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Dear Readers! Editor Anjali
Sub Editor Roopal Chaurasia Shipranshu Pandey
Editorial Advisor
Priyanka Roy Chaudhary
Design & Production Pankaj Rawat Mukesh Kumar Sah
National Business Head-India
Subhash Chandra Email: s.chandra@renewablemirror.com
Sr. Manager ( Sales )
Ms. Neha Email: neha@renewablemirror.com Pradeep Kumar Email: pradeep.k@renewablemirror.com Sunil R Shirsat Email: sunil@renewablemirror.com
Sales & Marketing Hemant Chauhan Manju K
Manager-Subscription
Praveen Chauhan Email: subscribe@renewablemirror.com
All rights reserved by all events are made to ensure that the information published is correct; Renewable Mirror holds no responsibility any unlikely errors that might occur. Printed, published and owned by Usha, Published from 13/455, Block No. 13, Trilok Puri, Delhi-110091 and printed at, IG Printers Pvt. Ltd., 104-DSIDC, Complex, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase I, New Delhi -110020 Editor : Anjali
It’s been three alluring years with you all, with this September Issue, we are celebrating our 3rd Anniversary. We surely want to express our deep gratitude to everyone who has been with us through thick and thin in all these years of our journey. We want to thank our writers, our interviewee’s, our team and our readers for offering us your support is in the form of providing us with articles or be it in the form of interviews or subscriptions. We really appreciate the amount of support we’ve got from our authors and readers across the country sending their articles, research works, ideas, experiences and suggestions. However, to encourage India to adopt renewable energy, the first step has to be the boosting of the domestic manufacturing sector. The Government needs to implement adequate policies to aid the solar manufacturers in the country to bridge the rising demand supply gap and produce the best in-class modules at a reasonable pricing. Also, imposition of customs duty on foreign products especially China is the need of the hour to uplift the sector in India. With the requisites in place, the Indian solar manufacturing segment holds maximum potential to pose as the most competitive green energy hub in the world and fulfill the growing appetite of the global market. On this 3rd anniversary issue, the time has come to reflect the insights of country’s renewable sector and below, we’ve gathered stories for and concerning sectors like Renewable energy, Green energy, rooftop & offgrid, smart cities, solar & battery storage and much more, their market size, significant potential and challenges in the industry. With all this we’ve gathered the inputs of some industry leaders and their take on the industry. Happy Reading… Please give us your feedback at editor@renewablemirror.com For more details check out our Website www.renewablemirror. com & you can also visit our facebook page www.facebook.in/ renewablemirror
Editor
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Policy Framework for development of Renewable Energy
INTERVIEW
16
Cover Story
24
40
State Overview: Gujarat
Honey Raza sales head Solis India
Interview
Focus: Green Energy
50
The good news is renewable energy storage system market in India is expected to witness robust growth
26 BrijeSh PrajaPati manaGinG Director - inDia
Focus: Solar & Storage Energy
ShenZhen SoFar Solar co. ltD.
INTERVIEW
56
30 Louis Liu Head of Smart PV Business - India
One of the most prominent and analytical components of India’s energy infrastructure
Focus: Solar Inverter
60
Different types of Solar Inverter
INTERVIEW
Huawei
Focus: Smart Solar Panels
34 Shival Garg Business Head Patanjali renewable enerGy Pvt. ltd.
66
Increase the efficiency of solar components using monitoring and communication technique
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INTERVIEW
Focus: Smart Cities
36
72
Manish Gupta FoundEr & dirEctor
Smart cities can help us manage post-COVID life, but they’ll need trust as well as tech
INTERVIEW
insolation EnErGy pvt. ltd.
Focus: Steam Turbine
78
38
Steam turbine: it's an energytransporting fluid that helps to convert the Energy
Sunil Badesra
Business Head Sungrow (India) Pvt. Ltd.
INTERVIEW
Focus: Rooftop & Offgrid
84
48
The roof ils naturally sloping and facing south then it is very ideal for installing rooftop solar panels
Lisa Zhang Marketing Director Growatt New Energy Technology CO.,LTD
Focus: Thermal Camera INTERVIEW
90
49
Focus: Solar PV Modules
Arun Chaudhary Sales Head North India
94
INTERVIEW
Sineng Electric
64
Thermal imaging cameras are already a longtime R&D tool for the analysis of panels
The solar PV panels market is segmented based on technology, grid-type, end use, and geography
Press Release
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Press Release
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Press Release
12
Guest Article
99
AkAsh PAsAlkAr
Managing Director Protectwell eArthing Pvt. ltd.
Advertisement Index
100
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Informa Markets in India announces the launch of Super September - Virtual B2B Celebration
Press Release
A festival of digital offerings spanning 6 key verticals, 6 coveted brands and 6 different communities all in one power booster month Informa Markets in India, India’s leading B2B events organizer, announced the launch of Super September – Virtual B2B Celebration, a powerful array of 6 digital expos in 6 key verticals for the month of September 2020. These will also be supplemented by a host of conferences, trainings, webinars and awards in the same month. The virtual trade shows, dates, and the sector they cater to include: • Renewable Energy India E-Expo: 2-3 September (Green Energy) • InnoPack Pharma Confex: 3-4 September (Packaging) • OSH India Virtual Expo: 17-18 September (Occupational safety & health) • IFSEC Indian Virtual Expo: 17-18 September (Security & surveillance) • SATTE GenX: 23 September (Travel & tourism) • PharmaLytica Virtual Expo Connect: 30 September - 1 October (Pharma). The following conferences are also scheduled for the month: • Future Packet Transport Network: 18 September • Pharma Supply Chain: 17-18 September • Biopharma Conclave: 24-25 September • Cleaning Validation: 29-30 September The Virtual B2B Celebration will help the relevant communities, and businesses overcome the limitations of lockdown, achieve business goals and provide a powerful edge as the economy readies itself to get back on track. While Informa Markets in India is scheduled to host its blockbuster physical shows near the end of the year in strict adherence to safety guidelines and protocols, the digital business celebration in September will enable various industries to continue with their critical business conversations, information sharing and trainings. Coinciding with the Government’s 'Digital India’ campaign's 5th anniversary, ‘Super September’ supports the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ s COVID-19 stimulus initiative to build a self-reliant India through the prioritization of MSMEs, sustainability, power distribution, health, and rural employment, among others.
Why the Super September – Virtual B2B Celebration vision matters: • The projected decline in global GDP is 7.6 %. (the 2008-9 global meltdown was a mild 1.79 % in comparison). • In India INC, the optimism index for July-September 2020
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was at a record low of approximately 35 % with all 6 indices of volume of sales, net profit, selling prices, new orders, inventories and employment showing a decline. • Industry estimates project that without a revision in business models, India's leading brands may see a 15 % decline in their brand value. • The exhibitions industry, forced to postpone its physical format, has been affected to the tune of INR 3 lakh crores of business, out of which a loss of INR 1.25 lakh crores has been incurred to the national economy due to non-holding of exhibitions from March 2020 till date. • 15 lakhs livelihood lost. As catalysts to the economy and as per recommendation of its stakeholders, the exhibitions industry is adapting to this new normal, even while facing immense challenges. With the lacunae in the industry that Covid-19 has created, worldwide and in India, Informa Markets in India aims to drive its leadership vision and utilize its transformational digital services to serve the industry and rebuild the economy.
Pioneering the virtual space: What it signifies
Empowered by the significant investments of its parent organization, Informa Plc, in the digital space on a global level, Informa Markets in India has amplified its digital mission soon after the national lockdown on 25 March. With a significant compression of time horizons, it organized its first virtual expo with the IFSEC Virtual Expo in June which was followed by Virtual Expos catering to Occupational Health & Safety, Renewable Energy, Beauty & Cosmetics, and Gem & Jewellery industries. An attractive array of online conferences also added to its impressive bouquet of digital events. • Globally, since Covid-19 struck, Informa Markets has successfully served more than 25 verticals virtually • An Informa Markets customer survey has revealed that in APAC countries, 60% customers prefer digitally enabled platforms in addition to traditional ones alone. • The value enhancement ratio of traditional platforms: hybrid platforms, as perceived by the markets is 1: 1.5. • Among Asian countries, India leads in the preference of live or onsite interaction between buyers and sellers. • Since June, a distinguished e-congregation of nearly 15,000 attendees including exhibitors, industry leaders, association heads, entrepreneurs and professionals have been served by Informa Markets in India through the virtual trade shows till date. ||www.renewablemirror.com||
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Press Release
The Super-September - Virtual B2B Celebration is being organised with significant learnings in this platform since the past few months, and with an unrelenting focus on quality, problem solving ability, seamless customer experience, security, pace and innovation. Speaking on the announcement of Super-September Virtual B2B Celebration, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, said, “We are proud to present the one-ofa-kind Virtual B2B celebration. As an organization, we pioneered the virtual expo space by organizing our first e-expo InterOp, back in 2011. With our credibility and legacy in the domain, the Virtual B2B Celebration is the result of the crescendo we have built in terms of scope, potential and effort that will culminate with Unlock 4.0, starting from the beginning of September. The celebration will no doubt, go a long way in turning the wheels of the economy. It is critical for the nation
to promote 'Atmanirbharta' at this tipping point and we are doing so by enabling multitude businesses, and knowledge sharing by engaging with sector evangelists, brands, enterprises, government officials, and professionals at this vital juncture. While there are indications that India’s turnaround may be a slower U-shaped or a W-shaped one, through exhibitions, we hope to boost the business morale by working towards the optimal V-shaped economic re-emergence where the graph rises up factoring in public health as well.” He added, “September witnesses the advent of auspicious festivals in India -- a time for goodwill, peace and prosperity. The season also flags off the momentous last quarter of each year for Informa Markets in India, with its array of blockbuster shows. This year onwards, with our strategy to implement a hybrid version of shows, the digital celebration in September will no doubt complement and bolster our physical shows.” EM
“JinkoSolar Ranked as Top Solar Brand used in Debt Financed Projects and Most “Bankable” PV Manufacturer by Bloomberg New Energy Finance”. JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (the “Company” or “JinkoSolar”) (NYSE: JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the World, announced that it was ranked as a top solar brand in debt financed projects and named a most "bankable" PV manufacturer by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF). Forty-nine global solar module manufacturers were ranked based on BNEF's global survey of key PV stakeholders assessing which module brands used in projects are most likely to obtain non-recourse debt financing from commercial banks. Survey respondents included banks, funds, engineering, procurement, and construction firms (EPCs), independent power producers (IPPs) and technical advisers involved in solar projects around the world. The survey addressed product quality, long term reliability, field deployment performance, and the manufacturer's financial strength. JinkoSolar was considered highly bankable by 100% of the survey
respondents. Further confirming JinkoSolar's high bankability score, BNEF's data also shows that projects using JinkoSolar modules have secured more term-loan financing than any other Chinese PV brand ever. “As one of the leading solar module manufacturers, we are proud to be recognized once again by BNEF as a most trusted solar brand by customers, investors, and banks all over the world. This is a testament to the outstanding research, stringent quality checks and world records we have set to revolutionize the solar industry with our advanced technology, reliability, and high-quality products,” said Mr. Kangping Chen, CEO of JinkoSolar. “We have invested heavily in R&D over the years and will continue to invest in the quality, proven reliability and long-term performance of our PV modules because we believe this will generate value and better returns for investors.” RM
“JinkoSolar is Number 1 on Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition’s Latest Scorecard”. JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE: JKS) (“JinkoSolar”), an innovative global solar module manufacturer, announced that it is the top manufacturer in Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition’s (“SVTC”) latest Solar Scorecard. JinkoSolar earned a score of 100/100, more than the other 36 module manufacturers in the Scorecard. The Scorecard is a resource for consumers, investors, developers, EPCs, distributors, and installers who want to purchase PV modules from responsible product stewards. Criteria in the Scorecard includes environmental, health, and safety metrics. This achievement comes a year after JinkoSolar became the first PV module manufacturer to join the RE100, pledging to power 100% of its operations with renewables by 2025. 12
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Mr. Kangping Chen, Chief Executive Officer of JinkoSolar, commented, “We support SVTC’s goal to ensure that the solar industry does not overlook the importance of equitable environmental and holistic sustainable approaches to all business operations. We hope more of our peers follow our lead. So the solar industry as a whole can become a beacon of sustainable practices.” “We applaud JinkoSolar for its transparency, leadership, and commitment to producing modules in a clean and responsible way,” said Sheila Davis, Executive Director of SVTC. “Customers have choices when they make purchases, and we hope that the Solar Scorecard can help them make informed decisions.” EM
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Solar Quarter • January 2020
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15 Years On
Yiming Wang Founder Ginlong (Solis)
Press Release
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14
020 might be a year most firms would like to forget, but for Ginlong Solis, the global inverter manufacturer, the year remains a key milestone on the firm’s journey to an ever-growing role in the global solar market. This year marks the firms 15th year of operations, a journey every stakeholder can look back on with pride. From small beginnings in Ningbo, one of China’s oldest historical cities in Zhejiang province, Ginlong (Solis) has today grown to be a global string inverter major; or tier 1 firm as the industry jargon goes. It has a 5 GW production capacity that is set to be expanded to 20 GW by 2021-22. With 15 GW of global deliveries behind it, the firm today has over $200m in assets, and a 1000 strong global workforce with 200 plus technicians. To everyone’s surprise, Solis’s oversea sales revenue is still showing great strength despite the COVID-19 pandemic; which could be called a miracle. The financial reports showed that the company’s half-year operating income was US$106.6 million, an increase of 76.73% year-on-year. The net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company was US$17.3 million, an increase of 281.87% year-on-year. In fact, as the only listed string inverter manufacturer, the firm is emerging as a key bellweather for the growth of string inverters worldwide. Ginlong’s focus on string inverter technology has positioned it well to meet emerging customer needs across all segments of the solar industry. Be it residential, C&I and utility applications. A good example is its intelligent hybrid PV inverter designed for solar-plusbattery systems. Designed for flexibility and performance, the storage inverter, allows residential customers to maximize self-consumption while boosting efficiency and overall returns. Independent validations have followed– including its third-place ranking among Asian brands in Bloomberg NEF’s 2019 Inverter Bankability Report. In June this year, Ginlong Solis was conferred with respected industry body, TÜV Rheinland’s “All Quality Matters” award for its commercial inverters Solis-(25-50)K-5G in recognition for the outstanding product quality in 2020. The company’s founder Yiming Wang, dropped out of a PhD program at Bristol University in the UK, to found the firm. He is also a visiting professor at Ningbo University to boot, ensuring that his firm keeps a strong connect with academic research. The firm developed a joint
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academic workstation with Shanghai University back in 2012. Solis has set its sights firmly on the utility segment, as well as a stronger investment into its PV plant division. For the utility segment, where it sees a more predictable and higher growth market, its latest offering, the Solis 255K string inverter is its 5th generation offering. The inverter incorporates a record 12 MPPTs design, a maximum efficiency of 99%, plus support 200% DC/AC ratio. That gives it an ability to handle 15 A maximum DC input current. It has 53 MPPT/ MW high power tracking density and is compatible with higher Watt peak modules and the latest 500W Bi-facial modules. Besides offering performance at high temperature up to 50 degrees, the inverter, with its fuse-less design, and IP66 protection is well built for harsh environments. Boasting an integrated anti-PID Recovery function to improve system efficiency, this results in lower maintenance costs with extra safety. With the firm reporting a failure rate of less than 0.2 percent in the independent DNV-GL reliability audit, Ginlong Solis is well positioned to ride the expansion and growth in solar energy, especially on the back of string inverters, worldwide. The firm has its sights firmly on being a global firm, with a strong presence in European markets, as well as Asia. That is reflected in its status as the first string inverter manufacturer to be listed at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, combined with its aggressive expansion plans backed by a strong R& D culture. Nestled in a particularly scenic part of Zhejiang Province, the firm was recently recognised with the province’s “Hidden Champion” award by the regional Zhejiang Provincial Economic and Information Commission. The award takes into consideration the firm’s positive impact on the local community, environment, and economy. It is an attitude that serves the firm well as it seeks to make a case for its role in the growth of solar power around the world. For Ginlong Solis, the 15-year journey has been a rewarding trip, with its products now sold in 100+ countries and regions, and a total installed capacity of over 15GW +. That translates to a reduction of 5,864,660,000 tons of CO2 and 1,764,67,000 tons of SO2 from the environment, which is the equivalent of planting 195,700,000 trees. Numbers any firm would be proud of. EM ||www.renewablemirror.com||
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Solar Quarter • November 2019 13
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The country aims to strengthen its energy security and independence by developing renewable energy resources. These include stringent norms for the construction and operation of energy generation equipment and increasing reliance on more advanced generation technologies in the field of renewable. So there is a great need of renewable energy source in Indian power sector to meet future energy demand and remove GHG emission for environment protection.
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Policy Framework for development of Renewable Energy
INTRODUCTION:
The renewable energy sector in the country witnessed transformational growth in last few years, in terms of both installed capacity and increasing share of renewable energy (RE) in total power generation of the country. The growth is driven by the government’s efforts to create a conducive policy and regulatory environment. Also, the developments in power sector such as modernization of transmission capacity and distribution networks, electrifying villages and extending power to all households, have resulted in improvements in energy consumption, fiscal discipline in utilities. India is witnessing a radical change on account of the government’s move towards power generation via renewable energy resources, Government has set a target to achieve 175 GW renewable energy installed capacity by 2022. This includes 60 GW from wind power, 100 GW from solar power, 10 GW from biomass power and 5 GW from small hydro power. Further, with increased focus on offshore wind power, floating solar parks and hybrid parks etc., it is expected to overachieve the target. The increased focus of Government of India towards renewable energy has created attractive opportunities for investments in this sector. Government has rightly recognized renewable energy to be seen not only as sources of energy, but also a tool to address many other pressing needs, ||www.renewablemirror.com||
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Renewable Energy 18
including improving energy security and access; reducing the health and environmental impacts and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. India’s total power generation installed capacity reached 371 GW with coal-fired plants accounting for 198 GW of this installed capacity, followed by renewables that come in at over 87 GW. Hydropower projects, gas-based, nuclear and diesel projects make up the remaining capacity in decreasing order of installed capacity. In recent years the solar and wind energy technologies has experienced phenomenal growth. The realization of technological improvements, growing public awareness of environmental issues, the economic climate and number of policy instruments have facilitated and sustained this strong interest in these technologies. Since the cost of electricity generated from RE is now cheaper but the power from renewable resources is infirm power, the distribution utilities are least interested to purchase power from renewable sources. The country aims to strengthen its energy security and independence by developing renewable energy resources. These include stringent norms for the construction and operation of energy generation equipment and increasing reliance on more advanced generation technologies in the field of renewable. So there is a great need of renewable energy source in Indian power sector to meet future energy demand and remove GHG emission for environment protection. In this connection Government of India has come out with Acts, Policies and Regulations to support renewable Energy. The Electricity Act 2003 that was notified by the Ministry of Power in June 2003 with other policies National Electricity Policy and Tariff Policy appears to be in the helm of affairs for the promotion of renewable energy at the state as well as to national level in India. The Act and policies also emphasize the importance of setting renewable energy quotas and preferential tariffs for renewable energy procurement by the respective SERCs in their restructured states power sector.
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Although Indian power sector has experienced high increased in its installed capacity but still there is need to be establish more generation plants preferably to be come from renewable sources by governmental as well as various private participation. Contribution of renewable energy sources in the total portfolio of capacity as well as gross generation is still low. The Indian power sector is predominantly based on fossil fuels, with more than about three-fourth of the country’s power generation capacity being dependent on vast indigenous reserves of coal. But in few last decades Indian government has taken several steps to reduce the use of fossil fuels-based energy while promoting renewable generation. Core drivers for development and deployment of new and renewable energy in India are Energy security, Electricity shortages, Energy access and Climate change. India has taken a voluntary commitment of reducing emission intensity of its GDP. The Electricity Act 2003 that was notified by the Ministry of Power with the intent of promotion of renewable energy at the state as well as to national level in India. The Electricity Act 2003 promotes electricity generation from co-generation and renewable energy sources and accelerated the process of renewable energy development in the country. The Act provides that the Central Government to develop a national policy for optimal utilization of resources including renewable energy. It empowers the SERC’s to specify a Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) for purchase of electricity from such sources, a percentage of the total consumption of electricity in the area of distribution licensee. Central government under Section 3 of the Electricity Act issued the National Electricity Policy for development of the power system based on optimal utilization of resources including renewable sources of energy. The National Electricity Policy 2005 stipulates that progressively the share of electricity from non- conventional sources would need to be increased; such purchase by distribution companies shall be through competitive
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Renewable Energy
bidding process. The policy encourages the capital cost reduction in renewable energy through competition and promotes private participation in Renewable Energy. The National Action Plan of Climate Change has also set the target of 5% renewable energy purchase for FY 2009-10 which will increase by 1% for next 10 years. The National Action Plan of Climate Change further recommends strong regulatory measures to fulfil these targets. NAPCC have set the target to achieved 15% of total energy requirement of the country from renewable by 2020. The plan identifies eight core “National Missions” running through 2017. Provisions under Tariff Policy, 2016: The Govt. of India has notified new tariff policy on 28th January, 2016. For the first time a holistic view of the power sector has been taken and comprehensive amendments have been made in the Tariff Policy 2016. The new Tariff Policy makes a strong pitch for the promotion of clean energy and also support Swachh Bharat programme. The key provisions under new tariff policy for development of renewable energy are summarized as below: • In order to promote renewable energy and energy security, it is decided that 10% of total consumption of electricity, excluding hydro power, shall be from solar energy by March 2022. • Renewable Generation Obligation - New coal/lignite based thermal plants also establish/procure/purchase renewable capacity as prescribed by Government of India • Allow bundling of renewable power with power from thermal plants, whose PPAs have expired or plants which have completed their useful life. • No inter-State transmission charges and losses to be levied for renewable power (solar/wind). • Compulsorily procurement of 100% power produced from all the Waste-to-Energy plants in the State by the Distribution Companies. • In view of geological uncertainties and clearance issues faced by Hydro projects and also to promote clean power, Hydro projects have been exempted from competitive bidding till August 2022. • Since India is running one of the largest renewable capacity expansion programmes in the world and there is a need for corresponding grid stability. Regulator will frame norms for ancillary services to support power system or grid operation especially with expanding renewable energy.
Project that has identified transmission requirement for the renewable power capacity addition is under implementation. Intra-state transmission infrastructure projects in eight states have already been approved. In order to facilitate integration of large scale renewable generation capacity addition, the Government approved creation of intra-state transmission system in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu rich in renewable resource potential and where large capacity renewable power projects are planned with Government of India contribution from National Clean Energy fund. The activities envisaged under the project includes establishment of new Grid sub-stations of different voltage levels by installing over 7800 ckt-kms of transmission lines in these seven states. The project is proposed to be completed within a period of five years. Creation of an intra-state transmission system will facilitate evacuation of renewable power from generation stations to load center. The Government has also approved a Scheme, for setting up of 25 Solar Parks, each with the capacity of 500 MW and above and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects to be developed in next few years in various States. Globally China is the country leading first position in renewable installed capacity in the world. With regard to source-wise installed capacity, world-wide China is leading first position in Solar Energy, Wind Energy and Small Hydro power. The Indian Government has also taken several initiatives to accelerate the growth of Renewable Energy Sector. The key provisions under the different Acts/Policies/Schemes issued by the Central Government and fiscal / promotional incentives for development of renewable energy in the country are as follows: 1. Bidding guidelines: Competitive procurement of electricity by the distribution licensees is expected to reduce the overall cost of procurement of power and facilitate development of power markets. The
Integration of RE: Wind power potential is concentrated in 8-9 wind resource rich states. These windy states may not consume wind power beyond their RPO limit and therefore, wind power is to be evacuated from these resources’ rich states to the off-taker states. This requires strengthen transmission intra-state as well as inter-state transmission infrastructure. Green Energy Corridors 20
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i. Wind turbine generators of capacity 1 MW and below would be eligible for repowering under the policy. ii. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) will provide an additional interest rate rebate of 0.25% over and above the interest rate rebates available to the new wind projects being financed by IREDA. iii. All fiscal and financial benefits i.e. Accumulated Depreciation or GBI available to the new wind projects will also be available to the repowering project. iv. In case augmentation of transmission system from pooling station onwards is required, the same would be carried out
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by the respective Transmission Utility. v. Additional generation would either be purchased by Discoms at Feed-in-Tariff applicable in the State at the time of commissioning of the repowering project or allow third party sale. vi. State will facilitate acquiring additional footprint required for higher capacity turbines. vii. For placing wind turbines 7D x 5D criteria would be relaxed for micro sitting. viii. During the period of execution of repowering, projects would be exempted from not honoring the PPA.
3. Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy: India has set an ambitious target of reaching 175 GW of installed capacity from renewable energy sources including 100 GW from solar and 60 GW from wind by the year 2022. Various policy initiatives have been taken to achieve this target. The country has already crossed a mark 26.8 GW of Wind and 7.6 GW Solar power installed till may 2016. Solar and Wind power being infirm in nature impose certain challenges on grid security and stability. Solar and winds are almost complementary to each other and hybdridation of two technologies would help in minimizing the variability apart from optimally utilizing the infrastructure including land and transmission system. The existing wind farms have scope of adding solar PV capacity and similarly there may be wind potential in the vicinity of existing solar PV plant. Suitable policy interventions are required not only for new wind-solar hybrid plants but also for encouraging hybridization of existing wind and solar plant. The main objective of the Policy is to provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV system for optimal and efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure and land, reducing the variability in renewable power generation and thus achieving better grid stability. Policy aims to encourage new technologies, methods and way-outs involving combined operation of wind and solar PV plants. The Goal of the Policy is to reach wind-solar hybrid capacity of 10 GW by 2022. Policy empowers the Central Commission to lay down the guidelines for determination of generic tariff for wind-solar hybrid system. Further, the Commission is required to frame regulations for forecasting and scheduling for the hybrid system. The Government will encourage development of wind-solar hybrid system through various incentives. All fiscal and financial incentives available to wind and solar power projects may also be made available to hybrid projects. Low cost financing for hybrid projects may be made available through IREDA and other financial institutions. 4. National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, 2015: India has vast coastline of 7600 km considering the development of offshore wind energy in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone, the National offshore wind energy policy was approved and || SEPTEMBER 2020 ||
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Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued the guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for long term procurement of electricity from grid connected wind power projects under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003. Government also issued guidelines for long term procurement of electricity from solar PV and small hydro power projects through competitive bidding. The objective of the aforesaid bidding guidelines are to promote competitive procurement of electricity from Renewable Energy Sources by distribution licensees, facilitate transparency and fairness in procurement processes, protect consumer interests by facilitating competitive conditions in procurement of electricity and facilitate fulfillment of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) requirement of the obligated entities; 2. Policy for Repowering of the Wind Power Projects: Central government issued the policy for Repowering of the Wind Power Projects on 5th August, 2016. Most of the wind-turbines installed up to the year 2000 are of capacity below 500 kW and are at sites having high wind energy potential. It is estimated that over 3000 MW capacity installation are from wind turbines of around 500 kW or below. In order to optimally utilise the wind energy resources repowering is required. Objective of the Repowering Policy is to promote optimum utilisation of wind energy resources by creating facilitative framework for repowering. The main features of draft repowering policy are:
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notified by the Central Government in October, 2015. Under this Policy, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been authorized as the Nodal Ministry for use of offshore areas within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the country and the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) has been authorized as the Nodal Agency for development of offshore wind energy in the country and to carry out allocation of offshore wind energy blocks, coordination and allied functions with related ministries and agencies. It would pave the way for offshore wind energy development including, setting up of offshore wind power projects and research and development activities, in waters, in or adjacent to the country, up to the seaward distance of 200 Nautical Miles (EEZ of the country) from the base line. The policy will provide a level playing field to all investors/beneficiaries, domestic and international. Initial studies carried out by National Institute of Wind Energy indicate offshore wind power potential in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The Government is planned to set up the first offshore wind power project at the Gujarat coast soon. 5. Scheme for setting up of 1000 MW CTU-connected Wind Power Projects: The wind power potential in the country is assessed by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) at 100 meter above ground level, which is estimated to be over 302 GW. Most of this potential exists in 8 windy States namely Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. In order to facilitate transmission of wind power from these windy States to non-windy States provisions have been made in the Tariff Policy to waive the inter-state transmission charges and losses for wind power projects. A need has been felt to formulate a scheme for supply of wind power to the non-windy states at a price discovered through transparent bidding process. The objectives of the scheme include to facilitate supply of wind power to the non-windy states at a price discovered through transparent bidding process; encourage competitiveness through scaling up of project sizes and introduction of efficient and transparent e-bidding and e-auctioning processes; and facilitate fulfillment of Non Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) requirement of non-windy states. The Scheme will be implemented for setting up 1000 MW capacity of CTU connected Wind Power Projects by Wind Project Developers on
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build, own and operate basis. However, the capacity may go higher than 1000 MW, if there is higher demand from Discoms of non-windy States. The selection of wind power projects under the Scheme will be through a transparent e-bidding process followed by e-reverse auction for eligible bidders for procurement of wind power at tariff discovered through open competitive bidding process. SECI will develop guidelines for e-bidding process. Eligible project capacity for bidding will be minimum 25 MW and maximum 500 MW by a bidder. 6. National Solar Mission: India is endowed with a very vast solar energy potential. Most parts of the country have about 300 sunny days. Average solar radiation incident over the land is in the range of 4-7 kWh per day. The solar energy utilized through solar photovoltaic technology which enables direct conversion of sunlight into energy and solar thermal technologies which utilizes heat content of solar energy into useful applications. Over the last three decades several solar energy based systems and devices have been developed and deployed in India which are successfully providing energy solutions for lighting, cooking, water heating, air heating, drawing and electricity generation. As a result many solar energy systems and devices are commercially available with affordable cost in the market. Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission was launched on 11th January, 2010. The Mission targets include (i) deployment of 20,000 MW of grid connected solar power by 2022, (ii) 2,000 MW of off-grid solar applications including 20 million solar lights by 2022, (iii) 20 million sq. m. solar thermal collector area, (iv) to create favourable conditions for developing solar manufacturing capability in the country; and (v) support R&D and capacity building activities to achieve grid parity by 2022. For the first phase of the Mission, the Government had approved a target to set up 1,100 MW grid connected solar plants including 100 MW capacity as rooftop and other small solar power plants. In addition, a target of 200 MW capacity equivalent off-grid solar applications and 7 million square meter solar thermal collector area were also approved. The Government had also approved setting up of large utility scale grid power plants through bundling of solar power with the unallocated thermal power available from NTPC stations and the policy to provide generation-based incentive for small grid connected solar power plants. 7. Fiscal Incentives: Preferential tariff is being provided to increase renewable energy generation in the potential states. Most wind potential states have announced the preferential tariffs. State Regulatory Commissions have announced the Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO’s), which mandates the Distribution Licensees to take certain percentage of electricity from renewable, which has accelerated the growth. The Government promotes renewable energy sector in the ||www.renewablemirror.com||
country through fiscal incentives such as concessional custom duty on certain components of renewable energy system, excise duty exemption, exemption on Special Additional Duty, ten years tax holiday on income generated from renewable power projects, and loan from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency and other financial institutions. Exemption / reduction in Central Sales Tax and General Sales Tax available on sale of renewable energy equipment in various states and accumulated depreciation maximum up to 40%. Generation Based Incentive (GBI) allowed by the Central Government on grid interactive wind power projects. Beside the above incentive provided by the Central Government, some State Governments have also provided the state specific incentive through respective state renewable energy promotional policies. Some of the common incentives provided by State Governments are as follows: i. Exemption from payment of Energy Cess on Electricity Supply. ii. The project shall be exempted from Electricity Duty for a period of 10-years. iii. Subsidy @ 4% towards Wheeling Charges within the State. iv. Banking charges exemption up to extent of 100%. v. Permission to use Govt. land on actual use basis. vi. Carbon Credit incentives as applicable on the wind power projects. vii. Industrial Consumers allowed corresponding pro-rata reduction in Contract Demand.
