Author: PPD Team Date: 13/03/2025
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued updated domestic content requirement (DCR) norms for solar cells. According to the new guidelines, only solar cells based on crystalline-silicon technology and manufactured in India using undiffused silicon wafers (black wafers) will qualify as domestically produced. These wafers fall under Customs Tariff Head 3818, and all manufacturing processes, from wafer to solar cell, must be carried out within India.
Solar cells made using imported diffused silicon wafers (blue wafers) will not be eligible under MNRE’s DCR-mandated programmes. Additionally, thin-film solar modules are exempt from this requirement. Such modules manufactured in Indian integrated factories will continue to qualify under the DCR mandates.
Concerns have been raised regarding the limited supply and increasing costs of DCR-compliant solar modules. These challenges are reportedly affecting key government initiatives, including the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan. The supply constraints could potentially impact project timelines and investment strategies in the renewable energy sector.