EQ INT'L JULY 2013 EDITION

EQ Renewable Regulatory Fund Mechanism

Scorpius Trackers launches ‘No Bearings, No Maintenance’ solar trackers

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INTERNATIONAL www.EQMaglive.com Breakthrough Technologies Boost Solar Cell Efficiency

AE REFUsol String Combiner – Smart solution for String Monitoring

SunPowertm Solar Panels Power India’s First Net-Zero Energy Building

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EDITORIAL REC MECHANISM REC Mechanism continues to disappoint the investors. In July 2013, industry witnessed Highest issuance of 17,227 Solar REC’s, clearance was meagre 9%, while Non-Solar REC’s saw upswing by 62% issuing 462962 N.S. REC’s.Supply was over 17 times the demand. The Market value doubled to INR 26.1 Crore compared to last month.

Other Market Updates: Latest REC amendments to bring relief to project developers CERC has notified the long awaited second amendment to the REC regulations.

These amendment aims are clearing crucial hurdles that several project developers had been suffering from. A few major amendments are as follows – n Application deadline for Issuance of RECs increased from 3 months to 6

months. n Captive generating plants - Electricity duty waiver not a barrier to eligibility. n Renewable cogeneration – registration will be done based on sanctioned demand instead of referring to PPA figure; a relief

to bagasse based co-generators. n

Offsetting of own RPO - retaining RECs allowed for same unit but not allowed for other group companies of the RE generator.

Maharashtra orders captive, open access users to meet four years’ RPO by 31 March 2014 MERC has ordered state agencies to provide the list of captive power generators and open access consumers for the purpose of implementing RPO. The Commission has also asked the obligated entities to meet their RPO targets cumulatively by 31 March 2014. As the RPO implementation mechanism is being put in place, the MERC has decided not to levy any penalty on the captive power generators and open access consumers for RPO of FY 2011, FY 2012, FY 2013, and FY 2014 provided that they meet this RPO on a cumulative basis by 31 March 2014.

GUJARAT’s GUVNL Petition to GERC for retrospective Tariff Revision for Solar Power Developers In a recent petition, Gujarat’s energy company Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. (GUVNL) claimed that the levelized tariff of INR 12.54/kWh being paid to the state’s solar power developers is too high and should be reduced . The petition states that the actual project costs incurred by developers in 2011 (INR 120-130m/MW) were significantly lower than initially assumed (INR 165m/ MW). As a result, the developers ended up making ‘windfall gains’ while putting an unnecessary financial burden on the government and, by extension, on the public. Two years after signing of the PPAs, the GUVNL is asking for a retrospective reduction in the levelized tariff to INR 9/kWh. The petition is covered by EQ International July 2013 Edition.

Solar Trade Wars The Chinese and EU governments reached an agreement on minimum price and quantity of solar panels that could be exported from China to the EU without a tariff. Solar panels exported at a minimum price of €c56/W would not be subject to anti-dumping tariffs for up to 7GW of annual shipments. Any additional volumes would be subject to 11.8% tariff until Aug 6 and 47.6% post Aug 6. The deal would now be brought in front of the EU member countries for consultation before going through the approval process from the 28 EU commissioners.

China’s move to slap retaliatory antidumping tariffs on solar polysilicon imported from the United States and South Korea will cause only a slight increase in domestic pricing for the material, according to the Photovoltaics (PV) service at information and analytics provider IHS (NYSE: IHS). The Ministry of Commerce in China imposed steep tariffs on U.S.-made solar polysilicon, ranging from 53.3 percent to 57.0 percent. Duties for South Korean polysilicon were much lower, starting at 2.4 percent and rising up to 48.7 percent.

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RENEWABLE ENERGY

PV MANUFACTURING

CONTENTS

Manish H. Dixit

Rajaram Pai

24 Optiblend Kit System

26 Breakthrough Technologies Boost Solar Cell Efficiency

Eq Business & Financial News 6-13

RENEWABLE ENERGY 20 Developing Custom Power Module Solutions : What Has To Be Considered

PV MANUFACTURING 30 ICOSOLAR® plus and ICOSOLAR® complete The Innovative Combination Of Backsheets With Encapsulant Material To Reduce Costs Of Solar Module Manufacturing

SOLAR ENERGY

Cover

Get more.

The new Powador 60.0 TL3.

More Quality.

Made in Germany.

More Flexibility.

3 MPP Trackers for any system design.

More Service.

With galileo Solar Family and KACO new energy.

KACO new energy.

We turn passion into power.

Your partner for India.

34 DEHNguard®: Modular multipole surge arrester with SCI technology for PV systems up to 1500 V 36 CNPV’s Reaper Premium Series Changes The Solar Landscape 38 Scorpius Trackers Launches ‘No Bearings, No Maintenance’ Solar Trackers 39 SunPowertm Solar Panels Power India’s First Net-Zero Energy Building 40 Tapan Solar Energy Pvt. Ltd. Commissions 30KW Solar System in Goa

POLICY & REGULATION www.kaco-newenergy.de

www.galileosolar.in

KACO new energy GmbH, Germany, one of the largest solar inverter manufacturers globally is represented in India by its oldest and largest distributor galileosolar GmbH. It has been selling KACO new energy inverters in Germany and the rest of Europe from the word go. The Indian operations of galileosolar GmbH, Galilei Solar India Pvt. Ltd (GSIL) commenced operations in December 2011. In little over a year of operation in India, GSIL has successfully positioned itself as a leading solutions provider in roof top and ground mounted installations.

48 Procedure For Implementation Of The Mechanism Of Renewable Regulatory Fund

LEGAL BATTLE 55 Before The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission Ahmedabad Petition No. Of 2013

SOLAR INVERTERS 61 AE REFUsol StringCombiner – Smart solution for String Monitoring

Products Report 65-75 Conference & Events 76

& EQBusiness Financial Tata Power Solar Bags NTPC’s Largest Solar Power Project Tata Power Solar, the leading Indian solar company, has won a prestigious 50 MW solar photovoltaic project from NTPC as part of their mandate to expand their renewable energy portfolio to 1,000MW by 2017.The

new flagship 50MW project, at Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh, will double NTPC’s solar capacity. Once commissioned in March 2014, the project is expected to generate 78.66 million units (Kwh) of energy each year for

MP Power Trading Company Ltd. for a state that runs annual peak deficit of 9.6% (per CEA, June 2013).

Welspun Energy Awarded 32 MW Solar Project, Helps Punjab Move Towards Zero Emission Energy Welspun Energy Ltd. has been awarded 32 MW solar capacities by the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) through a single stage competitive bidding. The project is expected to be commissioned during the second quarter of 2014.As part of the selection process bidders were also evaluated on their technological competence. Welspun Energy’s subsidiary Welspun Solar Punjab Pvt. Ltd. (WSPPL) emerged as among the leading two organizations which have won the highest capacities. Cumulative 32 MW capacity was awarded to WEL as twin projects of 30 and 2 MW each, under the Punjab New & Renewable Sources of Energy (NRSE) Policy 2012.

Presently the State of Punjab has an installed solar capacity of 9 MW. With the commissioning of this project Welspun Energy will be annually feeding 56 million units of clean emission free energy into the Punjab state grid, for subsequent 25 years.

Approximately 53261 tones of CO2 emissions will be mitigated by this project on a yearly basis.Speaking on the occasion Mr. Vineet

that India will soon be a world leader in solar energy diffusion.”

The state government will then be facilitating WSPPL with the necessary approvals, permission, land acquisition, registration & clearances for the project. Welspun Energy expects to soon be signing the agreement with Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. (PSPCL).

Mittal, Co-Founder & Managing Director Welspun energy Ltd.said “We are happy to partner with the state of Punjab in delivering on our renewable energy commitment.

The support shown by the Minister of NonConventional EnergyShriMajithia affirms

Dr. Farooq Abdullah Inaugurates Rooftop Solar Power Plants In Chandigarh Union Minister for New &Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah inaugurated a 50 KWp solar photovoltaic power plant on the rooftop of ParyavaranBhawan, Chandigarh. The cost of the Power Plant is Rs.90.40 lac (50% contribution from Ministry of New &Renewable Energy, Government of India) with 10 years Operation and Maintenance.

The plant will be able to generate 65,000 units of electricity per year.He also inaugurated a 100 KWp solar photovoltaic power plant on the rooftop of Model Central Jail, Burail, Chandigarh. The cost of the Power Plant is Rs.143 lac (50% contribution from MNRE, Govt. of India) with 10 years Operation and Maintenance. This plant will be able to generate 1,30,000 units of electricity per year.

These rooftop power plants are coming up as a part of the solar city programme of Government of India under which 54 cities have been selected to become solar cities in the country. Chandigarh is one of these solar cities. Chandigarh has a plan to cover almost all Government buildings with solar rooftop 6

EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

power plants so that each building is able to generate a part of its power requirement through its own power plant thereby reducing the demand of electricity and using more and more of clean energy. Ministry of New &Renewable Energy has already sanctioned projects to cover 30 Government buildings in Chandigarh, which will generate 3 MWp of solar power.

Dr. Farooq Abdullah had a meeting with ShriShivrajPatil, Governor of Punjab and Administration of UT, Chandigarh. During the meeting, it was decided that efforts will be made to cover all the Government buildings in Chandigarh with solar power plants and solar water heaters. Private building owners would also be encouraged to set up solar rooftops. These power plants would be connected with the grid so that surplus power can be fed into the grid.

Abdullah appreciated the efforts of Punjab for setting up of 250 MW of solar power plants in Punjab and its plants plans to set up more biomass based power plants in the State. He requested the Chief Minister, Punjab to encourage use of solar powered pumps for irrigation as this would help in providing irrigation water to the farmers during day time and save electricity. He also requested that solar based steam cooking systems should be installed in all the religious institutions in the State. A very good beginning is being made with the installation of such a system in Golden Temple, Amritsar. Dr. Abdullah informed that it is proposed to add 30000 MW of grid connected renewable power during the current Five Year Plan and also encourage off-grid applications of renewable energy in a big way.

Dr. Abdullah also had a meeting with Chief Minister of Punjab, ShriParkash Singh Badal. Various programmes for promotion of renewable energy were discussed. Dr.

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& EQBusiness Financial Tata Power Solar Commissions 2Mw Utility Scale Grid Connected Solar Power Plant For The Chennai Silks Group Tata Power Solar, the leading Indian solar company, has successfully executed this solar power plant for the Chennai Silks group.

The plant, executed in a record timeframe of 3 months, is one of the many premier projects by Tata Power Solar in Tamil Nadu.

The plant is situated in Olappalayam and is expected to generate 3.1 million units of electricity in its first year of operation.

The Chennai Silks Group, the largest textile production group in Tamil Nadu, has forayed into solar to tap one of the most widely available sources of renewable energy.

Power shortages are a major issue in Tamil Nadu, with several manufacturing facilities in the region suffering from shortages and relying on expensive diesel generators for power. This PV solar power can provide a clean, reliable & sustainable solution for the company, hence reducing the down time of their production units resulting in business efficiency.

“Tata Power Solar’s capability of swiftly executing a captive solar power plant and build in record time is something remarkable.

This has helped our organization to avail accelerated depreciation benefit at the

earliest opportunity, coupled with REC benefit which helps reduce our working capital needs.” says N. K. Nandhagopal, MD, the Chennai Silks group.

The captive power plant will work under the REC (Renewable Energy Certificate) mechanism. As part of the REC mechanism, the Chennai Silks group will share the energy generated from this plant to Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) and in return will get an equivalent quantity of uninterrupted electricity supply to its factory situated at a distance from this solar plant. An additional income of about Rs. 3.0- 3.72 crores through trading of REC is expected besides Rs. 1.5 – 2.0 crores in year as energy cost savings.

“Tata Power Solar’s renowned history of on-time completion and dedicated in-house team for providing complete EPC solutions, gives it a strong competitive advantage over others. We take pride in our association with the Chennai Silks group to execute their first Utility Scale Grid Connected Solar Power Project.” said Ajay Goel, CEO Tata Power Solar. “I am quite confident this project would act as a catalyst for other

industries to adopt solar as the first alternate source of energy for their business needs.” he added.

Tata Power Solar has designed and built more than 70 MW of grid connected projects to-date. Some of the notable projects executed by TPS recently includes: 50 MW for NTPC in Rajgarh, MP (in progress), 17 MW power plant in Mithapur, 10MW project in Charanka for Emami.

According to April 2013 report by Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the energy deficit for the southern region was 18.1 per cent, compared to a national average of 8.3 per cent, and in Tamil Nadu the deficit was a high 17.5 per cent. Hence, the Tamil Nadu government is working towards bridging this gap with the help of renewable energy sources. The TN government is working towards mitigating the climate change effects by bringing out policies conducive to promote renewable energy generation in the State. It aims to make renewable, specially solar energy, as common a practice as rain water harvesting, so that it helps the states meets its target of generating 3,000MW solar energy by 2015.

IFC Finances Azure’s Rooftop Solar India Project, Boosts Clean Energy Access IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is providing a $3 million loan to independent energy producer Azure Power for one of its subsidiaries to construct a rooftop solar project in the Indian state of Gujarat, thereby expanding access to clean energy and creating economic opportunities for local residents.This is the country’s first rooftop solar project based on a public private partnership model in India. The Gujarat government awarded the project through competitive bidding for a period of 25 years.

To implement the project, Azure Power is constructing a 2.5 megawatt rooftop solar project in the state capital Gandhinagar that will be connected to the state electricity grid. IFC’s investment in the subsidiary is expected to help avoid around 3,600 tons of carbon emissions a year.

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

“The project is a role model for rooftop generation of solar power across states in India. With this, Azure Power has forayed into distributed solar power generation.

We are committed to driving down cost of energy for end consumers,” said Inderpreet S. Wadhwa, Azure Power’s Chief Executive Officer. “IFC’s investment in the project demonstrates the viability of distributed solar power generation in India.” The project is one of two pilots being implemented in Gandhinagar. The developer has rented rooftops of government and private buildings to install and operate grid-interactive photovoltaic systems. These installations feed the electricity generated into the grid for which the state distribution company pays a fixed tariff under a 25-year power purchase agreement.“The project will assist the state in introducing public-private participation

to generate green energy at the household level. The project supports reduction in greenhouse gas emissions,” said Anita George, IFC Infrastructure Director for Asia. “At the same time, local residents can earn additional income by offering rooftops for installing solar panels.” Azure Power is an existing client of IFC and has a current portfolio of about 55 megawatt of solar power projects in India.

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& EQBusiness Financial BHEL secures major turnkey contract for Grid-Connected Eco-friendly Solar Power Plants from NTPC Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has won major turnkey contracts for setting up two eco-friendly Grid-Connected Solar Power Plants of 10 MW capacity each.

Valued at Rs.1320 Million, the orders have been placed on BHEL by NTPC for setting up the Solar PhotoVoltaic (SPV) power plants, each of 10 MW capacity, at Unchahar in Uttar Pradesh and Talcher in Odisha.

BHEL’s scope of the work in the order envisages design, manufacture, supply, installation and operation & maintenance of the solar power plants for one year.

Significantly, BHEL has already commenced supplies to both the Solar Power Projects.

The first consignment, comprising SPV

Modules, was flagged off from BHEL’s Electronics Division in Bangalore today.

of people in these regions with environmentfriendly solar power.

Each Solar Power Plant comprises SPV Modules which are manufactured using the Mono-crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic (C-SI PV) technology which is well proven and has the longest operational experience across the world.

Backed by a vast experience and expertise of over three decades in Power Electronics & System integration, BHEL is one of the few leading players in the field of Solar Photovoltaics, having capabilities from manufacturing of Solar Cells to System Integration of Solar PV Power Plants in India.

BHEL’s Megawatt size Solar Power Plants in Karnataka, Rajasthan and Maharashtra have been contributing to the National Solar Mission program of India. Also, other large-size Solar PV Power Systems set up

by BHEL in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand etc., have been contributing in a significant way to enhance the quality of life

The Solar PV modules are manufactured at the company’s ultra-modern manufacturing facility located at Bangalore. In line with the rapid growth in this field, BHEL is planning to augment its manufacturing facilities further in this field

Tata Power to develop 28.8 MW Solar Power Project in Maharashtra - National, July 22, 2013 Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power utility through its wholly owned subsidiary, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) is developing one of its largest photovoltaic based solar power plants with an installed capacity of 28.8 MW in the Satara district in Maharashtra.

The Plant will be spread over 130 Acres of land and is located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. The latest state of the art technology in photovoltaic based solar generation will be utilized for the plant. Tata Power – Distribution, the distribution arm of Tata Power, has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a term of twentyfive years in order to purchase power from this solar plant, thereby meeting its solar renewable purchase obligations (RPO).

Power is committed to generating 20-25 % of its total generation capacity from clean energy sources and is proud to be developing one of the largest solar projects in the country. Tata Power strives to reduce its carbon footprint. We would like to thank the Government of Maharashtra and all our stakeholders for the support extended for setting up this solar power project at Palaswadi.”

The power generated will be evacuated through Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Limited (MSETCL)’s network.

The Company has the major purchase orders for EPC in place and intends to commission the entire Project capacity by December 2013.

The Company’s strategy emphasizes the development of clean energy generation from renewable sources to balance the carbon emissions from fossil fuel based generation capacity while contributing towards energy security of the country. Tata Power currently has four of its renewable projects registered under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) program by United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These projects include the 50.4 MW Gadag project, the 50.4 MW Wind project at Khandke, and the 50.4 MW Wind project at Samana in Maharashtra. The fourth project is the 25 MW Solar project at Mithapur, Gujarat.

Speaking on the initiative,Mr. Anil Sardana, Managing Director, Tata Power, said, “Tata

Tata Power Group presently has a strong portfolio of 30+ MW of Solar Power making

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

it one of the largest solar power generators in India. The Company commissioned 25 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power project at Mithapur, Gujarat and 3 MW at Mulshi, Maharashtra. Its subsidiary Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd has also commissioned a 1 MW grid-connected roof top solar plant in Delhi. A 60.48 KWP solar power plant has been functional on top of one of the building at its office in Carnac Bunder, Mumbai. The Company proposes to add 50 MW of solar power capacity every year.

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& EQBusiness Financial Solar sector sees $189 million in VC funding, $1.3 billion in M&A, in Q2 2013 reports Mercom Capital Group Subpar VC investment activity for solar four quarters in a row NEW DELHI – July 11, 2013 - Mercom Capital Group, llc, a global clean energy communications and consulting firm, released its report on funding and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity for the solar

Akcome Solar Science & Technology. Clean Power Finance, a provider of third-party financing for distributed PV projects through its software platform, raised $42 million from Edison International, Kleiner Perkins Caufield& Byers, Google Ventures, Claremont Creek Ventures, Clean Pacific Ventures,

Management, I2BF Global Ventures and Peninsula Ventures. There were 27 active VC investors in the sector this quarter.

Solar third party finance companies raised a record $1.33 billion in disclosed residential and commercial solar project funds this quarter, the strongest quarter ever for solar lease funds, with the total amount raised in the first six months almost equivalent to all of the solar lease funds raised last year.

Solar M&A activity in Q2 2013 amounted to $1.27 billion in 18 transactions. Themes emerging out of this quarter’s M&A activity included: consolidation in the inverter market, strategic acquisitions, and acquisitions of distressed assets/companies.

sector during the second quarter of 2013.

Solar venture capital (VC) investments increased to $189 million in 19 deals in Q2 2013 compared to $126 million in 26 deals in the previous quarter. Solar downstream companies received most of the funding with $128 million.

Total corporate funding in the solar sector including, VC funding, debt financing and other types of funding raised by public companies through sale of shares total $915 million.

Sand Hill Angels, Hennessey Capital, Duke Energy, and two other investors. Solexel, a developer of high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells and modules, raised $14.8 million, followed by Tigo Energy, a developer of smart modules and optimizers for PV systems, which raised $13 million from Alon Ventures. Scifiniti, a crystalline silicon technology company focused on delivering a low cost drop-in replacement to photovoltaic silicon wafers, raised $10 million from Alloy Ventures, Firelake Capital

The largest disclosed M&A transaction by dollar amount in Q2 2013 was the Swiss power and automation technology group ABB’s acquisition of Power-One, a provider of renewable energy and energy-efficient power conversion and power management solutions, for approximately $1 billion.

EnelEnergia, a power distribution company, also reached an agreement to acquire Enel. si, a manufacturer of photovoltaic, solar thermal and mini-wind systems from Enel Green Power S.p.A., a renewable power generation company, for approximately $123 million. Advanced Energy Industries, a provider of power and control technologies for thin-film manufacturing and solar-power generation, acquired REFUsol Holding, a

“With solar technology companies struggling, investments have been going to downstream companies,” commented Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group. “That said, investments into solar technology companies haven’t completely dried up. Small venture rounds are still going to several niche technology companies instead of the larger deals that were typical for thin film, CSP and CPV companies.”

The largest VC deals in Q2 2013 included the approximately $69 million raised by Chinese solar developer Hefei Golden Sun Energy Technology from existing investor Jiangsu 12

EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

www.EQMagLive.com

& EQBusiness Financial provider of three-phase string solar PV inverters for commercial applications, for $77 million. Sino-American Silicon Products, a manufacturer of solar silicon wafers, bought Sinosolar Corporation, a producer of solar wafers and solar cells, for $27 million. LDK Solar, a vertically-integrated manufacturer of photovoltaic products, sold its interest in LDK Solar High-Tech (Hefei) Co. to Hefei High Tech Industrial Development Social Service Corporation, an affiliate of the Hefei City Government, for approximately $19 million.

Announced large-scale project funding in Q2 2013 came in at $2.94 billion, up from $1.77 billion last quarter. Solar Star Funding, the

wholly owned subsidiary of Warren Buffet’s MidAmerican Energy, completed a $1 billion bond offering this quarter, the largest solar bond financing deal to date.

There were more than 670 MW of disclosed projects that changed hands in the second quarter of 2013. The Top 5 disclosed acquisitions by project size ranged from 30 MW to 150 MW. The largest transaction was First Solar’s acquisition of the 150 MW Solar Gen 2 Project in California from an affiliate of the Goldman Sachs Group, Energy Power Partner and a third undisclosed equity partner, followed by First Solar’s sale of its 139 MW Campo Verde Solar Project to Southern Power and Turner

Renewable Energy. First Solar also acquired the 60 MW North Star Solar Project from NorthLight Power. The fourth largest transaction by project size was BluEarth Renewables’ acquisition of four photovoltaic projects in Canada from Canadian Solar Solutions totaling 53.9 MW. The fifth largest acquisition was Armstrong South East Asia Clean Energy Fund’s acquisition of a 60 percent stake in Symbior Solar Siam’s Central and Northeast Solar Projects totaling 30 MW. Loans, credit facilities and other types of debt agreements from Chinese banks now stand at about $53 billion.

Foundation Stone Laid For 5 MW Solar Pv Plant At Village- Jhajru Near NTPC -Faridabad Foundation Stone for 5 MW Solar PhotoVoltaic plant of NTPC was laid at VillageJhajru near NTPC Faridabad by Shri A. K. Jha ,Director (Technical), NTPC. The 5 MW solar project is being constructed at village Jhajru near NTPC Faridabad in appx. 20 acres land. The work for this project has been awarded to M/s Eversun Energy Pvt. Ltd. and M/s Enmas GB Power System Projects Ltd for Main Solar Plant package and Power Evacuation Package

respectively. .This plant will generate 7.437 million units of electricity annually.

This electricity will be equivalent to the power requirement of approximately 6000 households. With zero pollution, this plant will contribute appx.6800 tons reduction in CO2 generation.

NTPC is venturing into renewable energy with an objective to broad base generation mix by evaluating conventional and alternate sources of energy to ensure long run competitiveness

and mitigate fuel risks. In this endeavor, NTPC has already commissioned two 5 MW Solar PV projects each at Dadri and Partblair. Further, presently 85 MW Solar PV projects are under implementation.

Shri N. N. Mishra, GM (Faridabad) ,ShriSurinderRaina, GM (REDG), Shri V.K. Padha, GM (OS&Comml.)-NCRHQ and ShriJanhviShanker, GM (NESCL). Senior Officials of NTPC, Eversun Energy and Enmas GB Power were also present during the inaugural ceremony.

Emmvee Electrifies Educational Institution With Solar Power Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Pvt Ltd, leading Solar PV module manufacturer, turnkey solution expert for mega watt scale projects and roof-top projects, has installed 300 kWp roof-top solar grid connected power plant for PSG Institutions situated in Coimbatore, state of Tamil Nadu. Many educational institutions have been established under the PSG & Son’s Charities Trust.

Among them are the PSG College of Arts & Science and PSG College of Technology.

PSG College of Arts & Science is located at the industrial city of Coimbatore and PSG College of Technology is situated at Peelamedu, Coimbatore.

1x100 kWp system was installed at PSG College of Technology and 2x100 kWp systems were installed at PSG College of Arts and Science. Emmvee was responsible for Designing, Engineering, Supply, Erection and Commissioning of the systems.The systems were installed on the roof of the colleges.

Being a renewable energy enthusiast, the institutions intend to bring awareness about solar energy among students and encourage them to go solar. It also helps the institution to tackle the power crisis in the region. Mr. D. V. Manjunatha, founder and Managing Director of Emmvee, expressing his views, “We welcome such initiatives from

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educational institutions to go for renewable energy. The institutions being one of the leading players in the state will set a bench mark for others to follow. In the past we have installed roof-top systems for various institutions and we are glad that we were part of this project for PSG Institutions”.

EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

13

P O L I CY & REGUL A T I O N

Renewable Regulatory Fund (RRF) Mechanism Abhishek Amarnani & Mr.KalyanVerma – Research Analysts

T

he Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has approved the detailed procedure for the implementation of the Mechanism of Renewable Regulatory Fund under Regulation 6.1 (d) of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Indian Electricity Grid Code), Regulations 2010. The implementation of Renewable Regulatory Fund (RRF) mechanism which was scheduled on 01.07.2013 has now been deferred by 15 days and will be implemented from 15.07.2013. CERC has asked the National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC) to undertake mock trial of the mechanism for 15 days before finally implementing it from 15.07.2013.

of Solar and Wind power.

The cost implication due to variation in generation of solar and wind power are huge as both solar and wind energy is ‘infirm’ in nature, i.e. vary significantly on hourly, daily and seasonal basis.

The costs involved due to this variation from scheduled generation will be

compensated through this fund which will be operated by the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) on a national level on the lines of Unscheduled Interchange Pool Account in accordance with provisions of the Grid Code as amended time to time.RRF assumes importance as it will require all wind and solar farms over a certain capacity, and not under a Power Purchase Agreement

WHAT IS RRF? Renewable Regulatory Fund is created for spreading the costs due to disparity in scheduled generation and actual generation 14

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(PPA), to undertake day ahead scheduling.

This will require forecasting generation from the Wind farm or solar project one day in advance and intimating it to the relevant agency in the state. Over or under-supply from the forecast will attract Unscheduled Interchange (UI) charges.

APPLICABILITY

Regulatory Charge operated through the Renewable Regulatory Fund.

shall be settled directly between the host State and the Coordinating Agency.

4. In a time block, a maximum generation of 150% of the schedule shall be allowed, beyond which if grid security is not affected, the only charge payable to the Coordinating Agency shall be the UI charge applicable corresponding to 50-50.02 Hz.

An Example for Wind Generator for Inter-state supply: Generation Schedule -100 MW Actual Generation – 160 MW The purchaser pays for 150 MW of

The RRF procedure shall not be applicable to the solar or wind generating plants selling power through collective transactions at the power exchanges as revisions inschedules are not envisaged for such transactions.

DETAILED PROCEDURE All Wind and solar generators have to submit a declaration clearly specifying the ‘Coordinating Agency’ that shall be responsible for coordinating on their behalf on issues like SCADA, metering, scheduling, UI charges, RenewableRegulatory Fund with concerned Regional load dispatch centre (RLDC)/ State load dispatch centre (SLDC) etc.Also ABT compliant Special Energy Meters have to be installed that shall be capable of time-differentiated measurements for time block wise active energy and voltage differentiated measurement of reactive energy.The concerned SLDC/RLDC shall be responsible for validating, processing the Special Energy Meter data and computing the net injections by each pooling station.

Scheduling for wind farms 1. All intra-State transactions shall be scheduled by concerned SLDC while all the inter-State transactions by concerned RLDC. 2. The Coordinating Agency shall be responsible for scheduling generation on behalf of the wind generators upto a minimum accuracy of 70%. Beyond which UI charges shall be payable to the Coordinating Agency.

5. In case of intra-State sale of wind energy, the transactions between the generating station and the drawee shall be at the contracted rate for actual generation. Deviations within +/30% shall be settled through the RRF and outside +/-30% shall be settled directly between the host State and the Coordinating Agency.

6. While in case of inter-State sale of wind energy, for upto 150% of the scheduled generation the transactions shall be settled between the Coordinating Agency and the purchasing State at the contracted rate. The difference of actual generation within deviations of +/- 30% shall be settled at the UI rate of the Region of the purchasing State through the RRF. The deviations outside +/-30%

power (cap of 50% on over generation) at the contract rate to the wind generator. The purchasing state agency receives an amount for 30 MW at the region UI rate from RRF due to deviation by the wind generator from the schedule. Next, the host state agency pays to the RRF for (30+20) MW at the region UI rate due to deviation by the wind generator from the schedule. The wind generator pays to RRF for 20 MW at (reference UI rate – UI rate), when the UI rate is less than the reference UI rate and vice versa if UI rate is more than reference UI rate.

Scheduling for solar generators 1. Based on various factors such as availability of the generator,weather

3. The UI charges shall be applicable to the host State. However, the implication of these UI charges shall be shared among all the States/Union Territories of the country/Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) in the ratio of their peak demand met in the previous month based on the data published by Central Electricity Authority, in the form of a regulatory charge to be known as the Renewable 16

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forecasting,solar insulation,seasonal and normal solar generation curve, the Coordinating Agency shall give the schedule of Solar Pooling Stations and shall be vetted by the concerned SLDC/RLDC in which the generator is located.

2. No UI shall be payable by the Solar Generator to the Coordinating Agency.

3. In case of intra-State sale of solar energy, the purchaser shall pay the pooling station at the contracted rate for actual generation.

4. In case of inter-State sale of solar energy, the purchaser shall pay the Solar Generator at the contracted rate for actual generation.

5. The implication of UI charges due to the deviation for purchasing State and host State shall be settled through the RRF. An Example for Solar Generator for Intra-state supply: Generation Schedule -100 MW Actual Generation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 80 MW

verification within a period of 15 days. In case any mistake is detected, RPC Secretariats shall forthwith make a complete check and rectify the mistakes.

all the States/UTs of the country/DVC in the ratio of their peak demands met on a monthly basis.

WAY FORWARD SCHEDULE OF PAYMENT OF ENERGY ACCOUNTING Payment of all charges on account of energy accounting of Pooling Station of Wind and Solar plants have to pay the indicated amounts within 10 days of the issue of the accounts by the Secretariat of the respective Regional Power Committee.If payments against the charges are delayed by more than two days, i.e., beyond 12 days from the date of issue, the defaulting constituent shall have to pay simple interest @ 0.04% for each day of delay.All payments to the Coordinating Agency for the Pooling station /purchasing State/host State entitled to receive any amount from the Renewable Regulatory Fundshall be made within 2 working days of receipt of the payments into the Fund and the net left over amounts in the RRF, whether positive or negative, shall be shared among

There are several approaches and models for forecasting generation so it will be very important for projects to choose the appropriate model keeping in mind the accuracy required and operational costs (that can go up significantly depending on the level of real-time data needed). This opens up the market to use the technological advancements in forecasting techniques for better grid management which is a relatively new concept in India. With the growing share of solar and wind power in the total installed capacity and the growing concerns to conserve our scarce fossil fuel reserves and for use of green solutions to meet our increasing energy demand, setting up of the Renewable Regulatory Fund is a step in the right direction to make wind and solar power more competitive by providing a compensatory mechanism to their buyers owing to their infirm nature.

UI ACCOUNTING OF WIND/SOLAR POOLING STATIONS All accounting of UI shall be prepared by concerned RPCs on a weekly basis based on inputs from the concerned RLDCs. The Coordinating Agency shall provide the 15minute block-wise data of schedule and actual generation at the connection point of the Pooling Station to the concerned RLDC on a weekly basis.

RLDC shall furnish the processed data on a weekly basis by each Thursday noon to the concerned RPC. The data furnished

by RLDC shall be open to all entities for checking/verification for a period of 15 days.

In case any mistake/omission is detected, RLDC shall forthwith make a complete check and rectify the same. A statement of energy accounting for each pooling station shall be prepared by the Secretariat of the respective Regional Power Committee on weekly basis, based on the data provided by RLDC and shall be issued to all concerned with a copy to RLDC and NLDC by Tuesday, for seven day period based on which NLDC will settle the accounts on weekly basis. All Regional Energy Accounting calculations carried out by RPC Secretariats shall be open to all regional entities for any checking/

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

17Â

I NT ERV I EW

Mr. Xianshou Li

- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ReneSola.

EQ : Whats the current production capacity of your company: XL : Current Module capacity in China: 1.5GW, Wafer: 1.5 GW, Polysillicon: 10,000 MT Overseas OEM including India capacity around: 400 MW

EQ : What is the unique advantage in being a vertically integrated manufacturer XL : The biggest advantages are that we can control the quality of our module to top most level and compete in the market with cost advantages

EQ : How much has been the sale to India and what does the future look like

XL : We have experienced lots of changes during our business in last 5 years which include changes in the policies of solar project development in several states where demand, supply and pricing had been undergone many volatile situations.

EQ : Which are the top 10 markets for your co and approx shipment to these markets XL : Starting fromUSA, Europe, Australia, Saudi Arab, India, Africa, where majority of our shipment were t aken place.

XL : Our modules have already been in generating electricity in Indian market for quite a long time now. We already sold around 90 MW in India and we are very optimistic about our future in India since our brand is becoming more popular here due to our top ranking quality.

EQ : Please enlighten us on the thin film vs. c-si debate (explain with market share, performance etc…..in detail). Market share of thin film makers such as CDTE, CIGS, CIS, a-Si have been steadily increasing and their performance in hotter climates such as India is reportedly better than c-Si…please comment and clarify on this.

What changes have your experienced in selling PV in last 5 years 18

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EQ : India is not a Country rather a Continent with Each State having a different story…What states are interesting for you in past, present and future.

has seen a drastic fall since past years and a competition has been created by all Chinese manufacturers, so the sustainability has taken a toll with these companies.

XL : We understand that there are different state policies as well as policies for JNNSM which is being treated as a centralized policy. In the past the states like Rajasthan and Gujarat were only interesting but now it seems MP,Chattishgargh,TN, AP, KTK, Bihar, Punjab, Orissa etc are coming up with several mega projects. And since India Climate supports well for Solar Projects and every state lacking with electricity we are very hopeful to all other states in future.

EQ : What is your view on the allegations posed by solar world and the US trade petition…. please describe in detail

EQ : What All projects you have already supplied in India. Please mention name of developer, location of the plant, type and number of modules.

XL : We have already supplied to quite a few projects in India, but we will not be able to disclose the same now since we will have to take clearance from the project developer for such kind of disclosure. Hopefully we would make this public during the PV show ( RE Expo) in Greater Noida in Sep 13.

EQ : What s the roadmap for production ramp up for your co and further growth in terms of technology, output of your products XL : As you know, we have our own R & D, where we continue to do research and development on regular basis. Previously we came up with Virtus modules which has been redeveloped to Virtus I, Virtus II till now and Virtus III in coming months, where we brought up the efficiency level and minimized the temp co-efficient so that it will suit different client with high generation output.

EQ : 2011-12 had witnessed a huge surge in installations in Germany, Italy and Europe, despite of which German companies have gone bankrupt like solon, q.cellss.e., closing down of REC operations in Norway, selling of cell line by schott…..what are your views on this.

XL : Well, due to the price of modules

XL : Foreseeing a volatile economic situation we think that China, US and the EU should enhance policy coordination and refrain from using trade protection measures.

EQ : Do you forsee a further drop in the prices of PV and to what extent XL : We forsee a price escalation in near future as the cost of BOM is rising and polysillicon import expected to be levied with an antidumping duties in China. Also some Tier-2 and Tier-3 manufacturers shutting down their factories for continuous loss making.

EQ : Many Chinese companies are rapidly ramping up production capacities, while many like LDK are laying off workmen and many are closing down… what is the reason for this phenomena…where does your co stand in this XL : Now there is a demand at domestic front as well as global demand existing.

But still to sustain in long terms companies follow cost cutting measures. Due to their past experience, they used to minimize their expenditure and keep the cash flow to a standard where they will gain the confidence of stakeholders as well as confidence of Clients. Renesola is also monitoring its cash flow and at the same time ramp up of process is being done to meet the demand and supply of the market.

EQ : Solar world accusations against the Chinese manufacturers that billions of dollars of subsidies are given by Chinese government to Chinese PV companies is harming the western competitors…why do they make such accusations, what is the real situation… please enlighten our readers

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in detail on this. How much responsibility your co has for a fair trade XL : We always support and responsible for a fair trade. As a number one quality manufacturer of solar PV modules we see there is lack of electricity in all the countries and to reduce the carbon emission, there is always a need of renewable source of energy. And for the same we are not only concentrating our module sales, but we are discussing with local manufacturers where we share our technology and experience by way of local OEM production to meet the demand in particular country with good pricing.

EQ : What is the annual expenditure on R&D and how much is it as a % of total sales XL : We do lots of expenditure on R&D which is around 3% of our total sales.

EQ : Present and explain the recent trends in your sales, shipments, share prices etc…

XL : Presently our sales trends continue to rise and many shipments happening to different markets recently. Our share prices are stable recently.

EQ : With European demand falling and given the fact of huge manufacturing base in china… chinese government has lot of pressure to accelerate deployment of PV within china and china is expected to install 8GW in 2013….whats your opinion on this statement.

XL : We think there is lots of demand in Europe recently existing. In domestic front of view yes, the market size is around9-10 GW.

EQ : Japan has recently announces a very good FIT for PV….what is the expected size of the market in Japan.

XL : Japan is a very good market for us.

We think the market size will be around 4 GW in recent future. we expect Japan will become our third largest market after the United States and Europe.

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19

REN EWA BL E ENERGY

Developing Custom Power Module Solutions : What Has To Be Considered Eng. Marco Di Lella - Product Manager SEMIKRON Italy

I

n the last few years, the power module market demand quickly changed due to the stringent power design constraints of cost saving and efficiency increase in the final application. R&D engineers are working for innovative solutions where high integration level and latest chip technologies are the driving factors in the design phase. Power modules suppliers are compelled to fulfil these requirements and to deliver solutions that are optimized to meet customers’ wishes.

Semikron Italy is implementing the strategy to offer custom solutions, tailored to customer’s needs in order to offer the best assembly solution.

This article outlines all the aspects to consider when offering a custom solution in order to fulfil the continuous change in market demand of power modules design and performances.

The today R&D power engineers are working to develop electrical topologies which are able to ensure the best efficiency performances, power consumption and space reduction.

There are some markets that are very sensitive to these topics. UPS and solar market are the best examples: the layout complexity can be very different from customer to customer and there is a continuous research to find out the best electrical solution and the minimum number of power modules to be used to achieve high performance level. Electrical vehicle application is a new emerging market where the above topics will become the challenging point when offering a power module solution.

Some other markets,like welding or motor drive,are not affected by these 20

EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

constraints and quite standard electrical configurations are required; just slight changes in the existing configurations and possible redesign based on the latest chip technologies are required.For such kind of market, the right price strategy is the winning factor for the power suppliers.

Picture 1 shows how customer needs and power suppliers strategies are interconnected: The approach to an incoming project will therefore follow two different strategies: a) non price-sensitive markets: the winning factor is the capability to offer solutions that meet customers specific needs.

Differentiation is the key word in this case, so that customer can perceive the uniqueness of the solution that other competitors are not able to offer. b) price-sensitive markets: it will be needed to offer quite standard solutionswith the lowest price, still maintaining high profitability. This market is normally based on high quantities per year.

Semikron Italy offers power module solutions to meet both market demandsand recognizes that custom solution is becoming day after day the new challenging market.

Semikron Italy target is to serve customers

with special type products besides the main stream products in order to remain competitive in the market.

When implementing a custom solution strategy, we always fulfillthree key points: •

we arefocused on the application

•

we ensure fast time to market

•

we offer evident advantages to the customer througha custom solution

We are focused on the application Semikron Italy target is to offer the right chip technologyin the right power modules in order to meet customers’ wishes. This leads to short term advantages: a power solution that 100% fits the electrical requirements ensuring the best electrical and thermal performances at the best cost level; use of minimum number of power modules for high power integration level and space saving; the best trade-off between evaluation time and mass production phase to ensure the fastest time to market.

The right offer comes by combining two factors: a wide offer of power modules and the support of an dedicated staff of experienced engineers.

Figure 1 –customer demand and power supplier offer matrix interconnection

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Semikron offer is based on power modules with or without baseplate, featuring different power contact interface such as soldering terminals or screws terminals.The platforms can integrate the latest chip technologies like SiC diodes, Mosfet even for high voltage applications and IGBT for high switching frequencies(picture 2).

The engineer staffsuggests the best combination between chipset and power module. The experience in different application

Figure 2: Available platforms and chip to offer custom solutions

markets such UPS, PV, electrical drives, welding and railway help to run the right losses simulations to define the chip size, thus ensuring the best electrical performances.

FEM analysis, 2D simulations and thermal modelling help the feasibility study process to choose the right housing and the right number of modules to build up the required electrical configuration and thus ensuring the best thermal performances of the application.

The newest chip technologies are all tested from reliability and dynamic perspective. Only the chip technologies that are able to pass more than 17 different reliability tests for more than 10.000hours of tests are considered as reliable and therefore suitable for a custom project.

We ensure fast time to market Power electronics is a dynamic market and product development and introduction are particularly critical. How fast the first prototypes can be ready and how fast the mass production can be released are essential market success factors for a customer: to be first in the market means to capture market share respect to the competitors.

Any new project starts with the customer and ends to the customer passing through the power supplier project evaluation, defining the product life cycle process.

Time-to-market is measured as the time between project release and volume release.

Each validation phase consists of a series of steps to be fulfilled;at the end of each validation phase some prototypes are produced and delivered to customer for final approval in order to proceed to the next step.

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reduced and each power module will feature only the needed electrical requirements.

PCB design efforts are reduced saving development time thanks to a perfect match between module pinout and PCB routing needs. There is a significant reduction of bill of material and easier logisticand assembly process is achieved.Assembly error occurrence is reduced and manufacturing reliability is increased.

Figure 3: Product life cycle process

Semikron Italy supports his customers every day to achieve fast time to market when developing a new project. We collaborate with customer: we use to involve the customer at the project inception so that we can translate quickly his needs into engineering specifications. This helps to eliminate changes late in the design process when they are very expensive so to get the right request the first time.

We are custom solution oriented: use of software to minimize the engineering workload so to ensure that every product performs according to customer requirements; power modules design is always focused into the different applications in order to permit the company to make product suggestions to the customer. Each required product change can be therefore quickly managed. This allows sales and manufacturing functions to ship a custom module quickly and according to customer request often putting Semikron ahead of its competition.

We implement flexible production : similar products are grouped into families that can be processed in one same equipment in the same sequence. This allows to shorten changeover time between products. The production lead time is therefore reduced, resulting in high quality manufacturing products, with lower manufacturing costs and on time delivery.

Only quality and reliable products are shipped; this makes customers happy and helps to increase long term customer’s loyalty.

the desired solution. More than one power module could be necessary to assembly the

As matter of fact a custom solution reduces the form factor of the final application

Figure 4: three-phase PWM rectifier buck converter design

final configuration;the number of modules even increases with configuration complexity level. The required space for the application becomes relevant and PCB routing becomes more difficult, especially if the pinout is not optimized for this purpose. Customer is going therefore to face a huge bill of material management and a lot of efforts in the logistic. PCB routing issues enlarge the development time and the final application cost will increase. Nevertheless customer will need more time to enter the market.

with space saving and cost reduction respect to the use of standard modules.

A custom-made solution becomes therefore the right solution to overcome the above issues, if customer is willing to be competitive in the market and to gain market share.By using custom electrical configurations, the number of modules can be

Due to the very complex layout, 27pieces of TO devices are needed against one SEMIPONT™6 module integrating the whole three-phase configuration. One screw

A case study has been carried out by considering the development ofa three-phase PWM rectifier buck converter featuring IGBTs and diodes rated for 40A/1200V as per picture4.

Comparison between a standard solution based on TO devices and a custom solution based on SEMIPONT™6 platform by SEMIKRON has been performed.

We offer evident advantages Power module market offer is normally based on standard electrical configurations and power modules sometimes integrate superfluous features respect to customer needs. Normally a custom solution is not available in the market and customer has to put in place a lot of efforts to achieve 22

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Figure 5:Material cost split and assembly time comparison

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per TO device is needed for heatsink assembly, while the power module needs one assembly step with only two mounting screws. There is a clear benefit in the PCB routing, since the power module pinout has been designed according to customer requirements while TO devices do not feature flexible power pins position.

The investigations confirmed therefore the benefits in using a custom solution especially about material costs, assembly time and manufacturing process: â&#x20AC;˘

A significant bill of material reduction leads to a 10% lower material costs for the custom solution. The cost breakdown is shown in picture 5.

â&#x20AC;˘

Due to reduced parts to manage, the assembly time is reduced. Just one module against 27pcs to handle, with an estimated assembly time reduction up to 85%.

p Composite Default screen

p

p

â&#x20AC;˘

Reduced parts to handle reduce the risk of assembly error occurrence.

Manufacturing errors can be reduced up to 80%. Less parts to handle ensure higher manufacturing reliability and higher first-pass yield.

Conclusions This article outlines how the need of dedicated power module solution is becoming pressing and how SEMIKRON can answer this demand with the right strategy.This can be fulfilled with the best compromise between customer demand and SEMIKRON support.

SEMIKRON offers the experience of engineers and technicians to design the best chipset in the right module platform in order to offer the best solution to the customer with the excellent compromise between price and performance.

Customer figures out the benefits of a custom solution recognizing the advantages in terms of easy assembly process due to reduced material handling, form factor reduction due to high integration level, higher production reliability due to reduced assembly error occurrence.

The significance of discrete solution is therefore decreasing.

The strategy is well received by customer and there is a high level demand to develop custom solutions.

SEMIKRON listen to customer needs and is always ready to welcome the new customer challenges due to constant changes in the market.

REN EWA BL E ENERGY

Optiblend Kit System Manish H. Dixit-President, Eden Energy India Pvt. Ltd.

A

s the name suggests, Optiblend kit system displaces “Optimum” amount of natural gas with diesel. We can introduce either natural gas or biogas or syn gas any other organic waste gas in the air intake system of diesel genset to displace diesel. Optiblend kit works on any high speed, four stroke diesel genset.

The objective behind development of this technology was to give industry and public an option which is eco friendly along with being economical.

Optiblend kit system was developed looking at future use of natural gas or any other alternative fuels which can overcome the usage of costly and non renewable diesel fuel, which is polluting the environment.

Optiblend system is an innovative retrofit technology developed for a wide range of diesel engine applications. This economical kit displaces diesel with biogas/natural gas/ syn-gas or any other alternative fuels up to 70% without any major modifications to the internal components of the stock fuel management system. The ignition technology is still compression ignited technology that is predominantly associated with DG set engines. Optiblend system tunes the DG engine across the entire range of engine load for optimized displacement of diesel fuel (economic advantage) and offers emission benefits also without compromising engine performance and safety matters. Thus Optiblend kit helps generating green power for the industries.

With this technology we intend to maximize the usage of alternative energy, be it biogas/natural gas/syngas/ shale gas which typically costs lesser than diesel and also are cleaner and greener compared to diesel. Use of natural gas over diesel reduces CO2 emissions (Green House Gas emissions) 24

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and NOx emissions(50-60%) and increases back up duration for power generation using the same size diesel storages.

This product is fully developed and tested in different environmental conditions on various OEM engines rating from 2501500 KVA DG set for thousands of hours of operation. The OB kit system is fully functional with built in safety systems that optimize diesel displacement at all engine loads.

Some of the major customers that reflected satisfactory performance and where we have more than one installation of OB kit system are Escorts Ltd (four repeat orders each for 1000KVA Cummins DG set) & McLeod Russell India Ltd (three orders to install OB kit system in three different tea gardens).

Apart from this, we have other reputed business giants where OB systems have been installed & running satisfactorily like L & T Ltd., Powai, Maharashtra (1250 KVA Cummins DG set), Parle biscuits Pvt. Ltd., Neemrana, Rajasthan (1250KVA Cummins DG set), Britannia Biscuits Pvt. Ltd, Kundli, Sonepat (425 KVA Volvo-Penta engines), Praveen Industries Pvt. Ltd., Sonepat (750 KVA Caterpillar engines), etc to name a few and many more like Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, Gurgaon, Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India Pvt. Ltd, Manesar & Suzuki motors pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon are interested in using our technology in near future. OB kits have FMCG companies, engineering giants, tea companies

and forging industries as their clients. It can be installed in many more sectors which uses DG sets for their continuous or stand by applications.

Apart from retail customers, city gas companies like Gail Gas Ltd, Gail India Ltd. have also shown great interest to represent our product in their application range to enable them to attract more customers.

Effectively the installations of OB system have helped customers lower their operating cost. The Return on investment of OB kit can be achieved within a year’s period but it depends upon engine load, DG set ratings and number of running hours per day. The reliability of the OB kit can be judged by the fact that we had received four repeat orders, one after the other from Escorts Ltd., Faridabad who was able to save lot of diesel fuel by installation of OB kits on their DG sets. The technology is gaining acceptance as more and more cities of India are getting connected with natural gas line.

In spite of huge requirements of power through diesel genset because of erratic power supplies through gridlines, the major limiting factor in promotion of OB kit system is availability of alternate fuel and its market price.

The most admired feature of OB kit system is availability of back-up power at all times. In the event of any accidents w.r.t. to the gas injection system &/ or supply of alternate fuel that occurs onsite, the DG set goes back with 100% diesel operations immediately and automatically. Further once the gas supply is restored and running load increases above 25%, OB kit takes on to dual fuel mode automatically optimizing the economic and emission benefits to the customers.

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The right solution for Photovoltaic Power Systems.

More than 500 MW PV projects already equipped with Bonfiglioli Inverters in India.

Courtesy Welspun Energy Limited, 30 MW Solar Plant, Gujarat

As one of the world’s leading players in clean energy today, Bonfiglioli has an innovative know-how and technical capability to bring utility and large-scale PV power plants to life. w} Ê6iVÌÀ Ê i ÌiÀÊ Ê iÀ > ÞÊ`ià } ÃÊEÊ > Õv>VÌÕÀiÃÊ>ÊÜ `iÊ À> }iÊ vÊ } ivwV i VÞÊ«À `ÕVÌÃÊv ÀÊi iÀ}ÞÊV ÛiÀà ÊvÀ ÊÎäÊ 7Ê Ì ÊÎÊ 7°Ê/ ÃÊ i ÌÀiÊ vÊ ÝVi i ViÊv ÀÊ* Ì Û Ì> VÊ iÀ}Þ]Êi ÃÕÀiÃÊ > Ê «Ì > ÊÀiÌÕÀ Ê vÊ ÛiÃÌ i Ì°Ê7 Ì Ê ÛiÀÊ£ÓÊÞi>ÀÃÊiÝ«iÀ i ViÊ ÊÌ iÊ India and its 17 branches spread across the country catering to sales > `Ê >vÌiÀ Ã> iÃÊ ÃiÀÛ Vi]Ê w} Ê ÃÊ iÊ vÊ Ì iÊ i>`iÀÃÊ `À Û }Ê Ì iÊ green revolution in India. / iÊvÕÌÕÀiÊ ÃÊLÀ } ÌÊÜ Ì Ê w} t

For details please contact:

Bonfiglioli Transmissions (Pvt) Ltd, Business unit-RePV, Survey No. 528/1, Perambakkam High Road, Mannur Village, Sriperambudur Taluk, Chennai - 602 105, India * \ʳ £Ê{{ÊÈÇ£äÎnääÊUÊ >Ý\ʳ £Ê{{ÊÈÇ£äÎ ÊUÊ«Û° ` >JL w} °V www.bonfiglioli.com

P V M A N UFA CT URI N G

Breakthrough Technologies Boost Solar Cell Efficiency RajaramPai, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions

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here is a science to boosting the power output from a solar cell. New front and rear side metallization materials are enabling greater efficiency than ever, and at less cost. Over the last 12 years, advances in metallization pastes from DuPont have almost doubled the efficiency of solar cells.

Recent advances are highlighted here. With nearly 200 patents granted worldwide for solar innovations since the start of 2008 and over thirteen hundred patent applications pending globally, the future is bright for further breakthroughs boosting efficiency.

Recently, DuPont Microcircuit Materials (DuPont) and Sunrise Global Solar Energy Corporation announced that they have produced solar cells with conversion efficiencies of 20.3 percent using a new aluminum photovoltaic metallization paste for rear-side passivation of silicon solar cells.

Sunrise Global Solar Energy, a world leading solar cell producer in Taiwan, reported that results with its latest CELCO high-efficiency solar cell design were independently verified by certified global standards group, Fraunhofer ISE in Germany.

These results are significant because higher conversion efficiencies allow for greater electrical power generation in solar cells, and only recently have these levels been obtained on a production scale.

“Our collaboration with Sunrise Global Solar Energy has yielded excellent results,” said Peter Brenner, photovoltaics global marketing manager - DuPont Microcircuit Materials. “This successful commercialization of high performance solar cells, when coupled with the right materials, continues to lower the cost of producing electricity with solar energy.”

Solamet® PV36X series pastes can achieve greater cell efficiency gains compared with traditional aluminum pastes due to better electrical contacts and stronger adhesion. This stronger adhesion to the passivation layer improves not only the efficiency but the reliability of solar panels.

Solamet® PV36x offers up to 0.08% gains for rear side passivized crystalline silicon solar cell designs, and also provides a wide process window to from a localized back surface field.

Successive generations of photovoltaic metallization pastes from DuPont have almost doubled solar cell efficiency over the last dozen years. New technologies continue to push traditional boundaries.

New Innovations Enhance Flip Side Efficiency 26

EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

High performance solar panels with electrical output power greater than 280 Watts were produced and certified by independent certification group, TÜV Rheinland.

Advanced technologies including Metal Wrap Through (MWT), Local Back Surface Field (LBSF), N-type and back contact cells are gaining much attention to improve cell efficiencies beyond 20%. LBSF solar cell designs are increasingly popular because they are highly efficient and compatible with thinner wafers. In addition, a significant advantage of this cell technology is that it is compatible with standard stringer and module-making processesyet provides a considerable increase in power output.

DuPont has dedicated R&D and technical support resources that work closely with

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side (p-type) aluminum pastes, and is applied in a standard screen print process.

Frontiside Silver Advancements

Sunrise Global Solar Energy recently achieved a milestone 20.3% efficiency with CELCO rear-side passivated solar cells, made using new DuPont™ Solamet® PV36X aluminum metallization pastes

customers such as Sunrise Global Solar Energy on advanced project development.

With professional expertise in each region, timely feedback of customer needs is critical to shorten the product development and commercialization cycle. Trained technical support engineers help ensure smooth ramp up and production at customer sites.

Keeping Control on Costs New innovations in metallization pastes also have reduced the total paste required for each cell as an excellent near-term means of improving solar manufacturers’ profitability. This is especially important with the fluctuating cost of silver metals.

of the impact that rising silver prices have on the cost of producing solar cells and modules.

Solamet® PV51x series products provide an excellent printability window; ability to co-fire with current Solamet® front side silver pastes; a superior adhesion window; reduced laydown; reduced tab footprint; and are made without lead or cadmium.

The PV51G photovoltaic metallization back side paste is a highly conductive, solderable silver composition, developed to provide excellent adhesion when used in conjunction with back side aluminum compositions. This paste may be co-fired with front side (n-type) silver pastes and with back

The latest generation frontside metallization pastes for crystalline silicon solar cellsoffer manufacturers improved productivity beyond that of the current industry benchmark, Solamet® PV17x. Solamet® PV18A, the first product in the new series, is tailored for optimal performance on monocrystalline wafers with enhanced Lightly Doped Emitters (LDEs). It is demonstrating efficiency gains despite significantly less material consumption, further saving costs for manufacturers.

Solamet® PV17x series is the leading frontside photovoltaic metallization paste in the market today in large part because it was the first commercial paste that was able to unlock efficiency gains by being able to contact LDEs. Now Solamet® PV18x expands productivity by offering more with less - more efficiency from even better contact to LDEs together with less material required.

MCM is concurrently developing diffusion recipes in-house aimed at boosting solar cell efficiencies beyond the 19.3 percent level already demonstrated with Solamet®

For example, the latest back side silver material for high-efficiency solar cells, DuPont™ Solamet® PV51G photovoltaic metallization paste, decreases dependence on silver metals by reducing overall material consumption in solar cells up to 25 percent, while providing better adhesion and maintaining desired efficiency performance of the cells.

Clearly, providing a high-efficiency cell and maintaining a low overall cost of ownership are critical factors in ensuring sustainability in the photovoltaic market, and materials such as the new Solamet® PV51G play a significant role in making that possible.

The PV51x series photovoltaic metallization paste products are tabbing conductors made with a breakthrough formulation that enables cell makers to use up to 25 percent less material and delivers comparable electrical performance versus the leading incumbent. This helps reduce dependence on silver metals and offsets some 28

EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

DuPont continues to deliver leading frontisdemetallization technologies that lead the way in advancing efficiency.

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PV18A. The company plans to continue to expand the series to address the specific needs of various market segments such as achieving even finer lines to support further reductions in the cost of ownership of multicrystalline cells with high RSheet LDEs.

Unique Needs for Thin Films Although approximately 80% of the solar market is currently focused on crystalline silicon, there remains a strong interest in thin films and metallization pastes also continue to advance efficiencies in that market.

For improved performance in Copper Indium Gallium (di)Selenide (CIGS), amorphous silicon (a-Si), and Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) cells and modules, frontside silver paste materialsmust have the capability to be processed at temperatures less than 140°C, and provide strong contact resistance, conductivity, adhesion and fine line resolution when printed on Transparent Conductive Oxides (TCOs).

Midsummer AB recently adopted Solamet® PV416 photovoltaic metallization, which demonstrated a 0.5 percent increase in conversion efficiency on stainless steelbased CIGS cells.

“Midsummer offers a unique and cost-effective, turn key CIGS solar cell manufacturing solution with the DUO Line, and we have high standards for metallization paste performance on our stainless steel substrate,” said Sven Lindström, chief executive officer, Midsummer AB. “Solamet® PV416 enabled us to print fine lines with a high aspect ratio for greater conductivity and gave the best result of the five different brands we have tested, raising the conversion efficiency by half a percent. As we screen print every single cell, instead of scribing large modules, the performance of the metallization paste is of extra importance for Midsummer and its customers.”

PV416 photovoltaic metallization paste can be processed at lower temperatures than similar pastes used in crystalline silicon cells, and its special chemistry provides essential performance characteristics such as high conductivity, adhesion and line resolution.

With excellent printed conductivity, low contact resistance, and superior line resolution (<100 micron), it is best suited for solar cells built on thin film photovoltaic substrates whether flexible or stainless steel.

Where Technologies Merge and Diverge Manufacturers are looking at ways to improve productivity by increasing cell and module efficiencies while keeping their costs in line with the rapidly reducing module average selling price.And material suppliers are bringing their all, with newer, higher efficiency photovoltaic metallizations that are enabling wildly imaginative cell designs.Front and rear side metallizations that enable new designs such as LBSF and LDE, specialized metallizations for thin films and formulations that save costs by allowing manufacturers to use less materials are all key to ensuring cell and module makers continue to survive and thrive despite the challenges in the current market.

Because there is no single solution, achieving higher efficiencies while driving down costs requires a whole new level of ingenuity. But what over 40 years of experience in the development, manufacture, sale and support of specialized thick film compositions has shown is that collaborating with customers to help them differentiate their offerings makes advancements possible every day. These collaborations are why materials matter.

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ICOSOLAR® plus and ICOSOLAR® complete

The Innovative Combination Of Backsheets With Encapsulant Material To Reduce Costs Of Solar Module Manufacturing Deep Israni- Sales, Isovoltaic

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SOVOLTAIC introduces revolutionary thermoplastic encapsulation material to the market

Reducing costs in manufacturing solar modules by using efficient and cost-effective components today is a strong focus of the photovoltaic industry. Recently a unique allin-one solution for the encapsulation and protection of solar cells has been introduced to the market. It achieves improvements in processing and performance that can help to lower the total system costs of photovoltaic module manufacturing.

The active layer of crystalline solar cells is usually embedded between two encapsulant films.

Based on more than 25 years of experience in the development and production of high-quality composite protective films for solar cells, ISOVOLTAIC has developed a completely new thermoplastic encapsulation material (based on modified TPO), that offers clear benefits compared to materials used until now. In addition to this it enables manufacturers of solar modules to choose from different innovative modular systems of backsheets and encapsulant materials according to their need. Instead of different layers of encapsulants and backsheets the sensitive solar cell can be embedded from one single source with compatible layers.

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Features of thermoplastic encapsulating material: Compared to the EVA this new

ICOSOLAR® encapsulant shows improved damp heat and UV stability as well as less water absorption and water vapour permeability. Storage conditions are improved and simplified as no cooling is necessary.

* Typical values have been evaluated in combination with ICOSOLAR® 4002 (ICOSOLAR® AAA 3554 plus backside encapsulant)

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The material shows high transparency and adhesion (comparable to EVA) and does not form any acetic acid by hydrolysis in long term applications and accelerated aging thus corrosion of cells and ribbons is minimized.

ISOVOLTAIC’s competence in filmextrusion allows the production of this encapsulantbetween 50 – 460 µmat customer’s needs.

Intelligent modular system for comprehensive protection and embedding of solar cells.

for ICOSOLAR® APA 3G plus). Backsheet and back-encapsulant are delivered permanently bonded and enable the customer to apply it to the PV module in a single processing step.

Savings can be achieved in the lay-up process through this reduction of components and it is possible to shorten the lamination time to just a few minutes. ICOSOLAR® plus shows excellent adhesion between all layers.

ICOSOLAR® complete is the innovative all-in-one solution for the encapsulation and protection of solar cells in PV modules with compatible layers. ICOSOLAR® plus is again used for the back of the cell. ICOSOLAR® front-encapsulant in front of the solar cell enables ideal adhesion to the glass and protects the cell. In addition it shows a lower UV cut-off than EVA.

As thermoplastic material does not need crosslinking a significant reduction of lamination times can be achieved by using ICOSOLAR® complete for the solar module.

And it enables reworking (by reheating) of the module if necessary.

The solar cell embedded in ICOSOLAR® complete is the cost-efficient solution to reliably ensure that sunlight can be converted into usable energy over a long period of time.

It again demonstrates ISOVOLTAIC’s ability to improve processing, extend performance and help reduce total system costs.

Combining the benefits of thermoplastic encapsulation with tried-and-proven backsheets for ICOSOLAR® plus and ICOSOLAR® complete ISOVOLTAIC is leading the way as technology supplier in the field of photovoltaics.

ICOSOLAR® plus is the combination of a tried-and-proven ICOSOLAR® backsheet with an ICOSOLAR® back-encapsulant (e.g.

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I NT ERV I EW

Dr. Sun Haiyan APMEA President Trina Solar climates such as India is reportedly better than c-Si… please comment and clarify on this.

EQ : Whats the current production capacity of your company SH : Ingot/casting 1.2GW; Wafer 1.2GW; Cell 2.4GW; Module 2.4GW

EQ : What is the unique advantage in being a vertically integrated manufacturer SH : Vertical integration, from ingot to module manufacturing, gives us the ability to monitor and control production cost and product quality. This model was developed before 2010, when the industry was expanding very quickly, and the demand of PV products exceeded supply, especially in the upstream areas. And the vertical integrated model contributed to our being the industry cost leader for many quarters. Since 2011, the PV industry saw significant rise in production capacities all along the value chain. Responding to such industry shift, Trina Solar has moved more downstream, evident in the current cell and module capacities being twice as the upstream ingot and wafer. Today Trina Solar is focusing on high performance/output module manufacturing, developing market driven innovative products to provide added value todistributors and installers, downstream project development, and collaboration with strategic partners to explore energy efficiency related opportunities.

EQ : How much has been the sale to India and what does the future look like SH : Sold $14.5million PV products to India in the first quarter in 2013

EQ : Please enlighten us on the thin film vs. c-si debate (explain with market share, performance etc…..in detail). Market share of thin film makers such as CDTE, CIGS, CIS, a-Si have been steadily increasing and their performance in hotter 32

EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

SH : In current market, the c-si is still the mainstream product and account for nearly 90% of the global PVmarket. With the overall market growing, the thin film technology will be applied in more areas, but it will not likely become the dominant technology in near future. n As the whole industry chain becoming mature, the c-si production cost has been highly reduced. Its cost performance, stability and reliability are better, and the installation and maintenance cost is lower than thin film. In addition, c-si offer significantly more power output than thin-film given a similar size module. n Today PV solar technology is under incremental development. There may be breakthrough technology in the future in all directions including but not limited to the technology we are using and developing today.

EQ : What changes have your experienced in selling PV in last 5 years n

Change from supply shortage to supply surplus

n

Change from policy-driven to marketdriven

n

Market became more competitive and transparent

n

Efficiency continued to increase

n

Western European countries and USA are no longer the only key end markets, regions as India, China, Japan, Middle

East and Africa are becoming more important n

Specific range to diversified products

n

Change from selling PV modules to total solution provider

EQ : Which are the top 10 markets for your co and approx shipment to these markets SH : FY 2012 shipment breakdown 1594 MW in total Germany USA China Australia Italy ROE ROW UK Japan

33.1% 25.5% 12.9% 6.1% 6.1% 5.7% 4.5% 3.1% 3.0%

EQ : India is not a Country rather a Continent with Each State having a different story…What states are interesting for you in past, present and future.

SH : We have the resources in place to focus entire India and have supplied to Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh

EQ : What All projects you have already supplied in India. Please mention name of developer, location of the plant, type and number of modules.

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phenomena…where does your co stand in this

SH : We’ve connect with typical local developers such as Welspun.

EQ : What’s the roadmap for production rampup for your co and further growth in terms of technology, output of your products SH : We manage the product portfolio according to the global market’s demands.

Surrounding all customer’s need we are making every efforts to reduce the production cost and improve product’s performance and reliability through innovation.

To meet increasing demand for high efficiency PV products, we successfully ramped up 500 MW of our Honey module production in the first half of 2012. Our multicrystalline Honey modules offer 5-10% more power output than the traditional modules and have been well received in the market, especially in commercial rooftop applications.

EQ : 2011-12 had witnessed a huge surge in installations in Germany, Italy and Europe, despite of which German companies have gone bankrupt like solon, q.cellss.e., closing down of REC operations in Norway, selling of cell line by schott…..what are your views on this SH : In 2011-2012, the global PV industry was affected by oversupply, trade protection and experienced a fierce pricing competition among its product manufacturers.

The companies that were lesscompetitive on aglobal scalein a free trade environment were hit the hardest by the challenges of this industry. We are at the threshold of grid parity.

The global cooperation and complementary advantages between different PV companies become more and more important.

EQ : Do you forsee a further drop in the prices of PV and to what extent SH : Prices have been stabilizing for most of 2013, following the precipitous drop in 2012.

EQ : Many Chinese companies are rapidly ramping up production capacities, while many like LDK are laying off workmen and many are closing down… what is the reason for this

SH : Global manufacturing overcapacity and sluggish macro economic conditions affected the entire industry. While competition and consolidation intensified in the industry, we maintained a healthy balance sheet and implemented a product differentiation strategy focused on accelerated delivery of market-driven innovative products, including high output/performance modules and other premium solutions capable of lowering the cost of solar-generated power. In addition, we are expanding our efforts in the downstream project/system business, which we believe will be a key driver for the company’s future growth and improved profitability.

EQ : Solarworld accusations against the Chinese manufacturers that billions of dollars of subsidies are given by Chinese govt to Chinese pv companies is harming the western competitors…why do they make such accusations, what is the real situation… please enlighten our readers in detail on this. How much responsibility your co has for a fair trade SH : Trina Solar believes the filing made by the petitioners will eventually prove to be unfounded and that Trina Solar’s transactions with its customers in the European Union were made in accordance with fair trade practices. The company has, and will continue to, adhere to prudent and recognized industry practices and standards in the European Union. Trina Solar is confident that these facts will be affirmed within the proceedings.

Open markets and increased competition have made solar energy in the EU affordable, contributing to an increasingly diversified European energy mix and progress toward the ambitious EU 2020 climate change targets, and 2050 roadmap. Today, the price for solar energy is already competitive with more carbon-intensive energy sources in some areas in Europe. A misguided trade conflict could undermine years of solar industry progress, investment and innovation in Europe We continue to fully cooperate with the investigators and defend our position that based on the evidence available these duties are unwarranted and serve as an impediment to the broader adoption of solar energy as a sustainable energy. Meanwhile, Trina Solar

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remains committed to continuing to serve our customers and business partners in both regions, with whom we have built strong relationships.

EQ : What is the annual expenditure on R&D and how much is it as a % of total sales SH : FY 2012 R&D expenditure was $26.511 million, accounted 2.0% of annual revenue.

EQ : Present and explain the recent trends in your sales, shipments, share prices etc…

SH : Sales continued to diversify.

Compared to 2011, 2012 shipments to emerging markets increased noticeably while our proportion of revenue from European markets decreased from approximately 66% to 48%. In addition to solid year-on-year increases in the proportion of our US and China market sales, which grew from 22% to 26% and 7% to 13% of our total net sales, respectively, we also became the top PV supplier in Australia, and expanded sales in Japan, India, the Middle East and Africa in 2012. For 2013, our shipment is expected to be 2.0-2.1 GW, up from 1.6 GW in 2012.

EQ : With European demand falling and given the fact of huge manufacturing base in china… chinese government has lot of pressure to accelerate deployment of PV within china and china is expected to install 8GW in 2013….whats your opinion on this statement. n

Installation booming in 2H 2013 along with detailed Distributed Generation regulation came online

n

Installation may reach 8-9 GW

EQ : Japan has recently announces a very good FIT for PV….what is the expected size of the market in Japan.

SH : 5-6 GW for FY2013

EQ : Please feel free to add more questions and answer them as you feel necessary….

SH : We are confident that we will bring value to Indian solar market through local strategic partners.

EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

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SO L A R ENERGY

DEHNguard®: Modular multipole surge arrester with SCI technology for PV systems up to 1500 V DEHN India

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he modular DEHNguard M YPV SCI … (FM) surge arresters were specifically designed for protecting equipment in photovoltaic system. The new DEHNguard ME YPV SCI 1500 (FM) arresters now also allow to protect systems with a system voltage up to 1500 V.

DEHNguard® ME YPV SCI 1500 (FM) • Prewired modular complete unit for photovoltaic systems consisting of a base part and plug-in protection modules • Combined disconnection and shortcircuiting device with safe electrical isolation in the protection module prevents fire damage resulting from d.c. switching arcs (patented SCI principle) • Tried and tested fault-resistant Y circuit prevents damage to the surge protective device in case of insulation faults in the genera tor circuit • Integrated d.c. fuse allows safe replacement of protection modules without arc formation • Can be used in all photovoltaic systems up to 1000 A with no need for an additional backup fuse • Tested to prEN 50539-11 • Suitable for use in all PV systems according to IEC 60364-7-712 34

EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

Type

Part No.

DG ME YPV SCI 1500

952520

Switching stages:

DG ME YPV SCI 1500 952525 FM

SCI technology A fuse which was particularly designed for photovoltaic systems was integrated in the short-circuit path to ensure electrical isolation at any time. This allows de-energised replacement of an overloaded protection module without arc formation and special tools.

DEHNguard ME YPV SCI type 2 surge arresters combine effective surge protection with the requirements for personal and fire protection.

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REI 2013 EXPO

Renewable Energy India Expo 12-14 September 2013 India Expo Center, Greater Noida, India

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SO L A R ENERGY

CNPV’s Reaper Premium Series Changes The Solar Landscape P.Ponsekar- Vice President, Sales & Marketing (South Asia & MEA), CNPV Solar Power SA

C

NPV recently launched a halo product group into market, the Reaper Premium Series (RPS). Designed to further enhance the financial benefits of Solar PV, its resultant technological performance strikes into the heart of the technology “Solar Choice” In the recent history of Solar PV modules, there has been an unheralded race that has faced every buyer, designer and investor when choosing their best bulk purchase solution; crystalline Silicon Technology or Thin film technology?

In the past, the general specifics were clearly understood, with wide gaps in fact, between the options. Large price disparity per watt of module purchased, wide efficiency differences, extended life & consistent performance for crystalline Silicon and less temperature effect for amorphous/thin film, made the technology choice definable and bounded.

Then the race changed; in recent times the price variance between the two technologies eroded dramatically, both technologies have increased their efficiencies over the period, their fundamental power variances with temperature remained the same, and life expectancies edged higher with greater availability of information.

This price variance erosion & long term consistent performance made the choice swing dramatically towards crystalline Silicon technology, and became the solution of choice for all but the buyers concerned with the temperature effect on module’s harvesting.

Enter CNPV’s Reaper Premium Series;

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

Still using crystalline Silicon technology, to provide all of the salient features and benefits that purchasers rely on from CNPV; it delves into the root cause of temperature induced losses by simply reducing the modules temperature.

The temperature increase is generated by three factors, namely the ambient temperature of the installation, the sunlight infra-red spectrum induced effects and localised heating from PV cell and module mismatches. CNPV has already developed significant reductions in localised heating within the Premium Series range of Solar Modules with their selective binning processes; the Reaper Premium Series (RPS) takes the temperature induced power effects to the next positive level. Utilising proprietary solid state technology, RPS allows for captured heat energy to be dissipated to atmosphere faster, reducing the PV module net temperature with corresponding power harvesting gain and reduction in thermal stress which prolongs module life. The heat map and thermal gradients throughout the module are of course unique for each installation but an archetypal value of power gain is a 3% positive benefit.

In a typical environment of 1500 hours of full Sun a year, with module temperatures operating at 350C above ambient, 1 MW RPS Solar modules generate an extra 1.125MWh over 25 years. Again referring to typical values (this time for electricity benefit cost), the payback period when using Reaper Premium module technology is about 5 years.

CNPV Reaper Premium Series-High performance PV Module for hot climate Mr Bypina Veerraju Chaudary, CNPV’s COO&CTO on the raison d’être behind Reaper Premium; “Our quest to continually deliver more value for our customers continues; a repeating element in the “more power” request was negating the effects of higher temperatures. With the Reaper Premium Series we have established a solution for regions where there is a notable difference between module temperature and the surrounding environment, and at a price point that further increases the direct value our customers can attain. The long term testing we have undertaken prior to launch not only has delivered the power harvesting increases but indicates further long term benefits on module longevity. We all understand heat is a killer; we are further quantifying positive heat reduction effects and will add those values to the customer benefits once they are clearly ratified. In the meantime, our customers can enjoy the direct power yield improvement benefits granted by RPS and once more differentiate our collective solutions in a highly competitive market.”

Useable in any region, its direct commercial benefit increases with module and ambient temperature difference.

Understanding this commercial interaction has generated two derivatives of the Reaper Premium Series family; the RPS and RPS+.

When in high temperature environments so noted the RPS series will deliver power performance benefit commensurate to the financial conditions of the project. When in

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“The CNPV Optimal Premium Series of modules are well established and proven in the global PV market,” confirmed Mr. Ponsekar, Vice President - Sales and Marketing (South Asia & MEA), “and with more than 100MW being utilised in India over last nine months, high performance CNPV Solar Module has rapidly gained traction as the preferred solution to discerning buyers requirements. Viability is derived from a myriad of techno-commercial features and resultant benefits, with projects in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and others, bringing enhanced “bottom line” benefits in a variety of constraints and conditions. With the addition of RPS and RPS+, Indian procurers can now enjoy even greater financial rewards and explore a wider variety of options for solar PV placement. ”

excessive temperature environments, end users can benefit from the RPS+, with even more intense heat dispersion properties, it provides unparalleled energy harvesting when other solar PV modules are withering under

heat load. Once more its power performance enhancement is commensurate with project financial conditions, while providing a further option for dedicated extreme temperature operators.

CNPV’s Reaper Premium Series pushes further the technological boundaries of crystalline technology within the remit of commercial viability. Based upon proven existing solutions, it is a risk free evolution of what CNPV’s customers currently enjoy, and with the addition of the RPS technology CNPV now provides revolutionary further direct benefits.

SO L A R ENERGY

Scorpius Trackers Launches ‘No Bearings, No Maintenance’ Solar Trackers Shailesh Vaidya- CEO, Scorpius Trackers Pvt. Ltd.

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corpius Trackers have pioneered a superior tracking technology in their Solar Trackers. This is in the form of a “NO BEARINGS” frictionless pivot, the Vader-xFP, which replaces a bearing in their single axis tracking solution.

About the Trackers The primary benefit of a tracking system is to allow the movement of the Photovoltaic panels in accordance with the movement of the sun, thereby enabling maximum capture of sunlight throughout the day.

In order to follow the sun from sunrise to sunset the position of the sun is calculated using a high precision astronomical algorithm.

The Scorpius Tracker calculates the optimum rotation angle every minute or more, depending on tracker configuration.

Even considering the additional investment for a tracking solution, the cost of energy per unit reduces by atleast 8% per MW.

The Innovation at Scorpius Taking the process of intelligent tracking to an even higher level, Scorpius Trackers have used innovative technology to develop a ‘no bearings, maintenance free, frictionless pivot’, the Vader- xFP, which replaces a bearing in their single axis tracking solution.

The Mechanical Design advantage The USP of the Vader-xFP is a 38

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frictionless movement with a NO Bearing Design. As a result: •

There is no requirement of lubrication for life of the plant (>25 years)

•

It is completely immune to dust and

•

There is zero wear and tear of mechanical parts

•

Very less power is required for tracking. Less than 0.1% of the generated power is consumed for tracking a >1MW plant.

Intelligent Tracking

What makes the embedded system unique are some Intelligent Tracking features like:

Back Tracking with azimuth correction As the tracker panels are arranged in an array, at low solar angles, one panel may shade the panel behind it, hindering its efficiency. This effect is even more in winter when the solar angles are lower. This is where in-built backtracking algorithm increases the efficiency of single and dual tracker panels.

A backtracking algorithm tries to minimize shading and maximize the angle between the panels by taking into account •

The position of the sun

•

The spacing between the panels and

•

The size and shape of the panels in the array

This results in maximizing plant load factor (CUF) as maximum amount of solar energy is harvested.

GPS Scorpius Trackers have a Turn on, Forget it’ installation mode with: •

In-built GPS (Global Positioning System) sensors

•

Real time clock

•

Inclination sensors

This allows automatic calculation of the solar position and turning of the solar PV panels both from east to west and up and down to ensure the panels always follow the sun’s elevation and continue tracking.

Since launch a few months ago, Scorpius has already supplied more than 300 trackers for solar pumping and other distributed system applications. And recently, have started work on the first MW scale orders in India and abroad.

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SO L A R ENERGY

SunPowertm Solar Panels Power India’s First Net-Zero Energy Building Cecilia VERGER - Marketing Manager, Middle-East & India SunPower Corporation

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amed after India’s former Prime Minister, Indira Paryavaran Bhavan in New Delhi has set high energysavings goals.

Upon completion in early 2014, it will be the first Net-Zero energy building in the country, featuring innovative solutions for solar energy production, maximum energy saving and minimum energy requirements.

Currently under construction by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), the building will host the Ministry of Environment and Forests offices.

Indira Paryavaran Bhavan is meant to be a state-of-the-art landmark in terms of sustainability, being uniquely powered by solar energy and by adopting green building concepts, such as optimization of energy and water requirements, water recycling, conservation of natural shaded areas and vegetation to reduce ambient temperature, maximise energy savings and minimise operation costs.

“For this urban project, with very limited rooftop space and high energy generation requirement, the selection of high-efficiency solar panels was the most critical aspect.

Thanks to SunPowersolar panels, we can now hope to achieve the stringent goal of net-zero energy for this building.” Said Ram Avtar, CMD, Swadeshi Civil Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.

Project Overview •

Project Location : New Delhi, India

•

SunPower Product : SunPower E20/333 Solar Panels

•

System Size : 930 kW

•

Covered Area : 6,000 m²

•

Number of Panels : 2,844

•

Project Completion Date : June 2013

•

System Integrator : Swadeshi Civil Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.

Solar Energy: A Unique And Endless Source OF ENERGY Given the high energy generation requirements and the limited rooftop area, SunPower high efficiency solar panels were chosen as an effective solution to fully cover the building’s energy needs. SunPower solar panels produce the most energy of all solar panels in the market1, with 44% more power delivered than Conventional Panels2.

SunPower panels are also covered by an industry-leading 25-year combined power and product warranty,warranting 9.1% more energy over 25 years compared to the traditional warranty³. This first-of-its-kind warranty guarantees that SunPower panels are built with durable materials designed to withstand harsh conditions for decades.

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structure has been designed to accommodate solar panels installed on a 5 degree tilt mounting structure in order to maximise the installed power and the overall energy output.

A Global Commitment To The Environment As part of CPWD’s mission and commitment to sustainable architecture, all the newly-built governmental properties in India are rated a minimum of three-star from Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA). But Indira Paryavaran Bhavan raises the bar in terms of Green Building standards, as it is the first public building to generate power on-site and it is targeted to achieve both a five-star rating from GRIHA and Platinum Rating from Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED).

Sunpower In India •

More than 32 MW of SunPower Oasis power plants in operation in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

•

Member of the Solar Energy Society of India (SESI) and Solar Energy Association Gujarat.

Furthermore, the building’s roof frame EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

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SO L A R ENERGY

Tapan Solar Energy Pvt. Ltd. Commissions 30KW Solar System in Goa Tapan Solar Energy

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ndia is experience a huge power crisis in major of its states. Regular power cuts have become a common thing and once would often see the sights of people demonstrating against the government due to power related issues.

Government has its own version to explain the power scenario. In major developed cities, though the unit rates of electricity is quiet high but still one cannot imagine uninterrupted power supply all day long.

Now in such a scenario, inverters have been a major support to those who are living in less power crisis affected areas as these areas phase a power shortage of around four to five hours a day but contrary to these, there are places where power supply could be availed only for four to five hours. One cannot work out with the option of an inverter in these areas where there is no supply for eighteen to twenty hours.

If I try to classify the people of our country on the basis of power demand, we could probably categories them into three basic types like say, the one who have huge power requirements, the other with average requirement and the third who have very little requirement. Now whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very interesting to see is the one who is having the higher power requirement is getting power supply for a longer time compared to the one who lives in a village and has a very little power requirement.

So, the financially sound section of the society always looks to arrange its own alternative to meet its power requirement.

Diesel Generators have been a major source for a long time for the power generation, slowly the other sources that evolved were bio-gas energy, wind energy, etc., but the most efficient and the one available in abundance is solar energy, which has got a cut over the other possible sources of energy.We are already working in the solar sector for the last three years and have a vision to serve 40Â

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the society on a continuous basic for the decades to follow.

Till now, the show has all been about the Indian power sector and I have been talking about power situation in our country and the various methods of power generation, so that leaves you all guessing that what the topic is all about. So, I will bring an end to the guess work and would like to inform you that it is all about our newly installed, 30.6 Kilo-watt system, which we have recently commissioned at Goa. One may think of it as a mere thirty kilo-watt system, when there are huge mega-watts systems being commissioned in our country. But as the as the article is headlined, our thirty kilo-watt system is just like a pearl in the ocean of various mega-watt level installation.

There are various questions that must have already occupied your mind about why I am praising our system on such a huge level. Before answering those questions, I would like to thank Mr. Indresh Advani, for showing faith in our company and giving us the opportunity to serve him, by means of supplying, installing and commissioning the said power plant and to demonstrate our capability.

Greater than thirty kilo-watt panel capacity, nine hundred ampere-hour battery, thirty kilo volt ampere inverter are some of the specification which gives an idea of the system. Moreover the off-grid system is designed at two hundred forty volts so that it could give the best possible output.

Coming to the questions about why this system is special, I would like to put some light on the fact that though we have supplied panels for huge requirements to various clients but this was a rare occasion when our engineers tested their hands on providing a complete solution. The components used to make the system a functional unit is all from the best in the class and above all, our own make of panels gives it an edge over others.

A slanting roof at an angle of somewhat between thirty degree to forty degree suggested that the roof was always ready for installation and because of the said slanting angle the modules were installed by the use of special customized frames, which is also a unique feature.

As we all know that Goa, normally receives sunlight for five to 6 hours a day, which is quiet a decent duration. Our system is producing around hundred and fifty to hundred and eighty units of electricity per day, which is a very good output as per the industry norms.

The total system is guaranteed for five years and in addition, the photo-voltaic modules carry a performance guarantee of twenty five years.

If we look at the cost factor, one can easily say that placing order to the manufacturer of a major component directly, always means that the particular item will be available at cheaper price as it is a universal fact that the price increases with the increase of the number of parties involved in the supply.

Other than the price factor, the client always gets direct warranty and guarantee benefits, especially in the case of SPV Modules.So all in all one can say that yes, the system is off-course one of its kind, with all unique features, low maintenance and off-course longer life.

Tapan Solar Energy has a mission to install more and more such systems, so that the dependency on grid for energy requirements decreases slowly and peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life is enlightened. This will help us to support our mother nature too. Moreover we expect that by mode of solar energy life of people of our country who were badly hit by the power crisis will change in a revolutionary way, which will again lead to a change in the standard of living of a major portion of our society.

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SO L A R ENERGY

October 21–24 McCormick Place Chicago, Illinois USA

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Over four powerful days, you can experience: • Targeted education tracks • In-depth technical workshops • New QuickTalk sessions that tackle timely industry topics • Daily networking events • New exhibit floor features including Start-Up Alley and Industry Trends • Plus, nearly 700 of the industry’s leading manufacturers and suppliers SPI delivers the power that comes from being one of the United States’ top 100 trade shows with the sense of community and connection of a regional event. Register today!

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SO L A R ENERGY

Temperature CoefficientPlaying A Key Role In Solar Industries Vd Solar – “Energize Your Energy Solution” VDSolar, the Renewable Energy Division of the VD Swami Group offers a complete range of services comprising design, development, and management of utility scale and Roof top Solar Photovoltaic power plants.

VD Solar has successfully installed and commissioned many solar projects in and around Tamil Nadu. Our recent installs of 119 KW have been completed in a period of just one month after pre approval from MNRE under JNNSM scheme- PHASE I

Temperature Coefficient – An Important Factor For High Efficiency Of Solar Panels Have you ever noticed how an LCD display, such as your calculator or cell phone screen, changes color when exposed to extreme cold or hot temperatures? Temperature affects how electricity flows through an electrical circuit by changing the speed at which the electrons travel. This is due to an increase in resistance of the circuit that results from an increase in temperature. Likewise, resistance is decreased with decreasing temperatures.

While it is important to know the temperature of a solar PV panel to predict its power output, it is also important to know the PV

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Vijay Balaji- Director, VD Swami And Company Private Limited.

panel material because the efficiencies of different materials have varied levels of dependence on temperature. Therefore, a PV system must be engineered not only according to the maximum, minimum and average environmental temperatures at each location, but also with an understanding of the materials used in the PV panel. The temperature dependence of a material is described with a temperature coefficient. For polycrystalline PV panels, if the temperature decreases by one degree Celsius, the voltage increases by 0.12 V so the temperature coefficient is 0.12 V/C. VDSOLAR thin-film solar modules have a proven high - temperature performance advantage over typical crystalline silicon solar modules. The leading contributor to

this performance advantage is the lower temperature coefficient of semiconductor material, which delivers higher energy yields at elevated temperatures. Module performance has been thoroughly characterized over time to establish power ratings and energy prediction models that are used to set system performance expectations in various climate conditions. PV modules receive their nameplate power rating at standard test conditions (STC) of 1000W/m2 solar irradiance, AM 1.5 and 25°C module temperature.

The temperature of solar cells affects the output of a module (refer to standard AS 4059.2 Stand-alone power systems). This temperature depends on the type of solar cells used in the module. The temperature

Study Project And Site Specifications At Nehru Memorial College (Nmc), Puthanampatti Features

10 Kw Nehru Memorial College

Spv

Indian Made Mnre Approved Monocrystalline Modules

Geographical Location

Puthanampatti, Trichy-621007 Tamil Nadu

Lattitude And Longitude

11.060/ 78.680

Total Area In Sq. M

270 Sq. M

No Of Modules

42

Installation Location

Open Terrace Area Of The College Building

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coefficient for derating is usually shown on the module data sheet; it is important to check this value.

Monocrystalline modules: temperature coefficient of –0.45% / °C (for every degree above 25 °C, the power should be derated by 0.45%) Polycrystalline modules: temperature coefficient of –0.5% / °C Amorphous modules: temperature coefficient of –0.2% / °C (these modules have a much lower coefficient due to a different cell temperature characteristic).

Note that derating should be based on effective cell temperature and not the ambient temperature. The cell temperature is higher than the ambient temperature due to the module’s glass Our Research and Development Team did an experimental study on the performance of Solar PV efficiency based on the calculation of temperature coefficient. The study was carried out on 23rd May 2013 at Nehru Memorial College, Puttanampatti, Trichy.

The comparative study was made based on the I–V Curve Performance and Fill Factor calculations. The comparative study was made on two parameters of operation i.e,

output for a PV panel.

The voltage output is greater at the colder temperature. The effect of temperature can be clearly displayed by a PV panel I-V (current vs. voltage) curve. I-V curves show the different combinations of voltage and current that can be produced by a given PV panel under the existing conditions. Two sample I-V curves at different temperatures are shown in Figure 1.

Here are the calculations for the temperature coefficient and the power loss due to the high temperature at NMC dated: 23/05/2013 Solar PV Module DC Strings Details

Though the ambient temperature was high i.e., 470C. We at VDSOLAR are able to generate 8.9 KW out of 10 KW this is due to our optimum design, high efficient components and the installation techniques adopted. The amazing fact came in to picture on 19th June 2013, is the system has even generated 9.8 KW Power. This fact is supported by a line graph shown below.

Fill Factor Calculations: The short-circuit current and the opencircuit voltage are the maximum current and voltage respectively from a solar cell.

However, at both of these operating points, the power from the solar cell is zero. The “fill factor”, more commonly known by its abbreviation “FF”, is a parameter which, in conjunction with Voc and Isc, determines the maximum power from a solar cell. The FF is defined as the ratio of the maximum power from the solar cell to the product of Voc and Isc. Graphically, the FF is a measure of the “squareness” of the solar cell and is also the area of the largest rectangle which will fit in the IV curve.

Online Monitoring For Energy Generation- To Have A Seamless Communication Gateway Online Monitoring is an important part of Nehru Memorial College . The online monitoring gives a clear idea of the Energy generation per unit hour or per unit day or a month. This system makes a seamless coordination between Customer and VDSolar team. Here below are some of the examples of the online monitoring so to have a good communication gateway.

Temperature Coefficient: Calculations Performance Test : I-V Curve Analysis

(i) At ambient conditions (Tested by the manufacturers of the panels) (ii) At the present condition on 23rd May 2013.

Ambient conditions of 25 0C was taken with the wind speed of 1m/s and the irradiation level of 1000 W/m2 and air mass ratio of 1.5G where as on the day of commissioning of the panels the temperature measured was found to be 470C at 2’o clock with the average irradiation level of 981 W/m2 .

Figure 1: These two I-V curves show the temperature dependence of the voltage

Figure 1: These two I-V curves show the temperature dependence of the voltage output for a PV panel. The voltage output is greater at the colder temperature. The effect of temperature can be clearly displayed by a PV panel I-V (current vs. voltage) curve. I-V curves show the different combinations of voltage and current that can be produced by a given PV panel under the existing conditions. Two sample I-V curves at different temperatures are shown in Figure 1.

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Fig 2: Graph showing the calculation of Fill Factor(FF)

Fill Factor Calculations By Fill Factor Calculator

Fig 3: Fill factor calculator showing the value at Standard Testing Conditions (STC).

Fig 4: Fill factor calculator showing the value at 47⁰C.

On the completion of the entire project at Nehru Memorial College (NMC) at Trichy, the solar photovoltaic system will support 12% of the total energy requirement, and the plant will be supporting with minimum of 43.2 units per day.

Our Core R&D Team is working on reducing the Module temperatures. We are expecting to increase the panel’s efficiency to the highest level as per STC recommended by the panel’s manufacturers.

Fig 4: The peak shows the AC Power generated between 12’0 clock to 2’o clock.

And hence satisfying our logo st atement “ENERGIZE YOUR ENERGY SOLUTIONS”

Fig 5: The peak Energy generation for a 10 KW system.

Overall Photograph Of 10 Kw Installation At Nehru Memorial College- Grid Type 44

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India’s Largest Exhibition and Conference for the Solar Industry Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai The meeting point for 300 international exhibitors and 8,500 potential business contacts from 45 countries Establish new business partners in one of the fastest growing solar markets Network and meet the people who are shaping India’s solar market Benefit from taking part in the world’s leading exhibition series for the solar industry Network and expand your business at home!

Exhibit now!

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SMA RT GRI D

“Internet Of Energy” And “Power Line Communication” Vivek Sharma, Regional Vice President, Greater China and South Asia Region - India Operations, Director India Design Centers, STMicroelectronics

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nternet of Energy” (IoE) can be seen as a dynamic infrastructure based on standard and interoperable communication protocols interconnecting the power grid with Internet to enable energy monitoring and management services as well as the integration of distributed and renewable energy sources and electric vehicles into the power grid.

Although most of technologies suitable for an IoE are already available, their effective integration requires additional regulation and standardization efforts to achieve the needed level of equipments security and interoperability.

The Key Elements Of Internet Of Energy,

By exploiting existing Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), sensors and actuators can be integrated with key smart grid elements to realize the IoE infrastructure .(Fig. 1).

Smart Meters are probably the most important elements of a Smart Grid infrastructure. A smart meter allows the Energy utility operator to remotely exchange

Fig. 1: “Internet of Energy” application scenario

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bi-directional information with the final user to provide multiple services, like reading power consumption or power production data from “prosumers”, monitoring supplied energy quality, detecting technical power losses or energy tampering, managing new contracts and meter connections and disconnections.

A sub-network of Smart Meters is managed by the Data concentrator equipment which interfaces with the Utillity operator central Data Management System, so enabling the integration of a Smart metering Infrastructure.

The concentrator is usually accessed by multiple broadband WAN technologies (3G/4G, GSM/GPRS, PSTN, optical fiber…) to provide additional IoE integration services.

In some cases, the Smart Meter can be interfaced with the Home Energy Gateway (or become itself a Home Energy Gateway) to access the Home Area Network and be connected to battery-powered water, gas meters and other home automation sensors through Low Power RF communication interfaces. As such it will provide utilitydriven energy management services like the Demand-Response, which basically induces the final user to adopt a more efficient use of energy in response to changes in the price of electricity over time communicated to the user through an In Home Display device.

Distributed renewable energy sources are another important element of the Smart Grid infrastructure, needing smart control systems to manage unpredictable energy fluctuations so allowing effective energy utilization and avoiding power outages.

Electric Vehicles (EV) are also expecting to play a key role in the near future, along with the needed Electric Vehicle Supply Equipments (EVSE) which should safely manage the EVs charging, according to power grid capacity.

Electric vehicles batteries can be used also as energy storage devices when the car is not in the driving status, so helping in principle to prevent power peak demand issues by properly integrating them in the overall IoE infrastructure.

Street and Traffic Lighting control systems, are finally other elements to be also considered to definitely apply the IoE concept to Smart Cities.

IOE AND POWER LINE COMMUNICATION Although multiple connectivity technologies are suitable for the IoE infrastructure, Power Line Communication (PLC) is by far the most attractive one, being able to reliably transmit and receive data over the existing power cables supplying the same smart grid sensors and actuators elements, so avoiding the additional complexity and cost of installing dedicated wired communication bus or wireless infrastructures.

