Power equipment maker Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) is expanding its solar photo-voltaic module manufacturing unit with an investment of Rs 20 crore.
BHEL proposes to increase its solar cell and module manufacturing line from 8 MW to 26 MW capacity by September this year, Mr G. Ganapathiraman, Executive Director – Electronics Division, BHEL said. The company promises a module efficiency of over 18 per cent, he added.
This expansion of crystalline PV module manufacturing unit comes at a time when there is a glut of modules in the country. However, with several solar power producers importing thin-film modules as they are cheaper, there are few takers for PV modules.
In 2011-12, the electronics division of BHEL commissioned about 15 MW of solar power projects across the country. Currently, the solar segment of the electronics division contributes about 10 per cent.
Bangalore units' profit up 13%
For the previous year, the Bangalore-based divisions of BHEL– electronics division, ceramic business unit and industrial system group (ISG) – posted profits of Rs 1,028 crore, a 13 per cent increase.
The ISG division saw the steepest growth in profits of 44 per cent to Rs 1,002 crore, which indicates that the EPC capabilities of BHEL are strengthened. The division supplies balance of plant equipment for hydro plants, bulk material handling for thermal plants, raw material handling for metallurgical industries and advanced instrumentation systems for oil rigs.
The Bangalore-based divisions together have outstanding orders worth Rs 7,185 crore at the end of the fiscal. “This can sustain the company for the next two years,” Mr Ganapathiram said.