GameChange Solar, which is into production of solar trackers and transformers, has announced plans to increase its transformer manufacturing capacity in India sixfold through its new unit called GameChange BOS.
The company which has built a greenfield, medium-voltage transformer manufacturing plant in Taloja, Maharashtra has production capacity of 1,800-2,000 units annually, which according to the company’s Executive Chairman and founder Andrew Worden “by far the largest in the country for that category.”
“A second, larger factory is already planned, and a third facility is under consideration at a separate site. Once all facilities are operational, the company expects its transformer capacity to be around six times its current scale, enabling it to serve both global markets and a portion of the domestic demand,” Mr Worden in an interview. He did not divulge the quantum of investment to be made in India saying the company is privately held.
“This will put GameChange BOS at a position to contribute about 25%-33% to the company’s total revenue,” he added.
He said the company’s customer-driven approach led to expansion into transformers. “Two years ago, we asked our customers what they needed next. They wanted transformers,” he explained, which led to the creation of GameChange BOS.
For GameChange Solar, this expansion marks a “virtuous cycle” –using the strength of its global tracker business to build high-value manufacturing in India, while continuing to work towards lowering the cost of clean energy worldwide.
Formed in 2012, GameChange Solar transitioned from fixed-tilt racking to trackers in 2015 and has since deployed more than 50 GW worldwide. “The reason for our growth is simple. Our customers wanted trackers that follow the sun throughout the day to deliver more energy,” he said.
The company entered India five years ago. What began as a manufacturing base supporting US projects has quickly evolved into one of GameChange’s most important markets. “We are exporting quite a bit to the US from India today, even with the 50% tariffs,” Mr Worden said.
“India has become very impressive in terms of manufacturing capability,” he added.