EQ Magazine March 2017 Edition by EQ Int'l Solar Media Group

Volume # 9 | Issue # 3 | March 2017 | Rs.5/-

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C ONTEN T

VOLUME 9 Issue # 3

47 RENEWABLE ENERGY Renewable Energy Mission Needs A Robust Grid Network

34 GOODS & SERVICES TAX GST to increase solar tariffs, boost domestic manufacturing and jobs

30 FEATURED NEWS JERA Invests $200 Million in ReNew Power

SOLAR ROOFTOP The biggest Lifted Solar Solution of 175KW for Deepak Hospital, Jalna

The data and information presented in this magazine is provided for informational purpose only.neither EQ INTERNATINAL ,Its affiliates,Information providers nor content providers shall have any liability for investment decisions based up on or the results obtained from the information provided. Nothing contained in this magazine should be construed as a recommendation to buy or sale any securities. The facts and opinions stated in this magazine do not constitute an offer on the part of EQ International for the sale or purchase of any securities, nor any such offer intended or implied

08 DISTRIBUTED SOLAR Ujjain: Mahakaleshwar Temple to be lighted by solar power

Restriction on use The material in this magazine is protected by international copyright and trademark laws. You may not modify,copy,reproduce,republish,post,transmit,or distribute any part of the magazine in any way.you may only use material for your personall,Non-Commercial use, provided you keep intact all copyright and other proprietary notices.If you want to use material for any non-personel,non commercial purpose,you need written permission from EQ International.

SOLAR PV MANUFACTURING Soon, print solar cells at the cost of a newspaper

62 SOLAR ROOFTOP

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

1st Net Metering done for 100 kW rooftop system in Jalgaon

With Mr.Ray Luiz, Country Manager -Shenzhen, Kstar New Energy Co.,Ltd, India Office

64 58

SOLAR TRACKERS The Solar Tracker BOOM Continues Despite Low Module Prices

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Interview With Mr. Sukhwinder Pal Singh, Solar Pv Director, Ingeteam

With Mr.Ran Xu,Deputy General Manager, GSOLA

51 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

With Mr.Rucas Wang, Regional Manager Asia Pacific, Growatt

PV MANUFACTURING

N-Type Bifacial Cell Technology, A Most Efficient Electricity Cost-Effective Solution

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW With Mr. Sven Kramer, Vice President Sales Solar Technology, teamtechnik Group

PV MANUFACTURING

78 41

US Solar Market Grows 95% in 2016, Smashes Records

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW With Mr. Ivan Saha, President & Chief Technological Officer, Vikram Solar

Material Innovation Reduces LCOE

USA MARKET

SOLAR ROOFTOP Do Solar IPPs in India have sufficient information when selecting a vendor for either a Fixed Tilt or a Tracker MMS?

NEWS & ANALYSIS Pg. 08-40 PRODUCT Pg. 80

DISTRIBUTED SOLAR

Ujjain: Mahakaleshwar Temple to be lighted by solar power Mahakaleswar Temple will glitter soon with power supply from an upcoming solar power plant. Temple’s huge expenses on electricity bills will be minimised after installation of the plant. It will be the first jyotirlinga temple having a power generation plant of this kind.

or this purpose NHDC Limited, a joint venture of NHPC and the state government, has allotted the tender to Aegasun Energy, Pune to install a solar power unit worth Rs 19, 46, 940. According to information, the company will be responsible for supply, installation, testing and commissioning of 35KW grid connected to the plant at Shri Mahakaleshwar Mandir and it is assumed that after installation, the temple’s electricity bills will be slashed by Rs 4 lakh. As per the terms of project completion period, the period of supply of the material at the temple will be completed in four months reckoned from the date of issue of the order and period of installation, testing, and commissioning shall be one month after scheduled supply period. According to terms of guarantee and warranty, PV modules used in the plant must be warranted for their output peak watt capacity which should not be less than 90 per cent at the end of 10 years and 80 per cent at end of 25 years. The mechanical structures, electrical works including power conditioners, inverters, charge controllers, MPPT units, distribution boards, digital metres, switchgears and overall workmanship of SPV power, plants, systems must be warranted against any manufacturing, design, installation defects, for a minimum period of 18 months from the date of delivery at the site or 12 months from the date of installation, whichever is earlier.

Union minister Piyush Goyal eases installation of power plant

Piyush Goyal Minister MNRE India

On his arrival at Mahakaleshwar Temple last year, priest Ashish Pujari had sought the attention of Union energy minister Piyush Goyal with regard to installation of a solar plant at the temple to save a big amount on electricity bills. He had said that the Union government was ready to subsidise the total cost by 50 per cent. When Ashish said he could contribute the entire fund, the minister had sought a project report from the Temple Management Committee. Source: freepressjournal

Talking to The Free Press Journal, Senior Officer of NHDC Rajeev Kumar Agrawal said 35 KW power would be generated by the power plant. 10

March 2017

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DISTRIBUTED SOLAR

Enerparc Energy announces receipt of 5.5 MWp EPC turnkey order from Technique Solaire

nerparc Energy Private Limited is glad to announce receipt of turnkey EPC project order from Technique Solaire for setting up 5.5MWp Solar Power plant at Village Maheswari, in Uttarakhand. Earlier Technique Solaire, a French company, through its Indian Subsidiary JLTM Energy India Private Limited, had won the tender held in Uttarakhand, under state policy of UREDA and signed Power Purchase Agreement with UPCL for power offtake.

“Looking at past track record of Enerparc in India with its smooth, clean and on time execution, coupled with European mind-set of quality first we decided to partner with Enerparc for execution of our very first project in India.”

Manu Bishnoi, Director, Technique Solaire, India

“With common goal of achieving completion of project in timely manner and execution of project with top of class quality – It’s a great partnership shaping up while working together with Technique Solaire”. Amit Barve, Vice President, Business Development, Enerparc Energy

Porwal Auto Components Ltd approves investment in Solar Power Plant

he Board of Porwal Auto Components Ltd has decided to invest approximately Rs. 15 Crores in Solar Power Plant for captive consumption with the capacity of 3 megawatts (MW) for which the Board has decided to avail the credit facility of approximately Rs. 10 Crores and authorised Mr. Surendra Jain Chairman and Whole Time Director, Mr. Devendra Jain Managing Director and Mr. Shailesh Jain, Chief Financial Officer of the Company jointly and/ or severally to do all the acts, deeds, matters, things and postapproval formalities for the same. Shares of PORWAL AUTO COMPONENTS LTD. was last trading in BSE at Rs.45 as compared to the previous close of Rs. 44.15. The total number of shares traded during the day was 17500 in over 139 trades. The stock hit an intraday high of Rs. 45.9 and intraday low of 44. The net turnover during the day was Rs. 780840.

DISTRIBUTED SOLAR

Statkraft BLP Solar Solutions inaugurates 5 MW solar power plant Statkraft BLP Solar Solutions, inaugurated its 5 MW solar power plant in Karnataka on 2nd March 2017. The opening of the power plant is graced by Statkraft’s corporate management, including Statkraft’s CEO, Christian Rynning-Tønnesen.

At the inauguration, Christian said “This is a proud moment for Statkraft. We do believe that solar technology is going to play an important role for India and we are excited about the possibilities.”

or this capacity, Statkraft BLP has tied up offtake agreements with three prominent clients in Karnataka. These include a five-star hotel in Bangalore, a subsidiary of a major German Industrial conglomerate and a subsidiary of a German automobile parts manufacturer. The clients will be supplied solar power under the open access mechanism. The solar plant, which was built with Statkraft’s global quality and health and safety standards, is one of the few open access solar projects to be commissioned successfully in Karnataka.

Statkraft BLP’s COO, Pratyush Thakur commented on Statkraft BLP’s vision “We are an energy partner of choice for industries and commercial units, both for operations and financing. We offer open access power, solar rooftop solutions, as well as power trading solutions in cooperation with our sister company Statkraft Markets. This gives us the unique advantage of providing both short-term power as well long-term solutions, open access as well as captive capacity.”

Statkraft BLP’s CEO, Tejpreet Singh Chopra commented on the commissioning: “With our reputation of execution and operation and the credentials of the parent companies, clients are recognizing us as dependable long-term partners. Additionally, the financial and technical strength of partners ensures timely project execution.”

Statkraft BLP Solar Solutions was incorporated as a joint venture between Norwegian state-owned utility, Statkraft, and the established Indian renewable firm, Bharat Light and Power, in November 2015. The venture has since then commissioned rooftop projects along with its first 5 MW solar plant.

He also disclosed that the company has a strong pipeline of projects in multiple states in India and several clients are in conversation to procure solar solutions.

Statkraft also owns about 300 MW hydel capacity in India in a joint venture with Bhilwara Energy. Statkraft Markets, the trading arm of the global utility, provides trading solutions to clients in India. In its endeavour to provide clean energy to the Royal Norwegian Embassy of India, Statkraft CEO, Christian Rynning-Tønnesen also signed a supply contract for International Renewable Energy Certificates from Statkraft’s joint venture asset Malana Hydro Power Plant.

On the occasion, Ambassador Nils Ragnar Kamsvåg said, “We are very proud inhabitants of a greener embassy and Statkraft contributes through the guaranteed origin of clean energy in form of International Renewable Energy Certificates (IRECs)”.

March 2017

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Aditya Birla Group, Lotus Renewables to launch $100m clean energy fund Aditya Birla Group along with Lotus Renewables is set to launch a $100 million Global Clean Energy Fund targeted at developing countries in Asia, including India, as well as Australia. “Currently we are looking Asia and Australia as a market to start with . We have identified markets like India, Srilanka, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam etc,” K Gowri Shankar, Director, Lotus Renewables told DEALSTREETASIA

he Global Clean Energy Fund, which will be managed by Singapore-based Aditya Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company Pte Ltd, will invest in assets that generate clean energy. It will provide debt and equity financing to small and medium-sized clean energy projects across the globe. The fund will typically work on a pipeline of projects seeking investment pre-construction in sectors such as small hydro, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, energy storage and smart grids. It will also look at investing in distressed assets that suit its portfolio profile. The vehicle will have strategic partners in the regions they are targeting. “We will appoint an independent local consultants for doing due- diligence before our investment committee’s evaluation,” said Shankar The fund is expected to make its first close at $30 million in the next two months with the target of closing the $100 million fund by the end of December, he added. Lotus Renewable Energy Group is a multinational renewable energy company with its operations across

India, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Australia. It provides Solar photovoltaic solutions and also owns and runs mini Hydro power plants. The company will be putting an initial investment of $5 million, said Shankar. “We are targeting clean energy assets that can generate long term consistent return. We are targeting $ return of above 8 %,” he added. With governments turning their focus to renewable energy, the sector has also caught the fancy of investors.It was recently reported that CDC Group Plc, the UK government’s development finance institution, is planning to set up its own renewable energy platform focussed on east India and neighbouring countries. Last year, Australia also announced the launch of the AU$20 million ($15 million) Clean Energy Seed Fund (CESF), which will provide seed and angel funding to ventures developing clean energy solutions. In India, Asset management firm IDFC Alternatives Ltd announced in September last year to float a separate platform to hold its renewable energy assets.

“As we are looking small and medium scaled project which are not concentrated by large renewable players. The fund will have an attractive return and we feel this will de-risk the portfolio by diversification,” said Shankar. Source:dealstreetasia

Moody’s assign Ba3 rating to secured USD notes by Neerg Energy

M 14

March 2017

oody’s has assigned the stable Ba3 rating to the senior secured USD notes issued by Neerg Energy Ltd to the senior secured notes issued by Neerg Energy. “We have assigned a first-time Ba3 rating to the senior secured USD notes issued by Neerg Energy Ltd (the Issuer). The rating outlook is stable,” the rating agency said in a statement. According to the statement, the issuer’s credit quality is closely linked to that of the seven operating companies that together form the restricted group, which in turn is owned by Renew Power Ventures Pvt Ltd (RPVPL, unrated) – Such linkage is established because Neerg will be the holder of Masala bonds that will be issued by the companies within the restricted group and supported by cash flows from the restricted group. Holders of the USD notes that was issued by Neerg have a first ranking charge over the Masala bonds. On February 7 2017, Neerg has issued USD 475 million, which

includes a slight top-up on the amount previously estimated for the issuance, it said. While this decreases the amount of headroom, it is manageable within the Ba3 rating. The Ba3 rating is underpinned by a diverse set of long-term contracts that provide stable cash flows, have low operating risks and are comprised predominantly of wind and solar energy projects, it said. The restricted group’s cash flows draw from 12 different projects spread across five states in India. Neerg Energy Ltd, which is the issuer of the senior secured USD notes, is held by a trust and its ownership is not linked to RPVPL or its subsidiaries. Using the proceeds from the USD notes issuance, Neerg will subscribe to the Masala bonds issued by the specified seven operating entities of RPVPL and which together form the restricted group. The seven restricted subsidiaries have a capacity of 504 MW in wind and solar power plants Source:moneycontrol and are domiciled in India..

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DISTRIBUTED SOLAR

BEML inaugurates 200 KW rooftop solar project in Mysore

tate-run BEML announced inauguration of a 200 KW gridconnected rooftop solar project in Mysore. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the installation and commissioning of the rooftop solar project, BEML inches towards achieving the target of utilising 100 percent renewable energy for captive consumption,â&#x20AC;? the company said in a statement. As part of its renewable energy drive, BEML had set up a 5 mw windmill project in Karnataka which is generating power since 2007. In addition, it also set up 18 mw windmill project in Koppal and Bagalkot districts in Karnataka from which 9 MW electricity is being produced. A 9 MW project is also under commissioning stage. With this, the total commissioned renewable energy capacity will be 23.2 MW which would meet the total power requirement of the PSU, it said.

Amplus partners Snapdeal for 1 MW rooftop solar project

mplus Energy Solutions said it has signed a Rs 5-crore deal with e-commerce firm Snapdeal to install 1 MW rooftop solar projects. Under the pact, Amplus will set up rooftop solar plants warehouses of Vulcan Express, the captive logistics unit of Snapdeal, across various locations, it said in statement. Gurgaon based Snapdeal plans to reduce its CO2 emissions by 34,500 MT or reduce consumption of 2,55,000 barrels of crude oil which will be equivalent to planting 43,000 trees in India with this association. Amplus is looking to expand its geographic footprint in India and hire resources. It currently employs more than 100 people with offices in 5 major cities of the country. Source:PTI

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DISTRIBUTED SOLAR

Northeast region adopts renewable energy to overcome power crisis

‘Delhi secretariat saves Rs 1 cr by using solar power’

A 40 kilowatt solar power plant was recently inaugurated in Assam’s Jorhat city with an aim to utilize the energy resources. In 2015, the then government of Assam sanctioned 50 lakh rupees to encourage solar power generation in the area.

The Delhi government has saved over Rs 1 crore in the last one year by running the Delhi secretariat on solar power, a senior official said.

he North-east region produces surplus power as compare to the demand. However, the surplus energy will be distributed to other parts of the country. Many solar power plant projects in the northeast are in pipeline, targeting to reach almost every household in the region. The Central government has been promoting clean energy under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission. It targets deploying 20,000 MW of grid connected solar power by 2022 and is aimed at reducing the cost of solar power generation in the country. In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with French President Francois Hollande launched an International Solar Alliance on the sidelines of the Climate Summit held in Paris. In January 2016, PM Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande laid the foundation stone for the headquarters of the International Solar Alliance in Gwal Pahari in Haryana. As India is heading towards renewable based energy, more emphasis is now being given on solar, wind and other clear energy sources. The Northeastern states will play a major role in the production of clean energy in the country. Source:ANI

March 2017

he 1 megawatt facility at the Indraprastha is covering 20 per cent of the Players Building where the headquarters of Delhi government is housed. “We are planning to increase the capacity to 3 MW’s which will power the entire building,” the official said.

at IP power “Solar panels rovide 1 MW p h station whic Delhi Secreto er solar pow in t Secretariat tariat, the firs solar power.” n India to run o a,

Sha rm - N agenda r vern men t go lhi De , Spokesperson id th is In a Tweet) (H e sa Source:PTI

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Petron Group & PLG Clean Energy Announce Strategic Partnership to Fund $165 Million Into Solar Projects in South Asia

etron Group LLP., a leading private equity firm specializing in renewable energy, and a South Asian developer, and owner of solar parks, recently announced a new strategic partnership to fund solar projects in South Asia with a total capital commitment from Petron Group of 215 Million dollars.As part of this partnership, Petron will invest $165 million in the construction of approximately 170 megawatts AC of solar projects in South India.Petron has allocated an additional $50 million for secondary market opportunities in Nigeria and Cameroon, subject to due diligence and other necessary approvals. Beyond this capital commitment, both parties have agreed in principle to collaborate on identifying and acquiring suitable renewable Energy assets.

“We are delighted to be working with a leading specialized private equity fund that has in depth experience in the renewable submarket,” said Kiran Patil, MD of PLG (BS Group Company) “We believe PLG will benefit from Petron’s long tenure as an investor in the renewable energy sector and unmatched industry experience in this strategic partnership.” “We are excited about our partnership with PLG, a company with deep power development expertise throughout South Asia,” said Isaac Udotong, Managing Partner of Petron Group. “They have developed a portfolio of high-quality assets in India, and we expect to see tremendous growth in this region over the next couple years, So this is an excellent addition to our portfolios.”

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Sebi to finalise norms for Green Bonds post MNRE comments

Capital markets regulator Sebi will soon finalise its guidelines for listing of Green Bonds, which would facilitate raising of funds for investment in renewable energy space, after incorporating comments from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

ver a year ago, Sebi’s board had approved detailed draft norms for issuance and listing of Green Bonds in the stock market to help meet the huge financing requirements worth USD 2.5 trillion for climate change actions in India by 2030. However, the final guidelines are hanging in balance since then for want of certain inputs from the government side, a senior official said. Green bonds can be key to help meet an ambitious target India has of building 175 gigawatt of renewable energy capacity by 2022, which will require a massive estimated funding of USD 200 billion.

“Sebi had sent a draft of the proposed guidelines to Ministry of Finance for their comments. After discussion with concerned departments, the Finance Ministry had forwarded comments of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to the markets regulator. “However, Sebi was informed that the MNRE’s comments were still awaited and would be forwarded to the markets regulator immediately upon receipt of the same,” the official said. Subsequently, Sebi also sent reminders to MNRE for their comments on the matter, he said, while adding that there now appears to be some progress on this front and the regulator would finalise the guidelines for green bonds soon. The new norms would also help the investors take informed investment

decisions and bring in uniformity in the disclosure requirements, Sebi had said in a statement in January last year after its board approved the proposal in this regard. Financing needs of renewable energy space in the country requires new channels to be explored, which can also help in reducing the cost of the capital. Sebi had decided on the new norms after taking into account public comments to a draft paper issued by the regulator in this regard in December 2015. Issuance and listing of green bonds will be governed by the Sebi regulations for debt securities but the issuer of green bonds will have to make incremental disclosures. These norms would also provide for requirement of independent third party reviewer, certifier or validator for reviewing, certifying and validating the pre-issuance and post-issuance process, including project evaluation and selection criteria. However, this has been kept optional. The issuer will have to provide the details of systems and procedures to be employed for tracking the proceeds, the investments made and earmarked for eligible projects. The same would need to be verified by external auditors. A green bond is like any other bond where a debt instrument is issued by an entity for raising funds from investors. However, what differentiates a green bond from other bonds is that the proceeds of a Green Bond offering are ‘ear-marked’ for use towards financing green projects. As of now, there are no standard norms for green bonds. According to Sebi, green bonds can help enhance an issuer’s reputation and attract a wider investor base, while benefiting the issuers in terms of better pricing of their bonds compared to a regular bond. Source:PTI

March 2017

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FEATURED NEWS

Hon’ble President of India Inaugurates Jakson Solar Power Plant at Rashtrapati Bhawan Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated a 508 kWp rooftop solar power plant at Rashtrapati Bhawan, installed and commissioned by Jakson Group.

his rooftop solar power plant will help generate approximately 7.41 lakh units of green electricity every year and provide power for the electricity needs of the President’s Estate. The installed solar plant will incorporate net metering system for exporting surplus power generated by the plant. A total of 1614 solar panels of 315 Wp, manufactured by Jakson at its state-of-the-art solar module manufacturing plant in Greater Noida power have been installed at the project site to generate the requisite power. In addition to turnkey engineering, procurement and construction services for the project, Jakson will also provide annual operations and maintenance service to the plant for 5 years.

IFC Makes Rs 100 Crores (US$15 Mn) Investment in CleanMax Solar International Finance Corporation (IFC) is planning to invest $15 million in Clean Max Equity. The fund infusion will support company’s plan to set up solar projects of upto 250 MW capacity over the next three years. The proposed transaction is a quasi-equity investment in Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions (CMES).

March 2017

“Jakson is amongst the top two players in the solar rooftop EPC segment in India. In the past few years we have delivered some of the most challenging and innovative solar rooftop EPC solutions in the country that include rooftop solar powered coaches for the Indian Railways and non-evasive solar rooftop plant at the Yamuna Sports Complex in Delhi amongst others. The Rashtrapati Bhawan project is another feather in our cap” said Sundeep Gupta, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Jakson Group.

“We are proud to be associated with such a prestigious project. With our expertise and engineering capabilities in solar EPC projects, we were able to complete this project in record time. It reaffirms our expertise in delivering complex solar EPC projects on time,” added Mr. Sameer Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, Jakson Group.

IFC will invest up to $15 million in compulsorily convertible debentures, said the World Bank’s investment arm. “An IFC investment would act as a stamp of approval for future fund raises. IFC is expected to mobilise co-investment from other investors,” said IFC. T is a renewable energy service company providing solar solutions for commercial and industrial customers in India through both on-site and off-site facilities. Clean Max plans on commissioning more than 250 MW of solar projects over the next three years.The proceeds of the IFC investment will be used to fund the construction of the proposed solar projects. The proceeds of the IFC investment will be used to fund the construction of green field solar projects across India.The company will setup new renewable energy based generation capacity to meet the increasing demand for power in the country and in the process will help reduce GHG emission intensity. The project will help early stage renewable energy company to develop its business and thereby have a signalling effect on the market for other businesses, according to company’s disclosure.

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FEATURED NEWS

Cabinet approves enhancement of capacity from 20,000 MW to 40,000 MW of the Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects

he enhanced capacity would ensure setting up of at least 50 solar parks each with a capacity of 500 MW and above in various parts of the country. Smaller parks in Himalayan and other hilly States where contiguous land may be difficult to acquire in view of the difficult terrain, will also be considered under the scheme. The capacity of the solar park scheme has been enhanced after considering the demand for additional solar parks from the States.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, approved the enhancement of capacity from 20,000 MW to 40,000 MW of the Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects.

The Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects will be set up by 2019-20 with Central Government financial support of Rs.8100 crore. The total capacity when operational will generate 64 billion units of electricity per year which will lead to abatement of around 55 Mn. tonnes of CO2 per year over its life cycle. It would also contribute to long term energy security of the country and promote ecologically sustainable growth by reduction in carbon emissions and carbon footprint, as well as generate large direct & indirect employment opportunities in solar and allied indus-

tries like glass, metals, heavy industrial equipment etc. The solar parks will also provide productive use of abundant uncultivable lands which in turn facilitate development of the surrounding areas. All the States and UTs are eligible for benefits under the scheme. The State Government will first nominate the Solar Power Park Developer (SPPD) and also identify the land for the proposed solar park. It will then send a proposal to MNRE for approval along with the name of the SPPD. The SPPD will then be sanctioned a grant of upto Rs.25 Lakh for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Solar Park. Thereafter, Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of up to Rs. 20 lakhs/MW or 30 percent of the project cost including Grid-connectivity cost, whichever is lower, will be released as per the milestones prescribed in the scheme. Solar Energy Corporation India (SECI) will administer the scheme under the direction of MNRE. The approved grant will be released by SECI. The solar parks will be developed in collaboration with State Governments/ UTs. The State Governments/UTs are required to select the SPPD for developing and maintaining the solar parks. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is already implementing a scheme for development of at least 25 solar parks with an aggregate capacity of 20,000 MW, which was launched in December 2014. As on date, 34 solar parks of aggregate capacity 20,000 MW have been approved which are at variSource:pib ous stages of development.

LONGi-LERRI Solar Named Tier One by Bloomberg LERRI Solar, a world leading monocrystalline solar module manufacturer headquartered in Xi’an, China, has been named a Tier One supplier by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).

NEF’s classification is based on demonstrating significant non-recourse project finance deals that have successfully closed. i.e., becoming a Tier One company, per BNEF, requires a significant track record of commercial acceptance by

March 2017

investment institutions. Further more, per BNEF, “one of the characteristics of a tier 1 manufacturer is transparency and good data availability.” BNEF provides its list of Tier One producers, updated quarterly, to companies who subscribe to BNEF’s Solar Insight Service.

According to Mr. Richard For, LONGi-LERRI Solar’s Head of Overseas Business, “We are pleased to kick off 2017 with being named a Tier One module supplier by the prestigious Bloomberg organization. This is another milestone for the LONGi-LERRI Group and demonstrates market acceptance of our high quality and high efficiency monocrystalline modules.” Based on manufacturing capacity, LERRI Solar ranks in the top quarter of all manufacturers on BNEF’s Tier One list. Source:prnewswire

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FEATURED NEWS

Drama unfolds in wind

Mr. Sunil Jain, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Hero Future Energies

The first ever wind bidding by state-run Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI) for 1000 MW. In the SECI tender for 1 GW wind power, bidders were allowed to locate projects in the state of their choice and most have opted for Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.

ebruary 2017, every player of the Indian wind industry geared up for real action which continued till wee hours of Friday. In the first ever wind bidding by state-run Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI) for 1000 MW bidders were allowed to locate projects in the state of their choice and most have opted for Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. We congratulate the winners and are sure that comparatively they possess all right rationale and better knowhow / cost economics sense on desired returns to equity investors. While I believe every tariff is viable when you invest in a project. But the term ‘viability’ in renewables has assumed a new definition recently. It is time come to a consensus what should be the viable IRR for renewable projects in India? What is baffling me today is how the nightlong action packed thriller resulting in tariffs as low as Rs 3.46 can be considered as ‘investor friendly’ or ‘discom friendly’ tariff? Surprisingly, only a few months back majority of wind developers were fighting to improve the tariff of Rs 4.19 with regulators in Gujarat, which was ‘then’ considered quite

MP project shows cost competitiveness of solar energy: Icra With the solar tariffs falling to Rs 3.3 per unit for a 25-year PPA for the 750 MW Rewa Ultra Mega Solar project in Madhya Pradesh, rating agency ICRA said the cost competitiveness of solar against both alternate renewable as well as conventional energy sources has improved. The Rewa project is a 50:50 JV between Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikash Nigam and Solar Energy Corp of India (SECI).

“This is the lowest discovered tariff through a reverse auction based bidding route for grid connected utility scale solar PV project in India. This signifies a major improvement in the cost competitiveness of solar energy against both alternate renewable as well as conventional energy sources,” ICRA Ratings Senior Vice President and Group Head Sabyasachi Majumdar said. 26

March 2017

“Viability of such tariff for project developer from its credit perspective will be critically dependent upon the availability of long tenure debt (of upto 18-20 year post project completion date) at cost competitive rate as well as more importantly, its ability to keep the cost of PV modules within the budgeted levels,” he said.

ased on an assumption of a capital cost of Rs 4.6 crore per MW and PLF of 21 per cent, ICRA estimates cumulative average debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) over debt tenure of 18 year at 1.25 times and project IRR at below 10 per cent, for a project with a levellised bid tariff of Rs 3.3 per unit.

low, not to mention that 50 paisa GBI was available over and above this tariff. At the above tariffs did the projects actually look unviable then, even when Gujarat discom is ‘A’ rated or will the recently bid wind projects be viable now? The power offtake is guaranteed in both cases. But I am sure people who have won this bid have figured a smarter way out as developers will not put up projects to lose money. Another interesting twist in this drama is that some turbine manufacturers themselves have also bid for quite low tariffs. My immediate thoughts are: Has the turbine prices crashed by 15 – 20 per cent in those 24 hours? What is the logical justification of their past project costs based on IRRs viz a vis new pricing to clients based on tariffs. Have they embraced the changing realities? However, ‘The End’ of this thriller is on a positive note where wind has competed with solar on ‘paisa’ to ‘paisa’ basis and is likely to give thermal a run for money. Let us wait for this blockbuster to perform at the box office. In my opinion the winners areA Renewables B- Government C- Environment. Source:ET

“Thus, any deviation in project parameters and cost assumptions may have an adverse impact on project returns and debt service ratios,” Majumdar said. With competitive bidding route adopted for award of solar projects and fall in PV module price levels, cost competitiveness of bid tariff has thus significantly improved as evident in decline from Rs 6.5 per unit in 2014 to Rs 5 in 2016, and further to Rs 3.3. Against this, average feed-in tariff for wind energy and competitively bid thermal tariff (last 24 month period) remains at Rs 4.8 per unit and Rs 4?5 per cent, respectively. “With policy focus on promotion of solar capacity and improved cost competitiveness, the Rewa project bidding will provide impetus on pace of awards by nodal agencies in solar park mode in other states, given the favorable tariff for the procurers who may be either distribution utilities or bulk/ open access consumers,” he said. Majumdar said while deemed generation clause for grid non-availability has been considered in the Rewa project bid for the first time, any similar measure at policy level if approved by the government so as to provide a compensation against loss of generation due to back-down/grid availability constraints, would remain a positive development for the wind and solar energy sector, given the incidences of back-down seen in a few states in the recent past. Source:ICRA

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INDIA

ArcelorMittal plans solar farm on steel plant land in Karnataka In view of excess capacity of steel world-wide and uncertainty in iron ore availability locally, ArcelorMittal is exploring the possibility of utilizing the land in Karnataka for establishment of a solar farm.

rcelorMittal India has received possession certificates for 2,659 acres of private land following the acquisition of 1,827 acres and 832 acres in December 2011 and October 2012, respectively, it said. A balance of 136.33 acres owned by the Karnataka government is being processed for allocation, it said. Setting up of the solar park will contribute to the mitigation of Karnataka’s power crisis and participation in the National Solar Energy mission of the government of India.

“In this regard, the company has sought the state government’s permission to set up a solar farm of up to 600 MW. “The state government is considering ArcelorMittal’s proposal and the company is hopeful of receiving a favorable response to the proposal,” it said. orld’s largest steelmaker ArcelorMittal may set up a solar farm on land alloted to it for the proposed 6 MT Karnataka project in view of excess global steel capacity and delays in securing raw materials. The company had entered into a pact with Karnataka government for setting up a 6 million tonnes (MT) steel plant with a captive 750 MW power plant at an estimated investment of $6.5 billion. “In view of excess capacity of steel world-wide and uncertainty in iron ore availability locally, the company is also exploring the possibility of utilizing the land in Karnataka for the establishment of a solar farm for generating solar energy,” the global steel giant has said in its latest report.

The NRI billionaire Lakshmi Mittal - led company in June 2010 had signed an MoU with the Karnataka government to set up a 6 MTPA greenfield project at Kuditini in Bellary, Karnataka. After failing for over a decade to set up plants at Odisha and Jharkhand, ArcelorMittal had signed the pact with Karnataka government for the plant but the same is yet to take off. While the company is facing raw material security issues in Karnataka, the projects in Jharkhand and Odisha were marred by delays. Source:PTI

NTPC commissions 115 MW capacity at Bhadla solar project State-run power producer NTPC said It has commissioned 115 MW capacity out of 260 MW of Bhadla Solar Power Project. “With this, the installed capacity of NTPC’s solar power projects touches 475 MW.

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he total installed capacity of NTPC on standalone basis has become 41,177 MW and that of NTPC group has become 48,143 MW,” NTPC said in a BSE filing today. NTPC has planned capacity addition of about 1,000 MW through renewable resources by 2017. In this endeavour, NTPC has already commissioned 310 MW solar PV projects. The 50 MW Solar PV at Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh, 260 MW Solar PV at Bhadla in Rajasthan and 250 MW Solar PV at Mandsar in Madhya Pradesh and 8 MW Small Hydro Projects are under implementation, as per the company’s portal. NTPC intends to become a 130 GW company upto 2032 with a with diversified fuel mix and a 600 billion units company in terms of genera-

tion. The company wants share of renewable energy (including hydro) to be 28 per cent. Last year in January, solar power tariff had dropped to a new low, with Finland-based energy firm Fortum Finnsurya Energy quoting Rs 4.34 a unit to bag the mandate to set up a 70-MW solar plant under NTPC’s Bhadla Solar Park tender. Earlier this month, lower capital expenditure and cheaper credit had pulled down solar tariff to a new low of Rs 2.97 per unit in an auction conducted for 750 MW capacity in Rewa Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh. In November 2015, the tariff had touched Rs 4.63 per unit following aggressive bidding by US-based SunEdison, the world’s biggest developer of renewable energy power plants. Source:PTI

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INDIA

NTPC installs Robotic Dry Cleaning System for Solar PV Plant at NTPC Dadri Robotic Dry Cleaning System for Solar panels at Solar PV plant at NTPC Dadri was inaugurated by Shri A. K. Jha, Director (Technical), NTPC Limited in presence of Shri D.K. Sood, RED (DBF) & ED (CSR/R&R) and Shri S. K. Sinha, GGM (Dadri) and other senior officials of NTPC.

The system is first of its kind in India having several unique features such as robo operation with seasonal tilt, energy independency, remote monitoring & management, self-cleaning mechanism etc. which makes it suitable for remote solar sites.The system aims at conserving water along side reducing power generation loss due to soiling to the extent of 3-4%. Source:ntpc

Revision of capacities RfS for 750 MW in Bhadla Solar Park, RJ under NSM Ph-II, B-IV

his has reference to the RfS documents issued for DCR and Open Categories in Bhadla Phase-III and Bhadla Phase-IV Solar Parks in Rajasthan under NSM Phase-II, Batch-IV, vide RfS Nos. SECI/NSM/ P-2/B-4/RfS/RJ/112016/Bhadla-III Dated: 08 November 2016, SECI/NSM/P-2/B-4/RfS/RJ/112016/ Bhadla-IV Dated: 08 November 2016, SECI/NSM/ P-2/B-4/RfS/RJ/012017/Bhadla-III/A Dated: 25 Jan 2017 and SECI/NSM/P-2/B-4/RfS/RJ/112016/ Bhadla-IV Dated: 25 Jan 2017. The tendered capacity under DCR category vide RfS Nos. SECI/NSM/P-2/B-4/RfS/ RJ/012017/Bhadla-III/A Dated: 25 Jan 2017 and SECI/NSM/P-2/B-4/RfS/RJ/112016/Bhadla-IV Dated: 25 Jan 2017 here by stands terminated.

Accordingly, the tendered capacities for the RfS under Open Category have been restored to 500 MW and 250 MW in Bhadla Phase-III and Phase-IV Solar Parks respectively. The respective Corrigenda to the above RfS have been uploaded on TCIL website. TSCs l 500 MW capacity in Bhadla Ph-III (Open): SECI-2017-TN000053 l 250 MW capacity in Bhadla Ph-IV (Open): SECI-2016-TN000054 l 100 MW capacity in Bhadla Ph-III (DCR): SECI-2017-TN000002 l 50 MW capacity in Bhadla Ph-IV (DCR): SECI-2017-TN00000 Source:SECI

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FEATURED NEWS

JERA Invests $200 Million in ReNew Power ReNew Power Ventures Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading renewable energy independent power producer, recently announced an equity fund raise of $200 million for a 10 percent stake in the company through the subscription of newly issued shares by JERA Co., Inc. (“JERA”), a leading Japanese power company with a global presence. Following the company’s founding six years ago, this latest investment round now values ReNew Power at $2 billion. JERA is a joint venture between two of Japan’s largest utilities companies, Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. and Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.

s one of the world’s leading energy firms its capabilities expand across in the entire energy supply chain, from participation in LNG and other fuel resource projects and fuel procurement, through fuel transportation to power generation. JERA currently operates approximately 6 GW of energy assets globally across North America, the Middle East and SE Asia. This investment in ReNew Power, marks its first entry into India’s energy sector.

