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					</table><p><a href="https://www.oswalpumps.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oswal Pumps</a>, a manufacturer of solar pumping systems, modules, and electric motors, said it will establish a 1.2 GW solar cell manufacturing facility based on TOPCon technology with an estimated investment of ₹4.56 billion (~$47.6 million).</p>
<p>The company’s wholly owned subsidiary Oswal Solar Energy will use the proposed facility’s entire output for its solar module manufacturing lines.</p>
<p>The facility is expected to meet approximately 75% of the subsidiary’s solar cell requirements. Oswal Solar Energy will continue to procure the remaining cells externally in the near term.</p>
<p>Oswal Pumps proposes to finance approximately ₹2.96 billion (~$31 million) of the project cost through debt and ₹1.59 billion (~$16.7 million) from unutilized initial public offering (IPO) proceeds totaling ₹1.63 billion (~$17.02 million).</p>
<p>The IPO proceeds were originally earmarked for an aluminum frame manufacturing facility, the remaining 300 MW of an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant manufacturing facility, and the remaining 500 MW of a solar module manufacturing facility.</p>
<p>The company plans to redirect the funds to the solar cell project by fiscal year 2028.</p>
<p>Oswal Pumps reached the decision after evaluating long-term sourcing arrangements with domestic solar cell manufacturers, including multi-year offtake commitments. It said the proposed prices and upfront security deposits did not align with its assessment of long-term value and working capital requirements.</p>
<p>The company concluded that captive solar cell manufacturing would be more economically viable.</p>
<p>Oswal Pumps expects its investment to reduce reliance on third-party and imported cells, improve supply security, and limit exposure to spot-market price fluctuations.</p>
<p>The facility is also expected to supply domestically manufactured cells compliant with the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers List II requirements for modules used in government programs, including PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar.</p>
<p>Oswal Pumps operates approximately 570 MW of solar module manufacturing capacity and is establishing an additional 1 GW.</p>
<p>The company said its existing facilities meet current requirements, but expanding module production would increase its reliance on externally procured solar cells compliant with domestic content requirements.</p>
<p>Oswal Pumps plans to retain 1.2 GW of EVA encapsulant manufacturing capacity, which it expects to meet most of its module production requirements, with a small quantity sourced externally.</p>
<p>In September, Oswal Pumps <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/telangana-announces-winner-of-46-7-mw-rooftop-solar-auction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">won</a> Telangana Renewable Energy Development Corporation’s auction for 46.705 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar capacity at a contract value of ₹2.98 billion (~$31.15 million).</p>
<p>India <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/india-adds-50-6-gw-solar-module-and-9-7-gw-cell-manufacturing-capacity-in-1h-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">added</a> 50.6 GW of solar module and 9.7 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity in the first half of 2026, according to Mercom India’s recently released research report, State of Solar PV Manufacturing in India 1H 2026.</p>


