India accelerates solar manufacturing and capacity with new TOPCon line and large renewable project awards

India is advancing its clean‑energy transition by strengthening domestic solar manufacturing and expanding renewable capacity. At the Mercom India Renewables Summit, officials highlighted the country’s push for a self‑reliant supply chain, citing the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) mandates that now cover solar cells and will later include ingot and wafer production. Challenges such as technology gaps, skilled‑labour shortages and regulatory hurdles were noted.

Jupiter International Ltd. inaugurated a 1.25 GW TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar‑cell line at its Baddi campus in Himachal Pradesh, raising its total cell output to 3.25 GW and positioning the firm to build a 3 GW TOPCon fab in Nagpur later this year. The expansion is presented as a step toward higher‑efficiency modules and high‑skill green jobs.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) awarded about 8.6 GW of inter‑state transmission system (ISTS) renewable projects covering solar, hybrid and battery‑storage schemes. Tenders set tariffs between INR 2.42 and INR 4.72 kWh and require a portion of capacity to be supplied during peak‑demand periods, reflecting a drive to integrate storage and meet rapid demand growth.