Although the industry has generally welcomed the newly-enunciated Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, review of its certain aspects may be necessitated on the back of some serious concerns

While large-scale projects of over 100 megawatt (MW) are now common, the investment risks caused by climate, poor installation and lack of proper maintenance are on the rise in the solar sector.

10 MW in 2010 to 21 GW of installed grid-connected solar capacity in 2018 shows the testament of the Government of India's success in supporting renewable energy, especially solar, in India.

Confusion regarding GST rate on solar and safeguard duty on SEZ-based manufacturing units are not allowing the domestic manufacturing industry to grow, feels Ivan Saha, BU Head- Solar Manufacturing and CTO, Vikram Solar.

In an interview with POWER TODAY, Dr Rahul Walawalkar, Executive Director, India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), recommends that India must actively pursue bilateral agreements with rare Earth-rich nations, besides exploring such materials on its own territory to successfully meet the requirements of the emerging energy storage industry.

The Government of India has ambitious plans of increasing the percentage of RE in the energy mix of the country. India's target is to achieve 175 GW generation capacity by 2022.

In India, the solar industry has created 416,000 jobs in 2015 and 1,017,800 jobs are expected to be created by 2022. New projects, more investment, policies like Surya Mitra Skill Development and encouragement from the government will create more job opportunities.

From a perennially energy-deficient state with a peak shortage of 14 per cent in 2010 to a peak shortage of less than one per cent in 2018, India has moved miles from the days of energy blackouts and frequent power cuts.

Wind dominates the renewable energy (RE) segment with an installed capacity of over 34,000 MW. The segment, which was once the leader in RE, may lose its sheen as grid-connected solar energy may take over wind in the coming years