PLC is normally classified in narrowband and broadband, according to the used bandwidth domain. In particular, narrowband PLC is used in the frequency domain below 500kHz, suitable for low speed (baud rates ranges from few kbps to hundreds kbps) long distance coverage applications, while broadband PLC is used in 2MHz to 30MHz range, suitable for high speed (baud rates ranges from few Mbps to hundreds Mbps) short range coverage applications.

In particular, narrowband PLC is today successfully adopted to build modern Smart Metering Infrastructures by major energy utilities worldwide, especially in Europe, where millions of Smart Meters have been already deployed on field based on PLC. As a consequence of this wide adoption and the increasing demand of equipments interoperability, major Smart Grid players recently created Industrial alliances to regulate, maintain and promote related Narrowband PLC technologies, while Standards Development Organizations (SDO), such as CENELEC, IEC, IEEE and ITU, started to develop communication protocol standards accordingly.

Among these Industrial organizations, “METERS AND MORE” Association , “PRIME” Alliance and “PLC-G3” Alliance are today the most relevant ones and their specifications have been already adopted by the European “OPEN Meter project” which objective was to specify a comprehensive set of open and public standards for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).

Although Narrowband PLC can be even used in indoor environment for example to communicate Smart meters data to In Home Displays or to simply control in home specific loads, broadband PLC seems much more attractive in this case, being able to extend and complement the already existing broadband home access and area networks based on Ethernet, WiFi, Coax or other broadband technologies to provide additional home and building automation services, remote assistance, security and automated comfort, so potentially connecting to Internet all devices which are grid connected, moving the Internet of energy (IoE) paradigm to Internet of Things (IoT).

Among the broadband PLC standards, the most popular are for sure Home Plug technologies and in particular HomePlug AV and HomePlug Green PHY (GP) defined by the HomePlug Alliance and today incorporated in the international IEEE standard 1901 .

HomePlug AV uses an adaptive OFDM modulation in the 2 to 30 MHz wide band, able to reach baud rates up to 200 Mbps which makes this technology even suitable for audio and video content distribution inside the house.

CONCLUSIONS “Internet of Energy” (IoE) is the infrastructure of multiple interconnecting networks, gateways, sensors and actuators, allowing the effective integration of distributed energy sources and electric vehicles, while safely managing energy demand, energy distribution and storage.

Power Line Communication (PLC) is an ubiquitous, inexpensive bi-directional communication backbone for IoE, already massively adopted to build Smart metering infrastructures of major power utilities worldwide. By complementing Narrowband and Broadband PLC capabilities with other wired and wireless connectivity technologies, a full IoE infrastructure can be realized and even extended in the near future to become an “Internet of Things” (IoT).

Smart metering infrastructures demonstrate that Narrowband PLC can be successfully used in general for command and control applications in outdoor environments, and in fact its adoption is already started for sensors and actuators communication over MV lines, Smart Street Lighting control and photovoltaic arrays management.

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P O L I CY & REGUL A T I O N

Procedure For Implementation Of The Mechanism Of Renewable Regulatory Fund Saumya Bansal Gupta - EQ International of all charges on behalf of the generators, including payments to the Regional/State UI pool accounts through the concerned SLDC.

1. Introduction: 1.1 This Procedure is issued in pursuance to clause (d) of Regulation 6.1 read with Clause 9 of Complimentary Commercial Mechanism (Annexure-1) of the “Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Indian Electricity Grid Code) Regulations, 2010 (hereinafter referred to as “the Grid Code”).

1.2. The Procedure shall be called “Procedure for implementation of the mechanism of Renewable Regulatory Fund” or in short “RRF Procedure”.

1.3 The RRF Procedure shall be implemented with effect from 15.7.2013 2. Definitions: Unless the context otherwise requires, the definition of various terms used in the Procedure shall be as under:(a) Connection Point: Connection point for Wind/Solar power projects shall be the pooling station interface point with CTU/ STU/Discom network at which scheduling is to be done as per RRF procedure. All SLDCs/RLDCs shall handle the commercial settlement with reference to this point. (b) Coordinating Agency: The agency appointed by Wind/Solar Generators connected on the pooling station commissioned on or after 3.5.2010, which may be one of the generators or any other mutually agreed agency for the following purpose: •

Provide schedules with periodic revisions as per Grid Code on behalf of all the Wind/Solar Generators connected to the pooling station,

•

Responsible for metering, data collection/transmission, communication, coordination with DISCOMS, RLDC, SLDC, RPC and other agencies.

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Undertake commercial settlement EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

•

•

Undertake de-pooling of payments received on behalf of the generators from the Regional/State UI Pool accounts and settling them with the individual generators Undertake commercial settlement of any other charges on behalf of the generators as may be mandated from time to time.

(c) Pooling Station: The substation where pooling of generation of individual wind generators or solar generators is done for interfacing with the next higher voltage level substation. This shall be the first interface point with DISCOM/ STU/CTU network as the case may be. (d) Reference Rate: The rate which shall be used for computing financial implications for the variability of wind energy generators under RRF Procedure.

3. Applicability: 3.1. RRF Procedure shall be applicable to: (a) All wind generators which are connected to the Pooling stations with collective capacity of 10 MW and above at connection point of 33 kV level and above, either to the transmission or distribution system of the State or to the inter-State transmission system, on or after the date of coming into force of the Grid Code i.e. 3.5.2010. (b) Pooling Stations of Solar generating plants with capacity of 5 MW and above connected at connection point of 33 kV level and above either to the transmission or distribution system of the State or to

the inter-State transmission system, on or after the date of coming into force of Grid Code i.e. 3.5.2010. (c) Coordinating Agencies appointed by the Wind and Solar Generators. (d) State Agencies responsible for UI settlements in respective States. (e) Regional Agencies such as RPCs and RLDCs etc. (f) National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC).

3.2. T he RRF procedure shall not be applicable to the solar or wind generating plants selling power through collective transactions at the power exchanges as revisions in schedules are not envisaged for such transactions and the buyers and the sellers are anonymous.

4. General Conditions: 4.1. Wind and solar generators shall submit a declaration clearly specifying the ‘Coordinating Agency’ who shall be responsible for coordinating on behalf of all the developers on issues like SCADA, metering, scheduling, UI charges, Renewable Regulatory Fund with concerned SLDC/RLDC etc. All wind and solar generators connected to the pooling station shall provide all the required support to the Coordinating Agency.

4.2. T he scheduling jurisdiction and procedure, metering, energy accounting and accounting of Unscheduled Interchange (UI) charges shall be as per the relevant regulations notified by CERC from time to time.

4.3. ABT compliant Special Energy Meters shall be installed by the Central Transmission Utility for and at the cost of the regional entities and by the State Transmission Utility for and at the cost of the intra-State entities.

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4.4. Special Energy Meters installed shall be capable of time-differentiated measurements for time block wise active energy and voltage differentiated measurement of reactive energy.

4.5. Coordinating Agency at each Pooling Station shall provide Data Acquisition System Facility for transfer of information to the concerned SLDC/ RLDC. 4.6. The concerned SLDC/RLDC shall be responsible for validating, processing the SEM data and computing the net injections by each pooling station.

The concerned SLDC/RLDC shall be responsible for checking that there is no gaming (gaming is an intentional mis-declaration of declared capacity by any generating station or seller in order to make an undue commercial gain).

4.7. D e-pooling arrangement shall be performed by the Coordinating Agency for commercial settlement including UI charges.

5. Renewable Regulatory Fund 5.1 A Fund shall be operated by the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) on a national level to be known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Renewable Regulatory Fund (RRF) on the lines of Unscheduled Interchange Pool Account at the regional level. All payments on account of Renewable Regulatory Charges, as described in Para 6.3, levied under the Regulations, and interest, if any, received for late payment shall be credited to the RRF. 5.2 The RRF shall be maintained and operated by the National Load Despatch Centre in accordance with provisions of the Grid Code as amended time to time.

6. Scheduling and settlement of accounts in case of Wind Farms 6.1 All intra-State transactions shall be scheduled by concerned SLDC and all inter-State transactions shall be scheduled by concerned RLDC. The combined schedules of all transactions of a Pooling Station shall be compared with the actual net injection based on SEM data for computing the deviations.

6.2 The Coordinating Agency shall be responsible for scheduling generation on behalf of the wind generators connected to concerned Pooling Station, upto a minimum accuracy of 70%. Therefore, if the actual generation is beyond

+/- 30% of the schedule, UI charges shall be payable to/receivable by the Coordinating Agency for the concerned Pooling Station. For actual generation within +/- 30% of the schedule, no UI charges shall be payable to/receivable by the concerned Coordinating Agency.

6.3 UI charges for schedules within this variation, i.e. within +/- 30% shall be applicable to the host State. However, the implication of these UI charges shall be shared among all the States/Union Territories of the country/Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) in the ratio of their peak demand met in the previous month based on the data published

by Central Electricity Authority, in the form of a regulatory charge to be known as the Renewable Regulatory Charge operated through the Renewable Regulatory Fund (RRF).

6.4 A maximum generation of 150% of the schedule shall be allowed in a time block for injection by pooling station from the grid security point of view. For any generation above 150% of the schedule, if grid security is not affected by the generation above 150%, the only charge payable to the Coordinating Agency for the concerned pooling station shall be the UI charge applicable corresponding to 50- 50.02 Hz. 6.5 In case of intra-State sale of wind energy, the transactions shall be between the wind generating station and the intraState drawee entity (Purchaser) at the contracted rate for actual generation.

The implication due to deviations of actual generation within +/- 30% of the scheduled generation shall be settled through the RRF. The implication due to deviations outside +/- 30% shall be settled directly between the host State and the Coordinating Agency for the concerned Pooling station in accordance with the energy accounts issued by the RPC and the reference rate specified

by CERC from time to time.

6.6 In the case of inter-State sale of wind energy, the transactions shall be settled between the Coordinating Agency for the concerned Pooling station and the purchasing State at the contracted rate for actual generation upto 150% of the scheduled generation.

The difference of actual generation from the schedule for the purchasing State shall be settled at the UI rate of the Region

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of the purchasing State through the RRF. The implication due to deviations of actual generation within +/- 30% of the scheduled generation shall be settled with the host State through the RRF. The deviations outside +/- 30% shall be settled directly between the host State and the Coordinating Agency for the concerned Pooling Station in accordance with the energy accounts issued by the RPC and the reference rate specified by CERC from time to time.

7. Scheduling and settlement of accounts in case of Solar Generators 7.1 The schedule of Solar Pooling Stations shall be given by the Coordinating Agency based on availability of the generator, weather forecasting, solar insolation, seasonal and normal solar generation curve and shall be vetted by the concerned SLDC/RLDC in which the generator is located and incorporated in the intra-state/inter-State schedule.

If SLDC/RLDC is of the opinion that the schedule is not realistic, it may ask the concerned Coordinating Agency to modify the schedule.

7.2 In case of solar generation, no UI shall be payable by/receivable to the Solar Generator/Coordinating Agency.

7.3 In the case of intra-State sale of solar energy, the purchaser shall pay the pooling station at the contracted rate for actual generation.

7.4 In the case of inter-State sale of solar energy, the purchaser shall pay the Solar Generator at the contracted rate for actual generation.

7.5 The implication of UI charges due to the deviation for purchasing State and host State shall be settled through the RRF.

8. Settlement of accounts for Wind and Solar Pooling Stations 8.1 In case of sale of power to two or more States, the deviation of actual generation from the schedule shall be dealt with in proportion to the shares of the States in the generation of the Wind Farms/Solar Pooling Station.

8.2 In addition to the settlement of accounts for wind pooling stations in Para 6 and Solar pooling station in Para 7 above, the agency responsible for UI settlement in the host State shall also receive compensation from the RRF for total or part difference between the EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

49Â

total scheduled generation and total actual generation of solar and wind generation collectively in the State as a whole at additional UI rate, to the extent of net solar and wind farm undergeneration below the frequency specified in the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Unscheduled Interchange and related matters) Regulation, 2009, or any re-enactment thereof, for the State as a whole. This shall be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the host State is located.

8.3 The agency responsible for UI settlement in the host State shall also receive from the RRF, the difference between the UI rate and the UI cap rate for underdrawal beyond the percentage/MW prescribed in the UI Regulations, to the extent of under-drawal on account of net over-generation by solar and wind farms in the State as a whole.

This shall be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the host State is located.

8.4 The net leftover amounts in the RRF, whether positive or negative, shall be shared among all the States/UTs of the country/DVC in the ratio of their peak demands met in the previous month based on the data published by CEA in the form of a regulatory charge (whether positive or negative), to be known as the Renewable Regulatory Charge, operated through the Renewable Regulatory Fund on a monthly basis.

8.5 Sample cases of accounting for intraState sale and inter-State sale of wind and solar generation are given in Appendix to this Procedure.

9. UI accounting of Wind/Solar pooling stations : 9.1 All accounts related to accounting of UI from pooling station, as shown in the cases in Appendix, shall be prepared by concerned RPCs on a weekly basis, based on inputs from the concerned RLDCs. 9.2 The Coordinating Agency on behalf of the Pooling Station through the concerned SLDCs/Control Centres of the States/ UTs/DVC, in which the Pooling Station is located, shall provide the 15-minute block-wise data of schedule and actual generation at the connection point of the Pooling Station as recorded in the Special Energy Meters to the concerned RLDC on a weekly basis. All the data shall 50

EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

be submitted in the form as prescribed

by RLDC/NLDC. RLDC shall furnish the processed data on a weekly basis by each Thursday noon for the seven day period ending on the previous Sunday mid-night, to the concerned RPC in a mutually agreed format, for preparation of energy accounts related to accounting of energy from the Pooling station on a weekly basis. Processed data means the data of scheduled generation and actual generation of Pooling Station and the deviations of generation within the +/- 30% block, +30% to +50% block, below -30% block and above +50% block for wind and solar Pooling Stations on 15-minute block 9.3 The data furnished by RLDC shall be open to all entities for checking/ verification for a period of 15 days. In case any mistake is detected, RLDC shall forthwith make a complete check and rectify the mistakes. All computations carried out by RLDC shall be open to all regional entities for checking/ verifications for a period of 15 days. In case any mistake/omission is detected, RLDC shall forthwith make a complete check and rectify the same.

9.4 A statement of energy accounting for each pooling station shall be prepared by the Secretariat of the respective Regional Power Committee on weekly basis, based on the data provided

by RLDC and shall be issued to all concerned with a copy to RLDC and NLDC by Tuesday, for seven day period ending on the penultimate Sunday midnight based on which NLDC will settle the accounts on weekly basis.

9.5 All Regional Energy Accounting calculations carried out by RPC Secretariats shall be open to all regional entities for any checking/verification within a period of 15 days.

In case any mistake is detected, RPC Secretariats shall forthwith make a complete check and rectify the mistakes.

10. Schedule of Payment of energy accounting of Wind Pooling Station and Solar Pooling Station and Payment Security 10.1 Payment of all charges on account of energy accounting of Pooling Station of Wind and Solar plants shall have a high priority and the concerned constituent shall pay the indicated amounts within

10 (ten) days of the issue of the accounts by the Secretariat of the respective Regional Power Committee.

10.2 If payments against the charges on account of energy accounting of Pooling station either directly between the Pooling station and the purchasing /host State Agency responsible for UI settlement or through the RRF, are delayed by more than two days, i.e., beyond twelve (12) days from the date of issue of the statement by the Secretariat of the respective Regional Power Committee, the defaulting constituent shall have to pay simple interest @ 0.04% for each day of delay.

10.3 All payments to the Coordinating Agency for the Pooling station / purchasing State/host State entitled to receive any amount from the Renewable Regulatory Fund shall be made within 2 working days of receipt of the payments into the “Renewable Regulatory Fund”.

Provided that in case of delay of payment and interest thereon, if any, beyond 12 days from the date of issue of the Statement of Renewable Regulatory Charges/ UI charges, then the entities who have to receive the amount from the RRF, payment or interest thereon shall be paid from the balance available if any, in the RRF. In case the balance available is not sufficient to meet the payment to the constituents, then the payment from the RRF shall be made on pro rata basis from the balance available in the Fund.

Provided further that the liability to pay interest for the delay in payments to the Renewable Regulatory Fund shall remain till interest is not paid; irrespective of the fact that constituents who have to receive payments have been paid from the RRF in part or full.

10.4 The net leftover amounts in the RRF, whether positive or negative, shall be shared among all the States/UTs of the country/DVC in the ratio of their peak demands met on a monthly basis and shall have a high priority. Payments by the States/UTs/DVC, if any, shall be done within 10 (ten) days of the issue of monthly statement of Renewable Regulatory charges by NLDC into the RRF. 10.5 If payments against the Renewable Regulatory Charges towards deficit in the RRF as mentioned in clause 9.4 above, are delayed by more than two

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days, i.e., beyond twelve (12) days from the date of issue of the statement by the RPC the defaulting state shall have to pay simple interest @ 0.04% for each day of delay.

beyond the percentage prescribed in the UI Regulations, to the extent of under-drawal on account of net overgeneration by solar and wind farms in the State as a whole. This would be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the State is located.

10.6 All payments received in the RRF shall be appropriated in the following sequence: (a) First towards interest in accordance with Para 10.5

WIND GENERATORS – Intra-State

(b) Next, towards Ren ewable Regulatory Charges.

Case - 2

10.7 All payments to the States/UTs/ DVC, in case of surplus amount in the RRF at the end of the month, shall be made within 2 working days of receipt of the payments in the RRF mentioned above.

Generation Schedule -100 MW Actual Generation – 80 MW Step - 1 : Purchaser pays to Wind generator at contracted rate as per actual generation (i.e. 80 MW).

10.8 Separate books of accounts shall be maintained for the principal component and interest component of Renewable Regulatory Charges by the NLDC.

Step - 2 : State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from RRF for difference (i.e. 20 MW) @ UI rate –reference rate, if UI rate is greater than reference rate.

10.9 All the transactions shall be through ECS only.

Or

State agency responsible for UI settlement pays to RRF for difference (i.e. 20 MW) @ reference rate- UI rate, if reference rate is greater than UI rate.

11. Removal of Difficulties 11.1 In case of any difficulty in implementation, this procedure shall be reviewed or revised by NLDC with the approval of the Commission.

WIND GENERATORS – Intra-State Case -1 Generation Schedule -100 MW Actual Generation – 120 MW Step - 1 : Purchaser pays to Wind generator at contracted rate as per actual(i.e.

120 MW).

Step - 2 : State agency responsible for UI settlement pays to RRF for difference (i.e. 20 MW) @ UI rate – reference rate, if UI rate is greater than reference rate.

Or

State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from RRF for difference (i.e. 20 MW) @ reference rate- UI rate, if reference rate is greater than UI rate.

Step 3: The State agency responsible for UI settlement also receives from the RRF, the difference between the UI rate and the cap UI rate for under-drawal

Step - 3 : The State agency responsible for UI settlement also receives from RRF for total or part difference between the total schedule and total actual generation of solar and wind generation collectively in the state as a whole @ additional UI rateon account of net solar and wind farm under-generation for the State as a whole. (For example, if the host State overdraws beyond schedule by 200 MW at a frequency below 49.7 Hz., due to under generation by combined wind and solar of 100 MW, then 50% of the additional UI charges would be received by the host State from the RRF.) This would be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the host State is located.

WIND GENERATORS – Intra-State Case - 3 Generation Schedule -100 MW Actual Generation – 140 MW Step - 1 : Purchaser pays to Wind generator at contracted rate as per actual generation (i.e. 140 MW).

Step - 2 : State agency responsible for UI settlement pays to RRF for the difference between higher limit of

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schedule after which the wind farm pooling station is responsible (i.e. +30%) and the schedule (i.e. 30 MW) @ UI rate –reference , if UI rate is greater than reference rate.Or

State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from RRF for this difference (i.e. 30 MW) @ reference rate - UI rate, if reference rate is greater than UI rate.

Step - 3 : State agency responsible for UI settlement pays to Coordinating Agency for difference between higher limit of schedule after which the wind farm pooling station is responsible (i.e. +30%) and the actual generation (i.e. for 10 MW) UI rate - reference rate, if UI rate is greater than reference rate.

Or

State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from Coordinating Agency for this difference (i.e. 10 MW) @ reference rate - UI rate, if reference rate is greater than UI rate.

Step 4 : The State agency responsible for UI settlement also receives from the RRF, the difference between the UI rate and the cap UI rate for under-drawal beyond the percentage prescribed in the UI Regulationson account of net overgeneration by solar and wind farms in the State as a whole. This would be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the State is located.

WIND GENERATORS – Intra-State Case - 4 Generation Schedule -100 MW Actual Generation – 160 MW Step - 1 : Purchaser pays to Wind generator at contracted rate as per actual generation upto 150% of schedule (i.e.

150 MW).

Step - 2 : State agency responsible for settlement pays to Coordinating Agency at UI rate corresponding to frequency range 50-50.02 Hz. for difference between higher limit of 150% and the actual generation for generation beyond 150% (i.e. for 10 MW).

Step - 3 : State agency responsible for UI settlement pays to RRF for the difference between higher limit of EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

51

schedule after which the wind farm Pooling Station is responsible (i.e. +30%) and the schedule (i.e. 30 MW) @ UI rate –reference rate, if UI rate is greater than reference rate.

Or

State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from RRF for this difference (i.e. 30 MW) @ reference rate - UI rate, if reference rate is greater than UI rate.

Step - 4 : State agency responsible for UI settlement pays to Coordinating Agency for difference between higher limit of schedule after which the wind farm is responsible (i.e. +30%) and the higher limit of 150% (i.e. for 20 MW) at UI rate –reference rate, if UI rate is greater than reference rate.

Or

State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from Coordinating Agency for this difference (i.e. 20 MW) @ reference rate - UI rate, if reference rate is greater than UI rate.

Step 5 : The State agency responsible for UI settlement also receives from the RRF, the difference between the UI rate and the cap UI rate for underdrawal beyond the percentage prescribed in the UI Regulationson account of net overgeneration by solar and wind farms in the State as a whole. This would be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the host State is located.

settlement pays to RRF for difference (i.e. 30 MW) @ reference rate - UI rate, if reference rate is greater than UI rate.

Step - 3 : Coordinating Agency pays to the State agency responsible for UI settlement for difference between the lower limit of schedule after which the wind farm Pooling station is responsible (i.e. -30%) and the actual generation of the wind farm (i.e. 10 MW) @ UI rate –reference rate, if UI rate is greater than reference rate.

Or

Coordinating Agency receives from the State agency responsible for UI settlement for the difference (i.e.

10 MW) @ reference rate - UI rate, if reference rate is greater than UI rate.

Step - 4 : The State agency responsible for UI settlement also receives from RRF for total or part difference between the total schedule and total actual generation of solar and wind generation collectively in the state as a whole @ additional UI rateon account of net solar and wind farm under-generation for the State as a whole. This would be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the State is located.

WIND GENERATORS – Inter-State Case - 1

WIND GENERATORS – Intra-State Case - 5 Generation Schedule -100 MW Actual Generation – 60 MW Step - 1 : Purchaser pays to Wind Generator at contracted rate as per actual generation (i.e. 60 MW).

Step - 2 : State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from RRF for difference between the schedule and the lower limit of schedule after which the wind farm is responsible (i.e.

-30% or 30 MW in this case) @ UI rate –reference rate, if UI rate is greater than reference rate.

Or

State agency responsible for UI

52

EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

Generation Schedule -100 MW Actual Generation – 120 MW Step - 1 : Purchaser pays to Wind Generator at contracted rate as per actual generation(i.e. 120 MW).

Step - 2 : Purchasing State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from RRF the difference between the actual generation and the schedule (i.e. 20 MW) upto the higher limit of schedule after which the wind farm Pooling station is responsible (i.e. +30%) at UI rate of its Region.

and the cap UI rate for underdrawal beyond the percentage prescribed in the UI Regulations, to the extent of underdrawal on account of net overgeneration by solar and wind farms in the State as a whole. This would be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the host State is located.

WIND GENERATORS – Inter-State Case - 2 Generation Schedule -100 MW Actual Generation – 80 MW Step - 1 : Purchaser pays to Wind Generator at contracted rate as per actual generation (i.e. 80 MW).

Step - 2 : Purchasing State agency responsible for UI settlement pays to RRF at UI rate of its Region for difference from the schedule (i.e. 20 MW).

Step - 3 : Host State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from RRF for difference (i.e. 20 MW) @ UI rate of host Region.

Step - 4 : The Host State agency responsible for UI settlement also receives from RRF for total or part difference between the total schedule and total actual generation of solar and wind generation collectively in the state as a whole @ additional UI rate on account of net solar and wind farm under-generation for the State as a whole. This would be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the host State is located.

WIND GENERATORS – Inter-State Case - 3 Generation Schedule -100 MW Actual Generation – 140 MW Step - 1 : Purchaser pays to Wind Farm generating station at contracted rate as per actual generation (i.e. 140 MW).

Step - 3 : Host State agency responsible for UI settlement agency responsible pays to RRF for difference (i.e. 20 MW) @ UI rate of the host Region.

Step - 2 : Purchasing State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from RRF the difference from schedule(i.e. for 40 MW) at UI rate of its Region.

Step 4 : The Host State agency responsible for UI settlement also receives from the RRF, the difference between the UI rate

Step - 3 : Coordinating Agency receives from RRF for this difference between higher limit of schedule after which the wind

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farm is responsible (i.e. +30%) and the actual generation upto 150 MW (i.e. for 10 MW) @ UI rate – reference rate, if UI rate is greater than reference rate.

Or

Coordinating Agency pays to RRF for this difference (i.e. 10 MW) @ reference rate - UI rate, if reference rate is greater than UI rate.

Step - 4 : Host State agency responsible for UI settlement pays to RRF at the UI rate of the host State for difference between higher limit of schedule after which the wind farm pooling station is responsible (i.e. +30%) and the schedule (i.e. for 30 MW).

Step - 5 : Host State agency responsible for UI settlement pays to the RRF at the regional UI rate of the host State for difference between higher limit of schedule after which the wind farm pooling station is responsible (i.e. +30%) and the actual generation, upto 150 MW (i.e. for 10 MW).

Step 6 : The Host State agency responsible

for UI settlement also receives from the RRF, the difference between the UI rate and the cap UI rate for under-drawal beyond the percentage prescribed in the UI Regulations, to the extent of under-drawal on account of net overgeneration by solar and wind farms in the State as a whole. This would be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the host State is located.

WIND GENERATORS – Inter-State Case - 4 Generation Schedule -100 MW Actual Generation – 160 MW Step - 1 : Purchaser pays to Wind Generator at contracted rate as per actual generation upto higher limit of 150%(i.e. 150 MW).

Step - 2 : Purchasing State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from RRF for this difference (i.e. 50 MW) @ UI rate of its Region.

Step - 3 : Host State agency responsible for

UI settlement pays to RRF at UI rate of host Region for difference between higher limit of schedule after which the wind farm pooling station is responsible (i.e. +30%) and the schedule (i.e. 30 MW).

Step - 4 : Host State agency responsible for UI settlement pays to RRF at UI rate of host Region for difference between higher limit of schedule after which the wind farm pooling station is responsible (i.e. +30%) and the higher limit of 150% (i.e. for 20 MW).

Step - 5 : Coordinating Agency receives from RRF for this difference (i.e. 20 MW) @ UI rate –reference , if UI rate is greater than reference rate.

Or

Coordinating Agency pays to RRF for this difference (i.e. 20 MW) @ reference rate - UI rate, if reference rate is greater than UI rate.

Step - 6 : Coordinating Agency receives from host State agency responsible for UI settlement for difference between higher limit of 150% and the actual

generation (i.e. for 10 MW) @ UI rate corresponding to frequency range 5050.02 Hz. Step 7 : The State agency responsible for UI settlement also receives from the RRF, the difference between the UI rate and the UI cap rate for under-drawal beyond the percentage prescribed in the UI Regulations, to the extent of under-drawal on account of net overgeneration by solar and wind farms in the State as a whole. This would be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the host State is located.

WIND GENERATORS – Inter-State Case - 5 Generation Schedule -100 MW Actual Generation – 60 MW Step - 1 : Purchaser pays to Wind Farm generating station at contracted rate as per actual generation (i.e. 60 MW).

by the RPC, in whose Region the host State is located.

SOLAR GENERATORS – Intra-State

generation(i.e. 120 MW).

Step - 2 : Purchasing State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from RRF for the difference (i.e. 20 MW) @ UI rate of its Region.

Step - 3 : Host State agency responsible for UI settlement pays to the RRF for difference between the scheduled generation and the actual generation (i.e. 20 MW) @ UI rate of its Region.

Case - 1 Generation Schedule -100 MW Actual Generation – 120 MW Step - 1 : Purchaser pays to Solar generating stations at contracted rate as per actual (i.e. 120 MW).

Step 2 : The Host State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from the RRF, the difference between the UI rate and the cap UI rate for under-drawal beyond the percentage prescribed in the UI Regulations, to the extent of under-drawal on account of net overgeneration by solar and wind farms in the State as a whole. This would be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the host State is located.

Step 4 : The Host State agency responsible for UI settlement also receives from the RRF, the difference between the UI rate and the cap UI rate for under-drawal beyond the percentage prescribed in the UI Regulations, to the extent of under-drawal on account of net overgeneration by solar and wind farms in the State as a whole. This would be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the host State is located.

SOLAR GENERATORS – Inter-State

Step - 2 : Purchasing State agency responsible for UI settlement pays to RRF for this difference (i.e. 40 MW) @ UI rate of its Region.

SOLAR GENERATORS – Intra-State

Case - 2

Case - 2

Actual Generation – 80 MW

Step - 3 : Coordinating Agency pays to the RRF for difference between the lower limit of schedule after which the wind farm pooling station is responsible (i.e.

-30%) and the actual generation of the wind farm (i.e. 10 MW) @ UI rate –reference rate, if UI rate is greater than reference rate.

Generation Schedule -100 MW

Step - 1 : Purchaser pays to generating stations of Solar generating plants at contracted rate as per actual generation (i.e. 80 MW).

Or

Coordinating Agency from RRF for difference (i.e. 10 MW) @ reference rate - UI rate, if reference rate is greater than UI rate.

Step - 4 : The host State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from RRF for difference between the scheduled generation and the actual generation (i.e. 40 MW) @ UI rate of its Region.

Step - 5 : The Host State agency responsible for UI settlement also receives from RRF for total or part difference between the total schedule and total actual generation of solar and wind generation collectively in the state as a whole @ additional UI rate, to the extent on account of net solar and wind farm under-generation for the State as a whole. This would be as certified 54

EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

Generation Schedule -100 MW

Actual Generation – 80 MW Step - 1 : Purchaser pays to generating stations of Solar generating plants at contracted rate as per actual generation (i.e. 80 MW).

Step - 2 : The State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from RRF for total or part difference between the total schedule and total actual generation of solar and wind generation collectively in the state as a whole @ additional UI rate, on account of net solar and wind farm under-generation for the State as a whole. This would be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the host State is located.

SOLAR GENERATORS – Inter-State Case - 1 Generation Schedule -100 MW

Step - 2 : Purchasing State agency responsible for UI settlement pays to RRF for difference (i.e. 20 MW) @ UI rate of its Region.

Step - 3 : Host State agency responsible for UI settlement receives from RRF for the difference (i.e. 20 MW) @ UI rate of its Region.

Step - 4 : The Host State agency responsible for UI settlement also receives from RRF for total or part difference between the total schedule and total actual generation of solar and wind generation collectively in the state as a whole @ additional UI rate on account of net solar and wind farm under-generation for the State as a whole. This would be as certified by the RPC, in whose Region the host State is located.

Actual Generation – 120 MW Step - 1 : Purchaser pays to generating stations of Solar generating plants at contracted rate as per actual

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L EG A L BA T T L E

Before The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission Ahmedabad Petition No. Of 2013 Saumya Bansal Gupta - EQ International PETITION UNDER SECTION 86 READ WITH SECTIONS 61, 62 AND 64 OF THE ELECTRICITY ACT, 2003 FOR REVISION/ RE-DETERMINATION OF TARIFF FOR SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS

MOST RESPECTFULLY SHOWETH: 1. The Petitioner, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (hereinafter referred to as `GUVNL’) is a Company incorporated under the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 with registered office at Sardar Patel Bhawan, Race Course, Vadodara.

2. GUVNL is a Bulk Purchaser and Bulk Supplier of electricity and procures power for and on behalf of the State Distribution Licensees, namely, Respondents 1 to 4. The Petitioner arranges for the purchase of power from various power producers including Solar Power Projects in the State and makes available such power procured to the said Distribution Licensees.

3. On 6.1.2009 the Government of Gujarat notified the Solar Power Policy, 2009 in regard to the promotion of Solar Power Project in the State. In the said Policy, the Government of Gujarat had provided for the sale of energy from the Solar Power Projects

to the Distribution Licensees in the State at the levelised tariff as under: 10. Sale of Energy: The energy generated from a Solar Power Project, shall be sold to the Distribution licensees in the state at levelised fixed tariff per Unit as mentioned below for the period of 25 years, under a Power Purchase agreement, to be specified by the GUVNL, and / or distribution licensee.

Benefit of this policy will not be available to projects set up under the MNRE incentive scheme for Solar Power Generation.

Further, any subsidy/ incentive by SPG developer from any source shall be reduced from above mentioned rate for purchase

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of power from SPG developers except the benefit of Accelerated Depreciation under Income Tax Act. 4. Subsequently, in exercise of the powers under Sections 61 (h), 62 and 86 of the Electricity Act, 2003, the Hon’ble Commission initiated a consultative process proceeding for determination of tariff for procurement of power by the Distribution Licensees from Solar Energy Projects. In the said proceedings, the Hon’ble Commission was pleased to undertake an elaborate consultative process, inviting suggestions from various stake holders, conducting public hearing and decided on the price at which the power generated from the Solar Energy Projects is to be procured by EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

55

GUVNL/Distribution Licensees in the State for meeting of Renewable Power Purchase Obligations of Distribution Licensees. The Hon’ble Commission was pleased to prepare a draft Order and gave publicity to the same including by placing the draft Order on the website of the Hon’ble Commission for inviting comments and for holding hearings.

The Hon’ble Commission held public hearing on 3.12.2009.

5. The Hon’ble Commission considered the various components of tariff including the capital cost, representation made by prospective Solar Power Developers on the capital cost, suggestions made by the Gujarat Energy Development Agency, GUVNL and other stakeholders. By Order No. 2 of 2010 dated 29.1.2010, the Hon’ble Commission was pleased to decide on the tariff applicable for the Solar Power Projects during the control period of two years from the date of the Order i.e. until 28.1.2012.

6. In the Order dated 29.01.2010, the Hon’ble Commission had analysed various components of tariff. As regards capital cost, the conclusion of the Hon’ble Commission in the Order dated 29.1.2010 after considering the objections/suggestions were as under:

“4.1 Capital cost In India, the Solar Power Technology is in its nascent stage and no authentic data regarding capital cost of a Solar Power Generation plant is available. The CERC has, in its order dated 3rd December, 2009 in suo motu petition no.284 of 2009, considered capital cost as Rs.17 Cr/ MW and Rs.13 Cr/ MW for Solar PV power projects and Solar Thermal Power Projects respectively for the financial year 2009-10. The Commission has received a petition from M/s. Astonfield Solar (Gujarat) Pvt. Ltd. in which the project developer has proposed capital cost of Rs.17.55 Cr/MW for Solar PV project.

It is important to note that with the advancement in the technology of the Solar PV based installations, economies of scale and competition would decrease the capital cost for Solar Projects over a period of time which is also envisaged in the Solar Mission of the Government of India. The Commission had, after considering the above aspects, proposed in the draft order a normative capital cost of Rs.17 Cr/MW for Solar Photovoltaic Power projects and Rs. 13 crores /MW for Solar Thermal Power Project.

Suggestions of the Objectors 56

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Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has intimated that Govt. of Gujarat had started deliberation with solar project developers in the month of June, 2008. After taking views of the project developers, the Govt. of Gujarat declared Solar Power Policy, 2009 vide GR dated 7th January, 2009 wherein tariff has been fixed for 25 years. In the aforesaid policy, the Govt. of Gujarat has prescribed rates at Rs.10/unit for Solar Thermal and Rs.13/unit for Solar Photovoltaic upto 12 years and from 13th year onwards, the tariff of Rs.3.00 per unit has been fixed for both types of technologies.

The aforesaid tariff was determined by the Government of Gujarat based on consideration of various technical/operational parameters and financial parameters like capital cost, Return on Equity, Depreciation, Project Life, and interest on loan, capacity utilization factor etc. and information provided by the representatives of the project. The Govt. of Gujarat signed Memorandum of Understanding with 44 companies for 3,257 MW worth Rs.66,251 crores during Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors’ Summit in January,2009. The said companies have agreed to establish solar power projects as per the Govt. of Gujarat Solar Power Policy, 2009. After the Vibrant Gujarat 2009 event, some project developers who have not signed MoU have also shown there willingness to establish power plants as per terms and conditions of Solar Power Policy, 2009. In August 2009, Govt. of Gujarat has issued Letter of Intent to 34 project developers for establishing solar power projects of 710 MW. The developers have agreed to the tariff rate incorporated in the Solar Power Policy, 2009.

Hence, the capital cost and other parameters may be kept as per the Government of Gujarat Solar Power Policy, 2009.

GUVNL has suggested that the capital cost of Solar PV power project be considered by the Commission should be as per the prevailing market rate.

M/s Torrent Power Ltd. has suggested that renewable energy generation would not obviate reduction in regular capital investment for capacity addition of conventional generation. Therefore efforts need to be made to reduce capital cost of projects based on non-conventional and renewable sources of energy. Various project developers have suggested for capital cost of Solar PV projects in the range of Rs.17.55 to Rs. 20crores/MW. M/s CLP Power Ltd.

suggested that while determining the capital cost it requires to consider the cost to owners, and also lenders’ due diligence, stamp duties, companies incorporation charges, CDM registration charges, financing charges such as margin money, syndication fees, security and trustee fees, lenders fees, minimum amount to be retained in the Debt Service Reserve Account. They have also suggested that any change in law which affects the capital cost or operational cost assumption made for project cost should be allowed as pass through. M/s Solar Service Conductor Ltd. suggested that land cost of Rs. 1.15 crores to Rs. 5.20 crores per MW to be added in project cost.

Regarding Solar Thermal Power Projects, some of the objectors have suggested the capital cost as Rs.15-18 crores/MW.

Commission’s Ruling Solar Power projects are environment friendly and helpful in reducing the use of fossil fuel. However, in India, Solar Power projects are in nascent stage of development.

As such reliable cost data for solar projects are not available. Objectors have suggested different rates without evidence in support of the rates which they have proposed. The Commission has received a tariff petition from M/s Astonfield Ltd. for 25 MW SPV power projects in which it has proposed capital cost of Rs. 17.55 crore per MW. CERC has in its order dated 3rd December, 2009 in suo motu Petition No.284 of 2009 considered capital cost at Rs.17 crores per MW for Solar Photovoltaic power project and Rs.13 crores per MW for Solar Thermal power project. The project developers have also signed MoU with Government of Gujarat as per the Solar Power Policy, 2009 for substantial quantity of power projects which indicate that Rs. 17crores per MW and Rs.13 crores per MW for Solar Thermal Power Projects are adequate. However, globally the costs of Solar PV Projects have shown declining trend over past couple of years, particularly the last few months and similar trend has been projected for the immediate future. In India also, a large number of solar projects have been planned and with increased production facilities, the cost of Solar PV modules is bound to come down.

In view of above, the Commission decides to adopt Rs.16.50 crores per MW as capital cost for Solar Photovoltaic Power Project and Rs.13 crores per MW for Solar Thermal

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Power Project.”

7. As regards Debt Equity Ratio, the Order dated 29.1.2010 reads as under:

“4.4 Debt-Equity Ratio Clause 5.3(b) of the Tariff Policy (TP) notified by the Ministry of Power, Government of India stipulates a debtequity ratio of 70:30 for financing of power project. The Terms and Conditions of Tariff Regulations, 2005, notified by the Commission also provide normative debt-equity ratio of 70:30 for Generating Company/Licensees. Accordingly, the Commission had proposed to keep DebtEquity Ratio of 70:30 based on Tariff Policy and Terms & Conditions of Tariff.

Suggestions of the Objectors CLP Power Ltd has suggested that solar power technology is at an extremely nascent stage. In the prevailing markets, finance is available with consideration of debt- equity ratio of 55: 45 for solar project. M/s. Essar Power Ltd. has suggested considering debt equity ratio of 80: 20. GUVNL has suggested debt equity ratio is to be considered as 75: 25 because higher equity will have significant impact on tariff.

Commission’s Ruling The Tariff Policy formulated by the Ministry of Power, Govt. of India, under section 3 of the Electricity Act, 2003 stipulates debt-equity ratio of 70: 30 for power projects. The Terms and Conditions of Tariff Regulation, 2005 notified by the Commission also provides that debt equity ratio should be kept at 70: 30. Hence, the Commission decides to retain the same ratio for this order.”

8. The parameters for determination of tariff for the Solar PV Projects and Solar Thermal Projects have been set out in the Order dated 29.1.2010 as under:

“5. Tariff for solar PV and Solar Thermal Power projects In view of the foregoing discussions, the various parameters considered by the Commission for determination of tariff are given in the table below: Based on the various parameters as discussed above, the levelised tariff including RoE of Solar PV power generation, using a discounting rate of 10.19% works out to Rs. 12.54 per kWh and levelised tariff using the same discounting factor for Solar Thermal

Power generation works out to Rs.9.29 per kWh. However, the Commission feels that it would be appropriate to determine tariff for two sub-periods: 12 years and 13 years instead of the same tariff for 25 years.

Hence, the Commission determines the tariff for generation of electricity from Solar PV Power project at Rs.15 per kWh for the initial 12 (twelve) years starting from the date of Commercial operation of the project and Rs.5 per kWh from the 13th (Thirteenth) year to 25th (twenty fifth) year. The Commission also determines the tariff for generation of electricity from Solar Thermal Power project at Rs.11 per kWh for the initial 12 (twelve) years starting from the date of Commercial operation of the project and Rs.4.00 per kWh from the 13th (Thirteenth) year to 25th (twenty fifth) year.

The above tariffs take into account the benefit of accelerated depreciation under the Income Tax Act and Rules. For a project that does not get such benefit, the Commission would, on a petition in that respect, determine a separate tariff taking into account all the relevant facts.

This tariff rate shall be applicable for purchase of solar power generation by Distribution Licensees and other entities for complying with the renewable power purchase obligation specified in the relevant Regulations of the Commission from time to time. This tariff will be applicable to solar power generators, who will commission brand new solar energy plants and equipments during the control period applicable for this order.”

9. GUVNL respectfully submits that the determination of the tariff for Solar PV Project and more particularly the Capital Cost of Rs 16.50 Crores per MW, the debt equity ratio of 70:30 and other parameters were done by the Hon’ble Commission based on certain fundamental premise namely: a. the project cost could not be authentically worked out in the absence of reliable cost data and therefore the fixation of capital cost at Rs 16.50 Crores per MW was a best judgement assessment at the relevant time. The project developers who had participated in the consultative process had in fact projected a much higher per MW capital cost without evidence in support thereof; b. the project developers had submitted that the project need to be funded with

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higher infusion of equity capital and therefore the equity ratio should be higher than 30 percent; c. the cash outflow for the project developers, as per the representations made, would be higher in the initial years requiring front loading of tariff and accordingly the levelised tariff of Rs 12.54 Per unit worked out for 25 years was spilt into two parts, namely, for first 12 years, the tariff of Rs. 15 per unit and thereafter tariff of Rs. 5 per unit for balance 13 years. d. the project developers should have a return on equity of 14 percent post tax after meeting the cost and expenses of the project.

10. In accordance with the above, the project cost, the debt equity ratio and the other parameters were decided to enable the project developers to meet the servicing of all cost and expenses of the project and get a return on equity capital of 14 percent post tax. There was, based on the then available perception that the project cost would be legitimately in the region of Rs. 16.50 Crores per MW and there will equity infusion of not less than 30 percent of the project cost. Further, Hon’ble Commission has retained the debt equity ratio of 70:30 while determining the tariff for solar power project for next control period from 29.01.2012 to 31.03.2015.

11. In terms of the above, the petitioner signed in aggregate 88 power purchase agreements for 971.5 MW aggregate capacity in two phases (87 PPAs of Solar Photovoltaic having aggregate capacity of 946.5 MW and 1 PPA of Solar Thermal having capacity of 25 MW). Out of the above, 602 MW capacity of Solar PV were established within the control period of order dated 29.01.2010 i.e. as to 28.1.2012 and the 255 MW of Solar PV capacity were established after 28.1.2012.

12. The Petitioner has since obtained information on the capital cost and debt equity ratio of the actual investment in the projects. The statement of the project cost and debt equity deployment secured by the petitioner, in respect of some of the projects established by or before 28.1.2012, is attached hereto as ANNEXURE A. The perusal of the project cost shows that the developers have established the projects with the capital costs ranging from Rs 10 crores Per MW to Rs 13 crores per MW and the EQ INTERNATIONAL - July 2013

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weighted average woks out to around Rs 12 Crores per MW. The above establishes that it was possible and reasonable for the project to be established at the total project cost much lower than Rs 16.50 Crores considered in the tariff order. If number of project developers could establish the project at Rs 11 Crores per MW and weighted average being Rs 12 crores Per MW there is absolutely no justification for any of the project developers to claim the capital cost of Rs 16.50 Crores.

Admittedly, it was possible for the project developers to establish the project in a prudent and reasonable manner at about Rs 11-12 Crores per MW. The assumption made by the Hon’ble Commission of the project cost being Rs 16.50 Crores in the order dated 29.1.2010 based on the representations then made was therefore on a very high side and need to be trued up based on the actual project cost details now available.

Subsequent to tariff determination by Hon’ble Commission through order dated 29.01.2010, Government of India has reduced the Custom Duty at the level of 5% (vide Notification No 30/2010 dated 27.02.2010) and also exempted for payment of Excise Duty (vide Notification No 15/2010 dated 27.02.2010) for indigenous inputs. This has resulted into reduction in the capital cost of solar power project significantly.

13. This is more so as this Hon’ble Commission in the order dated 29.1.2010 itself had observed on the lack of authentic data of the project cost.

14. In addition to the above, the statement filed as ANNEXURE A establish that many of the project developers have not invested equity to the extent of 30 percent and rather much less. In the Tariff Regulations of both the Central Commission and this Hon’ble Commission the principles on allowing equity ratio in the funding has been well settled as under: Hon’ble CERC Terms & Conditions of Tariff Regulations 2009-14:

12. Debt-Equity Ratio.

(1) For a project declared under commercial operation on or after 1.4.2009, if the equity actually deployed is more than 30% of the capital cost, equity in excess of 30% shall be treated as normative loan: Provided that where equity actually deployed is less than 30% of the capital cost, the actual equity shall be considered for determination of tariff: 58

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Provided further that the equity invested in foreign currency shall be designated in Indian rupees on the date of each investment.

Hon’ble GERC Multi Year Tariff Regulations, 2011:

34. Debt-equity ratio: 34.1: For the purpose of determination of tariff, debt-equity ratio as on the date of commercial operation in case of a new generating station, transmission or distribution line or substation commissioned or capacity expanded after 1.4.2011, shall be 70:30. Where equity employed is more than 30%, the amount of equity for the purpose of tariff shall be limited to 30% and the balance amount shall be considered as loan. Where actual equity employed is less than 30%, the actual equity shall be considered.

15. In terms of the above where the equity investment is less than 30 percent the servicing by return on equity has to be restricted to actual deployment of equity.

Accordingly the return of 14 percent post tax need to be allowed for actual deployment of equity or 30 percent of capital cost, whichever is lower and the remaining capital cost need to be serviced as debt on reducing balance.

The servicing of equity is therefore to be considered project specific for those projects where the equity deployment is less than 30 percent of the capital cost.

16. In the above circumstances of servicing of the project cost of Rs 16.50 Crores/MW as against the actual prudent and reasonable cost of Rs 12 Crores/MW or thereabout as established by the actual investment made by many of the developers results in excessive tariff payment namely servicing of additional 40 percent return on equity which has not been actually incurred by some of the project developers and which ought not to have been incurred by others. The above would mean that the project developers are receiving the levelised tariff of Rs 12.54 per unit as against around Rs 9.0 per unit which is the reasonable and prudent tariff.

The increased tariff of Rs. 3.54 per unit is a direct burden on the consumers of the State and is an unwanted, unjustified and windfall gain to the project developers.

17. In addition to the above, in the case of projects where the deployment of equity is less than 30 percent of the project cost the return in equity should be restricted to the actual deployment of equity as per the

statement in annual accounts. The project developers are not entitled to claim such return on funds deployed other than as equity. The consumers in the state cannot be required to service notional equity and servicing of notional equity, is consistently rejected by all the regulatory commissions 18. Without prejudice to the above GUVNL submits that the statement of project cost actually deployed also establish that there is no justification for front loading of tariff in the first 12 years to increase the cash flow of the project developers. The actual repayment of the loan by the project developers of the debt capital taking into account the depreciation and other benefits clearly shows that the front loading of tariff to the extent of Rs 15 per unit is unnecessary.

The burden of excessive cash flow is in reality to the distribution licensees rather than a justified requirement of the project developers.

19. In the facts and circumstances mentioned above there is a justified cause for reopening the tariff terms contained in the order dated 29.1.2010 and terms incorporated in the Power Purchase Agreements signed in pursuance of the above order of the Hon’ble Commission in public interest. GUVNL submits that while the interest of the project developers to the legitimate extent need to be protected and the non conventional projects are to be promoted with promotional tariff as they cannot compete with conventional projects, such promotion cannot be extended to result in excessive tariff and windfall gain to the project developers at the cost of public interest.

20. GUVNL submits that this Hon’ble Commission exercising regulatory powers under section 86 read with other applicable provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 and as decided by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Hon’ble Appellate Tribunal and this Hon’ble Commission, there is jurisdiction to revisit the tariff determined and also decide on project specific tariff notwithstanding the generic tariff decided in the order dated 29.1.2010.

In this regard GUVNL crave reference to the following cases: I. V.S. Rice and Oil Mills v. State of A.P (1964) 7 SCR 456 at Page 469: “20. Then it was faintly argued by Mr Setalvad that the power to regulate conferred on the respondent by Section 3(1)

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cannot include the power to increase the tariff rate; it would include the power to reduce the rates. This argument is entirely misconceived. The word “regulate” is wide enough to confer power on the respondent to regulate either by increasing the rate, or decreasing the rate, the test being what is it that is necessary or expedient to be done to maintain, increase, or secure supply of the essential articles in question and to arrange for its equitable distribution and its availability at fair prices. The concept of fair prices to which Section 3(l) expressly refers does not mean that the price once fixed must either remain stationary, or must be reduced in order to attract the power to regulate.

The power to regulate can be exercised for ensuring the payment of a fair price, and the fixation of a fair price would inevitably depend upon a consideration of all relevant and economic factors which contribute to the determination of such a fair price. If the fair price indicated on a dispassionate consideration of all relevant factors turns out to be higher than the price fixed and prevailing, then the power to regulate the price must necessarily include the power to increase so as to make it fair. That is why we do not think Mr Setalvad is right in contending that even though the respondent may have the power to regulate the price to which electrical energy should be supplied by it to the appellants, it had no power to enhance the said price. We must, therefore, hold that the challenge to the validity of the impugned notified orders on the ground that they are outside the purview of Section 3(l) cannot be sustained.”

21. In the case of UPPCL v. NTPC Limited & others, (2009) 6 SCC 235, has held as under: “34. While exercising its power of review so far as alterations or amendment of a tariff is concerned, the Central Commission strict sensu does not exercise a power akin to Section 114 of the Code of Civil Procedure or Order 47 Rule 1 thereof. Its jurisdiction, in that sense, as submitted by Mr. Gupta, for the aforementioned purposes would not be barred in terms of Order 2 Rule 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure or the principles analogous thereto.

35. Revision of a tariff must be distinguished from review of a tariff order. Whereas Regulation 92 of the 1999 Regulations provides for revision of tariff, Regulations 110 to 117 also provide for

extensive power to be exercised by the Central Commission in regard to the proceedings before it.

36. Having regard to the nature of jurisdiction of the Central Commission in a case of this nature, we are of the opinion that even principles of res judicata will have no application. ……………….

40. Regulations 92 and 94, in our opinion, do not restrict the power of the Central Commission to make additions or alternations in the tariff. Making of a tariff is a continuous process. It can be amended or altered by the Central Commission, if any occasion arises therefore. The said power can be exercised not only on an application filed by the generating companies but by the Commission also on its own motion.” (emphasis supplied) 22. In the case of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited v. Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission, Appeal No. 111 of 2012 dated 30.04.2013, the Hon’ble Tribunal has held as under: 24. The Appellants also contended that the State Commission does not have the power to override the contract entered into between the parties when PPA itself was signed in pursuance of the order passed by the State Commission determining the tariff applicable to such PPAs. This contention is also mis-conceived for two reasons –(1) The petition filed by Rasna Marketing Services LLP(R-2) was entertained only on the basis of the order passed by the State Commission determining the tariff and giving liberty to the project developers to approach the State Commission in future for determining the project specific tariff, if they do not opt for getting accelerated depreciation benefits. Only on that basis, the petition was entertained and admitted. (2) It is settled law that State Commission has got powers to modify the tariff for a concluded PPA. This Tribunal in Appeal No. 35 of 2011 dated 10.2.2012 and Appeal No.70 of 2009 dated 13.1.2011 and Appeal No.179 of 2010 dated 23.4.2010 has specifically held that the State Commission has got powers to modify or vary the tariff as well as the terms of agreement for purchase of power. (emphasis supplied) 23. In the circumstances mentioned above the Hon’ble Commission can exercise

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regulatory powers to intervene in public interest and revise the tariff for purchase of power from solar power projects in the state at a reasonable level balancing the interest of the project developers in preserving their return on equity at 14 percent post tax as envisaged on the actual equity deployed by them after meeting all legitimate cost and expenses prudently incurred and at the same time by not giving windfall or more than required return or servicing the capital cost incurred beyond the optimum and prudent level. There is also a need to revisit the arrangement in regard to the front loading of tariff in the first 12 years. The exercise of powers by this Hon’ble Commission is called for to protect public interest.

24. The petitioner respectfully submits that the Government of Gujarat had evolved the Solar Power Policy for promotion of Solar Power Projects in the State of Gujarat. The Government of Gujarat has been endeavouring to promote the Solar Power Projects pro-actively by offering various facilities. The Government of Gujarat is also concerned with the public interest of the consumers getting electricity at a reasonable and economical rate. The payment of unjustified higher tariff for Solar Power Projects by GUVNL and pass through of such tariff to the consumers will seriously affect the consumer interest and accordingly the public interest. The Government of Gujarat is therefore, a vitally interested party in the above proceedings. The Government of Gujarat has been impleaded as Respondent 5.

25. Besides the Government of Gujarat and the Project Developers, the Distribution Companies in the State, namely, Respondents 1 to 4 have been impleaded in the petition.

26. It is, therefore, respectfully prayed that this Hon’ble Commission may be pleased to : (a) Initiate the proceedings for determination of the appropriate capital cost for the Solar Power Projects established by the Project Developers pursuant to the Order dated 29.1.2010 passed by the Hon’ble Commission and re-visit the capital cost approved at Rs 16.50 crores/MW based on the actual reasonable and prudent capital cost incurred by the Solar Power Developers; (b) Take into consideration the actual equity capital deployed for servicing at the rate

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of 14% post-tax instead of allowing Return on Equity on the normative at 30% of the project cost, wherever the actual equity deployed is less than 30% of the project cost; (c) Re-determine the front-loading of tariff in the first twelve (12) years based on the actual cash flow required by the Project Developers to service the debt and equity; (d) Re-visit the other norms and parameters laid down in the Order dated 29.1.2010 to determine whether the actual achievement of the norms is better than those laid down in the Order dated 29.1.2010;and

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(e) Pass any such further order or orders as this Honâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ble Commission may deem just and proper in the circumstances of the case.

any orders in relation thereto.

PETITONER GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD

PETITONER

Place: Vadodara

GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD

Dated 28th May 2013

Declaration: Declaration that the subject matter of above petition has not been raised by the Petitioner before any other competent forum, and that no other competent forum is currently seized of the matter or has passed

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SO L A R I NV ERT ERS

AE REFUsol StringCombiner – Smart solution for String Monitoring Chetan Deolekar & Nitin Bhosale - REFU Solar Electronics Pvt. Ltd

C

ombiner Boxes are an essential part of Photo Voltaic (PV) system. They are mainly used for collection of distributed DC power generated by individual PV strings of the PV plant and channelize it to the inverter for further utilization.

Combiner box are usually not essential for PV plant if typically designed using string inverters. However, they become an integral part of the PV system for medium and large size PV power plants installation designed using central inverters.

PV plants need regular attention to prevent generation losses as there are many uncertainties involved in operation.

Generation losses can be avoided by timely identification and rectification of faulty strings of PV plant by monitoring and datalogging at string level. For optimization of Balance of System to reduce cabling losses and to come up with optimized plant layout suitable number of combiner boxes of required DC input terminals are required. Keeping all this as a prime focus AE-REFUsol has developed AE StringCombiner for string level monitoring of PV plant.

Status of this protection can also be monitored with digital output.

•

current protection in positive and negative of string.

•

•

Operating DC voltage: Available in 1000 volts DC and 1500 volts DC

•

Input range 16 to 24 strings: The device comes with multiple string inputs of 16, 20 and 24 (32 inputs for 1500Volts DC module). Recommended string cable for input is upto 10mm2 cross section.

•

Overvoltage protection: Internal DC type 2 protection present in the device.

Advantages: •

Increase the efficiency of large-scale PV system by concentrating multiple strings.

This concentrated power is connected to inverter using just one cable.

•

Increase the flexibility of design of the PV due to number of available inputs.

•

The AE StringCombiner monitors the system and diagnoses errors at string level. In the event of error the device protects the connected string and PV modules from getting damaged.

•

It communicates directly with inverter andthe status of the connected strings and String Combiner can be easily supervised on REFUlog portal.

•

Remote disconnection of StringCombiner facility available.

•

Can also be used with non 333K central inverter.

two people.

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Innovative Mounting: special mounting design allows the flexibility of installing the device on wall or on any kind of structure.

•

Switch: DC switch present to disconnect the device from the inverter.

Salient Features: IP65 unit: The StringCombiner can be installed in field behind the panels no additional covers required for protection against weather.

Light weight: approximate weight of unit is 25 kg can be easily installed by

• •

String protection: Fuses for reverse

Monitoring parameters: the parameters monitored are string current, PV voltage and internal temperature.

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Communication: Communication to inverter via. CAN bus interface.

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Integration with REFUlog: the parameters of AE StringCombiner are monitored on REFUlog along with connected inverter.

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Auxiliary power: The StringCombiner Box does not require and additional auxiliary power supply for the monitoring and communication

Connection Scheme:

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WI N D ENERGY

”Bright Future Ahead” – How Predictive Maintenance Can Drive Value For The Wind Industry Dr John Coultate, Product Marketing Manager, Romax Technology Ltd.

D

espite the opportunities fuelled by new offshore projects and enhanced efficiencies in operating existing sites, the European wind industry today faces challenges around energy and wind power costs – a problem made worse by the current squeeze on operating budgets. Typically, up to 75% of the operational expenditure for a large wind farm is related to the site’s operation and maintenance (O&M). These costs are significant, especially offshore where the cost and availability of vessels and site access due to weather conditions are critically important.Adding to these concerns, O&M managers today face a range of challengesincluding: •

The need to manage data from many different sources or vendors – different turbine types, SCADA systems, condition monitoring systems (CMS) and software applications

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The need to turn available data into valuable actions

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Unpredictable wind turbine failures and downtime

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Unpredictable maintenance costs,

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making budgeting extremely difficult •

Unpredictable requirements for inventory and spare parts

Unlockingthe value of Big Data The value of installing condition monitoring systems (CMS) on wind turbine drive trains is widely known.

Looking at the return on investment gained from CMS hardware, there is generally a diminishing return after a certain point. Typically after an initial investment in a basic system, any additional investment in hardware will deliver only marginally additional value and will not warrant the extra cost. For this reason, commercially available CMS products tend to focus on deriving as much value as possible from as few sensors as possible.

The key to enabling higher ROI in monitoring technologies is to unlock additional value from existing data sources.

Vast volumes of data from CMS, SCADA, inspections and maintenance frequently exist

Graph 1

Graph 2

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Graph 3

Graph 3

in ‘siloed’ systems.It is not common practice today to process all of this within a single platform. However, only by so doing can the true value of the data be fully exploited.

Additional investment in the software systems and analytics required to process all available data and deliver value-added actions can yield disproportionately higher ROI. We expect this to be a key area for hightechnology investment in the O&M sector in coming years.

Getting the Maintenance Balance Right Determining the optimal maintenance strategy for a wind farm is a delicate balance between O&M costs and the potential consequential costs of any failure. The maintenance strategy for a site generally falls into one of three categories: •

Reactive maintenance (run-tofailure)

At one extreme is reactive maintenance or run-to-failure. This is easy to implement but can be expensive due to high repair costs.

Reactive maintenance is also inherently difficult to budget for because failures are difficult to predict.

•

Preventive maintenance

At the other extreme is preventive maintenance or calendar-based maintenance.

This involves proactively replacing parts before they fail and minimises potential repair costs. Unfortunately, the cost of maintenance is high, largely because many of the replaced parts may have been replaced prematurely and may have run perfectly for several more years before failure.

•

Predictive maintenance

A predictive or condition-based maintenance strategy lies at the ‘sweet spot’ between preventive and reactive maintenance. By predicting machinery condition and future component failures, maintenance can be performed as and when

required, before expensive and potentially catastrophic failures occur.

Predictive maintenance delivers optimised O&Ms cost through minimising maintenance costs whilst minimising consequential costs due to failures. However, there is one critical barrier to employing predictive maintenance today – specific technologies are required to infer the condition of a wind turbine and predict future failures. These technologies are not widely adopted today and those that are – such as basic CMS – tend not to give sufficient lead time before failure to enable a purely predictive maintenance strategy.

In order to enable predictive maintenance, wind turbine monitoring technology needs to deliverpredictions of future component failures with at least 6-12 months lead time.

To do this means combining many disparate technologies including:vibration condition monitoring;oil monitoring; remaining useful life models; inspection and maintenance data and measured load data from the turbine Typically, each of these datasets are considered in isolation and not analysed together using a single predictive model.

Only by analysing them together can the

Enabling tools and techniques Generally, any operator wanting to employ a predictive maintenance strategy first needs to understand the current health of their assets. This can be achieved through a number of different approaches such as vibration condition monitoring of the drivetrain and detailed inspections of the turbine - both widely used and well proven techniques.

Looking beyond the existing status of the machine, the process starts to become more complicated. Predicting the future condition of a component such as the drivetrain requires detailed application-specific knowledge and a large volume of data from the wind farm. Basic condition monitoring is not always sufficient.

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InSight software 1

InSight software 2

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developed several specific technologies for drivetrain monitoring that help operator’s move towards a predictive maintenance strategy. Close collaboration with operators in Europe, USA and Asia, field trials and extensive R&D programmes have allowed these methods to be proven in the field and enhanced with the help of many years’ of real-world data.

Today, Romax provides operators with a range of software and services InSight software (iPad) to monitor their assets.

Romax’s InSight softwareis current and future health of the machinery a health monitoring platform that is hardware be truly understood.However, a significant independent, allowing it to interface with gap exists between commercially available condition monitoring systems today and the existing SCADA and CMS across a variety of type of aggregate data analysisthat is really turbine types. The InSight software provides a platform for analysing data from CMS, required for predictive maintenance.

SCADA, inspections and maintenance and To answer these challenges, Romax has utilising predictive models to provide key actionable information Romax inspection engineer to O&M staff and asset managers. Romax engineers use the InSight software to provide a best-in-class monitoring service to wind farm operators and asset managers.

Breakout box?

Case study – The value of monitoring Monitoring is not just about the current health of the machine – it is also concerned with future trends and future failures. Using vibration monitoring to predict rotor shaft bearing – or ‘main bearing’ –failures can be very challenging but can deliver significant O&M cost savings. If an operator is able to plan the maintenance events with sufficient lead time, they are often able to mobilise a crane or large vessel

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during the low wind season and have all the requisite parts and engineers ready. In many cases, additional cost can be saved by performing several similar maintenance events at the same time while the crane or vessel is available.

One cost calculation [1] showed that for a US onshore wind farm, the value of predictive monitoring of main bearing failures could be up to $370,000 per year. Translate this same thinking to a large offshore wind farm and the saving could be even more significant.

The following quote from aUS onshore operator illustrates clearly the potential benefit of predicting these failures before they occur: “Romax provided us with advanced notice on a main bearing beginning to fail in early 2012. The turbine was monitored and eventually the production was reduced to extend the life and operation of the bearing. A year after we were notified of the potential issue the bearing failed. The advanced notification has provided us with the opportunity to monitor, adjust our operational strategy for this specific turbine, and plan for the change out rather than reacting to the failure. Further we were able to schedule this work with other work being performed on the site to help reduce downtime and costs associated with the main bearing change out.”

James Snelson, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Infigen Energy, Dallas, Texas Many operators todayare battling with high maintenance costs and the many challenges of planning maintenance for their wind farms. The potential benefits of predictive maintenance are widely recognised but actually employing a predictive strategy is very difficult. Significant technology barriers have existed in the past, preventing a truly forward-looking approach to maintenance planning. The solution is to identify the specificenabling technologies such as Romax’s InSight softwarethat can remove these barriers and deliver lower-cost wind turbine O&M.

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PRODUCTS Solar Fuses & Switch Fuse Units for Photovoltaic DC Applications for Photovoltaics The protection of photovoltaic systems places particular demands on the fuses and switchgear which should be selected. JEAN MÜLLER cylindrical and NH photovoltaic fuse-links and switchgears are especially designed for these requirements in terms of high system voltage and faulty currents which may occur, and thus guarantee the protection of persons and investments.

Distribution applications – the extension of outdoor cable distribution cabinets completes the selection of products for alternative power generation.

Product definition Photvoltaic applications are especially optimised for the demands of private power generation systems. For this reason, the builtin switchgears used are sometimes populated with special fuses in allusion to NH fuselinks or cylindrical fuse-links in accordance with standard IEC 60269 and the national standards DIN VDE 0636-2 and NFC 63 210. The internation draft standard IEC 60260-6 defines the future requirements in a new utilization category gPV, which JEAN MÜLLER PV fuses already fulfi l.

Areas of application • DC string collectors for photovoltaics are used to combine multiple small cross sections.

• Fuse bases and disconnectors off er space-saving installation options for fuse-links.

• The strip fuseway for photovoltaic applications from JEAN MÜLLER is based on proven busbar system technology, thus allowing direct

solder. High purity quartz sand is used as an extinguishing agent. The isolating body is made from steatite. High-grade aluminium oxide ceramics areused in certain types.

mounting, saving time and space.

•

Cylindrical photovoltaic fuses are used for the protection of individual strings in generator junctionboxes.

Product benefits The properties of JEAN MÜLLER photovoltaic applications are designed to meet the demands of PV installations.

The function and properties of the products have remained unchanged for decades. High-quality production ensures reliability, while high-quality materials guarantee that the technical properties remain constant in the long term. To achieve this, ageing resistant materials are used which are regularly tested using so-called long-term trials. For example, the fuse elements of the NH fuse-links have been optimised for particularly low power dissipation over many years of development.

The surfaces of the contact blades are galvanically silver plated, allowing them to off er ideal contact characteristics. The cover plates are made from nonmagnetic metal. Aflap indicator on the upper cover plates is used as a standard method to display aoperated fuse.

If the operated fuse is to be further registered in the NH fuse bases or the NH fuse load disconnector via a mechanical fuse monitoring, versions with strikers are available. You can fi nd further details on switchgears and cabinet technology in the relevant JEANMUELLER Strip fuseway for proven busbar mounting •

Direct mounting saves time and space

•

Modular fi nger-proof protection IP1X from front when using the optionalbar cover

•

Safe placement of the fuse thanks tointegrated positioning support

•

Mounting on the upper and lowerbusbars of a classic 185 busbar system

Product structure The dimensions of the fuses, switchgears and cable distribution cabinets are based on the existing, commonly- used standards. For NH fuse-links, these are: DIN 43620, DIN VDE 0636-2 and IEC 60269-2. The dimensions of the 1100 V PV fuse-links are designedon the basis of these standards. The fuse elements are made from silver strips and, as full-range fuses, have an overload restriction point using

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PRODUCTS Meco Battery Capacity Testers – Model 6363 And 6390 Compact and lightweight, Right Device to know the TRUE-LIFE of Battery Capacity ( R e s i s t i ve / Voltage / Current & Temperature6390) (Resistance / Voltage-6363) simultaneously, B u i l t - i n Comparator Function, Rates Conditions as PASS, WARNING or FAIL, Wide Range 0 ~ 1200 AH (6390) and 0 ~ 500 AH (6363), Auto Power Off, Auto-Hold & Auto-Data Storage MECO introduces Battery Capacity Testers - model 6363, 6390. MECO Battery Capacity Testers are designed for measuring the internal impedance and open circuit voltage of the secondary battery including

Nickel-metal hydride battery (NiMH), Nickel cadmium battery (NiCd), Lithiumion battery (Li-ion), Alkaline battery and Lead-Acid battery. It uses AC four-terminal method to measure the internal impedance by eliminating lead impedance and contact impedance to get the accurate results.

Battery Capacity Tester 6363 can measure resistance from 4mΩ to 40Ω with minimum resolution of 1μΩ and voltage measured is upto 40V with resolution up to 10mV. It operates in an environment from 0ºC to 40ºC. The Battery Capacity Tester 6390 can measure resistance from 4mΩ to 400Ω with minimum resolution of 1μΩ and voltage upto 60V with resolution upto 1mV. It operates in an environment from -20ºC to 60ºC. Both models are compact, light weight and consists dual display. They have 99 sets of composite comparator function, which can be set at impedance and voltage values to get the reliable values to get the reliable detection of battery deterioration. Pin type leads, which can easily contact the battery

electrodes, are supplied as standard to get more accurate 4-terminal measurement.

Other features: Memory & Read function, Manual Datalogging (999 Datasets), Online testing without shutting down battery. User interface software is also provided for PC Connection via RS232C Cable.

Applications: To check batteries of UPS, Automobiles, Solar Power, Generators, Telecom Network Towers, Notebook Battery, Wind Power, Household Appliances etc

Heraeus Introduces New Low Silver Back-side Paste at Intersolar NA Market introduction of the SOL202 Series delivers high performance with a 45% silver content “With our recent purchase of the Ferro Corporation’s Solar Paste Business, our combined R&D efforts have made significant reductions in Ag usage in back-side tabbing pastes while maintaining excellent performance”, according to Dr. Weiming Zhang, Vice President of Technology for 66

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the Heraeus Photovoltaic Business Unit.

He continues to state, “The SOL202 Series provides an adhesion 18% greater than our previous generation of back-side tabbing paste, but only has a silver content of 45%.

Less paste can be applied to cells while retaining very good adhesion. This reduction

in silver usage, combined with excellent performance will assist customers in reducing their cells’ cost per watt. Depending on the customer’s application, we believe we can reduce the silver content further.”

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PRODUCTS SCHMID Group: Tin Rear Side Contacts Prove Themselves in Photovoltaics Production

 First TinPad systems delivered production

for

m ass

 Successful module certification for cells with tin rear contacts Freudenstadt. The SCHMID Group announces the delivery of the first TinPad systems for the application of tin contacts on the cell rear side in photovoltaics mass production. The certification of modules with the silver-free contacts has already been passed successfully. Dr. Christian Buchner who leads SCHMID’s cell business unit, explains the influence of the technique on cell quality: “We apply the tin contacts on a full-faced aluminum rear side. This closed layer improves rear side passivation which leads to an increase of cell efficiency by 0.2%” SCHMID’s TinPad systems achieve silver savings of about 3 Eurocents per cell for fast amortization time of the investment.

Also the quality is excellent down to the last detail: on the specified aluminum paste the tin contacts reach twice the peel off strength than required.

