The long read: Change to the cast
Few in the industry predicted the speed at which monocrystalline technology would develop, or the impressive cost reductions it would achieve by 2019. This has left producers of multicrystalline products facing rapidly shrinking market share and struggling to compete on a cost per watt basis. Many are now turning to cast mono processes, essentially creating a monocrystalline, or ‘mono-like’ silicon ingot in a multicrystalline furnace, to reach higher efficiencies and extend equipment lifetimes.
SECI tenders 1.5 GW solar with VGF support for state-run power generators
Micro and mini grid-connected projects will also be considered. The projects—to be developed on ‘build-own-operate’ basis—can be set up anywhere in India for self-use or use by government entities at maximum fixed tariffs of Rs 3.50/kWh. Bidding will close on August 23.
Azure Power wins 300 MW ISTS SECI solar project
The NYSE-listed solar developer now has 1.5 GW of interstate transmission system projects with sovereign counterparties—the largest such portfolio in India.
NSEFI asks ministry to intervene as Andhra Pradesh curtails renewable power
After High Court’s stay on tariff revision, the state government has resorted to unprecedented curtailment of wind and solar power projects.
Tata Power to develop 250 MW project in Gujarat’s Dholera Solar Park
With this win, the company’s capacity under implementation would become 650 MW, which is in addition to the operating capacity of 2,476 MW (comprising 932 MW wind and 1544 MW solar capacity at utility scale).
Uttarakhand allots solar projects worth Rs 600 crore to local developers
The projects—to be set up in capacities of 100 KW and 5000 KW on the barren and uncultivatable lands—will generate an estimated 148.85 MW of solar power.
The long read: The importance of staying cool
“Solar cells prefer to operate in a refrigerator,” says UNSW Professor Martin Green. His global research team is now identifying viable ways to cool down solar PV modules while amping up energy production to an unprecedented level.
QMC bags fresh Amtronics order for solar cell production equipment
The $500k order follows the delivery of two high-volume quantum-dot production systems—valued at $1 million—to support roll-to-roll printing of thin-film solar cells at Assam facility.
BHEL tenders 69 MW solar project work for SCCL in Telangana
The state-owned engineering major has invited bids for supply of balance-of-system items, and installation and commissioning of an aggregate capacity of 69 MW (AC) grid-connected solar plants for Singareni Collieries Company Limited in Telangana. The projects—including 39 MW at Yellandu village and 30 MW at Manuguru—will come up in Bhadadri Kothagudem district of the state. Bidding closes on July 31.
KPI Global signs PPAs for sale of 3.05 MW solar power
The Gujarat-based independent power producer has signed power purchase agreements with three paper mills—two in Vapi and one in Surat—for sale of solar power totaling 3.05 MW for a period of 15 years.
