PM Modi Inaugurates Sunstream’s 140 MWp Solar Project in Maharashtra; Company Targets 1 GW Renewable Portfolio

Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated Sunstream Green Energy’s 140 MWp solar project in Maharashtra, as part of the 2,458 MW of renewable energy projects launched nationwide. The Company also announced its plan to develop a 1-gigawatt (GW) portfolio of operating renewable energy assets within the next 18–24 months. This vision builds on Sunstream’s 500 MW project portfolio with 250 MW operational and 250 MW under execution, underlining its strategy of scaling high-quality assets for India’s clean energy transition.

Sunstream Green Energy was founded by Mr Bhadra Kanaiya in 2019 which is backed by Lighthouse Trust Singapore based, emerging market focussed growth fund, “At Sunstream, our work is centered on powering India’s Utility and C&I sector with reliable distributed renewable energy. Our 140 MWp project in Maharashtra reflects our execution strength, while our long-term focus is on helping large corporates and multinational companies achieve their clean energy and net-zero commitments,” said Kanaiya Bhadra, Founder & CEO, Sunstream Green Energy.

The launch of 2,458 MW of solar projects by Prime Minister Modi marks a major step in India’s journey toward energy independence and net-zero by 2070. With PM-KUSUM the world’s largest distributed renewable energy program and initiatives such as Maharashtra’s Mukhya Mantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY), India is building a model that combines clean power growth with economic empowerment.

Sunstream Green Energy’s strategic focus is to be the partner of choice for Corporate & Industrial customers, including listed entities and multinational corporations. By delivering cost-effective and scalable renewable power solutions, the company enables its customers to lower energy costs, enhance competitiveness, and meet global sustainability commitments such as RE100 and net-zero goals. With its growing expertise in hybrid and storage-backed solutions, Sunstream is also enabling corporates to secure reliable round-the-clock clean power for their operations.

Backed by a Lighthouse Trust, Singapore-based fund, Sunstream Green Energy is well-capitalized to expand its footprint. The company is actively developing projects that integrate solar, wind, and energy storage, strengthening its position as a trusted partner for corporates in their net-zero transition.

Nextracker Achieves 10 GW Solar Tracker Milestone in India

Nextracker (Nasdaq: NXT), a global leader in advanced solar energy solutions, today announced that it has surpassed 10 gigawatts (GW) of solar tracker deployments in India—a major milestone reinforcing its market leadership and the country’s accelerating solar adoption. In response to this growth, Nextracker is expanding its footprint with a new 80,000 sq. ft. office and research and development (R&D) facility in Hyderabad, reinforcing its long-term commitment serving customers throughout the region and India’s clean energy future.

With 1.8 GW of projects added in the last quarter alone, Nextracker’s India portfolio now totals over 10 GW, underscoring strong momentum in solar adoption. Recent project wins include a 305 MW project with ReNew in Anantapur, along with 1.5 GW of projects through partnerships with key EPCs (engineering, procurement, and construction companies) across the country—highlighting Nextracker’s expanding presence in India’s high-growth solar regions.

Speaking on the partnership with Nextracker for the Anantapur project, Sanjay Varghese, Group President – Solar Projects & Manufacturing, ReNew, said, “We welcome Nextracker as a partner in supporting our solar projects. As we continue to expand our footprint in renewable energy, such collaborations help in driving project efficiency and contributing to the sector’s broader goals.”

To further strengthen its presence in the world’s third-largest solar power market, Nextracker inaugurated its largest office outside the United States. The new Hyderabad hub integrates R&D, testing, and workforce development under one roof, featuring a 13-acre Center for Solar Excellence (CFSE) cutting-edge R&D and testing laboratory. Supported by a USD $1 million investment, the CFSE is dedicated to advancing local solar technology and training in India.

Building on its existing workforce of over 400 employees in India, Nextracker is accelerating its hiring efforts across engineering, manufacturing, and customer support. The Hyderabad facility will also focus on skill development initiatives to nurture local expertise in advanced solar technology and project execution.

Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, 95% of Nextracker’s tracker components used in India are manufactured domestically. This localization supports supply chain resilience, energy security, and technology localization, enabling Indian solar developers to access industry-leading, climate-resilient solutions tailored to the country’s unique energy landscape and conditions.

Rajeev Kashyap, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Nextracker (Middle East, Africa, and India) said, “This region is one of the world’s fastest-growing solar markets, and our Hyderabad expansion reflects our deep commitment to supporting that growth. With 10 GW of projects commissioned or under delivery, we are equipping developers with best-in-class technology optimized for the country’s diverse needs, while investing in local talent, infrastructure, and innovation to meet the country’s renewable energy goals.”

“Nextracker’s investment in advanced manufacturing is not only a significant milestone for the company, but also an important moment for India’s broader renewable energy ecosystem,” said Subrahmanyam Pulipaka, CEO, National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI). “This kind of technology-driven, future-forward collaboration exemplifies what we need to achieve our national clean energy goals. By localizing the production of intelligent solar tracking systems and integrating advanced automation with domestic expertise, Nextracker is making a meaningful contribution to India's Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision in the renewable energy sector.”

“At NSEFI, we believe India’s next phase of solar growth will be driven by innovation, resilience, and self-reliance,” said Pulipaka. “Partnerships like Nextracker’s—linking global technology with domestic manufacturing—are key to scaling our energy transition while ensuring quality and sustainability. We commend their leadership and look forward to supporting more such initiatives aligned with India’s renewable energy targets.”

NTPC Signs PPA with Indian Army for Sale of Power

NTPC and Indian Army signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) on 3rd February for sale of power (200 kW RE-RTC) from Solar-Hydrogen based Microgrid at Chushul (Ladakh) for a period of 25 years.

The agreement was signed by Shri DMR Panda, CGM (NTPC-Hydrogen) and Shri Aditya Harshey, Brigadier and Chief Engineer (Indian Army), Leh.

Solar-Hydrogen based microgrid offers a solution to replace Army’s existing diesel gensets thus avoiding fossil fuel logistics arrangement and 1500 ton/year CO2.

