New Delhi: Renewable energy solutions provider Sunkind India is planning to enter module manufacturing and has placed a Rs 1,200-1,500-crore order to procure solar cells.
The renewable energy firm has set up a 1 GW solar module manufacturing line near Jaipur, Rajasthan, and aims to start commercial manufacturing next month.
Solar panels are made of modules that contain cells, while cell manufacturing depends on ingots, which in turn require wafers.
At present, the company is into solar EPC projects and IPP projects for commercial and industrial (C&I) segments.
The in-house production of modules will help the company execute its EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) projects and IPP (independent power producer) projects.
In an interaction, the company's MD Hanish Gupta said Sunkind India has set up a 1 GW solar module manufacturing line near Jaipur. The project is under trial and would be commercially operational by June.
To ensure continuity in module production, the company has also signed an agreement with a domestic solar cell manufacturer to source 1 gigawatt of DCR (domestic content requirement) solar cells to support the upcoming business vertical, he said, adding that the order would cost around Rs 1200-1500 crore.
Explaining the importance of the sourcing agreement, the MD said the supply access will ensure the supply of ALMM-mandated cells for module production.
The government's ALMM-II, effective June 1, mandates the use of only India-made cells in renewable projects to support the domestic industry, he said.
When asked about details of the supplier, Gupta said the name of the domestic entity can not be shared on account of a non-disclosure agreement signed with the cell manufacturer.