8. Scheme for financing and Discounting of Energy Bills: The IREDA provide financial support to specific projects and schemes for generating electricity and / or energy through new and renewable sources and conserving energy through energy efficiency at lower interest rate. It also provide efficient and effective financing in renewable energy and energy efficiency / conservation projects and continuously made efforts to increase its share in the renewable energy sector by way of innovative financing. IREDA also provide support in improvement in the efficiency of services provided to customers through continual improvement of systems, processes and resources and strive to be competitive institution through customer satisfaction.
The credit under the bill discounting scheme is available to all IREDA borrowers who are selling energy to state utilities. Many of the renewable energy project developers are exporting energy generated from their projects to the state utilities and energy bills/invoices are raised by them against the number of units exported on monthly basis. The utilities are liable to make payment against the eligible billed amount within stipulated time frame. However, it is observed that there has been inordinate delay in receipt of payment against energy bills which is also impacting the debt servicing obligation of the borrowers. In view of the same, it is proposed to provide bill discounting facility for the energy bills of IREDA borrowers which are pending for payment with utilities for up to 6 months. However, IREDA may like to take the track record of utility into consideration while providing the facility. CONCLUSION: Over the years, renewable energy sector in India has emerged as a significant player in the grid connected power generation capacity. It supports the government agenda of sustainable growth, while, emerging as an integral part of the solution to meet the nation’s energy needs and an essential player for energy access. It has been realized that renewable energy has to play a much deeper role in achieving energy security in the years ahead and be an integral part of the energy planning process. Renewable energy development is of great importance from the point of view of long term energy supply security, decentralization of energy supply particularly for the benefit of the rural population, environmental benefits and sustainability in power sector. Indian Government has set an ambitious target of installed capacity from renewable energy sources by the year 2022. Various policy initiatives have been taken by the Government to achieve this target. Many SERCs have yet to take concrete steps to actually implement these policies due to lack of resources that might assist in performing their functions- most notably, enough professional staff and lack of sufficient monitoring and enforcement Mechanism. There is need of separate regulatory framework/setup for renewable energy to accelerate the renewable energy development programme in the country.
Ashok Upadhyay BE (Electrical), M Tech. Hon. (Ind. Engg.) , M. Phil (Renewable Energy) Dy. Director (Generation), M.P. Electricity Regulatory Commission Bhopal (M.P.) Tele. :- 0755-2461034, E-mail – ashok.upadhyay06@gmail.com Mob. 09893324160, 09425019845
Postal Address: Ashok Upadhyay A-479, Sector “A” Shahpura, Bhopal (M.P.) Pin – 462016 ||www.renewablemirror.com||
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Ginlong's cost-effective solutions for residential, commercial, andutilityscale users deliver value at every level of the solar supply chain, engaging both homeowners and businesses, as well as power producers and renewable energy investors across the globe.
Honey Raza sales head
Solis India
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Q. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your
6. Material management and control for inbounding and out bounding. Material management is doing 100% disinfection for all the dispatches.
This Covid-19 Pandemic is having a drastic impact on the solar industry across each market segment. Across the world apparently there would be challenges in the sales closure for C&I segment and another co occurrent challenges of cash flow issues. Ground Mounted doesn’t have immediate financial implications instead there are other challenges like delay in operational commissioning time lines, labor shortages and inaccessibility for mobilization. All the major markets like US, Europe and India shall have eventual impact visible by second to third quarter of the FY 2020. Affect may vary from 25% to 35% decline in the distributed market segment. Overall targets can be partially fulfilled by the substantial support from Ground Mounted projects. Industry leaders also are discussing about the special stimulus package for the renewable energy which is the need of hour for the recovery.
Q. How do you see your business prospects for the
inverter business in the U.S., Europe, and especially India?
take for normalcy to return in the country?
The recovery in China is very fast, with all the precautionary measures and adequate resources our factory is operating in full capacity. Yes there is a decline in the installation in Q1 2020 as compared to 2019 of around 25% but the normalcy is impending fast, till first quarter around 4 GW is being added which is satisfactory under such pandemic situation.
We are getting good enquiries and project execution has also started. Further all depends on how fast we can restrict the spread of COVID-19 and followed by availability of vaccine. Certainly we see good deals in the third quarter and better figures in 2021.
Q. Do you think COVID-19 has changed the way
business is done forever? How differently are you going to approach your business in the post-COVID-19 world?
Yes it has, people are more and more adopting to digital ways of interaction which optimizes resources as well as the time. To mitigate the risks its important for every firm to revive and introspect the business setup. Employees should be trained and prepared to remotely work and follow procedural support. All the stakeholders should be address and given transparent impact report for reinstating the confidence in them. Business continuity plans during critical situation like covid 19 should well documented and implemented. Review of failure points across the support, delivery, operations etc should objurgated. Customers problem as well as weak support links should be rectified.
Q. You are one of the top 5 string inverter companies
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Q. How are things in China, and how long will it
remaining half of 2020 and 2021?
in India. What are your future plans for the Indian . What are the steps that you have taken which market? are different from other companies, what are your We are evaluating options available to support our customers and company see India as one of the most plans for the near future?
Q
We are following strict Risk Management Protocol in 6 ways these are 1. Zero Risk Groups by constantly evaluating workers coming for work through Bio-meteric Checks as well as daily self-diagnosis 2. Regular self-declaration contact tracing of workers for any possible visit from affected area. Testing and precautionary measures for better safety environment for employees. 3. Full Disinfection at regular intervals of all the facilities and crucial areas 4. Training & awareness towards prevention and control are being conducted periodically. 5. Cafeteria is properly redesigned keeping the social distancing norm in place.
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promising markets with a long term vision. The due diligence is already started and consequently the decisions shall be exercised. This year we have already planned to increase the capacity up to 20GW which shall be completed by 1st Quarter of 2021. Dedicated to the needs of Indian market as well as International requirement we have developed 255kW 1500V inverter which is highest capacity string inverter for utility projects. This product is accompanied with all the latest features and compliances as per new CEA guidelines. In Residential and Commercial segment we are regularly involved in providing the storage and customized solutions to keep abreast with the state policies and making solar plant more profitable. Some of these include zero export solutions for multiple as well as single inverter units, another solution in hybrid range is coming with Lithium ion as well as Lead Acid batteries. RM
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of the Sofar Group, a highly diversified company who are No.1 in the GPS business. They have been involved in the communications and renewable energy fields since 2007 and entered the PV inverter business in 2012 with the establishment of Sofarsolar, specializing in R&D, production, sales and service of grid-tied inverters.
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Sofarsolar is part
BrijeSh PrajaPati manaGinG Director - inDia
ShenZhen SoFar Solar co. ltD.
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Q. What are the philosophy and the larger vision that
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drives the company? We are believing in PROMPT SERVICE SUPPORT with LONGVISION Reliable Product Business Policy. Grow together with lesser complain ratio. In the future, SOFARSOLAR will continue to ride the wind and waves, lead the trend, actively explore, deepen cooperation in the new era and under the new situation, improve products and solutions, bring forth the new, and develop more "Photovoltaic Storage and Charging" products with excellent performance, so as to increase the power for the development of global new energy industry. We are performing very good in India renewable market. SOFARSOLAR is a fastest growing product with good qualities, lesser service complain & prompt service solutions. No compromise in quality to make cheap product , no compromise in product component material, wide display is OUR KEY Features. Sofarsolar have good strong market in ROOFTOP Solar business & also in EPC Sector. New energy storage products of SOFARSOLAR in 2020: The high voltage and low voltage series batteries of 4-20kW three-phase energy storage inverter will be released in the near future. The new product is mainly oriented to the global market. Both grid-connected and off-grid systems can be built into a multi complementary energy generation microgrid system with the help of this new product to realize photovoltaic self-use and residual power storage, and arbitrage by combining energy storage peak and valley to maximize economic benefits and effectively mitigate the load impact on the distribution grid. SOFARSOLAR takes technological "Photovoltaic Storage" as the theme and relies on "Photovoltaic Storage and Charging" as the innovation carrier. Four series of new products of "Photovoltaic Storage" are launched in the world, to strive to create the top brand of "Photovoltaic Storage and Charging". Four series of new products cover: large series of 80-136kW, 10-20kW three-generation inverter, 5-20kW three-phase grid-connected inverter and HYD inverter , and high-voltage and low-voltage batteries.
First of all, 80-136kW large series inverter, which is mainly aimed at large-scale industrial and commercial and ground power stations, is famous for its "High Quality, High Income", with the maximum efficiency of 99%. It has IP66 protection grade, 12-channel MPPT design, advanced AC / DC dual power redundancy design, built-in high-precision intelligent string detection and other functions, which can better adapt to wind, sand, rain, snow and other complex and harsh environment. With its listing, the owners will have more choice space, and the income they care about will be strongly guaranteed.
Secondly, the third-generation 10-20kW inverter is praised by customers as "Key Tool in the Large-Scale Household Market". The inverter has high cost performance. The appearance of the inverter adopts lightweight design, simple and fashionable, which is suitable for the home environment and is easy to install; the interior of the inverter adopts the industry-leading heat dissipation technology, and selects a new generation of international brand components, which has a longer service life; in terms of efficiency, it is also industry-leading, which greatly guarantees the income of users; at the same time, multiple protection is adopted inside, which can guarantee the service life of the inverter and greatly increase the time limit of users' stable income. Thirdly, 5-20kW three-phase HYD 5-20KW inverter is a machine developed for energy storage system, mainly used in large household energy storage system and small and mediumsized industrial and commercial energy storage. This machine integrates PV and energy storage, and can realize multiple working modes of off grid and grid connection. || SEPTEMBER 2020 ||
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In the future, SOFARSOLAR will continue to ride the wind and waves, lead the trend, actively explore, deepen cooperation in the new era and under the new situation, improve products and solutions, bring forth the new, and develop more "Photovoltaic Storage and Charging" products with excellent performance, so as to increase the power for the development of global new energy industry. “WE BUILD QUALITY, WE OFFER QUALITY.”
Interview
Q.
Fourthly, low voltage and high voltage series batteries, as several heavyweight products launched by SOFARSOLAR to the global energy storage market, have a good reputation in European markets such as Italy and Britain for their convenient installation, strong compatibility, long cycle life and rich communication. This strong return provides a broader space for domestic users in the choice of energy storage batteries.
What are the other key issues faced by solar manufacturers? Well, very interesting question about local manufacturer. If local manufacturer follow process as per required testing facility, production facilities & required manpower to do complete manufacturing task with proper testing/quality process then customer will get proper worth products as per invested coast. We are recommending to client don’t go on cheap prices & polycarbonate type of body with lesser durability life product available in market. In a now days if any local company providing cheap price product without complete process & assemble type of products so it will be not a long life system. So if client not aware about process so we requesting to them go with proper process & visit some manufacturing company in abroad or collect some online data or visit some online manufacturing setup videos & gain your knowledge to get proper product without any cheating in systems. In a 2020 Year SOFARSOLAR is a very aggressive with new agenda for Business expansion with new innovative products & some up-gradation on current products. We have good installation in ROOFTOP Market & also last year business increased very good ,particularly in rooftop segment. if manufacturer compromise in quality to make cheap rate products then it’s very difficult to take a stand in market with long vision work & warranty duration. So now days it’s very difficult to get proper products in cheap rate. For good product manufacturer focusing on to control on lower marginal game, no extra expenses & how can save a extra coast and not impact on business strategy. For manufacturer in india market also need to invest higher coast in BIS certification & also invest in another product generation, also another side to compete with cheap rate brand product. “Serving good quality product on lower margin with prompt service support” tagline will give good business in tough competition.
Q. What is your assessment of government policy on
renewable? Kindly enlighten something about your product, technology, solutions and quality? • BIS Certified Inverter. • 8 Year’s Warranty (onsite Replacement warranty ) • OEM/ODM Partner First choice is SOFARSOLAR. (No.1 position in INDIAN Market). • Online Service Support system.
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Q. COVID-19 has spread over a large part of the world.
What has been the impact on your business operations as a result of the coronavirus outbreak? The company has a total manufacturing capacity of 10GW with an Year on Year growth of more than 20%. However, currently with the impact of Covid - 19, “The entire world is on edge with the Coronavirus epidemic, it is a very bad impact on global economy, however SOFAR SOLAR team is available to support clients in the best possible way during these times.” Impact of the Coronavirus mostly effected our first-quarter growth due to highly Corona effected Country China because our manufacturing plant in Shenzhen . then in india business effected in second & Third quarter as well if the outbreak lasts longer may be not sure about fourth quarter but in a nowadays renewable sector going good in India. The disturbance to industrial production and global trade flows and global logistic networks could be more severe due to the drag caused by the prolonged production shutdowns. WHO officials state clearly that at this stage one cannot predict the direction, duration, scope and scale of the epidemic. This creates an extra dose of uncertainty. Some experts expect the outbreak to last at least until the mid of Oct.’2020. “Factories do have spare capacity and may cover up for lost exports by speeding up production. However, India demand will be lesser or similar as compared to our previous numbers and this will have an impact on total production,” The Covid-19 outbreak has made it more difficult to achieve the targets due to the challenges of land acquisition, grid unavailability, supply chain bottlenecks and a lack of project financing. “ In the manufacturing sector also every product depends on the raw materials or third party vendor. In this epidemic cycle it's very difficult to procure material on time & achieve execution timelines.
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• Manufacturing plant at Shenzhen. • Local Sales - Service Support & Company ware house at Ahmedabad, sIndia. • Indian Registered company as a “SOFARSOLAR INDIA PVT LTD.” • 10GW Manufacturing capacity. # Sofarsolar is part of the Sofar Group, a highly diversified company who are No.1 in the GPS business. They have been involved in the communications and renewable energy fields since 2007 and entered the PV inverter business in 2012 with the establishment of Sofarsolar, specializing in R&D, production, sales and service of grid-tied inverters. SOFAR is very pioneer group in GPS sector in china & we would like accept new challenges in the market. So we have started PV market business & doing successfully business globally. In order to support the current growth of the Indian PV market, SOFARSOLAR has recently taken steps to strengthen its business position in the country with a new office and leadership. New versions of Inverters which are very compact in size make SOFARSOLAR differentiate from others. SOFARSOLAR is positioned to play important and leading role in the Indian solar industry.
Q.
There are many debates going on for women empowerment that women are coming up with the technical talent also. What are your views on that? In Some region/country/field work Even in this 21st century, gender inequality still exists. When women are empowered, whole society benefits, because women constitute half of the society. We have come so far in women empowerment. Now many women are working in diverse careers and are financially independent. We need to totally eliminate gender inequality. #PRODUCT ROADMAP 2020:In Renewable filed my many female friends working very good # Hybrid Inverter- 3kW/3.6kW/4kW/5kW/6kW (1 Phase) on a very higher level positions. Some Female Colleagues # Hybrid Inverter- 8kW/10kW/12kW/15kW/20kW (3 Phase) working as Director/Founder/VP position level. Its really very proud of them. # AC Retrofitting Single phase 6kW “There is no chance of the welfare of the world unless the # New upcoming Rating:- 80kW/100Kw/125Kw /136kw condition of women is improved. It is not possible for a bird # New upcoming Rating:- 225kWwith 1500v DC to fly on one wing”– Swami Vivekananda. RM # Electrical Vehicle Charger # SOFAR AMASS Li-Ion Batteries. ||www.renewablemirror.com||
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“
Huawei has
always been
customer-centric in sustainability management, and is committed to contributing to society and building a fully connected, intelligent world. Huawei works with partners to provide ICT services for every person, home, and organization, and proposes innovative solutions to enable more people to inclusion.
“
benefit from digital
Louis Liu Head of Smart PV Business - India
Huawei
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Q. Kindly enlighten us about HUAWEI's journey till now?
Q. What are the other key issues faced by solar
manufacturers? • O&M is also a significant challenge for inverters globally, as the manpower cost outside China is higher and central inverters require professionals to handle faults onsite. Redefining O&M: Currently, by integrating technologies such as big data mining, AI identification algorithms, and self-learning, Huawei's Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis has been applied in more than 7 GW PV plants worldwide. So far, Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis has reached the highest level in the industry in terms of fault detection accuracy (certified by China General Certification Center, CGC). The traditional manual inspection mode is completely changed. All PV strings can be remotely scanned in one-click mode. For a 100 MW PV plant, Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis can automatically generate a diagnosis report within 15 minutes and proactively send maintenance requests, issue diagnosis, and accurate locations to O&M personnel. This achieves zero-inspection for PV plants. The application of Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis in actual PV plants significantly improves the energy yields. This is how AI technologies redefine O&M. • With a large number of renewable energy plants are connected to the grid in a short period of time,
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Q. What are the new markets that HUAWEI is focusing
on besides India? There are many new markets that we are focusing on, including countries in Northeastern Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.
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In 2013, following more than three years of technical research and build-up, Huawei Network Energy (now renamed as Huawei Digital Power) began launching Huawei inverters. Huawei Smart PV Solution 1.0 made its industry debut in 2014, and demonstrated how the centralized control center remotely detects and locates PV module faults, site intrusion, and power generation for each array. From that year in 2015 until 2019, global shipments of Huawei inverters are ranked No. 1 in the IHS Markit ranking. In 2019, Huawei became the first string inverter brand with 100 GW deployment globally. A decade hard work from Huawei created a miracle in the industry. The development of new energy has kicked off a game-changing energy revolution, greatly exceeding the expectations of the industry. However, an energy system with renewable energy as the core, the construction of an energy IoT, and the fully connected world of the future have not yet been fully realized, and a great deal of challenges await. When the complexity of all these exceeds human’s limit, Al steps in as the energy nerve center and connecting all the dots. Huawei's commitment to a better today lays the foundation for a brighter tomorrow.
it raises many concerns about grid stability. Thus it is critical for the power plant equipment to support the characteristics of the power grid. Redefining grid connection: As the penetration of renewable energy increases, the power grid becomes weaker, that is, its short circuit ratio (SCR) that indicates the grid strength is gradually decreased. To ensure that renewable energy can be connected to the power grid on a large scale, solar inverters must better support power girds by wider SCR adaptability, continuous high- and low- voltage ride through capability, and fast frequency modulation capability, which are necessary for grid connection. Huawei smart solar inverters integrate the world-leading AI algorithm architecture and have stronger control capabilities. Huawei introduces the AI technology for impedance reshaping and integrates multiple leading grid connection algorithms such as dynamic damping adaptation. AI self-learning can proactively identify the electrical features of the PV plant and automatically adjust the grid connection algorithm to match the power grid. For example, Huawei solar inverters support the HVDC scenario, a minimum power grid SCR of 1.5, no power derating during high-voltage ride through, a better connection to weak power grids, and fault ride through (FTR) capability. From following the power grid to supporting the power grid, the Al technologies finally complete redefining the power grid. The goal is to transform PV energy from a cheap energy source to a mainstream energy of high quality.
Q
. Kindly enlighten something about your product, technology, solutions and quality? Huawei launches the leading Smart PV Solution that integrates the digital information technology accumulated over 30 years with the PV industry. In terms of power generation, new information and communications technologies (ICTs) such as AI and cloud are further converged with PV to build smart PV plants that feature "Higher Yields, Simple O&M, Safe & Reliable, Equivalent CAPEX", helping PV energy become a main energy source. As for power consumption, Huawei launches the 24-hour green power solution for enterprise and home users based on the concept of "Optimal Electricity Cost & Active Safety." This solution improves the self-consumption rate and enables users to enjoy clean power anytime at home, leading users into a new era of power consumption. Through continuous
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innovation, Huawei Smart PV Solution aims to bring green energy to every person, home, and organization. In 2018, Huawei took the lead in introducing AI technologies into the PV industry. The most typical applications include the Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis, smart tracking algorithm, and smart grid connection algorithm. This is the 1.0 era of AI + PV. Today, as the leader of AI technologies, Huawei is about to usher in the 2.0 era of AI + PV. AI technologies will not only be simply applied in PV power generation, but also play the role of redefining PV, in aspects including power generation, O&M, grid connection, and safety. This is aim at bringing more values and better experience to customers, and transforming PV from an auxiliary energy to a main one. Huawei's factory covers an area of 315,000 square meters. It has more than 9800 employees including 700 engineering technical talent. More than 40 advanced surface mounting technology (SMT) lines are available and are equipped with various self-developed function test equipment. In addition, Huawei cooperates with multiple well-known electronic manufacturing services (EMS) enterprises in the industry. The annual production of boards is over 34 million, and the annual production of equipment is over 1.13 million sets. Huawei's self-made semi-finished product processing offers the industry advantage in quick line changeover, which is suitable for small-batch and multi-category production. The facility features high flexibility of production capacity, meeting customer requirements for customized and multicategory facility integration. One-stop service is available for onsite trial production of new products and provides strong assurance for the fast and high-quality R&D of Huawei's new products. The monthly output of the solar inverter production line is 4 GW.
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Q. How HUAWEI initiatives towards CSR?
Huawei has always been customer-centric in sustainability management, and is committed to contributing to society and building a fully connected, intelligent world. Huawei works with partners to provide ICT services for every person, home, and organization, and proposes innovative solutions to enable more people to benefit from digital inclusion. Huawei also improves the capabilities in identifying, detecting, and preventing cyber risks to ensure that networks are running healthily and stably. Huawei intensifies its efforts in cyber security and user privacy protection and takes it as the top priority. Huawei end-to-end product eco-design management helps reduce the environmental impacts of products throughout their life cycles. Huawei cares for employees, operates in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, gives back to local communities, and works with partners to build a robust and healthy ecosystem.
Q. Covid -19 has spread over a large part of the world.
What has been the impact on your business operations as a result of the coronavirus outbreak? We see the market slowly begin to open up besides certain regions that are heavily affected by COVID-19. Now production, supply chains, and logistics have all returned to normal. Customers are also actively doing a lot of desk work and Huawei continues to try our best to support them.
Q. There's debate going on "Women empowerment"
and women are coming up with technical talent also. What are your views on that? Technology can be the key to providing equal opportunities for women around the globe. We place great importance in empowering women in STEM and in our team as well. RM
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Platinum Partners
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we are planning to solarize all manufacturing facilities of Patanjali across India. We saw the amount of savings we could do if we start with our facilities itself. Swami Ramdev Ji’s vision was to promote green and clean energy, we could be reducing millions of carbon emissions from our own setups.
Shival Garg Business Head
Patanjali renewable enerGy Pvt. ltd.
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Q. Patanjali Renewable is a leader in manufacturing Solar
resuming, demand started to rise as people were looking to cut their huge electricity bills and government tenders were PV modules, what do you think how Patanjali Renewable resumed with new policies to promote Make in India. is growing till now? So far, our growth chart has been quite stable but is moving . How the ongoing tensions with China are affecting the in an upward direction in a steady pace. We are establishing renewable energy market? our grounds and preparing ourselves for that big jump in sales Prices are increasing. We have seen a sudden jump in the that is expected out of Patanjali. Our vision is clear and we prices of solar cells and other B.O.M. are constantly working & improving our methods & standards to match up with the industry leaders. . What are your views on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’? Of course, it’s a great initiative. We followed this principal . What are the products on offer by the company and way before this concept was out, Patanjali’s core vision was have you launched any new product in the market recently? to promote “Make in India “itself. Now that the government Our product basket has been more or less the same throughout is also focusing on it too, brings a bundle of opportunities the 2 years since we started. Yes, we had some plans to come for Indian manufacturers. with some new product line, but Covid:19 has delayed some of our plans to at least 6 months. But, our prime focus for . How Patanjali Renewable is fulfilling the customers now will be on adding new variants to the existing product demand and what are the policies of the company in order line itself. to provide good after sales service? The demand has been increasing lately, people have been . What are the projects on which the company is working more accepting and they have liked our product’s quality. We and what are the achievements of the company till now? might be an old and developed brand name, but are still new Post lockdown, we have been busy handling our pending in this sector. We are coping up with the challenges related projects that got delayed. Thanks to our good self-consumption to this sector, but all our efforts are derived to give complete (Patanjali Group), we are planning to solarize all manufacturing satisfaction to our customers. Our on-field team has been facilities of Patanjali across India. We saw the amount of doubled post lockdown and shall be increased proportionately savings we could do if we start with our facilities itself. Swami with time to ensure a good after sales service. We are also Ramdev Ji’s vision was to promote green and clean energy, training our distributors to ensure quick services in their we could be reducing millions of carbon emissions from our respective areas. own setups.
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Solar PV cells and modules industry of India can Q. How COVID-19 lockdown has affected the business? Qget. aHowboost? What is the current condition of the industry
What is the scenario of the industry after lockdown? Every trade in the world got slightly affected by Covid :19. Solar sector got affected majorly in the initial stage as projects got shut down, upcoming projects were postponed, imports were banned and what not. But gradually projects started
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according to you? First, clear and favorable policies, second, a supportive Financial mechanism to support those policies. If these are been worked upon timely, we can gradually slowdown our dependency on China for all the raw material. RM
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Insolation Energy Private Limited, world-class quality is a top priority. We strive to provide our customer with products and services which meet and exceed their expectations. We shall use preventive processes and testing to drive the highest quality standards and to ship products that
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meet our stated quality goals.
Manish Gupta FoundEr & dirEctor
insolation EnErGy pvt. ltd.
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Q. Please share INA experience in renewable sector
The coronavirus outbreak in China could raise solar module prices in the near term as manufacturers have already begun experiencing wafer, cell and solar glass shortages. Production rates are also being affected by an extended new year holiday introduced by the authorities as a measure to deal with the virus, and the requirement workers from infected areas quarantine themselves for two weeks.
till now? Insolation Energy First started its fully automatic 80MW Manufacturing unit. Now, Insolation Energy Pvt Ltd has a state of the art fully automatic 100MW Manufacturing Unit. We offer Multicrystalline & Monocrystalline and Mono-Perc solar modules in various sizes from 40 W to 400W. At Insolation Energy Private Limited, world-class quality is a . Kindly tell us something about your products and top priority. We strive to provide our customer with products technologies you are provided to customers, are they and services which meet and exceed their expectations. We satisfied with them? shall use preventive processes and testing to drive the highest Some of the salient features of modules :quality standards and to ship products that meet our stated • Positive Power Tolerance up to 3Wp to reduce current quality goals. We have already doubled our manufacturing mismatch loss in single string for ensuring better ROI capacity this year we plan to new machinery for 200MW • 5 BB high efficiency cell with Improved Module by next fiscal capable of manufacturing MBB high wattage Efficiency. Panels, Bifacials and twin Peak. • 100% EL tested Pre & post Lamination ,Higher reliability . Please tell us about you projects you have done in the past or you have showcased? • PID Resistant We have supplied around 150MW so far in India and • Excellent energy generation in weak light Projections for 20-21 are quite good, Keeping in mind the • Highest Area efficiency in its Class expansion plans we have in recent months. We are now • Unique Frame design with high mechanical strength supplying around 10MWPer Month. • Compact Design ,efficient shipping ,easy handling • More than 30 In-House testing for better Quality . Let us start with INA presence worldwide? product. We are already exploring export opportunities and are in touch with few overseas clients for this. As of now we are focusing on the Domestic Market after capacity expansion, . How the foundation of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ will We are planning to enter into mid east Asia, Africa & help the Indian renewable industry? selected European countries. As per the Ministry estimates the current capacity of the domestic solar cells and modules manufacturing meets . COVID-19 has spread over a large part of the world. only half of the country’s demand. Presently the solar cell What has been the impact on your business operations manufacturing capacity is 2.5 GW and another 5 GW is under construction. A further 3 GW has been approved. as a result of the coronavirus outbreak? China is the largest producer of solar raw material globally. The solar modules manufacturing capacity is comparatively It supplies 85% of the raw material to the solar industry. better at 8 GW. There is a clear need for restricting cheap China virtually controls the entire value chain from silicon imports and boosting domestic manufacturing .Apart from to ingot , wafer, cell and module .Any potential strain could cells and modules the Govt. Should support setting up of have an adverse impact in supplies. Southeast Asian module silicon ingots and wafers manufacturing units hence achieving manufacturers to a large extent rely on Chinese suppliers vertical integration. The total self reliance can be achieved for things like Solar cells, Glass ,backsheets, frames, junction only by having complete control over the entire value chain. boxes,”. “If there is a long hold on those in China, their We also need to invest in the research and development of new technologies so as to come with new highly efficient module assembly capacity may eventually be affected.” innovative products. RM
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In India, Sungrow is continuously expanding its scale at a faster rate as the shipment crossed 5.5 GW recently. We have also secured 1GW+ of orders which shows the healthy pipeline for coming quarters
Sunil Badesra Business Head
Sungrow (India) Pvt. Ltd.
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Q. Let us start with SUNGROW presence worldwide?
With a strong 23-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power solar installations in over 120 countries. Sungrow has now cumulative installations of 120GW+ worldwide as of June 2020.
Q. How much do you think SUNGROW expanded in India and as well as global market till now?
Q. Please present case study of few noteworthy projects executed by your company in the distributed solar space?
Sungrow has steadily consolidated its position in India’s rooftop market and has No.1 position with more than 19% of the market share, as per a recent report. Sungrow has supplied its PV inverters to many landmark rooftop projects in India. Sungrow inverters are installed at more than 50% of solarized Indian railways stations, various metro stations like DMRC, Hyderabad Metro etc. Other few more examples are including but not limited to hospitals, automobile sectors, retail chains, pharma, and various many other industries.
Q. Give us an overview of the company’s presence in the energy space? What are your expansion plans in India?
In addition to PV Inverters, Sungrow has also significant presence in the renewable energy space with a wide range of products including energy storage systems, electric drive system for new energy vehicles, wind energy converters, floating photovoltaic system, and smart energy operation and maintenance services etc. As we already have a 3 GW established local factory running in India, we are planning to expand it in future as demand increases and to provide more and more local products for our Indian customers.
Q. What is your outlook for the power sector for the next few years and SUNGROW’s role in it?
We are seeing that, the portion of Renewable energy in Indian Power sector is growing day by day. With major thrust from the Govt towards a target of 300 GW solar power by 2030, we are highly optimistic about Indian solar sector for this decade. With more RE power coming to the grid, battery energy storage would become essential for various grid management and ancillary services. Sungrow being the pioneer in Power conversion technology and leader in PV Inverter and Energy Storage Systems, we are committed to play our part to achieve a sustainable energy security for India while contributing to build an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
has spread over a large part of the world. Q. What are your USP’s and differentiating factors as QWhat. COVID-19 has been the impact on your business operations as compared to your competitors?
Though there are many differentiating factors, the major ones are a) Sungrow is the only supplier which has 100% bankability track record for two straight years and holds the No.1 position as the most bankable brand as per BNEF. This clearly shows the trust and confidence by the lending institutions to give non- recourse term loan for the large scale projects using Sungrow anywhere across the globe. b) Sungrow is the only company which has very focused approach with 100% of its business being into renewable industry. c) It has the largest R&D team in the industry with more than 40% of its total employees in Research and Development division. d) Sungrow has the highest production capacity of 50 GW ||www.renewablemirror.com||
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In India, Sungrow is continuously expanding its scale at a faster rate as the shipment crosses 5.5 GW recently. We have also secured 1GW+ of orders which shows the healthy pipeline for coming quarters. With the advantage of a 3GW local factory in India running for more than two years, Sungrow has been able to capture more market by offering both Central and String inverters as per the local requirements. Globally, Sungrow has more than 15% market share consistently over the years. Despite the ongoing challenges, Sungrow delivered an impressive result in 1H 2020. Sungrow’s revenue increased by 55.57% year-on-year (YoY) to US$ 987.2 million in 1H 2020, while net income grew by 34.13% YoY to US$ 63.4 million, due to strong performance in across the continents.
per annum to develop cutting edge products in time to meet the rapidly growing solar energy demand e) Sungrow in India has the biggest service team in the industry along with dedicated service warehouses, local repair & maintenance centers at key locations, and 3rd party service partners to provide high quality and responsive support
a result of the coronavirus outbreak?
Though Covid has been a significant challenge, it has limited impact on our business so far. With a lot of streamlined and preplanned actions, followed by stringent measures at our factories, we were able to manage our supply chain and navigate through the situation to keep supporting our customers.
Q. What are your initiatives towards CSR?
Sungrow actively assumes social responsibility while pursuing economic benefits. We earnestly practice the social responsibility concept of “Green Mission, Better Life”. In India we are engaged with various educational institutions where we do regular knowledge building sessions. We have also carried out tree plantation programs in different cities to mitigate the climate change effect. RM
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State Overview: Gujarat
(As on 31.08.2020)
INSTALLED CAPACITY (IN MW) OF POWER UTILITIES IN THE STATES/UTS LOCATED IN WESTERN REGION INCLUDING ALLOCATED SHARES IN JOINT & CENTRAL SECTOR UTILITIES
State
Gujarat
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Ownership/ Sector State Private Central Sub-Total
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Modewise Breakup Thermal Coal Lignite Gas 4510.00 1040.00 2177.82 7144.67 500.00 3985.00 3566.37 0.00 424.00 15221.04 1540.00 6586.82 || SEPTEMBER 2020 ||
Diesel 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 7727.82 11629.67 3990.37 23347.86
Nuclear
Hydro
0.00 0.00 559.00 559.00
772.00 0.00 0.00 772.00
RES (MNRE) 72.35 10797.95 243.30 11113.60
Grand Total 8572.17 22427.62 4792.67 35792.46
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Gujarat is located on the western coast of the Indian Peninsula. It has the longest coastline in the country of about 1600 kms. Therefore, Gujarat plays host to foreign trade and is a natural ‘Gateway’ to the fast growing economy. Conducive business environment, abundance of natural resources, skilled and semi-skilled man power, proximity to markets, responsive administration are a few reasons why Gujarat has turned a ‘Leader.’ A steady implementation of structural reforms to make Gujarat shine with its ‘Vibrant Economy’.
MNRE steps in to help green energy developers
The renewable energy ministry has held discussions with state governments to find out how much land they are willing to set aside for renewable energy parks. This follows a recent announcement by the ministry that it will ensure that land and transmission facilities are in place for developers who win ||www.renewablemirror.com||
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wind and solar projects in auctions conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), its nodal agency. Last week, MNRE officials held discussions with their counterparts in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the central government official said, requesting not to be named. Meetings with Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka are in the offing, the official added. “We want the states to identify actual parcels of land where projects can be set up,” the official told ET. “Developers can bid comfortably knowing they won’t have to hunt for land. We will make sure Power Grid Corporation of India provides connectivity in these places too. PGCIL is already working on extending its transmission.” It is learnt that Gujarat has agreed to provide land to accommodate 10,000 MW; Andhra will be giving space for 8000 MW, while Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have offered land for 19,000 MW and 5,000 MW, respectively. “The broad areas of land have been identified. In around a month, SECI will start floating more tenders,” the official cited earlier said. Gujarat, in particular, had been reluctant to provide land for centrally-auctioned renewable energy projects, since the power produced would not necessarily go to Gujarat, but could be provided anywhere in the country through the inter-state transmission network. The ministry hopes that these meetings will iron out any differences that may have arisen with the states. In March, it had announced an incentive scheme by which states putting up renewable energy projects would be entitled to Rs 0.02 of every unit of power produced by the plant, irrespective of where the power was supplied. Gujarat has associate degree put in capability of around 30394.29 MW. 22.94% of this is often contributed by Renewable Energy (RE) supply. The state has planned augmentation of generation capability considering current demand provides things additionally as demand from coming customers. Gujarat has remained frontrunner in climate economical initiatives by adapting numerous policies for promoting property energy sources. Another sig. undeniable fact that contributes to glorious power conditions in state is that
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the dominance of Pvt. players within the generation sector. Pvt. sector contributes to around 61.49% of total power generation followed by State Utilities with 25.35% and Central Plants having contribution of 13.14%.The rules and new policies have given a positive momentum to capability addition in past years. Generation capability addition in Coal primarily based thermal plants has been important alongside star & wind. 2 of the most important Power comes within the country i.e. 4620 MW (Adani Mundra Project) and 4000 MW (Mundra UMPP of Tata Power) is found within the Gujarat. Torrent Power is working 3130 MW of typical power comes in several components of the State. In last 6 years state utilities has value-added capability of 7,214 MW in coal, 1,429 MW in gas, 2424 MW in wind and 1127 MW in star comes. By 2022 state utilities has planned to feature 3540 MW from typical sources. Throughout an equivalent time it's expected that around 8000 MW from renewable sources are out there within the state. RE generation in state can result in property development. Gujarat is on the verge of infrastructure revolution. State’s gross domestic product has been rising at rate of growth of 9.3% over the last decade. State is involving integrated developments of enormous areas like SIRs, PCPIR and DMIC to rework the economic state of affairs within the state. India’s 1st SEZ for international money services GIFT emerges as a fore runner of recent opportunities in Gujarat. Attributable to the high pace of development peak demand of State is predicted to achieve 21,847 MW by FY 2022 at a CAGR of vi.3%. State has created adequate progressing to meet the coming demand. Considering the main target of GoI on promoting RE sources State would be needed to feature 8000 MW of RE by 2022. Gujarat is a renewable rich state and is witnessing frequent deviation in schedules due to variability in RE generation. In case the RE generation is excluded while working out the deviation at inter-state level, the impact of the RE generation would be minimized and would encourage further augmentation of RE sources. Alternatively, RE power may be absorbed in the national grid so that the generating stations of the State Utilities are not subjected to cyclic loading. The state has undertaken several initiatives leading to increased Pvt. participation in generation
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segment and has achieved consistency in capacity addition to meet its rising demands. Some of the initiatives take up by state for promotion of the sector are as follows. State has emphasized on increasing power generation from renewable sources such that RPO obligated entities like Discoms will able to meet their targets. To promote solar as well as non-solar power generation GERC has set separate RPO targets in each category. In order to promote solar power generation State has come up with Solar rooftop Net metering regulation & Solar pump schemes where in power generated can be used for captive consumption and excess power can be sold to third party or state distribution companies. State of Art Solar Power Park Project – Charanka Gujarat: Proposed capacity more than 750 MW. Currently 350 MW commissioned. Land selected 2000 Ha Govt. Waste Land for development of the Park. Enables accelerated development of solar project through availability of suitable land common infrastructure grid connectivity water availability. Solar Canal Top Projects: State commissioned the world’s first canal-top solar power project over 750m on Narmada branch canal new in Mehsana district of 1MW capacity producing 1.6 MU/year/MW. Another 10MW Sardar Sarovar canal top project has been made operational in 2014 generating 16.2 MU/year. Solar Rooftop Project: For promotion of distributed power generation the state has developed solar rooftop projects of 5 MW at Gandhinagar and 4 MW at Vadodara. For wider consumer participation the state has rolled out the solar policy 2015 with special emphasis to solar rooftop project. Subsidy of Rs. 10,000/ KW (maximum 2 KW) is provided by the state for these projects. Upcoming Ultra-Mega Solar Power Park Project: Capacity more than 700 MW. Proposed to be built on 1,407 Hectare of waste land in Banaskantha district. MNRE released grant of Rs. 30 Cr through SECI to GPCL for development of this project. MNRE/GoI will provide central finance assistance of Rs. 20 lakh / MW based on achievement of milestone. Energy efficiency adoption is gaining momentum in Gujarat. GEDA is State Nodal Agency for MNRE and State Designated Agency for BEE. It works on RE& energy conservation policies framework and their implementation in State. It also undertakes investment grade energy audits on Govt. buildings including offices, educational institutes. Some of the other initiatives are as follows. State has broadened fuel base by adding renewable capacity over last few years. State is developing gas network & LNG terminals for improving gas availability. 1st state to implement Energy Efficient pump sets in Agri sector. Conducting Energy conservation awareness & training programs. Implementing energy efficiency programs like Domestic Efficient Lighting Program, National LED Street Lighting Program and Super-Efficient Fan Program & PAT scheme in State. RE resources are remotely located from the load centers. Due to variability of RE generation the system operator is facing issues of grid management. State Regulatory Commission has incorporated scheduling of wind and solar generators in its Grid code in 2016. Forecasting is done by generators & SLDC is ensuring secured grid operation. Technical collaboration with Academia like IIT’s, NIT’s
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for solving RE grid integration issues and optimum utilization of transmission line is an initiative taken for promoting transmission sector by Gujarat. And in order to evacuate electricity from large capacity RE projects state transmission utility GETCO has made financial provision of 1,737 Cr to add 1,570 ckm of dedicated transmission lines with capacity of around 6,160 MVA by FY 2020. The State has a potential of 35,000MW in wind energy and 69,000MW in solar energy. Gujarat houses one of the Asia’s largest solar parks. After a feasibility study of Indian offshore wind potential, Gujarat is one of the two states that has been selected as ideal to feature the first Indian offshore wind farm. The state with a ~1600km coastline also has a potential of 8200 MW in tidal energy. Gujarat has the 4thlargest Wind Power installed capacity in the country which is about 3948.61 MW (as on March 2016). The Centre for Wind Energy Technology, an autonomous R&D institution under MNRE, has identified and approved 40 sites for wind energy deployment with annual average wind power density greater than 200 W/sq. m. at a 50 m height in Gujarat. Over a period of last more than 25 years more than 65 sites have been monitored for the wind speed and wind power density, and over 50 sites have been found feasible for harnessing wind power. Gujarat has over 1GW of installed solar capacity, accounting for ~17% of India’s total. Gujarat also has Asia’s First Solar Park in Village Charanka, Ta:Santalpur, Patan in 2024hectares of wasteland. For setting up 3000MW Generation & Manufacturing Facilities. 345 MW Capacity Power Plants have been installed at Charanka Solar Park. 91 plants totaling to about 1121 MW capacity were commissioned in Gujarat up to March 2016. The total bio-mass potential for Gujarat is about 1,800 MW from crop residue and about 140 MW from forest residue. 41.10 MW capacity biomass projects commissioned in Amreli, Junagadh and Vadodara. 14.389 MW waste-to-energy power generation projects. Institutional biogas plants with capacity15730 m3/day across the state. Gujarat has initiated the world’s first canal-based solar power project on Narmada branch canal new Chandrasan village of Mehsana district. Energy generated from this pilot project will be directly fed into the local electricity grid and utilized by nearby towns and villages Gandhinagar: The Model Solar City project:GoI declared to develop Gandhinagar as a Model Solar City setting an example for Solar Cities throughout India and other nations. Two solar projects with cumulative installed capacity of 2000kWinstalledin the city. 7415 kW Grid Tied Roof Tops installed under the Solar City Project. Wind-solar hybrid system with 60 KW capacity installed in the city. The Model Solar City project has led to an annual savings of 149.20 lacsk Wh in Gandhinagar. The project has helped reduce 14,900 tons of carbon emission and avoid usage of 10,430 tons of coal. Gandhinagar & Vadodara Solar Rooftop Programme: This Programme provides an opportunity to property owners in Gandhinagar City for participation by offering their rooftop or terrace for installation of Solar Photovoltaic System for solar power generation. 5 MW solar rooftops have been setup in Gandhinagar as part of the Model Solar City Project on Govt. and Pvt. households. 328 location shave been covered in Gandhinagar including 276 ||www.renewablemirror.com||
households and 52 Govt. Buildings. The programme has been replicated in Vadodara too where solar rooftops with capacity of ~4 MW are setup. The owner of property is paid a “Green Incentive” on the basis of units (kWh) of electricity generated by the SPV system installed on the property. To raise the contribution of renewable energy in overall electricity generation within the state, the Gujarat government plans to add 3,000 MW of renewable power generation capacity every year till 2022, which includes 1,000 MW from wind and 2,000 MW solar energy sources. Renewable energy currently constitutes around 28% of total 27,200 MW installed power generation capacity in Gujarat. “In order to meet our renewable purchase obligation (RPO) of 17% by 2022, we plan to add 1,000 MW and 2,000 MW from wind and solar every year till 2022,” said Pankaj Joshi, managing director, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL). RPO is the minimum percentages of the total power that electricity distribution companies and some large power consumers need to purchase from renewable energy (RE) sources. To meet its RPO target, GUVNL purchases electricity distribution companies and some large power consumers need to purchase from renewable energy (RE) source. To meet its RPO target, GUVNL purchases electricity from private and public sector renewable power project developers at tariffs reached through competitive bidding. “GUVNL will soon invite bids for 1,000 MW solar power projects to be developed in the first phase of 5,000 MW Dholera Solar Park. Also, a tender for procurement of power from solar and wind hybrid projects will also be floated in the near future,” added Joshi. To promote renewable power, state energy and petrochemicals department has organized a seminar on “Renewable Energy Opportunities in Gujarat and India” on January 20 as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2019. “Since the first Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2003, more than 100 large investments in renewable energy sector have fructified within the state. These investments total over Rs 40,000 crore,” said Raj Gopal, additional chief secretary, energy and petrochemicals department, government of Gujarat. Apart from renewable energy, defence and aerospace is yet and aerospace is yet another focus area for the state government, which has organised a special plenary meet and seminar on the opportunities for industry in defence and aerospace on January 18. The seminar will bring together senior policymakers from the government of India, defence personnel, industry leaders and academic experts to deliberate on the emerging opportunities in the Indian aerospace and defence sector.
Minister Narendra Modi kicked off an ambitious project to develop a financial hub in the style of Singapore or Dubai. The developers were tasked with transforming an expanse larger than New York's Central Park into a city with more than 100 skyscrapers supporting more than 1 million jobs - all within a decade. Nearly eight years later, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, or GIFT City, supports only 9,000 jobs and only about 3 million of its 62 million square feet of planned development have been built, according to documents from the company's current presentations to investors reviewed by Reuters, and interviews with GIFT officials. Three million square feet are under construction. Despite efforts by the Modi government over the past five years to offer tax and regulatory concessions, and a big push to get banks and brokerages into GIFT, the project remains far short of expectations. GIFT's future is uncertain, with its main partner in financial trouble over soured bets in other projects. The lack of development and job creation at GIFT, critics say,
India's jobs deficit: Project in Gujarat struggling to create employment The developers were tasked with transforming an expanse larger than New York's Central Park into a city with more than 100 skyscrapers supporting more than 1 million jobs - all within a decade. When he was Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2011, Indian Prime ||www.renewablemirror.com||
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reflects one of Modi's challenges as a whole as he begins a second term in office. Critics contend GIFT is a high-profile example of some of Modi's ill-conceived and over-ambitious initiatives. They note demonetisation - Modi's move in 2016 to ban all high-value currency notes then circulating - is another big example of overstretching, as was his government's hurried and botched rollout of a nationwide goods and services tax. Those moves stung small businesses and dented India's economy. "The real issue is Mr. Modi's quixotic approach to macro-economic management," said Sebastian Morris, a senior faculty member of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, one of the country's top business schools. He said GIFT was impracticable, ignoring issues such as location and skills availability. Some bankers also complained that the Gujarat state's decades-long alcohol prohibition policy hasn't helped either. Modi's office and the Gujarat chief minister's office did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesman for GIFT said that the project's timeline had been roiled by subdued demand after the global financial crisis and the lack of a clear regulatory framework until 2014, when Modi took power. GIFT is now at an "inflection point," as the Modi government only set up a favourable tax regime in 2016, the spokesman said, adding that dozens of finance and technology firms, including Tata Consultancy Services and Axis Bank, have now set up shop in GIFT. He said two foreign banks, which he declined to name, are expected to begin operating there. India's two top bourses have begun international operations in GIFT and trading volumes have grown, but are still a fraction of that at India's main exchanges, making firms tentative about trading via GIFT. "Location has been a huge problem," said a retired stategovernment bureaucrat involved in the project for four years, who asked not to be named as he is not authorized to speak to the media. "Most companies are willing to pay higher rents and operate out of Mumbai because the talent pool exists."
IMAGE MAKEOVER
GIFT was conceptualised in 2007, soon after Modi returned from a trip to Singapore. He was eager to be seen as a business-friendly leader and rebrand himself in the wake of the 2002 Hindu-Muslim riots in Gujarat that tainted his image, four people who closely
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worked with Modi since 2003 told Reuters. GIFT was set up as a joint venture between the government of Gujarat and Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS), which provides construction services and financing for infrastructure. Lease terms required that Gujarat get 50 percent of the profit from the sale of development rights in the first phase, and 80 percent thereafter. Reuters could not determine how much has been spent on development so far. To add to GIFT's troubles, IL&FS, which is laden with 910 billion rupees ($12.95 billion) of debt, largely tied to road and other infrastructure projects unrelated to GIFT, defaulted on several debt obligations late in 2018. One source involved in the project said IL&FS's woes had little to with GIFT, and he estimates that less than 0.5 percent of IL&FS's outstanding debt is tied to GIFT projects. The defaults by IL&FS and its group entities relate to loans and bonds financing other infrastructure projects as well as unsecured lending to non-creditworthy entities, according to an interim report from audit firm Grant Thornton, which IL&FS's new board hired to dig into the books. India's government took over the company in October, in a rare move that it said was needed to protect the country's financial system and markets from potential collapse. Law enforcement officials are also investigating IL&FS over potential fraud. Last month, India's Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) arrested the former chairman of IL&FS and accused him of abusing his powers and granting loans to entities that were not creditworthy. IL&FS has not publicly responded to the allegations and did not respond to multiple requests from Reuters for comment. The former chairman and his lawyer were also not immediately reachable for comment. GIFT's chief executive, Ajay Pandey, quit last month without citing any reasons. He did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment on his departure. The GIFT spokesman said that Pandey stepped down as part of a larger exodus of top IL&FS officials, and that IL&FS's troubles would not stall the project. IL&FS did not respond to multiple requests for comment about its financial health, the ongoing fraud investigation and its current role in the project. IL&FS did not respond to multiple requests for comment about its financial health, the ongoing fraud investigation and its current role in the project. "Mr. Modi sold GIFT as the flagship programme of Gujarat 12 years ago," opposition Congress party spokesman Sam Pitroda told media this month. "Today ... no one talks about it. There are failures after failures." The GIFT spokesman said that the project was in good financial health and that 11,000 people would be working there in the next year. ||www.renewablemirror.com||
Media Partner
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Lisa Zhang Marketing Director
Growatt New Energy Technology CO.,LTD
Growatt is a new energy enterprise dedicated to the R&D and manufacturing of PV inverters including on-grid, off-grid and storage inverters, and user side smart energy management solutions as well. The power capacity of Growatt on-grid inverters ranges from 750W to 250 kW, meanwhile its off-grid and storage inverters cover a power range from 1 kW to 630 kW.
Q. What are the philosophy and the larger vision that drives the
in 2019. We’ve also seen significant growth in Brazil and Australia. The US, seriously impacted by the pandemic, is not our key market.
Our vision is to become a global leader of smart energy solutions and provide clear and convenient access to clean energy for households and businesses around the world. The development of solar energy can help reduce our reliance on conventional sources such as fossil fuels for energy and help protect the earth. This is why we are inspired by our work.
Q. There are many debates going on for women empowerment
company?
Q. What products did Growatt showcased till now?
Growatt is a new energy enterprise dedicated to the R&D and manufacturing of PV inverters including on-grid, off-grid and storage inverters, and user side smart energy management solutions as well. The power capacity of Growatt on-grid inverters ranges from 750W to 250 kW, meanwhile its off-grid and storage inverters cover a power range from 1 kW to 630 kW. Growatt inverters are extensively used worldwide for applications in residential, commercial, PV poverty alleviation, utility-scale scenarios as well as other storage power station projects.Please let us know about your experience in the Indian market. How do you plant to accelerate your growth in India against competition?
Q. COVID-19 has spread over a large part of the world. What
has been the impact on your business operations as a result of the coronavirus outbreak?
Our business focus is on the distributed generation solar market. For DG, we don’t need so much manpower to complete the installation while impact on utility-scale solar farm is comparably significant. The goods news for us is that despite the pandemic, our businesses in overseas markets are growing substantially. In Europe, we’ve already achieved our sales of the whole year
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that women are coming up with the technical talent also. What are your views on that?
In every walk of life, there’re always women who are very outstanding and successful. We believe men and women are equal.
Q. What are your initiatives towards CSR?
Growatt high values corporate social responsibility and has received certification of SA 8000. In the manufacturing process, we abide by environmental regulations and care about environmental protections. We provide jobs for over 600 female workers, and offer paid maternity leave. We support social causes and have contributed to solar plants for school and hospital in China and India.
Q. What is your outlook for the power sector for the next few years and Growatt’s role in it?
With the conventional energy sources running out and the increasing awareness of environmental protection, the power sector will evolve and incorporate multiple energy sources, and renewables will take a larger percentage. For solar industry, PV inverter will become the brain for solar plants. Growatt as a global leading inverter manufacturer will take the responsibility to connect users with the grid. In the future, we’ll continue to do our job and give our support on the grid side, and also guarantee the smart and stable connection between the users and the grid. RM
C o n t a c t u s a t : w w w. g i n v e r t e r. c o m ||www.renewablemirror.com||
Arun Chaudhary Sales Head North India
Sineng Electric
Sineng Electric provides customers with of power & electronic products and solutions including grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) inverter, operation and maintenance of PV power plant, development of PV power plant, power quality control, energy storage bidirectional converter and new energy automobiles charging.
Q. Kindly share something about your products you have showcased Q. COVID-19 has spread over a large part of the world. What till now? Sineng Electric is a leading global high-tech enterprise specialized in renewables and has pioneered inverter market with enormous amount of worldwide installed inverters. As a “one stop solution provider” for solar inverters and energy storage, we have a broad product portfolio to meet the diversified needs of customers for residential, C&I and utility scale applications. We cater String Inverters 3kW- 200kW, Central Inverters ranges from 1MW- 3.125MW Solution, AC & DC PCS Solutions to meet the Storage demand,VAR Governor & many more to fulfill the demand. We Sineng Electric is globally well-known brand in field of Power Electronics & holding rank among Top 5 Globally in Solar Central Inverter business.
Q. Please let us know about your experience in the Indian
market. How do you plant to accelerate your growth in India against competition? Sineng Electric considers India as a Strategic Business location & established 3GW Central Inverter Manufacturing facility at Bangalore since 2018. Having an annual production capacity of 3 GW in India & 13GW at China factory enable us to meet the growing demand in India and surrounding overseas market. The operation of the Indian manufacturing base sets a new milestone in the development of Sineng Electric’s business in India and throughout the overseas market. So far we have delivered to many prestigious client from India & China factory. Present pipeline orders from Indian factory is approx.. 1.3 GW to be delivered by 2021. Seeing the market orientation & demand, expansion of Bangalore factory is under process & will finish by 2021 ||www.renewablemirror.com||
has been the impact on your business operations as a result of the coronavirus outbreak? World is going through a difficult phase owing to outbreak of Corona Virus during last quarter of 2019. We at Sineng have also been gravely affected from aftermath of this widespread virus. Measures to prevent the spread of virus, such as quarantine, restriction in public transport, logistics etc affected manufacturing sector very badly. Most of our workers were staying home as recommended by authorities. Due to almost stagnant industrial activities and supply chain paralysis, Projects has been delayed eventually the cascaded chain of activities has been delayed & impacting stress on Industry. Now we are resumed with precautions, still the system chain efficiency is yet to reached at 100%.