This is world’s most unique hydrogen based off-grid microgrid project at an altitude of 4400m and temperatures dipping to -30 deg C in winter. Once operational, it would usher in a new era of decarbonisation and modernisation of the defence sector in the border locations of the Himalayas.

Adani Green Energy and TotalEnergies Setup 50-50 Joint Venture

Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) has signed a 50:50 joint venture (JV) agreement with TotalEnergies. This partnership aims to manage a portfolio of solar projects totaling 1,150 MW in Gujarat, India. TotalEnergies has invested USD 444 million for a 50% stake in the JV.

This collaboration underscores both companies' commitment to accelerating India's transition to clean energy. The projects are part of the world's largest renewable energy plant being developed by AGEL in Khavda, Gujarat.

According to the exchange filing TotalEnergies has invested USD 444 million in its subsidiary to acquire a 50 per cent stake in AGEL's solar projects located at the world's largest renewable energy plant in Khavda, Gujarat.

"We would like to inform that the company has signed a Joint Venture Agreement with TotalEnergies Renewables Singapore Pte Ltd (TotalEnergies) and Adani Renewable Energy Sixty Four Ltd (ARE64L)," AGEL said in the filing.

Adani Renewable Energy Sixty Four Ltd (ARE64L) is a subsidiary of Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL). This joint venture will manage a portfolio of 1,150 MWac solar projects located in Khavda, Gujarat.

This collaboration is part of a broader effort to expand renewable energy capacity in India, leveraging both companies' expertise to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

TotalEnergies and Adani Group have multiple joint ventures beyond their recent solar projects collaboration.

In 2018, TotalEnergies acquired a 37.4% stake in Adani Gas Limited, which was later renamed Adani Total Gas Limited. This JV focuses on city gas distribution and associated LNG terminal businesses.

TotalEnergies holds a 50% stake in the Dhamra LNG project, which includes the development of an LNG regasification terminal. This terminal is expected to start operations soon and aims to enhance India’s LNG infrastructure.

L&T Wins Order to Build 185MW Solar Combined with 254 MW Energy-Storage Plant in in Lakshisarai District, Bihar

The Power Transmission & Distribution (PT&D) vertical of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has won a domestic order to build a grid-connected 185MW Solar PV Plant along with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) having multitudes of MWh capacity.

The Solar PV plant at Kajra in Lakshisarai district will be a key element in Bihar’s plans to harness renewable energy for sustainable energy solutions towards combating climate change and meeting demand growth.

According to the company’s classification of projects, the value of the order is between 1,000 to 2,500 crore INR.

The BESS, with a capacity of 254MWh will enable storing solar energy during low-demand period and discharging when the demand peaks. In addition, the BESS will also help smoothening the fluctuations in generation, frequency regulation and voltage support. It comes with black start capability to the grid which will facilitate quick re-energisation after an outage.

Commenting on the order win, Mr A Ravindran, Sr Vice President & Head of Renewable Strategic Business Group, PT&D, said: “This is a welcome addition to our Renewable EPC portfolio of 18 GWp (Gigawatt Peak) cumulative capacity, comprising solar and wind generation projects already commissioned and in the making. On the Battery Energy Storage System front, we handle more than 1.5 GWh of storage capacity. This rich experience has made us the EPC partner of choice for developers globally”.

Mr T Madhava Das, Whole-time Director & Sr Executive Vice President (Utilities) - Larsen & Toubro, complemented saying: “Our expertise in providing renewable energy solutions encompasses a vast array of technologies involved in ground-mounted and floating solar generation, grid scale and distributed energy storage systems, efficient transmission and distribution networks and allied digital energy solutions. Our footprint in facilitating clean energy extends to multiple geographies including India, Middle East and the Far East, enabling our customers to develop GW-scale projects economically with safety, quality and timely delivery”

Cisco and Morgan Solar Piloting Project That Powers Office Spaces with Solar Energy

Cisco and Morgan Solar have teamed up for an innovative pilot project that aims to power collaboration and meeting spaces using solar energy. This project is a part of their efforts to unlock clean energy adoption in office spaces.

Below is the brief overview of the project:

• Energy Blinds: The project features Morgan Solar’s Energy Blinds, which are photovoltaic, algorithmically controlled window shades designed to capture clean, solar energy.
• Power-over-Ethernet: Cisco’sPower-over-Ethernet (PoE) switch is used to distribute the energy within the room efficiently.
• Webex Integration: The system is integrated with Cisco’s Webex platform, which detects when the room is not in use, thereby maximizing energy generation and minimizing consumption.
• Sustainability Goals: The solution offers businesses a new way to approach their path to net zero, providing innovative methods that can be used in commercial office spaces to advance sustainability goals through technology.

The pilot project, which is currently deployed at Cisco’s Toronto Innovation Centre, has shown promising initial results, producing up to 50W of renewable energy per window. This energy is sufficient to run the required equipment and devices in the pilot room. When the room is not occupied, the system stores excess solar energy for later use or during peak times when grid energy may be more expensive.

This initiative not only supports sustainability but also offers tangible business value, including cost savings and enhanced productivity. It could also contribute to achieving LEED certification in older buildings. With Canada committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, projects like this represent a creative approach to meeting national sustainability goals.

The two companies are also planning to expand the Cisco and Morgan Solar project. The first pilot project is currently deployed at Cisco’s Toronto Innovation Centre, and there are plans to include two additional customer sites. While the current information does not specify the exact locations or timeline for the global expansion, the inclusion of more sites indicates a move towards broader implementation.

The project's success at the initial site could pave the way for further expansion, potentially on a global scale. This would enable greater energy efficiency and on-site energy generation than rooftop solar alone, providing businesses with innovative approaches to achieve their sustainability goals.

Keep an eye out for updates from Cisco and Morgan Solar, here at IndianWeb2.com, as they continue to develop and potentially expand this promising clean energy initiative.

Adani Green Completes the 1,050 MW JV With TotalEnergies, Raises $300 Mn

• Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) completed the transfer of 1,050 MW renewable portfolio to a JV between AGEL and TotalEnergies
• AGEL contributed the mix of operational (300 MW), under construction (500 MW) and under development assets (250 MW) and TotalEnergies has made equity investment of USD 300 million

Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) today announced the completion of the 1,050 MW joint venture (JV) with TotalEnergies. As part of the JV, TotalEnergies invested USD 300 million in AGEL subsidiary, for acquiring 50% stake in the projects.

This follows the binding agreement about the JV announced between AGEL and TotalEnergies in September 2023. The JV houses the 1,050 MW portfolio comprising a mix of already operational (300 MW), under construction (500 MW) & under development assets (250 MW) with a blend of both solar & wind power projects in India.

With this transaction, TotalEnergies has reinforced its strategic alliance with AGEL and support in enabling AGEL’s target of 45 GW capacity by 2030.

Earlier this week, AGEL announced the execution of power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to supply 1,799 MW of solar power. With the signing of this balance PPA, AGEL completed the power offtake tie-up for the entire 8,000 MW manufacturing-linked solar tender awarded to it by SECI in June 2020, which set a record for being the world’s largest solar tender.

NLC India Secures Entire Capacity of 810 MW Grid Connected Solar Photovoltaic Power Project in Rajasthan

NLC India Limited, a Navratna Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSE) under the Ministry of Coal, has successfully garnered the entire capacity of the 810 MW Solar PV project Capacity from Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Nigam Limited (RRVUNL).

NLCIL has won 810 MW Solar PV tender floated by RRVUNL, in December 2022, for developing RRVUNL’s 2000 MW Ultra Mega Solar Park at Pugal Tehsil, Bikaner District, Rajasthan. The Letter of Intent for this project has been issued by RRVUNL. This achievement marks a significant step forward in NLCIL's commitment to clean and sustainable energy solutions.

The land for the project and the power evacuation system connected to STU will be offered by RVUNL, paving the way for completion of the project at shorter period. This is the largest Renewable project to be developed by the company. With this project, the capacity of power project in Rajasthan will be 1.36 GW including 1.1 GW of green power, bringing economies of scale and optimized fixed costs.

Considering the good Solar radiation at Rajasthan, the higher CUF for the project is possible and will generate green power of more than 50 Billion Units and offsets more than 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions during the life of the project.

Currently, the company is establishing 50 MW Solar project at Mined out land, 200 MW Solar project under CPSU scheme on Pan-India basis, 300 MW Solar project under CPSU Scheme at Barsingsar, Bikaner District & 600 MW Solar project at Khavda Solar project, Bhuj District, Gujarat.

Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD, said that the company was the first CPSU to install 1 GW of RE capacity and NLCIL is currently developing 2 GW RE capacity across India including this project with target to reach more than 6 GW RE capacity by 2030, in line with the commitment of the Govt. of India, augmenting RE capacity addition.

Nextracker India Achieves 10 GW Annual Domestic Manufacturing Capacity to Serve India’s Rapidly Expanding Solar Power Market

Nextracker hits milestone of over 5 gigawatts (GW) of smart solar tracker systems with 80% local content for Indian utility-scale solar power generation

Nextracker (Nasdaq: NXT), a leading global provider of intelligent solar tracker and software solutions, today announced the Company now has contracted for 10 GW per annum of local India manufacturing capacity. This is in line with the company’s focus to provide advanced locally sourced solar tracker technology solutions that optimize power generation as India steps up construction of new solar parks.

Aligned with the Government’s Make in India initiative, Nextracker is producing its solar tracker systems with over 80% domestic content for utility-scale power generation projects in India. Nextracker's strong local presence is evident through its collaboration with eleven manufacturing suppliers with thirteen factories located across the country, and the creation of approximately 2,000 clean energy jobs, including over 200 Nextracker India employees. With this strategic undertaking, Nextracker is not only accelerating project execution timelines but also ensuring energy supply security, lower costs, local jobs, and economic development.

"Nextracker has firmly established our presence in India's vibrant renewable energy sector, with over five gigawatts of systems under fulfilment or operational,” stated Dan Shugar, Nextracker founder and CEO. “As India transitions from coal-based power and sets its sights on achieving over 64% non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030, we are committed to serving our customers with the highest performing solar power systems to advance the nation’s goals for domestic content and decarbonization.”

Nextracker is actively advancing India's renewable energy sector with prominent EPC companies such as Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy, Amara Raja Infra Private Limited, and Rays Power Infra, as well as established developers such as NTPC. Solar power project deliveries and construction are occurring in several regions including Karnataka, Gujarat, and Rajasthan to fortify 
India's clean economy landscape.

“We’ve selected Nextracker’s cutting-edge technology to help unlock the full potential of solar power and accelerate India's renewable energy objectives,” stated Dwarakanadha Reddy, Business Head- Power, Amara Raja Infra Private Limited. 

“Our partnership with Nextracker opens new horizons for solar energy in India,” said Ketan Mehta, MD & CEO, Rays Power Infra. “Beyond the numbers and capacity, this collaboration is about embracing technological excellence. Together, we are moving towards a sustainable and advanced India.”

About Nextracker

Nextracker is one of the leading providers of intelligent, integrated solar tracker and software solutions used in utility-scale and distributed generation solar projects around the world. Our products enable solar panels in utility-scale power plants to follow the sun’s movement across the sky and optimize plant performance. With over 75 gigawatts shipped worldwide, Nextracker leads the solar industry with solar tracker technologies that optimize and increase energy production while reducing costs for significant plant ROI. For more information, please visit Nextracker. 

Tata Power Renewable Energy to Set Up 41 MW Captive Solar Plant for TP Solar Upcoming 4.3 GW Solar cell and module Manufacturing Facility in Tamil Nadu

Captive plant to generate 101 million units of electricity a year, offsetting 71,577 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions

Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power Company Limited, will set up a 41 MW captive solar plant at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu for TP Solar Limited (TP Solar)’s new greenfield 4.3 GW solar cell and module manufacturing facility located at Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The captive plant will help generate 101 million units of electricity and offset around 72,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

A captive solar power plant refers to a solar power plant that has been implemented by a company for its own consumption.

