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India’s solar manufacturing industry could see some relief in the coming months as GREW Solar moves to bring its 3.5 GW TOPCon cell production facility into the domestic supply ecosystem through inclusion in the government’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II.
The company’s application covers its N-Type TOPCon solar cell manufacturing line at Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh, and arrives at a time when the market is facing increasing pressure from limited domestic cell availability. Since the implementation of ALMM List-II requirements, project developers and module manufacturers have been competing for a relatively small pool of locally produced solar cells, particularly high-efficiency TOPCon products.
The shortage has exposed a key challenge in India’s solar manufacturing ambitions. While module assembly capacity has expanded rapidly over the past few years, cell manufacturing growth has lagged behind, creating a mismatch in the value chain. As a result, several manufacturers have struggled to secure adequate cell supplies, impacting production planning and raising concerns about future module pricing.
Industry experts believe that additional domestic cell capacity will be critical to restoring balance in the market. GREW Solar’s proposed 3.5 GW addition, coupled with more than 6 GW of expected new cell manufacturing capacity scheduled to come online later this year, could significantly improve supply conditions heading into 2027.
Another noteworthy aspect of the development is the company’s focus on the G12R wafer platform. The 210R format is increasingly gaining acceptance among manufacturers looking to improve production efficiency while delivering higher-output modules. Compared with earlier wafer formats, G12R allows manufacturers to optimize factory throughput and better align actual production volumes with installed capacity.
The industry’s shift toward advanced N-Type TOPCon technology also reflects changing market dynamics. As developers seek higher energy yields and improved project economics, demand is steadily moving away from older cell technologies. Manufacturers capable of producing next-generation cells at scale are therefore expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting India’s renewable energy targets.
If approved under ALMM List-II, GREW Solar’s facility would strengthen the domestic supply chain at a time when policymakers are emphasizing self-reliance in solar manufacturing. More importantly, it would provide the market with additional capacity in a segment where demand continues to outpace supply.
With fresh investments entering the sector and new production lines nearing commissioning, the second half of 2026 could mark a turning point for India’s solar cell industry. Whether these additions are sufficient to eliminate supply constraints remains to be seen, but they are likely to improve availability and reduce pressure on prices over the medium term.
