India has already crossed 102.57 GW of installed solar capacity by September 2025, a massive stride toward the 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030. Behind this progress lies a crucial debate—DCR vs Non-DCR solar panels—that shapes manufacturing, cost, and energy independence for the nation.
What Are DCR Solar Panels?
DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) modules are entirely made in India. Both solar cells and modules are manufactured locally through the process: Wafer → Cell → Module
✅ Key Benefits
Strengthens Make in India manufacturing
Generates 100,000 + jobs in the solar ecosystem
Reduces import dependence, improving energy security
Qualifies for government subsidies under:
CPSU Phase II
PM-KUSUM (Components A, B & C)
PM Surya Ghar Yojana
Grid-Connected Rooftop Programs
💰 Pricing & Efficiency
Cost: ₹23–28/Wp
Efficiency: 19–21 % (Mono-PERC)
Warranty: 25 years (80 % output)
As of 2025, India’s DCR capacity stands at 110 GW (modules) and 9.6 GW (cells), with Adani, Waaree, and Vikram Solar leading expansion.
What Are Non-DCR Solar Panels?
Non-DCR panels use imported cells or fully assembled modules—primarily from China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan.
⚡ Key Strengths
Cutting-edge TOPCon, HJT, and bifacial technologies
Higher efficiency (22–26 %)
Lower price ₹8–15/Wp, ideal for C&I projects
25–30 year warranties with better coverage
Excellent for private, rooftop, and open-access projects
These modules dominate the commercial & industrial (C&I) and utility segments, thanks to advanced technology and fast ROI.
Comprehensive Comparison (2025)
Parameter
DCR Panels
Non-DCR Panels
Made In
India (cells + modules)
Imported (China, Vietnam, Malaysia)
Efficiency
19–21 % (PERC)
21–26 % (TOPCon / HJT / bifacial)
Cost
₹23–28/Wp
₹8–15/Wp
Warranty
25 yrs (80 %)
25–30 yrs (85–90 %)
Policy Fit
Govt schemes (CPSU, PM-KUSUM)
Private & C&I projects
Energy Security
Strengthens local ecosystem
Relies on imports
Use Case
Subsidized / public projects
Rooftop & open access
Technology
Mono PERC
TOPCon / HJT / IBC / Bifacial
ALMM Status
Mandatory
Conditional (import permits under review)
CAPEX Impact
+ ₹3–5 lakh/MW
Baseline cost
ROI
14.2 % (utility) / 9.8 % (C&I)
16.8 % (utility) / 14.3 % (C&I)
Payback (50 kW)
10.2 yrs
7 yrs
Manufacturing Leaders
Waaree, Adani, Premier, Emmvee
Trina, JA, Longi, Risen
Market Share (2027 forecast)
50 %+
50 %– global blend
Environmental Impact
Lower carbon footprint
Higher embodied emissions
Market Trends (2025 Update)
Module price trends: DCR ↑ due to cell shortage; Non-DCR ↓ post duty revision
ALMM reinstated (April 2025) – mandatory for government tenders
PLI Phase II boosting 10 GW new capacity
Import duty: 40 % on modules & 25 % on cells continues through FY 2026
Top manufacturers: Waaree (14 %), Adani (10 GW), Premier and Emmvee expanding
Jobs created: 75,000 (2025) → 1.2 lakh by 2027
Cost & ROI Analysis
Utility-Scale (1 MW+)
Type
Cost (₹ Cr/MW)
Efficiency
Equity IRR
DCR PERC
7.75 Cr
20 %
14.2 %
Non-DCR TOPCon
5.52 Cr
22 %
16.8 %
Rooftop 50 kW
Type
Payback
Lifetime Savings
DCR
10.2 yrs
₹ 90 lakh
Non-DCR
7 yrs
₹ 1.08 Cr
Efficiency Comparison (Field Data 2025)
Technology
Typical Efficiency
Gain vs PERC
Annual Degradation
Mono-PERC
20 %
Base
0.55 %
TOPCon
22–23 %
+ 8–10 %
0.45 %
HJT
24–26 %
+ 15–20 %
0.35 %
Government Schemes & Subsidies
PM Surya Ghar Scheme (Residential)
Subsidy: 40–60 % of system cost
Focus: Rooftop installations up to 3 kW
PM-KUSUM Scheme
Component
Sector
Subsidy
A
Decentralized plants (≤ 2 MW)
50–70 % (Central + State)
B
Standalone pumps
60 %
C
Grid-connected pumps
50 %
CPSU Phase II
Target 12 GW of DCR-only projects
Minimum 40 % domestic value addition
Case Studies
1️⃣ 100 MW Utility Project
Type
CAPEX
IRR
Notes
DCR Mono-PERC
₹ 774.5 Cr
14.2 %
Mandatory for NTPC/SECI tenders with subsidy eligibility
Non-DCR TOPCon
₹ 552 Cr
16.8 %
Preferred for open-access projects & fast returns
2️⃣ 50 kW Rooftop Project
Type
Payback
Lifetime Savings
DCR
10.2 yrs
₹ 90 lakh
Non-DCR
7 yrs
₹ 1.08 Cr
Manufacturing Ecosystem & Employment
Waaree Energies: 14 % market share
Adani Solar: 10 GW new capacity in Gujarat
Premier & Emmvee: ramping capacity for HJT modules
Employment: 75,000 (2025) → 120,000 (2027)
Environmental Benefits
Each MW of solar replaces ~1,200 tons of CO₂ per year
Water saved: ≈ 3 million liters per MW vs thermal plants
Air quality improvement: Direct health benefit to rural communities
Decision Matrix — Choosing the Right Panel
Segment
Recommended Type
Rationale
Residential
DCR
Subsidy eligibility under PM Surya Ghar
C&I Rooftop
Non-DCR TOPCon / HJT
Higher efficiency and ROI
Utility-Scale
Hybrid (70 % Non-DCR + 30 % DCR)
Balance between policy compliance and returns
Agricultural (KUSUM)
DCR
60–70 % subsidy benefit and rural support
Conclusion – Two Paths, One Solar Goal
DCR and Non-DCR aren’t competitors; they are complementary pillars of India’s solar growth.
DCR → Builds energy security and manufacturing resilience.
Non-DCR → Drives innovation and affordability for private investment.
A balanced policy mix—domestic capacity + global tech adoption—will determine how fast India achieves its 500 GW solar dream.
