Finance has always been the cornerstone of my professional journey,” says Vinay Thadani. Earning his chartered accountancy from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, precision, and strategic thinking. His career began at the Chiripal Group (Vishal Fabrics), where he progressed from finance manager to general manager – finance and management, eventually becoming the chief financial officer. After his tenure at Vishal Fabrics, he took on a new challenge as the director and CEO of GREW Solar. “I have always sought challenges that push boundaries and defy a linear mindset. At GREW Solar, my role is exactly that, the constant challenge of turning vision into execution every single day,” he says.
As per him, the government’s proposal for ALMM List-III marks a decisive and progressive step in strengthening India’s solar manufacturing landscape. “There will, of course, be short-term recalibrations in project timelines and cost structures. However, with clarity in communication and a coordinated approach, the industry will adapt swiftly,” he feels. Thadani believes that the introduction of mandatory wafer enlistment from June 2028 will add another layer of accountability. While this may initially create compliance challenges and cost pressures due to limited wafer capacity in India, it also serves as a strategic call to action for manufacturers, developers, and policymakers to invest, expand, and collaborate with renewed urgency.
“In a fast-paced sector like solar, change is constant, and as a leader, I believe the only way to stay ahead is to stay connected. I make it a point to spend time on the ground, at our plants, in review meetings, and directly with teams. It is not out of necessity, but out of intent. It keeps me close to the reality of our operations and aligned with our larger vision,” he says.
In his spare time, he enjoys reading, especially books that challenge his thinking and sharpen his perspective. He also values spending time with people, whether it is his team, family, or peers in the industry.
According to Thadani, there is always a next milestone, and that is what keeps the journey forward-focused and fulfilling. His long-term goal is not just to scale GREW Solar as a business but also to contribute to a cleaner and more self-reliant energy ecosystem. On a personal level, he is focused on evolving as a leader, staying hands-on, while also creating space for new ideas and empowering the next generation of talent.