Amplus Solar launches innovation challenge for clean energy start-ups
Applications are invited from start-ups with ready-to-deploy solutions in areas like distributed solar, Internet of Things (IoT) applications in energy, battery storage and electric mobility. Winners will be supported through seed capital to scale up.
New net metering rule will deter rooftop solar adoption, says NSEFI
The developers’ body has sought the power minister’s intervention to withdraw the restriction of 10 kW capacity for net metering under the recently notified Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2020, saying the provision will prevent high-load industrial consumers from switching to solar.
Shell-backed smart EV startup raises additional seed funding
The Bengaluru-based TresMoto is developing a range of smart, electric two-wheelers designed exclusively for delivery fleet usage with artificial intelligence-driven remote diagnostics and detachable batteries.
Budget expectations for solar manufacturing
The government should consider offering a 50% capital subsidy for setting up R&D and quality testing infrastructure within the manufacturing units and a 200% super-deduction for the R&D expenditure on new and clean solar technology development. Simultaneously, it should look at implementing tariff barriers on imports for at least four-five years.
Catalyzing the growth of rooftop solar in India
Challenges like frequent policy and regulatory changes, high capital costs, low awareness, non-uniformity in approval processes across states, restriction on net metering, and additional charges by DISCOMs need to be addressed for rooftop solar to take off in India.
Tata Power partners SIDBI to launch low-cost finance for MSME rooftop solar
The financing scheme, available only to Tata Power customers, provides collateral-free loans at an interest rate less than 10% for both off-grid and on-grid rooftop solar connections.
ADB to provide $100 million to upgrade power distribution system in Bengaluru
The funds will be used to move about 7,200 km of overhead distribution lines underground. Besides, fibre-optical cables will be installed in parallel to the underground distribution cables to strengthen the communication network for smart metering, distribution automation, etc.
Solar manufacturer Websol Energy Systems posts profit
The West Bengal-based solar cell and module manufacturer, which incurred an INR 28.95-crore loss in FY2018-19, has posted an INR 6.56-crore profit for FY2019-20.
MNRE directs SECI to provide security deposit relaxation in solar contracts
The Solar Energy Corporation of India, NTPC, NHPC and other state-owned organizations have been directed to reduce RE contracts’ performance security from 5-10% to 3% of the contract value under the Finance ministry’s order dated November 12, 2020
Structural factors driving down solar tariffs in India
An analysis by India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) says improvements in PV panel designs and costs, lower financing costs, and state-specific sectors such as the location’s solar potential and certain waivers have driven the decline in Indian solar tariffs.
