India has seen a spurt in solar installations in recent years. The introduction of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in 2024 has boosted rooftop solar installations in the residential sector. However, the absence of standards for module mounting structures in India has emerged as a significant challenge.

Harshal Akhouri, co-founder and CEO of Strolar, a manufacturer of solar trackers and mounting structures, shares his thoughts about issues relating to the Balance of Systems (BoS) used in solar projects. According to Akhouri, an ALMM-type mandate and targeted financial incentives could create a robust BoS ecosystem in India.

Tell us about Strolar and some of your key products and solutions.

Strolar offers a comprehensive range of mounting solutions that cater to diverse market segments. Established in 2015, Strolar has supplied over 12 GW of mounting systems worldwide.

Strolar’s product portfolio encompasses ground mounts, single-axis trackers, rooftop systems, carports, agrivoltaics, and floating photovoltaic mounting solutions. This extensive range addresses the unique requirements of commercial, industrial, and utility-scale projects. We are introducing a patent-pending technology for the residential solar market, with a launch anticipated in the upcoming quarter.

In the first half of 2024, Strolar secured a 14.9% share of solar module mounting structure shipments in India, ranking third among its peers.

With India’s renewable energy sector growing rapidly, how do you see the balance of system (BoS) market evolving, particularly considering government programs like PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM KUSUM?

The residential solar market has picked up speed. Kudos to the government’s vision and the agencies involved in making this a fast-track implementation. No one expected 1 GW deployment in residential solar with a 1,000% increase from its previous quarter. This, however, has necessitated the creation of a robust supply chain, especially in BoS.

Manufacturers must scale production to meet surging demand or risk slowing installations. In the short term, price-driven procurement will dominate, but the long game will see seller marketplaces flourish, ensuring stock availability for faster deployments. While innovation in BoS remains limited, early movers stand to gain a competitive edge.

New entrants will inject competition into the C&I and utility segments, keeping pricing in check. The major challenge for faster implementation will be the lack of BoS items for which manufacturers must step up their capacity. The innovation curve will still be rare in the BoS space, but early mover advantages will remain. Exciting times in India to be a buyer unless you are a DCR module seller.

What are the different types of mounting structures available, and what are their key features?

The generic mounting systems include ground mounts, single axle trackers, rooftops, carports, agrivoltaics, and floating photovoltaic (FPV).

Ground-mount systems dominate utility-scale projects, offering fixed-tilt and tracker options. Trackers boost yield by up to 20%-25% by following the sun. Rooftop mount systems cater to residential and commercial spaces, optimizing space efficiency. Carports double as shade structures, integrating solar into urban landscapes. Agrivoltaic systems merge solar with farming, enhancing land use and crop protection. Floating PV on reservoirs and lakes reduces evaporation while generating clean energy.

With land constraints and efficiency demands rising, hybrid and adaptive mounting solutions are gaining traction. Future trends point toward AI-driven trackers and modular designs, ensuring solar installations remain cost-effective and high-performing. The right choice isn’t just about structure; it’s about long-term viability.

Trackers can enhance solar energy generation by up to 20%. How do you see their adoption in utility-scale projects and other segments?

Trackers were the talk of the town nearly two years ago, but with the module prices declining, it’s a sluggish pace. The reason? Economics.

With solar module prices steadily declining, the math favors fixed-tilt structures in utility-scale projects. Indian developers, known for their sharp financial acumen, prioritize return on investment (ROI) over marginal efficiency gains. Fixed-tilt systems are cheaper, simpler, and deliver predictable returns, key factors in large-scale project viability.

However, smaller developers, constrained by limited land, are showing increasing interest in trackers to maximize output. This signals a shift. As land costs rise and efficiency becomes a bigger driver, tracker adoption could increase. The tipping point? A rise in module prices or further cost reductions in tracker technology.

For now, the utility-scale segment remains cautious. But when the economics align, expect a surge in tracker installations. The market is watching, and adoption will follow when the numbers make sense.

Unlike solar modules and cells, some BoS components, such as mounting structures, lack a standardized quality framework. How could this impact large-scale residential rooftop solar programs like PM Surya Ghar?

India’s PM Surya Ghar program is designed to boost the adoption of residential solar energy, but it faces a significant challenge: the lack of a standardized quality framework for mounting structures.

Unlike solar modules and inverters, which adhere to global standards, these mounting structures are often custom-made, leading to inefficiencies in the supply chain and potential long-term risks. Each structure is tailored for specific locations, meaning that delays in procurement can disrupt project timelines. Implementing a standardized system would improve inventory management and allow for easier redeployment when site-specific issues arise, resulting in quicker installations and enhanced power production.

