Opinion & Analysis

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.

Industrial belts in Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are becoming hotspots for captive solar. The drivers vary from steep tariffs and policy incentives to strong ESG commitments by export-oriented businesses, but the result is the same: a distributed solar network powering India’s industrial economy.

India’s solar sector faces rising module costs due to recent developments, including the imposition of anti-dumping duties on solar glass and China’s reduction in export rebates on solar modules, impacting project viability. These shifts underline the delicate balance between promoting local manufacturing, pursuing geopolitical strategies, and navigating the economic realities of global trade.

Companies that treat solar as a core part of their energy strategy, rather than a side initiative, often see these benefits play out with striking clarity. The investment case is strong. In most cases, payback happens within five to seven years. After that, solar becomes a net-positive contributor to the balance sheet.

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, reports that FOB China wafer prices remained stable this week amid weak demand and low production. It says manufacturers continue to face margin pressure despite seasonal hydropower cost relief and traceability documentation premiums.

India is home to one of the largest markets for two- and three-wheelers globally, and these segments play a crucial role in urban mobility, last-mile delivery, and short-distance logistics. However, current electric variants often face challenges related to weight, range, and cost—all of which cell-to-pack (CTP) technology addresses directly. 

Given the demand and the unavailability of Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt, Manganese, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in sufficient quantities, as a nation, we may be staring at a scenario we had with crude.

China’s polysilicon output hit 3.25 million metric tons (MT) in 2024, driving global prices below $4.50/kg, says Bernreuter Research. The Germany-based market analytics firm warns the market could swing to a shortage by 2028 if capacity cuts overshoot.

The shift from transactional rewards to eco-conscious loyalty programs isn’t just a trend; it’s the future. By integrating renewable energy, sustainable practices, and environmental responsibility into loyalty structures, brands can drive engagement, create meaningful connections, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Without resilient, responsive, and renewable-ready transformer networks, India’s decarbonization goals risk being destabilized by the very variability they aim to harness.