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					</table><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mnre-hikes-cfa-rooftop-solar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has increased the benchmark Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for grid-connected rooftop solar power systems under Phase II of the Grid-Connected Rooftop</a> Solar Program. The CFA for systems ranging from 1 kW to 3 kW, installed through tendering and national portal applications, is ₹18,000 ($216)/kW for general states and ₹20,000 ($240)/kW for special category states. Systems of above 3 kW and up to 10 kW capacities will receive CFA of ₹9,000 (~$108)/ kW in general states and ₹10,000 ($120)/kW in special category states. An individual household with up to a 3 kW system in a general category state is eligible for a subsidy of ₹18,000 ($216)/kW, an increase from the earlier ₹14,588 (~$175)/ kW.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ntpc-bids-for-floating-solar-project-in-chhattisgarh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NTPC, on behalf of NTPC-SAIL Power Company (NSPCL), a joint venture of NTPC and SAIL, has invited bids to develop a 15 MW floating solar power project at Maroda reservoir-1 of NSPCL in Bhilai</a>, Chhattisgarh. The last date for the submission of bids is February 2, 2024. Bids will be opened the same day. The project will involve the comprehensive design of a grid-interactive solar power project, encompassing civil, electrical, and mechanical auxiliary systems. It includes creating detailed drawings for foundations, single-line diagrams, installation drawings, electrical layouts, design calculations, and other relevant documents essential for the engineering of all facilities within the project’s scope.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/aptel-retroactive-impact-on-ppas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity has upheld the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (RERC) decision dismissing a petition filed by Kishangarh Hi-tech Textile Park (KHTPL),</a> contending that regulations should not retroactively impact Power Purchase Agreements. KHTPL challenged the dismissal of its petition by the RERC and sought specific directions against the respondents— RERC, Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam, and Ajmer Vidyut Vitaran Nigam. They aimed to impose open access charges (transmission tariff and wheeling charges) at 50% of the tariff rates as per the 2009 tariff regulation.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/railways-rooftop-solar-projects-bihar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sonpur Division of East Central Railway has invited bids for state-wise empanelment of agencies to implement grid-connected rooftop solar power projects of 1.1 MW capacity</a> at its electric loco shed in Barauni Junction through public-private partnership and on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer basis. The projects would be developed in two capacity ranges— (i) above 10 kW and up to 100 kW, and (ii) above 100 kW and up to 500 kW. Bidders can quote for one or all the capacities. The projects must be commissioned within 240 days of receiving the work order. The developers must also provide comprehensive operation and maintenance services for 25 years. The last day to submit bids is January 31, 2024. Bids will be opened on the same day.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/serentica-425-million-loan-rtc-renewable-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Renewable energy developer Serentica Renewables has secured ₹35 billion (~$425 million) for its round-the-clock renewable energy project in India from a consortium of three international banks</a> and three Indian lenders. The deal will allow the company to fund the development of its 530 MW wind-solar hybrid project that will come up in Rajasthan and Maharashtra. This project will also provide clean energy to Hindustan Zinc, one of India’s largest zinc producers, replacing 24% of its coal-based power supply with firm dispatchable green power.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/qcells-to-supply-microsoft-manufactured-solar-modules" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Solar cell and module manufacturer Qcells has sealed an eight-year alliance with Microsoft Corporation to supply 12 GW of solar modules and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services.</a> The deal includes a 2.5 GW module and EPC services agreement that Qcells and Microsoft announced in January 2023. Qcells said it is poised to make Microsoft advance its sustainability goals of achieving carbon negativity, water positivity, and zero waste by 2030.

