The economic case for corporate solar PPAs in India now compelling
India saw 1.8 GW of corporate solar power purchase agreements in place by the end of 2017. There was a rush of installations for PV projects due to open access waivers. The market is expected to contract slightly this year as waivers are rolled back, but there will be sustained market growth through 2023.
Minister outlines plan to become global renewables leader, at Intersolar Europe
Underlining India’s commitment to becoming the global renewable energy leader, Shri Anand Kumar, secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said the country plans 500 GW of capacity by 2030. He also underlined plans to become a solar and storage manufacturing hub; and said the International Solar Alliance needs to widen its membership.
Federal government removes state hurdle for renewable energy projects
The MNRE has removed a layer of bureaucracy by lifting the requirement of proposed projects to be registered with power bodies at sub-national level.
Is national 225GW renewables target achievable?
There was incredulity in some quarters as the federal government raised its renewables ambition another 22%, but the stellar performance of the past four years points to the new target being a realizable one.
Waaree triples solar panel capacity with a new plant in Gujarat
Waaree Energies has set up a 1 GW solar PV panel plant in Vapi, which is in addition to its existing 500 MW plant in Surat, Gujarat. The company intends to further increase capacity to 2 GW. Among other key developments, it has partnered with third-party equipment suppliers to manufacture batteries
CEL invites EoI for PV module manufacturing units
The Central Electronics Limited (CEL), the first Indian company to develop crystalline solar cells and modules in 1977-78, has invited an expression of interest (EoI) for the establishment of manufacturing facilities for the production of solar cells and crystalline silicon (c-si) modules (conventional/flexible).
Lightsource BP completes first Indian solar project
Lightsource BP has announced the completion of its first solar project in India. The 60 MWp solar farm is located in Wagdari, Maharashtra.
New solar benchmark costs announced for off-grid, rooftop
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced the new benchmark costs for off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and rooftop solar projects for the financial year (FY) 2018-19.
Gujarat Borosil to invest INR 4.35 billion in solar glass
With this investment, the company plans to more than double its manufacturing capacity of tempered solar glass from 180 tonnes per day to 400 tonnes by 2020. Currently, it meets 30% of India’s demand for solar glass. With the expansion, it aims to become the market leader by catering to about 60-70%.
Is SoftBank’s $100 billion investment in Indian solar realistic?
While news of Japan’s SoftBank announcing up to USD 60-100 billion investment in India’s solar PV power generation is creating ripples across the industry circles, industry analysts feel that the committment sounds unrealistic in view of India’s current PV market status and future needs.
