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Volume # 7 | Issue # 5 | May-June 2015 |

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CONTENT

VOLUME 7 Issue # 4

42 SOLAR OFF GRID & ROOFTOP HARNESSING THE SUN FOR A NOBLE CAUSE

LED Lights To Help India Save USD 2 Bn - Piyush Goyal

19 12 SunEdison Announces Acquisition Of Continuum Wind Energy In India

Disclaimer,Limitations of Liability While every efforts has been made to ensure the high quality and accuracy of EQ international and all our authors research articles with the greatest of care and attention ,we make no warranty concerning its content,and the magazine is provided on an>> as is <<basis.EQ international contains advertising and third â&#x20AC;&#x201C;party contents.EQ International is not liable for any third- party content or error,omission or inaccuracy in any advertising material ,nor is it responsible for the availability of external web sites or their contents 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 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.

Applied Solar Technologies Raises $40 Million

SoftBank, Bharti and Foxconn to Form Joint Venture for Renewable Energy in India

SOLAR OFF GRID & ROOFTOP

Better Micro-Grids

Exclusive Interview With Takaki Oguri

40 14

IFC Invests $35 Million In PFS To Boost Renewable Energy Financing In India

With Vineet Mittal

Gujarat BSF Out-Posts To Shine With Solar Energy

24 Goyal Supports Idea Of Tax Sops For Roof Top Solar Panel

Exclusive Interview

Adani Group Inks Pact To Set Up 10,000 MW Solar Park In Rajasthan

Exclusive Interview With Vinay Goyal

CO NTENT

Cover

May-June 2015

CSUN is a NASDAQ listed world leading manufacturer of solar PV cells and modules, and closely connected to the renowned CEEG group, which has strategic partnership with KME and Dupont. As one of the Tier 1 solar PV module suppliers listed by Bloomberg, CSUN has extensive experience in the photovoltaic industry and is well known for outstanding innovation and product quality, which is underlined by the fabrication of the world record on silicon solar cell with a cell efficiency of 25% by CSUN R&D team. In the past CSUN has supplied renowned European PV module manufacturers with top quality

Eq Business & Financial News 7-27

INTERVIEWS 46 Exclusive Interview With Rabinder Kant Sikri 52 Exclusive Interview with Sharad Saxena

BALANCE OF SYSTEM 38 Counterfeit Connectors

cells, from 2007 CSUN started PV module supply and realized over 2.4GW shipment by 2014, currently CSUN has expanded its project business and strengthen its activities in financing and realizing photovoltaic system, cost effective solution under grid parity conditions.

SOLAR OFF GRID & ROOFTOP 31 Su Solartech Systems Pvt. Ltd

MOUNTING STRUCTURES 48 Soil – A Hurdle For Rapid Progress Deployment Of MMS

PRODUCTS REPORt 56-76

THE DANGERS

54 Bankable Quality of Cables Solar installations

Solar Inverters 50 SMA Presents Innovations for Each Area of Application in Photovoltaics

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BUSINESS FINANCIAL

SoftBank, Bharti and Foxconn to Form Joint Venture for Renewable Energy in India SBG Cleantech will invest in solar and wind energy projects to promote clean and safe energy.

apan headquartered telecommunications and Internet major SoftBank Corp. (“SoftBank”), leading Indian business conglomerate Bharti Enterprises Limited (“Bharti”) and Taiwan-based top design and manufacturing services provider Foxconn Technology Group (“Foxconn”), came together with plans to form a joint venture, SBG Cleantech Limited (“SBG Cleantech”) to promote the adoption of clean and safe energy in India. Subject to certain conditions, all three companies will jointly invest in the venture. SBG Cleantech will be a harbinger of solar and wind energy. Following the Indian Prime Minister’s 100GW solar and 60GW wind target by 2022, the venture will invest in and develop renewable energy plants across India. SBG Cleantech is committed to contributing to the Government of India’s mission of 24x7 power for all and the renewable energy target by 2022. The company intends to participate in the 2015-16 round of solar power plant tenders ‎ under the National Solar Mission (NSM) program and state-specific solar programs. Given its vast population, high irradiation, growing energy demand and power deficit, limited access to fossil fuels and a large number of unlit villages, India has great potential to be a major solar market India has achieved a base of 3.7 GW of solar power, evolved its policies and created a solar ecosystem of installers, manufacturers, developers, financiers and researchers. For a country of India’s size and promise, this can only be a first step.

SBG Cleantech will have Manoj Kohli, a Bharti veteran, who until recently led Bharti’s emerging businesses, as executive chairman and Raman Nanda, as the CEO. The company will be headquartered in Delhi. Solar in India is likely to grow by 250% in 2015. Globally, renewable energy outpaced the growth of fossil fuels in 2015 and a record 107 GW was added through wind, solar, geothermal and other natural sources.

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& “Our eyes are trained on India, given the vast potential that the country offers. We have already made considerable investments in the technology sector here. With this partnership, our goal is to create a market-leading ‎ clean energy company, to fuel India’s growth with clean and renewable sources of energy. We have joined hands with Bharti Enterprises and Foxconn, two leaders in their respective markets for this venture that will propel India into the future.”

- Masayoshi Son Chairman & CEO of SoftBank

“At Bharti, we believe in projects that have a transformational impact on society. In line with this vision, we are participating in a renewable energy venture with SoftBank and Foxconn which has the potential to transform the Indian economy. This project will immensely contribute to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of meeting the country’s energy demands through clean sources. Just as mobile phones have connected every Indian, renewable power has the potential to provide every Indian with access to electricity, SBG Cleantech underlines our commitment to India’s growth plans not only by eliminating energy deficit but also providing clean environment to the future generations of India.”

- Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Enterprises

“As a leading global technology company, Foxconn is committed to fulfilling our social and environmental responsibilities (SER) and investing in areas that link technology with sustainable growth in a way that also protects the environment. Harnessing renewable energy is a key pillar in our SER strategy and we are excited to join our industry partners, SoftBank and Bharti, in championing clean energy solutions in India through SBG Cleantech, and supporting the country’s efforts to grow its renewable energy industry.”

- Terry Gou Founder and CEO Foxconn Technology Group

May-June 2015

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BUSINESS FINANCIAL

Global Solar Installations To Reach 57.4 GW Globally In 2015, Reports Mercom Capital Group

Mercom Capital Group, llc, a global clean energy communications and consulting firm, projects a strong year for solar, forecasting global installations to reach 57.4 GW in 2015.

“We are revising our forecast upwards since our previous update due to positive news coming out of China along with revised installation goals,”

- Raj Prabhu CEO and Co-Founder of Mercom Capital Group

May-June 2015

ercom expects China, Japan and the U.S. to account for approximately 6 0 percent of global solar installations this year. Since Mercom’s previous forecast three months ago, China has revised its solar installation target yet again by 20 percent to almost 18 GW for 2015. “With the specific steps put forward by the National Energy Administration (NEA) and the 5 GW already installed in the first quarter, 17.8 GW is a more achievable target this year. Omission of a specific installation target for distributed solar projects, which contributed to missing the 2014 goal, is a positive,” further commented Prabhu. China’s solar installation goals were revised numerous times last year, and a similar trend can be expected this year if there are implementation issues on the ground. Trade skirmishes are now a familiar part of the solar sector. The European Union (EU) announced that it has opened investigations into imports from Taiwan and Malaysia. The EU is following the US-China template where antidumping duties were imposed on Chinese manufacturers, followed by another case against circumvention. The EU recently imposed tariffs on three solar companies for violating the minimum tariff agreement between China and the EU. The EU is also reviewing the current minimum import price agreement which is due to expire in December of this year.Mercom forecasts Japanese solar installations in 2015 to be approximately 10 GW. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Commerce (METI) announced feed-in tariff (FiT) cuts in March.Solar PV installations in

Germany continue on a downward trend with only 400 MW installed in the first four months of 2015 compared to 622 MW installed during the same time last year. Germany’s forecast has been reduced to 1,300 MW for 2015.The first auction for large-scale PV projects in Germany was announced in April for 150 MW and was oversubscribed by four times. Under auction rules the lowest bid wins. The auction was implemented as a cheaper alternative to the FiT, but turned out to be a slightly more expensive option. The second auction is scheduled for August and if this trend persists, there is a good chance the program will be modified after this year. The U.S. is expected to install approximately 8.8 GW of solar in 2015 as projects ramp up to beat the December 31, 2016 federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) expiration; 2015 and 2016 are forecasted to be its two best years prior to the impending deadline. The U.S. market has been the leader in reducing financing costs by using innovative financing structures like securitization and Yieldcos. In the first half of this year, third-party solar finance companies have raised almost $3 billion dollars in lease and loan funds, on course to make this the best fundraising year for solar lease companies. As the ITC expiration draws closer, we expect this activity to strengthen in 2016.The U.K. is expected to have its best year for solar installations in 2015 with an expected rush before the April 2015 expiration of Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROC) for projects larger than 5 MW. The market going forward is expected to move towards smaller projects that are incentivized through the FiT program.

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May-June 2015

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BUSINESS FINANCIAL

IFC Invests $35 Million In PFS To Boost Renewable Energy Financing In India SBG Cleantech will invest in solar and wind energy projects to promote clean and safe energy.

FC, a member of the World Bank Group, has subscribed to $35 million worth of 10-year non-convertible debentures issued by infrastructure finance company, PTC India Financial Services. The company will use the funds to boost long-term financing for renewable energy, particularly in wind and solar projects.The investment will help generate an estimated 129 GWh of clean energy over five years. PFS is focused on financing projects in India across the energy value chain, and renewable energy comprises 40 percent of its portfolio. In 2011, IFC had provided PFS a senior loan of $50 million to fund four renewable energy projects. “The funds from the issue will augment our long-term funding resources and help diversify our borrowing profile,” said Pawan Singh, Chief Financial Officer, PFS. “The major focus of PFS remains on renewable energy space in India and we are committed to increase the renewable energy generation base in India.”In April, PFS became the first institution in India, and the twenty-sixth globally, to sign IFC’s master cooperation agreement. This agreement has helped standardize steps that lenders take when co-financing projects with IFC. Signatories have co-invested more than $3 billion since its creation in 2009.“With a strong sponsor like PTC, country’s largest power trading company, PFS has a natural advantage in reaching out to energy companies, which will allow it to rapidly expand its green financing,” said Giri Jadeja. Regional Industry Head. Financial Institutions Group, IFC.

Infrastructure finance companies like PFS can fill a critical funding gap for renewable energy projects in India.

- Vivek Pathak, IFC Director for Asia-Pacific “In addition, these investments will help lower carbon footprint, create jobs and boost growth.”IFC has a strong focus on renewable energy in India and plays an important role by providing direct financing, both as debt and equity, to sponsors with a long-term commitment to renewable energy. IFC portfolio companies have set up more than two gigawatt of renewable energy projects in India.

Waaree Energies Ltd Has Commissioned 10 MW Project Under JNNSM, DCR Category Project For Sharda Constructions Waaree Energies Ltd. has announced commissioning of its 10 MW solar power plant for Sharda Construction and Corporation Pvt Ltd (SCCPL) a construction major based in Nanded, Maharashtra.The project located at Latur, Maharashtra was allotted to SCCPL under the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) category of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission’s Phase 2, Batch 1. The EPC contract was awarded to Mumbai based, Waaree Energies Limited to design and execute the project by SCCPL. The project was completed by Waaree energies Limited in less than 90 days even in the face of challenging conditions.

May-June 2015

“We had to face few challenges like undulated land and an extreme slope with a catchment area at the bottom which added to the design complexity. We are proud to share that the plant performance till date is as expected and it is a proof of Waaree’s design and engineering capability. This project is a hallmark of our growing capability in the field of solar.”

-Mr Hitesh Doshi, CMD Waaree Energies Ltd said

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BUSINESS FINANCIAL

& Continuum owns and operates

242 MW AC of wind power plants And has more than

1,000 MW

of wind power plants in development across 6 states in India.

SunEdison Announces Acquisition Of Continuum Wind Energy In India

SunEdison, Inc., the world’s largest renewable energy development company, recently announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Continuum Wind Energy Limited, Singapore with assets in India.

These plants are in Maharashtra and Gujarat states, 170 MW of wind power under construction in Madhya Pradesh state. “India is a core market for SunEdison and offers growth opportunities in wind and solar energy”

-Ahmad Chatila, SunEdison president and chief executive officer

ith the acquisition of Continuum, a leading wind energy company in India, we have added significant assets and a skilled wind development team to drive further growth in our renewable energy development platform. This acquisition reinforces SunEdison’s commitment to India and will drive immediate shareholder value.” “We are excited to join SunEdison at this time of rapid growth in India’s renewable energy market,” said Arvind Bansal, chief executive officer of Continuum. “SunEdison’s strong global financial capabilities and talented local team here in India position us to capture the incredible business opportunity in this dynamic market.”SunEdison intends to place the power plants acquired from Continuum on the operational call rights list for TerraForm Global. Operation and maintenance of the wind power plants will be performed by SunEdison Services, which provides global 24/7 asset management, monitoring and reporting services. The definitive agreement was signed June 12, 2015 with closing expected in the third quarter of 2015, subject to regulatory approvals, third-party consents and customary closing conditions.

PHOTON Lab Ranks Risen Energy No. 2 for the Second Consecutive Year in its Outdoor Modules Test Recently, PHOTON Lab announced the results of the 2014 outdoor modules tests. Risen Energy’s SYP190S-M mono modules won No.2 with excellent performance and quality. It’s the second time for Risen Energy. PHOTON Lab is one of the world’s most authoritative testing organizations. It applies precise comparative tests by placing the PV modules outdoor without any shadow. The aim is to test the PV modules performance (performance ratio and yield) under practical conditions. PHOTON Lab applies advanced equipments to test modules to ensure the accuracy of results. The participants included 174 PV modules, and Risen Energy’s module is No. 2 with 94.7% performance ratio and 1175.7KW yield. In addition, SYP250M mono module is No. 9 with 93.4% performance ratio and 1159.7KW yield. It may be noticed that the difference is not significant from the data.

May-June 2015

“PHOTON Lab’s outdoor module test results indicate that Risen Energy’s PV modules quality has reached world-class levels. We will continue to improve our technology, pursue higher quality and performance, and provide customers with high-performance products.”

-Mr. Wanghong, president of Risen Energy

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12MWp Solar Plant at Cochin International Airport secure on

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BUSINESS FINANCIAL

Gujarat BSF Out-Posts To Shine With Solar Energy In an innovative effort to fight electricity crisis in forward areas, Gujarat Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) is all set to use solar energy for its out-posts located in remote border areas, where no electrification is possible till date.

nion Minister of State for Home and top BSF officials confirmed that Gujarat frontier will soon set up a five mega watt solar energy plant and also separately electrify 20 Border Out Posts (BoPs) by solar energy. “Gujarat frontier BSF has given me a proposal about the solar power project. It will come up soon,” Haribhai Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs told PTI over phone.Chaudhary however did not divulged details like cost of the same project.”I can only tell about the cost aspects once I will reach Delhi on Tuesday,” the minister said.Inspector General of Gujarat Frontier of BSF Santosh Mehra said there are two projects on solarisation, one is a five megawatt solar plant in Nalabet

Lifetime Achievement Award To Dr. Arup Roy Choudhury

area in border district of Banaskantha and in another project 20 BoPs will be lightened up with solar energy. “In Nalabet area we are going to have about five megawatt solar plant. Some progress is there. The land has been identified and this solar plant will come up,” Mehra told PTI.”In another project, we have identified about 20 BoPs (in Banaskantha and Kutch districts),which will stand alone on solar power generation system. No electrification has taken place in these BoPS. Only source of electricity over there is generator,” he said.”Now, for generators we have to send diesel through tankers. But if the generator is not working there then there would be no electricity,” he added.

Aviva, Pensions Infrastructure Body Raise $206 Million For Solar Fund

$ Dr. Arup Roy Choudhury , CMD NTPC has been bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the India Pride Awards Function for his outstanding contribution spanning over 14 years as head of leading Public sector organizations. The award was presented to him by Shri Arun Jaitley , Union Minister of Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting at a function held in New Delhi last evening.India Pride Awards have been instituted by Dainik Bhaskar Group to honor PSUs which have played a vital role towards the development of the nation

May-June 2015

Aviva Investors and the Pension Infrastructure Platform said their solar photovoltaic fund closed this week having pulled in 131 million pounds of investment from four British pension schemes.The fund will now look to raise additional money up to a maximum of 250 million pounds, the firms said in a statement. Aviva Investors is the global asset management business of Aviva Plc (AV.L) and manages the fund, which invests in small-scale solar PV projects in Britain and had its first close on June 16.The Pensions Infrastructure Platform works with asset managers to develop specialist infrastructure investment funds. Source: http://uk.reuters.com

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BUSINESS FINANCIAL

Gujarat Government Inaugurates Solar Rooftop Project The Gujarat government inaugurated a 5 MW solar rooftop project in the state capital city of Gandhinagar here recently.”It is not a single large project connected at a single point, but a tiny capacity ranging from 1 KW to 100 KW, placed on unused roofs of buildings in Gandhinagar”

n 2010, the Gujarat state government had accorded an in-principle approval to set up a grid connected 5 MW (5,000 KW) rooftop solar power project in Gandhinagar,” he said.”A robust and well documented framework was created with the help of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and an innovative scheme was formulated for implementation,” he said.So far, a total 5.43 MW (5,430 KW) capacity has been installed on rooftops of 52 government buildings and 376 private residential buildings, he said.”To implement the scheme, the project was divided into two

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The project is the first of its kind in India complying with all international standards and can be considered a milestone in India’s rooftop solar sector.

-Saurabh Patel, Finance Minister, Gujarat

parts of 2.5 MW each. Further, it was decided that the power generated would be directly injected to the grid,” he said. “It was also decided that the selected developer would design, install, finance, operate and maintain the project.Rooftop owners were incentivised,” he said.After an internationally competitive bidding process, Azure Power and Avartha Solar (Sun Edison) were selected based on their lowest tariff tenders at that time for 2.5 MW project each, he said.Power Purchase Agreements, between the two companies and

Torrent Power Limited, which supplies electricity to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar were signed in April 2012, he said. Patel also said that the average annual consumption of power of Gandhinagar, including industries is about 27.5 crore units, adding, that after inauguration of this project, solar power generation in the city would comprise two per cent of total energy consumption.In addition to this project, the Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL) has installed its own 750 KW systems on five government rooftops in Gandhinagar, he said.

May-June 2015

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BUSINESS FINANCIAL

& The state will not only be independent in power generation but will become a surplus power state to the extent of 6,000 MW and will be able to sell to other states.

