Tata Power Solar expands Bengaluru manufacturing facility

To meet growing demand for modules, it raises capacity of module & cell by 100% & 65%, respectively

Tata Power Solar raises capacity of Bengaluru facility

Last Updated : Mar 14 2017 | 5:34 PM IST

Tata Power Solar, India's largest integrated solar company, has announced a significant expansion and modernisation of its solar cell and module manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The two-stage expansion doubled the company’s module capacity to 400 from 200 MW, and increased its cell manufacturing capacity by 65 per cent from 180 to 300 MW.

Tata Power Solar, as part of this process, modernised and fully automated its entire manufacturing facility. The company was also able to ramp-up to full capacity in record time, significantly better than global benchmarks, owing to its highly skilled and trained team and also improve efficiency of its modules.

Anil Sardana, chairman, Tata Power Solar, said, “We are happy to see our team responding to Government of India’s call of ‘Make in India’. A robust domestic, qualitative manufacturing base is the backbone of any nation and is a strong foundation for long-term viability of sector. The gradual turnaround of the company and its expansion in capacity has been a hall mark achievement of Team Tata Power, when other sector players are still facing challenges of sustained economics.”

The expansion is Tata Power Solar’s second in less than three years. The company, which is one of the pioneers in the Indian solar manufacturing space, has been known for its quality modules for 27 years and has one of the lowest warranty returns in the industry.

Ashish Khanna, executive director & CEO, Tata Power Solar, added, “This expansion and modernisation has come on the backdrop of our landmark achievement on being the first Indian company to have shipped 1 GW modules worldwide. We have again demonstrated our long-term commitment to manufacturing the best quality panels for our international as well as Indian clients. This also validates our capability to manufacture solar panels and cells, comparable to the best in the world, and confidence of guaranteeing these products for 25 years of high quality performance. Our pragmatic approach of continuous investment in technology has helped us stay relevant and sustain our leadership position in India for over 27 years.”

The government’s renewable energy mission of 100 GW by 2022 has given significant impetus to the industry. There is a strong intent from the Government to promote domestic solar manufacturing and facilitate the sector’s growth through ‘Make in India’ cells and modules.

Tata Power Solar, rated tier-1 module manufacturer by BNEF (Bloomberg New Energy Fund), has shipped 1 GW modules to over 30 countries, of which more than 60 percent was shipped in the last five years.