India to introduce cap on solar tariff
In a major development, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has directed the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to fix the upper permissible solar tariff at Rs. 2.50 (US$0.036)/kWh and Rs. 2.68 ($0.038)/kWh for developers using domestic solar cells and modules (without safeguard duties), and imported products (with safeguard duties), respectively.
Power regulator told to pass on changes in duties to consumers
A time-bound process would eliminate financial uncertainties for stakeholders – be it developers, lenders or the DISCOMs. It is a particularly big relief to solar PV power developers seeking pass-through for the impact of goods and services tax (GST) on project costs.
India’s solar dreams need storage push – IESA
With a rapid reduction in costs, solar plus storage can be an effective alternative for customers buying peak power from the grid. At the same time, utilities can avoid investments in peak capacity or eliminate load shedding by utilizing these resources.
MNRE timetable tries to get solar authorities into line
The government department has allocated various months for enabling organisations to hold their tendering and bidding processes, but critics have pointed out states are free to formulate their own plans.
Funding the key obstacle to renewables in Asia
Banks categorize renewable energy projects as risky and believe they offer lower rates of return than fossil fuel schemes, making them reluctant lenders.
Uttar Pradesh, Haryana will lead open access solar by 2022
States such as Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, which previously took the lead in terms of installed solar capacity, are likely to take a back seat on this issue, due to the rollback of incentives.
Almost 60 GW of new solar by 2023
A combination of national, state and public body commitments could see the amount of PV added nationally treble on the last four-year period. But even with a new 7-8 GW added, rooftop solar will still be bringing up the rear.
Solar Imports: India defers safeguard duty, provides relief to ongoing projects
Even though postponing the duty on solar cell imports from China and Malaysia is not a long-term resolution, it will offer relief to developers with ongoing PV projects, especially for those with shipments in transit or which arrived after 30 July.
Court clears solar imports from customs without paying safeguard duty
As per the court order, Shapoorji Pallonji can retrieve its solar PV panel consignment at Chennai port, which has been cleared by customs, provided it pays the safeguard duty in case the related notification is upheld.
Court to hear Vikram Solar’s safeguard duty petition next week
The Government of India will also consider changes to the 25% safeguard duty imposed on solar cell imports from China and Malaysia only after the next hearing in the Odisha High Court, which stayed the levy.
