Asia

Electric vehicles could account for more than half of all passenger cars and buses sold throughout the world within the next two decades, according to a new report by BloombergNEF. Sliding lithium-ion battery costs will make EVs cheaper than vehicles based on internal combustion engines by the mid- to late-2020s, the research firm says.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has said that off-grid solar plants that have been installed under its own programmes can be connected to the grid in locations where net-metering provisions are in place.

Rajasthan Electronics & Instruments Limited (REIL), Jaipur, has invited bids to supply 4.3 W and 4.5 W multicrystalline silicon solar cells. The deadline for submissions is June 4.

U.S.-based PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) has found that Vikram Solar’s Somera monocrystalline silicon and Eldora polycrystalline silicon PV modules met and exceeded international quality and performance benchmarks.

Borosil Glass Works plans to consolidate its solar business by amalgamating Gujarat Borosil, Vyline Glass and Fennel Investments, while simultaneously demerging its consumer and scientific glassware business. Post restructuring, Borosil Glass Works will be renamed as Borosil Renewables.

In a recent survey, an overwhelming 73% of respondents said they remain upbeat about India’s renewable growth prospects, despite recent policy reversals and various other operational challenges the industry faces.

This is Tata Power’s fourth major partnership with an energy retailer to expand its presence in the e-mobility business. As part of the MoU, the private-sector electricity generator with work with Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) to set up solar rooftop projects and commercial-scale electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery swapping stations.

A unit of Piramal Group will be investment and project manager for the fund, prompting speculation cash will be spent on assets developed by Mytrah Energy.

While Bureau of India Standards certification is a genuine attempt by the Indian government to mitigate the risks associated with poor solar module quality, there are several reasons why it is not 100% effective. pv magazine India’s Uma Gupta investigates India’s efforts to ensure quality in its booming PV industry.

The import of secondary cells and batteries of lead-acid and nickel-based chemistries will be allowed subject to IEC 61427 certification of the product and certificate issued by the MNRE, along with an undertaking from the supplier that the products will be utilised for solar PV power projects only.