How Transformer Manufacturers in India Are Supporting Renewable Energy Projects

India’s renewable energy sector is accelerating rapidly, with a national target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Solar, wind, and hybrid energy installations are expanding across the country. But one essential component behind this transformation often goes unnoticed—transformers.

Transformers play a crucial role in converting, regulating, and transmitting electricity generated from renewable sources. These sources often operate in remote locations and deliver fluctuating outputs, requiring transformer solutions designed specifically for renewable energy applications. This is where transformer manufacturers in India are stepping in with robust, adaptive, and energy-efficient technologies.

Why Renewable Energy Needs Specialized Transformers

Unlike traditional power plants that deliver consistent output, renewable sources—particularly solar and wind—generate variable power. This variability, combined with the environmental challenges of remote installations, demands transformer solutions that can operate reliably under diverse and extreme conditions.

Key Requirements for Renewable Energy Transformers:

• Intermittent Output Management: Accommodate voltage fluctuations and surges
• Environmental Resilience: Perform in hot, humid, and dusty conditions
• Grid Compatibility: Synchronize with grid infrastructure seamlessly
• Compact Form Factors: Fit limited spaces like rooftops and containerized setups

Specialized transformers address these challenges through improved materials, design enhancements, and advanced monitoring capabilities.

Types of Transformers Used in Renewable Energy Projects

1. Solar Transformers

Solar transformers are designed to connect photovoltaic arrays to the grid or load centers, often installed in hot and dusty environments.

Key Features:

• CRGO/amorphous metal cores for minimal losses
• High-temperature windings
• IP-rated enclosures for dust and water protection
• Compatibility with inverter outputs

2. Wind Transformers

Used at turbine bases or substations, wind transformers face mechanical stress from vibration and frequent power variations.

Key Features:

• High mechanical durability
• Optimized tap changers and bushings
• Noise reduction design
• Enhanced insulation against moisture and temperature swings

3. Hybrid and BESS Transformers

Hybrid systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) require bi-directional power management and fast switching capabilities.

Key Features:

• Dual winding structures
• Fast load response
• Integrated safety features for charge-discharge protection

4. Inverter Duty Transformers

Installed between solar inverters and utility grids, these transformers filter harmonics and stabilize voltage levels.

Key Features:

• Harmonic suppression
• High overload capacity
• Robust insulation for continuous inverter operation

How Indian Transformer Manufacturers Are Innovating

Leading transformer manufacturers in India are investing in R&D and product development to deliver solutions tailored for renewable energy use cases.

Key Innovations:

• Core Technology: Use of CRGO and amorphous metal to reduce no-load losses
• Protection Systems: UV and anti-corrosion coatings for outdoor deployments
• Compact Dry-Type Designs: Ideal for space-constrained applications
• Smart Monitoring: IoT and SCADA integration for remote diagnostics
• Global Standards: Adherence to BIS, IS1180, BEE, and MNRE certifications

These advancements position Indian-made transformers for both domestic and global installations.

Government Policy Support for Renewable Transformer Market

India’s renewable energy progress is supported by robust policy frameworks that boost the demand for electrical equipment.

Major Programs:

• National Solar Mission: Drives solar deployment across utility and rooftop sectors
• Green Energy Corridor: Focuses on grid infrastructure for renewable integration
• PLI Scheme: Incentivizes local transformer component manufacturing
• SECI and NTPC Tenders: Encourage procurement of high-efficiency transformers for large projects

These policies ensure a consistent demand pipeline for high-performance transformer units.

Export Potential for Indian Transformer Manufacturers

With global demand for renewable infrastructure rising, transformer manufacturers in India are gaining international traction.

Key Export Drivers:

• Competitive pricing combined with quality
• Proven reliability in extreme climates
• Customization for international voltage and grid standards
• Export presence across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America

This growing export footprint reflects India's manufacturing competitiveness in clean energy components.

Sustainable Practices in Transformer Manufacturing

Indian manufacturers are aligning with global sustainability benchmarks, ensuring that renewable projects remain eco-conscious from production to deployment.

Green Manufacturing Initiatives:

• Biodegradable insulating oils
• Recyclable core and casing materials
• Low-loss transformer designs to minimize energy wastage
• ESG and UN SDG alignment in production practices

These initiatives contribute to the overall reduction in lifecycle emissions of renewable energy systems.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While growth is strong, the sector faces some ongoing challenges:

• Material Cost Volatility: Fluctuations in copper, CRGO steel, and other key inputs
• Talent Gaps: Shortage of skilled workers in digital manufacturing and testing
• Global Competition: Competing with established international OEMs
• Technology Adoption: Need to fast-track Industry 4.0 integration

Despite these hurdles, favorable policy, rising demand, and a focus on innovation create strong growth potential for the sector.

Conclusion

Transformer manufacturers in India are central to the country’s renewable energy journey. By designing and supplying high-quality, environment-specific transformers, they’re not only supporting solar and wind power growth but also helping India emerge as a global clean energy leader.

From rooftop solar in Gujarat to offshore wind in Tamil Nadu, Indian transformers are powering a sustainable future—efficiently and reliably.

Planning a renewable energy project?

Explore ETT Group’s transformer solutions tailored for solar, wind, and hybrid energy systems. Our products combine performance, durability, and compliance for every clean energy need.