Yuji Kakimi, President of JERA, said, “As a ReNew Power shareholder, we will seek to contribute to the company by making available technical, operational, project development, and management experience gained through our global power businesses. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with ReNew Power and making a positive contribution to India’s economic growth and environmental sustainability by leveraging and augmenting ReNew Power’s success in developing its renewable energy capacity.” Founded in 2011 by Sumant Sinha and funded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS), who remains the majority shareholder, ReNew Power is committed to leading a change in the country’s current energy portfolio by delivering cleaner and smarter energy choices and thereby reducing India’s carbon footprint. The company as an independent power producer creates value through reliable and efficient generation of non-conventional power through innovation in solar and wind power solutions. Prior to this investment by JERA, in addition to Goldman Sachs, existing world-class investors include the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Asian Development Bank and Global Environmental Fund.

March 2017

Sumant Sinha, Chairman and CEO of ReNew Power said, “We are delighted that JERA has chosen to enter the Indian renewable energy sector by investing in our ever-expanding and fast-growing company. Their belief and investment in us further reinforces our capabilities and commitment towards changing the future of India through transforming our country’s energy landscape. ReNew Power will continue to focus on developing sustainable and innovative solar and wind energy solutions and investing in high-quality projects to create positive returns for our stakeholders.” Ankur Sahu, co-Head of private equity in Asia at Goldman Sachs, said, “An investment from a preeminent organization like JERA is an important corporate milestone. From our first round of funding to found the company just six years ago, ReNew Power has successfully grown to become one of the largest, fastest-growing and well-funded renewable energy companies in India. As the company embarks on its next phase of growth, on behalf of all existing shareholders, we welcome JERA as our latest strategic partner.” In April 2016, ReNew Power became the first company in India to achieve 1 GW of commissioned wind and solar energy capacity. In November 2016, the company was mandated to install 5 MW of renewable energy capacity across India for state-owned Indian Railways and emerged as the largest winner of the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s roof top auction, where 10 percent of the total capacity of 500 MW was won. Today, ReNew Power has a commissioned capacity of 1.5 GW with an additional 1.8 GW of assets under construction across India.

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FEATURED NEWS

JinkoSolar and Marubeni Corporation Enter Into Power Purchase Agreement for Sweihan Photovoltaic Independent Power Project in Abu Dhabi JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., a global leader in the photovoltaic (“PV”) industry, recently announced that a consortium consisting of JinkoSolar and Marubeni Corporation (“Marubeni”) have entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”) with the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company (“ADWEC”) for the Solar PV Independent Power Project (the “Project”) located at Sweihan, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

special purpose company jointly owned by JinkoSolar, Marubeni, and the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (“ADWEA”) will construct, operate and maintain the PV plant for the duration of the 25-year PPA. The project will be located in the Eastern Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, approximately 120 km east of the city of Abu Dhabi in Sweihan and will have the capacity of 1,177 MW (DC). All power generated will be sold to ADWEC, a wholly owned entity of the ADWEA. The Project’s financial agreements are expected to close in April 2017 with commercial operation expected to begin in 2019.

“We are excited to be a part of the significant milestone project to co-develop with ADWEC and Marubeni. The execution of the PPA demonstrates our strong technical skills, reliable high-efficiency products and development capabilities,” commented Mr. Xiande Li, Chairman of JinkoSolar. “We are proud of making a significant contribution to the development of the solar industry in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”

“Today’s important milestone is a highly significant event for both the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and also for the global Solar PV market. Not only will the Project, once constructed, be the world’s largest single utility scale solar PV plant, but the price of net electrical energy that we have agreed to today is one of the most competitive prices seen to date in the Solar PV industry,” commented H.E Abdullah Ali Musleh Al Ahbabi, Chairman of ADWEA.

PV MANUFACTURING

Monocrystal introduces new PERC aluminum paste specially designated for a dot laser pattern

Soon, print solar cells at the cost of a newspaper Printing solar cells may soon be as easy and inexpensive as printing a newspaper, thanks to researchers who have cleared a critical manufacturing hurdle in the development of a new class of solar devices. This alternative solar technology could lead to low-cost, printable solar panels capable of turning nearly any surface into a power generator, researchers said.

“Economies of scale have greatly reduced the cost of silicon manufacturing. Perovskite solar cells can enable us to use techniques already established in the printing industry to produce solar cells at very low cost. Potentially, perovskites and silicon cells can be married to improve efficiency further, but only with advances in low-temperature processes,” said Ted Sargent from University of Toronto in Canada.

oday, virtually all commercial solar cells are made from thin slices of crystalline silicon which must be processed to a very high purity. It is an energy-intensive process, requiring temperatures higher than 1,000 degrees Celsius and large amounts of hazardous solvents. In contrast, perovskite solar cells depend on a layer of tiny crystals – each about 1,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair – made of low-cost, light-sensitive materials. Since the perovskite raw materials can be mixed into a liquid to form a kind of solar ink, they could be printed onto glass, plastic or other materials using a simple inkjet printing process. However, until now, there has been a catch – in order to generate electricity, electrons excited by solar energy must be extracted from the crystals so they can flow through a circuit. That extraction happens in a special layer called the electron selective layer (ESL). The difficulty of manufacturing a good ESL has been one of the key challenges holding back the development of perovskite solar cell devices.

“The most effective materials for making ESLs start as a powder and have to be baked at high temperatures, above 500 degrees Celsius. You can not put that on top of a sheet of flexible plastic or on a fully fabricated silicon cell – it will just melt,” Tan said. Tan and his colleagues developed a new chemical reaction than enables them to grow an ESL made of nanoparticles in solution, directly on top of the electrode. While heat is still required, the process always stays below 150 degrees Celsius, much lower than the melting point of many plastics. The new nanoparticles are coated with a layer of chlorine atoms, which helps them bind to the perovskite layer on top – this strong binding allows for efficient extraction of electrons. Researchers reported the efficiency of solar cells made using the new method at 20.1 per cent.

onocrystal, a leading global supplier of PV metallization pastes and synthetic sapphire, recently announced the launch of its new EFX-9X series aluminum metallization paste for Passivated Emitter Rear Contact (PERC) solar cells, specially designed for a dot laser pattern. New optimized paste content does not damage a passivation layer, and brings up to 17% higher local contact efficiency, compared to our previous EFX-series pastes. This results in overall cell efficiency gain up to 0.1%. Furthermore, the new product provides 30% lower consumption as compared to the market average, while maintaining high conductivity of an aluminum layer. EFX-9X series is an advanced solution for a dot laser pattern delivering our customers an excellent PERC solar cell performance.

“In the light of current market trends and the growing demand for high-efficiency solar products we are striving to provide our customers with high-end solutions, such as a dot laser pattern for PERC solar cells. We are continuously upgrading our EFX-series metallization PERC-package in order to allow our customers maximize their product efficiency and production yields”, commented Vyacheslav Golovin, CTO of Monocrystal Pastes Division.

Source:PTI

March 2017

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GOODS & SERVICES TAX

GST to increase solar tariffs, boost domestic manufacturing and jobs solar sector could see tariffs rise by nearly 10% if current tax exemptions were curtailed in the roll out of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), according to a study released by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).

ultiple GST rates and their uncertain applicability to different equipments and services for solar projects is a growing concern from solar project developers and investors. GST could also impact the pace of the second phase of solar park development for additional 20,000 MW capacity announced in the recent Budget. The key contributors to the increase in solar tariffs, as a result of GST, would include increase in operations and maintenance cost, panel costs, and financing costs. The increase in solar tariffs would also vary across states; higher for states such as Rajasthan where VAT and Entry Tax exemptions are currently provided for solar equipment, as opposed to Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat where VAT and Entry Tax exemptions are not provided. The CEEW study also finds that GST will give a boost to the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, improving competitiveness of Indian manufacturers of solar cells, panels and modules eliminate the cascading effect of the existing tax structure and introduce an input tax credit. Increased competitiveness of domestic solar manufacturers could create an additional 37000 new jobs in the solar manufacturing sector by 2022.

Even as India celebrates record low solar tariffs, the CEEW study finds that GST could possibly increase capital cost of a solar project by INR 4.5 million per megawatt if current tax exemptions were curtailed, setting back the sector in terms of cost competitiveness by about eighteen months. Solar project developers have approached the government with requests to ensure that the current tax exemptions applicable to the sector continue so as to not negatively impact the efforts to achieve grid parity. The government currently collects less than 0.1% of its total indirect tax collection from the solar sector.

March 2017

“With the annual solar power capacity addition expected to be more than 12 GW in 2017-18, it is vital that major hurdles for deployment, such as the potential impact of GST on the sector, be ironed out as early as possible. GST offers many long term benefits, but the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) and other related agencies must provide clear guidelines regarding the applicable GST slab for upcoming solar power projects and introduce government mechanisms to offset the short term negative impacts of GST. If current tax exemptions are curtailed, the impact of the increase in solar tariffs could be partially offset by policy instruments, such as Accelerated Depreciation benefits or Viability Gap Funding for projects incurring increased capital investments.”

- Dr. Arunabha Ghosh, CEO, CEEW

The recent Budget has already benefitted domestic solar manufacturers with the reduction of basic customs duty to nil for tempered glass used in the manufacture of solar cells, panels and modules and the reduction of countervailing duty from 12.5 percent to 6 percent for parts used in the manufacture of tempered glass which is used in solar PV cells, modules, etc. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced last month that the GST may be implemented on 1 July 2017.

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PV MANUFACTURING

Jolywood’s 2.1GW Strong demand for MB PERC Mono-Si Bifacial upgrade cell technology continues N-Type Cell Factory to Start Meyer Burger awarded first order for about CHF 24 million for MB PERC upgrade cell technology from an existing PV customer in China as part of an overall framework contract

trong demand for MB PERC upgrade cell technology continues: Meyer Burger awarded first order for about CHF 24 million for MB PERC upgrade cell technology from an existing PV customer in China as part of an overall framework contract. The positive trend in demand for Meyer Burger’s high-efficiency MB PERC cell technology in the PV upgrade business continues. A leading Chinese solar manufacturer has awarded Meyer Burger a significant order for the delivery and installation of the MAiA 2.1 technology platform with the industry leading MB PERC upgrade cell technology. The contract volume is about CHF 24 million. Meyer Burger Technology Ltd (SIX Swiss Exchange: MBTN) today

announced that it has successfully concluded an important framework contract for the MAiA 2.1 technology platform with an existing Chinese customer. This contract further confirms the clear shift in demand within the upgrade market from standard cell technologies to high-efficiency cell technologies like PERC. With its industrialized MAiA 2.1 system platform and its MB PERC technology, which is suitable for mass production, Meyer Burger is the market leader in the field of PERC and supports its customers with innovative high-performance equipment which increases their production volume of high-quality solar cells. This first order from the framework contract has a volume of about CHF 24 million. The delivery and commisssioning of the equipment is scheduled for the second quarter of 2017.

Production

olywood held an opening ceremony in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province for its 2.1GW production site of N-type mono-Si bifacial solar cells which cost RMB 1.65 billion. The company will start to run the production lines in September 2017. An opening ceremony that includes more than 30 major projects with investment each reaching above RMB 100 million was held in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province on February 12th. Jolywood’s project is one of them. The company is starting to run the second-phase production for its 2.1GW N-type mono-Si bifacial solar cells. Jolywood’s N-type mono-Si bifacial cell factory officially started the first-phase construction in May 2016 and will begin to produce cells in September this year. The factory includes 14 cell production lines and a high-efficiency cell R&D center with investment of RMB 100 million. Once the production starts to run, it’s estimated to create an annual output value of RMB 5 billion and thousands of job opportunities. Source: pv.energytrend

Multicrystalline Silicon Solar Cell with 21.9 Percent Efficiency: Fraunhofer ISE Again Holds World Record The potential of photovoltaics (PV) has not yet been exhausted. Both industry and research continue to work intensively on increasing the efficiency and reducing the costs of solar cells, the basic component of every PV power plant. Now researchers at Fraunhofer ISE have produced a multicrystalline silicon solar cell with 21.9 percent efficiency, successfully bringing the world record back to Freiburg.

igher efficiencies and optimized processing steps are decisive for decreasing the cost of solar electricity even further. Both of these are an integral part of the photovoltaic research at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. With its newest efficiency value, the Freiburg researchers have once again broken a world record: A multicrystalline silicon solar cell converts 21.9 percent of the incident sunlight into electricity. As in the years from 2004 to 2015, Fraunhofer ISE again holds the world’s record for multicrystalline silicon. The record solar cell consists of n-type high performance multicrystalline silicon, or HP mc-Si. Compared to p-type silicon, this material shows a higher tolerance to impurities, especially iron. The

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industrial production today uses multicrystalline p-type silicon material with average solar cell efficiencies of about 19 percent. The new material and technology approaches applied by Fraunhofer ISE for the record cell have the potential to improve the efficiency of multicrystalline silicon even further in the near future.

March 2017

PV MANUFACTURING

Multi-Si to Challenge Mono-Si’s Market Share as Black Silicon Technology Matures Ever since PERC technology is getting popular, mono-Si products continue to threaten the market share of multi-Si products. Therefore, multi-Si manufacturers start to pay close attention to black silicon technology, hoping to improve the lower cell conversion efficiency problem caused by diamond-wire cut wafers and find new market opportunities for large multi-Si capacities.

ompared with traditional slurry-wire cut, diamond-wire cut is faster and can come up with more-stable-quality wafers. Wafer cost can be reduced to US$ 6-10 cents/piece too using diamond-wire cut. However, since the surface of multi-Si wafer using diamond-wire cut is too smooth, sunlight can easily be reflected and cannot be absorbed by the cell, which leads to lower conversion efficiency. Because of this, surface etching must be performed. One of the technologies with high visibility is called black silicon.

Two types, three production processes Black silicon is an existing technology that comes back with the diamond-wire cut wafers. In 2016, quite a few manufacturers have begun to conduct research into black silicon, including Canadian Solar, JA Solar, Jinko Solar, BYD, Kyocera, and some Taiwanese makers. Black silicon is mainly divided into two types – dry and wet etching, with a variety of classification. There are three major categories in the current market for black silicon technology – dry etching, wet etching, and additive. Additive is a type of wet etching but without the silver nitrate solvent used in standard wet etching process.

The three types of production processes are listed below:

Taking current technology development and equipment cost into account, Analyst of EnergyTrend believes that black silicon technology focuses more on additive production process in 2017, while dry etching is still developing. Yet, how wet etching uses the silver nitrate solvent has environmental concerns and is relatively unfavorable. In addition, wet etching is less competitive than dry etching in terms of efficiency increase and less competitive than additive in terms of cost reduction. As a result, wet etching’s competitiveness remains to be seen.

Main competitor is conventional mono-Si If black silicon multi-Si cell works with PERC technology, the conversion efficiency can reach 19-20%, plus the cost reduced by using diamond-wire cut, its C/P ratio will directly challenge the position of conventional mono-Si cell. Meanwhile, mono-Si wafer capacity is not as sufficient as multi-Si wafer, which is difficult to win over the market share of multi-Si wafer and thus open a new market for black silicon multi-Si cell. Mono-Si PERC cell will enter the mainstream high-efficiency market in 2017 as the technology matures. 38

March 2017

We can see this from manufacturers’ expansion and high market demand of mono-Si PERC cells. Analyst of EnergyTrend forecasted that the black silicon technology will be clear in 1H17 and enter the mass production stage in 2H17. The market response to the black silicon multi-Si cell will determine the future development of black silicon. Source:energytrend

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PV MANUFACTURING

Heraeus enables significant higher efficiency gains with three new metallization pastes

INDEOtec SA wins a new order for a combined OCTOPUS II – PECVD/PVD deposition system for High-efficiency and heterojunction cell development from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia

Heraeus Photovoltaics, the worldwide leading supplier of metallization solutions to the PV industry, introduces at the World Smart Energy Week in Tokyo a new generation of highly efficient metallization pastes. Whilst SOL9641B enables higher efficiencies gains, the other two metallizations pastes 9641Ax/ Bx and SOL570 pave the way for emerging solar screen technologies.

Substantial efficiency boost with SOL9641B On mono- and multi-crystalline ULDE and PERC cells Heraeus’brand new SOL9641B series with improved finger geometry helps boosting efficiencies significantly by up to 0.2%. Better contact formation and less shading enable this efficiency boost. The metallization paste demonstrates superior contact behavior on demanding emitters such as ultra-low doped emitters (ULDE). In addition, the organic vehicle system for ultra-fine line printing has been improved. A unique glass frit developed by Heraeus Photovoltaics enables a wider firing window toward lower temperature side. It is tailored to the low temperature processing needs of PERC solar cells and can be paired with the award winning SOL326 PERC backside paste to realize higher efficiencies and mass production yield.

SOL9641AX/BX – made for emerging printing technologies The new SOL9641AX/BX series is designed to realize the full advantages of zero degree mesh printing screens, also known as knotless screens. This emerging technology gives the paste more room to pass through. It features a unique paste rheology, enabling much better aspect ratio on ultra-fine-line fingers compared to conventional paste. An outstanding 0.1% efficiency gain can be achieved and the pastes are perfectly suited also for black silicon texturing. The aspect ratio achieved by SOL9641Ax/Bx on knotless screen is 0.6-0.64, compared to the aspect ratio on conventional screen of 0.48.

Enhancing heterojunction and organic solar cells with SOL570 For emerging solar cell architectures such as heterojunction (HJT) or organic solar cells (OPV) Heraeus introduces the new SOL570 series as low temperature paste. The improved paste chemistry combines the latest breakthrough silver powder development and organic design, allowing improved sintering of the silver at low curing temperatures. The SOL570 is perfectly tailored for fine-line printability for screen printing. It features an outstanding conductivity and improved adhesion on HJT cells with an efficiency gain of up to 0.05%

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NDEOtec SA (Switzerland) announces another order intake released by the KAUST Solar Center (KSC) of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. The equipment package consists of the key thin film deposition processes PECVD and PVD combined in one system, which enables the generation of heterojunction and high-efficiency PV cell devices with significantly reduced handling steps and vacuum interruptions. “At KAUST we have been specifically looking for a deposition system offering high flexibility, proven reliability and very low maintenance requirements, all of which we can find at INDEOtec’s OCTOPUS II platform.”, states Prof. Stefaan De Wolf, Associate Professor at KAUST. This order underlines the strong confidence in the platform concept for a broad range of investigations at highperformance PV cell architectures as well as the ever increasing institutional recognition of INDEOtec’s technologies for thin-film coating solutions in an international scale. Meanwhile, comprehensive and various test series have successfully demonstrated the design of the OCTOPUS platform including the PECVD Mirror Reactor concept for the top and the bottom deposition of passivation and junction layers for heterojunction cell architectures. Also, the suppression of the critical issue of potential cross contamination has been proven by field test series. INDEOtec’s OCTOPUS III, which is the next-generation PECVD system for mass production, and which is based on the same design principles, is taking full advantage of the excellent results.

