Indian solar sector investments dropped by 30% QoQ in Q1 2021

29 May 2021 CW Team

The investments made in the solar sectors of India fell by 30% and stood at $1.04 billion in the first quarter (Q1) of the calendar year (CY) 2021 in comparison to $1.49 in Q4 2020.

In YoY comparison, the investments increased by 7% compared to the $0.97 invested around the same period the previous year.

The second wave of Covid-19 is severe in the country, affecting the overall investments in the solar sector.

From the total investments made, the utility-scale solar project received investments of around $875 million, which is 48% greater as compared to $591 million in the last quarter. Rooftop solar projects faced an investment of $159 million in Q1 2021, up by 11% compared to $143 million in Q4 2020.

No investments were made in the solar manufacturing sector in the first quarter (Q1) of 2021. However, with the approval of the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, there is an expectation of a significant increase in investments in solar manufacturing. The tender under this program has been released, and the deadline to submit the bids is 30 June 2021.

Previously, the investments in the solar sector of India had fallen by 66% and stood at $2.8 billion in the calendar year (CY) 2020, as compared to the year 2019, where it stood at $8.2 billion.

Image Source

Also read: Solar power: India third most attractive country for solar investment

Also read: JSW Energy plans to add 2,600 MW RE capacity by 2023

Infrastructure Transport

07 Apr 2026

Large Format Store Planned At M G Road Metro Station

M G Road station in Bengaluru is set to host the city’s first large-format commercial and experience space, with planning led by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited. BMRCL has invited proposals to develop and operate a central business district destination at the Purple?Pink Line interchange. The plan positions the station as a commercial hub designed to serve a broad commuter base across the city. The proposal is part of a broader effort to activate transit nodes commercially. Tender documents set a minimum monthly rental of Rs 0.944 million (mn), inclusive of GST, for the large-format..

Government Cancels Auction Of Eleven Critical Mineral Blocks

The government has cancelled the auction of 11 critical and strategic mineral blocks after receiving a poor investor response and failing to attract a sufficient number of qualified bidders. The decision represents a setback to plans to ramp up domestic exploration and production of critical minerals amid global supply chain disruptions and rising demand for materials used in clean energy and advanced technologies. The mines ministry issued an annulment notice setting out the reasons for the cancellations. The annulment notice indicated that the auction process for five mineral blocks was canc..

Gujarat Pushes Biogas Growth With 193 Operational Units

Gujarat has operationalised 193 biogas plants across the state and is planning to add 60 more units as part of a broader push to scale up clean and sustainable energy solutions. The existing plants, established under various government-supported schemes, process organic waste including cattle dung and agricultural residue to produce biogas and a nutrient-rich slurry. The output is mainly used for cooking and other energy needs in rural and semi-urban communities, while also improving local waste management practices. The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) is leading the initiative and is..