Solar Power : Cost cut imminent

Indicating a continued downward slide in solar photovoltaic (PV) power project tariffs, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has proposed nearly 20% cut in the benchmark capital cost of such projects for FY17 compared to the current financial year. While the average tariff for the bids invited by states this year has hovered around Rs. 6 per unit, the recently concluded bid under the national solar mission saw the solar tariff plummeting to a historic low of Rs. 4.63 per unit.