Raana Semiconductors Signs Pre-Purchase Agreement with Swelect Energy for Indigenous CZ Machines

HOSUR — In an effort to reduce dependence on foreign imports for solar ingots and wafers, Hosur-based startup Raana Semiconductors has signed a pre-purchase agreement with solar module maker Swelect Energy Systems. Under the partnership, Raana will supply 12-inch Czochralski (CZ) systems for Swelect's planned 1GW ingot manufacturing facility.

The agreement was signed through Swelect's subsidiary, Swelect HHV Solar Photovoltaics Ltd (SHPV). The CZ method is a widely used industrial process to convert pure silicon into single-crystal ingots, which are subsequently sliced into silicon wafers utilized in solar cells, chips, and sensors. Raana is noted as the first Indian company working to build these specialized machines indigenously.

Highlighting the scope of the partnership, Raana stated in a social media post that its support extends beyond hardware delivery. The startup plans to hand-hold the SHPV team through process optimization and recipe development to help the facility ramp up smoothly and achieve higher yields efficiently. Additionally, the SHPV team will undergo training at Raana's pilot facility to ensure minimal operational downtime.

Arulkumar Shanmugasundaram, MD and CEO of Swelect Energy Systems, noted that sourcing critical solar supply chain components locally represents a significant boost for the domestic sector. However, he also acknowledged that it remains early days for Raana's under-development CZ system, which is projected to deliver competitive performance and output compared to imported alternatives.

Regarding the establishment of the manufacturing facility, Shanmugasundaram stated that Chennai-based Swelect is currently evaluating potential locations. While Tamil Nadu is under consideration given the company's base in the state, management is also reviewing options in other regions.

Rajasekar Elavarasan, founder and CEO of Raana Semiconductors, previously indicated that the startup expects to launch its first commercial-grade 12-inch CZ single-crystal machine for solar cell wafers within the next 10 to 12 months.

The deployment of locally built CZ systems comes at a crucial time for India's solar manufacturing ecosystem, particularly as China—the dominant global supplier of these machines—initiates plans to restrict exports. Several Indian solar module makers, including Grew Solar, Vikram Solar, and Swelect Energy, are actively building domestic ingot and wafer manufacturing capacities.

Further regulatory support is underway. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed including solar ingots and wafers under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) starting June 1, 2028, a move that will legally enforce local sourcing of these components for module manufacturers operating in India.

"The agreement between Raana Semiconductors and Swelect Energy highlights a vital shift toward self-reliance in India's solar supply chain. Building critical manufacturing equipment indigenously reduces import risks and positions domestic startups to capture long-term value as local sourcing mandates approach. This collaboration demonstrates how deep-tech hardware startups can bridge critical gaps in India's industrial ecosystem." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes