Tata Group's new production plan kicks off as TP Solar Ltd, a part of Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL), starts the commercial production of solar cells at the Tirunelveli plant, India's largest single-location manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, with a maximum manufacturing capacity of 4.3 GW. This Tirunelveli plant marks a significant move towards the country's goal of clean energy and reducing imports

The solar cell production, currently at 2 GW capacity, is aimed at enhancing the ability of the company to supply high-quality, domestically produced solar components. The facility is eying to increase the production level. Adding the remaining 2 GW capacity to gradually touch the peak production level in the next 4-6 weeks.

The module production line, which started its production in October 2023, has already produced 1,250 MW of solar modules. These modules are made using advanced TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) and Mono Perc technologies, which ensure the production of high-efficiency solar cells and modules.

Tirunelveli plant
Image Source: TenneT

Solar module is a type of device that converts solar energy into electric energy. It is encapsulated with several solar cells, which generate more power than a single solar cell.

Aims of the project

Tata Power aims to contribute to India's renewable energy growth, investing around ₹4,300 crore in this project to bolster the country's solar rooftop and utility-scale sectors. The company currently holds 20% shares in the market and seeks growth through initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Yojana.

The government has already approved the previous modules produced in this factory under the government's approved list of models and manufacturers (ALMM). The company is optimistic about its new high-quality module claiming, that it will make its way to the forthcoming ALMM list for cells.

Other than the Tamil Nadu plant, Tata Power has another premier production facility in Bengaluru, which is capable of producing 682 MW of solar modules and 530 MW of solar cells. By now, the Bengaluru facility has supplied 3.73 GW of modules and 2.26 GW.

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