Solar PV Module& Cell Manufacturing in India 

A solar PV cell is a key component of a solar module, responsible for converting sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. In India, solar PV cell manufacturing has experienced significant growth over the past decade. Several players have stepped forward to establish manufacturing facilities. 

Waaree Energies Limited

Waaree are the India's largest solar panel manufacturer with an operational capacity of 5 GW for solar PV modules like Mono PERC, Bifacial, BIPV, Flexible and Polycrystalline modules. 

Waaree Energies Ltd. is the flagship company of Waaree Group, founded in 1989 with headquarters in Mumbai, India. Waaree Energy is today one of the largest vertically integrated new energy companies. It has India's largest Solar panel manufacturing capacity of 12GW at its plants in Chikhli, Surat and Umbergaon in Gujarat and is a top player in EPC Services, Project Development, Solar Rooftop Solutions, Solar Inverter, and Solar Water Pumps. It is also an Independent Power Producer. Waaree has a presence in over 388 locations nationally and 20 countries internationally. The company has supplied 6+GW of solar modules and commissioned 1+ GW of solar EPC projects. 

Adani Green Energy Limited

(AGEL) is an Indian renewable energy company headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is owned by Indian conglomerate Adani Group. Adani Solar is the Solar PV manufacturing arm of Adani Group, a diversified organization in India, comprising 9 publicly traded companies. It has created world class transport and utility infrastructure portfolios with a pan-India presence.

Adani Solar is India's 1st and largestvertically integrated solar company with 4 GW manufacturing capacity, that offers products along with services across the spectrum of photovoltaics manufacturing. The cutting-edge technology, with machines and equipment sourced from the best-in-class suppliers, aim to help in cost leadership, scale of operations and reliability standards as per global benchmarks.

Currently, Adani Solar is building the World's 1st ever Fully Integrated and Comprehensive Ecosystem of 10 GW Solar PV manufacturingin Mundra, India.Adani Solar, has a fully integrated ecosystem encompassing the production of Metallurgical Grade Silicon, Polysilicon, Ingots, Wafers, Cells, and Modules and including ancillaries like Glass, EVA, Back-sheet, Aluminum Frames, Junction Boxes and others in Mundra. Entrenched in Nation Building, Adani has aggressively led the technology-intensive manufacturing sector, through its state-of-the-art entities located at one of the largest, Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC) in Mundra, India, spanning an area of about 800 acres.  

Tata Power Solar Limited:

Company is 4GW Cell and Module Manufacturing plant in Gangaikondan. They offer bankable tier-1 solar modules to multiple customer segments, with a range of configurations power outputs and module sizes. Tata Power Solar uses its core strengths in solar cell research and development in order to produce one of the highest efficiency solar cells and modules. 

Recognized as one of the Tier-1 bankable module manufacturer internationally, with over 2.5GW modules shipped globally, we are known for our technology innovation and cutting-edge manufacturing. The company has module manufacturing lines have an in-house production capacity of 635MW for modules and 500MW of cell manufacturing lines with a capacity of 528MW, can process both mono of 166mm and multi-crystalline wafers of 158.75mm sizes. 

Vikram Solar Limited:

Established in 2006, the company has a production capacity of around 3.5 GW. Vikram Solar specializes in the manufacturing of both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar modules, catering to both domestic and international markets, the production capacity will be extended to 3 GW of Modules. This include upto to 2 GW of PV cell manufacturing.

Vikram are one of India's largest module manufacturers, in terms of operational capacity, with 3.5 GW of installed manufacturing capacity for solar PV modules, producing mono PERC, bifacial & mono facial and smart and polycrystalline PV modules across our factories located at Falta SEZ, Kolkata, West Bengal and at Oragadam in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Both these factories are strategically located with access to ports, rail and roads helping facilitate both our domestic as well as international operations. Operating in the business of solar PV module technologies for the last 12 years, during which time we have developed strong engineering capabilities in producing high efficiency PV modules. 

Azure Power Global Limited

Azure is a leading independent sustainable energy solutions provider, and renewable power producer in India on a mission to create value for all stakeholders through high-performance Renewable Energy assets. We developed India's utility scale solar project in 2009 and since then, Azure Power has grown rapidly to become a leader in developing and operating large utility-scale renewable energy projects in the country. We also partner with commercial and industrial customers in their decarbonization journey by providing comprehensive solutions for their clean energy needs. 

Premier Energies

Incorporated in 1995, is currently the second largest integrated solar cell and module manufacturers in India. The Premier group has state of the art manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad, having an operational capacity of 750 MW solar cells and 1,250 MW solar modules. Premier has recently raised USD 25.8 Million from GEF Capital Partners, one of the leading climate focused growth PE fund. 

Thegroup is currently focused on the expansion of its manufacturing facilities and will have an operating capacity of 1,750 MW cells and 2,250 MW modules by December 2022.

Over the past two and a half decades since, Premier Energies has made the journey from introducing the first solar panel assembly line with a 3 MW/year capacity, to establishing a fully-integrated 3.4 GW solar cell and module line. As part of the company's ongoing growth, They are further expanding our horizons by undertaking construction of an additional 1.6 GW solar cell and PV module manufacturing line. 

Swelect Energy Systems Limited

Headquartered in Chennai, a leading player in the Indian solar energy sector, has established itself as a prominent manufacturer of solar PV cells and modules. With its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Swelect Energy has been contributing to India's solar revolution and expanding its presence globally. Swelect Energy's manufacturing facility in Coimbatore boasts a production capacity of 500 MW. The facility is equipped with advanced technology and automated processes to ensure high-quality solar PV cells and modules. The Coimbatore plant is known for its efficiency and adherence to international standards, making Swelect Energy one of the top players in the domestic solar manufacturing industry. 

In addition to its manufacturing facility in Coimbatore, Swelect Energy has expanded its presence beyond India through strategic acquisitions in Europe. The company has made notable acquisitions to strengthen its position in the global solar market and tap into the vast potential of renewable energy.

Furthermore, Swelect Energy has made successful forays into the European market through acquisitions. The company acquired a controlling stake in CenterNEX, a German solar PV module manufacturer. This move helped Swelect Energy establish a strong foothold in Europe and gain access to the advanced technology and expertise prevalent in the region. Likewise, Swelect Energy acquired Solar Euromed, a Spanish solar PV module manufacturer, further bolstering its presence in Europe. These acquisitions have allowed Swelect Energy to access new markets, tap into the growing renewable energy demand in Europe, and expand its global reach. 

Reliance New Energy Solar Limited:

(RNESL), a new entrant in field isa subsidiary of India-based holding company Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), has acquired a complete stake in solar cell and panel manufacturer REC Solar Holdings (REC Group).

The company acquired REC Group from China National Bluestar for $771m.The acquisition is in line with RIL's 'new energy vision' to become a global scale photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing competitor.Based in Norway, REC Group has operational headquarters in Singapore and regional hubs in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia-Pacific.

The company operates two manufacturing facilities in Norway that produce solar-grade polysilicon, while its Singapore facility manufactures PV cells and modules.REC incorporates heterojunction (HJT) technology in its Alpha and Alpha Pure range of solar modules to enhance the performance of the product. 

RIL plans to use this technology in its fully integrated, metallic silicon PV panel manufacturing gigafactory at the Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Complex, located in the Indian state of Gujarat. 

Once the deal is completed, the company will take on REC's global workforce of more than 1,300 employees,RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani said: "It is in line with our strategy of investing in new and advanced technologies and operating capabilities aimed at achieving Reliance's goal of enabling 100GW of clean and green energy before the end of this decade. Together with their other recent investments, Reliance is now ready to set up a global scale integrated Photovoltaic Giga factory and make India a manufacturing hub for lowest cost and highest efficiency solar panels."  

Other Notable Manufacturers Include:

•   Goldi Solar Pvt. Ltd.
•   RenewSys India Pvt. Ltd.
•   Emmvee Solar Ltd.
•   Navitas Green Solutions  Pvt. Ltd.

Government Initiatives:

The Government of India has played a crucial role in promoting domestic solar PV cell and module manufacturing through various initiatives and policies. One such initiative is the Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS), introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. M-SIPS provides financial incentives to enable the manufacturing of electronic components, including solar PV cells and modules, within the country.

Challenges & Opportunities

While the Indian solar PV cell and module manufacturing sector have made significant progress, it still faces several industries have witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, driven by government initiatives, favourable policies, and increasing demand for renewable energy. 

Government initiatives like M-SIPS, safeguard duty, and the National Solar Mission have played a crucial role in promoting domestic manufacturing and supporting the growth of this sector. However, challenges such as competition from global manufacturers and the need for skilled labor persist. 

Despite these challenges, the sector offers immense opportunities for growth, especially with the increasing focus on renewable energy and the government's target of achieving a substantial solar power capacity by 2024. 

With continued support from the government, collaboration with international partners, and a focus on innovation and sustainability, India's solar PV cell and module manufacturing industry has the potential to not only meet the growing domestic demand but also become a global leader in renewable energy technology.

SALIL CHATTERJEE

HEAD, SD SOLAR RESEARCH 

The solar energy generation in terms of installed Solar PV Power Generations Systems have been listed. However potential in a specific area can be assessed based on factors like availability of land, solar radiation etc. The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), an apex institute of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), has estimated the potential of solar power in the country to be around 775 Gwp. However, India has just reached an aggregate installed capacity of grid-interactive solar energy at 70.10 GW as of 30th June, 2023. 

The top ten states in terms of the installed power generation in India along with their installed s potential of power generation  capacity on 31st March 2023 are as follows : 

1. Rajasthan

Rajasthan are in No 1 position in the list of states with largest installed base till 31st March 2023, its total installed grid-connected solar energy generation capacity stood at 17.05 GW up from 14.4 GW approx) as on March 31, 2022.