A more pressing issue is the structural integrity of these installations. Many homes in India do not have architectural blueprints, raising concerns about whether rooftops can sustain solar systems for 25 years. In the absence of clear technical guidelines, there are risks of structural failures, safety hazards, and warranty disputes.

This will certainly increase the cost of mounting systems by about 55%, according to estimates.

The risk is particularly acute in Tier 2 and 3 cities, where construction practices vary widely and unregulated solar BoS suppliers fulfill the PM Surya Ghar implementation. Without standardized mounting systems or regulatory oversight, thousands of rooftops could face integrity issues after installation.

Establishing a regulatory framework could set essential standards for load-bearing evaluations, material longevity, and resistance to weather conditions, helping to address these issues. Countries like Germany and the U.S. have implemented such standards to ensure safe installations and bolster investor confidence. India must adopt similar measures to avoid potential failures and inefficiencies in its rooftop solar initiative.

Standardizing mounting structures goes beyond just improving efficiency; it is crucial for securing India’s clean energy future. A robust regulatory framework will facilitate faster deployment, minimize risks, and enhance the long-term sustainability of the PM Surya Ghar program.

Given the absence of specific regulations and standards for certain BoS components, how are manufacturers navigating these challenges? What recommendations do you have for the government in this regard?

In India’s ambitious push toward renewable energy, a significant vulnerability threatens the PM Surya Ghar initiative – the lack of standardized quality frameworks for mounting structures in the Balance of System components. Unlike solar modules, inverters and cables, mounting systems remain unstandardized, creating a concerning blind spot in residential solar deployment.

The implications are profound. While commercial and utility-scale solar installations benefit from data-driven engineering decisions, residential projects are built by “mistris” (partially-skilled craftsmen) rather than professional engineers. These structures were never designed with the additional load of solar systems in mind.

A dedicated regulatory body is needed to establish technical parameters for residential mounting systems. Standardization would ensure structural safety and introduce flexibility, allowing components to be redeployed to alternative sites when challenges arise.

While not a “doomsday scenario,” failing to standardize mounting structures could undermine public confidence and safety in what should be India’s residential solar revolution.

Programs like the Production Linked Incentive program have supported solar cell, module, and battery manufacturing. What policy measures would you suggest to promote the growth of component manufacturing for mounting structures, trackers, cables, and junction boxes?

A key challenge is the lack of awareness among component manufacturers about PLI benefits. A targeted outreach campaign via industry associations, digital platforms, and state-level initiatives can bridge this gap, ensuring these firms capitalize on available incentives.

Additionally, extending financial support under PLI or introducing a parallel scheme for BoS components could accelerate investments. Tax breaks, low-interest loans, and direct subsidies on raw materials like galvanized steel or Hot Rolled Steel would lower costs, making Indian products more competitive globally.

Infrastructure improvements are equally critical. Dedicated industrial zones near the major solar producing states with streamlined regulatory approvals and access to logistics hubs can attract manufacturers. Incentivizing R&D, especially for lightweight and high-durability materials, will drive innovation and cost efficiency.

Policy alignment with global trade norms is another priority. Anti-dumping duties on imports and stronger quality certification frameworks will safeguard domestic players, ensuring industry sustainability.

Government projects mandate domestically manufactured solar modules under DCR requirements. Would an ALMM-type mandate help accelerate the growth of the BoS segment?

BoS, which includes inverters, mounting structures, cables, junction boxes and other critical components, accounts for 40–50% of total project costs. While module manufacturing has received policy support through Basic Customs Duty PLI, BoS manufacturers still face stiff competition from imports, particularly from China. A considerable quantity of steel was imported into India, which led to the creation of mounting systems supplies in 2024, raising concerns about supply chain security and long-term industry viability.

An ALMM-like mandate for BoS could have a threefold impact. First, it would drive localization, ensuring higher domestic value addition and reducing reliance on imports. Second, a stringent certification framework would enhance quality standards, addressing concerns about subpar components. Third, it would create a level playing field for Indian manufacturers, aligning with India’s goal of achieving 280 GW of solar capacity by 2030.

However, challenges remain. The industry must scale production capacity and improve cost competitiveness before enforcing a rigid mandate. Lessons from ALMM’s temporary suspension suggest that abrupt policies can disrupt project pipelines. A phased approach starting with anti-dumping duties, quality benchmarks, and targeted incentives could balance protectionism and market growth.

The way forward? A structured policy for BoS components, combining certification mandates with financial incentives, can fortify domestic supply chains while maintaining competitive pricing. With solar expansion crucial to India’s energy transition, ensuring a robust BoS ecosystem is not just necessary but an opportunity!