India

Panasonic’s Chinese factory has started the mass production and global supply of prismatic-type automotive lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Its Indian subsidiary, Panasonic India, meanwhile has launched a new energy storage solution, CBPS 8000, for telecom towers at the Elecrama 2018 exhibition, currently taking place in India.

India’s Topaz Solar Private Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with France-based Appolon Solar SAS for the supply of a complete turnkey system for manufacturing bifacial PV modules.

The ISA founding ceremony, held on Sunday March 11 in New Delhi, India, was a highlight in the 2018 solar calendar. French President, Emmanuel Macron announced €700 million in support through loans and donations by 2022, while several other financial deals and MoUs were also signed. Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi further outlined 10 action points to help the spread of solar energy.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA), now registered under the United Nations, is organizing its first summit to be held this Sunday, March 11. It is also set to host a founding ceremony of the ISA in the presence of French President, Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi President, Abdul Hamid. Government dignitaries of member countries are joining, and 51 solar projects will be signed.

According to Bridge to India’s ‘India Solar Compass’ report, new capacity additions in 2017 totaled 9,255 MW, up 94% on 2016. However, Q4 2017 was slow in terms of project commissioning with just 1,503 MW of utility-scale projects commissioned. Moreover, execution costs have increased by around 18% in just six months.

The struggling microinverter maker narrowed its losses considerably in Q4, as it unveils new products and expands in new markets.

Although the development of rooftop solar is not progressing in India as planned by the government, a group of international experts is suggesting using municipal financing to raise debt availability, and reduce PV system costs.

MOUs for four projects signed at the CII Partnership Summit 2018, held in Andhra Pradesh, India, are valued at more than US$500 million, and are expected to create jobs, alongside bringing in revenue and saving money.

Adani Group has signed an MOU with the Andhra Pradesh state government for the development of more than 1 GW of renewable energy in the state.

Shell is rumored to be interested in acquiring a majority stake in Fourth Partner Energy, a rooftop solar power firm based in Hyderabad, India.