Low-tariff solar projects in jeopardy

India may miss the ambitious target to install 300 giga watt (GW) of solar power by 2030 due to a cost push and complexities in acquiring land.

Solar photovoltaic modules (panels) and cell prices have increased by over 40% over the past eighteen months. This has been driven by an increase in polysilicon prices. Cost pressure is significant for projects aggregating 4.4 GW awarded over the last one and half years, wherein tariffs are below Rs 2.2 per unit.