New Delhi, Mar 10 (KNN) The Indian Solar Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has called for the imposition of safeguard duties on the import of to protect India’s solar manufacturing sector from foreign dumping and strengthen local capabilities.
Solar power generation relies on photovoltaic (PV) technology, with solar cells made from silicon at its core.
While India has achieved self-sufficiency in module manufacturing due to protective trade measures, ISMA highlighted the urgent need to focus on upstream manufacturing, which remains heavily dependent on China.
In a presentation to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, ISMA stressed the importance of ramping up domestic production of polysilicon, ingots, and wafers. It proposed an import duty exemption on capital goods and raw materials necessary for these components.
Additionally, the body emphasised the need for a clear roadmap on duty protection for these imports and the inclusion of polysilicon, ingots, and wafers in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).
To further support domestic manufacturing, ISMA urged the government to introduce capital subsidies for new wafer-ingot and polysilicon production facilities.
It also called for concessional corporate tax rates, accelerated depreciation for plant and machinery, and low-interest priority lending.
Furthermore, ISMA advocated for the development of specialized PV manufacturing clusters on government-acquired land to enhance logistics and supply chains.
Given the high energy demand of polysilicon and ingot production, the association requested uninterrupted high-tension power at Rs 2.5 per unit and waivers on interstate transmission and electricity duties.
With India’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, ISMA urged the government to implement stable long-term policies, streamline regulatory approvals, and foster research collaborations.
Strengthening free trade agreements and technology licensing arrangements with global players is also crucial to securing raw materials and accelerating domestic innovation.
(KNN Bureau)
