Central Electronics Limited's 200 MW solar module manufacturing line dedicated to the nation
On 14 May 2026 Union Minister Jitendra Singh dedicated the 200 MW Solar Module Manufacturing Line of Central Electronics Limited (CEL), the Mini Ratna PSU that made India's first solar cell in 1977.
Summary
Central Electronics Limited (CEL) had its 200 MW Solar Module Manufacturing Line dedicated to the nation by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on 14 May 2026. The minister recalled that CEL manufactured India's first solar cell in 1977 and set up the country's first solar plant in 1979, and said the company had turned from a disinvestment candidate into a profit-making Mini Ratna enterprise. CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories transferred technology to CEL for the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) and the now fully indigenous new-generation Drishti Transmissometer System. CEL is also expanding into vertical axis wind turbines, data centres and defence electronics.
Key facts
- Date
- 14 May 2026
- Facility
- 200 MW Solar Module Manufacturing Line, CEL
- Firsts
- India's first solar cell (1977) and first solar plant (1979) by CEL
- Status
- Mini Ratna, profit-making
- Tech transfer
- CSIR-NAL: AWOS and Drishti Transmissometer
Practice MCQs 2 questions
In which year did Central Electronics Limited (CEL) manufacture India's first solar cell, as recalled at the dedication of its 200 MW module line (May 2026)?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1977
India's first solar cell was manufactured by CEL in 1977, and the country's first solar plant was set up by CEL in 1979.
Which technology did CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories transfer to Central Electronics Limited in May 2026, described as now fully indigenous?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Drishti Transmissometer System
Technology transfer covered the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) and the new-generation Drishti Transmissometer System, which is now fully indigenous.