Dilip Buildcon To Divest 51% Stake In 1,363 MW Solar Portfolio For Asset-Light Growth

The strategic expansion reinforces PVH’s long-term commitment to South Africa, bringing local engineering, project management, and operational services directly to regional clients and EPC partners.

PV Hardware (PVH), a global leader in solar tracking solutions, today announced the opening of its new office in South Africa. Designed to deepen local support and streamline project execution across the country, the new facility serves as a dedicated hub for operational services, technical assistance, and client management.

As South Africa accelerates its clean energy deployment, PVH’s local expansion reflects its core strategy: being present where its clients build. The new office will house specialized teams focused on site engineering, logistics coordination, installation support, and commissioning, ensuring that utility-scale solar projects receive immediate, on-the-ground technical expertise at every phase.

“Opening this dedicated office is a natural next step in our commitment to South Africa,” said Alvaro Casado at PV Hardware. “Our clients don’t just need world-class solar trackers; they need agile, localized support that understands the day-to-day realities of building in this region. This new space allows us to respond faster, collaborate closer with our EPC partners, and provide the hands-on technical reliability that ensures long-term project success.”

The office expansion complements PVH’s established footprint in South Africa, where the company has operated local manufacturing and supply chains since 2017. With its recent B-BBEE Level 4 certification and proven local content track record, the new location further solidifies PVH’s role as a long-term partner in the country’s energy transition.

Entrance of a modern building featuring glass doors with 'PVH' branding, surrounded by a decorative plant and a striped overhead canopy.

By expanding its physical presence, PVH aims to support its growing client base in all directions—ensuring that every project, regardless of size or complexity, is backed by uncompromised local execution.

Avaada’s 3 GW Solar Cell Facility in Nagpur Draws Fadnavis Praise as Maharashtra Targets Major Solar Manufacturing Expansion

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21st September 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has praised Avaada Group’s solar manufacturing facility in Nagpur, describing the Avaada Superfactory as among the best in Asia and urging entrepreneurs to invest in Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Fadnavis made the remarks during a visit to the facility, where he participated in a fireside conversation with Vineet Mittal, Chairman of Avaada Group, in the presence of more than 60 entrepreneurs. He credited Avaada’s investment with helping attract further interest in solar module manufacturing in Nagpur.

Recalling his participation in the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility, Fadnavis said the scale and quality of the completed factory exceeded his expectations. He described the Superfactory as “absolutely amazing” and congratulated Mittal and the Avaada team on establishing the facility.

“Thanks to Vineet ji and the investment he has made, there is now considerable interest in solar modules in Nagpur. If all the other investors complete their investments on time, Nagpur will have the country’s largest solar module ecosystem,” Fadnavis said.

He also identified Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as key locations for future industrial investment, urging entrepreneurs to look beyond Mumbai and Pune.

“The next big thing is Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nagpur. If you are not investing here, you are missing something,” he said.

During the visit, Mittal presented Fadnavis with a commemorative memento incorporating the first solar cell manufactured at the Avaada Superfactory in Nagpur. The memento represented the transition of the company’s investment commitment into operational solar cell production in Maharashtra.

Fadnavis also outlined investment and infrastructure opportunities emerging across the region. He discussed plans for an approximately 2,000-acre New Nagpur development along the Samruddhi Mahamarg, envisioned as a central business district with modern infrastructure for global capability centres, advanced manufacturing and smart industries. According to the Chief Minister, around half of the land acquisition has been completed, with the remaining acquisition targeted for completion within three months.

He highlighted growing industrial activity in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna, particularly in electric vehicles, along with the expansion of the Butibori industrial area.

The Chief Minister said the Samruddhi Mahamarg would serve as a foundation for industrial development across Vidarbha, Marathwada and North Maharashtra. He also outlined a proposed rail freight corridor connecting JNPT and Vadhavan Port with inland industrial centres to improve logistics and access to global markets.

On industrial competitiveness, Fadnavis emphasised the importance of affordable electricity and highlighted the potential of solar power and battery energy storage systems to support reliable and cost-effective power supply. He noted that battery storage systems could play a growing role, including through manufacturing planned by companies such as Avaada.

Avaada Group Chairman Vineet Mittal said the operational factory demonstrated the company’s commitment to converting its investment plans into manufacturing capacity.

“An MoU creates an expectation; a working factory fulfils a commitment. The Chief Minister’s encouragement belongs to the entire team that built Avaada’s Nagpur Superfactory,” Mittal said.

He added that Avaada was focused on converting emerging opportunities in Vidarbha and Marathwada into manufacturing capabilities, skilled employment and stronger domestic supply chains.

Avaada Electro, the solar PV manufacturing arm of Avaada Group, currently operates 8.5 GW of N-Type TOPCon glass-to-glass module manufacturing capacity across Nagpur and Dadri. Its Nagpur facility has 3 GW of operational N-Type TOPCon solar cell manufacturing capacity, while another 3 GW is in an advanced stage of commissioning and is expected to become operational in the quarter ending September 30, 2026.

The company also plans to establish 3 GW of ingot and wafer manufacturing capacity at Nagpur, expanding its presence into earlier stages of the solar PV value chain. According to the company, the expansion is aimed at strengthening domestic solar manufacturing and increasing value addition within India.

Back-Contact Solar Is Gaining Ground: What Could It Mean for TOPCon’s Dominance?

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Sangita Shetty

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21st September 2026

The solar industry’s technology transition has moved quickly from PERC toward n-type architectures, with TOPCon emerging as the dominant route for high-volume manufacturing. But the efficiency race is continuing, and back-contact (BC) technology is increasingly moving from a premium niche toward larger-scale commercialization.

The key question is not simply whether BC will replace TOPCon. Recent developments suggest a more complex possibility: back-contact architecture could increasingly be combined with TOPCon itself, creating another pathway for higher-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells.

Why Back-Contact Is Attracting Attention

The principle behind BC is straightforward. Conventional solar cells have metal contacts on their front surface, which inevitably shade part of the active area. Back-contact cells move both positive and negative electrical contacts to the rear, leaving the front surface available for light absorption.

The resulting efficiency potential is becoming visible in commercial products. TaiyangNews’ June 2026 module analysis reported that commercially available BC modules had crossed the 25% efficiency threshold, while the highest-efficiency TOPCon module in its ranking had reached 24.1%.

At the cell level, the gap is being pushed further. In April 2026, LONGi announced a 28.13% hybrid interdigitated-back-contact silicon cell, independently confirmed by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH). The company also reported certification of a 26.4% HIBC module.

These figures matter because incremental efficiency gains can translate into more watts from the same module area. At project level, higher power density can potentially reduce the area and balance-of-system infrastructure required for a given capacity.

TOPCon Is Still a Powerful Technology Platform

BC’s progress should not be interpreted as evidence that TOPCon has reached the end of its development.

TOPCon combines excellent surface passivation with carrier-selective contacts and has already established a large manufacturing base. Research continues to push its efficiency higher. An Australian Renewable Energy Agency-supported program involving the Australian National University and JinkoSolar, for example, targets at least 26.5% prototype TOPCon cell efficiency and 26% average efficiency in pilot production.

That existing industrial scale remains a major advantage. A new architecture must compete not only on laboratory efficiency but also on manufacturing yield, equipment requirements, cost, reliability and ultimately energy economics.

The More Interesting Development: TOPCon Meets BC

Perhaps the strongest indication of where silicon technology is heading is that TOPCon and BC do not have to be competing pathways.

In August 2026, ARENA-backed research involving ANU, UNSW, the University of Melbourne, PV Lab Australia and JinkoSolar began work on TOPCon back-contact cells targeting efficiencies above 28%. The project will investigate cell fabrication, passivation, photon management, lower-cost metallisation, durability and readiness for pilot manufacturing.

This convergence could be important. Instead of abandoning the passivated-contact technologies developed for TOPCon, manufacturers may be able to combine them with a back-contact architecture to pursue another step in efficiency.

Performance Beyond Headline Efficiency

The BC discussion is also expanding beyond conversion efficiency.

A peer-reviewed 2026 study published in Solar Energy compared BC and TOPCon modules under partial shading. Under the study’s single-cell full-shading condition, the BC module experienced 12.9% power loss compared with 33.9% for the TOPCon module. Under more severe shading, however, their performance converged, highlighting why application conditions matter when evaluating technology claims.

Reliability remains equally important. Another ARENA-supported program is developing TOPCon-back-contact modules alongside outdoor testing and AI-based tools for degradation forecasting and long-term performance assessment.

A Competition—or a Convergence?

For now, TOPCon retains the advantages of manufacturing maturity and established scale, while BC is increasingly demonstrating higher efficiency potential.

The emerging technology story, however, may be less about BC versus TOPCon and more about BC plus TOPCon.

If manufacturers can combine back-contact architecture with mature passivated-contact processes while controlling manufacturing complexity and cost, the next phase of crystalline silicon PV could be defined by convergence. In that scenario, TOPCon’s evolution may not end with BC gaining ground—it could continue through back-contact technology itself.

Pekat Group Secures 470-Acre Kedah Land Lease For Solar And BESS Development

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21st September 2026

Pekat Group Berhad, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Pekat Teknologi Sdn Bhd, has entered into a conditional land lease agreement covering approximately 190 hectares (470 acres) in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia, to support the development of renewable energy projects.

The 24-year lease has an estimated value of RM54.5 million and was secured from a private Malaysian company involved in oil palm plantations and investment holdings. The leased property comprises three land lots located in Mukim Sungai Petani, Kuala Muda, and will be used exclusively for renewable energy-related developments.

Pekat plans to utilize the site for solar photovoltaic (PV) generation, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and associated supporting infrastructure. The agreement forms part of the company’s strategy to expand its presence in solar generation and energy storage.

Under the lease terms, Pekat will initially pay RM350 per acre per month. Based on the total land area, this represents approximately RM164,500 per month or RM1.97 million annually once the lease commences. The rental rate will increase by 3% every two years after the initial two-year construction period.

Pekat has also agreed to make a RM493,500 down payment, which will be converted into a refundable security deposit when the lease officially begins.

