Modules & Upstream Manufacturing

The Kolkata-based EPC company says failing to exempt SEZs from the new tariff defeats the point of the existence of such areas, which is to foster domestic manufacturing and industry.

Inspectors from solar risk management company PI Berlin visited six projects and exposed cost-cutting in installation, non-existent warranties, serious safety concerns and improbable performance figures.

India is currently the second largest market in the world for PV module demand. With China’s domestic demand frozen since the 31/5 notification, the country’s total module demand in 2018 will likely only achieve 32-34 GW. This will allow India, which may surpass 10 GW in annual demand, to reach 13% of global PV demand this year. As a result, the future of India’s trade war has become an influential factor in the global PV industry.

The remarkable 4 GW of solar capacity added last year has seen the state displace Tamil Nadu as the nation’s renewables top dog. And there is more to come, according to a new report, with PV set to account for a third of rising energy demand over the next decade.

Phased import tariff would fall to 20% 12 months after introduction and 15% for final six months of a proposed two-year period. Industry watchers say the cost of Indian solar energy could rise by up to 30%.

Dr Rashi Gupta, Director at Vision Mechatronics discusses the EV landscape in India, particularly focusing on the potential for battery manufacturing. While there are currently many challenges, like a lack of raw materials and infrastructure, the opportunities are immense.

Bangalore-based Orb Energy is gearing up to double its solar PV panel manufacturing capacity from 60 MW to 120 MW, and aims raise US$55 million by the first quarter of 2019.

Chinese giant boasted 18% of the Indian market, to be crowned the nation’s top dog for the third consecutive year. Canadian Solar, First Solar, Hanwha Q Cells and JA Solar also enjoyed a big export market from the rising solar power.

All future bids for renewable projects would have at least 50% domestic manufacturing component for developers. The government will also soon make it obligatory for project developers to manufacture storage systems.

India’s Exide Industries Limited and Switzerland-based Leclanché S.A. have announced a 75%-25% joint venture (JV) under which lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells, modules and battery packs will be manufactured in the state of Gujarat.