Scaling Solar Manufacturing And Powering India’s Clean Energy Future Growth – Suhas Donthi, Group CEO, Emmvee Group

1. Your manufacturing capacity has dramatically scaled from an initial 15 MW to over 5 GW. Could you highlight key inflection points and strategic investments that enabled this rapid expansion?

Our growth from 15 MW to over 5 GW has resulted from persistent efforts and strategic execution aimed at building a sustainable business over time. One of the earliest inflection points came in 2006, when we diversified into photovoltaic (PV) module production, extending our portfolio beyond rooftop solar water heaters. At the time, the Indian market wasn’t mature, so most of our initial modules were exported to Western Europe. However, we strongly believed in the long-term potential of solar energy to meet global energy demands, and subsequently, our capacity expansions have primarily targeted increasing demand to support domestic needs.

Another major turning point was the launch of India’s National Solar Mission in 2011, which catalyzed the domestic solar market. We strategically positioned ourselves to capitalize on this new demand, investing heavily in expanding capacity, upgrading technology, and building robust operational infrastructure.

In recent years, vertical integration has been a key driver of growth. By investing in solar cell manufacturing, we enhanced supply chain reliability and cost competitiveness. Our consistent emphasis on quality, recognized through global certifications and awards, has further strengthened customer confidence and enabled us to scale effectively to meet both utility-scale and commercial demands. Each milestone has contributed not only to our growth in capacity but also in our overall capability and market leadership.

2. Emmvee has embraced advanced Topcon technology. What improvements in efficiency and performance does this offer your customers, and how does it position you competitively?

We’ve always believed that staying technologically ahead is crucial for delivering long-term value. Our adoption of TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar cell technology underscores this philosophy. TOPCon represents the next generation of high- efficiency solar cells, enabling us to offer modules with efficiencies significantly surpassing conventional PERC technology.

Our adoption of TOPCon isn’t merely about following industry trends—it’s a reflection of our commitment to reliability, performance, and sustainability. For instance, our modules ranked among the top four globally in KIWA PVEL’s reliability tests, making us the only Indian company to achieve such recognition. This provides assurance to our customers, including utility-scale developers and commercial rooftop installers, that their investments will deliver exceptional performance and durability.

TOPCon technology also aligns well with India’s broader energy and climate objectives. Higher efficiency results in increased power output per square meter, which is particularly beneficial in space-constrained installations and effectively reduces the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). As we scale up to nearly 7 GW of capacity with our newest facility coming up at Sulibele, Karnataka, TOPCon technology remains central to our high-efficiency strategy and distinguishes us competitively in both domestic and international markets.

3. How effective have government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) mandate been in supporting domestic solar manufacturing?

Government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) mandate have significantly boosted domestic solar manufacturing. These schemes have incentivized Indian manufacturers to invest in scale, pursue backward integration, and adopt cutting-edge technologies, precisely what the industry requires to compete globally.

Specifically, the PLI scheme has catalyzed capacity expansion and vertical integration across the solar value chain—from polysilicon and wafers to cells and modules. It has leveled the playing field, encouraging long-term, capital-intensive investments in substantial cell and module factories, with wafer manufacturing anticipated soon.

On the other hand, ALMM has improved quality assurance and created market preference for domestically produced goods. It effectively filters out inferior imports, creating demand for committed Indian manufacturers that comply with international standards.

Nonetheless, clarity and timeliness in policy implementation remain critical. Sudden policy shifts or delays can introduce risks and disrupt planning. Overall, these government initiatives have been instrumental in laying the foundation for a robust and self-sustaining solar manufacturing ecosystem in India, now the momentum will continue.

4. How would you describe the current regulatory environment in India? What specific policy measures or regulatory stability would help further strengthen the domestic solar manufacturing industry?

The current regulatory environment in India is highly supportive, particularly initiatives such as the PLI scheme, ALMM mandate, customs duty safeguards, and the broader emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat. These policies have created a solid foundation for a robust indigenous solar manufacturing ecosystem, clearly demonstrating positive intent and direction.

However, consistency and predictability in policy implementation remain areas that require attention. Sudden changes, whether related to ALMM implementation deadlines or tariff structures, can introduce planning uncertainties for manufacturers and developers. Given the

long gestation periods and significant capital requirements of solar manufacturing, regulatory stability is essential for decisive, long-term investments.

A clear, long-term roadmap for solar manufacturing—detailing specific targets, incentives, and timelines for localization along the value chain—would make a significant difference. Timely disbursement of PLI benefits, simplified clearances, and improvements in logistical and power infrastructure within industrial zones would further enhance investor confidence. With stable regulatory frameworks and supportive infrastructure, India has immense potential to become a global solar manufacturing hub.