New Delhi, Sept. 11 -- Uncertainty clouds 12 GW of renewable power capacity with a potential of Rs.72,000 crore worth of investments awarded between December and July, after a well-meaning change in rules queered the pitch for developers trying to sell power to state discoms.

Late last year, the Centre ordered developers to use only specific locally made solar panels. Since these panels cost more, developers bid higher in the solar auctions that followed, totalling 12 GW of capacity. However, since such models are scarce and solar expansion is a pressing need, the rule was waived for projects awarded in December-July-unintentionally trapping developers since discoms refuse to buy power at the higher price, four people familiar with the m...