Opinion & Analysis

Carbon as collateral represents a practical financial innovation that can influence the pace of sustainable adoption in India. It assigns clear monetary value to environmental benefit and integrates this into consumer lending models. With appropriate regulatory backing and reliable accounting systems, the idea holds potential to expand credit availability, reduce cost barriers and support national climate commitments while creating long term economic opportunities.

At their core, smart meters are data engines. They provide utilities with visibility into how, when and where electricity is consumed. That granular knowledge allows grid operators to forecast demand more accurately, balance loads and absorb greater volumes of variable solar generation. Without it, the grid risks becoming brittle, prone to blackouts when clouds pass over solar farms or demand surges unexpectedly.

With U.S. domestic steel mills booked solid through 2025, a sudden doubling of tariffs on imported steel has created a critical bottleneck for American industries. The move, which hits specialized Indian steel particularly hard, is now delaying projects for builders and renewable energy developers who rely on steady, affordable supply.

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.

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that solar irradiance fell by up to 30% in India’s northern regions during the southwest monsoon season, while central areas of the country made solar gains.

The gradual phase-out of ISTS charges waiver for solar and wind projects–75% for projects commissioned by June 30, 2026, 50% by June 30, 2027, and 25% by June 30, 2028, and zero thereafter–is bound to push up final price for end consumers. The shift could increase tariffs by INR 0.40–0.50 per unit

The draft order for the implementation of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for wafers and ingots clearly indicates the government’s commitment to advancing domestic solar PV upstream integration and bridging the capacity gap between modules, cells, and wafers. Issuing this order nearly three years before its effective date and one year before the implementation of ALMM List-II will allow solar manufacturers to plan for wafer capacity alongside their upcoming cell capacities.

India’s rooftop solar potential is vast. Policy momentum, domestic manufacturing expansion, and innovative retail models are laying the groundwork for mass adoption. The focus now must be on making solar a simple, dependable household choice — where purchasing panels is as straightforward as buying a home appliance.

Hydrogen is moving quickly from promise to reality, and pipelines will be the foundation of this transition. The world is preparing to invest billions in hydrogen-ready transport networks, and the demand for advanced steel pipes will surge. With its strong track record, competitive costs, and supportive policies, India is well-positioned to lead.

When you combine lower solar hardware costs with rising grid tariffs, payback periods tighten—especially for homes that consume 200–400 units a month and can run major daytime loads (fridge, fans, air-cooling, work-from-home equipment) on solar power.