The agreement includes a three-year exclusivity period commencing September 21, 2026. During this period, the landowner cannot sell, mortgage, or lease the property to another party.

The transaction remains subject to Pekat obtaining the required regulatory approvals and planning permissions, as well as securing a commercially viable electricity offtake arrangement.

Following fulfilment of the conditions, Pekat expects a two-year construction period, followed by 21 years of operations. The company will also have an option to extend the lease by between one and five years.

The proposed development is expected to strengthen Pekat Group’s renewable energy portfolio and support its expansion into utility-scale solar and energy storage infrastructure in Malaysia.

First Gen Plans Up To ₱160 Billion Renewable Energy Investment Through 2031 In Philippines

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21st September 2026

First Gen Corporation is planning to invest up to ₱160 billion through 2031 to expand its renewable energy portfolio and support the Philippines’ transition toward cleaner power generation.

The Lopez-led power generation company plans to allocate between ₱150 billion and ₱160 billion in capital spending over the coming years, with investments focused mainly on geothermal, hydroelectric and solar power projects.

First Gen President Giles Puno said more than ₱60 billion of the planned investment will be directed toward hydroelectric projects, while around ₱70 billion will support geothermal developments under its subsidiary, Energy Development Corporation (EDC). The company expects international capital markets and long-term institutional investors to provide financing for these projects.

The planned investment represents a stronger focus on low-carbon generation as First Gen places greater emphasis on renewable energy rather than expanding its natural gas infrastructure.

First Gen currently operates around 1,700 megawatts of combined generating capacity through 31 facilities covering geothermal, wind, solar and hydropower. EDC remains a key part of its renewable energy business and accounts for about 61% of the Philippines’ total geothermal generation.

The strategic importance of EDC has also attracted foreign investment interest. Indonesia-based PT Barito Renewables Energy recently made an unsolicited offer that valued EDC at approximately ₱308 billion. Manila Electric Co. has also expressed interest in acquiring a minority stake.

However, Puno said First Gen has no plans to sell EDC. He highlighted domestic ownership requirements and the subsidiary’s importance to First Gen’s long-term renewable energy strategy.

Puno also emphasized the expertise of EDC’s Filipino workforce, particularly its technical capabilities in geothermal development. First Gen intends to build on this expertise as it expands renewable generation and supports the Philippines’ longer-term clean energy objectives.

Riyadh Cement Signs 25-Year PPA For 30 MW Solar Project In Saudi Arabia

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21st September 2026

Riyadh Cement Company has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with Samana Energy to procure clean electricity from a planned 30 MW solar photovoltaic project. The agreement will supply renewable power to Riyadh Cement’s manufacturing facility in Al-Muzahimiyah, near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Under the long-term arrangement, Riyadh Cement is expected to make average annual payments of around 6 million Saudi riyals ($1.6 million), excluding value-added tax. The electricity tariff agreed under the contract is lower than the company’s existing self-generation costs as well as standard grid electricity rates offered by local utility suppliers.

The project is structured under a model that does not require Riyadh Cement to make upfront capital investments in the solar facility. Samana Energy, a joint venture between Al-Muhaidib Group and Group AMANA, will be responsible for financing, constructing, operating, and maintaining the solar project.

This arrangement is expected to help Riyadh Cement reduce its electricity expenditure while avoiding capital and maintenance costs associated with developing its own renewable energy infrastructure. The company expects financial savings to build progressively from the first year of commercial operations.

The 30 MW solar project is targeted to achieve commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2027, subject to obtaining the required licenses, permits, and regulatory approvals from the relevant authorities.

The solar project will complement Riyadh Cement’s existing efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce dependence on conventional electricity sources. The company’s Al-Muzahimiyah facility also has a waste heat recovery system that can generate up to 12.64 MW of electricity using heat produced during the cement manufacturing process. By combining solar power procurement with waste heat recovery, Riyadh Cement aims to increase the share of cleaner energy used in its manufacturing operations. The initiatives are part of the company’s broader efforts to reduce energy costs, improve operational efficiency, and support the transition toward lower-carbon power for its white and grey cement production facilities.

EXERGY Expands Into East Africa With New Nairobi Subsidiary To Drive Geothermal And Clean Energy Growth

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21st September 2026

Geysir Clean Energy geothermal plant with wind turbines, solar panels, and mountains; sign reads “GEYSIR CLEAN ENERGY,” “INTEGRATED GEOTHERMAL & RENEWABLES,” and “CLEAN POWER FOR ICELAND.” — A geothermal power facility combines steam generation, wind turbines, and solar panels beneath Iceland’s dramatic mountains.

EXERGY International, a clean energy technology company, has expanded its operations into East Africa with the establishment of a new subsidiary, EXERGY EAST AFRICA LTD., in Nairobi, Kenya. The company announced the move on September 14, 2026, as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in the region’s growing geothermal and renewable energy markets.

The new subsidiary is located at MJ1 Business Park in Westlands, Nairobi. The company said the establishment of a permanent local office follows an extensive assessment of energy markets across Africa. Kenya was selected as the regional hub because of its established renewable energy ecosystem and significant geothermal resources.

