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India a hotspot for solar VCs
Solar energy, a growing favourite with venture capitalists worldwide in a $100 billion (Rs 4,50,000 crore), has another favourite now – India.
Solar energy, a growing favourite with venture capitalists worldwide in a $100 billion (Rs 4,50,000 crore), has another favourite now – India.
Private equity firms putting their money on solar power equipment components such as modules, cells and waters are now looking at the country, moving away from advanced markets, say industry executives and analysts.
As much as $100 million (Rs450 crore) has flowed into India's solar energy sector in the past 18 months, according to the estimates by venture capitalism blog VCcircle. In 2011, the sector has received more than $45 million (Rs200 crore).
According to KCIC-Asia, a firm specialising investments in Asia, most of these investments are used for building infrastructure in which India has faced tough competition from China and Taiwan.
"The tremendous scale-up in solar power generation globally has infused encouragement to spur investments in India," said Darius Pandole, partner at New Silk Route, a private equity firm.
The World Bank's private sector lending arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is also eyeing India's solar sector.
"Soon, a number of financial institutions will enter India to offer funds who are presumed to emerge as the most active participants in the growth of industry" said Hemant Madal, senior energy specialist, IFC.
