REconnect Lucknow 2026: Industry Sees Policy Support as Key to Localising RE Manufacturing
At REconnect Lucknow 2026, industry leaders discussed strategies to strengthen solar and BESS manufacturing in the state, focusing on policy support, technology adoption, local supply chains, and the transition from a consumption-driven market to a manufacturing hub.
February 21, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey
Panellists at Energetica India’s panel discussion on ‘Reliable Supply for a Reliable Grid: Solar Manufacturing Capacity and Quality in UP’ discussed on strengthening state-level manufacturing capacity in the renewable energy sector. They discussed on policy support, technology adoption, and supply-chain integration, with a focus on transforming the region from a consumption-driven market into a manufacturing hub.
Opening the session, Parag Misra, President, Solar Energy Vendors Association (SEVA), who was the moderator, said that the objective was to assess existing capabilities and future opportunities, noting that “we have to look at manufacturing and the capabilities of the state so that we can move from being consumers to becoming manufacturers.”
Speaking on plant location and expansion plans, Amit Gupta, AGM – Sales and Marketing, Cosmic PV Power Ltd., said that his company chose Gujarat due to existing infrastructure, but is actively considering Uttar Pradesh. “We already had a plant there, which is why we started in Gujarat. But UP is a very big market, and we are planning to set up manufacturing here as well,” he said.
On technology evolution and reliability concerns, D.P. Singh, Director, Somaa India, emphasised the importance of dependable manufacturing for long-term projects. “We give projects with warranties of 25 to 30 years. When manufacturing happens locally, trust increases, logistics become easier, and replacement costs come down,” he said.
Addressing hybrid systems and rural electrification, Rupesh Chaudhary, Manager – Sales and Marketing, POM Power India, stressed the need for context-specific solutions. “In many rural areas, hybrid systems can work even without batteries for daytime use. Where grid supply is uncertain, a hybrid system can be fully utilised,” he explained.
The panellists also discussed the preparedness for next-generation technologies such as heterojunction and back-contact cells. Amit Gupta said that the industry is gearing up for future transitions, stating, “There is strong R&D going on, and the industry is ready to invest in new technologies so that customers can rely on us.”
From an EPC perspective, D.P. Singh pointed to cost pressures and financing challenges. “We have to balance price, performance, and reliability. Banks, ROI, and long-term efficiency play a critical role in project viability,” he said.
Talking about training and installation practices for hybrid systems, Rupesh Chaudhary said that proper guidance at the installation stage is crucial. “If load calculation and customer training are done correctly from day one, most performance issues can be avoided,” he noted.
On energy storage, Amit Gupta shared that demand is rising rapidly. “As generation increases, storage becomes essential. We are actively working on this and will soon scale up our efforts,” he said.
Discussing cost competitiveness in batteries, Rupesh Chaudhary remarked that localisation will bring major benefits. “When raw materials and manufacturing shift to India, dependency will reduce, and costs will fall significantly,” he said.
On concerns over excess capacity, Amit Gupta dismissed fears of oversupply, pointing to policy direction. “Cell manufacturing is still developing. With the ‘Make in India’ push, our goal is to become an exporter, not just meet domestic demand,” he said.
The panellists agreed that coordinated policy support, infrastructure development, technology investment, and skill-building are essential to position the state as a manufacturing powerhouse. The discussion underlined that sustained industry–government collaboration will be critical to achieving self-reliance and global competitiveness in India’s renewable energy manufacturing ecosystem.
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