Category Archives: Grid Connected

Snapshot of Bid opening of 750 MW SOLAR PV Projects under JNNSM Phase-II, Batch-I

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

  Solar Energy Corporation of India New Delhi Ref: SECI/JNNSM PHASE-II B-I/RfS                                                                     21.01.2014 Snapshot of  Bid opening of 750 MW SOLAR PV Projects under JNNSM Phase-II, Batch-I Subsequent to issue of RfS (Request for selection) document by Solar energy Corporation … Continue reading →

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APTEL drops Tamil Nadu’s solar rider

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Ritesh: Another large nail in the coffin for Solar in India. Business interests taking pre-eminence over actual solutions. Wind power is no guarantee of power and TN will continue to suffer power cuts those months of the year that wind … Continue reading →

Posted in Commercial, DISCOM, Grid Connected, Industrial, Power Generation, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Tamil Nadu | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

JNNSM: Record bidding for Phase II solar projects

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

The state run Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) received bids worth 2,170 MW for solar power projects to be developed under Phase II, Batch I of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). The capacity of received bids is almost … Continue reading →

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India’s solar growing pains – Solar Industry WishList for 2014

Posted on January 16, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Significant action is needed to ensure 2014 does not herald another disappointing year for India’s solar sector. Read my complete article at http://www.pv-tech.org/guest_blog/indias_solar_growing_pains1

Posted in Batch I, Commercial, Grid Connected, JNNSM, MNRE, Phase II, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Ritesh Pothan, SECI, Solar, Solar Policy, Subsidy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Second set of clarifications on NSM Phase II Batch I

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Second Set of Clarifications to JNNSM Phase-II Batch-I(1) Sl. No. Queries SECI’s Replies VGF Related Queries 1. Ranking of SECI’s Charge SECI will have  second charge along with first charge of lending institutions. VGF Securitization Agreement shall be suitably amended. … Continue reading →

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UPPCL signs agreement for solar power purchase of 110 MW

Posted on December 29, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has entered into an agreement with solar power developers for purchasing 110mw of power. The agreement was entered in the presence of UP chief secretary, Javed Usmani, who said that under the state solar … Continue reading →

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Tata Power gets approval to postpone solar target until 2016

Posted on December 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission allows Tata Power to postpone solar targets till 2016 Tata Power has been unable since 2010 to source enough solar power to meet government renewable mandates because of a shortage of sun-based generation in the country. … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Grid Connected, Maharashtra, MERC, PV, Renewable Energy Certificates, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Last date of submission of bid. JNNSM,phase 2,batch 1 on 20th january 2014

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

This is for all those who need sometime in preparing bid documents.

Posted in Batch I, Grid Connected, JNNSM, MNRE, Phase II, Renewables, SECI, Solar | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Energy storage and the great commercial frontier: a solar star is born

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Commercial solar deployment has dropped off this year, but that hasn’t stopped players in solar and energy storage – both large and small – eyeing an opportunity in the segment. The solar industry is showing great potential but not much … Continue reading →

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Kerala Cabinet approves Solar Energy Policy

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Ritesh – Finally! The Kerala Cabinet has approved a Solar Energy Policy that seeks to raise installed capacity of the solar sector to 500 MW by 2017 and 1,500 MW by 2030. The mission is to contribute to long-term energy … Continue reading →

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Gujarat solar developers under cloud of GUVNL appeal on tariff

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Aptel notice to Gujarat solar developers on GUVNL’s plea The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (Aptel) has issued notices to 80 Gujarat-based solar project developers in an appeal filed by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam (GUVNL), the state government run utility. GUVNL … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Grid Connected, Gujarat, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Thin Film, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Madhya Pradesh Solar energy firms in bad shape

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Solar energy firms in Madhya Pradesh are in bad state as three state-owned distribution companies (discoms) are buying meager power from them. According to sources in the industry,  discoms and firms had inked a pact that the deficit would be … Continue reading →

