Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has invited applications for setting up manufacturing capacities for high-efficiency solar photovoltaic modules under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. As per the document, the applicants are required to set up either a brownfield or greenfield manufacturing facility for the entire capacity allotted under the scheme and are not allowed to set up a mix of both kinds of facilities. They would also be required to submit their response by indicating the yearly PLI values. The deadline for submitting applications is 30 June, 2021.
Manufacturers setting up the production facilities would be eligible for applying for the incentive assistance if the capacities achieve the minimum level of integration of cells and modules, the minimum manufacturing capacity requirements and the minimum threshold module performance parameters of module efficiency, as per the scheme’s guidelines. After the issue of Letter of Award (LoA) by IREDA, the company may form a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for setting up the manufacturing facility.
However, such SPV should be formed within 90 days from issue of LoA. In case of any delay beyond 90 days for formation of the SPV, the LoA issued would be withdrawn and capacity would be allocated to entities in the waiting list. As per the bid document, the winning bidders would be required to furnish a performance bank guarantee of Rs 45,000 per MW for cell and module manufacturing capacity, Rs 70,000 per MW for ingot-wafer, cell, and module manufacturing capacity, and Rs 110,000 per MW for polysilicon, ingot-wafer, cell, and module manufacturing capacity.
In April 2021, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued guidelines for implementation of the PLI scheme ‘National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules’ for achieving manufacturing capacity of GW-scale. Through this scheme the MNRE aims to promote manufacturing of high efficiency solar PV modules in India and thus reduce import dependence in the area of renewable energy. The PLI scheme will be implemented by MNRE through IREDA as the implementing agency. Beneficiaries of the PLI scheme will be selected through a transparent bidding process. Applications will be shortlisted on the basis of parameters such as the extent of integration in manufacturing, manufacturing capacity, minimum module performance.
