The Sun and its solar energy are the greatest energy source on our planet, and the solar panel industry is now becoming the fastest-growing industry. India is leading this growth and is one of the world's biggest solar panel manufacturing regions and markets.
A solar panel, also known as a photovoltaic module (PV), assembles photovoltaic cells mounted in a framework for installation. An array of such photovoltaic systems of cells supplies solar electricity to the electrical equipment.
Becoming a solar panel manufacturer or the manufacturing process today in India is not a very tough task. Still, you’ll be competing directly with well-established Indian and Chinese manufacturers already selling low-priced and reliable products in the Indian market. However, if you want to start a small-scale solar panel manufacturing plant, here’s what you’ll need to know.
In this blog, you will be guided through 4 simple steps to start your plant and understand the solar panel manufacturing process and the working of the solar panel supply chain.
1. Raw material sourcing for solar manufacturing
Firstly, decide on a great location and factory size, and hire skilled workers and staff to get all the necessary legal registration, certificate, and license out of the way. Now, you must decide between two solar panels – a polycrystalline and a monocrystalline.
You’ll need to procure a few raw materials like solar cells, solar glass, module frames, and junction boxes to manufacture the panels. To put them all together, you’ll need to order specially designed-machines to assemble these panels.
The list of basic machinery that you require to assemble solar panels starts with an EVA back sheet cutting station, a solar cell soldering station, an automatic solar PV module laminator, a few testers, framing stations, glass washing machines, and a couple more.
To set up a small-scale production unit of 5MWp – 10MWp (yearly capacity), the initial investment can be as low as 90 lakhs rupees. It can go upwards to a few hundred crores depending on the machinery and size of operations.
Once you’ve finally set up your factory and successfully produced top-quality solar panels, your next step is to create a supply chain and thus find distributors through whom you can sell your solar panels. This brings us to the next business opportunity.
2. Solar panel distribution
It would help if you fetched a couple of distributors of solar panels in your region. A solar distributor will purchase solar products from manufacturers and sell them to retailers or dealers in your local markets. Becoming a solar distributor as a manufacturer is a fairly easier process if you’re in the right market.
Step 1: Analyze your local markets, their supply, and demand.
Step 2: Reach out to the available and required stores and consumers looking for solar panel supply regularly, get on an agreement with them, and finally sign a supply and distribution agreement.
Step 3: Finalize everything and get on to your production process per the local market's demand and requirements.
Step 4: Once successful in the local market, expand your distributions through other licensed distributors throughout the country.
3. Independent Consultants
Before we look into retailers, connecting with an independent solar consultant is necessary. A separate solar consultant is a company that can advise customers on the options available by giving them a detailed feasibility analysis like solar production estimate and providing recommendations. Promote your brand through such consultants to direct end-user customers.
4. Operation and maintenance
A well-maintained solar plant can perform 10% to 30% better than one that is not. Opening a solar manufacturing plant may include any repairs when necessary. Essentially, your job is to ensure problem detection. Minimize downtime and provide detailed analytics. For this, you can hire freelancers from EPCs who are always on the lookout for people who can conduct regular checks on their clients to look for the operation and its maintenance. Also, you may have to hire a skilled workforce for machine operation and keep an inventory of a few tools required for panel repairs and transportation facilities so your crew can reach the site as quickly as possible.
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