DCR vs Non-DCR solar panels: Everything you need to know

The solar panels can be categorized as DCR and Non-DCR solar panels.

Solar power installation has gained momentum in recent years.

This is due to the steep fall in solar panel prices and improvement in solar PV technology.

Now, it is common to see solar panels with efficiencies over 21%.

Also, people are becoming aware of their environment and want to contribute to preserving it.

And

Installing roof-top solar is one such energy option.

While looking for solar panels the buyers often come across the terms DCR and Non-DCR solar panels.

These terms are related to the manufacturing origin of the solar panels.

Let us know the basic difference between the two.

DCR solar panels

The concept of DCR solar panels was introduced in the National Solar Mission in early 2010 to promote domestic solar manufacturing.

In Domestic Content Requirement (DCR), the solar modules and their parts such as solar cells, glass sheets, frames, back sheets & EVA, junction boxes, and connectors are procured domestically within the country.

Also, the solar projects that qualify for central and state government subsidies are the ones that have their solar modules domestically manufactured.

This initiative is taken by the MNRE to boost the local solar industry and promote make-in-India solar modules.

Non-DCR solar panels

On another hand, the non-DCR solar modules are the ones that have their solar cells or modules or both, or other parts manufactured outside India.

Also, they are imported from large-scale producers of solar panels with lower manufacturing costs.

Non-DCR solar panels might offer a wide range of technologies, products, and materials.

They are priced very competitively.

But when factoring in the import duties, transportation cost, and service to the customer, the cost-benefit shrinks.

Benefits of DCR solar panels to the Indian economy

Our India is a big country with huge energy demand in all the sectors of the economy.

Manufacturing, selling, and installing DCR solar panels in the country offer many benefits to the nation.

1. Using DCR solar panels will create thousands of jobs in India in the fields of research and development, manufacturing, sales, and servicing.
2. When the solar modules are manufactured locally, the manufacturers will have better quality control. They can offer better services to their clients. Also, better-customized products to meet domestic requirements.
3. The users who install solar projects using the DCR solar panels qualify for various incentives and subsidies offered by the state and the central government. This reduces their overall investment cost and improves their return on the investment.
4. Also, the DCR solar panels are manufactured within the country. Thus eliminating the need to transport solar components over large distances, reducing the carbon footprints, and preserving the environment.
5. The users can choose the latest technology solar panels (Half-cut technology, Bi-facial) that suit their budget, climate, and location.
6. As the DCR solar panels are procured locally, this reduces the project commissioning time and the overall investment cost to the buyer. Hence improves his/her return on the investment.

Top companies making DCR solar panels

1. RenewSys solar panels
2. Waaree solar panels
3. Bluebird solar panels
4. Tata power solar
5. Adani solar
6. Vikram solar
7. Gautam solar

Conclusion

Choosing between the DCR and Non-DCR solar panels is the individual’s choice.

Non-DCR solar panels come with competitive pricing and have many options for choosing panels of the latest technology around the world.

However, choosing DCR solar panels offers many benefits to the user such as:

• Lower project costs due to the subsidy and the incentives by the state and the central government.
• Better service
• Lower transportation cost
• Less project completion time
• Improved ROI
• Reduced carbon footprints
• Customized products