India launching small-scale solar wind hybrid programme in unelectrified areas

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
MNRE is providing 50% of costs for first 10 demonstration projects that could lead to a national programme. Credit: NEC

The Indian government is promoting small-scale solar and wind hybrid systems (SWES) in unelectrified areas through a new programme, which aims to repeat the success of similar projects in the US and Europe.

Still at a pilot stage, the first demonstration project of just 25kW capacity will be deployed at the wind turbine test station of National Institute of Wind Energy at Kayathar, Tootikudi district of Tamil Nadu.

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 total installed capacity of these systems on 31 March 2016 was 2.69 MW. There are now six small-scale wind turbine manufacturers and 9 models empanelled under the programme and a total of 10 demonstration projects will be supported for grid integration.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) expects the cost of each project to be in the range of INR2-300,000 per kW (US$2,970 to US$4,460).

MNRE is providing support of up to 50% of system costs to community users to install the systems.

If successful in India, the pilot programme will lead towards the launch of a National Programme on grid-connected small-scale wind and solar hybrid systems. 

India's government has focused much attention on its 'rural electrification programme' targeting power for every village, including its off-grid solar programme.

Read Next

July 11, 2025
Indian independent power producer (IPP) Juniper Green Energy has commissioned an additional 71MWp at Chapalgaon Solar Project in Solapur, Maharashtra.
July 9, 2025
Indian solar water pump and motor manufacturer Shakti Pumps has successfully raised INR2.9 billion (US$34.1 million) to build a solar cell and module manufacturing plant.
July 8, 2025
German solar glass manufacturer Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg (GMB) has filed for insolvency after posting monthly losses of €900,000 this year.
July 8, 2025
Energy consultancy JMK Research has forecast 28.3GW of utility-scale and residential solar PV to be installed in India during fiscal year 2026.
July 8, 2025
SJVN Green Energy has commenced commercial operations of 100.02MW from its 1,000MW solar power project in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
July 7, 2025
ReNew has received a non-binding final acquisition offer from a consortium at US$8 per share, which is 13.2% more than their earlier offer.

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 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK