Indian solar output almost doubles in third quarter
In the third quarter of 2017 Indian solar parks generated 5.3 billion kWh of electricity, an increase of 91% YoY, according to Mercom Capital Group. However, data from India’s Central Electricity Authority shows this number was slightly lower than the second quarter, which produced 5.5 billion kWh. Mercom projected that India will have deployed between 9.5 GW and 10 GW of solar PV this year; that is projected to fall to 7 GW next year as the market reacts to rising prices of Chinese PV modules and the renegotiation of power purchase agreements in line with record-low solar tariff levels.
India’s solar parks generated 5.3 billion kWh of electricity in the third quarter of 2017, up 91% in annual terms thanks to new capacity additions, Mercom Capital Group said on Thursday.

However, solar power generation in the three months was lower than the 5.5 billion kWh produced in the second quarter, the consultancy said, citing data from India’s Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Newly-added capacity in July-September totalled 2.2 GW, according to Mercom’s quarterly market update.

In the first nine months of the year, solar power production in the country rose by 88% on the year to 15 billion kWh. New PV installations accounted for 39% of India’s total power capacity additions in the first three quarters of the year, representing a total of 7.1 GW.

Mercom projects that India will deploy between 9.5 GW and 10 GW of PV plants this year and 7 GW next year, expecting the market to be affected by the rising prices of Chinese PV modules, certain infrastructure and power evacuation issues and the renegotiation of power purchase agreements (PPAs) terms in line with the record-low level of solar tariffs.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!