Kolkata-based solar cell and module manufacturer Websol Energy System has decided to shift the location of its proposed 4 GW integrated solar cell and module manufacturing project from Andhra Pradesh to West Bengal, citing operational synergies and a more conducive manufacturing environment in its home state.
The project was earlier proposed to be developed by Websol Renewables, a subsidiary of Websol Energy System, at an investment of INR 3,538 crore at MPSEZ, Naidupeta, in Andhra Pradesh. It received government approval in January 2026 following the company’s MoU with Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) on November 15, 2025.
During the company’s Q1 FY27 investor call, the management stated that it has shortlisted land near its existing manufacturing facility at Falta, West Bengal, and is awaiting the required approvals. The company said that there has been no change in its planned capacity, project cost or overall execution strategy, and remains confident of implementing the 4 GW capacity in phases.
“We believe that the environment in West Bengal has become increasingly constructive for solar manufacturing and our three decades of operating experience at Falta provides us with a strong advantage in this context. So, accordingly, we have shortlisted land close to our current facility and are currently awaiting the requisite approvals for the same,” said Sanjana Khaitan, Executive Director, Websol Energy System.
The company expects the relocation to provide synergies in infrastructure, skilled manpower, supply chain and operational resources. It also expects lower land-related expenditure compared with the Andhra Pradesh proposal, although the exact savings will be disclosed after the land details are finalised. Falling equipment costs could also reduce the overall project cost, the management said.
The company had previously indicated that the 4 GW expansion would be executed in phases. Khaitan informed that the groundwork relating to the project layout, equipment and technical teams has already been completed, while machinery has a lead time of around four to six months.
On the project timeline, the company expects to receive land approval in August 2026, with construction targeted to begin around mid-September 2026. Construction is expected to take approximately nine months, while equipment ordering is planned around December, with deliveries expected by April-May and around two months allocated for trials, stated Khaitan.
Separately, Websol is upgrading one of its existing mono PERC cell lines to TOPCon. On completion, that line will have 750 MW of TOPCon capacity, taking Websol’s overall cell manufacturing capacity to 1.3 GW. The upgrade is expected to be completed by March 2027 at an estimated capital expenditure of INR 270 crore. Khaitan stated that the company is capable of funding the project through internal accruals; however, it may also evaluate debt financing to optimise its liquidity position.
