Driving India’s Transition to Global Manufacturing Hub

The Renewable Energy India Expo 2024, showcased innovations in solar modules, inverters, and energy management solutions, emphasising India's push towards self-reliance in green energy. Energetica India looks at the trends, product launches, partnerships forged and other major developments from the 3-day event.

October 10, 2024. By Mrinmoy Dey

The Renewable Energy India Expo 2024, held from October 3-5, at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, marked a significant event for India’s renewable energy sector. The expo provided a crucial platform for industry leaders to exhibit their latest innovations and discuss the ongoing transformation of India's energy landscape.

Energetica India as the official media partner of this event, has been keeping readers well-informed about the significant details from the event including launches, product showcases, partnerships and major announcements.

India strives to become a global energy transition leader while also reducing its reliance on imports and the expo highlighted this ambition. The event saw a strong surge in participation from domestic manufacturers and suppliers. This shift aligns with India's vision of self-reliance and self-sufficiency in renewable energy.

Over the course of three days, the event hosted some of the most important players within the renewable energy industry, emphasising collaboration, innovation, and progress towards a sustainable energy future.

N-type TOPCon Dominated Module Launches

Jakson Solar, a part of the Jakson Group, launched their latest technology solar modules – Helia NXT R. It offers a module efficiency of up to 23.34 percent, utilising high-efficiency rectangular 16 BB N-Type TOPCon solar cells. This technology enables the module to deliver a maximum power output ranging from 610Wp to 630Wp, ensuring high power generation along with enhanced mechanical strength and reliability, particularly suited for tough environments.

Rayzon Solar introduced its TOPCon-210R solar panel. The TOPCon-210R cells are N-Type Monocrystalline TOPCon cells, sized at 210 mm by 182 mm in a rectangular shape. G12 rectangular cells are designed to maximise energy output and enhance the overall efficiency of solar modules. They achieve up to 25 percent cell efficiency and 23 percent module efficiency, with each module producing up to 625 watts of power.

During the Expo, Adani Solar unveiled its Shine series n-type TOPCon dual-glass modules, built on 210×182 mm rectangular wafers (210R format). These modules deliver 23 percent efficiency with a peak power output of 620 W.

Gujarat-based solar PV module manufacturer Credence Solar Panels also launched its latest offering in TOPCons solar modules in 725W. This bifacial module comes in dual glass with 210mm 18BB 132 cells configuration with a module efficiency of 23.35 percent.

Waaree presented its G12R TOPCon bifacial module, offering 625 Wp output and 23.14 percent efficiency at the REI Expo.

HJT Solar Modules
However, it was not all about TOPCon modules. There were significant launches of HJT-based modules as well.

For instance, Waaree launched its n-type HJT dual-glass solar module, delivering 730 Wp with up to 23.5 percent efficiency and bifaciality of 85±10 percent. The module has a degradation rate of one percent in the first year and 0.3 percent annually thereafter.

Reliance New Energy Ltd. introduced its Pro-XL and Pro-L bifacial HJT solar modules, ideal for large-scale power plants. The Pro-XL series offers outputs of 740-760 Wp with up to 22.5 percent efficiency, built with 144 bifacial HJT cells and a bifaciality factor of up to 91%. The Pro-L series provides 690-720 Wp output and up to 23.1 percent efficiency using 132 half-cut G12 cells. Both series feature a low temperature coefficient of -0.24 percent per degree centigrade and 0.3 percent annual degradation.

In another development, LEAPTING Technology, specialising in autonomous robotics for the photovoltaic sector, unveiled its latest innovation, the G2 Automatic Vehicle-Mounted Navigation Cleaning Robot. This cutting-edge robot is designed to transform solar module maintenance by combining advanced navigation with autonomous vehicle-mounted functionality. The G2 robot offers a more efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cleaning methods, improving solar plant performance while reducing operational expenses.

Latest Innovations in Solar Inverters

Solar inverters which are deemed to be a crucial part of the solar energy ecosystem saw heightened activity in terms of new launches.

In this edition of REI, Sungrow unveiled its advanced SG150CX inverter, designed for high-efficiency solar applications. Featuring a 48A MPPT input current, it is optimised for larger PV modules. The inverter incorporates AFCI 3.0 technology, which extends the cable detection range to 450 meters, improving safety. It also offers real-time DC terminal temperature monitoring and over-temperature protection, ensuring enhanced system reliability and performance.

INVERGY showcased innovative off-grid systems, including 5 kW and 10 kW backup options tailored for rural markets. INVERGY’s new LFP battery, a perfect replacement for lead acid batteries, capable of 6,000 cycles and available in 7Ah to 200Ah capacities, drew significant attention for its long-lasting energy storage solutions.

INVERGY also introduced its 15 kW and 20 kW LV series inverters, designed for 48V systems and compatible with both lead-acid and lithium batteries. The real showstopper, however, was the fully operational Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) outside Hall 14, boasting a 200 kW AC and 400 kW DC output.

Solar inverter manufacturer Solis, a subsidiary of Ginlong Technologies, showcased their latest inverter innovations. It included advanced commercial grid-tied inverters – S6-GC3P(125-150)K12-NV-ND, high-performance utility-scale grid-tied inverter S6-GU350K-EHV and versatile inverter with a wide voltage range and low startup voltage S6-GR1P(1-3)K-M. The company also announced that it has surpassed the 100 GW mark in cumulative shipments.

