New Delhi, Aug. 1 -- Electricity regulators in Maharashtra and Gujarat recently approved battery projects to be set up by their respective state-owned utilities, marking the adoption of power storage facilities by two large Indian states. Delhi had operationalized one unit a few months ago. These are designed to soak up excess electricity from solar-panel farms for its supply to consumers when the sun doesn't shine.

With battery prices having dropped globally by 30% over the past year and the Centre aiding its adoption by providing funds to plug viability gaps, these states have been quick to seize what's arguably the fastest way to gain clean supply stability in the face of solar interruptions caused by cloud cover and sunsets. As we go...