India’s ambitious push for solar energy is facing a significant hurdle: a shortage of domestically produced solar modules. Subsidy-supported residential rooftop solar projects are facing a shortage of locally-made solar cells. Even if available, timely supply is not guaranteed and comes at a premium. In some cases, owing to the shortage, installers have even resorted to using second-hand solar modules.

The Odisha Government has approved two major projects in the renewable energy sector, with a combined investment of ₹4.11 billion (~$49.1 million). These projects were recently approved at the 130th State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) meeting. The approved investments in renewable energy will contribute significantly to the state’s green energy goals. These investments are expected to generate 19,364 jobs across 14 districts.

Public infrastructure finance company REC Limited has secured a green loan of JPY31.96 billion (~$200 million) from Deutsche Bank’s GIFT City branch to fund green projects in India. This green financing is one of the first JPY-denominated green loan transactions for Deutsche Bank at GIFT City. According to REC, this facility underscores its commitment, along with its partners, to support projects that adhere to stringent environmental standards, promote renewable energy, and contribute to reducing carbon emissions across India.

Airports Authority of India has floated a tender for the annual comprehensive maintenance, operation, and monitoring of a 2 MW rooftop solar power project at NSCBI Airport, Kolkata, for 2024-2027. The last date for the submission of bids is July 31, 2024. Bids will be opened the next day. The project’s estimated cost is ₹8.7 million (~$104,264). Bidders must pay a non-refundable fee of ₹1180 (~$14.12) and an earnest money deposit of ₹174,235 (~$2,085).

NTPC Renewable Energy, an NTPC subsidiary, has issued a tender for an engineering, procurement, and construction package to develop solar projects of a cumulative capacity of 795 MW (2×275 MW + 1×245 MW) at Khavda RE Power Park, Rann of Kutch, in Gujarat. The scope of work covers the design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, packing and forwarding, transportation, unloading storage, installation, testing, and commissioning of the solar projects, and the supply of solar modules.

Canada-based Brookfield Asset Management has announced an equity investment in Leap Green Energy, a renewable energy company based in Tamil Nadu, India. The initial commitment includes an equity investment of over $200 million, comprising the subscription of new shares and the acquisition of shares from existing shareholders. Under the terms of the definitive strategic investment agreements, Brookfield has acquired a majority controlling stake in Leap Green. Brookfield said it has the option to inject a further $350 million of incremental equity capital to support Leap Green’s future growth ambitions.

THDC India has invited expressions of interest (EoI) to select channel partners to supply and install grid-connected rooftop solar systems in residential buildings under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna in Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh. The selected installers must also provide comprehensive annual maintenance for five years. Bidders must submit an earnest money deposit of ₹2 million (~$23,941) per state. They can bid for each state separately.

The Ministry of Power (MOP) has released draft guidelines for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, aiming to accelerate the adoption of EVs and create a robust charging ecosystem across the country. The ministry has invited stakeholders’ comments on the guidelines. The “”Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024″” supersede all previous versions issued between 2018 and 2023 and provide a comprehensive framework for developing charging stations in various settings.