This captive solar project will be commissioned 12 months from the signing of the Project Development Agreement (PDA). TPREL has established TP Govardhan Creatives Limited, a specialized entity entrusted with the development, operation, and upkeep of this facility for TP Solar. TP Solar’s manufacturing plant is expected to start commercial production of cells and modules by FY 24-25. TP Solar Ltd., is a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited.

With this new captive solar plant, TPREL’s total capacity will expand to 7,877 MW including 3,720 MW of projects at different stages of implementation, and an operational capacity of 4,157 MW, comprising 3,154 MW solar energy and 1,003 MW wind energy.

Mr. Ashish Khanna, CEO, TPREL, said, “Green energy supply to our state-of-the-art 4.3 GW solar cell and module manufacturing facility from the captive solar plant is a shining example of our commitment to a sustainable transition to green energy. This arrangement will act as a model for all the upcoming solar component manufacturing facilities to source green energy for their production and the resulting domino effect will significantly contribute towards the country’s ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by the end of this decade.”

Odisha Gets 1000 MW Solar Energy Projects, As NHPC Inks MoU with GRIDCO

NHPC Limited, the largest hydropower development organization in India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GRIDCO Odisha, Government of Odisha, for “Development of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) and Renewable Energy in the State of Odisha”.

The MoU envisages setting up Self-identified Pumped Storage Projects of at least 2,000 MW and Renewable Energy Projects (Ground-Mounted Solar Projects / Floating Solar Projects) of at least 1,000 MW in the state.

For an uninitiated, Pumped storage projects (PSPs) are hydroelectric power generation systems that use two water reservoirs at different elevations. During periods of low electricity demand, excess electricity from the grid is used to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir. PSPs have found their way onto the agenda of the central and state governments as they can potentially bridge the gap in peak demand and supply and offer stability to the power grid.

The Government of Odisha is exploring different sources of clean energy, to meet its increasing energy requirement, diversify sources of energy and address potential climate change issues. With about 280 - 300 days of sunshine a year and a Global Horizontal Solar resource average of about 4.5-5.0 KWh/m2/day, Odisha has fairly good potential for solar power generation.

In March this year, Odisha's Higher Education department had announced that it would install solar power systems on the campuses of 48 government degree colleges and 16 teacher education institutes under its jurisdiction as per Odisha Renewable Energy Policy 2022.

Under its Renewable Energy Policy, the state government also offers incentives and subsidy to users installing solar energy methods especially solar rooftop.

Last October, GRIDCO announced that the Sun temple and the Konark town will be fully illuminated by solar power under MNRE scheme.

New Study Alerts Investors in Solar/ Wind Energy As Climate Change Adversely Impacts The Future Trends

Climate change is expected to impact future renewable energy production, more specifically — Solar and Wind  —, and the potential of these green energies over the Indian landmass are likely to face a negative trend in coming times and it is due to climate change, said a new study by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), an autonomous scientific institute based in Pune, that engages in expanded research in the tropical Indian Ocean with special reference to monsoon meteorology, and air-sea interaction of South Asian climate.

Among various renewable energy components, wind and solar, are sensitive to even small changes in atmospheric conditions and therefore, to climate change.

The study report highlights that investors in Solar & Wind Energy sector should understand and consider possible changes due to climate change. The study by IITM analyze the future wind and solar energy potential over the Indian landmass using climate model ensembles.

If the return of investments (RoI) during other seasons is not profitable, the dependence on renewable energy may be reduced, said the study titled 'Analysis of future wind and solar potential over India using climate models'.

Interesting to note that, IITM has one of the largest computational capacities of India as well as a supercomputer called 'Pratyush'. With IITM, India is the fourth country in the world to have a High-Performance Computing (HPC) facility dedicated to weather and climate research, after Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Regional analysis of wind potential indicates that the frequency of high energy producing wind speeds will decrease, whereas low energy producing wind speeds are likely to increase in the future. On the other hand, solar radiation is estimated to decrease (10–15 Wm–2) over the next 50 years during all seasons.

With the estimated decrease in future wind and solar energy potential, expanded and more efficient networks of wind and solar farms are needed to increase renewable energy production.

Wind Energy

Climate change can induce inter-annual variations that affect wind dependence over existing and future energy grids.

India mainly receives majority of its wind energy during the southwest monsoon and solar energy during the pre-monsoon season. Previous climatic analysis has reported that the wind potential over India is likely to be affected because of the Indian Ocean warming.

In future, seasonal and annual wind speed is likely to decrease over North India and increase along South India, said the study titled 'Analysis of future wind and solar potential over India using climate models'.

The researchers used state-of-the-art climate models devised by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to analyze the wind and solar projections for the renewable energy sector over the Indian subcontinent.

Regional analysis of wind potential indicates that the frequency of high energy producing wind speeds will decrease, whereas low energy producing wind speeds are likely to increase in the future.

The southern coast of Odisha and the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu show promising potential for wind energy in the climate change scenario.

Solar Energy

The Indian subcontinent receives maximum solar radiation during the pre-monsoon months and minimum during the winter months. As per latest report, India added 513 MW of solar open access capacity in Q1 2022, which is 58% higher quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) compared to 324 MW installed in Q4 2021. 

Solar projections for the future indicate that solar radiation will decrease during all seasons over most of the Indian landmass. For future investments in the solar power sector, central and south-central India must be considered during pre-monsoon months, as the potential loss is minimal in these regions.

As per the study, which used climate model CORDEX for simulations, an increase in solar radiation along southern India is observed, whereas the rest of the country did not show any significant variations.

North-western India, where the maximum number of solar farms are located, showed reduced future projections of solar radiation throughout the year, except for the pre-monsoon months.