Kenya has nearly 980 MW of installed geothermal capacity and is among the world’s largest geothermal markets. The country’s geothermal potential is estimated at up to 10 GW. Across the wider East African Rift System, geothermal resources could reach up to 20 GW, creating opportunities for additional clean energy development.

EXERGY’s expansion comes amid rising private-sector investment in Africa’s clean energy sector. Investment increased from approximately USD 17 billion in 2019 to nearly USD 40 billion in 2024. However, the company noted that further investment will be required to meet increasing electricity demand and support economic development across the continent.

Through its Nairobi operations, EXERGY plans to provide technologies including Organic Rankine Cycle systems, waste-heat recovery solutions, heat pumps, and Battery Energy Storage Systems. These technologies are intended to support renewable power generation, industrial energy efficiency, and energy resilience.

Luca Pozzoni, Deputy CEO of EXERGY, said Africa is an important strategic growth market for the company. He highlighted the company’s focus on combining its international technology expertise with local market priorities to support industrial development and energy resilience.

Matteo Cavadini has been appointed Business Development Manager Africa and will be based permanently in Nairobi. His activities will be supported by EXERGY Türkiye General Manager Erdoğan Arpacı and Deputy CEO Luca Pozzoni.

The Nairobi subsidiary further expands EXERGY’s international footprint, complementing its headquarters and manufacturing operations in Italy and Türkiye and the wider global network of its parent company, TICA Group.

MAHAPREIT Invites Bids For 2 MW Solar Projects Under RESCO Model In Goa

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21st September 2026

Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited (MAHAPREIT), a Government of Maharashtra undertaking and subsidiary of MPBCDC, has invited bids from solar power developers for the development of grid-connected flexible photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model. The projects will be developed across three locations in Panaji, Goa, with a combined capacity of approximately 2 MW.

The selected developers will be responsible for tariff discovery, design, supply, installation, commissioning and comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) of the solar plants for a period of 25 years. The identified project sites include the Kadamba Bus Stand, which will have a proposed capacity of 700 kWp, the New Municipal Market Building with 600 kWp, and the Public Car Parking Place at Patto with 700 kWp.

According to the Request for Proposal (RFP), interested bidders are required to submit their bids through the Maharashtra e-tendering portal. The purchase of the tender document started on September 18, 2026, at 18:00 hours. A pre-bid meeting has been scheduled online for September 28, 2026, at 15:00 hours. Bidders are required to submit their participation details for the pre-bid meeting by September 29, 2026, at 18:00 hours.

The deadline for purchasing the RFP and submitting online bids is October 8, 2026, at 18:00 hours. Technical bids will be opened on October 9, 2026, at 15:00 hours. The date for opening financial bids will be communicated separately to bidders that qualify at the technical evaluation stage.

The tender document carries a non-refundable fee of ₹10,000 plus 18% GST, while the tender processing fee is ₹10 lakh plus applicable GST. Bidders are also required to submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹10 lakh per MW. The bid security can be provided through electronic transfer or a bank guarantee valid for 180 days from the bid submission deadline.

Successful bidders will have to furnish a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) equivalent to 2.5% of the Work Order value for each applicable sub-category. The PBG must be issued by a nationalized bank and remain valid for 15 months from the effective date of the Power Purchase Agreement, along with an additional one-month claim period.

For technical qualification, bidders must have experience in commissioning at least 500 kW of cumulative grid-connected rooftop or flexible solar projects, or at least 1,000 kW of ground-mounted solar projects, with the projects operating satisfactorily for a minimum of one year.

Financial eligibility requires a minimum net worth of ₹25 lakh or an average annual turnover of at least ₹3 crore from grid-connected rooftop solar projects during the last three financial years. All solar modules and cells used in the projects must also comply with MNRE’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) requirements.

Nigeria Commissions 3 MW Solar Hybrid Power Plant At Yakubu Gowon University

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21st September 2026

alternative alternative energy close up electricity — Representational image. Credit: Canva

The Nigerian Federal Government has commissioned a 3 MW solar hybrid power facility at Yakubu Gowon University in Abuja, formerly known as the University of Abuja. The project has been developed under Phase II of the Energising Education Programme and implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), with financial support from the World Bank through the Nigeria Electrification Project.

The facility includes a 3.3 MWp solar power generation system, 3 MW AC output capacity and a 2 MWh battery energy storage system. The project is designed to reduce the university’s dependence on diesel generators while providing reliable and cleaner electricity to more than 58,000 students and staff.

The solar hybrid system supplies power to key university facilities, including academic buildings, research laboratories, administrative offices and digital infrastructure. The project is expected to improve the reliability of electricity for teaching, research and online academic services across the campus.

As part of the development, 388 solar-powered streetlights have also been installed to improve nighttime visibility and campus security. A Renewable Energy Workshop and Training Centre has been established alongside the power plant to provide practical training in renewable energy technologies. The centre is expected to support hands-on learning for hundreds of students and strengthen clean-energy skills development.

During the inauguration, government officials highlighted the importance of dependable electricity for education, research and human capital development. The Ministry of Power stated that reliable energy would help protect investments in modern educational infrastructure and reduce disruptions caused by power shortages.