Q
. What is your outlook for the power sector for the next few years and SINENG’s role in it? Seeing the present scenario in terms of policies & weakening power demand, energy sector has been hit by many folds & reassessment will happen for yearly targets, COVID-19 has added more concerns into this phenomenon. However in near future by support of revised policies, investments in renewable energy and the sanctity to contracts are expected to be resolved and the plan to achieve 175 gigawatt (GW) of clean energy by 2022 is expected to be on track. Sineng Electric believe in sustainable growth & rational approach towards solar Industry, we support make in India initiative & expanding our Indian manufacturing facility to cater future demand. RM
Contact us at:en.si-neng.com || SEPTEMBER 2020 ||
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Green Energy
The good news is renewable energy storage system market in India is expected to witness robust growth
This fact is not hidden from anyone that India is the world's fourth-largest carbon emitter with its population of 1.3 billion people with power sector contributing majorly to the same. But in the recent years, India has made significant strides in the renewable energy space. The Climate Change concern across the Globe has further propelled the Government and Decision Makers to develop a detailed blue print for clean and sustainable power for all. As part of the initial commitments to the Paris Climate Accord, India plans to reduce its carbon emission intensity - emission per unit of GDP - by 33-35% from 2005 levels over 15 years. It is working towards producing 40% of its installed electricity capacity by 2030 from non-fossil fuels. This would lead to a significant shift from coal-based power generation to renewable energy sources. To achieve these challenging statistics, it has to produce 100 gigawatt from solar, 60 gigawatt from wind, 10 gigawatt from biomass and 5 gigawatt from small hydropower by 2022. And this seems quite an uphill task as the renewable energy development in India is still in its nascent stage. As per the Ministry of Power, Govt. of India, India's energy
mix is evolving slowly with fossil fuels meeting 82% of demand; Coal remaining the dominant fuel with a 57.9% share of total production in 2018. However, there is also a silver lining behind the dark cloud, with the share of coal in the energy mix projected to fall to 50% by 2040, while the share of renewables rises significantly. Renewables will overtake gas and then oil by 2020 as the second largest source of energy production. As per the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Renewables Report, Solar and Wind represent 90% of the country's capacity growth, which is the result of auctions for contracts to develop power-generation capacity that have yielded some of the world's lowest prices for both technologies. The country, which presently has low conventional energy resources in comparison to the energy needs of the huge population and the swiftly growing economy, can foster the enormous potential of solar energy. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi India is committed towards the development of renewable energy infrastructure. The 175 GW target for 2022 and the formation of ISA led by India and France is another example of the same. Apart from solar, the country is also exploring hydro power
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The future looks bright as nearly 293 global and domestic companies have committed to generate 266 GW of solar, wind, mini hydel and biomass-based power in India over the next decade. The initiative would entail an investment of $310 billion-$350 billion. For instance, the International Finance Corporation, the investment arm of the World Bank Group, is planning to invest about $6 billion by 2022 in several sustainable and renewable energy programmes in India. The Indian power sector has an investment potential of Rs 15 trillion over the next four to five years, which indicates immense opportunities in power generation, distribution, transmission and equipment. While there is plenty of capital chasing the opportunities in the renewable sector, there are several risks that need to be kept in view, including counterparty risks both in terms of developers and procurers. The good news is renewable energy storage system market in India is expected to witness robust growth, over the next decade, once the cost of storage declines, which is likely to happen because of the sheer volume growth through the electric vehicle route. However, the success will only be possible when the FAME 2 will meet its desired objectives. To draw a parallel with other countries, in December TESLA's 100MW Hornsdale Power Reserve battery system in South Australia delivered 100 MW into the national electricity grid in 140 milliseconds, instantly powering 1,70,000 homes when the Loy Yang coal power plant suddenly went offline. This testifies, why energy storage has become a complementary solution for renewable energy, which is seasonal and intermittent for ensuring 24Ă—7, robust supply of energy. The thrust on solar and wind projects has increased the challenges in maintaining system stability, which is encouraging developers to support power grid networks with battery storage to help manage the variations in power supply. Renewable energy projects backed with battery technology could transform the energy scenario in India. However, the challenge is to develop a technology that is suitable for large renewable energy projects. As per industry reports, the deployment of energy storage is anticipated to grow over 40 per cent annually in the next 10 years, with around 80 GW of additional storage capacity. We have undertaken proof-of-concept in battery energy storage systems, wherein large lithium-ion battery banks are being deployed in Delhi. As India's leading renewable energy players with a gross generation capacity of 3,210 MW through clean non-fossil sources, we are committed to transform the sector in sync with the government's vision of promoting renewable energy building a total capacity of 20,000 MW by 2025, of which 30-40 per cent would be based on non-fossil fuel. The need of the hour is addressing the bankability of renewable energy projects which has always been an issue in India, owing to off-takers' inability to absorb power and pay for it. The power purchase agreement structure needs to be strengthened further to make renewable energy projects more bankable.
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potential in the north-eastern states which are an abode to the hydro power opportunities. Besides the above, change in the energy mix will also ride upon innovative technologies, growing energy demand, strong wind and solar resources, policy support, and growing investments et al and will ensure smart, reliable, clean and affordable energy to over a billion people with an energy consumption growth of 4.2% p.a., faster than all major economies in the world, overtaking China as the largest growth market for renewable energy by the late 2020s. Another research by University of Technology (LUT) in Finland expounds that India has a huge potential to move into a fully renewable electricity system by 2050, owing to an abundance of renewable resources. If only we can optimally leverage sophisticated technologies to harness proactive collaboration with the industry, academia and energy innovation ecosystem, the region can move straight to affordable renewable systems. Such renewable energy systems can work mainly on clean energy, solar energy, wind energy and other new age storage solutions. Solar photovoltaic is the most economical electricity source and batteries satisfy the night-time electricity demand. In addition to covering India's electricity demand for power, such system simulation can also cover for seawater desalination and synthetic natural gas beyond other measures. With the right investments in such green technologies, India is well positioned to achieve all this. This is significant given India's burgeoning electricity demand and the persistent supply demand gap along with the summer shortages and outages, the pursuit towards cleaner energy sources will have a crucial role in enabling the country's transition to a fully sustainable energy system. Ensuring those projects secure the necessary financing to enable that development, however, remains a challenge, with a large proportion of Southeast Asian projects considered unbendable. The bankability of renewable energy projects has always been an issue owing to off takers' inability to absorb power and pay for it. Amongst the various developments that have taken place in the solar and wind power segments this year, the ones that would have a long-term impact on the power sector include bidding in the wind segment, which would mean that utilities would not scout for wind sites and choose wind turbine suppliers through competitive measures. Another vital strand is the government would tender 20,000 MW of solar capacity, which would perhaps be the largest block of capacity to be auctioned in a single tranche for the first time globally. The government's strong resolve to heightened quality standards for imported solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, enforced through inspections will further help procurers get over 25 years of module life. This reflects a national commitment to green energy and shows how the country is fast transitioning towards a renewable-focused economy expediting renewable capacity build-up and removing the difficulties being encountered by developers and manufacturers.
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fuels. This would lead to a significant shift from coal-based power generation to RE sources. To achieve these challenging statistics, it has to produce 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 gigawatt from biomass&5 GW from small hydropower by 2022.&this seems quite an uphill task as the RE development in India is still in its nascent stage. As per the MoP, India's energy mix is evolving slowly with fossil fuels meeting 82% of demand; Coal remaining the dominant fuel with a 57.9% share of total production in 2018. However, there is also a silver lining behind the dark cloud, with the share of coal in the energy mix projected to fall to 50% by 2040, while the share of renewables rises significantly. Renewables will overtake gas & then oil by 2020 as the second largest source of energy production. As per the IEA Renewables Report, Solar & Wind represent 90% of the country's capacity growth, which is the result of auctions for contracts to develop power-generation capacity that have yielded some of the world's lowest prices for both technologies. The country, which presently has low conventional energy resources in comparison to the energy needs of the huge population & the swiftly growing economy, can foster the enormous potential of solar energy. India is committed towards the development of RE infrastructure. The 175 GW target for 2022&the formation of ISA led by India & France is another example of the same. Apart from solar, the country is also exploring hydro power potential in the north-eastern states which are an abode to the hydro power opportunities. Besides the above, change in the energy mix will also ride upon innovative technologies, growing energy demand, strong wind & solar resources, policy support, & growing investments et al & will ensure smart, reliable, clean & affordable energy to over a bn people with an energy consumption growth of 4.2% Future of RE in India p.a., faster than all major economies in the world, overtaking With 300 clear sunny days, over a dozen perennial rivers China as the largest growth market for RE by the late 2020s. & a coastline of more than 7,500 KMs, India since the age of Puranas, had realized the importance of the sun & other With the right investments in such green technologies, India sources of RE & the power they possess for the benefit of its is well positioned to achieve all this. This is significant given inhabitants. Post-Independence, India's first Prime Minister, Shri India's burgeoning electricity demand & the persistent supply Jawahar Lal Nehru while inaugurating the Bhakra Nangal Dam demand gap along with the summer shortages & outages, the (having a potential to generate 1500 MW of Power) described it pursuit towards cleaner energy sources will have a crucial role as the 'New Temple of Resurgent India'. However, except hydro in enabling the country's transition to a fully sustainable energy power, the other two abundant energy resources – wind & solar system. Ensuring those projects secure the necessary financing remained untapped in the last 70 years mainly due to lack of to enable that development, however, remains a challenge, political will & unviability of relevant technologies. This fact is with a large proportion of Southeast Asian projects considered not hidden from anyone that India is the world's fourth-largest unbendable. The bankability of RE projects has always been carbon emitter with its population of 1.3 bn people with power an issue owing to off takers' inability to absorb power & pay sector contributing majorly to the same. But in the recent years, for it.Amongst the various developments that have tak en place India has made significant strides in the RE space. The Climate in the solar & wind power segments this year, the ones that Change concern across the Globe has further propelled the Govt. would have a long-term impact on the power sector include & Decision Makers to develop a detailed blue print for clean & bidding in the wind segment, which would mean that utilities sustainable power for all. As part of the initial commitments would not scout for wind sites & choose wind turbine suppliers to the Paris Climate Accord, India plans to reduce its carbon through competitive measures. Another vital strand is the govt. emission intensity - emission per unit of GDP - by 33-35% would tender 20,000 MW of solar capacity, which would perhaps from 2005 levels over 15 years. It is working towards producing be the largest block of capacity to be auctioned in a single 40% of its installed electricity capacity by 2030 from non-fossil tranche for the first time globally. The govt.'s strong resolve to There are states which, owing to their fiscal challenges, are not encouraging the must-run status of renewables and are forcing such capacities to back down when wind velocities are unfavourable. The government, therefore, should enforce must-run status as an obligation for all consumers to buy a good proportion of clean and green power. We also need to address some challenges faced by power producers which include high fuel supply risk, time overruns at plants, and the limited paying capacity of the financially weak distribution utilities due to pre-defined RPOs in their PPAs. Last but not the least, in order to remain energy positive and to make the most of renewable energy sources, we will have to parallelly focus on aggressive promotion of energy efficiency practices as India's Energy demand will witness an exponential spurge owning to the lighting and cooling requirements due to the varied climatic conditions, the developments in the Electric Mobility, growth of the Industries as well as rural electrification. The World Bank in its report titled 'Utility scale DSM opportunities and business models in India' has pegged India's energy efficiency market at Rs 1.6 lakh /- crore by considering the end use energy efficiency opportunities which is four times the Rs 44,000/- crore in 2010, against the backdrop of the success of the Government of India's UJALA scheme to distribute LED bulbs (Bachhat Lamp Yojana). Till now, over 28 Crore LEDs have been sold across the country which has resulted in energy savings to the tune of 36,545 MUs and avoided peak demand of 7317 MW. In monetary terms, savings of around Rs. 14,618/- crores have been achieved. This will also provide a very good market for companies manufacturing energy efficient lighting and appliances as well as companies providing DSM solutions.
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heightened quality standards for imported solar PV modules, enforced through inspections will further help procurers get over 25 years of module life. This reflects a national commitment to green energy & shows how the country is fast transitioning towards a renewable-focused economy expediting renewable capacity build-up & removing the difficulties being encountered by developers & manufacturers. In what will be a record offering in a financial year, India is set to tender close to 6,650 MW of RE projects in February. Of this, 2,500 MW are wind power projects&4,150 MW solar. With this, the total projects offered during 2017-18 will exceed a combined capacity of 10,000 MW. The tranche of projects to be offered includes several state-level projects from Uttar Pradesh (1,000 Mw), Karnataka (200 Mw), Maharashtra (1,500 MW of wind & solar) &Andhra Pradesh (750 Mw). Wind power projects totaling a generation capacity of 2,000 MW would be bid out by SECI, a state-run company under the aegis of the MNRE. Under the Paris Climate Change accord, India has committed itself to building projects with a combined capacity of 175 GW RE by 2022. Of this, 60 GW is solar&40 GW wind. GoI last year introduced a competitive bidding process for wind power projects, along the lines of solar. In the 1,500 MW of projects that have been tendered out, the wind power tariff has fallen to Rs 2.34 per unit. The lowest tariff in solar stands at Rs 2.44 per unit.
Barriers to private capital investment
Policy & regulatory bottlenecks: India’s RE policies & regulations are a significant deterrent to private capital investment in clean energy projects. Policies regarding RE projects have evolved rapidly & at times haphazardly due to the Modi govt.’s ostensible commitment to a low carbon transition. The policy making process has not been inclusive, however, as private sector contributions have only been requested towards the later stages of the policy framing process. Stakeholders interviewed for this study believe
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that investor & business owner inputs are needed throughout the entire formulation & implementation process in order to formulate cohesive & meaningful policy measures. Additionally, regulatory measures & frameworks for RE seem to be inconsistent with certain other govt. policies. For instance, India has pledged to reduce coal based electricity generation to sixty% of overall power generation by 2050 per its INDCs. Current policies, however, indicate limited scaling down & shuttering of thermal plants over the next two decades. Further examples of misaligned policies can be seen in India’s push towards 175 GW of RE capacity by 2050. In order to achieve this goal, financial regulations would need to be changed as well. Yet, there has been no indication of a concurrent policy shift by the govt.. The lack of alignment between climate policy & other macro policies has created further unease amongst financiers looking to make RE investments in India.An additional issue pertains to the unpredictably of govt. policies. Large scale economic shifts such as demonetization, as well as sector oriented policy shifts such as the recent reduction in depreciation benefits for RE sources have contributed to investor uncertainty. Studies show that frequent changes in policies can significantly impede the scaling up of RE investment in India’s foreseeable future. In addition to policy unpredictability, another area of concern is the non-enforcement of central govt. policy. A stark illustration of this can be seen in the case of certain Indian states where only ten% of RE investors have received promised govt. subsidies. Additional examples can be seen in the state of Maharashtra, where the govt. has refused to provide payments for electricity generated by wind farms ostensibly due to a lack of demand.RE investors looking to initiate projects in India also have to deal with inconsistency in power procurement policies. Certain states, for example award contracts to developers based on determined, fixed tariffs. In other states, however, developers are required to go through a reverse auction bid
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process. While sub national variances can be problematic for investors, of even greater concern are post hoc shifts in energy procurement policy. A number of states have shifted their policies arbitrarily, going from fixed tariff to reverse auction bid & vice versa. The mismanagement of the procurement process by Indian states has created uncertainty around what should be a straightforward procedure, which can have an adverse effect on investor confidence. Additionally, concerns have also been raised about the competitive bidding processes implemented in certain states. Discussants, citing the dramatic drop in RE rates over the past five years, believe that the bidding mechanism could incite financially unsound bids from renewable power producers. While technology developments have led to lower material & project development costs, somewhat justifying the downward trend in overall project cost, there remains uncertainty over the medium & long term sustainability of these renewable projects. The worst-case scenario is an en masse collapse of the Indian RE industry, which would certainly hamper future private capital flow for such projects in the future. Political risk: A corollary to India’s policy & regulatory issues are the politics present within the Indian governance architecture. The non-enforcement of central govt. policies mentioned in the previous section is part of the problematic dynamic that exists between India’s central & state govt.s. India’s constitution accords a fair amount of autonomy to states – for example, resources such as land & water fall under state jurisdiction rather than that of the central govt.. The pricing of electricity for consumers & the determination of power procurement methods also fall under the purview of the state govt.. As a result, state govt.’s can play a critical role in the advancement or discouragement of private capital flow for RE projects. The importance of the state as an entity was elucidated by an interviewee who recalled a scenario in which a particular state govt. was governed by the central govt.’s opposition party. Despite the incentives laid
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out in central govt. policies, the state govt. was able to impede a potential RE projects through sheer obstinacies. Intransigent local authorities were able to induce significant time delays, using bureaucracy & red tape to stall information requests & clearances. The discussant registered complaints to the heads of the appropriate departments to no avail. Eventually, after having exhausted all options, the discussant was forced to drop the proposed project. Willful use of delaying tactics on the part of the state authorities are not simply the by-product of partisan politics - administrative turf wars between the federal & state govt. can also side-line promising projects. Significant time delays in a project can be costly, serving to further dis-incentivize private capital flows. Off-taker risk: One of the most significant areas of concern in India is the poor financial health of the power sector & the consequential dampening effect on the flow of private capital for RE projects. Concerns are specifically focused on the DISCOMS which have been, with a few exceptions, operating at a loss for many years, with the govt. having to bail the sector out three times in the past 13 years. The largest factor for the continued failures of Indian DISCOMS is the policies that govern electricity prices for consumers. Consumer electricity rates are determined by state authorities & rates are largely set for political reasons with certain powerful lobbies, such as the agricultural sector, receiving fully subsided electricity. These electricity rate policies have unfortunate consequences for the DISCOMS, who have to pay power generators between 30 to 50% more than the amounts charged to end users. There are additional reasons for the financial losses incurred by Indian DISCOMS – among them large scale distribution issues [xv]. The distribution issues come most often in the form of power theft & transmission leakage due to unstable electricity grids [xvi]. Operational inefficiencies, largely manifested in the form of collection issues & misallocation of resources also affect DISCOMS, serving to add
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ecosystem is the lack of easily accessible environmental data. In order to determine the viability of a RE project, investors tap into country specific databases to procure information regarding environmental factors. The importance of this data is perhaps best illustrated by looking at the example of a solar power plant. During the beginning stages of a solar project, potential investors attempt to identify the amount of solar radiation that a location receives over a certain time period. This data is then fed into software that calculates the amount of energy that will be generated if a solar plant is set up in the location, taking into account a multitude of factors. India does not currently have an existing solar radiation database. As a result, potential investors looking to build a solar plant have to use other data sources which have been shown to have discrepancies of up to seven% when projecting energy generation. The variance is hard to account for in the profit forecasting models that financiers use to make investment decisions, thereby creating an added layer of uncertainty for private capital to take into account. The state of India’s electricity grids is an additional source of apprehension for investors. India’s electrical grid infrastructure is below standards, with a T&D loss percentage of twenty of 21% in 2014, 4 times the T&D Loss percentage of China & the United States in the same year. Revenues losses due to T&D leakages are further compounded by the transmission constraints of the national electricity grid. India’s national electricity grid cannot currently handle excess electricity generation transfers between regions, which have leading to significant curtailment of RE power in certain states [xix]. If the issue is not rectified, there is the possibility of a worst-case scenario where over congested grids could lead to a scaling back of future contracts in an otherwise conducive RE environment. Leaving aside the T&D losses & the inherent inflexibility of the national electricity grid, India still faces problems in integrating renewable power sources to the grid. The variability & intermittency associated with solar & wind power, combined with a lack of grid capacity, has led to major bottlenecks in the transmission of renewable based electricity within states themselves. Curtailment rates have been as high as 50% due to issues related to transmission & the lack of a smart grid. Baring a dramatic uptick in investment, technology related concerns will continue to act as a deterrent for large scale private capital flow. Upgrades to the grid infrastructure are not enough however – they need to be paired with adequate inflows of technical knowledge in order to truly make the grid stable enough to handle increased energy capacity. The dearth of technical expertise is not restricted to grid-related issues – it is pervasive throughout India’s RE sector. Construction & maintenance of RE sources require specialized skill-sets. If appropriate capacity building measures for said skills sets are not prioritized within the labour force, there could be manpower shortages for RE construction & inadequate responses to operational problems for existing RE sources. Both scenarios could result in institutions rethinking private capital investments for RE in India. RM
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further cash flow strains to financially stressed balance sheets. The amalgamation of loss generating activities often force DISCOMS to take out loans to continue operational activities, which only further exacerbates the matter. Adding interest payments to the list of costs places firms under greater financial duress, leading to the aforementioned scenario wherein the govt. is forced to rescue the entire industry. Despite the implementation of policies aimed at revamping the sector, certain DISCOMS have been unable to follow through on their payment commitments to power generators over the past few years fulfilling only a portion of their power purchase commitments. This has once again put the Indian power sector in a precarious position leading to a great deal of investor uncertainty with regards to the financial viability of future power purchase agreements. The difficulties faced by the Indian power sector are further aggravated by policies implemented in certain states. RPO, a policy initiative designed to encourage RE projects, compel DISCOMS to purchase a certain percentage (5-10%) of their electricity from renewable power sources. While RE prices have been steadily falling, there are states where thermal power remains less expensive for distributors. Unfortunately, this has led to a scenario where DISCOMS have avoided entering into agreements with large RE producers, as the power provided by said sources would exceed the percentage required under the RPO’s. There are no easy solutions to the issues facing the Indian power sector. Under the India constitution, issues related to electricity pricing fall under the jurisdiction of the state govt.. Unless there is a constitutional amendment, the central govt. has no discernible way to regulate electricity prices charged to consumers, & are therefore powerless to make wholesale changes to the industry. Technology risks: Another area of concern for investors is the technology risk associated with the RE sector. An overarching issue, on the global level, pertains to the perception of RE as a technology that is still evolving. Consequentially, investor sentiment among certain segments views the risk of technology obsolescence to be too high. The possibility of a scenario in which RE investments quickly become antiquated & the potential downside of the losses that could be incurred, act as a psychological hurdle for some investors. In addition to the risk of industry wide technological risks, interviewees also voiced concerns about the adaptability of RE technologies to local conditions. Solar & wind component manufacturing is dominated by China & while the technologies have been tested in other regions, their performance under Indian conditions is uncertain given the nascent nature of its RE sector. Ideally, there would be standards to ensure the capability of all foreign manufactured RE components – unfortunately, India does not have any governing guidelines or regulatory body overlooking such imports. The lack of adaptability to the subcontinent’s environment could lead to excessive inefficiency or even failure of the technology under extreme conditions creating further uncertainty in the mind of investors. A further issue pertinent to the Indian RE
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Solar & Storage Energy
One of the most prominent and analytical components of India’s energy infrastructure
India is fast moving towards an energy future with systems that will combine solar power and battery technologies, according to research firm JMK Research & Analytics. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of such a system is already economical for the commercial and industrial category in most of the states for both open access and rooftop solar projects, it said in a statement. “Solar storage is also a viable option for the standalone system where there is no grid connectivity, and the electricity is generated using diesel gensets. The cost of storage systems is likely to fall further with the proposed battery manufacturing facilities. Thus, improving the financial viability of solar+storage system,” the firm said in a press release. JMK Research considered three scenarios to understand the current cost dynamics of battery storage. In this, they analysed technical and financial parameters of the solar+storage system for behind the meter installations for the commercial and industrial segment. The rationale behind the four-hour battery backup is that the peak demand comes from 6 pm to 8 pm in the evening and as more and more states opt for the time-of-day tariff, the battery back-up of four hours would help consumers avoid the high cost of tariff applicable in these peak hours. The financial model is based on assumptions including for solar a depreciation of 3.6 per cent for 25 years and for battery a
depreciation of 9 per cent for first battery life, followed by 6 per cent for second battery life was assumed. The tariff of the combined solar and battery system would range between Rs 6.6 per unit and Rs 9 per unit under different capacity scenarios for both the technologies. The report said that in order to increase storage adoption, policymakers should devise policies to benefit all the stakeholders and promote storage systems along with solar. “Financial incentives can help in reducing the burden on consumers and utilities and will help in faster adoption. A separate fund can also be created to support solar+storage systems,” it said. The firm added that the government can also direct financial institutions and banks to provide low-cost financing to the upcoming solar+storage projects, which would further help in tariff reductions and improve projects’ viability. According to a draft ‘National energy storage mission’ (NESM) document, Battery making represents a “Huge economic opportunity for India”, which also contour how the country could capture value across the supply chain and increase speed of the country’s adoption of renewable energy. The Indian government Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued a declaration some time ago, announcing the publication of a joint report on the potential for scaling up domestic
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of 25 GW with storage and delivery at Una.”This will be India’s largest tender so far in terms of the capacity envisaged. The solar system is expected to save 1 million/year in electricity cost The Delhi Legislative Assembly building has gone green with the recent installation of a 100 kW rooftop solar system. The cost of the solar project installation is estimated to be Rs 735,000 (~$10,470), according to PTI. It is anticipated to save Delhi assembly nearly Rs1 million (~$14,244) in electricity bill on the annual basis. The agedness of the solar project is expected to be 25 years. Ram Niwas Goel, the speaker of the Delhi assembly, told PTI, “The second phase of 100 kW of solar panels will be installed in Delhi Vidhan Sabha premises soon.” Delhi government has taken several steps in the past months to increase the adoption of renewable energy in the region in order to combat the harmful and unsafe air quality and make the national capital more sustainable. For instance, in July 2018, the government had planned to launch a Solar Rooftop Demand Aggregation Program for domestic customers in the nation’s capital. The program would benefit consumers including residential, schools, hospitals and municipal segments with an anticipated assembled demand of 40 MW under the RESCO mode. In the same month, it approved Mukhya Mantri Agriculture-cum Solar Farm Program to enhance farmer productivity and revenue attain the state’s solar target as per the Delhi Solar Policy 2016.Recently, Delhi’s Indraprastha Power Generation Co. Ltd. (IPGCL) issued a tender for 35 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects in Delhi under the Mukhya Mantri Solar Power Program. In September 2018, BSES, Delhi’s major distribution company (DISCOM), announced that it has installed more than 1,000 solar rooftop connections with a sanctioned solar load of over 40 MW. According to BSES, the total number of solar rooftop net metering connections is likely to cross 2,000 and the sanctioned solar load will double up to around 80 MW by the end of 2018. In November 2018, the Delhi government also released its draft Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2018 to improve Delhi’s air quality by bringing down the emission from transport sector. This policy will apply to Battery Electric Vehicles as defined in Fast Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME). Moreover, Mild Hybrid, Strong Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles are not included in the policy. Markets and Policy GRIDCO signs PPA with Aditya Birla Renewable for the remaining 75 MW. The Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO) recently cancelled 125 MW out of its recent auction conducted for 200 MW of grid-connected solar projects. The GRIDCO has now signed a 25-year PPA to develop the remaining 75 MWs with Aditya Birla Renewables. The capacity was tendered by GRIDCO in April 2018 and was oversubscribed by almost four times. In the auction, Aditya Birla Renewable had quotedRs.2.79 (~$0.0406)/kWh to develop 75 MW of solar capacity. Sukhbir Agro bid Rs.3.19 (~$0.0464)/kWh to develop 25 MW, Gupta Power
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manufacturing of batteries for EV. Written by NITI Aayog – (the National Institution for Transforming India) and US think tank Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), the frames key policy recommendations to be a part of three distinct stages. While the MNRE statement referred to energy storage as “one of the most prominent and analytical components of India’s energy infrastructure”, with the mission itself and its Expert Committee brought together to achieve a target of becoming a leader in the energy storage sector, the report focuses almost absolutely on the manufacture of batteries for EVs. The NESM also demonstrate incentives and other various methods to speed up the market, such as tax incentives and land grants for manufacturers as well as the streamlining of empowering systems. Government of India is targeting for 100% of the car sales which runs with electricity by the year 2030, which NITI Aayog and RMI said was ambitious but can be achieved, with a supportive government and an “active and involved consortium”. In fact, the report’s authors only mention addressing the need for batteries for the stationary storage market once this all-electric consumer transport future has been reached. According to sources, Power Minister Mr. R.K. Singh attended the meeting with batterybased energy storage manufacturers calling on them to set up manufacturing units in India, stating that a “Make in India” policy favoring such attempts and identical to ‘Make in India’ policies for other sectors was forthcoming. Within the short time, the industry also received a boost just a few weeks ago when the rate of the newly introduced Goods and Services Tax (GST) - applied across all sectors of the Indian economy – that is applicable to lithium-ion batteries, was short by 10%. SECI Likely to Issue RFS for 2.5 GW of Solar in Kargil very soon The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a notification expressing that the Request for Selection (RFS) for setting up of 2.5 GW grid-connected solar PV projects in Kargil region will be issued shortly. This capacity comes under phase-I of the government’s plan to set up of 23 GW in the Leh and Kargil Regions, Jammu & Kashmir. Latest in the month of November 2018, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced a plan for the execution of 23 GW of ultra mega solar projects in the Leh and Ladakh regions of Jammu & Kashmir. The grid-connected solar PV projects are planned to be set up in the Pang region in Leh and in the Zangla region in Kargil. The 2,500 MW grid-connected solar PV project is tentatively planned to be in New Wanpoh region and the 5,000 MW grid-connected solar PV project is tentatively planned to be in Hisar. The scope of work would include the setting up of the grid-connected solar PV projects along with implementation of the entire power evacuation infrastructure (substations along with transmission lines), up to the drawl point. A single tender would be issued for the selection of the project developer, who would be responsible for the setting up of the project along with the power evacuation infrastructure. Speaking at the CII’s Government and Business Partnership Conclave in August, the Minister of Power, Mr. R.K. Singh had said, “We have 35 GW of installation potential in Ladakh. We will come out with single bid
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quoted the same tariff to develop 20 MW. Eden Renewable quoted Rs.3.19 (~$0.0464)/kWh to develop 50 MW and ACME Solar quoted a tariff of Rs.3.20 (~$0.0466)/kWh to develop another 50 MW. Previously, Mercom reported that the tariff aboveRs3 (~$0.0429)/kWh mark was not financially feasible for GRIDCO and any tariffs over that could be cancelled. As the difference between L1 and the other bidders was more than Rs.0.40 (~$0.0057)/kWh, GRIDCO asked the other bidders to match the lowest tariff of Rs.2.79 (~$0.0406)/kWh. According to Mercom’s sources, despite the plea made by GRIDCO, the bidders denied to reduce the tariff rates. This, consequently, led to the cancellation of 125 MW of solar projects, and the capacity is now likely to be retendered by GRIDCO. An official at Sukhbir Agro, who’s 25 MW has been cancelled, commented saying, “We have denied matching the L1 price as it is too low, and the other players are in the same price range”. The solar industry is trying to overcome the safeguard duty and GST, but government agencies continue to insist on lower tariffs which developers feel are unviable.
Progress in the Off-Grid utilities
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has received approval to launch phase II of Atal Jyoti Yojna (AJAY) during the financial year 2018-19 and 2019-20. The ministry has also received Rs.500 million (~$7.13 million) to meet the pending liabilities of phase I of the program. Under the phase II of AJAY, 304,500 solar street lights are expected to be installed in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and North Eastern states including Sikkim, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep and parliamentary constituencies covering 48 aspirational districts. The estimated cost per light is Rs.25, 000 (~$356) and the MNRE will provide Rs.5.71 billion (~$81.41 million), which is 75 percent of the total cost of solar street lights to be installed in phase II. The remaining 25 percent will come from Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) fund of respective constituencies. The Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is the implementing agency for the phase II of the AJAY scheme. The project needs to be implemented within one year from the
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date of notification. The MNRE had launched the Atal Jyoti Yojna in 2016. By March 2018, 1.45 lakh solar street lights were installed in 96 parliamentary constituencies. In June 2018, the Union Cabinet approved phase three of the Off-grid and Decentralized Solar PV Application Program. Under the program, a total of 3, 00, 000 solar street lights would be installed across the country and areas devoid of grid connectivity with no facility of street lighting solution would get precedence over other areas. The program also aims to distribute 25, 00, 000 solar study lamps in northeastern states and left wing extremism affected districts.
Tenders and Auctions
Indian Railways Invites Bids for 2 MW of Solar Projects along Delhi-Ambala Line. The last date for submission of bids is January 28, 2019. The Railway Energy Management Company Limited (REMCL), a joint venture of Indian Railways and RITES Limited, has invited bids for setting up of 2 MW of solar projects along the Delhi-Ambala railway track. The projects, which will be located near Diwana station, will follow a tariff-based competitive bidding. The successful bidder will sign power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Northern Railways for a period of 25 years. To be eligible to bid for the project, the net worth of the bidder should be equal to or greater than the Rs.10.7 million (~$0.15 million) per MW of the project capacity as on the last date of financial year 2017-18. Earlier, REMCL had also invited bids for a 50 MW solar project on railways land at Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. Railways are the single largest consumer of electricity in the country, with roughly 2 percent share of national energy consumption. Moreover, Indian Railways has announced that it is planning to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030 and is working tirelessly on all fronts to reduce its carbon footprint. The infrastructure as well as the space available to the Indian Railways has opened avenues for the development of rooftop and ground-mount solar projects that can be utilized to address its increasing energy needs. Solar panels at rooftops of 78 railway stations across Kerala have been planned based on feasibility at the stations. Mercom previously reported that the Indian Railways had announced it will soon launch tenders to set up large-scale solar power projects, inching closer towards its overall solar power target of 5 GW. The 5 GW capacities will consist of utility-scale and rooftop solar power projects. BHEL to Set Up 129 MW of Solar Projects in Telangana for Singareni Collieries. This is by far the largest solar power project order won by BHEL. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a public sector undertaking (PSU) involved in the manufacturing of electrical equipment, has won an order for setting up 129 MW of solar power projects in Telangana from Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). This is by far the largest solar power project order won by BHEL with a value of Rs 5.65 billion (~$ 79.79 million). The 129 MW projects are to be set up at four locations in Telangana
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– Ramagundam (50 MW), Yellandu (39 MW), Manuguru (30 MW), and Pegadapally (10 MW), on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis. The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) had issued a tender to award EPC contracts for development of 150 MW solar PV capacity spread across various locations of SCCL. It was a domestic competitive bidding tender. “BHEL has been awarded 129 MW in the first phase and the remaining capacity is yet to be processed. The most likely time to process the remaining capacity will be around February end”, an SCCL official informed Mercom India. SCCL has estimated the entire capacity development to cost approximately Rs13,615 million (~$199.9 million) through a debt equity ratio of 70:30. Per SCCL, the debt portion of Rs.9, 530 million (~$139 million) will be met through banks and foreign investors and equity portion of Rs.4,085 million (~$ 59.6 million) will be met through SCCL’s internal resources. The SCCL board has approved detailed project reports for nine solar projects. In June 2018, BHEL had announced bagging orders worth Rs1.25 billion (~$0.019 billion) for the development of two solar power projects in Gujarat. The recent win for Renew Power in the round the clock power tender for 400 MW at Rs 2.90 kWh marked a huge turning point for storage in India too. For one, the renewable+ storage combination as a way to get power at all hours possibly, and at scale, is no longer a possibility that will get laughed off. A reaction we would regularly hear as recently as 9-10 months ago. The 1200 MW tender RE+storage that preceded this one, although with peak power supply requirements, had already indicated that things were changing far faster than people imagined. Secondly, questions about the opportunity in storage, while no longer relevant, will now be focused on the fact that the same cost pressure that accompanied the growth of solar in India will bear down on storage suppliers and manufacturers too. For storage, that means the margin premiums for early movers is a very small window indeed. How the sector, that is still taking shape, adapts to this reality remains to be seen. Will it impact manufacturing decisions for India? Or will it mean government protection of some sort soon? While there are multiple technologies aiming to make a mark, at this point, Lithium Ion remains well ahead. The good news is that being a little behind the curve, India will get the benefit of both scale economics and research investment already made into storage technology. The storage market was already projected to rise from $18 billion in 2019 to $100 billion in 2025. On the back of strong pipelines for capacity creation in China, the US and Australia. All three countries have seen a resurgence in Hybrid solutions, or Renewable+ storage systems, something India discovered last week with the Renew bid. In fact, Woodmac, the global research firm predicts that despite the disruptions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, global storage addition will go from 5.2 GW in 2019 to 12.6 GW in 2020. In India, there is a strong pipeline building up for storage linked projects, of which the smaller ones will start coming online from 2021 onwards. ||www.renewablemirror.com||
In terms of long term demand and growth, any number of triggers could increase it, or sustain it. Old, polluting coal powered stations could be retired, for instance. The power ministry itself had informed a Parliamentary Standing commitee on energy that thermal power plants of 42,877 megawatt (MW) capacity have outlived their lives and have been operational for 25 years or more in India. The 1973 make Badarpur Thermal Power Station was virtually forced to shut down in 2018 as pollution worries in the NCR region reached a crescendo. There is no reason not to apply the same standards to many more areas where similar vintage plants operate, especially as the low cost argument of coal fired energy versus renewable is laid to rest now. In fact, over 50% of the country’s thermal plants today are over 25 years old, if one goes by the list of plants on the CEA website. The oldest ones that are over 40 years ( pre -1980) are a sizeable cohort themselves. Close to 60 GW of capacity is linked to these plants. many of these plants are already living on borrowed time, as they have managed repeated extensions on deadlines to comply with new pollution norms. The latest deadline is 2021. At some stage, the owners of these plants, which include many state discoms themselves or the NTPC , will take a call on closure or extending their lives further, with the latter becoming an increasingly expensive proposition. That means fresh installation demand for renewable energy, but this time with storage. As power markets evolve to a more competitive market possibly, customers will also get more choice from generators who go with renewable energy+ storage options to meet demand. The drop in storage costs seen recently challenges many projections, and notions about the limitations of renewable energy in meeting ‘baseload’ requirements. 2015 might be too early, but 2030 is definitely a time when the last of the doubts are blown away by the performance of the hybrid projects that come up by then. Throw in better handling of the power produced today ( a lot of captive commercial renewable power is wasted on holidays, for instance), and you have the making of a perfect, long runway for storage in India. RM
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Solar Inverter
Different types of Solar Inverter Technology is advancing so rapidly, it’s hard to keep up. With every new breakthrough there comes an entirely new vocabulary that can sometimes make things even more confusing. That is why we would like to take a second to explain the true backbone of solar: solar power inverters. If solar panels are the heart of a system, then inverters are the brain. Typically, an inverter’s main job is to convert DC power produced by solar arrays into usable AC power, but recently its role has become more involved. Certain inverters now enable monitoring so we can see how your system is performing. Inverters belong to a large group of static converters, which include many of today’s devices able to “convert” electrical parameters in input, such as voltage and frequency, so as to produce an output that is compatible with the requirements of the load. Generally speaking, inverters are the devices capable of converting direct current into alternating current and are quite common in industrial automation applications and electric drives. The architecture and the design of different inverter types changes according to each specific application, even if the core of their main
purpose is the same (DC to AC conversion). Solar power plant system represents the clean energy generation systems which convert and deliver the large amounts of solar radiation energy to the grid. The solar irradiance and the grid voltage are the complex and dynamic system and need the universal solution which can provide more power at high dynamics of changes in external, various conditions. The multi-photovoltaic system’s controller concept was elaborated and evaluated using the programmable logic device, particularly useful for power critical drives. The dynamic responses of photovoltaic system were measured, which refers to the start procedure, solar irradiance, grid frequency and phase angle change. The results of the photovoltaic system investigation are made to appoint the efficiency in relation to the standard solution. The proposed fuzzy logic-based synchronization method delivers more energy to the grid in dynamic states in relation to the standard phase-locked loop method. The normal operation of the photovoltaic system is the dynamic operation. Therefore, the solution described in work allows to increase the efficiency of solar farms.
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Solar Inverter
Types of solar inverters
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There are 3 main different types of grid tied solar inverters: micro, string and central. This article discusses the basics of what each inverter is, each type’s advantages and disadvantages; followed by some technical information how grid tied inverters in general work. Micro inverters: Microinverters are also becoming a popular choice for residential and commercial installations. Like power optimizers, microinverters are module-level electronics so one is installed on each panel. However, unlike power optimizers which do no conversion, microinverters convert DC power to AC right at the panel and so don’t require a string inverter. Also, because of the panel-level conversion, if one or more panels are shaded or are performing on a lower level than the others, the performance of the remaining panels won’t be jeopardized. Microinverters also monitor the performance of each individual panel, while string inverters show the performance of each string. This makes microinverters good for installations with shading issues or with panels on multiple planes facing various directions. Systems with microinverters can be more efficient, but these often cost more than string inverters. Microinverters can also be sold through panel manufacturers already integrated into the panel, similar to Smart Modules but instead known as an AC Module. This makes installation easier and cheaper.
Micro inverter advantages:
• Panel level MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) • Increase system availability – a single malfunctioning panel will not have such an impact on the entire array • Panel level monitoring • Lower DC voltage, increasing safety. No need for ~ 600 V DC cabling requiring conduits • Allows for increased design flexibility, modules can be oriented in different directions • Increased yield from sites that suffer from overshadowing, as one shadowed module doesn’t drag down a whole string • No need to calculate string lengths – simpler to design
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systems • Ability to use different makes/models of modules in one system, particularly when repairing or updating older systems
Micro inverter disadvantages
• Higher costs in terms of dollars per watt, currently up to double the cost compared to string inverters • Increased complexity in installation • Given their positioning in an installation, some microinverters may have issues in extreme heat • Increased maintenance costs due to there being multiple units in an array. String inverters: Solar panels are installed in rows, each on a “string.” For example if you have 25 panels you may have 5 rows of 5 panels. Multiple strings are connected to one string inverter. Each string carries the DC power the solar panels produce to the string inverter where it’s converted into usable AC power consumed as electricity. Depending on the size of the installation, you may have several string inverters each receiving DC power from a few strings. String inverters have been around for a long time and are good for installations without shading issues and in which panels are positioned on a single plane so do not face different directions. If an installation uses string inverters and even one panel is shaded for a portion of the day reducing its performance, the output of every panel on the string is reduced to the struggling panels’ level. Though string inverters aren’t able to deal with shading issues, the technology is trusted and proven and they are less expensive than systems with microinverters. String inverters are commonly used in residential and commercial applications. Also, as technology improves allowing string inverters to have greater power density in smaller sizes, string inverters are becoming a popular alternative over central inverters in small utility installations smaller than 1 MW. String inverters can also be paired with power optimizers, an option that is gaining popularity. Power optimizers are modulelevel power electronics meaning they are installed at the module level, so each solar panel has one. Some panel manufacturers
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integrate their products with power optimizers and sell them as one solution known as a Smart Module. This can make installation easier. Power optimizers are able to mitigate effects of shading that string inverters alone cannot. They condition the DC electricity before sending it to the inverter, which results in a higher overall efficiency than using a string inverter alone. Power optimizers offer similar benefits as microinverters, but tend to be less expensive and so can be a good option between using strictly string inverters or microinverters. • • • • • • •
Allows for high design flexibility High efficiency Robust 3 phase variations available Low cost Well supported (if buying trusted brands) Remote system monitoring capabilities
String inverter disadvantages
• No panel level MPPT* • No panel level monitoring* • High voltage levels present a potential safety hazard Central inverters: Central inverters are similar to string inverters but they are much larger and can support more strings of panels. Instead of strings running directly to the inverter, as with string models, the strings are connected together in a common combiner box that runs the DC power to the central inverter where it is converted to AC power. Central inverters require fewer component connections, but require a pad and combiner box. They are best suited for large installations with consistent production across the array. Advantages of a central inverter • Low capital price per watt • High efficiency • Comparative ease of installation – a single unit in some scenarios
Disadvantages of a central inverter
• Size • Noise • A single potential point of entire system failure Battery based inverter/chargers: With the growth of solar+storage, battery-based inverter/chargers are becoming increasingly important. Battery based inverter/chargers are bi-directional in nature, including both a battery charger and an inverter. They require a battery to operate. Battery-based inverter/chargers may be grid-interactive, standalone grid-tied or off-grid, depending on their UL rating and design. The primary benefit of inverter/ chargers is that they provide for continuous operation of critical loads irrespective of the presence or condition of the grid. UL1741 requires the grid-tied generation source to stop generating power in the event of a grid outage. This de-powering is known as anti-islanding, as opposed to ‘islanding’ which is defined as generating power to power a location in the event of a grid ||www.renewablemirror.com||
How grid-tied solar inverters work?
A traditional inverter (single stage, single phase, 50 Hz transformer based string inverter) uses power semiconductors (IGBTs or MOSFETs) to switch the DC on and off, very fast, in two different directions, simulating an AC sine wave. This is filtered by an inductor and then the voltage is boosted in a transformer to the grid voltage of ~ 240 V. Typically, the inverter’s DC input bus voltage needs to be greater than the peak of the AC voltage (before the transformer). For example, a minimum DC voltage of 250 V DC allows the creation of 180 V AC, which then flex boosted to 240 V AC in the transformer. Capacitors are used to filter ripple currents on the DC lines. Ripple can disrupt MPP tracking and can increase DC resistive losses. Ripple is caused by the power semiconductors switching on and off. Typically, low frequency electrolytic capacitors are used, but these are susceptible to failure (drying out over time and at higher temperatures). Film capacitors are better but are larger and more expensive. Modern inverters use a range of other complex topologies such as three phase, high frequency (HF), bipolar or transformer less. For example, HF inverters use a DC boost circuit to boost 200 – 600 V DC to a constant ~ 700 V DC. This is switched at high frequency (much higher than the 60 Hz grid frequency) prior to passing through a high frequency transformer. Finally an inductor smooths the AC signal and it is fed to the grid. This topology is lighter and more efficient. RM
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String inverter advantages
outage. Therefore, UL1741 grid-tie inverters will not generate power in the event of a grid outage, so a user will experience an outage irrespective of the availability solar harvest. Batterybased inverter/chargers will power the critical loads in the event of a grid outage, but will do so in a manner to not create the islanding condition. Further, UL1741 inverter/chargers may be rated as either interactive or standalone. The former export excess power to the grid, while the latter do not–by rating and by definition. In all instances, the battery based inverter/charger manages energy between the array and the grid while keeping the batteries charged. They monitor battery status and regulate how the batteries are charged.
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AkAsh PAsAlkAr Managing Director
Protectwell eArthing Pvt. ltd.
Q. Please let us know about your experience in the Indian market. How
do you plant to accelerate your growth in India against competition?
We are born & bought up a company considering the Indian market. In India, Various products and their manufacturing machines are altered and invented every day. Also various booming industries are introduced in the last decade eg. IT, Renewable Energy, Gas Powered Genset likewise. Keeping the company up to date with these market arrivals in terms of their needs is the best way to accurate growth. Also, we are focusing more on high volume government vendors where the custom requirement is required rather than conventional ones. As we highly regard ethics in our business, we maintain the same relations with our vendors as we ascertain with customers. We just follow our mission, vision & values which take care of the competition.
Q. What are the various products & services that your company
provides with regards to EPC projects?
For any EPC project, Survey, Design, Simulation, Procurements, installation are basic virtues. We assist in all of those we have our in house electrical supervisors and wireman’s for quality check and frequent inspections mostly EPC required services are in design and installation where our excellent team provides the best services particularly.
Q. COVID-19 has spread over a large part of the world. What
has been the impact on your business operations as a result of the coronavirus outbreak?
Covid-19 definitely affected business in the initial quarter of this year. As all, we have also hoped to achieve great goals in 2020. Yes we have differed from targets and material supply is also getting interrupted along with variation in price, but still, we are on track to touch our goal for this annum. 64
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ProtectWell is a civic and personal health company. We make it easy for communities, businesses and people to keep going strong in the face of infectious disease. That means we give everyone (individuals, business owners, leaders) simple ways to protect the overall health of their community, while ensuring their own safety and wellbeing. We have utilized this time for research and development and will introduce outstanding development and will introduce outstanding development in the coming quarter.
Q. There are many debates going on for women empowerment
that women are coming up with the technical talent also. What are your views on that?
Our company is lead by a woman entrepreneur and more than 50% of our staff are a woman. All human beings are capable and in this era talent always rises up irrespective of gender.
Q. How Protectwell initiatives towards CSR?
We took initiative in the manufacturing of hospital beds and sanitizer stands also initiated a digital campaign to spread awareness. We also provided face masks and shields to “Corona Fighters” in Pune and Nagpur district where our manufacturing facilities are present
Q. What is your outlook for the power sector for the next few years and Protectwell's role in it?
Rising Alternative power sources and revolution in electrical vehicle technologies will avail more business prospects as the importance and awareness of electrical safety will increase among People. At Protectwell we always believe in continuous improvement, R &D. As discussed earlier we are planning on new innovative product range and expanding heavily in accessories. We have layed out a plan to enter in African continent next year. Also for the domestic market, we are growing aggressively Year of year. C o n t a c t u s a t : w w w. p r o t e c t w e l l e a r t h i n g . c o m ||www.renewablemirror.com||
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Smart Solar Panels
Increase the efficiency of solar components using monitoring and communication technique
Smart module market gaining momentum
These intelligent packages have grown from being just panels equipped with power optimizers. Today’s good smart modules involve any type of module-level electronics with functions like remote monitoring, module-level shutdown, voltage limiting, increasing power harvest and more. The way we think of smart modules is anything that has something built into it that does more than just sit there and generate power from the sun. Smart modules are something where it differentiates a module. In an industry where basic solar modules used to use bankability to differentiate, there are more and more companies that claim that. This is a way to continue to innovate and be different from all the manufacturers out there. Power optimizers are still the dominant add-on for smart modules. With system owners demanding more from their PV systems and installers demanding more in terms of installation efficiency, module manufacturers can better satisfy the current market requirements by embedding power optimizers. There is an obvious price difference between traditional modules and the smart variety. With added monitoring and hardware come added costs, and the potential for added import taxes. Many module manufacturers were paying import tariffs on their finished goods. Integrating power optimizers into the modules meant that they also had to pay tariffs on the power optimizer, thus raising the cost. This offsets the value of integration. Industry is starting to see more strategies from module manufacturers that limit the impact of the import tariff, meaning that these integrated products are starting to drive cost reduction for installers. There have also been some hiccups in relaying to end-users the real benefits smart modules can bring. People who thought solar couldn’t work on their houses because of huge oak trees casting shade now have real generation capability with smart modules. People will see that these technologies work; there will be a longer track record of increasing your energy production, a track record of them working properly. It’s also likely that other industry requirements could spark the rise in smart module popularity. Now is an ideal time in the market for smart modules. Cost reduction for installer is a constant battle. Since integrated modules can reduce hardware costs and decrease installation times, they have
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potential to drive costs down. Also, smart modules also have the potential to create differentiation for module manufacturers in a highly commoditized and competitive market. An intersection of cost reduction and creates a highly attractive environment for smart modules going forward. This smart solar technology provides support, communication, distribution, monitoring and planning and enhanced integration systems. Such advancement in technology has led an increase in the demand for smart solar system. Deployment of solar solutions helps user to save electricity expenses and increase the efficiency of solar components using monitoring and communication technique. Increasing rates of conventional electric energy and high consumption demand for more energy are the major factors driving the market growth. Also the awareness for natural energy solution is increasing, because people are showing their interest in alternatives for energy solution. Moreover govt. is creating policies and regulations to utilize the solar energy which is also driving the solar energy market. Only restraining factor is high cost of installation. Cost of solar panel itself is high. Adding other components for smart purpose makes system highly expensive. But this high cost will eventually cut down by more production and more deployments. Solar energy system is developing in recent years; even economies of nations are increasing rapidly which could offer new opportunity to the solar industries. Evolving solar industry and increasing environmental awareness coupled with technological evolution open major opportunities. Market size for smart solar segment has considerably grown over the past few years on the account of evolving solar industry and the emergence of technologies such as MDM, SCADA, and remote metering have further augmented the opportunity areas for this market. Advancement in solar applications, platforms, services coupled with increasing integration of IoT with smart solar solutions has led to sig. investment in smart solar projects globally. Increasing env. Awareness about solar industry amongst the public will also act as an opportunity for the smart solar market. High initial investment, inadequate financial incentives for utilities and reduction of solar subsidies in many countries are the major restraints of the overall growth of this market. Meter data management and network monitoring solutions segments are expected to be the most promising segments. Smart solar market has been segmented into solutions, services, applications, and industry sectors. Meter data management and network monitoring solution segment is projected to grow with a high growth rate; hence, will present good market opportunity during the forecast period. System integration and deployment services hold a major share in the smart solar services segment. Increasing integration of smart solar technologies with different industries is considered as the primary driver influencing the growth of the smart solar services market. Presently, North America contributes the maximum market share North America is expected to have the largest market share and would dominate the smart solar market from 2015-20, with growing no. of smart solar projects, increasing smart solar meter roll outs, and increasing grants and solar subsidies from the U.S. govt.. APAC and Middle East and Africa offers potential growth opportunities due to the developing
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large-scale infra, growing no. of smart city projects, and growing energy requirements. Major vendors covered in the smart solar market for this study include ABB Group, GE Power, Itron Inc., Schneider Electric, Siemens AG, Echelon Corporation, Land is +GYR AG, Sensus USA Inc., Silver Spring Networks, and Urban Green Energy Int’l. Smart solar market can be segmented on the basis of Solutions like asset management, network monitoring, meter data management, analytics, SCADA, remote metering, and outage management Services like system integration and deployment, support and maintenance, consulting, and demand response services Applications like commercial and industrial, residential, Industry Sectors like govt., utilities, healthcare, construction, education, agriculture, others and Geography.
Marketing and the 4 P’s
We live in a society that bombards consumers with messages, from pop-ups on computers, to on-line chat room links, to e-newsletters and eblasts, to advertising in traditional media, all designed to build a “share of mind” for a product, service or social cause. Marketing is not merely communications. It is the sum presentation to the customer of a value equation that results in a sale or action. Marketing is the process of identifying what the consumer needs, how the product or service can address that need, how to communicate that value in a compelling way, and how to deliver that message in the most efficient and effective manner. When state solar incentive program managers think like marketers, they will sharpen the focus of outreach efforts and improve the effectiveness of their solar program offerings. The classic elements of marketing, the 4 P’s: Product, Price, Place & Promotion; offer a useful matrix to assess state solar programs. Solar program initiatives should address each of the 4 P’s. For example, a consumer will not buy a poorly manufactured product or one with a questionable reputation merely because the price is good. Similarly, the best quality product must be affordable to ensure market share. While state solar programs do not produce solar panels, price them, or control quality of technology or installation, their program success is integrally linked to success of solar suppliers. Both share the same goal: building a strong customer base for solar power in their region. Each plays an important part in marketing solar. However, state incentive programs define the 4 P’s in a slightly different way than do solar suppliers. For marketing purposes, state programs can evaluate the Product from the perspective of consumers’ rational and emotional attitudes towards solar technology. These attitudes affect desire to purchase. Consumer reaction to solar tech (e.g., price, reliability, quality issues) informs marketing and communications approaches by identifying both the opportunities, the strengths and positive attributes that should be marshaled, and the barriers, the concerns and “issues” that prevent sales. Price is one of the single biggest barriers to growing the solar marketplace; many states are addressing the financing of solar to help overcome consumer price concerns. Today, financing mechanisms are broadening access to solar power and making it available to new customer groups. However, states must ensure that prospective customers are aware of these new financing ||www.renewablemirror.com||
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take action. Hence, the dev. of a solar marketing plan must start with consumer in mind.
Developing a Marketing Plan - How to Begin
Marketing is a problem solving activity. Finding and understanding what problems require solving is the first and most important Step in constructing an effective marketing plan. Thinking like a retailer is key because it will ensure that programs and initiatives, as well as communications and promotions, are designed to create a call to action and move customers towards the sales process. A marketing plan is a living, breathing document that guides activities over a period of usually no more than one to two years and is focused on achieving quantifiable and measurable goals, such as megawatts of installed solar. Activities within the plan must address core customer segments that are important to the solar program, such as low-income housing, schools and institutions, large commercial customers, and installers. The process of developing an effective plan includes the following steps. Market analyses begin by assessing past successes and failures. Identify what has worked and what has not. Which customer bases are responding and which are under delivering? Are there geographic issues to be addressed within your plan? Customer Research If there are questions about the motivations and attitudes that core customer groups have about solar power, a customer research project and market analysis will identify the opportunities and barriers that must be addressed in the marketing plan. Solar programs may want to rely on an outside resource such as an advertising agency or marketing consulting group to help with this aspect of the plan. Establish Marketing Objectives What wills the marketing plan accomplish? What are the goals? A marketing objective might include a percentage increase or megawatt goal for specific customer segments, such as commercial and industrial, residential, or institutional solar installations. Marketing Strategies How will the solar program reach its objectives? This report suggests that Cost, Reliability, Complexity, Inertia and Message all must be addressed in an effective marketing plan. There may be other strategies relevant to your specific market that should be included or receive priority. A marketing strategy that addresses value, for example, might include offering financial tools that reduce the high out-of-pocket costs for solar installations. A marketing strategy to address
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strategies and aggressively promote the financial “value” of solar products to consumer targets. Place, or channels through which solar is sold, also is an area where solar programs have an important role through their work with installers, developers, and suppliers. Building a strong supplier network is critical in keeping up with rising demand; ensuring that customers can easily find an installer is part of this task. States also should look at how complex the solar sales process can be for consumers and how solar programs can minimize and ease the transaction process. Promotion of solar should be a primary focus as state programs seek to increase visibility of solar installations and broaden the appeal of their solar incentive programs. Using communications and promotional strategies to favorably present solar in the marketplace and ensuring that the right messages are presented to the public will help build a stronger market for solar technologies. As solar incentive programs examine their program offerings through the lens of Product, Price, Place and Promotion, they may conclude that they need to better understand their customer through market research, focus their efforts on specific target customer bases (customer segmentation), and address key messages to reach those audiences effectively and efficiently (communications). This evaluation process informs the elements of a solar marketing plan. Whether a marketer’s goal is to persuade a customer to visit a store, sample a new product, purchase an existing product, visit a website, make a donation to a nonprofit organisation, or inquire about a solar incentive program, the process is the same. In essence, marketing matches the right customer to the right product, resulting in a sale. As states apply marketing approaches to their solar initiatives, they will become more customer-focused, rather than program-focused, and as a result, become more effective in achieving solar goals. If one starts with the end in mind, a solar marketing plan identifies how a state program will achieve installed megawatt goals through acquisition of residential, commercial and institutional customers. 4P’s ensure that all aspects of the sale are covered. Improving process of purchasing solar will not alone make a difference in overall sales if the price/value equation has not been addressed. If consumers are not confident about reliability of solar, improved pricing alone will not matter. All elements must work together to motivate target customer to
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reliability may include raising visibility of solar in the marketplace. Implementation Tactics are the specific programs and initiatives that address the marketing strategy. The examples cited in this report from solar stakeholders across the country are examples of marketing tactics. The rest of the marketing plan includes a budget and timeline, as well as an approach to evaluate the success of specific tactics. There may be other resource needs required by the solar program. All key stakeholders across the organisation should review the marketing plan while in development to ensure that it is addressing the right issues and to ensure buy-in. It is also critical that implementation challenges be coordinated with appropriate personnel to ensure that adequate resources and timeframes are accounted for. In a solar energy project, solar PV panels / modules accounts for around 60 per cent of the total project cost. With increasing penetration of solar power in Indian energy mix, the solar panel market is also seeing a tremendous growth over the recent past years. Currently, India ranks as the third largest solar energy market globally which complements the solar panel market growth in the country. The cumulative installed solar energy capacity in the country has crossed the 28 GW mark. In other words, the country still has to accomplish more than 70 per cent of the 100 GW solar energy capacity targets set for 2022. With India’s eagerness to achieve 70GW of target makes it stand out as one of the most attractive market for solar panels / modules manufacturers and suppliers in days to come. Power Insight looked into the growth of solar panel / modules market in India while also analysing the solar pv panel price trends and market competitiveness.
Global Market Overview
The solar PV currently represents one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy in the world. Global Solar PV capacity has been estimated to be around 500 GW at the end of the first quarter of 2019 – as per various market reports. Though, the year 2018 witnessed a fall in the demand however, market reports expects 2019 a comeback year for the sector. Various market reports predicts that the global solar PV market will see growth of around 25 per cent in 2019 and will install a total of around 130 GW worth of new solar capacity. Asia region has been generating the highest demand for solar installations since last 5 years and will continue to be the leader
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with an estimated market share of around 55 per cent for the next five years too. China, India and Japan have been predicted to be the highest contributors – accounting for over 75 per cent of this capacity increase, according to various market reports.
Global Solar Pv Panel / Module Market
The worldwide market for solar PV panels / modules was estimated at US$ 188.5 billion between 2012 and 2017, according to Global Data, the world’s leading data and analytics firm. Global Data aggregates the global solar PV module market value to decline and likely to be USD 137.6 billion between 2018 and 2022. Analysing the region wise market for solar pv panel / module in 2017, it reported that Asia-Pacific represented the largest share of solar PV panel / module market, registering 74.9 per cent of the global market share, followed by America with 15 per cent of global solar pv panel / module market share. While, Europe, Middle East and Africa region together accounted for remaining 10 per cent of the global solar PV panel / module market value. While many market studies have reported that the global solar PV panel / module market is projected to decline over the coming years due to changes in financial support provided the governments, decline in technology prices, shift in focus towards grid infrastructure development, and growth of other technologies. However these reports also suggest that the Asia-Pacific region that led the solar PV module market over the past years – will continue to lead the market. Although a drop in its share of the global market is on the card. The market is likely to decline as China the largest market for solar PV, has proposed the removal of subsidies in 2018, which is expected to have a negative impact on the market over the coming years. Similarly Japan has reduced its feed-in-tariff rate for solar PV which is likely to cause the market to drop. However, global efforts to reduce power sector carbon emissions and improve self-sufficiency are few primary drivers which will contribute to the continued deployment of solar PV in various nations across the world. Top solar PV panel / module manufacturers that lead the global solar pv market are Canadian Solar, Jinko Solar, Yingli Green Energy, Hanwha SolarOne, JA Solar, Sharp, First Solar, Kyocera, Renesolar, SunPower and Trina Solar.
India Solar PV Panel / Module Market
Indian solar pv panel / module market has seen tremendous growth as the country has witnessed huge solar pv capacity additions in the last four years. With mega solar power plants developing in India at a full swing backed by huge amount of domestic and foreign investments is good news for solar pv panel / module manufacturers and suppliers. This was also possible due to ease in land acquisition and other legal approvals from the central and state government. The governance of the market is maintained by large domestic and international project developers with partial intervention of government. Solar pv panel market demand seems positive during 2019 as a positive market growth is on card. This is based on analysis of ||www.renewablemirror.com||
various market reports that says that over 400 MW of solar PV projects are in pipeline across India at the end of 2018. In addition, solar pv panel market is also expected to see a boost in demand from the rooftop segment. With technological developments in solar rooftop PV segment such as Net-Metering, Feed-In Tariff, Accelerated Depreciation Mechanism, Generation Based Incentives, etc., have pressed the use of renewable solar energy at small scale and this is expected to boost the solar rooftop PV market – too, over the coming years. Though solar pv panel market in India is set for a strong growth ahead, however, there had been some chaos in the market during the recent past. India that was the second largest solar market in the world till first half of 2018 has slipped to the third position. Experts believe that the solar PV market in India will continue to face disorder for some time moving forward. The solar energy installations in the country weakened mainly due to imposition of the safeguard duty and the Goods and Services Tax (GST), among other issues. Imposition of safeguard duty on imported solar pv panel was aimed at incentivizing domestic manufacturing. Unfortunately, it led to an increase in tariffs as solar components have become more costly. Thus, resulting in the uncalled for delays as well as cancellation of many solar auctions. According to certain market reports this duty levy could result into reducing the solar PV market demand in India by around 2 GW through to 2020. However, as India is aspiring to reach it 100 GW of solar pv targets and still has a long way to go. The country will remain as one of the major region that will create a substantial demand for the solar pv panels market.
Solar PV Panel Technology Trends in India
The three major types of solar pv panel / module available in the Indian market are Mono-crystalline solar pv panel, Multi-crystalline or Poly-crystalline solar panel and Thin-film solar panel. India, being a price sensitive market, the use of multi crystalline solar panel / module still leads the market. However, developers have seriously started considering mono crystalline solar pv panel for projects looking at the added advantages it offers. Solar markets around the world are noticeably inclining towards mono crystalline solar panels technology. Recent trends in the Indian solar market have also shown a significant increase in market share of mono crystalline solar pv panels. Mono crystalline panel’s offers high efficiency along with many more advantages over multi / poly crystalline panels. Increasing demand for energy efficiency and optimum resource utilization are set to propel the mono crystalline solar panel / module market growth in India. Meanwhile, one of the most important aspects of mono crystalline panels is higher ROI along with reduced use of land when used in large-scale projects. Since, land availability has been one of the major challenges in India – mono crystalline panel’s market share is projected to witness gain over the coming years. However, increasing investment toward utility installations coupled ||www.renewablemirror.com||
with declining component cost will keep the positive drive the polycrystalline solar PV module market for some time.
PV Panel / Module Price Trends – India
The decline in the cost of solar PV panel / module is one of the major factors driving the global solar PV market. If we look at the trends of solar panel prices – by 2014 the price of solar PV panel / module was reduced by 75 per cent, as compared to that in 2009. This decline can be mainly attributed to the improvement in material efficiency, production optimization, and economies of scale. Asia accounted for about two-thirds of the world’s solar photovoltaic additions for the last three to four years. In 2017, nearly 85% of the total addition came from the top five markets in China, the United States, Japan, India and the UK. While the Indian solar market completely depends on the demand and module supply. The last few years’ trends show a huge market boom in the country. The growth during the period was majorly dependent on the supply of modules at the lowest prices leading to competitive environment in the industry. As South East Asia – especially China has been the major supplier of solar pv panels to India – India has witnessed a declining price trends in solar pv panel / module space since 2014 till January 2019 with the increase in solar pv demand. The solar pv panel / module prices have seen decline of around 31 per cent during the period. The CAGR of module prices have been estimated to -14.78 per cent year on year basis. If the trend continues, the pv panel / module prices are expected to fall down to approximately 8 cents by 2026. As further analysed by the industry experts, the pv panels / modules prices trends in India have been in direct proportion to the demand trends. However, stable module prices are expected throughout the year, which is a direct result of continued high demand.
Way Forward:
Though the solar pv market in India suddenly witnessed a slowdown in Q3 of 2018 – irrespective of huge solar tenders and huge demand in the country. There are several reasons for this – such as currency depreciation, cancellation of auctions and tenders, re-negotiation of Power Purchase Agreements, Anti-dumping duties, GST ambiguity, etc. Though, things have changed a little in the Indian solar industry after the imposition of the safeguard duties. The market witnessed a little rearranging when it comes to solar pv panels / modules suppliers, while others have consolidated their positions. No doubt, the imposition of the safeguard duty has helped domestic solar pv panel / module manufacturers seize a larger share of the market in 2018 as compared to 2017. India solar pv market is growing at a remarkable pace. If the growth trend continues at the current pace, the country is expected to achieve its 100 GW targets by 2023-24. Most importantly, the on-going developments and projects in pipeline show a positive growth trajectory ahead for solar pv market in India and bodes well for solar pv panel demand in the market. || SEPTEMBER 2020 ||
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Smart cities can help us manage post-COVID life, but they’ll need trust as well as tech
Vaccine or not, we have to come to terms with the reality that COVID-19 requires us to rethink how we live. And that includes the idea of smart cities that use advanced technologies to serve citizens. This has become critical in a time of pandemic. But as we prepare to move beyond this crisis, cities need to design systems that are prepared to handle the next pandemic. Better still, they will reduce the chances of another one. Issues of trust are central In a world of egalitarian governments and ethical corporations, the solution to a coronavirus-like pandemic would be simple: a complete individual-level track and trace system. It would use geolocation data and CCTV image recognition, complemented by remote biometric sensors. While some such governments and corporations do exist, putting so much information in the hands of a few, without airtight privacy controls, could lay the foundations of an Orwellian world. Our research on smart city challenges suggests a robust solution should be a mix of protocols and norms covering technology, processes and people. To avoid the perils of individual-level monitoring systems, we need to focus on how to leverage technology to modify voluntary citizen behaviour. This is not a trivial challenge. Desired behaviours that maximise societal benefit may not align with individual preferences in the short run. In part, this could be due to misplaced beliefs or misunderstanding of the long-term consequences. As an example, despite the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the US, many states have had public protests against lockdowns. A serious proportion of polled Americans believe this pandemic is a hoax, or that its threat is being exaggerated for political reasons. With industry majors being positive about the government’s plans on meeting the target of 175 GW of installed clean energy capacity by 2022, Budget 2020 was rather a much-awaited affair for the renewable energy industry. To help us further understand the hits and misses (though not anticipated but, if any) of this year’s budget, KPMG analysts present a detailed overview of the key announcements made for the renewable energy sector and they imply about the future of the sector. (The details have been presented in a report prepared by KPMG India’s Energy and Natural Resources department.) •
First, here’s a round-up of all the announcements made for the sustainable energy sector in FY21 Budget:
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The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) received a major boost with budgetary allocation going up by 48% in comparison to the revised allocation in last fiscal. • In her budget speech, FM Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting a 16 point action plan for the agriculture sector aimed at doubling farmers’ income by 2022, announced the allocation of Rs 1000 crore for extending the Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme. This would aid farmers in adopting solar power for agricultural purposes and utilize barren/unproductive land for generating revenues. • During her speech, she also proposed setting up of large solar power capacity alongside rail tracks on land owned by the Railways. Here are the implications these announcements might have on the future of the sector: • KPMG’s report suggests that the increased budgetary allocation for MNRE will improve financial assistance for various clean energy initiatives such as solar parks, roof-top solar, off-grid renewable energy, etc. • The Rs 1000 crore budget allocated for furthering the PM-KUSUM scheme can also have a major effect on the sector. The report states: “This kind of significant monetary allocation will help speed up implementation and could potentially result in 10-15 GW of new capacity creation if it materialises. This will be a big push for farmer’s income, but will in turn require lesser demand for grid scale power, targets for which then should be adjusted downwards.” Additionally, the report also suggests that banks will have to provide funding at an effective cost of interest to aid the implementation of
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renewable energy projects and the commission will have to consider for feed-in tariff after taking into account the cost of debt. • Lastly, the proposal to set up large solar capacity alongside railway tracks can help the Railways add about 18-20 GW capacity by utilising vacant land owned by the Indian Railways and reduce their power procurement cost. This is the primary time, a MoUD programme is mistreatment the ‘Challenge’ or competition technique to pick cities for funding and employing a strategy of area-based development. This captures the spirit of ‘competitive and cooperative federalism’. States and ULBs can play a key ancillary role within the development of smart cities. Good leadership and vision at this level and skill to act resolutely are vital factors determinative the success of the Mission. Understanding the ideas of retrofitting, renovation and Greenfield development by the policy manufacturers, implementers and different stakeholders at completely different levels would require capability help. Major investments in time and resources can get to be created throughout the design section before participation within the Challenge. This can be completely different from the traditional DPR-driven approach. The smart cities Mission needs good folks that actively participate in governance and reforms. National involvement is way quite a ceremonial participation in governance. good folks involve themselves within the definition of the good town, choices on deploying good Solutions, implementing reforms, doing additional with less and oversight throughout implementing and coming up with post-project structures so as to form the good town developments property. The participation of good folks is enabled by the SPV through increasing ||www.renewablemirror.com||
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use of ICT, particularly mobile-based tools. Having recognised that cities are the engines of growth and are drawing 1,000,000 individuals each minute from rural areas, the govt. has introduced the ‘Smart town Challenge’, delivering the in cumbrance of planned urbanisation to the states. Within the approach to the sensible Cities Mission, the target is to push cities that give core infrastructure and supply quality of life to voters, a clean and property atmosphere and application of ‘smart’ solutions. Those states that do to the rules and nominate cities may get funding of Rs a hundred large integer p.a. per town for ensuing 5 years. The funding could be a golden probability for states to rejuvenate their urban areas however the sensible Cities Mission still has its own challenges to face. Here are the highest 10: 1. Retrofitting existing heritage town infrastructure to form it smart: There are varieties of latent problems to think about once reviewing a sensible town strategy. The foremost vital is to work out the prevailing city’s weak areas that require utmost thought, e.g. 100-per-cent distribution of facility and sanitation. The combination of isolated heritage systems to realize wide efficiencies are often a big challenge. 2. Funding sensible cities: The High Power knowledgeable Committee (HPEC) on Investment Estimates in Urban Infrastructure has assessed a per-capita investment price (PCIC) of Rs 43,386 for a 20-year amount. Exploitation a mean figure of one million individuals in every of the a hundred sensible cities, the full estimate of investment necessities for the sensible town involves Rs seven hundred thousand large integer over twenty years (with associate degree annual step-up of ten per cent from 2009-20 to 2014-15). This interprets into associate degree annual demand of Rs 35,000 crore. One has to see however these comes are going to
be supported because the majority of project want would move through complete personal investment or through PPPs (public-private partnership). 3. Handiness of programme or town development plan: Most of our cities don’t have master plans or a town development plan, that is that the key to sensible planning and implementation and encapsulates all a town has to improve and supply higher opportunities to its voters. Sadly 70-80 per cent of Indian cities don’t have one. 4. Money property of ULBs: Most ULBs aren't financially self-sustainable and tariff levels mounted by the ULBs for providing services typically don't mirror the value of activity constant. Although further investments are recovered in an exceedingly phased manner, inadequate price recovery can result in continued money losses. 5. Technical constraints of ULBs: Most ULBs have restricted technical capability to confirm timely and efficient implementation and sequent operations and maintenance due to restricted accomplishment over variety of years at the side of inability of the ULBs to draw in better of talent at market competitive compensation rates. 6. Three-tier governance: victorious implementation of sensible town solutions desires effective horizontal and vertical coordination between numerous establishments providing numerous municipal amenities in addition as effective coordination between central government (MoUD), government and native government agencies on numerous problems associated with funding and sharing of best practices and repair delivery processes. 7. Providing clearances in an exceedingly timely manner: For timely completion of the project, all clearances ought to use on-line processes and be cleared in an exceedingly time-bound manner. A restrictive body ought to be got wind of for all utility services in order that grade enjoying field is formed obtainable to the personal sector and tariffs are set in an exceedingly manner that balances money property with quality. 8. Coping with a multivendor environment: Another major challenge within the Indian sensible town area is that (usually) package infrastructure in cities contains elements provided by totally different vendors. Hence, the power to handle complicated combos of sensible town solutions developed by multiple technology vendors becomes terribly vital. 9. Capability building programme: Building capability for a hundred sensible cities isn't a simple task and most bold comes is delayed due to lack of quality men, each at the centre and state levels. In terms of funds, solely around five per cent of the central allocation is also allotted for capability building programs that concentrate on coaching, discourse analysis, information exchange and a chic info. Investments in capability building programs have a number impact as they assist in time-bound completion of comes and in coming up with programs, developing college, building databases in addition as coming up with tool kits and call support systems. As of these have a lag time, capability building has to be reinforced right at the start. 10. Dependability of utility services: For any sensible town within
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the world, the main target is on dependability of utility services, whether or not it's electricity, water, phone or broadband services. Sensible cities ought to have universal access to electricity 24×7; this is often inconceivable with the prevailing offer and distribution system. Cities got to shift towards renewable sources and concentrate on inexperienced buildings and inexperienced transport to cut back the requirement for electricity. Is Solar Power the Future for Smart Cities? It may have started with sensible cars and sensible homes, however as technology advances, the "smart" trend is taking on entire cities. Across the country and therefore the world, cities of all sizes area unit reworking their infrastructure, systems, and operations to maximize new technologies and integrate connected solutions into the terribly cloth of however they operate and look after their voters. Through advances in information assortment and analytics, they will anticipate and reply to daily challenges like traffic flow and potential emergencies like severe storms. But these new sensible cities are not simply forward-thinking once it involves the most effective ways that to serve the general public — several of them also are pioneering efforts to include property and energy potency into developing sensible town solutions. Integration of solar energy and alternative renewable energy sources is quickly changing into a trademark of sensible urban planning. Here's a glance at a number of the innovative ways that sensible town initiatives and school leaders area unit harnessing solar energy in their quest to make the cities of the longer term. Federal Government focuses on sensible and Property Development Last year, the Obama Administration proclaimed a $160 million investment into sensible town development. The initiative required a stress on solutions to manage the economic process, crime rates, and — apparently — global climate change. While the property hasn't traditionally been a high priority in urban planning, the present state of the setting is quickly ever-changing that trend. Innovators and school mogul’s area unit specializing in energy potency and their environmental impact over ever before. Sensible resolution suppliers area unit following suit, providing hi-tech infrastructure choices which will facilitate town governments save on energy prices at the same time as they cut back their carbon output. this is often Associate in the Nursing particularly sensible pairing as a result of it permits municipalities to consolidate efforts to enhance the quality of life and property below one umbrella initiative, instead of in multiple separate solutions. Department of Transportation Makes DC star a Partner for sensible town Challenge other government department’s area unit pushing smaller initiatives for property sensible town development, too. The sensible town Challenge, for example — a contest instigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) — offered up to $40 million to town that came up with the most effective "smart city" set up. The challenge inspired cities to become totally integrated and connected victimization sensible technology and property energy to form however individuals and product get from one place to a different. DC star partnered with the U.S. DOT, giving mobile star generators and electric vehicle chargers price $1.5 million to winning town Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, the corporate pledged to figure with the opposite six competition cities to adopt mobile star technology
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and incorporate the use of electric cars into town infrastructure. DC star also will facilitate the cities convert diesel off-grid power generators to star. IBM Predicts Weather Patterns to maximize solar energy The movement toward adopting renewable energy to power sensible cities is not while not its hurdles. Solar energy is nice as long because the sun is shining, however cloudy days will minimize the energy output star arrays will manufacture. One grid-tied home losing star potency is not an enormous downside, however, once a city-wide infrastructure is tied to solar energy production, having the ability to set up around periods of low potency is crucial. In a trial to mitigate the impact of overcast weather, school big IBM is staring at ways that to accurately predict bad weather. As a part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Sun Shot Initiative, IBM has conducted analysis that they claim produces weather predictions that area unit half-hour a lot of correct than the National Weather Service. Increased accuracy can facilitate town governments and utility firms recognize beforehand what quantity sun a star plant can receive at any given time, permitting them to raised set up their power masses. With the correct response, this foresight has the potential to save lots of cash and cut back reliance on coal and gas power plants that usually got to obtain the slack once clouds appear. These examples area unit simply the tip of the iceberg once it involves sensible town initiatives. Due to solar energy efforts and alternative renewable energy sources, the town of the longer term goes to be a lot of economical, a lot of connections, and a lot of property. Creating cities smarter and greener can amendment the manner municipalities operate and facilitate voters maximize their potential as accountable, property members of a world community? Azure power to put in top star comes on government buildings Independent solar energy producer Azure Power these days proclaimed it's bagged a contract to put in two power unit capability top star comes for Udaipur sensible town restricted (USCL). As per the contract, the company’s subsidiary Azure Roof Power can style, supply, install, commission and operate the grid-connected top star Photo-Voltaic (PV) comes for twenty-five years at multiple government buildings in Udaipur. The project is calculable to save lots of twenty-five per cent of USCL’s existing electricity price. “Rooftop star forms a necessary a part of the sensible cities development and is remedies to the growing infrastructural issues of the Asian nation to create a better and a lot of property future. In 2013, we have a tendency to designed the primary MW-scale top project in Gandhinagar below the sensible town initiative and recently we've got worked on many sensible towns comes in Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack,” same Inderpreet Wadhwa, Founder, Chairman and Chief officer of Azure Power. Role of alternative energy in developing sensible Cities in the country Smart Cities in the country In Gregorian calendar month 2016, the Asian nation government proclaimed a listing of twenty cities to be developed into sensible cities in India. Today’s era contains everything that's sensible – be it smartphones, sensible individuals or the construct of sensible town. Primarily a wise town is a complicated urban city/ city that have the well-connected infrastructure and communications through information centers and automatic networks. The Asian nation is expecting to develop ninety-eight such cities altogether. These cities can become a model town for a property and ultra-modern way.
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Importance of alternative energy in smart cities in Republic of India Hence these cities will become the developing centers to push the applying of alternative energy on an outsized and property scale in Republic of India. Star applications like star street lights, star water heaters, upside star etc. will go an extended method in conveyance a clean and inexperienced living vogue to those smart cities. Not solely can these smart cities improve the conditions in Republic of India in terms of employment generation And an urban living vogue, it'll conjointly go an extended method in promoting the usage of renewable kinds of energy and therefore facilitate the country fight the growing considerations of worldwide warming and pollution. It has already been mandated that 100% of the smart cities’ energy demand can return from alternative energy and a minimum of eightieth buildings ought to be energy economical and inexperienced buildings. With an inspiration to develop or so one hundred such cities, the speed of renewable energy usage can go up within the country. Alternative energy solutions for sensible cities The vision of a contemporary Asian nation encapsulates the conception of 'smart cities' to deal with the phenomenally speedy urbanization of our nation. The govt. has proclaimed plans to form 100 sensible cities to satisfy the challenge of the longer term, because it has been calculable that by 2050 India's urban community’s are expected to rise to a thumping fifty per cent of the population. Significantly, regarding sixty six per cent of the world's population would then be living in urban areas. Cities worldwide would consume simple fraction of worldwide energy and contribute up to eighty per cent of worldwide greenhouse emission. At present, regarding three hundred million of our countrymen live sans electricity. Therefore, we've protracted thanks to go as way as our endeavors to administer basic wants and quality of life to voter’s are involved. This, indeed, could be a warning sign. The vision of a contemporary Asian nation encapsulates the conception of 'smart cities' to deal with the phenomenally speedy urbanization of our nation. The govt. has proclaimed plans to form 100 sensible cities to satisfy the challenge of the longer term, because it has been calculable that by 2050 India's urban community’s are expected to rise to a thumping fifty per cent of the population. Significantly, regarding sixty six per cent of the world's population would then be living in urban areas. Cities worldwide would consume simple fraction of worldwide energy and contribute up to eighty per cent of worldwide greenhouse emission. At present, regarding three hundred million of our countrymen live sans electricity. Therefore, we've protracted thanks to go as way as our endeavors to administer basic wants and quality of life to voter’s are involved. This, indeed, could be a warning sign. However, Asian nation would positively return up with answers for such challenges of the twenty first century supported its civilization's knowledge and attribute. Indians are conservative naturally, however precocious with such qualities as resilience, ability and frugalness these are our strengths. For instance, even those that will afford to pay the next electricity bill can have solely such lights switched on as are essential. Most homes have one house that's unbroken cool within the summer or warm up in winter. Entire homes are rarely climate-controlled. If one were to require a glance at rural Asian nation, a revolution of kinds has taken place within the past few years. Light-emitting diode lamps have replaced traditional electrical bulbs all over, thereby saving an enormous quantity of electricity. ||www.renewablemirror.com||
It is calculable that by 2030, India's energy demand can increase by virtually two hundred per cent. in line with AN analysis allotted by the ministry of recent and renewable energy, at AN doable and conservative gross domestic product increase of half-dozen.5 per cent, our energy would like would bit 7,55,719 MW. This was capably exhorted by the prime minister at the COP twenty one summits in Paris - "We ought to guarantee, within the spirit of climate justice, that the lifetime of some doesn't force out the opportunities for the various still on the initial steps of the event ladder". whereas coal is probably going to be our dominant energy supply for the close to and mid-term future, we have a tendency to are doubtless to ascertain larger use of other, carbon-free sources of energy like gas, hydro, nuclear and a bunch of alternative renewable sources. We have no alternative however to travel sure less and fewer fossil fuels and step by step enhance dependence on nature-based clean and renewable energy sources and reach planned targets in an exceedingly time-bound manner. What’s additional vital is that we've to reinforce investments in research project and develop technologies to maximise the assembly, storage and loss-free distribution of unpolluted energy. Besides that, new technology would want to be exploited to evolve energy-saving and energy-efficient techniques and build the entire initiative property as an integrated 'smart energy system'. India, as an accountable international player, has set for itself formidable targets of, firstly, cutting carbon emissions intensity of its gross domestic product by thirty five per cent from 2005 levels by 2030 with forty per cent of its energy returning from 'non-fossil fuels'. Secondly, it aims at making a hundred seventy five GW of renewable energy by 2022, of that a hundred GW would be made from alternative energy. The International star Alliance was launched throughout the COP twenty one summit in Paris by Narendra Modi and therefore the French president, François Hollande. The latter not solely praised India's initiative however conjointly assured handsome support by France. This step would possibly well become another pillar of the strategic partnership between the 2 countries. The importance of alternative energy as another power supply has so been globally enshrined. RM
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Steam Turbine Steam turbine: it's an energytransporting fluid that helps to convert the Energy
A steam turbine of AL-Dura power plant of type (160MW) is used in this work, a steam turbine used to transfer heat energy in pressurized steam into useful mechanical work. The steam turbine consists of three sections, high, medium, and low pressure; first section is high pressure section that consists of two horizontally split casings; inner is placed inside and it is fixed in the axial directions, outer casing with scope for expansion in all directions. The second section is medium low pressure section that is split horizontally and comprises three parts connected by vertical flanges. The outlet branches are connected rigidly with condenser which is supported on springs. In the middle casing, tube nests of 1st and 2nd low pressure heaters are mounted. The casings are interconnected by guide keys and fixed points in the axial direction are at the central part of the low pressure casing. A unit of General Electric Co (GE.N) and India’s Triveni Engineering & Industries (TREI.BO) has formed a joint venture to manufacture steam turbines in India, the two firms.
The partnership between the diversified Indian firm and GE Oil & Gas will design advanced technology steam turbines in the 30 to 100 megawatts range, and sell to Indian customers as well as export to global markets under the GE brand name. "Our strategic alliance reflects GE's continued commitment to India and strengthens our local market presence through technology transfer," GE India's President and Chief Executive John Flannery. GE Triveni Ltd will be headquartered in the southern Indian city of Bangalore. GE will exclusively transfer technology and provide R&D support at Triveni's Bangalore turbine manufacturing facility. The global steam turbine market registered a market value of $9.25bn in 2018, primarily driven by growth in China, India, the US, Egypt and Vietnam, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. The two firms did not disclose the financial terms of the venture, but Triveni said it will hold one extra share in the JV, with both partners having equal board representation. The transaction is
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expected to be completed in the next few months. The global steam turbine market is projected to grow moderately and be supported by growing industrial, commercial, and residential operations. Thermal capacity is being added every year due to the increasing demand for electricity. Frequent power cuts, blackouts, and load shedding have also contributed to the increased demand for steam turbines. The Asia-Pacific region led the global steam turbine market in recent years and will continue to do so over the forecast period. In the emerging economies of Asia-Pacific, extensive power plant capacity additions, economic growth and the need to improve access to electricity are aiding the growth of the steam turbine market. Coal will continue to be the dominant power generation source in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The production of coal and natural gas is being increased and is being earmarked for power generation to assist in the rapid economic growth and development of the region. With respect to market value, China was identified as the leading country for steam turbines by registering $3.56bn in 2018, with a global share of 38.46%. In 2018, the steam turbine market in India was valued at $660m with a global share of 7.11%, followed by the US, Egypt and Vietnam with $570m, $370m, and $310m respectively. GlobalData’s report finds that the global market for steam turbines is restricted by the growing environmental concerns, lack of domestic fuel resources, supply chain risks and market volatility. Countries are promoting a number of measures such as low carbon power generation and energy efficiency and management, which are gradually reducing the need for coal-based power generation. Nevertheless, coal will continue to play an integral role in power generation within certain emerging markets. Governments promoting coal have mandates for the use of
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advanced technologies such as ultra-supercritical, supercritical, and other clean coal technologies for existing and upcoming coal power plants to ensure emissions and efficiency standards are maintained. Other factors such as increased demand for combined-cycle gas turbine plants, low coal prices, and expansion policies will aid in the growth of the market. With over a century of experience and continuous development in our steam turbine technology. More than 120,000 steam turbines delivered worldwide prove that we are a reliable and experienced partner. Our steam turbines work as generator drives or as mechanical drives for compressors or pumps. They play a significant role in many combined cycle and cogeneration plants and in industrial applications. Be it power generation plants, district heating, biomass, wasteto-energy, seawater desalination or solar heat: There is a wide range of applications for steam turbines. A steam turbine is a rotary heat engine that converts thermal energy contained in the steam to mechanical energy or to electrical energy. The basic operation of the steam turn is similar to gas turbine expect the working fluid which water and steam in steam turbine instead of air and gas. Steam turbine is a common feature of all modern and also future thermal power plants. In fact, also the power production of fusion power plants is based on the use of conventional steam turbines. Since the steam turbine is a rotary heat engine, it is particularly suited to be used to drive an electrical generator. Note that about 90% of all electricity generation in the world is by use of steam turbines. Working of a Steam Turbine Working of a steam turbine is bit typical as it works on the thermalenergy contained in the steam is converted to the mechanical energy by expansion through the turbine. The expansion of turbine takes place through a series of fixed blades or nozzles that orient the system into high flow into high speed jets. These jets contain significant kinetic energy, which is converted into shaft rotation by the bucket-like shaped rotor blades, as the steam jet changes direction. The steam jet moves over the curved surface of the blade, which exerts a pressure on the blade owing to its centrifugal force.Each row of fixed nozzles and moving blades is called a stage. The blades rotate on the turbine rotor and the fixed blades are concentrically arranged within the circular turbine casing. In all turbines the rotating blade velocity is proportional to the steam velocity passing over the blade. If the steam is expanded only in a single stage from the boiler pressure to the exhaust pressure, its velocity must be extremely high. But the typical main turbine in nuclear power plants, in which steam expands from pressures about 6 MPa to pressures about 0.008 MPa, operates at speeds about 3,000 RPM for 50 Hz systems for 2-pole generator.(or 1500RPM for 4-pole ||www.renewablemirror.com||
• Impulse turbines • Reaction turbines.
In impulse turbine, the rotating blades are shaped like buckets. High-velocity jets of incoming steam from carefully shaped nozzles kick into the buckets, pushing them around with a series of impulses, and bouncing off to the other side at a similar speed but much-reduced pressure (compared to the incoming jet). This design is called an impulse turbine and it's particularly good at extracting energy from high-pressure ||www.renewablemirror.com||
steam. In an alternative design called a reaction turbine, there's a second set of stationary blades attached to the inside of the turbine case. These help to speed up and direct the steam onto the rotating blades at just the right angle, before it leaves with reduced temperature and pressure but broadly the same speed as it had when it entered. In both cases, steam expands and gives up some of its energy as it passes through the turbine. In an ideal world, all the heat and kinetic energy lost by the steam would be gained by the turbine and converted into useful kinetic energy (making it spin around). But, of course, the turbine will heat up somewhat, some steam might leak out, and there are various other reasons why turbines (like all other machines) are never 100 percent efficient. Modern steam turbines frequently employ both reaction and impulse in the same unit, typically varying the degree of reaction and impulse from the blade root to its periphery. The rotor blades are usually designed like an impulse blade at the rot and like a reaction blade at the tip. How steams provide energy? If you've ever seen an old-fashioned steam locomotive, you'll have some idea just how powerful steam can be. A steam locomotive is built around a steam engine, a complex machine based on a simple idea: you can burn fuel (coal) to release the energy stored inside it. In a steam engine, coal burns in a furnace and releases heat, which boils water like a kettle and generates high-pressure steam. The steam feeds through a pipe into a cylinder with a tight fitting piston, which moves outward as the steam flows in—a bit like a bicycle pump working in reverse. As the steam expands to || SEPTEMBER 2020 ||
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generator), and 1800 RPM for 60 Hz systems for 4-pole generator (or 3600 RPM for 2-pole generator). A single-blade ring would require very large blades and approximately 30 000 RPM, which is too high for practical purposes. Therefore most of nuclear power plants operate a singleshaft turbine-generator that consists of one multi-stage HP turbine and three parallel multi-stage LP turbines, a main generator and an exciter. HP Turbine is usually double-flow reaction turbine with about 10 stages with shrouded blades and produces about 30-40% of the gross power output of the power plant unit. LP turbines are usually double-flow reaction turbines with about 5-8 stages (with shrouded blades and with free-standing blades of last 3 stages). LP turbines produce approximately 60-70% of the gross power output of the power plant unit. Each turbine rotor is mounted on two bearings, i.e. there are double bearings between each turbine module. Types of Steam Turbines Steam turbines may be classified into different categories depending on their construction, working pressures, size and many other parameters. But there are two basic types of steam turbines
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fill the cylinder, it cools down, loses pressure, and gives up its energy to the piston. The piston pushes the locomotive's wheels around before returning back into the cylinder so the whole process can be repeated. The steam isn't a source of energy: it's an energy-transporting fluid that helps to convert the energy locked inside coal into mechanical energy that propels a train. A steam turbine is powered by the energy in hot, gaseous steam and works like a cross between a wind turbine and a water turbine. Like a wind turbine, it has spinning blades that turn when steam blows past them, like a water turbine, the blades fit snugly inside a sealed outer container so the steam is constrained and forced past them at speed. Steam turbines use high-pressure steam to turn electricity generators at incredibly high speeds, so they rotate much faster than either wind or water turbines. Driven Generators: Steam Turbines and Electric Generators A steam turbine driven generator, sometimes known as turbo generators, can be best explained by understanding a steam turbine and a generator separately. A steam turbine is a steam-driven driver. Water is heated at an extremely high temperature to convert it into steam. Energy created by highly pressurized steam is converted to mechanical energy which rotates the blades in the steam turbine. And a generator is best described as a machine by which mechanical energy is transformed into electrical energy. The coiled wires used in a generator spin inside a magnetic field which causes an electric current to flow through the wire. When a steam turbine is connected to a generator, it produces electricity and is known as a steam turbine driven generator. The auxiliary systems built in them make them work safely and with greater efficiency. Steam turbine driven generators are commonly used in solar thermal electric power plants, coal, geothermal, nuclear, waste incineration plants and natural gas power plants. They are also used extensively in cement, sugar, steel, paper, chemicals
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and other industries. Steam turbine driven generators are generally high-speed machines. Most of the electric power in the world is produced by a steam turbine driven power plants. In the United States alone around 85.0% of the electricity is a produced using steam turbine generator. Steam Turbine Driven Generators can range widely in size. They rarely exceed about 1,500 Megawatts (2 million horsepower) on the top end, and are used on a small scale as well, down to about 500 kW (670 horsepower) on the low end. Working principle of a Steam-Driven Generator In a steam turbine driven generator, heat is generated from a source. There is a boiler which contains water and the heat is used to convert it into steam which is of high temperature and high pressure. Steam production depends on the flow rate and surface area of the heat transfer and the heat of combustion used. This steam from the boiler is pushed into the turbine through nozzles, which spins the blades mounted on a shaft. The steam turbine consists of a casing to which stationary blades are fixed inside and a rotor has moving blades on the periphery. The working of a larger steam turbine may be complex and difficult to comprehend since it uses a set of blades on the rotor. Each set of blades is called a stage which works by either impulse or reaction. A mixture of impulse and reaction stage complicates its working since these set of blades are all mounted on the same rotor axle and all turning the generator at the same time. Steam turbines regulate their speed with the use of automated valves and a control governor, so they generate optimum power as needed at any particular time. Turbines also vary in their cooling process of steam. Condensing turbines, usually used in large power plants to generate electricity, convert the steam to water using condensers which allow the steam to expand more and facilitates the turbine in extracting maximum energy from it. This makes the electricity generating process much more efficient. Non Condensing turbines don't have this feature and thus are rarely used except for small, auxiliary systems where only low power is needed. In large steam turbines, in fossil-fuel power plants, the steam pressure can be as high as 20–30MPa (3000–4000 psi or about 200–270 times atmospheric pressure), but is generally operates at less than 1,000 psi. A typical power plant steam turbine rotates at 1800–3600 RPM. Efficiency of a steam driven generator The efficiency of a steam driven generator depends on many factors such as the type of steam turbine, its size, the inlet ||www.renewablemirror.com||
steam pressure and temperature, the exhaust steam pressure and temperature, and the steam flow rate. Steam turbines are suitable for large thermal power plants. They are made in a variety of sizes up to 1.5 GW (2,000,000 hp) turbines which are used to generate electricity. However, coal power plants and burning fossil fuels or nuclear power, used to generate electricity from a steam turbine generator has an adverse impact on the environment. They emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air and water. They have slower startup than gas turbines. Market Scenario Global steam turbine market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2015 to 2020, to reach a market size of USD 19,292 Million by 2020. The growth is attributed to the continuing investments in electricity generation infrastructure, particularly in the large economies of Asia-Pacific region. With respect to market value, China was identified as the leading country for steam turbines by registering $3.56bn in 2018, with a global share of 38.46%. In 2018, the steam turbine market in India was valued at $660m with a global share of 7.11%, followed by the US, Egypt and Vietnam with $570m, $370m, and $310m respectively.With respect to market value, China was identified as the leading country for steam turbines by registering $3.56bn in 2018, with a global share of 38.46%. In 2018, the steam turbine market in India was valued at $660m with a global share of 7.11%, followed by the US, Egypt and Vietnam with $570m, $370m, and $310m respectively. Asia-Pacific is the leading market for steam turbines in 2014 with strong demand from China and India. It is also projected to be the fastest growing market with CAGR of 5% during the forecast period. China is expected to be the fastest growing market for steam turbines across the world, followed by India, with a CAGR of 5.7% and 5.5% during the forecast period respectively. These countries account for around 60% of the global thermal power capacity additions projected for the next five years helping drive the market for steam turbines. The global steam turbine market registered a market value of US$9.25bn in 2018, primarily driven by growth in China. Despite a slowdown in capacity additions, China will continue to lead the global market, followed by India, the US, Egypt and Vietnam, between 2019 and 2023. The increasing demand for uninterrupted power in developing countries such as China and India, and the rise in combined-cycle and cogeneration operations are set to drive the aggregate value of the global steam turbine market to US$36.70bn between 2019 and 2023. Conclusion A unit of General Electric Co (GE.N) and India’s Triveni Engineering & Industries (TREI.BO) has formed a joint venture ||www.renewablemirror.com||
to manufacture steam turbines in India, the two firms. The partnership between the diversified Indian firm and GE Oil & Gas will design advanced technology steam turbines in the 30 to 100 megawatts range, and sell to Indian customers as well as export to global markets under the GE brand name. "Our strategic alliance reflects GE's continued commitment to India and strengthens our local market presence through technology transfer," GE India's President and Chief Executive John Flannery. GE Triveni Ltd will be headquartered in the southern Indian city of Bangalore. GE will exclusively transfer technology and provide R&D support at Triveni's Bangalore turbine manufacturing facility, the companies said. The two firms did not disclose the financial terms of the venture, but Triveni said it will hold one extra share in the JV, with both partners having equal board representation. The transaction is expected to be completed in the next few months. Earlier this year, a senior official at Triveni had told Reuters the firm was in talks to find a strategic partner for its turbine business and would make an announcement soon. GE, the world's biggest maker of jet engines and electricityproducing turbines, aims to boost its growth in the fast-growing Indian economy by developing lower-cost products that will appeal to emerging market customers. In October last year, it named Flannery as head of its Indian operations, in a test of a new country-specific management style for the largest U.S. conglomerate. GE's energy arm has announced plans to set up a wind-turbinegenerator plant in southern India, due to start production in the second half of 2010. GE also hopes to build at least one nuclear power plant in India following the 2008 U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation pact. "I think, as a mechanism to growing our business in India partnerships is key," Flannery told reporters, when asked about the likelihood of more joint ventures in the country. RM
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Roof top & Off Grid The roof ils naturally sloping and facing south then it is very ideal for installing rooftop solar panels
Abstract Solar photovoltaic rooftop has emerged as a potential green technology to address climate change issues by reducing reliance on conventional fossil fuel based energy. With a strong commitment to increase the renewable sources based energy capacity to 175 GW by 2022, India has a target to install 100 GW of solar energy capacity. Of this 40 GW would be the share of grid connected solar PV rooftop. This paper examines global growth in solar energy, world’s major rooftop installed capacity countries’ policies and solar rooftop policy instruments in India. The current Indian goals, issues & challenges in achieving them and trends in further development are discussed. Rooftops ideal for harnessing solar energy In urban and rural India, millions of homes and commercial buildings have rooftops that receive ample sunlight during the day. These are ideal for harnessing the sun’s energy by converting it into electric power. This can be done by adding an interface known as an inverter to convert the DC power generated by the solar panels on the rooftop to AC power as most appliances/devices run on AC. Although rooftops can be used for creating rooftop energy sources, there are various factors to be considered before deciding to install solar panels on a rooftop. Types of solar systems There are three types of solar systems that can be considered. 1. On-grid systems
system can run on its own with its own battery. The solar power generated from the rooftop solar system charges the battery which is then used to power various applications. This system is very useful when there is no grid supply or when the supply is very erratic with frequent breakdowns. 3. Hybrid systems
The third one is the hybrid system in which both on-grid and off-grid systems work in tandem. In this type of system, though a battery is used, the advantage here is that after the battery is fully charged the excess power generated is fed to the grid which generates additional revenues for the consumer. Feasibility of rooftops for generating power For home solar rooftop systems, the nature of the roof is very important to determine its feasibility. The factors that need to be considered are as follows: • The availability of sunlight throughout the year and the area available on the rooftop is important to calculate the power that can be generated. A typical home solar panel can produce about 290 watts by harnessing one hour of direct sunlight. If sunlight falls for 8 hours then the solar panel can produce 2320 watts electric power. • The orientation of the rooftop towards the sun is important. Exposure towards the south is the ideal orientation for the panel. If the roof is naturally sloping and facing south then it is very ideal for installing rooftop solar panels. This is because India is situated in the northern hemisphere and south facing rooftops receive the maximum amount of sunlight as the earth rotates on its own axis at an inclination. However, if the roof is flat solar panels will need to be placed at an angle faci ng south to receive the maximum possible sunlight. Further, high rise buildings should not hinder the exposure of the solar panels to sunlight. • The decision on choosing a suitable type of rooftop solar system impacts the cost of the system. Each type involves different components and the costs could vary depending on them.
One of them is the on-grid system in which the rooftop solar system is integrated with the main grid supply. This system allows power to be used from the grid supply only when the rooftop solar system is unable to supply the required power. Thus, a well-planned rooftop system can efficiently supply power without using grid supply saving expenses otherwise incurred on using power from the grid. In fact, this system can earn revenues as any excess power generated can be fed to the grid for which DISCOMs pay compensation How much rooftop to use Based on the availability of sunlight and the space using ‘net metering’. available on the rooftop the maximum power that can 2. Off-grid systems be generated can be determined. Further, based on The second one is the off-grid system in which the the type of system – on-grid, off-grid or hybrid – the rooftop solar system is not linked to the main grid. This homeowner can decide on the space to be allocated
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on the rooftop for producing electric power. Cost-benefit The homeowner can make a cost analysis and decide on the quantum of electricity to be produced so as to be profitable. This could include meeting the home owner’s power needs and the amount of power that can be transferred to the grid to generate additional revenues. Rooftop solar systems are becoming a popular source of electric power because it is a renewable energy source and it is abundantly available during the day. With careful planning, implementing an appropriate rooftop solar system can translate into never-ending electric power supply at minimal recurring expenses. No shouting from the rooftop about this industry, at least not yet! India’s solar sector is growing at a hectic pace but the rooftop segment has been slow off the blocks. Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved Phase II of grid-connected rooftop solar systems to achieve a cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from rooftop solar projects by 2022. The programme will be implemented with total Central support of Rs 11,814 crore, with the government extending financial assistance of 40 per cent for 3 kW capacity and 20 per cent beyond 3kW up to 10 kW. Will this trigger the next wave of rooftop solar adoption? Here is what sector experts say. Subsidies and more
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Ashish Khanna, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Power Solar and President of Tata Power (Renewables), believes that “We are at an interesting cusp where we could potentially see accelerated growth of rooftop solar systems in the country. But the real growth will come once we have quality battery back-up systems, say, within the next 2-3 years. This will provide real, round-the-clock reliable power.” Already, solar power supply has achieved grid parity and its prices compare well with other fossil fuel options. Significantly, it is much lower than, say, a diesel generating set which works out to about Rs 15 a unit in many parts of the country, says Khanna. Referring to the recent government moves to boost rooftop solar systems, Khanna says subsidies may not be the best way to encourage their adoption, but provide early initiation into the system. “The best long-term solution is a self sustaining one,” he stresses. Nearly 200 million people in the country either do not have power or have erratic power and solar rooftop solutions have the potential to address this problem even in the remotest parts of the country. Over the years, the cost of setting up of one kW rooftop solar, which was about Rs 90,000 has now come down to about Rs 50,000. And with the inherent advantage of using this power for 25-35 years, it is a compelling proposition, he says. Needed: viable financing Saurabh Marda, Co-Founder and MD of Freyr Energy, a company engaged in providing solar installations, points ||www.renewablemirror.com||
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out that while the Government plans to develop about 40 giga watt by 2022, the current installed capacity is about 4 GW. Several reports estimate that about 8 GW will be generated by 2023. “To achieve the target, the rooftop segment has to double every year in terms of installations. There is potential to accelerate this, provided the issues faced by the sector are addressed,” says Marda. “While there are plenty of financial instruments to support development of utility-scale solar plants, no such instrument is available for rooftop solar customers. Most residential and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) have to rely on their own funds to own a solar system. Constantly evolving Central and State policies related to taxes, net metering, subsidy, etc, create uncertainty, both for customers and financial institutions. This delays the decision making process and results in a long sales cycle,” Marda adds. Tax incentives are available for only commercial and industrial customers. They can avail accelerated depreciation of 40 per cent every year on their solar investment until the asset is fully depreciated. This is one of the drivers to invest in solar, apart from helping the customer reduce their electricity bill. However, residential customers, NGOs and not for profit organisations such as educational institutions are eligible for capital subsidy of 30-70 depending upon their location. The implementation of the subsidy scheme has not been very effective anywhere. “We believe that a better way to encourage individuals is to provide tax breaks. Implementing that will be far more straight forward and cost-effective,”
Marda argues. Incentives and subsidies are plagued by several delays and confusion around whether the customer gets the subsidy or the company installing the solar system. And then there are challenges on the ground when it comes to net meters and completion of site inspection. This adds to delays in subsidy disbursal. Over and above all these, a key challenge is the cost associated with investing in a solar system. Implementable, scalable financing options are needed. And over-reliance on subsidies creates long-term growth challenges. Also, while some States mandate that buildings must have roof space to install a solar system, it is hardly enforced. Policy matters Vivek Subramanian, Founder Partner, Executive Director, Fourth Partner Energy, a distributed solar energy solutions provider, says that safeguard duty of 25 per cent on import of modules has slowed demand as this is a mixed signal to the market, especially when the government has set an ambitious target of 40 GW by 2022 for rooftop solar. The recent GST uncertainty and revised rate of around 9 per cent on solar have also affected the profitability of the sector. “While policies such as net metering have been successfully implemented across the country, given that electricity is a State subject, policies have differed from State to State, making it difficult for developers, financiers and consumers to adopt solar,” points out Subramanian. Most States impose a cap on installable capacity under net-metering of 1 MW. Further, some restrict the installable capacity to a certain percentage of the total contract demand. “We have many clients who have large demand for power, space and intent to adopt solar, but the policy is restrictive,” he rues. Some spurs to growth Industry stakeholders have many suggestions to promote the growth of rooftop solar. For instance, they say, the metering for rooftop solar could be combined with the regular discom billing such that any default would lead to disconnection of power. Warehouses, sheds, etc., have space but inadequate consumption. So installation and injection into the grid from these locations should be allowed and consumers should be permitted to draw at another location. Community solar is where the hyper local energy markets are. In such places a real-time exchange for power is created and settlement between buyers and sellers (prosumers) happens instantly. This has already been indicated in the latest UP State Policy. Penetration into off-grid and rural through distributed solar — using storage solutions, payment solutions and policy
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for creating an energy efficient ecosystem — is necessary. The discoms could be incentivised to support rooftop solar and net metering by allowing them to charge a fee and making them a stakeholder. In this context, Ashish Khanna of Tata Power Solar says his company plays a role across the entire power spectrum, including discoms. There is a need to strike the right balance to promote solar rooftop installations. Sector experts also stress that there is a need for improved regulations for dispute resolution giving more comfort to developers, financiers and consumers of solar given the long duration of contracts under theoperating expenses (OPEX) model, which varies from 10 to 25 years. If these suggestions are acted upon, the real numbers could be a pleasant surprise in 2022. Everything you need to know before installing a solar rooftop system Rooftops ideal for harnessing solar energy in urban and rural India, millions of homes and commercial buildings have rooftops that receive ample sunlight during the day. These are ideal for harnessing the sun’s energy by converting it into electric power. This can be done by adding an interface known as an inverter to convert the DC power generated by the solar panels on the rooftop to AC power as most appliances/devices run on AC. Although rooftops can be used for creating rooftop energy sources, there are various factors to be considered before deciding to install solar panels on a rooftop. Types of solar systems There are three types of solar systems that can be considered. • On-grid systems One of them is the on-grid system in which the rooftop solar system is integrated with the main grid supply. This system allows power to be used from the grid supply only when the rooftop solar system is unable to supply the required power. Thus, a well-planned rooftop system can efficiently supply power without using grid supply saving expenses otherwise incurred on using power from the grid. In fact, this system can earn revenues as any excess power generated can be fed to the grid for which DISCOMs pay compensation using ‘net metering’. • Off-grid systems The second one is the off-grid system in which the rooftop solar system is not linked to the main grid. This system can run on its own with its own battery. The solar power generated from the rooftop solar system charges the battery which is then used to power various applications. This system is very useful when there is no grid supply or when the supply is very erratic with frequent breakdowns.
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• Hybrid systems The third one is the hybrid system in which both on-grid and off-grid systems work in tandem. In this type of system, though a battery is used, the advantage here is that after the battery is fully charged the excess power generated is fed to the grid which generates additional revenues for the consumer. Feasibility of rooftops for generating power For home solar rooftop systems, the nature of the roof is very important to determine its feasibility. The factors that need to be considered are as follows: • The availability of sunlight throughout the year and the area available on the rooftop is important to calculate the power that can be generated. A typical home solar panel can produce about 290 watts by harnessing one hour of direct sunlight. If sunlight falls for 8 hours then the solar panel can produce 2320 watts electric power. • The orientation of the rooftop towards the sun is important. Exposure towards the south is the ideal orientation for the panel. If the roof is naturally sloping and facing south then it is very ideal for installing rooftop solar panels. This is because India is situated in the northern hemisphere and south facing rooftops receive the maximum amount of sunlight as the earth rotates on its own axis at an inclination. However, if the roof is flat solar panels will need to be placed at an angle facing south to receive the maximum possible sunlight. Further, high rise buildings should not hinder the exposure of the solar panels to sunlight. • The decision on choosing a suitable type of rooftop solar system impacts the cost of the system. Each type involves different components and the costs could vary depending on them.
How much rooftop to use Based on the availability of sunlight and the space available on the rooftop the maximum power that can be generated can be determined. Further, based on the type of system – on-grid, off-grid or hybrid – the homeowner can decide on the space to be allocated on the rooftop for producing electric power. Cost-benefit The homeowner can make a cost analysis and decide on the quantum of electricity to be produced so as to be profitable. This could include meeting the home owner’s power needs and the amount of power that can be transferred to the grid to generate additional revenues. Rooftop solar systems are becoming a popular source of electric power because it is a renewable energy source and it is abundantly available during the day. With careful planning, implementing an appropriate rooftop solar system can translate into never-ending electric power supply at minimal recurring expenses. ||www.renewablemirror.com||
Distributed/decentralized renewable power projects using wind energy, biomass energy, hydro power and hybrid systems are being established in the country to meet the energy requirements of isolated communities and areas which are not likely to be electrified in near future. Off-grid Renewable Energy / Power:
• Biomass based heat and power projects and industrial waste to-energy projects for meeting captive needs • Biomass gasifiers for rural and industrial energy applications • Watermills/micro hydro projects – for meeting electricity requirement of remote villages • Small Wind Energy & Hybrid Systems - for mechanical and electrical applications, mainly where grid electricity is not available. • Solar PV Roof-top Systems for abatement of diesel for power generation in urban areas.
The main objectives of the programme are: supporting RD&D to make such systems more reliable and cost-effective, demonstration, field testing, strengthening manufacturing base. Missing Target a Foregone Conclusion With less than four years left to meet its target of installing 40,000 megawatt (MW) of rooftop solar power capacity by 2022, India has installed just about 2,538 MW as of March 2018, a full 94 per cent short of target. At this rate, missing the target is a foregone conclusion, which also jeopardizes the country’s overall solar target of 100 gigawatt (GW, equal to 1,000 MW) by 2022. Rooftop solar has been a key part of the recent renewable engery revolution around the world, and its appeal is clear – residential, commercial and industrial buildings can generate their own electricity, which is green and potentially less expensive than the power they draw from the grid. What’s more, they can inject excess power back into the grid and get paid for it. India’s ambitious target, in fact, is backed by a 30 per cent subsidy for residential buildings. But this has failed to enthuse home owners, the majority of whom pay small electricity bills and find the cost of solar equipment prohibitive in comparison. Commercial and industrial building owners have shown more enthusiasm as their large power bills justify the expense of solar power systems, even though they get no subsidy. But here, policy and regulation are blocking the way, say a range of industry participants, including installation businesses, consultants and power distribution companies (discoms). “The government needs to do much more if it is serious about the 40 GW target,” Sanjeev Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO of Amplus Solar, one of the largest rooftop solar ||www.renewablemirror.com||
installations companies in India, told IndiaSpend. After India announced the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission in 2010, rooftop installations went from zero to grow annually at a compound annual rate of 117 per cent between 2013-14 and 2017-18. In 2015, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy announced its 40 GW target and subsidy for home-owners, and began to urge state governments to announce policies to enable net-metering, a billing mechanism that enables power consumers to be paid for injecting renewable power into the grid. The segment has since grown to install 2,538 MW as of March 31, according to the consultancy Bridge to India. This gives rooftop solar a 10 per cent share in India’s overall solar capacity installation, with large-scale and off-grid solar installations cumulatively nearing 22,000 MW during the same period. On the plus side, the industry is at ‘an inflection point’ right now, Agarwal of Amplus Solar said. “Rooftop solar is a well-established, well-understood sub-sector now, not the hard sell it was when we started four years ago,” he said. “The technology is well established, and costing has come down 40-50 per cent to a level where adoption is quick.” The earliest and most eager adopters of rooftop solar have been commercial and industrial users, accounting for 544 MW and 1,088 MW of capacity installation, as per Bridge to India. “They have large rooftops and large consumption, and are able to break even in 3-4 years,” Kanika Khanna, Director, Sunkalp Energy, which brings together rooftop owners and solar system installers, told India Spend. Across India, grid power tariffs vary by state, but generally, residential tariffs are subsidized and quite low for small users (roughly Rs 5 per kilowatt-hour), but get progressively higher for larger users (around Rs 7.75 per kilowatt-hour). RM
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Thermal Camera
Thermal imaging cameras are already a longtime R&D tool for the analysis of panels
The History of Thermal Imaging Cameras
Thermal imaging goes all the manner back to 1800 once infrared was discovered as a type of radiation on the far side red lightweight. Whereas infrared technology has several uses its most notable for thermal imaging cameras. A typical camera captures the sunshine we will see with our eyes, however a thermal camera captures “invisible� infrared emission, creating technology like vision spectacles attainable. The first thermal camera is nearly a hundred years previous, and it spent a lot of its youth utilized in the wars of the 20th century. But today, they’re home items. Anyone can purchase a camera with a thermal imaging sensing element for simply some hundred greenbacks and use it as a hobby or recreation.
Thermal Cameras
Thermal imaging may be a methodology of raising the visibility of objects during a dark atmosphere by detection the objects' infrared and making a picture supported that data. Thermal imaging, near-infrared illumination, low-light
imaging and square measure the 3 most ordinarily used visual sense technologies. In contrast to the opposite 2 strategies, thermal imaging works in environments with none close light-weight. Like near-infrared illumination, thermal imaging will penetrate obscurants like smoke, fog and haze. Here's a quick rationalization of however thermal imaging works: All objects emit infrared energy (heat) as an operator of their temperature. The infrared energy emitted by Associate in nursing object is understood as its heat signature. In general, the warmer Associate the nursing object is the additional radiation it emits. A thermal imager (also referred to as a thermal camera) is actually a heat sensing element that's capable of detection little variations in temperature. The device collects the infrared from objects within the scene Associate in Nursing creates a picture supported data regarding the temperature variations. As a result of objects square measure seldom exactly constant temperature as alternative objects around them, a thermal camera will notice them and that they can seem as distinct during a thermal image.
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11 options to seem for in thermal imaging software package Robust desktop and itinerant software package is a vital side of infrared scrutiny workflows. The software package will facilitate enhance and clarify pictures, add analysis and share professionallooking reports in applications spanning mechanical, electrical, equipment and building medicine and additional. It’s necessary to notice that analyzing thermo graphic mental imagery accurately needs special coaching to require under consideration emissivity of objects and alternative factors which will influence temperature measurements by infrared cameras. Just as skilled photographers use a software package to show pictures into beautiful works appropriate for a business enterprise or widespread sharing, thermographers use software package as a tool to investigate so enhance and fine-tune thermal pictures that the data will be shared with manager’s and others. Smart software package absolutely utilizes the radiometric knowledge provided by the camera’s detector to urge the foremost out of the image or video. In addition, the user will import pictures directly from associate degree infrared camera’s memory or a removable storage device like associate degree SD or small SD. once evaluating software package to use with associate degree infrared camera, specialists advocate you make sure the software package includes these necessary features: Multiple images or video formats – method and export pictures in multiple file formats such a .jpg, .tiff, .bmp, .gif or .avi similarly as proprietary formats which will faucet additional knowledge for advanced analyses. Fluke infrared cameras will save in is 2 formats, for example, for additional image process and analysis in good view software package and pictures, will be exported from this software package to several unremarkably used file formats. You’ll conjointly like better to export the temperature knowledge from the image to CSV or XLS format for additional analysis. Edit and manipulate pictures – Modify level and span, amendment emissivity, add markers, highlight boxes, reference pictures and colour alarms.
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Combine visible radiation and infrared pictures – Modify and mix visible and infrared pictures so as to higher find potential drawback areas. This is often the IR Fusion feature in Fluke software package. Live viewing and sharing of infrared pictures or video – Read streaming knowledge from your camera on your smart phone or pc. This is often accessible via the Fluke Connect mobile app on some models, as an example. Share pictures in a period of time across the net for viewing by remote team members. Remotely management your infrared camera - Some software package helps you to activate motor vehicle focus or capture pictures and alternative functions while not touching the camera, which may be valuable in doubtless venturous areas or tough applications. Create example or custom reports – Best-in-class software package adds choices for building and customizing reports to export in .pdf or .docx formats for sharing. 3-dimensional analysis – A capability of higher software package programs for thermal image analysis, viewing infrared pictures from totally different views helps eliminate false positives and supports the identification of extra drawback areas. Fluke’s 3D analysis capability is named 3D-IR. Side-by-side comparison – Necessary to prognostic maintenance, side-by-side comparisons of pictures taken at totally different Times Square measure enclosed within the Fluke Connect software package platforms plus Health dashboard. Change colour palette – Management colours within the image so as to form heat or cold simply apparent or hold grey scale. Annotations – Add text, audio, and extra visible radiation pictures to assist add all necessary data regarding associate degree application. Categorize and catalogue pictures – Tools to reason, tag or catalogue thermal pictures and go together with instrumentality. This feature is made into Fluke Connect Assets software package.
ADVANTAGES
Thermal cameras let individuals see what their eyes can’t: invisible heat radiation emitted or mirrored by all objects, no matter lighting conditions. A number of the best advantages of thermal imaging
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are available in the domain of security. Security cameras became a staple of protection for several (if not all) major businesses across the country, and in such a landscape, the necessity to supply quality pictures is vital to supply constant protection against potential intruders. Thermal cameras provide superior protection in difficult conditions. 1. Low-Light Situations 2. resistant to Visual Limitations 3. Camouflaging Foliage 4. Fewer False Alarms
Survey
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of Europe, Central & South America, Brazil, remainder of South America, geographic area, GCC Countries, Turkey, Egypt, Republic of South Africa, remainder of geographic area Major Players in Infrared Thermal Camera market are: Agiltron, Raytheon, FLIR Systems opposition., Sofradir Europe, Inc., AIM, L-3 CE, N.E.P., Teledyne, NIT, DALIInfrared Thermal Camera
Using Thermal Cameras for Testing Solar Panels
Quality assurance is of elementary importance for star panels. The failure-free operation of the panels may be a requirement for economic power generation, long life, and a high come back on the investment. To confirm this failure-free operation a quick, easy and reliable methodology to gauge a star panel's performance is needed, each throughout the assembly method and once the panel has been put in. This technical note illustrates however thermo graphic scrutiny of electrical phenomenon systems, like star panels, permits the quick localization of potential defects at the cell and module level additionally because of the detection of doable electrical interconnection issues. Further, not like alternative strategies, thermal inspections are also meted out beneath traditional operative conditions over giant areas and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a system pack up. Thermal imaging cameras are already a longtime R&D tool for the analysis of star cells and panels. For these refined measurements, typically superior cameras with cooled detectors, used beneath controlled laboratory conditions. This technical note demonstrates that the employment of thermal imaging cameras for electrical device analysis needn't be restricted to the sector of analysis. The authors show however the most recent generation of FLIR uncooled thermal imaging cameras are presently being employed for electrical device internal control before installation and regular prophetical maintenance check-ups once the panel has been put in. The technical note concludes that scrutiny with a brand new generation uncooled hand-held thermal imaging camera, beginning with the standard management within the installation section, followed by regular check-ups facilitates complete and easy system condition observation. This thermal imaging scrutiny protocol has been shown to assist to keep up the star panels' practicality and to increase their lifespan. Victimization thermal imaging cameras for electrical device inspections can thus drastically improve the operative companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s come back on investment. RM || SEPTEMBER 2020 ||
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Thermal cameras square measure passive sensors that capture the actinic radiation emitted by all objects with a temperature on top of temperature. This sort of camera was originally developed as a police investigation and visual sense tool for the military, however recently the value has born, considerably gap up a broader field of applications. Deploying this sort of detector in vision systems eliminates the illumination issues of traditional grayscale and RGB cameras. This survey provides an outline of the present applications of thermal cameras. Applications embrace animals, agriculture, buildingsand gas detection, industrial and military applications, similarly as detection, tracking and recognition of humans. Moreover, this survey describes the character of thermal radiation and therefore the technology of thermal cameras. Global Infrared Thermal Camera Market 2018 New Trends â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Agiltron, Raytheon, FLIR Systems opposition, Sofradir Europe Fior Markets recently disclosed a brand new report titled international Infrared Thermal Camera Market Insights, Forecast to 2025 that speaks regarding a whole item review Associate in nursing its degree within the market to tell apart the key terms additionally as providing the shoppers with an all-comprising thought of the market and its tendencies. The report offers an entire geographical segmentation read of the Infrared Thermal Camera market alongside the assessment of the trade driving it. The report enlists all necessary market updates additionally as technological updates. An aim of this report is to capture the mindshare of our target market. Likewise, the market report contains key esteems and realities of the sales advertise concerning volume, deals and its development rate, profit and its development rate. The report additionally holds regions and country wise development standing which has market size, market share, volume and price. For every geographical regional market, product evaluation and profit analysis are performed and provide and demand statistics additionally as region-wise growth veteran by the market is obtainable within the report. This elaborated study can document four important components of the Infrared Thermal Camera market i.e., the key market players, soul usage, the merchandise divisions, and also the geographical divisions. Major Regions play important role in market are: North America, us, Canada, Mexico, Asia-Pacific, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Europe, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, remainder
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The solar PV panels market is segmented based on technology, grid-type, end use,
Solar PV Modules
and geography
In addition to separating manufacturing of solar cells and modules from generation, the government may also offer some form of financial aid, said the people, asking not to be identified as the information isn’t public. There has been little interest from solar equipment makers in the previous manufacturing tenders, a hurdle to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious plans of building 100 gigawatts of solar power capacity by 2022. India has been struggling to spur its nascent domestic manufacturing industry, which the government estimates can currently only meet just 15 per cent of the country’s annual needs. The South Asian nation has been seeking to boost its capabilities through both manufacturing tenders as well as a safeguard duty on cheaper Chinese imports. A tender issued in May 2018 was downsized and delayed multiple times, before being scrapped due to poor investor interest. It was replaced by a smaller version in January, for which the bidding deadline has been extended three times. The latest deadline, May 14, is expected to be extended again, the people said. Anand Kumar, secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, declined to comment on either the extension of the deadline or the possible new tender.
India’s efforts to develop its own solar equipment industry will be challenged by both domestic policies and overseas competition, according to Bloomberg NEF analyst Rohit Gadre. “A delinked manufacturing tender will not work unless it provides an assured long-term demand for domestic modules,” Gadre said. As well, “Indian photovoltaic module production will not be able to compete globally on its own as China has already built economies of scale and a strong supply chain.” Challenges and Market Scenario Solar Energy is an important source of energy Currently Solar Energy fulfills about 0.5% of earth’s energy needs, however, as per several reports; Solar Energy is on the way to become one of the largest sources of energy. It is expected to supply 16% of energy requirements by 2050. India alone has set up a target of 100 GW solar by 2022. Out of which, 40 GW is to come from rooftop solar. Nonetheless, this journey doesn’t seem easy. There are obstacles at every step. One of the biggest markets for solar energy is the distributed rooftop segment. This is a game-changer segment. Advantages of rooftop solar PV plant are multifold. It aids DISCOMs by reducing the peak demand during daytime and leads to decreased transmission and distribution losses as the power is consumed at the point of generation, it reduces land
and interconnection costs, it has minimum government intervention as there is less involvement of government infrastructure, it can also be set up in remote places, and it also produces considerable savings for the consumer over its lifetime because of the increasing costs of grid electricity. All the other energy solutions, wind energy, thermal energy, utility scale solar, nuclear and hydro and many others, require huge setups and investments. Then, these also require deeper and troubling government intervention. Hence, solar rooftop segment presents a huge opportunity for countries like India. Despite the obvious advantages, rooftop Solar has not really taken off. In India, Rooftop solar has maintained a 10-12% share of overall solar capacity1. This is much lower than other key markets such as US, Germany, China, Spain and Australia. Please refer figure 1 for a better understanding. Currently, India’s focus is to build more capacity and raise awareness about the technology in the market. At this stage, few topics which require attention are mentioned below. In our country the prime factor for the slowdown of Solar Photovoltaics (PV) sector in last year was the implementation of safeguard duty on imported panels. While imposition of this duty was aimed at incentivizing domestic manufacturing, it led to an increase in tariffs, resulting in the cancellation of many solar auctions and their retendering. This slowdown might be temporary, since long-term trends like falling cost of photovoltaic (PV) modules do remain in place. The growth in India’s solar capacity has been driven mainly by imported PV modules that enjoy nearly 90% share, as their costs are up to 30% lower. The safeguard duty was pegged by the government at 70% on foreign modules, but was introduced at 25% owing to pressure from energy companies. The industry is facing many other challenges which are creating a hindrance in industry’s growth. Challenges for the PV industry in India Cost and T&D Losses: Solar PV is some years away from true cost competitiveness and from being able to compete on the same scale as other energy generation technologies. Adding to the cost are T&D losses that at approximately 40 percent make generation through solar energy sources highly unfeasible. However, the government is supporting R&D activities by establishing research centers and funding such initiatives. The government has tied up with world-renowned universities to bring down the installation cost of solar power sources and is focusing on upgradation of substations and T&D lines to reduce T&D losses. Regulatory And Policy Aspects: The major concern of any project developer or EPC player is usually from regulatory and policy aspects. For example, net metering policy in India is more than 2 years old now. However, implementation on the ground is still not smooth. At state level, the electricity distribution companies are not willing to sacrifice their premium high tariff paying customers. Such policy level inconsistencies are a big deterrent to the ambitious plans of the govt. to meet their solar targets. Fluctuation in PV material price: There is fluctuation of PV material price in the market. A movement in price of Solar PV modules, which forms a major component of the installation cost, has the ||www.renewablemirror.com||
major impact. At Insolergy, we have seen residential solar market in India responding very fast to such fluctuations. These aspects are likely to impact many solar projects in the country. But we believe that customization and offering valueadded services with innovative solutions is the only way to succeed. India’s PV module manufacturing sector needs serious attention: India’s manufacturing sector is set to take a giant leap forward, with the govt. announcing a slew of measures to boost domestic manufacturing in recent past. As a result, various CoS are gearing up to expand their production facilities in India. However, Indian manufacturers continue to face a stiff competition with Chinese & other global manufacturers leading them to operate insufficiently. There could be various reasons ranging from the govt.’s existing domestic insufficient content policy to fewer types of subsidies or the interest rates on raw material thus making them to be inadequate in promoting the domestic PV module manufacturing industry. However, the challenges in the current policy regime & steps India might take to better position itself to become a global leader in the PV module manufacturing needs a strong overhaul. Solar power is the strategic need for the country as it can potentially save USD 20 bn in fossil fuel imports annually by 2030 & domestic manufacturing can save USD 42 bn in equipment imports by 2030. “In the absence of manufacturing, India will need to import $42 bn of solar equipment by 2030, corresponding to 100 GW of installed capacity,” warns a report by KPMG, an advisory firm. The report further highlighted that solar manufacturing can also create direct employment for more than 50,000 people in the next five years assuming local manufacturing captures 50% domestic market share & 10% global market share. Inventory Management & Capacity Utilization: Indian module manufacturers are operating at very low capacity utilization; however the capacity is currently sufficient to cater to the demand. The major reason for this is lack of demand for domestic PV modules & unavailability & limited access to raw material. Therefore, to at least keep their plants running, raw materials are stored in the warehouse. Also, the finished modules need to be kept in the warehouse because of intermittent demand in the market. Therefore, higher inventory levels for raw materials & finished modules increase the operating cost & puts upward pressure on manufacturing costs. More long term contracts with manufacturers could assist in this regard, allowing firms to procure raw material just in time to meet demand. Access to working capital is important for Indian CoS to compete against the firms from China/ South East Asia, who offer better terms. Inferior Technology and Quality: The efficiency and quality of solar panels produced by the Indian players is not able to compete with its global counterparts. This is because of the lack of technical expertise and intellectual property with Indian players. An earlier ban of silicon wafer fabrication, which was removed in 2013, is one of the examples of setback which the Indian panel manufacturers have had to face in the past. This ban has considerably set back the developments in the Indian semi-conductor industry. Another major issue is of dust in our environment. India being a highly populous developing country literally lives in a dust storm.
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And, as a matter of fact, even a single grain of sand can affect the performance of a solar PV cell/module. These challenges have had an overtly deep impact on the abilities of Indian Solar Panel Manufacturers. Market Scenario of Solar PV and Future of Industry The global Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels Market was valued at $118,704 million in 2016, which is expected to reach $307,204 million by 2023, registering a CAGR of 15.0% from 2017 to 2023. The key components of PV power system are various types of photovoltaic cells (also known as solar cells). These components are interconnected and encapsulated to form a photovoltaic module, the mounting structure of modules which is manufactured for the grid connected and off-grid systems. Moreover, solar energy is renewable and helps countries to meet their policy goals for secure, reliable, and affordable energy and provides electricity access with reduced price volatility and the promotion of social and economic development. Therefore, decrease in price of solar energy has further led to the demand for production of solar power which in turn proves to be a cost-effective solution. The solar photovoltaic (PV) panels market is segmented based on technology, grid-type, end use, and geography. Based on technology, it is classified into thin-film, crystalline, and others (organic and concentrator photovoltaics). Crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic (PV) is further segmented into mono and multi crystalline. Based on grid type, it is bifurcated into grid connected and off-grid. Grid connected is further segmented into centralized and decentralized. By end use, it is categorized into residential, commercial, and utility scale. Based on geography, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Recently, India achieved the third rank globally for solar installation capacity. Mercom India, a clean energy research organsation, has reported that the installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity has reached over 28 GW as of December 2018. However, this accounts for only about 5.5 per cent of the total global cumulative installations. India may have emerged as the third largest market for solar, but a comparison at the global front suggests that India has a long way to go in order to become a solar super power. India added 8.3 GW of solar capacity. It has observed a 13 per cent dip from the previous year, when the solar PV installation addition was 9.6 GW. The total installations globally accounted 104 GW for FY 2018, during which China and the US added 44.3 GW and 10.6 GW respectively. Surveys suggest that global PV solar installations will see nearly 18% rise in 2019, finally reaching and may be surpassing 100 GW capacity addition. Although, at the end of 2019, we would still be far from ‘0’ emission future, rising PV installation growth and emergence of new markets within developing countries will get us closer to that goal. China is predicted to lead the installation growth in the present year, but its market share will fall from 55% to 19% by 2023. Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa will scale rapidly and several new markets like Egypt, Span, Argentina, Vietnam will also see boost and may account for nearly 7% of global PV
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installation growth in 2019. The government has also introduced a number of incentives and specific policies to make solar more attractive to overseas investors, including national and state solar auctions, increased investment in the grid and various favourable tax adjustments. As a result, the country has made global headlines for the record low prices being realised in its latest solar auctions. India revises solar manufacturing tender specs to attract investors More than a year and 10 extensions later, the Union government has revised the tender specifications for the first solar manufacturinglinked power plant project in the country. Hoping to attract more investor interest, the tariff cap has been set at Rs 2.75/unit. Solar Energy Corporation India (SECI) on Tuesday issued a request for a selection (RfS) notice for selecting solar power developers. This will be for setting up 6 GW (per annum) of solar power plants linked to 2 GW of solar manufacturing plant. A bidder can quote any capacity up to 1.5 GW of solar power projects linked to 0.5 GW of solar manufacturing capacity, corresponding to one project. A total of four such projects have been put up for bidding. A company can bid for one or all four. In an interesting amendment introduced in the new RfS, SECI has allowed using imported solar modules at the power plant and not necessarily the ones manufactured at the linked unit set up by the company. Earlier, this was mandatory. “The solar power developers or SPDs would be allowed to set up a solar power plant parallelly with a manufacturing facility, that is, the mandatory requirement of using self-produced modules in the plants under this scheme will not be there. This can be set up either through imported modules or through modules made by the manufacturing unit being set up by the bidder or through any other domestic module,” said the RfS document reviewed by Business Standard. Another addition in the tender is regarding manufacturing, wherein the companies can submit a bid for setting up manufacturing units for ingots and wafers as well as solar cells and modules. Ingots and wafers are key components in the making of solar cells. The module is a collection of solar cells and panels are the single power producing unit. The tender, however, has not included the long-awaited demand of the industry to include the existing solar manufacturing units. “As this scheme calls for setting up solar manufacturing plants in India, commissioned manufacturing plants cannot be considered under this RfS. However, expansion of the existing manufacturing facilities can be done anywhere in India,” said the RfS. After several extensions, the Central government, in January, decided to cancel the lone bid that came for setting up solar panel manufacturing along with a solar power plant. The single bid came from Azure Power in tie-up with Waaree Energies. The government re-issued the tender in March and it was also extended again. The latest global tender closes in August 2019. ||www.renewablemirror.com||
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there is clear market visibility of the next five years, then more manufacturers may decide to establish manufacturing units in India,” says Mercom, a renewable energy consultancy. India needs a solar manufacturing strategy India has made significant progress in creating capacity for solar energy generation in the last few years. The Prime Minister’s emphasis since 2014 has given a new fillip to solar power installation. The unit costs of solar power have fallen, and solar energy has become increasingly competitive with alternative sources of energy. India expanded its solar generation capacity eight times from 2,650 MW on May 26, 2014 to over 20 GW on January 31, 2018, and 28.18 GW on March 31, 2019. The government had an initial target of 20 GW of solar capacity by 2022, which was achieved four years ahead of schedule. In 2015, the target was raised to 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022. Relying on imports This rapid progress should have been made earlier, however. India is energy deficient, yet blessed with plenty of sunlight for most of the year. It should have taken a lead in solar panel manufacture to generate solar energy long ago. Despite the new policy focus on solar plant installation, India is still not a solar panel manufacturer. Just as India has had no overall industrial policy since economic reforms began, there is no real plan in place to ensure solar panel manufacture. The share of all manufacturing in GDP was 16% in 1991; it remained the same in 2017. The solar power potential offers a manufacturing opportunity. The government is a near monopsonistic buyer. India is regarded by the global solar industry as one of the most promising markets, but low-cost Chinese imports have undercut its ambitions to develop its own solar technology suppliers. Imports, mostly from China, accounted for 90% of 2017 sales, up from 86% in 2014. Substituting for imports requires human capabilities, technological capabilities and capital in the form of finance. On the first two capabilities, the supply chain of solar photovoltaic panel manufacturing is as follows: silicon production from silicates (sand); production of solar grade silicon ingots; solar wafer manufacturing; and PV module assembly. The capital expenditure and technical know-how needed for these processes decreases from the first item to the last, i.e. silicon production is more capital-intensive than module assembly. Most Indian companies are engaged in only module assembly or wafer manufacturing and module assembly. No Indian company is involved in silicon production, although a few are making strides towards it. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (2018), India has an annual solar cell manufacturing capacity of about 3 GW while the average annual demand is 20 GW. The shortfall is met by imports of solar panels. So we may not see domestic players, in the short term at least, replacing imported ones. While the safeguard duty now puts locally made panels on par with imported ones in terms of cost, the domestic sector needs to do a lot more to be effective. For instance, it will have to go down the supply chain and make the input components locally instead of importing them and putting the modules together here. Public procurement is the way forward. The government is still free to call out bids for solar power plants with the requirement that these be made fully in India. This will || SEPTEMBER 2020 ||
w w w. r e n e w a b l e m i r r o r. c o m
Indian solar cells and modules manufacture 'obsolete', says MNRE At a time when the government of India is trying to decide on whether or not the Indian solar cells and modules manufacturers deserve protection by way of anti-dumping duty, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has said that the cell/module manufacturing capacity in the country is “obsolete”. In a ‘concept note’ for supporting solar manufacture in India, the Ministry speaks of a “direct financial support” of Rs 11,000 crore and a ‘technology upgradation fund’, for solar manufacture. The Ministry notes that the country has installed capacity for producing 3.1 GW of cells and 8.8 GW of modules (cells are used to make modules). However, “even this capacity is not being fully exploited because of obsolete technology,” the concept note says. Only 1.5 GW of cell manufacture and 3 GW of module manufacture are used. It adds that the existing capacity is mainly of the conventional technology of multi-crystalline Al-BSF (Aluminium-Back Surface Field) solar cells, which have efficiency limitations and that very few players have ventured into the superior PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) technology. PER cells, which have a light reflecting layer on the rear, are more efficient and cost-effective. The Ministry has said it would bring in a ‘Technology Upgradation Fund’, borrowing the concept from a scheme of the same name for textile industry. The TUF could be an interest subvention scheme (as it is for the textile industry) or capital subsidy for technology up gradation projects. Apart from providing financial incentives for solar manufacture, the Ministry also proposes to “revive” the ‘domestic content requirement (DCR)’ scheme, which reserved a slice of the market for locally made cells and modules. The scheme was adjudged violative of global trade rules by the World Trade Organisation. Today, 1,436 MW of solar projects have been commissioned under the DCR and another 1,000 MW are under construction, but there won’t be any more. However, the government proposes to get central government-owned companies to set up 12,000 MW of projects using local-made products. The concept note also speaks of capital subsidies to those who set up solar manufacturing capacities, with subsidies indexed to the levels of value addition. Conversely, they could also set up solar power plants to supply the electricity needed for the manufacture, with facilities to bank the power with the grid for later withdrawal. Manufacture of solar panels (also called modules) start with polysilicon, which is made from silicon. Polysilicon is made into ingots, which are cut into wafers. Cells are made with wafers and a string of cells is a module. Today, only modules and cells are made in India, with imported material. At present, the only incentives available for manufacturing these is the Modified-Special Incentive Package Scheme, which is available to all electronic goods manufacturers and implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, but there have been few takers for the scheme. However, a few companies have expressed desire to set up manufacturing facilities in India—notably, Trina Solar and Longi, both of China. “If these incentives are seriously implemented and
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Solar PV Modules 98
not violate any World Trade Organization commitment. However, no bids will be received as manufacturing facilities for these do not exist in the country. But as Ajay Shankar, former Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, argues, if the bids were large enough with supplies spread over years, which gives enough time for a green field investment to be made for manufacturing in India, then bidders will emerge and local manufacturing can begin. Lessons from China China’s cost advantage derives from capabilities on three fronts. The first is core competence. The six largest Chinese manufacturers had core technical competence in semiconductors before they turned to manufacturing solar cells at the turn of the century. It takes time for companies to learn and put in action new technologies. When the solar industry in China began to grow, Chinese companies already possessed the know-how. Experts suggest that the human and technical learning curve could be five to 10 years. Indian companies had no learning background in semiconductors when the solar industry in India began to grow from 2011. State governments need to support semiconductor production as part of a determined industrial policy to develop this capacity for the future. The second source of cost advantage for China comes from government policy. The Chinese government has subsidised land acquisition, raw material, labour and export, among others. None of this is matched by the Indian government. Perhaps even more important is commitment by the government to procure over the long run — without that the investment in building up the design and manufacturing for each of the four stages of production of solar power equipment would come to nought.
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The third is the cost of capital. The cost of debt in India (11%) is highest in the Asia-Pacific region, while in China it is about 5%. Fifteen years ago, the Chinese could also have remained dependent upon imports from Korea or Germany; they did not. Remaining dependent on imports only leads to short-term benefits for India. A continuation of the current approach means India’s energy sector will be in the same condition as its defence industry, where enormous amounts of money have been spent procuring weaponry — so much so that India has been the world’s second largest importer of defence equipment for years. In the solar panel manufacturing sector, the Indian government allows 100% foreign investment as equity and it qualifies for automatic approval. The government is also encouraging foreign investors to set up renewable energy-based power generation projects on build-own-operate basis. But the Chinese government is clearly adopting an aggressive stance while the demand for solar power in India continues to grow, as does the government’s commitment to renewables. In 2018, China cut financial support to developers and halted approval for new solar projects. As a result, Chinese producers will cut prices to sustain their manufacturing plant capacity utilisation by sustaining exports to India. In other words, the Chinese strategy is to undercut any planned effort by India to develop the entire supply chain capacity within India so that dependence on imports from China continues. As a counter, India needs a solar manufacturing strategy, perhaps like the Automotive Mission Plan (2006-2016), which is credited with making India one of the largest manufacturers of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers and lorries in the world. This would also be a jobs-generating strategy for an increasingly better educated youth, both rural and urban. RM
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Infra-red Thermography on Solar Panels
S
olar Modules are guaranteed for 90% power output for 10 years and 85% power output for the duration of the 25 years. As the panels age with time, the gradual loss of power occurs and it is calculated considering ageing. However, these calculations can’t predict system deterioration caused by lightning storms, panel cell overheating and other component failures. One of the major causes of degradation is hot spot in modules. It may occur due to high resistive joints, cracks etc. Common causes for overheating of solar panels are penetration of moisture and/or dirt, cracks in Cells or glass, loose contacts and wiring faults
A view of solar panel being scanned
Thermography of solar Panel
Hot Spot identification using Thermography
Thermal imaging helps to identify mismatched panels where high performing modules are impeded by lower performing modules and overheated connections. Solar systems are outdoor electrical installations exposed to stresses of wind, rain, snow, melt and freeze cycles, and UV radiation. Hot spots are areas of elevated temperature affecting only specific part of the solar panel. It results in lower power output and an acceleration of the materials degradation in the affected area. It usually increase until total failure. Severities can be classified based on hot spot temperature like >5 °C, >10 °C & >20 °C.
Main Causes of Hot Spots and its effect on power efficiency
The causes can be categorized as functional or operational. The functional cause of hot spot are Cell mismatch and Cell damage. The operational reasons for hot spots are related to installation design and operation, and can include: • Winter Shading • Shading due to structure panels • Partial shading due to trees or tall vegetation near panels • Soiling & dust Depending on severity of the hot spot a power loss of 5% to 12% can occur in a single module. Subsequently, it may also affect the output current of the string in which the faulty module is connected. Overall string power may reduce by 3% - 7% due to hot spot in module. Through power measurement conducted on a string it can be found-out that a hot spot can reduce output power of the complete sting.
Benefits from Thermography scanning of solar panels
A typical case of hot-spot identified using thermography is shown below – ||www.renewablemirror.com||
Thermographic image of panel indicating hot-spot Table – Effect of Hot-spot on efficiency Sr. No.
Hot Spot Temperature (°C)
Average Output Power (%)
1
No hot-spot (Healthy panel)
99.2
2
3.8
97.4
3
8.0
93.2
4
22.6
92.2
5
Overall String
95.6
Guest Article
Thermography is a safe, non-contact measurement method to find-out “hot-spot” in the solar panels, circuits and other peripherals.
Here, a hot spot on a single module in a string can drop total string power approximately 5%. Day by day hot-spot may increase and power loss also increase accordingly. Based on above data considering 5% generation loss in a 400kW installation i.e. 20 kW loss in power, and assuming 5.5 hour of average time per day of plant, approximate generation loss per day will be 110 units. Considering unit price as Rs. 7.0 this loss corresponds to total loss of Rs. 2.80 lakhs in terms of revenue per year and Rs. 70 Lakhs in a life time of 25 years.
Conclusion
IR Thermography can be used as an early detection tool for Hot Spots in solar modules. Further, various detection technique like I-V Curve measurement, EL imaging, Insulation resistance measurement etc. can be adopted for comprehensive fault detection and remedial actions to be taken. RM
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