People in the Philippines are increasingly installing rooftop solar panels to cut soaring electricity bills, making the country the world’s biggest spender of solar panels since the conflict in Iran began.

Power distributor Meralco has raised electricity rates by about 10% since the Middle East conflict started in late February. The Philippines has the highest residential electricity prices in Southeast Asia and provides few power subsidies, making rooftop solar more attractive despite high upfront costs.

Adrian Sabatera, a 39-year-old software engineer, had considered installing solar panels for years but only recently decided to invest P570,000 ($9,300) in a rooftop system for the home he shares with three others.

“I wouldn’t be shocked if a third of the middle-class population eventually finds their way to this setup,” Sabatera said.

The surge in demand has driven imports of Chinese solar panels to $407 million in the three months through May, up 145% from a year earlier, according to Chinese trade data.

Demand is also rising for installers. Philergy German Solar said customer inquiries in the first five months of the year were more than two-and-a-half times higher than a year earlier.

Analysts at energy think tank Ember expect distributed rooftop solar capacity in the Philippines to nearly triple to 3,500 megawatts within two years as falling equipment costs and rising electricity prices shorten payback periods.

However, widespread adoption continues to face obstacles, including high upfront costs, supply bottlenecks and limited access to government-backed financing, which excludes private-sector workers. (ABS CBN)

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The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has announced the implementation of the new tariff for purchasing electricity from Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) that are integrated with existing ground-mounted solar PV plants, as well as Rooftop Solar Systems.

According to a CEB statement, under this scheme, electricity discharged from battery storage systems during the night-peak period from 06.30 pm to 10.30 pm will be purchased by the CEB at a rate of Rs. 45.80 per unit (kWh).

The CEB states that this new tariff is designed to encourage solar power producers to adopt energy storage technology, allowing electricity generated during the daytime to be stored and supplied to the national grid during the night, especially at times of high demand.

Per the CEB, eligible customer categories for the new tariff are existing ground-mounted solar power developers and rooftop solar PV customers. (Newswire)

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The “Suryashakthi” solar power plant has been declared open in Vavunathivu, Batticaloa, by Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakodi. 

The new solar power plant has been built with a capacity of adding 10 megawatts to the National Grid. 

This is the first solar power plant in Sri Lanka to be constructed using precast pile structures. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has affirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening regional solar cooperation and achieving energy security through sustainable development.

PM Amarasuriya emphasized Sri Lanka’s dedication on the second day of the Seventh meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for Asia and the Pacific Region held in Colombo today.

The meeting, focusing on advancing Regional cooperation for a Solar-powered future, was held under the theme ‘Advancing Solar Cooperation Across a Region of Diversity and Opportunity’, with Sri Lanka being the vice chair of the high-level dialogue. 

Delivering the inaugural speech, PM Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the country’s dedication to strengthening regional solar cooperation and achieving energy security through sustainable development.

Marking the country partnership between Sri Lanka and the ISA Regional Committee, the official framework of the roadmap was signed and presented to the Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakodi.

Addressing the event, Minister Kumara Jayakody revealed the initiative of the government, “Battle for Solar Energy”, to include the expansion of rooftop solar power systems and the government’s commitment to achieving 70% renewable energy by 2030, laying the groundwork for a greener and more resilient future.

The conference provided a platform for forging new regional partnerships, with the University of Moratuwa identified as a key knowledge and research hub for solar innovation.

PM Harini Amarasuriya also participated in the opening of a special solar innovation exhibition, showcasing regional advancements in solar technology and practical solutions for solar adoption across diverse socio-economic contexts.

The event was attended by the High Commissioner of India for Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, Director General of ISA, Ashish Khanna and a delegation and representatives of 124 countries from the region of Asia and the Pacific. (Newswire)

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In a landmark achievement reflecting its growing clean energy ambition, India has officially become the world’s third-largest generator of electricity from wind and solar sources — overtaking Germany and trailing only behind China and the United States.

The 2025 Global Electricity Review, published by independent energy think tank Ember, confirms India’s ascent and highlights the country’s central role in shaping the future of global energy and climate policy.

India’s position in the global clean energy hierarchy is more than a numerical milestone — it marks the dawn of a new era in its energy evolution. With a growing population, rapid industrialization, and mounting electricity demand, India’s clean energy leadership stands as a testament to strategic vision, innovation, and unwavering policy commitment.

Wind and solar now contribute 15% of global electricity

According to Ember, wind and solar now contribute 15% of global electricity, with India accounting for a significant 10% of that total — a remarkable feat given its developmental and infrastructural complexity.

Domestically, wind and solar provide 10% of India’s electricity, while hydropower contributes another 8%. Together, these clean sources are reshaping India’s power mix, displacing polluting fuels and enhancing national energy security.

The standout statistic from 2024: India added 24 gigawatts (GW) of new solar capacity, more than doubling its 2023 installations. This rapid acceleration reflects growing investor confidence, robust policy incentives, and a maturing renewable energy market.

From sprawling utility-scale solar parks in Rajasthan and Gujarat to urban rooftop systems and village-based solar projects, India’s solar rollout is diverse, inclusive, and rapidly expanding.

India’s well-established wind energy sector — anchored in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka — continues to play a crucial balancing role. Emerging hybrid projects that combine wind, solar, and battery storage are also helping to stabilize supply and ensure round-the-clock green power.

Commitment to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030

At the heart of India’s clean energy progress lies a convergence of visionary targets and pragmatic execution. The commitment to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 has unlocked long-term investment and technology transfer.

Supporting policies — such as competitive auctions, domestic manufacturing incentives under “Make in India,” and regulatory clarity — have nurtured a dynamic ecosystem where costs are falling, employment is rising, and innovation thrives.

What distinguishes India’s clean energy story is its inclusive reach. From powering remote villages and agricultural pumps to enabling micro-enterprises and reducing energy poverty, India is proving that renewables are not just for climate — they’re for livelihoods, equity, and empowerment.

Solar-powered cold storage, water pumps, e-mobility, and rural electrification initiatives are spreading the benefits of clean energy deep into the grassroots. Transition to clean energy is no longer confined to developed nations.

India’s green rise is not end of journey — start of a movement

India’s rise comes with global ramifications. As one of the fastest-growing major economies, India’s decisions now shape global energy flows and carbon trends. Its success reinforces a powerful message: the transition to clean energy is no longer confined to developed nations. It is a shared responsibility — and one where leadership can come from anywhere.

India’s clean energy journey is also attracting significant international investment and trust. With policy stability and demand certainty, the country is emerging as a prime destination for clean energy capital and technology partnerships.

India’s clean energy expansion is not just a passing trend — it’s a sustained transformation built on years of groundwork. It exemplifies how democratic governance, environmental responsibility, and economic development can align.

With active leadership in international coalitions like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), India is not only scaling capacity but also exporting vision and values.

As India joins the ranks of global clean energy giants, its contribution goes far beyond gigawatts. It brings credibility, innovation, and moral leadership to the global energy transition. Once seen as a climate challenge, India is now a key part of the climate solution.

This is more than an energy story — it’s a story of national resolve, shared prosperity, and visionary governance. It’s about showing the world that clean energy can power not just economies, but also dignity, equity, and hope.

India’s green rise is not end of journey — start of a movement. (Times Kuwait)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised concerns over the government’s inconsistency in promoting solar power, despite earlier pledges to prioritise renewable energy.

Speaking in Parliament, Premadasa said that although the government, in its policy statement (page 165), proposed to add 2000 megawatts of solar power to the national grid, recent decisions taken by the administration contradict this commitment.

Highlighting the importance of solar energy as a key player in renewable and environmentally-friendly power generation, the Opposition Leader questioned why the government’s actions have not aligned with its stated policies.

He further inquired about the number of existing coal and diesel power plants in the country, including those not owned by the government, and requested data on the cost of generating one unit of electricity using diesel, coal, hydro, and solar sources. He also asked for a comparison with the cost of purchasing a unit of power from private power plants.

Premadasa sought clarification on the megawatt contributions made to the national grid through various types of power plants and the projected solar power generation under the CEB’s long-term generation plan. He emphasised the need to disclose the total installed solar power capacity in the country, including ground-mounted and rooftop solar projects, along with the unit rates paid for these contributions.

The Opposition Leader also questioned how many tenders had been issued for ground-mounted solar power projects and how many had received approval.

Citing a circular issued on March 17, 2025, Premadasa claimed that the current government had imposed limits on solar power systems, which he described as a setback to solar energy production and a betrayal of public trust. (Newswire)

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Cabinet approval has been granted for providing the necessary lands to the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority as a grant for the implementation of the 100MW solar power project in Siyambalanduwa. 

The Sri Lankan government expects to fulfil 70% of the electricity demand of the country from renewable power sources by the year 2030. 

According to the said policy, the 100 MW solar power garden project facility at Siyambalanduwa has been identified as one of the main projects. 

A portion of land with an extent of 219.7233 hectares, where farming or other cultivation is not conducted, has been identified for the implementation of that project.

Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to provide the said land to the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority as a grant, taking into consideration the strategic importance of the proposed project, and enabling the swift commencement of the project. (Newswire)

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Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera says 132 MWs from Solar Power generation have already been connected to the National Grid in the first 5 months of 2024.