REA representatives said long-term asset management measures have been established to support the plant’s efficient operation and maintenance.

University authorities welcomed the project, noting that stable electricity is essential for scientific research, digital services and an effective learning environment. The facility adds to Nigeria’s wider programme to deploy sustainable off-grid power systems at federal universities and teaching hospitals across the country.

GK Energy Secures 150 MW/300 MWh BESS Award From MSEDCL

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21st September 2026

GK Energy Limited has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) for setting up a 150 MW/300 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Maharashtra, with support under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mechanism.

The company disclosed the award under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, in a filing dated September 21, 2026.

Under the contract, GK Energy will establish the 150 MW/300 MWh BESS project for MSEDCL. The project is structured as a one-time contract with recurring monthly revenues for 15 years from the commencement of commercial operations.

The disclosed tariff is ₹2,38,000 per MW per month, which is expected to generate annual revenue of ₹42.84 crore, excluding GST, over the 15-year revenue period.

The BESS project is required to be commissioned within 18 months from the date of signing the Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement (BESPA).

MSEDCL is a domestic entity, and the company stated that neither its promoters nor promoter group or group companies have any interest in the awarding entity. The company also confirmed that the contract does not constitute a related-party transaction.

The award strengthens GK Energy’s presence in the battery energy storage segment and adds a long-term revenue stream from a utility-scale energy storage project in Maharashtra.

India’s Renewable Energy Compliance Gap Widens As RPO Shortfall Reaches 7.3%—Discussion Paper

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21st September 2026

India’s rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity has not translated into consistent compliance with Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets, according to an analysis by Prayas (Energy Group) titled Fragmented Frameworks and Entangled Enforcement. The report highlights gaps in regulation, enforcement and institutional coordination that continue to affect the implementation of India’s renewable energy obligations.

India is targeting 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030 and Net Zero emissions by 2070. Renewable energy capacity, including captive generation, has expanded significantly, with total installed renewable energy capacity reaching about 275 GW by March 2026. However, renewable generation has remained below the levels required to meet national RPO targets.

According to the analysis, renewable energy accounted for an estimated 25.7% of total energy supplied in FY 2025-26, compared with the national RPO target of 33%. This represents a shortfall of around 7.3 percentage points and an estimated generation gap of 138 Billion Units (BU). The gap has persisted over several years. Renewable energy supply stood at 22.3% against a 24.6% target in FY 2022-23, while the shortfall increased to 6.7 percentage points in FY 2023-24 and 8 percentage points in FY 2024-25.

The report identifies legal uncertainty as one of the major barriers to effective RPO implementation. RPOs were introduced under Section 86(1)(e) of the Electricity Act, 2003, with State Electricity Regulatory Commissions responsible for implementation. However, prolonged litigation over the applicability of RPO requirements, particularly to captive power plants and fossil-fuel-based cogeneration, has resulted in differing interpretations.

The treatment of fossil-fuel cogeneration has been particularly contentious. Earlier Appellate Tribunal for Electricity rulings, including the Century Rayon case, had provided exemptions in certain circumstances. Subsequent Full Bench decisions, including Lloyds Metals and Tata Steel, took a different position. At the same time, state-level judicial decisions have continued to create differences in interpretation, contributing to uncertainty for regulators and obligated entities.

Enforcement is another major concern identified by the analysis. Although Section 142 of the Electricity Act provides powers to impose penalties for non-compliance, the study of 53 SERC orders found several instances where penalties were either nominal or compliance was allowed to be deferred. Some orders imposed fines as low as ₹25,000 or even ₹1. The report also points to cases where RPO-related financial consequences were attempted through tariff proceedings instead of statutory penalty mechanisms.

The introduction of Renewable Consumption Obligations (RCOs) under the Energy Conservation Act, following amendments in 2022, has added another layer to the regulatory structure. RPOs are administered through electricity regulators, while RCOs are monitored under the Energy Conservation framework involving the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. According to the analysis, overlapping jurisdictions have created additional legal and institutional uncertainty.

The report recommends simplifying the framework, strengthening statutory penalty provisions and placing tighter conditions on carry-forward and waiver requests. It also suggests that obligated entities seeking additional time should demonstrate genuine difficulties in procuring renewable energy or Renewable Energy Certificates.

The findings highlight that India’s renewable energy challenge is no longer limited to adding generation capacity. Effective implementation of renewable obligations, consistent legal interpretation and credible enforcement will also be important for converting capacity growth into actual clean-energy consumption.

GERC Considers Timeline Extension Plea For 9 MW Captive Solar Project In Gujarat

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21st September 2026

M/s Rolex Rings Limited has approached the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) seeking an extension of time for the scheduled commercial operation date and completion of dedicated evacuation infrastructure for its 9 MW captive solar power project.

The project is planned to evacuate power to the 220 kV/66 kV Sadla Sub-Station of Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (GETCO). Rolex Rings sought a cumulative extension of timelines, citing unforeseen circumstances and force majeure conditions that affected project execution.

The company requested a 120-day extension due to delays in obtaining mandatory statutory approvals from the Government of Gujarat under Sections 68 and 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003. These approvals were required for construction of the dedicated transmission line.

