Solar module manufacturers, including Reliance Industries, ReNew Power, and Tata Power, are among the bidders for the second phase (Tranche II) of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) program under the ‘National Program on High-Efficiency Solar Modules’ to achieve gigawatt-scale high-efficiency solar modules manufacturing capacity.

Other bidders include Ampin (Amp Energy), Avaada Energy, First Solar, Grew Energy, JSW Energy, Shirdi Sai Electricals, Vikram Solar, and Waaree, according to Mercom Sources. A total of 11 companies have submitted bids.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is conducting the bidding process for the development of solar module manufacturing facilities. The deadline for bid submissions was February 28, 2023.

The PLI program aims to promote India’s domestic manufacturing of high-efficiency solar modules and reduce the solar sector’s import dependence.

Bidders have shown interest in developing manufacturing facilities for solar modules with different levels of integration.

First Solar, Reliance, and Shirdi Sai have submitted bids for facilities integrating polysilicon, wafer, cell, and module manufacturing.

Avaada, Grew, JSW, Reliance, ReNew, and Waree have submitted bids for facilities integrating wafers, cell, and module manufacturing.

Ampin, Reliance, ReNew, Tata Power, and Vikram have submitted bids for facilities integrating cell and module manufacturing.

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy approved ₹195 billion (~$2.36 billion) for Tranche II. Out of the approved amount, ₹120 billion (~$1.45 billion) has been set aside for vertical integration of manufacturing polysilicon, ingots, wafers, solar cells, and solar modules.

For vertical integration of manufacturing wafers, solar cells, and solar modules, ₹45 billion (~$544 million) has been approved, and for solar cells and solar modules ₹30 billion (~$363 million).

IREDA announced the list of successful bidders under Tranche-I. Reliance New Energy Solar’s PLI award amount was increased to ₹19.17 billion (~$232.11 million) from ₹11.90 billion (~$144 million) for a capacity of 4 GW. Shirdi Sai Electricals was awarded a PLI of ₹18.75 billion (~$227 million) for 4 GW.

Adani Infrastructure was awarded a PLI of ₹6.63 billion (~$80.27 million) out of the total quoted amount of ₹36 billion (~$435.84 million) for a capacity of 737 MW under the bucket-filling method.