Module price increases to moderate solar project returns
Solar module prices have increased by about 15-20% over the last 4-5 months to around 22-23 cents/watt as of date. As PV modules comprise about 50-55% of the overall project cost, such an increase in the module price level, if sustained, may moderate the debt service coverage metrics for developers by about 12-14 basis points.
Waaree solar modules to power Austrian PV encapsulant firm’s operations
Austria-headquartered Borealis has deployed Indian manufacturer Waaree Energies’ modules for the rooftop solar installation at its plant in Italy. The modules use Borealis’ encapsulation film.
SJVN ties up with NDMC for sale of 150 MW solar power
The state-owned hydropower producer plans to bid for 1 GW out of 5 GW grid-connected solar capacity tendered under the Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme. In a pre-bid arrangement, it has tied up with NDMC for the sale of power from its solar projects at an INR 2.44/kWh (US$ 0.033/kWh) tariff for 25 years.
Upscaling solar-powered irrigation in India
India’s solar-powered irrigation mission has had a sluggish run despite the PM-KUSUM scheme providing ample flexibility and budgetary support for the system implementation. An IEEFA report highlights the need to address the challenges of coordination, affordability, business models, technology and awareness creation at State level to increase the uptake.
Surge in solar panel and polysilicon prices may impact projects in India
Modules represent 45 to 55% of the project capex. In a very competitive market like India, independent power producers have lower margins, and even a modest increase in module prices will put more pressure on them.
Acme retracts decision to abandon 600 MW solar in Rajasthan
A fresh petition filed with the regulator Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) shows the clean energy developer is not seeking discharge from the 2×300 MW solar project won at an INR 2.44/kWh (US$ 0.033/kWh) tariff in 2018.
BHEL commissions 5.4 MWp floating solar plant in West Bengal
The floating solar plant is located in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal. It is built upon a raw water pond of the Sagardighi thermal power project owned by The West Bengal Power Development Corp. Ltd (WBPDCL).
Electricity derivatives will offer power offtake certainty for renewable investors
An Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) report says the sale of power in the futures market will benefit renewable energy developers and distribution companies alike.
Manipur tenders 50 MW grid-connected solar
The solar capacity is to be developed on a build-own-operate basis in the Jiribam district. Bidding closes on July 9.
Punjab tenders 5 MW rooftop solar
Developers have until July 8 to bid for setting up the rooftop solar capacity in RESCO mode. The plants shall come upon various government and private buildings in the State.
