Tata Power Company Limited subsidiary TP Solar Limited recorded production of 1 GW of solar modules and 0.9 GW of solar cells in Q2 FY27 (July–September 2026). This output contributes to a total H1FY27 manufacturing volume of 2 GW for modules and 1.8 GW for cells.

The Tirunelveli facility operates with an installed capacity of 4.3 GW, positioning it as one of India’s largest single-location solar cell and module plants. The company invested nearly ₹4,300 crore through its renewable energy subsidiary, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), to establish this infrastructure.

Production metrics and operational scale

The reported figures highlight the ramp-up phase of the manufacturing unit. The following table summarizes the production volumes disclosed for the quarter and the first half of the fiscal year.

The modules produced are compliant with Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) norms and are listed under the Government of India’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). The plant utilizes advanced Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) and Monocrystalline Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (Mono PERC) technologies.

Strategic focus on indigenization

The manufacturing hub features AI/ML-driven systems and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to enhance operational efficiency. A notable aspect of the workforce composition is that nearly 80% of employees are women, reflecting a commitment to inclusive hiring practices within the heavy manufacturing sector.

This expansion aligns with Tata Power’s broader strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in the solar value chain. The company currently holds 4.9 GW of integrated solar cell and module manufacturing capacity across its portfolio.

What the numbers show

The data reveals a consistent alignment between cell and module production rates. In Q2 FY27, the ratio of cell output (0.9 GW) to module output (1 GW) is 0.9:1. This near-parity suggests that the cell manufacturing line is operating at high utilization to feed the module assembly lines, minimizing dependency on external cell sourcing for DCR-compliant products. The H1FY27 aggregate of 2 GW modules against 1.8 GW cells indicates a slight inventory buffer or potential yield differences, but largely confirms vertical integration efficiency.

Tata Power has entered into a collaboration agreement with Norway-based renewable energy technology company Ocean Sun to deploy a 300 kWp floating solar pilot project at its Mulshi reservoir in Maharashtra. The partnership was formalized on the sidelines of the 2nd India–EFTA Prosperity Summit, marking a significant step in integrating advanced global clean energy technologies into India’s power infrastructure.

The primary objective of this pilot is to evaluate Ocean Sun’s proprietary membrane-based floating solar technology under Indian conditions. Unlike conventional systems that rely on interconnected pontoon structures, Ocean Sun’s solution mounts photovoltaic modules on a thin, hydro-elastic membrane that floats directly on the water surface. This lightweight design aims to simplify transportation and installation while reducing structural requirements. Additionally, the close proximity of the modules to the water surface may provide a cooling effect, potentially enhancing generation performance compared to traditional setups.

Strategic context and market potential

India possesses substantial capacity for floating solar deployment, with estimates from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) indicating over 102 GWp of potential. This figure highlights a significant opportunity for floating solar to complement ground-mounted and rooftop installations as the country scales its renewable energy ecosystem. The Mulshi pilot serves as a critical testbed to build the technical and commercial evidence base required for wider adoption of such technologies.

The evaluation will assess key parameters including energy generation, capacity utilisation factor (CUF), installation methodology and time, reliability, operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements, capital cost, and overall commercial viability. By comparing these metrics against conventional floating solar solutions, Tata Power aims to determine the cost competitiveness and scalability of the membrane-based approach.

Technology comparison

Leadership perspectives

Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director of Tata Power, emphasized that innovation is central to accelerating India’s clean energy transition. He stated that the collaboration reflects a commitment to bringing advanced global technologies to India and evaluating their potential in real-world conditions. The goal is to generate valuable operating insights to assess if the technology can deliver reliable, scalable, and cost-effective clean power solutions.

Kristian Tørvold, CEO of Ocean Sun, noted that while India is one of the world’s most attractive floating solar markets, it is also complex, requiring strong local execution capabilities. He expressed satisfaction with the partnership, citing Tata Power’s experience and market understanding as essential for navigating this complexity.

What the numbers show

The scale of the pilot (300 kWp) is modest relative to India’s estimated 102 GWp floating solar potential identified by NISE. This disparity underscores the current phase of technological validation rather than immediate large-scale deployment. The focus remains on gathering practical operating insights regarding performance and cost competitiveness before scaling up. The collaboration leverages Tata Power’s existing footprint, which includes approximately 17.7 GW of clean and green energy capacity, to test new technologies within an established operational framework.