India exported solar cells and modules worth $561 million (~₹46.4 billion) in 2022, an increase of 321% year-over-year compared to $134 million (~₹11 billion) in 2021. The United States continued to be India’s largest market for solar exports in 2022. The exports to the U.S. increased in the second half of 2022 as the country restricted shipments of solar components from China due to concerns over forced labor. The exports in the October-December period alone accounted for nearly 66% of the full-year exports.

China’s annual export of solar photovoltaic products, such as polysilicon wafers, cells, and modules, surpassed $51 billion in 2022, a year-over-year increase of 80.3%. China’s export performance is noteworthy as it has come despite the import barriers erected by several countries to restrict the entry of Chinese products last year. According to China Photovoltaic Industry Association, the export of modules went up by 55.8%, exceeding 153 GW, which contributed significantly to the growth of both domestic and foreign markets and the global demand for new energy.

Mercom India is calling for nominations for its third annual ‘Mercom India Awards.’ The awards will be given at Mercom’s flagship event, the Mercom India Renewables Summit, and recognizes the exceptional achievement and technological innovations by companies that are contributing to India’s clean energy industry and helping drive the country forward in its energy transition. The awards this year will highlight the remarkable commitments of organizations and individuals that have helped accelerate India’s environmental goals and grow local economies through innovation and leadership and through the advancement of renewable energy across the country.

Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society has invited bids through two tenders for the installation and commissioning of 5.5 MW of floating solar projects with power evacuation on the high tension side of Tank 1, Tank 2, Tank 5, and Tank 6 of Water Works in Sector 39, Chandigarh. The last date to submit the bids online is March 6, 2023. Bids will be opened the following day. The successful bidder must take care of the projects’ operation and maintenance for ten years.

Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society has invited bids for the implementation of a 4 MW grid-connected canal top solar power project with power evacuation in Sarangpur, Chandigarh. The scope of the work includes design, manufacture, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning, including warranty, operation, and maintenance for ten years. The last date to submit the bid is March 6, 2023. Bids will open the next day.

Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation has invited bids for installing and commissioning 1.14 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar systems on government buildings. The projects will be developed under the Renewable Energy Service Company model. The last date to submit the bids is March 2, 2023. Bids will be opened on March 4. Bidders must submit ₹1.5 million (~$18,135) as an earnest money deposit.

Engineers India, a central government undertaking, has invited bids from suppliers of concentrated solar technology (CST) systems to provide balance of project services. The tender is open for both Indian and foreign companies. The last day to submit the bids is March 7, 2023. Bids will be opened on March 9. Bidders must be technology licensors or suppliers of CST systems, including linear/parabolic concentrators, dish/engine, and power tower systems.

Independent renewable power producer ReNew Power‘s net loss narrowed to ₹4 billion ($49 million) in the third quarter of the financial year 2023, compared to a net loss of ₹6.4 billion ($77 million) year-over-year. The company said its quarterly loss was significantly lower due to increased operating capacity, receipt of late payment surcharge from customers, and an insurance claim partially offset by lower wind resources.

Smart energy storage company Stem posted a revenue of $156 million for the fourth quarter (Q4) of the financial year 2022, which is a 194% jump year-over-year. The revenue growth was largely driven by higher hardware sales from Front-of-the-Meter partnership agreements and services revenues, including from its recent acquisition of the energy monitoring software firm AlsoEnergy.

Researchers from the University of Rochester have discovered a novel method to increase perovskites’ light conversion efficiency by 250%. It involves using a substrate of either a layer of metal or alternating layers of metal and dielectric material. The finding was reported in Nature Photonics. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Army Research Office, and the National Science Foundation supported this research.