Knack Energy Eyes Solar Cell Production, Module Expansion

Knack Energy Eyes Solar Cell Production, Module Expansion

Ahmedabad-based cleantech company Knack Energy is now aiming to diversify its product offerings besides augmenting its solar module production capabilities. The top management of the firm in an interview with Saur Energy, talked about their diversification plans and future roadmap up to 2027.

Ravi Patel, Director of the firm, told Saur Energy that the firm, which was earlier into the production of EVA and backsheet, has now planned to foray into solar cell manufacturing, likely towards the first quarter of 2027. This coincides with the plan of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to include solar cell production under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).

Looking ahead, the company also plans to enter solar cell manufacturing. “We have planned to start a solar cell plant by 2026. We are aiming to commission at least 1 GW of solar cell capacity by the first quarter of 2027,” he confirmed. He, however, denied any plans to issue Initial Public Offering (IPO) and enter into the stock market to derive public funding for its proposed solar cell plan.

Solar Module Expansion 

Knack Energy is set to ramp up its solar module manufacturing capacity to 2 GW by September 2025, as part of an ambitious expansion drive aimed at meeting growing demand in the Indian market.

“Right now, we have an installed capacity of 800 MW. We have now planned to add another 1.2 GW of new solar module capacity. So by September 2025, we aim to have a total of 2 GW of solar module manufacturing capacity,” said Ravi Patel, Director at Knack Energy.

Patel noted that the demand-supply gap in the Indian solar market is widening, with supply lagging behind growing demand. “In the market, there is less supply of solar modules than the demand. We can see a short supply. The Indian government is now pushing solar and renewable energy wholeheartedly. We can see that the demand for solar modules is likely to remain higher than the supply, so we are enthusiastic about the demand,” he added.

Thrust on TOPCon technology

Currently, the company’s entire module production line is based on TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) technology, and the upcoming 1.2 GW plant will follow the same technology route.

Patel emphasized that quality remains the biggest challenge in solar module manufacturing. “From day one, we have ensured to make only Tier 1 quality solar panels. That is why our quality speaks louder. This has ensured wider demand for our modules,” he said.

Despite being a relatively new player, with just two to three months of commercial operations, Knack Energy reports a healthy order book. “The market is good and we can sense strong demand,” said Patel.