Aluminium has been named the green metal of the future. It is a critical facilitator for the ongoing shift to greener energy systems, according to a new McKinsey analysis of the raw materials required for creating clean energy.

Aluminium is ideal for solar panel applications due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, high surface reflectivity, and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.

Most solar panel components, such as the frames and mounting structures that hold the PV panels together and support them, are already made of aluminium.

It is also widely used in the long-distance transmission and distribution of power.

Extruded aluminium parts are simple to produce, transport, and assemble, and erecting solar infrastructure requires less expertise and time.

They don't need much upkeep or extra protection because they're inherently corrosion resistant. Heat-treated aluminium alloys can also readily tolerate wind speeds of up to 150-170 km/hr.

Aluminium cools quickly, which is significant for solar PV since higher temperatures limit the efficiency of energy generation. Another benefit is that aluminium may be recycled indefinitely.

Despite the fact that these qualities have made aluminium the material of choice for solar infrastructure across the world, Indian manufacturers continue to favour steel.

With a manufacturing capacity of nearly 4 MTPA, India's aluminium sector can accelerate the country's RE/solar transition. Domestic aluminium companies have made major investments in research and development to develop high-performance alloys for a variety of applications.

Market giants like Vedanta manufacture high-end aluminium products that are used in solar, construction, automotive, and electrical applications.

Vedanta Aluminium is the world's largest manufacturer of wire rods (excluding China) and the top producer and exporter of billets in India.

Extruders and downstream manufacturers serving the solar sector have benefited greatly from their technical expertise. They may use their R&D centres to co-create new products and applications tailored for the solar sector, in addition to obtaining raw materials that meet worldwide quality requirements.

India's solar business has been hindered by factors like a lack of funding, unfavourable governmental arrangements, and competition from low-cost Chinese imports.

According to media sources, India's solar PV cell and module manufacturing capacity is only 2.5 GW/year and 9-10 GW/year, respectively, but the yearly need for the next ten years is roughly 10 GW/year.

As a result, the country's solar business is significantly reliant on imported solar cells, modules, and inverters.

Hence, solar industry players in India and aluminium manufacturers must work together immediately to build long-term value chains for manufacturing solar cells and panels in the country.

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