March 2017

PV MANUFACTURING

Higher yield of solar wafers and enhanced solar cell efficiency with new HeraGlaze© coating by Heraeus Heraeus Photovoltaics, the worldwide leading supplier of metallization solutions to the PV industry, introduced HeraGlaze, a high-purity SiO2 diffusion barrier coating for enhanced crucible performance in wafer production.

t is the first product of Heraeus Photovoltaics beyond metallization pastes and a leap in quality and yield for integrated PV-manufacturers. With HeraGlaze the wafer yield is increased by up to

4% and cell efficiency is improved by 0.1%. Assumed an annual wafer production of 50GW today, HeraGlaze will be able to deliver close to additional 2GW per year without increasing wafer production capacity. HeraGlaze is used in the very first step of the of the solar cell manufacturing process, when poly-crystalline silicon blocks are melted into a single silicon ingot. This early process is crucial for the quality of the ingots and thus for the quality of the final product – the solar wafers. The new product of Heraeus comes as a slurry, which is applied on the porous surface of the crucibles.

This can be done directly at the production site of the customer and allows to retrofit or upgrade existing crucibles. As a result, the solution is very costefficientas no additional expenditures on new crucibles are required.

A NEW CHAPTER AS TECHNOLOGY LEADER HERAGLAZE acts as a barrier and prevents thctsthermally induced impurities such as iron are transferred from the crucible into the silicon ingot during the melting and crystallization of silicon.The higher wafer yield is achieved by increasing the usable section of a silicon ingot.

“HeraGlaze opens a new chapter in our roadmap as a technology leader and provides our customers with more added value. It’s our first product beyond solar cell metallization and another R&D landmark, which enables our customers to realize further efficiency gains,” says Andreas Liebheit, President of Heraeus Photovoltaics”.

SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES Awarded a Major Contract with a Customer for the Supply of Production Equipment for CIGS Solar Modules

INGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG (SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES) has signed a contract for the delivery of VISTARIS vacuum sputtering systems as well as systems for wet chemical buffer layer deposition with the brand name TENUIS II with the subsidiary of a major public energy company and producer of solar modules from China. These machines are central components for the manufacturing of CIGS thin-film modules. The order volume exceeds € 20 million. The order is still subject to the approval of the relevant boards. The outstanding payment for the order is expected soon. For thin-film solar cells

March 2017

SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES focuses on CIS/CIGS technology and offers machines for all of the relevant processing steps.

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PV MANUFACTURING

DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions Introduces New Solamet® Metallization Pastes for Advanced Screen Printing at 2017 Tokyo PV Expo As the industry leader in solar solutions that delivers proven power and lasting value for customers around the world, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions introduced new innovations for its DuPont™ Solamet® photovoltaic metallization paste to enable advanced screen printing at the 2017 International Photovoltaic Power Generation Expo in Tokyo, Japan.

pecially designed for double printing, Solamet® PVD1x and PVD2x comprise an integrated two-layer solution with excellent compatibility to maximize cell performance. The first layer demonstrates super low contact resistance and excellent fine line printing, while the second layer delivers better electrical conductance and good solderability for high adhesion. This leading solution for double printing enables more than 0.1 percent efficiency gain. DuPont also introduced Solamet® PVM1x to support the new development of the Mesh-CrossFree (MCF) screen. Solamet® PVM1x has excellent matchability with various MCF parameters, outstanding printability and yield to both multi and mono wafers with 0.1 percent efficiency gain.

“DuPont is proud to be a leader in the photovoltaic industry by pioneering more than 130 innovations in Solamet® that consistently enable our customers to improve power output and reduce total system installation costs,” said Daniel LeCloux, global technology manager, DuPont Photovoltaic & Advanced Materials. “We continuously develop metallization materials to enable novel cell technologies.” At the Expo, DuPont is collaborating with Taiwan Solar Energy Company (TSEC) to demonstrate the increased efficiency and power output that DuPont™ Solamet® technology can provide. TSEC, which specializes in manufacturing high performance, top quality mono- and polycrystalline silicon solar cells and modules, has observed 21.15 percent cell efficiency and module power output as high as 305 Watts (60 pcs) in its mono PERC modules. “DuPont continues to deliver technology advancements that enable module manufacturers to improve their product offerings,” said C.J. Hung, president of Taiwan Solar Energy Company. “We have come to count on the ability of DuPont to constantly push the boundaries of photovoltaic materials that enable solar products to be more efficient, reliable and offer a higher return on investment.” In addition to spotlighting DuPont™ Solamet® front side silver pastes, the DuPont booth at PV Expo 2017, located at E43-9, will feature DuPont™ Tedlar® PVF film, the only backsheet material vigorously tested in the field for more than 30 years to improve lifelong performance and reliability. DuPont™ Xavan® weed control fabric for ground mounted systems, which helps make system operation and maintenance safer and easier, and DuPont highperformance polymers that enable lighter-weight system installations also will be featured.

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uPont experts discussed the company’s rigorous Module Accelerated Sequential Testing (MAST) procedure, which better determines the long-term performance of systems by simulating real-world conditions and by combining and repeating multiple aging stresses. DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DPVS) is the leading supplier of specialty materials to the solar energy industry. Since 1975 more than half of the world’s 900 million installed solar panels contain DuPont materials. The DPVS portfolio, including Solamet® photovoltaic metallization pastes and DuPont™ Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride films, is the established benchmark of the industry, delivering lifelong value through proven performance, reliability, efficiency, and best return on investment.

DuPont has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment.

March 2017

TRADE WARS

“RelyOn Launches Single Axis Tracker”

Solar Energy has become the leading source of renewable energy in India in terms of new photovoltaic plant installations with government driving an ambitious 100GW target. Solar tariffs have been dropping over the last three years with each successive tender.

his dramatic fall in solar tariffs has come from economies of scale in procurement of solar modules, inverters and in manufacturing of mounting structures and reduction in cost of financing with global investors investing low cost funds into these projects. Companies are now beginning to look at innovative means to increase the energy yield of their solar installations to generate better returns from their projects and prepare themselves for further drop in prices in next round of bidding as the economies of scale taper off. The viability of solar PV sector is now going to be driven by innovation. RelyOn Solar is a pioneer in the innovation race. It has continually strived to compete in the market by bringing new products like Solar DG grid controllers, off grid inverters and DC pumps. RelyOn Solar did a grand launch of their Single Axis Tracker at Leela Ambience Hotel is Gurgaon. It is a completely indigenous state of art single axis tracker solution developed specifically for Indian conditions. It is a robust, maintenance free system, which is easy to install in most geographical terrains across the country with minimal ground preparation. It is targeted at major Independent Power Producers (IPPs Project developers and EPC installers for the large utility scale projects. So far most of the components of large PV plants are imported into India and this indigenous tracker by RelyOn Solar is a bold statement from a small company that-

The Product Launch event was chaired by Mr Deepak Amitabh CMD of PTC India. At the launch Dr Gundu Sabde – MD RelyOn Solar promised that this tracker will be a disruptive innovation for the solar utility market. Mr. Amitabh congratulated RelyOn Solar on their “Make in India” spirit and the ability to bringing world class solar equipment to market. After the product launch, there was a very engaging panel discussion amongst the esteemed invited panelist on “Sustainability of Renewables” where they debated on the challenges and solutions for making the renewable energy projects, particularly the solar energy projects viable. The panel discussion was followed by an active Q&A session between invited guests from across the industry and the panelists. The event closed with a dinner and promise by the industry that they will adopt innovation as the mantra to continuously excel.

“We can compete with the biggest and best”. 42

March 2017

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USA MARKET

US Solar Market Grows 95% in 2016, Smashes Records - By Mike Munsell , Marketing Manager at Greentech Media / GTM Research

GTM Research and SEIA present data from the upcoming U.S. Solar Market Insight report.

Photo Illustration: Ankit Pandey

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March 2017

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USA MARKET

In its biggest year to date, the United States solar market nearly doubled its annual record, topping out at 14,626 megawatts of solar PV installed in 2016. This represents a 95 percent increase over the previous record of 7,493 MW’s installed in 2015. FIGURE: U.S. Solar PV Installations, 2010-2016

Source: GTM Research / SEIA U.S. Solar Market Insight report

For the first time ever, U.S. solar ranked as the No. 1 source of new electric generating capacity additions on an annual basis. In total, solar accounted for 39 percent of new capacity additions across all fuel types in 2016.

“What these numbers tell you is that the solar industry is a force to be reckoned with,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA’s president and CEO. “Solar’s economically winning hand is generating strong growth across all market segments nationwide, leading to more than 260,000 Americans now employed in solar.”

March 2017

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USA MARKET

FIGURE: Share of Capacity Additions by Generation Source

Source: GTM Research / SEIA U.S. Solar Market Insight report

Success this year was driven largely by the utility-scale segment, which was bolstered by a pipeline of projects initially hedging against the extension of the federal Investment Tax Credit. Not only did it represent the most megawatts installed, but the utility-scale segment also featured the highest growth rate of any segment, growing 145 percent from 2015.

“In a banner year for U.S. solar, a record 22 states each added more than 100 megawatts,” said Cory Honeyman, GTM Research’s associate director of U.S. solar. “While U.S. solar grew across all segments, what stands out is the double-digit-gigawatt boom in utility-scale solar, primarily due to solar’s cost-competitiveness with natural-gas alternatives.”

he non-residential market also exceeded expectations, with two major growth drivers in the segment. The first is community solar, adding a record total of more than 200 megawatts, led by Minnesota and Massachusetts. Second, rate design and net energy metering fueled a rush in project development and installation growth across a number of major state markets, most notably in California. For the first time since 2011, nonresidential installation growth surpassed residential

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solar growth, which posted a still-impressive 2,583 megawatts. While growth in California’s residential market has begun to level out, strong growth in markets like Maryland, New Jersey and a handful of emerging states where solar has achieved grid parity, helped the residential segment to grow 19 percent year-over-year. As a result of a remarkable 2016, the U.S. is now home to more than 1.3 million solar PV installations, with a cumulative capacity of over 40 gigawatts.

March 2017

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH Mr.RAY LUIZ - COUNTRY MANAGER - SHENZHEN KSTAR NEW ENERGY CO.,LTD, INDIA OFFICE

EQ: Kindly enlighten our readers on the performance of yo ur Inverters in India in vario us geographic locations, cu stomer feedback. RL: KSTAR has lunched inverters all over in India, good generation. With all good quality, will get more order from old clients.

100 GW photovoltaic program has attracted the attention from all over the world, also ignited India into the new energy revolution prelude. It will not only change India’s energy structure, and can make up India’s power supply gap. Given to the past 4 years, it has made the remarkable achievements already.

March 2017

s a China’s new energy equipment suppliers, we believe that the new energy will be the future of the energy sector. Using several decades to drag the solar power from the lab to the grid for large-scale generation, another 10 years to install them in Europe, US, China, etc, now is the best time to serve India. Providing efficient, reliable, low-cost new energy equipment is our mission. Shenzhen KSTAR Technology Co., Ltd. established in 1993, is committed to providing new energy solutions and photovoltaic power generation products. In the field of inverter, with 7GW inverter installation experience KSTAR, we will provide the most suitable products in the Indian market; each product will undergo a rigorous inspection process, high temperature test. Each R & D engineer, production worker, and after-sales service engineer will ensure that our inverters are safe and stable in India’s photovoltaic power plants.

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INTERVIEW

EQ: How much Inverters have you supplied to India till now, what is the target/expectation in 2016-17 RL: Till now, 50MW. Expectation in 2017 is 200MW.

EQ: Present some noteworthy projects, case studies of solar plants built using your solar Inverters. RL: 50KW inverter used in Natco solar plant, is one of the best inverters from KSTAR.

EQ: Please describe in brief about your company, directors, promoters, investors, its vision & mission

UPS,DATA Center, solar inverters and VCS. More than 2500 stuff including 350 RD engineers. Products has been used in 96 different countries, international market is taking more and more marketing shares.

EQ: What are your plans for India, your view on the GOI target of 100GW Solar Power by 2022 . RL: Ambitioned plan, far-sighted, challenge is there of course.

EQ: What are your plans for Manufacturing set up in India, the opportunities and challenges in manufacturing in India. RL: We had many internal meetings of setting up factory and invest in India, will arrange a delegation in the coming future to evaluate, may choose a location. India market has given us the confidences to invest.

EQ: Briefly describe the various technologies and its suitable applications such as Central Inverter, String, Micro Inverter, 1500V, Outdoor, Container solutions etc. RL: Different inverters suits different applications. Solar now is not a new technology, its already has been working for a longtime in another many different market. Frankly speaking, central inverters is more suitable for huge ground solar plant, string inverters gives better performance for rooftop, its very hard to say who is better.

World Largest Floating Project 300 MW in Zhejiang Province.

RL: KSTAR is a listed company found in 1993 by M.D Mr. Liu Chenyu, now is the TOP1 of UPS supplier in China, top 3 in Inverters field. Company mission is to be a world-class power supply enterprise with global industry influence in power electronics industry.

EQ: What is the size of your company in terms of manufacturing capacities, growth chart, future expansion plans, revenues, shipments, ASP’s, financial figures RL: KSTAR is located in Shenzhen, has 4 industry park, products range is covering

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March 2017

INTERVIEW

EQ: How much is your R&D budget as % of your sales / profits RL: In last finical year, KSTAR has invested 200Million on R&D process, has build and associated more than 36 academic lab.

EQ: What are the top 5 markets for your company in the past, present and future RL: China, Europe , America, Asia pacific & India.

EQ: Technology road map in terms of 1500V ,micro inverters, upcoming game changes technologies RL: We have 1500V inverters ready in lab as well as micro inverters, just waiting for the market to be ready.

EQ: Kindly comment of Energy Storage as a game changer, its technology, cost trends…etc… RL: Energy Storage is NOT a game changer, it is the future of the game. It gives the better quality of the power condition(power grid), and it gives more

option of the power supply in the remote area. Only with the power storage, the new energy and replace the traditional energy such as coal, kids can enjoy blue sky again.

EQ: Explain various guarantees, warrantees, insurance, certifications, test results, performance report of your inverters. RL: The quality of inverters is mainly about three parts: Great design, High-quality components suppliers and Strict factory tests. All KSTAR inverters are through the factory before deliver to market, and we guarantee to response all the faulty during the warrantees’ time.

EQ: Kindly highlight your product, technology & company USP’s, distinctive advantages etc… RL: More than 3GW production capacity and 7GW installation of KSTAR inverters gives us confidence on products quality and the efficiency been proved better than many competitor in the market.

EQ: Do you also bring financing solutions for your customers? RL: KSTAR is keen to provide reliable products, and will do the best to help clients to save the budget on projects constructions.

EQ: Please share information of some new orders in hand. RL: We are now has good cooperation with JAKSON, Powerone, they are giving us regular order.

EQ: Whats your commitment towards the solar sector in India RL: KSTAR has set 3 service center one storage in India, and will have more. SOLAR,UPS,POWER STORAGE, KSTAR is gonna powering the new India.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewable Energy Mission Needs A Robust Grid Network

By Mr. Manoj Kohli, Executive Chairman, SoftBank Energy

A successful power transmission network for India will require a robust and flexible grid infrastructure within India and with neighbouring countries

Accelerating planning and completion of the power grid will enable the country to better manage power problems through efficient transmission system. Photo: Bloomberg

What is the Problem?

ir pollution in Delhi and metropolitan cities of India has dominated much of the recent conversation in the judiciary, government and media. Half of the world’s 20 most polluted cities, according to World Health Organization, are in India and these cities are immensely contributing to climate change. On 2 October 2016, India ratified the Paris climate agreement, officially emphasizing its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Nonetheless, just two years after embarking on the grand campaign to scale up country’s renewable energy capacity to 175 gigawatt (GW) by 2022, India is facing a serious problem. While wind power has faced curtailment in the past

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in Tamil Nadu, solar energy is being curtailed for the first time, sometimes over 50% during peak generation periods. Utilities have the discretion to decline buying power in the name of stabilizing the grid or preserving the grid balance. Grid curtailment is one of the biggest operating risks for the future of the solar sector given India’s transmission capacity is already overburdened. The curtailment threat is highest in Jharkhand, where the average daytime power demand is less than 1 GW but the state has already tendered 1.2 GW of solar projects. As India aspires to lead the world in renewables, will the grid be an obstruction or a catalyst for renewable energy development?

March 2017

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Causes of the problem

he problem is largely a technical one. Solar and wind power are not as easy to control as traditional fossil fuel plants, so power grids need to become flexible enough to handle frequent changes in power generation. Additionally, distance is an issue. In India, six states in the western and southern regions account for 80% of all of the country’s currently installed solar capacity, but only 38% of power demand. For grid operators used to being able to turn fossil fuel plants on and off at will, these changes are easier. If new measures are not urgently put into place to accommodate variable renewable energy sources, a situation can arise where the grid operator will be unable to use solar and wind power when it becomes available.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT How can India learn from the experience of other countries and rapidly scale up renewables without any wastage or curtailment?

Experience of other countries

ther countries have already dealt with this problem with varying degrees of success. Germany and the US have relatively high levels of solar and wind penetration and low curtailment rates, while China has major curtailment as the share of wind and solar in the energy mix increases. Germany achieved low curtailment rates with high renewable energy penetrations through improved grid planning and changes to the power market structure. In another case, the state of Texas implemented smaller changes to how the grid is operated and it made all the difference. For example, the Texas grid operator ERCOT shifted from 15-minute dispatch intervals on the intra-day market to 5-minute intervals, allowing for superior planning around variable wind and solar power plants. (India currently uses 15-minute dispatch intervals.).