The only regions which showed an increase in future solar projections were Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The future solar radiation would reduce all over the country. Western India showed less variations during the prominent solar potential months of pre-monsoon, while eastern India showed reduction in solar radiation throughout the year.

It is to be noted that there are innovations in solar panels components, where the panel does not need direct sunlight and can produce electricity even when not facing much of the sun.

For Investors

Cost reduction for new wind farms and solar fields has made drastic changes in the investment in recent years. Studies that examine the possible changes in wind and solar potential over the Indian region are limited in the literature.

As climate change is expected to impact both wind and solar potential in the future, there is a requirement for proper documentation of the results from climate model simulations. This will help the investors in this sector to carefully plan their investments, which are expected to significantly increase in the next 30–40 years in the Indian region.

For future investments in the solar power sector, central and south-central India must be considered during pre-monsoon months, as the potential loss is minimum in these regions.

DCM Shriram Ltd. and ReNew Power Sign an Agreement to Set Up 50 MW Hybrid Wind/Solar Projects for its Manufacturing Facility in Bharuch, Gujarat

One of the largest corporate renewable power supply deals in India under captive model. 

DCM Shriram Ltd. (DCM Shriram), a leading business conglomerate with a group turnover of ₹9,849 crore, and ReNew Power (“ReNew” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: RNW, RNWWW), India’s major renewable energy company, today announced signing of two Captive Power Agreements (CPAs) that will see 50 MW of renewable energy supplied from ReNew’s two upcoming projects in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, to DCM Shriram’s Chlor-Alkali manufacturing facility in Bharuch district, Gujarat.

The combined transaction is one of the largest corporate renewable power supply deals in India under an OpEx (operating expenses) with a captive model.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Ajay S. Shriram, Chairman and Sr. Managing Director, DCM Shriram Ltd., said, “We as a group are committed to improving our energy footprint and this is a step in that direction. We are happy to collaborate with ReNew Power in our journey towards renewable energy for our Chlor-Alkali manufacturing facility at Bharuch, Gujarat.”

He added, “With a long-term commitment towards ESG, the Captive Power Agreements for green energy have been signed for 25 years and will mitigate ~2,25,000 tCO2e (carbon emissions) annually.”

Speaking on the CPAs, Mr. Sumant Sinha, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of ReNew Power, said, “We are proud to partner with DCM Shriram, which is showing leadership is moving to cleaner sources of energy and in addressing broader climate issues, as well as in supporting India’s ambitious climate goals.

We are confident that more and more responsible corporates such as DCM Shriram will move to renewables at an accelerated pace, as it not only shows a focus on sustainability concerns that are critical but also reflects that green energy is increasingly cost-effective for businesses,” Sumant added.

The 50-MW hybrid project, which, overall, has ~100 MW of wind and solar generation capacity at its backend, is expected to generate ~250 million units of renewable energy every year exclusively for the DCM Shriram’s Bharuch facility.

ReNew will be setting up the two hybrid projects with a total investment of ~ ₹8 billion through an equity partnership of ~ ₹630 million by DCM Shriram Ltd.

India's Solar Open Access Installations Up 58% QoQ with 513 MW in Q1 2022

Top five states accounted for 86% of open access installations in Q1 2022

In Q1 2022, India added 513 MW of solar open access capacity, 58% higher quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) compared to 324 MW installed in Q4 2021. Year-over-year (YoY) installations increased 22% compared to 422 MW in Q1 2021, according to Mercom India Research’s newly released report - Mercom India Solar Open Access Market Report Q1 2022.

As of March 2022, cumulative installed solar capacity in the open access market was over 5.7 GW. The top five states made up 73% of the country's cumulative open access solar installations.

The development pipeline of open access solar projects in the country was over 2 GW as of Q1 2022.

The top five states made up 86% of total installations during the quarter. Karnataka was the top state, accounting for 30% of installations during the quarter and 37% of cumulative installations in the country. The streamlining of open access regulations, timely DISCOM approvals, early commissioning of projects, and the increase in captive projects due to cost-saving benefits drove the open access segment in the state.

The report details various short-term markets such as the Day-Ahead Market (DAM), Green Day-Ahead Market (GDAM), Green Term-Ahead Market (GTAM), Term-Ahead Market (TAM), and the Real-Time Market (RTM), all of which have been experiencing a surge in activity.

The GTAM market witnessed a 49% decrease in volumes traded through October, November, and December 2021. October had the highest traded volume, while November realized the lowest market-clearing price. Green energy in the term ahead market traded via the IEX saw a 3% decrease in prices QoQ.

The relationship between the volume and price of green power transactions in the short-term market has been detailed in the report.

“Commercial and industrial consumers are realizing that open access solar has the dual advantage of climate mitigation and reducing their operating cost. Developers are also wading through policy challenges to ensure consumers reap the benefits. The green energy open access rule could just break this logjam and pave the way for the open access solar market to explode,” commented Priya Sanjay, Managing Director at Mercom India.

The report provides a detailed analysis of the solar open access business overview, retail electricity tariff, and open access charges and costs for Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala.

The average PPA price in the above states, the net landed costs, and the open access policies and regulations released in Q1 2022 are featured in the report.

The highlights on the banking policies have been added in this quarter’s report for three states - Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

The report also highlights the views and opinions of the top open access installers in the country.

Key Highlights from Mercom India Research’s India Solar Open Access Market Report Q1 2022 —

• India added 513 MW of solar open access capacity in Q1 2022, a 58% QoQ increase and a 22% YoY increase
• As of March 2022, the total installed solar capacity in the open access segment was over 5.7 GW
• The top five states contributed to 86% of all open access installations in Q1 2022
• Karnataka had the highest solar open access capacity installed, accounting for 30% of installations during the quarter
• Maharashtra surpassed Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh to become the second-largest state for cumulative open access solar installations
• The second-highest installations in Q1 2022 was in Maharashtra, with an impressive 131% (QoQ) increase
• The volume of renewable energy trading in the green term-ahead market dipped 49% through October, November, and December 2021

“Mercom India Solar Open Access Market Report Q1 2022” report is 116 pages and covers vital information and data on the market. For the complete report, visit:
https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-open-access-market-report-q1-2022

India Adds 3 GW of Solar in Q1 2022, a 50% Increase Year-Over-Year

In Q1 2022, India added over 3 GW of solar capacity, a 21% increase compared to 2.6 GW installed in Q4 2021. Year-over-year (YoY) installations rose by 50% compared to the 2 GW added in Q1 2021, according to the newly released Q1 2022 India Solar Market Update by Mercom India Research.

