PVTIME – US-based Linton Crystal Technology and Kolkata-based solar energy firm Websol Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a joint PV ingot and wafer production line in India. Under the agreement, Websol will procure Linton’s core manufacturing equipment and gain access to specialised technical support.
Linton, headquartered in Rochester, New York, is a global leader in Czochralski single crystal furnaces and control systems, boasting three decades of expertise in the sector. It delivers end-to-end equipment solutions, from single crystal furnace supply to crystal processing. The company pioneered the modular Czochralski growth furnace in the industry and has led the integration of AI into crystal growth monitoring, enabling real-time alerts for potential issues affecting crystal integrity. In addition to providing equipment, Linton will develop customised training programmes for Websol’s team, covering all aspects of equipment operation and process optimisation.
Websol, a leading local manufacturer of solar cells and modules in Kolkata, is addressing a critical bottleneck in India’s PV industry with this initiative. Currently, India has 68.4GW of PV module production capacity, while its ingot capacity is just 14GW. This leaves the upstream core segment heavily reliant on imports. Websol’s managing director emphasised that the partnership with Linton is a significant step towards developing a comprehensive PV manufacturing ecosystem in India. He added that localised production of ingots and wafers would reduce reliance on imported critical raw materials and enhance domestic technological capabilities. He noted that Linton’s global experience and technical heritage were the core drivers behind the decision to collaborate.
This collaboration comes at a time of accelerated expansion for India’s PV sector. The Indian government has introduced a policy package that includes the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, as well as a 40% import duty on PV modules, in order to promote domestic manufacturing vigorously. India added 24.5GW of new PV installations in 2024, and demand is projected to rise to between 35GW and 40GW in 2025. Industry analysts observe that this alliance between US and Indian enterprises not only aligns with India’s energy security and sustainable development goals, but also provides Linton with a strategic foothold in this fast-growing emerging market.
Both parties have affirmed their commitment to leveraging their respective technological and market strengths to accelerate the implementation of the production line. This joint effort aims to capitalise on the abundant opportunities in India’s PV industry and contribute to the refinement of the local manufacturing ecosystem.
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