The TinPad is based on a technology under license from SCHOTT Solar and has been awarded with the Intersolar Award 2012.

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PRODUCTS Trojan Battery Introduces Single Point Watering System For Its Flooded Batteries Trojan Battery Co., the world’s leading manufacturer of deep-cycle batteries, has launched a single-point battery watering system for its line of flooded batteries for renewable energy and backup power applications. The new watering system makes maintenance of Trojan’s deep-cycle flooded batteries faster,easier and safer.

Trojan’s single-point watering kit is designed to take the guess work and mess out of properly watering flooded batteries.

The flexible tube routing allows the watering system to work with various battery bank sizes and configurations.It also features an automatic valve shut-off to control the electrolyte level within each cell which

prevents overwatering. In addition, the kit enables users to fill their deep-cycle batteries without having to remove the vent covers, an important safety feature which reduces the chance for contact with the battery’s electrolyte.

“Proper maintenance and periodic watering are important factors in maximizing the performance and life of Trojan deep-cycle, flooded batteries,” said Bryan Godber, senior vice president for renewable energy at Trojan Battery. “With Trojan’s new single-point watering kit, precise battery watering is made easyand can fill a set of batteries in 30 seconds, saving valuable time and money.”

The single-point watering kit comes in three configurations to fit 12V, 24V and 48V battery models. The kits are designed for single string installations with Trojan Premium, Industrial and Signature lines of flooded batteries. For systems with multiple strings in parallel, additional kits can be added at the required system voltage.

Unirac Introduces the Most Reliable Flat Roof Solution at Intersolar North America 2013 Unirac, Inc., a Hilti Group Company and the leading provider of high quality, competitive PV mounting solutions in North America, is introducing a new ballasted flat roof system at the Intersolar North America 2013 tradeshow in San Francisco, CA. The Unirac Roof Mount (“RM”) is designed to reduce overall project costs, risks, and complexity.

“The Unirac RM is an intuitive solution that resulted from listening to feedback from our installers nationwide,” said Peter Lorenz, Unirac CEO. “This product is designed with the installer in mind. The RM part list consists of only two major components, a fully 68

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assembled ballast bay and module clip. We are confident our customers will benefit from the progressive design as we continue to help reduce the cost of solar.”

Each ballast bay is compact and easy to handle, weighing less than 3.5 pounds.

The modular design allows installers to seamlessly navigate modules around HVAC units or other roof obstacles, maximizing power density. The RM also supports most framed crystalline modules.

“As with any of our new product releases, our goal with the RM is to deliver solutions and services correctly, efficiently, and dependably to exceed customer expectations”, says Marcelo Gomez, Unirac Director of Marketing & Product Management. “This product demonstrates Unirac’s commitment to developing reliable solutions for our customers, simple enough to install with a competitive price.”

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PRODUCTS Plug, twist, done!

The fastest tool-free photovoltaic plug-in connectors Faster is better. This also applies to the cabling of solar systems. This is why the handy photovoltaic plug-in connectors from Weidmüller stay firmly in your grip in all situations and can be installed in a flash without the need of additional tools.

inverters or generator junction boxes, which Weidmüller developed as individual, readyto-connect solutions for solar farms.

“All versions of the PV-Stick boast the same impressive functional design down to smallest detail: an indentation in the When installing solar power systems, screw cap acts as an accurate indicator the panels are joined together by connectors for determining the stripping length. The to form “strings”. They plastic ribs provide extra »All versions of the also need to be connected grip for improved handling PV-Stick boast an to components such as in all environments,” says impressively detailed generator junction boxes Pahl, explaining the design functional design.« and inverters. This calls for highlights of the connector, a plug-in connector that can for which he has already make a secure connection in an instant in all received two design awards. “The features working environments. “With a unique set and attention to detail make the PV-Stick a of features such as pre-assembled delivery, thoroughly practical connection solution for onepiece unit, tool-free connectivity via solar applications. In short, it is currently the PUSH IN technology and TÜV (German easiest way to wire up solar systems – and Technical Inspectorate) approval for 1,000 thanks to PUSH IN technology it is also volts, we have optimised our practical PV- the fastest.”

Stick plug-in connector down to the smallest detail for direct wiring in the field,” comments Installed in three easy product manager Benjamin Pahl.

steps

Practical variants, functional design Weidmüller has supplemented the innovative PV-Stick with a range of related products such as dust caps, a safety clip that prevents accidental opening, as well as special versions of the connector housing. These are used, for example, when feeding cables to

The PV-Stick is installed in three easy steps in keeping with the slogan: “Plug, twist, done!” First of all, the conductor is stripped using the “multi-stripax® PV”. This tool from Weidmüller is the first industryspecific multifunctional tool for cutting and stripping solar cables. The cables used in solar equipment are usually double insulated, which poses a challenge when it comes to processing the conductors. The special stripping element of the “multistripax® PV” can easily remove both layers of insulation in a single operation.

The handy PV-Stick stays firmly in your hand even in freezing temperatures and can be installed very quickly and easily without a crimping tool

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When the cable has been stripped, the seconds step is

to make the direct contact without precrimping. The slide in the pre-assembled plug-in connector pushes back the spring for the cable connection and the bared conductor is simply inserted into the slide. This design feature ensures a separation of mechanical and electrical functions. When the slide is inserted, it is pushed by the conductor insulation, so that even finely stranded wires are not fanned out during insertion, but remain together. The locking mechanism can be clearly heard and felt. After the “click”, the user checks by briefly tugging the electrical contact, which is characterized by high conductor extraction force.

In step three, the screw cap is tightened for strain relief and sealing. This can done by hand or with the “Multi-Tools PV”, which Weidmüller offers as an additional multifunctional tool for easy processing of the plug-in connector.

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PRODUCTS CyboEnergy Demonstrates Off-Grid CyboInverter, the World’s First Off-Grid Solar Power Mini-Inverter, at Intersolar NA CyboEnergy, a subsidiary of CyboSoft, General Cybernation Group Inc., (Rancho Cordova, CA), announced today that it is demonstrating the off-grid CyboInverter, the world’s first off-grid solar power MiniInverter at Intersolar North America in San Francisco on July 9-11, 2013.

CyboInverter is a patent-pending solar power Mini-Inverter possessing the key merits of both central inverters and microinverters.

Each 4-channel CyboInverter can connect to four solar panels and generate up to 960W AC power. Each CyboInverter’s input channel has its own control and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) mechanism based on CyboSoft’s Model-Free Adaptive (MFA) control technology so that power production is maximized and the partial shading problem is eliminated. As shown in the picture, CyboEnergy is offering a standalone off-grid CyboInverter where the AC cable can connect to an off-grid AC circuit and power AC loads such as fans, lights, TVs, computers, etc.

1. CyboInverter (CI-Mini-1000T) is an off-grid Mini-Inverter to produce 230V, 50Hz, up to 960W AC for India and Africa market.

2. CyboInverter (CI-Mini-1000Y) is an off-grid Mini-Inverter to produce 240V, 60Hz, up to 960W AC for America market.

3. CyboInverter (CI-Mini-1000S) is an off-grid Mini-Inverter to produce 220V, 50Hz, up to 960W AC for Asia market.

In Booth 8139 at Intersolar, CyboEnergy is running an off-grid solar power system demo, where the AC load can be changed by switching on and off a group of lights. The CyboInverter can quickly ramp up and down its power to accommodate the changes.

For more information and to see the product demonstrations, please visit the CyboEnergy booth 8139 at Intersolar on the second level at Moscone West Convention Center, in San Francisco on July 9-11, 2013.

CyboEnergy CEO Dr. George Cheng said, “The off-grid CyboInverters are designed for those markets where consistent grid electricity is not available. For those people who need reliable electricity in their daily life, the off-grid CyboInverter offers a cost-effective solution to allow them to capture and enjoy the solar energy readily available.”

CyboEnergy has designed the following off-grid CyboInverter models to serve the world markets based on electrical standards:

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PRODUCTS SMA Increases Performance of Decentralized Commercial PV Plants with New Three-Phase, Transformerless Inverter UL Listed Sunny Tripower TL-US Offers Design Flexibility, High Efficiency and Enhanced Safety SMA has released its best-selling inverter to the North American solar market.

The Sunny Tripower TL-US is a three-phase, transformerless inverter featuring unmatched design flexibility, high efficiency and enhanced safety, making it the ideal solution for decentralized commercial photovoltaic plants. It is available in 12, 15, 20 and 24 kilowatt models.

combined or detached connection unit, and myriad mounting configurations (vertical to 15 degrees from horizontal), further increasing design flexibility.

Safety and reliability have been enhanced with the Sunny Tripower TL-US due to its all-pole ground fault protection, integrated AFCI, reverse polarity indicator and DC monitoring per MPPT, granular down to four strings.

The Sunny Tripower TL-US delivers a future-proof solution

“With the Sunny Tripower TL-US, SMA is bringing the sophistication of its utility-scale approach to the commercial market,” said Henry Dziuba, president and general manager of SMA America and president of SMA Canada. “This innovative inverter is hugely popular and successful around the world and now solar professionals in North America have a reliable, efficient option for decentralized commercialscale PV.”

with full grid management and innovative monitoring and communications features, as well as SMA Service, technical support and plant-wide O&M availability. Also included with the Sunny Tripower 24000TL-US is SMA’s Sunny Tripower Performance Package, which ensures maximum power production and reduced investment risk, thereby providing owners and integrators with an unmatched level of confidence that their systems will perform to specification.

The Sunny Tripower TL-US is available through SMA’s new North American distribution program. To locate an SMA Authorized Distributor, solar professionals can visit SMA America’s website and click “Where to Buy” to learn more about each distribution partner.

UL listed for up to 1000 V DC maximum system voltage, the Sunny Tripower 12000TL-US/15000TLUS/20000TL-US/24000TL-US boasts peak efficiency of more than 98 percent while its OptiTrac™ Global Peak maximum power point (MPP) tracking algorithm further maximizes energy production by minimizing the effects of shade. It is suitable for both 600 V DC and 1,000 V DC applications and offers two independent MPP trackers, a

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PRODUCTS SMA Compact MV Power Platform a Turnkey Solution for Utility-Scale PV Plants Offers Simplified Installation, Reduced System Costs and Maximum Power Production SMA has introduced an improved, re-engineered version of its MediumVoltage Power Platform. The new Compact MV Power Platform is an integrated, comprehensive power conversion solution for utility-scale PV plants in the North American market. It maximizes energy production while minimizing risk to EPCs, utilities and investors.

Available in 1.0 to 1.8 megawatt models, the Compact MV Power Platform provides maximum return on investment with a reduced levelized cost of energy due to simplified installation and superior energy production. Combined with SMA’s established bankability and high reliability, the Compact MV Power Platform is a turnkey solution for utility-scale PV projects.

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“The current utility-scale solar market is showing increased demand for a more reliable, ready-to-use solution that will make investments worthwhile,” said Henry Dziuba, president and general manager of SMA America and president of SMA Canada.

“The Compact MV Power Platform is preengineered for simplified, faster installation and is designed for the best, most efficient performance. This is the solution our customers have been looking for.”

Engineered for use with the Sunny Central CP-US, this NEC 2011-compliant solution is also fully NRTL listed, an industry first. Equipped with extensive grid management functions, it offers class-leading system efficiencies of more than 97.5 percent

and provides an additional 10 percent power output at temperatures up to 25 C.

The system-oriented design of the Compact MV Power Platform includes integrated AC Disconnects and optional DC Disconnect units. Its user-friendly customer interface and easy data monitoring enhance the simplified design.

Along with the Compact MV Power Platform come extensive service offerings, including the support of SMA’s exceptional service team, access to global service infrastructure and plant-wide O&M availability.

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PRODUCTS Solar Frontier Features Slim, Lightweight Panel and High Output Panel at PV Japan Solar Frontier will feature its two newest products at PV Expo in Japan this week: Solacis neo is the world’s lightest glass substrate thin-film CIS module; SF170-S is a thin-film CIS module with an output of 170W, Solar Frontier’s highest performance mass-production module to date. Currently, these products will be offered primarily in Japan.

Solacis neo is a slim, lightweight module using Solar Frontier’s latest CIS technology. The module is just 6.5 mm thin, virtually the same as a smartphone, and weighs only 8.0 kg. This constitutes a 40% reduction in weight from previous models.

The lighter weight, advanced frameless design, increased flex tolerance, all-black appearance, and overall high quality, Madein-Japan construction make it well-suited to rooftops. Manufacturing of this new product will begin at Solar Frontier’s Miyazaki No.2 Plant in October 2013, with shipments scheduled to start in November.

The SF170-S is manufactured using cutting-edge technology at Solar Frontier’s Kunitomi Plant in Miyazaki, Japan’s largest solar module plant. CIS thin-film modules achieve high output through low-light abilities, low temperature co-efficient, increased initial output after initial exposure to sunlight, and resistance to partial shading.

Solar Frontier will also feature new mounting systems for residential use called Cross One mounting system for Solacis neo and SF series modules respectively. The new mounting system substantially reduces the number of mounting points needed to install CIS systems on roofs, without sacrificing safety and reliability. Cross One mounting

system can cut installation time by 40%, as well as reduce the load on roofs, which means a wider range of roofs can be outfitted with solar panels.

Solar Frontier is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its CIS technology since R&D began in 1993. Solar Frontier’s proprietary CIS technology, which was developed as a next-generation module technology, currently achieves energy conversion efficiency on par with crystalline silicon technology.

Thin-film CIS modules are distinguished from crystalline silicon technology by performance in real-world conditions. Their high performance has been demonstrated in field tests worldwide.

CIS thin-film modules deliver on residential market needs regarding appearance and functionality through their advanced design and performance. Solar Frontier provides customers with attractive solar energy options through aggressive R&D and improvements in mass-production technology.

High-Output Module SF170-S Model No.: SF170-S Weight :

20 kg/ module

Size :

L 1,257 mm x W 977 mm

Thickness : 35mm Main output range : 170 W

Solacis neo

High-Output Module SF170-S

Product Outline Solacis neo Model No. : SFR95-A / SFR100-A (plan) Weight :

8 kg / module

Size :

L 1,231 mm x W 638 mm

Thickness : 6.5 mm Main output range : 95 W - 100 W (plan

Picture 1

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PRODUCTS Solectria Renewables Announces the PVI 14TL and PVI 20TL Three-Phase Transformerless Inverters Solectria Renewables, LLC, a leading U.S. PV inverter manufacturer, announced the introduction of the new PVI 14TL and PVI 20TL, three-phase, transformerless, 600 VDC inverter at the Intersolar North America trade show Solectria Renewables’ PVI 14TL and PVI 20TL inverters are designed to maximize return on investment (ROI) through their lightweight design, high efficiencies, easy installation, dual MPPT zones and wide MPPT range. Integrated customized options include factory-installed webbased monitoring, DC arc-fault protection and integrated DC fused string combiner.

Utilizing these inverters in small commercial applications will reduce costs, especially the cost of additional combiners.

“Adding the transformerless, threephase string inverters is in line with our growth strategy, broadens our product portfolio and keeps us at the forefront of the PV industry,” said James Worden, CEO of Solectria Renewables. “Our PVI 50100KW line of inverters is still the best option for large commercial applications, but the three-phase string inverters are appropriate for light commercial systems, carports, tracking systems and arrays with multiple orientations.”

It Is Always Sunny At Nuevosol Nuevosol Energy, a leading turnkey mounting solutions provider with over 150 MWs of experience has ended the first quarter with 50 MWs, with a basket of diverse orders including Seasonal Tilt, Single Axis tracking, Inclined Metallic Roofs.

These include many PSU projects including BHEL 5MW tender for fixed, seasonal tilt and tracking systems.

Seasonal tilt structures are in much demand with increasing pressure on industry for maximizing output at minimal cost increase. While seasonally adjustable tilt structures were usually seen as uneconomical and maintenance intensive, Nuevosol has optimized for lower costs and minimal maintenance to make them viable. Nuevosol has provided seasonal tilt structures for more than 10 MW in various projects.

Similarly Nuevosol has come up with highly economical tracking systems which will be deployed in its upcoming projects.

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BHEL is constructing a 5 MW plant in Ranipet, and Nuevosol has won the tender for supplying mounting structures for the same, of the 5 MW there will be a 1MW single axis tracking systems.

Speaking on this CEO, Mr Himamsu says, “We have been innovating on multiple fronts of mounting systems and have been able to address all the segments. Key to innovation is optimization which we have mastered.

Also, internationally our products received appreciation and we will be exporting to Europe soon” This being the ground mounted segment, Nuevosol is the first in India to execute 5 MWs of Roof mounting systems cumulatively.

Roof top is always a specialized segment owing to the magnitude of customization and optimization involved. Nuevosol has supplied 4 MW of flat roof systems and 1 MW of inclined metallic roof mounting systems.

mounting solutions globally and carved a niche for itself. Over the years, Nuevosol has played a key role in fostering grid parity in emerging markets like India. Aluminium structures have been in use internationally for many years now. The scope of optimization in Aluminium structures to reduce costs has saturated and globally the requirement is shifting towards steel structures. The level of optimization achieved by Nuevosol in steel structures is much above the global standards, and thereby, they find a niche for themselves. Through optimization and good supply chain planning, Export of structures seems to be a viable alternative with lower costs than those being manufactured locally in Europe and US. Nuevosol, with its 50MW per month of supply and installation capabilities is all set to address to the growing demand both in domestic and international markets.

Nuevosol found demand for its Optimized

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PRODUCTS Socomec Launches New ITYS I UPS System in India SOCOMEC Innovative Power solutions, a subsidiary of France based Socomec Group announces the launch of its New ITYS I single phase UPS system range from 1000 to 3000 VA designed to ensure continuous power supply for Business IT and Industrial applications. These products are available only for Indian market.

Socomec continue to introduce innovative and reliable UPS systems that meets the market demand. The ITYS I series is a range of compact UPS systems available in 1000, 2000 and 3000 VA models. The UPS have been field tested and developed to meet the requirement of various applications such as Professional Workstations, Servers and corporate networks, Storage systems, Industrial Process automation, Security Systems, ATM and Telecom Systems.

faults, ensuring continuous power supply to the loads. Powerful battery charger models guarantee constant and reliable operation using external high capacity battery to overcome long outages.

The microprocessor control system optimizes functionality and reliability of the UPS system. USB connectivity and serial ports allows real time control and easy monitoring UPS via Windows® or Mac OS X® systems.

The auto restart function enable the operator to restart the UPS immediately even in the event of prolonged power failure. All ranges have a graphic LCD display to check the operational status of the UPS. The battery condition of the UPS can be monitored either through control panel or by using remote PC. With its stupendous features, the ITYS I not only provide reliable and continuous power, but it also creates economic benefits and unmatched value.

Simple to install and easy to use The standard models are ready to use with batteries connected and fully charged.

High availability and total protection All the models in the ITYS I range have True online double conversion technology(VFI), which assures high availability and total load protection against all possible mains quality problems. It comes with or without isolation transformer integrated into the UPS cabinet.

The permanent regulation of output voltage and frequency make ITYS I compatible with all IT and industrial applications, operating environments and when used in conjunction with a generator set. ITYS I designed to provide wide tolerance on input voltage limits the number of switchovers to battery mode that prolongs the battery life. The operator can adjust the charging current according to different configurations of battery.

The automatic bypass takes over immediately in the event of overloads or

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SolarTech Expo Spain 2013

Date: 6-7Aug-2013 Place: Valencia, Spain Organiser: Green World Conferences Tel.: +44 78 46486980 Email: dm@greenworldconferences.com

Annual Conference on Solar Business in India 2013 Date: 8-Aug-13 Place: New Delhi, Organiser: Inframarket Tel.: +91 86 55328101 Email: nanajee.rao@inframarketindia.com

Power Purchase Agreement 2013 South Africa

GulfSol 2013

Date: 20-23Aug-2013 Place: Johannesburg, South Africa Organiser: Infocus International Group Pte Ltd Tel.: +65 6325 0254 Email: lisa.tan@infocusinternational.com Web.: www.infocusinternational.com/ppa

Date: 3-5Sep-2013 Place: Dubai, UAE Organiser : Gattaca Communications Tel.: +44 20 32396759 Email: marketing@gattacaltd.com Web.: www.gulfsol.com

SEMICON Taiwan 2013

Date: 4-6Sep-2013 Place: Taipei, Taiwan Organiser: SEMI Tel.: +886 3 5601777 Email: ali@semi.org Web.: www.semicontaiwan.org

PV Project Development Africa 2013 Date: 27-28Aug-2013 Place: Johannesburg, South Africa Organiser: PV-Insider Tel.: +44 20 73757556 Email: jack@pv-insider.com Web.: www.pv-insider.com/africa

SolarTech Expo MENA 2013

Date: 18-19Aug-2013 Place: Kuwait City, Kuwait Organiser: Green World Conferences Tel.: +44 78 46486980 Email: dm@greenworldconferences.com Web.: greenworldconferences.com

Solar Energy + Technology 2013 Date: 25-29Aug-2013 Place: San Diego, California, USA Organiser: SPIE Tel.: +1 360 676 3290 Email: CustomerService@SPIE.org Web.: spie.org/solar-energy.xml

13th China Photovoltaic Conference and International Photovoltaic Exhibition Date: 5-7Sep-2013 Place: Beijng, China Organiser: Chinese Renewable Energy Society Tel.: +86 21 34280006 Email: service@newgrace.net Web.: www.ch-solar.com

SolarTech Romania 2013

Power Purchase Agreement 2013 South Africa Date: 20-23Aug-2013 Place: Johannesburg, South Africa Organiser: infocusinternational Tel.: +65 6325 0254 Email: lisa.tan@infocusinternational.com Web.: www.infocusinternational.com/ppa

The 5th Guangzhou International Solar PV Exhibition 2013 Date: 19-21Aug-2013 Place: Guangzhou, China Organiser: Guangzhou Grandeur (Hongwei)

Exhibition Services Co. Ltd Tel.: +86 20 28314758 Email: gzhw@163.com Web.: www.pvguangzhou.com

Date: 2-3Sep-2013 Place: Bucharest, Romania Organiser: Green World Conferences Tel.: +44 78 46486980 Email: dm@greenworldconferences.com Web.: http://www.greenworldconferences.com/

produkt_109_solartech_romania_2013.htm

3rd Annual Solar Power Generation South Africa

Date: 2-5Sep-2013 Place: Cape Town, South Africa Organiser: Green World Conferences Tel.: +44 20 70990600 Email: samantha.coleman@greenpowerconfer-

ences.com Web.: www.solarindaba.com

5th Annual Renewable Energy Technology Conference & Exhibition Date: 9-11Sep-2013 Place: Washington, D.C., USA Organiser: accessintel Tel.: +1 301 3541798 Email: DBrodney@accessintel.com Web.: www.retech2013.com

2013 Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo Date: 9-11Sep-2013 Place: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA Organiser: techconnect.org Tel.: +1 978 5611908 Email: cerb@techconnect.org Web.: www.ct-si.org/events/APCE2013

For Listing of your Event : Conference and events are listed free-of-charge, so please feel free to get in touch to tell us about your event. We would also be happy to provide you with free copies of magazine for distribution at your events.(while stock last). Please send your conference information to : Mr. Gourav Garg at gourav.garg@EQmag.net

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EQ International Magazine Editorial Advisory Board

K Subramanyam Former CEO Tata BP Solar

Thomas wittek Managing Director & CEO Refu Solar Electronics Pvt. Ltd.

Rabindra Kumar Satpathy President Reliance Solar

Shaji John Chief Solar Initiatives, L&T

Rajesh Bhat - Managing Director juwi India Renewable Energies Pvt Ltd

G. Kalyan Varma Country Head TUV Rheinland (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Gyanesh Chaudhary Managing Director Vikram Solar Private Limited

Gaurav Sood Managing Director Solairedirect Energy India Pvt Ltd

Ravi Khanna - CEO Solar Power Business Aditya Birla Group

Shivanand Nimbargi MD & CEO Green Infra Limited

Sunil Jain Chief Exe. Off. & Exe. Director Hero Future Energies Pvt Ltd.

Pashupathy Gopalan Managing Director MEMC-SunEdison

Inderpreet Wadhwa CEO Azure Power

Paulo Soares CFO & Director Inspira Martifer Solar Ltd

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