. Industry experts say developers should use the transition period to identify suppliers capable of consistently delivering domestic content requirement (DCR)-compliant modules. Once the exemption expires, demand for compliant modules is expected to increase sharply, making early supplier qualification increasingly important.
Addressing concerns about higher-priced ALMM-II-compliant modules, Kugarthi Raja Kumar, General Manager, Sales and Marketing (South), <a href="https://saatvikgroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saatvik Green Energy</a>, said DCR modules command a premium because India’s manufacturing ecosystem remains in the early stages of development. Limited production scale, stabilizing manufacturing lines, and higher raw material costs continue to support higher prices.
Kumar expects prices to stabilize within the next six to twelve months as additional domestic cell capacity comes online.
Experts said long-term product quality and lifecycle support are becoming more important purchasing criteria than upfront price alone. Manufacturers capable of providing this support are likely to gain a competitive advantage.
Kumar said developers should evaluate module suppliers based on product certifications, factory audits, long-term warranty support, spare parts availability, and field service capabilities.
Growing Focus on BoM Quality
The bill of materials (BoM), comprising junction boxes, connectors, and cables, represents only a small share of overall project costs but can play a critical role in plant safety, reliability, and long-term performance.
Srivatsa, General Manager, Sales and Technical Operations at <a href="https://www.genxpv.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GenX PV</a>, said that engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies should prioritize certified components, verify connector compatibility, evaluate environmental durability, and ensure that electrical ratings are compatible with higher-voltage systems.
He warned that incompatible connectors can increase contact resistance, leading to overheating, moisture ingress, corrosion, plant outages, and warranty disputes. Rising module power ratings are driving demand for higher-current connectors and junction boxes capable of supporting 1,500 V and emerging 2,000 V systems.
Robotic Cleaning Solutions  
Developers are also using automation to improve operating efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. Ground-mounted projects facing labor shortages and water constraints are increasingly adopting robotic dry-cleaning systems.
According to Suraj Vernekar, Managing Director at <a href="https://aegeustechnologies.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aegeus Technologies</a>, developers are evaluating fully autonomous, semi-autonomous, and hybrid cleaning solutions based on site conditions, plant size, terrain, and row length.
He said that while robotic dry-cleaning costs ₹0.35 (~$0.004) to ₹0.60 (~$0.006) per module, about one-third the cost for conventional manual water-based cleaning, reducing water usage and labor requirements. Lower operating costs enable developers to clean modules more frequently, improving generation by an estimated 0.75% to 1%.
Depending on site conditions and electricity tariffs, the payback period for robotic dry-cleaning systems can range from six months to two years for smaller projects.
However, Vernekar said cost savings are only one consideration. Some developers also deploy robotic cleaning to support broader ESG objectives.
Semi-autonomous robotic cleaning systems are typically preferred where securing contiguous land parcels is difficult. Vernekar said that 60%–70% of projects deploy hybrid systems, depending on soil conditions and whether the modules are arranged in long rows.
While such module cleaning solutions are taking root in ground-mounted projects, they have yet to gain traction in the rooftop solar segment.
To provide lighter solutions for rooftop systems, Vernekar said Aegeus has developed lightweight robotic cleaning systems weighing about 18 kg. The company is also preparing to commercialize a lighter 10-11 kg version later this year to improve accessibility and worker safety.
AI Integration in Solar Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being deployed throughout the manufacturing value chain.
AI-based inspection systems identify cell cracks, lamination defects, and other production anomalies in real time, improving throughput while maintaining quality.
Automation has increased Saatvik&#8217;s production capacity from approximately 5,000 modules per day to up to 8,000.
AI is also improving junction-box manufacturing by automatically identifying defects in crimping, welding, and assembly before products leave the factory, added Srivatsa.
Vernekar said beyond cleaning, Aegeus is developing AI-powered inspection systems that use thermal and RGB imaging to identify faults in modules, junction boxes, and electrical equipment.
The company is also developing AI-driven software to automate broader solar plant operations and maintenance, reduce manual intervention, and improve the project&#8217;s capacity utilization factor.
Despite these advances, manufacturers emphasized that AI complements rather than replaces manual quality inspections.
These were part of the discussions at Mercom India’s RE Buyer Seller Meet held in Bengaluru on July 24, 2026. The panelists highlighted that India&#8217;s solar market is becoming increasingly quality-driven, with developers placing greater emphasis on product reliability, engineering support, lifecycle costs, automation, and long-term supplier capability as domestic manufacturing expands under ALMM.
Mercom&#8217;s RE Buyer-Seller Meets connect manufacturers and solution providers with qualified installers, EPC contractors, developers, dealers, and distributors actively evaluating solar modules, inverters, storage systems, and balance-of-system products. Beyond showcasing products, the events provide practical market insights into evolving technology, procurement trends, and customer requirements.
The next RE Buyer-Seller Meet will be <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2026-hyderabad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">held</a> on August 20, 2026, in Hyderabad.

Choosing the Right Solar Supplier Is No Longer Just About Price

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					</table>Rising solar demand across India, driven by rooftop subsidies, clarity on open access, and commercial and industrial (C&amp;I) adoption, is resulting in developers and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors updating their project execution strategies.
According to industry experts, companies are shifting procurement decisions more closely towards domestic manufacturing availability, Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) compliance, and solar system quality, durability, and reliability.
Developers and EPC contractors are increasingly focusing on timely module sourcing, third-party testing, certified mounting structures, and contractual safeguards to reduce supply risks and ensure timely project commissioning.
Expected Market Growth
Devarsh Dalal, Key Account and Institutional Sales at <a href="https://www.adanisolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adani Solar</a>, said the company has 4 GW of solar cell and module manufacturing capacity and a 2 GW ingot-wafer manufacturing facility. The company is developing a module and cell manufacturing park aiming to produce TOPCon G12R solar modules rated at over 600 W.
Adani Solar plans to add G12R module and cell lines, each with 6 GW of capacity, within the current financial year. It also aims to increase wafer manufacturing capacity to 10 GW by 2028 to 2029 and develop an integrated solar manufacturing ecosystem.
Dalal said the company’s current capacity utilization factor is at 100% due to increased demand. He noted that demand for solar products has increased since the introduction of subsidies under the PM Surya Ghar program.
Rahul Makahaniya, Chief Marketing Officer at <a href="https://soleosenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Soleos Energy</a>, expects rooftop installations across India to increase only marginally this year. Rooftop solar is less viable for energy-intensive industries, such as cement, chemicals, and steel. He felt that ground-mounted systems are likely to drive future solar adoption in such industries.
He cited open access clarity over the last two and a half years as one of the reasons for this shift. “If we remove the PM Surya Ghar program and focus just on the commercial investment, it (the future) is in ground-mounted systems,” Makahaniya said.
Energy-intensive industries adopt solar to cut operating costs or meet clean energy commitments through mechanisms such as renewable purchase obligations.
In non-energy-intensive industries, Makahaniya noted that most new facilities are being built alongside solar projects.
Quality of Mounting Structures
Discussing the importance of solar mounting structures, Chirag Garg, Founder and Director at <a href="https://www.stucongroup.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stucon Energy India</a>, said they account for only 10% to 15% of total project costs. Customers, therefore, tend to cut costs on these structures. But this can become an issue during harsh climatic conditions.
Designing mounting structures involves site topography, climatic conditions, and other specifications. For example, the company uses mounting structures with higher galvanized coatings in coastal regions. In regions with strong winds, the company focuses on base support systems.
Garg called for greater focus on certified engineering materials and precision in mounting structures.
Discussing installation challenges, he said every site, installation, and project is different. Each joint in the mounting structure is designed differently based on soil and climatic conditions.
