India Poised to Become a Global Solar Manufacturing Leader by 2030

India is set to emerge as one of the world’s largest integrated solar manufacturing hubs by 2030, driven by a rapid scale-up in module and cell production capacities. According to a new study by EUPD Research, the country is expected to install around 213 GW of new solar capacity between 2025 and 2029. Module manufacturing capacity may cross 280 GW, while cell production is projected to rise sharply from 26 GW in 2025 to nearly 171 GW by decade’s end, marking a pivotal shift toward a technologically advanced and globally competitive solar ecosystem.

The report highlights that this expansion opens significant export opportunities for India. At a capacity utilisation rate of 65%, the country’s solar module export potential could reach approximately 143 GW by 2030. With the U.S. market becoming more restrictive due to trade measures, the study suggests Indian manufacturers must diversify into Europe, the Middle East and Africa to sustain growth and strengthen long-term market presence. Improvements in India’s production efficiency have also narrowed the pricing gap with China, though Indian modules remain 14–17% costlier, signaling the need for further advancements.

Beyond cost, India holds several structural advantages in sustainability-focused markets, especially Europe. Lower freight expenses and significantly reduced shipping emissions make Indian modules more compliant with emerging European green standards. The proposed EU-India Free Trade Agreement could further accelerate growth through shared certifications, technology partnerships and investment opportunities. With scale, innovation and strategic global engagement, India is positioned to become a major force in the international solar manufacturing landscape.