India added simply 351 MW of solar capability in Q2, 42,229 MW in pipeline: Bridge To India

• Covid-related disruption hit solar project building in the 2nd quarter. The activity will likely rebound over the coming quarters, with 4,720 MW expected to be commissioned in the second half.

In the 2nd quarter of 2020, India included just 351 MW of new solar energy generation capacity, taking overall set up capacity to 38,377 MW by the end of June. Of the new additions, 60% (211 MW) came from utility-scale solar as well as 40% (140 MW) from rooftop solar, according to Bridge to India's newest report, India Solar Compass Q2 2020.

India's total appointed utility-scale stood at 32,497 MW and roof solar at 5,880 MW.

The report stated that module rates fell sharply to US cents 16.5/ W for multi-crystalline modules and US cents 17.5/ W for mono-PERC modules throughout the quarter. However, design, purchase, and also building (EPC) expense for roof solar installments remained unchanged at INR 32.5/ Wp as the reduction in module prices was balanced out by a rise in balance-of-system (BoS) prices.

" Capacity enhancement [in the 2nd quarter] was significantly below our quote of 500 MW due to extended lockdown and also the following result on the motion of people and items. Building task got in the direction of the end of the quarter, but work lack and also restrictive work practices continued to affect progression," said BTI analysts regarding the bad capability addition in the second quarter.

Outlook

BTI experts expect project building and construction to rebound the coming quarters with a solid pipeline of 42,229 MW as of June 30. A total amount of 4,720 MW is expected to be appointed in the 2nd fifty percent, bringing total commissioned ability for 2020 to 5,620 MW-- the most affordable capability addition over the last three years.

Rooftop solar capacity enhancement over the 3rd and fourth quarters is approximated at 600 MW (23% decline year-on-year).

Lower devices prices and lifting of lockdown related restrictions ought to aid programmers recuperate with greater capacity addition in 2021.