Japan may be known as the land of rising sun but it is India that receives most of the energy that is generated by the powerful star. India always had the luxury of solar-based resources but has never been able to utilise its own potential. Things appear to be changing as India’s nearby friend, Japan, may be looking to play a part in ensuring the growth of nation’s solar sector that could benefit its own domestic solar manufacturers.
Major companies like Sharp, Kyocera, Toshiba and Kawasaki Heavy Machinery have decided to visit India’s capital, slated to happen on 19 February, to meet representatives of Indian firms, to explore possible tie-ups in solar-based projects.
These companies have organised set of people that specialize in manufacturing of modules, inverters, tracking systems, module fabs, and photovoltaic materials and components.
Although India’s government is yet to show any excitement to involve itself in the domestic solar power sector, even then the Indian solar market is rapidly showing promise, owing to particular state-side efforts in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and other regions. The energy ministry has also played its part by devising programs like Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) and encouraged separate state solar policies. All this seems to have gone to the notice of Japan-based solar firms.
To ensure that the quality of solar products coming in are of top quality, the in-coming companies should be instructed to seek strict domestic content requirements, which requires them to purchase controlling stakes in local companies that successfully develop solar power projects. If all goes well and India’s targeted quota of 1,000 GW power capacity is achieved, then no one can stop the country from being in the reckoning.
