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					</table><p>Maharashtra is steadily cementing its position as one of India’s important markets for green energy procurement through the open access route. The state ranks second in installed open-access solar capacity, accounting for over 17% of the country’s installations as of September 2025.</p>
<p>Although quarterly installations dipped during the July to September period due to regulatory uncertainty, the cumulative picture remains strong, backed by a robust pipeline of solar, wind, hybrid, and storage-linked projects.</p>
<p><strong>Demand Drivers</strong></p>
<p>Two distinct motivations are driving the demand for open access in Maharashtra. A majority of companies are turning to renewables to cut electricity costs and improve cash flows, while a smaller but significant segment is compelled by regulatory mandates and international supply-chain requirements to go green.</p>
<p>“About 80% of companies want to go green to stay competitive and fix their electricity costs for the next 25 years,” said Rahul Makahaniya, Chief Marketing Officer at <a href="https://www.soleosenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Soleos Energy</a>. The remaining 15% to 20% are largely responding to Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) and ESG expectations from global clients.</p>
<p>Sector-wise, demand spans textiles, plastics, education institutions, and manufacturing, but data centers, particularly in Mumbai, are emerging as a key growth driver. Their need for reliable, uninterrupted power is pushing adoption beyond conventional solar into more sophisticated renewable energy configurations.</p>
<p><strong>Policy Stability</strong></p>
<p>After a phase of uncertainty that slowed installations in mid-2025, policy clarity has helped restore momentum. The continuation of 100% energy banking (excluding peak hours) has been especially crucial in reviving stalled inquiries and encouraging new commitments.</p>
<p>The real impact of policy is on the quantity of energy that a company can source from green power. For instance, a company consuming 100 units of electricity may, under restrictive policies, be able to source only 30% to 32% of its consumption from renewable energy.</p>
<p>In this scenario, savings are realized only for the 30 units, while the remaining 70 units remain subject to conventional tariffs. Conversely, under a favorable policy framework, the same company could green as many as 70 units, effectively doubling the potential savings.</p>
<p><strong>Understanding the Procurement Pathway</strong></p>
<p>For businesses, procuring power through open access is no longer a complicated exercise. Consumers can opt for CAPEX models, investing fully in solar parks and benefiting from accelerated depreciation and savings up to ₹7 (~$0.08)/kWh, or choose OPEX and hybrid models, which offer cheaper power without upfront investment.</p>
<p>Pramod Maladkar, Senior General Manager at <a href="https://enrichenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Enrich Energy</a>, stated, “The process begins with a detailed analysis of the monthly electricity bill.” Factors such as contract demand, consumption patterns, and load profiles determine the appropriate sizing of projects.</p>
<p>Once these fundamentals are clear, execution tends to be smooth, especially when handled by developers offering end-to-end solutions.</p>
<p><strong>Storage Still a Selective Play</strong></p>
<p>According to Makahaniya, Maharashtra is yet to witness significant adoption of batteries by industrial units. Capital costs for battery storage remain high, given that the base price for energy discharged from the battery is approximately ₹2 (~$0.024)/kWh to ₹2.5 (~$0.030)/kWh. For industries sourcing grid power at ₹8 (~$0.10)/kWh to ₹9 (~$0.11)/kWh or generating solar power at ₹4 (~$0.048)/kWh, integrating batteries often becomes uneconomical unless grid tariffs exceed ₹10 (~$0.12)/kWh to ₹12 (~$0.14)/kWh.</p>
<p>He also remarked that high capital costs, currently in the range of ₹9 million (~$108,400)/MWh to ₹12 million (~$144,600)/MWh, limit its viability to consumers with high tariffs and round-the-clock demand, such as hotels, commercial buildings, and data centers.</p>
<p>For these users, storage-backed renewable power can deliver round-the-clock green energy at ₹5.5 (~$0.066)/kWh to ₹5.7 (~$0.069)/kWh, while locking in tariffs for up to 25 years. “Green data centers are the future,” Makahaniya noted, pointing to rising ESG compliance pressures from international investors.</p>
<p>However, concerns persist about long-duration outages and battery charging constraints, which is why most industries continue to retain diesel generators as backup power.</p>
<p>Cost reductions are expected to change the equation. With sodium-ion technology, battery prices could fall to ₹5.5 million (~$66,300)/MWh to ₹6 million (~$72,300)/MWh, making storage viable for a wider industrial base.</p>
<p>On the other hand, commercial segments are increasingly finding batteries viable at tariffs in the ₹16 (~$0.19)/kWh to ₹17 (~$0.20)/kWh range, and hotels and commercial complexes are beginning to explore storage solutions.</p>
<p>Data centers represent another rapidly growing segment, where the demand for round-the-clock power and a 100% green energy supply, through a mix of solar, wind, and batteries, is driving project closures, particularly in Mumbai.</p>
<p>These developments suggest that while industrial uptake remains moderate, commercial and high-demand sectors are emerging as key drivers for renewable energy storage deployment.</p>
<p><strong>Power Purchase Agreement</strong></p>
<p>Given the long-term nature of open access contracts, speakers stressed the importance of carefully structured PPAs. Consumers must assess the credibility of developers, tariff mechanisms, generation guarantees, lock-in periods, exit clauses, and penalties.</p>
<p>The choice between third-party, captive, and group captive models depends largely on investment appetite and risk tolerance.</p>
<p>Creditworthiness plays a pivotal role. Companies with stronger credit ratings can secure significantly better tariffs, as lenders and investors price risk conservatively. As one panelist pointed out, improving credit profiles can translate directly into long-term savings.</p>
<p>“Delaying decisions can be costly. Solar technology has matured, prices have stabilized, and returns have remained consistent over 15 to 20 years,” said Maladkar, noting that many companies regret postponing investments. The consensus was clear: the economics of open access are unlikely to improve dramatically with time.</p>
<p>The discussions at Mercom India’s <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/c-and-i-clean-energy-meet-2025-nagpur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nagpur C&amp;I Clean Energy Meet</a> brought together data, policy interpretation, and on-ground experience in a way that helped cut through the complexity surrounding open access procurement. Companies that were expecting significantly better economics later may not see that improvement and may instead face higher surcharges, fewer banking benefits, and reduced incentives, making early adoption potentially more attractive than waiting.</p>
<p>More importantly, the session shifted the conversation from whether companies should adopt green power to how quickly and effectively they can do so, reflecting the growing role such platforms play in shaping informed decision-making in India’s evolving renewable energy landscape.</p>
<p>The next Mercom India C&amp;I Clean Energy Meet event will be held in <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/c-and-i-clean-energy-meet-2026-nashik" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nashik </a>on January 9, 2026.</p>
<p><a href="mailto:sales@mercomindia.com?subject=Seeking%20Solar%20Installation%20Guidance%20and%20Vendor%20Recommendations%20for%20Business" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact us</a> if you plan to install solar and need guidance or vendor recommendations.</p>


Open Access Renewables Gain Ground Among Maharashtra’s Industries


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					</table><p>The solar industry in India is witnessing rapid expansion, creating significant opportunities for manufacturers, solution providers, and product sellers, while also offering consumers a wider range of options. With increased competition, suppliers are under pressure to differentiate themselves, engage directly with buyers, and demonstrate the value of their products</p>
<p>Mercom’s <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-hyderabad/register" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buyer-Seller Meet</a> in Hyderabad on August 21, 2025, at Hyatt Place Banjara Hills will address all these issues.</p>
<p>The event will focus on bridging the gap between suppliers and buyers, enabling solar installers and distributors to evaluate localized, high-quality solutions, compare costs and product features, and gain insights into industry trends.</p>
<p>The registration for the event will begin at 9:30 AM, followed by a brief inaugural session at 10:30 AM.</p>
<p>It will be followed by a discussion on <strong>“Building a Robust Regional Supply Chain Ecosystem,” featuring</strong> Sampath Kumar, CEO of <a title="https://festonsev.com/" href="https://festonsev.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Feston SEV</a>, Maheshwar Singh, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at <a title="https://indosolar.co.in/" href="https://indosolar.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indosol Solar</a>, and Arumuru Krishna Rao, Senior Manager of Sales and Business Development at <a title="https://en.arctechsolar.com/" href="https://en.arctechsolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctech Solar</a>.</p>
<p>Narendra Singh, Marketing Manager at <a title="https://gautamsolar.com/" href="https://gautamsolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gautam Solar</a>, and Keving Francis Rego, Manager for Utility Business at <a title="https://www.hoymiles.com/" href="https://www.hoymiles.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hoymiles India</a>, will be sharing the new products, features, and technology upgrades introduced by their companies.</p>
<p>The second panel discussion, “<strong>Emerging Opportunities in the Distributed and Large-Scale Project Segments</strong>,” will feature Prasad Bhagare, Founder and CEO at <a title="https://www.groundscrewcompany.in/" href="https://www.groundscrewcompany.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ground Screw</a>; Bharat Singh TN, Director of Sales and Marketing at <a title="https://www.deyeinverter.com/" href="https://www.deyeinverter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ningbo Deye Inverter International Trade</a>; and Harshal Akhouri, Co-founder at <a title="https://strolar.com/" href="https://strolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Strolar</a>.</p>
<p>For buyers, the Meet offers an opportunity to engage with manufacturers and distributors, discuss project-specific requirements, and examine the benefits of different offerings in terms of quality and pricing.</p>
<p>The panel discussion will cover the latest market developments, demand, and learnings.</p>
<p>Sellers will have access to a targeted group of potential customers, ensuring efficient use of time and resources. The platform also allows vendors to understand buyer expectations, assess competitor strategies, and expand their industry networks through direct engagement with peers, experts, and clients.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-hyderabad/register" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Register now</a> to attend the event and gain insights into market trends in the renewable energy landscape.</p>


