US top export destination for Indian solar cells and modules, says Mercom; Airtouch Solar Bags AGEL's Rajasthan project for waterless robotic cleaning systems; Oriana Power commissions 2.7 MW solar plant for IOCL refinery.
Indian solar exports boom in Q1/2023: In Q1/2023 during CY 2023, India exported $479 million worth of solar cells and modules, representing an annual increase of 6,293%, according to the Indian Department of Commerce whose data was analyzed by Mercom India Research. On QoQ basis, the increase was 29%. The US took 99.2% of the market share as Chinese shipments to the country face restrictions related to the complaints of forced labor in Xinjiang. India's solar imports declined 34% annually to $812 million as developers did bulk buying before the imposition of Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on April 1, 2022. On QoQ basis, imports went up 91% which could be a result of exemption to solar projects commissioned till March 31, 2024 from procuring modules under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) (see India Provides Relief From ALMM Obligation). However, China was the largest supplier of solar cells and modules to India during the reporting quarter.
Airtouch Solar for Adani project: Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) has signed up Israel's Airtouch Solar to supply its robotic waterless cleaning systems for its Rajasthan solar project under a master supply agreement. This is the 1st agreement between the duo, worth $2.5 million. Airtouch sees it being further expanded in the future. AGEL plans to complete the said solar project by Q1/2024. In October 2022, Airtouch was hired by Avaada to maintain its modules for Rajasthan and Maharashtra projects for 25 years (see India PV News Snippets).
2.7 MW solar plant for IOCL: Oriana Power has energized a 2.7 MW rooftop solar power plant in Panipat, Haryana at the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) refinery for Indian Synthetic Rubber (ISRPL). The latter is a joint venture (JV) between the IOCL and Trimurti Holding Corporation. According to local media, the project will generate close to 3.8 million units of clean electricity annually with 5,500 solar panels. This is Oriana's 8th project in the state.