With a record solar capacity addition of 27 GW in the first half of 2026 and a 110 GWh storage pipeline, India’s clean energy build-out is gathering pace as the country sets its sights on becoming a renewables manufacturing hub. However, the continued reliance on imports for critical solar and battery technologies has raised questions about whether India’s manufacturing growth is being matched by domestic technology development.

India’s solar open access market remains concentrated among a handful of states that have historically dominated installations. However, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Punjab, Jharkhand, Telangana, and West Bengal are emerging as markets with varying degrees of untapped potential, according to Mercom’s Q2 and 1H 2026 India Solar Open Access Market Report.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are evolving from backup power solutions into active energy management assets for commercial and industrial consumers. Peak demand management, tariff optimization, renewable energy integration, diesel generator optimization, and resilience are emerging as potential value streams.

The Central Transmission Utility of India revised the benchmark project costs for solar, wind, and BESS projects used to assess compliance with financial closure and other eligibility requirements for interstate transmission connectivity.

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) rejected a petition by a solar manufacturer, seeking unrestricted banking and drawal of power from its proposed captive solar project and 100% exemptions from banking, wheeling, and transmission charges.

UPERC extended the approvals and regulatory relaxations granted to Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam for an interstate peer-to-peer renewable energy trading pilot until March 31, 2027.

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission partially allowed a petition seeking an extension to complete the evacuation infrastructure for its 3.25 MW captive solar project in Mahisagar district.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently ruled that prior consent from private landowners is not required for laying power transmission lines.

Residential rooftop systems have been driving India’s rooftop solar capacity additions, especially after the introduction of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in 2024. Over 5 million households have benefited from the program so far. Vintage View, a residential apartment complex in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has installed a 20 kW rooftop solar system to reduce its electricity bills.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India invited bids to select developers to set up 700 MW of interstate transmission system-connected solar power projects in Special Economic Zones or areas designated as Export Oriented Units across the country. The last date to submit bids is October 7, 2026. Bids will be opened the following day.

Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation floated five tenders to invite bids to set up 1.038 MW of rooftop solar systems across 66 kV substations under Gujarat’s Surendranagar Circle. The last date to submit bids is September 11, 2026.

The Airports Authority of India invited bids to commission a 1.6 MW grid-connected ground-mounted solar project at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala, Tripura. The last date to submit bids is September 26, 2026. Bids will be opened on October 1.

The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company (WBSEDCL) invited bids to operate and maintain 8.415 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects at WBSEDCL and the West Bengal State Electricity Transmission Company buildings for five years. The last date to submit bids is September 28, 2026. Bids will be opened on September 30.

U.S.-based electric vehicle charging solutions company ChargePoint posted revenue of $116.075 million in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2027, up 17.7% year-over-year from $98.59 million, exceeding analysts’ expectations by $10.8 million.

Bangladesh announced a special incentive package to promote rooftop solar systems integrated with battery energy storage. Under the program, eligible consumers will receive BDT10.5 (~$0.086)/kWh for surplus electricity exported to the national grid after meeting their own consumption requirements.