India's Solar Portfolio Has Been Growing

Anand Kumar, CEO, Panchavaktra Power Limited, shares updates on the global solar market, technological developments in module technology and the way forward for the Indian solar power sector, in conversation with Monica Chaturvedi Charna...

How critical is the issue of land acquisition for the solar power sector?

Way back in 2011-12, land acquisition was a major challenge. There were many laws that blocked or delayed projects. Further, the Land Ceiling Act, and the issue of land being far from substations posed a major challenge. However, with maturity seeping in the industry, the land acquisition issue has subsided, though there are still a few minor concerns related to getting clearances from the farmers. However, I feel these too will be resolved in the time to come.

The government is floating certain tenders specifying that only domestically manufactured cells and modules be used for projects. Does that create a hurdle for developers who may have to pay a higher cost? Do you see it as a restriction?

The global scenario of solar sector is volatile, but in countries like Europe and USA, the industry has been on a slowdown. However, countries such as India and China have shown growth in the sector. The domestic consumption in China has increased, thus creating a shortage of exports.