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Low-iron textured solar glass
What it is
Solar modules need glass with very low iron content so that light passes through rather than being absorbed, and a textured surface to reduce reflection. It is a distinct product from ordinary float glass, made on dedicated furnaces
Domestic capacity has been built against India's module manufacturing expansion
Impact on industries
- Demand is tied directly to domestic module manufacturing, which ALMM and local content rules have made a protected, growing market
- Specialised product with a narrow producer set, so it earns better realisation than commodity float glass
- Chinese overcapacity in solar glass has depressed global prices, which is what drove Indian producers to seek trade protection
- A dedicated furnace cannot easily switch to other glass products, so demand disappointment cannot be absorbed by changing the product mix