-Vasundhara Raje, Chief minister, Rajasthan

R Rajasthan:Raje Inaugurates Solar Power Plant Rajasthan Chief minister Vasundhara Raje recently inaugurated a 100 MW solar power plant which will cater to the electricity requirement of 30 villages at Nandia Kalan village near here.Set up by Azure Power, this is the largest solar power plant in the state under ‘Make in India’ mission.

aje said that the state government has signed MoUs for 34,000 MW solar power generation and soon it is going to set up a solar grid to harness this potential.Appreciating the pace of work by Azure Power in setting up and commissioning this plant, Raje called upon the company to set up a unit for manufacturing of solar panels here only so as to cut down the cost.According to the CEO of Azure Power Inderpreet Wadhwa, this is the largest capacity project under the National Solar Mission - II with the cost of power brought down by almost 70 per cent from Rs 17.91 in 2009 to Rs 5.45 /KWhr. Later, Raje also laid the foundation stone for the new ISRO complex in Jodhpur.This is the fourth such centre in the country, which till now had been functioning from the CAZRI premises.In her address, she said that there was a need of associating the students of school and colleges with this centre in order to spread their horizon.”ISRO is an entity, which everyone needed to be acquainted with,” she said.Recalling her stint in the Space Department under the government of A B Vahpayee, Raje said that ISRO had played an important role in nation’s growth and development and this needed to be taken further for greater benefits of mankind. She said that the government is upgrading and digitalising the land records of the state.”We are upgrading and digitalising the land records and would reach a stage in 3 years, where the villagers and farmers would not have to face any trouble,” Raje said.Raje also stressed the need of reviving the telemedicine sector and called upon the need of training to the youth of the state in this field, specially in ITIs.Set up in Jodhpur in 1987, this centre of ISRO has so far worked on 2800 projects and has served over 200 state, national and international.

Delta Electronics CEO Ping Shares Stage With Prime Minister Narendra Modi At Digital India Launch Mr.Ping Cheng,Chief Executive Officer of Delta Electronics Inc.has Been Invited by Government of India at the grand Launch of Digital India Programme to be held in New Delhi on 1st of July 2015. The Programme will be launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi and will be attended by a host of business leaders and dignitaries from india and abroad.digital india Programme ,envisaged by the Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi,aims to build a Digital Infrastructure as a Utility to every Citizen ,Governance and serivces,Its Vision is to Propel India To The Next Phase Of Inclusive Growth by Harnessing digital Technology. Mr.Ping Cheng Shall address the

May-June 2015

gathering and share his vision about digital India Program and contribution Delta Group can make to it.Mr.Ping Cheng shall also announce Delta’s Future Investment plans in India in Electronics manufacturing Segment and expected Job Creation.Mr.Ping Cheng,CEO,Delta Electronics Inc.Shall Participate in the event together with prominent business leaders including Mr.Cyrus P Mistry,Mr.Mukesh D.Ambani,Mr.Sunil Mittal.Mr.Kumarmangalam Birla,Mr. Anil Ambani,Mr.Anil Agrawal,Mr.Ajim Premji,Mr.Hariom Rai and Mr.Pawam Munjal,Mr.Peter Gutsmeidl,CEO,Airbus Group and Mr.Mikio Katayama,Vice Chairman,Nidec Corporation Shall Also Join The Event.

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BUSINESS FINANCIAL

May-June 2015

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BUSINESS FINANCIAL

& Mr. Akhilesh Yadav Inaugurates Jakson’s 10MW Solar Power Plant At Lalitpur, U.P.

ECoR Lays Foundation Stone For Solar Power System

The solar power system is likely to be commissioned early and will accrue a saving of 400 units of electricity every day.

-Rajiv Vishnoi, General Manager, ECoR

East Coast Railway has taken a major step towards conservation of energy and reducing green house effect by way of installing two solar power systems of 50 Kwp capacity each by utilising the roof space of its Zonal headquarter building here at Rail Sadan here.General M a n a g e r, EC o R Rajiv Vishnoi, laid the foundation stone for the solar power system at Rail Sadan on the ocassion of the World Environment Day. The foundation design can withstand windspeed of upto 200 kmph. The entire structure is spread over a floor area of 15,000 square feet and 435 individual solar panels will be used in this system, railway sources said.

Jakson Group, India’s leading diversified power solutions company, has inaugurated a 10 Megawatt (MW) i n L a l i t p u r, U t t a r Pradesh. The plant was Inaugurated on 7th May 2015 by Shri Akhilesh Yadav, Hon’ble Chief Minister of UP. With this, the company’s executed IPP portfolio has risen to 30MW. The Lalitpur plant will provide green power to UPPCL. Jakson has also recently signed a PPA with UPNEDA to set up another 30 MW solar power plant. The new plant is expected to be complete by the year end and will raise Jakson’s portfolio to 60MW.

10 MW plant launched in Lalitpur UP

This is company’s second IPP project in India with total executed portfolio of 30 MW PPA signed to setup another 30 MW project in UP Company on track to set up 200MW in next 3 years.

Shri Piyush Goyal Gave Away National Awards For Meritorious Performance In Power Sector ; Called Upon Private Sector To Be The Part Of Development Journey Of The Country

W Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister State (IC) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy, presented National Awards for Meritorious Performance in Power Sector for the year 2013-14 at a function held here today.

May-June 2015

hile addressing the award ceremony, Shri Goyal said that after last year’s achievements, there are more challenging tasks waiting ahead and these awards are only small steps achieving the collective dream of providing 24x7 affordable and quality power to the nation. He congratulated the winners by saying that awards are recognition of good work and encouragement to perform better in future. The Minister also called upon private sector to be part of the development journey of the country by contributing their share in lowering price and increasing quality of power, generating employment opportunities, creating better distribution systems etc. A total of 34 awards are given in the fields of early completion of thermal and hydro power and transmission projects, performance of thermal, hydro and nuclear power stations, performance of distribution companies and rural distribution franchise, transmission system availability and environment management award scheme for coal based thermal power stations

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BUSINESS FINANCIAL

LED Lights To Help India Save USD 2 Bn - Piyush Goyal The government is planning to save USD 2 billion in four years by cutting down on energy usage by 10,000 MW during peak hours by promoting LED lights, Power, Coal and Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal said recently.

“The plan is to cut down energy demand by nearly 10,000 MW in peak hours by changing to LED lights in street and homes by 2019. This itself will save power to the tune of US 2 billion”

- Piyush Goyal Minister of State with Independent Charge for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy

Goyal said in a question and answer session with Facebook users.

par t from this, the government is focusing on star rated appliances and improving industrial energy efficiency for an overall saving of about 100 billion units a year, that is 10 per cent of country’s current consumption, he said. “I hope to utilise these savings to power the homes of 280 million Indians deprived of energy access, sadly, 67 years after independence,” Goyal said. Apart from lowering LED lights prices, Goyal said the government is taking steps to boost rooftop solar power production. “We are hoping to scale the demand for rooftop solar and in the next seven years - we have plans to roll out 40,000 MW for rooftop solar, which is massive. Concurrently, we will start procurement through reverse bidding which should help bring down the prices. To what extent the prices will come down, I cannot say at this point,” he said.On forecast of a deficient monsoon, the Minister said, “Obviously a deficient monsoon is a matter of concern to all policymakers. We are preparing ourselves to increase coal-based power generation

significantly, just like we did last year due to delayed monsoon, so that it can compensate for the lower hydel power and meet the increased demand of a agrarian pumps to provide water.” Further, based on the need assessment in different areas, supplementary public works will be initiated to provide alternate employment, he said adding fortunately, the food stocks are at comfortable levels. On huge transmission loss, Goyal said the problem was more sever in eastern and northern parts.“In states like Bihar, it’s upwards of 40 per cent. We have started two new schemes for rural and urban areas focused on upgrading the T&D infrastructure by feeder segregation of powerlines to farms, extensive metering along transmission corridors, smart meters, and advanced communication systems to integrate consumption data with billing so that we can address this problem of power theft and distribution losses,” he said. Goyal also said government is taking comprehensive steps to check coal mafia operating in mines including installation of CCTVs to boost output especially in eastern region mines.

Surana Solar Crashes Over 32% In Two Trading Sessions Surana Solar shares have plunged over 32 per cent in last two trading sessions following reports that it was not the ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala but a namesake who bought shares worth Rs 2.56 lakh in the company from open market. At the end of today’s trading session, the stock was quoted 20 per cent down

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at Rs 35.80. The scrip had suffered a similar fate on June 10 as well and slumped over 15 per cent to Rs 44.75 on the BSE.As per the data on the bourses, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala had bought shares worth Rs 2.56 lakh in Surana Solar at an average price of Rs 53.74 apiece in a bulk deal on NSE on June 9, 2015. But later, it was known that the deal was

not done by him but his namesake and this triggered the sell-off in the counter. As the news went viral, investors started dumping the shares on Wednesday and the sell-off continued today as well. Surana Solar Limited, formerly known as Surana Ventures Ltd, manufactures solar energy systems with focus on Solar Photovoltaic PV Modules. Source:BS

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& “The agreement to set up a 200-MW plant was signed a couple of days back and the investment in the project will be about Rs. 6.5 crore–Rs. 7 crore per MW,”

- Official said

TN, Adani Group Sign Agreement On 200-MW Solar Plant In Ramanathapuram The Adani Group has signed a power purchase agreement with the Tamil Nadu government to set up a 200-MW solar power plant in Ramanathapuram at an investment of nearly Rs.1,400 crore, according to TANGEDCO officials.The group had been in discussion with the State government to set up a 1,000MW solar plant in the State.

he company is likely to stagger the investment and commission the 1,000-MW plant in phases. Officials at Adani Group were not available for comment.The investment comes at a time when Tamil Nadu’s ambitious plan to commission about 3,000 MW of solar energy by 2015 has not fructified with the State’s total grid connected solar power achieving a mere 5 per cent of its goal in the past three years. The State government in 2012 unveiled a ‘Solar Energy Policy’ that envisaged generation of 1,000 MW every year for three years through ‘utility scale projects’, rooftops and Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) schemes.TANGEDCO recently signed power purchase agreements for 631 MW, which will have to be commissioned by March 2016, the official said. “A load flow study has also found it feasible to commission another 2,200 MW,” the official said. As per data released by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Tamil Nadu ranks seventh in terms of total commissioned solar capacity till May this year, contributing just about 3.8 per cent of the total capacity of 3.88 GW. Rajasthan and Gujarat lead the pack.

High solar radiation “Rajasthan has the natural advantage of the highest amount of solar radiation . It also has a lot of arid land, and land cost there is relatively cheap. The government has also created land banks. Many of the bidders for projects under the MNRE scheme opt to bid for Rajasthan,” according to Madhavan Nampoothiri, Founder & Director, RESolve Energy Consultants. Source: The Hindu

ACME Commissions 100 MW Solar PV Plant In Rajasthan “The commissioning of the this prestigious Solar Power project bring pride to the nation as we look up to ambitious targets that need to be achieved amongst all the challenges in front of us. This has further reiterated ACME position as the leader in the solar power scenario with over 165 MWp operational capacities across Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.”

- Mr. Manoj Kumar Upadhyay, Founder & Chairman, ACME

He Said this While Announcing this milestone

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ACME, India’s leading solar power producer recently announced the commissioning of 100 megawatts (MW) solar power plant in Rajasthan, thus fulfilling its commitment towards the National Solar Mission Phase - II.A total of 05 number (20 MW x 5) projects form the cumulative projects of 100 MW that have been installed in the districts Tehsil Bap, District Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Thanking the stakeholders, he added, “At this crucial juncture, I thank Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Solar Energy Corporation of India and the Government of Rajasthan in helping us deliver this prestigious project. I also extend greetings to the lending partners and other financial institutions viz. Asian Development Bank, International Finance Corporation,Yes Bank Limited etc. collectively for extending their support which is very important for the successful commission of this project ”. The power generated from the project at Tehsil Bap, Jodhpur will be evacuated

through a 132 KV line linked to project site and supply electricity to the state of Rajasthan under the PPA signed with Solar Energy Corporation of India. ACME Solar commissioned the solar power project in record time of 150 days starting from foundation stone laying to electricity generation.The company showcased its prowess in solar PV technology through its 25 MW plant at Khilchipur, Madhya Pradesh that achieved a record output of 25 GWh in six months of installation, a record in maximum power output by any solar power plant of that scale

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NSEFI Chief Pranav Mehta Invited To International Energy And Climate Forum At Switzerland Global Parliamentarians and World Experts meet to discuss Innovative Approach to Mitigate Global Warming and Climate Change.Indian talents have created a niche for themselves at International forums and keeping the flag flying for India in matters of importance globally.

ational Solar Energy Federation of India – NSEFI Chairman Pranav R Mehta has been invited to a prestigious Global Meeting of Parliamentarians and Experts, that will discuss innovative approach to renewable energy – an approach which could play a key role in global efforts to control climate change.The invitation is from Climate Parliament and the Swiss Agency for “It is beyond any Development and reasonable doubt that Cooperation (SDC), Climate Change is Switzerland for an the biggest challenge International Energy facing the mankind & Climate Forum today and all positive scheduled from 12th– forces, cutting across 14th June at Lucerne, the globe must unite Switzerland. to find innovative “I feel honoured approach and evolve to have received this appropriate strategy prestigious invitation”, to overcome the said Pranav Mehta. challenge. As the Hon. Scientists warn Indian Prime Minister that a rapid transition Narendra Modi has from fossil fuels to stated: “We owe it to renewable energy is the future generations.” required if we are to tackle climate change while keeping the lights on and giving everyone access to energy. The renewable revolution is gathering pace, driven by lower prices for solar and wind power, but it still isn’t happening nearly fast enough to prevent dangerous climate change. This Climate Parliament Forum will discuss two innovative approaches to renewable energy which could play a key role in our efforts to control climate change.

Pranav Mehta said whilst accepting the invitation.

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Innovative Approaches The first is the concept of an Energy Internet. Nations with ambitious renewable energy targets often find themselves grappling with issues of transmission, cost and the variable nature of wind and sun. The Energy Internet has been much discussed as a way to address all three issues.Like the Information Internet, which runs through fibre-optic cables, the Energy Internet will run through a smart grid capable of integrating many different small and large sources of solar, wind and other renewable energy into a reliable supply. And like the Information Internet, the Energy Internet should cross national borders to give everyone access to the places where the wind is blowing and the sun is shining at any particular moment, and to the areas – such as sunny deserts and windy seas – where clean energy is most abundant. The second approach has been recently proposed by the Hon. Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi who has called for nations rich in solar energy and major solar technology manufacturers, to form a “Solar Federation”. Such a group could help to accelerate the expansion of solar power and could help to develop the Energy Internet.The meeting in Lucerne, Switzerland will focus on how both these approaches could be advanced politically and financially, and what policies are required to move from talk to action.Alongwith the climate forum, Pranav Mehta has been invited by the German Solar Association (BSW) and European Photo Voltaic Industries Association EPIA for signing an MOU with them to work together with the National Solar Energy Federation of India - during the Intersolar Europe 2015 event at Munich, Germany 10 - 12 June. Also, Indo German Energy Forum and Consulate General of India in Munich have invited Shri Mehta to be a panelist and speaker at the above event at Munich in Germany.

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Manipur To Get 400 KW Power Project Soon - Dr Jitendra Singh

Manipur will soon get a 400 KW power project at an estimated cost of Rs.124 crore.On the last day of his three-day tour of the Northeast, Dr Jitendra Singh held a detailed meeting with Chief Minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh and senior officers of the State administration in Imphal today.

- Dr Jitendra Singh , Union Minister of State for Development of NorthEastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space

ater addressing media persons Dr Jitendra Singh said the 400 KW power project had got delayed due to certain reasons but now only a few technical formalities are pending. Dr Jitendra Singh said that he has requested the Chief Minister to depute an officer from the State as also the Delhi-based Resident Commissioner of Manipur to do the follow up with the DoNER Ministry so that the work can be started at the earliest. Dr Jitendra Singh said that with the installation of project and release of 400 KW transmission line, the State of Manipur will receive uninterrupted power supply for at least 18 hours on an average, even in remotest areas. This will also be a positive step in the direction of achieving the objective of Government of India’s recently launched “Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana” targeting 24 hour power supply to every household. Dr Jitendra Singh also informed that work on the National Sports University

for Manipur announced by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his visit in November will start soon. The DoNER Minister said that he has been informed by the Chief Minister that the State Government has acquired 300 acres of land for the purpose at village Yathivi about 25 km from Imphal and, therefore, accordingly he has suggested to the Chief Minister to pursue with the Union Sports Ministry to send a team of officials for taking over the land. This University will not only be unique and first of its kind in India, but will also be a tribute to the consistent and glorious contribution made by Manipuri youth in International Olympics, he added. Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Chief Minister has also pointed out the need to upgrade the Imphal Airport and provide facility for night hangers. Several other issues also came up at the meeting which included upgradation of SilcharImphal Highway and improvement in the telecom network which, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the DoNER Ministry will take up with the concerned Departments.

Azure Power Commissions 10 MW Solar Plant In Chhattisgarh Azure Power on Tuesday said that it has commissioned a solar power plant of 10 MW capacity in Durg, Chhattisgarh. “Azure Power has commissioned the first large scale solar plant of 10 MW capacity in Durg, Chhattisgarh,” the company said in a press release.

According to statement, Azure won this project under the Chhasttisgarh Solar Policy 2012-2017 to supply power to Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CPDCL), for 25 years. With commissioning of this plant, Azure Power aims to contribute to the state government’s stipulated target of 22

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500 MW to 1000 MW power generation capacity under Chhattisgarh Solar Policy 2012-2017. The power plant installation in Chhattisgarh is divided into three phases of 10 MW each. The company said that the 10 MW plant is commissioned three months in advance of the contracted scheduled date. Recently, it commissioned a 100 MW

capacity plant in Rajasthan, the largest solar power project under the National Solar Mission. Azure Power founder and Chief Executive Officer Inderpreet Wadhwa said: “We are proud to have successfully brought down the cost of power by almost 64 per cent from Rs 17.91/KWhr in 2009 to Rs 6.45/KWhr today for this project.”

Source:Moneycontrol

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Goyal Supports Idea Of Tax Sops For Roof Top Solar Panel The idea of giving tax incentives for purchase of roof top solar panels will be taken up with Finance Minister Arun Jaitely, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said recently.The suggestion of tax incentives came up through twitter during a 90-minute ‘talkathon’ with Power, Coal, New & Renewable Minister Piyush Goyal, Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Zubin Irani and Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

e will discuss the suggestion with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who has special interest in green energy,” Goyal replied when asked about any income tax incentive in the store for consumers buying roof top solar panel.”It is good suggestion. People get some tax concession. There should be some cut in the interest rate (on loan for solar panel),” he added. The government is in discussions with banks to provide easy loans for clean energy measures like solar roof top installation, he said, adding that it is also possible that home loans in future will include finance for solar roof top. The NDA government Government is “Urban Development Ministry is promoting roof solar targetting renewable will give some concession for panel to bring down the energy capacity of making green buildings and ensure power deficit and providing 1,75,000 MW till 2022, additional incentives for them. They electricity to all.Recently, the comprising 1,00,000 may get concession in terms of government had announced MW Solar, 60,000 making extra floors or get tax rebate” that it would soon launch a MW Wind, 10,000 MW mobile application in the Biomass and 5,000 - Piyush Goyal next three months to enable MW Small hydro. consumers to get trained technicians for installation and maintenance of rooftop solar power generators, heaters and cookers.The application will be GPS enabled and connect the consumers to the nearest trained technician (Surya Mitras) available in his area for installation and maintenance of solar equipment.Goyal also indicated that there would be changes in the construction rules to promote clean power and energy conservation in the big commercial, industrial and residential projects. Source: BS

Itron Awarded 2015 Smart Grid Product Of The Year Award Itron’s OpenWay Riva™ distributed intelligence platform was honored for exceptional innovation with this year’s Smart Grid Product of the Year Award from SmartGrid.TMCnet.com, smart grid technology website sponsored by TMC and Crossfire Media. This award-winning distributed analytics platform “changes the game” by providing innovative, practical and cost-effective solutions to key operational and business challenges that, to this point, have not been easily solvable from both a technology and cost perspective.

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Supreme Court Upholds Applicability Of Renewable Purchase Obligation On Captive Power Plants; Order A Positive Development And Will Help Renewable Energy Growth In The Country The Supreme Court order dated 13 May 2015 in the case between the Hindustan Zinc vs Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission on the applicability of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) regulations has ruled that RPO on captive consumer is justified and interpreted it in the context of Article 51A (g) of the Constitution of India that cast a fundamental duty on the citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, and the mandate of Article 21 that guarantee right to live with healthy life.

he Section 86 (1) (e) of the Electricity Act (EA) 2003 provides for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) on consumption of energy and the RPOs are determined by respective State Electricity Regulatory Commissions. The applicability of RPOs is on the Distribution Companies (Discoms) Captive Power Plants (CPP) and also on Open Access (OA) consumers. In August 2012, the Rajasthan High Court had dismissed an appeal by Hindustan Zinc Ltd., Ambuja Cements Ltd., Grasim Industries Ltd., and 14 other companies that challenged RPO regulations enacted by the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) for put RPOs on Captive Power Plants. The key Captive Power Plants and Open Access users had contested that RERC did not have the authority to pass the order of RPO and impose surcharge (penalty) as CPP and OA were completely de-licensed activities under the Electricity Act 2003.

ur t The Supreme Co e tiv si order is a po ll wi d an t en developm O RP g in nc ha en help in er rth fu compliance and e bl wa ne re contribute to in th ow gr gy ener the country.

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Further that EA 2003 only allows RPO on the ‘total consumption in the area of the distribution licensee’ and therefore intends to apply RPO on distribution licensees only. The Hindustan Zinc had appealed in the Supreme Court against the High Court.

Focus On OPIC Impact Award Winners: Simpa Energy India Ltd. When you expand access to energy, you expand access to opportunity. That was the founding premise of Simpa Energy India Ltd., a provider of solar-as-a-service in rural India, which OPIC recognized May 19 with an Impact Award recognizing excellence in development, in the renewable energy category.Simpa was one of seven OPIC clients honored with Impact Awards last week and as the recipient of a $3 million OPIC loan, Simpa illustrates how a small amount of financing can go a long way in improving the lives of people in the developing world. Simpa is helping provide a clean source of electricity to some of the 400 million people in India who live in remote villages that are not grid-connected. The company, which is a subsidiary of Simpa Networks Inc. of Seattle, developed pay-as-you-go solar systems, modeled after pre-paid mobile phones, that are easy to install and affordable to even the poorest households. OPIC’s $3 million loan is helping the company expand its customer base from 5,000 to a target of more than 40,000 – enabling farmers to be more productive, shops to stay open longer, children to study in the evening, and whole communities to remain vibrant even after the sun sets. Simpa President and Co-Founder Paul Needham accepted the award and described how he saw firsthand how the quality of life improved dramatically when home solar kits were introduced. Needham also outlined the multiple challenges of introducing solar power in India and explained why the sheer size of the need necessitated a scalable commercial model. In this interview before the awards ceremony, Needham explained how OPIC financing provided critical early stage support. As the recipient of the Impact Award for Renewable Energy, Simpa is helping advance a key OPIC initiative. OPIC’s commitments to renewable energy have increased ten times since 2009 and partners like Simpa have helped ensure that this work in renewable energy reaches remote populations as well as those communities located closer to central grids.

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Adani Group Inks Pact To Set Up 10,000 MW Solar Park In Rajasthan Adani Group entered into an agreement with Rajasthan Government to set up a joint venture solar power park of 10,000 MW, which is expected attract an investment of Rs 60,000 crore. The proposed park will include generation projects and a large manufacturing unit for solar module, parts and equipments.

he company has also set a target of 10,000 MW of solar power capacity by 2022. “Adani Group has set a target of 10,000 mega watts (MW) of solar power by 2022 and has signed a joint venture agreement with the government of Rajasthan to set up a 10,000 MW solar park, which will emerge as the largest such integrated facility in India,” the company said in a statement. The statement added, the JV will be known as Adani Renewable Energy Park Rajasthan Ltd. It will have a 50-50 equity partnership between the Rajasthan government and Adani Renewable Energy Park Ltd, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises. The company said that Adani itself plans to generate 5,000 MW in this solar park. “This project will be India’s largest solar park and will also house manufacturing facilities to be set up under the c o u nt r y s a m b i t i o u s Make In India initiative,” Adani Group Chairman “The development of Gautam Adani said in the Solar Park facility is our statement. contribution towards Rajasthan Government realisation of our Prime is keen to enhance the Minister’’s campaign and solar power generation commitment towards capacity in the state and clean and green energy has committed to achieve in India.” 25,000 MW capacity by - Gautam Adani , 2022. The formation of JV Adani Group Chairman with Adani Group is a step towards achieving it. The company said that Rajasthan Government shall provide land for solar park and also facilitate power evacuation infrastructure. The proposed park is expected to attract investments of over Rs 60,000 crore, it added. Central Government has set a target of achieving 100,000 MW of solar power capacity by 2022. The guidelines have also been issued for setting at least 25 solar parks with a capacity of 500 MW and above in each park, across the country. Adani Power is private thermal power generating company with an installed base of 10,480 MW. Apart from coal based power generation, Adani group also operates a 40 MW Solar PV Plant in Kutch, Gujarat.

Adani Power stock price On June 16, 2015, at 12:40 hrs Adani Power was quoting at Rs 28.80, down Rs 0.95, or 3.19 percent. The 52-week high of the share was Rs 66.95 and the 52-week low was Rs 28.45. The latest book value of the company is Rs 26.88 per share. At current value, the price-tobook value of the company was 1.07. Source: http://www.moneycontrol.com

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& “We closed a $40 million round in AST recently. Future Fund led the round and all existing investors participated,”

- Vishal Gupta, managing director at BVP’s Bengaluru office “Our business is capex intensive and we continue to raise capital to meet our business demands. As a matter of company policy, we don’t comment on the amount of capital raised or our investors.” Kathpalia said in an email.

- Kapil Kathpalia, AST co-founder and CEO

However, Kapil Kathpalia declined to comment on the capital raised

Applied Solar Technologies Raises $40 Million Delhi-based solar power company Applied Solar Technologies (India) Pvt. Ltd (AST) has raised $40 million in a fresh round of funding led by Future Fund, the Australian government’s sovereign wealth fund.

ST’s existing private equity investors Bessemer Venture Partners (BVP), Capricorn Investment Group and World Bank investment arm International Finance Corp. (IFC) also participated in the round.The deal comes in the backdrop of a government initiative to raise India’s solar power capacity to 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2022 from around 3 GW now. The government estimates the sector will need about $100 billion in investment to achieve the target.

We are currently the country’s largest distributed solar power company with approximately 4,000 locations commissioned in terrains such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

- Kapil Kathpalia, AST co-founder and CEO

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The investment, which closed late last month, is AST’s fourth funding round to date, taking its overall private equity funding to more than $85 million.In 2009, BVP, the Menlo Park, California-based venture capital firm, invested an undisclosed amount in the company. In 2010, IFC led a $21 million second round of funding; BVP participated in the round.

This was followed by a $24.6 million round in 2012 in which BVP, IFC and Skoll Foundation-backed Capricorn Investment Group participated.Email queries sent to a spokesperson of Melbournebased Future Fund had $117 billion in assets under management as on 31 March did not elicit a response.

AST, founded in 2008 by Vinod Agarwal, Kathpalia and Neeraj Saxena, provides off-grid solar power to the telecom and banking sectors. Off-grid power is electricity generated from renewable energy sources without accessing the main grid. The firm offers alternative power sources to telecom operators and banks which often rely on dieselbased power generation for infrastructure such as telecom towers and ATMs.

Apart from AST, other major renewable power players active in the Indian market include Nasdaq-listed firms SunEdison Inc. and First Solar Inc. The Belmont, California-headquartered SunEdison, told the Wall Street Journal earlier this month that it will invest $15 billion in India over the next seven years. This would be in addition to the $2 billion that it will invest via a joint venture with Adani Group for manufacturing solar power equipment. Gurgaon-based ReNew Power Ventures, one of the handful of local players in renewable power generation, is also boosting capacity. Mint reported on 29 May that the firm, founded by former Suzlon Energy CEO Sumant Sinha, is trying to raise $150-200 million to generate an additional 400 MW of solar power. Source: Livemint

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INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH VINEET MITTAL man, Vice Chair wables e n e R n u p Wels

Including Renewable Projects under Priority Sector Lending by RBI…Kindly comment and express your views V.M : “While this will surely boost the growth of the industry, we believe there is a need for additional inflow of funds to finance large-scale projects in the country and we look forward to these developments in the near future. With the growing energy needs of the country and an ambitious solar target to achieve, we are eagerly awaiting the next steps,” - Vineet Mittal, Vice Chairman of Welspun Renewables.

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Do you think the target of 100GW Solar by 2022 is achievable…. What are the challenges and roadblocks. Is the Government taking right steps in achieving the targets? V.M : The National 100 GW solar vision is perfectly in sync with the country’s aggregate potential. In the last four to five years, India’s solar sector has grown considerably. The capacity expansion has certainly brought solar closer to grid parity. In addition from negligible skill set, the country is beginning to boast of experienced manpower from engineers down to the lowest level of contractors. There is also a certain degree of maturity in policy and a better understanding of the sector in the minds of the lenders, investors and regulators. We are already witnessing a balanced holistic view towards the sector. By doing away the anti-dumping duty, the developers have an option to choose the best possible technical solution possible. At the same time the ‘Make in India’ program is going to facilitate global equipment manufacturers to set up facilities to make equipments available in India.

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INTERVIEW Over 25 solar parks will allow solar developers ample opportunity to bid for large sized projects. By setting up large capacities, the overall development cost goes down, thereby making the projects more viable for developers due to economies of scale. Measures like identifying land banks to reduce acquisition cycle time, is another brilliant example of how state governments are seeking to make it easier to set up projects. So there is an opportunity for global investors to tap this real asset base that is getting created and benefit from its growth. For instance, General Electric made its first Indian solar investment, and Asian Development Bank made an equity infusion in Welspun Renewables. This demonstrates that India is turning into an attractive market with profitable real assets with better returns that global funds can target.

The sector has been progressing considerably, however there are some challenges that the government still needs to address.

Issues with respect to InvIT (Infrastructure Investment Trust) structure need to be addressed to provide long term financial solution for the ailing infrastructure sector and pave the way for sustainable overall economic growth:

A. Capital Gains Tax for Sponsors: Similar treatment for capital gains in the InvIT regime as in the case of IPOs. This will reduce cost for Sponsors and an incentive to raise long term funds under InvIT. B. Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) to be removed: Capital gains arising on exchange of shares of SPVs for units of InvITs should not be subject to Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) C. Qualifying Period for Long Term Capital Gain Tax : Reduce the qualifying time period for long term capital gains from 36 months to 12 months. Reducing this time frame will achieve the stated objective of bringing parity between listed units of business trusts and equity shares in respect of taxability of capital gains. D. Dividend Distribution Tax: Since it’s not always feasible for InvITs to hold assets directly, InvITs should not be denied DDT exemption on distribution by SPVs to InvITs. This will remove the existing arbitrage of DDT depending upon the whether the asset is transferred as capital assets or as shares. E. Capital Gains Tax on disposal of assets by InvIT: In line with prevailing international structures, tax exemption should be extended to the gains accruing to the Trust on sale of shares of the SPVs or the sale of assets directly held by the trust. F. Withholding tax (10% - residents; 5% - non residents) to be removed. The unit holders are further taxed as per the tax rate applicable to them. The income from InvITs should be tax free in the hands of the Investors G. Leverage for InvIT assets to be increased to a maximum of 75% to make the structure more tax efficient. The existing leverage permitted is a maximum of 49% of the InvIT assets that would result in tax-inefficiencies as capital in form of debt is more efficient than equity. H. Limit for investment in development assets to be increased to at least 25% of the InvIT assets to promote capacity build up. There is a restriction that only 10% should be invested in developmental assets.

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Separate sectoral limit and priority sector status for lending to solar energy: Solar energy should be made a priority sector and excluded from overall power sector as it includes thermal power projects as well. A different sectoral cap should be assigned to solar industry, such that banks are encouraged to lend to the sector. Ensuring payment security: Given the financial health of the DISCOMs, default in payment to developers is seen as a critical risk by financial institutions. It is necessary to take constructive steps for allaying the fears of the bankers and ensure investments in the sector. A. Indian government funding must provide full payment guarantee facility, allowing for a greater number of lenders to extend financing to solar projects. Currently only partial guarantee available – for example from Asian Development Bank B. Insurance sector must be allowed to reinsure payment security. Swiss Re and Zurich have products which provide payment security but Indian government does not allow them to sell product directly and Indian insurance companies have not pursued this.

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INTERVIEW

4 5 7 30Â

Evacuation Infrastructure: The project development cycle of solar & wind is six to eight months. However while the projects are ready to be commissioned, the corresponding power evacuation architecture lags behind. Developers in most states are facing this issue wherein they lose revenues because the evacuation infrastructure has not been developed in time. Therefore based on the solar potential in the state the respective state government should develop evacuation architecture. For developing the Green Corridor, a priority lending status should be given. This will ensure that as soon as the green energy projects are commissioned the evacuation infrastructure is already in place and they are able to transmit the energy generated to the state grid. Land Banks: Land availability for the projects has been a challenge. Post assessing the solar potential of each state, government land banks should be created and allocated to the projects which are coming up in the state. Additionally, as solar and wind are non polluting industries, these projects should fall under the Non â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Agricultural Land Conversion exemption. For private land to be used for setting up solar power plants stamp duty exemption may be considered.

RGO: Renewable Generation Obligation will increase the strain on the thermal generators. Approximately, 136 GW private sector capacity with investment of over Rs. 6.23 Lakh Crore is in crisis. Implementing RGO will further increase the financial strain on these players, which in turn, will increase the systemic risk on the banking and financial sector. Hence, RGO is not a good thing given the current state of affairs. The priority should be to fix the RPO and have a periodic revision of REC (latest amendment has come on 2nd January with reduced floor price etc.) prices and conditions to make it more amenable to a free market.

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RPO: Renewable Purchase Obligations should be made enforceable for state distribution licensees, open access consumers and captive consumers of power. The sector is not witnessing the percentage increase in solar energy consumption to the degree it should have experienced. Without a legal enforcement mechanism for RPOs, India will not be able to make a steady and sustainable transition to green economy. Enforcement of RPO must for growth of RE Sector.

Statutory Clearances: The clearance process for solar and wind power projects should be made much more simplified. Mainly for the reason that these projects are sustainable and do not emit any pollutants - under the State Pollution Control Board, Consent to Establish (CTE)/ Consent to Operate (CTO) should be done away.

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- Harinder Jain Managing Director Su Solartech Systems (P) Ltd.

Su Solartech Systems (P) Ltd., sets up first biggest size grid Interactive roof top solar power plant on commercial building under Punjab Net Metering Scheme & Off-grid scheme.

Su Solartech Systems (P) Ltd., Chandigarh has announced the successful installation of First biggest size grid Interactive Roof top Solar Power Plant on Commercial building located at Jalandhar under Punjabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Net Metering Scheme. The plant is installed on asbestos sheet roof. The plant has been built under the NRSE Policy 2012. Constructed over a single rooftop the Solar Power Plant has a capacity to produce 76 KW to meet the requirement of his Cold storage and 24 KW for his residential load totaling to 100 KW. The power generated by these solar panels will help in coping with the widening gap between supply and demand of electricity. As the consumer has cold storage, he shells out huge amount for paying electricity bills. After the installation of the Solar Power Plant not only the needs of the consumer will be met but the surplus electricity will be supplied to the electricity grid.

SOLAR ROOFTOP & OFF GRID

Su Solartech Systems (P) Ltd., sets up Solar Grid Interactive Power Plants at Bathinda Range Punjab Police Stations. Su Solartech Systems (P) Ltd., Chandigarh has announced the successful commissioning of Grid Interactive Roof top Solar Power Plant in Bathinda range of Punjab Police Stations. The plants are installed to provide reliable and independent power supply to the critical AC loads i.e for lighting, fans, computers etc of the Police Stations being computerized all over Punjab. The order was divided among the three parties but Su Solartech Systems (P) Ltd is the only party who has completed the systems satisfactorily and timely in the specified time limit. These systems were designed as per the customers requirement by the Engineers & Technicians of the company under the supervision of Managing Director Sh Harinder Jain & Executive Director Ms Saloni Jain.

We feel proud to be the first one to install Grid Tied Solar Power Plant under Punjab Net metering Scheme, says Managing Director Sh. Harinder Jain a pioneer in the field of Solar Energy since 1982 head of Solartech Group of companies. This system was designed by the Executive Director Ms Saloni Jain an Electrical & Electronics Engineer by profession alongwith the highly experienced technical team of the Company.

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May-June 2015

31Â

SOLAR ROOFTOP & OFF GRID

Better

s id r G o r ic M

ss Development e in us B , ux ro e L r - Igo ems, SunEdison st sy rid b y H & G –D Energy Holding

{ {

With low oil prices pushing the hybrid market opportunity to more remote and fragmented opportunities, I have been spending a fair amount of my time researching solar micro-grids and rural electrification opportunities in the region.

his is not a personal hobby: this past February SunEdison publicly committed to serve 20 million off-grid customers over the next 5 years, and the company is taking concrete steps to achieve this goal. A case in point: last month SunEdison hired a rock star executive from the Obama administration to lead the charge.

A clean start Villages in remote areas all across Africa and parts of Asia have skipped (or “leapfrogged”) land-lines to go straight to mobile connectivity. The same villages are starting to adopt mobile payments, without ever going through “traditional” banking.

May-June 2015

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SOLAR ROOFTOP & OFF GRID Meanwhile in

Myanmar

Will they also skip a centralized electrical grid? We have traditionally produced electricity in giant power plants, far away from population centers. Here is why:

1 2

Economies of scale The bigger the power plant, the cheaper the electricity.

Local negative externalities We can all agree that living right next to a coal plant is not ideal

With the recent massive decrease in cost of photovoltaic solar systems (PV systems), the reasoning might lose its relevance: PV panels in large solar farms and on rooftops are the same, they do not require any fuel, nor do they induce any local nuisance. Will solar make the grid obsolete? Unfortunately, solar is not able to produce power on demand 24*7; to provide that level of service without a connection to a centralized grid, both storage and back-up generation are necessary. These additions can raise the cost of the electricity to over 0.5 USD per kilowatt-hour. Even in the Philippines, known for having the highest cost of power in the region, residential customers connected to the grid are paying only half of that: about 0.25 USD per kilowatt-hour.

yanmar is very close to the definition of a clean start when it comes to is power infrastructure. After decades of inward facing military rule, the country has just started to open up to the world again. Only 30% of its ~60 million population have access to the electrical grid (and those that do still experience multiple outages times a day). More data can be found here. Interesting anecdote: One of the Ministry of Electric Power (MOEP) key engineers approximates that 70% of the existing gridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equipment is over 70 years old. A recent report from Columbia university (financed by the World Bank) on the least cost to electrify Myanmar concluded that grid extension was the way to go for 97% of the population, of its ~60 million population have with a mere 3% to access to the electrical grid. be served by solar and diesel microgrids. I had a very interesting conversation with one of the co-authors of this report and his view is that with more optimistic cost assumptions for storage and PV, we would still find central grid to be the optimal solution for over 80% of the population. Nevertheless, the overall need for investment in Myanmar vastly outstrips the capital available. The current electrification plan based on the report mentioned earlier is aiming to reach full electrification onlyover 15 years, if the6 billion dollar price tag can be financed (only for the transmission network, additional generation will also be needed). Most of the stakeholders I spoke with described this plan as possible but very ambitious.

