Tata Power planning to double Tirunelveli solar cell unit: Chandrasekaran

TP Solar Ltd, Tata Power’s Solar manufacturing arm and a subsidiary of Tata Power renewable Energy, has plans to double its existing capacity of 4.3 giga watt (GW) at solar cell and module manufacturing facility at Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, said Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran, during the inauguration of the unit on Thursday. 

 

The Tirunelveli unit is built with an investment of Rs 4,300 crore. The announcement comes at a time when Tata Power announced that it is planning to invest around Rs 1.25 trillion between the next financial year (FY26) and FY30 in order to double its operational capacity to 32 gigawatts (Gw) from 15.6 Gw now. 

 

"The plant in the coming days has huge expansion opportunities. From 4.3 GW, it can double to more than 8 GW," Chandrasekaran said. Tirunelveli unit is already India’s largest single-location solar manufacturing facility,

 

"Happy to hear the Chairman mention the possibility of doubling the production at this facility in Gangaikondan, which am sure, if and when it happens, will result in thousands of more jobs for South Tamil Nadu," said state industries minister TRB Rajaa. "From Tata Electronics, Tata JLR to TCS, and and now TP Solar, Tata has made highly significant investments in our state," he added. 

 

The new 4.3 GW solar cell and module manufacturing plant is equipped with cutting-edge TOPCon and Mono Perc technologies. Designed to meet India’s growing renewable energy demand, it will produce high-efficiency solar cells and modules, contributing significantly to the country’s clean energy transition. The plant was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin. 

 

“We are immensely proud to launch this advanced solar manufacturing facility, which is a testament to Tata Power’s commitment to building a sustainable and self-reliant India. Not only does it showcase innovative technology, but it also plays a crucial role in community development by creating job opportunities, with 80 per cent of the workforce comprising women. We look forward to continuing our contribution to Tamil Nadu’s economic growth and India’s clean energy transition," said Praveer Sinha, chief executive officer, Tata Power.  

 

 This facility not only strengthens India’s solar manufacturing capabilities but also reinforces Tata Power’s vision of driving sustainable growth and innovation in the renewable energy sector, it said. By creating local employment, empowering women, and promoting green entrepreneurship, it is poised to become a catalyst for Tamil Nadu’s economic development and India’s clean energy transformation. The solar cells and modules produced at the Tamil Nadu facility will initially cater to the company's ongoing projects, further strengthening its supply chain. With an eye on future expansion, Tata Power also plans to explore opportunities for wider market distribution.

 

In addition to the Tirunelveli plant, the company also operates a world-class manufacturing facility established in 1992 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology, has a production capacity of 682 MW for solar modules and 530 MW for solar cells. Tata Power remains committed to contributing to the nation’s journey toward energy security and a Net-Zero carbon future.