Rising Competition Puts Pressure on Solar Product Suppliers to Differentiate


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					</table><p>India’s solar industry is set for unprecedented expansion, presenting significant opportunities for manufacturers, solution providers, and product sellers. Consumers have a wide range of brands to choose from, making it essential for suppliers to stand out, engage with buyers, and make a lasting impact.</p>
<p>Mercom India is <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-coimbatore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hosting</a> its Buyer-Seller Meet in Coimbatore on June 12, 2025, at the O By Tamara Hotel.</p>
<p>The Buyer-Seller Meet seeks to facilitate direct engagement between solar installers, distributors, and manufacturers. It aims to deliver multiple business advantages, including improved market access, deeper business interactions, and direct communication between buyers and suppliers.</p>
<p>The event will also support participants in understanding current market dynamics, displaying new technologies, and building B2B relationships.</p>
<p>The registration for the event will begin at 9:30 AM, followed by a brief inaugural session.</p>
<p>It will be followed by a panel discussion on<strong> “Building a Robust Regional Supply Chain Ecosystem,”</strong> which will feature Krishna Arjun, Vice President-Technology at <a href="https://swelectes.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Swelect Energy Systems</a>; Jogeswara Rao, Head Sales South India at <a href="https://www.fronius.com/en-in/india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fronius India</a>; and Gobi Krishna A, Senior Manager – Projects (South) at <a href="https://www.prozealgreen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prozeal Green Energy</a> as speakers.</p>
<p>This session will be followed by company presentations from 11:40 AM. Ravi Madena, Regional Manager – South India, Sales and Marketing at <a href="https://www.adanisolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adani Solar</a>, will present first, followed by Abhinav Kaushik, Marketing Manager at <a href="https://gautamsolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gautam Solar</a>.</p>
<p>These presentations will be followed by the second panel discussion on <strong>“Emerging Opportunities in the Distributed and Large-Scale Project Segments,”</strong> which will feature Prashanth Byndoor, Regional Head – South India Sales and Marketing at Adani Solar; Muthukumaran S, Senior Sales Manager at <a href="https://www.fimer.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FIMER</a>; Suraj Vernekar, Co-Founder and CEO of <a href="https://aegeustechnologies.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aegeus Technologies</a>; and Ramesh Babu, Executive Vice President of <a href="https://www.metalkraft.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Metalkraft</a> as panelists.</p>
<p>The event will conclude with a networking lunch at 1:20 PM.</p>
<p>The event offers a unique platform for businesses to showcase localized, high-quality solar products and solutions to a targeted audience. For buyers, including solar installers and distributor communities, it offers an opportunity to explore current trends, interact with manufacturers, and assess products based on quality and cost.</p>
<p>For sellers, the event offers access to multiple buyers in one location, enables focused discussions with potential clients, and provides valuable insights into buyer expectations and competitor strategies.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-coimbatore/register" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Register now</a> to attend the event and gain insights on market trends in the renewable energy landscape.</p>


Building a Solar Supply Chain to Align with Distributed and Utility-Scale Demand


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					</table><p>The solar industry in India is set for unprecedented expansion and has opened up enormous opportunities for manufacturers, solution providers, and product sellers. Consumers have a wide range of brands to choose from, making it essential for suppliers to stand out, engage with the buyers, and make an impact.</p>
<p>Mercom India is <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-bengaluru" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hosting</a> the RE Buyer Seller Meet in Bengaluru on February 7, 2025, at Hotel Leroy Grand, Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru.</p>
<p>After Bengaluru, the event will move to Pune, Coimbatore, and Hyderabad.</p>
<p>The Buyer Seller Meet will be an important platform for the buyers-seller community in the solar industry. It will bring together a curated group of installers, distributors, communities, and vendors.</p>
<p>The one-day event will feature panel discussions on addressing challenges in the solar industry, with industry leaders presenting case studies. The event will also feature question-and-answer sessions and provide networking opportunities.</p>
<p>‘Building a robust regional supply chain system’ and ‘Emerging opportunities in the distributed and large-scale project segments’ will be the two themes in focus at the panel discussions.</p>
<p>Renewable energy buyers and sellers will benefit from the rich insights from industry stalwarts who will share their valuable experiences and views. The event will provide insights into the latest market trends, product options, and quality and cost comparisons of solar products, besides facilitating direct engagement with manufacturers and distributors.</p>
<p>Buyers will have the opportunity to explore market trends, gain insights into the latest solar trends and available product options, interact directly with manufacturers and distributors to discuss specific requirements and evaluate the quality and pricing advantages of various products.</p>
<p>Product sellers will gain access to multiple buyers on a single platform, saving time and effort. They can also engage in focused discussions with potential customers, understand their expectations, and gauge market trends. The forum will also provide opportunities to collaborate with industry peers and experts.</p>
<p>The Bengaluru Buyer Seller Meet will feature the Regional Head of South India (Sales &amp; Marketing) of <a href="https://www.adanisolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adani Solar</a>, Prashanth Byndoor, and Co-founder of <a href="https://strolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Strolar</a>, Harshal Akhouri.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/buyer-seller-meet-2025-bengaluru/register" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Register now</a> to attend the event and gain insights on market trends in the renewable energy landscape.</p>


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