Waaree Energies has begun trial production at its 5.4GW solar facility in Chikhli, Gujarat. This move aligns with India's push for increased domestic solar production, with the government planning to include solar cells in its Approved List of Modules and Manufacturers (ALMM) by 2026. Waaree’s facility will help developers qualify for subsidies by supporting this initiative.
Strengthening India’s Solar Industry and Global Expansion
Waaree is already a leader in solar module production. It has 13.3GW of module manufacturing capacity. This new facility marks its entry into large-scale solar cell production. The company is focusing on backward integration to reduce dependency on imports. This will help stabilize costs and strengthen India’s solar supply chain.
The new solar facility will support both local demand and exports. India’s solar exports have been rising. Between 2022 and 2024, the percentage of domestic module production exported increased from 3% to 29%. The total export value of modules reached $2 billion in 2024. The government’s push for domestic production is driving these numbers.
Waaree’s expansion does not stop in India. The company is also setting up a 1.6GW solar module facility in Houston, Texas. This plant will expand to 3GW by 2026 and 5GW by 2027. This international expansion reinforces Waaree’s ambition to become a global solar leader.
Economic and Technological Benefits
The new solar facility is more than just an industrial project. It is an important step in India’s renewable energy journey. The facility incorporates cutting-edge technology to manufacture high-efficiency solar cells. The project also creates jobs and boosts economic activity. It supports local industries involved in the supply chain. Investments in solar manufacturing benefit not just energy production but also industrial growth.
India is working to reduce its reliance on imported solar equipment. Policies like ALMM and production-linked incentives (PLI) are supporting this goal. Waaree’s solar facility is a direct result of these policies. It will help India move closer to self-sufficiency in solar manufacturing.
Future Prospects for India’s Solar Sector
As more companies invest in domestic production, India’s solar industry will become more resilient. This will reduce the impact of global supply chain disruptions. It will also make solar power more affordable and accessible.
Waaree’s new facility sets a benchmark for India’s solar manufacturing sector, showcasing the country’s ability to produce advanced solar technology at scale. By boosting high-efficiency solar cell production, it strengthens India's position in the global solar market and supports the rising demand for solar energy. With continued investment and a focus on innovation and self-reliance, India is poised to become a global leader in solar manufacturing.