Our vision is a fully integrated solar manufacturing supply chain in India by 2025

In an interaction with EPR Magazine, Rahul Bhutiani, Head-Sales and Marketing Adani Solar discussed the plans to increase the solar manufacturing capacity of from 4 gigawatts to 10 gigawatts and integrate backwards into the value chain to create a fully integrated 10 GW capacity from MG silicon to Modules.
Innovations displayed at REI.
Currently, we have a 2 GW of MonoPERC modules which are in the bin range of 530 to 545 Wp. We are also planning to build a new manufacturing facility of 2 GW where we will be bringing the N-Type Topcon technology which will give higher power efficiency ratings of up to 570 Wp. This will be available from June 2023.

Enhancing the efficiency and reliability of solar panels and modules
One of the key differences in the N-type Topcon technology is efficiency. It produces a considerably greater Wp with the same surface area. So instead of the MonoPERC’s 535-540 Wp. the TOPCon technology allows us to offer 570 Wp. It also has superior temperature coefficient and higher bifaciality. So, all these factors will help make it more suitable for large utility-scale projects and provide lower LCOE. We believe the world will move towards high-efficiency modules because ultimately space is a constraint everywhere. Space on rooftops and land is limited and so the more power you generate from the same area, the better it will be for the success of the projects.
Measures to reduce solar module weight
The size of the modules has progressively increased, which creates its own challenges in terms of weight and dimensions. Earlier, a module of 300–330 Wp could be easily managed or lifted by one person, but now it becomes difficult for even two people to handle the module’s weight and size. But I think the industry will adapt itself to these challenges. On the module manufacturing side, there are some steps that are being taken to ensure that we keep the module weight in control. So, some R&D is going on to give the incremental differences in the frame structure. If you look at thinner glass or different design of aluminium frame it can play a major role in reducing the module’s weight. So, research is happening that can somewhat reduce the module’s weight.

Is India’s energy secure?

 India’s Vision of One World One grid
Our prime minister promulgated this vision of ‘One World One Grid’. If we connect a lot of geographies together with one grid, we can produce renewable energy for the entire Earth. The part of the earth which is having sunlight can generate renewable energy for the geographies or other parts of the earth where there is night and vice versa. This is the vision that our PM has shared with the world. We can leverage the interconnection of geographies and make it a very smart grid. We are moving towards that. The intent is there, the vision is there, and I believe smart execution will take us there.
Grid security
If we can have a grid that is being fed with uninterrupted green energy at every point of time, then it brings a lot more stability to the grid. At different times of the day, there will be spikes on the grid and that can cause instability or even destabilize it. But if you have power being generated and pumped into the grid at all points in time and thereby address the spikes or reduce the spikes to some extent, you will have more stability of the Grid
Energy storage and energy management systems
The energy storage system will help even out the spikes. because when we generate solar power during the day, we can store it for usage during the night-time, so that evens out the power generation or availability on the grid and that helps take care of any surges or any spikes that are happening.
Integrating a comprehensive ecosystem
We are creating a Fully integrated solar manufacturing ecosystem in India by June 2025. So, we are looking at expanding our capacities on cell and module from the current level of 4 GW to 10 GW by June 2025. But not limiting ourselves to cell and module, we are going deep into the value chain, and we are also setting up similar 10 GW facility for MG Silicon, polysilicon, Ingot and Wafers. Additionally, in the same geography, we are setting up ancillary units for manufacturing Aluminium frames, glass, backsheet, trackers, etc. This will give us whole supply chain control, and we will be able to ensure the availability of supplies at all times. We’ve witnessed a lot of supply disruptions in the last 2 years due to COVID, shipping challenges etc. Creating this whole ecosystem will ensure that we will have more control over the entire supply chain and help India achieve Energy Security.