During Q1 2022, 2.7 GW of large-scale solar was installed, a quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) increase of 23% and a 53% YoY increase.

Large-scale solar accounted for 85% of the installations, and rooftop accounted for the remaining 15% during the reporting period.

India’s cumulative installed solar capacity now stands at 52 GW.

According to the report, while 2021 was the most significant year for the Indian solar industry, with over 10 GW of installations, 2022 is slated to be an even stronger year.

There is still a lot of ambiguity around projects impacted by the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). To protect the critically endangered bird, the Supreme Court earlier said that transmission lines running through the priority areas of the GIB need to be either underground or have bird diverters installed. A Committee has been formed to review cases individually and provide their feedback to the Apex Court. This process is taking time and will likely affect project development this year.

“The uncertainty around the Great Indian Bustard case in Rajasthan is the only issue standing in the way of 2022 being another record year for solar installations. Everything depends on the Supreme Court ruling and how quickly it is resolved. A little push from the government can help India surpass the 60 GW large-scale solar installation target set for 2022, which will be a great achievement,” said Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group.

Rajasthan became the first state to cross 10 GW of cumulative large-scale solar PV installations, with over 10 GW installed as of March 2022, and accounts for 24% of the total installations in the country.

In Q1 2022, Rajasthan and Gujarat were the top states for solar, accounting for 52% and 18% of installations, respectively, followed by Karnataka with 6%. 

Multiple implementing agencies announced about 5 GW of tenders in Q1 2022, a decrease of 52% YoY compared to over 10 GW announced in Q1 2021. Tender activity in Q1 2022 declined by about 18% QoQ compared to nearly 6 GW released in Q4 2021.

With the BCD applicable from the second quarter (Q2) of 2022 on solar cells and modules, this quarter saw a significant increase in solar module imports, noted the report. In Q1 2022, developers procured almost 10 GW of solar modules and stockpiled them ahead of the advent of Basic Customs Duty (BCD), which took effect on April 1, 2022. Several developers tried to commission their projects before the BCD came into effect. They wanted to avoid paying the additional duty and claim the amount later due to the cumbersome regulatory process.

 
In Q1 2022, India added 4.6 GW of total power capacity, with most new installations coming from solar power. Solar accounted for 68% of new power capacity during the quarter, the largest share captured by solar in any given quarter.

 
Key Highlights from Mercom India Research's Q1 2022 India Solar Market Update:

• In Q1 2022, India added over 3 GW of solar capacity, a 21% increase compared to 2.6 GW installed in Q4 2021.
• Large-scale solar accounted for 86% of the installations, and rooftop solar for the remaining 14%.
• India’s cumulative installed solar capacity now stands at 52 GW.
• In Q1 2022, renewable energy sources accounted for about 81%.
• Solar accounted for 68% of new power capacity during the quarter.
• In Q1 2022, Rajasthan and Gujarat were the top states for solar installations.
• Rajasthan became the first state to cross 10 GW of cumulative large-scale solar PV installations.

Mercom's India Solar Q1 2022 report is 116 pages and covers all facets of India's solar market. For the complete report, visit: https://mercomindia.com/product/q1-2022-india-solar-market-update

Mercom Communications India, a subsidiary of U.S.-based Mercom Capital Group, is a clean energy research and communications firm in India recognized worldwide for its expertise in Indian cleantech markets. Located in Bangalore, India, Mercom has been providing communications and research services across India for clean energy organizations since early 2009. For more information, visit: https://www.mercomindia.com

The country has a utility-scale projects development pipeline of over 54 GW. Another 33 GW of projects tendered are awaiting auction.

Amp Energy India Commissions Solar Power Project for Bosch Limited

Bosch Limited, a leading supplier of technology and services in the areas of Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology in India has partnered with Amp Energy India, one of India’s first truly balanced renewable IPP for its solar energy requirements.

The solar project capacity is 30 MW and would be provided from Amp Energy India’s open access facility in Mallat Village, Raichur district in Karnataka. This is Amp’s third open access project in the state of Karnataka.

Bosch Limited and Amp Energy India have signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for procurement of solar power for 25 years.

This solar open access facility commissioned this month will generate about 43MUs of green energy per year for Bosch Limited and will meet about40% of their energy consumption.

This project will provide solar power to energize 3 Bosch’s plants/facilities in and around Bangalore and by switching to solar power, Bosch will also help mitigate about 31,000 tons of CO2 per annum.

“Solar energy adoption in India by top companies in India has seen a major growth over the last few years, especially post the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic. We are thankful to the Bosch team for extending their continuous support to us since the beginning. With this partnership, we are sure Bosch will setup benchmarks for other conglomerates to follow to switch to clean energy for their growth in the country and move towards accomplishing their RE100 targets,” Mr. Pinaki Bhattacharyya, MD and CEO, Amp Energy India said.

“Bosch globally is stepping up its investments in green energy there by investing in renewable in-house generation power plants and entering into exclusive long-term purchase agreements with partners like Amp Energy.India is an important and key market for us, and we would like to help the country reach its true potential. We are happy to partner with Amp Energy for this project that has helped achieve our sustainability objectives in a timely manner,” said, Mr. Soumitra Bhattacharya Managing Director, Bosch Limited & Regional President, Bosch Group in India.

Amp Energy India with its diversified portfolio of projects has already developed large open access projects including some landmark projects such as the Largest Solar Open Access Project in Maharashtra (30MW), the First captive solar open access project in Uttar Pradesh (42MW) and its second open access project in Maharashtra (13.5MW).

