Indian solar panel manufacturer Saatvik told Solar Power World it is exploring options to open a 1.5-GW panel manufacturing plant in the United States. Saatvik already supports a 1.5-GW plant in Haryana, India (that should expand to 3 GW by September 2023), and is also developing a new 2.5-GW panel and cell facility in Gujarat, India.

The U.S. factory is expected to produce TOPCon modules and be operational by the second half of 2024. Saatvik produces mono- and bifacial mono-PERC solar panels for the utility, commercial and residential markets in India. Saatvik’s website says the company uses M10 wafers and is planning to upgrade to advanced technologies including G12 wafers. Eventually, the company’s goal is to become the “most premium solar PV module brand in India by 2025.”

Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Group, stated that “setting up a new manufacturing unit in the United States will strengthen the relationship between Indian manufacturers and U.S. clients.”

Saatvik solar panels are already available in the United States, with the company maintaining stock at two warehouses in California and Indiana.

“To meet the demand and ensure a continuous supply of solar modules, our warehouses regularly receive replenishments from our manufacturing facilities in India. This allows us to maintain a sufficient inventory and ensure prompt delivery to our customers,” said Vineet Kumar, Saatvik marketing manager. “These modules are manufactured in India and comply with U.S. regulations. Currently, the company is selling the modules directly and through our network of distributors.”

According to Saatvik management, establishing a production facility in the United States will allow the company to serve the global market more efficiently. Saatvik established a dedicated U.S. office in April in Seattle and has a U.S. entity in Texas that will oversee the operations of the U.S. manufacturing facility. The company also plans to support EPC services.

While a location for the U.S. factory has not yet been chosen, Saatvik indicated that it has shortlisted a few sites based on transportation networks, availability of labor and target markets.