Solar Module Capacity Under ALMM Rises to 228 GW

Ahmedabad Municipal Body Floats Tender for Solar-Plus-Storage Project

German Solar Firm BSH Files for Insolvency as Indebtedness Grows

West Bengal Regulator Clears ₹20 Billion Floating Solar-Storage Project

GREW Solar, Caelux Sign 4 GW Perovskite Solar Technology Deal

Maharashtra Clarifies Mandatory Energy Storage Rules for Renewable Projects

Uttar Pradesh Regulator Clears Five-Year Power Transmission Plan Until FY 2031

Daily News Wrap-Up: Solar Manufacturing Hit by Module Glut, Cell Shortages

Generate Capital Secures $117 Million Debt for 18 Community Solar Projects

Solar Module Microcracks Raise Performance, Warranty Risks


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					</table><p>The Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) proposal to <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ceas-proposed-storage-mandate-could-reshape-solar-and-wind-project-economics?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mandate</a> co-located energy storage systems for new ground-mounted solar and onshore wind projects could fundamentally change how renewable energy projects are designed.</p>
<p>The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/up-regulator-allows-uppcl-to-procure-power-at-previous-years-purchase-cost?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allowed</a> Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation to continue procuring electricity from certain renewable energy generators at the previous year’s average power purchase cost.</p>
<p>The Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/jharkhand-regulator-rejects-steel-rope-firms-rpo-recalculation-plea?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rejected</a> a steel rope manufacturing company’s petition seeking recalculation of its Renewable Purchase Obligation liability.</p>
<p>The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/delhi-regulator-rejects-bees-%E2%82%B9125-million-penalty-claim-against-ndmc?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rejected</a> the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s claim seeking a penalty of ₹125.44 million (~$1.33 million) from the New Delhi Municipal Council.</p>
<p>The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/maharashtra-regulator-adopts-tariff-for-renewable-energy-transmission-project?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adopted</a> annual transmission charges of ₹1.45 billion (~$15.90 million) for a renewable energy evacuation transmission project.</p>
<p>Pharmaceutical company Shilpa Medicare will <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/shilpa-medicare-to-source-solar-power-from-neogreens-13-mw-project?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">source</a> 13 MW of solar power from NeoGreen Power in a group captive arrangement for its operations in Karnataka.</p>
<p>Ceramic and vitrified tiles manufacturer Kajaria Ceramics <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/kajaria-ceramics-to-procure-power-from-sunsures-20-mw-wind-solar-project?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signed</a> a long-term power purchase agreement with Sunsure Energy to procure solar and wind power for its manufacturing facilities.</p>
<p>Indian Energy Exchange <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/iex-clocks-record-monthly-trading-volume-in-august-rises-to-13-94-bu?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recorded</a> its highest-ever monthly electricity traded volume of 13,938 million units in August 2026, an increase of 20.2% year-on-year.</p>
<p>Hyderabad-based power electronics startup Leanwatts <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/leanwatts-raises-2-million-seed-funding-to-expand-power-electronics-platform?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raised</a> approximately $2 million (₹181.5 million) in seed funding across two tranches, led by Trivest Partners.</p>
<p>Electric vehicle manufacturer Ola Electric Mobility’s board of directors <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ola-electric-board-approves-%E2%82%B915-billion-fundraise-plan?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> a resolution to raise up to ₹15 billion (~$158.84 million) through equity shares and other securities.</p>
<p>Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/tunisia-awards-455-mw-of-solar-projects-in-sixth-authorization-round?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">awarded</a> contracts to developers for 309 solar projects, with a cumulative capacity of 455 MW.</p>
<p>The U.S. <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/us-adds-record-20-2-gwh-of-energy-storage-capacity-in-q2-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">added</a> a record 6.7 GW/20.2 GWh of battery energy storage system capacity in the second quarter of 2026, according to the U.S. Energy Storage Market Outlook by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.</p>
<p>The Middle East and North Africa region’s cumulative solar and wind capacity is <a href="https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESlgEB6zswFYOCHPfx0q0tod1wEsvNrrcsTHV3Qo6ZJFO0vYUnQGKWzVr9skUAIsIO7r769Tlk2d0ZKREIMfDJbK8ZYmZ8vUijC9pJYqIIsVKsAYE_tW0FjhuIdBjNKKejeP58ZHdwyKJTf3Cj-XgVBWJ1bB8-UYNAI45nEjtvx5M0d7IgDvkdtI9tcOzKMBAOiDyxaVPEJyw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">projected</a> to reach 404 GW by 2035, up from 49 GW currently. The report stated that MENA installed a record 16 GW of solar and wind capacity in 2025 and is expected to increase annual additions by 37% in 2026.</p>


Daily News Wrap-Up: CEA Storage Mandate Could Reshape Project Economics


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					</table><p>With a record solar capacity addition of 27 GW in the first half of 2026 and a 110 GWh storage pipeline, India’s clean energy build-out is <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/indias-clean-energy-manufacturing-boom-faces-an-rd-reality-check" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gathering</a> pace as the country sets its sights on becoming a renewables manufacturing hub. However, the continued reliance on imports for critical solar and battery technologies has raised questions about whether India’s manufacturing growth is being matched by domestic technology development.</p>
<p>India’s solar open access market <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/beyond-the-leaders-states-that-could-drive-indias-next-wave-of-solar-open-access-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">remains</a> concentrated among a handful of states that have historically dominated installations. However, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Punjab, Jharkhand, Telangana, and West Bengal are emerging as markets with varying degrees of untapped potential, according to Mercom’s Q2 and 1H 2026 India Solar Open Access Market Report.</p>
<p>Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ci-battery-storage-economics-is-tied-to-value-stacking-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">evolving</a> from backup power solutions into active energy management assets for commercial and industrial consumers. Peak demand management, tariff optimization, renewable energy integration, diesel generator optimization, and resilience are emerging as potential value streams.</p>
<p>The Central Transmission Utility of India <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ctuil-cuts-benchmark-project-costs-for-solar-wind-and-bess-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revised</a> the benchmark project costs for solar, wind, and BESS projects used to assess compliance with financial closure and other eligibility requirements for interstate transmission connectivity.</p>
<p>The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/uperc-rejects-plea-for-uncapped-banking-of-power-from-captive-solar-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rejected</a> a petition by a solar manufacturer, seeking unrestricted banking and drawal of power from its proposed captive solar project and 100% exemptions from banking, wheeling, and transmission charges.</p>
<p>UPERC <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/uttar-pradesh-extends-p2p-renewable-energy-trading-pilot-until-march-2027" target="_blank" rel="noopener">extended</a> the approvals and regulatory relaxations granted to Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam for an interstate peer-to-peer renewable energy trading pilot until March 31, 2027.</p>
<p>The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission partially <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/gujarat-regulator-allows-extension-for-solar-project-hit-by-row-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allowed</a> a petition seeking an extension to complete the evacuation infrastructure for its 3.25 MW captive solar project in Mahisagar district.</p>
<p>The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/madhya-pradesh-high-court-rules-landowner-consent-not-needed-for-power-lines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ruled</a> that prior consent from private landowners is not required for laying power transmission lines.</p>
<p>Residential rooftop systems have been <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/kerala-apartment-complex-targets-lower-power-bills-with-rooftop-solar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">driving</a> India’s rooftop solar capacity additions, especially after the introduction of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in 2024. Over 5 million households have benefited from the program so far. Vintage View, a residential apartment complex in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has installed a 20 kW rooftop solar system to reduce its electricity bills.</p>
<p>The Solar Energy Corporation of India <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/seci-invites-bids-for-700-mw-solar-projects-across-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to select developers to set up 700 MW of interstate transmission system-connected solar power projects in Special Economic Zones or areas designated as Export Oriented Units across the country. The last date to submit bids is October 7, 2026. Bids will be opened the following day.</p>
<p>Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/getco-floats-tenders-for-1-04-mw-rooftop-solar-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">floated</a> five tenders to invite bids to set up 1.038 MW of rooftop solar systems across 66 kV substations under Gujarat’s Surendranagar Circle. The last date to submit bids is September 11, 2026.</p>
<p>The Airports Authority of India <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/airports-authority-invites-bids-for-1-6-mw-solar-project-at-agartala-airport" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to commission a 1.6 MW grid-connected ground-mounted solar project at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala, Tripura. The last date to submit bids is September 26, 2026. Bids will be opened on October 1.</p>
<p>The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company (WBSEDCL) <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/west-bengal-floats-om-tender-for-8-42-mw-rooftop-solar-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to operate and maintain 8.415 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects at WBSEDCL and the West Bengal State Electricity Transmission Company buildings for five years. The last date to submit bids is September 28, 2026. Bids will be opened on September 30.</p>
<p>U.S.-based electric vehicle charging solutions company ChargePoint <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/higher-sales-and-demand-push-chargepoints-revenue-up-18-in-q2-fy-2027" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted</a> revenue of $116.075 million in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2027, up 17.7% year-over-year from $98.59 million, exceeding analysts’ expectations by $10.8 million.</p>
<p>Bangladesh <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/bangladesh-announces-incentive-for-rooftop-solar-plus-storage-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> a special incentive package to promote rooftop solar systems integrated with battery energy storage. Under the program, eligible consumers will receive BDT10.5 (~$0.086)/kWh for surplus electricity exported to the national grid after meeting their own consumption requirements.</p>


Daily News Wrap-Up: Clean Energy Manufacturing Faces R&D Gap


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					</table><p>The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/indias-energy-storage-pipeline-hits-25-of-2032-requirement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UPERC</a>) has extended the approvals and regulatory relaxations granted to Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam (<a href="https://www.pvvnl.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PVVNL</a>) for an interstate peer-to-peer (P2P) renewable energy trading pilot until March 31, 2027.</p>
<p>The extension will be deemed effective from August 16, 2026, when the approvals granted under an earlier Commission order expired.</p>
<p><strong>Background</strong></p>
<p>The petitioner, PVVNL, approached the Commission seeking continuation of the approvals and relaxations granted in February 2026.</p>
<p>The Ministry of Power and REC had selected PVVNL as the Uttar Pradesh distribution licensee participating in the interstate P2P <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/uttar-pradesh-allows-blockchain-based-interstate-p2p-green-power-trading-pilot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pilot</a>.</p>
<p>Regular energy trading under the pilot began in March 2026. However, PVVNL reported two trades in February. Between February and July 2026, 1,164 trades were executed and settled under the pilot. The traded energy was also adjusted in participating consumers&#8217; electricity bills.</p>
<p>Trading activity increased from two transactions in February to 266 in April and 567 in May. It subsequently declined to 288 transactions in June and 37 in July.</p>
<p>PVVNL said the pilot has demonstrated P2P energy trading in a live operational environment, with traded energy accurately reflected in consumers’ billing systems.</p>
<p>According to PVVNL, the pilot project was limited to demonstration, testing, and regulatory learning.</p>
<p>It said that P2P renewable energy has had no material adverse impact on grid security, distribution company revenues, or system operations. It noted that the transactions are carried out within the participating distribution companies&#8217; physical distribution networks without creating parallel infrastructure.</p>
<p>It added that the pilot aimed to evaluate the operational, commercial, legal, and consumer protection aspects of interstate P2P trading and help regulators develop frameworks for its potential expansion.</p>
<p>PVVNL told the Commission that extending the project will provide additional data on consumer participation, billing and settlement mechanisms, and interoperability among utilities, Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Providers, and digital platforms under the India Energy Stack.</p>
<p>It added that the extension could also provide insights into integrating distributed renewable energy resources, optimizing local energy consumption, and improving grid efficiency.</p>
<p>PVVNL said the pilot could support the development of transparent accounting and settlement processes and an appropriate regulatory framework for the large-scale implementation of P2P energy trading. It could also promote rooftop solar adoption and help states achieve renewable energy transition.</p>
<p>REC, on behalf of the Ministry of Power, also requested an extension to continue the interstate pilot.</p>
<p><strong>Commission Analysis</strong></p>
<p>After examining PVVNL&#8217;s submissions and the applicable P2P solar energy trading guidelines and rooftop solar regulations, UPERC approved the extension until March 31, 2027, with retrospective effect from August 16, 2026.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s real-time <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/product/mercoms-renewable-energy-regulatory-updates" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Regulatory Updates</a> to ensure you don’t miss any critical updates from the renewable industry.</p>


Uttar Pradesh Extends P2P Renewable Energy Trading Pilot Until March 2027


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					</table><p>Global solar companies <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/solar-corporate-funding-jumps-56-yoy-to-16-9-billion-in-1h-2026#:~:text=Global%20solar%20companies%20raised%20%2416.9,Solar%20Funding%20and%20M%26A%20Report." target="_blank" rel="noopener">raised</a> $16.9 billion in corporate funding during the first half (1H) of 2026, a 56% year-over-year (YoY) increase from $10.8 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, according to Mercom Capital Group’s 1H and Q2 2026 Solar Funding and M&amp;A Report. The number of corporate funding deals increased by 23%, from 78 in 1H 2025 to 96 in 1H 2026.</p>
<p>The Union Cabinet <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cabinet-clears-%E2%82%B950-billion-pm-surya-sarovar-floating-solar-storage-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana, a ₹50.7 billion (~$530.20 million) program to develop 5 GW of floating solar projects with co-located energy storage systems across India. The program requires floating solar projects to include energy storage capacity of at least 2 hours, translating to a minimum cumulative storage capacity of 10 GWh.</p>
<p>The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/aptel-quashes-tnerc-order-rejecting-extension-for-50-mw-solar-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">set</a> aside an order of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) that had refused to grant a project-specific extension of the commercial operation date to a 50 MW solar project.</p>
<p>APTEL <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/aptel-upholds-guarantee-encashment-in-delayed-1-5-gw-tamil-nadu-solar-project">upheld</a> the encashment of performance guarantees by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company due to delays by a solar developer in commissioning a 1.5 GW project. However, it referred the issue of liquidated damages to the TNERC for fresh determination.</p>
<p>The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/uttar-pradesh-draft-electricity-grid-code-focuses-on-renewables-storage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> the draft Uttar Pradesh Electricity Grid Code Regulations, 2026, proposing a revised framework for planning, connecting, commissioning, and operating the state’s electricity system.</p>
<p>The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/rajasthan-invites-bids-for-696-public-ev-charging-stations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to commission public electric vehicle charging infrastructure across 236 locations in the state. The chargers are being installed under the PM E-DRIVE program. The tender covers 696 chargers across Ajmer, Udaipur, Alwar, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Kota.</p>
<p>EDP Renewables, a renewable energy power producer, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/edp-renewables-sell-stake-in-384mw-solar-storage-portfolio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agreed</a> to sell an 80% common equity stake in a 384 MW solar and battery storage portfolio in California to an Ares Infrastructure Equity fund. The portfolio includes 200 MW of solar capacity and 184 MW of battery storage capacity.</p>
<p>Renewable energy company Avaada Group <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/avaada-bags-1-3-billion-financing-for-2-15-gw-renewables-portfolio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secured</a> approximately $1.3 billion in financial closure for its 2.15 GW renewable energy portfolio. The financing was approved by financial institutions such as the State Bank of India, REC, and Canara Bank, across four special-purpose vehicles.</p>
<p>Tata Power Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of Tata Power begun <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/tata-power-begins-work-on-800-mw-wind-solar-project-in-andhra-pradesh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">construction</a> of an 800 MW wind-solar project in Andhra Pradesh. The project will comprise 400 MW of solar capacity at Pattikonda in Kurnool district and 400 MW of wind capacity at Kanekallu in Ananthapuram district.</p>
<p>Gurugram-based independent power producer ACME Solar Holdings <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/acmes-revenue-up-68-in-q1-on-higher-electricity-sales" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> revenue of ₹8.58 billion (~$90.8 million) in the first quarter (Q1) of the financial year (FY) 2027, up 67.8% YoY from ₹5.11 billion (~$54.1 million). Revenue from the sale of electricity increased 67.7% YoY to ₹8.57 billion (~$90.8 million) from ₹5.11 billion (~$54.1 million).</p>
<p>Solar module manufacturer Waaree Energies <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/solar-module-sales-lift-waarees-q1-revenue-new-us-production-lines-soon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> revenue of ₹79.38 billion (~$831.06 million) in Q1 of FY 2027, up 79.2% YoY from ₹44.26 billion (~$463.72 million). Revenue from the sale of electricity increased 67.7% YoY to ₹8.57 billion (~$90.8 million) from ₹5.11 billion (~$54.1 million).</p>
<p>Fuel cell and electrolyzer manufacturer Bloom Energy <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/bloom-energy-revenue-jumps-165-yoy-in-q2-beats-analysts-expectations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> a record revenue of $1.07 billion in Q2 of 2026, a 165.5% YoY increase from $401.2 million. The revenue beat analysts’ expectations by $238.35 million. Its product revenue surged 215.4% YoY to $935.4 million, up from $296.6 million.</p>
<p>U.S.-based solar module manufacturer First Solar <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/first-solar-reaffirms-2026-guidance-despite-4-yoy-q2-revenue-fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> net sales of $1.06 billion in Q2 of 2026, a 3.7% YoY decline from $1.1 billion. Revenue was broadly in line with analysts’ expectations. The decline was primarily due to lower revenue associated with customer contract terminations recognized in the corresponding quarter of 2025. Higher module sales volumes partially offset the impact.</p>


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