In a major industrial shift, Premier Energies Ltd, a pioneering player in India’s solar cell manufacturing sector, has decided to relocate its 4 GW solar photovoltaic (PV) cell manufacturing facility from Telangana’s Seetharampur Industrial Park to Naidupeta Industrial Park in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore district.

While the 4 GW Solar PV TOPCon Module line will still be set up in Telangana, the Rs 17 billion investment in cell manufacturing is moving to Andhra Pradesh, bringing with it an estimated 2,000 jobs.

Strategic Relocation for Backward Integration Premier Energies initially proposed both a 4 GW solar cell facility and a 4 GW module facility in Telangana. However, recent stock exchange filings reveal a shift in strategy. The company is now implementing a backward integration model, co-locating its silicon ingot and wafer manufacturing operations alongside its solar PV cell manufacturing.

The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) has allotted 269.71 acres to Premier Energies in Nellore district, including:

169.71 acres already allocated An additional 100 acres approved in principle

This site will now host: ? 4 GW Solar PV TOPCon Cell manufacturing facility ? 5 GW silicon ingot and wafer manufacturing plant

By integrating wafer and ingot production with PV cell manufacturing, Premier Energies aims to enhance efficiency, streamline its supply chain, and reduce manufacturing costs.

Discussions between the Andhra Economic Development Board (EDB) and Premier Energies began in October 2024. Land allocation was finalised by February 2025, highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s business-friendly environment and rapid policy execution. Officials cited this as a prime example of the state’s “speed of doing business” approach.

Telangana’s industrial landscape faces a setback, losing a critical component of Premier Energies' expansion. However, the 4 GW Solar PV TOPCon Module line remains in the state. Andhra Pradesh strengthens its position as a renewable energy hub, attracting investments that could bolster its status in India's clean energy transition.

As competition between Telugu states intensifies, Andhra Pradesh’s proactive investment policies and strategic land allocations appear to be giving it a competitive edge in attracting large-scale industrial projects.