WattPower, in a very short span of establishing its Indian operations in 2022, has emerged as a key player in India’s solar ecosystem. Backed by a manufacturing facility in Chennai, WattPower produces high-performance PV inverters and hybrid energy solutions that enhance the efficiency and reliability of solar power systems. In this interaction, we have Divya Prakash Choraria, CEO & Co-founder, WattPower discussing how this technology-centric company is poised to make a significant contribution to the country’s solar energy targets, and that too, in a sustainable manner.
Let us start by understanding the precise role of a solar (string) inverter in a typical solar photovoltaic power project.
In any solar photovoltaic installation, the inverter serves as the central intelligence of the system. Its primary function is to convert the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is compatible with the grid and usable by homes, businesses, and industries.
A string inverter, specifically, manages this conversion for a series of panels connected in sequence. Over the years, string inverters have demonstrated exceptional reliability and efficiency, making them a trusted component in both commercial and utility-scale solar deployments.
Tell us about your manufacturing facility in Chennai. What is the annual manufacturing capacity of string inverters?
Our Chennai facility serves as the backbone of WattPower’s production operations and reflects our commitment to high-performance India-built solar technology. Designed to support scale, speed, and quality, the plant is fully equipped with advanced systems for precision manufacturing and rigorous product testing.
We currently have an annual manufacturing capacity of 9.9 GW, which translates to around 36,000 string inverters per year. This allows us to meet growing market demand with consistency and reliability, both in India and globally.
When it comes to a typical grid-connected ground-mounted solar power project, what is the supporting hardware required, apart from the solar panels?
Beyond solar panels, a grid-connected ground-mounted solar project relies heavily on several critical components that determine its overall efficiency, reliability, and safety. These include solar inverters, mounting structures, transformers, junction boxes, monitoring systems, and protection equipment—all of which must work seamlessly together to ensure optimal energy conversion and smooth grid integration.
In recent years, India has taken significant strides towards building self-reliance in solar manufacturing. While much of the early focus was on module manufacturing, we are now seeing strong momentum in the development of supporting hardware, including solar inverters. At WattPower, we’ve seen this shift play out with increasing demand for locally designed and engineered inverter solutions.
Over the past three years in particular, the inverter space has experienced a remarkable transformation. There’s been substantial investment in R&D, and products have become more efficient, intelligent, and aligned with the needs of Indian project conditions.
As a company at the forefront of this change, we continue to focus on innovating inverter technology that not only meets performance benchmarks but also strengthens India’s solar value chain.
How do you rate India’s self-reliance when it comes to such supporting equipment, including solar inverters? How is the government supporting local manufacturing?
In the solar inverter segment specifically, the shift has been quite encouraging. Over the past three years, we have seen a marked improvement in indigenous design, performance standards, and R&D focus. This has enabled companies like WattPower to develop solutions that are not only reliable but tailored to Indian project needs—something that was missing earlier when the market relied heavily on imports.
The direction is clear: India is steadily building a robust, self-sustaining solar ecosystem, and the pace is only set to accelerate.
Please cite some important solar installations to which WattPower has supplied string inverters and other equipment?
One of the key projects where WattPower has made a significant impact is the Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Gujarat, also known as the Khavda project, developed by Adani Green Energy Ltd. (AGEL). The site presented complex challenges, including harsh weather conditions and the presence of alkaline water, which could have affected the performance of standard equipment. However, WattPower’s string inverters and supporting products were meticulously engineered to withstand such extreme environments, ensuring reliable and efficient energy generation throughout the project.
In addition to Khavda, WattPower has successfully marked its presence pan India, delivering high-quality solutions to both hot and cold regions. Our products have been trusted in a variety of demanding conditions, proving our ability to meet the unique requirements of diverse solar installations across the country.
Please discuss how India’s solar power industry has matured over the years, not only with respect to high-efficiency solar cells/modules but also in terms of supporting equipment.
This cost-effectiveness stems not only from improvements in high-efficiency solar cells but also from the development of crucial supporting equipment. Given the challenges of securing large land areas, solar project designs in India have evolved to be more modular, which has increased the adoption of string inverters. These inverters provide scalability, reliability, and better performance, making them essential in maximising energy output.
Overall, the entire solar ecosystem — ranging from panels to inverters and other components — has matured, leading to a more efficient and reliable solar infrastructure, reinforcing India’s leadership in renewable energy.
India is sharply focused on solar power as well as energy storage (battery and pumped storage). In view of this, how do you see the years ahead for WattPower. How do you see WattPower’s growing contribution to India’s clean energy goals?
India’s transition towards clean energy, particularly in solar and storage, presents a tremendous opportunity. At WattPower, we see ourselves as a long-term technology partner in this journey. As a tech-driven company, our focus is on developing products that are not only efficient but also built for the longevity and safety of large-scale solar assets.
We approach product development with a clear understanding of how these assets operate over decades. That means engineering with precision, prioritising reliability, and designing solutions that support ease of integration and long-term performance. Our R&D efforts are closely aligned with market needs, especially in enhancing plant safety through preventive measures and smarter system diagnostics. By constantly optimising for quality and performance, we aim to play a meaningful role in India’s clean energy future, offering solutions that support scalability, ensure operational resilience, and contribute to the country’s renewable energy targets in a sustainable way.
