Que: India's module manufacturing capacity is expanding rapidly. How do you see demand for encapsulation materials evolving over the next three to five years?

Ans: India's module manufacturing capacity is expanding at an unprecedented pace, and we believe the demand for encapsulation materials will grow not only in terms of volume but also in terms of technology. As the industry rapidly shifts towards TOPCon, HJT, BC and other advanced cell technologies, conventional encapsulation solutions will no longer be sufficient for all applications. Manufacturers will increasingly require application-specific encapsulants with enhanced reliability, lower degradation and better compatibility with different BOM combinations.

At Alishan, we have been working on future technologies for several years and have developed advanced encapsulation solutions including Alishan EPE, Alishan EPE-DC, and Alishan Low Acid EVA, each designed to address the specific performance and reliability requirements of next-generation solar modules. We will continue introducing innovative encapsulation materials that address the evolving reliability requirements of next-generation solar modules.

Que: You have announced plans to reach 10 GW encapsulant capacity. What is the current status of this expansion, and what investments are supporting it?

Ans: As we mentioned, 10 GW is our independent expansion plan. By the end of this year, we expect to achieve a manufacturing capacity of 10 GW for encapsulants through our continued investments in advanced manufacturing infrastructure and technology development. Along with this expansion, we are also strengthening our 3 GW backsheet manufacturing capacity to offer a comprehensive solution for the evolving solar industry. We are also pleased that Tier-1 manufacturers are considering Alishan as a preferred partner to support their vertical integration plans through strategic partnerships and joint development initiatives. We are currently in discussions with leading module manufacturers in India and expect to share further updates as these collaborations progress.

Que: TOPCon has become the dominant technology today. How is your product roadmap evolving for BC cells, HJT and tandem technologies?

Ans: We have been working on TOPCon and all future technology encapsulants since long and have developed nearly a dozen products for solving one or other issues related to the new cells and mechanisms. Initially, we believed that EPE would be the one-for-all encapsulant to mitigate most degradation modes associated with TOPCon and HJT. However, our extensive module studies demonstrated that different BOM combinations require different encapsulation approaches. We have therefore optimised EVA/POE ratios, introduced special functionalities into different layers, reduced acidic environments and mitigated secondary reactions affecting long-term module reliability. Looking ahead, we have already initiated developments for BC cells, tandem technologies and other future cell architectures, and we will continue launching innovative products as these technologies mature.

Que: Raw material availability remains a concern across the solar value chain. How is Alishan managing supply chain risks for EVA, POE and speciality materials?

Ans: The solar industry has experienced periodic supply chain disruptions over the last few years, making raw material availability and price stability key challenges for encapsulant manufacturers. At Alishan, we follow a proactive sourcing strategy by working closely with reliable global and domestic suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality EVA, POE and speciality raw materials.

At the same time, our R&D team continuously develops and validates multiple product formulations to provide greater flexibility without compromising product performance or long-term module reliability. We also maintain stringent quality control at every stage of manufacturing to ensure consistency across different batches and raw material sources. Our objective is not only to secure uninterrupted production but also to deliver reliable encapsulation solutions that meet the evolving requirements of advanced cell technologies while maintaining the highest quality standards for our customers.

Que: India's solar manufacturing ecosystem is becoming increasingly competitive. How do you differentiate yourself from both domestic and international encapsulant suppliers?

Ans: Our differentiation lies in our strong focus on technology development, product customisation and application engineering. Rather than offering a single encapsulation solution for every module, we develop multiple formulations optimised for different cell technologies and BOM combinations. Our in-house R&D and testing capabilities allow us to evaluate encapsulants together with various backsheet structures, enabling us to recommend the most suitable material combination based on customer requirements. This approach, supported by stringent quality standards and continuous product innovation, enables us to compete effectively with both domestic and international suppliers.

Que: Are there any new partnerships, product launches or investments that Alishan plans to announce in the coming months?

Ans: It will be too early to name the products; however, we have already initiated developments for all upcoming technologies relevant to the Indian solar market. We remain committed to introducing innovative encapsulation solutions every year that enhance module reliability and support the sustainable growth of the solar industry. Our focus will continue to be on technology development, product innovation and strengthening our capabilities to meet the future requirements of our customers.