To curb imports of solar panels, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed to levy 20-25% basic customs duty, Union power minister RK Singh said. For solar cells, the domestic manufacturing capacity of which is lower, the duty will be 15%, he added. The duty on panels will progressively be increased to 40%.
The duties are expected to be levied right after the safeguard duty regime on these products ends on July 31.
