Solar tariffs have fallen further to Rs 2.44 a kWhr – a record low. Solar power company, ACME, won a mandate to set up a 200 MW solar plant in the Bhadla solar park, Rajasthan, and sell power to the Centre's Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), in the auctions concluded on Friday morning. In the same auctions, SBG Cleantech won rights for 300 MW, quoting Rs 2.45 a kWhr.
These auctions are for the ‘Bhadla Phase-III solar park’. In similar auctions for phase IV, held a couple of days ago, three companies (Phelan Energy, Avvada and SBG Cleantech) won 250 MW, quoting a tariff of Rs 2.62 a kWhr.
Industry observers said a combination of a fall in solar modules, caused by a glut in China, and the expectation that the rupee will continue to appreciate against the dollar (making imports cheaper) have enabled bidders to quote low tariffs. Ready land and infrastructure at the solar park and security of payment for energy sold have also helped reduce risks, say experts.