Category Archives: Rural Lighting

Analysis of the relevance of deploying Smart ReadinessIndicator (SRI) in India

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Now.Solar

IntroductionThe European Union (EU) – India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership1 (CECP) was agreed at the EU-India Summit on 30th March 2016. The aim of this partnership is to reinforce cooperation on clean energy and implementation of the Paris Agreement … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy Minister, Global Warming, Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Energy Systems, India, Renewable Energy Certificates, Renewables, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Policy, Solar PV, solar water heating, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Global Market Outlook For Solar Power / 2017 – 2021

Posted on January 18, 2018 by Ritesh Pothan

Welcome to SolarPower Europe’s Global Market Outlook 2017 – 2021. This Global Market Outlook is special for various reasons: in response to the rapid developments in the solar sector it contains much more information than last year’s edition. It was … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change, India, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Parks, Solar Pumps, Solar Thermal | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Benchmark Cost for “Off-grid and Decentralized Solar PV Applications Programme” for the year 2017-18

Posted on March 21, 2017 by Ritesh Pothan

In continuation of this Ministry’s sanction order number 5/23/2009-P&C (Pt. Ill) dated 3rd November  2014 reg. additions/amendments  in the  above  mentioned  scheme,  I am  directed to convey the sanction of the President of India for the revised Benchmark Cost with … Continue reading →

Posted in Government, Grid Connected, Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Energy Systems, India, Ministry of Power, MNRE, Policy, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Pumps | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

MNRE does not sanction projects to Channel Partners or release subsidy directly to users. The release subsidy is through State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) and other Government Agencies or SECI. (Dr. G Prasad) Scientist-F/ Director 01.03.2017

Posted on March 10, 2017 by Ritesh Pothan

Notice The Ministry is in receipt of applications/representation from general public for release of subsidy against the Rooftop Solar Systems installed by MNRE empanelled channel partners or new entrepreneurs without any prior sanction/approval from MNRE/SNAs. It has been observed that … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change, India, MNRE, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Subsidy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Presentation at SuryaCon Oct 4th 2016, The Westin, Koregaon Park.

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Ritesh Pothan

Click Here for the Natural Group_Presentation at SuryaCon-pune-2016 To Summarize The Future of Solar in India depends on Energy Storage Distributed Local Generation Base Load Replacement Solutions Solar Irrigation Improved Grid Efficiency Household Generation Grid Independence

Posted in Climate Change, DISCOM, Energy Efficiency, Energy Storage, Global Warming, Grid Connected, Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Energy Systems, Grid Storage, India, Maharashtra, Net Metering, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar BOOT, Solar Policy, Transmission Charges | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Programme/ Scheme wise Physical Progress in 2016-17 (& during the month of June, 2016)

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Ritesh Pothan

Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Programme/ Scheme wise Physical Progress in 2016-17 (& during the month of June, 2016) Sector FY- 2016-17 Cumulative Achievements Target Achievement (as on 30.06.2016) I.   GRID-INTERACTIVE POWER (CAPACITIES IN MW) Wind Power 4000.00 373.95 … Continue reading →

Posted in Bagasse, Biofuels, Biomass, India, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Parks, Solar Policy, Solar Pumps, Solar PV | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Determination of Tariff for Procurement of Power by Distribution Licensees and Others from Solar Energy Projects for the State of Gujarat

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Ritesh Pothan

Determination of Tariff for Procurement of Power by Distribution Licensees and Others from Solar Energy Projects for the State of Gujarat. GERC_order_no._3_of_2015

Posted in DISCOM, Government, India, Policy, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Parks, Solar Policy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

MNRE brings back 30% subsidy for Solar Rooftops but excludes Commercial and Industrial establishments

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Ritesh Pothan

In a surprising move, MNRE has brought back the 30% subsidy on Solar Rooftops but has excluded Industrial and Commercial Establishments. CFA Notice Grid Connected Rooftop Notice 19/11/2015 Subject: Installation  of  Grid  Connected          Solar  Rooftop  Power  Plants  – Central Financial … Continue reading →

Posted in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Commercial, DISCOM, Grid Connected, Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Energy Systems, Gujarat, Haryana, India, Industrial, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, MNRE, Net Metering, New Delhi, Power Generation, Punjab, Rajasthan, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Policy, Subsidy, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Telangana, Transmission and Distribution, Uttar Pradesh | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sunrise sector steers ahead

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Ritesh Pothan

It is the country’s biggest initiative to make the most of sunny days. Initiated as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, the Solar Mission has propelled the country to new heights as far as clean energy is … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Batch I, Batch II, Biomass, Canal Top, Climate Change, Commercial, Crystalline, DISCOM, Energy Minister, Government, Grid Connected, Hydro, India, JNNSM, Maharashtra, Ministry of Power, MNRE, NTPC, Phase I, Phase II, Power Generation, PV, Renewable Energy Certificates, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Parks, Thin Film, Waste To Energy, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Maharashtra govt clears new renewable energy policy

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Ritesh Pothan

The Maharashtra state cabinet on Tuesday passed the New and Renewable Energy Policy 2015 and has set a target of generating 14,400 MW… The Maharashtra state cabinet on Tuesday passed the New and Renewable Energy Policy 2015 and has set … Continue reading →

Posted in Commercial, Government, Grid Connected, India, Industrial, Maharashtra, News, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Parks, Solar Policy, Waste, Waste To Energy, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

India’s solar dream fuelled by global trends

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Ritesh Pothan

The country plans to install 100 GW capacity of solar-generated electricity by 2022, a five-time increase from a previous target. India’s plan to install 100 GW capacity of solar-generated electricity by 2022, a five-time increase from a previous target, only … Continue reading →

Posted in Batch I, Batch II, Climate Change, Coal, Commercial, Crystalline, Fossil Fuel, Global Warming, Grid Connected, Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Energy Systems, JNNSM, Phase I, Phase II, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Parks, Solar Pumps, Solar Thermal, Thin Film, Tranche I | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Programme/ Scheme wise Physical Progress of Renewable Energy in 2014-15 (During the month of December)

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Ritesh Pothan

Physical Progress (Achievements) Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Programme/ Scheme wise Physical Progress in 2014-15 (During the month of December) Sector FY- 2014-15 Cumulative Achievements Target  Achievement (as on 31.12.2014) I.   GRID-INTERACTIVE POWER (CAPACITIES IN MW) Wind Power 2000.00 … Continue reading →

Posted in Batch II, Biofuels, Biomass, Cogeneration, Commercial, Geothermal, Hydro, India, JNNSM, MNRE, Phase II, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Parks, Solar Policy, Solar Pumps, Solar Thermal | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

India rooftop solar subsidy finally released, but industry says better off without

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Installers are having to charge more for solar to mitigate the costs of chasing the subsidy, or risk of non-payment and delays. India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has finally received funds to pay a 30% subsidy promised … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Grid Connected, India, MNRE, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Subsidy, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Middle East & Africa Solar PV Market To Surge By 50% In 2014

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is set to see massive growth in solar photovoltaic (PV) demand in the coming years, according to recent findings in the latest NPD Solarbuzz Emerging PV Markets Report: Middle East and Africa. Year-on-year … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Cells & Modules, Commercial, Grid Connected, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

7 Interesting Nuclear Energy Graphs

Posted on April 23, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

One of our readers recently passed along a couple of very interesting charts about nuclear energy as well as the nuclear energy report from which they came. The report, World Nuclear Report 2013, is well worth a more careful look, … Continue reading →

Posted in Nuclear, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Thermal, Tidal, Waste, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Renewable energy market share climbs despite 2013 dip in investments

Posted on April 12, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Installed solar jumped 26 percent — from 31 Gigawatts in 2012 to a record 39 GW in 2013 — even as investment in solar capacity decreased 23 percent from US$135.6 billion to US$104.1 billion. Renewable energy’s share of world electricity … Continue reading →

Posted in Bagasse, Biomass, Cells & Modules, CPV, Crystalline, DISCOM, Geothermal, Global Warming, Hydro, Off-grid, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Thermal, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

