Recently, China has proposed to restrict the 12 solar photovoltaic (PV) production technologies. The decision is likely to affect the global solar manufacturing landscape in general and India in particular. As India has been striving to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence, the move presents both challenges and opportunities.

The proposed controls cover selected technologies used in manufacturing polysilicon, silicon wafers and advanced solar cells, including TOPCon, heterojunction (HJT), back-contact (XBC), perovskite and perovskite-silicon tandem technologies. The draft also includes specified manufacturing processes and related equipment know-how.

Published for public consultation until 15 November 2026, the proposed measures have not yet formally taken effect. They target specified manufacturing technologies rather than imposing a blanket ban on exports of finished solar panels.

Gaps in In India’s Upstream Production

India has been significantly and constantly increasing production of solar module manufacturing capacity. However, important gaps remain further upstream.

According to the study report given by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India has the capacity to produce 120 GW of annual solar modules and 30GW of solar cells in 2025, but domestic ingot and wafer capacity stood at approximately 2 GW, while commercial-scale polysilicon production was absent. Moreover, the country heavily depends on imported manufacturing equipment, advanced technologies and critical raw materials.

At this juncture, China’s proposed restrictions could make access to certain manufacturing processes and technical expertise more challenging, potentially affecting the pace at which Indian manufacturers adopt advanced solar technologies.

Will this Give an Opportunity for India’s Self-Reliant Solar Manufacturing?

Despite the immediate concerns, the proposal highlights the importance of developing a more self-reliant solar manufacturing ecosystem.

Accelerating indigenous innovation: Greater investment in research and development could help Indian companies develop alternative manufacturing processes and advanced solar technologies.

Strengthening upstream manufacturing: Expanding domestic polysilicon, ingot and wafer production could reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities and improve manufacturing integration.

Diversifying technology partnerships: Collaboration with international technology providers and research institutions could help India access alternative manufacturing solutions and expertise.

Enhancing energy security: A stronger domestic manufacturing ecosystem could improve resilience against geopolitical uncertainty and global supply-chain disruptions.

However, achieving these objectives will require sustained investment, skilled manpower, technology development and supportive government policies.

What Kind of challenges Indian Solar manufacturers Facing?

The export restrictions could pose the complexity of establishing new production lines and upgrading existing facilities. Manufacturers may face higher research and development costs, longer technology qualification timelines and additional challenges in maintaining global competitiveness. The impact will depend on the final scope of China’s controls, the technologies covered and the availability of alternative manufacturing solutions. It is therefore important to distinguish between the proposed restrictions and an outright ban on solar product exports.

Advanced Integrated Solar Manufacturing Value Chain

China’s export restrictions could pose a critical priority for India: moving beyond module assembly towards a technologically advanced and integrated solar manufacturing value chain. Companies that invest in indigenous research, manufacturing capabilities, supply-chain diversification and advanced production technologies could be better positioned to navigate future trade and technology restrictions.

For India, the challenge extends beyond increasing manufacturing capacity. It is about building the expertise and technological capabilities needed to compete in the global solar industry. China’s proposed solar technology export restrictions could create near-term challenges for Indian manufacturers, but they also underline the strategic importance of domestic innovation and supply-chain resilience. India’s ability to turn this uncertainty into an opportunity will depend on sustained investment in technology, infrastructure and manufacturing excellence.

About Indosol Solar

Indosol Solar Pvt. Ltd., the solar PV manufacturing arm of Shirdi Sai Electricals Limited, is driving India’s renewable energy ambitions through the development of a fully integrated, giga-scale solar PV manufacturing ecosystem. The company is building capabilities across the entire solar value chain right from quartz processing to high-efficiency solar photovoltaic modules.

Indosol Solar has commenced operations with a 500 MW solar module manufacturing facility at Ramayapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, which has been expanded to 1.3 GW facility. As part of its rapid growth strategy, the company is progressing toward its vision of establishing 10 GW of integrated solar PV manufacturing capacity by 2028, supporting India’s transition towards energy self-reliance and sustainable development.