Providing a breakdown of Solar Power generation in Sri Lanka, the minister said the country had achieved 1000+ MWs from Solar Power generation by June 2024. 

Stating that 944 MWs were connected to the National Grid from Roof Top Solar development, he said 156 MWs were connected from Ground Mount Solar development. 

Minister Kanchana Wijesekera further said that Sri Lanka is also set to achieve 1000+ MWs from Roof Top development by the end of the year. 

He revealed that in the long-term generation plan, the target set for Roof Top Solar development was 150 MW per year for the next 4 years. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s first-ever semi-transparent Solar photovoltaic (PV) powered Agrivoltaic pilot project was commissioned in Hanthana, Kandy on Thursday (Feb 29).

Taking to ‘X’, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that the project was funded by the Asian Development Bank.

The minister further said that the pilot project will assist the Ministry of Plantation Industries, the Ministry of Power & Energy, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Tea Small Holders Development Authority, and the Sustainable Energy Authority to study the development of renewable energy in tea plantations in Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

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India’s top solar panel maker Waaree Energies on Thursday said it would invest up to $1 billion to build a factory in Texas to take advantage of soaring U.S. demand for clean energy.  

The announcement is the latest major corporate commitment to solar manufacturing since passage of U.S. President Joe Biden’s landmark climate change law last year which offers subsidies and tax breaks for clean energy projects.  

India’s solar manufacturing industry is growing rapidly and just beginning to use its know-how in the United States, with both countries looking to build a clean energy sector to compete with China.  

Waaree said that by 2027 its planned Brookshire, Texas facility will be one of the largest solar factories in the U.S., with an annual capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW) of panels when it opens in late 2024, then expanding to 5 GW.

The Houston-area factory will create more than 1,500 jobs, it said. The company aims to add a solar cell facility by 2025.

Waaree’s plans are supported by a long-term supply agreement with SB Energy, a clean energy developer backed by Japan’s Softbank Group.

“By setting up the new facility in the Houston area, Waaree brings critical technologies that will boost American solar production, reducing reliance on overseas sources while supporting strong U.S. jobs,” Sunil Rathi, interim CEO of Waaree Solar Americas said in a statement. “We are committed to the U.S. and its growing demand for clean energy.” Under Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, solar project developers receive additional subsidies for using American-made equipment, and producers also receive new incentives.

Most major components in Waaree’s solar modules will be made in the U.S., the company said.

Waaree’s move to manufacture in the U.S. comes after a venture backed by India’s Vikram Solar earlier this year said it would invest $1.5 billion in the U.S. solar supply chain.

Waaree has made inroads into the U.S. market already this year by supplying 4 GW of solar modules from its factory in India. (Business Standard)

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The Cabinet has granted approval to enter into a Power Purchase Agreement with United Solar Group of Australia for a Solar Power Project, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera announced today.

Taking to ‘X’, Minister Wijesekera said United Solar Group of Australia will invest in a 700 MW Solar Power Project with a 1500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System. 

He further said that the Solar Power Project will be established with a Foreign Direct Investment of USD 1,727 Million.

Minister Wijesekera added that the Solar power project will be installed on the surface of the Poonakary Tank in the Kilinochchi District in the Northern province of Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

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Cabinet approval has been granted to accept the proposal presented by United Solar Energy SL Pvt Company with regard to the development of a 700 MW Solar Energy/Battery Storage at Poonakary Lake in Kilinochchi. 

The government stated that Cabinet approval was received earlier to invite expression of interest proposals from prospective investors for developing renewable energy projects with a capacity of 50 MW or more in order to assist in the implementation of accelerated renewable energy development programs in Sri Lanka. 

Accordingly, United Solar Energy SL Pvt Company has submitted a proposal to develop a solar power plant of 700 MW with a battery energy storage system at Kilinochchi Poonakary Lake to provide a power supply of 134 MW. The project is proposed to be implemented with a total investment of USD 1727 million as a 100% foreign direct investment. From this amount, USD 500 million will be used for domestic project components. 

The project proponent company has proposed to construct 03 anicuts around the Poonakary Lake to prevent the ingress of seawater at a cost of 13.5 million, a part of the proposed project. 

The Northern Provincial Council, the Northern Provincial Irrigation Department and the Agricultural Development Department have already agreed to grant 1080 acres of the shallow area of the lake to the company on a 35- year lease agreement to establish the 700 MW power plant. 

As such, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to accept the project proposal presented by United Solar Energy SL Pvt Company in principle and to appoint a cabinet appointed negotiation committee to evaluate the proposal and make recommendations. (NewsWire)

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