10 Huge Lessons We’ve Learned From Solar Power Success In Germany

Posted on April 9, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Ritesh: While this article is dated Early 2013, it provides us an insight into the scare mongers especially Discoms who claim that Solar will disrupt existing power infrastructure whereas in truth Solar is an excellent energy security and distributed method … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Commercial, DISCOM, Global Warming, Grid Connected, Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Energy Systems, Off-grid, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar Policy, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The disruptive potential of solar power

Posted on April 5, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

As costs fall, the importance of solar power to senior executives is rising. The economics of solar power are improving. It is a far more cost-competitive power source today than it was in the mid-2000s, when installations and manufacturing were … Continue reading →

Posted in Commercial, CPV, Crystalline, Global Warming, Grid Connected, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Solar is the future for India

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

My article on Business Insider http://www.businessinsider.in/Solar-Is-The-Future-Of-Renewable-Energy-In-India/articleshow/29543253.cms

Posted in Articles, Commercial, Grid Connected, Micro Grid, Mini Grid, MNRE, Renewables, Residential, Ritesh Pothan, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Policy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Empaneled list of companies for implementation of Mini/Micro Grid Solar PV power plant for rural electrification

Posted on January 5, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

SOLAR ENERGY CORPORATION OF INDIA ·New Delhi -110 017  No. SECI/Cont./lnd./49/SMG/2013                                                            Date: 27.12.2013 Sub:      Request for Empanelment (RFE) of companies for implementation of Mini/Micro Grid Solar PV power plant for rural electrification in India – Notification for Empanelment. I. ·Request  … Continue reading →

Posted in Micro Grid, Mini Grid, Renewables, Rural Lighting, SECI, Solar, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Lighting Asia: Solar Off-Grid Lighting 2012 – IFC Report. Market analysis of: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Indonesia, Cambodia and Philippines

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Click here for Lighting Asia offgrid lighting Report With nearly 800 million people living in Asia with intermittent or no access to the electrical grid, these people experience greater health risks due to unclean lighting alternatives and fewer income-generating opportunities. There is an urgent … Continue reading →

Posted in Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar | Tagged , , , , | Leave a 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

Next steps for the Indian Power Industry – The need to evolve

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

This article written by Ritesh Pothan was published in the July / August edition of Infraline Magazine Our nation has the good fortune of coming into its own at the time when solar is gaining increasing acceptability both as a … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Renewable Energy Certificates, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Where the sun shines brighter for rural hamlets in India

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

One may rue the fact that things have slowed down a lot in the country’s solar programme — what with there being no dawn for the National Solar Mission’s Phase II and several State programmes being in a limbo — … Continue reading →

Posted in Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Initiative lights up off-grid villages in Pakistan

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Working with local and international partners like Coca-Cola, China Mobile’s Zong, the Imran Khan Foundation and Engro Corporation, Pakistan’s Buksh Foundation has set a goal of illuminating 4,000 off-grid villages by 2017. The village of Chak 113, in Punjab’s Sahiwal … Continue reading →

Posted in Micro Grid, Off-grid, Renewables, Rural Lighting, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gram Power: ‘smart microgrid’ produces, stores renewable energy on location

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Twenty-two-year-old Yashraj Khaitan finds it difficult to explain to his parents what exactly he is doing in a remote village in Rajasthan. One year ago, as a fresh graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, Khaitan turned down a job offer from Ericsson, … Continue reading →

Posted in Micro Grid, Renewables, Residential, Rural Lighting, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Subsidies hold rooftop solar projects – Lack of funds and no clarity hampering adoption

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

With the government aggressively promoting installation of rooftop solar systems, the key factor that is driving adoption – subsidies – are running dry, subsequently hampering installations. Several solar power companies say that subsidies promised by the government in the National Solar … Continue reading →

Posted in Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for Empanelment of Organizations for Rural Area Energy Access Programme and Solar Based Rural Energy Access Work of MNRE, New Delhi.