30%

Granted the cost of PV systems and storage are coming down over time (See Teslaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent announcement re storage), but will that be enough to shift the paradigm?

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May-June 2015

33Â

SOLAR ROOFTOP & OFF GRID

Build future-proof solar micro-grids

cro-grids with Equipping solar mi n (LT) distrisio ten grid-grade low the smart thing bution networks is ion is properly lat to do. If the instal onents are of mp co the made and virtually no are high quality, there alized grid ntr ce the ce sunk costs on un mm ity: finally reaches the co be sold or leased • The LT network can y. ssl to the utility seamle can sell their pro• The solar PV panels ferably at a prepre d, gri duction to the ed in Tariff). agreed tariff (FiT or Fe ck-up generator • The Storage and ba rt and demand po up can provide grid-s the utility, or be response service to ro-grid in a more moved to another mic remote area. the more predictNote to regulators: act of grid arrival able the economic imp ers, the cheapop vel de to the micro-grid be able to attract, er the capital they will the customers. for the lower the prices

the Take control of demand side

In our micro-grid JV in India, we found out that the cost of serving rural communities with solar micro-grids is lower in most casesthan the current level of spending on energy in these communities (diesel generators, candles, kerosene lamps, personal solar systems).The benefits for micro-grids is therefore obvious: It is a cost effective way to address an immediate need, itcan be deployed in a very short timeframe, and it can accelerate access to electricity by a decade or two. Through my research and my trips in Myanmar, I have become convinced that three following features are a requirement for a successful micro-grid business:-

Offer services, not kilowatt-hours

an unDuring my visit to ewardi Ay electrified village in village the r, State, Myanma USD 0 50 a us ed ow head sh panPV of system (300 Watts arge ch a ry, tte ba ck els, a tru that er) ert controller and an inv ago s nth mo few he bought a wer an po to ed us s wa It . for his evision… old fan and a CRT tel Watt while • A 24’ CRT uses 120 e will use siz e sam the an LED of chart son only 40 Watt (Compari tt, Wa 60 t ou ab s here). A fan use DC one s les shbru w ne a while (See study uses only 20 Watt the village of ad he e here). Th ergy sysen could have used an

t for , our Presiden Alakesh Chetia shared with me n, Social Innovatio micro-grid proa insights from ities . The commun gram in China not d di ers to insure e program n the rice cook ee targeted by th ne e tw no be t os m al and es. Keeping th rent starting tim have electricity cal ly ffe tri di on ec el es d us ha e s tim nt meal of the inhabita grids were derice warn until of the e ith the advent W . ad lo of appliances. Th er consumption W are 30 es nc ia pl pow Things, ap of et ), signed for low rn e ng te gi In ic ar d cell ch to commun at uing the ability levels (light an in nad ga gr co e lly ra ad nt gr to up can be ce with a plan ss and therefore There ion grew. Gue pt um art micro-grid. ns sm co a as by d gally lle lla vi that tro e ns th tio ? All of helf solu what happened eap e no off-the-s yet, ch ar is a th es of lv e se bl em e of capa ar aw ers bought th ro is ic am m I gy e lo ht after th ary techno rice cooker rig issioned (Facl t all the necess na bu tio di ad e mm ailable and th av y s grid was co ad . er re le ok al ib co ig ld be negl more rice e ware cost wou toid: there are nc rd ht Si ha rig . a) e in th ch ds in of putting e than househol lopIt is a matter ls at the sam ea m as well as deve ve er ha th le ge to d es peop de ec al ad pi d an d e softwar househol re time, each the necessary r fo g pe in be pa ht ch rig ar ad se lo Here is a re s. , hm about 600W of ts rit ui go irc C t: Broken dinner. Resul uld on the subject. d fires. That co an s se fu d blown ha e oided if ther have been av ation vel of cooper le e m been so

May-June 2015

r, if he had tem three times smalle nces. plia ap ht rig the ng been usi ed kilowatt• People do not ne ventilation, t, hours. They need ligh es, thervic de g kin television, coo uld not sho mal comfort, etc… We access en giv ers expect the villag e to tim t firs the for y icit to electr en wh ns utio sol implement optimal d roa the , use y erg en it comes to ss, ne are aw blocks are too many: ilability of higher initial cost, ava s... nce plia ap ncy cie high effi panies like • This is why I think com ing when eth Bbox are onto som applincy cie effi h hig they lease h as suc ers ances to their custom rs. pe clip ir ha d an ios LED TV’s, rad tomers cus the to fits ne be The to appliare clear: easier access er total low , nce fina gh ou ances thr risk of the d cost of ownership an onto d fte shi is ure equipment fail the ile, wh an the leasing entity. Me ins joy en ny pa micro-grid com applithe m fro ver n-o tur creased . ance leasing business : Selecting The icing on the cake paves the s nce plia ap and owning n: way to a third suggestio

control Once they gain loads e bl rra over defe id Fr ges, (Rice cooker, rids util-g ro etc…), mic to ople ab be ill ities w ation iliz ut timize their out g in ad re sp rate by s ak pe consumption pe to s ad lo and move le ab w ne riod of high re ver posoutput whene ers can sible. Custom e level m enjoy the sa less inith w e of servic d therevestments an s. te for lower ra

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2ND EQ Cleantech

Finance summit 2015

ARPITA GUPTA

SAUMYA GUPTA

ANAND GUPTA

GOURAV GARG

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CALL US FOR MORE DETAILS : +91-96441-22268, +91-96441-33319 EQ May-June 2015 www.EQMagLive.com

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INTERVIEW EQ : That is your view on the performance of Hon’ble PM Shri Narender Modi, Hon’ble Minister Shri Piyush Goyal & New BJP Government in the last 1 year

Interview with Vinay Goyal

V.G : Our Hon’ble PM Shri Narender Modi has done a remarkable work in the Past one year, He is now emerging as a world leader. Under his leadership in the last one year, lot of initiatives has been taken to create a solid foundation for economic growth. »»

Hon’ble Minister Shri Piyush Goyal has brought transparency in e-Auctioning of coal blocks and made real efforts in setting up new power plants in various states and implement news programs to harness solar energy. From 2010 to 2013, coal production grew by 31 million tons and in comparison just in 10 months during his tenure, the production grew by 32 Million tons topping a total of 494 Million tons. He has set a target of 1Billion tons by 2019. Once this target is met and other projects initiated by his ministry are completed, India would have enough power to provide everyone 24x7 electricity, an important promise of Modi government.

EQ : Including Renewable Projects under Priority Sector Lending by RBI… Kindly comment and express your views

ges CEO , GanPvt Ltd. al Internation

May-June 2015

»»

Renewable Industry is excited by the inclusion of renewables under priority sector lending, a move that is expected to translate into greener operations by small industries and propel small-scale projects.

»»

The notification by RBI will boost investments from the SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) sector in renewable space as the finance will be available at a competitive rate as the bankers have separate allocation and priority for the sector. Further, it will help SMEs to grow and expand their manufacturing capacity in a larger way as they will become competitive because of low cost of energy for the next 25 years and achieve availability of energy for captive use,

»»

While this will surely boost the growth of the industry, we believe there is a need for additional inflow of funds to finance large-scale projects in the country and we look forward to these developments in the near future. With the growing energy needs of the country and an ambitious solar target to achieve, we

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are eagerly awaiting the next steps EQ : Government took a bold decision of not imposing Anti-Dumping Duties on Solar Modules/Cells Imports….What are its effects…Please express your views V.G : Imposition of any such duty would have led to escalation in the tariff from solar plants or many developers would have backed off. Imports were necessary as the domestic manufacturing had not scaled up to a level wherein it could provide the required number to match Solar Projects in India. EQ : Do you foresee the Anti-Dumping might come back anytime in future V.G : Not anytime soon, until the Govt. achieves the target of Solar Mission. EQ : Do you think the target of 100GW Solar by 2022 is achievable….What are the challenges and roadblocks V.G : It is a achievable target, but a specific road map has to be drawn. Even the 20 GW target looked very ambitious for India when it was announced in 2009. Because the global and Indian solar market developed so rapidly, it now seems quite feasible. 100 GW is a very ambitious target and a lot of structural changes would be required in solar sector for this to work. Government should set annual targets of 8-10 GW for the next couple of years. The targets can then be ramped up to 12-15 GW per year by structurally opening up the parity-driven, distributed solar market, If Feed in Tariff is introduced instead of tender for JNSM and state tenders then the pace and volume of plants would dramatically pick up as now the process when one starts is from the time they decide they want to invest in solar and then to actually start work on a plant is between 12 to 24 months which can be cut down to 2 to 3 months in the case of Feed in Tariff. EQ : Is the Government taking right steps in achieving the targets? V.G : We can feel the mood of Govt. with the steps they have taken to promote solar Energy like: »»

the new government has gone out of its way to revoke the antidumping duties.

»»

the central government portion of the NSM phase II has been ramped up from 3.6 to 15 GW

»»

the World Bank has committed to financing a 750 MW ultra-mega solar project

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»»

the US-EXIM bank has signed an MoU with IREDA for USD 1 bn to finance solar equipment and services

»»

a rooftop solar policy and a revision of the Electricity Act 2003;

»»

Inclusion of Renewable Projects under Priority Sector Lending by RBI

»»

Government needs to ensure compliance of RPO obligation by Discoms and IPP

»»

FIT (feed in tariff ) instead of tenders

EQ : Please comment on the recent Tenders such as AP, Telangana, MP, NTPC V.G : Recent tenders in GW scale by various states shows the confidence of State run Govts. in solar Industry and It’ll definitely help encourage the developers to invest and further strengthen the Solar sector.

INTERVIEW

can’t be expected to be clairvoyant to predict such a steep cut in REC prices. This also exposes lack of Regulatory certainty in the Indian power sector EQ : Is the government planning & talking big but the action is yet to be seen? What are the expectations in the next 2-4 years V.G : Actions such as no anti-dumping duty, Solar Parks, Solar on Canals, REInvest, Increasing the Clean Energy Cess tells us that Govt. is taking steps in right direction, but many more such steps are required to achieve the ambitious target set by Govt. In the next 2 to 4 years we can start noticing the increase in the annual installed capacity of Solar PV projects and a host of new decisions and policies to support the Solar sector.

EQ : Government of India is trying to further lower the cost of Solar Power by having a dollar denominated PPA and thus avoiding the forex fluctuation risk and reduce the solar power costs, hedging costs etc…Please comment on the same. V.G : The novelty of a USD denominated PPA lines exactly in addressing this issue by pooling an additional amount which is inline with INR’s long term depreciation rate of about 3%. It is to be noted that growing GDP, falling inflation and interest rates would augur well for a stronger rupee in the short term when the pool would be smaller in the early years. However, the reason for higher currency hedging rates is due to lack of depth in the futures market in India, which is what this policy mitigates. Thus, the USD denominated PPA idea comes as a shot in the arm for rapid adoption of solar power, providing affordable clean energy to consumers and eventually improving the per capita energy availability whilst also curtailing carbon emissions. EQ : CERC Decision of introducing vintage multipliers and thus saving the REC Mechanism based projects… Do you think it will be helpful for REC projects. V.G : Vintage Multipliers have been introduced to protect the interest of the developers who are already developing projects under the REC mechanism. The high prices was one of the reasons for solar RECs losing their sheen and consequently the inventory pile up at electricity exchanges. More RECs may sell now as the REC price has come down below the average per unit prices seen in recent bids for solar. However, the projects set up considering higher prices of REC upto 2017 may now be in financial doldrums, as the cash flow will reduce significantly. Stakeholders

EQ : Comment on the recent schemes such as 25 Solar Parks, Solar on Canals, RE-Invest, Increasing the Clean Energy Cess V.G : Shri Narendra Modi has taken a slew of decisions in a span of one year to boost “Clean Energy” in the country. With these decisions, India will emerge as a major solar power producing country as nowhere in the world are solar parks are being developed on such a large scale. A whole host of measures have been undertaken to make India “Solar manufacturing” hub with priority for domestic players in line with “Make in India” programme. With these initiatives, domestic manufacturers will have greater visibility on order books, have an opportunity to upgrade technologically and be able to reduce costs.

May-June 2015

BALANCE OF SYSTEM

COUNTERFEIT CONNECTORS

THE DANGERS

-Staubli Tec Systems India Pvt Ltd

{

Matching Connectors are Essential •

Only connectors which are the same model and from the same manufacturer are allowed to be married at a connection point. UL, a global safety science company, have stated in their Conditions of Acceptability section that these devices have only been assessed for UL Recognition with specific types of mated connectors within their product family. They have not been assessed to operate with any other similar devices from any other manufacturer.

•

This means that compatibility of PV-Connectors can only currently be confirmed for products of the same series from the same manufacturer. With mismatched and counterfeit connectors, concerns have been highlighted about safety characteristics such as UV-resistance, contact resistance, and material quality, that may be dangerous when installed in a PV system. The most serious problems which result from inadequate compatibility or the use of inferior copies frequently occur only after a considerable period of time. The use of poorly matched connectors can cause contact problems that can lead to a marked rise in the temperature of the plug connector due to a higher contact resistance. This can subsequently result in arcing and fire, resulting in substantial damage to professional reputations, loss of revenue from the PV system, material damage, and quite possibly personal injury.

{

‘Multi-Contact has been involved in the solar industry with their high quality plug connector systems for photovoltaic installations for more than 10 years, and has gained considerable experience on the long-term behavior of millions of plug connectors.’

hotovoltaic (PV) Connectors are critical in regards to safety, and yet they are frequently overlooked, compromising performance and putting home owners at risk. The wrong connector or the mismatching of different brands can cause high resistance connections or allow water ingress, which can result in premature failure of the array and possibly fire. Unfortunately some unscrupulous companies are selling such counterfeit connectors. It is often hard to tell the difference between copies and the genuine product. Despite legitimate connector companies using their own branding on their connectors, some “unknown” manufacturers are hiding behind these brands. The biggest loser in this is the home owner, who has paid thousands of dollars for a solar installation and ended up with an inferior, and potentially dangerous, product on their roof.

May-June 2015

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Perspective of: Importer of Counterfeits

Wholesaler

Installer

Pros Usually looking for short term gains and not considering the implications on installer, home owner, or solar industry.

Breaches CEC Code of Conduct4. Risks court action for breaches of Trade Practices Act.

May save a very small amount of money, and may or may not pass on the savings to the installer.

Risks court action for breach of copyright and misleading behaviour. May have to compensate installer for rework, if system fails.

May save $2 on an installation that the client has paid many thousands of dollars for.

Risks livelihood and peoples lives if connector fails. May have to spend time reworking job if it doesn’t work first time. Shorter system life. Possible fire and loss of property or life.

Home owner

Trouble for PV systems

Cons

NONE

Counterfeit PV connectors has proved to be a particular problem for Multi-Contact (MC) as a growing number of suspect copies of their MC Solar components have recently appeared on the market. Multi-Contact is tackling the issue by taking court action against the imitators and also by increasing awareness to protect manufacturers, installers and homeowners from the financial and reputational damage that can result from the use of inferior products. Visually, the copies are virtually indistinguishable from the genuine MC products, but comparative measurements and material tests on the counterfeits have revealed substantial deficiencies in quality, and compromised safety and system performance. Using copies mated with the genuine Multi- Contact connectors can result in a poor fit between insulator parts, resulting in system failure due to compromised sealing against the elements such as rain or dust. Subsequently, the insulating properties are no longer assured and a person touching the connector may be electrocuted. For your safety, Multi-Contact does not recommend using inferior copies, as the mating forces, plating materials and insulation properties cannot be guaranteed. Effects such as fretting

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corrosion may be caused by incompatible plating materials, contact forces and other influences. In order to avoid such adverse effects, the contacts and insulating parts of the connectors must have compatible properties. Tests of such properties are time-consuming and are not covered by certification tests. “Head of Innovation of Photovoltaics for Multi-Contact, Dr. Joachim Hirmke”, has highlighted the importance of not marrying genuine MC technology to counterfeit connectors, even if the manufacturers claim compatibility: “In connection with developments in the PV sector, a growing number of competitors have brought PV plug connectors claimed to be “compatible for mating with MC” onto the market. Some of these competitors use “TÜV certificates” of mating compatibility with MC connectors as a sales argument. In this regard, the following should be noted: To our knowledge, these in no way constitute a TÜV certification of the mating of non- MC products with MC products. They relate only to a selection of tests from those prescribed by the standard which have been carried out by TÜV at the request of our competitors. The results of such neutral test reports certify only that

BALANCE OF SYSTEM Don’t Risk It If this advice is ignored, then the installation will not meet CEC/ORER requirements, and it will not follow manufacturers guidelines. This leaves full responsibility for any failure of the connectors to the installer, unless the installer can prove that they have been mislead by the supplier of the counterfeit product. As an installer or OEM, you guarantee your system for 20 years or more. Don’t risk it for the sake of saving a few cents in the overall cost of an installation and always demand genuine and matching PV Connectors.

only various tests selected from the standard showed no deviations from the norm. Test reports of this kind confer no right to bear a GS symbol or other mark of compliance. In detail, such TÜV documents as are known to us include only the results of a number of short-time tests from the test standards. All long-time tests such as Accelerated Ageing are systematically omitted. Water-tightness tests have been only partially carried out, and we are not aware of any complete IP65 test having been performed. Nor is there any long-term field experience with such combinations of MC and non-MC products. To sum up, it can be categorically stated that such documents do not constitute “TÜV certification” of the mating of other makers’ products with MC products. For safety and liability reasons, MC does not itself recognize the compatibility of products advertised by competitors as MC-compatible.”

May-June 2015

INTERVIEW EQ : Wh at is yo view on the perfo ur of Hon’b rmance Modi, Ho le PM Shri Nare nder n ’b le M Goyal & New BJP inister Shri Piyu sh Governm ent in th e last 1 year TO : Anc hor comm enced its from the so la was set a st year when the lar operations in In t 20 GW. capacity dia add Th the new G overnme e revised target a ition target nt is 100 s propos of the on GW, ed b e se a clear vis t by its predecess a whopping 5 tim y or. The n es ion of pro ew Govt m renewab has le energy oting sustainable .S power an robust in d quiries. W ince then, we are receiving e feel tha seen on t a strong the groun action is d by stance to push Sola the new Governm ent’s r P India. Ho ower Gen pefull erati growth in y, we will see a ro on in bust the said the comin business in g years.