Posted in Commercial, DISCOM, Grid Connected, Renewables, Solar, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Gujarat to appeal against solar-tariff cut rejection, citing excessive profits earned by plant owners

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd filed a petition in May seeking to lower the tariff by 28%, citing excessive profits earned by plant owners India’s biggest solar power-producing state, Gujarat, plans to file an appeal with regulators on their decision … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Grid Connected, Gujarat, PV, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Solar Energy Corp seeks license for power trading from CERC

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Sensing huge potential in Solar power production, the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has applied for license for power trading with Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. SECI managing director Rajendra Nimje said the PSU is authorised to sell power … Continue reading →

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Cumulative deployment of various Renewable Energy Systems / Devices in the country as on 30th September 2013

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

New & Renewable Energy Cumulative deployment of various Renewable Energy Systems/ Devices in the country as on 30/09/2013 Renewable Energy Programme/ Systems Target for 2013-14 Deployment during September, 2013 Total Deployment in  2013-14 Cumulative achievement up to 30.09.2013 I.   POWER … Continue reading →

Posted in Biofuels, Biomass, Grid Connected, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Waste, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Final Guidelines for Selection of 750 MW Grid Connected Solar Power Projects Under Batch-I of JNNSM Phase-II

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

MNRE finally releases the final guidelines for the next phase of 750 MW, click here for the entire document and some important excerpts below RFS_Documents For Selection of SPD under JNNSM Phase II Batch I Domestic Content Requirement Out of … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, Grid Connected, JNNSM, Phase II, Power Generation, PV, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

World’s largest 280 MW solar thermal parabolic plant with storage comes on-line

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Concentrated solar thermal is again making the news, with the world’s largest parabolic trough array with thermal storage – opening for business in Arizona. The 280MW Solana Solana Generating Station constructed by Spanish group Abengoa has six hours of molten storage capacity … Continue reading →

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Revised Draft Guidelines for setting up of 750 MW Grid Solar PV power projects with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), Phase-II, Batch-I.

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

No. 29/5/2012-13/JNNSNM Government of India Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Solar Power Division Dated: 4/10/2013 Subject: Revised Draft Guidelines for setting up of 750 MW Grid Solar PV power projects with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under Jawaharlal Nehru National … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Grid Connected, JNNSM, Phase II, PV, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mercom reiterates its global PV installation forecast of approximately 38 GW for 2013, 23% growth year-over-year

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Mercom Capital Group, reiterated its global photovoltaic (PV) installation forecast of approximately 38 GW for 2013, strong 23 percent growth year-over-year, noting improving market conditions, in its recent analysis.  “After years of overcapacity, bankruptcies and record low prices, we are … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, Commercial, CPV, Crystalline, Grid Connected, PV, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

APTRANSCO makes open offer to Solar Developers for Rs. 6.49 per unit for 20 years valid upto 30th Sept 2013

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Click Below for the documents APTRANSCO guidelines APTRANSCO format for processing security APTRANSCO list-of-substations APTRANSCO power-purchase-agreement APTRANSCO format-for-performance-guarantee Guidelines for Solar Power developers to apply Under Open Offer i.        The  Prospective  Solar  developers  are  requested  to  submit  their Application to Chief Engineer/IPC/APPCC/Vidyut Soudha/Hyderabad along with the … Continue reading →

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German Utilities Hammered in Market Favoring Renewable Energy

Posted on August 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: Indian Discoms will follow once Solar gains significant traction and fear renewables for the right reasons. Lets endeavour to make Solar a reality everywhere Dusseldorf, Germany — Germany, Europe’s biggest electricity market, is beating up its traditional utilities. RWE AG and … Continue reading →

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First floating solar power station in India

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

A floating solar power station is due to be tested in Kolkata, India. An expert team is currently working on the prototype which is funded by the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The project is scheduled to be … Continue reading →

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Global microinverter market to quadruple by 2017

