in-depth

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New GST Rates on Renewable Energy Goods Likely to Reduce Costs and Tariffs

The reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 12% to 5% on solar cells and other renewable energy devices is likely to lower power costs for consumers while...

September 12, 2025

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Melvin Mathew

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Finance and M&A

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Mercom Research Focus

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Solar

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Wind
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Solar Industry Keeps Fingers Crossed About ALMM-II Mandate for Cells

India’s solar sector is entering a decisive new phase. Starting September 1, 2025, all tenders require developers and installers to use solar modules compliant with the...

September 2, 2025

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Arjun Joshi

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Markets & Policy

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Mercom Research Focus

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Solar
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How Renewable Energy Developers are Rewriting Strategies for Post-ISTS Charges Waiver

For nearly a decade, India’s interstate transmission system (ISTS) charges waiver has quietly shaped renewable power economics. By lowering landed tariffs on interstate...

August 28, 2025

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Arjun Joshi

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Grid

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Market & Policy

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Mercom Research Focus
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Faulty Installation of TOPCon Bifacial Modules Raises Fire Risk on Metal Roofs

The increasing demand for TOPCon bifacial solar modules has raised concerns among industry professionals about their potential for unsafe installation, particularly on...

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Trained Workforce Shortage Imperils India’s Renewable Energy Sector

India’s ambitious bid to lead the global renewable energy transition is running into a significant obstacle, a shortage of skilled workers. Industry leaders say...

August 13, 2025

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Arjun Joshi

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Mercom Research Focus

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Renewable Energy
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Indian Solar Exporters Eye Alternative Markets Post Trump’s 50% Tariff

India’s rising solar export sector has been dealt a severe blow with the U.S. imposing 50% import tariffs. The U.S. has been the prime destination for Indian solar cell...

August 11, 2025

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B.S. Nagaraj

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Manufacturing

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Mercom Research Focus

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Solar
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Maharashtra’s Energy Banking Rules Could Limit Solar Capacity Additions

Solar project developers fear a significant drop in capacity additions among Maharashtra’s prosumers because of the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission’s...

July 15, 2025

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Melvin Mathew

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Mercom Research Focus

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Solar
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Virtual PPA Framework a Good First Step, But Regulatory Backing is Essential

Virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), a financial tool for energy-intensive industries seeking to meet their renewable energy obligations, have not gained momentum...

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Monsoon Winds Reveal Weak Links in Rooftop Solar Installation Practices

As solar systems proliferate on India’s rooftops, a silent crisis is unfolding. The promise of clean energy and cost savings is being increasingly undercut by poor...

June 6, 2025

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Arjun Joshi

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Mercom Research Focus

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Rooftop

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Solar
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Energy-Intensive Industries Drive Open Access Solar Growth Amid Challenges

India’s green energy open access sector has witnessed steady growth over the past few years, with an increasing number of commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers...

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Urgent Measures Needed as DCR Module Shortage Slows PM Surya Ghar Progress 

When the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched, it carried a bold promise. The goal was to help 10 million Indian households become prosumers through rooftop...

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Indian Solar Companies Eye Export Gains As US Slaps Steep Tariffs on Southeast Asia

The 90-day pause on reciprocal trade tariffs between the U.S. and China may temporarily dampen prospects for Indian solar exporters, but the heavy U.S. import duties on...

May 14, 2025

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Melvin Mathew

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Mercom Research Focus

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Solar
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Without ISTS Waiver Extension, India’s 2030 Renewable Energy Goals Will Be at Risk

With just over two months to go before the interstate transmission system (ISTS) charges waiver ends, the Indian renewable energy project developers are keeping their...

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Battery Energy Storage Key to India’s Renewable Energy Future

As India’s power grid becomes increasingly complex due to rising renewable energy penetration, the need for a stable grid has never been more pressing. With the...

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Karnataka’s Free Electricity Program Slows Rooftop Solar Rollout Under PM Surya Ghar

The implementation of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in Karnataka has been slow to take off. Despite a sharp rise in registrations, only 6,519 rooftop solar...

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