India could face a shortage of TOPCon solar cells over the next six to nine months as domestic manufacturing capacity catches up with module capacity, according to Nimish Jain, Executive Vice President at Vikram Solar.

In an interview on the sidelines of the Mercom India Renewables Summit 2026, Jain discussed Vikram Solar’s expansion into cells, ingots, wafers, and battery energy storage systems, the need for skilled manpower, and the importance of synchronizing renewable energy and transmission development.

Excerpts from the interview:

How do you view the mismatch between India’s solar module and cell manufacturing capacities?

India currently has close to 193 GW of solar module manufacturing capacity compared with nearly 30 GW of nameplate cell capacity.

Although there is a mismatch, it also presents an opportunity for Indian manufacturers to look beyond the domestic market. The introduction of domestic content requirements will also help distinguish serious manufacturers from non-serious players.

The demand for solar in India is expected to grow, driven by emerging sectors such as data centers and green hydrogen, as well as by firm and dispatchable renewable energy tenders. The present gap could persist for a few months, after which the market should rationalize, and serious manufacturers will have significant growth opportunities.

Do you expect a shortage of solar cells in the interim?

Yes. We expect a shortage of cells, particularly TOPCon cells, over the next six to nine months. Mono PERC cells are still available.

The demand-supply gap should ease once the new manufacturing capacities under development become operational.

Should the government have extended the implementation timeline for the domestic cell mandate?

The government made the correct decision by implementing the mandate according to the announced timeline.

Policy consistency and adherence to timelines provide long-term confidence to investors and manufacturers. Several companies, including Vikram Solar, had already begun preparing to establish cell manufacturing facilities.

We are also preparing to enter ingot and wafer manufacturing ahead of the proposed implementation of the next stage of domestic content requirements from June 1, 2028.

What integrated solar manufacturing capacity is Vikram Solar planning?

Vikram Solar currently operates 9.5 GW of module manufacturing capacity. We plan to expand this to 15.5 GW.

The company is also developing 12 GW of solar cell capacity and 12 GW of ingot and wafer capacity. We are also setting up 15 GWh of battery energy storage system manufacturing capacity in southern India.

We are already on the path to becoming one of the country’s strongest vertically integrated solar manufacturers.

What are the timelines for commissioning these capacities?

The 15.5 GW module manufacturing capacity is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.

Of the planned 12 GW cell capacity, the first 9 GW is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2027. The remaining 3 GW could be commissioned within another three to six months.

For the final 3 GW, we are also evaluating newer technologies, including back-contact solar cells.

Where will the cell, ingot, and wafer facilities be located?

The cell, ingot, and wafer plants are being developed near Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.

The availability of land, access to technically qualified manpower, and support from the state government were among the key factors behind selecting the location.

How can India absorb its surplus module manufacturing capacity?

Once the domestic cell requirement is met, module manufacturers with integrated cell capacity will be better positioned to supply the market.

When the planned capacities of serious manufacturers are compared with expected demand, the mismatch is not very large.

Indian companies must also explore export markets, including the U.S., Europe, and other regions. Manufacturers will need to become more competitive and improve capacity utilization to succeed internationally.

How serious is the shortage of skilled manpower for cell manufacturing?

Skilled manpower remains a concern in solar cell manufacturing, although the situation is gradually improving.

The challenge could be greater in ingot and wafer manufacturing, particularly during the first one or two years. The industry experienced a similar learning curve in module manufacturing and is now experiencing it in cells. The same process will follow in ingots and wafers.

The shortage is likely to ease over time, but technical manpower in cell manufacturing remains limited and could remain a major concern as the industry moves further upstream.

How can the government, academia, and industry address the skills gap?

The government, academia, industry, technology providers, and research institutions must work together.

Technical institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology, are increasingly collaborating with the industry. The government has also started placing greater emphasis on research and development.

However, stronger efforts are required from both the government and industry to bridge the gap in technical knowledge and manpower.

What are Vikram Solar’s plans for battery energy storage manufacturing?

We are establishing a battery energy storage manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu. The plant will initially have a capacity of 5 GWh, which will gradually be expanded to 15 GWh.

Vikram Solar has already entered battery manufacturing under the VION brand through its wholly owned subsidiary, VSL PowerHive.

The subsidiary will manufacture and distribute batteries for electric vehicles, including electric rickshaws. The proposed 5 GWh facility will focus on utility-scale battery energy storage systems before being expanded to 15 GWh.

Several renewable energy projects have not secured power sale and power purchase agreements. How can the issue be addressed?

Power purchase agreements for nearly 40-45 GW of renewable energy projects have reportedly not been signed.

One of the concerns has been grid stability and the system’s ability to absorb additional renewable electricity.

As battery storage deployment increases and wind power is integrated with solar, these projects should eventually move forward and contribute to India’s renewable energy capacity.

Does transmission planning need to be better synchronized with renewable energy development?

Transmission infrastructure development involves several stakeholders and government ministries. Better synchronization and planning are therefore essential.

Transmission expansion needs to accelerate to keep pace with the rapid growth of renewable energy projects.

Renewable energy manufacturers, independent power producers, transmission agencies, and the government must work together as a well-oiled machine to minimize connectivity and evacuation challenges.