Oswal Pumps to Set Up 1.2 GW Solar Cell Facility


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					</table><p>Telangana Renewable Energy Development Corporation (<a href="https://tgredco.telangana.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TGREDCO</a>) has announced the winner of its auction to install 46.705 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar systems in the state.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.oswalpumps.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oswal Pumps</a> has won the entire capacity at a contract value of approximately ₹2.98 billion (~$31.15 million).</p>
<p>The project will be implemented under the capital expenditure (CAPEX) mode across 9,937 government schools.</p>
<p>The tender was <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/telangana-invites-bids-for-46-7-mw-rooftop-solar-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">floated</a> on June 15, 2026.</p>
<p>The scope of work includes designing, supplying, installing, testing, and commissioning 2 kW, 5 kW, and 10 kW rooftop solar systems using TOPCon solar modules.</p>
<p>Oswal Pumps must provide comprehensive project maintenance for five years.</p>
<p>The project scope further includes deploying remote monitoring systems and facilitating net metering for all installations.</p>
<p>The project comprises setting up 4.05 MW of rooftop solar systems across 2,025 schools (2 kW per school), 36.465 MW across 7,293 schools (5 kW per school), and 6.19 MW across 619 schools (10 kW per school).</p>
<p>Oswal Pumps must establish and maintain service centers in Hyderabad, Medak, Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, Khammam, Warangal, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and Rangareddy.</p>
<p>The systems must be commissioned within 180 days from the date of award. Liquidated damages of 0.5% of the contract value will be levied for every week of delay, subject to a maximum of 5% of the contract value.</p>
<p>The project must use solar modules listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers. The modules must have a performance warranty of at least 97% in the first year, more than 90% for the first 10 years, and over 80% for the subsequent 15 years.</p>
<p>Under its renewable energy policy, Telangana <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/telangana-aims-for-20-gw-renewable-energy-capacity-additions-by-2030" target="_blank" rel="noopener">set</a> a target of achieving 20,000 MW of renewable energy and storage capacity additions by 2030. The policy will be valid until 2035.</p>
<p>In June this year, TGREDCO also <a href="https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESlQEB6zswFT3Uee9yVNj3WrQHcvrXCGmyVRc98TIbxOP5I5K8sWDdaX8coRBxmQK8X02fbkh6j8vUS-YK4y3Afqz_Ut70vGOKRFz22VjBy1MJEnjAVWBPF60T-F0h56nQ_FzFs8Y6kRLQGrpz_MLycMffHvzATnqgfa2GaCkEEqDQVST8TykSyrl4ImlHXw_ree_VSTlbQw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to install and commission 19 MW solar projects at 18 substations across nine districts under CAPEX mode.</p>
<p>According to Mercom India Research’s Q2 and 1H 2026 India Rooftop Solar Market Report, India <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/india-added-6-6-gw-of-rooftop-solar-capacity-in-1h-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">added</a> 6.6 GW of rooftop solar capacity in the first half of 2026, up 131% year-over-year from 2.8 GW. Installations under the capital expenditure model accounted for 84% of the quarterly additions.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a> to stay on top of real-time tender activity.</p>


