To enhance domestic renewable energy equipment supply, with a total capacity of 4.3GW, Tata Power Solar launched its 2GW solar cell production at Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.
On Monday, Tata Power Solar Limited, a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL), announced the start of commercial production from its 2GW solar cell line at its facility in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.
With a current capacity of 2 GW, the plant aims to produce high-quality, domestically made solar components, particularly for large-scale projects. Production is expected to increase as the remaining 2 GW capacity is added over the next 4-6 weeks, with the peak anticipated in the coming months.
Initially, the solar cells and modules produced at the Tamil Nadu facility will support the company’s existing projects, enhancing its supply chain. The company also plans to explore broader market opportunities for future growth.
With the commencement of production, the facility will have a total manufacturing capacity of 4.3 GW. Since its module production line began in October 2023, it has produced 1250 MW of solar modules. It is also run by 80% women workforce.
As revealed by the company, the facility utilises TOPCon and Mono Perc technologies, which enhance the efficiency of solar cell and module production. TPREL has invested nearly ₹43 billion in establishing this facility, which is central to the company’s vision to bolster India’s self-sufficiency in renewable energy equipment manufacturing, especially in solar rooftop and utility-scale sectors.
Tata Power currently holds a 20% market share and plans to expand further through initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. The modules from this plant are included in the Government’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), and the company anticipates that its cells will also be listed once the government releases the ALMM list for cells.
Commenting on the matter, Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO and MD of Tata Power, stated, “This is a significant step towards indigenisation in the solar value chain and achieving self-sufficiency. We are committed to making solar power accessible to all and ensuring a bright future for India powered by renewable energy. We believe that this plant will support the country’s vision for a Net-Zero carbon future.”
In addition to the Tirunelveli plant, Tata Power operates another facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka, established in 1992. This facility has a production capacity of 682 MW for solar modules and 530 MW for solar cells. To date, it has supplied a total of 3.73 GW of solar modules and 2.26 GW of solar cells.
The company aims to increase its renewable energy share from 41% to 70% by 2030, solidifying its role in the global energy transition.