Tata Power of India has officially inaugurated a 4.3GW solar cell and module manufacturing factory in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. Operated by its Indian solar manufacturing subsidiary TP Solar Ltd, the factory is touted as India’s largest single solar manufacturing base.
The factory will produce high-efficiency TOPCon and monocrystalline PERC modules, although Tata Power has not disclosed the specific capacity ratio of the two technologies. It is reported that about 80% of the factory’s employees are women.
Tata Power stated that the commissioning of this manufacturing base will help meet India’s growing renewable energy demand. M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, attended the factory’s unveiling ceremony. Earlier in September 2024, the company announced the commissioning of a 2GW solar cell production line at the site.
TP Solar plans to initially supply cells and modules to projects being advanced by Tata Power to enhance the stability of its supply chain. In the future, the company will also explore broader market distribution opportunities.
In addition to this new factory, Tata Power currently operates 682MW of module and 530MW of cell capacity in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Furthermore, the company plans to build a 2GW module manufacturing base in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
According to a Crisil Ratings report, as of the end of March 2024, India’s total solar module manufacturing capacity had reached 60GW, with cell capacity at about 10GW. It is expected that by the 2027 fiscal year, India’s total cell manufacturing capacity could expand to 55GW.