About Amp Energy India

Amp Energy India is India’s first truly balanced Renewable Energy IPP with a total portfolio of about 1.5GW+ spread across 15 states in the country. Amp India has a balanced portfolio of C&I and utility customers which allows it to provide clean and green energy solutions to 45+ marquee customers across 10 diverse sectors such as Pharmaceuticals, Automobiles, Cement, Steel, Heavy Engineering, Infrastructure, FMCG, Educational Institutions, IT & Datacenters, Utilities and Government bodies.

Amp Energy India acts as a One Stop Shop for Energy providing renewable energy solutions to customers across technologies such as Solar, Wind, Hybrids, Storage and Energy Management and has the ability to meet short-term, medium-term and long-term requirements of its customers.

Amp Energy India is also associated with the Amp Energy Group headquartered in Toronto, Canada. With about $2 Billion total Capex financed globally, Amp Energy is a global energy transition platform backed by leading investors such as the Carlyle Group with a focus on the key renewable markets such as US, Canada, India, Japan, Spain and Australia globally.

A Detailed Guide on Solar PV Systems

Solar PV systems are gaining popularity among residential and commercial property owners around the world and India is no exception. People are realizing the various benefits of installing a Solar PV system, and therefore, they are switching to Solar PV systems that harness the sun’s energy to generate greener and inexpensive energy. The switch has also helped them reduce their dependence for power on fossil fuel-backed local grids that not only provide power at higher rates but also add to the carbon footprint woes.

If you too are thinking of switching to a solar power system here are a few things that you should know before you take the plunge.

What is a Solar PV System?

Solar PV systems, as we know, are used to harness the energy of the Sun and convert solar energy into electricity in the form of Direct Current. They do so with the help of solar panels that are made of solar cells that contain a semiconducting material, usually silicon. A typical solar panel has two layers of semiconductor material - a positive and a negative layer. When sunlight strikes the solar panel an electric field is created between these two layers which leads to the generation of Direct Current. This current then gets transferred to the solar inverter which further converts it into alternating current that is used to power home appliances.

Types of Solar PV Systems

Solar PV systems can be categorized into three main types -

1. On Grid or Grid-tied Solar PV systems - These are one of the most commonly found solar PV systems. Properties with on grid solar PV systems are connected to the grid so that they can draw energy from the grid when the solar panels aren’t producing enough power.
2. Off-grid Solar PV systems - The off-grid solar PV systems have no connection to the grid whatsoever. Homes with off grid solar PV systems solely depend on solar panels for their energy requirement. However, they do have solar batteries installed with them so that surplus energy can be stored in these batteries and can be used later when the solar panels aren’t producing any energy.
3. Hybrid systems: The hybrid solar panels are a combination of on grid and off grid solar pv systems. They are connected to the local grid and they also have solar batteries installed with them.

The Components of a Solar PV System

Depending upon the type of solar PV system installed on a property it has some of the following components.

Solar panels

Solar panels are the key components of a solar PV system as they are the ones that capture the sun’s energy and produce electricity. There are two main types of solar panels Monocrystalline PERC and Polycrystalline. Depending upon the required efficiency, roof space, budget and similar other factors you may choose between the two.

Solar racking

Solar panels cannot be directly attached to the roof. Also, due to shading issues, panels need to be installed at a certain height and angle to receive optimal sunlight. It is because of these reasons solar racking (also known as solar mountings) are required.

Solar inverter

The solar inverter is another important component of a solar PV system. It is the solar inverter that converts the DC energy produced by the solar panels into AC form of electricity so that it can be used to power the home appliances. Solar inverters also help protect appliances from voltage fluctuations.

Solar Battery

As mentioned earlier, solar batteries are installed with off-grid and hybrid solar PV systems so that they can store energy which can be used later when the solar panels aren’t generating any energy.

Word of Advice

If you are planning to go solar, you should go with an industry leader in the solar products manufacturing space. One such name that you can consider is Luminous India. They are one of the pioneers in the solar power systems space and are known for manufacturing the best-in-class solar products.

Adani, Tata, and Mahindra Susten Among New Emerging Leaders in India's Solar Market in 1st Half of 2021

Market leaders include Adani, Tata Power Solar, Mahindra Susten, Sineng Electric, Huawei, LONGi, Arctech Solar, Purshotam Profiles, CleanMax Enviro, Sol-Bright, and more

Mercom Communications India, a subsidiary of global clean energy communications and consulting firm Mercom Capital Group, has released its report, India Solar Market Leaderboard 1H 2021. The report unveils the Indian solar industry’s market share leaders and shipment rankings in the first half (1H) of 2021.

During 1H 2021, India installed approximately 4.6 GW of solar projects, a 251% increase compared to the same period last year. India also had a robust pipeline of utility-scale projects under development amounting to 52.8 GW at the end of 1H 2021 and another 27.8 GW of project tenders pending auction.

The report reveals that the top ten large-scale project developers accaount for 67% market share in 1H 2021. Adani was the leading utility-scale solar project developer during 1H 2021. Adani’s portfolio almost doubled after acquiring four operational and under-development assets in the first half of 2021.

Large-scale installations in 1H 2021 accounted for 81% of overall solar installations with 3.7 GW. Solar accounted for 53% of total power capacity additions in 1H 2021, the highest amount for any year.

In 1H 2021, India installed 862 MW of rooftop solar, a 210% increase compared to the 279 MW installed in 1H 2020. Tata Power Solar had the largest rooftop installations in 1H 2021, followed by Fourth Partner. The top ten installers represented 34% of the rooftop solar market share.

Mahindra Susten was the top EPC service provider in 1H 2021, followed by Vikram Solar and Belectric.

Sungrow led the solar inverter market in India in 1H 2021, closely followed by Sineng Electric and TBEA Energy. Five inverter suppliers shipped over 1 GW to India during the period.

LONGi Solar was the top module supplier to India in the first half of the year. The top ten module suppliers accounted for over 77% of the market in 1H 2021. The market is steadily shifting to monocrystalline technology, which accounted for almost two-thirds of the modules shipped in 1H 2021.