Interview with Takaki Oguri

EQ : Including Renewable Projects under Priority Sector Lending by RBI… Kindly comment and express your views TO: Solar Power Projects in India are facing three major issues. Technological stability, Financal pressure and Operation as well as Maintenance issues. Since the targets are more towards reducing the tariff of solar power, financing is a very big criteria for developers to maintain a decent IRR on their equity. RBI should declare Solar as a priority sector and also provide interest subsidy for Solar Power Projects. This will boost investments and also support in capacity building. In fact, RBI should now focus on home loan lending (top-up for existing loans) clubbed with solar power at Roof top. This is a very big segment in B and C Cites and Rural India and an opportunity that would support economy, as well as enhance business environment. EQ : Government took a bold decision of not imposing Anti-Dumping Duties on Solar Modules/Cells Imports….What are its effects…Please express your views

Director, . g in g a n a M t. Ltd ctricals Pv le E r o h c n A 40

May-June 2015

TO: Solar is at a sustainable stage of development. The technology maturity is yet to happen. So there is a drastic change in the efficiency of manufacturing plants, which are helping Chinese manufacturers to reduce manufacturing cost and also dump modules at a very cheaper rate in India and other developing nations. Govt The present Government of India should ideally concentrate

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INTERVIEW

in Tariff should be declared in all states centrate on large projects capacities. with fixed returns to developers. Land This devoidsdevoids the chance for clearances, financing are major other smaller developers who intend to set up 5 chief hindrancesissues for achieving this MWp and 10 MWp, because all or majortarget. More than anything, solar power ity of these bids would be will be (majority) won by large developers. The projects should have very minidue reason being the to very mal clearances requirement low tariff. For e.g, Telanin order to speed up the gana is asking reverse implementation. EQ : C bidding from INR6.32/ introd ERC Decisio ucing n of pliers EQ : Is the GovernKWhr, which means, and th vintage mu us sav Mecha ltiment taking right economy of scale is in g the you th nism based steps in achievrequired to reduce ink it w projec REC ts ill be h ing the targets? the capital cost elpful …Do projec for RE EQ : Do you foresee the Anti-Dumping which that will in ts C TO: W TO: Yes, it seems might come back anytime in future turn reduce the bid ea tial gro re yet to see to be going in the tariff. Smaller playwth in substa the R nTO: Really cannot say.I’d rather not com- right direction. ers cannot match Sohen ce can EC market, ment on this. Because The main reason not the tariff with lower difficult to com make a being, we are a Japanese manufacturer, EQ : Government capacities. It would ment a s of now our price levels are already very high of India is trying to be hence advisable for . and we are not at all in competition with further lower the States like Telangana, MP Indian manufacturers also in pricing. lost of Solar Power and AP who are blessed with having a dolBut Yet, for the Chinese modules mod- by Solar Resources, to come out with FIT ule manufacturers or importers it makes lar denominated PPA and thus avoiding for solar power and allow more developdoes make an impact. Given the growth the forex fluctuation risk and reduce the ers to participate. path chart, India is looking to achieve, solar power costs, hedging costs etc… ADD for next two or three years seems Please comment on the same. EQ : Is the government planning & talkto be a deterrent for Indiathe country. ing big but the action is yet to be seen TO: Financing a major issue e is ? What are the expectations in the next But nNevertheless, we canone of the major roadblock 2-4 years not would only wait and areasand criteria for Solar watch,comment on this m o t C Power Projects, today TO: As explained earlier, Govt the as Govt the governEQ : he recen 5 t 2 globallyacross the present government of India is taking ment of India may t on uch as anals, n e m n es s ar on C a globe. Most of the right steps at this moment. Any Utility take a different e m l e C sch ks, Sol g the developing counschemes at this magnititude take time. view after seeing n r i a s a rP re tries are suffering There are very manyMany stakeholders Sola est, Inc y Cess how the Indian v g n re from this the cur- are involved in this process.. We expect Solar Market Ener RE-I rks a ar Pa space l o rency fluctuation a robust market in the next two or four shapes up. S , e s l d d i ana y prov cale an C risks. In fact more years. r a e Th of s Sol then than the dolTO: ay to go. conomy A minor EQ : Do you . e lor determineddol- EQ : Any other topic on Government, the w cy, and structure uld supthink the target n o ra e f w i n c i s fi ar s f l lar-determined PPA, Policy, Regulation, Finance, Technology, n of 100GW Solar e e o o C S m com Energy cing for Govt the government etc... by 2022 is achievn n h a a c n e e Cl the fi of India should allow RE T able….What are the port d other es. dollor dollar transactions TO: We are a manufacturer of all types challenges and roadan nologi within India for to purchase of modules. High Efficiency, Mono Crysblocks purchase ofequipments equip- talline and Poly Crystalline. We expect ments for Solar Power Projects. This expect the Govtgovernment of India to TO: It is a T tough Callcall, willChances are bright that such an ac- provide a platform for all the technoloyet . But it is not that it isnot impossible too.. Chin a tion may also reduce the risk of currency gies to be developed in our Country. has shown the world that 14.5 G W losses losses that are incurred during There are no schemes to promote High Efficiency Technologies (particularly the was can be installed in one a year. The the construction period as well. one like our Panasonic HIT Modules) reverse bidding mechanism set by the Government of India is one of the Mma- EQ : Please comment on the recent Ten- which are the future for our countrIndia.y. We request the Governmentt of India to jor challenges challenging areas that we ders such as AP, Telangana, MP, NTPC promote at least 20 to 30 MW of High foresee is that Govt of India should stop the reverse bidding mechanism. It is im- TO: All these tenders (Expeccept NTPC) Efficiency Modules also. portant that the government realizes that are again focused on reverse bidding. Solar has reached a stage, where Feed Most of these tenders are focusedconfocus on two things. Chart Aa very clear road map for DCR content and implement the same, and at the same time focus on open category bids which No Anti Dumping Duty. Once the manufacturing units in India recover from their financial downturn, then Govt should help them with financial / infrastructure infrastructural support to ramp upfor capacity ramp up and efficiency to achieve cost economics. Then applying minor ADD would make the entire field a level playing ground.

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May-June 2015

SOLAR ROOFTOP & OFF GRID

Jnana Prabodhini-Harali

HARNESSING THE SUN FOR A NOBLE CAUSE -Shrinivas Kulkarni, Project In Charge

BACKDROP : Jnana Prabodhini (JP) is a well-known educational/social organization in India and also known abroad for its innovative approach as well as its concern for the last man on the ladder. A branch of JP is active in the earthquake and draught prone District of Maharashtra State. In the village Harali, JP has a rural residential school and an Agricultural Polytechnic. As the grid supply is short and very unreliable, JP constructed off-grid photovoltaic power plant of 48 kW with two sets of 24 kW each. As the electrical loads are spread over the campus, it was convenient to install two separate PV power plants.

GRID AND LOAD PROFILE : The available grid power on this site is quite short. Moreover, unscheduled frequent supply shutdowns and interruptions worsen the reliability. Scheduled three phase grid power is available just for 6 to 8 hours a day and single phase supply for 8 more hours. The three phase supply voltage frequently drops down to 340 VAC phase to phase. The JP school here has about 300 residents, school buildings, laboratories, well equipped computer lab and many support centers, consuming large amount of electrical power. JP is also running an Agricultural Polytechnic, nearly 56 acres of horticulture, agriculture cultivation, Fruit processing unit, animal husbandry and allied activities. All these drain additional power. It was really a challenge to run all activities. Total connected load is around 100 kW. The average energy consumption of the campus is approx. 4000 kWh per month. To overcome this difficulty, JP has started many small activities to generate non-conventional energy. Bio-gas plant, Scheffler solar concentrators for cooking steam generation, wind-solar hybrid power generation, solar street lamps, solar lanterns, solar water heaters, solar driers, are some of these to name. However, this was just a first step. The final aim is to become self sufficient for energy demand. Now harnessing the Sun is a bigger leap towards our ultimate goal. 42Â

May-June 2015

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SOLAR ROOFTOP & OFF GRID PROJECT CONCEPT : As stated earlier, this project is split into two equal size plants with almost similar specifications. Since the generated power has to be utilized without a specific schedule, it was mandatory to provide sufficient power storage. The most common way, of course, is to use lead-acid battery bank for storage. The solar PV panels have a life expectancy of 25 plus years. The support structure life expectancy requirement should go hand in hand. An intelligent power control unit (PCU) is required to efficiently share load between Solar PV, battery bank and grid. The existing motive power load should run to fulfill its purpose. A smart load management is also needed.

PROJECT DESIGN : Normally it is customary to apply AMG rule, which denotes the hierarchy of consideration. A stands for AVOID the power use if possible, M for MINIMIZE the consumption, and G stands for GENERATE the remaining energy. It was difficult to apply this thumb rule here as some of the connected load had to be considered although it was not on the priority list. Secondly, JP at Harali undergoes continual expansion. The open land here is under cultivation, hence all the PV panels are required to be mounted on rooftops. PV panels Installed

We have used grid-support solar PV system for our application

PV Array

Grid

Controller

Battery Bank

Inverter

Distribution Panel

Loads

Schematic arrangement of the system Since the life span of the PV panel is around 25 plus years, it was absolutely essential to use the support structure material with matching life span. MS angles/channels with GI plating are very widely used. However, its corrosion in exposed condition can be a concern after some years. Mechanical strength to withstand heavy storms is also required. We therefore used fiberglass section. It is a type of Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP). This was a novel concept which was being used for the first time. The strength at the junction point could be a weak link. To address this, we used rivets with alloy aluminium cap and SS pin. Both of these materials are long lasting and also provide expected mechanical strength. Electrically it is completely a bad conductor. Moreover it is absolutely rustproof and has a permanent natural color. Mr. N. C. Kanade has taken lot of pains to develop the FRP structure.

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May-June 2015

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SOLAR ROOFTOP & OFF GRID The concrete pedestal was used as foundation to counteract the uplift caused by wind. The FRP structure members were secured with foundation plate and anchors were provided to make the structure stronger. The FRP structure is 3.6 times lighter as compared to GI structure and yet provides comparable strength. The PV array is mounted on the terrace at a height of 10 m from the ground. The support structure is expected to withstand high wind speeds in the range of 300 kmph. The PV panels we used are 300 Wp 160 Nos. We used two huge battery banks of 120 numbers of 2V, 800 Ah cells and 120 numbers of 2V, 600 Ah cells respectively. This was absolutely essential to maintain one day autonomy and also to control DOD during normal use. The life expectancy of battery bank thereby is also taken care of. The battery bank is expected to last for up to 5 years (warranted) and extendable to 7-8 years.

The main brain of the system is of course the charge controller (CC) and the inverter or the power control unit (PCU). We used 30 kVA PCU. The CC for each system has all the features to control the battery bank charging like MPPT, constant current bulk charge, float and equalizing charge system. There is also a provision to charge the batteries through single phase grid power which is unique. But the output has always a three phase, four wire supply. The system voltage selected is 240 VDC, 10 modules in one string and 8 strings connected to PCU.

INTEGRATION CHALLENGES : It was a real challenge to get work done from untrained, unskilled and illiterate work force. Availability of grid power was very feeble. Every alternate week, supply was unavailable during day time. Therefore, to achieve time line, we were left with the alternative to work with the supply from an alternator driven by a tractor. A 30 kW generator had to be run for many hours during construction of battery rooms and was very expensive. Since the PV structure was required to be mounted on rooftops, about 12 cubic meter of concrete blocks were used. A total of 20,000 kg raw material was required to be lifted. This was done manually with the help of a pulley at a height of 10 m from the ground. This was not an easy job. Use of automated fork lift or any other mechanism was Solar panel wiring not possible. All the residents here were motivated to contribute voluntarily their time and efforts for this noble cause. The support structure installation was done with utmost care to ensure that all panels in a row were dressed in one line. This could be achieved by meticulous planning in fabrication and installation of support structure. The day and night time load profiling, battery bank charge and discharge profiling, minimization of inter-row shadows, optimization of PCU function and heat dissipation, PV-Battery-Grid-Load Power and Energy Balance are some of the challenges ahead. The individual components and systems efficiency also need to be established.

PLANT PERFORMANCE : On a good sunny day, the output of PV array is approx. 44 kW and the energy generated is approx. 180-200 kWh. We plan to monitor DC energy generated by PV, DC energy supplied to and from Battery Bank, AC energy drawn from Grid and AC energy supplied to load. This will establish PV, Battery and Inverter efficiency as well as overall system efficiency.

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May-June 2015

SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE SYSTEM : As the PV string voltage is approx. 370 VDC and string current approx. 80 Amps, it is highly dangerous and even fatal if not handled properly. Safety measures are required to be followed while handling, maintaining, and cleaning the battery bank, PV modules, AJB, PCU, ACDB etc. We have developed SOPs and safety instructions and also created a system to keep a close watch on their implementation. We have installed two separate grounding electrodes for DC and AC circuits for safety reasons. All module frames are connected to DC ground. Also, we have used DC string fuses and DC Surge Protection Devices in the Array Junction Box (AJB). Two separate lightning arresters are installed as safety devices. All DC and AC cables are laid in trays/trenches. Battery Bank is installed little above the flooring on neoprene rubber mats laid on concrete floor to minimize leakages. Maintenance of all the system components and the distribution system is also of utmost importance. Although seems trivial, cleanliness of PV modules can provide better generation. A close eye on the Battery State of Charge (SOC) and Depth of Discharge (DOD) is required to enhance its life. We plan to monitor both open circuit voltage and specific gravity of individual battery cells. On load consumption side, we have used VFDs for all the motive loads, to reduce the high inrush current at the start up and conserve power.

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SOLAR ROOFTOP & OFF GRID

FUTURE PLANS » »

We plan to install BLDC ceiling fans, LED lighting and energy efficient equipment in place of the conventional ones. A smart SCADA system for monitoring the plant performance and also for smart management of load will be required. Time sharing of load on priority basis with this SCADA system would take care of AMG rule mentioned earlier. JP at Harali is following its objective to strengthen the weakest link in the chain. A short-term course to develop micro level household solar system is taking shape. A dedicated team of social workers is inducting the importance of such micro-scale solar system in five nearby villages. Some solar technicians are also being trained to handle maintenance of these systems. The readers are most welcome to share their views, visit the village and contribute in their own way for enhancing the noble cause.

Facts & Figures at Glance - 48.0 kWp No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Description Total Load off-set During Day Time (kW) Solar Cell Technology Inverter Configuration Area Required (Sq. Mtr.) Power Evacuation Level (VAC) Estimated Power Generation per Year (kWh) Time for Implementation (Days) Cost of the System (Rs.) Lakhs

Estimated Savings on Electricity Bills per Year averaged over 25 Years of Plant Life & increase in Tariff by modest 5 % per Year (Rs.) Lakhs. 10 Estimated Savings on Electricity Bills in 25 Years of plant life & increase in Power Tariff by modest 5 % per Year (Rs.) Lakhs 11 Total CO2 Emissions reduced per Year (Kg)

Remarks 25.0 Polycrystalline Silicon Off-Grid 511.0 415.0 65,000.0 90 56.7 09.45

236.36

51,000.0

Savings on Energy Bills The combined (MSEB + Generator) average rate of Energy is about Rs. 10.00/kWh. Also we have considered a modest increase in rate by 5 % per year to make the projection of savTotal (Rs.) ings on Energy Bills more realistic. Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

kWh 65,000.6 64,399.1 63,803.1 63,212.6 62,627.6 62,048.1 61,473.8 60,904.9 60,341.3 59,782.8 59,229.6 58,681.4 58,138.4 57,600.3 57,067.3 56,539.1 56,015.9 55,497.5 54,983.9 54,475.1 53,970.9 53,471.4 52,976.6 52,486.3 52,000.6

Rate (Rs./kWh) 10.00 10.50 11.02 11.76 12.35 12.97 13.62 14.30 15.02 15.77 15.56 16.34 17.16 18.02 18.92 19.87 20.86 21.90 23.00 24.15 25.36 26.63 27.96 29.36 30.83

6,50,006.00 6,76,191.00 7,03,110.00 7,43,380.00 7,73,451.00 8,04,764.00 8,37,273.00 8,71,001.00 9,06,326.00 9,42,835.00 9,80842.00 9,58,854.00 9,97,655.00 10,37,957.00 10,79,770.00 11,19,458.00 11,68,492.00 12,15,395.00 12,64,630.00 13,15,574.00 13,68,702.00 14,23,943.00 14,81,226.00 15,40,998.00 16,03,178.00

Total 2,36,36,890.96

SOLAR PV SYSTEM A - SPECIFICATIONS 1. 2. 3. 4.

Capacity of Solar PV Modules Capacity of Solar Inverter Capacity of Battery Bank Estimate of Energy Generation

: 24.0 kWp : 30.0 kVA - 240 VDC : 240 VDC, 800 Ah : 90.0 kWh / Day

SOLAR PV SYSTEM B - SPECIFICATIONS 1. 2. 3. 4.

Capacity of Solar PV Modules Capacity of Solar Inverter Capacity of Battery Bank Estimate of Energy Generation

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: 24.0 kWp : 30.0 kVA - 240 VDC : 240 VDC , 600 Ah : 90.0 kWh / Day

CREDENTIALS 1. System design : Jnana Prabhdhini, Harali 2. System integration : Jnana Prabhdhini, Harali 3. Civil work execution : Jnana Prabhdhini, Harali 4. PV support structure : Shri N. C. Kanade, Pune

May-June 2015

INTERVIEW EQ : What is your view on the performance of Hon’ble PM Shri Narender Modi, Hon’ble Minister Shri Piyush Goyal & New BJP Government in the last 1 year

Interview with Rabinder Kant Sikri

, t and CEO ts n a lt u s n o C Principal Energy Consultan d Energy an

RKS: Shri Narendra Modi Government has made positive strides in the first year, and is rightfully worthy of the praise. From limited to no power-cuts to residential sector, structured supply to industrial and agricultural sector during the summer of 2015, there is immediate reflection of efforts on the ground. Having said that, two key areas which will need a mention as a cursory indicator for the future course of action are: (a) Ambitious plan to delink the agricultural and industrial feeders as a separate feed network across the country will be a major and a crucial indicator for the success of this government in terms of its performance at the end of the 5 year term (though, realistically speaking it will need more time, visible effort and partial fructification as well in that direction will be commendable) (b) And another important change that will need to be addressed by the present administration will be renewed focus on energy conservation and the rightful use of the energy auditor programmed which was rolled out earlier to keep a structured check in terms of pruning the un-needed in the energy sector. EQ : Including Renewable Projects under Priority Sector Lending by RBI…Kindly comment and express your views RKS: Numerous Banks have committed their lending priorities and have included RE Sector as well amongst them. Having said that, listing as priority sector by RBI

May-June 2015

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is a welcome initiative for development of RE sector but the real need is the education and awareness that is needed for the banking industry to have a broader visibility and understanding of the norms and the modalities of the RE technologies and how the RE sector works. EQ : Government took a bold decision of not imposing Anti-Dumping Duties on Solar Modules/Cells Imports…. What are its effects…Please express your views. RKS: It is definitely a bold decision, and needs a careful scrutiny – to understand how the industry is responding and to measure how the infrastructure desired from such a move is indeed seen in reality. It is a major gamechanger – if channelized positively, with adequate financing and single window licensing mechanisms, RE sector will see phantom push in terms of transforming vision into reality. If any of the other elements in the plan including banking sector support, personnel training, indigenization of technology for the perpetual support, impact assessment thereof is not taken care or if they fail, then this decision might reflect on the industry and will not be as desired. EQ : Do you foresee the AntiDumping might come back anytime in future Yes, it is eventually a possibility but it will depend on how the world markets play out and react, and technological advances that we shall see in the coming decade or two. EQ : Do you think the target of 100GW Solar by 2022 is achievable…? What are the challenges and roadblocks The potential is huge, and the target can definitely be achieved – factors which will influence or hinder growth will

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INTERVIEW be domestic manufacturing capability, training of personnel and lending support from banking sector. If these three factors are taken care, at-least at a macrolevel, it will transform to action at the ground-level. EQ : Is the Government taking right steps in achieving the targets? RKS: Yes, Government is moving in the right direction. Extra emphasis should be laid out by the Government on lending institutions and support offered by them. EQ : Government of India is trying to further lower the lost of Solar Power by having a dollar denominated PPA and thus avoiding the forex fluctuation risk and reduce the solar power costs, hedging costs etc…Please comment on the same. RKS: This is innovative idea to reduce the cost of generation but it is still under discussions with all stakeholders for win-win situation. But dollar denominated PPA along with dollar denominated finance is the key, if the lending institutions are not ready to support capital flows in the same denomination then the forex hedging effort will eat into the margins and will lead to working capital freeze. EQ : Please comment on the recent Tenders such as AP, Telangana, MP, NTPC RKS: NTPC Tenders are well structured. State Level Tendering process is linked to the health of the DISCOMs that should actually realign their costing and revenue model to begin with. Most of the State machinery is mobilized for meeting political targets – resulting in bad books for the DISCOMs, which need to be addressed before tendering by such DISCOMS, be-

cause it will result in limited to no takers or opportunism which is not healthy for the country. EQ : CERC Decision of introducing vintage multipliers and thus saving the REC Mechanism based projects… Do you think it will be helpful for REC projects. RKS: Yes, it is desirable but if it can be realized is the bigger question. EQ : Is the government planning & talking big but the action is yet to be seen? What are the expectations in the next 2-4 years RKS: It is just one year into the government, though the government is shouldering huge expectations – reality is more time is needed to transcend from planning into action. Expectations will be to see the planning which was effective reflect in action. EQ : Comment on the recent schemes such as 25 Solar Parks, Solar on Canals, REInvest, Increasing the Clean Energy Cess RKS: These are the ways to create a market and technology up-gradation. How the market makers and industry respond is left to be seen. EQ : Any other topic on Government, Policy, Regulation, Finance, Technology, etc. Any Other question/topic/issue you would like to raise. RKS: CSP and other technologies should also be adapted, though at the scale that is feasible; we suggest that Public sector should install a demo project with cost plus tariff and after due diligence of technology and sustainability the same can be operationalized through bidding

May-June 2015

MOUNTING STRUCTURES

Soil – A Hurdle For Rapid Progress Deployment Of MMS

-Srinivas Maganti, COO, Nuevosol Energy Private Limited

Cast in-situ Pile Foundations which are typically used in Ground-mounted Module mounting structures are primarily designed as friction grip piles and not as end bearing piles owing to the short lengths involved in the foundations related to Solar MMS. Hence, the integrity of the soil is paramount to provide the necessary uplift and lateral capacities for the MMS foundation.

Intermediate collapsation

ased on a historical review of the projects executed by NEPL across 18 different states, it has been observed that soil profiles possessing a major percentage of granular soils (gravel and sand) and also containing loamy type soil are more susceptible for collapse during excavation. The cascading effect that soil collapsing brings about is as follows – »» Redrilling works to clear the collapsed soil and to ensure that the depth of the foundation is not compromised. »» Additional concrete volume to account for a now-larger vacated volume of the drilled hole. (An average increment of 10% in diameter has a corresponding 20% increment in volume.) »» Delay in project progress, owing to reworks. Nuevosol witnessed these issues first-hand while executing 400MWs during the last 6 months. All projects greater than 20MW bore witness to soil collapsing. The vast area of land to work over exacerbated the scenario further. Greater the land area, greater the possibility of May-June 2015

striking zones of high collapsibility, greater the remedial works required, greater the expenses incurred, and consequently greater the risk of project timelines being compromised. On average, drilling and cementing works amount to 80% of the cumulative project costs, and usually in collapsing soils the drilling and cementing works-related expenses overrun by a minimum of 20%. As per Bridge To India estimates, project implementation costs dropped by 10 per cent during 2013 and further by an additional 12 per cent during 2014, while module costs, and other BOS costs de-

creased by 10 per cent over the same duration. The cost of module mounting structures has dropped by a massive 60 per cent over the past four to five years. Suffice to say that turnkey MMS providers such as Nuevosol are operating on wafer-thin margins on both the supply and the service fronts. Overruns, in supply or in service, would render projects financially unfeasible and discourage them from pursuing projects with the level of alacrity that they do with currently. An underlying trend observed with most projects has been that the soil test data presented at the quota-

Heavy Collapsation at the mouth of the hole

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MOUNTING STRUCTURES

Heavy Collapsation at the mouth of the hole

tion and planning phase of the project, and the actual soil conditions encountered during the execution phase of the project stand at diametrically opposite poles. Soil integrity and its tendency to play spoilsport should be accounted for and averted proactively. To achieve the same, developers need to invest towards acquiring more ac-

curate soil test data. Sample drills need to be performed religiously and with a high sampling frequency to better gauge the collapsing tendency of the soil in the area, and also to better gauge regions of high rock content in the area. We stand now at a fork in the road ahead; one path places onus on a proactive approach - driven by accurate

data, highly analytical, and low risk; the other path is reactive, low on data, high risk and prone to frequent disagreements. With a lofty target of 40GW Ground Mount Installations to be fulfilled by 2022, time is of the ultimate essence, rapid deployment and installation will be of the utmost need. A proactive approach, based on a premise of good planning, understanding of constraints, and genuine collaboration by all contributing parties on a good faith basis, will ensure that the target is achieved as required. Delegation and relegation of responsibility should be avoided, lest the targets stand compromised. At this current moment, the uncertainty surrounding soil is a major constraint â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it deserves to be addressed immediately and collectively by all stakeholders.

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SOLAR INVERTERS

Intersolar Europe 2015

SMA Presents Innovations for Each Area of Application in Photovoltaics –

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With our technological innovations, we are ensuring that more and more households and commercial businesses can already use solar energy to become less dependent on rising electricity and operating costs and that large-scale PV power plants can compete with conventional energy carriers in their own regions even without subsidies.

MA Solar Technology AG (SMA) will be presenting innovations for all areas of application in photovoltaics at this year’s Intersolar Europe in Munich. The key focus will be on comprehensive system solutions for greater independence in the use of energy. In addition to the completely newly developed Sunny Boy 1.5/2.5 for high selfconsumption with small PV systems, SMA will also show new developments in domestic energy management with SMA Smart Home. For commercial businesses, the new system solutions based on the Sunny Tripower and Sunny Island offer greater independence even in the event of grid failure. For large-scale PV power plants, SMA will be demonstrating a new type of container solution at Intersolar Europe for the first time. This combines a 2.5 MW central inverter, a medium-voltage transformer and medium-voltage switchgear as a turnkey solution in a standard container. “With our technological innovations, we are ensuring that more and more households and commercial businesses can already use solar energy to become less dependent on rising electricity and operating costs and that large-scale PV

May-June 2015

power plants can compete with conventional energy carriers in their own regions even without subsidies. Our comprehensive system solutions, which enable ever more components to be integrated in the system, are the key to the sustainable, secure and decentralized energy supply of the future. Visitors to our booth at Intersolar will be able to see for themselves,” explained Jürgen Reinert, Board Member for Technology.

High Self-Consumption With Small PV Systems: The Sunny Boy 1.5/2.5 With the Sunny Boy 1.5/2.5, SMA has brought to the market a completely newly developed inverter that follows the current trend toward small PV systems in terms of technology. Among other features, it supports a high rate of selfconsumption, has a wide range of applications and is very easy to integrate into the home network. In addition, its innovative design, broad input voltage range of 80 to 600 V and new communication concept offer numerous advantages during installation and commissioning. Thanks to direct communication with the SMA Energy Meter, it is possible to set the limitation to 70%, which is required in Germany, or 0%, if desired.

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There are also a number of new options for intelligent energy management with SMA Smart Home. Aside from complete energy monitoring using compatible SMA radio-controlled sockets and measurement modules that are designed for international use as well as individual monitoring of all key electrical devices, the home automation system from Plugwise, the Dutch home automation specialist and new SMA cooperation partner, also monitors heating, indoor air quality, indoor temperature and lighting.

Cutting-edge solutions for commercial PV systems The new SMA system solution featuring the Sunny Tripower 60 inverter guarantees high performance of commercial PV systems and maximum planning flexibility. Installers benefit from easy commissioning and low maintenance costs. SMA is introducing a new addition to the successful Sunny Tripower (STP) family with the STP 20000TL/25000TL. It offers the new grid management functions “Integrated Plant Control” and “Q on Demand 24/7.” The Sunny Portal Professional Package for the professional monitoring of commercial PV farms improves operating processes and cuts costs. As a central communication unit for system monitoring, recording data and controlling smaller-scale commercial PV systems comprising up to 25 inverters, in addition to its existing standard solution for large-scale plants, SMA is now offering the new SMA Cluster Controller.

Sunny Island and Multicluster Technology now also available for highperformance commercial self-consumption applications up to 100 kWp For the higher-performance battery inverter Sunny Island 6.0H/8.0H, SMA has developed new SMA Multicluster technology comprising the Multicluster Box 12 and the NA Box 12, which is now also suitable for operating in the utility grid. In Germany, it meets the applicable connection conditions for low-voltage grids (VDE-AR-N 4105) and helps commercial applications such as supermarkets, farms and other commercial businesses to increase self-consumption using storage systems. These systems can also be connected to a diesel generator to bypass grid failure due to a discharged battery. On an international scale, the Multicluster Box 12 can be used to set up off-grid systems, and when combined with the Grid Connect Box 12, it can form self-consumption and battery-backup systems with an output of up to 138 kW.

Unique power density in a standard shipping container In the large-scale PV power plant seg-

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ment, SMA succeeded for the first time in integrating a complete turnkey system solution, comprising a 2.5 MW central inverter, a medium-voltage transformer and medium-voltage switchgear, into a twenty-foot shipping container. The SMA Medium Voltage Power Station 2200SC/2500SC for direct voltages of 1000/1500 V can be used in large-scale and extremely large-scale PV power plants worldwide, is suitable for outdoor installation in all ambient conditions, and thanks to its power density and compact design, which are unique on the market, it helps to reduce transportation, installation and operating costs. In tandem with this, SMA is also unveiling a new String Monitor for the reliable monitoring and control of PV power plants. The

SOLAR INVERTERS age integration as well as the customized solution for systems requiring up to 50 MW of solar power. With these solutions, SMA is providing industrial applications without or with only limited access to the utility grid with individual custom-made solutions for a reliable, resource-friendly and efficient energy supply.

Comprehensible service with SMA operations & maintenance

Sunny Island and Multicluster Technology now also available for high-performance commercial selfconsumption applications up to 100 kWp These systems can also be connected to a diesel generator to bypass grid failure due to a discharged battery.

For the higher-performance battery inverter Sunny Island 6.0H/8.0H, SMA has developed new SMA Multicluster technology comprising the Multicluster Box 12 and the NA Box 12, which is now also suitable for operating in the utility grid. In Germany, it meets the applicable connection conditions for low-voltage grids (VDE-AR-N 4105) and helps commercial applications such as supermarkets, farms and other commercial businesses to increase self-consumption using storage systems. SMA Sunny String Monitor, which delivers performance and fault analysis within seconds, is adapted flexibly to each PV system design thanks to external fuses.

Customized solutions for PV diesel hybrid systems To integrate solar power even more efficiently into diesel-powered grids, SMA has further enhanced its SMA Fuel Save Controller (FSC). The 2014 Intersolar Award winner is now available for different performance requirements, including the simple and affordable complete solution FSC M for a solar grid feed-in of up to 1 MW of PV power in PV diesel hybrid systems, the FSC L solution for solar grid feed-in of up to 5 MW and optional stor-

On an international scale, the Multicluster Box 12 can be used to set up off-grid systems, and when combined with the Grid Connect Box 12, it can form self-consumption and batterybackup systems with an output of up to-

138 kw

With its Operations & Maintenance service offering, SMA provides a global full-package service and takes on the complete technical operational management of large-scale PV power plants. This includes continuous remote system monitoring, but additional services such as regular maintenance, thermography scans as well as vegetation and dirt control are also included in the scope of services. With this option, SMA customers benefit from optimal system operation, the greatest possible yields and maximum reliability. Overall, SMA already performs operations and maintenance for PV power plants with a total capacity of over 1 GW worldwide.

May-June 2015

INTERVIEW

Interview With Sharad Saxena

EQ : What is your view on the performance of Hon’ble PM Shri Narender Modi, Hon’ble Minister Shri Piyush Goyal & New BJP Government in the last 1 year S.S : I would like to limit myself to comment upon the performance of the present Government related only to the Renewable Energy sector. I believe this government has moved fast to provide traction and impetus to the RE sector and particularly the Solar sector. However, the target of 100GW by 2022 is very ambitious, and can only be achieved by quick implementation of all related policies, like land acquisition, transmission infrastructure, skill enhancement etc. It is early days, and the government should be given adequate time to achieve results. We only hope the good initiatives are able to generate enough momentum across the country to achieve the set targets. One of the key factors would be the Government’s ability to attract international companies to set up integrated cell and module manufacturing facilities in India to meet this enormous demand at the right cost. EQ : Including Renewable Projects under Priority Sector Lending by RBI…Kindly comment and express your views. S.S : The recent RBI norms make all bank loans of up to Rs 15 crore for solar-based power generators and a few other RE generators to be considered part of Priority Sector Lending (PSL). For individual households, the loan limit per borrower is proposed as Rs 10,00,000/-. This is a welcome step, and would certainly make financial closure easier for grid-connected solar PV plants of up to 3 to 4MW capacity. It will also make financing easier for households, as and when netmetering gets moving. EQ : Government took a bold decision of not imposing Anti-Dumping Duties on Solar Modules/Cells Imports….What are its effects…Please express your views. S.S : Imposition of anti-dumping duties, in my opinion, would have made project costs higher and PV power plants less feasible. It would not have helped the industry as a whole and would have definitely set us back.

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Having said that, I also believe that the domestic module manufacturers need some incentives / import duty reliefs etc., to be able to compete internationally, as well as some fiscal support by way of capital or interest subsidy to encourage augmentation of capacities and backward integration.

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EQ : Do you think the target of 100GW Solar by 2022 is achievable….What are the challenges and roadblocks. S.S : Germany was able to reach about 40GW of installations in about 10 years, and considering the fact that India is more than 9 times the area of Germany, acheiving 100GW in 8 years may not sound difficult. But it is definitely a tall order! The Central Government and the State Governments would really need to work in tandem to overcome all the challenges that face the rapid deployment of solar PV being planned in the country. Acquiring contiguous land banks suitable for Solar PV shall be a major challenge for large scale projects in times to come. The individual land holding of a farmer being small, a company wishing to acquire 250 acres for a 50MW plant would need to consolidate the same with multiple landlords for adjoining lands. This is extremely

no moving parts and require very little maintenance, regular availability of adequate quantity and good quality of water required for cleaning of solar PV modules is also a concern for many remotely located project sites, especially in dry and desert areas in Western India. All these challenges shall become roadblocks unless all the agencies involved act fast and take concrete steps to overcome the same. The responsibility rests on the shoulders of all the stakeholders and each one needs to do its bit, in time, to achieve the 100GW target by the year 2022 EQ : Government of India is trying to further lower the lost of Solar Power by having a dollar denominated PPA and thus avoiding the forex fluctuation risk and reduce the solar power costs, hedging costs etc… Please comment on the same.

EQ : Is the Government taking right steps in achieving the targets? S.S : I believe the policy initiatives of the Central Government are in the right direction. The segmentation of the 100GW target into rooftops, ultra MW size projects and also asking major PSUs to initiate large size projects, is a well devised plan. However, insistence on Domestic Content for some projects could slow down progress considerably, unless some measures are taken to create a level playing field for the domestic PV manufacturers, enabling them to compete effectively with imports from China. All State Governments and concerned agencies need to translate these policy directives into action soon. difficult, besides pushing up costs considerably and taking up precious time. The proposed 25 solar parks with a total capacity of about 20GW can partly offset the land acquisition problems for the project developers. One solution could be to lease the land for a period of 30 years, and pay periodic (say, quarterly) lease rentals to the farmers (land owners). The payments to farmers under the Lease Agreement could be underwritten by the Central / state Government, thus providing comfort to the farmers and the lending institutions. Leasing of land will make the land cost as a variable cost and provide a regular income stream to the farmers who are often dependent upon the vagaries of the weather for their survival. A win-win situation for both the parties! The ultra mega projects are also likely to face the challenge arising from the lack of power evacuation infrastructure as it exists today. Inability to evacuate all the power that is generated will result in losses to the project developers and also to the nation. These two major factors – land acquisition and evacuation of generated power – will affect the financial closure as the lending institutions will insist upon mitigating these risks. Although PV plants have

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S.S : Dollar denominated PPAs will definitely come as a boon to the project developers who have access to ECBs, as it will avoid hedging costs and reduce their cost of borrowing. However, the forex risk has to be borne by someone, and shall ultimately reflect in the tariff to the end-user. There cannot be a free lunch! EQ : Please comment on the recent Tenders such as AP, Telangana, MP, NTPC. S.S : The recent large sized tenders released by NTPC for specific states and also the State Government tenders in AP and Telengana have attracted a number of investors. Caution should be exercised by these investors and developers in arriving at a realistic energy tariff, and avoid undue speculation on the future costs of components. Unrealistic tariffs often result in difficulties in financial closure and could also lead to lower quality of the installed plants. Chemtrols Solar offers advisory services to investors to help them arrive at the ‘right’ tariff, based on the rich experience it has gathered since 2010, while providing turnkey EPC services for a number of projects pan India. Hopefully

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INTERVIEW stakeholders during the past four years will make the implementation of projects under these tenders a big success! EQ : CERC Decision of introducing vintage multipliers and thus saving the REC Mechanism based projects…Do you think it will be helpful for REC projects. S.S :The success of the RPO / REC scheme solely rests on the enforcement of the punitive clauses on the defaulters. The recent Supreme Court ruling on the applicability of the RPO guidelines, in favour of Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (Hindustan Zinc vs RERC) is expected to result in more effective enforcement of the various states ERC guidelines. This will force the obligated entities to invest in PV projects or purchase RECs that have been languishing in the power exchanges for long. Once the confidence on REC trading is restored, and this revenue stream is accepted by the lending institutions, financial closure of projects, without recourse, could become a possibility. EQ : Is the government planning & talking big but the action is yet to be seen ? What are the expectations in the next 2-4 years. S.S : It is unfair to say that the Government is ‘talking big’. Any plan of such size would naturally take some time for the actions to show results. I believe most initiatives and steps taken are in the right direction and if adequate support is rendered by more state governments, and the challenges mentioned earlier are addressed with the right earnest to create an investor friendly environment, it would not be difficult to achieve at least 25% of the 100GW target in the next 4 years. EQ : Any other topic on Government, Policy, Regulation, Finance, Technology, etc... S.S : We have today reached a situation of grid parity for many sections of the power consumers, especially the high end commercial consumers. The Government should actively consider withdrawing subsidies for such consumers, because these benefit by savings in power cost, if they install a Solar PV system even without the crutches of subsidy. In any case, the Central Government has often stated that the subsidy shall be gradually withdrawn. It should happen sooner than later!