Posted on July 14, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

F. No. 4/1/2013-Energy Access Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (Energy Access Division) 14, CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110003. Dated the 09th July, 2013. Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for Empanelment of Private Companies/ Organisations/ Agencies, Government Companies, … Continue reading →

Posted in PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Magsaysay awardee Harish Hande talks about myths broken and lessons learnt by doing business with India’s poor

Posted on July 14, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

In this video, Magsaysay awardee Harish Hande talks about myths broken and lessons learnt by doing business with India’s poor. The enterprise he co-founded, Selco India, has taken solar energy – clubbed with efficient services and custom financing models – … Continue reading →

Posted in Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Australia moves from coal to renewables: 51 percent by 2050

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

A farmer plows a field in front of wind turbines at the Infigen Energy wind farm located on the hills surrounding Lake George, 50 km north of the Australian capital city of Canberra May 13, 2013. Credit:Reuters Australia, one of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomass, Coal, Geothermal, Hydro, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Thermal, Tidal, Waste, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Omnigrid’s Unique Solar Power Model – Reaching officially electrified and rural villages with no power

Posted on June 1, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

OMC’s model of supplying solar lamps to homes and solar power to telecom towers in rural UP looks like a bright idea. But can it keep it shining? Image: Amit Verma Anil Raj (left) and Rohit Chandra’s model goes beyond … Continue reading →

Posted in Micro Grid, Off-grid, Renewables, Residential, Rural Lighting, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

TN focuses on the true power of solar – to subsidise 2000 solar powered irrigation pump sets of 5HP by 4 Lakh Rupees

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The Tamil Nadu Government will distribute 2,000 solar powered agriculture pump sets at subsidised rates to farmers in the current year, announced the Chief Minister, J. Jayalalithaa in the Assembly today. The Agriculture Department will distribute the 2,000 pump sets … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Off-grid, PV, Renewables, Rural Lighting, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cumulative deployment of various Renewable Energy Systems / Devices in the country as on 31st March 2013

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

New & Renewable Energy Cumulative deployment of various Renewable Energy Systems/ Devices in the country as on 31/03/2013 Renewable Energy Programme/ Systems Target for 2012-13 Deployment during March, 2013 Total Deployment in  2012-13 Cumulative achievement up to 31.03.2013 I.   POWER FROM RENEWABLES: A.   … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomass, Crystalline, Geothermal, Hydro, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Thermal, Thin Film, Waste, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

IEA: Global solar capacity nearing 100GW milestone

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Image: St Gobain Despite the uncertainties plaguing the European and Chinese markets in particular, a new report has revealed that 28.4GW of solar PV capacity was installed in 2012, bringing total global capacity to 89.5GW in the 23 countries in … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, CPV, Crystalline, CSP, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Thermal, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why consumers won’t need the power industry any more

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: India has the dubious yet unique opportunity of bringing solar to the masses who as yet do not have the use of grid energy mechanisms especially in villages and far flung locations. Solar can take care of most of … Continue reading →

Posted in Grid Storage, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Policy, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

India’s Off-grid Renewables Initiative Changing Lives in Ladakh

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Ladakh, a remote district of India’s northernmost state, is currently benefiting from the largest off-grid renewable energy project in the world. The Ministry for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is spending INR473 billion (US$88.8 million) on decentralized solar and hydro … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Off-grid, PV, Renewables, Rural Lighting, Solar, Thin Film, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Age of renewables: Why shale gas won’t kill wind or solar

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The emergence of the shale gas boom in the United States, and the discovery of significant reserves in Australia and elsewhere, has prompted many people in the energy industry to proclaim a “golden age” of gas, one that will cause … Continue reading →

Posted in Biofuels, Crystalline, CSP, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Policy, Solar Thermal, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Myth: Renewable Energy Contributes 12.5% in total power generation in India

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: Given 15-30% PLFs of renewable energy sources like Wind and Solar, RE in reality contributes below 5%, to the actual KWh energy generation in the country The present installed capacity of power generation in the country is about 2,12,829 … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomass, CPV, Crystalline, CSP, Geothermal, Hydro, JNNSM, Phase II, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Policy, Solar Thermal, Thin Film, Tidal, Waste, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

‘Faulty’ power policies widening demand-supply gap, states former Union Energy Secretary E.A.S. Sarma

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The growing gap between supply and demand in the power sector is due to the power policies of the government that are formulated to suit private players such as Reliance, former Union Energy Secretary E.A.S. Sarma has observed. Earlier, the … Continue reading →

Posted in DISCOM, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment