Gujarat-based solar frame manufacturer H&H Aluminium has set up a 24,000 metric tons per annum capacity aluminum solar frame manufacturing plant in Rajkot, Gujarat. The company stated that the facility can support solar installations with a capacity of up to 6 GW.

H&H Aluminium said it invested approximately ₹1.5 billion (~$17.55 million) in the 28,000 sq m facility.

The plant’s trial production commenced in June this year. Commercial production is expected to begin within a month.

The company expects yearly sales of between ₹7 billion (~$81.94 million) and ₹7.5 billion (~$87.79 billion) at full capacity.

H&H Aluminium said the Rajkot plant is equipped with supervisory control and data acquisition systems, as well as Internet of Things-enabled production lines, for real-time monitoring and quality control. It also comprises a zero-liquid discharge anodizing setup, a lab, and an in-house research and development component for product customization.

Solar ancillary component manufacturers have been urging the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to mandate the use of domestically manufactured solar components in government projects to create a robust local supply chain and reduce the reliance on imports.

To promote local manufacturing of solar components in the face of ‘rampant dumping’ of components originating from China and Vietnam, the Solar Ancillary Manufacturers’ Association has suggested an Approved List of Models and Manufacturers for solar modules-type mandate for solar components. These ancillary components comprise solar glass, encapsulants, copper conductors, aluminum frames, and junction boxes.

Solar frames play an important role in ensuring the quality of rooftop solar installations. Mercom recently highlighted the lack of uniformity in the solar module frame structures. Such frames contribute to the problems faced by customers in the long run. Industry experts suggest that the MNRE should publish standards for various components of rooftop solar systems, including module frames.