GREW Solar Partners with Keralam Firm to Expand Southern India Reach

GREW Solar has signed a new partnership in Keralam, the company said, as it pushes deeper into South India's solar market. The Rajasthan-based solar manufacturer announced the deal on Wednesday, according to a report by Saur Energy.

The partnership is part of GREW Solar's plan to strengthen its presence in the southern states. The company already has a manufacturing base in Jaipur, where it makes solar modules and cells. It has been looking to grow its distribution and project pipeline outside its home region.

Keralam has set ambitious renewable energy targets, with solar playing a central role. The state's solar policy aims to add capacity through rooftop installations and utility-scale projects. That makes it an attractive market for module makers looking for buyers.

GREW Solar has not disclosed the name of its Keralam partner or the value of the deal. The company also did not share how many modules it expects to supply or the timeline for the partnership. A press release from the company offered few specifics beyond the announcement itself.

The move comes as India's solar manufacturing sector faces both opportunity and pressure. Domestic demand for solar modules is rising, driven by government auctions and rooftop programmes. At the same time, cheap imports from China continue to challenge local manufacturers. Several Indian firms have expanded capacity in response, betting on policy support and a growing domestic market.

GREW Solar is one of several Indian companies that have scaled up module production in recent years. Its Jaipur facility has a stated capacity of 1.2 GW for modules and 1 GW for cells, according to its website. The company supplies to both rooftop and utility-scale projects across the country.

For Keralam, the partnership could mean better access to locally made modules. The state has been trying to reduce its dependence on imported solar equipment. In 2023, it announced plans to set up solar parks and encourage domestic manufacturing. But progress has been slow, and most projects still rely on modules from other states or overseas.

The southern region is already a crowded market. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have large solar installations and established supply chains. GREW Solar will need to compete with bigger players like Adani Solar, Tata Power Solar, and Waaree Energies, all of which have a strong presence in the South.

Still, the company sees room to grow. A spokesperson said the partnership would help it serve customers in Keralam more quickly and build long-term relationships with local installers and developers. The spokesperson did not provide further details.

Analysts say smaller manufacturers often use regional partnerships to cut logistics costs and improve service. For Keralam, which has limited land for large solar farms, rooftop and distributed solar are key. A local partner can help navigate state regulations and reach customers faster.

The announcement comes at a time when several states are revising their solar policies to meet national targets. India aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, with solar expected to contribute over 280 GW. Southern states are expected to play a major role in that push.

GREW Solar's partnership in Keralam is the latest in a series of moves by Indian manufacturers to expand beyond their home bases. Whether it translates into actual capacity addition or just a press release remains to be seen. The company said it would share more details in the coming months.