India’s Supreme Court allows imposition of 25% duty on solar imports – reports
In a significant move, which will greatly impact India’s solar industry, the country’s Supreme Court has reportedly given the go-ahead for the government to impose 25% safeguard duties on imports of PV cells and modules. The levy will be effective July 30, 2018.
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.
Government focuses on PV quality concerns
The award of the nation’s first solar project quality certificate may signal a renewed determination by the federal authorities to crack down on low-quality panels – with Far Eastern imports firmly in their sights.
Power regulator told to pass on changes in duties to consumers
A time-bound process would eliminate financial uncertainties for stakeholders – be it developers, lenders or the DISCOMs. It is a particularly big relief to solar PV power developers seeking pass-through for the impact of goods and services tax (GST) on project costs.
India’s solar dreams need storage push – IESA
With a rapid reduction in costs, solar plus storage can be an effective alternative for customers buying peak power from the grid. At the same time, utilities can avoid investments in peak capacity or eliminate load shedding by utilizing these resources.
MNRE timetable tries to get solar authorities into line
The government department has allocated various months for enabling organisations to hold their tendering and bidding processes, but critics have pointed out states are free to formulate their own plans.
Funding the key obstacle to renewables in Asia
Banks categorize renewable energy projects as risky and believe they offer lower rates of return than fossil fuel schemes, making them reluctant lenders.
SECI issues 250 MW tender for Maharashtra solar park
Bidders can apply for the whole capacity or 50 MW sections, and the maximum payable tariff for the energy generated cannot exceed Rs2.93/kWh. The electricity generated will be sold to the state power company.
Uttar Pradesh, Haryana will lead open access solar by 2022
States such as Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, which previously took the lead in terms of installed solar capacity, are likely to take a back seat on this issue, due to the rollback of incentives.
Will the falling rupee scupper India’s solar dream?
The currency is reaching new lows. As concerns about Turkey’s economic woes persisted last week, the rupee hit a record low of 70.32 to the dollar, having breached the historic 70 mark earlier in the week.
