First Solar has secured the lowest bid in the 500 MW solar tender of Andhra Pradesh, quoting Rs 5.25 a kWhr for 40 MW and Rs 5.35 a kWhr for another 40 MW, reports The Hindu Business Line.
First Solar is the world’s largest Cadmium Telluride based thin-film modules producer.
Its major plants and operations are concentrated in the US and it is also among the leading module suppliers to solar project developers in India, catering from its plant in Malaysia.
Recently, First Solar has announced plans to build 45 megawatt (MW) capacity of solar power generation in Andhra Pradesh.
The second highest bidder in the auctions was Acme Power, supported by Electricite de France. Acme quoted Rs 5.63 a unit. Acme is the largest solar power plant owner in India, with a capacity of 422 MW.
These bids are recognized with credibility due to First Solar’s global reputation as a major solar PV module manufacturer and EPC provider for utility-scale solar projects.
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The other bids under the process ranged from $US92 to $132/MWh for projects from 3MW up to 100MW, with bids totaling 1291MW of capacity.
However, the bids are of low value compared to those submitted under the Australian Capital Territory auction held in 2012, which varied from $A178/MWh up to $A325/MWh.
In recent developments, Andhra Pradesh government has announced 1,000 MW of projects, as part of its target for achieving 15,000 MW by 2019. Part of the 1,000 MW will be undertaken by NTPC.
Sabeena Wahid
editor@greentechlead.com