Although China has been able to build out renewable energy capacity swiftly over the past decade, it has taken much longer to develop the transmission infrastructure and make the institutional changes required to utilize all of this new power. Grid curtailment issues continue to impact the export of power from solar projects and some provinces such as Gansu and Xinjiang (31% and 26% of curtailment respectively) have been hit severely.

March 2017

Execution of green corridor

he variability of solar and wind energy can be mitigated to a large extent through transmission interconnections, thus, the first priority for India is to complete the transmission infrastructure through its $3.5 billion green energy corridor program so that renewable power can be transmitted where it is needed. Further transmission systems need to be built ahead of renewable energy generation as transmission projects typically take up to five years to become operational whereas solar projects become operational within 12-18 months. There are significant power surpluses in some states and power deficits in others. New investment in interstate and intra-state transmission systems will help balance out such disparities.

Strengthening the national grid

Emerging role of electricity storage

ccelerating planning and completion of the power grid will enable the country to better manage power problems through efficient transmission system. The objective of “One Nation-One Grid-One Frequency” is necessary to get full utilization of the nearly 175 GW of solar and wind capacity that will be installed by 2022. Besides the National Power Grid, transmission lines within states need to be completed and modernized. This will also enable India to take advantage of the vast amounts of solar energy available from Ladakh, a cold desert and Jaisalmer, part of the Great Indian Thar desert, to power future energy needs of heavy consumption areas.

lectricity storage will play an important role in reducing curtailment. Electricity storage is unique in the Indian context where more than 300 million people still have no access to power. The cost of storage is still a major barrier to mass adoption, but prices are dropping rapidly. As the price of energy storage drops, it will become an increasingly compelling complement to variable renewable energy. India stands a unique chance of leading the world in electricity storage. To facilitate this, the government should encourage battery manufacturing under the “Make in India” programme, as import of grid-scale batteries due to their extreme weight not only leads to high transportation costs but also creates other logistical challenges. In this regard, the government can colocate battery manufacturing with top solar regions in India, which are attractive to storage companies.

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RENEWABLE ENERGY

Creation of South Asian grid

lexible generating resources (quick start, swift ramp-up or ramp-down) such as hydro and gas plants along with active distribution management system would go a long way to improve the stability & reliability of the grid. It may be added here that India’s neighbouring countries— Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal have large hydro, gas & renewable resources and transmission interconnection with these countries would further deliver diversity to mitigate variability of the grid. India is already interconnected with Bhutan and Nepal, and has plans to interconnect with other countries. In this regard, India should envisage creation of a South Asian Grid connecting Malaysia and Singapore via Thailand similar to the synchronous grid of Continental Europe. Though, the Asian super grid project linking the enhanced electric power systems of China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia and perhaps Russia has been proposed by SoftBank, this new South Asian Grid will add efforts to cultivate extensive economic and strategic relations with the nations of South Asia. India’s NITI Aayog has created a framework for public-private partnerships for transmission investment, but land acquisition and permitting are still major roadblocks for private developers hoping to complete a project on schedule. Reducing the time and cost of land acquisition will be essential to making infrastructure projects attractive to developers and unlocking the private capital needed to finance transmission lines.

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High renewables and robust grid

hree events are set to transform the electricity sector in India in the next decade: 300 million people who have no access to electricity today will have sufficient power; an unprecedented GDP growth of ~8% per annum will drive the electricity consumption further; and the share of wind and solar will rise to levels of ~20% in the India’s energy mix.

A successful energy transition for India will require a robust and flexible grid infrastructure within India and with neighbouring countries.

March 2017

INTERVIEW

EQ: Please describe in brief about your company, directors, promoters, investors, its vision & mission RX: As technology leader GSOLAR supplies world- leading level equipment for PV industry. We are committed to PV testing technologies and equipment for more than 16 years. Gsolar is a high-tech enterprise integrating research, design, production, sales and service. Gsolar holds the principle of “Integrity operation, Leading technology, Keep improving, WinWin cooperation” is serving for more than 1300 solar module manufacturers, labs, universities as well as third metrology authorities across the world.

EQ: Solar Trade Wars : What are the benefits to Indian manufacturers RX: Gsolar tester could help solar module manufacturers to control solar module quality and improve production process to maximize the overall production yield and max bring commercial benefits for solar module manufacturers.

Exclusive Interview With Mr. Ran Xu - Deputy General Manager, GSOLA

March 2017

RX: Thanks to the modular principle, Gsola machine in general can easily be extended and updated to the latest state-of-the-art.

EQ: Please present some examples of your equipment & technologies in India and worldwide and their performance

EQ: What are the trends in new manufacturing technology equipment, materials, processes, innovations etc… RX: Long pulse duration, full spectrum wavelength will be the trends of solar simulator.

EQ: What is the future of solar manufacturing technologies

EQ: Whats is your market share in the solar pv manufacturing market

RX: High capacitance and high efficiency.

EQ: India currently has around 1.2 GW Cell Manufacturing and 5GW of Module Manufacturing. what is the opportunities, challenges in manufacturing in India

RX: Gsolar is serving more than 1300 solar module manufacturers across the world, has NO 1 market share, top 10 solar module manufacturers all are using Gsola products, such as Trina Solar, JINKO Solar, GCL, HT SOLAR, LERRI solar, Hanergy and ect. In India area, Gsola is serving more than 46 customers, high reputation solar module manufactures, such as EMMVEE, ALPEX, TATA Power, HHV, GOLDI GREEN, BHEL, NAVITAS…all are using Gsola machine.

RX: Now, most of the solar modules in the market are still poly or mono crystalline

EQ: Tecnhology Obsolesence : What solution you offer to your customers against possible future technology obsolescence when they buy your equipment

RX: GSOLA has already provided nearly 1 GW automation in India. EMMVEE in Banglore is using Gsola 400MW automatic line + 200MW automation, HHV in Banglore is using Gsola 75MW automation, one extra 100MW automation will be set up in Apr 2016. Gsola already provided 67 sets of solar simulator and 39 sets of EL Detector for Indian solar module manufacturers.

EQ: What are the various technologies available for manufacturing and what’s the advantage & disadvantage in the tech or equipment you offer ?

modules. The application of PERC , HIT and other high capacitance or high efficiency solar cells also is increasing. Gsola machine has Many add-ons and retrofit options, as the PV technologies developing, Gsola machine could be upgraded to meet the novel testing requirements.

RX: In the next 2-3 years, Indian market needs will be huge, therefore, it is good chance for solar module manufacturers. How to reduce the production costs and how to quality control will be the biggest challenges

EQ: Why India doesn’t have any wafer or polysilicon or ingots manufacturing RX: Mainly for technologies reason.

EQ: What is the key competitive advantages for your customers who choose to buy your equipment and technology RX: Modular principle, Gsola machine in general can easily be extended and updated to the latest state-of-the-art.

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INTERVIEW

Exclusive Interview With Mr.Rucas Wang - Regional Manager Asia Pacific, Growatt EQ: How much Inverters have you supplied to India till now, what is the target/ expectation in 2016-17 RW: Growatt has supplied over 30MW inverters in India, covering residential as well as commercial scenarios, in 2017 we are aiming at penetrating the utility grade power plant market, we can provide flexible solution including large capacity string inverter up to 50kW and central inverter up to 2.52MW, indoor and outdoor, with proven good performance in Thailand, our inverters are very suitable for tropical climates.

EQ: Kindly enlighten our readers on the performance of your Inverters in India in various geographic locations, customer feedback,. RW: We have installed our inverters all cross India, with proven good performance customers are satisfied with our products and services, but still we are planning to expand our local service team to meet the increasing service requirement coming along with the booming Indian market.

EQ: Present some noteworthy projects, case studies of solar plants built using your solar Inverters

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RW: Growatt40000TL3-NS inverters have been applied in Galanze 52MW Rooftop PV power plant successfully in China. Maximum efficiency of the inverters is up to 99%, and the MPPT efficiency is up to 99.5%. Growatt40000TL3-NS integrates Anti-PID protection, AFCI protection, and Type II DC/AC surge protection, and that will enable the whole system more stable and reliable. In addition, thin-film capacitor on main Bus circuit guarantees inverter lifetime, and new smart cooling design reduces the temperature rise of key components so as to improve inverter lifetime. Growatt has supplied CP2000 Station-S compact central inverters to a recently completed 20MW project in Thailand developed by Jetion Solar. The plant consists of 4 sub-plants of 5MW, three of which use Growatt outdoor central inverters which have a 2MW capacity in a 10ft container size with IP54 ingress protection, and thermal performance that can handle 50C degree heat, while fully operational. Another sub-plant used Growatt’s 20000TL3 -HE string inverter, which had been applied in a 90MW ground power plant in Phitsanulok, Thailand, which had already demonstrated high efficiency of up to 99% with its fanless design since deployed a year ago.

EQ: Please describe in brief about your company, directors, promoters, investors, its vision & mission RW: Growatt was founded in May,2010, over 5GW installation worldwide, a fast-growing and professional company, focusing on photovoltaic inverters and storage solution, famous as a world leading manufacturer and provider of costeffective photovoltaic inverters with high efficiency. Growatt cooperates with Sequoia capital, the only one PV enterprise getting Sequoia capital investment. The directors are R&D background and have more than 10 years experience in solar energy. Growatt offers a full range of solar inverters from 1kW to 2.52MW, and energy storage solutions for on-grid and off-grid applications, as well as smart home energy management solution. Growatt’s solar inverters has exported to more than 100 countries in Europe, North America ,Australia, Asia, Africa and Latin America, and get much appreciation from global clients. Growatt keeps the leading Chinese inverter manufacturer and fights for the largest residential intelligent energy solution provider.

March 2017

INTERVIEW

EQ: Briefly describe the various technologies and its suitable applications such as Central Inverter, String, Micro Inverter, 1500V, Outdoor, Container solutions etc...

hree-phase solar inverter series Growatt 8K-11KTL3-S are designed with maximum efficiency of 98.4% and MPPT efficiency 99.5%, as well as a wide DC voltage range of 160-1000VDC. The new inverter series provides a maximum DC/AC ratio of up to 1.2, and the 1.1 overload enables the system to be more flexible and maximizes the energy harvest. Growatt 8K-11K TL3-S series features in high power density design, lighter weight and smaller size, easy for installation. Growatt 8K-11KTL3-S are applicable for Residential PV systems as well as with smaller-scale industrial and commercial PV systems.

mart inverters Growatt 5500MTL-Sare dual MPPT & single phase, maximum efficiency of 97.9%, natural cooling, as well as compact design with high power density, which leads to lighter weight and smaller size, easier for installation. The inverters are applicable for residential and small commercial roof solar power plants.

he new SPF3000/5000 off-grid inverters have two builtin MPPT for higher yields and are compatible with leadacid and lithium-ion battery technology that supports utility grid and generator voltage input. Source priority to charge batteries and power loads are also programmable. Thanks to its design, SPF3000/5000 is scalable and can be wired in parallel up to 6 units, that enables flexibility for a wide variety of applications and is suitable for single phase and three phase systems. Charging power can be increased by adding an expansion charge controller unit.

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March 2017

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INTERVIEW

EQ: What is the size of your company in terms of manufacturing capacities, growth chart, future expansion plans, revenues, shipments, ASP’s, financial figures RW: The factory’s max producing capacity is over 3GW annually, Growatt has been growing very fast since 2010, in total we have shipped over 5 GW inverters globally.

EQ: What are your plans for India, your view on the GOI target of 100GW Solar Power by 2022 RW: The target may be a little bit aggressive, but surely the Indian solar market is and will be booming in the next several years, We plan to maintain and develop the solar market in India with heart and soul now and the future.

EQ: How much is your R&D budget as % of your sales / profits RW: 12% is our R&D budget as our sales/profits.

EQ: What are the top 5 markets for your company in the past, present and future RW: Growatt first started business in Australia, currently China, Australia, UK, Italy and Thailand are the top 5 markets for our company, we also are targeting at India , America and Europe to expand our business in the future.

EQ: Technology road map in terms of 1500V , micro inverters, upcoming game changes technologies

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RW: We are planning on launching 1500V, 1MW inverter in 2017, with components in different sections of PV plant getting more and more mature, the inverters with 1500V DC input will be more and more commonly used.

EQ: Kindly comment of Energy Storage as a game changer, its technology, cost trends…etc… RW: As the government subsidy is getting lower and lower, it’s more economic for solar plant owners to increase self-consumption level of solar energy, storage system is thus necessary. regarding existing PV plant facing low FIT, Growatt provide DC coupled charge controller SP1000-3000 series, it can cooperate with inverters from any supplier, very convenient for PV system upgrading

EQ: Explain various guarantees, warrantees, insurance, certifications, test results, performance report of your inverters RW: Growatt provide a full range of inverter in Indian market covering 1kW to 40kW for string inverters, and 500kW, 630kW, and 850kW for central inverters, the certificates i n c l u d e s I EC 617 2 7/ 6 2116 , IEC62109, IEC61000, IEC60068/61683, IEC60529 etc, fully certified for Indian market.

EQ: Kindly highlight your product, technology & company USP’s, distinctive advantages etc… RW: Growatt 5500MTL-S are dual MPPT & single phase, maximum efficiency of 97.9%, natural cooling, as well as compact design with

high power density, which leads to lighter weight and smaller size, easier for installation. Growatt 5500MTL-S sells quite well as the most cost-effective inverters since 2011 in the global market. SPF5000 storage system is perfect for off-grid, backup power and selfconsumption applications. Growatt40000TL3 -NSis designed for use in commercial application with Max.efficiency of 99%, wide input voltage range 2001000V and leading IPM (intelligent power module). The above products have passed TUV, CE test.

EQ: Whats your commitment towards the solar sector in India RW: Indian market is ver y important for Growatt, we are dedicated to provide inverter with excellent performance and also comprehensive services, currently we have set up office in Chennai, and also service center in Hyderabad, with local engineers we are able to provide our indian customer with fast and prompt services.

EQ: What will be the cost, technology trends in solar inverters RW: For utility grade power plant central inverter still take the major proportion, but as string inverters are getting bigger and bigger in capacity, it’s getting more and more popular to use string inverters in utility grade application, string inverters are easier for installation and maintenance, and also has more MPP trackers, it’s good to handle string inconsistency in some hillside PV array.

March 2017

INTERViEW INTERVIEW

Exclusive Interview with

Ivan Saha EQ: How much modules have you supplied to India till now, what is the target/ expectation in 2016-17 IS: Till 2015-16 we had shipped 500 MW in India. We will touch ~ 900 MW this year.

EQ: The recent aggressive bidding by various developers keeping Solar Tariffs in the price range of Rs.3.32 – Rs.4.34 per kWh in various Solar Tenders…Whats your view on the viability, Costs & timeline pressures, Resource Challenges (Materials, ManPower, Execution, Grid Connection, Land Possession) etc... IS: 2017 witnessed a record decline in Indian solar energy tariff, standing at INR 2.97 per unit per unit (in a bid for three 250 MW units of Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa Solar Power Plant). Falling tariff indicates Government’s effort to make the power sector value chain more efficient to deliver uninterrupted energy support (electricity). However, the mismatch between project cost and ROI with low tariffs is clearly visible. There have been consistent drop in solar module and other component prices, yet that alone does not substantiate 20-30% (and more) drop in bids. Low tariff bids also bring for the issue of project sustainability. Additionally, there is another issue of influx of low quality modules in the Indian solar industry. India needs to put more focus on developing and better asset quality control in solar development, to avoid putting lifespan of solar plants in question. There are many challenges for domestic manufacturers as we have to compete with 10 per cent cheaper foreign

March 2017

imports. However, we acknowledge and appreciate Government’s efforts of helping domestic manufacturers by bringing NTPC, Railway and other Government units as the power purchaser to provide security for the project bidders. However, Indian Government still needs to focus on skill development, investment in R&D, unregulated module imports, and easy land procurement for domestic solar companies to make a brighter future.

EQ: Kindly enlighten our readers on the performance of your modules in India in various geographic locations, customer feedback. IS: Our module range starts from 10 Wp and stretches to 345 Wp. This huge range of offering has enabled us to serve industrial, commercial, residential and utility scale development projects. To satisfy the requirements of different sectors, we follow unique strategies. Making sure that our strategies always maintain operational integrity and customer preferences. Our innovative plans have seen successful installation of 100 kW capacity rooftop solar power plant at Cochin International Airport, Kerala, India.It was the world’s first fully solarized airport, and our contribution in the project was integral. Our 40 MW capacity solar PV power plant for IL&FS Energy Development Company Ltd., India, is the perfect example of innovative ground mounted solar plant projects. Seasonal shift based challenges and man-power unavailability generally slow down our solar installation projects. However, we have secured best results in every project by meticulous planning and depending on upgraded technology.

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INTERVIEW INTERViEW

President & Chief Technological Officer, Vikram Solar

EQ: Present some noteworthy projects, case studies of solar plants built using your solar modules IS: • We installed 80 kW capacity Rooftop Solar Power Plant at Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Uttarakhand, India. • We have also successfully installed 5 MW capacity solar PV power plant for Konark Gujarat PV Power Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat, India. • Our 40 MW capacity solar PV power plant for NVVN, Rajasthan, India has enhanced utility scale energy requirement of Rajasthan. • We gave world its first fully solarized airport by installing 100 kW capacity rooftop solar power plant at Cochin International Airport, Kerala, India. • We have offered India its first Installation of 10 kW floating solar power plant in West Bengal, India. • Our 2.25 MW capacity solar PV power plant for Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board, Chhattisgarh, India is a quality example of ground mounted solar project.

EQ: What is the size of your company in terms of manufacturing capacities, growth chart, future expansion plans, revenues, shipments, ASP’s, financial figures IS: Our module range starts from 10 Wp and stretches to 345 Wp. This huge range of offering has enabled us to serve industrial, commercial, residential and utility scale development projects. Our annual module production capacity reached 500 MW in 2015-16, and we are working our way towards achieving 2 GW capacity by 2020. Vikram Solar has reported 910.69 crores revenue in FY 2015-16, which is a 49.91% increase from FY 2014-15

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revenue generation, which stood at 623.14 crores. Our net worth is 233.01 crores, which is a 47.41% increase from last financial year’s growth. And our profit after tax in FY 2015-16 was 54.97 crores, a 42.15% increase from the last year.

