We see strong progress in India’s solar manufacturing landscape: Gautam Mohanka

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We see strong progress in India’s solar manufacturing landscape: Gautam Mohanka

We see strong progress in India’s solar manufacturing landscape: Gautam Mohanka

Interviews
Jun 25,25

In this interview with Rakesh Rao, Gautam Mohanka, CEO, Gautam Solar, elaborates on gaps in the India’s solar manufacturing value chain and how his company is aiding the growth of the solar energy sector.

We see strong progress in India’s solar manufacturing landscape: Gautam Mohanka

Gautam Solar, one of the leading players in the Indian solar module manufacturing sector, is expanding its solar module capacity to 5 GWp in FY2025-26. The company is also in the process of launching our IPO. During this conversation with Rakesh Rao, Gautam Mohanka, CEO, Gautam Solar, elaborates on gaps in the India’s solar manufacturing value chain and how his company is aiding the growth of the solar energy sector.

How is your company serving the solar energy sector?

We have been actively contributing to India’s renewable energy journey by focusing on innovation. We currently operate module manufacturing facilities with a capacity of 3.2GW, including multiple units in Haridwar and Bhiwani. Plans are in place to increase this capacity to 5GW. We are also establishing a solar cell manufacturing unit, and we expect it to be operational by October 2026. We have started small-scale exports to the US as part of our global outreach, but we will continue to observe how solar energy demand develops in that market before deciding on establishing any facilities there.

How would you assess the current status of India’s solar manufacturing value chain—from polysilicon and wafers to cells and modules? Where do the biggest gaps remain?

We see strong progress in India’s solar manufacturing landscape, particularly in modules and increasingly in cell production. At Gautam Solar, our upcoming 2 GW cell line is a reflection of this shift toward greater domestic capability. However, early stages of the solar production cycle, such as polysilicon production and wafering, remain underdeveloped. These areas need significant investment and technical skills. The lack of domestic infrastructure for these critical inputs continues to be a major challenge in building a self-reliant solar ecosystem. Despite the rapid growth in module manufacturing capacity, India still heavily relies on imports for solar cells, wafers, and polysilicon.

What are the key challenges in achieving upstream integration in solar manufacturing, and how can India address them?

The challenges of upstream integration stem from economic, technological, and logistical issues. Producing polysilicon and wafers requires significant investment, access to clean energy, technical expertise, and guaranteed customers. India should take a strategic approach by creating dedicated solar industrial zones, improving the business environment, encouraging global technology partnerships, and offering risk-sharing options. Government programs like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) are a good start, but focused execution and readiness of infrastructure are crucial.

How prepared is the Indian industry to adapt and invest in R&D and next-generation manufacturing capabilities to stay globally competitive?

The solar industry is quickly moving toward new technologies, and Gautam Solar is also no exception in this transition. With over 28 years of experience, we consistently focus on building solar solutions that meet India’s unique climate, policy, and energy needs. Our investments in next-generation technologies like TOPCon and bifacial modules, along with automation in our manufacturing lines, show our commitment to delivering high-performance, reliable products for both rural and urban applications.

However, investment in R&D across the broader industry is still somewhat lacking. For India to become a leader in global solar technology, stronger collaboration between academic institutions and manufacturers is needed. This collaboration would improve access to advanced testing facilities and policy support that encourages the development of homegrown innovations. With the right ecosystem, India has the potential to become a global hub for high-tech solar manufacturing.

What are the key opportunities Indian manufacturers can tap into in global markets, and what are the critical enablers needed to scale exports further?

India has a clear opportunity to establish itself as a reliable and competitive player in the global solar supply chain. With growing geopolitical alignment, particularly with markets like the US looking to diversify sourcing away from China, Indian manufacturers can seize export opportunities by focusing on high-efficiency modules, transparent business practices, and quality consistency.

To effectively increase exports, we need ongoing government support such as production-linked incentives (PLI), export facilitation policies, and faster infrastructure development. It is also essential to ramp up domestic solar cell manufacturing. Reducing dependence on imported cells will directly improve our cost competitiveness in global markets. Stable policy frameworks and support for R&D and automation will also be key factors.

Looking ahead to 2030, where do you see India’s solar manufacturing industry heading?

By 2030, we envision India becoming a major player in solar manufacturing, not just in scale but also in technology leadership. With the government targeting 500 GW of renewable energy, domestic manufacturing capacity is expected to expand rapidly, including vertical integration from wafers to modules.

To achieve this vision, both the industry and the government must prioritise investments in advanced technologies like TOPCon and heterojunction modules, as well as backward integration into solar cells and wafers. Strategic collaborations with research institutions, clear long-term policies, support for automation, and timely implementation of trade safeguards are vital. The next 3 to 5 years are crucial for laying the groundwork through capacity building, skill development, and consistent policy execution.

What are the growth plans for your company?

At Gautam Solar, we have laid out a clear and ambitious growth plan. We are currently expanding our manufacturing capacity to 5GW. We are also establishing a solar cell manufacturing unit, and we expect it to be operational by October 2026, which will help in reducing the dependency on imports and strengthen India’s domestic ecosystem. While our primary focus remains on serving the Indian market in line with the country's 500 GW renewable energy target, we have started small-scale exports to the US. As we monitor international demand, especially in developed markets, we will take a careful approach toward further global expansion.

We are also in the process of launching our IPO. The IPO will support our capacity expansion plans and further strengthen our financial position to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the renewable energy sector.