The initial investment is likely to create nearly 1,000 jobs in the state.
Xi’an Longi Silicon Materials chairman Baoshen Zhong said: "We will invest $250m for setting up a solar cell and module manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh. This will boost production of clean energy equipment in the country."
The solar equipment maker plans to invest an additional Rs80bn ($1.2bn) in the state towards solar power development, a move that will create 5,000 more jobs.
The proposed investment is in line with India’s strategy to increase solar power capacity to 100GW by 2022, under National Solar Mission.
To be located in Sri City in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, the proposed plant will be capable of producing 1GW of solar cells and solar modules.
The memorandum of understanding signed by the parties will also see the construction of a 500MW solar farm in the state.
Andhra Pradesh Energy, Infrastructure and Investment Secretary Ajay Jain said: "This investment will boost manufacturing facilities in the state. This initial investment will create 1,000 jobs."
State chief minister Chandrababu Naidu said: "For the first time, very good investment is coming from China.
"Solar power is the best solution for sustainable economic growth."
Founded in 2000, Xi’an Longi Silicon Materials manufactures solar monocrystalline silicon products.
The company offers mono wafers for photovoltaic cell manufacturers; and semiconductor and solar mono ingots, as well as processing services, such as polysilicon cleaning and OEM for polysilicon-wafers.
Image: The proposed plant will produce 1GW of solar cells and solar modules. Photo: courtesy of dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
