In the midst of falling solar module prices and ALMM exemption till March 2024, Indian module manufacturers worry about Chinese companies making a windfall here. In the meantime, while some companies look to diversify their customer base, both within and outside India, Emmvee says it is planning to set up a 1.5 GW solar module manufacturing plant in the US.
Emmvee's US plans: Bangalore, Karnataka based solar module company Emmvee is planning to follow in the footsteps of fellow module makers from India to make its US manufacturing debut. A senior official from the company shared with TaiyangNews that it is in the process of securing land for 1.5 GW module production plant in the US. It will be 'upgradable' to TOPCon. Most probably it could be Atlanta, but the management is exploring other regions as well. Currently, Emmvee operates 3 GW module manufacturing capacity of which around 1.75 GW is upgradable to TOPCon. It is also working on a 1.5 GW TOPCon cell line in India, scheduled to come online by January 2024.
Thoughts on ALMM exemption: While developers and installers are happy about the exemption from using cells and modules in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), domestic manufacturers were never happy with the government's move. Now, they are worried that the Renewable Energy Ministry may just extend it further, possibly by a year. This would be a double whammy for module companies that are already bearing the brunt of falling module prices that renders even the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) ineffective against Chinese competition.
However, since the ALMM exemption is only for projects commissioned till March 31, 2024, some companies are confident that post that any remaining inventory of Chinese modules will not be entertained for DCR projects. Things might just change if the government decides to extend the exemption any further, which is what the rumor is (see India Provides Relief From ALMM Obligation).
Market diversification: In the midst of this uncertainty regarding ALMM, manufacturers are seeking market diversification. Within India, it is the rooftop solar market that has a whole lot of potential to be explored. It has become easier to tap this market with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's (MNRE) National Portal for Rooftop Solar, according to the spokesperson of a leading manufacturing company. Outside of India it is the US, where Chinese suppliers are facing trade issues, and also Europe that's contemplating trade tariffs on Chinese supply (see SolarPower Europe Against Trade Barriers). Some manufacturers are also exploring newer geographies.