EQ: What are your plans for India, your view on the GOI target of 100GW Solar Power by 2022 IS: We are planning towards achieving 2 GW capacity by 2020. We have also invested INR 100 Million of our reserves in R&D to upgrade the technology for better energy generation. We are committed to contribute in achieving the 100 GW capacity by 2022. And with increasing number of tenders, auctions, declining cost of investment, lowering cost of electricity generation, and support to build industrial infrastructure, we are hopeful to succeed in doing so.

EQ: What are your plans for Manufacturing set up in India, the opportunities and challenges in manufacturing in India IS: The increasing energy deficit in India and unique geo-graphical position of the countryhas supported solar manufacturing growth. And manufacturing infrastructure in India is witnessing growth with support of Government initiatives. However, there are still a few challenges that needs tobe addressedby the Government. Namely- delays in land acquisition, no import duties on foreign solar equipment, lack of clarity in policy, lack of quality control regulation, and lack of skilled resources. Focusing on these issues and making a greater effort in supporting domestic manufacturing can see Indian solar industry flourish breaking through challenges.

March 2017

INTERVIEW

EQ: Please describe in brief about your company, directors, promoters, investors, its vision & mission

EQ: Solar Trade Wars : What are the benefits to Indian manufacturers IS: Aggressive equipment dumping on foreign industries (below the market price) marked the beginning of global solar trade wars. Canada, USA, and India raised voice against solar equipment dumping. To counter this issue, India brought in Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) to help domestic manufacturers by creating demand. However, World Trade Organization labeled it as ‘preferential treatment’. Indian Government is still implementing DCR clause on a smaller scale (sticking to Government projects), a better outcome would have achieved with full-scale implementation. Since trade wars did not allow India to create a better market for domestic manufacturers, India needs to take other measures to help its in-house module manufacturing process. Putting control or restrictions onimporting solar modules from China and other countries would be a great start in the right direction.

IS: Being a leading PV module manufacturer and EPC solution provider, Vikram Solar has always focused on providing quality with performance consistency. And that is how we have claimed Tier 1 PV module manufacturer title from Bloomberg New Energy Finance ranking. We Shri H.K. Chaudhary is the Chairman of Vikram Group. And a well celebrated Indian businessman, Philanthropist and a Humanitarian.His vision and business acumen has led Vikram Group to immense success. His venture into the renewable energy sector, Vikram Solar Pvt. Ltd., has today emerged as one of India’s leading solar power companies with global acclaim.

Mr. Anil Chaudhary is the Vice Chairman of Vikram Solar. He possesses experience of over 2 decades in engineering projects and tea manufacturing and presently heading Vikram Group’s textile division in Surat, Gujarat. He is also a Board member of other companies under the Vikram Group. Gyanesh Chaudhary is our Managing Director & CEO. He is a dynamic business leader. He has been acknowledged as a “Promising Entrepreneur” by The Economic Times. And he is the key driving force of Vikram Solar.

have international presence in 5 continents and 32 countries worldwide, contributing in shaping the solar revolution across continents. Our annual module production capacity reached 500 MW in 201516.We have further plans to reach 2 GW capacity by FY 2020. Vikram Swarup is our Additional Independent Director. Mr. Swarup is acknowledged globally as an authority on thermal design of cooling towers and has authored several technical papers. Ms. Mamta Binani is our Independent Director. Ms. Binani has over 15 years of experience in corporate consultation & advisory covering Due Diligence, Secretarial & Legal functions, Formation of Joint Ventures, Drafting of SPA & Corporate Governance. Joy Saxena is our Executive Director of Finance. Mr. Saxena has over 30-year rich expertise in strategy formulation, planning, fund raising (debt, QIP, IPO, PE deals and FCCBs), business development, corporate accounting, indirect & international taxations, corporate governance, financial discipline, domestic as well as international JV negotiations, investor’s relations and implementing three ERPs. Mr. Anupam Dhiman is our Executive Director of EPC. He has over 35 years of experience in Infrastructure Business and Marketing, has spent close to 25 years in the field of Infrastructure Development & handled several prestigious infra projects with leading groups in the country.

We at Vikram Solar have always believed that the global solar industry is destined for disruptive growth in the world’s energy mix, and we have patiently and responsibly worked towards aligning our range of products with the diverse and evolving needs of customers across geographies. Reducing carbon footprint and providing a viable and sustainable future to our world is Vikram Solar’s motto.

March 2017

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INTERVIEW EQ: How much is your R&D budget as % of your sales / profits IS: We have invested about INR 100 Million of our reserves in R&D and product certifications, till date.

EQ: What are the top 5 markets for your company in the past, present and future IS: At the present, top five markets for Vikram Solar are- Europe, Asia, North America, South America, India. In near future we believe to penetrate more conservative energy markets, expanding Vikram Solar’s reach.

EQ: Technology road map in terms of 1500V , Double Glass, BiFacial Cells, PERC/ PERT Technologies, upcoming game changes technologies IS: We expect the Glass-Glass (Bifacial) modules to be about 10% of our product mix in 2017. The driver for this would obviously be customer demands, especially for installation of ground mount systems in deserts or flat roofs, where there is a high percentage of reflected light from the ground (albedo). We are in the process of adopting: • Bifacial cells – in 2017 • PERC Mono cells – in 2017 • N-type cells – in 2018 Multi PERC cells are already in production

EQ: Explain various guarantees, warrantees, insurance, certifications, test results, performance report of your modules IS: Vikram Solar used to offer a 25year performance guarantee with its modules. But, we have recently increased that guarantee period to 27 years, assuring buyers of performance and consistency. We have IEC 61215, IEC 61730, IEC 62716, IEC 61701 and IEC 62804 certifications. We are also UL 1703 certified, MNRE certified and CEC listed (60 & 72 cell modules), JETPVm certified (Japan) and CAN/CSA certified (Canada). We have a certified EPC projects division - ISO 9001:2008. We have received ISO 9001:2008 for maintaining high quality management system. And ISO 14001:2004 certification for a safe environmental

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management system. We have also received ISO 18001:2007 for maintaining a safe work environment.

Higher efficiency modules using PERC, PERT and HJT technologies will be the main stay for the future.

Our modules are quality checked by highest rated internationally recognized agencies and to maintain a quality standard, we have in-house testing processes that surpass IEC certification requirements with ease.

EQ: As a module manufacturer provided 25 years warranties. Is it backed up by warranties by cell manufacturer, materials manufacturers?

EQ: Kindly highlight your product, technology & company USP’s, distinctive advantages etc… IS: We offer solar PV modules ranging from 10 Wp to 345 Wp. Our modules are – • Eldora Grand Ultima Silver • Eldora Grand • Eldora Ultima Silver • Eldora Ultima All Black • Eldora Prime • Eldora neo Silver • Eldora Micro We use advanced and state-ofart manufacturing equipment from internationally recognized equipment suppliers, and we coupled it with robust in-house processes to manufacture high-efficiency mono and polycrystalline silicon PV modules. Our product USP’s are• Excellent low-light and long wave length response (>1100nm) • Highest area efficiency in the class • Resistant to PID (85 Degrees Centigrade, 85% Relative Humidity, 168 Hours @ - 1000V) • Up to 12 years of product warranty • Up to 27 years of linear power output warranty

EQ: Please share information of some new orders in hand. IS: Currently we are working with CIL, SECI, NTPC, GIPCL, Jindal, West Bengal State Electricity Development Company Ltd, Denso, Anmol, PPPL, AllanaInv & Trdg Co Pvt. Ltd. Projects amounting to approximately 500 MW capacity.

EQ: What are the trends in new manufacturing technology equipment, materials, processes, innovations etc… IS: Crystalline Silicon continues to be material of choice for the next ten years.

IS: No, as we use import quality cells from Asian solar entities, we do not get any warranties from our sources. However, we offer 12 years of product warranty and 27 years of linear power output warranty to the buyers. We took this decision because we trust our product quality and we believe this is the best way to convince buyers about solar shift and speed up solar progress in India.

EQ: What is your commitment towards the solar sector in India IS: Vikram Solar has made important contributions in Indian solar industry has received commendations throughout the world. We have offered India’s first floating solar plant successfully installing 10 Kw capacity solar plant in West Bengal. We contributed in developing World’s first fully solarized airport in Kerala. Our R&D investment has reached INR 100 Million to make technology upgrade easy and quick. We identified that although Indian PV market is still growing and will take time to mature, it has huge potentialin transforming into 4th largest solar market. To support this growth, we have focused on our capacity enhancement reaching 500 MW in 2015-16, and further pursuing 2 GW within 2020.

EQ: What will be the cost, technology trends in solar PV modules IS: LCOE is expected to shrink around 2.5% by 2030. To assure high throughput, better EL tests, hot spot tests, and improved quality assurance models may develop. Advanced aging simulation is also another technology that can flourish in the future, allowing us to better understand module degradation and prevent it. Silicone may take place as the main component of EVA sheet. Continued technological growth will surely make Solar panels better and allow us to enjoy an energy rich future.

March 2017

SOLAR TRACKERS

The Solar Tracker BOOM Continues Despite Low Module Prices by Scorpius Trackers

Over the last decade, Solar PV technologies and economics have come of age, with several solar plants being installed for industrial, commercial and residential use. Competitive tariffs create a need to examine technology solutions for superior generation, to boost returns.

olar tracking is the only proven and bankable technology which increases the power generation of a plant by 18-25%, thereby lowering the cost per unit of power generation (LCoE). Scorpius Trackers, established by 2 technocrats with more than 20 years’ experience in innovation, is a pure play tracker technology company and a one stop shop of an end-to-end World class tracking solution, that comprises hardware, tracker controller and structure designs. Scorpius aims to be the world’s premier solar tracking solutions provider, with a unique mechanical and software tracking solution, which enables users to achieve the LOWEST COST OF POWER (LCoE) Since commencing commercial operations in 2014, Scorpius has now supplied more than 250 MW in India, Middle East, Africa, Far East and USA and has a clear visibility for FY18 of more than 500MW in In-

March 2017

dia and an exponentially increasing global footprint. With the rapid decrease in modules prices in the last year from $0.45 per Watt peak to around $0.33 per Watt peak today and with a forecast of a price below $0.29 in the coming year, the thought which crosses the mind of a IPP/EPC is “With falling module prices, will Tracker economics work out?” To answer the above question, we reviewed the two most recent solar tenders concluded in India in light of whether tracking solution will improve the economic returns. One tender was for an EPC and the other one for a DEVELOPER. Both saw very aggressive bidding. Both case studies take into account the below listed assumptions and both PROVE A CLEAR CASE FOR TRACKERS, even in a scenario of very low module prices (decreasing from $0.33/ Wp to $0.25/Wp)

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SOLAR TRACKERS

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March 2017

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SOLAR TRACKERS

This is an interesting analysis which shows that there is a tracker benefit in all situations down to a Module price of 23 cents. In a scenario when the project irr is lower than the industry norm (or expectation), an increase in irr By 150 basis points by use of a mature tracker technology makes for a winning economic case. Both these illustrations and case studies will be workable only if technology selection is done after rigorous due diligence so that the projected financials transform into reality, considering a 25 year plant life and investment horizon.

A Tracker Technology Must Comply To The Below 5 Main Points For It To Be Selected. Zero Mechanical O&M Thoroughly Tested For Durability And Reliability, 25+ Years l MMS Designed Based On l l

Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel l Bankability Certifications And Third Party Due Diligence l Established Track Record

Scorpius Provides Tracking Solutions Which Comply To All The Above Requirements, And More.

Tested In Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Facility, Static, Dynamic, Torsion & Aero Elastic

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March 2017

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SOLAR ROOFTOP

NAME OF THE PROJECT: 100 kW Rooftop system with Net Metering at Jalgaon, Maharashtra PLANT OWNER: HD Fire Protect Pvt. Ltd, MIDC, Jalgaon DISCOM: MSEDCL, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd.

1st Net Metering done for 100 kW rooftop system in Jalgaon On March 10, 2017, Mr. Brijpal Singh Janvir, Chief Engineer MSEDCL inaugurated the first Net Metering Solar system for a commercial establishment in Jalgaon District in Maharashtra. The system of 100 kW capacity is installed at the factory roof of HD Fire Protect company in MIDC area.

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he system is designed and Installed by M/s Erigeron Energy Pvt. Ltd.a Gurgaon based company. Mr. Suresh Kumar Managing Director of the company who was also present at this function appreciated the cooperation given by MSEDCL team in clearing the NET metering within 15 days of application. He also said online application procedure is very effective and fast in Maharashtra. Further he said that solar systems need little maintenance as it does not use any moving parts. The cleaning of solar modules is the main work of maintenance, in case modules are not cleaned periodically then one can lose energy up to 15%. Mr. Kumar also informed that for commercial installations, Govt. of India is giving 80% accelerated depreciation in the first year itself, which gives a considerable saving in Income tax and makes a very good sense for business houses to go for solar.

March 2017

Mr. Janvir said they want more and more people to avail the facility of Net metering for their residences and businesses, so that they can export the surplus power to the grid, in such case they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to invest their money in Battery storage. Further he mentioned that industries to utilize the benefits of Solar power to help to clean the environment and save mother earth in addition to the financial benefits they get.

Mr. Sudhir Patil, production head of HD Fire said that the system is producing 400-500 units of power and shall reduce their electricity bill to 1/3rd and they will be keen to further increase the capacity so that they can become the first plant in Jalgaon to completely run on clean energy. They also want to use solar lights in their complex.

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SOLAR ROOFTOP

The biggest Lifted Solar Solution of 175KW for Deepak Hospital, Jalna By Karan Chopra, Chirayu Power Pvt. Ltd

Chirayu Power is executing 175 KW solar solution for a esteemed hospital named Deepak Healthcare Ltd, Jalna, Maharashtra. he whole solar system is lifted 9 feet above the roof so that hospital can utilize the roof for multiple purpose. Out of this 175 KW solar solution, we have installed 35kw solar system as a NONPERCOLATING SOLAR ROOF. This is a state-of-the-art technology which will allow the client to start a canteen below the solar roof. Its a roof which not only a shade but a electricity generating roof.

The whole system is designed to bear the wind velocity of 160 km/hr. The best engineering concepts are being used for this particular project.

Second solution is for KHAMGAON URBAN BANK, MAIN BRANCH, KHAMGAON, DIST. BULDHANA (MH), the whole system is lifted 6 feet above the roof. We have done many solutions and are about to reach 1 MW mark. In our 2 years of journey, we are blessed with most difficult and challenging solar executions.

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March 2017

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INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH Mr.SUKHWINDER PAL SINGH - SOLAR PV DIRECTOR, INGETEAM

EQ: How many Inverters have you now, supplied to India till ctation pe ex t/ ge what is the tar in 2016-17. s a very good SPS: Ingeteam enjoy th central & bo installation base for d our globan ia Ind in string inverters us as a major al strength presents years.Till mi supplier in the co ng around ing ain int ma now we are in nts pla 950MW of solar PV gli nfi Bo ing India includ oli’s equipment.

EQ: The recent aggressive bidding by various developers keeping Solar Tariffs in the price range of Rs.3.32 – Rs.4.34 per kWh in various Solar Tenders…What is your view on the viability, Costs & timeline pressures, Resource Challenges (Materials, ManPower, Execution, Grid Connection, Land Possession) etc. SPS: It is true that the solar power industry has experienced a strong price decline that has changed the business landscape and the strategies of the different players that are active in the game. For inverter manufacturers, the price decline has forced them to make a bigger effort in order to optimize supply, production costs.

March 2017

With our focus on R&D we are optimizing our product portfolio by offering outdoor solutions, paralleling options, etc. which helps reducing the levelised cost of energy (LCOE).Solar power is now the cheapest energy source in many countries of the world and that is a big strength for our industry.

EQ: Kindly enlighten our readers on the performance of your Inverters in India in various geographic locations, customer feedback. SPS: Our inverters have been performing globally in all kinds of climatic conditions and in India we don’t see any challenge in already installed inverters where customers are seeing our advantages like less maintenance, higher efficiency and prompt O&M services.

EQ: Present some noteworthy projects, case studies of solar plants built using your solar Inverters SPS: These are some of our main references worldwide: Chile: 100MWAC Amanecer Solar CAP PV project: http://eng.cap.cl/news/amanecersolar-cap-the-largest-photovoltaic-plantin-latin-america-is-now-a-reality/ Italy: 70MWAC San Bellino PV plant: http:// www.renewable-technology.com/projects/ sunedison-san-bellino-photovoltaicpower-plant/ South Africa: 94.3MWDCSishenPV plant:

http://www.acciona-energia.com/areas-ofactivity/photovoltaic/major-projects/sishenphotovoltaic-plant/ South Africa: 95MWDC Jasper PV plant: http://www.solarreserve.com/en/globalprojects/pv/jasper Australia: 56MWAC Moree Solar Farm: http://www.moreesolarfarm.com.au/ announcements/frv-announces-moreesolar-farm-opening-and-confirms-futurefor-solar-in-australia

EQ: Please describe in brief about your company, directors, promoters, investors, its vision & mission SPS: Ingeteam is a global company specialized in the design of power and control electronics (frequency converters, process automation and control systems), electrical machines (generators and motors), electricalengineering and generating plants. To date, Ingeteam has supplied 44 GW in power converters for renewable energy plants and is amongst the TOP 10 companies dedicated to the operation and maintenance of renewable plants, with a portfolio of more than 10 GW. The company operates on all continents, and has a headcount of around 3,700 employees around the world.

EQ: What is the size of your company in terms of manufacturing capacities, growth chart, future expansion plans, revenues, shipments, ASP’s, financial figures, etc.

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INTERVIEW

SPS: Ingeteam features three different factories (in Spain, USA and Brazil) dedicated to the production of factorytested and totally bankable power converters for the PV, wind and storage sectors. Ingeteam is present in 22 countries and is planning to continue its expansion across new markets.

EQ: What are your plans for India, your view on the GOI target of 100GW Solar Power by 2022 SPS: We see this as an opportunity to provide our clients with the latest technology inverters with grid support features, top class services and maintenance since these would be critical features as the capacity enhancement happens.