Purshotam Profiles was the top supplier of solar mounting structures in 1H 2021 as well as cumulatively. Other leading suppliers of mounting structures included SNS Corporation, ISHKON Industries, Strolar, and Ganges Internationale.

In 1H 2021, the top five open access solar developers accounted for 66% of the market share. CleanMax Solar led in terms of installations.

Sol-Bright was the top supplier of solar robotic cleaning systems in 1H 2021.

For the detailed and comprehensive report, click here.

How Solar Panels are Redefining Ways to Meet Energy Needs

Solar panels are revolutionising the way energy is produced and used. How? Read on to know

In recent decades, there has been a surge in the demand for solar panels and solar energy systems for the home as well as commercial use. The increased adoption of solar power in India has boosted the popularity of sustainable sources of energy across industries. With the shift in public preferences, the price of solar panels in India has dropped drastically, making solar panels more affordable than ever.

Let us take a look at the reasons behind the soaring popularity of solar panels and how they are fulfilling the energy needs of various sectors. We will also look at factors to be considered while choosing the optimal panels to meet your needs.

Why do Solar Panels have an Edge in the Energy Production Process?

Fossil fuels are eventually going to run out, which means solar has the advantage of being a sustainable option. Further, it is not damaging to the environment in any way and does not contribute to global warming the way conventional fossil fuels do.

Given that solar energy systems are highly efficient and the most cost-effective way to produce energy in the long term, it makes sense for industries and residences to switch to solar power at the earliest.

Implementing solar will go a long way in reducing utility bills for homes and offices, and for running electric vehicles. This means that solar panel owners will be able to save a lot of money which can be used to grow their business or meet other needs.

Another reason for solar energy’s popularity is that it is highly scalable. For adding more capacity, users can simply add a new panel rather than paying a higher electricity cost every month.


Users of solar energy also largely benefit from selling the excess solar energy they produce. If the solar panels produce more energy than what the user takes from the grid, the excess energy can be sold to the grid at a profit, proving to be a great source of revenue for the user.

The Long-term Viability of Solar Panels

Unlike conventional sources of energy such as fossil fuels, the solar energy apparatus is extremely long-lasting. It is quite common for solar panels to operate at near-peak productivity for up to 25 years from the date of installation. Apart from that, solar panels do not require costly maintenance. They just have to be cleaned regularly to ensure efficiency and long life.

Picking the Right Solar Panels

Now that you know why solar panels have taken the energy sector by storm, you must know how to choose the right one for your needs to make the best of your investment. Here is the three-step process to picking the optimal solar panels for home as well as commercial use:

• Make sure your solar panel's efficiency is above the industry average of 16%-18%.
• Make sure that the panel manufacturer is providing you with a warranty of around 10-25 years, which is the industry average.
• Make sure that the panels provide value, i.e. they provide the best efficiency possible at a bargain.

Things to Keep in Mind while Picking Solar Panels

The three things to keep in mind while picking a solar panel are—durability, production, and manufacturing quality. To determine the amount of electricity a panel can produce, consider factors such as efficiency, temperature coefficient, power tolerance, and power rating. Next, look into the assurances and warranties on offer from the manufacturer, which will protect you in case the panel simply fails. Further, you can check for the IEC 61215 mark of durability, which is given by the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Conclusion

As you can see, solar panels are revolutionizing the energy sector unlike ever before. Its increased efficiency and long lifespan is driving the popularity of solar power across the world. If you too are planning to make the best of solar energy available and install a solar energy system for your home or commercial use, call Genus. At Genus, we can help you with all aspects of solar power generation and use including on-grid, off-grid and large installations with 300 Watt solar panels. So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to us now.

Arctech White Paper: AI Solar Tracking Solutions Give Energy Output a 7% Boost

SHANGHAI, Jan. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Arctech Solar, a leading solar tracking, racking and BIPV systems provider, has recently released a white paper entitled "The Next Generation of Artificial Intelligence Solar Tracking Solutions" at an online global launch event. The white paper details major upgrades for its tracking solution that can improve power generation of solar power plants by up to 7%, thereby boosting returns for power plant owners and investors.

Co-authored by Arctech's CTO Bruce Wang and Mika Jovanović, the solar technology team leader of DNV·GL, the white paper explores the AI-powered solar tracking solutions that are capable of overcoming the problem of energy production losses suffered by solar power plants due to challenging weather conditions, ubiquitous terrain undulation and inevitable variability in site construction, while ensuring a reliable increase in energy yield throughout the life cycle of PV power plants. 

 
According to the white paper, Arctech's solar tracking solution integrates four strategies: the tracking control strategy on a real terrain, the cloud strategy based on real-time weather data, the bifacial strategy for bifacial modules and trackers and the control strategy based on sharing parameters with inverters.

"Data in the white paper are obtained from simulation and field verification by Arctech Solar. The third-party certification body, DNV·GL, has confirmed the reliability of the published data, and other well-known certification organizations such as TUV Rheinland, TUV Süd and the China General Certification Center also support the assessment report from DNV·GL," said Bruce Wang, Arctech's CTO.

As DNV·GL states in its assessment report, the accredited certification body believes the estimates of Arctech Solar are consistent with DNV·GL's power generation simulation results and previous experience.

Besides, the white paper also offers an overview of Arctech's value-added technical solutions which include an optimized AI tracking algorithm, cleaning robots and a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

"Arctech is always trying to help customers achieve success with best-in-class products and services," said Guy Rong, President of Arctech's Global Business. "We will continue to focus on lowering LCOE, enhancing profits for customers, and helping them make economically unviable projects in the past feasible now through technological innovation. Meanwhile, we will ensure the life cycle security and power generation gains for solar PV power plants. At Arctech, we believe customer's success is Arctech's success!"

To learn more and download the whitepaper: https://www.arctechsolar.us/Alwhitepaper

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1429404/image_830361_40602469.jpg











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