Solar project developers are becoming more willing to pay for long-term durability in mounting structures, particularly after recent weather events.
According to Garg, this approach can reduce maintenance costs over the long term.
Garg added that Stucon provides developers with traceability certificates for mounting structures, demonstrating quality and engineering precision.
Discussing the manufacturing process for future-ready module mounting structures, he said Stucon is focusing largely on residential solar projects under the PM Surya Ghar program. Modules for such structures can be fabricated on-site. The company provides module vendors with prefabricated structures for 3 kW to 5 kW panels. This helps shorten project timelines and minimize installation errors.
Module mounting structure companies are also using newer materials such as zinc-aluminum-magnesium, which have self-healing properties. Garg said companies such as Stucon are also increasing automation in manufacturing structures to reduce production errors and delivery timelines.
Impact of ALMM List-II
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/list-ii-for-solar-cells-into-force-from-june-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mandated</a> that, from June 1, 2026, solar modules must use cells sourced only from manufacturers enrolled in ALMM List-II. This move is aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing. The Ministry has <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/almm-june-1-mandate-for-solar-cells-stays-mnre-rules-out-blanket-extension" target="_blank" rel="noopener">declared</a> that there will be no blanket extension of the ALMM List-II deadline beyond June 1, 2026.
Dalal said demand for ALMM-II compliant modules will increase, particularly for captive commercial and industrial (C&amp;I) projects. He expects a slight supply-demand gap in the module market over the next 1 to 2 months due to the mandate. However, he projects that the industry will overcome these challenges and resume regular operations soon.
Considering the ALMM List II mandate, Dalal said he had been warning solar installers against overcommitting to customers. He advised installers to confirm supply expectations with manufacturers before committing to project timelines with customers.
Module Supply Risk
Makahaniya said Soleos has prepared for potential supply-side risk in the solar module market by structuring contracts to ensure timely supply. Developers are adding clauses to contracts with module suppliers to ensure timely delivery, including discounts for modules delivered after the agreed date.
However, Makahaniya noted that developers often delay taking delivery of modules, rather than manufacturers supplying them late. He cited land allocation delays beyond developers’ control as one such reason. Contracts are being prepared to establish joint responsibility for delays in the supply and delivery of solar modules.
Developers setting up multiple projects can source modules from different manufacturers if one manufacturer cannot meet the delivery deadline. Smaller companies working on single projects face greater exposure to module supply delays and price changes. Even marginal price changes per module can affect total project costs.
Developers and manufacturers also aim to maintain relationships beyond contracts, which helps address demand-supply risks. Developers and EPC contractors must place module orders on time after securing solar projects. Waiting longer before ordering modules to achieve higher margins can lead to cost escalation.
Developers and EPC contractors must be transparent with customers and module manufacturers about project commissioning expectations.
Module Durability
Dalal discussed how solar installers are ensuring module performance when selecting manufacturers.
He stated that developers and EPC contractors have begun sending solar modules to third-party laboratories to check their performance.
Dalal added that developers must assess whether the manufacturers they select for solar modules will remain in business throughout the projects’ lifetimes. He advised developers to obtain insurance for solar modules on larger projects in case manufacturers become bankrupt or cease operations.
These <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/re-buyer-seller-meet-2026-jodhpur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discussions</a> were part of Mercom’s Renewable Energy Buyer Seller Meet 2026, held in Jodhpur. The next Buyer-Seller Meet will be <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2026-bengaluru" target="_blank" rel="noopener">held</a> in Bengaluru on July 24, 2026.
Mercom is also <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/mercom-india-renewables-summit-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hosting</a> the sixth edition of its Renewables Summit, the largest conference in the sector, on July 1 and 2 at the Hyatt Regency, New Delhi.  It brings together diverse stakeholders who are shaping India’s renewable energy industry.

India’s Solar Industry Shifting Focus to Timely Module Sourcing

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					</table>Buyers and sellers in the solar sector got a unique opportunity to share information about products and services and foster business-to-business connections at Mercom India’s first RE Buyer-Seller Meet in Bengaluru on February 7, 2025.
