Solar energy equipment manufacturers asked to avoid purchasing cheap stuff from China

NEW DELHI: Raising concerns over the tough times being faced by solar industry due to onslaught by Chinese manufacturers, the Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah asked the solar energy equipment manufacturers to avoid buying 'cheap' material from China for enhancing their profits.

While addressing a workshop on Solar Water Heaters organised by his ministry, the Minister said India will have to combat with the oil lobbies to come up strongly in the renewable energy sector.

The minister said, “I want to say that please do not buy cheap stuff from China for making a quick buck.”

He urged the industry players to provide good quality equipment and services in the sector.

On the requirement to increase the use of new energy, Abdullah said Army was one of the largest users of diesel in states such as Jammu and Kashmir but now it is also mulling to switch over to renewables for its requirements there.

The industry has also been asked to provide post-installation services as there have been several cases where such equipment has been lying idle due to lack of repairs and servicing.