1. India crosses 100 GW solar PV module manufacturing capacity.

India has marked a major milestone by reaching 100 GW of solar PV module manufacturing capacity registered under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). ALMM is a mechanism established by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to ensure the quality & reliability of solar PV modules & cells used in solar projects. It mandates that only models & manufacturers listed in the ALMM can be used for government-owned and government-supported solar projects. The first ALMM list for solar PV modules was released on March 10, 2021. This list is periodically updated & published by the MNRE. In just over 4 years, India’s solar PV module manufacturing capacity has grown multifold, crossing the 100 GW mark. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, has termed this increase as a ‘remarkable rise’ from just 2.3 GW in 2014.

2. Indian Railways commissions first solar track panels.

Indian Railways has commissioned India’s first removable solar panel system installed between railway tracks at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi. Inaugurated on Independence Day, the pilot project features a 70-metre stretch equipped with 28 solar panels, delivering a combined peak output of 15 kWp.

Unlike conventional solar setups, the new panels are mounted directly using epoxy adhesive and secured with rubber pads to withstand the vibrations of passing trains. The removable design ensures easy maintenance and operational flexibility without causing disruptions in train movement.

3. Nikhil Kamath invests in Gujarat-based solar PV module manufacturer.

Zerodha co-founder and investor Nikhil Kamath has invested Rs 137.5 crore in Goldi Solar, a solar PV module manufacturer. The investment will aid Goldi Solar's capacity expansion plans. Goldi Solar has rapidly scaled its operations in the past year, nearly tripling its solar module manufacturing capacity from 3 GW to 14.7 GW. The company is also developing a large-scale solar cell manufacturing facility in Surat, Gujarat.

Founded in 2011 by Ishverbhai Dholakia, Goldi Solar is headquartered at Surat.

4. UltraTech, Gentari commission India’s first hybrid renewable energy project.

UltraTech Cement, the country’s largest producer of cement, has successfully started operations at a 7.5 MW round-the-clock hybrid renewable energy system at its cement plant, Sewagram Cement Works, in Gujarat. This on-site hybrid setup combines bifacial solar panels, wind turbines and battery energy storage systems (BESS), all integrated into a single project. Designed to operate independently of the power grid, the system ensures consistent clean energy supply to support UltraTech’s cement production process. The project was developed in partnership with Gentari India.

This system is a first-of-its-kind in India custom made for industrial energy use. It demonstrates how combining multiple renewable sources with energy storage tech can significantly lower emissions and reduce operational energy costs at an industrial scale.

5. Redington joins hands with Websol to boost residential solar adoption in India.

Redington has formed a partnership with solar cell & module manufacturer Websol Energy System to market solar kits for residential rooftop setup in India. Under the partnership, Redington Solar will deliver bundled solar kits for homes & small businesses, each containing high-efficiency Websol modules, inverters & other accessories.

The kits are available in sizes ranging from 2 kW to 10 kW, serving a variety of rooftop energy needs. The collaboration draws on Redington’s distribution & supply chain network to make Websol solar kits available across the country. Customers can avail central subsidy up to Rs 78,000 and state solar subsidies on these installations.

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