Daily News Wrap-Up: MNRE Hikes CFA for Residential Rooftop Solar Projects

Hyderabad-based rooftop solar company Freyr Energy announced an equity investment of ₹180 million (~$2.3 million) from Total Carbon Neutrality Ventures, Schneider Electric Energy Access Asia (SEEAA), and Capital 4 Development Partners (C4D Partners).
<a href="https://freyrenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Freyr Energy</a> caters to rooftop installations for the residential and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) segment in 22 states across India.
In July 2020, Freyr Energy had <a href="https://mercomindia.com/weekly-wrap-up-canadian-solar-freyr-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launched</a> its revolutionary customer app — SunPro+, facilitating a seamless solar system owning process.
Funds raised in this round will be used to accelerate growth and further enhance customer experience.
&#8220;Along with our existing investor C4D Partners, strategic investors like Total Carbon Neutrality Ventures and SEEAA provide us not only capital but also global experience in the energy sector,&#8221; said Saurabh Marda, Managing Director of Freyr Energy.
Florian Temime, Principal, Total Carbon Neutrality Ventures (the venture capital arm of global energy company Total), commented, &#8220;Freyr Energy has fully digitalized the customer journey thanks to its proprietary software environment SunPro+. We are convinced that this innovative software will ease the acquisition of rooftop solar customers and facilitate the entire customer journey from acquisition through to financing, execution, and after-sales service. We see SunPro+ as a key success factor for Freyr&#8217;s development.&#8221;
Gilles Vermot Desroches, President of SEEAA, and Senior Vice President at Schneider Electric, said, &#8220;Through the innovative and scalable SunPro+ solution, Freyr Energy can contribute to mass-market adoption of solar energy, generating significant environmental impact while creating employment opportunities within their network of vendors.&#8221;
SEEAA is a €20.9 million (~$25 million) impact investment vehicle funded by Schneider Electric, Norfund, EDFI ElectriFI, and Amundi dedicated to investing in start-ups, increasing quality of life, and boosting economic development in Asia.
Commenting on the follow-on investment by C4D Partners in Freyr Energy, Arvind, Partner, C4D Partners, said, &#8220;Through their technology, Freyr Energy has the potential to change how rooftop solar is sold and managed in India and other countries. Freyr Energy could bring in the much-needed consolidation in the sector.&#8221;
C4D Partners invests in promising, scalable, impactful MSMEs, primarily in India and Indonesia.
In 2018, Freyr Energy had <a href="https://mercomindia.com/freyr-energy-raises-%e2%82%b9270-million-funding/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raised</a> ₹270 million (~$3.81 million) through a mix of equity and debt investments, leveraging its technology platform to push decentralized solar in both India and abroad.
Global VC funding for the solar sector in Q1 2021 came to $1 billion in 14 deals, a 33% increase compared to $773 million raised in 12 deals in Q4 2020, according to Mercom Capital Group&#8217;s <a href="https://mercomcapital.com/product/q1-2021-solar-funding-ma-report/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Q1 2021 Solar Funding and M&amp;A Report</a>.

Rooftop Solar Company Freyr Energy Raises ₹180 Million in Funding

Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (<a href="http://uhbvn.org.in/web/portal/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">UHBVN</a>), a Haryana power distribution company, has issued an expression of interest (EoI) to empanel agencies to install grid-connected rooftop solar systems between 1kW-500 kW in residential premises.
These projects are expected to be developed in nine operation circles of UHBVN, namely,  Ambala, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Karnal, Panipat, Sonepat, Jhajjar, and Rohtak.
The scope of work would include the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning, including warranty, spare parts, and comprehensive maintenance for five years. The projects will qualify under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) subsidy program if the modules are procured domestically.
The benchmark cost for the projects have been set as per the MNRE guidelines:
<ul>
<li>For projects between 1-10 kW &#8211; ₹54 ($0.75)/W</li>
<li>For project between 10- 100 kW &#8211; ₹48 ($0.67)/W</li>
<li>For projects between 100 to 500 kW – ₹45 ($0.63)/W</li>
</ul>
The last date for the submission of bids is slated to be October 10, 2019.
Earlier this year, the <a href="https://mercomindia.com/haryana-solar-policy-amended-waivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">state amended its guidelines</a> for megawatt-scale ground-mounted and rooftop solar projects meant for captive consumption or third-party sale. Under the policy guidelines, developers can install at any location in the state, but they must interconnect these projects with stations of 11 kV capacity or higher. Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) has amended a provision related to the exemption of wheeling, transmission, cross-subsidy charge, and additional surcharges.
In <a href="https://mercomindia.com/bhel-tenders-170-kw-rooftop-solar-in-haryana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">May 2019</a>, state-owned Navaratna enterprise, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), invited bids for the supply, installation, and commissioning of grid-connected solar rooftop PV projects of cumulative capacity 170 kW in Haryana.
In <a href="https://mercomindia.com/haryana-tender-20-mw-rooftop-solar-resco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">January 2019</a>, HAREDA issued a tender for 20 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects to be developed across the state.

Haryana DISCOM Calls for Empanelment of Agencies for Residential Rooftop Solar Systems

The <a href="http://www.pgvcl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Paschim Gujarat Vij Company</a> (PGVCL) has issued an expression of interest (EoI) for empaneled agencies to set up 600 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in residential premises.
The date for the pre-bid meeting is July 25, 2019, and the last date for the submission of the bids is August 6, 2019.
Bidders are required to quote the rates inclusive of a comprehensive maintenance contract (CMC) for five years.
For Category A bidders, the earnest money deposit (EMD) totals to ₹700,000 (~$10,150), for non-micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) units it is ₹700,000 (~$257), and for MSMEs, it will be ₹4,00,000 (~$5,800).
Bidders who come under Category B need to pay ₹400,000 (~$5,800) as EMD. They’re expected to have an experience of installing solar rooftop or grid-connected systems in any of the sectors such as residential, social, industrial, commercial, or government.
According to PGVCL, the rates invited are for eleven system capacities of solar systems: 1 kW, 2 kW, 3 kW, 4 kW, 5 kW, 6 kW, &gt; 6kW to 10 kW, 10 kW to 25 kW, 25 kW to 50 kW, 50 to 100 kW  and  &gt;100 kW.
As per the PGVCL, the successful bidders should pay a non-refundable amount of ₹25,000 (~$363) including the GST towards empanelment fees which will be followed by a letter of empanelment.
According to PGVCL, Category-A bidders are those who have experience of successful installation and commissioning of at least 100 kW capacity of solar systems in any sector such as residential, social, industrial, commercial, and government.
Those bidders who fall under Category A should have an average turnover of ₹5000,000 (~$72,550) in the last three fiscal years.
In the scope of work,  the PGVCL has stated that the work is to be carried out on a turnkey basis which includes identification of the beneficiary in the residential category,  survey of the site for its feasibility, sanctioned load of the beneficiary by the DISCOM, design, supply of the solar systems (with all other accessories, equipment and protection devices), installation, testing, commissioning. The responsibility would also include maintenance services for five years.
As far as the technical specifications are concerned, solar PV projects should consist of the required number of crystalline PV modules, grid-interactive power conditioning units, mounting structures, junction boxes, solar meters to name a few.
According to the PGVCL, the modules and solar cells used for this program should be domestically manufactured as per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) requirement.
The total solar PV array capacity should comprise solar crystalline modules of minimum 250W. Modules with a capacity less than 250W will not be accepted states PGVCL.
During the recently held <a href="https://mercomindia.com/gujarat-new-budget-rooftop-solar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">state budget session</a>, the Gujarat government emphasized on the rooftop solar projects and announced a recalibrated target of 30 GW renewable capacity by 2022. The goal includes both solar and wind.
Mercom reported recently that the <a href="https://mercomindia.com/gujarat-ppa-solar-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission</a> had approved the power purchase agreements for 500 MW of grid-connected solar projects. The solar PV projects will be developed under Phase III of the state’s Raghanesda Solar Park.

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