Waaree Solar Americas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Waaree Energies, has received an order to supply 586 MW of solar modules for $176 million from a U.S.-based utility-scale solar and energy storage projects developer and operator.

The module supply is scheduled to commence from the financial year 2027.

Waaree Solar Americas operates a manufacturing facility with a total capacity of 3.2 GW, of which 1.6 GW is currently operational and the remaining 1.6 GW is under development.

This development comes at a time when the global solar industry is in a state of flux. Indian module manufacturers are closely monitoring the outcome of the 90-day pause on reciprocal trade tariffs between the U.S. and China.

While this temporary truce may dampen Indian exporters’ immediate prospects, it also presents strategic long-term opportunities, especially given the heavy U.S. import duties on solar products from Southeast Asian countries.

Previously, Indian manufacturers had anticipated increased exports to the U.S. after the imposition of a 125% tariff on Chinese solar products. China responded with similar measures, but both sides eventually agreed to reduce the tariffs by 115% for 90 days. What happens after this window will be critical. If the U.S. reinstates higher tariffs on Chinese imports, even at lower levels than before, Indian companies could benefit from increased demand for their products.

Before the elevated tariffs, most solar modules shipped to the U.S. came from Southeast Asia.

Indian exports have been subject to lower tariffs. The rate, which was previously 26%, has been temporarily reduced to 10% for 90 days. This provides Indian manufacturers a competitive edge in the U.S. market.

India is already actively exporting solar modules and cells, with the U.S. emerging as the primary destination. Data from India’s Department of Commerce shows that in 2024, 97.5% of Indian solar exports were to the U.S. Within those exports, photovoltaic modules accounted for 97.7%, while solar cells made up just 2.3%. Although there is a growing American demand for solar cells, Indian manufacturers cannot yet meet this demand.

At the same time, Chinese companies are moving quickly to establish solar module manufacturing facilities in the Middle East. These new plants are intended to serve the American market while avoiding direct tariffs. Once operational, they are expected to compete directly with Indian exports, potentially altering the current balance in global solar trade.