Balance of Systems

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

US company has entered India’s solar market with creation of R&D center and microinverter supply deal for 1 MW solar installation in Bengaluru in partnership with RenXSOl Ecotech.

IESA and IEEMA have together organized a masterclass to develop advanced energy storage manufacturing in India. The event has also witnessed increased government support for the sector as energy storage opportunities in India are expected to attract investment of more than $3 billion in the next three years.

The standing committee on energy, comprising members of the lower and upper assembly of the parliament, and the secretariat, has released a report recommending vital changes to boost India’s National Solar Mission of 100 GW by 2022.

All solar goods manufactured, stored for sale, imported, sold or distributed should fulfill specified quality standards and bear the Indian Standard Mark, says the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.