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Sales of microinverters will increase by a factor of four in the next four years in view of growing demand in foreign markets, according to a new report by market research firm IHS. Commercial systems are expected to account for … Continue reading →

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Karnataka Approves 135 MW of Solar Farms with Bids from Rs. 5.51 per KWh to Rs. 8.05 per KWh

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Opening of Financial Bids of 130 MWs Solar RFP on 19th August 2013 Capacity to be allotted (MW) 130 Technology SPV KERC  approved Tariff for SPV (Rs./Unit) 14.50 Results of Financial bid Sl.No Name Capacity (MW) Proposed Capacity  for allotment(Mw) … Continue reading →

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Andhra Pradesh Solar Rooftop PV Power Systems – Net Metering. Total 50% subsidy upto 3KW provided

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Click below for the documents Net Metering Policy Summary Guidelines Net Metering Policies Formats FAQs Indicative Cost Economics SOLAR ROOF TOP PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS – NET METERING  There is a large potential available for generating solar power using unutilized space on … Continue reading →

Posted in Grid Connected, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

GERC rejects GUVNL’s petition seeking solar tariff cut – Brings respite to installed 670MW Solar Power Plant Developers

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Citing delay and non-jurisdiction, the state power regulator Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) on Monday rejected state discom Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL)’s petition seeking reduction in solar tariff. GUVNL had filed the petition with the state regulator last … Continue reading →

Posted in Grid Connected, Gujarat, Renewables, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Solar thin-films may fall under local sourcing ambit, but with caveat

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

To avoid issues with the US at the WTO, the compulsory sourcing norm will only apply to power supplied to government agencies. India may extend compulsory local sourcing conditions on solar thin films, mostly imported from the US, in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, Grid Connected, JNNSM, MNRE, Phase II, PV, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

India’s Untold Story: Solar, Wind Projects Create Jobs, Clean Energy

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

As India celebrates its 67th Independence Day this week, the country can also celebrate its clean energy opportunities as solar, wind and other renewable energy projects expand throughout India. This week, the Indian government announced a $7.9 billion investment to double its transmission capacity … Continue reading →

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Uttar Pradesh government finalises 230 MW solar power projects

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

State government finalised agreements with seven private power players and a public sector undertaking to produce 230 MW of solar power. At a function on Thursday, Chief Minister AkhileshYadav handed out Letter of Intents to Jakson Power Solutions, Moser Bayer Clean Energy Ltd, Sree Developers, DK Infracon, Refax Energy, Azure Surya Ltd and Essel Infra. These … Continue reading →

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Grid parity and how will it impact the projects on pipeline, Implementation of JNNSM Phase I & Experience So far

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Click the link ‘Natural Group_Presentation at Solar Business in India 2013 on Grid parity and how will it impact the projects on pipeline, Implementation of JNNSM Phase I with Experience So far‘  for my presentation at Solar Business in India, … Continue reading →

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The current state of Tamil Nadu with possible answers to the current power crisis – My presentation on Understanding the implications of the ‘Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Policy’ to devise cost-effective and profitable strategies

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

TN Current State and Devising strategies to comply with SPO My presentation in Coimbatore covered the following points below amongst others Understanding the implications of the ‘Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Policy’ to devise cost-effective and profitable strategies to comply with … Continue reading →

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REC July 2013 Amendment brings only minor changes, a major disappointment for Renewable Energy Developers

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for recognition and issuance of Renewable Energy Certificate for Renewable Energy Generation) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2013. Click here for the notification Click here for the Statement of Reason Below the Gist of the … Continue reading →

Posted in CERC, Grid Connected, Hydro, Renewable Energy Certificates, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Rooftop, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How it works: Solar power towers with integrated storage – the much needed evolution of CSP!