Telangana Announces Winner of 46.7 MW Rooftop Solar Auction


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					</table><p>As India accelerates its shift toward renewable energy-powered agriculture, solar pumps are emerging as a key lifeline for farmers seeking dependable irrigation solutions without the burden of rising energy costs.</p>
<p>Despite the growth in installations, challenges such as limited awareness, financing hurdles, and the need for region-specific solutions continue to slow adoption in several rural pockets.</p>
<p>In an exclusive interview with Mercom, Vivek Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director at <a href="https://www.oswalpumps.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oswal Pumps</a>, explains how the company is reinforcing its ground engagement strategy, expanding its presence in underserved markets, and leveraging government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (<a href="https://pmkusum.mnre.gov.in/#/landing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PM-KUSUM</a>) program to make solar pumping systems more accessible.</p>
<p><strong>How is Oswal Pumps working to expand solar irrigation in regions where awareness and adoption are still low?</strong></p>
<p>When we look at rural India today, awareness of solar is growing, but there’s still hesitation, mainly because farmers want to see results before committing to a new technology. And that’s understandable. Irrigation is central to their livelihood, and they need proof, not just promises.</p>
<p>That’s why, at Oswal, our focus has been on ground-level engagement. We conduct live demonstrations, work with local dealer networks, and collaborate with agricultural officers to help farmers experience the benefits firsthand. Once they see a solar pump running reliably on a neighbor’s farm, the confidence builds naturally.</p>
<p>So our approach is simple: make technology visible, make it approachable, and let real-world performance drive adoption.</p>
<p><strong>What impact has the PM-KUSUM program had on Oswal’s growth and overall business strategy?</strong></p>
<p>PM-KUSUM has truly been a turning point for the solar irrigation sector. It has given both farmers and manufacturers a clear direction and a stable policy environment in which to work. From reducing farmers’ dependence on grid power to promoting renewable-led irrigation, the program has created a strong push for adoption.</p>
<p>KUSUM validated the investments we were already making. It encouraged us to scale our solar pump manufacturing, expand module business, and strengthen our after-sales network. The program also pushed us to innovate faster so we could support large-scale deployment across diverse terrains.</p>
<p>In many ways, KUSUM didn’t just support our growth; it aligned with our vision of making irrigation more reliable, affordable, and energy independent.</p>
<p><strong>What new technologies or design improvements has Oswal introduced to enhance pump efficiency?</strong></p>
<p>Efficiency has become the backbone of solar irrigation. Farmers expect maximum output from a limited energy source, and they want systems that can adapt to changing weather patterns.</p>
<p>Our recent research and development efforts have focused exactly on that. We’ve introduced high-efficiency motors, refined our hydraulic designs, and upgraded our MPPT (maximum power point tracking) controllers to improve performance in low or fluctuating sunlight. We’ve also shifted to longer-lasting, corrosion-resistant materials so the pumps stay dependable even in challenging water conditions.</p>
<p>Each improvement is designed to solve a real problem farmers face on the ground, not just to make the system more advanced, but to make it more practical.</p>
<p><strong>How does Oswal ensure consistent pump performance in areas with fluctuating sunlight levels or low water tables?</strong></p>
<p>In India, no two fields are the same. One region may see dense cloud cover; another may have deep borewells with low water tables. That’s exactly why solar pumps must be engineered for variability, not ideal conditions.</p>
<p>Our systems use MPPT-based controllers, efficient motors, and optimized hydraulics to maintain performance even in early mornings, late evenings, or cloudy weather. For areas with low water tables, we offer high-head and high-suction models designed to lift water efficiently without stressing the motor.</p>
<p>The idea is straightforward: a farmer shouldn’t have to wait for perfect sunlight or perfect groundwater. The pump should adapt to the field, and not the other way around.</p>
<p><strong>What steps has Oswal taken to provide reliable after-sales service, especially in rural and remote regions?</strong></p>
<p>After-sales support is one of the biggest deciding factors in rural adoption. Even the best technology falls short if service is slow or unavailable.</p>
<p>That’s why we’ve invested heavily in our service network. Today, Oswal has trained technicians across major agricultural belts, supported by regional hubs and a dedicated customer support team. We also conduct regular training programs to help local service partners diagnose and resolve issues quickly.</p>
<p>For us, the commitment doesn’t end when the pump is installed. It continues throughout the product&#8217;s life, and that’s something farmers value deeply.</p>
<p><strong>What do you see as the next major innovation in solar irrigation, and how is Oswal preparing for it?</strong></p>
<p>The next big leap will come from integrating digital intelligence with solar hardware. We’re moving towards a time when pumps won’t just run, they’ll communicate, self-adjust, and help farmers plan their irrigation more efficiently.</p>
<p>Remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, water usage insights &#8211; these are the areas that will define the future. At Oswal, we’ve already started developing integrated solutions that combine solar power with data-driven decision-making.</p>
<p>As the agricultural ecosystem becomes more tech-enabled, we want to ensure farmers benefit from solutions that are not only smarter but also simple and practical to use.</p>
<p><strong>Please tell us about your solar module business. Are the modules intended only for captive use, or are they also available for sale in the broader market?</strong></p>
<p>Our module business was built with one priority: quality. Solar pumps operate in demanding environments, and we wanted full control over the performance of the panels powering them.</p>
<p>Today, while a large portion of our modules supports our own pump systems, we also supply them to the open market. Our panels are BIS-certified, high-efficiency modules designed to deliver stable performance in rural conditions &#8211; heat, dust, long operating hours, everything.</p>
<p>Whether used internally or sold independently, our goal is to offer modules that the market can trust.</p>
<p><strong>Oswal currently manufactures both solar pumps and solar panels. Are there plans to diversify into other segments of the solar ecosystem?</strong></p>
<p>The solar industry is expanding rapidly, and naturally, there are many adjacent opportunities, from storage systems to smart controllers and integrated agri-solar solutions.</p>
<p>We do see room to grow, but our approach is deliberate. Any diversification we pursue must add real value for the end user, especially farmers. Our focus remains on areas where our manufacturing expertise and industry experience can genuinely improve reliability and performance.</p>
<p>Wherever technology can strengthen energy independence, irrigation reliability, and agricultural productivity, that’s where Oswal will continue to build.</p>


PM-KUSUM a Turning Point for Solar Irrigation: Interview

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