BHEL plans to expand solar PV manufacturing line

Bharat Heavy Electricals is expanding its solar photo-voltaic module manufacturing unit with an investment ofUS$ 3.88 million.

It will increase its solar cell  and module manufacturing line from 8 MW to 26 MW capacity by September this year, according to BHEL's Executive Director of the Electronics Division, Mr G. Ganapathiraman.

The company promises a module efficiency of over 18 per cent, he added.

This expansion of crystalline PV module manufacturing unit comes at a time when there is a glut of modules in the country. However, with several solar power producers importing thin-film modules as they are cheaper, there are few takers for PV modules.

In 2011-12, the electronics division of BHEL commissioned about 15 MW of solar power projects across the country. Currently, the solar segment of the electronics division contributes about 10 per cent.
Bangalore units' profit up 13%

The Bangalore-based divisions together have outstanding orders worth Rs 7,185 crore at the end of the fiscal. “This can sustain the company for the next two years,” Mr Ganapathiram said.

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