Tata Power Solar Begins Production at India’s Largest Solar Cell Facility

On September 9, 2024, Tata Power Solar Limited, one of India’s largest solar cell and module manufacturers and a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), announced the start of commercial production at its 2 GW solar cell manufacturing facility in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. This facility is the largest of its kind in India. Earlier this year, the plant began producing solar modules, and now it has also started making solar cells.

This local production is a big step toward helping India achieve its clean energy goals and reducing dependence on imports. The 2 GW solar cell capacity will help Tata Power meet the growing demand for high-quality, domestically-made solar components, especially for large-scale projects. The plant plans to increase production by adding another 2 GW capacity in the next 4-6 weeks, reaching full production soon.

The plant has a total capacity of 4.3 GW for both solar cells and modules. Since October 2023, it has already produced 1,250 MW of solar modules.

The facility is equipped with advanced TOPCon and Mono Perc technology, allowing for high-efficiency production of solar cells and modules. Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) has invested around ₹4,300 crore in this cutting-edge technology, supporting its goal of driving innovation and self-reliance in renewable energy.

This facility plays a key role in Tata Power’s strategy to lead India’s shift to renewable energy, especially in the solar rooftop and large-scale utility segments, where the company holds a 20% market share and aims to grow further with programs like the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. The solar modules from this plant are already part of the government’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), and Tata Power expects its high-quality solar cells to be added to the list soon.

The solar cells and modules produced at the Tamil Nadu facility will initially be used for Tata Power’s own projects, boosting its supply chain. The company also plans to explore wider market opportunities in the future. In addition to this plant, Tata Power operates another advanced manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka, which has been running since 1992. This Bengaluru facility has a capacity of 682 MW for solar modules and 530 MW for solar cells and has supplied 3.73 GW of solar modules and 2.26 GW of solar cells to date.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.