WattPower, a prominent provider of renewable energy solutions, in partnership with First Solar, recently hosted an industry roundtable titled ‘Solar Connect’ at Vivanta in Hyderabad. The event brought together key stakeholders including policymakers, clean energy specialists, and project developers to explore the future of agri-solar development in Telangana under the Government of India’s PM-KUSUM scheme. Designed to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing, the roundtable featured in-depth technical presentations by WattPower and First Solar.
This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Pavit Gandhi, Director of Sales at WattPower. The session served as a platform to examine the opportunities and barriers to scaling agri-solar infrastructure in the region. The panel discussion, titled “Unlocking PM-KUSUM: Bridging Gaps in Implementation, Financing, and Infrastructure for Agri-Solar Scale-Up in Telangana,” addressed several key topics. These included the status and challenges of PM-KUSUM implementation on the ground, the changing role of EPC contractors, financial constraints faced by smaller solar developers (particularly under Component A), and the preparedness of DISCOMs for grid integration and energy accounting.
Additional topics included land ownership concerns and leasing models, strategies to increase farmer participation, job creation potential in rural areas, and the use of digital tools to improve project monitoring and efficiency. The panel also highlighted the need for policy reforms to attract greater private sector involvement in agri-solar initiatives.
In her closing remarks, Ms. SwaralipiMaithy, Executive Director, WattPower Systems Pvt. Ltd., said in a statement, “At WattPower, we are deeply committed to driving India’s energy transition from the grassroots up. Solar Connect is a step toward creating synergy among all key stakeholders, from policymakers and developers to farmers and financiers, to ensure that solar energy reaches the fields where it matters most.”
The event was further highlighted by a keynote address from Shri Ajay Mishra, Former Special Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh, who underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among government bodies, private companies, and financial institutions to fully realize the potential of the PM-KUSUM scheme. Through this gathering, ‘Solar Connect’ emphasized the importance of collaborative platforms in accelerating India’s agri-solar transformation. It also paved the way for future partnerships aimed at supporting rural communities and strengthening the country’s renewable energy goals.
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