BHEL is planning to expand its limited footprint in the renewable energy sector by getting into the manufacture of solar wafers. The public sector power equipment major’s initiative marks a welcome start to the country as a whole, since there is no domestic production yet of this key component of solar photovoltaic cells.
In this regard, the company has received its board approval to manufacture solar wafers and is looking at viability gap funding support from the clean energy fund. Moreover, a plant in Maharashtra’s Sakoli will start manufacturing the solar wafers, apart from photovoltaic cells, modules and solar panels. The company is investing Rs 3,000 crore in the venture.
Further, the company is looking at developing a hybrid system that integrates wind, solar and biomass-based power generation. It is also producing wind power generators and mini- and micro-hydro-power sets.
