https://solarsathi.co.in/ https://solarsathi.co.in/main_logo.png SolarSathi https://solarsathi.co.in/blogs/best-solar-panels-india https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1521618755572-156ae0cdd74d?q=80&w=1176&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D Best Solar Panels in India 2026: Top Brands & Guide Learn everything about solar energy systems in India including pricing, benefits, subsidy and ROI. https://solarsathi.co.in/blogs/on-grid-vs-off-grid-solar https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1558449028-b53a39d100fc?q=80&w=1074&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D On-Grid vs Off-Grid Solar Systems: Which is Better? Learn everything about solar energy systems in India including pricing, benefits, subsidy and ROI. https://solarsathi.co.in/blogs/solar-for-commercial-buildings https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1508514177221-188b1cf16e9d Solar Solutions for Commercial Buildings in India Learn everything about solar energy systems in India including pricing, benefits, subsidy and ROI. https://solarsathi.co.in/blogs/solar-installation-process https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1658298775754-5839ffd434cc?q=80&w=1170&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D Solar Installation Process in India: Step-by-Step Learn everything about solar energy systems in India including pricing, benefits, subsidy and ROI. https://solarsathi.co.in/blogs/net-metering-explained-india https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1521618755572-156ae0cdd74d?q=80&w=1176&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D Net Metering in India Explained: Save More on Bills Learn everything about solar energy systems in India including pricing, benefits, subsidy and ROI. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/de9adb4e-e9ec-47d7-920e-3e42f9d95d29 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/16/jinkosolar-2026-06-16-11-31-27.png JinkoSolar's Global Push Gains Pace as Overseas Shipments Top 80% JinkoSolar's Global Push Gains Pace as Overseas Shipments Top 80% Photograph: (AI) Chinese solar major JinkoSolar is increasingly looking beyond its home market for growth, with overseas shipments accounting for more than 80% of its total module deliveries in the first quarter of 2026 as the company sharpens its focus on international markets, energy storage and premium solar products. The push is not just a measure of Jinko's global presence, but also the conditions in its home market, where demand and pricing remain under pressure. The world's largest solar module manufacturer by cumulative shipments said international demand remained the primary driver of its business during the quarter, helping offset challenges in the domestic Chinese market where intense competition and pricing pressures continue to weigh on profitability. The company shipped 13.7 GW of solar modules during the January-March period, with the majority of volumes destined for overseas markets. JinkoSolar said growing demand from industrial, commercial, residential and utility-scale customers for integrated solar and energy storage solutions is creating new opportunities across global markets. The emphasis on international markets reflects a broader shift underway in the solar industry. While China remains the world's largest solar market, manufacturers are increasingly targeting overseas regions where pricing remains relatively stable and customers are willing to pay a premium for high-efficiency products and integrated energy solutions. "Demand from industrial, commercial, residential and utility customers for solar and storage solutions continues to grow," the company said, adding that it is further optimising its production pipeline and geographic mix to respond to evolving market dynamics. Beyond modules, JinkoSolar is placing increasing emphasis on energy storage systems (ESS), which management identified as one of its fastest-growing businesses. ESS shipments rose significantly year-on-year during the quarter to around 1.42 GWh, with a large share delivered to overseas markets. The company expects storage shipments to more than double during 2026 as it expands capacity and strengthens its global supply chain footprint. Industry analysts see the strategy as part of a wider transition among leading solar manufacturers from being pure module suppliers to providers of integrated solar-plus-storage solutions. With grids worldwide requiring greater flexibility and energy security concerns rising across regions, demand for battery-backed renewable energy systems is accelerating. JinkoSolar is also betting heavily on technological differentiation to maintain its competitive edge. The company said its Tiger Neo 3.0 series modules now achieve average power outputs of 655-660 watts, while products above 640 watts accounted for nearly a quarter of total shipments during the quarter. These premium products command higher pricing and are expected to form an increasing share o https://solarsathi.co.in/news/f7b385da-45fc-4974-8c1e-5482b0048578 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/16/acme-solar-commissions-additional-120-mwh-battery-storage-capacity-in-rajasthan-2026-06-16-14-23-46.jpg ACME Solar Commissions Additional 120 MWh Battery Storage Capacity in Rajasthan ACME Solar Holdings Limited has expanded its battery energy storage footprint in India with the commissioning of an additional battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity in Rajasthan. The company disclosed the commissioning through a regulatory filing submitted to stock exchanges on June 12, 2026. The newly commissioned project has been developed by ACME Sun Power Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ACME Solar Holdings. The latest addition comprises a 33.331 MW/120.384 MWh battery energy storage system located at Badi Sid village in Bap tehsil, spanning parts of the Phalodi and Jodhpur districts of Rajasthan. According to the company, the project will officially achieve its Commercial Operation Date (COD) on June 14, 2026. The commissioning adds another operational asset to ACME's growing portfolio of renewable energy and storage projects across the country. Following the latest commissioning, ACME Sun Power's cumulative operational battery storage capacity has reached 300 MW/1,404.32 MWh. The milestone highlights the company's increasing focus on energy storage as India accelerates the deployment of renewable energy and works toward building a more resilient and flexible power system. Large-scale battery storage facilities are becoming increasingly important for balancing electricity supply and demand, particularly as solar and wind generation continue to expand across the grid. The latest commissioning follows recent projects of the company including commissioning of Phase-IV of its Rajasthan BESS project, adding 33.33 MW/160.48 MWh capacity. ACME Solar Holdings also signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for a 300 MW Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) project integrated with 1,200 MWh of energy storage capacity. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/dd198630-9ad7-4465-86b7-778bd3130184 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/09/eu-approves-italy-eur-23-billion-renewable-energy-2026-06-09-05-01-54.png 82% of Indians Back Coal-to-Clean Energy Transition: Yale-CVoter Survey 82% of Indians Back Coal-to-Clean Energy Transition: Yale-CVoter Survey Photograph: (Archive) Public support for India's clean energy transition remains overwhelmingly strong, with 82% of Indians favouring a shift away from coal-fired power generation towards solar and wind energy, according to the latest Climate Change in the Indian Mind survey conducted by Yale University and CVoter International. The nationally representative survey of 5,427 adults, conducted between December 2025 and February 2026, comes at a time when India is grappling with intensifying heat waves, rising electricity demand and growing concerns over climate-related risks. The findings indicate a broad public mandate for accelerating renewable energy deployment. Nearly 87% of respondents said replacing coal with solar and wind power would benefit people in India, while 86% supported the country's commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. The survey also found that 65% of Indians want the country to increase its use of renewable energy, compared with only 14% who favour expanding fossil fuel consumption. In addition, 62% believe leaving most of India's coal reserves in the ground is the best pathway towards a healthier, safer and more prosperous future. The strong backing for clean energy comes amid growing awareness of climate impacts. About 84% of respondents said they have personally experienced the effects of global warming, while 88% expressed concern about climate change. Worry about climate-linked hazards remains widespread, with 77% concerned about severe heat waves, 77% about air pollution and 76% about droughts and water shortages affecting their local communities. The findings are significant for India's energy sector, which continues to balance rising power demand with decarbonisation goals. Coal still accounts for nearly 70% of the country's electricity generation, but renewable energy additions have accelerated sharply in recent years. India's clean energy capacity expanded by more than 22% in 2025, with solar installations registering growth of nearly 39% during the year. The survey suggests public sentiment is increasingly aligned with the government's clean energy ambitions. India has set a target of sourcing 60% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035 and remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Support also extends beyond power generation. Nearly seven in ten respondents said they would be willing to pay more for an electric vehicle over a conventional petrol or diesel alternative to reduce both emissions and operating costs. Meanwhile, support for green jobs remains particularly strong, with more than 90% backing programmes aimed at training youth and women for employment in the renewable energy sector. The survey's findings are likely to provide an additional boost to policymakers and industry stakeholders advocating faster deployment of renewable energy infrastructure, grid modernisation and inves https://solarsathi.co.in/news/8b503105-b8dd-457b-9237-23d34f3740f9 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/post_attachments/2024/12/solar-32-1.jpg Mufin Bets on Profitable Growth as EV, Solar Financing Portfolio Nears ₹460cr Mufin Bets on Profitable Growth as EV, Solar Financing Portfolio Nears ₹460cr Photograph: (Archive) Mufin Green Finance is betting on profitability-led growth while continuing to expand its clean mobility and renewable energy financing business, with its EV and solar financing portfolio reaching nearly ₹460 crore at the end of FY26. The NBFC's EV and solar financing assets under management (AUM) stood at ₹459 crore as of March 2026, including ₹166 crore in the retail segment and ₹293 crore in the business-to-business portfolio. The segment accounts for around 30% of Mufin's total AUM of ₹1,541 crore. The company finances electric three-wheelers, four-wheelers, buses, batteries, charging infrastructure and solar systems across India. Management said the EV and solar portfolio remains a key pillar of its green finance strategy, supported by partnerships with leading manufacturers including Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and Bajaj Auto. The company said its focus is increasingly on improving portfolio quality and returns rather than pursuing volume-led growth. "Stable, seasoned book with improving asset quality — capital being gradually redeployed into higher-growth verticals," the company said in its investor presentation, describing the evolution of its EV and solar financing business. The company reported collection efficiency of 97.71% and gross NPA of 1.94% in its EV and solar financing portfolio, reflecting improving asset quality trends. It is also leveraging AI-based underwriting and IoT-enabled monitoring of financed assets to improve credit assessment and portfolio performance. During the earnings call, Managing Director Kapil Garg said Mufin continues to attract support from global development finance institutions focused on climate finance, including Finnfund, Symbiotics, BlueOrchard and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. These institutions account for a significant portion of the company's borrowing base and continue to support its renewable energy and electric mobility lending activities. While newer digital lending products are expected to contribute a larger share of future earnings, Mufin said EV and solar financing will remain central to its mission of supporting India's energy transition through access to affordable green capital. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/01274a5b-bde0-4a3f-a347-e856f3983b4b https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/16/polycab-2026-06-16-17-20-37.png After Solar Boom at Home, Polycab Eyes Global Growth Markets After Solar Boom at Home, Polycab Eyes Global Growth Markets Photograph: (AI) After witnessing strong growth in its solar products business amid India's renewable energy expansion, Polycab India is looking to overseas markets as the next major growth avenue, betting on global grid modernisation and rising investments in energy infrastructure. The company reported that its solar products business doubled during FY26, emerging as the largest category within its Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) portfolio. Management attributed the growth to rooftop solar adoption, government incentives and increasing consumer demand for renewable energy solutions. "Our solar products business was a standout performer, delivering 2-fold year-on-year growth and emerging as the largest category within the FMEG portfolio," Shashank Yagnick, Head of Strategy and Investor Relations at Polycab, said during the company's Q4 FY26 earnings call. He added that the growth was driven by "government initiatives, state-level subsidy programs and rising consumer adoption of renewable energy solutions." While domestic demand remains robust, Polycab is increasingly focusing on exports as a strategic growth lever. The company has expanded its international footprint to 94 countries from 48 countries in FY19 and has re-established its distribution network in the United States, one of the world's largest electrical infrastructure markets. "Exports is actually going to be a big lever of our growth going forward," Yagnick said. "In the last three to four months, we've re-established our distribution network in the United States. United States forms around 15% to 20% of the global export market." The company sees significant opportunities emerging from ageing electricity infrastructure in developed markets, particularly as countries invest in grid upgrades to accommodate renewable energy and rising electricity demand. "If you look at EU, if you look at US, all of these regions have grid infrastructure which is way beyond the average life. They are 50-55 years, 60 years old. So all of these need modification," Yagnick said. "Considering our scale, our approvals and our deep penetration in these geographies, we are at pole position to capture the growth." Management also indicated that North America is expected to remain a key export growth driver, alongside Europe and South America. North America contributed nearly 40% of Polycab's export revenues in FY26, while South America accounted for about 20%. The export push comes as the company continues to benefit from India's ongoing power and renewable energy investment cycle. Polycab highlighted strong participation in sectors such as renewable energy, transmission and distribution infrastructure, manufacturing and data centres, which are expected to drive long-term demand for cables and electrical products. The company remains particularly bullish on the power sector, citing record capacity additions and growing investments in tra https://solarsathi.co.in/news/941ce18e-d191-4309-b21f-32e1e3ff4f18 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/post_attachments/2025/04/blupine-energy-solar-and-storage.jpg Bondada Bags ₹1,338-Crore NTPC Renewable Energy Contract in UP Bondada Bags ₹1,338-Crore NTPC Renewable Energy Contract in UP Photograph: (Archive) Bondada Engineering Ltd has secured a ₹1,338-crore engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract from NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NTPC REL) for a 250 MW solar photovoltaic project integrated with a 50 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Uttar Pradesh. The project, located in Sitapur district, is scheduled for execution within 18 months and marks one of the company's largest renewable energy wins to date. With the latest order, Bondada's solar EPC order book has expanded to around 5.5 GWp, while its battery energy storage portfolio has grown to approximately 1.1 GWh, strengthening revenue visibility and reinforcing its position in the fast-growing solar-plus-storage segment. The project is part of NTPC REL's efforts to scale utility-scale renewable energy capacity while integrating storage systems to improve grid reliability and enable greater renewable energy penetration. Commenting on the development, Dr Bondada Raghavendra Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of Bondada Group, said the order reflects growing confidence in the company's project execution capabilities. "We are delighted to receive this significant order from NTPC Renewable Energy Limited. The award is a testament to our team's engineering excellence, execution capabilities and unwavering commitment to supporting India's clean energy ambitions," Rao said. He added that as renewable energy deployment increasingly integrates with storage technologies, the project would further strengthen the company's position in the evolving energy transition ecosystem. "As renewable energy increasingly integrates with advanced energy storage solutions, this project further strengthens our position in the rapidly evolving energy transition ecosystem," he said. The order comes at a time when solar-plus-storage projects are gaining momentum in India as developers and utilities seek to improve renewable energy dispatchability and support round-the-clock power supply. Bondada said the contract is expected to contribute significantly to future revenues and profitability while enhancing its credentials across both solar EPC and battery energy storage segments. The Hyderabad-based infrastructure company operates across renewable energy, telecom and railway sectors and has been expanding its presence in utility-scale renewable energy projects amid rising investments in solar generation and energy storage infrastructure. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/1c3d6319-c799-4885-a177-36424b7c5e51 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/05/01/coal-india-bags-gridco-order-for-320-mwh-bess-project-in-odisha-2026-05-01-11-42-07.jpg India Needs 10 GWh of BESS to Prevent Renewable Energy Curtailment: Ember India Needs 10 GWh of BESS to Prevent Renewable Energy Curtailment: Ember Photograph: (Archive) India needs around 10 GWh of battery energy storage capacity immediately to prevent renewable energy curtailment caused by the operational limitations of coal-fired power plants, according to a new analysis by energy think tank Ember. The report estimates that India curtailed nearly 2.1 TWh of renewable energy during FY26 because coal-fired generating units could not reduce output below their minimum technical load (MTL), forcing grid operators to cut solar and wind generation despite available clean power. According to Ember, the curtailed renewable generation was equivalent to around 1.3% of India's total renewable electricity output during the year. The analysis suggests that a battery fleet of around 10 GWh, charged during periods of peak solar generation, would have been sufficient to absorb the excess power and avoid the curtailment. "Solar and wind curtailment is becoming a visible part of India's real-time grid balancing, and the volumes are already noticeable and rising," said Neshwin Rodrigues, Senior Energy Analyst at Ember and author of the report. "Without sufficient flexibility, including storage, this could become a constraint on the next phase of renewable energy growth," he added. The report highlights how India's rapidly expanding solar fleet is placing growing pressure on a power system that still relies heavily on coal for flexibility and reserve services. As solar generation peaks during the middle of the day, coal plants are increasingly being forced to ramp down to their lowest operating levels before ramping back up in the evening when solar output declines. On March 6, 2026, solar and wind together accounted for 41% of India's generation mix during midday hours, forcing coal generation to fall by nearly 49 GW within six hours before climbing by 51 GW later in the day as renewable output dropped, according to the report. "Coal was built for sustained high output, not this daily deep cycling," Rodrigues said. The study found that once coal plants reach their minimum technical load—typically around 55% of rated capacity—they lose the ability to provide additional downward flexibility. As a result, renewable generation must be curtailed to keep thermal units operating safely. By April 2026, coal plants were breaching their minimum operating threshold in more than half of all midday dispatch intervals, the report noted. During the month, renewable energy curtailment accounted for 37% of all down-regulation requirements, compared with almost zero a year earlier. "This is curtailment required purely to keep coal plants at their MTL," Rodrigues said. "Before the system even considers reserve requirements or grid constraints, renewable generation is being cut simply to make space for coal to remain operable. The constraint is structural." The report comes as India's solar capacity continues to expand rapidly. The country added https://solarsathi.co.in/news/e9cb7bff-d96f-44f1-ac65-4ac1339b1e0d https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Global-Renewable-Capacity-Hit-49-of-Installed-Power-In-2025.jpg Eiffel Investment Group to Acquire 50% Stake in Solar and Storage Portfolio The projects are in development stage, with first ones planned to reach ready-to-build status in 2028 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Eiffel Investment Group, an independent asset manager, through its infrastructure funds, has agreed to acquire a 50% interest in a Norwegian portfolio from Landinfra Energy, a Nordic renewable energy developer. The company focuses on large-scale renewable energy and infrastructure projects covering onshore wind, offshore wind, energy storage, hydrogen, eFuels, and industrial projects. Both companies have entered into an agreement to develop the portfolio jointly. Under the agreement, Landinfra will retain the remaining 50% stake. The portfolio comprises four projects located in the NO1 price area, with an aggregate planned capacity of approximately 886 MW of solar power and 177 MW of co-located battery storage. The projects are in development. The first projects are planned to reach ready-to-build status in 2028, subject to obtaining all required permits. If fully developed and constructed, the portfolio is expected to represent an investment of more than €700 million (~$810 million) and deliver approximately 900 GWh of renewable electricity annually to Norway’s power system. “We are pleased to expand our successful partnership with Eiffel to include a portfolio of large-scale solar power projects with co-located battery energy storage in Norway. Eiffel is a leading European asset manager with extensive experience from development partnerships and infrastructure financing. Together, we bring the capabilities, experience, and financial strength required to develop new and much-needed renewable electricity generation in NO1,” says Marcus Landelin, CEO and Co-founder of Landinfra. The transaction expands the partnership between Landinfra and Eiffel, announced in April 2024, which covers the joint development of up to 1,800 MW of renewable energy projects in Sweden. Through the expanded partnership, Landinfra and Eiffel plan to combine Landinfra’s project origination and development capabilities in the Nordic region with Eiffel’s financing experience and its work on renewable energy infrastructure development across Europe. According to Mercom’s Q1 2026 Solar Funding and M&A report, approximately 18.4 GW of solar projects were acquired in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 13.6 GW in Q1 2025. In May 2026, SolarAfrica, an independent renewable power producer, signed an agreement to acquire the 315 MW Nyakallo solar and battery storage project in Limpopo, South Africa, from Norsk Renewables, a Norwegian renewable energy project developer. The project is expected to begin evacuating power by the second half of 2028. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/b311f12f-7f96-4722-82ce-1371c37f694f https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/currency-1.png Solar Tracker Startup Vaja Raises $3.5 Million in Seed Funding The company will use the seed funding for customer installations, product validation, and team expansion Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Sweden-based Vaja has raised €3.1 million (~$3.58 million) in seed funding to support the market entry and validation of its vertical single-axis solar tracking system. The Footprint Firm led the funding round, with participation from node.vc. The latest funding brings Vaja’s total capital raised to date through equity investment and grants to €6 million (~$6.94 million), according to the company. Vaja said it will use the proceeds to deploy its solar tracking technology across customer installations, advance its core tracking technology, and expand its team. The company’s vertical single-axis tracking system, VajaTrack, is designed for solar projects in higher latitude regions. According to Vaja, the technology can generate 25% to 50% higher revenue than fixed-mount installations across Europe, most of North America, and large parts of Asia. The company attributed the increase to higher energy output and the ability to capture electricity generation during morning and evening hours, when prices may be higher. “Vaja is a pioneer for vertical solar tracking technology, a much-needed innovation that harnesses significantly more solar energy across more of the day and year for a significant part of the world,” said Henrik Eskilsson, CEO of Vaja. “Over the next decade, we believe that vertical solar tracking can emerge as the dominant form of solar installation beyond 30° latitude, just as horizontal solar tracking has become the standard near the equator.” Vaja said the technology could help increase solar yields in northern latitudes and support domestic renewable energy generation in Europe. The company is also opening additional installation slots for 2026 and accepting reservations for agricultural installations and pilot projects with professional solar farm developers. Global VC funding for the solar sector in Q1 2026 came to $1.1 billion in 17 deals, a 21% decrease YoY compared to $1.4 billion raised in 14 deals in Q1 2025, according to Mercom’s Q1 2026 Solar Funding and M&A report. Funding increased 74% QoQ compared to the $606 million raised in 20 deals in Q4 2025. Previously, in 2026, Invertix, a startup developing AI-powered software for renewable energy asset management, raised €1.7 million (~$1.97 million) in pre-seed funding. The company said it will use the proceeds to develop its platform, expand its team, and strengthen its commercial presence across Europe. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/36470ef4-21e0-41be-9032-b32f5eb6c759 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ACME-Solar-Commissions-120-MWh-of-Battery-Storage-Capacity-in-Rajasthan.jpg ACME Solar Commissions 120 MWh of Battery Storage Capacity in Rajasthan ACME Sun Power’s total commissioned battery storage capacity has reached 1,404.32 MWh Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Gurgaon-based independent power producer ACME Solar Holdings has commissioned an additional 33.331 MW/120.384 MWh of battery energy storage capacity in Badi Sid village, Rajasthan, through its wholly owned subsidiary, ACME Sun Power. ACME aims to commence operations of the newly commissioned capacity by June 14, 2026. Following the commissioning, ACME Sun Power’s total commissioned battery storage capacity has reached 300 MW/1,404.32 MWh. Recently, ACME Solar completed a ₹28 billion (~$293.47 million) qualified institutional placement (QIP), its first equity capital raise since its 2024 listing. The company said it will use the proceeds from QIP to reduce leverage and strengthen its balance sheet. As of this March, ACME Solar has cumulatively commissioned 155 MW/470.25 MWh of battery storage projects in Rajasthan. ACME has a portfolio of 8,071 MW of projects, including around 17 GWh of battery storage installations and 6,270 MW of signed power purchase agreements (PPAs). The company commissioned a 2.3 GWh battery storage project, which delivers a net realization of ₹22 million (~$233,000)/day. Out of the 5,081 MW of projects under construction in the financial year 2026, ACME has signed PPAs for 3,280 MW. The company has set a target of adding 10 GW of generation capacity and 20 GWh of battery storage capacity by 2030. In February 2026, ACME won 301 MW at a tariff of ₹6.28 (~$0.0695)/kWh under the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s auction for the assured peak supply of 4,800 MWh of FDRE from ISTS-connected projects with co-located energy storage systems. ACME Solar Holdings commissioned 142.67 MW/481.49 MWh battery storage projects in Rajasthan through its subsidiaries. This storage capacity is part of the first phase of the company’s planned total of 585 MW/2,011.24 MWh battery storage projects. India added nearly 547 MWh of battery energy storage capacity in 2025, around 26% year-over-year increase from over 433 MWh, according to the newly released 2H & Annual 2025 India’s Energy Storage Landscape Report by Mercom India Research. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/4f7bf223-9338-4185-ade9-1f803d671229 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Punjab-Energy-Development-Agency-Invites-Bids-for-10-MW-Solar-Projects.jpg Punjab Energy Development Agency Invites Bids for 10 MW Solar Projects The last date to submit bids is July 13, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has invited bids for the design, manufacture, supply, testing, and installation of 10 MW of grid-connected rooftop/ground-mounted solar systems at government building sites across the state and Chandigarh. Where clean energy's most influential leaders get their intelligence Exclusive reporting, market intelligence, and insider access that shapes billion-dollar decisions in renewable energy and clean technology. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/552070cf-93de-4fa3-9dcd-f13ed5b61dd3 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/roodtopkerala.png Tripura Invites Bids for 21 MW Residential Rooftop Solar Systems Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Tripura State Electricity Corporation (TSECL) has invited bids to install 21 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar systems for residential consumers in Belonia Electrical Circle. Where clean energy's most influential leaders get their intelligence Exclusive reporting, market intelligence, and insider access that shapes billion-dollar decisions in renewable energy and clean technology. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/b4b15d07-e6dd-4f6a-b7e7-349362e506be https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Solar-Cell-Manufacturing-Skills-Gap-Holds-Back-Indias-Manufacturing-Ambitions.jpg Solar Cell Manufacturing Skills Gap Holds Back India’s Manufacturing Ambitions Experts flag a practical experience gap in solar manufacturing Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem remains heavily skewed toward modules. In 2025, nearly 119 GW of module manufacturing capacity was added, compared to just over 9 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity, highlighting the need for greater upstream integration. Where clean energy's most influential leaders get their intelligence Exclusive reporting, market intelligence, and insider access that shapes billion-dollar decisions in renewable energy and clean technology. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/cbbd827c-819d-4a4c-b914-4c88d731f3e2 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Solar-Plus-Storage-Push-Reshapes-CI-Renewable-Energy-Strategy-2.jpg NTPC REL Announces Winner of 250 MW Solar Plus 200 MWh Storage Auction The tender was floated in January this year Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights NTPC Renewable Energy (NTPC REL) has announced the winner of its auction for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of a 250 MW solar project with a 50 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. Where clean energy's most influential leaders get their intelligence Exclusive reporting, market intelligence, and insider access that shapes billion-dollar decisions in renewable energy and clean technology. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/e6e0b10a-3546-4eec-9c33-9032711513f3 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NTPC-Renewables-Tenders-2.2-GWh-Battery-Storage-Project-in-Rajasthan.jpg NTPC Renewables Tenders 2.2 GWh Battery Storage Project in RajasthanJun 16, 2026 The last date to submit bids is July 9, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights NTPC Renewable Energy (NTPC REL) has invited bids for an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) package to develop a 500 MW/2,200MWh interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected battery energy storage system at its Shimboo ka Burj Solar Project in Rajasthan. Where clean energy's most influential leaders get their intelligence Exclusive reporting, market intelligence, and insider access that shapes billion-dollar decisions in renewable energy and clean technology. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/3a768a83-9110-4ef0-a539-c4a72859a29d https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Indias-Large-Scale-Solar-Pipeline-Tops-200-GW.jpg NTPC REL Floats Land & Power Evacuation Tender for 500 MW Solar ProjectsJun 16, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights NTPC Renewable Energy (NTPC REL) has invited bids for the land and power evacuation package to develop 500 MW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar projects in Ananthapuram, Andhra Pradesh. Where clean energy's most influential leaders get their intelligence Exclusive reporting, market intelligence, and insider access that shapes billion-dollar decisions in renewable energy and clean technology. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/b0e4e19d-3301-4a2c-a3dd-39b7973e6dc9 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2025/11/26/electricity-transmission-300x200-2025-11-26-14-47-36.jpg CEA Standardises ISTS Timelines to Improve Renewable Energy Evacuation Planning CEA Standardises ISTS Timelines to Improve Renewable Energy Evacuation Planning Photograph: (Archive) In a move aimed at improving coordination between generation and transmission infrastructure, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has notified standard implementation timelines for Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) projects, providing renewable energy developers greater visibility on transmission readiness for upcoming solar, wind, hybrid and storage projects. The timelines, approved by the National Committee on Transmission (NCT) during its 40th meeting held on April 15, 2026, cover a range of transmission assets including substations, transmission lines and HVDC systems, with implementation periods ranging from 24 months to 54 months depending on project complexity. According to the CEA office memorandum, greenfield 765 kV and 400 kV substations will have a standard implementation timeline of 36 months, while 765 kV double-circuit transmission lines exceeding 100 km will be allotted 36 months. HVDC systems, which are increasingly being deployed to transfer renewable power across regions, will have implementation timelines of 48-54 months. The authority said generation developers, transmission developers, DISCOMs and bulk consumers should incorporate these timelines while planning generation schedules, financial closure, equipment procurement and associated project milestones. The move is expected to facilitate better synchronization between renewable energy projects and the transmission infrastructure required to evacuate power from resource-rich regions. Industry stakeholders have frequently highlighted delays arising from mismatches between renewable energy project commissioning and transmission readiness. By establishing benchmark implementation schedules, the CEA aims to improve predictability in transmission planning and support coordinated development of the national grid as India accelerates renewable energy capacity additions. The memorandum also provides flexibility for projects located in difficult terrain, including the North Eastern Region, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, where implementation timelines may be extended by six to twelve months based on project-specific requirements. For transmission schemes comprising multiple project components, the longest qualifying implementation timeline among the constituent assets will be considered for the overall scheme, although compressed schedules may be approved on a case-by-case basis in exceptional circumstances. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/ef8d5ce3-4064-42a5-a3a5-4aa2d6a13fca https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/post_attachments/2017/07/Solar-Power-Plants.jpg UPNEDA Floats Tender for 6,000 Solar Lighting Systems Across Uttar Pradesh UPNEDA Floats Tender for 6,000 Solar Lighting Systems Across Uttar Pradesh Photograph: (Archive) The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has invited bids for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of 6,000 solar-powered lighting systems across multiple districts of the state, in a tender valued at nearly Rs 96 crore. According to the tender document, UPNEDA plans to deploy 5,000 solar street lighting systems equipped with remote monitoring systems (RMS) and 1,000 solar high-mast lighting systems, with an estimated project cost of Rs 85.97 crore and Rs 10.33 crore, respectively, inclusive of GST. The projects will be executed under a comprehensive model that includes supply, installation and five years of operation and maintenance (O&M), aimed at improving lighting infrastructure in rural and public areas while promoting renewable energy adoption across the state. Interested bidders can submit proposals through UPNEDA's e-tender portal, with bid submissions scheduled to close on July 3, 2026. Technical bids are slated to be opened on July 4, while financial bids of technically qualified bidders will be opened subsequently. The tender requires participating firms to have prior experience in supplying and installing solar lighting systems for government or institutional projects. Bidders must also demonstrate an average annual turnover of at least 30% of the tender value during the previous five financial years and maintain a positive net worth. As per the technical specifications, the solar high-mast systems will be based on PV modules, lithium ferro phosphate (LiFePO4) battery storage and LED luminaires integrated with remote monitoring capabilities. The systems are expected to support autonomous operation and enable real-time performance tracking through GSM/GPRS-based communication platforms. The selected contractor will be responsible for installation, commissioning and maintenance of the systems for five years after project completion. UPNEDA has also mandated service support mechanisms, including repair and restoration of faulty systems within prescribed timelines during the O&M period. The latest procurement forms part of Uttar Pradesh's broader efforts to expand decentralized solar infrastructure and deploy clean-energy-powered public lighting systems across urban and rural locations. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/84129d2f-502c-48a3-9649-2bd2264a2164 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/15/bihar-targets-25-lakh-rooftop-solar-homes-under-pm-surya-ghar-scheme-by-2027-2026-06-15-09-59-33.jpg Bihar Targets 25 Lakh Rooftop Solar Homes Under PM Surya Ghar Scheme by 2027 Bihar has set an ambitious target to expand rooftop solar adoption across the state, with plans to cover 25 lakh households under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana by November 2027. The initiative is expected to accelerate the state's clean energy transition while reducing electricity costs for consumers. The roadmap was outlined by Samrat Choudhary during the launch of rooftop solar installation work for 2.5 lakh Kutir Jyoti beneficiary households in Patna. The first phase of the programme will be implemented at an estimated cost of ₹1,512 crore. Launching the project at Vidyut Bhawan, Choudhary directed power sector officials to complete rooftop solar installations on 2.5 lakh Kutir Jyoti consumer homes by November 20. He also asked departments to prepare the necessary infrastructure and implementation framework to significantly scale up the programme over the next two years. The state government aims to use the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to bring solar energy access to economically weaker households while promoting wider adoption of renewable energy across Bihar. Highlighting the economic benefits of rooftop solar systems, Choudhary said the government would purchase surplus electricity generated by households beyond the 125 units provided under the scheme. The move is intended to create an additional source of income for participating families while encouraging greater adoption of distributed renewable energy. According to the state government, the scheme seeks to deliver clean, affordable and sustainable electricity to households while reducing dependence on conventional power sources. Alongside the rooftop solar initiative, Choudhary inaugurated energy sector development projects worth ₹1,278 crore through a remote unveiling ceremony. The projects are expected to strengthen Bihar's power infrastructure and support the state's growing electricity demand. Choudhary also highlighted the transformation of Bihar's electricity sector over the past two decades. He noted that the state had around 17 lakh electricity connections before 2005, a figure that has now grown to approximately 2.22 crore connections. He also pointed out that Bihar's peak electricity consumption has increased from around 400–500 MW before 2005 to nearly 9,000 MW today, reflecting rising access to power and growing economic activity. The Deputy Chief Minister said Bihar currently provides 125 units of free electricity to domestic consumers, describing it as a major welfare initiative that emerged from the Mahila Samvad programme launched by former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He further stated that Bihar offers one of the highest levels of electricity subsidy support in the country, with annual subsidy expenditure of around ₹23,000 crore. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/7ec25f68-296d-4b1d-9664-870051f70698 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/01/02/rooftop-solar-2026-01-02-10-55-53.jpg MNRE Eases ALMM Cell Compliance for Rooftop Solar Projects Delayed by DISCOMs MNRE Eases ALMM Cell Compliance for Rooftop Solar Projects Delayed by DISCOMs Photograph: (Archive) The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has provided a one-time relief mechanism for rooftop solar projects that were physically completed before June 1, 2026 but could not be commissioned due to delays by distribution companies (DISCOMs), allowing such projects to seek exemption from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II requirement for solar cells. In an Office Memorandum issued on June 15, the ministry said it had received multiple representations from stakeholders regarding rooftop solar projects where modules had already been installed before the June 1 deadline, but commissioning under the net-metering framework could not be completed because of reasons attributable to the concerned DISCOMs. Under the clarification, developers and consumers can apply for exemption from ALMM List-II through the National Portal for Rooftop Solar, provided 100% of the solar PV modules required for the project had been installed before June 1, 2026. Applicants will be required to furnish supporting evidence, including geo-tagged site photographs, invoices, installation reports and self-certification documents. Pending a final decision on such applications, the concerned DISCOM may verify the submitted documents and allow commissioning of the rooftop solar project using modules containing solar cells not covered under ALMM List-II, MNRE said. The ministry, however, clarified that the relaxation would remain available only for one month from the date of issuance of the memorandum and is intended solely to address a transitional situation arising from the implementation of the solar cell sourcing mandate. Projects availing the exemption must be commissioned within the stipulated period, failing which no further claims will be entertained under the dispensation. MNRE further stated that DISCOMs will be responsible for verifying eligibility, maintaining records of such cases and certifying the reasons for delay in commissioning. The utilities will also be required to document compliance with the eligibility conditions prescribed by the ministry. The clarification comes weeks after MNRE made ALMM List-II applicable to solar cells from June 1, 2026, requiring projects covered under the framework to use domestically approved solar cells. The ministry emphasized that the latest relaxation should not be construed as an extension of the implementation deadline and that all other provisions of its earlier order dated May 25, 2026 remain unchanged. The move is expected to provide relief to rooftop solar consumers and developers whose projects were ready for commissioning before the ALMM cell mandate took effect but remained stranded due to procedural delays at the utility level. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/12be4d5a-3891-494e-8564-5d183bc3a31c https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/15/oswal-pump-harish-2026-06-15-12-27-05.png Oswal Solar Appoints Harish Valecha as President – Strategic Business Development Oswal Solar Appoints Harish Valecha as President – Strategic Business Development Photograph: (Saur Energy) Oswal Solar Energy Pvt Ltd has appointed industry veteran Harish Valecha as President – Strategic Business Development, strengthening its leadership team as the company looks to expand its presence in India's fast-growing solar manufacturing and renewable energy market. The appointment was announced by the company through its official communication, which stated that Valecha will play a key role in driving business growth, fostering innovation and strengthening Oswal Solar's market presence. Valecha joins Oswal Solar after a nearly six-year stint at Cosmic PV Power Ltd, where he served as Vice President and was involved in steering the company's solar business strategy, market expansion initiatives and revenue growth efforts. Prior to that, he held leadership roles across branding, corporate communications and strategic partnerships at companies including Kosol Energie Pvt Ltd and Doshion Veolia Water Solutions. In his new role, Valecha is expected to focus on strategic business development, partnerships and market expansion as Oswal Solar continues to scale its operations amid rising demand for domestically manufactured solar products. The appointment comes at a time when India's solar manufacturing sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by policy measures such as the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), domestic content requirements and growing investments across the solar value chain. Oswal Solar said Valecha's extensive experience in renewable energy, corporate communications and strategic growth initiatives would help the company strengthen its position in the market and support its next phase of expansion. With more than two decades of experience spanning renewable energy, branding, public affairs and business strategy, Valecha has worked across multiple sectors and is widely known within the solar industry for building strategic partnerships and driving market development initiatives. The move is expected to bolster Oswal Solar's efforts to expand its footprint in the solar manufacturing segment as competition intensifies and companies increasingly focus on scale, integration and market reach. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/d0d25f2b-49fb-4028-b750-8ddf96d6f59c https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/15/hvr-cell-2026-06-15-17-07-20.png HVR Solar Signs Global MoUs for 1.2 GW TOPCon Solar Cell Facility in Uttar Pradesh HVR Solar Signs Global MoUs for 1.2 GW TOPCon Solar Cell Facility in Uttar Pradesh Photograph: (HVR Solar) HVR Solar has signed a series of global memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to establish a proposed 1.2 GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh, marking the company's entry into solar cell manufacturing and expanding its presence across the solar value chain. The agreements were signed during the SNEC PV Power Expo 2026 in Shanghai, where the company partnered with international technology providers and solution partners to support equipment supply, utility systems and production line integration for the proposed manufacturing facility. The upcoming facility is planned in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, and is expected to strengthen HVR Solar's domestic manufacturing footprint as India accelerates efforts to build a self-reliant solar manufacturing ecosystem. The project will focus on manufacturing TOPCon solar cells, a technology that currently dominates new solar manufacturing investments globally due to its higher efficiency levels compared with conventional cell technologies. As part of the initiative, HVR Solar has partnered with Indygreen Technologies, which will act as a technology facilitator for the project. The collaboration is expected to support the development and implementation of the proposed cell manufacturing line. The company said strategic agreements signed with global technology partners would help facilitate equipment sourcing, utility infrastructure development and integration of production systems for the facility. The proposed project comes at a time when Indian solar manufacturers are increasingly moving toward backward integration amid the implementation of domestic content requirements and the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework for solar cells. Several module manufacturers have announced plans to enter solar cell production in an effort to secure supply chains and improve competitiveness. According to HVR Solar, the proposed TOPCon solar cell manufacturing unit is expected to support India's renewable energy supply chain, reduce dependence on imported solar cells and create more than 500 local jobs once operational. The latest investment represents a significant expansion of HVR Solar's manufacturing ambitions as the company seeks to strengthen its position in India's rapidly growing solar manufacturing sector and capitalize on increasing demand for domestically produced solar components. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/2df849e3-0412-4821-9c06-564d854287b8 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/15/india-solar-demand-to-grow-22-percent-cagr-through-fy35-on-data-centre-push-2026-06-15-13-43-00.jpg India's Solar Demand to Grow 22% CAGR Through FY35 on Data Centre Push India's solar energy sector is expected to witness rapid expansion over the next decade, with solar power demand projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22% between FY26 and FY35. The growth is expected to significantly outpace the country's overall electricity demand, which is forecast to increase at a CAGR of 6% during the same period. According to a report by Nuvama, rising urbanisation, industrial activity, manufacturing growth, and widespread electrification will continue to drive power consumption. However, emerging sectors such as data centres and green hydrogen production are expected to become major catalysts for renewable energy demand, particularly solar power. India's total electricity consumption currently stands at around 1,848 billion units (BU). The report estimates this figure will rise to nearly 3,228 BU by FY35, creating additional demand of more than 1,380 BU over the coming decade. As renewable energy deployment accelerates, solar power is expected to account for a much larger share of India's electricity consumption. Under the report's base-case scenario, solar's contribution to total power consumption is projected to rise from 9% in FY26 to 33% by FY35. In a more optimistic scenario, the share could increase to 37%, underscoring solar energy's growing role in meeting India's future electricity needs. The report also forecasts that solar capacity will dominate future power additions, driven by declining costs, supportive policies, and growing demand for clean electricity. One of the strongest growth drivers identified in the report is the rapid expansion of India's data centre industry. The rise of artificial intelligence, cloud computing services, and data localisation requirements is accelerating investment in digital infrastructure across the country. As data centres consume large amounts of electricity, operators are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources to manage operating costs and meet sustainability targets. Electricity typically accounts for 30–40% of a data centre's operating expenses, making access to low-cost renewable power a strategic priority. The report notes that the growing adoption of advanced AI models, including GPT, Gemini and DeepSeek, is creating unprecedented demand for computing power, which in turn is driving higher electricity consumption. Nuvama estimates that green hydrogen production facilities and data centres alone could require an additional 251 GW of solar capacity under the base-case scenario by FY35. In a higher-growth scenario, the requirement could increase to as much as 406 GW. The report describes solar-powered firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) and round-the-clock (RTC) solutions as critical enablers for these emerging industries, supporting a sustained demand growth trajectory for solar energy. India's total installed power capacity increased from 382 GW in FY21 to more than 533 GW by FY26, representing a CAGR of around 7%. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/0214e5a0-9935-4add-99d8-23941ab16115 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/post_attachments/2018/08/rooftop-solar-application.jpg Oswal Pumps Bags 63 MW Rooftop Solar Orders Under PM Surya Ghar Scheme in Bihar Oswal Pumps Bags 63 MW Rooftop Solar Orders Under PM Surya Ghar Scheme in Bihar Photograph: (Archive) Oswal Pumps Ltd has secured three Letters of Award (LoAs) from North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (NBPDCL) and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (SBPDCL) for the development of 63 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in Bihar. The projects will be implemented under the CAPEX-plus-RESCO Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model and cover rooftop solar installations across the Motihari, Saharsa and Ara circles. The contracts involve deployment of rooftop solar systems for 57,492 consumers and mark a significant expansion of the company's presence in the distributed solar segment. According to the company's regulatory filing, the aggregate installation value of the orders is approximately Rs 247 crore, with an additional long-term revenue potential of around **Rs 257 crore** from energy supply over a 10-year period under the RESCO model. The combined revenue opportunity exceeds **Rs 500 crore**. The scope of work includes design, engineering, procurement, manufacturing quality assurance, installation, testing, commissioning, project financing and integration with Bihar DISCOMs' centralized monitoring systems. The contracts also include mandatory operations and maintenance of the rooftop solar systems for 10 years after commissioning. The projects are scheduled to be commissioned within nine months from the execution of the respective power purchase agreements (PPAs), the company said. Commenting on the development, Vivek Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of Oswal Pumps, said the award represents a significant step in the company's efforts to strengthen its position in the distributed solar market while diversifying beyond its traditional PM-KUSUM-driven business. The company said the projects are expected to support residential rooftop solar adoption under the Centre's flagship PM Surya Ghar programme, with each beneficiary household expected to receive approximately 15,000 units of solar power over the contract period, helping reduce dependence on grid electricity and lower energy costs. The latest order comes as distribution companies increasingly adopt aggregation-based rooftop solar models to accelerate deployment under PM Surya Ghar, which aims to expand residential solar installations across the country. Listed on the stock exchanges in 2025, Oswal Pumps is a vertically integrated manufacturer of solar pumps, electric motors and solar modules, with a growing presence in India's renewable energy sector. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/8e7d7f47-a093-4132-a6c4-09989cf61ece https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/800x554.jpg Rice Exporter TLG Agro Traders Expands Rooftop Solar Capacity to 1.6 MW The project is expected to meet about 40% of the company’s power needs Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The convenience of generating solar power with minimal land requirements makes rooftop solutions an ideal choice for commercial and industrial consumers. The savings on grid costs paired with ease of maintenance have prompted many companies like Punjab-based rice export house TLG Agro Traders to leverage rooftop solar solutions for long-term gains. The company commissioned a 300 kW rooftop solar system in Moga to expand its total installed rooftop solar capacity to 1.6 MW. Installed by Haryana-based ARM Renewables, the project was developed in phases. The initial capacity of about 1.3 MW was commissioned in March 2024, followed by the 300 kW-expansion which was completed a few months back. The 300 kW capacity addition cost the company about ₹7.5 million (~$78,681.8), taking the total project cost for the 1.6 MW system to about ₹41.6 million (~$436,421). The 1.6 MW rooftop solar system is expected to generate annual savings of about ₹15.4 million (~$161,560). Before installing the solar project, the rice mill had an annual electricity bill of about ₹36 million (~$377,672). With the capacity addition, the rooftop system is expected to reduce the company’s power expenditure by around 40%. The 1.6 MW system can generate about 6,000 units of electricity a day and around 180,000 units a month. The initial 1.3 MW rooftop system was set up using Trina Solar’s 665 Wp P-type modules and 125 kW Sungrow inverters. The latter 300 kW-expansion used Rayzon Solar’s 595 Wp TOPCon modules and two units of 125 kW Sungrow inverters. The payback period for the full project is estimated at around three years. TLG Agro has recovered more than ₹24 million (~$251,782) from the project so far. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/0a5f27e0-affd-4d46-af2c-44e3abe51694 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CERC-Approves-Tariffs-for-NTPCs-1.5-GW-Solar-Projects.jpg Bihar Regulator Approves Tariff for 275 MW Rooftop Solar Projects The projects will be implemented under the PM Surya Ghar program for Kutir Jyoti consumers Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has approved the tariffs discovered through competitive bidding for procuring nearly 275 MW of rooftop solar power from about 250,000 Kutir Jyoti consumers across Bihar. Where clean energy's most influential leaders get their intelligence Exclusive reporting, market intelligence, and insider access that shapes billion-dollar decisions in renewable energy and clean technology. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/855eb8dd-4ad0-4d53-8542-0318eaae12e7 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Uttar-Pradesh-Power-Regulator-Approves-Tariff-for-5-MW-Solar-Project.jpg Uttar Pradesh Power Regulator Approves Tariff for 5 MW Solar Project The Commission approved a tariff of ₹2.24/kWh for 25-year term Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has adopted a tariff of ₹2.24 (~$0.024)/kWh for procuring power from a 5 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic project to be established in Saraisadi village in Uttar Pradesh’s Mau district. Where clean energy's most influential leaders get their intelligence Exclusive reporting, market intelligence, and insider access that shapes billion-dollar decisions in renewable energy and clean technology. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/d381a143-8144-4bda-ae77-df6ab3a45e89 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Atomic-Energy-Department-Tenders-2-MW-Rooftop-Solar-Project-in-Rajasthan.jpg MNRE Grants One-Month ALMM List II Relief for Certain Rooftop Solar Projects The exemption applies to projects awaiting DISCOM commissioning under net metering Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has allowed a limited exemption from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List II requirement for certain rooftop solar projects. Where clean energy's most influential leaders get their intelligence Exclusive reporting, market intelligence, and insider access that shapes billion-dollar decisions in renewable energy and clean technology. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/de1827d6-a717-4b38-adde-f48efab0c2aa https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Engineering-Projects-India-Floats-EPC-Tender-for-250-MW-Solar-Projects.jpg Rajasthan Tenders 201 MW Solar Projects Under Virtual Net Metering Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation (RREC) has invited bids to develop 201 MW of grid-connected solar power projects under the renewable energy service company (RESCO) mode. Where clean energy's most influential leaders get their intelligence Exclusive reporting, market intelligence, and insider access that shapes billion-dollar decisions in renewable energy and clean technology. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/91d61b11-6097-4204-9add-a394e854deb2 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Untitled-design-2023-08-21T152459.474.jpg Military Engineer Services Floats Maintenance Tender for 1 MW Solar Project The last date to submit bids is July 4, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Military Engineer Services (MES) has invited bids for the repair and maintenance of a 1 MW solar power project at Bambolim, Goa, for a period of 12 months. Where clean energy's most influential leaders get their intelligence Exclusive reporting, market intelligence, and insider access that shapes billion-dollar decisions in renewable energy and clean technology. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/bc23b4a8-3708-41a6-bd1c-2b7293712ace https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Varun-Beverages-Hopes-to-Cut-Power-Bill-by-%E2%82%B960-Million-with-Rooftop-Solar.jpg Varun Beverages Hopes to Cut Power Bill by ₹60 Million with Rooftop Solar The 5.5 MW solar project is expected to meet 20% of the manufacturing unit’s power needs Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights As commercial and industrial companies explore clean energy options to offset rising energy costs and meet their sustainability commitments, on-site rooftop solar solutions have emerged as a viable solution. For large-scale manufacturers, electricity is a critical input that affects production costs, particularly at facilities where refrigeration, bottling lines, packaging equipment, and round-the-clock operations demand substantial power. Understanding how an insufficient power supply can hamper production lines, companies are leveraging solar rooftop solutions to not just slash grid power costs but meet fluctuating power requirements. In April 2026, Haryana-based Varun Beverages (VBL) commissioned a 5.5 MW rooftop solar power system at its Supa manufacturing facility in Parner, Maharashtra and is now looking to reduce its electricity expenditure by an estimated ₹60 million (~$629,000) annually. The project is expected to generate approximately 7.5 GW electricity annually and will meet around 20% of the facility’s total electricity requirements. The company has estimated monthly savings of up to ₹5.5 million (~$58,000), with every unit of solar electricity offsetting grid power priced at approximately ₹8.30 (~$0.087)/kWh. The Supa facility consumes approximately 37.7 million units of electricity annually and operates with a contracted demand of 9,990 kVA. Electricity consumption at the facility varies significantly throughout the year, ranging from about 1.7 million units during lean production months to nearly 4 million units during peak production months. Developed by Delhi-based Vibgyor Energy, the solar project was designed based on an analysis of 12 months of consumption data to accurately match the facility’s seasonal load profile and avoid over- or undersizing. The rooftop installation consists of 9,322 RenewSys solar modules rated at 590 W each and 32 Sungrow SG125CX-P2 string inverters. Ishaan Gadhoke, Executive Director at Vibgyor Energy, said that the use of string inverter architecture enables granular maximum power point tracking and string-level monitoring across multiple rooftop sections, improving energy generation and fault detection capabilities. The project spans multiple rooftops across the main facility and other buildings, each with different structural characteristics, orientations, and rooftop obstacles. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/1912795e-4e93-4e47-9a8e-32a13e0fb695 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Dhanish-Cotton-Mills-Installs-Rooftop-Solar-to-Cut-Carbon-Emissions.jpg Telangana Invites Bids For 46.7 MW Rooftop Solar ProjectsJun 15, 2026 The last date to submit bids is June 22, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Telangana Renewable Energy Development Corporation (TGREDCO) has invited bids to install 46.705 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar systems across 9,937 government schools in the state. Where clean energy's most influential leaders get their intelligence Exclusive reporting, market intelligence, and insider access that shapes billion-dollar decisions in renewable energy and clean technology. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/71db3599-752d-4f18-bd65-f6ff908d8de9 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1625246333195-78d9c38ad449?w=800&q=80 Avaada Group plans 6 GW PV cell manufacturing plant in Nagpur https://solarsathi.co.in/news/606cd2a3-4c99-434c-bcce-19788f0ecfac https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560179707-f14e90ef3623?w=800&q=80 Solar developers seek 1-Year Deferment of ALMM List-II solar cell rule in Karnataka HC https://solarsathi.co.in/news/401388ca-8654-441b-8c7c-367565012dff https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1497440001374-f26997328c1b?w=800&q=80 Rajasthan Discoms to disburse approved solar provider aid https://solarsathi.co.in/news/6470b5dc-96ca-4d30-b7c8-a0d3fa7e1c8e https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1558618666-fcd25c85cd64?w=800&q=80 Engineering Projects India invites EOI for 250 MW solar project in Rajasthan https://solarsathi.co.in/news/f004df6b-23c0-4b4f-921e-421e55c1da87 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1548337138-e87d889cc369?w=800&q=80 NTPC Green Energy adds 50 MW solar capacity in Rajasthan https://solarsathi.co.in/news/5fe47efc-9066-46f6-9d00-0dc0e36a2e47 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1611273426858-450d8e3c9fce?w=800&q=80 HVR Solar plans 1.2 GW TOPCon cell facility https://solarsathi.co.in/news/189c73a8-9a35-4260-b09b-7203afed93b8 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1625246333195-78d9c38ad449?w=800&q=80 Bluebird Solar introduces 630 Wp G12R modules in India https://solarsathi.co.in/news/80b8bb1e-34e6-4c6b-aa4f-0872414807cb https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1497440001374-f26997328c1b?w=800&q=80 MNRE releases state-wise renewable power capacity update https://solarsathi.co.in/news/e3be939a-f499-4db4-adfb-00852d524d16 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560179707-f14e90ef3623?w=800&q=80 India’s solar ambitions face a factory-floor test: Rollout of new rules sparks industry concerns over domestic cell shortage, stranded investments https://solarsathi.co.in/news/c5eb1ea9-32b5-44a5-a816-34a87e2f2d09 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1497440001374-f26997328c1b?w=800&q=80 Solar meets 75% of new electricity demand as gas loses ground for fifth year, finds report https://solarsathi.co.in/news/8daa0627-8cd8-4ebe-874f-b6c644b3cddf https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1518770660439-4636190af475?w=800&q=80 Tower collapses lead to 500 MW renewable loss in Rajasthan, raising energy transition concerns https://solarsathi.co.in/news/b0989d68-bf4e-414b-bd30-2b0e1b4023f5 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Uttar-Pradesh-Approves-Tariff-for-5-MW-Concentrated-Solar-Power-Project.jpg Uttar Pradesh Approves Tariff for 5 MW Concentrated Solar Power ProjectJun 9, 2026 The project will supply up to 40 MWh a day of power Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has approved a power purchase agreement (PPA) entered into by a developer with Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation (UPPCL) for a 5 MW concentrated solar power pilot project in Unnao with a tariff of ₹4.73 (~$0.05)/kWh. The Commission cited the project’s ability to supply firm renewable power during peak hours and support Uttar Pradesh’s rising renewable purchase obligations. In November 2024, Cosmicwave approached the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) to set up a pilot 5 MW concentrated solar project in Unnao under the Uttar Pradesh Solar Power Policy, 2022. In May 2025, UPNEDA informed UPPCL about the proposed concentrated solar project and asked it to take necessary action. Later that month, Cosmicwave shared key project details with UPPCL, including the 5 MW capacity, a proposed tariff of ₹4.73 (~$0.05)/kWh, and daily supply of up to 40 MWh during peak hours. In July 2025, UPPCL held a meeting with Cosmicwave to discuss the commercial and technical aspects of the proposed project. The company stated that the tariff would remain fixed unless molten salt prices rose unexpectedly and would be reviewed every five years. UPPCL gave in-principle consent in August 2025 to procure power from the proposed project, subject to UPERC’s approval or tariff determination. UPPCL’s average power purchase cost for renewable energy was ₹3.62 (~$0.038)/kWh. Cosmicwave proposed a purchase tariff of ₹4.73 (~$0.05)/kWh for the project. Cosmicwave approached UPERC to seek approval for its PPA and the tariff. It submitted that concentrated solar projects use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight, heat molten salt, generate steam, and run a turbine. It said this gives concentrated solar a different cost structure, higher capital expenditure, and more complex equipment requirements than conventional solar projects. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/969d3889-960b-4947-9b39-2f5729d9ef26 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NTPC-Floats-OM-Tender-for-20-MW-Solar-Project-in-Gujarat.jpg NTPC Floats O&M Tender for 20 MW Solar Project in Gujarat The last date to submit bids is June 29, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights NTPC has invited bids for two years of operation and maintenance (O&M) of its 20 MW solar project at the Jhanor Gandhar Gas Power Plant in the Bharuch district of Gujarat. The project is connected to the grid through a 220 kV system. The estimated cost of the contract is ₹27.85 million (~$299,700), including 18% goods and services tax. Bids must be submitted by June 29, 2026. Bids will be opened on the same day. Bidders must submit an earnest money deposit of ₹200,000 (~$2,200). The successful bidder must furnish performance security equivalent to 5% of the contract value. The scope of work includes shift operations, preventive and breakdown maintenance, module cleaning, supervisory control and data acquisition monitoring, testing, reporting, housekeeping, statutory compliance support, safety management, and reliable operation up to the power evacuation point. The project spans approximately 105 acres. The contractor must maintain safe site access, control grass and vegetation growth, and manage snake and insect populations throughout the year. Bidders must have either executed the installation and commissioning of a grid-connected solar project of at least 4 MW during the last seven years or provided O&M services for a grid-connected solar project of 4 MW or higher capacity for a continuous period of at least one year during the same period. They must also have executed supply, erection, commissioning, maintenance, or O&M works under one order worth at least ₹9.4 million (~$101,200), or two orders worth at least ₹5.9 million (~$63,500) each, or three orders worth at least ₹4.7 million (~$50,600) each. Bidders must have an average annual turnover of at least ₹11.8 million (~$127,000) during the preceding three financial years. Module washing must be performed twice a month, resulting in 48 cleaning cycles over the contract period. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/e6a7f456-dea4-4f17-a3da-613c43daa247 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/tender.jpg Nagaland Invites Bids for 1.65 MW Rooftop Solar Systems The last date to submit bids is June 24, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Department of Power, Nagaland, has invited bids to install 1.65 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar systems at village council halls under the Chief Minister’s Community Solar Partnership Initiative. The Initiative is a part of the Nagaland Solar Mission. The last date to submit bids is June 24, 2026. Bids will be opened the following day. Bidders must furnish a bid security of ₹20,000 (~$208.9). The successful bidder must submit a performance security of ₹50,000 (~$522.2), The tender has been split into three zones. Zone 1 includes 138 villages with 414 kW of rooftop solar capacity. Zone 2 includes 201 villages with 603 kW, while Zone 3 includes 211 villages with 633 kW. The scope of work includes site surveys, feasibility studies, preparation of detailed project reports, and the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of rooftop systems. It also includes comprehensive operations and maintenance services for 5 years. The project must be completed by December 31, 2026. Bidders must pay liquidated damages of 0.5% of the contract value per week for each week of delay, up to a maximum of 10% of the contract value. Only rooftop solar vendors empaneled by the Department of Power, Nagaland, under the Nagaland Solar Mission in convergence with the PM Surya Ghar program, or multi-state vendors empaneled by REC under the same program, are eligible to participate. The project must use domestically manufactured modules made with domestically manufactured cells, and the modules must comply with the requirements of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/c519b109-2abe-4b72-a691-38942ad2ef5c https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CERC-Approves-Tariffs-for-NTPCs-1.5-GW-Solar-Projects.jpg Bihar Regulator Approves Tariff for 275 MW Rooftop Solar ProjectsJun 12, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has approved the tariffs discovered through competitive bidding for procuring nearly 275 MW of rooftop solar power from about 250,000 Kutir Jyoti consumers across Bihar. The projects will be implemented by South Bihar Power Distribution Company and North Bihar Power Distribution Company under the Utility-Led Aggregation-cum-Renewable Energy Service Company model. The Commission adopted the weighted average reverse auction-discovered tariff of ₹2.82 (~$0.030)/kWh for all 18 packages. The tariff will apply for 10 years. The Commission also approved the procurement of rooftop solar power from systems installed at the premises of Kutir Jyoti consumers across 18 circles in Bihar. However, it deferred approval of the draft power purchase agreement and connected prayers until the distribution companies (DISCOMs) file a revised draft. The petition was filed by South Bihar Power Distribution Company and North Bihar Power Distribution Company seeking adoption of tariffs discovered for rooftop solar projects under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Under the proposed structure, each eligible Kutir Jyoti consumer will receive a 1.1 kW rooftop solar system consisting of two 550 W modules. The aggregate capacity of the first phase is about 275 MW. The Bihar government had earlier approved financial assistance of ₹10,000 (~$104.72) per Kutir Jyoti consumer for installing 1.1 kW rooftop solar systems. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy approved the proposal of the Bihar DISCOMs under the Utility-Led Aggregation model. The central financial assistance under the program is ₹33,000 (~$345.59)/consumer. The state will provide ₹10,000 (~$104.72)/consumer. The remaining project cost will be recovered by the Renewable Energy Service Company developer through tariffs paid by DISCOMs over 10 years. The final tariffs across the 18 packages ranged from ₹1.99 (~$0.021)/kWh to ₹3 (~$0.031)/kWh. The DISCOMs submitted that the projects would help reduce the state subsidy burden for Kutir Jyoti consumers, who receive up to 125 units of free electricity per month. A 1.1 kW rooftop solar system is expected to generate nearly 125 units per month. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/41403783-cfcb-4993-a1a4-af8686425a70 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Military-Engineer-Services-Floats-OM-Tender-for-6-MW-Solar-Projects.jpg Military Engineer Services Floats O&M Tender for 6 MW Solar ProjectsJun 12, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Military Engineer Services (MES) has invited bids for the comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) of 4 MW and 2 MW solar projects at the Army area in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The last date to submit bids is July 11, 2026. Bids will be opened on July 13. Bidders must submit an earnest money deposit of ₹167,500 (~1,749.6). The successful bidder must furnish a performance bank guarantee equivalent to 5% of the contract sum within 28 days of the notification of award. The estimated cost of the contract is ₹9.5 million (~$99,229), and it will be valid for 11 months. The contractor, if applying as a single entity or a solar power firm entering into an MoU with the contractor, should have experience in successfully completing the comprehensive repair and maintenance of one solar project of capacity not less than 4.8 MW or two solar projects of capacity not less than 3MW each, or three solar projects of capacity not less than 2.4 MW each. The successful bidder should inspect modules for cracks, discoloration, broken glass, holes, bubbling, delamination, environmental seal deterioration, frame damage, excessive soiling, cord-plate separation/arching, position movement, loose or disconnected wires, proper panel affixation in the tracker or racking system, and condition of electrical and mechanical connections. Modules suspected of underperformance should be inspected using infrared thermography, and the results should be included in the next monthly report. The successful bidder must make arrangements for and provide at his own cost all temporary approaches, if required, to the site after obtaining approval in writing from the garrison engineer for the layout of such approaches. For the execution of electrical works/electrical components of works requiring an electrical license, the contractor should have a valid electrical license issued by the concerned state or union territory in the name of the firm, or have the work executed through an agency with a valid electrical license. The contractor will be responsible for attending to electrical and mechanical failures in machinery/equipment and maintaining them in good working condition to avoid the risk of accidents. This February, MES invited bids for the comprehensive maintenance of a 3 MW solar power project at the Panagarh Military Station in West Bengal. Earlier, MES invited bids for O&M of a 6 MW solar project at Meerut cantonment in Uttar Pradesh. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/6a7e528f-2cb1-4acd-ad10-8adf992bff55 https://cleantechnica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Electrum-BS-card-1-1-800x450-1.jpg Home Solar — Simplified In 2022, soaring energy prices and the extension of the 30% solar tax credit laid the foundation for huge energy cost savings for homeowners that invest in home solar system for their roofs. In other words: Going solar is no longer a luxury reserved for wealthy homeowners looking to ease their conscience. It’s a widely accessible means to reduce carbon emissions, lower electricity costs, increase home value, and contribute to the clean energy transition. In this series, we’ll explore the keys to successful solar installation (and maximum savings) and how rooftop solar enhances the benefits of EV charging, heat pumps, and other home electrification upgrades. Read on to learn more in the articles below! https://solarsathi.co.in/news/923c5740-f8af-4367-ac26-5a30f23c0486 https://cleantechnica.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/VF7_India-e1777025310785-800x445.webp VinFast Launches The Limo Green In India, Renames It The MPV7 Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast has begun reshaping its lineup in India by positioning the fleet-focused Limo Green as a more luxurious product under a new name: MPV7. But VinFast tells CleanTechnica this is not the Limo Green. Not even a rebadge, because the MP7 is a premium vehicle in the level of the VF9 in comparison to the platform it was built on. There is no shame with the Limo Green DNA. The car is quickly becoming a local and global favorite because of its space and reliability, not to mention its price. The move reflects a deliberate attempt to bridge commercial and private mobility in one of the world’s fastest-growing electric vehicle markets. While the Limo Green was originally engineered as a high-utilization people mover for ride-hailing and shuttle fleets, its India debut leans heavily on family-oriented messaging—premium space, luxurious comfort, but still low running costs—under the MPV7 badge. The launch marks VinFast Auto India, a subsidiary of the global electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast and its third product introduction within a year, underscoring the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint across the fast-growing electric vehicle market in India. “The all-new VF MPV 7 is most suited for customers with large families. It is designed to offer generous space for every member of the family, comfort that makes even the longest journeys feel effortless, and intelligent features that elevate every single drive. With the VF MPV 7, we are entering a new segment, but more importantly, we are expanding our commitment to India,” Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast Auto India, said during the launch in India just last weekend. The vehicle itself is a midsize, three-row electric MPV measuring roughly 4.7 meters in length with a long wheelbase designed to maximize cabin room. Inside, the layout prioritizes practicality: flexible second-row seating with tumble function, a flat floor enabled by its dedicated EV platform, and multi-zone air vents to support all three rows. A 10.1-inch floating infotainment screen anchors the dashboard, with smartphone connectivity and over-the-air update capability built in. Power comes from a 60.13 kWh battery paired with a single electric motor producing around 204 PS and 280 Nm of torque. VinFast claims a driving range of up to 517 kilometers on a single charge under local test conditions. Fast-charging capability allows the battery to replenish from 10 percent to 70 percent in approximately 30 minutes, aligning with the needs of both private owners and fleet operators. Performance is adequate rather than aggressive, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in under nine seconds. The setup favors smooth, predictable delivery suited to urban transport, supported by a three-link rear suspension and regenerative braking system integrated with an i-Booster module. Safety systems include electronic stability control, traction control, hill hold assist and multiple airbags, alongside all-wheel disc br https://solarsathi.co.in/news/e4726152-e644-4643-a8a9-a2538fabef97 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2025/08/06/solar-pump-2025-08-06-14-35-16.jpg RERC Rejects PM-KUSUM Solar Developer’s Compensation Claim Over Substation Shift RERC Rejects PM-KUSUM Solar Developer’s Compensation Claim Over Substation Shift Photograph: (Archive) The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has rejected a compensation claim filed by Ram Krishna Solar Power over alleged losses arising from the denial of a proposed substation change under the PM-KUSUM scheme, while directing state power utilities to process and pay eligible Change-in-Law compensation related to Basic Customs Duty (BCD) and GST hikes. In its order, the Commission held that Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Ltd. (RUVITL) and Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. (JdVVNL) were justified in refusing the developer's request to shift connectivity from the originally allotted 33/11 kV Paschimi Jakhro Ki Dhani substation to the newer Umadesar substation. Consequently, the Commission ruled that the developer was not entitled to compensation for losses allegedly incurred due to delayed commissioning and higher transmission losses. The dispute arose after Ram Krishna Solar Power, a special purpose vehicle established under PM-KUSUM Component-A, sought approval to connect its 1.5 MW solar project in Jodhpur district to the Umadesar substation, located about 1 km from the project site, instead of the originally designated Paschimi Jakhro Ki Dhani substation situated around 4 km away. The developer argued that right-of-way challenges and the availability of a closer substation justified the change and alleged that delays in approval led to significant financial losses. However, RUVITL contended that the PM-KUSUM bidding process was conducted on a substation-specific basis and that Umadesar was not part of the original Expression of Interest (EOI). The utility argued that allowing a post-award change would undermine the transparency and competitive nature of the bidding process. Accepting this argument, the Commission observed that the respondents had acted in accordance with the EOI, Letter of Award and Power Purchase Agreement, and therefore could not be held liable for breach of contract. While denying the compensation claim, the Commission provided relief on the Change-in-Law issue. It noted that the project qualified for compensation arising from the increase in GST on renewable energy equipment and the imposition of BCD on imported solar modules and cells, as the bid submission predated the relevant policy changes and the project was commissioned after the prescribed cut-off dates. The Commission directed RUVITL and JdVVNL to verify the supplementary bills submitted by the developer and release the admissible compensation within 60 days. Any discrepancies identified during verification must be communicated within 30 days, while payments relating to undisputed amounts cannot be withheld. RERC further ruled that if the compensation is not released within the stipulated timeline, late payment surcharge (LPS) provisions would become applicable. The surcharge rate would be governed by the lower of the rate specified unde https://solarsathi.co.in/news/8775d021-72d0-4561-baee-edd9911b5a3a https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/12/sungrow-2026-06-12-09-43-11.jpg Sungrow Tests SG510HX Inverter Safety Systems at 4,200-Metre High-Altitude Solar Plant Sungrow Tests SG510HX Inverter Safety Systems at 4,200-Metre High-Altitude Solar Plant Photograph: (Sungrow) Chinese inverter manufacturer Sungrow has announced that its SG510HX utility-scale string inverter successfully completed an extreme safety validation test at a photovoltaic (PV) plant located at an altitude of 4,200 metres. The test was designed to evaluate the inverter's operational limits and verify its ability to maintain safety and reliability under harsh environmental conditions. The company said the trial assessed the inverter's response to critical DC-side fault scenarios, including reverse PV string connections, switch disconnection failures and lightning surges, all of which can potentially lead to equipment damage, plant shutdowns or fire incidents. To address such risks, Sungrow has integrated an upgraded DC-side safety architecture comprising redundant shutdown mechanisms, temperature sensing and monitoring, and enhanced lightning protection systems. According to the company, conventional inverter protection systems primarily rely on mechanical switches to interrupt fault currents. However, protection can be compromised if the switch itself fails. Sungrow said its inverter incorporates a multi-layer protection architecture that combines primary and auxiliary mechanical switches with an electronic bypass. The main switch isolates DC-side faults within milliseconds, while the auxiliary switch can independently initiate rapid shutdown and conduct safety self-checks during startup. In the event of simultaneous failure of both mechanical switches, the electronic bypass automatically creates a low-impedance path for fault current dissipation, preventing damage to system components. During testing, engineers simulated reverse PV module connections and mechanical switch failures. Sungrow claimed that while conventional protection arrangements experienced significant backflow currents leading to overheating and ignition, the SG510HX's redundant protection system successfully diverted the fault current and prevented damage to both modules and the inverter. The inverter also incorporates an intelligent locking mechanism designed to prevent accidental operation of safety switches. Loose terminal connections and improper cable crimping can result in excessive heat generation, creating potential fire hazards in PV installations. Sungrow said the SG510HX uses embedded high-precision temperature sensors combined with real-time monitoring algorithms to identify abnormal temperature rises. The system issues warnings when irregularities are detected and automatically shuts down the inverter if temperatures remain above defined thresholds. In one of the test scenarios, a deliberately loosened terminal connection triggered immediate temperature detection and automatic shutdown. The company said comparable systems lacking temperature monitoring failed to respond, resulting in overheating and fire propagation. With extreme weather events https://solarsathi.co.in/news/8d13e202-1a76-4051-87e0-e5ca50bb0d9e https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/12/ampin-2026-06-12-09-53-31.jpeg Renewable Energy Consumers Seek Stable Policies as Green Power Demand Surges Renewable Energy Consumers Seek Stable Policies as Green Power Demand Surges Photograph: (AMPIN Energy Transition) India's leading renewable energy consumers are increasingly prioritising reliable clean energy supply over merely procuring renewable capacity, as data centres and manufacturers pursue aggressive decarbonisation goals while seeking protection against rising power costs, industry leaders said during a panel discussion on accelerating renewable energy adoption in northern India. The event was organised by AMPIN Energy Transition and FICCI in New Delhi. The discussion brought together representatives from major energy-consuming sectors, financiers and international investors, who highlighted battery storage, hybrid renewable energy solutions and regulatory certainty as key enablers of the next phase of India's energy transition. Sindhu Sharma, ESG Head at Nxtra by Airtel, said the data centre industry's renewable energy procurement strategy has evolved significantly over the years. While companies initially focused on sourcing solar power, changing regulations and growing sustainability commitments are driving demand for more comprehensive clean energy solutions. Sharma said customers are now increasingly looking for assured renewable energy delivery and hourly matching of power consumption, rather than simply contracting solar generation capacity. She noted that rapidly expanding data centre operations make long-term demand forecasting challenging, requiring greater flexibility from renewable energy developers. A similar trend was highlighted by Akhil Agarwal, Head – Power Management & Renewable Energy at ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, who said the company has progressively moved from solar-only procurement to wind-solar hybrid projects integrated with battery energy storage systems. According to Agarwal, ST Telemedia has already achieved nearly 70% renewable energy consumption across its operations and is targeting carbon-free power for its data centre portfolio by 2030. The company currently uses a combination of open-access renewable power, green tariffs and renewable energy certificates to meet its sustainability objectives. Ashish Saxena, Joint President – Packaging Films Business at Uflex, said renewable energy adoption is being driven by a combination of cost competitiveness, sustainability commitments and increasing pressure from global customers. Saxena noted that as India positions itself as a manufacturing hub under the "China Plus One" strategy, industrial consumers are under growing pressure to improve competitiveness while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint. He added that regulatory predictability would play a critical role in accelerating renewable energy adoption among commercial and industrial consumers. Sharada Prasad, General Manager at Samsung India Electronics, emphasised the role of distribution utilities in facilitating renewable energy adoption and bridging the gap between policymakers an https://solarsathi.co.in/news/6e9c943c-10c3-4850-942b-a4fbb628a155 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/05/21/is-the-market-underestimating-the-solar-story-valuequest-advisors-say-yes-2026-05-21-09-00-03.jpg UPPCL Set To Get Solar Power From Mau Solar Plant At Rs 2.25/unit UPPCL Set to get solar power from Mau solar plant at Rs 2.25/unit Photograph: (Archive) The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has approved a power purchase agreement (PPA) between Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) and Nexgen Digital Infrastructures Pvt Ltd for the procurement of power from a 5 MW grid-connected solar project to be developed in Mau district at a tariff of Rs 2.24 per unit. The approval comes after Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) and UPPCL approached the Commission seeking adoption of the tariff discovered through a tariff-based competitive bidding process and approval of the PPA executed on September 11, 2025. According to the order, the solar project will be established at Saraisadi village in Mau district and will supply power to UPPCL for a period of 25 years. The Commission adopted the discovered tariff under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The procurement process witnessed multiple rounds of bidding after initial tenders failed to attract adequate participation. UPNEDA had issued tenders for the project on several occasions between 2023 and 2025, but most bidding rounds received either no bids or insufficient participation, forcing the agency to repeatedly reissue the request for selection (RfS). The final bidding round was initiated in February 2025. Two developers—Nexgen Digital Infrastructures Pvt Ltd and GP Eco Solutions India Ltd—participated in the e-reverse auction conducted on May 5, 2025. Nexgen emerged as the successful bidder after quoting a final tariff of Rs 2.24 per kWh, marginally lower than GP Eco Solutions' Rs 2.25 per kWh. Following the auction, UPNEDA issued a Letter of Award (LoA) to Nexgen on July 3, 2025, and the developer subsequently furnished a performance bank guarantee of Rs 1 crore as required under the bid conditions. The PPA was signed between UPPCL and the company on September 11, 2025. During the proceedings, UPERC also examined delays in the bidding process and sought clarification from UPNEDA and UPPCL regarding multiple tender cancellations and compliance with bidding guidelines. The petitioners submitted that repeated tender invitations became necessary because of poor market response and low bidder participation. After reviewing the bid evaluation process, auction records and conformity certificates issued by the Bid Evaluation Committee, the Commission concluded that the procurement process had been conducted in accordance with the approved bidding documents and the Ministry of Power's competitive bidding guidelines. "The Commission finds that bidding process was conducted in compliance with the approved bidding documents," UPERC said while approving the tariff and the PPA. With the order, UPPCL has received regulatory approval to procure power from the 5 MW solar project at the discovered tariff of Rs 2.24 per unit for the entire 25-year tenure of the agreement. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/b9948c2f-5a0b-49fc-b20d-bebc8de1719a https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/12/solar-project-2026-06-12-11-53-44.jpg China launches 400 MW PV-Hydrogen-Storage Project, With 50% Hydrogen Co-Firing China's largest integrated PV-hydrogen-storage project has completed construction in east China's Jiangsu Province. The project, with a total photovoltaic capacity of 400 MW, includes a newly built 220 kV onshore booster station, a hydrogen production facility with a capacity of 1,500 standard cubic metres per hour, and an electrochemical energy storage station. The project has achieved two major milestones for the first time: 50% green hydrogen co-firing and 100% pure hydrogen combustion. The facility enables hydrogen and pulverised coal to be thoroughly mixed and combusted within the boiler, achieving hydrogen co-firing at a 50% heat input ratio in a 40 MW coal-fired boiler—a world-first application of its kind. The technology can reduce coal consumption and carbon emissions by up to 50%, while also significantly lowering nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. With onsite solar and storage, it can also allow use of green hydrogen if required. The latest development follows a large-capacity pilot-scale hydrogen-coal co-firing test conducted on June 7 by Yantai Longyuan Power Technology, a subsidiary of CHN Energy Technology & Environment Limited. The test was carried out at the company's 40 MW Boiler Clean Combustion Engineering Laboratory. The project utilises a fully self-developed low-NOx burner designed for hydrogen-coal co-firing and incorporates a safety protection system covering the entire process, from hydrogen delivery to in-furnace combustion. Produced using electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, green hydrogen emits only water when combusted, making it a zero-carbon fuel. According to the project developers, this achievement provides a viable technological pathway for large-scale carbon reduction at China's existing coal-fired power plants. The project is also expected to play a significant role in advancing the green and low-carbon transformation of coal-fired power generation while promoting the integrated development of coal power and renewable energy. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/a0014fdf-426f-4e64-95c3-4cb35f54131f https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/12/centre-approves-inr-531-crore-cfa-for-553-solar-power-producers-in-rajasthan-under-pm-kusum-2026-06-12-12-49-07.jpg Centre Approves ₹531 Crore CFA for 553 Solar Power Producers in Rajasthan Under PM-KUSUM Rajasthan has received a significant boost for its decentralised solar power programme, with the central government approving ₹531 crore in Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for 553 solar power producers operating under Component-C of the PM-KUSUM scheme. The approved assistance will be released shortly through the Ajmer and Jodhpur electricity distribution companies (Discoms) and transferred directly to the bank accounts of the eligible energy providers. Component-C of the PM-KUSUM scheme aims to promote the solarisation of grid-connected agricultural pumps while creating an additional source of income for farmers. Under the programme, decentralised solar power plants with capacities of up to 5 MW are established on barren or unused land located within a 5-kilometre radius of electricity substations. The model allows farmers and local power producers to supply clean electricity to agricultural feeders and sell surplus generation to Discoms, strengthening rural energy infrastructure and reducing dependence on conventional power sources. Of the total approved assistance, the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has sanctioned ₹379.41 crore for 432 solar power producers connected to the Jodhpur Discom network. These projects represent a combined installed capacity of 429 MW. Meanwhile, 121 solar power producers associated with Ajmer Discom have been approved for ₹151.21 crore in CFA, covering projects totalling 169 MW of cumulative capacity. Reportedly, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ajmer Discoms have collectively submitted CFA claims worth ₹1,012 crore to MNRE so far. Out of this amount, the central government has already released approximately ₹670 crore, benefiting 720 solar power producers across the state. Under the PM-KUSUM framework, developers setting up solar plants for complete agricultural feeder solarisation are eligible for central support of up to 30% of the project cost, subject to plant capacity. The assistance is capped at ₹1.05 crore per MW. Rajasthan has emerged as one of the leading states in implementing Component-C of PM-KUSUM. A total of 1,312 decentralised solar projects with an aggregate capacity of 3,371 MW have been commissioned across the state. Of this capacity, 2,647 MW has been installed under Jodhpur Discom, while Ajmer and Jaipur Discoms account for 373 MW and 352 MW respectively. Notably, Rajasthan is in third position nationally in the category of decentralised solar power projects under PM-KUSUM Component-C. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/a405e1fd-c341-49a3-b944-d5b867f54a14 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1611273426858-450d8e3c9fce?w=800&q=80 Solar Trailblazers Events https://solarsathi.co.in/news/6fd27ab4-bc89-4e3f-b663-13b1dea07ce9 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1548337138-e87d889cc369?w=800&q=80 Renewable Energy Strong demand for renewable energy, supportive government policies and capacity expansion are helping several clean-energy businesses deliver rapid growth. Yet… State-wise estimates show Maharashtra leading with 16.28 GW of floating solar potential, followed by Madhya Pradesh (14.89 GW), Karnataka (13.69… Meta Platforms expands its renewable energy partnership with Clean Max to over 900 MW, supporting 837 MW of new solar… Clean Max Enviro shares rise 7% after teaming up with Meta for 900 MW renewable projects in India. Learn more… India’s solar capacity boom is driving strong growth across the renewable energy value chain, with rising order books, manufacturing expansion… The world wants electric vehicles, renewable energy, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and energy security. It is far less comfortable discussing the… Every question you ask an AI model is hungrier for electricity than an old-fashioned web search. India’s grid feels that… Buyers shift to operating assets as connectivity transfer rules tighten The Centre is considering a one-time relief package for nearly 45 GW of stranded renewable energy projects, including transmission charge… KEC International has secured fresh orders worth Rs 1,303 crore across transmission & distribution, civil, renewables, and cables businesses, boosting… India’s transformer capacity could nearly triple to 300 GVA by FY28 as power grids expand for renewables, EVs, and AI… Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys has acquired a 26% stake in EG Urja Strot and secured 65 MW of hybrid… https://solarsathi.co.in/news/7cd06822-0c39-4a33-8286-9b3d87a726f1 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DJI_0565-copy.jpg Bengaluru Apartment Cuts Power Bills by 80% With 150 kW Rooftop Solar ProjectJun 5, 2026 The Whitefield housing society received ₹2.69 million in subsidy under PM Surya Ghar Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights MJR Pearl, a residential apartment community in Whitefield, Bengaluru, has installed a 150 kW rooftop solar project to reduce electricity costs and support its common-area power requirements. The project was installed by Beestone Solar India, a Bengaluru-based engineering, procurement, and construction company. According to the company, it has delivered over 10 MW of fixed solar installations across more than 600 industrial, commercial, and residential projects. The apartment community uses power backup and other utilities to support resident amenities. The rooftop solar project is expected to help reduce grid electricity consumption and lower residents’ association power bills. At MJR Pearl, Beestone Solar installed a non-penetration mounting structure, using metal-to-concrete bonding technology. The company said the structure avoids roof penetration and can withstand wind speeds of up to 180 kmph. The project uses SolarEdge inverter and optimizer technology, enabling real-time performance monitoring of individual solar panels. According to Beestone Solar, the 150 kW project has helped MJR Pearl reduce electricity bills by 80%. The apartment association also received a subsidy of ₹2.69 million (~$28,239) under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, within 15 days. The company said the project is expected to generate savings of nearly ₹34.65 million (~$363,741) over its 25-year lifespan, with a return on investment of about four years. The project is also expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions annually and save the equivalent of nearly 4,977 trees. Shivraj Vedkikar, Secretary of MJR Pearl Society, said the project execution team worked closely with the maintenance staff, provided regular updates, and completed the project within the committed timeline despite the rainy season. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/dacdd7d8-d49c-4f68-80cc-eda9253f195d https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CERC-Annuls-Erroneous-Transmission-Charges-for-Wind-Solar-Project-1.jpg CERC Annuls Erroneous Transmission Charges for Wind-Solar Project CTUIL had charged JSW ₹21.97 million in transmission charges Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has quashed transmission charge invoices of ₹21.97 million (~$229,483) raised by the Central Transmission Utility of India (CTUIL) on JSW Renewable Energy and directed it to recalculate charges proportional to the company’s delayed 100 MW wind-solar hybrid capacity. The Commission held that JSW could not be billed for Karur Transmission’s 1,000 MW transmission system but rejected its claim for a complete waiver before the hybrid project achieved commercial operation. In September 2020, JSW Solar received a letter of award for a 310 MW interstate transmission system-connected wind-solar hybrid project. In December 2020, JSW Solar received Stage-II connectivity from CTUIL for this capacity at the Karur pooling station in Tamil Nadu. JSW received long-term access (LTA) from CTUIL in May 2021. In June 2021, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) signed a power sale agreement with WBSEDCL for 100 MW of power from JSW’s hybrid project. In July 2021, SECI signed a power sale agreement with Chhattisgarh distribution companies for 170 MW of hybrid power. SECI signed a power purchase agreement with JSW later that month. In November 2021, JSW signed a transmission service agreement with Karur Transmission (KTL). In February 2022, CTUIL revised the LTA date for the 100 MW capacity to July 18, 2023. It also granted LTA for an additional 170 MW with a tentative start date of January 31, 2024. In July 2022, KTL invoked the force majeure clause under the transmission service agreement for delays in setting up the transmission system. JSW rejected the claim. In February 2023, CTUIL revised the LTA start date from January 31, 2024, to July 16, 2024. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/8fd71db5-fccf-456d-850c-baa4056b2e65 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CleanMax-to-Supply-Power-to-Gujarat-Alkalies-from-160-MW-Wind-Solar-Hybrid-Project.jpg CleanMax to Supply Power to Gujarat Alkalies from 160 MW Wind-Solar Hybrid Project The project will include 75.9 MW of wind and 84.34 MW of solar capacity Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Mumbai-headquartered Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions (CleanMax) has partnered with chemical manufacturer Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals to supply hybrid renewable power from a 75.90 MW wind and 84.34 MW solar project in Gujarat. The power will be supplied to Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals’ manufacturing units in Dahej and Vadodara under the group captive structure. The company will use the energy to integrate hybrid renewable power into its energy mix and support efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes. The project will be developed across the Kalikanagar, Aji Dahisarda, Rajula, and Ghuntu renewable energy sites in Gujarat. CleanMax said the hybrid project is expected to generate approximately 369 million units of clean power annually. CleanMax will set up the project in two phases. Phase 1 will include 16.5 MW of wind and 21.7 MW of solar capacity. Phase 2 will involve 59.4 MW of wind and 62.64 MW of solar capacity. CleanMax said it had about 844 MW of operational renewable energy capacity in Gujarat as of March 2026. The company’s contracted renewable energy portfolio reached 5.7 GW in the financial year 2026. It serves 588 customers across technology, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. Data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure customers account for 42% of its contracted renewable energy sales portfolio. This May, CleanMax announced that it secured nearly $575 million to expand its solar and wind projects in India. In April 2026, CleanMax announced that it would supply wind-solar hybrid energy to Shell India’s assets across Gujarat and Karnataka from its 30 MW of projects. C&I consumers remain the single largest category of electricity users in India, accounting for nearly 42% of total electricity consumption in recent years. This dominance is most pronounced in open access power-friendly states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Rajasthan, which host large industrial clusters. Mercom India hosts C&I Clean Energy Meets across India, designed to encourage businesses to transition to renewable energy, including solar, for their operations and connect energy buyers directly with top-tier solar suppliers. The next event in the series will be held in Hyderabad on August 21, 2026. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/eff9e0fe-ca3a-45dc-bd65-33c2c8ea2a5b https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design-2.jpg CleanMax Partners with Meta Platforms for 837 MW Solar, Wind Projects Cumulatively, the firms will partner on over 900 MW of renewables in India Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Mumbai-based renewable energy solutions provider Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions (CleanMax) has partnered with global technology company Meta Platforms to support the development of 837 MW of new solar and wind projects across Rajasthan and Karnataka. Combined with previously announced projects, the partnership now represents more than 900 MW of renewable energy capacity. Meta will purchase 100% of the environmental attributes from these projects. The companies said the new projects will support Meta’s efforts to add renewable energy to the grid. The projects will also support Meta’s efforts to address value chain emissions in the region. In the financial year (FY) 2026, CleanMax’s contracted renewable energy portfolio reached 5.7 GW. The company said that about 74% of new contracted capacity came from existing customers, and it serves 588 customers across the technology, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. The company said that data center and artificial intelligence infrastructure customers accounted for 42% of its contracted renewable energy portfolio. CleanMax provides renewable energy solutions to companies in sectors including data centers, artificial intelligence and technology, cement, steel, industrial manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and global capability centers. Recently, the company partnered with chemical manufacturer Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals to supply hybrid renewable power from a 75.90 MW wind and 84.34 MW solar project in Gujarat. In May 2026, CleanMax secured nearly $575 million to expand its solar and wind projects in India. The financing would support large-scale, Central Transmission Utility-connected renewable energy projects across Rajasthan and Karnataka. In the same month, multinational technology company Apple committed an initial investment of ₹1 billion (~$10.6 million) in CleanMax to develop more than 150 MW of renewable energy capacity in India. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/ed65037f-a880-451c-89bc-905ab1cad97a https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pharma-Firm-Eyes-Yearly-Savings-of-%E2%82%B911.5-Million-with-Rooftop-Solar-Leasing.jpg Pharma Firm Eyes Yearly Savings of ₹11.5 Million with Rooftop Solar Leasing Two Point O’s rooftop leasing solution is 82% cheaper than grid power Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Facing high electricity costs and unreliable power supply, a leading pharmaceutical company in Himachal Pradesh’s Baddi saw a way out with a customized 1.122 MW rooftop solar leasing solution. Developed by Two Point O Capital, the solution had the potential to reduce costs with cheaper power and more reliability. Six months since its installation, the company is looking to trim its power costs by ₹11.5 million (~$120,679) annually. The solution is 82% cheaper than grid power and 66% cheaper than the power purchase agreement (PPA) alternative. The rooftop solar system was installed by Two Point O in December last year. The company would have to pay ₹5.7 (~$0.0598)/kWh for the first five years, after which the solar asset would be transferred to it at zero cost. High-efficiency TOPCon 610 modules, preferred by commercial and industrial enterprises, were used in the project. The pharmaceutical company needed a solution that could deliver assured savings, more control over generation, and reliable operations without creating an upfront CAPEX burden. Without the leasing solution, grid power is expected to cost an average of ₹9.9 (~$0.104)/kWh over 20 years, translating into a total electricity cost of ₹285 million (~$2.99 million). An open-access PPA would have cost the company approximately ₹5.2 (~$0.0546)/kWh, but it had limitations regarding asset quality, generation control, and long-term accountability. With its five-year rooftop solar leasing solution, Two Point O Capital will take responsibility for the equipment, installation, commissioning, annual maintenance, and ongoing generation performance. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/9278923e-6fd9-4103-9e01-8fda76ba3773 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/US-Defense-Adds-Eight-Chinese-Clean-Energy-Firms-to-its-Blacklist.jpg US Defense Adds Eight Chinese Clean Energy Firms to its Blacklist The listed companies are barred from U.S. defense contracts Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The U.S. has added several solar and energy storage companies to its list of designated “Chinese military companies,” which will face defense-contracting restrictions effective June 30, 2026. Among Chinese companies added to the blacklist by the U.S. Department of Defense across various sectors are eight companies, including JA Solar and Trina Solar in the clean energy sector. These companies operate across solar manufacturing and generation, battery and energy storage systems, hydropower, nuclear power, wind, and electric vehicle segments. A separate goods-and-services prohibition is set to take effect on June 30, 2027, covering goods or services produced or developed by listed entities, including through indirect sourcing. The renewable energy and energy storage companies identified in the list are: The update also removed some entities from the list. However, none of the newly removed companies was in the renewable energy or energy storage sectors. The move adds to recent U.S. actions affecting Chinese clean energy supply chains. This February, in a move to curb Chinese influence on the clean energy supply chain, the Department of the Treasury issued interim guidance to enforce provisions under Section 45X of the Internal Revenue Code that restrict companies from claiming federal clean energy subsidies if they rely on foreign-made material. Earlier, the Department of Commerce determined antidumping and countervailing duties of up to 102.72% and 66.86%, respectively, on the imports of active anode material from China. The duty imposition followed investigations after the American Active Anode Material Producers filed petitions with Commerce and the US International Trade Commission seeking the imposition of 920% tariffs on imports of natural and synthetic graphite from China to make lithium-ion battery anode material. In January, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed countervailable duties on select crystalline silicon cells, whether or not assembled into modules, imported from China during the review period between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/3b41612d-9270-466b-b5a8-2455d6697c97 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CERC-Denies-Relief-to-Hybrid-Renewable-Energy-Project-in-Grid-Connectivity-Case.jpg Delhi Regulator Permits DISCOMs to Recover Higher Power Purchase Costs The relaxation will apply on a month-to-month basis until further orders Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has allowed distribution companies in the national capital to recover fuel and power purchase adjustment surcharges (FPPAS) above the 10% ceiling for April 2026. The Commission permitted BSES Rajdhani Power (BRPL) to recover the total FPPAS of 17.94% and BSES Yamuna Power (BYPL) to recover 17.43% for April 2026. Tata Power Delhi Distribution (TPDDL) has been allowed to recover FPPAS up to 16%, subject to the submission of a statutory auditor’s certificate certifying the quantity and amount of power purchased during April 2026, along with a supporting affidavit for the FPPAS claim. The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Determination of Tariff) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026, provide for a ceiling of 10% on the FPPAS recoverable in a billing cycle. They also disallow distribution companies’ claims for FPPAS under the tariff order dated September 30, 2021, for the financial year 2021-22. BRPL and BYPL, through representations dated May 18, 2026, and TPDDL, through its representation dated May 21, 2026, sought relaxation in implementing these provisions. The DISCOMs submitted that the actual power purchase cost for April 2026 had increased significantly compared to the approved base power purchase cost considered in the prevailing tariff order dated September 30, 2021. The Commission noted that the FPPAS for April 2026 was 31.55% for BRPL and 35.26% for BYPL, substantially higher than the 10% ceiling prescribed under Regulation 134(d). TPDDL claimed that its FPPAS for April 2026 was approximately 16%, exceeding the prescribed ceiling. DERC said Regulation 172 of the Tariff Regulations empowers it to relax any provision of the regulations for reasons recorded in writing. The Commission said the order was issued to remove the difficulties faced by DISCOMs in recovering at least a reasonable part of the increase in power purchase costs during the relevant period. DERC allowed BRPL to recover an additional FPPAS of 7.94%, bringing the total recoverable FPPAS to 17.94% for April 2026. BYPL was allowed to recover an additional 7.43%, taking its total recoverable FPPAS to 17.43%. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/23f3b669-85e2-4bc8-b934-1f648be1e72e https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Kerala-Regulator-Rejects-Cochin-Ports-1.5-MW-Floating-Solar-Tariff.jpg Kerala Regulator Rejects Cochin Port’s 1.5 MW Floating Solar Tariff The Commission said the tariff was higher than the prevailing market rates Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has rejected the petition filed by the Cochin Port Authority seeking adoption of a tariff of ₹4.75 (~$0.0498)/kWh for power from a proposed 1.5 MW floating solar project at Willingdon Island, Kochi. The Commission noted that the discovered tariff was significantly higher than recently approved solar tariffs, including tariffs for other floating solar projects. The Commission also stated that Cochin Port Authority may meet any shortfall under the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines after accounting for the renewable purchase obligation (RPO) already met by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). Cochin Port Authority distributes electricity in the port areas of Willingdon Island, Vallarpadam, and Puthuvypeen special economic zones. It stated that its electricity requirement is met by purchasing power from KSEB at the bulk supply tariff. During 2024-25, it purchased about 48.96 million units from KSEB. The Cochin Port Authority submitted that, as a distribution licensee, it was required to comply with the RPO target and, as a major port, it also had to implement renewable energy projects to achieve 60% renewable energy consumption by 2030 under the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines. The port first floated a tender in January last year. Two bids were received, but only one bidder qualified, prompting the tender committee to recommend re-inviting the tender to encourage wider participation. It floated a fresh tender in June last year. Six firms participated, and three qualified. Sunshell Power was declared the winner with a quoted tariff of ₹4.75 (~$0.0498)/kWh. KSEB opposed the port’s plea, arguing that the discovered tariff was excessively high relative to prevailing market rates. The Commission observed that the Cochin Port Authority proposed the floating solar project as part of renewable energy initiatives and to comply with the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines, which require major ports to meet 60% of electricity consumption from renewable sources. However, the Commission clarified that the green energy obligations under the Ministry of Ports guidelines are distinct from renewable purchase obligations applicable to distribution licensees under the Electricity Act, 2003. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/d601ea65-4ce5-4e24-91c0-c801f27496d9 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Solar-Storage-Account-for-91-of-New-US-Power-Capacity-in-Q1-2026.jpg Solar, Storage Account for 91% of New US Power Capacity in Q1 2026 The U.S. added 7.8 GW of solar capacity in the first quarter Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The U.S. solar industry installed 7.8 GW of capacity in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, a 27% decline from Q1 2025 and a 42% decline from Q4 2025, according to a report by Wood Mackenzie and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Solar and storage accounted for 91% of all new electricity-generating capacity additions in the U.S. during the quarter, with solar contributing 60%. As of 2025, the U.S. solar industry had over 200 GW of safe-harbored capacity supporting near-term installations as of 2025. The report expects utility-scale pipelines of 216 GW to 240 GW from safe-harbored projects, which could sustain deployment through 2030 after accounting for attrition. The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service had issued partial guidance in February on the Prohibited Foreign Entity provisions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The report said the industry expects full guidance in 2027, with further clarity before the July 4, 2026, safe harbor deadline unlikely. The uncertainty is significant for solar manufacturers, as multiple China-linked companies are reorganizing under U.S. ownership. U.S.-manufactured solar modules catered to nearly 70% of 2025 solar installations. Module manufacturing in the U.S. expanded considerably, but solar cell manufacturing capacity was limited to 3 GW. Domestic module producers continued to depend heavily on imported cells. Imports from India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam accounted for 78% of U.S. cell imports. Last May, the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to conclude that domestic solar module manufacturers suffered material injury from imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from four Southeast Asian countries. In July, the Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade filed new anti-dumping and countervailing duty petitions with the USITC and the U.S. Department of Commerce against imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from India, Indonesia, and Laos. Despite strong demand, U.S. solar additions are expected to remain flat and average 43 GW annually over the next five years because of challenges related to permitting, interconnection, equipment, trade, and tax credits, the report said. The U.S. utility-scale solar segment added 5.9 GW of capacity in Q1 2026, down 34% year-over-year. Slower Q1 installations are expected to be offset by strong project execution and higher contracting activity, with most 2026 projects scheduled for commissioning in Q2 and Q4. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/54db9b4d-b4fa-4c55-8e76-fdc9ab67cd54 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/India-Identifies-Over-102-GW-Floating-Solar-Potential.jpg India Identifies Over 102 GW Floating Solar Potential The country’s total assessed solar potential stands at over 3,445 GW Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has assessed India’s floating solar potential at over 102.18 GW and said it is working on a dedicated program to promote floating solar deployment nationwide. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, released the Report on Floating Solar PV Potential Assessment of India on June 10, 2026. The report takes India’s total assessed solar potential to 3,445 GW. Floating solar projects use water surfaces, such as reservoirs and other bodies of water, to host solar systems. Joshi said reservoirs and other water bodies are emerging as assets for clean energy generation through floating solar projects. Joshi also launched an online portal for the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme. He said the portal would improve transparency and implementation efficiency and described it as the first major policy intervention in the small hydro sector since 2017. According to Joshi, India’s non-fossil fuel capacity increased from 81 GW in 2014 to 288 GW, while solar capacity rose from 2.8 GW to 155 GW. He also said domestic solar module manufacturing capacity had reached 192 GW and cell manufacturing capacity had reached 30 GW. The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and the Military Engineering Services also exchanged a memorandum of understanding to promote solar energy across defense establishments. Under the collaboration, NISE will provide technical support for planning, implementation, and monitoring of renewable energy projects. Earlier this year, MNRE sought feedback from the states on the draft reports prepared by the NISE and the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee on the potential of floating solar and the policy framework. The documents assess India’s floating solar potential and propose a policy framework covering site identification, project execution guidelines, stakeholder roles, approvals, scheduling, and measures to reduce risks for developers and investors. Deepak Ushadevi, MD and CEO at Ciel et Terre Solar, noted that floating solar is set to become a major driver of India’s renewable energy growth, not just a niche segment offering key advantages over ground-mount systems, such as no land acquisition requirements, faster scalability, and higher generation. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/82c5273c-cd7f-4686-bf9a-70ce1f52e1b3 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rajasthan-Leads-Indias-Solar-Open-Access-Market-in-Q1.jpg Rajasthan Leads India’s Solar Open Access Market in Q1 Rajasthan’s open access solar market is expanding despite rising transmission constraints Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Rajasthan emerged as the leading state for solar open access installations in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026. The state commissioned over 1 GW of solar open access capacity during the quarter, accounting for 39% of India’s newly added open access capacity, according to Mercom’s Q1 2026 India Solar Open Access Market Report. The state’s installations increased by 1,371% year-over-year and 2,472% quarter-over-quarter, rebounding from the slowdown observed in the previous quarter due to transmission availability constraints. India added 2.7 GW of open-access solar capacity in Q1 2026, a 160% increase from Q1 2025 and a 55% increase from Q4 2025. Open access projects accounted for 21% of Rajasthan’s total large-scale solar installations during the quarter, reflecting growing demand from commercial and industrial consumers. Of the capacity added during Q1 2026, standalone solar projects accounted for 82%, while the remaining installations came from solar-plus-wind projects. The commissioning of CleanMax Enviro Energy’s 400 MW solar project drove 39% of the quarter’s solar open access capacity additions. As of March 2026, Rajasthan ranked third in cumulative solar open access capacity, with more than 5 GW installed, accounting for 16% of the country’s total open access capacity. Solar open access projects accounted for 13% of the state’s cumulative large-scale solar capacity. Standalone solar projects dominated cumulative installations, accounting for 93% of the total, followed by solar-plus-wind projects at 7% and solar-plus-battery storage projects at 0.3%. Floating solar projects accounted for the remaining marginal share. Rajasthan has continued to strengthen its regulatory framework for open access and emerging renewable energy technologies. The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission reduced transmission and wheeling charges for open access consumers for FY27. The state also approved Green Energy Open Access procedures and aligned captive power regulations with the Central Government’s revised framework, providing greater regulatory clarity for captive and group captive projects. The introduction of dual power connection provisions for high-load consumers is expected to provide greater procurement flexibility for high-tension (HT) and extra-high-tension (EHT) consumers, including the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), data centers, and other essential service categories. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/97ace117-62c0-43ab-9b55-210610d7c2be https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/TCIL-Seeks-Consortium-Partner-for-31.2-MW-Solar-Projects-Across-Ghana.jpg TCIL Seeks Consortium Partner for 31.2 MW Solar Projects Across Ghana The last date to submit bids is June 9, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Telecommunications Consultants India (TCIL) has invited expressions of interest (EOI) to select a pre-bid consortium or backend partner to supply, deliver, and install 645 solar systems, with a cumulative capacity of 31,210 kW at public facilities across Ghana. The projects are spread across the country, including Greater Accra, Central, Western, Western North, Volta, Oti, Eastern, Ashanti, Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, Northern, North East, Upper East, Savannah, and Upper West regions. The last date to submit bids is June 9, 2026. Bids will be opened on the same day. The lot capacities range from 1,720 kW to 5,560 kW. Bidders must submit a tender fee of ₹11,800 (~$128). The earnest money deposit ranges from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the lot. The estimated cost of each lot will be 100 times the applicable earnest money deposit. The scope of work includes the supply, delivery, and installation of the solar photovoltaic systems. Bidders must be registered entities in India or Ghana. They must have an average annual turnover in the energy sector of at least 30% of the estimated bid cost over the last five years. They must also have a positive net worth as of March 31, 2026, and should have reported profit before tax in two of the last three financial years. Bidders must have completed at least three similar contracts within the last six years, each valued at a minimum of $100,000. They must also have executed at least three rooftop solar projects with capacities exceeding 100 kW each during the past six years, including assessments and assurances of structural integrity. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/f296fbaf-6dcc-452f-9391-05fb2332f0c1 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Engineering-Projects-India-Floats-EPC-Tender-for-250-MW-Solar-Projects.jpg Engineering Projects India Floats EPC Tender for 250 MW Solar Projects The last date to submit bids is June 15, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Engineering Projects India (EPI) has invited bids for an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) package to develop up to 250 MW of grid-connected solar power projects in Rajasthan. The project will be located near the 220 kV Bikaner IV substation at Ambaran. Bids must be submitted by June 15, 2026. Bids will be opened on June 16. Bidders must submit the earnest money deposit of ₹2 million (~$21,500) and a tender fee of ₹29,500 (~$320). The scope of work includes design, engineering, manufacturing, procurement, testing, packing, transportation, supply, electrical works, installation, erection, testing, commissioning, performance demonstration, and operational acceptance of the solar project. The selected bidder must also acquire land, develop the solar project, build power evacuation infrastructure, secure transmission connectivity, and provide comprehensive operation and maintenance services for three years. To qualify, bidders must, as EPC contractors or developers, have installed grid-connected solar projects with a cumulative capacity of at least 30 MW. This must include at least one project with a capacity of 10 MW or higher that has been operational for at least three months prior to the last day of the month preceding the month in which the tender is issued. Bidders may also qualify if they have executed an industrial or infrastructure project in the area of power, steel, oil and gas, petrochemical, fertilizer, cement, coal mining, including coal handling plant or any other process industry of a value valued of atleast ₹15.9 million (~$171,300)/MW in a single project, and and the same should be in successful operation for at least six months prior to the last day of month preceding the month in which the tender has been issued They must also have executed at least one electrical substation rated at 33 kV or higher that has been operational for at least six months. Bidders must have recorded an average annual turnover of at least ₹4 billion (~$43.1 million) during the last three financial years. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/64420f92-9ed0-420f-b765-6d17075383ef https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Atomic-Energy-Department-Tenders-2-MW-Rooftop-Solar-Project-in-Rajasthan.jpg MAHAPREIT Floats Tender for 100 MW Rooftop Solar Projects The last date to submit bids is June 23, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy & Infrastructure Technology (MAHAPREIT) has invited bids to install 100 MW of behind-the-meter (BTM) rooftop solar projects, with or without battery energy storage systems, in Maharashtra. The projects must be developed under the renewable energy service company (RESCO) model. The last date to submit bids is June 23, 2026. Bids will open on June 24. Bidders must furnish bid security of ₹225,000 (~$2,363)/MW and a performance guarantee of up to 2.5% of the contract value for the quoted package. They must submit a tender document fee of ₹10,000 (~$105) and a tender processing fee of ₹100,000 (~$1,050)/MW. Successful bidders must furnish a facilitation charge of 6% of project cost of the allotted capacity. The scope of work covers the design, engineering, supply, financing, installation, testing, and commissioning of solar systems, with or without battery energy storage, along with comprehensive operations and maintenance for 25 years. It also includes installing a generation meter and a net meter for the project. The project has been divided into four packages of 25 MW each: 20 kW to 100 kW solar projects (A1-S); 20 kW to 100 kW solar projects with 30% battery storage for 2 hours (A1-B); and 101 kW to 250 kW solar systems (A2-S). It also includes 101-250 kW solar systems with 50% battery storage for 2 hours (A2-B). The estimated project cost of solar systems under the A1-S package is ₹50 million (~$525,087)/MW, ₹70 million (~$735,121)/MW for A1-B, ₹50 million (~$525,087)/MW for A2-S, and ₹80 million (~$840,139)/MW for A2-B. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/df86fede-b920-4579-871d-bab5085dfe63 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/EESL-Invites-Bids-for-50-MW-Solar-Plus-40-MWh-Battery-Storage-Project.jpg EESL Invites Bids for 50 MW Solar Plus 40 MWh Battery Storage Project The last date to submit bids is June 30, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Energy Efficiency Services (EESL) has invited bids for the installation of a 50 MW grid-connected solar project with a 10 MW/40 MWh battery energy storage system at the IB thermal power station in Jharsuguda, Odisha. The scope of work includes design, engineering, supply, transportation, transit insurance, storage, installation, testing, commissioning, along with the associated internal pooling system, SCADA, energy management system, and plant boundary evacuation facilities at the site. The last date to submit bids is June 30, 2026. Bids will be opened on the same day. Bidders must submit ₹90.56 million (~$948,554) as the earnest money deposit. The project must be completed within 18 months of the tender issuance. Only Class-I Local suppliers with a minimum local content of 50% are eligible to bid. Bidders must have a valid electrical contractor license or a valid authorization permitting execution of HT electrical works of 33 kV and above issued by a competent government authority of any state or the Central Government of India. They should have successfully executed a single work order of at least ₹3.62 billion (~$37.92 million), or two work orders of value not less than ₹2.26 billion (~$23.67 million), or three work orders of value not less than ₹1.81 billion (~$18.96 million) during the last seven years. Bidders must have successfully installed solar-plus-battery-storage hybrid projects integrated with a bi-directional power conditioning system and inverter, and capable of AC charge-discharge operation during the last seven years. Alternatively, they must have installed a grid-connected battery energy storage system, integrated with a bidirectional power conditioning system and an inverter, capable of AC charge-discharge operation, that has been operational for one year prior to bid opening. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/fbd5415d-f19d-4f2c-9b75-98e5ea45621c https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Tender-Issued-for-a-2.5-MW-Ground-Mounted-Solar-Project-in-Gujarat.png EESL Tenders 2.5 MW Solar Project in Maharashtra The last date to submit bids is June 30, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Energy Efficiency Services (EESL) has invited bids to set up a 2.5 MW solar project at the Velu substation in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. The last date to submit bids is June 30, 2026. Bids will be opened on the same day. Bidders must furnish a bid security of ₹2.08 million (~$21,800) and performance security equivalent to 5% of the contract value. They must submit a bid document fee of ₹25,000 (~$262). The scope of work covers design, engineering, supply, construction, erection, testing, and commissioning of the solar project. It also entails comprehensive operation and maintenance for 12 years. The system must be designed for interconnection at the 11 kV level. The project must be completed within 180 days. Bidders must have designed, engineered, supplied, constructed, erected, tested, commissioned, and provided comprehensive O&M for solar projects in one of the following ways in the last three years: They must have a minimum annual turnover of at least ₹29.7 million (~$311,286) in the last three financial years. They must have liquid assets/demonstrate availability of credit facilities of at least ₹24.7 million (~$258,881). https://solarsathi.co.in/news/b4e52ae5-4efb-4c9e-b413-02947cd5a27e https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ALMM-solar-cells.jpg MNRE Panel Will Review ALMM Solar Cell Exemption Extension Requests Applications must be submitted through the NISE portal by June 30, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has constituted an expert committee to examine applications from net metering and open access renewable energy projects seeking time extension for commissioning beyond May 31, 2026, under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List II mandate for solar cells. The applications will be examined on a case-by-case basis. The move follows MNRE’s earlier office memorandum, which specified eligibility conditions for such projects seeking a time extension for commissioning beyond May 31, 2026, while retaining exemption from the ALMM List II for solar cells. According to the earlier memorandum, eligible projects must either have completed installation of solar modules but not yet commissioned them, or have taken effective steps toward grounding the project. Developers must submit all claims and supporting information through a portal developed by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) by June 30, 2026. Physical applications will not be accepted. The portal will be accessible through a link on NISE’s solar portal. The MNRE expert committee will be chaired by Sivakumar V Vepakomma, Director, Power System, Solar Energy Corporation of India. S. K. Dey, Executive Director, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, and Jai Prakash, Deputy Director General, NISE, will serve as members. Pratik Prasun, Deputy General Manager, Solar Energy Corporation of India, will be the member convenor. The committee will examine applications in line with MNRE’s May 25 memorandum. Field inspections may be carried out by the committee or any other agency, depending on operational requirements. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/734c5235-1ffa-47e8-862b-77ffbf09e013 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Extreme-Weather-Exposes-Hidden-Risks-in-Rooftop-Solar-Module-Design-In-Depth-Analysis.jpg Extreme Weather Exposes Hidden Risks in Rooftop Solar Module Design: In-Depth Analysis Industry experts point to module frame quality, structural design, and installation standards as critical to installation resilience in extreme weather Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Recent extreme weather events in Rajasthan and other parts of the country have raised concerns about the structural durability of rooftop solar installations, with industry experts citing aluminum frames used in solar modules as a key vulnerability. During high winds and storms, several solar modules have reportedly been bent, torn, or detached. Experts say the failures are often linked to inadequate reinforcement at the module edges, where the frames cannot withstand high wind loads. These issues are not limited to Rajasthan; they have been observed in other states as well. Quality Crisis at the Core of the Problem, Manufacturers Differ Kamal Subhash Jolly, Managing Director at Anatoly Energy, said, “It’s not just limited to Rajasthan. It’s happening everywhere. The thickness of aluminum frames is reduced to ensure greater profits. There’s no framework to monitor quality.” “The frames cannot withstand high winds and extreme weather conditions, and this leads to wear and tear of frames in a short span of time. This places an additional burden on us. As there is no warranty for frames, we must replace them, and it’s not the obligation of the panel manufacturer,” he said. Jolly noted that these frames are often the point of failure, with modules experiencing bending, tearing, or even detachment during high winds and storms. The key issue is inadequate reinforcement at the module edges, which cannot withstand severe-weather forces. Further concerns include the lack of comprehensive wind-pressure-strengthening reports, as structural engineers are not typically involved in assessing the wind resistance of solar modules. The issue has highlighted the need for module manufacturers to focus not just on the size of module frames, but also on frame thickness, material quality, and overall structural strength. Installers believe that manufacturers are primarily pursuing cost-cutting, which has led to a gradual decline in the quality of module frames. Uttam Patel, Director at H&H Aluminium, said, “One of the primary reasons behind the rising failure rates of solar modules is the cost-cutting undertaken by some panel manufacturers. Over the years, frame thickness has been reduced significantly, from around 1.6 mm earlier to nearly 1.2 mm in some cases. At the same time, module sizes have increased substantially, resulting in larger panels being supported by lighter frames. This combination can adversely affect the module’s structural integrity, particularly during transportation and under wind, mechanical, and thermal stresses, potentially leading to long-term reliability issues such as microcracks and reduced performance.” https://solarsathi.co.in/news/732d2041-7180-4947-be93-0ba285b2cb58 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Open-Access-Solar-Growth-Slows-in-Maharashtra-and-Tamil-Nadu.jpg Open Access Solar Growth Slows in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu Banking and Tariff Reforms Reshape Open Access Markets Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights India’s solar open access market recorded 55% quarter-over-quarter growth in Q1 2026, adding 2.7 GW, supported by favorable regulatory developments, proactive state-level policies, growing consumer awareness, and improved project execution across key markets. According to Mercom’s recently released Q1 2026 India Solar Open Access Market Report, installations could have been significantly higher if not for regulatory changes in states such as Maharashtra, grid constraints, and supply-side bottlenecks. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, in particular, recorded weaker installation activity during the quarter, despite continued interest from commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers seeking renewable energy solutions to reduce electricity costs and meet sustainability targets. Banking and ToD Reforms Weigh on Maharashtra In Q1 2026, solar open access installations in Maharashtra fell by 81% quarter-over-quarter and 61% year-over-year. While the state led installations in the previous quarter, it ranked eighth in Q1. Maharashtra continues to be one of India’s largest solar open access markets, but the revised energy banking rules and the time-of-day (ToD) tariff framework have slowed consumer decision-making and encouraged a shift toward smaller, load-matched power purchase agreements (PPAs). The revised banking framework has materially altered project economics by limiting consumers’ ability to maximize the value of surplus solar generation. This has reduced the earlier flexibility available to consumers with evening or night-time demand and weakened the value of surplus daytime solar generation. The impact is expected to be more pronounced among mid- and large-scale C&I consumers, as the new rules extend project payback periods and reduce the attractiveness of open access solar projects. The new ToD tariff structure is further reshaping procurement strategies and project sizing decisions. There are significant savings for consumers who use power during the 09:00 to 17:00 solar generation window, with high-tension (HT) industrial consumers being the biggest beneficiaries. Consumers who can shift the load to daytime hours stand to gain, but those with evening, night, or seasonal demand profiles may see weaker savings from standalone solar. Project and PPA structuring are therefore expected to become more conservative. Developers are likely to prioritize offtakers with stable daytime demand, stronger credit profiles, and better load predictability. Together, the banking and ToD reforms have shifted the market away from aggressive capacity procurement toward more conservative, demand-aligned projects, contributing to slower installation activity during the quarter. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/1f07ed9f-e4ce-44ec-a20b-dd881aa88b0d https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rajeev-Kashyap-800x554-1.jpg Solar Trackers Can Boost Annual Energy Output by Up to 30%: Interview AI, terrain-following technology shaping the future of the tracker industry globally Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The large-scale deployment of trackers has been a key growth driver for India’s solar energy sector and has supported the country’s transition to renewables by improving energy output and reducing lifecycle costs compared with conventional fixed-tilt installations. In an exclusive interview with Mercom India, Rajeev Kashyap, Senior Vice President and General Manager (Middle East, India, and Africa) at U.S.-based solar tracker company Nextpower, discusses the company’s outlook for solar tracker growth in India, the potential energy gains from tracker deployment, domestic manufacturing capability, and the topographical challenges affecting tracker deployment in India. How has Nextpower expanded its operational and manufacturing footprint in India over the past few years? India is one of our most strategic markets globally, and our commitment here has only deepened since 2016. With more than 160 GW of solar tracker deployments worldwide, we have established a strong presence in India’s utility-scale solar sector. We have surpassed 10 GW of solar tracker shipments in India, a milestone that places us firmly among the most deployed tracker platforms in the country. A defining feature of our presence in India is the Center for Solar Excellence in Hyderabad. The 13-acre facility combines testing, training, and product validation capabilities to support the entire solar project lifecycle and helps us address customer requirements better. Our India operations are anchored in Hyderabad and Chennai, where more than 500 professionals support product development, research and development, and project execution. Given how utility-scale projects are increasingly leveraging advanced tracking technologies, what’s Nextpower’s outlook on the growth potential of the solar tracker market in India? We see India as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for advanced solar tracker adoption, driven by the rapid expansion of utility-scale solar projects, a growing focus on maximizing energy yield, and the need to improve project economics in land- and grid-constrained environments. Our outlook is also supported by broader industry trends and independent studies, which indicate that tracker-mounted systems in India can deliver higher energy output and lower lifecycle costs as compared to conventional fixed-tilt installations. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/04468353-01e6-46d4-a18f-f05af54fdca6 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Indias-Large-Scale-Solar-Pipeline-Tops-200-GW.jpg India’s Large-Scale Solar Pipeline Tops 200 GW The 2030 solar target of 280 GW appears within reach Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights India’s large-scale solar project pipeline has crossed a significant milestone, exceeding 200 GW for the first time, according to data from the Mercom India Renewable Energy Project Tracker. The milestone underscores the scale of project development underway across the country and reinforces the view that India’s target of 280 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030 is increasingly within reach. More than 150 GW, representing nearly 75% of the total pipeline, is currently under development, while approximately 51 GW is in the pre-construction stage. The strong pipeline reflects sustained investor interest and developer confidence despite evolving policy requirements, transmission constraints, and supply chain challenges. India’s operational large-scale solar capacity currently stands at over 134 GW. The composition of operational capacity also reflects evolving market dynamics. Central sector projects account for approximately 38% of installed large-scale solar capacity, state sector projects represent about 35%, and open access projects contribute nearly 26%. The growing share of open access projects demonstrates the increasing role of commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers in India’s energy transition. Rising electricity costs, sustainability commitments, and greater familiarity with renewable energy procurement mechanisms continue to drive demand from the C&I segment. The strong development pipeline comes on the back of record solar installations. According to Mercom India’s Q1 2026 India Solar Market Update Report, India installed 15.3 GW of solar capacity during the first quarter of 2026, the highest quarterly total ever recorded. Cumulative installed solar capacity exceeded 152 GW as of March 2026. The robust solar pipeline and record capacity additions in 2025 suggest that India is well-positioned to achieve its target of 500 GW of non-fossil-fuel-based renewable energy capacity by 2030. The target for installed solar capacity is 280 GW, which means India must add about 130 GW between now and 2030, averaging 30 GW per year over the next four years. Given the pace of recent capacity additions and the strength of the development pipeline, the target appears achievable, provided project execution remains on track. In 2025, India added an unprecedented 36.6 GW of solar capacity, a 43% increase from 25.6 GW in 2024. This growth was supported by utility-scale project commissioning, rising open access demand, and improved project execution across several states. While the target appears achievable, a recent policy initiative of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has raised concerns among stakeholders. The introduction of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers List-II for solar cells from June 1, 2026, could slow capacity additions in the short term. ALMM List-II mandates that https://solarsathi.co.in/news/7cfb284b-7982-4471-89af-965d4fa8b721 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SECI-Invites-Bank-Quotations-for-%E2%82%B98-Billion-Credit-Facility.jpg SECI Invites Bank Quotations for ₹8 Billion Credit FacilityJun 12, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has invited quotations from scheduled commercial banks for non-fund-based credit facilities aggregating up to ₹8 billion (~$83.98 million). The invitation seeks letters of credit, bank guarantees, and standby letters of credit. Banks must submit quotations on or before June 26, 2026. The facilities will be used for SECI’s power trading operations, renewable energy projects, and other business requirements. The credit facilities may be sanctioned by one or more banks, but the total amount tied up through the process must not exceed ₹8 billion (~$83.98 million). The proposed tenor is one year, renewable thereafter on mutually agreed terms and conditions. The banks may indicate the availability of interchangeable fund-based sub-limits, but their primary requirement will remain non-fund-based facilities. SECI’s average monthly payments to renewable energy developers during the financial year 2026-27 are estimated at about ₹17.5 billion (~$183.72 million), and the amount is expected to rise as additional projects are commissioned. The corporation has opened letters of credit in favor of renewable energy developers for the power supply of ₹22.54 billion (~$236.63 million). SECI’s existing sanctioned credit facilities from banks total ₹40.75 billion (~$427.79 million), comprising ₹12.82 billion (~$134.58 million) in fund-based limits and ₹31.7 billion (~$332.79 million) in non-fund-based limits. This April, SECI invited proposals from scheduled commercial banks and financial institutions for ₹6.6 billion (~$68.94 million) in term loans for a 200 MW solar project being set up in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/12a0af50-5921-41e6-82dd-9aba7600b05a https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/floatinfsoalr.jpg Daily News Wrap-Up: India’s Floating Solar Potential Assessed at 102 GWJun 12, 2026 ONGC announces winner of 250 MW wind auction Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) assessed India’s floating solar potential at over 102.18 GW and said it is working on a dedicated program to promote floating solar deployment nationwide. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, released the Report on Floating Solar PV Potential Assessment of India on June 10, 2026 Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) announced the winner of the auction for 250 MW captive interstate transmission system-connected wind power projects. Renewable energy industry associations have filed a writ petition before the Karnataka High Court to set aside the MNRE mandate requiring solar cells to be sourced from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers List-II (ALMM-II) from June 1, 2026. The petitioners sought that enforcement of the ALMM List-II be deferred until India’s installed solar cell manufacturing capacity is sufficient to meet demand for projects covered by the ALMM framework. The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission allowed distribution companies in the national capital to recover fuel and power purchase adjustment surcharges (FPPAS) above the 10% ceiling for April 2026. The Commission permitted BSES Rajdhani Power to recover the total FPPAS of 17.94% and BSES Yamuna Power to recover 17.43% for April 2026. The Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission issued the draft Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission (State Grid Code) Regulations, 2026, which set out guidelines for the planning, operation, scheduling, and protection of the state power grid. Stakeholders can submit their feedback until June 29, 2026. The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission issued draft regulations to create a comprehensive framework for battery energy storage systems in the state. The draft Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (Battery Energy Storage Systems) Regulations, 2026, aim to promote the deployment of battery energy storage systems to support grid stability, peak load management, congestion management, frequency management, voltage control, reactive power services, and the integration of renewable energy. Facing high electricity costs and unreliable power supply, a leading pharmaceutical company in Himachal Pradesh’s Baddi saw a way out with a customized 1.122 MW rooftop solar leasing solution. Developed by Two Point O Capital, the solution had the potential to reduce costs with cheaper power and more reliability. The Kerala State Electricity Board invited bids to select a consultant to conduct technical feasibility and commercial viability studies for setting up utility-scale battery energy storage systems in the state over the next 10 years. The studies will assess the state’s battery energy storage requirements, optimal sizing and siting, and economic vi https://solarsathi.co.in/news/066b1847-a5d7-434b-9bf2-7aa87e2e470f https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DJI_0015-copy.jpg KHS Machinery Meets 65% of Power Needs with Rooftop Solar ProjectJun 12, 2026 The project is expected to save ₹7.7 million annually Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Rooftop solar is gaining traction among commercial and industrial consumers as businesses look to use existing factory space to cut electricity costs and reduce dependence on grid power. Germany-based KHS Machinery (KHS Group), an industrial equipment manufacturer, is expected to save ₹7.7 million (~$80,726.8) annually after installing a 750.2 kW rooftop solar project at its facility in Nandej, Gujarat. KHS manufactures filling and packaging systems for the beverage industry. The company now meets 60-65% of its power needs through the rooftop solar system. The rooftop solar project is expected to generate nearly 1.1 million units of electricity annually, with average daily and monthly generation of approximately 3,000 kWh and 90,000 kWh, respectively. The rooftop solar system is expected to yield a payback within three years. The project was commissioned by Gujarat-based rooftop installer, Malibu Renewables, in February 2026. The rooftop system uses Rayzon Solar’s 550 Wp Mono PERC bifacial solar modules and five units of 125 kW Polycab’s inverters. KHS Machinery opted for a rooftop solar installation as it enabled the company to use its existing infrastructure without the necessity of using additional land. The company said it plans to expand its rooftop solar capacity and might evaluate installing a battery energy storage system if current solar generation does not meet its needs. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/2296d229-412d-4c5d-91ea-2317350bf246 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/03/servotech-plans-inr-400-crore-haryana-investment-for-ev-chargers-and-solar-products-2026-06-03-09-26-34.png Servotech Plans ₹400 Crore Haryana Investment For EV Chargers, Solar Products Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Haryana Enterprises Promotion Centre, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Haryana, to expand its manufacturing and warehousing operations in the state. The company plans to invest around ₹400 crore under the agreement. The MoU was signed during the launch of the ‘Make in Haryana’ Industrial Policy 2026 in Gurugram on June 1, 2026, in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The proposed investment will be implemented in phases over the next 24 to 36 months. Servotech plans to use the investment to expand manufacturing capacity for EV chargers, solar products, battery packs, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and power electronics. These segments have been identified as priority areas under the Make in Haryana Industrial Policy 2026. The company said the expansion will help improve production capacity, strengthen operational efficiency, support import substitution, and meet growing demand from domestic and international markets. Servotech is currently evaluating potential locations in the state for setting up the proposed facilities. As part of the MoU, the Haryana Government, through HEPC, will provide facilitation support and ease-of-doing-business assistance for the implementation of the investment plan. Commenting on the development, Raman Bhatia, Managing Director of Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd., said the investment is aligned with the company’s long-term plan to expand its renewable energy manufacturing footprint. He said the partnership would support Servotech’s target of achieving ₹1,500 crore in revenue by FY2027, while also contributing to Haryana’s clean energy and industrial growth plans. The company recently reported its strongest-ever quarterly performance in Q4 FY26, with standalone revenue rising 76% year-on-year to ₹212.2 crore and EBITDA increasing 76% to ₹23.2 crore. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/3f3aefd9-2c3f-4b32-b084-0710117bea66 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/03/solarium-2026-06-03-12-13-42.png Beyond Rooftops: Solarium Bets Big on Manufacturing, EPC to Fuel Next Growth Phase Beyond Rooftops: Solarium Bets Big on Manufacturing, EPC to Fuel Next Growth Phase Photograph: (AI) Solarium Green Energy is repositioning itself from a residential rooftop solar installer into an integrated solar manufacturing and EPC player, as the company ramps up its newly commissioned 1.2 GW module manufacturing facility and expands its presence in large utility-scale projects. The strategic shift comes as the company seeks to reduce its dependence on government-backed distributed solar programmes and create a more scalable business model anchored around manufacturing, large EPC contracts and a nationwide solar-kit distribution network. "Our most significant development was the commissioning of our 1.2 GW fully automated module manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad," management said during the company's FY26 earnings call, adding that the facility is capable of producing up to 4,000 panels per day and manufacturing advanced modules, including G12 panels with output of up to 725 Wp. The company said it has deliberately expanded into large ground-mounted EPC projects to improve cash conversion cycles and operational efficiency. "We consciously added ground-mounted large EPC projects as another stream for the business. It was a calculated decision to reduce our exposure to the extended receivable cycles that are inherent in government distributed programs," management said. According to the company, large EPC projects offer better working capital dynamics despite carrying relatively lower gross margins. The strategy also helps Solarium absorb output from its manufacturing facility through captive consumption. "We currently have approximately 765 MW of confirmed captive module consumption within our EPC order book and a forward pipeline of over 300 MW of projects under active discussion," management said. The company recently secured a 50 MW AC ground-mounted solar project in Maharashtra valued at more than ₹185 crore and ended FY26 with an unexecuted order book exceeding ₹300 crore. Management indicated that around 50-60% of future module production is expected to be consumed internally. "We are targeting 50-60% in-house consumption of the production at least," said Ankit Garg, Chairman and Manging Director of the firm, adding that EPC projects and the company's newly launched solar kits would be the largest internal consumers of module output. The manufacturing facility, which commenced commercial production in mid-March, is currently operating at around 45% utilisation. "Currently, the factory is running at around 45% utilization," management said, noting that production was temporarily moderated as the industry assessed the impact of the ALMM-II framework. Alongside manufacturing and EPC, Solarium is also scaling its solar-kit business, targeting thousands of residential solar installers participating in the PM Surya Ghar programme. The company has built a network of more than 450 partners across over 25 cities and is positioning its https://solarsathi.co.in/news/5dbe453e-6976-44b9-a077-e35a5e744f9b https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/06/03/china-launches-two-space-energy-alliances-to-advance-space-based-solar-technologies-2026-06-03-13-43-49.jpg China Launches Two Space Energy Alliances to Advance Space-Based Solar Technologies China's solar and clean energy industry is increasingly looking beyond terrestrial applications, with two new industry alliances focused on space-based energy technologies being launched at the 19th International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy & Energy Storage Exhibition (SNEC 2026) in Shanghai. The developments signal growing interest in combining advances in photovoltaics, energy storage, aerospace technology and satellite infrastructure to support future space energy applications. The newly launched Space Energy Development Alliance brings together organisations from across the solar, energy storage, hydrogen, computing, charging infrastructure, and aerospace sectors. The alliance aims to promote collaboration between the space and renewable energy industries and support the development of future space-based energy technologies. Founding members include commercial satellite company GalaxySpace, Kunshan GCL Photovoltaic Materials, the Yangtze River Delta Solar PV Technology Innovation Center, Shanghai Tianfu Interstellar Energy Technology, Shenzhen Aerospace New Source Technology and several other research and industrial organisations. GalaxySpace, one of China's commercial aerospace companies, has launched more than 40 self-developed satellites as of April 2026. Alongside the launch of the Space Energy Development Alliance, JA Solar and several industry partners announced the formation of the Space Energy Technology Ecosystem Alliance. The initiative includes participation from Saiwu Technology, Jiangsu Jiejiawei Innovation Intelligent Equipment, CGC Certification Centre and research institutions. Saiwu Technology is known for its advanced polymer materials and recently commercialised luminescent down-shifting films designed for perovskite tandem solar modules. Meanwhile, photovoltaic equipment manufacturer Jiangsu Jiejiawei has highlighted the potential of perovskite solar cells in applications beyond conventional solar power plants, including building-integrated photovoltaics, portable energy systems and wearable devices. Traditional satellite solar arrays primarily rely on gallium arsenide multi-junction solar cells due to their high efficiency and reliability. However, the technology remains expensive because of limited material availability and complex manufacturing processes. As satellite constellations continue to expand, particularly in low Earth orbit, industry participants are increasingly exploring alternatives that can deliver lower costs while maintaining high performance. Perovskite and tandem solar cell technologies are attracting attention because of their potential for high efficiency, lightweight design and lower manufacturing costs. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/9b3df04f-ca3f-4baf-832c-d1eaf9f3c6b9 https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1200x675/saur-energy/media/media_files/2026/05/21/is-the-market-underestimating-the-solar-story-valuequest-advisors-say-yes-2026-05-21-09-00-03.jpg Australia Explores 50,000-Tonne Polysilicon Plant to Strengthen Solar Supply Chain Australia Explores 50,000-Tonne Polysilicon Plant to Strengthen Solar Supply Chain Photograph: (Archive) Australia has taken a step towards establishing a domestic polysilicon manufacturing industry, with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) supporting a feasibility study for a large-scale facility capable of producing 50,000 tonnes of polysilicon annually. The study, being led by Energus under ARENA's Solar Sunshot programme, will assess the commercial and technical viability of developing a polysilicon manufacturing facility at the Hunter Energy Hub in New South Wales. The proposed facility would support between 10 GW and 40 GW of solar manufacturing capacity and is aimed at strengthening Australia's position in the global solar supply chain. ARENA has committed A$1.4 million towards the project, which has a total cost of A$2.81 million. The study commenced in May 2025 and is expected to run until July 2027. The initiative comes as Australia seeks to reduce its dependence on imported polysilicon, a critical raw material used in solar photovoltaic manufacturing. According to the study, the global polysilicon supply chain remains concentrated in a handful of countries, exposing Australia to supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical risks."The feasibility study aims to address knowledge gaps in cost, design, engineering and supply chain factors necessary to support the development of a 10-40 GW capacity facility producing 50,000 tonnes of polysilicon per annum," the ARENA document stated. As part of the study, Energus will establish a consortium to evaluate commercial, engineering, operational and regulatory aspects of the project. The work will include market assessments, infrastructure planning, supply chain analysis, engineering feasibility studies, energy requirement estimates and project development timelines. The Hunter Energy Hub has been identified as the preferred location, with the study examining infrastructure requirements such as power and water availability needed to support large-scale polysilicon production. The findings are expected to provide a roadmap for establishing a commercial-scale polysilicon industry in Australia and support broader efforts under the Solar Sunshot programme to localise key segments of the solar manufacturing value chain. According to ARENA, the project aims to support innovation in polysilicon manufacturing while addressing barriers to domestic production, including the potential for a green polysilicon premium and pathways for creating a reliable Australian supply of the material. If found viable, the project could mark a significant milestone in Australia's efforts to build an integrated solar manufacturing ecosystem and reduce reliance on imported materials critical to the country's clean energy transition. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/7ece27d9-d30a-4e11-81d5-57b53d0a5533 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1611273426858-450d8e3c9fce?w=800&q=80 Global solar inverter market set to face two-year decline before stabilising, Wood Mackenzie forecasts https://solarsathi.co.in/news/a7ba51a1-6797-4795-8e5d-2fc1a1d6f049 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1611273426858-450d8e3c9fce?w=800&q=80 Clean energy subsidies jump 31% to Rs 32,000 crore in 2023-24, but PSU capex still flows to fossil fuels: IISD https://solarsathi.co.in/news/8f5214ec-1ccc-488a-94cc-4cc113a26a28 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1558618666-fcd25c85cd64?w=800&q=80 Bihar’s renewable energy policy signals a shift beyond electrification https://solarsathi.co.in/news/db7c4527-857a-496d-951d-78f4f0826fb2 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560179707-f14e90ef3623?w=800&q=80 Coal demand growth stalls globally as China’s consumption flattens with clean energy surge https://solarsathi.co.in/news/0024dc34-2440-44c5-8f36-6015135fcc04 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1497440001374-f26997328c1b?w=800&q=80 Rajasthan’s new demand flexibility rules explained: How shifting electricity use could unlock more solar power https://solarsathi.co.in/news/573ab3b7-db60-491a-b4f5-6ca8d3f47afc https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1625246333195-78d9c38ad449?w=800&q=80 US courts block Trump’s war on wind energy https://solarsathi.co.in/news/1deeb0c3-a20e-4a44-ab01-a3fac4edc1ea https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1548337138-e87d889cc369?w=800&q=80 Global wind, solar pipeline hits record 4.9 TW, but rich economies fall behind https://solarsathi.co.in/news/fbfb5f20-675c-4651-b3af-9d813d074002 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1548337138-e87d889cc369?w=800&q=80 The Sunita Narain Show: How to fit solar into electricity? https://solarsathi.co.in/news/73040786-2eac-4f93-b997-70c4c3781b03 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1451187580459-43490279c0fa?w=800&q=80 Researchers improve method to generate clean energy from human urine https://solarsathi.co.in/news/de69f7dd-5002-4cdc-8e8e-f40df536e292 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560179707-f14e90ef3623?w=800&q=80 Innovation gap could slow Europe’s clean energy transition, warns report https://solarsathi.co.in/news/9e135ac6-7f31-400d-ad7d-04ebbe253353 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1497440001374-f26997328c1b?w=800&q=80 When supply isn’t enough: Global energy system built on fragile routes, shift to clean energy way ahead, finds report https://solarsathi.co.in/news/060949aa-10d2-4c0a-9f82-f0c6ce4ebc00 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1518770660439-4636190af475?w=800&q=80 Africa’s electric motorbike future can be built locally and powered by solar — our 6,000 km ride shows what’s possible https://solarsathi.co.in/news/ae484710-e1b9-408a-9ae2-785d106c60d2 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1518770660439-4636190af475?w=800&q=80 Solarising farms, stressing grids: What are the challenges for PM-KUSUM 2.0? https://solarsathi.co.in/news/552f9198-835b-4ac5-ad44-644321969626 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560179707-f14e90ef3623?w=800&q=80 South Africans want solar power but they worry panels will be stolen — study https://solarsathi.co.in/news/04d1caa6-2970-494d-822f-e157f5bfef57 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1625246333195-78d9c38ad449?w=800&q=80 Top international scientists launch panel to guide global energy transition https://solarsathi.co.in/news/545b4f91-c3ed-42b5-a278-40dbe7e7735c https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1451187580459-43490279c0fa?w=800&q=80 Heatwaves, rooftop solar and data centres force rethink of India’s power sector planning https://solarsathi.co.in/news/92865de2-3b2e-4737-b5b5-39303048f229 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1497440001374-f26997328c1b?w=800&q=80 Clean energy investment saved fuel importers $260 billion in 2025: IEA https://solarsathi.co.in/news/0ec55742-5fe1-4167-b169-17561be6f1bc https://images.financialexpressdigital.com/2023/05/suzlon.jpg Suzlon bags 69 MW wind energy order Renewable energy solutions provider Suzlon has secured a 69 MW wind energy order from the Indian subsidiary of a leading Nordic Energy Company. The order is for the development of a 69 MW wind power project for the Indian subsidiary of a leading Nordic Energy Company, a Suzlon statement said. The company, however, didn’t disclose the value of the order. Suzlon will install 23 wind turbine generators (WTGs) with a Hybrid Lattice Tubular (HLT) tower and a rated capacity of 3 MW each. “At Suzlon, we take great pride that a leading Nordic Energy Company with a proven global track record in renewable energy has placed their trust in Suzlon for their first wind energy project outside of Europe,” JP Chalasani, Chief Executive Officer, Suzlon Group, said. The project is located at Karnataka and is expected to be commissioned in 2024. This is the fourth order of the larger wind turbine model from the new 3 MW series – the S144 – 140m is part of the agreement wherein Suzlon Energy will supply the wind turbines (equipment supply) and project supervision and commissioning. Suzlon will also provide operations and maintenance services post-commissioning, the statement added. 33,441 croreMumbai’s civic administration is taking emergency measures as the IMD predicts a below-average monsoon, leaving the city with only 45 days of potable water. The BMC is closely monitoring the situation and urging responsible water usage. The budget presented by Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani focuses on infrastructure and urban development, with a budget of Rs. 33,441 crore. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/a0ebc728-34ab-49ad-a425-0198a9533d47 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Shashank-Jha-and-Kalyan-Tarafdar-co-founders-at-Reslink.jpg India’s Solar EPC Market Shifting Toward Digital Simulation Tools: InterviewJun 1, 2026 Reslink aims to become a global operating player for solar EPC workflows Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors are increasingly turning to design and simulation platforms to cut proposal delays, improve design accuracy, and connect field assessments with simulation, financial modeling, and procurement workflows. In an exclusive interview with Mercom India, Shashank Jha and Kalyan Tarafdar, co-founders at Reslink, which provides software and hardware to accelerate clean energy projects, discuss how solar EPC software and simulation platforms help EPCs use mobile-first 3D design, simulation, proposal, compliance, and procurement integration tools to improve project execution. How is Reslink Energy helping solar EPC companies streamline project design, proposal generation, and customer management workflows in India? Reslink connects the entire pre-execution workflow in one place. Site assessment, 3D design, shadow analysis, energy simulation, financial modeling, and proposal generation all occur within a single platform. What previously required multiple tools, multiple people, and two to four days can now be completed on a phone in under 20 minutes. The biggest practical change is for field sales teams. A sales rep visiting a residential site in Pune or a factory rooftop in Surat can now generate a branded 3D proposal while standing in front of the customer, answer return on investment (ROI) and payback questions in real time, and close in the first meeting. EPCs using Reslink have reported up to 30% improvement in lead conversion within the first month, largely because the proposal reaches the customer while their intent is still active. As India’s rooftop solar market scales, how are EPC workflows evolving? Three things are happening at the same time. Project volumes are rising faster than EPC teams are growing, so every workflow inefficiency gets amplified. A company that could manually manage 10 projects a month starts to break down at 40. Second, customers are more informed than they were three years ago. They expect a visual proposal, a clear generation estimate, and clarity on ROI during the first meeting, not a Portable Document Format (PDF) three days later. Third, projects are getting more complex. Ground-mount, hybrid systems, battery energy storage system (BESS) integration, time-of-day (TOD) tariff modeling for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers, all of this means the design and proposal layer has to keep pace. The EPCs adapting fastest are the ones standardizing their workflows digitally so that no single team member becomes a bottleneck. What are the most common operational bottlenecks EPC companies face today? The biggest one is handoff loss. A sales rep visits the site, collects measurements and photographs, hands the information to a design engineer, who prepares a layout, passes it to someone for c https://solarsathi.co.in/news/b85bdece-4ec8-460d-a346-5535bd8e86c5 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/currency-2-1.png Project Finance Brief: Bankinter and Plenium Secure $617 Million for Solar Portfolio Vesper Energy secures $236 million in debt financing for Texas solar project Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Bankinter Investment and Plenium Partners have secured €530 million (~$617 million) in financing for a 130 MW solar portfolio owned by Helia Renovables IV. Helia Renovables IV was launched in 2020 by Bankinter Investment, an alternative investment arm of the Spanish financial group Bankinter, and Plenium Partners, an investment company focused on power and sustainable infrastructure in Europe. Vesper Energy, a utility-scale solar and battery storage project developer, has reached financial close on $236 million in debt financing for its 201 MW Nazareth Solar project in Swisher County, Texas. The financing package includes a construction-to-term loan and a letter of credit facility. Renewable energy company Avaada Group has secured $950 million in financing from a consortium of global and domestic banks for renewable energy projects in India. The financing covers the financial closure of its firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) project in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Mumbai-headquartered renewable energy solutions provider Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions (CleanMax) announced that it secured nearly $575 million to expand its solar and wind projects in India. The financing will support large-scale, Central Transmission Utility-connected renewable energy projects across Rajasthan and Karnataka. Solar solutions company Evolve Green Energies has secured a debt capital commitment of ₹1.05 billion (~$11 million) from Aseem Infrastructure Finance to fund the development of its 30 MW rooftop and group captive solar portfolio across India. Evolve will use this funding to accelerate the expansion of its distributed solar portfolio across government, industrial, and commercial client segments, focusing on high-credit offtakers and long-tenor power purchase agreements. SolarAfrica, an independent renewable power producer, has signed an agreement to acquire the 315 MW Nyakallo solar and battery storage project in Limpopo, South Africa, from Norsk Renewables, a Norwegian renewable energy project developer. The companies said they will continue to develop the project toward financial close and construction. Kyivstar Group, a subsidiary of digital operator VEON, has acquired six solar power projects totaling 105 MW in Ukraine’s Lviv region for $80.8 million. The acquisition expands Kyivstar’s renewable energy generation portfolio nearly ninefold. Eelpower Energy, an energy storage project developer backed by Equitix, Aware Super, and the National Wealth Fund, has acquired the 50 MW/100 MWh Stoneworthy battery storage project in Great Britain from renewable energy company RES. The Stoneworthy project is located on land south of the Pyworthy substation in Devon. For reports and trackers on funding and M&A transactions in solar, energy storage, and smart grid sectors, click here. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/33d53795-7c11-48a1-b20a-da469c3e4d51 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CleanMax-Secures-575-Million-for-1-GW-Solar-Wind-Projects.jpg CleanMax Secures $575 Million for 1 GW Solar, Wind Projects Financing to support renewable energy projects in Rajasthan and Karnataka Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Mumbai-headquartered renewable energy solutions provider Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions (CleanMax) announced that it secured nearly $575 million to expand its solar and wind projects in India. The financing will support large-scale, Central Transmission Utility-connected renewable energy projects across Rajasthan and Karnataka. The projects will aggregate nearly 1 GW of renewable energy capacity and serve corporate and industrial customers, including large technology companies. The company said the financing was secured from domestic and international lenders through External Commercial Borrowings, rupee loans, and Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) facilities. Clean Max Celestial secured $141.94 million from one of India’s public sector banks under a Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) facility. Clean Max Tasman secured $124.63 million through an External Commercial Borrowing facility from Societe Generale, BNP Paribas, and SMBC. VEH Green Energy secured $174 million through External Commercial Borrowing from Credit Agricole, HSBC, and DBS Bank. CleanMax secured a rupee term loan of ₹6.5 billion (~$67.88 million) from HSBC. Clean Max Atlas secured ₹6.3 billion (~$65.79 million) through a rupee term loan from BNP Paribas and HSBC. The company said the capital structure aligns borrowing currency with contracted revenues. The financing includes U.S. dollar-denominated loans backed by U.S. dollar-denominated power purchase agreements and rupee-denominated loans backed by rupee-denominated power purchase agreements. CleanMax’s non-rupee-denominated portfolio is currently financed at an interest rate below 6%. Kuldeep Jain, Founder and Managing Director of CleanMax, said the multi-lender collaboration would allow projects to be executed at scale while providing renewable energy solutions for the commercial and industrial sector. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/67afb3f0-28be-4098-9881-fba918b92bd1 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/soalriwnd.jpg Solar-Wind-Battery Hybrid Systems Can Meet Up to 90% of Electricity Demand Energy storage can significantly reduce dependence on diesel generators for C&I consumers Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights As India’s solar market matures and policies increasingly mandate minimum storage requirements, the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector is steadily shifting toward solar-wind hybrid power projects integrated with battery energy storage systems to meet rising power demand, enable smarter energy dispatch, and support grid stability. Industry experts estimate that hybrid renewable energy systems combined with storage can offset 85%-90% of a consumer’s total power requirements. Rajasthan has mandated the integration of battery storage for green open access projects above 5 MW, with storage capacity equivalent to either two hours of generation or 5% of the project’s installed capacity. Rahul Makahaniya, Chief Marketing Officer at Soleos Energy, said that while standalone solar projects can meet up to 50% of the consumer’s energy needs, and solar-plus-storage can offset up to 70%, integrated solar-wind-storage solutions can meet the majority of power demand. He added that integrating battery storage into a 20 MW wind-solar project would cost around ₹11 million (~$114,850)/MWh. Pratibha Sharma, Head of Sales and Marketing (North India) at Ningbo Deye New Energy, said energy storage can significantly reduce dependence on diesel generators for C&I consumers, where power generation costs typically range between ₹30 (~$0.31)/kWh to ₹40 (~$0.42)/kWh. According to Sharma, hybrid renewable systems can deliver payback within three years. She also noted that storage systems can help offset peak-hour tariffs through demand-based dispatch strategies. Battery storage integrated with power conversion systems enables charging and discharging at optimized intervals, improving operational efficiency and energy management. Under round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy models, businesses with continuous power requirements can offset up to 99% of their electricity demand through renewable energy. Significant Savings Through Rooftop Solar Renewable energy adoption in the C&I segment is driven by the need to reduce electricity costs, comply with sustainability mandates, and meet supply chain requirements that are increasingly linked to low-carbon operations. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/4cd0adb9-8c90-4d27-98f5-b919524b280f https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/NTPC-Green-Commissions-105-MW-at-Khavda-II-Solar-Project-in-Gujarat.jpg MENA Weekly Round-Up: O-Green Closes Financing for 93 MW Oman Solar Project Here are some noteworthy cleantech news and announcements from around the Middle East and North Africa region this week Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights O-Green, a clean energy company established by the government of Oman, has achieved financial closure for a 93 MW solar project that will supply power to more than 200 industrial facilities. The project is being developed in partnership with Ahli Islamic, the Islamic Banking window of Ahlibank. Additionally, O-Green signed an agreement with the Arab Open University in Oman to develop a solar power plant on the university campus. Sungrow with ACO and Korra Energi commissioned a 1.4 MWp solar system at the Esh El Mallaha petroleum facility in Hurghada, Egypt. The project is expected to reduce the petroleum facility’s dependence on diesel-based power generation. The installation uses nine SG150CX string inverters with multi-maximum power point tracking technology to optimize solar yield. The system is expected to generate 125 MWh annually. 3E, ORG, Engazaat, Habiba Community, and the Alexandria University Center of Excellence for Water partnered to set up 6 kWp desert agrivoltaics pilot projects in Egypt. The project is located in a remote arid region of South Sinai. Following the pilot project, the partners are also implementing an additional 100 kWp agri-solar installation in Al Moghra, Marsa Matrouh. The installation of solar panels over agricultural land is expected to improve growing conditions in extreme-heat environments such as Egypt. O-Green is developing a 58 MW pilot wind project in the Duqm Special Economic Zone in Oman. The project, comprising wind turbines of 9.6 MW, is expected to generate around 190 GWh of electricity annually. The wind project forms part of a broader portfolio of clean energy projects exceeding 11 GW of solar and wind generation capacity and 4.5 GWh of battery energy storage capacity, across Oman, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Africa, and Europe, in various stages of planning and development. To date, the company has secured more than 3.3 GW of generation capacity and 2.4 GWh of storage capacity. O-Green is developing a wind turbine manufacturing plant at the Duqm SEZ. Phase 1 of the facility. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/a761120e-e6d7-4c2c-9036-b4a947b355be https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/terra-clean-400-MW.jpg Terra Clean Invites Bids for Power Evacuation from 400 MW Solar Projects The last date to submit bids is June 17, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Terra Clean, a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation, has invited bids to set up pooling substations and associated power evacuation systems for 400 MW solar power projects in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The successful bidder will also be responsible for the projects’ operation and maintenance for five years. The tender covers Group A, a 300 MW (220 kV interstate transmission system) solar project near the Morena pooling station in Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, and Group B, a 100 MW (66 kV intra-state transmission system) solar project near the Sisrana Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation substation in Banaskantha, Gujarat. The scope of work for Group A includes the design, engineering, supply, construction, testing, and commissioning of an interstate transmission system connected to a 220 kV air-insulated switchgear pooling substation and associated 33 kV pooling switchgear for interconnecting 300 MW of solar capacity. It also includes associated civil works, such as the control room building. For Group B, the scope includes the design, engineering, supply, construction, testing, and commissioning of an intrastate transmission system- connected 66 kV air-insulated switchgear pooling substation and associated 33 kV pooling switchgear for interconnecting 100 MW of solar capacity. It also includes associated civil works, such as the control room building. The last date to submit bids is June 17, 2026. Bids will be opened on June 18. The estimated project cost is ₹478.9 million (~$4.99 million) for Group A and ₹287.8 million (~$3 million) for Group B. Bidders must submit an earnest money deposit of ₹1.19 million (~$12,404) for Group A, ₹720,000 (~$7,505) for Group B, and ₹1.91 million (~$19,910) for both groups. They must also pay a tender fee of ₹5,000 (~$52). The successful bidder must also furnish a security deposit equivalent to 10% of the contract value. An initial security deposit equivalent to 2.5% of the contract value must be submitted within the prescribed period after the contract or letter of acceptance is issued. The projects must be completed within 12 months, and bidders must be Class I local suppliers. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/14b52127-128e-4c43-8947-f673be0c1d8f https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MNRE-Sets-DCR-Portal-Route-for-ALMM-List-II-Extension-Requests.jpg MNRE Sets DCR Portal Route for ALMM List-II Extension Requests The requests must be submitted along with the supporting documents Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has directed renewable energy developers to submit requests for exemption from compliance with the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar cells only through the dedicated domestic content requirement (DCR) portal. The requests must be submitted along with all the supporting documents and evidence. The DCR Portal can be accessed at: solardcrportal.nise.res.in The advisory follows MNRE’s memorandum concerning compliance with ALMM List-II and protection of investments already made. In the memorandum, MNRE ruled out a blanket extension of the ALMM List II deadline beyond June 1. However, the memorandum sets out two categories of projects that may seek exemption from ALMM List-II compliance for solar cells. MNRE has also stated that no physical applications will be accepted. Developers must ensure that all information and documentary evidence uploaded on the portal is complete, accurate, and duly authenticated. Last month, MNRE discontinued the provision that allowed installation submissions containing duplicate entries of solar module or inverter serial numbers to be submitted based on a vendor undertaking under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Subscribe to Mercom’s real-time Regulatory Updates to ensure you don’t miss any critical updates from the renewable industry. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/c283d399-ef5e-45e5-9d99-7ca2af1852c9 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Uttar-Pradesh-Adopts-Tariff-for-56-MW-of-Solar-Power-Under-KUSUM.jpg Uttar Pradesh Adopts Tariff for 56 MW of Solar Power Under KUSUM It also approved 28 PPAs signed between the successful bidders and UPPCL Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has adopted a tariff of ₹2.98 (~$0.0312)/kWh for the procurement of 56 MW of solar power under Component C2 of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) program. It also approved 28 power purchase agreements (PPAs) signed by the successful bidder, Nacof Oorja (with MKC NOPL Green Energy as the SPV), and the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation (UPPCL). The approved projects are linked to feeder-level solarisation of segregated agricultural feeders in Bagpat. The petition was jointly filed by Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) and UPPCL, seeking approval of PPAs executed between project developers and UPPCL, as well as the adoption of tariffs. The petitioners submitted that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had issued guidelines for implementing the PM KUSUM program, including Component C for the solarization of grid-connected agricultural pumps at the feeder level. UPNEDA issued a tender for the procurement of power through a tariff-based competitive bidding process from grid-connected solar projects connected to the identified segregated agricultural feeders. The tender covered a cumulative capacity of 2.55 GW for the sale of power to UPPCL. A total of 235 bidders participated in the bidding process, and 153 bidders were selected. The petitioners stated that successful bidders were issued Letters of Award and that PPAs were subsequently entered into between the bidders and UPPCL. The Commission referred to its earlier order approving the bidding documents, including the PPAs, with certain deviations, for the procurement of 3.21 GW of solar power under the same program. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/cd3808e3-1181-4074-a20d-8e9315faec77 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Uttar-Pradesh-Adopts-Tariffs-for-165.5-MW-of-Solar-Power-Under-KUSUM.jpg Uttar Pradesh Adopts Tariffs for 165.5 MW of Solar Power Under KUSUM It also approved 29 PPAs signed between UPPCL and the successful developer Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has adopted tariffs of ₹2.98 (~$0.0313)/kWh and ₹2.99 (~$0.0314)/kWh for the procurement of 165.5 MW of solar power under the PM KUSUM Component-C2 program. It also approved 29 power purchase agreements executed between Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation (UPPCL) and the project developer (Nacof Oorja, with MKC NOPL Green Energy as the SPV) for grid-connected solar power projects linked to segregated agricultural feeders. The Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) and UPPCL filed a petition seeking approval of PPAs executed between the project developer and UPPCL, and the adoption of tariffs under the PM KUSUM feeder-level solarization program. The petitioners submitted that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had issued guidelines for the KUSUM program, which includes Component A for decentralized renewable energy-based power plants, Component B for stand-alone solar agricultural pumps, and Component C for the solarization of grid-connected agricultural pumps. UPNEDA issued a tender to procure power from grid-connected solar projects connected to segregated agricultural feeders at distribution substations, with a cumulative capacity of 2,553.5 MW. The power was to be sold to UPPCL. The tender saw participation from 235 bidders, with 153 selected bidders. Bids were received for 494 substations totaling 1,529.1 MW, and additional bid offers were received for 72 substations totaling 157.3 MW. The petitioners stated that the PPAs covered in the petition were in accordance with the Commission-approved documents and contained no deviationfrom the bidding documents previously approved by the Commission. The respondent, MKC NOPL Green Energy, said it had no objection to the PPAs and requested the Commission to approve them. It also sought directions to UPPCL to allocate bays and grant connectivity. The Commission referred to its earlier order, through which it had approved the bidding documents, including the PPA, along with certain deviations for the procurement of 3,205 MW of solar power under the same program. It noted that the bid evaluation committee had certified that the bid evaluation was carried out in conformity with the request for selection. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/2b948c3d-5803-4c4f-b9c8-ede92fb4a3a8 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/rooftop-main.jpg India’s Rooftop Solar Installations Surge by 125% YoY in Q1 2026 The residential segment accounted for 82% of installations Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights India added 2.7 GW of rooftop solar capacity in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, a year-over-year (YoY) growth of 125.4% from 1.2 GW and a 25.4% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) jump from 2.2 GW, according to Mercom India Research’s newly released Q1 2026 India Rooftop Solar Market Report. India’s cumulative rooftop solar installations reached 23.5 GW at the end of March 2026. Installations during the quarter were driven largely by the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, supported by subsidy-backed systems, simplified approval processes, and increasing state-level implementation support. The residential segment accounted for nearly 82% of total rooftop solar installations during Q1 2026. The industrial, commercial, and government segments contributed approximately 11%, 7%, and 0.4% of the quarterly additions, respectively. Installations under the capital expenditure model accounted for 81% of the quarter’s additions, and capacity additions under the operational expenditure or renewable energy service company/model represented approximately 19% of installations. “The rooftop solar market maintained strong momentum in Q1 2026, driven primarily by robust residential demand under the PM Surya Ghar program. While consumer interest in rooftop solar remains strong, the next phase of growth will depend more on implementation and execution. Faster approvals, access to financing, installation quality, DISCOM coordination, and grid readiness will increasingly determine how quickly the residential segment can scale. As rooftop solar penetration rises, improving on-ground execution and consumer experience will become critical to sustain long-term growth,” said Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group. During the quarter, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat led rooftop solar capacity installations, accounting for more than 17%, 16%, and 15% of installations, respectively. Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh continued to lead cumulative installed rooftop solar capacity, accounting for approximately 24%, 16%, and 9% of installations, respectively. The average cost of rooftop solar systems remained relatively stable across most module technologies, while systems using Chinese modules recorded a noticeable price increase. On the impact of the upcoming Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) mandate for solar cells, Priya Sanjay, Managing Director at Mercom India, said the requirement is likely to affect rooftop systems in the commercial and industrial segment in the short term. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/d1c0a0ad-eecb-4f3b-b382-bd181e285e51 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Indias-Solar-Imports-Rise-14-QoQ-in-Q1-2026-Exports-Continue-to-Decline.jpg India’s Solar Imports Rise 14% QoQ in Q1 2026, Exports Continue to Decline Modules comprised 90.2% of exports, while cells accounted for 69.1% of imports Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights India imported solar cells and modules worth over $1.27 billion (~₹116 billion) in Q1 2026, a 2.8% year-over-year (YoY) decline from $1.3 billion (~₹112.9 billion) in Q1 2025, according to data from the Department of Commerce. On a quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) basis, combined module and cell imports increased by 14.3% from over $1.11 billion (~₹98.8 billion). Solar module imports rose 81.2%, while cell imports declined 1.9% from the previous quarter. The surge in imports highlighted the continuing imbalance within India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem. While India’s ALMM-listed module manufacturing capacity expanded rapidly during the quarter, domestic cell manufacturing capacity remained significantly lower. By the end of March 2026, ALMM-listed module manufacturing capacity exceeded 173 GW, while solar cell manufacturing capacity stood at only around 26.5 GW. Subsequent additions pushed module capacity closer to 193 GW and cell capacity near 30 GW, but the upstream gap remained substantial. Developers procuring modules for ALMM-compliant projects raised concerns about the limited domestic availability of cells, particularly for high-efficiency TOPCon products. As a result, project developers accelerated imports ahead of the ALMM List-II implementation deadline to avoid procurement delays, price volatility, and potential supply shortages. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has also expanded the ALMM framework further by introducing ALMM List-III for wafers, effective from June 1, 2028. The move reflects growing policy focus on reducing long-term dependence on imported upstream components such as wafers and cells. Imported TOPCon modules remained more readily available for immediate procurement, particularly for commercial and industrial (C&I) projects operating outside strict DCR requirements. Developers and EPC firms accelerated procurement to avoid potential supply tightness, delivery delays, and pricing volatility ahead of the June 2026 ALMM List-II implementation. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade’s Renewable Energy Equipment Import Monitoring System also contributed to accelerating procurement during Q1 2026, as developers and importers advanced shipments ahead of tighter import-monitoring and procedural-oversight requirements. China remained the largest source of India’s solar imports, accounting for 39.7% of total shipments, followed by Indonesia (23.2%), Vietnam (12.6%), Thailand (10.8%), and Ethiopia (4.6%). Laos PDR, Malaysia, and Singapore also contributed smaller shares of imports. The market also saw continued diversification beyond China, with imports from Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand increasing during the quarter. Buyers increasingly diversified sourcing strategies to reduce concentration risk, improve pro https://solarsathi.co.in/news/874a1db3-6b4b-4a6e-ad28-7328c5155d41 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/NLC-India-Invites-Bids-to-Lease-1500-Acres-in-Gujarat-for-Solar-Projects.jpg Germany Floats Tender for 2.13 GW Solar Projects Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Germany’s Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has invited bids for 2,134.57 MW of ground-mounted solar projects. The last date to submit bids is July 1, 2026. The ceiling tariff for the auction has been set at €0.059 (~$0.069)/kWh. The ceiling tariff was calculated as the average of the highest successful bid values from the last three auction rounds for which results had been announced. The highest successful bid values were €0.0626 (~$0.073)/kWh in July 2025, €0.0530 (~$0.062)/kWh in December 2025, and €0.0510 (~$0.059)/kWh in March 2026. The resulting value was €0.0600 (~$0.070)/kWh, but the ceiling tariff was capped at €0.059 (~$0.069)/kWh. The total auction volume for 2026 is 9.9 GW, divided equally across three bid submission dates. The July auction volume was adjusted under the provisions of Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act. Bids may be submitted for ground-mounted solar projects proposed on agricultural land. The agency said such bids would not be permitted if ground-mounted solar projects on agricultural land registered in the market master data register, with commissioning on or after January 1, 2023, exceed 80 GW. As of March 31, 2026, the registered capacity stood at 17.7 GW. Bids for projects on arable land and grassland in disadvantaged areas may be considered in all federal states for this auction. Bundesnetzagentur said several provisions introduced under Solarpaket I still require state aid approval from the European Commission. Until approval is granted, the rules applicable as of May 15, 2024, will continue to apply. If approval is not received by June 30, 2026, the maximum bid size for the auction will remain 20 MW, rather than the 50 MW introduced under Solarpaket I. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/ae98a821-8a06-467e-beeb-f4e642d4727b https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SECI-Issues-Transformers-Tender-for-700-MW-Solar-Project-in-Gujarat.jpg SECI Issues Transformers Tender for 700 MW Solar Project in Gujarat The last date to submit bids is June 19, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has invited bids for engineering, design, manufacturing, testing, and supply of five 160 MVA, 220/33-33 KV power transformers for a 700 MW solar project at Radhanesda in Gujarat. The last date to submit bids is June 19, 2026. Bids will be opened on the same day. Bidders must submit ₹15 million (~$156,144) as the earnest money deposit. Successful bidders must furnish a contract performance guarantee equal to 10% of the total order cost for a period of 32 months. The supply contract must be completed within 17 months. Bidders must be original equipment manufacturers that design, manufacture, and test transformers in accordance with IEC standards. They must have their own manufacturing facility in India for power transformers rated at 220 kV or higher, established and operational for at least the past 7 years. They must submit the manufacturing certificate and factory incorporation certificate as evidence. They must have supplied 220 kV class or above power transformers anywhere in India during the past seven years as on the last date of submission. Bidders should have a minimum annual transformer manufacturing capacity, in MVA, of at least five times the bid quantity. Further, they should also possess an established facility in India for servicing, repairing, testing, and refurbishing power transformers, equipped with the necessary spares and testing equipment to ensure after-sales service. They must possess a valid ISO 9001:2015 certification. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/4aea4b8e-47b2-4eb7-a9a9-ecf6c52d9bb2 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SECI-Invites-Bids-for-12.25-MW-Rooftop-Solar-Projects-Across-India.jpg SECI Invites Bids for 12.25 MW Rooftop Solar Projects Across India The last date to submit bids is July 10, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a request for selection to set up 12,250 kW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects on the buildings of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (Tranche-XI) in 21 states and union territories (UTs) under the renewable energy service company model. The solar projects will be set up at the following locations: Bidders must furnish an earnest money deposit ranging from ₹49,500 (~$521.62) to ₹1,395,000 (~$14,700.24) and a bid processing fee of ₹6,000 (~$63.23), including GST. Selected bidders applying for projects in Category A states/UTs must submit performance bank guarantees of ₹3,375 (~$35.57)/kW. Those applying for Category B states/UTs must submit ₹3,715 (~$39.15)/kW. The scope of work entails the design, engineering, supply, storage, civil work, erection, testing, and commissioning of the rooftop solar projects. It also involves providing operation and maintenance (O&M) services for the entire term of the power purchase agreement from the commissioning date. The O&M services must include wear and tear, overhauls, machine breakdowns, insurance, and replacement of defective modules, inverters/power conditioning units, and spares. Successful bidders must obtain net metering and grid connectivity for their solar projects. They must obtain the necessary permits, approvals, licenses, and insurance for the rooftop solar projects. Projects in Category A states/UTs must be completed within seven months, while those in Category B states/UTs must be completed within nine months. Delays in commissioning will result in pro-rata encashment of the performance guarantee. Shortfalls in CUF will result in a penalty equal to 50% of the power purchase agreement tariff for the deficient energy. Depending on the project locations, bidders must have had a minimum net worth ranging from ₹495,000 (~$5,216.22) to ₹13.9 million (~$146,475.56) as of the previous financial year or seven days before the bid submission deadline. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/e7c79bd8-6a77-494d-b296-62ae92526485 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NTPC-Renewables-Floats-Tender-for-300-MW-Solar-Projects-in-Rajasthan.jpg NTPC Renewables Floats Tender for 300 MW Solar Projects in Rajasthan The last date to submit bids is June 22, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights NTPC Renewable Energy (NTPC REL) has invited bids for an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) package for the development of 300 MW (1×300 MW) of grid-connected solar projects near Nokhra in Rajasthan. Bids must be submitted by June 22, 2026. Bids will be opened on the same day. Bidders must furnish an earnest money deposit of ₹200 million (~$2.1 million). The project involves developing a 300 MW grid-connected solar project with tracker-based module mounting structures. The scope of work includes design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, packing and forwarding, transportation, unloading, storage, installation, testing, and commissioning of the solar project, including the supply of solar modules. The contract includes comprehensive operation and maintenance services for three years from the commissioning of the full project capacity. The selected bidder will be responsible for supplying solar modules, tracker-based module mounting systems, inverters, transformers, switchgear, supervisory control and data acquisition systems, weather monitoring systems, CCTV infrastructure, and module cleaning systems. The selected bidder will also be responsible for power evacuation infrastructure up to the owner’s 33 kV switchgear at the pooling substation. The project’s metering will be performed at the 33 kV level. The scope also includes dynamic reactive power compensation equipment and facilitation of grid compliance studies. Bidders must have designed, supplied, erected, or supervised the erection, and commissioned or supervised the commissioning of grid-connected solar projects with a cumulative capacity of at least 40 MW. This must include at least one project of 10 MW or more that has been in successful operation for at leastsix months prior to bid opening. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/2026b7ff-715d-4e10-ad5a-d83d05b9fcb7 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Telangana-Invites-Bids-for-19-MW-Solar-Projects-in-Nine-Districts.jpg Telangana Invites Bids for 19 MW Solar Projects in Nine Districts The last date to submit bids is June 10, 2026 Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Telangana Renewable Energy Development Corporation (TGREDCO) has invited bids to install and commission solar projects of 19 MW capacity at 18 substations across nine districts under CAPEX mode. The successful bidder will also be responsible for the project’s operation and maintenance for five years. The scope of work includes the design, supply, and installation of the solar projects, duly considering high-efficiency, high-capacity modules to meet the required capacity and achieve a 19% capacity utilization factor (CUF), along with a remote monitoring system with a 5-year comprehensive warranty and guarantee. The last date to submit bids is June 10, 2026. Bids will be opened on the same day. Bidders must submit a ₹2.5 million (~$26,124) earnest money deposit. Successful bidders must provide a performance bank guarantee equal to 10% of the work order value. Bidders must have experience in commissioning grid-connected solar projects, rooftop systems, solar pump sets, and solar system installations in any one of the last five financial years, with a minimum capacity of 4 MW for Clusters 1, 3, 4, and 5, and 3 MW for Cluster 2. They should have a minimum annual turnover of ₹120 million (~$1.25 million) for Clusters 1, 3, 4, and 5, and ₹90 million (~$940,464) for Cluster 2 in any one of the last five financial years. The project must be completed within 90 days of the site handover. The solar modules must be warranted for a minimum period of 25 years from the date of supply, with the output power not less than 90% at the end of 12 years and 80% at the end of 25 years. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/c303fa09-6bf8-4415-a670-0f96dbca355e https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/NTPC-Green-Commissions-105-MW-at-Khavda-II-Solar-Project-in-Gujarat.jpg Patel Infrastructure Floats EPC Tender for 700 MW Solar Project in Gujarat Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Patel Infrastructure has invited bids for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of a 700 MW solar project in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The last date to submit bids is June 19, 2026. The e-reverse auction will be held on June 30, 2026. Bidders must pay a tender document fee of ₹25,000 (~$263). The project scope of work will include land aggregation. Solar modules and module mounting structures will be provided as free issue items. The scope of work includes land aggregation and related activities, as well as the design, engineering, construction, testing, and commissioning of the solar project. It also includes the construction of a grid substation, a pooling substation, and a 66 kV or 220 kV transmission line. The selected contractor will not be responsible for supplying modules or module mounting structures, as these will be provided free of charge. Technical bid documents must include original equipment manufacturer authorization, project performance credentials, quality and safety certificates, technical experience credentials, a signed request for proposal, a technical deviation list, a commissioning certificate, and a six-month operating certificate from the client. Commercial bid documents must include the latest GST return, a provident fund registration certificate, audited financial statements for the last 3 years, a credit rating report, and a shareholding pattern. Patel Infrastructure was one of the winners of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam’s auction to set up 250 MW grid-connected wind power projects (Phase X). Patel quoted a tariff of ₹3.43 (~$0.0382) to win 100 MW. The company was also a winner of SJVN’s auction to develop a 375 MW/1,500 MWh standalone battery energy storage system in Uttar Pradesh under the build-own-operate model. Patel won 187.5 MW/750 MWh at a tariff of ₹359,000 (~$4,199)/MW/month. Subscribe to Mercom’s India Solar Tender Tracker for timely updates on all solar tenders issued by various agencies in India. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/494e8a07-d9b9-487a-91e0-09878ff2a649 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Developers-Seek-ALMM-List-II-Extension.jpg MNRE Asks Solar Cell, Module Manufacturers to Submit Monthly Price Data Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has asked all manufacturers on the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) to submit monthly price ranges for domestically manufactured solar cells and modules. MNRE said it is essential that prices of domestically manufactured solar modules and cells remain within a fair range and that there is no excessive opportunistic profiteering. The data must be submitted to the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) before the 10th of every month. The requirement applies to domestically manufactured solar cells and modules, including Non-DCR and DCR variants, for utility-scale and distributed renewable energy-scale projects and orders. Manufacturers must submit prices within the closest range and exclude outliers or aberrations. The prescribed format requires manufacturers to submit ex-factory price ranges, including GST, in ₹/Wp. Price ranges must be reported separately for utility-scale projects or orders above 10 MW and distributed renewable energy-scale projects or orders below 10 MW. The format covers domestically manufactured Mono-PERC, TOPCon, and HJT solar modules made using imported solar cells, domestically manufactured CdTe thin-film solar modules, and domestically manufactured Mono-PERC, TOPCon, and HJT solar modules made using domestically manufactured solar cells. It also covers domestically manufactured Mono-PERC, TOPCon, and HJT solar cells. Manufacturers must mark “Not Applicable” against categories that do not apply to them. MNRE said failure to submit the price data may lead to withholding of capacity addition or model inclusion applications by defaulting manufacturers. Such manufacturers may also face removal from the ALMM. ItNISE will submit the collected data to MNRE after verifying records and market prices with sample vendors. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/0d299087-5ea4-43bb-a058-aaa13fe49f5d https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PM-Surya-Ghar-Crosses-Four-Million-But-FY-2027-Target-Remains-Distant.jpg PM Surya Ghar Crosses Four Million, But FY 2027 Target Remains Distant Adding six million rooftop solar systems in nine months remains a major challenge Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights Rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana have crossed the four million milestone, according to data from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Mercom India Research. In social media posts, Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said India’s solar revolution is becoming a true people’s movement, with states across the nation rapidly embracing rooftop solar through the PM Surya Ghar program. While the program has seen rapid scaling in the last year, it has significant ground to cover to reach the target of installing rooftop solar systems in 10 million households by the end of the financial year (FY) 2026-27. Installing six million rooftop solar systems in about nine months will be a tall order. According to Mercom’s Q1 2026 India Rooftop Solar Market Report, cumulative rooftop solar installations reached 23.5 GW at the end of March 2026. Installations during the quarter were driven largely by the subsidy-linked PM Surya Ghar program. According to Raj Prabhu, CEO at Mercom Capital, residential demand remains robust. “The next phase of growth will depend more on implementation and execution. Faster approvals, access to financing, installation quality, distribution company coordination, and grid readiness will increasingly determine how quickly the residential segment can scale.” The introduction of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar cells, effective June 1, 2026, could slow PM Surya Ghar installations. Under this mandate, all government and subsidy-linked programs must deploy solar modules manufactured using domestically made solar cells. The MNRE has announced that there will be no blanket extension of the mandate. Currently, India’s solar cell manufacturing capacity is slightly over 30 GW, while its module manufacturing capacity is six times higher. The industry fears this gap could result in a shortage of ALMM-compliant modules, at least in the short- to medium-term. Rooftop solar projects would have to vie with utility-scale and open access projects for these modules. Residential rooftop solar consumers can still use non-domestic compliant modules, provided they do not avail of the Central Financial Assistance under the ‘Give it Up’ option. It is unlikely that installing rooftop solar will be economically attractive in the absence of a subsidy, which covers up to 60% of the benchmark cost with a ceiling of ₹30,000 (~$315)/kW for systems of up to 3 kW. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/38448865-355b-43ac-a02b-17fe2cfeb6d2 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Developers-EPC-Players-Wary-as-MNRE-Sticks-to-ALMM-Solar-Cells-Mandate.jpg Developers, EPC Players Wary as MNRE Sticks to ALMM Solar Cells Mandate The government’s decision highlights a divide between solar developers and manufacturers Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) decision not to grant a blanket extension of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II deadline beyond June 1, 2026, has reinforced regulatory certainty for India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem. However, it has also raised concerns among developers and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors who fear near-term project delays and cost pressures. Under the mandate, net-metered and green energy open-access projects commissioned on or after June 1, 2026, must use modules made with cells listed under ALMM-II. MNRE said it had received representations both for and against an extension, but after review, concluded that a general postponement was not required. Instead, projects where substantial investments have already been made may be considered for relief on a case-by-case basis. While the decision is expected to support domestic cell manufacturing and improve policy certainty for manufacturers, developers, and EPC contractors worry that the transition may be difficult to manage without broader relief. Their concerns are centered on the availability of ALMM-compliant solar cells, potential increases in module prices, execution delays in rooftop, commercial, and industrial (C&I), and open-access projects, and working capital pressure on EPC companies and MSMEs. The Rajasthan Solar Association (RSA) has intensified industry discussions on the already implementedALMM List-II, urging policymakers to adopt a balanced, industry-ready transition framework for India’s solar sector. RSA highlighted that India currently has around 30.8 GW of approved domestic solar cell manufacturing capacity, which remains significantly lower than the country’s rapidly expanding module manufacturing ecosystem. The association said this gap could create a major supply-demand mismatch as the mandate takes effect. The association warned that a sudden transition could lead to limited availability of compliant domestic solar cells and higher module prices under the domestic content requirement (DCR) mandate. This could lead to delays in rooftop, C&I, and open-access projects, working capital pressure on EPC companies and MSMEs, and supply chain disruptions across ancillary industries. RSA also noted that India’s manufacturing ecosystem remains heavily dependent on mono PERC technology, while market demand is increasingly shifting toward TOPCon technology. This, it said, adds another layer of complexity to the transition. https://solarsathi.co.in/news/277deba1-fb63-4ec0-a180-9c6bfb484b28 https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Q1-2026-Sees-Broad-Cost-Increases-for-Solar-Projects-Using-Chinese-Modules.jpg Q1 2026 Sees Broad Cost Increases for Solar Projects Using Chinese Modules Despite the increase, projects using Chinese modules remained highly price-competitive compared to domestically manufactured modules in India Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The average system cost of large-scale solar projects showed mixed trends across module technologies during Q1 2026, with Chinese module-based projects recording cost increases, while several Indian and DCR-based configurations remained stable or declined marginally. System costs increased across all Chinese module technologies in Q1 2026. Projects using Chinese TOPCon modules experienced the sharpest increase, with costs rising 4.2% quarter-over-quarter, driven by higher cell prices and sustained demand for high-efficiency modules. Projects using Chinese mono PERC modules were less affected, with system costs increasing 1.2% during the quarter. Chinese module prices rose during the quarter following earlier export rebate reductions and the announcement that export rebates would be fully withdrawn effective April 2026. The move created pricing pressure across the global solar supply chain and increased procurement costs for projects sourcing Chinese modules. Even with the increase, Chinese modules continued to maintain a significant price advantage over domestically manufactured modules in India. Projects using Indian mono PERC modules recorded consistent QoQ declines in system costs during Q1 2026, while projects deploying Indian TOPCon modules saw a marginal increase in costs. Projects using Indian DCR modules continued to maintain a pricing premium and remained the most expensive configurations across all module technologies. However, project costs for both DCR mono PERC and TOPCon modules declined marginally by 0.7% in Q1 2026. System cost movements across technologies ranged from a decline of over 0.7% to an increase of 4.2%, highlighting divergent in pricing trends during the quarter. Despite these variations, the overall cost structure remained largely unchanged, with projects using Chinese modules continuing to maintain a clear pricing advantage over Indian and DCR-compliant alternatives. Chinese mono PERC modules accounted for the lowest share of overall system costs at 40%, reflecting the continued pricing advantage of imported modules supported by large-scale manufacturing capacity, integrated supply chains, and lower procurement costs. In contrast, Indian TOPCon DCR-compliant modules accounted for the largest share of total system costs at 62%, driven by elevated domestic cell and module prices, limited manufacturing scale, and the additional procurement premium associated with DCR compliance. Large-scale solar projects deploying Indian mono PERC modules remained a mid-cost configuration in Q1 2026. These projects were 4.2% lower in cost than projects using Indian TOPCon modules, primarily due to lower module prices, while balance-of-system and other soft-cost components remained largely similar bet https://solarsathi.co.in/news/e75d1862-7d26-48a1-8580-da3281e57a0e https://d382rz2cea0pah.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dailywbewwap.jpg Daily News Wrap-Up: MNRE’s ALMM-II Deadline Worries Developers, EPC PlayersJun 3, 2026 UPERC adopts tariffs for the procurement of 165 MW solar power under PM KUSUM Follow Mercom India on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) decision not to grant a blanket extension of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II deadline beyond June 1, 2026, has reinforced regulatory certainty for India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem. However, it has also raised concerns among developers and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors who fear near-term project delays and cost pressures. The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) adopted tariffs of ₹2.98 (~$0.0313)/kWh and ₹2.99 (~$0.0314)/kWh for the procurement of 165.5 MW of solar power under the PM KUSUM Component-C2 program. The Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission issued the Electricity Supply Code Third Amendment Regulation, 2026, requiring distribution companies to pay 18% interest per annum on excess amounts outstanding due to incorrect billing. The Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission clarified that the Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand is not required to execute a separate connection agreement directly with consumers seeking a new EHV connection, an enhancement or reduction of load, or a change in the distribution licensee. The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission issued regulations governing the procedure, terms, and conditions for granting transmission licenses for intrastate transmission projects selected through tariff-based competitive bidding. The regulations will apply to intrastate transmission projects in Karnataka developed under the tariff-based competitive bidding route. Patel Infrastructure invited bids for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of a 700 MW solar project in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The last date to submit bids is June 19, 2026. The e-reverse auction will be held on June 30, 2026. NTPC Renewable Energy invited bids for an EPC package for the development of 300 MW (1×300 MW) of grid-connected solar projects near Nokhra in Rajasthan. Bids must be submitted by June 22, 2026. Bids will be opened on the same day. The Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam extended the time for implementing the standard operating procedure for first-time charging of battery energy storage systems installed at already commissioned and to-be-commissioned renewable energy projects until September 30, 2026. Renewable energy company Avaada Group secured $950 million in financing from a consortium of global and domestic banks for renewable energy projects in India. The financing covers the financial closure of its firm and dispatchable renewable energy project in Bikaner, Rajasthan. It also covers debt financing for two 300 MW solar power projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat Government-owned lender Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency posted revenue of ₹21.75 billion (~$229 million) in the fourth quarter