Swelect To Start Solar Cell Production From 2027: Mirunalini Chellappan

Swelect To Start Solar Cell Production From 2027: Mirunalini Chellappan

Tamil Nadu-based solar module manufacturer Select Energy Systems is now all set to start the production of solar cells likely in 2027, the top management of the firm told Saur Energy.

In an exclusive interview with Saur Energy, Mirunalini Chellappan, Director at the publicly listed company, said that the firm is now taking all decisions towards this plan with caution.

“We’re set to begin our solar cell line by the end of 2026 or early 2027. However, we are moving carefully. Solar cell technology is evolving fast, and there are intellectual property issues in play. We want to ensure we’re protected and aligned with the right technology partner,” Chellappan explained.

Select Energy is eyeing TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) cell technology for its upcoming line but is leaving room for future upgrades. “Solar cell manufacturing is a different ball game altogether. Skill sets in India for this area are still emerging, but we’re confident in the team we are building,” she added.

Eyeing 2 GW Module Capacity 

The firm, which transformed itself from a modest 24 MW solar module company after taking over HHV Solar now has took its module production capacity to 1 GW. It is also planning to double its capacity soon and later on add 1 GW of new capacities per year.

“When we took over HHV Solar, it was a small company with just 24 MW module manufacturing capacity. We rebranded it as Select Energy, and today, we have reached 1 GW,” said Mirunalini Chellappan, Director, Select Energy System. “We are now planning to scale this up to 2 GW and subsequently add 1 GW every year over the next five years.”

South Solar Market 

On the policy and market landscape, Chellappan noted that southern India offers strategic advantages for solar manufacturing. “States in the south are offering several incentives. The southern region is an open market compared to the more clustered northern and western regions. Plus, we have proximity to ports and favorable tariffs, which work in our favor.”

Select Energy is also looking beyond domestic markets. Chellappan also said that the firm has also planned to export its solar modules from this year to expand its global footprint. “We are now planning to begin exporting our solar modules to multiple countries, which will help us strengthen our export footprint,” she said.