Waaree Energies Starts Commercial Production at India's Largest Solar Cell Facility in Gujarat

Waaree Energies Ltd., India’s solar PV module manufacturer, has officially commenced commercial production at its 1.4 GW Monocrystalline PERC (Mono PERC) solar cell production line in Chikhli, Gujarat.

"This marks the first phase of commissioning at India’s largest solar cell manufacturing facility, which has a total planned capacity of 5.4 GW, including 4 GW of high-efficiency TOPCon solar cells to be commissioned in the next phase," said the firm in its statement.

Furthermore, the company emphasised that the Chikhli facility stands as a testament to its commitment to reducing India’s dependence on solar imports while stabilising costs amid global supply chain fluctuations. With a focus on both domestic and international markets, the plant will provide a reliable and sustainable supply of high-performance solar technology to support India’s growing renewable energy sector.

Dr. Amit Paithankar, Whole-time Director and CEO of Waaree Energies Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm about the development, saying, "The commencement of commercial production at our 1.4 GW Mono PERC solar cell line is a significant step toward building a self-sufficient solar ecosystem. This facility aligns with the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, reinforcing India's energy independence. By integrating advanced manufacturing with research-driven innovation, we are not just producing solar cells- we are shaping the future of India’s clean energy transition, strengthening the economy, and driving sustainability at scale."

The Chikhli facility is equipped with cutting-edge production lines, featuring advanced automation and strict quality control measures to ensure world-class efficiency and reliability. In addition to its technological advancements, the plant will generate significant employment opportunities and contribute to the industrial growth of the region, solidifying India’s role as a key player in the global solar supply chain.

Meanwhile, recently, during the firm's Q3 and nine-month FY25 earnings conference call, Paithankar discussed the company’s US operations, stating, "Our objective is to create operations that can thrive independently, without relying on external factors. Our US operations are structured to be profitable on their own merit. That being said, if the IRA or a similar program continues in some form, it will undoubtedly provide significant additional benefits to the business."

He further added, "It is also important to note that in our sales profile, exports in the first nine months of the fiscal year account for approximately 20 percent. Our US factory is, in fact, a crown jewel, dedicated to manufacturing solar panels for the United States, within the United States. We have all heard the clarion call made by the Honorable President Trump at Davos, encouraging companies to manufacture in the United States, and that is exactly what we are doing."