SolaX Power launched its advanced utility-scale inverter at the REI Expo 2024, featuring enhanced efficiency, multi-inverter control, and robust safety features like volt-watt control and auto-disconnect for fault protection. The company also showcased its X1/X3-IES Energy Storage System for residential and small commercial installations, offering seamless solar integration and energy storage. Their Low Voltage Hybrid Inverter, ideal for low-voltage setups, ensures efficient energy conversion and is suited for areas with inconsistent power supply. For larger energy demands, SolaX showcased the ESS-AELIO Energy Storage Cabinet, a scalable solution designed for commercial and industrial users, helping manage peak loads and ensure uninterrupted power.

Solplanet, a solar inverter manufacturer with a presence in over 40 countries, has launched its latest innovation—the ASW350K-HT inverter. It offers an MPPT current of 75A which ensures compatibility with large PV modules, allowing the system to maximise energy output. By minimising potential-induced degradation (PID), this inverter reduces the degradation rate of PV modules, ensuring long-term reliability. The inverter is protected against dust, water, and corrosion, ensuring reliable performance in harsh conditions, including coastal and industrial environments.

Another player, Livguard, a part of SAR Group, launched their new line of high-frequency solar inverters. The newly launched Hybrid Series and Off-Grid Series inverters are designed for higher efficiency with transformer-less technology, making them more reliable and compact. Compatible with both Lead Acid and Lithium Batteries, they also feature built-in Wi-Fi for easy performance tracking via smartphones. The company also launched lithium-based ESS, high-efficiency Bi-facial panels, and high-efficiency DCR Panels.

Increased Focus on Cell Manufacturing
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced its plan to include solar cells in the ALMM list from April 1, 2026 in a bid to reduce reliance on import and promote domestic manufacturing of key components of solar panels.

Many of the domestic players have responded by announcing new cell manufacturing plants or ramping up existing lines. Additionally, in order to meet the growing demand for solar energy, solar module manufacturers have also announced capacity expansion.

Goldi Solar has announced that the company plans to build its cell manufacturing capacity to 4 GW by FY27, a crucial move aimed at reducing reliance on imports and strengthening India’s solar infrastructure. The company also aims to increase its module manufacturing capacity from the current 3 GW to 14 GW by mid-FY26.

Jakson Solar announced its plans to set up a 2,500 MW solar cell manufacturing facility with an investment of INR 2,000 crore and expand solar module manufacturing capacity from the current 1,200 MW to 2,000 MW.

Rayzon Solar announced its plan to expand its production capacity to 12 GW.

In the meanwhile, INA Solar announced its plans to significantly expand, adding new manufacturing units with capacities of 3 GW for solar panels, 1.5 GW for solar cells, and 12,000 MT for aluminium frames.

Additionally, Credence Solar Panels also announced plans to increase the total capacity to 2.2 GW by February 2025 by adding 1.6 GW in capacity.

Establishing and Strengthening Partnerships
Solar module manufacturing equipment specialist Yingkou Jinchen Machinery Co. Ltd. (JINCHEN) and German solar cell equipment specialist Singulus Technologies AG (SINGULUS) showcased their module and cell manufacturing solutions as part of their newly formed joint venture (JV) at the REI Expo 2024. The JV specialises in delivering production solutions spanning from cell to module lines, focusing on Heterojunction (HJT) and TOPCon technologies.

In another significant development, JINCHEN and solar module manufacturer RenewSys India announced the signing of the Phase 2 agreement to establish a 1.8 GW Pertop Solar Cell Line and a 1 GW Solar Module Line. This milestone is part of their multi-gigawatt expansion strategy aimed at significantly boosting India’s solar manufacturing capabilities.

Cliantech Solutions, a turnkey solution provider to the solar module and cell manufacturers, announced a major deal with Rayzon Solar for a 5 GW solar production line. Cliantech Solutions also signed a deal with Sahaj Solar to set up a 1.5 GW solar module production line at the REI Expo 2024. The deal includes an initial order for 750 MW of solar modules, which Sahaj Solar confirmed on October 3. The remaining 750 MW is scheduled to be commissioned after Q2 2025.

Solar module manufacturer Grew Energy announced that the company has partnered with Aditya Green Energy for the supply of over 180 MW of PV solar modules. The order supports the Government of India's PM KUSUM C (MSKVY 2.0) Yojana initiative aimed at promoting solar energy adoption in rural areas. The project will benefit the regions of Latur, Osmanabad, and Beed in Maharashtra. As part of the agreement, Grew Energy will commence the dispatch of solar modules starting in September 2024 and continuing until January 2025.

All in All, the Renewable Energy India Expo 2024 highlighted India’s advancements in clean energy, showcasing the latest innovations in solar technology, inverter efficiency, and energy management. The event demonstrated India’s growing capabilities in renewable energy production and technology, offering a platform for industry leaders to share new developments and explore collaborative opportunities.

The expo featured a wide array of cutting-edge products, including advanced solar modules and energy storage solutions, emphasizing India’s push towards self-reliance and sustainability in the renewable energy sector.

The supportive policy framework from the government has given the RE industry a fillip. As India enhances its domestic manufacturing capability, these innovations and partnerships with both global and Indian players will propel India to lead the way in the global energy transition.

As the global focus shifts toward cleaner energy sources, India's significant contributions to the sector are paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for both the nation and the world.