Daily News Wrap-Up: India Adds 6.1 GW Solar Open Access in 9M 2025
PM-KUSUM a turning point for solar irrigation: Interview
December 3, 2025
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India added 6.1 GW of solar open access capacity in the first nine months of 2025, increasing over 13% year-over-year (YoY) from 5.4 GW, according to Mercom India’s Q3 2025 Solar Open Access Market Report. The installation growth during this period was driven by increasing demand from commercial and industrial consumers. India added 2.2 GW of solar open access capacity in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, a 20% decline from 2.8 GW installed in the previous quarter. However, installations increased nearly 108% YoY from 1.1 GW. Capacity additions in Q3 2025 were affected by delays in grid-connectivity approvals, restricted substation access, and limited transmission evacuation capacity in states with weak grid infrastructure.
As India accelerates its shift toward renewable energy-powered agriculture, solar pumps are emerging as a key lifeline for farmers seeking dependable irrigation solutions without the burden of rising energy costs. Despite the growth in installations, challenges such as limited awareness, financing hurdles, and the need for region-specific solutions continue to slow adoption in several rural pockets. In an exclusive interview with Mercom, Vivek Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director at Oswal Pumps, explains how the company is reinforcing its ground engagement strategy, expanding its presence in underserved markets, and leveraging government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program to make solar pumping systems more accessible.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy amended the standard operating procedure for prototype testing under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers for Wind and wind turbine components. The amendment issued revises the SOP titled “Performance Efficiency and Safety Issues.” Prototype testing in India will become mandatory in two years. This is to give time for manufacturers to comply with domestic prototype testing standards. The committee, which is responsible for evaluating wind turbines, will continue to deliberate on turbine performance, ensuring that the power curve is tested and certified by an accredited laboratory in accordance with IEC 61400-12-1 standards and that all supporting performance data aligns with regulatory expectations, including performance in representative geographical conditions.
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission released a draft second amendment to the Tariff Regulations, 2024, proposing a formal tariff framework for integrated energy storage systems alongside coal, lignite, or gas-based generating stations and interstate transmission systems. Stakeholders can submit their comments and suggestions by December 30, 2025. A key feature of the draft is a separate supplementary tariff for the installation of integrated energy storage systems in generating stations or transmission systems. This tariff will consist of supplementary fixed storage and energy charges to be determined separately by the Commission.
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission upheld Central Transmission Utility of India’s (CTUIL) decision to cancel transmission connectivity for Inox Green Energy Services’ 300 MW wind projects at Bhuj II pooling substation in Gujarat. The Commission directed the petitioner, Inox Green, to reapply for connectivity with CTUIL, since it had failed to demonstrate any progress in land acquisition or financial closure for the projects. In 2018, received a letter of award from Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to set up 200 MW and 100 MW wind projects in Kutch, Gujarat, under Tranche III and Tranche IV auctions. It formed six special-purpose vehicles for 300 MW and signed power purchase agreements with SECI.
The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission approved 52 solar power purchase agreements totaling 143.8 MW under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan Component C-2 program. The approvals cover two project batches. The first batch covers 25 projects with a total capacity of 61.6 MW. The second batch consists of 27 projects totaling 82.2 MW. The Commission has also adopted the individual tariffs, which range from ₹2.84 (~$0.031)/kWh to ₹2.99 (~$0.033)/kWh, enabling the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation to procure solar power for the segregated agriculture feeders. The case originates from the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency issuing bids for feeder-level solarization, supported by Viability Gap Funding.
NLC India invited bids for the manufacturing and supply of 565.6 MWp crystalline bifacial solar modules for an 810 MW solar project at the RVUN Solar Park in Pugal, Bikaner, Rajasthan. Bids must be submitted by January 1, 2026. Bids will be opened on the same day. The scope of work includes manufacturing, supply, packing and forwarding, transportation up to Pugal, and transit insurance of the solar modules. Bidders must have supplied solar modules or cells with a cumulative capacity of at least 200 MWp, including one order of 50 MWp or more. Only reference orders above 10 MWp will be eligible. Group or subsidiary companies may participate, if backed by a joint undertaking that ensures joint and several liability.
Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust invited bids for the engineering, procurement, and construction of 1.7 MW rooftop solar projects in Maharashtra. Selected bidders must also oversee the project’s operation and maintenance for five years. The work must be completed within 120 days of issuing the purchase order. Bids must be submitted by December 22, 2025. Bids will be opened on December 24. The Trust has assigned SLnko Energy as the project management consultant for this project. SLnko will be responsible for the technical and commercial evaluation of bids, gathering clarification from bidders, and recommending the appointment of a contractor to install the rooftop solar system.
Envision Energy India secured a 300 MW order from UPC Renewables India for the supply of 60 units of EN 182 wind turbine generators, each with a capacity of 5 MW, for upcoming wind energy projects in Karnataka. The turbines, equipped with a 182-metre rotor diameter and a 140-metre hub height, are designed to operate efficiently in the state’s wind conditions. Envision said definitive agreements for the first 20 turbines have been completed, covering 100 MW of contracted capacity. These turbines are scheduled for delivery early next year and will supply power under a contract signed by UPC Renewables with SJVN. The wind turbines will be installed in Bijapur, Karnataka, where the project aims to harness monsoonal wind patterns and favorable site conditions.
Bengaluru-based solar and cell module manufacturer, Emmvee Photovoltaic Power, reported a revenue of ₹11.31 billion (~$125.82 million) in Q2 of financial year (FY) 2026, a YoY increase of 181.1%. The company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization for the quarter were ₹3.99 billion (~$44.38 million), a 331.3% YoY increase. Emmvee’s profit after tax stood at ₹2.37 billion (~$26.36 million), a YoY increase of 577.8%. The company reported earnings per share of ₹4.01 (~$0.044), up from ₹0.59 (~$0.0066) in the same period last year. Emmvee reported a revenue of ₹21.58 billion (~$240.08 million) in 1H FY26, a YoY increase of 193.5%.
The European Patent Office removed a legal barrier that would have affected European solar module manufacturers using multi-busbar (MBB) cell technology. It has revoked patent EP4092759B1 that applies to MBB technology used to manufacture solar panels. This patent, first owned by the Korean electronics company LG Electronics, was acquired by China’s solar solutions company JA Solar. MBB technology uses numerous thin metal strips, or busbars, to collect and transfer energy from solar cells. Most European module makers rely on round-wire MBB architectures to reduce shading losses, lower resistance, cut silver consumption, and ensure reliable long-term electrical connections.
