Karnataka state outlines plans for 350MW of solar projects under new energy policy

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The Indian state of Karnataka has published its updated solar policy, which includes a target for 350MW of solar projects by 2016. The Government will allocate 40MW worth of projects for direct sale to the different distribution companies in the state, commonly known as ESCOMS, up to the amount of 200MW. A total of 50MW of bundled solar thermal power will be allotted to state-owned utilities for development. The split between photovoltaic and concentrated solar power (CSP) has not yet been defined.

The remaining 100MW will comprise projects under the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism. These projects will not receive the preferential tariff, but will instead generate RECs while selling solar power to the public grid at the average power purchase cost (APPC) of the concerned distribution utility. The APPC varies from state to state and is between INR1.60 to 2.69 (€0.02 to €0.04) per kilowatt hour in 2010 to 2011.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The projects to be developed as part of the 200MW to 2016 will be between three and 10MW. However, CSP projects must be a minimum of 5MW, with no cap on the maximum limit.

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has given a normalized tariff for 25 years applicable to projects commissioned in the state till March 31, 2013. The maximum tariff for photovoltaics is INR14.50 (€0.24) per kWh and INR11.35 (€0.18) per kWh for CSP. The projects will be awarded to developers offering the highest discount on the maximum tariff.

Karnataka will also continue to support programs like the National Solar Mission (NSM) and has set a combined target for a further 126MW of solar power to be developed by 2013 to 2014 through the NSM and the state’s solar policy.

Read Next

October 7, 2025
Econergy will acquire 100% stake in the 155MW Ratesti solar project in Romania, further expanding its European renewable energy portfolio.
October 7, 2025
Juniper Green Energy through its subsidiary Juniper Green Sigma Eight has signed a 70MW power purchase agreement with renewable energy giant Tata Power. 
October 7, 2025
Solar PV will account for almost 80% of the 4.6TW of new renewable power expected to be added by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
October 7, 2025
OpenSolar has secured US$13.1 million in equity financing from technology investors, including Titanium Ventures, Google and others.
October 7, 2025
Doral Renewables has secured a PPA with an unnamed 'corporate buyer' for its 430MW Cold Creek solar-plus-storage project in Texas.
October 7, 2025
US independent power producer (IPP) Arevon has begun operations at two utility-scale solar projects in Indiana.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland