As against the industry flow of venturing into vertical integration beyond its solar PV module manufacturing capacity, India’s Kosol Energie is pursuing horizontal expansion. Kayan Kalthia, Executive Director of Business Development at Kosol Energie, shared the company’s rapid progress and strategy in an exclusive interview with TaiyangNews Managing Director Michael Schmela at Renewable Energy India Expo 2025 (REI 2025).
Kalthia shared that Kosol began module manufacturing in 2012 with a strong focus on automation and high-quality materials. The company initially relied heavily on European equipment and Tedlar-based backsheets, later shifting fully to glass-glass modules when it became a viable option. Its move to TOPCon technology followed extensive testing. He stressed that Kosol maintains a single, consistent bill of materials across all markets, which has helped it build a reputation for quality and reliability. Kalthia said that the company is known for honoring its long-term energy guarantees.
Rather than pursuing vertical integration in cells and wafers, Kosol is expanding into other areas. It has brought LV switchgear in-house and is entering the battery storage sector with plans to reach 10 GWh of annual production capacity across 2 sites. For modules, Kalthia said the company prefers to partner with suppliers who are expanding their own vertical integration, while Kosol itself continues to focus on module engineering. Kalthia shared that the company secured 2 major memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with its suppliers at REI 2025.
On the EPC side, Kosol created a niche early on by offering energy guarantees for 5 years or 10 years to ensure a strong ROI for customers, which helped the company compete despite higher product costs. Many of its older projects still remain under Kosol’s O&M.
Looking ahead, Kalthia expects Kosol to secure a meaningful share of India’s growing renewable energy sector. He anticipates the country will reach its 500 GW RE target ahead of schedule and says Kosol aims to contribute significantly, including through future involvement in green hydrogen and green ammonia projects.
TaiyangNews is coming back to India with the 2nd edition of the Solar Technology Conference India (STC.I 2026) on February 5 and 6 next year. The event will bring together the who’s who and emerging players in the Indian solar PV manufacturing space. Details are available here.