EQ: Briefly describe the various technologies and its suitable applications such as Central Inverter, String, Micro Inverter, 1500V, Outdoor, Container solutions etc. SPS: Ingeteam offers a wide range of PV invertersand storage inverters for both indoor and outdoor use. At string inverter scale, Ingeteam offers single-phase and three-phase string inverters (2.5 kW – 100 kW) for residential, commercial and industrial application. At utility scale, Ingeteam offers 1,000 V and 1,500 V central inverters. These central inverters are one of the most light and compact equipment, conceived to optimise their integration into medium voltage power stations of any kind. Moreover, the 1,500 V inverter series is proudly famous for featuring the photovoltaic market’s highest power density: 326kW/m3.

EQ: Kindly comment of Energy Storage as a game changer, its technology, cost trends, etc. SPS: Energy storage will keep experiencing a cost decline, especially within the different battery technologies, and thanks to this cost reduction the installations of energy storage systems will progressively be more and more attractive and it will be more frequent to find large battery systems coupled to generating power plants at utility scale. But the energy storage market may still need some more time of cost decline in order to become much more attractive, especially for residential users.We have already installed +30MWh storage capacity globally meeting the most stringent grid support requirements.

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EQ: Explain various guarantees, warranties, insurance, certifications, test results, performance report of your inverters. SPS: Ingeteam’s PV inverters feature a standard 5-year warranty and comply with all the main applicable international standards as well as the markings, guidelines, grid codes and local standards. Realms of security, electromagnetic compatibility and grid functionalities and requirements are covered. Certification is the essential tool that Ingeteam uses to provide trust on its equipment. It involves type testing, analyzing the models that can cover this type of tests and auditing that all the equipment produced meets the same quality standards as the type tested sample. Ingeteam’s inverters are certified by Accredited Certification Bodies and type tested by Accredited Laboratories. This fact ensures the independence of the organization that emits the certificates and the proficiency to do it right. Every certification body that takes part certifying Ingeteam’s inverters has been accredited by a full member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) under the ISO/ IEC 17065 standard.

EQ: Kindly highlight your product, technology & company USP’s, distinctive advantages, etc... SPS: Ingeteam’s B Series 1,500V central inverters feature the solar market’s highest power density: 326kW/m3. Thanks to this inverter and to the ability of connecting up to four inverters to the same transformer, Ingeteam is able to offer a MV solution of up to 6.55 MW that integrates the PV inverters, MV transformer, MV switchgear, LV cubicle and auxiliary services transformer. Also, Ingeteam has recently developed the most powerful string inverter in the solar market, as it is able to provide up to 110 kW in a single 75 kg unit.

EQ: How much is your R&D budget as % of your sales / SPS: Ingeteam invests 5% of its annual turnover in R&D, which is the backbone of the company’s business activity.

EQ: What are the top 5 markets for your company in the past, present and future SPS: In 2016: Jordan, Chile, Mexico, USA, India In 2017 (estimated): Australia, India, Chile, Mexico, USA

EQ: Technology road map in terms of 1500V , micro inverters, upcoming game changes technologies SPS: In 2017, 1,500V inverters will experience market consolidation at utility scale. We are currently supplying several projects with our 1,500V central inverters. The solar market will also see how the main PV inverter manufacturers will launch a 1,500V string inverter along 2017 and 2018.

EQ: What will be the cost, technology trends in solar inverters SPS: In 2017, price pressure and technology inovation will continue to be a main market trend globally.Because of that, 1,500V technology will experience market consolidation at utility scale in 2017 and the following years. Ingeteam is currently supplying several projects with its B Series1,500V central inverters. The solar market will also see the main PV inverter manufacturers launching 1,500V string inverters along 2017 and 2018.

EQ: What is your commitment towards the solar sector in India SPS: We see India as one of the largest and most successful markets of the world in the coming years. That is the reason why we decided to take over Bonfiglioli’s solar division. They had a widebase in India and that is helping us to have a stronger sales and service network across the country.

March 2017

INTERViEW INTERVIEW

Exclusive Interview with

Sven Kramer EQ: Please describe in brief about your company, directors, promoters, investors, its vision & mission Kramer: A spirit of innovation and a clever mix of industries have taken the German-based family business to become a global leader in system production. Today, teamtechnik is Germany’s largest owner-managed company in the field of assembly and test equipment. We are independent and therefore highly flexible. The companyhas been developing and building innovative automation solutions for 40 years.We concentrate our efforts on three sectors: Solar, Automotive and Medtech. A key new business area is also assembly and test lines for e-mobility solutions and batteries. Today the company employs 900 people around the world. teamtechnik Group has 5 production sites in Germany, Poland, China and the USA. In 2004 the Group entered into the solar technology segment with the development of the stringer systems for the interconnection of solar cells. teamtechnik gained quickly a clear competitive advantage with its fast-cycling production systems as well as its outstanding product quality and became the uncontested technology leader.

EQ: Solar Trade Wars : What are the benefits to Indian manufacturers Kramer: Nobody will win with a trade war. Protection is required if unfair competition is in the market. Unfair is for example if the selling price of solar modules are below the costs of materials. But there is an economy of scale. It will be difficult for a small manufacturer to compete with a big GW manufacturer which might be even vertically integrated. So certain protection and support is required to establish a solar manufacturing

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base in India.

EQ: What are the trends in new manufacturing technology equipment, materials, processes, innovations etc… Kramer: High speed, perfect string quality together with high production reliability 24 hours a day are the key factors in the market to be competitive. This is the trend. The industry has shifted from 3 busbars to 4 busbars. Now we see at our customers the interest in processing 5 busbar cells. Further more we see cells with a higher efficiency such as mono PERC cells or even bi-facial cells. Also half cut cells are becoming more widespread since the power output of a module with half cells can be increased by up to 15 Watts compared to a full cell module. In addition we see new materials to increase the power output like light trapping ribbons (e.g. LHS ribbons) which can increase the power output of a module by 2.5 to 2.8%. Overall there are many ways to increase the power output of a solar module. The good thing is that teamtechnik stringers are prepared and can be upgraded for these new materials. We support our customers on an individual basis by developing new soldering recipes and the soldering parameters required for their specific materials.

EQ: What is your market share in the solar pv manufacturing market Kramer: teamtechnik has more than 700 stringer systems in the market and more than 22 GWp of solar modules are produced every year on teamtechnik stringer systems.So far we have supplied more than 2 GW of stringer production capacity to India in the last 15 months.

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INTERVIEW INTERViEW

Vice President Sales Solar Technology, teamtechnik Group

EQ: teamtechnik is well known for delivering high-end stringer systems and we would like to know all about the newest Stringer TT4200 GIGA. Kramer: The Stringer TT4200 GIGA is our latest and most powerful system. It requires only 15 m² of floor space and produces up to 130 MWp per year ¬– a world record. With the TT4200 GIGA we have two soldering tracks combined in one machine. The system has one centralized cell feeding with a cycle time of 0.85 seconds or 4200 cycles per hour. After the cell feeding, fluxing and cell inspection, the cells are placed alternately on the left or the right soldering track. The soldering track is identical to the stringer system TT2100. For the soldering, the cycle time is 1.7 seconds. The proven system produces solar cell strings with a constantly high string geometry quality and a very impressive and precise ribbon positioning accuracy. Contactless IR light soldering guarantees breakage rates of less than 0.2 percent. Our stringers preheat the solar cells uniformly, solder them, and then the cells are gradually cooled in a post-heating section. These processes are very gentle. The cells do not undergo any abrupt temperature shock so we can also avoid micro cracks.

EQ: Layup systems to match the teamtechnik stringers. What are the advantages to module manufacturers of this total solution? Kramer: We can supply our stringer system with or without our layup system. Depending on the module line integrator, we can either ensure that the stringer will work with the integrator layup system or we can supply our stringer plus

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our layup system. For customers who decide to order our layup system, this means total connectivity for an output of 130 MWp. The complete system consists of proven and tested modules, stringer, robot and positioning station. Everything perfectly matched. Rapid installation times and a perfect production launch are further benefits for our customers. The integrated 6-axis robot allows the system to be adapted quickly to different applications or cell and glass sizes.

EQ: Technology Obsolesence : What solution do you offer to your customers against possible future technology obsolescence when they buy your equipment. Kramer: Our current systems are highly flexible and can easily be upgraded to 6 busbars and a wide range of new cell and ribbon types. Also stringer systems which have been supplied several years ago, such as the TT1200HS, TT1600 or TT1800 can be upgraded to 5 busbars. The stringer system was designed for the processing of 2, 3 or 4 busbar cells. Our engineers found a way to upgrade them to 5 busbars so that our customers can process these cells as well on our stringer systems. With the higher number of busbars the ribbons are getting narrower. Our latest stringer generations TT4200GIGA and TT2100 can handle ribbons with a width of only 0.6 mm. As another item I would like to add that our stringer systems can be upgraded to process light trapping ribbons (LTR). These ribbons have a special structure embossed to increase the reflection of the sunlight hitting the ribbons in order to increase the power output of the solar module. This also enables our customers to increase the power output by 2.5 to 2.8%. Overall I have to say that customers using teamtechnik stringers are ready for the future and can rely on our technology.

March 2017

INTERViEW INTERVIEW

New STRINGER TT4200 GIGA with high production capacity of 130 MWp and a footprint of only 15 m²

EQ: What are the various technologies available for manufacturing and what’s the advantage & disadvantage in the tech or equipment you offer? Kramer: We offer our Stringer System TT4200 GIGA and TT2100. In addition we can provide our Layup System matching the capacity of the Stringer Systems. The TT4200 GIGA is designed for customers with a production capacity with more than 500 MW. It is a compact system with a high production capacity. The soldering process itself is the same with the TT4200 GIGA and the TT2100. At the end of the day our customers have to decide which solution they prefer, depending on available space, production capacity and required redundancy. For high efficient Hetero-Junction Solar Cells (HJT) we also have our TT1400ECA in our product portfolio. With this technology we connect the solar cells with a light trapping ribbon (LCR) and an Electrical Conductive Adhesive (ECA). This allows us to process cells at a lower temperature of approx. 150 ºC or 160 ºC. With the soldering process a temperature around 190 ºC to 210 ºC is required. Since HJT cells are more sensitive for the temperature and some cells will reduce their power output at higher soldering temperatures we can provide a solution to customers who are interested in producing the next generation of solar modules.

EQ: Technology road map in terms of 1500V , Double Glass, BiFacial Cells, PERC/PERT Technologies, Hetero Junction, 5-6 Busbars upcoming game changes technologies etc… Kramer: All of the above can be processed with teamtechnik equipment. All of our Stringers can process bi-facial cells (if they can be soldered which depends on the paste used 70

March 2017

during the solar cell manufacturing process). If you use a bi-facial cell, then of course you have a double-glass design. One important item so far not many people paid attention to is the ribbon position on the back side of the cell. Since we use our patented hold-down devices in combination with our vacuum transport system on our stringers we can achieve a very precise ribbon positioning, not only on the front side but also on the back side of the cell. With a double-glass module you will see of course also the ribbon on the back side which is, with a conventional glassbacksheet module, normally covered up by the backsheet. The interesting question will be, how will solar module manufacturer measure the efficiency of the backside of the module with a bi-facial module. You can achieve approx. 10 % higher power output. But of course it depends on where the module will be installed and how much sun light will be reflected onto the backside. Our customers are using more and more PERC and PERT cells. Our Stringers are design to process them without any issues. Also 5 and 6 busbars can be processed. We do not think that the number of busbars will increase above 6. We have performed a research study together with the SERIS institute of the University in Singapore. Simulations showed that the power increase from 6 to 7 busbars is minimal and it does not account for the higher cost of the materials and for having one additional ribbon within the module. In regards to the HJT technology we have to see if and when more manufacture will invest in the technology. We have developed a tool which can interconnect the cells, our TT1400ECA, but so far there are not a high number of available HJT cells in the market. In my opinion this is due to the higher efficiency of the PERC and PERT cells and that existing lines can be retrofitted for the PERC technology.

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INTERVIEW INTERViEW EQ: What is the efficiency, costs, roadmap of solar pv modules/cells Kramer: This a question for the solar cell and solar module manufacturer.

EQ: Please present some examples of your equipment & technologies in India and worldwide and their performance. Kramer: One example, Vikram Solar, Indian manufacturer of photovoltaic systems, has decided to work with teamtechnik to expand its production to manufacture enough solar modules to generate 2 GW, up from 500 MW. teamtechnik has been given the job of developing and constructing production lines for producing these solar modules.For Vikram Solar, teamtechnik’s worldwide service network was a decisive factor in choosing the company, alongside the technical benefits of teamtechnik’s stringer and layup solutions. At Vikram, for example, it was important to integrate the relatively novel, but highly effective PERC cells and bifacial cells in the production process. It was no problem for us.

EQ: What is the future of solar manufacturing technologies Kramer: We are currently seeing a trend towards 5 busbars. By increasing the number of busbars the resistance losses can be reduced. Based on our research and development work with the SERIS Institute at the University in Singapore we know that the maximum number of busbars will be 6. You can of course increase the number of busbars further, but based on the simulation performed by the SERIS Institute the power gain achieved after 6 busbars is only minimal.

STRINGER TT4200 GIGA: Smooth and gentle soldering with IR light and closed loop control.

EQ: India currently has around 1.2 GW Cell Manufacturing and 5GW of Module Manufacturing…..what are the opportunities, challenges in manufacturing in India Kramer: India is expanding their manufacturing base. It is the correct decision of the government in India to support local manufacturing. Only with a local manufacturing base the solar energy can be more widespread in India because more and more people are supporting it. Our customers are facing several challenges. One is the availability of raw materials and local manufactured solar cells. In addition financing the equipment is a challenge.

EQ: India is currently ramping up manufacturing capacities…how much capacity addition do you forecast ? Kramer: Forecasting is always difficult. But personally I see a big potential in India. Solar Energy can be installed within a short period of time. The costs for solar modules have been reduced over the last few years a lot and therefore solar energy is competitive with fossil fuels. India is one of the fastest growing economies and a lot of additional energy will be required in the next few years. Solar will be able to provide clean energy to the big cities in India as well as to rural areas. So I personally hope that more solar energy will be added in order to keep the air clean or cleaner in India. The existing companies in India will expand their manufacturing capacities and new players will enter the market. On the solar module manufacturing side I see a potential of 10 GW to 15 GW of production capacity within the next few years in India.

STRINGER TT4200 GIGA: Precise cell and ribbon handling

Series production of stringer systems : Factory building for stringer production at teamtechnik´s headquarters in Germany

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March 2017

PV MANUFACTURING

N-Type Bifacial Cell Technology, A Most Efficient Electricity Cost-Effective Solution

Introduction

ith the increase in the proportion of distributed PV system in the PV market and the promotion of high efficiency single crystalline solar cell technology, more and more institution and enterprises focus on the bifacial structure based on N-type silicon substrate. N-type bifacial cell and module show excellent performance in the regions of highly reflective ground, vertical installation, space station, photovoltaic building integration, parking shed, noise walls, snow, desert and other regions because it’s both side power generation characteristics. Therefore N-type bifacial cell has gradually sought after by the market. According to SEMI international photovoltaic technology roadmap forecast [1], N-type cell market share will be more than 20% to 2019, while it is more than 30% to 2025. 72

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N-type bifacial cell technology

igure 1a shows the architecture of typical n-type bifacial solar cell in the market. The P+ emitter layer and N+ back surface filed (BSF) layer were form on the front side and rear side of textured n-type substrate, respectively. Passivation layer and anti-reflection layer were form outside both emitter and BSF layer. Silver paste was print on both side and co-firing to form metal electrodes to collect current. Typically, the wafer thickness is around 170-200μm and a wafer resistivity of 1-7Ω•cm is preferred[2,3]. This structure can reach an efficiency of 24.5%[4, 5] in laboratory. Infurther development, the efficiency can reach up to 24.7% by N-PERL and IBC structure [5, 6, 7].

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PV MANUFACTURING

1) Texture

2) Boron diffusion

3) Isolation

4) Implantation & Annealing

5) Passivation & AR Coating

6) Metallization Figure 1, a scheme of n-type bifacial cell structure (left top, 1a), Jolywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bifacial cell process flow (right, 1b) and bifacial cells with 4 busbars (left bottom, 1c)

here are several different processes to manufacture such an n-type bifacial cell, such as panda technology from Yingli solar, spin coating based technology from PVGS and so on. Jolywood developed a bifacial cell technology based on ion implantation with the efficiency up to 21.5% at front side

(STC) in average and 19% at rear side (STC). As shown in Fig. 1b, the N-type bifacial cell can be implemented by the shown process sequence using an ion implantation technique. This process flow has the advantages of simple process, high yield and high conversion efficiency.

Figure 2, a typical IV cure for front and rear (left, 2a) and a cell efficiency distribution from mass production line with more than 50k cells(right,2b)

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March 2017

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PV MANUFACTURING

typical IV curve for both front and rear was shown in figure2a, which shows a bifaciality up to 90%. Figure 2b shows a distribution from mass production result with more than 50k cells, demonstrating an average efficiency higher than 21.3%

and high yield. Because of the advantages of simple process, high yield, high conversion efficiency, good reliability, easy to upgrade technology, etc., itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s believed in the future N-type market this bifacial technology will be much favored by the market.

Analysis of levelized cost of electricity

ue to the price decrease of the module and material, the module price plays a much smaller role in the PV system cost than several years ago. Thus, levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) analysis is important for end users. N-type bifacial cells can be assembled in a double glass module or glass-transparent backsheet module according to glass/encapsulate/bifacial cell/ encapsulate/glass structure and glass/encapsulate/ bifacial cell/encapsulate/transparent backsheet

structure, respectively; The transmittance of transparent backsheet is close to 90%, slightly lower than glass. But it has a very light weight Vs. glass. The two kinds of modules can absorb irradiation from both side to generate electrical power, shown in figure 3. Here a PR (performance ratio) factor was used to evaluate the power generation from the backside, which was defined in the following equal (equation 1). This PR factor indicates the ratio of the actual power generation to the theoretical power generation of the nominal power.

PVGS Japan have test power generation performance with different double glass module on different reflection ground [8]. In the test, two small systems with same watt-peak were installed on ground with white shell (system A, high reflection ground) and

grass(system B, low reflectivity ground) as shown in figure3a and 3b. The measured PR data was shown in table 1. It can be seen that bifacial system has better power generation ration, which is up to 18.7% higher than conventional mono facial system.

