Building the Future, One Cell at a Time: Why Solar Manufacturing is Now Mission-Critical

Exploring how advanced solar module technology is driving India’s energy shift, cutting costs, and building a greener industrial future.

3 days ago

If you have noticed the green growth in the past decade, our country has made remarkable strides in adopting solar energy. From powering rural homes to energising data centres, solar has become more than just an alternative because it’s now essential. But as our appetite for clean power grows, a critical question surfaces: Where are the solar cells and modules coming from?

The answer, until recently, was mostly outside India. However, that’s changing rapidly, as imports of solar cells and modules dropped by 20% and 57%, respectively, in the first eight months of 2024-25, driven largely by the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the growing domestic manufacturing capacity of solar panel manufacturers like AMPIN Energy Transition. With rising global uncertainties, shipping delays, and the strategic need to become self-reliant, India is now making a much-needed shift towards domestic solar manufacturing for solar open access solutions and more.

Why Local Manufacturing Matters?

Let’s break it down. Every solar panel is made up of solar cells, the tiny units that convert sunlight into electricity. These cells are the core of any solar system. And when these key components come from another country, our clean energy dream becomes vulnerable.

Delays in shipping? Projects stall.
Global price hikes? Costs skyrocket.
Trade restrictions or diplomatic tensions? Future uncertain.

Now, imagine if we made these solar modules and cells right here in India. It would:

Lower our dependence on imports
Create lakhs of jobs in manufacturing and allied sectors
Reduce costs in the long term
Give project developers better control over timelines and quality

That’s not just good business. That’s good sense.

The Government is All In

Recognising the urgency, the Government of India launched the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to support domestic solar manufacturing. Under this scheme, financial incentives are offered to companies that set up or expand solar manufacturing facilities.

The result? A growing number of Indian players are investing in solar cell and module manufacturing. By 2026, India is expected to add over 48 GW of new manufacturing capacity. That’s a massive leap from where we were even just five years ago.

AMPIN Energy Transition’s Strategic Leap

In a decisive move that aligns with India’s vision of self-reliance in renewable energy, AMPIN Energy Transition is constructing a 1.3 GW integrated solar cell and module manufacturing facility in Odisha. Developed in collaboration with Jupiter International Limited, this state-of-the-art facility marks a major milestone in AMPIN Energy Transition’s journey from being a leading clean energy player to becoming a contributor to India’s domestic manufacturing capability.

This project is more than just a manufacturing unit as it is a significant contribution to the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, aimed at reducing import dependence, creating local jobs, and strengthening the nation’s green industrial base.

With the support of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, its integrated facility will not only ensure a steady supply of high-quality solar components for India’s growing renewable demand but will also empower India to become a global hub for solar manufacturing.

This move does more than just expand capacity. It gives it:

Stronger control over its supply chain
Greater flexibility on project costs and quality
Backward integration for a more self-reliant operation

But the vision doesn’t stop at AMPIN Energy Transition’s own solar projects. This manufacturing hub is also geared to support third-party developers across India and even international markets, strengthening India’s position in the global renewable supply chain.

Odisha: The New Solar Manufacturing Hotspot

Choosing Odisha as the base for this facility is strategic too. The state offers excellent infrastructure, strong logistics networks, and a proactive government that supports green industry development. For a country that’s aiming to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, every new factory like this one brings us closer to that goal.

It’s Not Just About Energy

Local solar manufacturing doesn’t just impact energy generation. It touches every part of the economy.

Employment: Every 1 GW of manufacturing capacity can create over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Innovation: Local R&D will push better, more efficient solar tech tailored for Indian conditions.
Exports: India could become a global supplier of solar modules, reducing our trade deficit and boosting ‘Make in India’.

What’s Next?

India’s solar story is evolving. From being a buyer of global tech, we’re turning into a builder of world-class systems. And companies like AMPIN Energy Transition are playing a pivotal role in shaping this future.

As we move toward round-the-clock green power, the need to secure the very components that power this transition is more urgent than ever. Manufacturing solar cells and modules locally is no longer a choice but has become mission-critical.

AMPIN Energy Transition is committed to building a cleaner, more self-reliant India, one solar cell at a time. If you’re a business, developer, or sustainability leader looking to partner on clean energy projects, the vertically integrated ecosystem of AMPIN Energy Transition is ready to support your goals. Visit their website or contact them directly to know more!