Websol expands TOPCon module capacity, further reduces silver use

Indian solar manufacturer Websol Energy System has started upgrading an existing monocrystalline PERC cell line to TOPCon technology, with the project expected to be completed by March 2027.

The company is converting a 600 MW mono PERC line into a 750 MW TOPCon line at its existing facility. The upgrade will increase Websol’s total cell manufacturing capacity from 1.2 GW to approximately 1.35 GW. Once completed, TOPCon will account for around 55% of its cell capacity.

The upgraded line is expected to achieve cell efficiencies of around 25%.

Websol is also targeting further reductions in silver consumption as it transitions to TOPCon technology. TOPCon cells, which now dominate global crystalline silicon production, consume more silver than earlier technologies such as PERC, making them more sensitive to silver price volatility.

The company said it reduced silver consumption by 20% in the 2025-26 financial year and is targeting a further 10% reduction. Over the longer term, Websol is evaluating alternative metallization technologies to reduce its reliance on silver.

Websol is also planning a 4 GW integrated cell and module manufacturing facility, which will be developed in phases to mitigate the risks associated with technological changes in the solar industry.

The company plans to locate the expansion near its existing operations in West Bengal, benefiting from access to an established supply base and skilled workforce while potentially shortening the time required to bring new capacity online.

“West Bengal’s recent push toward greater industrialization, including the proposed new industrial policy, easier access to industrial land and a stronger focus on attracting manufacturing investment is encouraging for companies like ours, which already have an operating base here. So, we see West Bengal not merely as the location of our existing plant but as a natural place to consider for the capacity we build next,” the company said.

Websol has partnered with Linton Crystal Technologies to provide equipment and technology support for its planned greenfield ingot and wafer manufacturing facility.