Are Your DCR Solar Modules Truly Made in India? New MNRE Portal Reveals All

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced an online portal to verify the domestic content in solar cells and modules manufactured in India.

This development is particularly relevant for residential rooftop solar installers who must ensure compliance with Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) regulations.

The DCR program mandates that solar cells and modules used in certain projects must be manufactured in India. This initiative aims to promote indigenous manufacturing and support local solar cell and module producers. However, some manufacturers have reportedly been importing cheaper solar cells from countries like China and falsely labeling the resulting modules as domestically produced.

To address this issue, MNRE has launched a portal hosted on the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) website. This platform serves as the exclusive mechanism for DCR verification, offering a facility to check compliance by entering a unique serial number affixed to each solar module.

For solar installers, this portal is a crucial tool to ensure the authenticity of DCR modules. Using non-compliant modules, even unknowingly, could result in severe penalties and damage to your business reputation. The portal provides a straightforward way to verify that the modules you're using meet DCR requirements, protecting your business from potential fraud.

All manufacturers included in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) are required to register their facilities on the portal and input accurate, timely data. This requirement enhances transparency and traceability in the solar manufacturing process.

As of December 2023, the country's cumulative solar module manufacturing capacity reached 64.5 GW, with cell manufacturing capacity at 5.8 GW.        

The importance of this verification process is underscored by India's growing solar manufacturing capacity. As of December 2023, the country's cumulative solar module manufacturing capacity reached 64.5 GW, with cell manufacturing capacity at 5.8 GW. Projections suggest these figures could more than double by 2026, highlighting the sector's rapid growth and the increasing need for robust verification measures.

While the allure of lower-priced modules can be tempting, it's crucial to prioritize compliance and quality. The potential consequences of using non-compliant modules far outweigh any short-term cost savings. This new portal provides installers with a reliable means to verify module authenticity, ensuring your business remains compliant and reputable.

Solex Energy (www.solex.in) stands ready to assist installers with their DCR module needs. Known for their transparency and commitment to supporting India's solar industry, Solex maintains an approach focused on helping and supporting solar installers with proper documentation and traceability for DCR solar modules.

If you require DCR solar modules or have any questions about compliance, please connect with Amit Thussu at [email protected] or +919971157755.

Ensure your business stays compliant and thrives in India's growing solar market.