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Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulator Allows Land Lease for BESS Projects at ₹1


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					</table><p>Distributed and utility-scale renewable energy markets are reshaping product strategies and investment decisions in India, with technology choices and policy stability emerging as decisive factors.</p>
<p>There has been a growing demand for microinverters from the commercial and industrial (C&amp;I) consumers, even for rooftop solar systems of 100 kW to 200 kW capacity, despite the higher costs, according to Bharat Singh TN, Director – Sales and Marketing at <a href="https://www.deyeinverter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ningbo Deye New Energy</a>.</p>
<p>He also noted that there is no shortage of inverters in India. “The perception is that distributors do not stock them when modules are not available.”</p>
<p>The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued new compliance guidelines to enhance inverter connectivity security under the PM Surya Ghar program. To enhance grid security and data privacy, all inverter devices must utilize M2M SIM protocols, and their data will be stored on Indian servers through an MNRE-managed National Software Platform.</p>
<p>Singh said Deye is collaborating with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy on a two-part solution to ensure data security: inverter data will be stored on Indian servers via loggers, and firmware updates will also be routed securely.</p>
<p>A notification regarding mandatory M2M SIM-based inverters is expected soon, but Singh warned that manufacturers will need at least six months to clear their existing inventory and conform to the new requirements.</p>
<p>Girish Ananthan, General Manager – Sales at <a href="https://www.futuresolar.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Future Solar</a>, warned that frequent changes to ALMM and domestic content requirements have created stop–and–go cycles for manufacturers. “For us to invest further, we need stable guidelines for at least 10 years,” he said. Investors cannot make heavy commitments to cell lines when policies shift every few months. He also pointed out that solar returns now clearly outpace traditional bank savings. “Earlier, people thought bank interest could pay their electricity bills. Today, solar is far more profitable.”</p>
<p>Harshal Akhouri, Co-founder at <a href="https://strolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Strolar</a>, said standardization in mounting structures is long overdue. Failures, he explained, often occur because engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors ignore manufacturer guidelines or cut corners on module frames, causing bolts to pull out during storms rather than structures failing. Designs need to account for wind speed, IS 875 codes, gust factors, and computational fluid dynamics analysis, while also being module-agnostic so last-minute supply changes can be handled.</p>
<p>“India is shifting toward fabrication-led suppliers instead of design-led firms,” he said. “That undermines quality and weakens our export competitiveness.”</p>
<p>Drawing on his EPC background, Ananthan said many new companies underestimate the complexity of system design, assuming it is just about “connecting plus and minus to the inverter.” He cited examples of clamp–frame mismatches, where EPC contractors ordered clamps for 35 mm frames but received modules with 30 mm frames, leading to failures. He stressed that cheap pricing drives bad practices. He urged EPC contractors to spend more time educating customers, even if that risks creating tougher conversations.</p>
<p>On trackers, Akhouri said adoption is increasing as modules cross 700 W, with customers seeing 15–20% generation gains. To keep costs in check, suppliers are using new high-tensile materials and bulk procurement and have already delivered projects in Gujarat with trackers. He emphasized that after-sales service is more critical than hardware pricing.</p>
<p>“In India, trackers should not be treated as a product but as a service. If a controller fails, downtime directly reduces generation, so local service presence is essential.” Adoption is happening faster in C&amp;I projects than in utility-scale projects, where margins are thinner.</p>
<p>These issues were deliberated in detail at Mercom India’s <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-hyderabad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RE Buyer-Seller Meet in Hyderabad</a> recently.</p>
<p>Speakers agreed that battery storage demand is growing, especially in C&amp;I and residential markets. Singh said sales of hybrid inverters with lithium batteries have surged in 2025 under the PM Surya Ghar program, and containerized battery energy storage systems could soon receive a 30% subsidy. He pointed out that sodium-ion research and development in Europe and China could further lower costs and noted that India’s exports also encourage manufacturers to integrate storage.</p>
<p>Ananthan referred to energy banking restrictions in some states that were forcing C&amp;I customers to adopt batteries. He explained why batteries are more viable in Europe, i.e., high peak tariffs make storage attractive, while in India, the tariff gap is still too small. Replacing diesel gensets remains a strong driver, since diesel-generated power costs around ₹19 (~$0.215)/kWh.</p>
<p>Speakers stressed the importance of correct system sizing. Earlier, EPCs confused customers by quoting batteries of different capacities, 100 Ah vs 200 Ah, leading to poor performance and dissatisfaction. Now, suppliers are providing technical support to EPCs to ensure proper design, making adoption smoother.</p>
<p>Speakers agreed that the next opportunities lie in storage, round-the-clock and firm, and dispatchable renewable energy, high-efficiency modules, and e-mobility integration, but only if design-led supply chains, policy stability, and sustained research and development investment keep pace.</p>