Figure 3, glass-glass(or glass-transparent backsheet) module structure(left, 3) and bifacial module test systems(3a: on ground with white shell, 3b: on grass)

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PV MANUFACTURING

For the typical south faced PV system with 30Â° tilt, the electricity generation increase rate can reach up to 26% in sunny days. It can be even high in cloudy days, which can reach up to 38.6%. Detail data was shown in Figure4.

Figure 4,electricity generation increase rate compare with multi system on cement floor (all system is south faced, 30degree tilt)

Here a rear benefit of 20% was used for calculation. Table 2 shows the different cost per watt by different module based on 100MW PV plant exclude module cost. This indicates that n-type bifacial plant cost exclude module is 25% cheaper than p-type multi plant and 20% lower than p-type mono plant if rear benefit was 20%. www.EQMagPro.com

March 2017

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PV MANUFACTURING

For different installation, different benefit from rear side also been calculated, list in table 3. This indicates that the n-type system with high power is one of the most cost-effective solution. The system cost will significantly decrease when the system get more benefit from rear side of bifacial modules.

Application of N-type bifacial cell and module

-type bifacial cell and module show excellent performance in the regions of highly reflective ground, vertical installation, space station, photovoltaic building integration, parking shed, noise walls, snow, desert and other regions because it’s both side power generation characteristics. This characteristics greatly expanded the application of N-type bifacial cells and modules[8,9,10]. One of the most important application is vertical installation system. The amount of electricity generated has no correlation with the orientation of the vertical installation. The north-south bifacial vertical installation system shows a

parabolic electricity generation during the day, with the peak generation at 12 o’clock, east-west bifacial vertical installation system has two peaks at 9:00 am and 15:00 pm, respectively. The power generation equals 90% of the optimal installation and 130% of the south face vertical installation of monofacial modules with same watt-peak, shown in figure 5a. Because of the unique advantages of the vertically installed bifacial system, it is ideal for used in soundproof walls on both sides of highways and train stations. Fig 5b shows the first PV soundproof walls installed on the edge of the freeway overpass at Zurich, Switzerland [10].

Figure 5, Left: electricity generation comparison of south-north vertical installation (bifacial: S-N/90°), east-west vertical installation (bifacial: E-W/90°) and optimal south face installation.; Right: the first PV soundproof walls installed on the edge of the freeway overpass at Zurich, Switzerland 76

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PV MANUFACTURING The integration of photovoltaic buildings is an important trend in the future development [9,10].In Japan, an architect must take into account the photovoltaic power generation system in the housing design. Double glass modules are undoubtedly the most powerful competitors in this trend. Its characteristics such as double-sided power generation, vertical installation, adjustable light transmittance, good heat dissipation and so on, can been fully exerted in BIPV system. Figure 6 show some examples of photovoltaic building integration system.

Figure 6, examples of photovoltaic building integration

s infrared light cannot be absorbed by silicon, based on bifacial cell structure, most of the infrared light can go through the cell. Furthermore, materials used in bifacial module such as glass, encapsulate and so on do not absorb the infrared light neither. Thus, the heat of the bifacial module is relatively small. The data shows that the glassglass PV modules have a 5 to 9 lower working temperature under normal working condition than conventional single-

glass modules [10]. For the crystalline silicon cell system, the power coefficient is about -0.42% per degree, therefore, in the desert and other high temperature areas, using bifacial system has an obvious advantage. Similarly, in the International Space Station, due to the absence of the atmosphere, the heat generated cannot be effectively distributed, resulting in high module operating temperature. Bifacial modules can effectively alleviate this problem.

With the popularity of N-type solar cell and large-scale applications, there will be more and more researchers and enterprises continue to expand its application areas according to N-type bifacial solar cellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s characteristics.

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March 2017

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Material Innovation Reduces LCOE

n current PV industry, crystalline silicon is the main product since its high transform light to electricity rate, matured producing process, and rich sources of raw materials and so on. Crystalline silicon is applicable through crystalline silicon cells and encapsulates combined PV module, which in the end will be able to generate electricity. Current PV module encapsulates structure is fallen into pattern in eighties, 20thcentury, shown as Pic.1 below, the module is consisted by glass, EVA, cells, backsheet, etc. Among these materials, backsheet is the outer layer of modules on the backside of module which directly facing the outer environment, protecting the inner materials of module and sustain them. The backsheet should perform the function of insulation, weather resistance and water vapor barrier. So the performance of backsheet will determine the life time and efficiency of PV modules, thus lead to the difference of PV generation cost. At the same time, backsheet can increase the reflection via the interval space between the cells, thus help increase the power of module and decrease the PV generation cost. The higher reflection rate of backsheet inter layer, the higher power the module would obtain, and so more contribution to lower the generation cost. It’s the reason that reflection rate of backsheet inter layer is also important factor for PV generating cost down. The backhseet is a multi-lay structure with the PET is middle layer, which is the main composite of backsheet, also called base material. The PET film has good performance of insulation, mechanism and Water vapor barrier. But PET’s weather resistance is not very good, which needs to be protected for fulfill the lifetime stan-

Pic.1- Crystalline silicon PV module diagrammatic sketch

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dard of 25 years of the PV modules in outer field. On the early stage of PV industry’s development, backsheet PET is mainly protected (Both side) by Tedlar film, which is produced by Dopont, it is also an exclusive PR product , the structure of this kind of backsheet is Tedlar//PET//Tedlar, also known as TPT backsheet. Tedlar film is PVF film, enjoys great performance of anti-UV, anti-high Temperature, anti-corrosion. PVF film is also a material in market till today that has a 30 year field application material PVF Film is by Biaxial stretching process, strengthened on both TD and MD, mechanism is balanced, and with good anti-aging performance it can endure humid heat, UV, TC and other harsh conditions. Though Tedlar film has above excellent functions and on site proof, due to this unique in manufacturing process, the surface of PVF film is easy for appearance of pinhole, in actual extreme climatic conditions, vacuum zone cannot protect PET ina proper way, thus lead to regional performance degradation in backsheet area, backsheet is easy to get destroyed, then influence the protection of cells by backsheet, shorten the lifetime of PV modules. On the other hand, the reflection rate of Tedalar film is quite low, it can’t help increase the power gain in PV modules, this makes Tedlar film at a disadvantage in generation cost down process. Also due to its unique manufacturing process, the cost of it is too high, cannot fulfill the development demand of PV industry. Under the above factors, another protection film called Kynar was developed in market, this film is produced with PVDF film by France’s Arkema. This Kynar film is also approved on site by Arkema more than 20 years, highly recognized by end users.

But PVDF film is week in MD and TD’s stretching or even with no stretching, easy to lead imbalance of mechanism, a big amount of acrylic when making film leads to inherent brittleness. All these factors lead to break or crack of PVDF film in outer site field under combined stress in different conditions. Besides, Technical threshold of PVDF is low, currently there are too many manufacturer with different standard of quality and performance. Anti-aging function of PVDF film varies from one another. Some of the low quality PVDF film is easy to break under accelerated aging test in laboratory, shown as Pic.2, this also indicates the risk of this model on site.

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PV MANUFACTURING

Pic2 Low quality PVDF lamination backsheet lab accelerated aging test, crack appear on the surface of backsheet.

Pic3 - Cracks after 3 years outdoor using by coextrusion based PA backsheet

o matter T or K film, all are laminated on PET surface by adhesive, this model is called laminating backsheet. There is a film making process and PET lamination process by both T and K film, this material lead to poor weather resistance, under light damp heat condition, it is easy to get hydrolyzed, degradation aging, this leads attenuation of adhesive property, PVF/ PVDF film will be delaminating with PET layer, this is an unavoidable weakness of laminating backsheet. To lower the cost of backsheet and solve the above problems, some of the backsheet manufacture developed the extrusion nonefluorine backsheet like PA, PET based backsheet. But coextrusion structure PA or PET backsheet though inner layers are enhancement property based PA or PET material, due to its own performance deficiency of raw material, the weather resistance is very poor, especially in harsh condition area. Within 3 years, the backsheet even appear cracks by PA backsheet, thus lead to degradation and power decrease of modules. Show is Pic.3, coextrusion based PET backsheet is also easy to get yellowing or cracked. Thus, this coextrusion based none fluorine backsheet will sooner be knocked out in the market. To sum up, TPT/KPK laminating backsheet’s cost is high, also weak performance in some function; PET and PA backsheet’s cost is low, but very poor performance, these models cannot guarantee 25 years lifetime of PV modules in outer field, on the contrary lead to generation cost higher. Co-developed with Key Lab of Organsilicon Chemistry and Materials for years, Jolywood successfully developed a subversive

Pic5 - Jolywood FFC coating based backsheet innovative backsheet, coating tetra fluorine solar module backsheet named FFC backsheet.This model successfully solved the problem caused by TPT/KPK’s laminating model’ high cost and adhesive’s weakness, poor performance of Anti-aging, at a very low price, FFC still guarantee 25 years outdoor installationrequirement, it is of high cost performance, lower the generation cost. FFC backsheet is an integrated film backsheet based on casting tangent roll coating technology and plasma technology. The backsheet structure is shown as Pic.5, still based on PET as base material, but PET by FFC is protected effectively by tetra fluorine coated layer. This on line film-membrane Integration technology highly reduced the manufacturing cost, also since no usage of poor performance of anti-aging Polyurethane adhesive, the risk of peeling off between base material and protection film has been avoided. On line film making’s main material, FFC coating layers from Daikin Japan’s FEVE. Daikin is world’s famous FEVE resin manufacturer, the fluorine-carbon coating material has been widely used in bridges, constructions, and port machineries’ out layer protection part, this material has 25 years plus outdoor application history.

Compared with traditional TPT and KPK backhsheet, FFC has the same excellent performance norm. 1. Weather resistance: Via high-low temperature 600 circulate, DH accelerated ageing 3000H, HF 30 circulate test (3 times of IEC standard); UV+ Aging (UV+DH) 130kw/m2\ QUVB aging test 4000H , Yellowing index Δ<5, this can make sure modules will meet 25 year lifetime. 2. Strong bonding strength: bonding strength with

EVA>80N/cm, strong > 80N/cm reduce the risk of backsheet bubble, peeling off , etc. 3. Water vapor barrier: Water vapor barrier rate <2.0g/m2.d, high water vapor barrier guarantee the adhesion with EVA, reduce the speed of cell’s corrosion by water vapor, increase the lifetime of modules at same time reduce the generating cost.

Compared With Tpt, Ffc Enjoys Higher Reflection Rate. Show As Pic. 6, By Same Power Range Of Solar Cells, The Modules With Ffc Backsheet Got 2 Watt More Power Than Tpt. This Also Help Reduce The Generating Cost.

Pic4 - Yellowing , cracks by coextrusion based PET backsheet after 3 years using

Pic6 - TPT, KPK, FFC backsheet reflection rate comparasion

Above all, FFC backsheet reduces the generating cost by raw material cost down, module power improvement and longer life time in outdoor application.

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March 2017

SOLAR ROOFTOP

By Nimish Prabhukhanolkar, Partner/founder, AGAMI ENGINEERING

Do Solar IPPs in India have sufficient information when selecting a vendor for either a Fixed Tilt or a Tracker MMS? THE ANSWER IS SURPRISINGLY - MORE OFTEN THAN NOT , THEY DO NOT!

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SOLAR ROOFTOP

t is the modern day Gold Rush. Everyone wants to win a solar project. They bid aggressively. The only way to win this bidding war is with low costs. “Cost is king and everything else be dammed!” Once the bid has been won, almost always at very low bids, the pressure is on everyone to deliver. Aggressive bidding by developers to win projects has meant that very low project costs are inevitable and they are then thrust on to the suppliers. Technology selection of Modules and Inverters is much easier to do as compared to BOS, specially Structures. Currently MMS designs are done using wind loads derived using IS 875III:1987/2015/ ASCE7-05/10 / EURO wind codesand structures are designed as per IS 800:1984/2007 / IS 801:1975. Very often, MMS vendors DO NOT take into account the “eccentric” moment induced in the structure due to flow of wind. This is because this particular clause appears as a footnote and is often missed. Very thin, cold formed members are designed using IS 800 and IS 801 only. It is well-known a lot of members design in tracker MMS is governed by torsion considerations, and using IS 800/IS 801 LRFD misses the torsion design entirely. This leads to the structures being extremely under-designed as Solar PV MMS designs are predominantly governed by torsional instabilities-both wind induced and strength deformations and need to be designed by using the AISC 360-10 / AISIS100-96/16 codes. Additionally, the existing codes do not help with the dynamic effects and aeroelastic instabilities – which in real life situations leads to the imposition of much higher loads than the calculated static loads on the structure. The memory of a recent thunderstorm’s devastating effect on a fixed tilt solar plant in North India would be fresh in the industry’s mind. Wind tunnel testing at a reputed company with a scaled model of MMS is essential to deal with these kinds of uncertainties. It’s worth noting here how historically improper MMS have faced partial or full failures as a result of ignoring realistic wind influences. Wind loads and pressures on a structure can only be derived from an actual BOUNDARY

So, what needs to be addressed before selecting a Tracker supplier is: Is the technology reliable? Is the technology durable?

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LAYER WIND TUNNEL and not a theoretical calculation or any other type of Wind Tunnel. Incorrect assumptions in surveying and levelling add more to the delays and project cost. Inadequate knowledge and testing of soil strengths add to hindrances in execution. Let’s look at Solar Trackers in particular. The General view is that Solar Trackers are a relatively simple technology to implement - make a pivot, get a screw jack or gear, fit a motor, get a controller to move it and sort of copy an existing MMS design – and a single axis tracker is launched! Margins seem nice, business is assured, so why not make one. Unfortunately, it is not that simple! The fact is that ALL the leading Tracker brands across the world, including in India, are PURE PLAY Tracker technology companies. All these companies have a very strong technology and product development ETHOS. With all new technologies, there are always a bunch of ‘cheaper’ and ‘me too’ options available in the first couple of years. These companies sell a lot, but their offerings break down a lot. After the dust has settled, the best engineered technologies remain.This is a classic TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT Cycle. The success of a Tracker solution depends on its (a) Mechanical components and (b) Electronic control components. The Mechanicalcomponents mainly comprises of the bearings, the MMS and the fasteners. It is assumed that bearings will last for

more than 50 years, incurring no O&M costs – but does test data validate this assumption? The electronic component is rarely assessed. However, the gain delivered by the tracker by efficiently tracking, stowing, shadow handling and backtracking depends entirely on the electronics and the algorithms. The decision, more often than not, is based solely on MMS Weight and therefore total cost ONLY. For example, Supplier Xquotes MMS weight of 50 tons. Another established supplier Yprovides 60 ton MMS. Now, Y has already installed plants, has a solid track record and has a bankable tracker solution. So what doesXknow that Y does not, which allows a >15% reduction in MMS weight from supplier X? NOTHING! The truth is - It is not possible to reduce the weight of the MMS beyond a certain point without compromising on the design integrity Add to this an equally important factor in selecting a tracker – not related to Technology and design – but to Delivery time and installation effort. Installation time required at site and O&M costs also need to be considered in depth, but are often ignored. Both these have a direct impact on the ‘GO LIVE’ date of the project. Even a delay of a month means significant losses in generation income. More often than not, even though a ‘cheap’ technology is selected, the saving in CAPEX gets wiped out in construction delays (and related generation loss).

And since the above points are subjective, based on very preliminary assessments, some tangible indicators for buyers could be Does the company have an IE bankability report? Does the company have a proven track record? EQ

March 2017

Panasonic’s Photovoltaic Module HITTM Adopted for Toyota Motor’s New Prius PHV Panasonic Corporation today announced that it has recently developed the “HITTM Photovoltaic Module for Automobile”, which was adopted for the new Prius PHV released in February 2017 by Toyota Motor Corporation (hereafter Toyota Motor). In addition, Panasonic’s automotive prismatic lithium-ion batteries were adopted for the drive batteries, as with the Prius PHV that was released in 2012.

anasonic Corporation has worked on the development of new applications of solar cells through the effective use of high performance and high reliability technologies and know-how that have been accumulated through the development, manufacture, and sales of photovoltaic modules for residential, public and industrial use. Panasonic’s solar cells have a unique structure that combines a crystalline silicon substrate and an amorphous silicon film, and feature high conversion efficiency and excellent temperature characteristics. Conventional automotive solar cells can output up to several tens of watts and have been used only for the auxiliary charging of 12 V batteries and ventilation power sources for parked cars; however, the use of the features of Panasonic’s solar cells allow a high

output (approx.180 W) in a limited area on a car’s roof, enabling the charging of the drive lithium-ion batteries as well as 12 V batteries, resulting in a possible extension of an EV’s travel distance and increased in fuel economy. Furthermore, Panasonic has developed technologies to laminate three-dimensional curved glass to match the new Prius PHV’s elegant body design, achieving the installation of modules on the roof without impairing the advanced design. This will eventually contribute to the improvement of the vehicle’s environmental performance. Panasonic will make efforts to expand the use of the “HITTM Photovoltaic Module for Automobile” and contribute to the achievement of an environmentally friendly society in the automotive as well as the housing and industrial fields.

Sungrow Presented New String Inverter SG33K3J at the 7th Int’l Smart Grid Expo in Tokyo

ungrow, the world’s leading PV inverter manufacturer, launched a new product for Japan’s solar market with the reveal of its new string inverter, the SG33K3J, at the 7th Annual Int’l Smart Grid Expo in Tokyo. (Booth W10-20, Tokyo Big Sight, Mar. 1-3) As an important supplement to the string inverter pipeline led by the SG49K5J, Sungrow’s flagship product in Japan, the SG33K3J expands possibilities for solar customers. The SG33K3J and the SG49K5J are both designed for higher power generation with DC/AC ratio of the SG33K3J reaching up to 2.0. Central inverters were also featured at the Tokyo show. Sungrow showcased the SG2000, recently employed in the BCM’s (Blue Capital Management Co., Ltd) 200MW power plant. Source:prnewswire

March 2017

“Sungrow is committed to technical innovation. We continue to bring new products and solutions to better meet ever-changing demands from customers in Japan,” said Renxian Cao, president of Sungrow.

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