Thanks mainly to 3rd & 4th phase completion of Bhadla Solar park in, Jodhpur. It now becomes the largest solar power plant in India.

In recent times, the state has moved ahead with a more aggressive solar expansion plan, ensuring it remains a key contributor to the national goal of 100 GW solar by 2024. With the highest solar energy production in the country. It is having an aggregate solar power potential of 142.31 gigawatts (GW). Their will be many first's to its credit in the coming years as not even 10% of its potential has been realized yet.

2. Gujarat

Gujarat have moved to 2 position in the list of states with large installed base till 31st March 2023 with a total installed capacity of 9.25 GW up from  7.8 GW as on March 31, 2022.  Major contributors to the capacity increase includes a Solar Smart City Village at Modhera, a first of its kind initiative any where in the world where every house hold is being powered by solar power. DHOLERA Gift City is at another state of the art gift city which is already being termed as 10th largest financial hub of the world even before the city is far for completion.

PM as also laid the foundation stone of 30 GW of solar power plant at Kutch just 100 KM away from Pakistan border. Its total potential solar energy generation capacity is calculated at 35.77 GW.

3. Karnataka

Karnataka  are in No 3 position in the list of states with installed base of  8.24 GW as on March 31, 2023, Karnataka's cumulative installed grid-connected solar power generation capacity too grew significantly from  7.6 GW as on March 31, 2022. Karnataka has performed well in terms of installation specially in view of the election year in the state and the change of goverment that came in to effect. State's solar energy generation capacity is close to 24.70 Gwp. 

4. Tamilnadu

Tamilnadu are in No 4 position in the list of states with fourth largest installed base till 31st March 2023, its total installed solar energy generation capacity stood at 6.73 GW approx as on March 31, 2023. Up from 5.6 GW approx as on March 31, 2022. 

In recent times, the state has moved ahead with a more motivated  solar expansion plan, ensuring it remains a key contributor to the national goal of 100 GW solar by 2024 end, which though may not be met. It is having an aggregate solar power potential of 140.23 gigawatts (Gwp).

5. Maharashtra

Maharashtra are in No 5 position in the list of states with large installed base  4.72 GW at the end of March 2023 up from 2.7 GW at the end of March 2022. With its high level of industrialization, this central Indian state has the potential to be a top level energy provider for the country. Its aggregate solar power potential capacity is calculated at 64.32 Gwp. This shows that there is a huge potential awaiting to be tapped as currently not even 5% of the state's  potential is being tapped. 

6. Telangana

Telangana are in No 6 position in the list of states with large installed base of  4.66 GW at the end of March 2023,  4.62 GW at the end of March 2022. With its high level of industrialization, this Indian state has the potential to be a game-changer for the entire energy mix for the country. With its contributions to  solar energy production in the country. Its aggregate solar power potential capacity is calculated at 35.20 Gwp. 

7. Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh are in No 7 position in the list of states with large installed base with total installed solar energy generation capacity having reached  4.53 GW as on March 31, 2023  4.3 GW as on March 31, 2022. If there were not policy-related hurdles in the recent past these numbers could be much higher. Its aggregate solar power potential is estimated at 38.44 Gwp.

8. Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh are in No 8 position in the list of states with large installed base of solar power generation touched  2.80 GW till 31st March 2023 the state's up from over 2.7 GW  While, Madhya Pradesh has done more installations as compared to Maharashtra but its only in numbers not in capacity  thanks to the progress of its massive REWA Solar Park. However, the state's recent signing up for more thermal projects will definitely disappoint those expecting better things from the state. With its contributions to solar energy production in the country. It is here we expect the center to intervene & direct the state, but having more agricultural & forest area must have been the reason. Its total solar energy generation capacity is estimated at 61.66 Gwp.

9. Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh are in No 9 position in the list of states with large installed base of  solar energy capacity touching nearly 2.51 GW at the end of March 2023 up from  nearly 2.2 GW at the end of March 2022. Uttar Pradesh has also picked up the pace and is targeting now over 10 GW of renewable energy capacity addition including solar in the state.

The state has a tough battle ahead & a growth under the current government has been stupendous.

With fresh areas being targeted for building solar hybrid park, the state is in, for a green revolution post 2024 in Union elections.

Being a highly green state with lot of forestation, it is difficult for getting environmental approvals as loss of greenery and population displacement are a major issues of concern.

It's aggregate estimated solar energy generation capacity stood at 22.83 Gwp

10. Punjab

Punjab are in No 10 position in the list of states with large installed base of 1.6 GW at the end of March 2023 up from 1.1 GW as on March 2022 . With its high level of industrialization & Agro based industry, this northern Indian state has the potential to be a big contributor  for the energy mix with its contributions to solar energy production in the country.  Its aggregate solar power potential capacity is calculated at 20.05 GW.