Uma Gupta
Trina Solar rolls out four new series of modules
The high efficiency series can be used in multiple application scenarios like utility-scale ground-mount and distributed PV projects. An increase in the output of modules from 370W to 415W will help reduce the balance-of-system cost by 4.5% to 8.5%, and reduce levelized cost of electricity (LCoE) by 2.5% to 4.6%.
EXIM Bank to finance 35 MW solar projects in Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo will use the amount for installation of three solar PV power projects with a total capacity of 35 MW in the three provinces of Karawa, Mbandaka and Lusambo.
Waaree Energies introduces customized solar modules for electric vehicles
Designed to be portable and flexible, the modules are ideal for electric vehicles to support energy requirements of auxiliary functions like refrigeration—increasing the efficiency by 10-15%.
Amtronics pays initial license fee to use QMC’s quantum dot technology for thin-film solar cells
Amtronics CC has paid U.S. firm Quantum Materials Corp an initial $500,000 as part of an agreement securing the right to manufacture quantum dots and thin-film quantum dot solar cells based on QMC technology for commercial supply in India. Construction has already started on a manufacturing facility in Assam, which will produce solar cells via a continuous, rapid-feed, flexographic-based printing process.
Tata Chemicals signs MoU for ISRO’s lithium-ion cell technology
Under this MoU, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) would transfer the technology to Tata Chemicals so that it may manufacture lithium-ion cells of varying capacity, size, energy density and power density—catering to a wide spectrum of power storage requirements.
ADB to invest $50 million in solar project developer Avaada
With the current equity investment, Avaada—which has secured power purchase agreements of about 1,700 MW—is well funded to exceed capacity of 2 GW.
Rooftop solar for Delhi schools to save 4 GW electricity daily
State-run utility Indraprastha Power Generation Company Limited will install solar rooftop plants at 30 school buildings, with capacity of one megawatt in all.
Andhra Pradesh pulls back on open access solar
The state has decided to withdraw almost all incentives available to open access solar, including exemption from electricity duty and distribution losses for projects injecting power at 33 kV or below. The policy reversal—clearly to appease state discoms—is likely to impact capacity addition.
FAME-II: Inter-ministerial panel set up for electric mobility projects
The committee is constituted for overall monitoring, sanctioning and implementation of the scheme, according to an order of the Department of Heavy Industries.
2 GW solar with VGF support tendered for state-run power generators
As part of the viability gap funding scheme for 12 GW of new solar, SECI has invited bids for setting up of 2 GW of grid-connected solar PV projects. The projects, to be developed on ‘build, own, operate’ basis, can be located anywhere in India for self-use or use by government entities at maximum fixed tariffs of Rs 3.50/kWh. The deadline for bid submission is May 3.
