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.
SECI reduces manufacturing tender size from 5 GW to 3 GW
In a major development, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has reduced its solar manufacturing tender size from 5 GW to 3 GW, and curtailed the minimum bid capacity from 1 GW to 600 MW. The size of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), however, remains unchanged at 10 GW.
Nearly 8 GW of solar projects receive 6 month extension – MNRE
To ensure their continued viability, nearly 8 GW of solar PV projects have been granted an extension by the Ministry of New and renewable Energy (MNRE).
India to introduce cap on solar tariff
In a major development, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has directed the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to fix the upper permissible solar tariff at Rs. 2.50 (US$0.036)/kWh and Rs. 2.68 ($0.038)/kWh for developers using domestic solar cells and modules (without safeguard duties), and imported products (with safeguard duties), respectively.
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.
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.
Almost 60 GW of new solar by 2023
A combination of national, state and public body commitments could see the amount of PV added nationally treble on the last four-year period. But even with a new 7-8 GW added, rooftop solar will still be bringing up the rear.