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					</table><p>The solar industry in India is witnessing rapid expansion, creating significant opportunities for manufacturers, solution providers, and product sellers, while also offering consumers a wider range of options. With increased competition, suppliers are under pressure to differentiate themselves, engage directly with buyers, and demonstrate the value of their products</p>
<p>Mercom’s <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-hyderabad/register" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buyer-Seller Meet</a> in Hyderabad on August 21, 2025, at Hyatt Place Banjara Hills will address all these issues.</p>
<p>The event will focus on bridging the gap between suppliers and buyers, enabling solar installers and distributors to evaluate localized, high-quality solutions, compare costs and product features, and gain insights into industry trends.</p>
<p>The registration for the event will begin at 9:30 AM, followed by a brief inaugural session at 10:30 AM.</p>
<p>It will be followed by a discussion on <strong>“Building a Robust Regional Supply Chain Ecosystem,” featuring</strong> Sampath Kumar, CEO of <a title="https://festonsev.com/" href="https://festonsev.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Feston SEV</a>, Maheshwar Singh, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at <a title="https://indosolar.co.in/" href="https://indosolar.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indosol Solar</a>, and Arumuru Krishna Rao, Senior Manager of Sales and Business Development at <a title="https://en.arctechsolar.com/" href="https://en.arctechsolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctech Solar</a>.</p>
<p>Narendra Singh, Marketing Manager at <a title="https://gautamsolar.com/" href="https://gautamsolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gautam Solar</a>, and Keving Francis Rego, Manager for Utility Business at <a title="https://www.hoymiles.com/" href="https://www.hoymiles.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hoymiles India</a>, will be sharing the new products, features, and technology upgrades introduced by their companies.</p>
<p>The second panel discussion, “<strong>Emerging Opportunities in the Distributed and Large-Scale Project Segments</strong>,” will feature Prasad Bhagare, Founder and CEO at <a title="https://www.groundscrewcompany.in/" href="https://www.groundscrewcompany.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ground Screw</a>; Bharat Singh TN, Director of Sales and Marketing at <a title="https://www.deyeinverter.com/" href="https://www.deyeinverter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ningbo Deye Inverter International Trade</a>; and Harshal Akhouri, Co-founder at <a title="https://strolar.com/" href="https://strolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Strolar</a>.</p>
<p>For buyers, the Meet offers an opportunity to engage with manufacturers and distributors, discuss project-specific requirements, and examine the benefits of different offerings in terms of quality and pricing.</p>
<p>The panel discussion will cover the latest market developments, demand, and learnings.</p>
<p>Sellers will have access to a targeted group of potential customers, ensuring efficient use of time and resources. The platform also allows vendors to understand buyer expectations, assess competitor strategies, and expand their industry networks through direct engagement with peers, experts, and clients.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-hyderabad/register" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Register now</a> to attend the event and gain insights into market trends in the renewable energy landscape.</p>


Rising Competition Puts Pressure on Solar Product Suppliers to Differentiate


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					</table><p>India’s solar industry is set for unprecedented expansion, presenting significant opportunities for manufacturers, solution providers, and product sellers. Consumers have a wide range of brands to choose from, making it essential for suppliers to stand out, engage with buyers, and make a lasting impact.</p>
<p>Mercom India is <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-coimbatore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hosting</a> its Buyer-Seller Meet in Coimbatore on June 12, 2025, at the O By Tamara Hotel.</p>
<p>The Buyer-Seller Meet seeks to facilitate direct engagement between solar installers, distributors, and manufacturers. It aims to deliver multiple business advantages, including improved market access, deeper business interactions, and direct communication between buyers and suppliers.</p>
<p>The event will also support participants in understanding current market dynamics, displaying new technologies, and building B2B relationships.</p>
<p>The registration for the event will begin at 9:30 AM, followed by a brief inaugural session.</p>
<p>It will be followed by a panel discussion on<strong> “Building a Robust Regional Supply Chain Ecosystem,”</strong> which will feature Krishna Arjun, Vice President-Technology at <a href="https://swelectes.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Swelect Energy Systems</a>; Jogeswara Rao, Head Sales South India at <a href="https://www.fronius.com/en-in/india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fronius India</a>; and Gobi Krishna A, Senior Manager – Projects (South) at <a href="https://www.prozealgreen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prozeal Green Energy</a> as speakers.</p>
<p>This session will be followed by company presentations from 11:40 AM. Ravi Madena, Regional Manager – South India, Sales and Marketing at <a href="https://www.adanisolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adani Solar</a>, will present first, followed by Abhinav Kaushik, Marketing Manager at <a href="https://gautamsolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gautam Solar</a>.</p>
<p>These presentations will be followed by the second panel discussion on <strong>“Emerging Opportunities in the Distributed and Large-Scale Project Segments,”</strong> which will feature Prashanth Byndoor, Regional Head – South India Sales and Marketing at Adani Solar; Muthukumaran S, Senior Sales Manager at <a href="https://www.fimer.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FIMER</a>; Suraj Vernekar, Co-Founder and CEO of <a href="https://aegeustechnologies.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aegeus Technologies</a>; and Ramesh Babu, Executive Vice President of <a href="https://www.metalkraft.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Metalkraft</a> as panelists.</p>
<p>The event will conclude with a networking lunch at 1:20 PM.</p>
<p>The event offers a unique platform for businesses to showcase localized, high-quality solar products and solutions to a targeted audience. For buyers, including solar installers and distributor communities, it offers an opportunity to explore current trends, interact with manufacturers, and assess products based on quality and cost.</p>
<p>For sellers, the event offers access to multiple buyers in one location, enables focused discussions with potential clients, and provides valuable insights into buyer expectations and competitor strategies.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-coimbatore/register" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Register now</a> to attend the event and gain insights on market trends in the renewable energy landscape.</p>


Building a Solar Supply Chain to Align with Distributed and Utility-Scale Demand


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					</table><p>The unprecedented growth of the Indian solar industry has created opportunities for manufacturers, solution providers, and product sellers.</p>
<p>At the recent <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-pune" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RE Buyer Seller Meet in Pune</a>, organized by Mercom India, experts discussed various opportunities in the distributed and large-scale project segments.</p>
<p>Yogesh Kudale, Chief Executive Officer of <a href="https://taypro.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Taypro</a>, and Chetan Amrutkar, AVP Sales and Marketing at <a href="https://genxpv.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Genx PV</a>, discussed the various upcoming opportunities in the robotic cleaning and manufacturing of photovoltaic junction boxes, connectors, and cables.</p>
<p>During the session, Kudale highlighted the potential for consumers to save six times more by opting for robotic cleaning compared to traditional cleaning for modules.</p>
<p>He said, “When customers opt for a traditional cleaning, they spend about ₹1(~$0.0116) to ₹1.2 (~$0.014) per module, including the water expenses. However, that cost comes down to ₹0.20 (~$0.002) per module if a customer goes for robotic cleaning.”</p>
<p>Kudale added that while there is a general mindset that robotic cleaning is more expensive than the traditional mode, the reality is the opposite.</p>
<p>Robotic cleaning is a rapidly growing industry globally, as well as in India. However, a lack of awareness about the technology among solar project developers is still an issue.</p>
<p>“Most of the solar project owners still go for the traditional wet cleaning method, which can damage the modules over a period of time. When water is used without checking the total dissolved solids level, it forms scaling over the modules, damaging their productivity,” Kudale said.</p>
<p>Multiple technologies, including ultrasonic waves, drones, and rotating microfiber elements, can be utilized to address these issues.</p>
<p>Discussing the climatic challenges that solar project owners face during module cleaning, Kudale said that every project comes with a unique set of challenges.</p>
<p>“For example, we were working on a 50 MW project in Prayagraj, situated between a cement plant and a thermal power project. During the day, cement settles on the modules, while thermal gas elements accumulate at night, and when the morning dew hits the modules, it creates a layer of concrete on the surfaces.”</p>
<p>Kudale studied the project to solve this issue and scheduled the cleaning process even before the cement settled on the modules. “Each and every site needs a unique solution to address the challenges.”</p>
<p>Amrutkar spoke about Indian module manufacturers localizing components in their supply chains. While investment was a considerable challenge previously, the scenario has changed.</p>
<p>He said, “Post-COVID, a local supply chain is sought after, and we are prepared for it.”</p>
<p>Highlighting rising heat as one of the biggest challenges that cables face, Amrutkar added, “Developers must choose a 4-6 mm cable with a 5.7 mm diameter insulation part; however, they should opt for a cable with a thicker insulation part in the junction box. This helps address issues such as overheating, fire, and harsh climate conditions.”</p>
<p><strong>Keeping Pace With Technology</strong></p>
<p>Experts also point to the challenges of keeping pace with changing module technologies.</p>
<p>“There is a vast variety of technology that is lined up, and we try to go hand in hand with Chinese technology as they would come to India after a couple of months. When there is a change in module technology, we would have to change the junction box designs and connectors,” said Amrutkar.</p>
<p>According to him, companies with a forward-thinking mindset focus on research and development to give an ideal product to the industry.</p>
<p>“The technology changes are happening in modules and the machines that build these modules. There is automation and the use of AI on the manufacturing side,” said Amrutkar.</p>
<p>Kudale also highlighted the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in robotic cleaning.</p>
<p>He said, “One who adopts the technology first wins the race. We have deployed over 3,000 robots that are using AI and machine learning in the market. They fetch environmental data such as weather conditions and terrain irregularities to update their cleaning plans.”</p>
<p>He added that Taypro plans to expand the AI model further into the maintenance sector.</p>
<p>The next buyer-seller meet will be held in Coimbatore on June 12, 2025. You can register <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-coimbatore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="mailto:sales@mercomindia.com?subject=Seeking%20Solar%20Installation%20Guidance%20and%20Vendor%20Recommendations%20for%20Business" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact us</a> if you plan to install solar and need guidance or recommendations for vendors.</p>


