India’s SECI sees lowest ever VGF bids in 450MW Maharashtra solar auction

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Flickr: Arain Zwegers

Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has awarded 450MW of solar capacity in the state of Maharashtra, with the lowest collective set of bids involving viability gap funding (VGF) so far.

A total of two foreign firms won significant capacity in a market that has become increasingly dominated by Indian corporates of late. UK-based Lightsource and China-based Canadian Solar won 50MW and 80MW respectively.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The benchmark tariff was set at INR4.43/kWh (US$0.066) combined with VGF support. However, Vijay Printing Press actually bid for a tariff of just INR4.42 with no VGF.

SECI made the following awards:

Developer Capacity VGF/MW (INR million)
Vijay Printing Press 10
Solar Edge Power and Energy 130 1.9
Lightsource 50 1.96
Neel Metal Products 100 1.998
Sukhbir Agro Energy 20 1.999
Canadian Solar 80 1.999
Essel Green Energy 60 1.999

Mudit Jain, consultant at Bridge to India, told PV Tech that while Maharashtra's previous 450MW tender in January this year saw one developer bid at INR4.41/kWh, the other winning bids were far higher with VGF levels going up as high as INR5.4 million.

Jain said the dropping in bid levels for the latest tender was firstly due to a 15% reduction in module prices and secondly due to a change in the the VGF disbursement schedule. Before, the VGF would be provided in six tranches, but now the entire VGF is padid on commissioning with 20% taken as a bank guarantee.

Referring to the low bids overall, Jain said: “It is not surprising. Accounting for all the fundamental differences [in states] this seems about right.”

This tender was part of the National Solar Mission Phase II, Batch IV, Tranche III.

Nick Boyle, Lightsource chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be taking the first steps towards our ambitions for investment in India’s solar PV market. The Indian Government has a huge appetite for solar energy and we believe that Lightsource will contribute significantly towards their targets.”

This article has been revised to say that just two foreign firms won capacity and that Mumbai-based Solar Edge Power and Energy won 130MW capacity.

Read Next

July 25, 2025
A round-up of news from the Indian solar sector this week, including Reliance Industries' cell plant, Juniper Green Energy powering solar PV and Solex Energy launching new modules.
July 25, 2025
According to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the global levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) for solar PV reached US$0.043/kWh in 2024.
July 22, 2025
Spanish independent power producer (IPP) Zelestra  has begun commercial operations at its 435MWdc Gorbea solar project in the state of Rajasthan, India. 
July 17, 2025
Indian solar manufacturers are among the targets of a new petition filed by US producers alleging illegal trade practices by overseas firms.
July 15, 2025
Indian renewable energy company SAEL Industries is developing a 5GW solar cell and 5GW module manufacturing facility in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
July 11, 2025
Indian independent power producer (IPP) Juniper Green Energy has commissioned an additional 71MWp at Chapalgaon Solar Project in Solapur, Maharashtra.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK