4 MW solar plant inaugurated

Small solar power producers need level playing field, says promoter of project

Telangana Minister for Industries Jupally Krishna Rao on Monday inaugurated a 4 MW solar PV plant developed by Fusion Solar Technologies at Kalwakurthy, Mahabubnagar district.

The first such project of the company headed by NRI engineer Suresh Babu Sadineni, who returned to pursue business opportunities in his home State, the single axis tracking solar facility has come up on around 30 acres and entailed an investment of Rs. 40 crore. It is the first phase of a 8 MW solar PV plant of the company, which would be selling the power to third parties.

Fusion Solar has big plans, Mr. Sadineni told

The Hindu over phone, adding the company has sent a request to the TSSPDCL seeking its approval for going ahead with the next phase of the project. There are “big plans” ahead to harness solar power, he said, even while highlighting the need for Telangana government to waive off wheeling charges levied on third-party sale. The charges for transmission losses also add to the cost of generation for small solar power developers, he added.

Such relaxations, he explained, would help small solar power developers compete against large, foreign firms who apart from logistics support have access to funds at relatively lesser rates. “A level playing field is what is required for local project developers like me,” he said, pointing out that the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh does not levy wheeling charges.

In its solar policy unveiled this June, the Telangana government had said that wheeling and transmission charges would not be applicable for captive use within the State. “They will charged as applicable for third party sale,” the policy said.