Sun setting on states' solar projects

No mega tenders in pipeline by major states, demand for solar to be hit

Solar tariffs touched a historic low last week but the celebrations are unlikely to last, as upcoming projects face a bleak future.

After the bidding for the Rewa solar power park in Madhya Pradesh, where tariff spiralled down to Rs 2.97 a unit, the pipeline for mega solar power projects from the states is nearly empty.

Some states have postponed tenders and others have downsized, to not burden their respective power distribution companies (discoms) with too much renewable energy. Solar power projects are seeing a bleak future in larger states such Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.