The mismatch in supply between solar modules and cell production capacity in India has resulted in an unexpected consequence: a significant underutilization of module manufacturing facilities. Currently, average utilization rates hover around 35% to 40%, as manufacturers find it challenging to operate their lines effectively due to the growing module capacity while domestic cell production fails to keep pace.
In related news, the Central Transmission Utility of India (CTUIL) has released procedures for battery energy storage system (BESS) projects that already have connectivity, allowing them to enhance their energy storage capabilities in megawatt-hours (MWh) without increasing their approved charging or discharging capacities in megawatts (MW).
Additionally, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has unveiled operational guidelines for the GOBARdhan initiative aimed at hastening the development of the compressed biogas sector.
Coal India has announced an engineering, procurement, and construction tender for the establishment of 80 MW/320 MWh BESS projects across four locations in Odisha, which will include comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) services for a duration of 15 years. The deadline for bid submissions is set for October 9, 2026, with openings scheduled for the following day.
NTPC Renewable Energy has also called for bids to construct a 215 MW wind energy project, linked to the state transmission utility in Madhya Pradesh, with the same deadline for bid submissions as Coal India.
In Maharashtra, the State Electricity Distribution Company is seeking bids from vendors to design, manufacture, supply, install, and commission off-grid solar water pumping systems as part of Component B of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program.
Meanwhile, the New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh is inviting bids for a five-year O&M contract for a solar power project located in West Godavari district. The online submission deadline is October 12, 2026, while hard copies of technical bids may be submitted until October 13, 2026. Technical bids will be assessed on the same day, and financial bids will be reviewed on October 16, 2026.
Cochin Shipyard has also issued a call for bids to establish a BESS at its site in Kochi, Kerala, with a submission deadline of October 13, 2026, and openings scheduled for the following day.
At V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, bids are being invited to develop a 3 MW green hydrogen electrolyzer plant and hydrogen refueling station, with submissions due by October 6, 2026.
In the United States, SEG Solar, a vertically integrated solar manufacturer, has commenced commercial-scale production of heterojunction solar modules at its second manufacturing facility, Tomball #1, situated in the Greater Houston area, Texas.
First Solar, another U.S.-based solar module manufacturer, plans to withdraw its Section 337 patent complaint before the U.S. International Trade Commission while continuing its litigation regarding tunnel oxide passivated contact technology in U.S. District Court.
Planted, a company specializing in automated systems for solar project deployment, has secured $31.8 million to enhance its robotic fleet and expand solar project deployment efforts. Their solution integrates project planning software, terrain-adaptive solar arrays, energy storage, and field robotics.
Finally, 38 Degrees North, a community solar and renewable energy developer, has finalized a financing agreement worth $260 million with Apterra Infrastructure Capital to support the construction of approximately 85 MW of community solar projects across New York and Illinois. Additionally, ZAKH Renewable Energy and Engineering Manufacturing has launched a comprehensive manufacturing facility aimed at producing solar modules and building-integrated photovoltaics in the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone in the UAE.
