India added 6.7 GW of solar capacity in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, according to Mercom India’s latest Q1 2025 India Solar Market Update Report. The numbers reflect a 25% year-over-year (YoY) decline from 9 GW. Solar installations were also down 14% from the nearly 7.8 GW added in Q4 2024. Of the total capacity added, 5.5 GW came from large-scale solar projects, with open access installations contributing nearly 19.8% of the new capacity. However, large-scale solar installations dropped 15% quarter-over-quarter and 36% YoY.

The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission approved a time-of-day tariff for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations during solar hours, from 9 AM to 4 PM, which will be 30% lower than the ruling tariff. This update aims to encourage EV users to charge their vehicles during solar hours. The tariff during solar hours is 0.7 times the average ruling tariff, while the tariff during non-solar hours is 1.3 times the average. The Commission also approved single-part tariffs for EV charging stations with exemption from fixed or demand charges.

Power Grid Corporation of India invited bids to set up a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of 5 MW/20 MWh, co-located with an 85 MW solar project at Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Approximately 1,000 square meters of land has been identified for this system at Ujjain’s 85 MW Nagda solar project. Bids must be submitted by June 16, 2025. Bids will be opened on the same date. The scope of work entails the design, manufacture, transportation and insurance, storage, erection, testing, and commissioning of the BESS project. The project must include battery management systems, bidirectional inverters (power conditioning systems), fire protection systems, ventilation, air conditioning, illumination systems, and a cable trench.

In the dynamic and innovation-driven pharmaceutical industry, where precision is paramount, Mumbai-based Supriya Lifescience took a bold step forward by integrating clean energy into its core operations. The company currently has two open access solar projects in Maharashtra. One is at Kumbhari, Solapur, with a capacity of 3.125 MWac, and the other is at Bhokar-I, Nanded, with 3.35 MWac. Today, solar power meets 65% to 70% of the company’s total energy requirements.

Coal India invited expressions of interest (EoI) from potential buyers to purchase power at a fixed tariff from its 4.5 GW renewable energy projects, with delivery at the nearest interconnection point of the interstate transmission system network. Coal India plans to set up 4.5 GW of renewable energy capacity in India, including 2.5 GW to 3 GW of solar and 1.5 GW to 2 GW of wind power. The EoI’s objective is to find prospective buyers to offtake the power these projects will generate. Bids must be submitted by June 9, 2025. Bids will be opened on June 10. The projects will be developed in phases, with Coal India responsible for identifying suitable land, securing grid connectivity, and awarding the necessary engineering, procurement, and construction contracts.

Lloyds Metals and Energy signed two power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Hinduja Renewables for sourcing captive solar power. The first PPA is for 10.7 MW of solar power, and the second is for 50 MW. A share subscription and shareholders’ agreement was inked simultaneously between Lloyds Metals and Energy, Hinduja Renewables Energy, and HR Godavari. Under the agreement, Lloyds will subscribe to at least 26% of the total paid-up equity share capital of HR Godavari. This special-purpose vehicle was incorporated jointly with Hinduja Renewables. The equity shares to be subscribed will be fully paid up, with a face value of ₹10 (~$0.12) each.

Solar module manufacturer Waaree Energies announced it will acquire transformer manufacturer Kamath Transformers and independent power producer Green New Delhi Forever Energy at a cumulative cost of over ₹2.93 billion (~$34.25 million). Waaree will acquire Kamath Transformers for ₹2.93 billion (~$34.25 million) and Green New Delhi Forever Energy for ₹100,000 (~$1,170). The ₹100,000 (~$1,170) investment will be at a face value of ₹10 (~$0.12) per share for 10,000 equity shares. The Kamath Transformers transaction is part of Waaree Energies’ business expansion plans. The company is into power transformer manufacturing and was incorporated in May 1996. The company’s turnover for the financial year (FY) 2024 was ₹1.23 billion (~$14.36 million), a 125% increase from ₹544.1 million (~$6.37 million) in FY 2023.