To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment cost and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for thermal power producers and related industry?

Use it for the implications part: thermal plants, including industrial captive units, remain the backstop for peak and non-solar demand, but face higher costs and policy uncertainty.

• The September 2026 Section 11 order makes 112 captive coal plants in steel, aluminium, cement and other industries run at maximum capacity and sell surplus on power exchanges.
• Concerns raised: higher costs and disruption for industry, coal diversion from other users, more pollution, and legal uncertainty if emergency orders become routine.