India's renewable energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, with solar power leading the charge toward a sustainable future. A pivotal new research paper delves into the integration of Solar-Battery Energy Storage Systems (Solar-BESS) and the evolution of supporting policies in the country's renewable sector. This study underscores how pairing solar photovoltaic (PV) installations with battery energy storage systems (BESS) addresses intermittency challenges, ensuring reliable power supply amid India's ambitious 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity target by 2030.
Battery Energy Storage Systems, or BESS, store excess electricity generated during peak solar hours for dispatch during evenings or low-generation periods. In India, where solar capacity has surged past 100 GW as of early 2026, Solar-BESS hybrids are critical for grid stability. The research highlights how these systems enable round-the-clock (RTC) power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and curbing curtailment losses that plague renewable integration.
🌞 India's Renewable Ambitions and the Storage Imperative
India's journey in renewables began with the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission in 2010, aiming for 20 GW solar by 2022—a target exceeded manifold. Policies evolved through the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 2018 and Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020, recognizing energy storage systems (ESS) as grid assets. By 2022, amendments to Electricity Rules explicitly integrated BESS into power markets.
Today, with peak demand hitting 250 GW and RE penetration at 45%, storage is non-negotiable. Projections from industry reports forecast 346 GWh BESS capacity by 2033, up from under 1 GWh currently, driven by falling lithium-ion costs and domestic manufacturing PLI schemes.
Policy Milestones: From Incentives to Mandates
The policy framework has matured rapidly. Key milestones include the 2024 Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme allocating ₹3,760 crore for 13.2 GWh BESS, extended in 2025 with ₹5,400 crore for 30 GWh more. These funds bridge capex gaps, enabling tariffs as low as ₹2,500/MW/month in recent tenders.
2026 saw CEA amendments mandating technical standards for BESS ≥50 MW: grid-forming inverters, black-start capability, and 90% efficiency retention post-5 years. This ensures seamless solar integration, with requirements for 90-day data logging and fire safety per National Building Code.
CEA's detailed standards pave the way for safer, more reliable deployments.
Spotlight on Recent VGF Tenders and Wins
2026 tenders exemplify policy success. Gujarat's GUVNL awarded 335 MW/670 MWh to Advait Energy, Equentia, and Sun Drops at record-low tariffs. Tamil Nadu bagged 375 MW/1,400 MWh for Eagle Infra and OPG Power. Andhra Pradesh and others followed, contracting 5.7 GWh total under VGF.
These standalone BESS projects, co-located with solar farms, offer firm dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE), stabilizing grids in high-RE states like Rajasthan and Karnataka.
Groundbreaking University Research Driving Innovation
Indian academia is at the forefront. TERI School of Advanced Studies' October 2025 policy brief reveals solar-plus-BESS costs at ₹3.9-4.9/kWh versus ₹5.4-5.8 for new thermal, for Delhi discom BRPL. Authored by Ajay Shankar and Hemakshi Malik, it models representative days, advocating storage for RTC supply.
IIT Gandhinagar hosted Energy Storage Conference 2026, featuring papers on BESS optimization. IIT Roorkee's Hydro and Renewable Energy Dept published on grid-scale storage tech. IISc Bengaluru's Energy Research Centre advances BESS for microgrids.
TERI's full analysis provides actionable insights for discoms and regulators.
Technical and Economic Viability: Insights from Studies
Recent papers like V. Anand's 2026 work on Delhi sub-transmission BESS frameworks emphasize regulatory needs for ancillary services. K. Randhawa's 2025 review traces stationary BESS growth via PLI incentives and market tariffs.
RMI's 2026 report projects 208 GWh BESS by 2030, urging lithium-ion scaling and alternative chemistries. Costs dropped 20% YoY, with LCOE for solar-BESS hybrids rivaling coal.
Case Studies: Real-World Deployments
In Gujarat, KPI Group and POWERGRID won VGF bids, deploying 500 MWh BESS with solar parks for RTC power. Tamil Nadu's projects integrate 1.5 GWh storage, cutting peak shortages.
Pilots at IIT Madras demonstrate hybrid solar-BESS for campus microgrids, achieving 95% self-sufficiency.
Challenges in Solar-BESS Scale-Up
- Supply Chain: Lithium dependency; PLI boosts local cell production to 30 GWh by 2026.
- Grid Readiness: Only 40% substations forecast-enabled; CEA standards address this.
- Financing: VGF covers 40% capex, but debt remains high at 12%.
- Recycling: Emerging circular economy policies target 90% recovery by 2030.
Future Outlook: Toward 100 GW Storage
By 2030, solar-BESS will underpin 300 GW RE. Policies like RTC mandates and green hydrogen blending accelerate adoption. Universities gear up with specialized MTech/PhD programs at IITs and IISc, fostering talent for R&D jobs.
India's BESS market, valued at $5 Bn in 2026, eyes $50 Bn by 2032, creating opportunities in higher ed research.
Implications for Higher Education and Careers
This surge boosts research funding at IITs, NITs, and TERI SAS. Programs in energy engineering see 20% enrollment rise, with demand for faculty in BESS modeling, policy analysis. Platforms like AcademicJobs research jobs list openings.
Students pursue interdisciplinary studies, blending EE, policy, and materials science for roles in NTPC, SECI.
Photo by Michael Pointner on Unsplash
Recent research on Solar-BESS integration signals India's renewable maturity. Policies from VGF to CEA standards, backed by university innovations, position the nation as a global leader. Stakeholders must prioritize R&D to overcome hurdles, unlocking clean energy for all.
