Rising solar cell and module costs pressure developers

04 Jul 2022 CW Team

The cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules has risen by more than 40% in the last 18 months to $27-28 cents per watt, owing to an increase in polysilicon pricing. This is primarily driven by disruptions in operations across the value chain of solar module manufacturing in China and a jump in the cost of polysilicon, a critical material for module producers. The surging cell and module prices have been contributing to the cost constraints that solar power manufacturers are encountering, even as supply chain concerns continue to alleviate.

While bid rates have climbed from Rs 1.99 per unit in December 2020 to Rs 2.2-2.5 per unit, the extent of the increase has remained lower than what has been projected is necessary to counteract the increase in module prices. The risk of moderation in returns is substantial for projects totalling 4.4 GW awarded in the last 18 months with rates less than Rs. 2.2 per unit.

Infrastructure Transport

15 May 2026

MMRDA Removes 1.14 lakh m of Metro Barricades

In a bid to ease congestion and improve urban mobility during monsoon, MMRDA has undertaken one of the largest coordinated barricade removal and monsoon preparedness drives across its ongoing metro and infrastructure projects.With substantial progress achieved in viaduct and structural works across multiple metro corridors, barricades from completed stretches beneath metro viaducts are being systematically removed, restoring maximum possible road space before the monsoon. Wider carriageways across key arterial roads are expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, support better rainwa..

Pune Division to Remove All Diamond Crossings by Year-End

The Pune railway division has announced plans to remove all 16 diamond crossings by the end of 2026 as part of a major yard remodelling project following the derailment of a Vande Bharat Express at Pune Junction on April 27. Railway authorities said the replacements aim to improve safety and streamline train operations across the busy station. The decision followed a Central Railway finding that the accident involved a non-standard diamond crossing and highlighted the need for replacement. Regular maintenance of existing crossings will continue until the replacement work is completed. Official..

Goa Declares 80 Million Square Metres No Development Zone

The Goa state government has declared 80 million square metres (mn) of land a no development zone, designating the area as protected from new construction. The notification reclassifies tracts across the state under a no development category for planning and regulatory purposes. The declaration signals a formal halt to new building permits within the defined zone. Authorities indicated that maps will be issued to show broad boundaries while detailed surveys will refine precise limits. The move transfers responsibility for enforcement to local planning authorities and relevant departments, whic..