On September 11, 2025, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced that India is targeting 2028 to establish India’s complete solar manufacturing ecosystem. This plan goes beyond solar modules to include: domestic production of solar cells, wafers, and ingots.

The announcement was made at the MNRE State Review Meeting on Renewable Energy, where Joshi underlined that the goal is to cut dependence on imports, particularly from China, and to expand India’s role as a clean-energy leader. The commencement also aligns with Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s climate devotion under the Paris Agreement.

Can India Fulfill Its 2028 Target for Swadeshi Solar Cells, Wafers & Ingots?

The government is confident, citing both progress made and measures underway. India has already crossed 251.5 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel installed capacity, more than half of its 2030 target of 500 GW. Non-fossil sources now contribute to 50 per cent of the total power capacity – a milestone achieved five years ahead of schedule.

Mr. Joshi highlighted that nearly 20 lakh households have benefited under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with almost half reporting zero electricity bills. He also confirmed that the second phase of the PM-KUSUM scheme will begin after March 2026. Once viewed with caution by some states, the scheme has now generated strong demand for more allocations.

The Minister urged states to give a push to Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs), finalise Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), speed up land allotments, and streamline approvals through single-window systems. These steps, he stressed, are vital to achieving India’s complete solar manufacturing ecosystem.

India has already surpassed 251.5 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity, accounting for 50% of total installed power.

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Key Steps Driving India’s Solar Future

At COP26 in Glasgow, India pledged to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, underscoring the urgency of scaling up solar manufacturing.

• The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, with an outlay of ₹24,000 crore, has enabled India to add 100 GW of solar module capacity, attract nearly ₹50,000 crore in investments, and create over 12,600 direct jobs.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) on renewable energy devices has been cut from 12% to 5%, lowering project costs and rapid increase of India’s complete solar manufacturing ecosystem.
• Under PM-KUSUM, out of 49 lakh allocated solar pumps, over 16 lakh have already been solarised, reducing diesel use by 1.3 billion litres every year and cutting 40 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
• Under PM Surya Ghar, 18,000 vendors are installing nearly 4,500 rooftop systems daily, powering close to 20 lakh households, with nearly half now free from electricity bills.
• Plans are advancing for domestic capacity in wafers, ingots, and even polysilicon, ensuring that every stage of the solar value chain, not just module assembly, is rooted within India.

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The Bottom Line

India’s 2028 target to establish India’s complete solar manufacturing ecosystem is more than a policy milestone – it represents a structural shift in the nation’s energy future. If achieved, it will cut imports, create jobs, reduce emissions, and elevate India’s standing in the global solar market.

Current achievements, from solar pump deployment to household rooftop coverage, from reduced GST to billions saved in fuel imports, suggest India is building strong momentum. But the ultimate test will lie in execution, especially in building upstream capabilities for wafers, ingots, and polysilicon. If the momentum continues, India is well-positioned to meet its 2028 goal and emerge as a challenger in the global clean energy transition.

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