The petitioner also sought a 90-day extension citing heavy to very heavy rainfall between July and September 2025. According to the company, adverse weather conditions significantly affected pre-project preparatory activities and civil works at the project site.

A further 60-day extension was requested due to procedural issues and coordination challenges related to the sharing of transmission line infrastructure with another project developer, M/s Madura Industrial Textiles Private Limited. Rolex Rings stated that the sharing mechanism imposed by GETCO initially involved a lack of clarity and additional coordination requirements.

Along with the main petition, Rolex Rings filed interlocutory applications seeking ad-interim protection against coercive action by GETCO while the matter was pending. The company requested that GETCO be restrained from revoking its Stage-II Connectivity granted on May 31, 2024, encashing its ₹5 lakh performance Bank Guarantee, or imposing liquidated damages for non-compliance with timelines prescribed under the Tariff Framework Order 2020.

The petitioner submitted that it had already invested approximately ₹40 crore in the project. It also stated that land acquisition had been completed, 100% of the solar PV modules had been procured and mounted, switchyard civil works had been completed, and certification from the Chief Electrical Inspector had been obtained.

GETCO opposed the extension requests. The transmission utility stated that the 18-month period from the grant of Stage-II Connectivity was scheduled to expire on November 30, 2025. GETCO argued that the applicable regulatory framework does not provide an automatic force majeure extension for capacity allotment and that extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis.

GETCO further submitted that seasonal weather conditions should have been anticipated by the petitioner and that statutory submissions should have been completed without delay. Regarding the shared transmission infrastructure, GETCO maintained that the arrangement was introduced for optimal utilization of transmission assets and that coordination between co-generators was an internal matter.

The matter was heard by a GERC bench comprising Chairman Pankaj Joshi and Members Hiren Shah and Jatin N. Thakkar. The Commission considered detailed submissions from both Rolex Rings and GETCO during multiple hearings held in 2026.

GERC Upholds Penalty for Unauthorized Rooftop Solar Capacity Beyond 50 kW Limit

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21st September 2026

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has dismissed Petition No. 2565 of 2025 filed by M/s Tulsi Cold, an MSME cold storage unit in Mahuva, Bhavnagar, over a penalty imposed for operating rooftop solar capacity beyond the sanctioned limit. The Commission passed its order on September 18, 2026.

Tulsi Cold is an industrial electricity consumer with a contract demand of 99 kW. In June 2023, the company applied to the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) for installation of a rooftop solar project. GEDA registered the project with an approved AC capacity of 50 kW, and an interconnection agreement was subsequently signed with Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL) for the same capacity. The rooftop solar plant was commissioned on September 2, 2024.

During a site inspection conducted by PGVCL on March 25, 2025, the utility found that the consumer was operating a total AC solar capacity of 59.95 kW. The installation included a 50 kW inverter and an additional 10 kW inverter, which was switched on and generating electricity.

Following the inspection, PGVCL issued a supplementary bill and penalty of ₹4,32,729.17 under Regulation 16.2 of the GERC Net Metering Regulations. The penalty related to the additional 9.95 kW AC capacity that had not been approved under the interconnection agreement.

Tulsi Cold challenged the penalty before GERC, arguing that the additional equipment had been physically installed before the plant was commissioned. The company also pointed out that the complete installation had received clearance from the Chief Electrical Inspectorate (CEI), Bhavnagar, in July 2024.

The petitioner argued that no additional solar modules had been installed after commissioning and, therefore, the case should not be treated as an unauthorized capacity addition. The company also stated that, following a 24-hour disconnection notice issued in March 2026, it had paid a revised amount of ₹1,40,110 under protest. The revised amount was calculated using a methodology similar to that followed in an Ombudsman order.

GERC, however, rejected the petitioner’s arguments. The Commission, comprising Chairman Pankaj Joshi and Members Hiren Shah and Jatin N. Thakkar, clarified that approval from the CEI is primarily related to the safety and compliance of electrical installations. Such clearance does not amount to approval of the solar generation capacity by GEDA or the distribution licensee.

The Commission held that operating solar capacity beyond the 50 kW AC capacity approved under the interconnection agreement amounts to unauthorized use under Regulations 16.2 and 16.3 of the GERC Net Metering Regulations. It further clarified that the timing of installation of the additional equipment does not change the regulatory position.

On the ₹1,40,110 revised amount already paid by Tulsi Cold, GERC declined to examine the detailed billing calculation. It noted that disputes concerning billing are within the jurisdiction of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) and the Electricity Ombudsman under Section 42(5) of the Electricity Act, 2003. The petitioner may therefore approach the appropriate forum if it believes that an arithmetic error remains in the revised bill.

Dilip Buildcon Emerges Lowest Bidder For 400 kV RECPDCL Maharashtra Transmission Project

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21st September 2026

Dilip Buildcon Limited has emerged as the lowest bidder for a major intra-state electricity transmission project in Maharashtra, with an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) value of ₹1,265 crore, excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The project, awarded through a tariff-based competitive bidding process, involves the development and operation of the 400 kV GIS Solapur/Paranda Switching Station in Dharashiv district, Maharashtra. The project will be implemented under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) framework.

As part of the project structure, Dilip Buildcon will acquire a 100% equity stake in the project special purpose vehicle (SPV), which will serve as the transmission service provider. The company will be responsible for the complete development and lifecycle management of the transmission assets.

The scope of work includes financing, design, engineering, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning of the transmission infrastructure. Following commissioning, the company will also be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the project for the specified concession period.

According to the project schedule, construction and commissioning are expected to be completed within 24 months from the effective date. After achieving commercial operation, the transmission system will be operated and maintained for a period of 35 years.

REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) acted as the bid process coordinator for the project on behalf of the Maharashtra State Transmission Utility. The project is aimed at strengthening Maharashtra’s intra-state transmission infrastructure and supporting the reliable evacuation and transmission of electricity through the proposed high-voltage network.

Dilip Buildcon stated that neither its promoters nor members of its promoter group have any financial or ownership interest in the awarding entity. The company also clarified that the project is a domestic contract and does not constitute a related party transaction.

The contract adds a significant power transmission project to Dilip Buildcon’s infrastructure portfolio and expands its involvement in the development, operation and maintenance of transmission assets. The 400 kV switching station is expected to form an important component of the state’s transmission network once completed and commissioned.

Green Saurashtra Summit 2026 Calls for Scaling Green Buildings, Low-Carbon Construction and Resource Efficiency Across Region

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21st September 2026

The CII–Indian Green Building Council (CII–IGBC) organized the Green Saurashtra Summit 2026 under the theme “Advancing Sustainable Development through Practical Green Solutions,” bringing together government representatives, industry leaders, real estate stakeholders and built-environment professionals to discuss sustainable development across the Saurashtra region.

The summit highlighted the growing adoption of green building practices in the region, with 102 IGBC-rated projects covering approximately 0.35 billion sq ft of built-up area. Residential and commercial developments accounted for the principal categories, reflecting the increasing integration of sustainability into Saurashtra’s expanding built environment.

The discussions focused on sustainable planning, resource efficiency, low-carbon construction, energy-conscious design and emerging green technologies. Stakeholders from Rajkot, Morbi, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Junagadh and Porbandar, along with the wider Saurashtra region, participated in the programme.

The 102 IGBC-rated projects were highlighted as a milestone for the region’s built environment. IGBC rating frameworks cover areas including water efficiency, energy conservation, sustainable materials, waste management and occupant wellbeing.

Rushit Govani, President, Youth Rajkot Builders Association, said that the real estate sector has a significant role in shaping Saurashtra’s future. He highlighted the need to move from awareness to wider implementation by incorporating energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable materials and healthier spaces into mainstream development.

Vishal Holani, Past Chairman, CII Gujarat Western Zone, emphasized the role of industry in advancing sustainable growth. He noted that Saurashtra could combine its entrepreneurial and industrial base with resource-efficient technologies and green infrastructure, including investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable materials and other solutions.

Kunal Gol, Chairman, IGBC Rajkot Chapter and Director, Elixir Realty, said Saurashtra is at an important stage of its development and that sustainable development, resource efficiency and climate-responsive design need to become part of mainstream growth. He also highlighted the role of the IGBC Rajkot Chapter in bringing stakeholders together and promoting practical green solutions.

The inaugural session, titled “Advancing Sustainable Development in Saurashtra,” examined the region’s green growth opportunities, sustainable real estate development and industry-led approaches to sustainable growth. The programme also featured a special address by Chetan Nandani, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Rajkot Municipal Corporation.

A fireside chat on “Shaping a Sustainable Rajkot – Development, Infrastructure & the Built Environment” explored sustainable planning, climate-responsive development, resource efficiency and green building practices in the city’s future growth.

The summit also featured a panel discussion titled “Sustainable Development in Saurashtra – From Vision to Action,” covering low-carbon construction, emerging construction technologies, resource-efficient materials, energy-conscious design and sustainable building practices across real estate, hospitality and public development.

The final technical session focused on practical green solutions related to water, energy, resources and wellbeing, including building performance, Net Zero pathways, next-generation glass technology and low-carbon construction solutions.

The summit concluded with an emphasis on greater collaboration among government, developers, architects, industry and citizens to expand green building practices and translate sustainability principles into measurable action across Saurashtra.

APTEL Sets Aside INR 6.44/kWh Solar Tariff Order, Upholds INR 5.68/kWh Rate For 5 MW Siwana Project In Haryana

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21st September 2026

The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) has set aside an order of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) that directed the Haryana Power Purchase Centre (HPPC) to pay a higher solar tariff of ₹6.44 per kWh to M/s Siwana Solar Power Projects Ltd. The judgment was delivered on September 18, 2026, by a bench comprising Officiating Chairperson Seema Gupta and Judicial Member Virender Bhat.

The dispute relates to a 5 MW solar power project operated by Siwana Solar Power Projects in Bhiwani, Haryana. The company had entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the relevant authorities in February 2014 for the sale of electricity. Under the PPA, the applicable tariff was to be the lowest among specified benchmark rates, including rates discovered through competitive bidding.

During the procurement process, a tariff of ₹6.44 per kWh was discovered. Siwana had initially sought application of higher generic tariffs, but subsequent regulatory and judicial proceedings established ₹6.44 per kWh as the applicable rate at that stage.

The tariff dispute later changed following litigation involving competitive bidding by other solar developers. A lower tariff of ₹5.68 per kWh was subsequently established based on benchmark costs applicable to later years. HPPC began making payments to Siwana at ₹5.68 per kWh from March 2019.

The parties also undertook financial reconciliations concerning earlier payments and pending dues. Siwana accepted a settlement covering outstanding amounts up to March 2019. The settlement and related proceedings were subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court.

In 2024, Siwana approached HERC through Petition No. 26 of 2024, seeking restoration of the ₹6.44 per kWh tariff and payment of the differential amount over the ₹5.68 per kWh rate. HERC dismissed the petition on November 12, 2024, holding that the matter was barred by res judicata, a legal principle that prevents the same issue from being litigated again after it has been finally decided.

Siwana did not challenge that HERC order and instead filed another petition, No. 78 of 2025, seeking substantially the same relief. In May 2026, HERC took a different view and held that the earlier settlement covered only dues up to March 2019. It directed HPPC to pay ₹6.44 per kWh prospectively and reimburse the differential amount, along with 9.15% interest.

HPPC challenged the decision before APTEL. The Tribunal found that the prayers in the 2024 and 2025 petitions were identical and that HERC’s earlier dismissal had not been challenged. APTEL held that the tariff issue had therefore attained finality and could not be reopened by separating past and future payments.

Accordingly, APTEL set aside HERC’s May 2026 order and held ₹5.68 per kWh to be the binding tariff between the parties. HPPC was consequently relieved from paying the higher tariff and the associated differential amount and interest.

Premier Energies Commissions 7 GW Solar Cell Facility, Takes Total Capacity to 10.6 GW

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21st September 2026

Premier Energies Limited has commissioned a 7 GW N-type TOPCon G12R solar cell manufacturing facility at Naidupeta in Andhra Pradesh, taking its total solar cell manufacturing capacity to 10.6 GW. The company said the new facility is India’s largest solar cell manufacturing plant and has commenced trial runs.

Spread across 101 acres, the facility was developed at a capital expenditure of ₹3,293 crore. The plant was commissioned on schedule and within budget and is designed to produce approximately 88,000 solar cells per hour.

The facility incorporates advanced digital manufacturing systems and artificial intelligence-based technologies for predictive performance analysis, process control and precision manufacturing. Automated transport, packing and packaging systems have also been deployed to improve production throughput, consistency and operational efficiency.

According to Premier Energies, the plant is designed to support future upgrades to next-generation TOPCon+ technologies, including poly-finger metallisation and advanced edge-isolation processes. Following stabilisation and ramp-up, the facility is targeting an average solar cell efficiency of approximately 25.8%.

The company said the commissioning expands its manufacturing scale and strengthens its ability to serve the growing demand for high-efficiency solar products in both domestic and international markets.

Chiranjeev Saluja, Managing Director of Premier Energies, said the commissioning of the facility marks an execution milestone for the company and will provide additional manufacturing scale to meet demand as the production line stabilises and ramps up.

Premier Energies is also pursuing backward integration into ingots and wafers as part of its broader manufacturing strategy. The company said the Naidupeta facility is an important step in strengthening its integrated solar manufacturing capabilities and supply-chain resilience.

The facility also includes a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system designed to maximise water recycling and reuse as part of the company’s focus on sustainable manufacturing.

Premier Energies is undertaking a ₹12,500 crore capital expenditure programme over three years to more than double its solar manufacturing capacity. The programme also includes expansion into ingots and wafers, along with diversification into inverters, transformers and battery energy storage systems.

Telangana Invites Bids For 1 MW/4 MWh BESS Project In Karimnagar

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21st September 2026

The Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Department of Telangana, on behalf of Northern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TGNPDCL), has invited open competitive bids for the turnkey execution of a 1 MW/4 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Karimnagar district.

The project will be developed at the 33/11 kV Waterworks Substation and is intended to support grid-connected energy storage infrastructure in the state. The tender has been issued under Bid No. II-46/2026-27/CE/Proj/KRMR.

The selected contractor will be responsible for the complete turnkey scope, including design, engineering, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the BESS. The contract will also include a Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC) for 10 years to support the system’s long-term operation and maintenance.

According to the tender details, bidders are not required to pay a tender fee or submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), with both specified at ₹0. The primary tender notification summary does not specify a particular Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) amount.

The tender notice was e-published on September 16, 2026, at 6:04 PM. Bidders can download tender documents and submit their bids from September 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The deadline for both activities is October 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

The submitted bids are scheduled to be opened on October 3, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The Chief Engineer (Projects), TGNPDCL Warangal, Nakkalagutta, Hanumakonda, Telangana, is the tendering authority. Detailed tender documents are available through the Telangana state e-procurement portal.

Gokin Solar Powers High-Altitude Solar Development in Tibet’s Wumatang

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Sangita Shetty

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21st September 2026