Robotic Solar Module Cleaning is Six Times Cheaper than Traditional Means


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					</table><p>The solar industry in India is set for unprecedented expansion and has opened up enormous opportunities for manufacturers, solution providers, and product sellers. Consumers have a wide range of brands to choose from, making it essential for suppliers to stand out, engage with the buyers, and make an impact.</p>
<p>Mercom India is <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-bengaluru" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hosting</a> the RE Buyer Seller Meet in Bengaluru on February 7, 2025, at Hotel Leroy Grand, Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru.</p>
<p>After Bengaluru, the event will move to Pune, Coimbatore, and Hyderabad.</p>
<p>The Buyer Seller Meet will be an important platform for the buyers-seller community in the solar industry. It will bring together a curated group of installers, distributors, communities, and vendors.</p>
<p>The one-day event will feature panel discussions on addressing challenges in the solar industry, with industry leaders presenting case studies. The event will also feature question-and-answer sessions and provide networking opportunities.</p>
<p>‘Building a robust regional supply chain system’ and ‘Emerging opportunities in the distributed and large-scale project segments’ will be the two themes in focus at the panel discussions.</p>
<p>Renewable energy buyers and sellers will benefit from the rich insights from industry stalwarts who will share their valuable experiences and views. The event will provide insights into the latest market trends, product options, and quality and cost comparisons of solar products, besides facilitating direct engagement with manufacturers and distributors.</p>
<p>Buyers will have the opportunity to explore market trends, gain insights into the latest solar trends and available product options, interact directly with manufacturers and distributors to discuss specific requirements and evaluate the quality and pricing advantages of various products.</p>
<p>Product sellers will gain access to multiple buyers on a single platform, saving time and effort. They can also engage in focused discussions with potential customers, understand their expectations, and gauge market trends. The forum will also provide opportunities to collaborate with industry peers and experts.</p>
<p>The Bengaluru Buyer Seller Meet will feature the Regional Head of South India (Sales &amp; Marketing) of <a href="https://www.adanisolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adani Solar</a>, Prashanth Byndoor, and Co-founder of <a href="https://strolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Strolar</a>, Harshal Akhouri.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-bengaluru/register" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Register now</a> to attend the event and gain insights on market trends in the renewable energy landscape.</p>


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