Borosil Renewables Limited, India’s largest and oldest manufacturer of solar glass, has once again underscored its commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat by announcing an expansion of 50% of its present capacity in manufacturing of solar glass, a critical component in the manufacturing of Photovoltaic solar panels.

The expansion plans, which had been put on hold, are now back on track, after receiving the approval from the company’s Board of Directors on December 18, 2024, on the basis of announcement of a “Reference Price” for imports by the Ministry of Finance vide its notification dated December 4, 2024, which will act against cheap and dumped imports from China and Vietnam. With this expansion, the manufacturing capacity of the company will increase from 1,000 tons per day to 1,500 tons per day.

The reference price (US$ 673~677 for imports from China works out to a price of Rs. 143 per mm/square meter at the Container Yard), and will act as a minimum threshold for import prices from China. It may be recalled that solar glass manufacturing in the country was thrust into a crisis of survival due to dumping of solar glass from Chinese owned companies, with import volumes sky rocketing coupled with a sharp drop in prices.

The institution of a Reference Price for imported glass will enable Borosil Renewables to return back to better margins which will support its expansion plans. The growth in domestic production of solar glass will create a more robust and dependable supply chain for domestic PV Module manufacturers for this critical component.

Virtually all raw materials, skilled manpower and technology is available within India, and unnecessary outgo of foreign exchange shall be avoided, while creating much needed local jobs.