Tata Power’s Tirunelveli solar plant to illuminate Odisha’s green energy future

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

TIRUNELVELI, JULY 10, 2025

As India fast-tracks its clean energy mission in pursuit of its Net Zero goal by 2030, solar energy stands at the forefront of this national transformation. In Odisha, where energy demand is rising steadily and policy support for renewables is strong, the momentum for solar adoption has never been greater. At the centre of this revolution is TP Solar Ltd., the solar manufacturing arm of Tata Power, whose cutting-edge facility in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu is playing a pivotal role in powering Odisha’s green energy aspirations.

This world-class facility, built with a ₹5,000 crore investment, stands as India’s largest single-location solar manufacturing plant, producing a staggering 20,000 modules per day. With cutting-edge technologies like TOPCon and Mono PERC, TP Solar Ltd. is engineering high-efficiency solar cells and modules that promise durability, optimal performance, and seamless integration into India’s growing clean energy grid.

What makes this facility even more extraordinary is its commitment to inclusive development. In a remarkable achievement, 80 percent of its 1,538-strong workforce are women, redefining gender roles in one of the nation’s most advanced manufacturing ecosystems. With 1,235 women and 303 men, the plant not only fuels India’s solar surge but also sets a national benchmark for gender-inclusive industrial growth.

As Odisha ramps up its renewable ambitions, TP Solar’s modules are set to become the backbone of the state’s solar revolution. Recognizing the need for trusted, domestically produced components, especially in light of the growing emphasis on Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) compliance, Odisha has found a reliable partner in Tata Power. The synergy between TP Solar’s manufacturing strength and Tata Power’s grassroots engagement is now shaping a comprehensive, end-to-end clean energy ecosystem for the state.

Through a strategic collaboration with the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA), Tata Power is powering not just rooftops, but also mindsets. Extensive awareness campaigns, community training sessions, and accessible financing schemes are enabling widespread adoption of rooftop solar — especially in rural areas. From schoolchildren to women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), the movement is inclusive and impactful. Club Enerji, Tata Power’s award-winning school program, is inspiring the next generation of climate-conscious citizens, while SHGs are becoming green energy ambassadors in their villages.

For households, the transition to solar is now both affordable and accessible. Under its Tata Power Solaroof initiative, the company offers cost-effective rooftop solar solutions with minimal upfront investments: ₹2,499 for 1 kW, ₹4,999 for 2 kW, and ₹7,999 for 3 kW systems — all backed by 25-year warranties. These offerings turn solar from an ideal into a household reality, democratizing access to clean energy.

Tata Power has committed to installing over 3 lakh rooftop solar systems in Odisha over the next three years, with the campaign “Ghar Ghar Solar”, recently launched in the State, acting as a rallying call for energy independence. Supported by the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and the proactive stance of the Odisha government, the state is now positioned to become a national leader in solar adoption.

Recognizing that infrastructure alone is not enough, Tata Power is also investing in human capital. Through its Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), the company is setting up four Green Energy Skill Development Centres across Odisha — one in each of its distribution zones. These centres will train 12,000 individuals in the next year in areas such as solar panel installation, system maintenance, and operations — creating a skilled workforce aligned with Odisha’s clean energy goals.

With a holistic vision that bridges technology, community, and sustainability, Tata Power is not just enabling solar adoption — it is leading a transformation. From Tamil Nadu’s state-of-the-art manufacturing lines to Odisha’s rooftops and training centres, the company is actively shaping a cleaner, more inclusive, and energy-secure future.

Odisha’s green energy story is being written today — and Tata Power’sTP Solar Ltd. is illuminating every chapter.