Solar demand surges ahead of deadline for locally made panels

Jaipur: The June 1 deadline mandating the use of solar panels manufactured with domestically made cells has sparked a rush among consumers to install rooftop plants before the rule takes effect.Many households and businesses are hurrying to take advantage of cheaper panels made with imported cells before the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) regime begins.Vendors implementing rooftop systems under the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar Yojana, as well as projects for industrial and commercial clients, said demand has surged sharply in the past month for cheaper non‑DCR panels made with imported cells, with volumes rising beyond their handling capacity.Describing the situation as chaotic, Nitin Agarwal, CEO of the Rajasthan Solar Association, said, “Vendors cannot accept new orders for non‑DCR plants in such a short period as their implementing capacity cannot be raised instantly. The only solution lies in extending the deadline by at least six months.”Agarwal added that it is now up to the state govt to convince the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to defer implementation by explaining ground realities.RSA senior vice president Ramakant Jangid told TOI, “New orders for non‑DCR module plants have increased by 40% this month. Govt approval takes at least 15 days for testing, providing NOC and commissioning. That’s why we are not accepting orders for setting up these plants.”Industry representatives say increased awareness of financial benefits has created a favourable environment for solar adoption. But those who had postponed decisions are now rushing to install systems, fearing higher costs once DCR modules become mandatory.Puneet Goyal of Solar Assure Energy said, “Clients were going slow on their decision to set up solar plants. Sensing that costs will rise from June 1, they have fast‑tracked the process. But we cannot take these orders because it would be difficult to implement them within the stipulated time.”