Fears 10 GW solar tender will be scrapped
The Solar Energy Corporation of India’s (SECI) much-hyped 10 GW manufacturing-linked tender, which has already been postponed six times, received a very tepid response on Monday, the last submission date.
Tamil Nadu targets 400% jump in solar capacity by 2022
The state government is proposing a range of incentives and mandates to drive PV and solar thermal installations to almost 9 GW within four years. Under the proposed policy, 10% of the public fleet would be replaced by electric vehicles.
Saft buys out JV partner and announces lith-ion investment
The historic French brand says it will focus on rail, telecom and infrastructure, but environmentalists hoping the move finally heralds a breakthrough for electric vehicles in one of the world’s biggest transport markets appear set to be disappointed.
Deger Energie, Kavitsu announce new PV tracker manufacturing fab in Maharashtra
Germany’s Deger Energie and India-based Kavitsu Robotronix will open a new solar PV tracker manufacturing facility in India. The first products are set to come off the production line in January 2019.
PV installations in Q2 fall by half
In the second quarter, India installed solar projects amounting to 52% less capacity quarter-over-quarter, due to uncertainties around trade cases, module price fluctuations, and PPA renegotiations prompted by record low solar tender bids.
India: GST on li-ion batteries cut by 10%
India’s energy storage industry feels the government’s move to reduce GST on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries from 28% to 18% will benefit electric vehicles and the renewables sector. The government has also cut GST on the raw materials for battery manufacturing, to jump-start domestic industry.
ACME Cleantech plans 2-3 GWh lithium-ion battery manufacturing by 2020
Clean energy solution provider ACME Cleantech is planning to expand its current li-ion production capacity of 350 MWh to as much as 3 GWh by 2020. The company has also designed a charging plus swapping station for li-ion batteries to provide clean transport solutions.
Tata Power unveils $2.25 million smart energy incubation hub
Delhi DISCOM, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) is planning to launch the Tata smart energy incubation hub. The Tata trust will provide INR 150 million ($2.25 million), while the Indian government’s Science & Technology department will pay out an undisclosed sum. The company is also planning the installation of a 10 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
GST leads to 12% increase in solar project costs – AISIA
All India Solar Industries Association (AISIA) has urged the government to remove the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from the balance of systems for solar equipment. The association said that components like inverters, cables and transformers under GST are charged at 5-8%. Previously, they were charged 2% central sales tax and no excise duty.
Interview: Importance of proper forecasting and monitoring of PV plants
Silvia Blumenschein, Vice President – Sales at Solare Datensysteme GmbH, speaks to pv magazine about the importance of scheduling, forecasting and monitoring for the efficient functioning of PV plants. She also discusses the Gateway product launched at REI India in September by Solar-Log c/o Solare Datensysteme GmbH, including its compatibility with inverter suppliers.
