Odisha's solar auction sees lower rates

BENGALURU: Solar tariffs have not risen as much as feared during the first auction after India imposed custody fees on solar panels and modules, with winning prices of 2, 79 to 3.20 Rs per unit.

The 25% backup right on solar equipment from China and Malaysia came into effect on Monday. About 90% of solar panels and modules used in Indian projects come from these two countries.

"This offer makes it possible to pbad on the right of safeguard, but even in this case, the low tariffs are a surprise because of the inferior irradiation and land acquisition challenges in the state" said Vinay Rustagi, managing director of Bridge to India.

"Direct discom sampling also poses a relatively high risk for developers," he said.

The Trade Remedies Directorate (DGTR) imposed safeguard fees on solar equipment as of Monday, saying large-scale imports were causing serious injury to domestic manufacturers.

Still, the lowest price found in Tuesday's 200 MW auction in Odisha was actually lower than the lowest prices found in the Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and other auctions. Gujarat this year.

The biggest winner was Aditya Birla Renewables who obtained 75 MW at Rs 2.79 per unit, followed by Eden Renouvelable Varenne who obtained 50 MW at Rs 3.19 per unit. Acme Solar gained 30 MW at Rs 3.20 per unit, while Sukhbir Agro and Gupta Power Infrastructure earned 25 MW and 20 MW, respectively, at Rs 3.19 per unit.