The well-attended event saw solar equipment, balance of systems, and other components manufacturers sharing information about their solutions with vendors and distributors. Attendees also gained valuable insights into the latest trends in the solar industry from experts in the field at the two-panel discussions on key themes moderated by Priyadarshini Sanjay, Managing Director, Mercom India.
Buyers and sellers got a chance to engage directly with each other and forge business relationships.
At one of the panel discussions on Building a Robust Supply Chain Ecosystem, Harshal Akhouri, Co-Founder of <a href="https://strolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Strolar</a>, spoke about the imperative of introducing a standards framework for mounting structures for rooftop solar systems. While qualified engineers appropriately vet rooftop solar systems in the commercial and industrial sectors, the same is not the case with residential rooftop solar systems.
He made a case for framing regulations and standards for mounting structures, especially with the government setting an ambitious target of installing rooftop solar systems in 10 million households by 2027.
Prashanth Byndoor, Regional Head, South India, Sales and Marketing, <a href="https://www.adanisolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adani Solar</a>, gave an overview of his company’s solar manufacturing from silicon to module with 10 GW backward integration by 2026. He also spoke about Adani Solar’s glass, EVA, and backsheet manufacturing.
He said Adani Solar has decided to have a complete ecosystem to reduce raw material costs and balance of system imports for the 10 GW expansion in the coming years. More than exports, the company is focusing on catering to the increasing demand for DCR modules under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM KUSUM programs.
About solar cell manufacturing in India, Byndoor said the economies of scale must improve for cell production to grow and bridge the demand-supply gap. Solar cell manufacturing requires five times more capex than module manufacturing.
The panelists also spoke about the prevalent solar technologies and the likely ones that will emerge. TOPCon continues to be the technology of choice as of now.
Bhupendra Singh Rawat, CEO of <a href="https://dhashtec.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DhaSh PV Technologies</a>, spoke about his company’s expansion plans. He said DhaSh is the only approved junction box manufacturing company in India and plans to manufacture DC cables with a capacity of 1,000 km per day.
At the second panel discussion on ‘Emerging Opportunities in the Distributed and Large-Scale Project Segments,’ Ramesh Shivanna, Founder of <a href="https://www.prideworld.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pride Group</a>, spoke of the challenges in executing projects. Supply chain issues are now the biggest challenge in executing projects. Arriving at the right prices while bidding for projects is also tricky because of module price fluctuations. Land availability also continues to be a challenge, he said.
He said India must focus on and invest in research and development for self-reliance in the renewable energy sector and reduce dependence on imports.
C.Senthil Nadhan, Regional Manager, <a href="https://www.iconsolar-en.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Icon Solar</a>, said that since the demand for DCR modules has grown, Icon has set up a dedicated line to cater to the segment. The company plans to expand to 2.6 GW capacity during the current year and to 10 GW by 2030. By the end of 2025, a 1.4 GW cell line will be operational.
He said more module manufacturers were entering cell manufacturing, and many EPC players were getting into module manufacturing. More companies need to go into wafer-to-ingot manufacturing.
Abhishek Raj, Marketing and GTM Manager, <a href="https://enphase.com/en-in" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Enphase Energy</a>, said battery systems were becoming critical for energy independence and reliability. The scale of adoption of battery energy storage systems will depend on their cost.
Sandesh N, Sales Head, South India, <a href="https://www.solisinverters.com/us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Solis</a>, said there is currently no demand-supply gap for inverters.
Over the past seven to eight months, Solis has received numerous inquiries about hybrid inverters after introducing the PM Surya Ghar program.
The next Mercom’s RE Buyer-Seller Meets will be held in Pune on May 15, Coimbatore on June 12, and Hyderabad on August 21, 2025.

What’s Next for Domestic Manufacturing and Supply Chains?

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