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The 110MW Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Plant, located near the town of Tonopah in the Nevada desert, will be the largest solar tower plant with integrated energy storage facility built to date. But what exactly is it? What does storage … Continue reading →

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Solar power bidders accept Rs 6.49/unit offer from AP for a total of 418 MW

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The State has received proposals to develop 418 MW at Rs 6.49 per unit price finalised by the Group of Ministers. Andhra Pradesh has received offers for setting up 418 MW of solar photo voltaic power generation capacity under the … Continue reading →

Posted in Grid Connected, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

AP allow more firms to set up solar plants at Rs. 6.49 provided they submit their applications in the next 4 weeks

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to permit any company to set up a solar photovoltaic unit in the State assuring them of Rs 6.49 paise per kWh. Interested solar power developers have been told that they can submit applications within … Continue reading →

Posted in Grid Connected, PV, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Solar Shakeout Continues: Gehrlicher Solar files insolvency papers

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Gehrlicher Solar was the 22nd largest EPC in 2012 according to IHS Research. Gehrlicher Solar has become the latest German firm to file for insolvency according to court papers lodged on Friday seen by PV-Tech. It began proceedings on the same day … Continue reading →

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AP Solar Grid Connectivity Application Form with evacuation locations within the state

Posted on July 6, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

As per Andhra Pradesh Solar Policy, 2012, vide G.O. Ms No: 39 Dt: 26.09.2012 & G.O. Ms. No. 44, dated: 16-11-2012 Vide item(9), Grid Connectivity and Evacuation facility, the power generated from a Solar Power Project shall be injected at an … Continue reading →

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Request for Proposal (RFP) for Setting up of Grid Connected Solar PV Projects of Total Capacity 100 MW in Bihar

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Bihar State Power (Holding) Company Limited Vidyut Bhawan, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Patna-21 Request for Proposal (RFP) for Setting up of Grid Connected Solar PV Projects of Total Capacity 100 MW in Bihar (Through e-procurement mode only – http://www.eproc.bihar.gov.in) Tender Notice No. … Continue reading →

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CERC had clarified in 2010 that Solar was to be allowed zero transmission losses for inter state transfers

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

After a year and half long consultation process, CERC has notified its regulations on ‘Sharing of Inter State Transmission Charges and Losses’. These regulations would implement point of connection method of sharing the cost of inter-state transmission services in India, … Continue reading →

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Megawatt Zinc-air batteries to power wind over fossil fuels?

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

An advanced zinc-air battery could lead to a low-cost alternative to conventional lithium-ion technology. Credit:Stanford University A zinc-air battery developed by researchers and Stanford University may provide an economical alternative to lithium-ion batteries for use in renewable energy plants. When adopted … Continue reading →

Posted in Grid Connected, Grid Storage, Solar, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Solar power now at grid parity! – AP receives bids for 350 MW solar PV power units at Rs 6.49 per KWhr

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Thirty-four bidders have accepted the Rs 6.49 per unit price offer for solar photovoltaic power project development under the Andhra Pradesh State policy. Of the 1000 MW on offer, the aggregate bids resulted in response for about 350 MW. According … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Grid Connected, PV, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Rising Sun Grid parity gets closer – A point of view on the Solar Energy sector in India by KPMG

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Click Here for the Report The Solar PV industry has seen dynamic changes in the last twelve months. Module prices have seen precipitous fall thereby encouraging forecasts of early grid parity; while at the same time, this has raised concerns … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, Commercial, CPV, Crystalline, Grid Connected, Publications, PV, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

EU imposes provisional anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese solar panels even after most European states voted against it

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The European Commission has today issued the following statement: “Today the European Commission has decided to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of solar panels, cells and wafers from China. This decision follows a thorough and serious investigation and extended contacts … Continue reading →

Posted in Anti Dumping Duty, Cells & Modules, Crystalline, Grid Connected, News, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Tamil Nadu has the last laugh with 690MW Solar Power Plants to be commissioned next march

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

New proposals increase solar project capacity to 690 MW Even about a month ago, it looked as if the State government’s Solar Energy Policy was able to attract only a modest number of project proposals with capacity of 260 MW. … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Grid Connected, PV, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Tamil Nadu, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments