Eb oct nov 2014 issue by EnergyBlitz

In between

WFES-2015 An Introduction

India braces up for investor-grade solar resource data By Heba Hashem

Adopt Feed in Tariff and Avoid Energy Crisis By K. Sivadasan

Solar Power An Overview By Staff Writer

Lessons That Plants Teach By Dr. Asoor Shyam

Grid-Connected, Off-Grid and Hybrid Solar Systems: A Comparison of the Different Solar Systems By Staff writer

FOCUS Solar Lighting and Solar Water Heating By Staff writer

NEWS Large Solar Plants in the World

Wind is the Fastest Growing Energy Source in the World

India Plans Its First Offshore Wind Farm

ENERGY

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014

Advisory Board Dr. A. Jagadeesh | India Dr. Bhamy Shenoy | USA Er. Darshan Goswami | USA Elizabeth H. Thompson | Barbados Pincas Jawetz | USA Editorial Board Salman Zafar | India Editor & Publisher M. R. Menon Business & Media P. Roshini Design Shamal Nath Circulation Manager Andrew Paul Printed and Published by M.R.Menon at Midas Offset Printers, Kuthuparamba, Kerala Editorial Office 'Pallavi' Kulapully Shoranur 679122, Kerala (E-Mail: editor.energyblitz@gmail.com) Disclaimer: The views expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and the Editorial team | energy blitzdoes not take responsibility for the contents and opinions.energy blitz will not be responsible for errors, omissions or comments made by writers, interviewers or Advertisers.Any part of this publication may be reproduced with acknowledgment to the author and magazine. Registered and Editorial Office 'Pallavi, Kulapully, Shoranur 679122, Kerala, India Tel: +91-466-2220852/9995081018 E-mail: editor.energyblitz@gmail.com Web: energyblitz.webs.com

Solar Energy is the energy that is produced by the Sun in the form of heat and light. It is one of the most renewable and readily available sources of energy. The fact that it is available in plenty and free and does not belong to anybody makes it one of the most important of the non-conventional sources of energy. Solar energy has been used by people since ancient times by using simple magnifying glasses to concentrate the light of the sun into beams so hot they would cause wood to catch fire. By definition, solar energy is radiant heat and light from the Sun, which is harnessed by us to produce electricity. Typically, solar panels and/or secondary powered solar devices capture light or heat, and convert it into electrical energy; but they have never been able to simultaneously use both, until now! Photon Enhanced Thermionic Emission (PETE) simultaneously combines both heat and light from solar radiation to create electricity. Traditional solar panels utilize photovoltaic technology, which is flawed in that it decreases in efficiency as temperature rises. This is an obvious problem, seeing as the Sun produces both light and heat. The new process of PETE, actually increases efficiency of the panels as the heat index increases. Solar technology is now poised to play a larger role in the future, thanks to new developments that could result in lower costs and improved efficiency. More and more architects are recognizing the value of active and passive solar and learning how to effectively incorporate it into building designs. Solar hot water systems can compete economically with conventional systems in some areas. Perhaps the future is here now. It is predicted that 50% of the world's energy will come from renewable sources by 2040. In recent years manufacturing costs of photovoltaic cells has dropped by 3-5% per year while government subsidies have increased. While to some such facts about solar energy seem trivial, this makes solar energy an ever-more affordable energy source. In the next few years it is expected that millions of households in the world will be using solar energy as the trends in USA and Japan show. Aggressive financial incentives in Germany and Japan have made these countries global leaders in solar deployment for years.

Ramanathan Menon

Solar Power An Overview By Staff Writer

WFES - At the forefront of the global energy

development. Now into its eighth year the

dialogue

event, hosted by Masdar, has put energy

With the global population forecast to increase to more than nine billion by the year 2050,

diversification at the top of the region's sustainability agenda.

placing huge strains on energy and natural

The Summit addresses the importance of

resource supplies, the world must find new,

uniting public policy, R&D and the business

innovative ways to drive social and economic

community to stimulate private-public

development, whilst reducing the

partnerships, encourage entrepreneurship and

environmental impact.

accelerate action on sustainable energy

That is the challenge the annual World Future Energy Summit (WFES), the Middle East's largest gathering on future energy, is designed to tackle. WFES leads the UAE's response to these urgent issues, challenging policy makers, thought leaders, academia and corporations from around the world to find solutions that

deployment. Recognised as one of the world's most influential energy gatherings, WFES, last year, attracted more than 30,000 people from 160 countries. The event has been attended previously by heads-of-state from China, South Korea, Argentina, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

advance the use of renewable energy and clean

The resource challenges faced by MENA

technology, in the pursuit of sustainable

countries, as populations rise and economies 5

grow, will top the agenda at the 2015 edition.

investment from across the globe, to cross

From reductions in fuel dependency, to

pollinate ideas, share learnings and move the

ensuring long-term economic prosperity, the

industry forward.

case for clean energy within the MENA region is solid. Industry analysis suggests more than US$100 billion has been allocated to its development by 2020, according to Frost and Sullivan. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) alone has plans to invest US$109 billion in the

the need to balance the global energy mix, address energy security and tackle the energywater nexus, is more critical than ever,” El Haddad added.

development of 54GW of renewable energy by

“Once again, we are looking forward to

2032.

welcoming the industry's key regional and

Taking place from January 19-22, in Abu Dhabi, WFES will provide a window into MENA's thriving clean tech market, whilst

global players, including Masdar, ADNOC, BP, Shell, Total, Saudi Aramco, Dolphin Energy and others, to WFES.”

showcasing clean energy hotspots further afield

The WFES conference will feature a ministerial

such as sub-Saharan Africa a region that is

panel on Africa's energy opportunities and a

home to six of the 10 fastest growing

panel discussion on Saudi Arabia's ambitious

economies in the world. Its energy

vision for renewable energy. There will also be

infrastructure lags behind economic

sessions on Egypt's energy needs and

development and 500 million people still lack

Morocco's transition from an energy importer

access to electricity, yet Sub-Saharan Africa

to a net energy exporter with the

has the potential to generate more than 170GW

implementation of a robust regulatory

of renewable energy.

framework and a target of 42 per cent of energy

From the Middle East to Africa, WFES has

generated from renewable sources by 2020.

become central to driving the future of energy,

The rise of shale and its impact on the adoption

regionally and internationally, says Naji El

of renewable energy, will be debated, as well as

Haddad, show director of WFES.

the role of cities in combating climate change,

“The World Future Energy Summit has built a reputation as an event that drives action. From

and the building of a clean energy future in the UAE.

showcasing the latest market opportunities, to

Delegates will also hear case studies from

commercializing technologies and applying

South Africa, where incentives have created

critical thinking, the event shapes the region's

one of the fastest growing clean energy markets

future energy landscape,” he said.

in the world. In addition, they will benefit from

“Further afield the contribution WFES makes to the global acceleration of renewable energy is becoming evident. Its strength is in its ability to unite technology, policy, academia and 6

“This year's event takes place at a time when

workshops on ways to operate and optimise Solar Photo Voltaic (SPV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) facilities.

India braces up for investor-grade solar resource data By Heba Hashem

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in J&K State inaugurating the SRRA station in June 2014

It is no secret that inadequate DNI data severely hindered the initial batch of India's NSM CSP projects. But today, with over 100 solar radiation measurement stations (SRMS) deployed and a national solar atlas underway, the Indian CSP industry can be optimistic about its future.

Nevertheless, India's DNI compares favourably even to some of the sunniest locations. For instance, a CSP-plant in Rajasthan, receiving DNI of 1950 kWh/m²/a, would Deliver significantly more energy compared to a location in Spain with the same average DNI, as previously reported by CSP Today.

Only three years ago, India's Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) data was insufficient to meet developer and investor requirements. It lacked ground measurements and satellite data, and the few existing solar resource measurement stations were too far from the field to be accurate. This resulted in a huge gap between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) DNI data supplied by India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the assessments made by the National Solar Mission (NSM) Phase I developers.

SRRAs spread out The CSP landscape in India has vastly changed today. Not only have developers become much more aware, but the MNRE has taken action through the Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET) to overcome this major obstacle.

According to industry insiders, the NREL-DNI data of 2150-2260 kWh/m² dropped to nearly 1850-1950 kWh/m². Developers, misled by the data, incurred additional time and money in re-engineering solar field layouts and equipments to compensate for the lower DNI values.

More than 100 Solar Radiation Resource Assessment (SRRA) stations have been deployed across India to date, and more are planned to be installed. The ongoing project is being carried out by C-WET, an autonomous institution of the MNRE, and supported by the Government of Germany through GIZ's Solar Mapping and Monitoring (SolMap) project.

“Lower DNI required 25-30% extra solar field and additional costs to meet generation commitment made in the power purchase agreements,” an informed source told CSP Today.

Each of the SRRA stations has been equipped with “stateof-art equipments and sensors for measuring solar radiation and associated weather parameters”, according to C-WET.

Indeed, India's weather is characterized by severe variability, ranging from humid, dusty and hazy, to foggy after encountering sandstorms and monsoons. Such uncertain climatic conditions make ground-measured DNI data crucial for CSP-related investment decisions.

Some of the newest SRRA stations were recently set up at the School of Energy Management in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in J&K State and at the Prathyusha Institute of Technology and Management in Tamil Nadu, where C-WET held a two-day training workshop on the functioning and maintenance of the stations.

First solar atlas After several years of deploying SRRAs, the program finally reached a peak last month when C-WET selected 3Tier through a global tender to create India's first national solar atlas a project that will cover information applicable to both CSP and PV technologies.

factors, a strong solar resource, particularly where and when energy is most needed, is a key characteristic. “The intensity and variability of the solar resource is the most sensitive driver of uncertainty in a project pro forma. Information from the Solar Atlas will fill critical information gaps in this respect,” Singh points out.

“The Solar Atlas will include monthly average spatial maps covering all of India and long-term hourly records (or time series) at 115 selected locations. This information will include both Global Horizontal Irradiance and Direct

“On the transmission side, when a lot of generation is put in a single location, it requires adequate capacity to carry that energy where it is needed,” he says.

Normal Irradiance,” Nikhilesh Singh, Managing Director of 3Tier India, told CSP Today.

Some countries, like the U.S. and Morocco, have chosen to create renewable energy zones where they use information similar to that provided by the Solar Atlas to identify areas where renewable resources are particularly strong.

The time series records will also include wind speed and temperature, which are crucial data points for understanding CSP production. Most importantly, the information will make it possible to analyze and predict long-term trends to determine what year-over-year and month-over-month solar project performance risk will be. “In India, one of the most powerful weather anomalies is the annual monsoon, which varies each year in its timing and strength across the country,” explains Singh. “With long-term data to demonstrate where and how the monsoon has significantly impacted solar production in the past, stakeholders can make smarter investment decisions with a full understanding of the resource risks,” he adds. According to Dr. G. Giridhar, director of the SRRA Mission Mode Project at C-WET, all information in the Solar Atlas will be regularly updated to include the most recent months and will be validated by C-WET's SRRA stations that are spread across the country.

They then establish incentives to encourage development in these areas, such as additional transmission, roads, land permits and other necessary infrastructure. These types of major investments, while very valuable, take years and billions of dollars to build, according to Singh. “Planning and funding them requires a complex understanding of when and where renewable resources are strongest and what their variability is”. However, by overlaying renewable resource information with transmission lines, population, energy demand and other information, geographic information system analysts and planners can make decisions about future transmission and storage needs and investments. Singh believes that “this same sort of policy planning could be undertaken in India and would be supported by the Solar Atlas”.

How will CSP benefit? While an optimal CSP project site is defined by a number of Heba Hashem is a freelance journalist based in Dubai, reporting regularly on the solar and nuclear energy industries to CSP Today, PV Insider Today, and Nuclear Energy Insider. Her articles have also appeared in the in-flight magazines of Qatar Airways and Emirates Airlines, covering regional business and environmental issues. Holding a B.A. in Communications and Media Studies from Middlesex University, London, and a B.A. in English-Arabic translation from Cairo University, she is a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists since 2009. Her contact email: enquiry@hebahashem.com website: www.hebahashem.com

Adopt Feed in Tariff and Avoid Energy Crisis By K. Sivadasan Introduction The Rig Veda declares that "Surya is the Soul, both of the moving and unmoving beings". All living organism get their energy for survival from the sun. Photosynthesis is one of several processes for the survival of life on earth. Man in the earliest periods of civilization was fascinated by the glowing Sun. So they worshiped the Sun. Wandering cavemen used physical power to subdue enemies and enjoy worldly life. Later humans tamed animals and used their energy to his advantage - animal drawn carts, chariots etc. They realised that generation and management of energy constitutes the main criteria to stand tall among their competitors. This line of thinking took man to the present day practice of generation and consumption of electricity, choosing various sources of energy such as fossil fuel, Uranium, Renewables, etc.

distance transmission lines and distribution lines to load centres spur momentum for the rise in energy consumption. Energy potential There is a staggering amount of scientific data available about the impending shortage of fossil fuels and Uranium. In the search for alternate sources of energy, solar energy which is abundant and free has emerged as a viable alternative. Numerous research findings have been published on how to improve solar energy harvesting. In fact scientists have realised the fact that solar is the best available source, as of now, for an energy hungry world.

Energy and Civilization There is a correlation between energy generation and GDP of a nation. To raise GDP every nation aims to generate and consume maximum energy. In this effort nations turned to fossil fuels and Uranium. Incidentally, fossil fuels and Uranium are limited in availability. Take a look at the graph below and note the sudden growth of energy consumption in the last century (Fig 1). Rise of energy consumption after Industrial Revolution It is useful to understand the fundamental facts about solar resource. The most important is the immense potential of solar source. See the Fig 2 below Fig 2 compares the current annual energy consumption of the world to (1) the known reserve of finite fossil and nuclear resources and (2) to the yearly potential of renewables. The volume of each sphere represents the TOTAL recoverable energy from finite reserves and the ANNUAL potential of renewable sources. No other energy source compares to the energy potential of solar. Looking at the image above, make sure to note that circles for Coal, Uranium, Petroleum, and Natural Gas are TOTAL recoverable reserves, whereas the renewable energy circles wind, wave, OTEC, Biomass, Hydro, Geothermal and Tides (including the giant solar energy one) are PER YEAR. Fig 1 Steep rise in energy consumption is due to inventions of water wheel, steam engine, IC engine and electric generators. It was after the industrial revolution. Benefit of centralised electricity generating stations with long

The deposits of fossil fuel and Uranium are very large, but, they are not infinite and would last at the most a few generations. The environmental impact, proliferation risks etc involved in these sectors would prompt us look for other sources. It could be seen that exploiting a small fraction of solar potential could meet our growing energy

demand. The main argument against solar energy is the cost involved. But the stupendous potential of solar energy for indefinite period of time (5 Billion years) would lead us to switch over to solar source for our future energy needs. Early days of solar technology Scientists have been trying to find ways to harvest solar energy since the early 19th century. Albert Einstein was awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize in physics for his research on the photoelectric effecta phenomenon central to the generation of electricity through solar cells. The modern type of photovoltaic cell was developed in 1954 at Bell Laboratories with a cost factor of $1250/- per Watt. Research on solar cells came to the forefront during space research. The use of solar cells was proved a big success in space voyage. The solar cell is the primary component that is used to harvest solar energy. The main argument against solar energy is its cost of harvesting. Efforts for large scale solar generation After the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, Germany decided to re-evaluate various options of energy sources. Germany aims to raise the share of renewable energy sources to 80% by 2050. This approach took the Federal Government (Germany) to enact the "Law on Feeding Electricity into the Grid" in 1990. This law, primarily developed by Dr. Hermann Scheer, gave priority to

Fig 3

renewable energy sources for guaranteed access to the grid and incorporate a comprehensive 'Feed-in-Tariff' (FiT) system. It became known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scheers-Lawâ&#x20AC;? around the world. Germany applied this Law for popularising solar energy harvesting. They amended this Law in 2000 with comprehensive concepts evolved by using feedbacks from 1990 onwards. They achieved wonderful results in the years that followed. Solar generation took upward growth from almost nil in 1990 to 37 GW as of now. FiT is adopted, to some extent, by over 100 countries and states around the globe. (REN21 2013) The solar industry is characterized by a number of nonlinear dynamics - installed cost of PV plant, PV demand, tariff of grid power, irradiation, incentives, location, finance and government patronage. Interpolating from historical data the projected exponential growth, prepared by Mike Shurtleff and reported in cleantechnica, of global solar generation up to 2022 is shown in Fig 3. It is hypothesized that the growth is sigmoidal. Brilliant scientists, engineers, and inventors all over the world are hard at work devising innovative ways to continue the exponential growth till 100% of energy requirement is met from renewable source. Solar is supplemented in the beginning and gradually takes the major share. This is indeed a very optimistic trend. http://bit.ly/1t4Bnh9http://bit.ly/1t4Bnh9

Source: cleantechnica

Decline of solar cost It is a known fact that unit cost of any component drops when it is produced in large quantity. It is hypothesized that solar module cost falls by 20% for every doubling of global module production. The basic philosophy behind Sheer's Law is to raise demand for the solar installation which would automatically bring down the cost of module and system components. When Sheer's Law was implemented Germany noticed spiralling drop in cost of solar plants which in turn accelerated solar additions. It is a complementary cyclic process. Module cost, at the moment, is the major share in the solar cost. Cost of PV plant took an amazing drop due to the fall in price of solar cell ($77/- in 1977 to $0.36 in 2014) as shown in Fig 4. The drop in cost is due to technological progress and economies of scale and is directly linked to the exponential rise of PV installations. This is an ongoing phenomenon with varying degree of drop due to several reasons.

Source: Forbes http://onforb.es/1w3hD0thttp://onforb.es/1w3hD0t Fig 4 Efforts for exponential growth Scientists found that Feed in Tariff if applied scientifically would accelerate solar additions. Fixing a FiT is the center point as envisaged in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scheer's-Lawâ&#x20AC;?. This could find a way out to the 'high cost' arguments against solar energy.

FiT, in brief, is a policy mechanism designed to accelerate investment in renewable energy technologies. This Law guarantees anyone who generates electricity from renewable energy source - home owner, small business or large electricity utility-is able to sell that electricity into the utility grid and receive guaranteed long term payments at a predetermined rate for energy transferred. This preferential rate is fixed considering the benefit the society and the utility get from this renewable energy. Feed in Tariff is not subsidy Feed in Tariff is NOT a free gift (subsidy) to the producer as generally understood. Subsidy scheme creates fertile ground for scams. Entrepreneurs lose interest to run the plant once subsidies are availed. Actually they should have been motivated to make profit by increased generation throughout the life of plant. FiT refers to payments made out to solar developers/investors as an incentive for power generation from solar source (renewable). The tariff could be set in

two parts one payable to producer by the utility and the other payable by the Government to the utility. The second part, in real practice, would seek to reimburse the utility for what it has already paid to the producer. Sole aim is to raise solar generation which would raise demand for solar modules and balance of system components which in turn bring down solar cost. Everyone in the chain (producer, investor, and manufacturer) could be motivated to make profit from increased transactions generated in the process. It will help evolve healthy market competition creating a

sustainable solar sector. Ref:http://bit.ly/1dQ9O59

Towards India Centric 'Feed in Tariffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; India's annual energy consumption is 1000 Trillion Kwh 70% of which is from fossil fuels. Demand projected for 2050 is 2500 Trillion Kwh. At the present rate of development India's proven coal reserve of 114 Billion tons (2011) will not last beyond 2050. A recent study put extractable coal reserve at 21.8 Billion tons (TERI). Clearly the only technically feasible long-term solution, as of now, to meet rising energy demand is to turn to renewable source. Going forward, the strategy should be to accelerate nationwide development of renewable as fast as possible. The only proven means to accomplish this is adopting nationwide Feed in Tariff. The aim of FiT, which is higher than the grid tariff, is to attract investment and to ensure producers get profitable returns. FiT so fixed can be decreased over time at a designed rate as market growth is accompanied by reduction in overall cost of plant. Performance-based payment would encourage producers to maximise the overall output and efficiency of the project ensuring quality of materials used. FiT encourages private investment, creates jobs, expands manufacturing and enhance private sector research and development. It dramatically reduces government bureaucracy and red tape. It would move smoothly without regular government involvement. Government can watch market growth and can intervene, if necessary, with corrective measures. Success depends on how far the feed in tariff is pragmatic. To meet specific goals the FiT can be categorized by technology type, project size, and project location. Feed in Tariff applicable to power generated locally in brief is indicated below

The three parties involved in a solar electric transaction can be summarised as: 1.The investor/developer who owns the plant 2.The utility and its consumers who purchase the energy produced by the plant 3.The society and its taxpayers (Government) who contribute in various ways to build and run the plant and receive benefits from the plant

The transactions in this solar generation may appear as one sided in favour of the producer and is forced upon the other two parties. However, in truth, the other two parties are also benefited from solar generation. The concept of 'Feed in Tariff' is based upon the fact that all three are benefited in the process. Financial factors involved in solar generation (local generation) while deciding FiT A.Benefit to utility 1.Cost of energy at consumer point includes - (a) bundled per unit cost of energy, (b) per unit cost for construction and O&M of transmission lines and substations, (c) per unit cost for construction and O&M of distribution lines & transformers and (d) per unit cost of T&D loss. Utilities are to provide these details to State Regulatory Commission (SRC) vide Section 62(1) (d) 2 of IE Act 2003. 2.Per unit cost of conventional energy that mitigates price variation of fossil fuel and Uranium because of geopolitical and commercial reasons for the life of solar plant. SRC can get assistance from energy finance experts to decide per unit cost. B.Benefit to society 1.Long term societal value of solar generation from the price mitigation of fossil fuel and nuclear sources (30 years). This is due to the physical realities latent in Fig 2. SRC can get assistance from economic scientists to decide the societal value. 2.Saving in commitment to meet health hazards. The taxpayers (Government) are burdened, financially, by the impact of environmental degradation and the connected health hazards. SRC can get assistance from environmental economists to evaluate this benefit. 3.Additional revenue (to government) by way of tax from

trading & manufacturing and income tax. SRC can get assistance from economists to evaluate this benefit. 4.Economic growth of nation and its impact on society from various business ventures and job created connected with solar plants. SRC can get assistance from economists to evaluate this. 5.Expenses anticipated to overcome the 'resource nationalism' and connected issues related to fossil fuel and Uranium. SRC can get assistance from experts in international political science and economists.

C.Burden on producer/investor

budget commitment for solar plants is negligible.

1.Cost on the utility/consumers associated with the infrastructural development for deployment of solar power to the grid. This includes providing electricity storage facilities, building pumped storage stations to manage the uncontrollable solar energy for reliability of power supply. Cost of interlinking with Intercontinental Super Grids to meet intermittency of solar power falls on utility. The solar producer/investor is to share this cost by reducing FiT proportionately. SRC can get the details from utilities.

As solar generation increases, the demand for system components for solar plant will rise which would encourage entrepreneurs to start production centres. FiT can be made a 'tool' for industrialization of the state. The incentive allowed in the FiT can be linked to the 'origin' (place of manufacture) of EACH component. Extra incentive can be allowed in the FiT for solar plants that uses locally made components. This method is followed in several countries. This approach will link industrial policy with solar policy.

D.General 1.The existing government subsidies for conventional fuels is to be accounted. Details can be obtained from government. 2.There can be a provision to add weightage for aggressive growth, example Japanese FiT 2012. Consult government on this. 3.There can be provision to add weightage to encourage use of locally made components. Consult government on this. Every item described above will affect the FiT and is to be properly accounted to get the final figure for Feed in Tariff. Parameters would vary from state to state. It is a multidisciplinary task to be undertaken by the State Regulatory Commission (SRC). The characteristic of solar is that it is free, abundant, predictable and perpetual. Also the value delivered is stable. The different values connected with solar as assessed above do not come in the picture in the traditional analysis of solar cost calculations. It should be accepted that solar is more sustainable than conventional energy sources. The method described keep distance from the cost projections of projects. There is no chance of manipulations on project estimates to make undue profit through capital subsidies, tax concessions, viability gap fund etc. Land value is a major share in the project cost. Let not vested interests manipulate transactions of landed properties jeopardizing the programme for speedy growth of solar sector. Specific guidelines are required for valuation of landed properties meant for solar plants. Policies are to be framed with long term targets. Administrative mechanisms are to be streamlined to help shorten lead time, reduce bureaucratic overhead, minimise project cost and accelerate the pace of solar deployment. Successful FiTs can, therefore, be understood as policies that encourage rapid, sustained and widespread solar deployment. Commercial banks would be happy to provide finance on liberal terms based on the LONG TERM PAYMENT GUARANTEE of FiT. Burden on government to provide

India has an ambitious solar target of 500 GW by 2050. At the rate of rupees seven crores per MW it comes to an investment of 35 lakh crores spread over 35 years. In other words solar sector takes a bigger share of total national industrial sector. During this period industrial sector connected with fossil fuel may witness negative growth. Statutory provisions to promote renewable generation Various provisions of Electricity Act 2003 give a major thrust to the renewable energy sector. *Under Section 3(1) and 3(2) of IE Act, the Central Government is to publish a National Electricity Policy and National Tariff Policy in consultation with states on optimal utilization of resources which includes RENEWABLE sources of energy. Following this mandate the Central Government notified two policies: National Electricity Policy 2005 and National Tariff Policy 2006. *Section 4 (IE Act) stipulates that â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Central Government shall, after consultation with the State Governments, prepare and notify a national policy, permitting standalone systems (including those based on renewable sources of energy and non-conventional sources of energy) for rural areas.â&#x20AC;? In pursuance of the above mandate, the Central Government formulated a policy known as Integrated Rural Electrification Policy 2006 (IREP) *Section 61, 51(h) and 61(i) of IE Act state that appropriate commission shall specify the terms and conditions for the determination of tariff, and such determination should be guided by the following factors such as the promotion of cogeneration and generation of electricity from renewable sources of energy. The approach is to be in line with National Electricity Policy and Tariff Policy. *According to Section 86(1)(a) and 86(1) (e) of IE Act, the SERC's shall discharge the following functions in order to harness cost efficient renewable energy from various sources: (i) Determine the tariff for generation, supply, transmission and wheeling of electricity, wholesale, bulk or retail, as the case may be within the state. (ii) Promote cogeneration and generation of electricity from renewable sources of energy, (iii) Provide suitable measures for connectivity with the grid (iv) Sell electricity to any person, (v) Purchase electricity from such sources. *Setting up of solar plants on commercial basis and grid-

interactive system will attract various other central or state statutes, e.g. Tribal rights, Land reforms, environmental legislations and tax regulations. *Some states propose to use barren wasteland for solar parks, but by virtue of Supreme Court ruling all such wasteland falls within the definition of FOREST which demands clearance under Forest Conservation Act 1978. Criticism against Feed in Tariff Utilities and fossil fuel companies do not want infringement on their business and so oppose efforts to kick start an industry that will compete against them. If the primary consideration is the welfare of the country there is no valid opposition to FiTs. It is true that solar sector is eating into their profit. As solar generation increases there is a corresponding decrease in fossil generation. Note that

mechanism to compensate the fall in profit. This will be resolved soon, no doubt. IEA has reported that by 2050 solar will be the major power source. It is mainly due to shortage of fossil fuel and Uranium. Oil and gas has passed the 'peak-in' and production is on the decline raising its cost. Impending coal shortage would raise coal price. It has been forecasted that solar will attain grid parity with conventional power before long. Time is not far when conventional power will be a luxury!! Utilities are to realize this vulnerability. They need to change their vision. Fact is that their growth will depend on a well-managed solar sector. Let them get involved in deployment of solar in a bigger way. They can think of mega size solar plants in the deserts apart from building MW size plants within their areas. Solar policy of desert states permits anyone to build solar plants in the state. Utilities from any state can build solar plants in those states and transmit power to their area through EHV transmission lines managed by Power Grid Corporation of India. This will strengthen national integration. Central government can earmark enough funds for transmission sector. Utilities can exploit the huge rooftop potential to their advantage. Get involve in promoting rooftop harvesting by giving professional guidance to their consumers. In fact they (utility) can create a comfortable revenue stream from rooftop generation. Further, their intimacy with consumers is strengthened. Conclusion

plant load factor of conventional plants in Europe fell by 6% in six years (2006-2012). Refer Fig 5 Source: Cleantechnica http://bit.ly/1vwmw1Mhttp://bit.ly/1vwmw1M http://bit.ly/1vwmw1M Fig 5.

This article provides answer to the difficult solar investments as compared with the apparent grid parity gap with conventional sources. The society gets the benefit of extra commitment made by producers for solar plants. The world gets a healthier and more sustainable society, economically and environmentally and at the same time achieving energy security. Let us have a sustainable life on earth!!

This is a substantial drop and an eye opener. Solution to this drop is not to shun solar generation but find some K. Sivadasan had started his career in Central PWD, Madras in 1967 as Section officer. In 1970 he joined Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) as Junior Engineer and worked in various capacities. He retired from the service in 1997 as Deputy Chief Engineer. In between, he worked abroad for seven years (5 years in Ghana and 2 years in Kuwait). Being a solar energy enthusiast, presently he is working for the promotion of power generation through renewable energy sources. His contact email address: sivadasan.k@gmail.com

Solar Power An Overview By Staff Writer

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Earth receives 174 petawatts (PW) of incoming solar radiation (insolation) at the upper atmosphere of which approximately 30% is being reflected back to space while the rest is being absorbed by clouds, oceans and land masses. The spectrum of solar light at the Earth's surface is mostly spread across the visible and near-infrared ranges with a small part in the nearultraviolet. Solar energy refers primarily to the use of solar radiation for practical ends. All other renewable energies other than geothermal derive their energy from the Sunâ&#x20AC;? Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive or active depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute sunlight. Active solar techniques use photovoltaic panels, pumps, and fans to convert sunlight into useful outputs. Passive solar techniques include selecting materials with favorable thermal properties, designing spaces that naturally circulate air, and referencing the position of a building to the Sun. Active solar technologies increase the supply of energy and are considered supply side technologies, while passive solar technologies reduce the need for alternate resources and are generally considered demand side technologies.

Sunlight can be converted into electricity using photovoltaic (PV), concentrating solar power (CSP), and various experimental technologies. PV has mainly been used to power small and medium-sized applications, from the calculator powered by a single solar cell to offgrid homes powered by a photovoltaic array. Photovoltaic is best known as a method for generating electric power by using solar cells packaged in photovoltaic modules, often electrically connected in multiples as solar photovoltaic arrays to convert energy from the sun into electricity by directing photons from sunlight to knock electrons into a higher state of energy, thereby creating electricity. Almost all photovoltaic devices are some type of photodiode. The first practical application of photovoltaic was to power orbiting satellites and other spacecraft, but today the majority of photovoltaic modules are used for grid connected power generation. In this case an inverter is required to convert the DC to AC. There is a smaller market for off grid power for remote dwellings, roadside emergency telephones, remote sensing, and cathodic protection of pipelines. Cells require protection from the environment and are

usually packaged tightly behind a glass sheet. When more power is required than a single cell can deliver, cells are electrically connected together to form photovoltaic modules, or solar panels. A single module is enough to power an emergency telephone, but for a house or a power plant the modules must be arranged in arrays. Although the selling price of modules is still too high to compete with grid electricity in most places, significant financial incentives in Japan and then Germany and Italy triggered a huge growth in demand, followed quickly by production. Perhaps not unexpectedly, a significant market has emerged in off-grid locations for solar-power-charged storage-battery based solutions. These often provide the only electricity available. Some of the applications of PV are in power stations, buildings, transport, in standalone devices, in areas of rural electrification and on solar roadways. Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems use lenses or

mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. The concentrated light is then used as a heat source for a conventional power plant or is concentrated onto photovoltaic surfaces. Concentrating solar thermal (CST) is used to produce renewable heat or electricity (generally, in the latter case, through steam). CST systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a

small beam. The concentrated light is then used as heat or as a heat source for a conventional power plant (solar thermoelectricity). A wide range of concentrating technologies exist, including the parabolic trough, Dish Stirling, Concentrating Linear Fresnel Reflector, Solar chimney and solar power tower. Each concentration method is capable of producing high temperatures and correspondingly high thermodynamic efficiencies, but they vary in the way that they track the Sun and focus light. Due new innovations in the technology, concentrating solar thermal is being more and more costeffective. A parabolic trough consists of a linear parabolic reflector that concentrates light onto a receiver positioned along the reflector's focal line. The receiver is a tube positioned right above the middle of the parabolic mirror and is filled with a working fluid. The reflector follows the Sun during the daylight hours by tracking along a single axis. A working fluid (e.g. molten salt) is heated to 150-350

Â°C as it flows through the receiver and is then used as a heat source for a power generation system. Trough systems are the most developed CSP technology. The Solar Energy Generating Systems (SEGS) plants in California, Acciona's Nevada Solar One near Boulder City, Nevada, and Plataforma Solar de AlmerĂa's SSPSDCS plant in Spain are representatives of this technology.

Some CSP-plants use many thin mirror strips instead of parabolic mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto two tubes with working fluid. This has the advantage that flat mirrors can be used and those are much cheaper than parabolic mirrors, and that more reflectors can be placed in the same amount of space, allowing more of the available sunlight to be used. Concentrating Linear Fresnel reflector can come in large plants or more compact plants. A Dish Stirling or dish engine system consists of a standalone parabolic reflector that concentrates light onto a receiver positioned at the reflector's focal point. The reflector tracks the Sun along two axes. The working fluid in the receiver is heated to 250-700 °C and then used by a Stirling engine to generate power. Parabolic dish systems provide the highest solar-to-electric efficiency among CSP technologies, and their modular nature provides scalability. The Stirling Energy Systems (SES) and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) dishes at UNLV and the Big Dish in Canberra, Australia are representatives of this technology. A Solar chimney consists of a transparent large room (usually completely in glass) which is sloped gently up to a central hollow tower or chimney. The sun heats the air in this greenhouse-type structure which then rises up the chimney, hereby driving an air turbine as it rises. This air turbine hereby creates electricity. Solar chimneys are very simple in design and could therefore be a viable option for projects in the developing world. A solar power tower consists of an array of dual-axis tracking reflectors (heliostats) that concentrate light on a central receiver atop a tower; the receiver contains a fluid deposit, which can consist of sea water. The working fluid in the receiver is heated to 500-1000 °C and then used as a heat source for a power generation or energy storage system. Power tower development is less advanced than trough systems, but they offer higher efficiency and better energy storage capability. The Solar Two in Daggett, California and the Planta Solar 10 (PS10) in Sanlucar la Mayor, Spain are representatives of this technology. Concentrating Solar Thermal Power (CSP) is the main technology proposed for a cooperation to produce electricity and desalinated water in the arid regions of North Africa and Southern Europe by the TransMediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation DESERTEC. Concentrating photovoltaics (CPV) systems employ sunlight concentrated onto photovoltaic surfaces for the purpose of electrical power production. Solar concentrators of all varieties may be used, and these are

often mounted on a solar tracker in order to keep the focal point upon the cell as the Sun moves across the sky. The generating ability of a solar updraft power plant depends primarily on two factors: the size of the collector area and chimney height. With a larger collector area, a greater volume of air is warmed to flow up the chimney; collector areas as large as 7 km in diameter have been considered. With a larger chimney height, the pressure difference increases the stack effect; chimneys as tall as 1000m have been considered. Heat can be stored inside the collector area greenhouse to be used to warm the air later on. Water, with its relatively high specific heat capacity, can be filled in tubes placed under the collector increasing the energy storage as needed. Turbines can be installed in a ring around the base of the tower, with a horizontal axis, as planned for the Australian project and seen in the diagram above; oras in the prototype in Spaina single vertical axis turbine can be installed inside the chimney. Carbon dioxide is emitted only negligibly while operating, but is emitted more significantly during manufacture of its construction materials, particularly cement. Net energy payback is estimated to be 23 years. A solar updraft tower power station would consume a significant area of land if it were designed to generate as much electricity as is produced by modern power stations using conventional technology. Construction would be most likely in hot areas with large amounts of very low-value land, such as deserts, or otherwise degraded land. A small-scale solar updraft tower may be an attractive option for remote regions in developing countries. The relatively low-tech approach could allow local resources and labor to be used for its construction and maintenance. Thermogenerators (TEG) are devices which convert heat (temperature differences) directly into electrical energy. For the most part, this term is synonymous with “thermoelectric generator” and rarely used in English. They most commonly work on the principle of the Seebeck effect, with typical efficiencies of around 5-10%. Older Seebeck-based devices used bimetallic junctions and were bulky while more recent devices use bismuth-telluride semiconductor p-n junctions and can have thicknesses in the millimeter range. These are solid state devices and unlike dynamos have no moving parts other than sometimes a fan. Thermogenerators were later used in the U.S. space program as an energy conversion technology for powering deep space missions such as Cassini, Galileo and Viking. Research in this area is focused on raising the efficiency of these devices from 78% to 1520%.

Lessons That Plants Teach By Dr. Asoor Shyam ABSTRACT: In fact, human survival could not have been possible but for the vegetation cover as vegetation has a direct relationship with climate. Environmentalists, talk about the three principle domains Land (soil), Air &Water taking the first letter of these domains, we get a word 'LAW' as if nature proclaiming that it operates on its own principles and any intervention would disturb the balance to a great extent. I am afraid; we have ignored this powerful signal from nature. Plants have provided solutions to many a problem in the past and no wonder humans keep looking to plants for their solutions. The variety of species (Natural) packed in a unit area co-

relation between plants and man. Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird in their book -The Secret life of plantshave a quote by Mr. John White, San Francisco Chronicle “Once in a while you find a book that stuns you. Its scope leaves you breathless. This is such a book”. Key words: vegetation; morphology; pentamerous Introduction: We do not find monotonous spread of same variety throughout the world but, different types. You will find three major types and seven sub-types of vegetation in the world. Forests, Grasslands and Deserts (Fig. 2) are the three major types of natural vegetation with sub-type under

exist without any complaint the beauty is that the character of each species is distinct although the resources (water, air and soil nutrients) in the specified area is the same. The visible characteristics (Morphology external appearance) are manifestations of hundreds of subtle internal adjustments by different parts of the plant to attain homeostatic balance following disturbance in the environment around them. In a complete flower of di-cotyledons, the basic number of each of the floral organ (Sepal, Petal, Stamen and Carpel) is five or multiples of five (PENTAMEROUS). This number is significant in many ways. Soul of humans has been viewed in the spiritual teachings as the conscious witness (PURUSHA) embodied in a blended complex of FIVE ELEMENTS Space (Ether), Air, Fire, Water and Earth and set in motion by the action of five vital airs PANCHAPRANAS (Pancha is five, Prana is life). Similarly, PANCHENDRIYAs (Ear, Eye, Nose, Tongue and Skin) are five sheaths in which the SOUL is encased. There are innumerable examples of this basic number FIVE. Penguin's “Secret life of plants' is a documentation of fascinating account of physical emotional and spiritual

each of them. Natural vegetation (Fig.1) is entirely different from those planted by humans. It is essential to make a difference between 'Primary' and 'Secondary' vegetation the former being unspoiled forest in its original condition while the latter is in some way disturbed naturally or unnaturally and understandably, secondary vegetation have fewer variety of plants.

In fact, the temperature difference (less than 60C) and (above 200C) is what renders different types of natural vegetation. Similarly, rainfall, responsible for water requirements of plants is another factor that determines the forest type along with temperature. Very broadly, we could say, more than 1000 mm rainfall allows forest growth; rainfall between 200 to 1000 mm annually, facilitates grasslands and deserts receive less than 200 mm rain annually. It is here that one realizes the strong connection between vegetation and climate. The third factor, soil is an equally important as an anchorage for plants. In addition to these three principle factors, altitude affects plant distribution as well. Environmentalists, talk about the three principle domains Land (soil), Air &Water taking the first letter of these domains, we get a word'LAW' as if nature proclaiming that it operates on its own principles and any intervention would disturb the balance to a great extent. I am afraid; we have ignored this powerful signal from

nature.

Canopy layer

Understory

Natural vegetation is different at different altitudes undergrowth restricted to the ground to about 5 meters; shrubs, climbers and epiphytes between 10 and 30 meters and canopy of large trees between 35-45 meters and beyond. Crowns of trees interlock to form continuous foliage cover so much so that light fails to penetrate through.

“Taking a cue from fireflies, scientists have created the world's first light producing plant, and you can have one for your very self. Bioglow's autoluminscent plant the Starlight Avatar™, glows in the dark and could usher in a new era of living lights. The little plant has been engineered to produce its own light and 20 will soon be up for auction.

Missouri-based Bioglow has been working on lightproducing plants for a number of years and finally has one that they can sell. Starlight Avatar™ is an auto luminescent plant that generates light through its own pathways and does not require UV light or chemical additives. The light producing plant was made by taking an ornamental Nicotianaalata plant and introducing the light-emitting pathway from marine bacteria into its chloroplast genome. The genetically modified plant then glows a soft blue-green in the dark and could be used for decorative purposes, but is hardly bright enough to read with.

Fig.2

Emergent Layer

Benefits of Plants: In fact, human survival could not have been possible but for the vegetation cover as vegetation has a direct relationship with climate. Plants play a role in maintaining 'Oxygen' in the air so vital for survival of all living beings on earth; transpiring plants add water vapor in the air resulting in rainfall; wood of plants are used in furniture and they are known for their medicinal properties as well. Plants have provided solutions to many a problem in the past and no wonder humans keep looking to plants for their solutions as the recent example demonstrates:

Bioglow hopes to improve their techniques and strengthen the light production capabilities. They foresee a time when the plants are used as decorative landscaping that could eliminate the need for night time lighting and decrease emissions from electricity use. Bioglow also hopes to create plants the emit red or other colored lights and maybe even use the plants to serve pollution or stress sensors. Want your very own light producing plant? At the end of January, Bioglow will be auctioning off 20 Starlight Avatar plants with a starting bid of $1. The plants will come in their own cultivation boxes and are expected to produce light through their lifespan, which lasts about 23 months.”

may resemble one another. We may sometimes wonder as to why tall trees are not seen in grassland or for that matter cacti not found in Arctic.

Environment Around Plants Micro And Macro Environment While some of plants of 260,000 plant species are so small that they can barely be seen, others are taller than people and animals (largest living plant is Sequoia trees of California). Some measure 88 meters tall and 9 meters wide. Cellulose enables plants to stand upright without either an internal or external skeleton.Plants are the primary producers sustaining all forms of life on earth as animals (including humans) are incapable of making their own food. It is indeed quite common that carbon dioxide released by humans (respiration) to a good extent is utilized by plants to return 'Oxygen' vital for humans. Carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight are converted into sugar and starchby plants which,basically provides energy for plants to grow and produce flowers and seeds.Select plants have medicinal value as well. Most importantly, plants are beautiful. Humans have failed to recognize the sacrifice that plants have made as the backbone of 'life sustenance' on earth. LIFE CYCLE: Life cycle of plants has been another way of categorizing plants into Annual (life cycle is completed inside one year). Biennial plants starts produces vegetative structures and food storage in the first year and in the second year, flowers, fruit and seed complete the life cycle. Perennials live for several years and after reaching maturity, produce flowers and seeds. Perennials include herbaceous, woody, deciduous, Evergreen, Tender and hardy plants. Plant's environment is made up of sunlight, temperature and precipitation. Soil and other plants and animals that live in the same area are also part of this environment. Natural communities are never the same although many

The natural unit comprises of plants, animals and microorganisms in an area functioning together with all non-living factors of environment. Climate of a larger area such as region or country is referred to as 'Macroenvironment' while variations in the localized climate are referred to as 'Micro-environment'. When we look at the microenvironment around a unit area, we find plants at the ground level, middle level and top level. The nature of these plants is entirely different as are their physiology dependent on what they absorb into them. The lesson that such a group of plants teach us is 'Harmonious existence' without any complaints. Small and a specific area distinguish itself from its immediate surroundings by the amount of incident light, degree of moisture and range of temperature. The ground cover comprises of annuals and biennials whereas the middle and top levels comprise of perennials. The variety of species (Natural) packed in a unit area co-exist without any complaint the beauty is that the character of each species is distinct although the resources (water, air and soil nutrients) in the specified area is the same. The selective preference to resources is something unique which get converted to different products among the ground, middle and top level plants signifying physiological differences transforming them (resources) into chemicals of difference. In fact, the sacrifice that plants do at different stages of plant succession (seral stages) for a better progeny is perhaps unparallel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Compare this to a classroom where teachers and infrastructure are the same like resources available for plants in a unit area. We do find students of different degree of understandings. Similar to plants of different category, students excel in different professions with the same education imparted to them. Institutional

AERIAL ENVIRONMENT GEOBOTANY

MEDICINE

ECOLOGY

CHEMISTRY

ECONOMIC

environment could be different similar to the different vegetational patterns. Plant communities present a variety of not only the micro but, even macro environmental factors responsible for a combination of species in a particular area. Consequently, the character and composition of species are an indirectmeasure of resources that are different from one another. This is reflected in the usage of right key of requirement namely - chemistry, medicine, economic importance and also applied aspects like, geo-botany (Fig. 3 ). Geo-botanical exploration is based on the affinity of select plants to a particular element which, they absorb in higher concentrations than normal plants. This high concentration has been noticed to bring out recognizable morphological changes, leading to locating mineral deposits. This special affinity was pretty useful in building up green cover over 'Fly ash' of Coal based thermal power plant where, ash ponds are considered a nuisance.

Parts of A Plant The different parts of a plant Roots, Stem, and leaves (Fig. 4) perform distinct functions in the healthy performance of the plant. For lovers of nature, 'Flowers' are a special attraction as we cannot imitate the structure, color and the fragrance.

We, humans are plant-like when we are babies complex processes of development take place in us and we hardly realize that we exist. Like plants, we respond to environment around us in ways that are largely predetermined by our nature. The process of becoming conscious of our situation begins only later, when as toddlers we begin to isolate specific features in our surroundings that are of interest to us and we learn to name and relate to them in various ways. But, there are even more subtle ways in which plants and we are alike. Classical experiments performed by Jagadish Chandra Bose (1907-1927) have shown that plants respond quite distinctly to love and anger; to a peaceful atmosphere or one filled with threats of violence; to beautiful or jagged noise; their growth, their state of health, their life span are all affected by the subtle influences in their surroundings, much as people are. Sathya, Dharma, Shanthi, Prema and Ahimsa are virtues that determine an orderly, prosperous and purposeful life for human beings. In fact, these five virtues are as important to human beings as the environmental factors to plants. The environmental factors influence characteristic responses (adaptations as they could be referred to) which shape their life processes. These visible characteristics (Morphology external appearance) are manifestations of hundreds of subtle internal adjustments by different parts of the plant to attain homeostatic balance following disturbance in the environment around them. Human beings provide behavioral responses in shaping their personality under various situations against the five virtues mentioned above . Plants And Spirituality

'Righteousness' ?Natural vegetation with its greenery has always been considered a universal Symbol of 'Shanthi' or 'Peace' ?In its flowering and fruition, plants reflect abodes of 'Prema' or 'Love' ?In their silent and patient endurance and harmlessness,

plants are true essenceOf 'Ahimsa' or 'Non-violence' Flowers have been cultivated for their beauty and aroma from earliest times. They are veritable treasure houses filled with symbolic associations that have been preserved in the legends of most cultures. Large trees are principally identified on the basis of their flowers (reproductive organs and produce seed bearing fruits) Every flower is a terminal branch consisting of a modified stem the floral axis or 'Receptacle' which bears specialized appendages (modified leaves) arranged in whorls. In a typical flower (Fig.5), the outermost whorl CALYX consists of sepals which protect the flower bud before blooming; the next whorl COROLLA consists of petals often bearing nectar producing glands that aid in attracting pollinators; ANDROECIUN, the third whorl consists of stamens which produce pollen in anthers necessary for reproduction; The innermost or higher whorl GYNOECIUM consists of several carpels each of which contains placenta to which the ovules (immature seeds) are attached. Flowers with all four appendages mentioned above are considered 'COMPLETE. In complete flowers of di-cotyledons, the basic number of each of the floral organ (Sepal, Petal, Stamen & Carpel) is five or multiples of five (PENTAMEROUS).

In other words, by examining the type of vegetation, we can deduce the climatic factors. Similarly, by watching human behavior we can deduce the character development and also assess the degree of value development.

This number is significant in many ways. Soul of humans has been viewed in the spiritual teachings as the conscious witness (PURUSHA) embodied in a blended complex of FIVE ELEMENTS space (Ether), Air, Fire, Water and Earth and set in motion by the action of five vital airs PANCHAPRANAS (pancha is five, Prana is life). Similarly, PANCHENDRIYAs (Ear, Eye, Nose, Tongue and Skin) are five sheaths in which the SOUL is encased. There are innumerable examples of this basic number FIVE. Considering the PENTAMEROUS flowers, one is always reminded of these five values / virtues:

?The very existence of life in Nature can be spoken of as 'Sathya' or 'Truth' ?Abiding strictly to the natural laws that are appropriate to their own kindIs their adherence to 'Dharma' or

Thalamus or RECEPTACLE along with the other floral appendages makes a unit of FIVE. Since each of the floral appendages has a specific role in the ultimate objective of perpetuation and propagation through seeds, we could

equate them to values: ∗RECEPTACLE, the seat of all the four appendages is the truth or SATHYA ∗Sepals meant to protect floral bud before blooming, as DHARMA ∗Petals in varied colors and filled with nectar attracting and rewarding pollinators as PREMA ∗Stamens, pollen transfer from anthers to stigmatic surface gently and harmlessly as AHIMSA∗When the act of fertilization culminates in the fructification, Carpel, centrally placed floral organ can be considered as

Penguin's “Secret life of plants' is a documentation of fascinating account of physical emotional and spiritual relation between plants and man. Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird in their book on similar title (The Secret life of plants) have a quote by Mr. John White, San Francisco Chronicle “Once in a while you find a book that stuns you. Its scope leaves you breathless. This is such a book”. This book covering five parts Modern Research; Pioneers of plant Mysteries; Tuned to the Music of the spheres; Children of the soil and The Radiance of life touches upon very interesting aspects of plant life such as Plants can read your mind; plants will grow to please you; Harmonic life of plants; The Mystery of Plant and Human Auras; Live plants or dead Planets; Mind over matter and so on.

SHANTHI. REFERENCES:

In a way, FLOWER is an embodiment of all the five cardinal values / virtues Certain things are found to be better and nobler than others and so we often tend to classify objects or human beings on comparative terms as to give indications of the degree of perfection GOOD, BETTER & BEST in itself reflects the degree of perfection. For Aristotle, those beings which were most fully developed were considered by him to be truest representing the highest and most ethereal principles. The perfection we encounter in living organisms is most evident in the seeds, in plants and babies in human beings.

Internet

Maps of World :http://www.mapsofworld.com/thematic-maps/worldnatural-vegetation.htm

Bioglow's Starlight Avatar is the World's First Light Producing Plant: http://inhabitat.com/bioglows-starlight-avatar-is-theworlds-first-light-producing-plant/ The Structure and Functions of Flowershttp://leavingbio.net/thestructureandfunctions offlowers[1].htm

A.K. Shyam is an Environmental Specialist and had authored few publications on energy efficiency. He had headed the department of environment, health and safety with Reliance Energy Ltd. His major achievement was getting the Environmental Clearance for the 7,480 MW Gas Based Combined Cycle Project. He is a B.Sc. (Hons.) Botany Major, Zoology & Chemistry Minor, M.Sc. Botany (Plant morphology specialization) and Ph.D. in Plant Taxonomy. His contact email address: asoorshyam_delhi@yahoo.com)

Grid-Connected, Off-Grid and Hybrid Solar Systems: A Comparison of the Different Solar Systems By Staff Writer â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the biggest decisions you have to make when you are purchasing solar power for your home or business is if you want to connect your photovoltaic system to the electrical grid (grid-tie) or be independent (off-grid) or something in between (hybrid). All types have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. The goal of this article is to figure out what solar system type is the best solution for you . Grid-Tied Solar Systems

panels). This is a physical shutoff switch that enables us to separate the solar panels, in case of maintenance or troubleshooting. It is known as the PV-array disconnect or just the DC disconnect (since the modules generate DC current). Grid-Tie Inverter (GTI) or Micro-Inverters Can also be called a grid-interactive inverter or a synchronous inverter. Since the utility grid and most of our electrical appliances uses AC (alternating current), we need to convert the DC (direct current), which is the type of current that is generated by the solar cells, into AC.

*Selling excess power generated back to as opposed to storing it, which has a relatively low efficiency. Connecting your solar system to the grid is an essential part of lowering costs.

A micro-inverter is essentially a small inverter that goes on the back of a solar panel. This is a relatively new technology, but already shows a lot of promise. Microinverters are more expensive, but should yield higher efficiency, make the solar system easier to scale, and makes the system more resistant to shading.

*A battery can only store so much energy, and during cloudy times, being connected to the grid offers security. *The extra equipment in off-grid systems means extra costs and maintenance. The battery must likely be replaced at least once during the lifespan of the solar panel. (usually every 7 years or so) Equipment Needed for Grid-Tied Solar Systems A grid-tied system, also known as on-grid, utilityinteractive or grid-intertied, is basically a solar system that is connected to the utility power grid. This enables us to use net-metering/feed-in tariffs, in other words put excess electricity on the grid, which greatly influences whether or not solar system is affordable. In addition to solar panels, a standard grid-tied system consists of the following components: *PV-Array Disconnect (DC) *Grid-Tie Inverter (GTI) or Micro-Inverters *Breaker Box (AC) *Power Meter

Grid-tied inverters can often be installed outdoors, but this is usually not the case for off-grid inverters.

PV-Array Disconnect (DC) Breaker Box/AC Disconnect We need a device that safely can switch on or off the flow of electricity from the photovoltaic modules (solar

A second physical shutoff switch incase of emergency.

Being off-grid can be suitable for situations where extending power lines to remote areas would be too costly. In addition to this, off-grid offers the satisfaction of being self-sufficient with energy, and losing dependence on electricity that in many cases are generated from non-renewable energy sources. Equipment Needed for Off-Grid Solar Systems An off-grid solar system is reliant on local energy

From here on, the electrical current is distributed from your solar panels or the utility grid, to your electrical appliances. Power Meter You will most likely need a new power meter from what you currently have. The reason for this is that it should be capable of measuring power going in the reverse direction, in other words, back into the grid.

storage such as a battery bank to be able to provide power at times when there's no sunlight. A system like this is more expensive, but could be the only financially viable option for people who are located far away from the grid. In addition to solar panels, a standard off-grid system consists of the following components: *PV-Array Disconnect (DC) *Charge Controller

This type of power meter is called a net meter or a twoway meter. With a device like this you are able to tell if you are either purchasing power from the grid or selling back to the utility companies. Staying connected to the power grid means you'll still receive power from the utility company when you need it, and in many states you are also able to sell your excess power back to the utility. The electric power grid is in many ways also a battery, offering much better efficiency about 99%. In addition to this, there is no need for maintenance or replacements. Off-Grid Solar Systems An obvious alternative to a grid-tie system is off-grid or off-the-grid, which in most cases is not recommended. The following are the reasons why people actually go off-grid:

*Battery Bank

battery-based inverter, chances are the charge controller is integrated in of it. Battery Bank A battery bank is a group of batteries that are wired together. In an off-grid situation this is absolutely essential if you want to have access to electricity at times when there's no sunlight available, such as during cloudy weather or during the night. The benefits of a battery bank listed above also apply to a hybrid solar system. In addition to these, you get a sense of security from the fact that you are not reliant on the utility grid to be up and running at least until your batteries run out! Main DC Disconnect

*Power Meter *Second line *Main DC Disconnect *Off-Grid Inverter *Backup Generator (optional) *Breaker Box (AC) Charge Controller

If you have a battery bank in your system, you need an additional DC disconnect. This is placed between the batteries and the inverter, and is used to switch off the current flowing between these components. This is important for maintenance and troubleshooting, as well as it protects against electrical fires. Off-Grid Inverter As with a grid-tied system, you need an inverter to convert the DC output from the solar panels into AC, since this powers most electrical appliances. Off-grid and grid-tied inverters are not necessarily the same. Backup Generator (optional) Sizing of the battery bank depends on how long you want to be able to supply yourself with power when the demand exceeds the supply of electricity generated. Unfortunately, to prepare for the worst-case scenarios, this requires a very expensive battery bank. Purchasing a backup generator is often a much better choice than a battery system that seldom operates at its full capacity. You can get generators that run on fuels such as biodiesel, propane, petroleum and gasoline. A generator like this usually generates an AC current, which then sent through either to a standalone battery charger or an inverter/battery charger combo, and finally delivered as DC current to your battery bank. Hybrid Solar Systems

This device is also known as a charge regulator or a battery regulator. The last one is probably the best term to describe what this device actually does: Limits the rate of current that drawn and delivered to the batteries and protects them from overcharging . A good charge controller is crucial when it comes to keeping a battery bank healthy, which will ensure that the lifetime of a battery is maximized. If you have a

A hybrid solar system is essentially a grid-tied and an off-grid system combined: A battery bank stores energy in case of emergency, ensuring you always have access to power even if the grid goes down at least until the batteries are depleted. Photovoltaic hybrid systems are more expensive. Equipment Needed for Hybrid Solar Systems A hybrid solar system is a combination of an off-grid and a grid tied system. A system like this uses the utility

grid whenever possible and has a backup battery bank incase of emergency. This solar system type is most expensive. In addition to solar panels, a standard hybrid system consists of the following components: *PV-Array Disconnect (DC) *Charge Controller *Battery Bank *Power Meter *Main DC Disconnect *Battery-Based Grid-Tied Inverter *Breaker Box (AC) Battery-Based Grid-Tied Inverter Battery-based GTIs are also available, which you would need in case you are looking to buy a hybrid solar system. Together with a charge controller (as two separate components or integrated in one device), you can harness the energy stored in batteries in case of utility blackouts.

(Courtesy: http://energyinformative.org)

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Solar Lighting and Solar Water Heating By Staff Writer

One of the cheapest and easiest methods to preserve the environment and cut down electricity cost is the solar lightening. To lighten up the darker areas, these lights generate huge amount of light. These lights can be utilized in a variety of applications like preparing an event venue, beautifying a garden, or even to improve home security.

way these lights will make a special environment with a soft glow for everyone present. Some Great Advantages of Solar Lights *Solar lights require no electricity as they only use the

To lighten up a garden during the night, solar lightening can be used. Different colored solar lights can be obtainable these days. Considering common colors in your garden and your favorite color, you can choose the solar lights.

Solar powered landscape lights are becoming a trendy option nowadays for highlighting one's outdoor joy and amusement areas. If one wants to have a romantic time with a special person or entertain his or her friends, either

sun's energy which is free. *There is no need of hiring a professional to fit solar lights as they are very easy to install.

*Extremely low maintenance requirements. *They can be automatically turned on and off with inbuilt light sensors. *These lights can add an extraordinary appeal to the garden areas and outdoor homes with their attractive designs. With many different models available to choose from, finding the best one will be easy Nowadays, different types of solar powered lights are available, but the one drawing the maximum attention is the LED lights. The LED solar lights possess a number of benefits over the fluorescent lights. LED lights can put out extra light than the fluorescent light which is another advantage. One of the biggest benefits with LED lights is that they can function many times longer than the fluorescent lights. This can be especially vital if the light is to be positioned in an area which is hard to be reached like a 20 foot tall neighborhood street light. These LED lights are mostly useful in cold weather when the effectiveness of fluorescent lights begins to wane. And last but not the least; you need less of energy to glow an LED light. This makes the whole lighting unit smaller. Lowered battery capacity requirements are an additional benefit to this.

The Solar lights permit us to exploit the sun's energy, which is a reusable source of energy. The solar lights can have the required energy as long as the sun shines to lighten up at night. During the sunny days, whenever these lights get plenty of rays from the sun, they work at their best. To conclude, we can say that the solar powered lights are a great choice in lighting up and decorating your home pathways, swimming pools and garden at night. This year's Nobel Prize for Physics was awarded to inventors of the light emitting diode, commonly known by the acronym LED, now being used around the world. However, according to the International Energy Agency and the World Bank, more than a billion people in the world still do not have access to electricity. After sunset, most of them use light candles or oil lamps which, in addition to unsteady, flickering light, also give off toxic fumes.

Japanese-American professor Shuji Nakamura from the University of California at Santa Barbara holds up blue light-emitting diode device following a press conference at UCSB in Goleta, California that earned him the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics. EPA/Michael Nelson When darkness falls, many kids in rural parts of Haiti, Rwanda, or refugee camps in Syria read or do their homework by candlelight or a kerosene-burning lamp. The open flames sometimes cause fires, while toxic fumes lead to respiratory problems.

Lantern shaped hanging solar lights are another type of solar powered lights. They come in a large range of colors. To bring soft light to highlight certain areas of your deck or patios these lights are used. To decorate trees and plants, solar accent lights can be widely used as they can be moved around easily. For your fountains, ponds or swimming pools, the floating outdoor solar lights are a trendy option. They are affordable, stylish and easy to install as well.

Portable electric light is safer, healthier and now, even cheaper. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the first time that artificial light or solar LED light is now less expensive than kerosene,â&#x20AC;? said Camille van Gestel, head of a Dutch company called WakaWaka. LEDs are a safe and efficient electronic light source that shines with bright white light. Van Gestel said WakaWaka, which means "Shine Bright" in Swahili, is the most efficient solar-powered light and phone charger in the world today. When fully charged, it shines for up to 16 hours. It is affordable, sustainable, and its battery lasts for a long time. It can be set up on any flat surface, hung from a ceiling or perched atop a glass bottle.

Solar Water Heating Water heated by the sun is used in many ways. While perhaps best known in a residential setting to provide domestic hot water, solar hot water also has industrial

applications, e.g. to generate electricity. Designs suitable for hot climates can be much simpler and cheaper, and can be considered an appropriate technology for these places. The global solar thermal market is dominated by China, Europe, Japan and India. In order to heat water using solar energy, a collector, often fastened to a roof or a wall facing the sun, heats working fluid that is either pumped (active system) or driven by natural convection (passive system) through it. The collector could be made of a simple glass-topped insulated box with a flat solar absorber made of sheet metal, attached to copper heat exchanger pipes and dark-colored, or a set of metal tubes surrounded by an evacuated (near vacuum) glass cylinder.

The heat transfer fluid (HTF) for the absorber may be the hot water from the tank, but more commonly (at least in active systems) is a separate loop of fluid containing antifreeze and a corrosion inhibitor which delivers heat to the tank through a heat exchanger (commonly a coil of copper

heat exchanger tubing within the tank). Copper is an important component in solar thermal heating and cooling systems because of its high heat conductivity, resistance to atmospheric and water corrosion, sealing and joining by soldering, and mechanical strength. Copper is used both in receivers and primary circuits (pipes and heat exchangers for water tanks). Another lower-maintenance concept is the 'drain-back': no anti-freeze is required; instead, all the piping is sloped to cause water to drain back to the tank. The tank is not pressurized and is open to atmospheric pressure. As soon as the pump shuts off, flow reverses and the pipes are empty before freezing could occur. How a solar hot water system works

In industrial cases a parabolic mirror can concentrate sunlight on the tube. Heat is stored in a hot water storage tank. The volume of this tank needs to be larger with solar heating systems in order to allow for bad weather and because the optimum final temperature for the solar collector is lower than a typical immersion or combustion heater.

Residential solar thermal installations fall into two groups: passive (sometimes called "compact") and active (sometimes called "pumped") systems. Both typically include an auxiliary energy source (electric heating element or connection to a gas or fuel oil central heating system) which is activated when the water in the tank falls below a

minimum temperature setting such as 55 째C. Hence, hot water is always available.

The combination of solar water heating and using the back-up heat from a wood stove chimney to heat water can enable a hot water system to work all year round in cooler climates, without the supplemental heat requirement of a solar water heating system being met with fossil fuels or electricity.

When a solar water heating and hot-water central heating system are used in conjunction, solar heat will either be concentrated in a pre-heating tank that feeds into the tank heated by the central heating, or the solar heat exchanger will replace the lower heating element and the upper element will remain in place to provide for any heating that solar cannot provide. However, the primary need for central heating is at night and in winter when solar gain is lower. Therefore, solar water heating for washing and bathing is often a better application than central heating because supply and demand are better matched. In many climates, a solar hot water system can provide up to 85% of domestic hot water energy. This can include domestic non-electric concentrating solar thermal systems. In many northern European countries, combined hot water and space heating systems (solar combisystems) are used to provide 15 to 25% of home heating energy.

Energy and Efficiency By Staff Writer

Large Solar Plants in the World

“Solar photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity and many solar photovoltaic power stations have been built. The size of these stations has increase progressively over the last decade with frequent new capacity records” As of April 2013, the largest individual photovoltaic (PV) power plants in the world are Agua Caliente Solar Project, (Arizona, over 250 MW connected - to increase to 397 MW),California Valley Solar Ranch (CVSR) a 250 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic power plant, by SunPower in the Carrizo Plain, northeast of California Valley, Golmud Solar Park(China, 200 MW), Welspun Energy Neemuch Project (India, 150 MW), Mesquite Solar project (Arizona, 150 MW), Neuhardenberg Solar Park (Germany, 145 MW), Templin Solar Park (Germany, 128 MW), Toul-Rosières Solar Park (France, 115 MW), and Perovo Solar Park (Ukraine, 100 MW). The Charanka Solar Park is a collection of solar power stations of which 214 MW were reported complete in April 2012, on a 2000 ha site. It is part of Gujarat Solar Park, a group of solar farms at various locations in the Gujarat state of India, with overall capacity of 824 MW. Many large plants are under construction. The Desert

Sunlight Solar Farm is a 550 MW solar power plant under construction in Riverside County, California, that will use thin-film solar photovoltaic modules made by First Solar.

The Topaz Solar Farm is a 550 MW photovoltaic power plant, being built in San Luis Obispo County, California. The Blythe Solar Power Project is a 500 MW photovoltaic station under construction in Riverside County, California. The 230 MW Antelope Valley Solar Ranch is a First Solar photovoltaic project which is under construction in the Antelope Valley area of the Western Mojave Desert, and due to be completed in 2013.

Wind is the Fastest Growing Energy Source in the World

Solar power station in Spain that works at night too!!

From an emerging fuel source twenty years ago, wind energy today has transformed into a commercial generating technology in over seventy countries with more effective and more reliable equipment and machinery. The global wind energy market is expanding at an accelerating pace, with wind energy installations growing by 32% in 2009 over 2008. Global wind energy installed capacity increased at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 26.7% from 24,100 MW (megawatts) in 2001 to 160,014 MW in 2009, of which 38,361 MW came online only in 2009. Wind power had become an important player in the global energy market, with the growing equipment market creating a large number of jobs. The US leads the global wind energy market with a share of 21.9% of the cumulative installed capacity in 2009. The US is followed by China, which accounted for 16.3% of the total installed base in the global market. Germany and Spain are the next to follow with a share of 16.1% and 12% respectively. India with 6.8% and Italy with 3% are the other leading nations in the global wind market.

Project Financing in Global Wind Projects is expected to reach $70 billion by 2015 Project financing is a major source of debt for wind power projects in the world. One of the major reasons for wind farm owners looking at project financing as a major source of debt for their projects is the need to raise credit. Wind power projects incur huge capital investment, since many firms are not mature or profitable enough to generate the money to fund expansion or new ventures on their own, project finance becomes very important. Debt financing minimizes or mitigates the risk of nonpayment within levels acceptable to the loan provider (usually banks). Project financing for wind power projects had increased from an estimated $8,946 million in 2004 to $38,613 million by 2009 at a CAGR of 33.97%. The key drivers for increase in project financing investments in wind power are the strong political support and government will to support the industry. Governments across the world implemented policies and support programs to

drive wind power installations in their respective countries, hence driving the need for sourcing finance for wind projects. Funding for wind projects through Project financing contracted by 4.18% in 2009 to reach $38.613 billion. The major reason for the contraction in project financing in the global wind market is due to the financial crisis during the first three quarters of 2009 and the tight financial situation that prevailed among a number a banks and companies. Financing of wind projects continued to improve in the last quarter of the year as the clouds of economic crisis continued to wither out. Against the backdrop of increasing support for wind

power and strong political will to support alternative sources, there will be an increase in the need to source funding for projects through project finance. It is expected that investments from project finance in the forecast period will reach $69,797 million by 2015. Asia Pacific is the Largest Project Financing Market for Wind Projects in the World Asia pacific is the largest regional market with a share of 42% of the total investments through project finance for wind projects in 2009. China and India are the leading markets driving project financing for wind projects in Asia Pacific. Project financing for wind projects

increased from $1,699 million in 2004 to $16,199 million in 2009 at a CAGR of 56.99%. Project financing for wind power projects in Asia Pacific increased by 47% in 2009 from $11 billion in 2008 driven by the government support offered to wind sector in the region. In the times of financial crisis both India and China managed to buck the trend with increasing installations and an estimated $1,073 million for project finance of wind in India and $8,937 million in China in 2009. Other Asian Countries such as Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Philippines are other Wind power countries in Asia Pacific attracting project financing for wind. Against the backdrop of increasing support for wind power, it is

expected that investments from project finance in the forecast period in Asia Pacific will reach $29,336 million b y 2 0 1 5 . Europe is the Second Largest Market for Project Finance in Wind with a Share of 30.6% Project financing in Europe wind energy market increased from $6,587 million in 2004 to an estimated $11,813 million in 2009 at a CAGR of 12.39%. Germany and Spain are the major markets which attracted investments through project financing backed by the favorable policies of the federal and state government. Investments through project financing

witnessed a steady increase during the period of 2004 to 2008 backed by feed-in tariff programs, quota obligations, capital and loan support programs thereby increasing the project viability. Project financing for wind power in the region was severely hit by the shortage of credit due to the economic downturn. Project financing in wind projects fell by 12.2% in 2009 from an estimated $13,454 million in 2008. Credit markets recovered in the region with federal governments showing keen interest to promote wind power by announcing stimulus packages centered on green energy. Offshore wind financing is the future trend in the market. Until 2009, only few offshore wind projects are funded through project finance as offshore wind attracts high costs and technical issues installing and maintaining such wind projects discouraging banks to lend for offshore projects. However with the last one year offshore wind financing has picked up and with countries such as Germany, the UK, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands picking up their offshore expeditions, the future looks optimistic. Against the backdrop of supportive policies, the wind sector project finance investments in Europe are expected to reach $20,181 million by 2015. The U.S. is a Major Market in North America for Project Financing in Wind Project financing in North America wind energy market increased from $596 million in 2004 to an estimated $7,963 million in 2009 at a CAGR of 67.96%. The US is the major country which attracted highest investments through project financing backed by the favorable

policies of the federal and state government. Investments through project financing witnessed a year on year increase of over 100% during 2004 to 2008 backed by tax credits, quota obligations, capital and loan support programs thereby increasing the project viability. Project financing for wind power in the region was severely hit by the shortage of credit due to the economic downturn. Project financing in wind projects fell by 46.83% in 2009 from an estimated $14,980 million in 2008. Credit markets recovered in the region with federal, state and provincial governments showing keen interest to promote wind power by announcing stimulus packages centered on green energy. Incentives promoting wind market development such as the extension of federal tax credits, low interest rate loans and Ontario green tariff system are some of the major initiatives provided in the North American market to promote project financing in wind power. The Ontario feed in tariff program and the domestic local content requirement had generated positive impact in the market with companies like Samsung, Korea Electrical Power Corporation and many other leading international manufacturers and developers of wind power investing in the market. It is expected that investments from project finance in the forecast period in North America will reach $18,110 million by 2015. Editor's Note: For further information, please visit: www.globaldata.com/reportstore)

India Plans Its First Offshore Wind Farm

Photo Courtesy: Graham Crouch/Bloomberg/Getty Images The energy picture for the world's biggest democracy will always be a bit muddy. All in the space of a week, India announced plans for its first offshore wind farm, promised an enormous expansion of solar power and other renewables, seen its new Prime Minister Narendra Modi have supposedly productive talks with President Obama on climate change, and stood defiantly behind plans to also rapidly build up coal-fired power infrastructure. Providing electricity for 1.4 billion people300 million of whom currently lack any access at allis more than a bit complicated. First, the good news: the government of India announced that a memorandum of understanding has been signed toward building the first offshore wind farm in the country, a 100-megawatt "demonstration" project off the coast of the northwestern state of Gujarat. Construction of such a plant is still a ways off, with feasibility studies and other preliminary steps standing in the way. But Piyush Goyal, the Indian minister for power, coal, and new and renewable energy, pointed out that with 12,230 kilometers (7,600 miles) of coastline the opportunities for rapidly scaling up offshore wind are huge.

In an interview with The Guardian published recently, Goyal stressed that renewables are coming to India in a very big way. "We will be a renewables superpower," he said. He sees the market expanding so rapidly, in fact, that he predicted that US $100 billion will be invested in renewable energy over the next five years alone. The previous government had a target of 20 gigawatts of solar power by 2022, but Goyal said the real amount installed will "be much, much larger." How about 10 GW of solar every year, and another seven or eight GW of wind? The money is already starting to roll in to India. Last September, the Asian Development Bank announced loans of $150 million for transmission projects specifically intended for renewable energy in the state of Rajasthan. This is still largely an untapped market, however; in spite of the country's size, India has only around 32 GW of installed renewable energy so far. Of that almost 4 GW are small hydropower facilities, and almost 22 GW are wind. So billions in solar investment, a burgeoning offshore wind industry, improving transmission infrastructure, and a bevy of new coal plants: India truly does have an all-of-the-above energy strategy at the moment.