Daily News Wrap-Up: Module Number Glitch Hits PM Surya Ghar Installations
Karnataka regulator approves 849-day delay for solar project launch
March 7, 2025
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Integration of the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) verification portal with the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana portal and stringent solar module verification processes have left rooftop solar installers with a unique challenge. When installers try to update module details on the PM Surya Ghar portal, an error message throws up, saying the module number already exists in the system. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has mandated that starting December 1, 2024, only solar modules whose DCR credentials can be verified through the DCR verification portal will be accepted under the PM Surya Ghar program.
The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission condoned a delay of 849 days in commissioning a 20 MW solar power project by Asian Fab Tech in Chamarajanagar. The Commission directed Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) to pay the agreed tariff of ₹2.89 (~$0.033)/kWh for the energy supplied and the applicable late payment surcharge. It also set aside BESCOM’s notice demanding liquidated damages, ruling that Asian Fab Tech was not liable for any penalties.
Welspun Renewable Energy, Avaada Energy, and SAEL Industries won Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam’s auction to supply power from 250 MW grid-connected solar power projects anywhere in India with a greenshoe option of 250 MW. Welspun and Avaada each quoted a tariff of ₹2.60 (~$0.0299)/kWh to win 50 MW and 100 MW, respectively. SAEL won 100 MW out of the quoted capacity of 200 MW at a tariff of ₹2.60 (~$0.0299)/kWh under the bucket-filling method.
Dalmia Cement Bharat will procure 10 MW of power from Kilavikulam Rajalakshmi Solar Power Developer’s captive solar project in Tamil Nadu. Dalmia Cement will acquire 34.52% or three million equity shares of the solar power developer at a face value of ₹10 (~$0.1149) per share, aggregating to ₹30 million (~$344,754). Kilavikulam Rajalakshmi Solar Power Developer is a special purpose vehicle for setting up captive solar projects in Tamil Nadu. Its 10 MW project is expected to be completed within two months.
NLC India invited bids to commission a 4 MW proton exchange membrane electrolyzer-based green hydrogen project at Neyveli, Tamil Nadu. Bids must be submitted by March 24, 2025. Bids will be opened on the same day. The selected bidder will be responsible for the design, engineering, manufacturing, inspection, testing, supply, logistics, construction, erection, commissioning, trial operations, and performance guarantee testing.
Solar Energy Corporation of India invited bids to set up cumulative 2.7 MW grid-connected floating solar projects with a battery energy storage system (BESS) in Lakshadweep. The projects will be in the Agatti (950 kW) and Kavaratti (1.75 MW) islands. Both projects will have a minimum BESS capacity of 2.5 MW/16 MWh. Bids must be submitted by April 30, 2025. Bids will be opened on May 5. Selected bidders must design, engineer, install, supply, erect, test, and commission the projects.
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation issued a tender for the engineering, procurement, and construction of a 10 MW (AC) floating solar project at its Hazira facility in Gujarat. The scope of work includes operations and maintenance of the project for seven years. Bids must be submitted by April 6, 2025. Bids will be opened on April 7. Bidders must commit to a minimum net electrical energy generation guarantee of 20,450,000 kWh for the first year at the delivery point.
PFC Consulting invited bids to evacuate 3 GW of power for green hydrogen/ammonia projects on a build, own, operate, and transfer mode in the Kakinada area, Andhra Pradesh. Bids must be submitted by May 6, 2025. Bids will be opened on the same day. Bidders must submit a bid procurement fee of ₹500,000 ($7,000) plus 18% GST. Selected bidders must submit a contract performance guarantee of ₹372.5 million (~$4.26 million).
U.S.-based electric vehicle charging solutions company ChargePoint reported a revenue of $101.9 million in the fourth quarter (Q4) of the fiscal year 2025, a 12% year-over-year decline compared to $115.8 million. However, the revenue exceeded analyst expectations by $756,610. Revenue from networked charging systems in Q4 stood at $52.6 million, a 29% decrease from $74 million in Q4 2023.
Global investment group CDPQ announced it will acquire all the issued and outstanding common shares of renewable power producer Innergex Renewable Energy for $13.75 per share in cash. The acquisition marks an approximately 58% increase over the closing price of common shares on the Toronto Stock. The two companies entered a definitive agreement in which CDPQ will also acquire all Innergex’s Series A and C issued and outstanding preferred shares for $25 per share in cash. The total transaction value is $10 billion.