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Tag:

WTO

India Issues Draft Rules For Solar Module Quality

India Issues Draft Rules For Solar Module Quality

written by saurabh

In an attempt to ensure longevity of solar power projects and, perhaps, take greater control of the equipment used, India has issued draft rules for quality standards of solar modules and inverters.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy recently released the draft rules, which have also been communicated to members of the World Trade Organization. The draft outline the obligations of the module and inverter manufacturers and the specific quality standards for various types of modules.

This draft could not have come at a better time. Solar power bids are at record lows with growing concerns over the quality of solar modules being used by project developers who quote record low bids I’m every new tender.

Solar power bids in India collapsed by 26% in a matter of three months in conjugation with the steep fall in module prices. Yet, many are not convinced if falling module prices and cheaper funding justify the never-seen-before bids.

A big reason for the collapse in bid prices, according to industry sources is the jump in imports from China. In addition to modules, inverters and other equipment are being imported from China in massive volumes. The thermal power equipment manufacturers in India have voiced their concerns about the predatory prices and poor quality of Chinese imports on several occasions. Same concerns are now being raised about solar imports.

Setting standards for solar power equipment could also help Indian manufacturers expand their presence in the Indian market. Indian module manufacturers have been left behind in the race to low solar power bids as they are unable to match the Chinese prices. Perhaps, through the introduction of quality standards the Indian government would be able to provide an indirect support to these companies.

India decided not to levy import duties on imported modules, a common practice in Europe, the US and China. It, instead, pushed for mandatory use of Indian-made modules for some projects. This strategy took a hit when the US secured a judgement from the WTO against it last year.



May 23, 2017 0 comment
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India – US Faceoff in WTO Over Solar Escalates

India – US Faceoff in WTO Over Solar Escalates

written by CleanTechies Staff

Earlier this year, the US requested consultations with India pursuant to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules concerning domestic content requirements under India’s Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission for solar cells and solar modules.

Specifically, the request for consultations alleges that “India requires solar power developers, or their successors in contract, to purchase and use solar cells and solar modules of domestic origin in order to enter into and maintain certain power purchase agreements under the NSM or with National Thermal Power Company Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited or the Solar Energy Corporation of India.  In addition, solar power developers, or their successors in contract, receive certain benefits and advantages, such as long-term tariffs for electricity, contingent on their purchase and use of solar cells and solar modules of domestic origin.”

According to sources, talks between the two sides have failed to produce a satisfactory solution raising the likelihood of the matter going to a dispute settlement panel in May. Tarun Kapoor, India’s Joint Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy noted that “Once WTO starts investigation in the matter, it will go on for a year.  We will contest the charges in front of the panel and maintain our stand that the policies under the country’s flagship solar programme aren’t anti-competition.”  India may counter US complaints by alleging that 13 states have preferential schemes for the purchase of power produced by US made solar products.



April 29, 2014 0 comment
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India to Close Sourcing Loophole Ahead of Next Solar Auction

written by Walter Wang

As prices for solar energy continue to drop and reach grid parity in some regions, the ongoing battle over domestic sourcing of materials continues to grow. Ahead of the next round of auctions in India under the Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy recently announced that approximately 300 megawatts of the

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May 10, 2013 0 comment
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Special Report: Is a Solar Trade War About to Flare?

written by Walter Wang

(Reuters) – Germany’s fifth-biggest solar power park emerges as a smudge on the horizon long before you reach it on the outskirts of the small, sleepy village of Eberswalde, an hour’s drive north of Berlin. “In the far distance, you can see it,” Peter Kobbe says, pointing through heavy December snowfall as he steers his Citroen van along an icy road.

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January 17, 2011 0 comment
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