HYDERABAD / NELLORE – In a landmark decision for India’s renewable energy sector Premier Energies will invest ₹5,942 crore to establish a state-of-the-art fully integrated solar manufacturing hub in Andhra Pradesh. The facility to be located at the Naidupeta Industrial Park in Nellore district is set to become a cornerstone of India’s domestic solar supply chain.
The project underscores a strategic push towards self-reliance in solar manufacturing moving beyond module assembly to producing the most critical and high-value components: silicon ingots, wafers and high-efficiency cells.
A Fully Integrated Manufacturing Powerhouse
The new hub will be a comprehensive manufacturing ecosystem, featuring:
- A 5 GW silicon ingot and wafer plant
- A 4 GW TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar cell unit
This level of integration is significant. By producing ingots and wafers—the foundational building blocks of solar panels—domestically, Premier Energies will drastically reduce India’s dependence on imports from China and other countries, securing a more resilient and cost-effective supply chain.
Fast-Tracked Approval and Strategic Location
The Andhra Pradesh government facilitated the project with remarkable speed. Nara Lokesh, State Minister for HRD and IT highlighted that the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) allocated 269 acres of land in a record four months, from initial discussions in October 2024 to allotment by February 2025.
The chosen location in Naidupeta offers strong logistical advantages due to its proximity to major ports, facilitating the efficient import of raw materials and export of finished products.
Major Job Creation and Future Scaling
The project is a major economic driver for the region, expected to generate approximately 3,500 direct jobs with thousands more indirect employment opportunities as the local supply ecosystem develops.
With plans already in place to eventually scale production to 7 GW this investment firmly positions Andhra Pradesh as a leading hub for advanced solar technology manufacturing in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
1. What is Premier Energies investing in Andhra Pradesh?
Premier Energies is investing ₹5,942 crore to build a fully integrated solar manufacturing facility that will produce silicon ingots, wafers, and high-efficiency TOPCon solar cells.
2. What is the capacity of the new plant?
The facility will have a 5 GW capacity for ingots and wafers and a 4 GW capacity for TOPCon solar cells.
3. Why is the production of ingots and wafers so important?
Ingots and wafers are the most fundamental and capital-intensive components in a solar panel. Manufacturing them in India is a major step towards true energy self-reliance (‘Atmanirbharta’) and reduces critical dependency on imports.
4. What is TOPCon technology?
TOPCon is a next-generation solar cell technology that offers higher efficiency and better performance in high temperatures compared to standard cells, leading to greater power output from the same area.
5. How many jobs will this project create?
The project is expected to create around 3,500 direct jobs and thousands more indirect employment opportunities in the surrounding area.
6. Why was Naidupeta in Nellore district chosen?
The location offers proximity to major ports for excellent logistics and received fast-tracked support from the state government, including the swift allocation of 269 acres of land.