Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a public sector enterprise under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for operating its 40 MW automated solar module manufacturing plant in Sahibabad, Uttar Pradesh. The bid submission deadline is 3rd March 2025, with bid openings scheduled for the same day. The contract is for two years, extendable by one year, and covers manufacturing, operations, maintenance, marketing, and sales of solar modules.

The Sahibabad facility will operate three shifts and has a storage capacity of 12 MW of solar modules. CEL will provide essential infrastructure, utilities, round-the-clock security, power, water supply at commercial rates, and building maintenance services. Additionally, the company will offer consumables, tools, and skilled/unskilled labour to facilitate operations.

Expanding India's Solar Manufacturing Base

CEL has been actively engaged in solar energy projects and has previously invited bids for the operation and maintenance of a 1 MW solar project at the Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute in Pilani. This initiative aligns with India’s aggressive push towards renewable energy expansion, particularly in the solar sector.

According to Mercom India’s ‘State of Solar PV Manufacturing in India 1H 2024’ report, India added 11.3 GW of solar modules and 2 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity in the first half of 2024. As of June 2024, the country’s cumulative solar module manufacturing capacity reached 77.2 GW, while solar cell capacity stood at 7.6 GW. These expansions have been driven by a robust solar project pipeline of 132.7 GW planned between 2024 and 2026, as well as the reinstatement of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) order in April 2024.

Industry Growth and Government Initiatives

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) continues to play a crucial role in strengthening India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem. In January 2024, MNRE updated the ALMM, adding 3,015 MW of new capacity, bringing the total enlisted module manufacturing capacity to 67,401 MW. The ALMM currently features 90 module manufacturers, ensuring that government-backed projects utilise domestically produced modules.

With India’s increasing commitment to clean energy, CEL’s solar module plant operation project presents an opportunity to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and support the nation’s renewable energy targets. As the solar industry expands, investments in manufacturing, infrastructure, and skilled workforce will be crucial in achieving India’s goal of becoming a global leader in renewable energy production.