Tata Power Solar expands module manufacturing capacity

Company previously had a module manufacturing capacity of 125 MW

Tata Power Solar has increased the solar module manufacturing capacity of its facility here by 60% to 200 MW and plans to ramp it up further if demand increases.

The wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power previously had a module manufacturing capacity of 125 MW. The company also produces solar cells with a capacity of 180 MW at the plant.

"This substantial expansion, in an extremely competitive and price-sensitive sector, is a testimony to our products' superior quality and global competitiveness," said Ajay Goel, Chief Executive Officer of Tata Power Solar.

The company has invested Rs 500 crore in its solar module capacity since inception in 1989 and may enhance it if there is demand.

"If there is policy stability and increase in demand, we would go ahead with further expansion," said Rahul Budhwar, Vice President for Manufacturing and Business Development at Tata Power Solar. He did not disclose any investment figures.

Tata Power Solar, formerly Tata BP Solar, started expanding its manufacturing capacity in 2001. Currently, the company operates three manufacturing units in Bangalore, including module, cell and solar water heaters.

The solar power manufacturing industry recently got a fillip after the Commerce Ministry recommended levying an anti-dumping duty on solar cells imported from the US, Malaysia, China and Chinese Taipei, a move aimed at providing relief to the struggling domestic industry.

The ministry has suggested a restrictive duty in the range of $0.11 to 0.81 per watt.

"We need a level playing field where we are not at the mercy of Chinese companies for meeting the country's solar gear," Goel said, adding that more government support is needed for the solar industry.

The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, launched in 2010, proposes to deploy 20,000 MW of grid-connected solar power by 2022.

Tata Power Solar also offers a range of solar products for the urban and rural markets - water heaters, home lighting, street lighting, power packs and water pumps.

BP (British Petroleum) exited Tata BP Solar in 2011 and its entire stake was bought by Tata Power.