Wednesday, November 26, 2014: After over two years of successful running of Tata Solar plant in Chennai, the Tata Power Solar are finally thinking about to invest in strategically upgrading the equipment. Knowing the fact that the Solar energy has got a promising future in India, Ajay Goel, company’s CEO told Business Line, “A year ago we were wondering if there was a future for us.”
He added, “The mood of the (manufacturing) industry has changed from “despondency to cautious optimism.” Almost a year back, the future of Indian companies producing solar cells and modules was very bleak as it was highly dependent up on the government’s rule which specified that mass of government-procured solar energy should come from plants which had used the locally made modules. The local module manufacturers were seeking protection from “dumped” Chinese products.”
The government had then denied to impose anti-dumping duties but had promised enough demand to the Indian manufacturers from the solar projects set up by the government owned companies. The promise gave a sigh of relief to the manufacturers like Tata Power Solar.
The five years old equipment set up at the Tata Power Solar’s plant in Bengaluru is capable of producing 180 MW worth of cells and with them it can generate 200 MW worth of modules. To keep the efficiency in line, it is required to go for strategic upgrade of the equipment to meet the demand on time.
Goel often reiterated that views about the subsidy issue. He stated that the subsidies on the rooftop segment are neither removed nor funded, as a result of which it becomes tough for the customers to make purchase decision
