CEL Release EoI for PV Cell, Module Manufacturing in India

The main purpose of the initiative is to increase the production capacity of CEL and bring down the prices of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells in India. Its aim is to make components are financially viable for the market.

A government enterprise, Central Electronics Ltd (CEL) has invited expression of interest (EoI) for the construction of plants that would manufacture crystalline silicon (c-si) solar modules and cells.

The main purpose of the initiative is to increase the production capacity of CEL and bring down the prices of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells in India. Its aim is to make components are financially viable for the market.

Not only cells but the CEL is also planning to expand India’s solar value chain by manufacturing ingots and silicon wafers.

The EoI is open to “financially and technically capable foreign PV manufacturers” interested in entering a strategic alliance or joint venture for installing at least 100 MW of PV manufacturing capacity. Bids are due by June 25.

Any financially and technically capable foreign PV manufacturers can submit documents to enter into the strategic alliance or joint venture (JV) for setting up a minimum of 100 MW solar PV modules capacity, said the company.

According to the company, CEL was the first Indian company to develop crystalline solar cells and modules in 1977-78 and has a 50-acre production facility in Sahibabad, Uttar Pradesh.