Rajasthan: Repeated Solar Module Thefts Delays A 250 MW Solar Project

Repeated theft of solar modules and critical electrical equipment was among the reasons that delayed commissioning of Khaba Renewable Energy’s 250 MW solar power project in Barmer, Rajasthan, according to a recent order of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). The company told the regulator that the theft incidents disrupted installation work and forced it to undertake re-procurement and reinstallation of equipment.

The stolen equipment included solar modules, string cables, MC4 connectors and other associated electrical components, the company submitted. According to its petition, the repeated thefts resulted in the loss of critical project material and interrupted construction and installation activities. The need to procure replacement equipment and reinstall the affected components subsequently contributed to delays in commissioning the project.

Other Issues

Theft was not the only issue faced by the project. Khaba Renewable also cited severe storm and high-wind events, including a storm on June 1, 2026, which damaged around 2,891 solar modules and 609 structural components, including purlins, across multiple project blocks. The company said the damage materially affected commissioning activities.

The project also faced right-of-way and access-road obstructions, which affected the movement of manpower, heavy machinery and project materials. In addition, an existing 11 kV transmission line passing through the project land had to be shifted, causing further delays to construction and electrical works required for commissioning.

The delays left a portion of the project pending even after the expiry of the extension granted by the Northern Regional Load Despatch Centre (NRLDC). The project had originally received First Time Charging (FTC) approval for a 221 MW tranche on March 2, 2026, with infirm power injection permitted for 45 days. NRLDC subsequently extended the period by three months to July 15, 2026, which was the maximum extension it could grant under the applicable provisions of the Indian Electricity Grid Code.

Extension Sought From CERC

Khaba Renewable subsequently approached CERC seeking a further extension. The company initially referred to 42 MW as the balance capacity, but later corrected the figure to 38.1 MW following re-verification of its commissioning certificates and FTC approvals. The company's 250 MW project had been divided into three commissioning tranches: 221 MW, for which FTC approval was granted on March 2; 17.1 MW, which received a separate FTC approval; and 11.9 MW, which was not covered by an FTC approval and was outside the present petition.

By August, 200 MW of the 250 MW project had been commissioned, with commissioning certificates issued by NHPC. The remaining 38.1 MW formed part of the 221 MW tranche for which Khaba Renewable sought additional time to conduct charging, trial runs and commissioning. CERC, in its September 25 order, condoned a six-day delay in the filing of the petition and granted Khaba Renewable an additional 45-day period for injection of infirm power for the 38.1 MW capacity, starting from the date of the order.

The Commission also directed that any extension granted by an RLDC for infirm-power injection should be provided in writing and should record the reasons for the delay considered by the RLDC. CERC said the circumstances cited by the petitioner were being acknowledged specifically for the purpose of granting the extension under the Grid Code.

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