May-June 2015

BALANCE OF SYSTEM

Bankable Quality of Cables for Solar Installations

- V K Bajaj, COO , Apar Industries Ltd (Uniflex Cables)

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Bankable performance of Solar PV system is not only dependent on solar modules but also on cables that are required to transmit this power so generated for more than 25 years .

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hile designing the solar farms, the system engineers have to minimize the losses up to delivery of power to Solar Inverter and to the grid, since the solar developer realizes its revenue based on power delivered to the grid. Low quality cables can lead to higher losses and less power delivered to the grid. These losses due to poor cable system calculated over 25 years life of solar farm can result in substantial losses affecting the project viability. Some developers tend to compromise the cable quality to save small amounts of initial cost but end up spending much more over its lifetime. Hence the quality cable becomes an important component for solar farm projects and is an important aspect for bankability of solar projects. There are three major type of cables used in Solar installations:

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BALANCE OF SYSTEM Solar DC Cables

a period of time. A good quality cable is one which can endure the The Solar DC cables are required degradation of polymer for over 25 to work in harsh environments (viz. years and that is what determines direct exposure to heat and UV the cable life. The lower quality rays being exposed to Sun, Rain, cables may test ok at the time of its Humidity, Dusty environments, at- purchase and may be for 5 years, tack by Termites and moss and but start reflecting the affects of sometimes physical damages by polymeric degradation after 7-8 rodents) and expected to have years under harsh conditions. The a life of over 25 years complying Electron Beam (EB) Irradiation various international standards cross-linking process meets the like TuV, UL, EN etc. Solar proj- objectives of improved quality of ects are installed in remote areas insulation/sheath to assure over where land is cheap and provides 25 years life and is being used by good solar insolation. The cost majority of the international venof replacing a defective installed dors. The tests have proved that cable is quite high considering the the EB cross-linking process is far cable cost, manpower required for superior to the Chemical crossreinstallation and system re-testing linking process. In the Chemical besides loss of revenue generation cross-linking process, the degree during that period. The price differ- of cross-linking is only up to 50ence between the good quality ca- 55% of the molecules and over a period of time bles and occathe polymer sionally bought tends to stiffen by price sension exposure to The International tive customers heating cooling invariably is not Solar developers cycles thereby significant and limiting the in fact good have experienced cable life comquality cables that Electron Beam pared to physioffer lower cost cal cross-linking of ownership cross-linked caEB process. spread over its bles are ideal for 25 years cable The Solar life. The Internasolar installations. DC cables are tional Solar deused in 2 major velopers have areas: for conexperienced necting Solar that Electron Beam cross-linked cables are ideal for solar installa- panels generally 4 and 6 sqmm tions. There are few companies having flexible Annealed Tinned in India who have set up Electron Copper strands, with XLPO insuBeam Irradiation facility offering lation and XLPO sheath Electron high quality TuV certified cables Beam Cross-Linked. The others thereby reducing the dependence are Single or twin core larger cross on import of such cables. In fact section cables for connecting the one of the manufacturers in India combiners to the inverter. While has started offering Rodent proof most of the solar developers have Solar DC cables also. In the initial started selecting the proper ATC/ phase of Solar projects, the aware- XLPO/XLPO EBXL cables for conness about the long life of cables necting panels, some of them conwas not understood by solar devel- tinue to use normal XLPE cables opers, but now every solar devel- from Combiners to Inverter, which oper understands the need for high also require 25 year life. The solution lies in selecting these (Aluminquality cables. ium or Copper conductor cables) The polymeric insulation and XLPE cables but with jacket of EB jacket material of the cable ex- cross-linked XLPO instead of PVC posed to harsh environmental jacket. The normal PVC jacket excondition tends to degrade over posed to the harsh environments cannot give a life of 25 years.

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Medium Voltage cables Similarly, on the Medium Voltage side, cables are available with 105°C max conductor operating temperature offering almost 10% higher current carrying capacity compared to the conventional 90 °C max conductor operating temperature cables generally used. India is fortunate to have high solar insolation with over 300 days of good sunny days in most parts of the country. The cost of setting up Solar projects has come down considerably. The solar developers are now bidding at between Rs 6 – 7 per unit compared to about Rs 15-16 per unit few years ago. The gestation period for setting up Solar power projects is quite low (generally less than 12 months) compared to Thermal Power projects requiring a gestation period of 4-5 years and for Hydel projects requiring gestation period of 6-8 years. India being a power deficient country needs this kind of quick gestation power generation projects to ramp up power availability till new thermal & hydel projects materialize. There is also an international pressure on all countries to promote green energy to mitigate climate change. The solar projects also offer a greener option having no pollution and save on natural resources. Keeping all these factors in mind, the Govt of India has set an ambitious target to set up over 100 GW Solar Power generations over 5-7 years. The Cable industry has geared itself to meet the requirement of cables to support this high projected business growth.

LT Cables As regards LT cables used on AC side from Inverter to step up Transformer, recommended cables are with EB-XLPE insulation and XLPO jacket. The Electron Beam cross-linked Polyethylene (EB-XLPE) offer cables to with capability of 120°C conductor operating temperature, implying polymer to withstand higher temperature ageing testing thereby offering almost 40-50 years cable life compared to conventional Chemical cross-linking process used for XLPE that offers max conductor operating temperature of 90°C. The EB-XLPE can withstand ageing tests at 150°C for over 7 days without getting deteriorated compared to only 135°C ageing test for 7 days. Higher the ageing test withstand capability, higher the cable life. The EB-XLPE cables can also deliver 10%-15% higher current carrying capacity compared to conventional Chemical cross-linked XLPE. The outer jacket of these LT cables should also be XLPO (Used for Solar Dc cables) with 120°C rating instead of PVC to ensure 25 year projected life.

May-June 2015

PR DUCTS SUNTECH Introduces New Generation SuperPoly Module At Intersolar Europe

Suntech’s upgraded polycrystalline module will be available globally in July 56

May-June 2015

Wuxi Suntech introduced its new SuperPoly product line. The SuperPoly, an upgraded polycrystalline module, is exhibited at Intersolar Europe. Available globally this July, Suntech’s current manufacturing capacity for the SuperPoly module is 100MW, however Suntech looks to increase this capacity to more than 1GW at the end of this year. “We’re very excited to be introducing the SuperPoly module at Intersolar Europe this week, along with our new products such as the HyPro module, which is our latest high efficiency module that we offer with PERC solar cell technology,” said Xiong Haibo, president of Suntech. “Our continual investment in research and development in our PV technology is part of Suntech’s vision of a cost efficient and energy efficient future. The SuperPoly is another module in our range of products that has passed the VDE’s certification standards. Our customers who are looking to build utility size projects will find that the SuperPoly panel is the perfect fit for their energy needs.” The SuperPoly is a polycrystalline module that integrates an in-depth reflection technology and passivation process, which enables the module to generate at least 2 power classes more (approximately 10W) than the average industry level module, reaching efficiency levels up to 16.7%. Improvements to the color uniformity of the cells allow the SuperPoly 72 cell module to produce an optimal 325W at peak performance, ideal for utility scale size projects. Additionally, this PID-free module sustains higher power output at 200W/m2 compared to the conventional module in weak lighting conditions, catering to markets that require high efficiency and durability under dynamic solar conditions such as the UK, Germany and Thailand. The SuperPoly, like all Suntech’s four busbar module designs, has a lower probability of micro-cracks and hotspots, making the modules less susceptible to malfunctions that lead to significant power degradation. Suntech was recently named on Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s (BNEF) May 2015 Global PV Market Outlook list as a tier 1 solar company, based on its bankability.

Suntech presented SuperPoly module at Intersolar europe. The HyPro module with PERC technology, which has an average cell efficiency that can reach up to 20.5%, perfect for residential and rooftop projects; an integrated AC module designed for the residential market, which produces a high energy yield with less installation and maintenance costs; an anti-glaring module designed for airports, railway and highway projects and offers reflectivity reduction of up to 3%; and a standard module, which is suitable for both rooftop and utility projects. The products are all PID-free and provide high performance yields in low light conditions. Suntech’s products come with a 10-year product warranty, along with excellent customer service

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PR DUCTS RENEWSYS SHOWCASES ITS INNOVATIVE EVA ENCAPSULANTS AND BACKSHEETS AT INTERSOLAR MUNICH

RenewSys India Pvt Ltd, a quality manufacturer of EVA Encapsulant and Backsheet for PV modules, showcases its latest innovative products at Intersolar, Munich. Based at Bengaluru in India, RenewSys has acquired a major market share of EVA Encapsulant and Backsheets in India and is also expanding its European markets due to its consistently high quality and innovative product development capabilities.

Leveraging decades of polymer expertise and hi-tech R&D capability, the company has developed various innovative EVA Encapsulants and Backsheets during the last three year. In addition to regular encapsulants, the company has developed Ultra-Fast Cure and PID Resistant encapsulants with varying UV cut-offs needed in the market. Its PID resistant EVA encapsulant is considered much better than other similar products available in the market, as it exhibits less than 1% power loss when tested as per IEC standard. The latest innovation is UltraThin Encapsulant for MWT modules, developed specially for saving silver paste and thus reducing the BOM cost. The company has also developed a wide range of backsheets suiting various PV module technologies like C-Si, Thin Film & MWT. The backsheet range includes Fluoro, non-Fluoro, Aluminium and Copper foil based backsheets in white and black colours. In line with the demand, the company has doubled its EVA Encapsulant capacity in April 15. RenewSys has ambitious growth plans and a long term vision of the Renewable energy sector. The Cellmaking is one of the investments in the advanced stage.

Canadian Solar Announces Best-in-Class Warranty for Polycrystalline and Diamond Modules Canadian Solar Inc. one of the world’s largest solar power companies, today announced that effective June 1, the company has been offering a new upgraded warranty on its polycrystalline photovoltaic modules by guaranteeing a lower first year power output degradation, less than 2.5%. This is in contrast to the industry standard of 3% degradation during the first year. All Canadian Solar standard modules have a 10-year limited product warranty on material and workmanship. In addition, the following are the new warranty policies related to power performance: • For polycrystalline module prod-

ucts, Canadian Solar guarantees the first year power degradation is no more than 2.5% from its nameplate power. From year 2 to year 25, the actual power decline will be no more than 0.7%. By the end of year 25, the actual power output will be no less than 80.7% of the nameplate power output. • For the Diamond double-glass module, Canadian Solar guarantees the first year power degradation is no more than 2.5% from its nameplate power. From year 2 to year 30, the actual annual power decline will be no more than 0.5%. By the end of year 30, the actual power output will be no less than 83% of the labeled

power output. In the past 15 years, Canadian Solar has invested heavily into solar cell and module technology research and development. This warranty upgrade is based on internal and external PV system performance test results. The performance warranty for standard monocrystalline cell modules will continue to be 3% degradation for the first year, and 0.7% power loss from year 2 to year 25. With Czochralski-type (CZ) wafer quality improvement, Canadian Solar will be able to roll out a similar enhanced performance warranty for monocrystalline cell modules in the future.

Dr. Guoqiang Xing, Vice President of Technology of Canadian Solar, commented, “As a major module manufacturer, we are proud to offer the industry’s leading warranty on solar panels. Our ability to provide such a comprehensive and top-notch warranty is a strong indicator of the company’s bankability, success, and product reliability.”

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May-June 2015

PR DUCTS MiaSolé Announces Second-generation FLEX-02 Series Modules : Lighter, Thinner and with Higher Efficiencies MiaSolé, producer of lightweight, flexible and powerful solar cells, announced the availability of its second generation FLEX Series Modules. The FLEX-02 Series module is a CIGS based flexible thin-film PV module that provides high power density for many types of roof applications. The panels are the highest efficiency, flexible, thin-film product on the market today, with >16% cell efficiency. The FLEX-02 Series module is available in two formats. The FLEX-02W module is 39 inches x 102 inches and is rated at 360-watts, and designed for low-slope commercial single-ply roof systems. The FLEX-02N module is 14.6 inches x 102 inches and is rated at 120-watts, and designed specifically for standing-seam metal roofs. Both FLEX-02 Series modules bond to the roof surface with a simple peel-and-stick adhesive. This adhesive approach eliminates the need for racking and reduces labor and logistics cost to provide a 20% lower BOS cost than traditional glass solar systems. The FLEX-02 Series module is IEC 61646 & IEC 61730 and UL 1703 certified. The FLEX- 02 module provides customers significant benefits.

May-June 2015

The low weight of the module (<0.7 lb/sq ft) allows installation on roofs that cannot support the weight of traditional glass solar panels, and makes them ideal in cases where the weight of winter snow load is a concern. Because the FLEX-02 panels are adhered directly to the roof surface, there are no penetrations, eliminating the worry of leakage and damage to valuable contents within the building. The FLEX-02 also is aesthetically pleasing, blending into both metal and TPO roofs and preserving the original look of the roof. The low-profile FLEX-02 module provides superior wind resistance and a seismic advantage over traditional rack-and-panel systems where their higher profile increases the likelihood of damage in a hurricane or earthquake.

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PR DUCTS

Technology Innovation Throughout Jinko’s Product

High-Power module

Currently, the maximum power reached for 60P module in lab is 334.5W. It is a new record in the PV industry. Through continuous commercializing laboratory technology, we improve the power and efficiency of the module to increase the output per unit and reduce the cost per KWh.

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High-Reliability module

We improve the reliability of the PV modules relentlessly according to material aging test, and by commercializing our leading technics of PID free and anti-snail track developed by our RD department. At the same time, our new self-cleaning product achieved an increased energy output, and is good for desert area. The RD department developed the smart module, double-glass module and the 1500V module with great improvement in the dielectric strength, so that the quantity of modules increased by 50% per string, and the cost is reduced.

New Production

New structure solar cell technologies

The Black Silicon solar cells were developed with advanced surface texturing technology and optimized integrated processes. The cell efficiency and module power increased dramatically. And a 60MW capacity production line of Black Silicon solar cells and modules were set up.

The PERC ( Passivated Emitter Rear Contact) solar cells were developed and its pilot line was built for volume assessment to solve the problems that may occur in mass production. The PERC pilot line can be upgraded for mass production, and the PERC technology was transferred to manufacturing.

The all back contact IBC (Interdigitated Back Contact) solar cells were developed to boost cell efficiency and also unify the appearance in the front surface for high-end application.

The advanced metallization technologies were developed with new materials that replace totally or partially the conventional Ag pastes used as electrodes. The cell efficiency was increased and the non-silicon cost was greatly reduced.

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Silicon wafer with high efficiency and quality: the efficiency of polycrystalline silicon cells were developed with high quality seeds, optimized structure of the crucible, high efficient hot zone of DSS furnace and optimized silicon ingot casting process. Our new products of LID free p-type polycrystalline silicon wafer, LID free p-type silicon Mono wafer and LID free N type silicon Mono wafer fundamentally solved the LID problem, and steadily improved our customer’s PV profit.

May-June 2015

PR DUCTS Schneider Electric to introduce energy storage offer and new monitoring solutions at Intersolar Europe in Munich

Schneider Electric™ Solar Business, a global leader in solutions for the solar power conversion chain, is proud to announce that they will be presenting their new energy storage offer, along with enhanced monitoring and control solutions at Intersolar Europe.

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“At this year’s Intersolar Europe, we are excited to introduce our global system offering for energy storage,” said Arnaud Cantin, VP of the Power Plants Line of Business. “Banking on synergies with our highly reliable and competitive PV system offering, and leveraging our broad expertise with design, implementation, and operation of complex control systems, we are committed to delivering high performance energy storage systems to renewable project developers, utilities and large end-users, for varied applications. With Schneider Electric, customers can count on reliable systems, backed up by our global services infrastructure.” Attendees of Intersolar Europe will get to see Schneider Electric’s Conext Core XC ES inverter, a new line of central inverters designed for advanced battery-based energy storage applications. The Conext Core XC ES series has been designed to be integrated into the ES Box, a medium voltage power conversion substation ranging from 500 kW to 2 MW, and into the Conext ControlTM SCADA-based monitoring and control system, Schneider Electric’s reputed solution for PV, energy storage or combined solar and storage plants. In addition to energy storage solutions, Schneider Electric will also be showcasing

new monitoring solutions for PV power plants, and commercial and residential applications. For PV power plants, attendees will get a first look at the new Conext Advisor. Conext Advisor is a web-based application focused on providing power plant operators and investors with high level and detailed performance analysis of a PV plant portfolio. Utilizing existing data extracted by Conext Control and leveraging the power of cloud-based analytics, users can compare the performance of their assets, identify underperforming areas within a PV plant down to the string level, and trigger adequate maintenance and refurbishment actions to maintain or enhance the energy generation over the lifetime of the asset. For commercial and residential applications, Schneider Electric is proud to introduce Conext Insight, a remote monitoring and asset management platform for decentralized grid-tie and battery-based systems. Installers can leverage Conext Insight to remain connected with their customers and offer value-added services. It also helps to minimize truck rolls and service calls by facilitating remote diagnostics of issues. Conext Insight enables installers to gain actionable insight to make confident decisions and help their customers maximize ROI of their PV assets. On top of new offers, Schneider Electric will also showcase their best-selling existing products and solutions at their booth. For PV power plants, attendees can learn more about Schneider Electric’s containerized power conversion systems, including the PV Skid, for North American applications, and the new PV Box ST+, both offering integrated power conversion stations up to 2 MW for PV plants worldwide. Schneider Electric will also display their battery battery-based inverters for off-grid and hybrid applications, the Conext XW+ and Conext SW, along with the Conext CL, a line of three-phase string inverters designed for high efficiency, maximum flexibility, and easy installation and service. Schneider Electric is extending the Conext CL line to offer a higher power rating at 40 kW. The 40 kW Conext CL will be similar in size to the existing 25 kW model, but with 60% more power and ideally suited for large commercial rooftop and small ground-mounted installations. The Conext CL 40 kW model comes with new communication capabilities to enable customers to further simplify plant communication and remote servicing of their inverters.

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PR DUCTS

Spire Corporation Introduces New Economical Simulator for High Volume Production Environment Spire Corporation a global solar company providing capital equipment and turnkey manufacturing lines to produce and characterize photovoltaic (PV) modules, announced the introduction of the cost competitive SPISUN SIMULATORTM 5100SLP. The SPI-SUN SIMULATOR 5100SLP is based on Spire’s successful Single Long Pulse (“SLP”) series. The system delivers better than Class A spectral/spatial/ temporal performance in combination with superior measurement repeatability while utilizing a single lamp for reduced cost-of-ownership. The PV market capacity has continued to grow and is expected to grow into the foreseeable future, with some predictions up to a 30% compound annual growth rate. Spire has met the need to further extend its successful reach in this important and growing market.

The new and innovative optical design also makes the system well suited as a measurement instrument for leading national metrological and certification bodies and organizations with restricted budgets. Spire’s simulators are considered the industry standard in production environment and test labs and universities worldwide including NREL, UL, TÜV, FSEC, EC-JRC, CSA, KIER and Intertek.

The introduction of the SPI-SUN SIMULATOR 5100 SLP allows Spire to meet the demands for better performance, especially in the extremely cost sensitive Far East market. -Mr. Rodger W. LaFavre, President and CEO of Spire Corporation.

SolarMax presents innovation for energy management in private and industrial sector at InterSolar Europe 2015 After a successful relaunch, SolarMax presents at InterSolar Europe in Munich the product innovation “Energy Manager”. This tool allows an intelligent Home- and Building Automation, it involves the option to reach almost 100 % self-sufficiency. Therefore the available energy flow will be registered and all existing consumers are controlled subject to the customer requirements. At our exhibition stand you’ll find a complete house model, which shows the functionality of the system. The Energy Manager connects the photovoltaic system with the House controlling tool, which uses KNX field bus. That opens up a wide range of available sensors and actuators of the leading manufacturers of building technology.

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Intelligent home automation makes habitation comfortable like never before. The automation and tele-control for the electrical installation enables different assembly sections like light, jalousie, ventilation and heating may act according to previous programmed scenarios. The involvement of the photovoltaic system into the intelligent home automation offers obvious saving potential and completes the system. EQ

May-June 2015

PR DUCTS SMA Sunny Central 1850US and 2200US Inverters Earn UL Certification SMA has received UL certification for two of its newest central inverter models: the Sunny Central 1850-US and 2200-US. The solar industry’s largest power class to earn this distinction—boasting 1,850 kVA and 2,200 kVA of output power at 1,000 VDC, respectively—these devices have been tested to and meet UL 1741 inverter safety standards. “UL tests to the most rigorous standards and we are thrilled that our newest Sunny Central inverters have met those requirements,” said Henry Dziuba, president and general manager of SMA America. “Earning UL certification for the Sunny Central 1850-US and 2200-US illustrates SMA’s ongoing commitment to quality and safety.” The Sunny Central 1850-US and 2200-US offer the industry’s highest power density and market-leading efficiency, minimizing the total installed cost while maximizing the energy production of the power plant. They reduce installation and transportation costs with up to four inverters fitting in a standard shipping container or on a flat-bed truck. They also provide grid management and ancillary services such as Q-on-Demand, permitting usage in a variety of large-scale applications. Enabling even more efficient PV power plant design, the flexibility of the Sunny Central 1850-US and 2200-US allows

May-June 2015

for implementation with any module while providing the highest DC-to-AC design ratio in the industry and nominal power operation from -25 to 50 C. The Sunny Central 1850-US and 2200-US are also highly integrated with standard DC and AC disconnects, self-derived control power, options for various managed network switch configurations, and an optional NEC 2014 compliant DC recombiner, dramatically increasing the speed to energization. They also offer integrated zone monitoring and on-board 120 VAC auxiliary power for miscellaneous loads. The included customer installation area provides an ideal environment for integration of SCADA equipment, if required. Suitable for any outdoor climate around the globe, the Sunny Central 1850-US and 2200-US are equipped with Opti Cool, a proven air-cooling technology that ensures smooth operation under extreme environmental conditions.

SMA’s new line of central inverters also includes the Sunny Central 2500-EV, which provides 2,500 kVA at 1,500 VDC. The Sunny Central 1850-US/2200-US/2500EV is the core component of SMA’s Utility Power System, a compact, DC-to-AC system solution that reduces upfront and long-term costs for the operational life of the PV plant. In addition to the inverter, the Utility Power System includes a mediumvoltage transformer and connection kit, tracker auxiliary rack, high-speed plant control and system-wide services. Well suited for worldwide implementation, the Utility Power System is available in ANSI and IEC versions and allows PV power plants to fulfill global grid regulations by providing all required ancillary services, including full Q-on-Demand (24/7) reactive power capability. It is designed for use outdoors in all regions of the world and can be deployed under any extreme environmental condition.

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PR DUCTS M u l ti Contac t presen ts t h e n e w MC4 - E VO 2

The Evolution of the MC4 Connector Range

It looks good, reliably conducts large currents, can be assembled on-site, and has received all of the necessary international certifications (IEC, UL, cTÜVus, JET, CSA) for use worldwide. The MC4-EVO 2 is the latest addition to the MC4 PV connector range, which has proven itself a million times over, and has just been launched by Multi-Contact on the global market. The new connector from the market leader for PV connectors has been approved for 1500 V DC (IEC, TÜV) and 1000 V DC (UL). The MC4-EVO 2 is extremely efficient, meaning that currents of up to 45 A can be transmitted with a cable cross section of 4 mm²/12 AWG, 53 A can be transmitted with a cable cross section

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of 6 mm²/10 AWG, and 69 A can be transmitted with a cable cross section of 10 mm²/8 AWG. The sustainable and durable concept ensures high yields for operators thanks to low power loss. MC4-EVO 2 is compatible with the entire MC4 range and meets the requirements for NEC 2011. The MC4-EVO 2 and MC4-EVO 3 series are the first PV connectors to have been entered into the JET component database. This is an important development for the international company with Swiss roots, as it opens the door for MC connector technology to applications in Japan. Sascha Schmidt, Product Manager Photovoltaics, states: “As with all of the products in the MC4 range, this new connec-

tor owes its excellent electrical values to the MULTILAM contact technology. It guarantees excellent contact even when subject to contact resistance of up to 0.35 mΩ.” The MC4-EVO 2 meets the requirements for the IP65 and IP68 degrees of protection and is approved for use within a temperature range of –40°C to +85°C (IEC and UL). The impact-resistant polyamide housing can withstand UV radiation, salt spray, and ammonia vapors. As with all PV connectors, Swiss-quality preassembled cable sets are available; however, the proven and widely used MC4 crimping pliers also allow you to assemble the connectors professionally on-site.

May-June 2015

PR DUCTS Smart Bosch solutions for efficient energy systems

Intelligent networks for producing and storing electricity and heat• Connected energy solutions for industry, commerce, and households • Simple to operate and monitor with smartphone and tablet • Greater convenience, improved energy efficiency, lower costs Bosch is presented connected solutions that help industry, commerce, and households produce and store energy in a smart and efficient way. These solutions enhance convenience for users while saving them energy and money. Bosch provides a broad range of technology and service solutions: solar inverters, storage solutions, connected heating systems and heat pumps, smart thermostats, and CHPs. Connected energy solutions for private households Bosch is showcasing a way to optimize the use of solar power in the home: an intelligently networked energy system comprising an inverter and heat pump and managed with the e.Control unit. The heat pump, which runs on surplus electricity, takes heat from the ambient air, water, or the ground and converts it into power for heating or hot water. This combination of electric and thermal energy helps alleviate pressure on the power grid. An e.Key data card enables the contactless installation of Bosch’s BPT-S string inverter – already certified for 12 countries –, making it easy to quickly get the solar energy system up and running. With the monitoring tools, users can call up and view the system’s performance online at any time. Bosch launches the innovative software e.Designer enabling the intelligent connection of PV system with inverters and storage systems: the intuitive program allows users to configure and calculate PV systems with Bosch inverters and battery storage systems as well as thermal storage solutions such as heat pumps in an optimum way. Based on an extensive module and location data base the e.Designer offers the possibility of an exact economics calculation. At Intersolar, Bosch demonstrated the networking of distributed energy production facilities with electromobility infrastructures. A smart combination of solar energy systems and charging stations 64

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for e-vehicles allows users to optimize consumption of the energy generated and to cut costs. Smart wireless thermostat with intuitive touch control The Bosch-owned brand Junkers is showcasing the Junkers Control, a black glass thermostat in a modern design with intuitive touch control. It allows users to set their desired room temperature at home easily and conveniently via smartphone. The thermostat is wi-fi-enabled, simple to install, and even factors in weather data sourced from the internet when making adjustments. Its away mode recognizes when occupants have left the house and automatically switches the heating to energy-saving mode. The Junkers Control is compatible with many Junkers gas devices. Junkers will also be presenting the Supraeco SAO-2, a web-enabled air/water heat pump. The IP gateway necessary for the pump to communicate with the internet is integrated as standard. This means the heat pump will be quick to install and operate easily and conveniently via smartphone or tablet. It can also actively cool rooms down. With its inverter technology, the heat pump not only automatically adjusts to the current heating requirement, it is also 11 percent more efficient than its predecessor. The unit has an output of 8 kilowatts and can, for example, provide up to 4.2 kilowatt hours of heat energy using 1 kilowatt hour of electricity at an outdoor temperature of 2 degrees Celsius. Owing to its reduced electricity consumption, the system produces less CO2, although the exact ratios depend on the energy mix used to operate the pump.

Efficient CHP plants are good for the environment and cut costs Environmentally friendly power generated by decentralized facilities is the key to improving energy efficiency. Bosch is presenting efficient CHP plants that cut costs and help protect the environment: they perform just as well as separate electricity and heat generation facilities while consuming less gas. This also cuts CO2 emissions. Bosch’s compressed-air CHP plant helps reduce production costs for compressed air. The Master Energy Control (MEC) Remote by Bosch makes it possible to update the software, carry out remote diagnostics, and resolve malfunctions for CHP plants without a technician having to be on site. Modular storage solutions for “green homes” and industry Bosch’s modular storage solutions optimize energy consumption for energyefficient residential properties by combining solar energy systems and CHP plants. The company designs, develops, and builds storage units that are customized to each particular application. The units come in a range of sizes, all the way up to megawatt-hour systems. In commercial sectors, these systems also include applications for providing grid services. Bosch tailors the storage solution’s capacity and electronics precisely to the customer’s requirements; for example, designing a system for the energy network of a housing complex. The smart control of the battery system makes it possible to load and discharge the battery particularly efficiently, thereby extending the life of the battery and making the system more economical to operate.

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PR DUCTS Chemtrols Solar launches Solarway

ASYS presents a new generation of class-leading metallization lines at Intersolar 2015. One new feature is the enhanced print head. It combines an outstanding pneumatic pressure control with a motorized setup. The new print head allows an automatic recipe setting of additional parameters and it reduces scheduled downtimes especially when new cell types should be processed.

Online tools help PV module manufacturers optimize solar ribbon weight, ribbon length per spool and ribbon length per solar panel

Chemtrols Solar has recently launched a range of portable LED based solar lamps and phone chargers under the brand name, Solarway. The premium lanterns in this range provide 20 hours of continuous and trouble free lighting. What’s more? These lamps are accompanied by phone charging ports that can charge two phones simultaneously. The unit also incorporates a FM radio as well as a detachable light for additional floor or ceiling lighting. Portable, easy-to-handle and long duration lighting after a single charge cycle, makes these lamps ideal for overnight outings, treks, and emergency and disaster relief applications. Due to the use of lithium and alkaline batteries, the lamps are extremely light in weight.

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Luvata introduces its online solar ribbon calculator called the Sunwire Calculator. Sunwire® is Luvata’s branded photovoltaic solar ribbon. The Sunwire Calculator enables photovoltaic module manufacturers to make more informed decisions concerning their solar ribbon needs. Understanding solar ribbon is critically important to solar module efficiency and life cycle. Solar ribbon width and thickness have to be carefully adapted to accommodate the limitations of module materials. In addition, the yield strength, thickness and width of solar ribbon can directly influence production yields and decrease cell to module (CTM) losses by 20-30%. With the introduction of the Luvata Sunwire Calculator, PV module manufacturers can optimize the amount of Sunwire ribbon per spool to accommodate the speed of tabbing machines and shift changes. In addition, it provides the opportunity to further refine module materials and Sunwire ribbon for improved module efficiency and reduce overall material costs. The Sunwire Calculator requires a few simple details to determine the solar ribbon weight, the ribbon length per spool and even the ribbon length per solar panel. The results are made available immediately and can be emailed directly to an email address. As PV module manufacturers look to reduce usage of silver paste in the cell metallization process, this can increase the number of interconnecting ribbons on the cell. This offers lower costs, while improving the efficiency of the solar cells. Playing with the Sunwire Calculator to determine the solar ribbon weight based on the copper width, copper thickness or coating thickness or the length of Sunwire depending on the number of cells and busbars per cells will help PV module manufactures determine the optimal results.

May-June 2015

PR DUCTS Fronius introduces the first string inverter to the project market

The solutions provider Fronius is launching the latest addition to the SnapINverter range in May 20151. Available in the 25.0 and 27.0 kVA power categories, the Fronius Eco string inverter delivers maximum yields, especially for large-scale PV projects into the megawatt range. The compact design ensures maximum average power density and maximum yields Its lightweight design (weighing just 35.7 kg) and tried and tested SnapINverter mounting technology make for quick and easy installation. With the highest average power density in its power category, the Fronius Eco is sure to impress. The new MPP tracking algorithm of the Dynamic Peak Manager also plays an important role in maximising yield. It automatically checks the characteristic curve at regular intervals, ensuring that the inverter finds the global maximum and constantly operates at the point of maximum output, even in partial shading.

May-June 2015

Unique advantages for commercial projects

Future-proofing is our priority Smart Grid Ready is a keyword for future inverter applications. So is plug-in card technology, which enables the device to respond flexibly to future requirements. “The best example for this is our Fronius IG series. These devices came onto the market 20 years ago and can easily be made compatible for wireless applications today. That’s what we call future-proof,” explains Martin Hackl. Optional plug-in cards, such as the Fronius Sensor Card, are easily integrated using the Plug&Play feature and the inverter is stateof-the-art once again.

In addition to Modbus TCP and RTU SunSpec, a Froniu s Solar API (JSON) inter face is available. The Fronius push serv ice enables system data to be sent to any server. The on line Fronius Solar.web plat form is also av ailable for comprehe nsive system moni to ring and can be us ed at the same tim e as the open inter faces.

The efficiency level of 98.3 percent is unique in the project area. Another highlight is the ability to connect up to six strings directly to the inverter, meaning that the system operator no longer requires additional DC or combiner boxes. The integrated fuse holder provides all-pole fuse protection for all six strings, and optional overvoltage protection is available for the DC side. Thanks to the exceptionally high IP 66 protection class, the device can be installed in unsheltered indoor and outdoor locations. The Fronius Eco even manages to deliver maximum yields under extreme climate conditions. Due to the SnapINverter technology2, the lowest servicing costs can be expected. The optimised display navigation simplifies servicing, while the Setup wizard saves time and money.

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PR DUCTS Lumbergs LC4®-Connector now Rated 1,500 Volt With a chassis of a new, certainly ecofriendly, halogen-free and UV-resistant plastic (m-PPE, V0 acc. UL94) and easily recognizable by its extended cap nut, a new version of the tried & tested LC4® connector will soon be available, which is designed for rated voltages of up to 1,500 Volt (1,500 V DC (IEC)/1,000 V DC (UL)). Rated current (UL) is 35 A at Tu 20 °C at all sections. The TÜV and UL certification process is currently expected to be concluded by August. This new field-attachable photovoltaic connector for cable wire section from 2,5 to 6,0 mm2 is fully named LC4CP 30 M26. It has the well-known reliable integrated locking to the also now rated 1,500 Volt new designed socket LC4-CP

31 M26 with crimp contact. On the line of this for front mounting, e.g. at inverters, the connector LC4-CP 10 M26 respectively the socket LC4-CP 11 M26 is available.

With millions used around the world not only in the field, Lumberg’s LC4 photovoltaic connectors are now entering their next stage of development. The connector family rated 1,500 Volt is therewith fit for future requirements. It goes without saying that the connectors are compatible with existing LC4 systems. Also, commonly used accessories (manual crimp tool, unlocking tool and protective caps for LC4) can continue to be used.

Advanced Energy(R) Showcases Global String Inverter Platform at Intersolar Europe Learn How the AE 3TL Series Offers Performance and Flexibility in Solar Power Installations Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:AEIS), a leader in precision power conversion solutions has showcased its global string inverter platform for commercial PV systems at Intersolar Europe 2015. The company will highlight its IEC and JP string inverter models for Europe and Asia, as well as its North American UL models—including its newest 48 kW UL product. The complete AE 3TL suite, designed for maximum efficiency and yield, is well-suited for commercial rooftop and carport installations, as well as large-scale solar parks, and offers full monitoring and control capabilities for solar installers, site designers and project developers. The reliable AE 3TL platform, available in output classes ranging from 8.25 to 48 kW, offers peak efficiency up to 98.7% and can be easily installed in a distributed architecture throughout a solar array to

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save space and increase project yield. The new, 1000 VDC, 48 kW UL model features 98.0% peak efficiency, 97.8% CEC-weighted efficiency and an unprecedented 1.55 DC:AC ratio. In addition, it is fully compliant to NEC 2011 and NEC 2014 standards. “AE continues to listen and respond to our customers’ needs,” said Norbert Apfel, senior vice president, inverter products. “The development and introduction of the 48 kW UL string inverter was in response to a strong customer demand for a UL product between the existing 8-23 kW string inverters and the larger central inverters up to 1100 kW. Like the 40/46 IEC model, this new UL model is easy to install and reliable during operation.” Advanced Energy supplies PV inverters, accessories and services for commercial PV systems and large PV power plants. Its products range from threephase string inverters to large central inverters. The company’s solar product

portfolio also includes AE SiteLink PV monitoring, control units for PV systems as well as professional communication, connecting and terminal equipment

May-June 2015

PR DUCTS

meteocontrol delivers holistic monitoring solutions and quality assurance

In its role as a global PV service provider, meteocontrol GmbH presents the latest developments in its portfolio of monitoring systems at Intersolar Europe in Munich, Germany. The modular blue’Log X-Series of data loggers, in combination with web portals and the SCADA Center, is a flexible, high-performance solution for monitoring both small and large PV systems as well as PV power plants.* The blue’Log X-6000 data logger from meteocontrol is being officially launched at Intersolar 2015. With the introduction of this new model for PV power plants, meteocontrol – well-known as a specialist in remote monitoring – enhances the solutions available in the blue’Log XSeries which now comprises the models X-1000, X-3000 and X-6000. Thus the functions of this innovative data logger series are now available for systems in the utility-scale range. At the same time, the new firmware for all X-Series models also offers expanded functions such as Power Control in order to comply with legal requirements pertaining to grid feed-in management, power reduction in relation to on-site energy consumption (IPL, zero feed-in) and compatibility with other inverters and sensors. The focus of meteocontrol’s ongoing development has also been on internationalization: The blue’Log X-Series satisfies all legally mandated approval and licensing requirements for the growing markets in Asia and the United States. meteocontrol also recognizes the importance of international business strategies: The blue’Log user interface is currently offered in German, English and Chinese, and additional language support will be added in the future. *blue’Log M-Series: Energy management for residential environments* The energy manager for home use is currently under development. The blue’Log M-Series stands for modern and easy visualization of key measured values, for example, on-site energy consumption, battery status and energy balance. By taking consumption and solar energy forecast data into account, the monitoring solution supports the intelligent management of the PV system, battery storage and household appliances – all at the same time. meteocontrol also heads a consortium of companies participating in the iHEM research project being conducted at the University of Oldenburg with supplementary federal funding from 68

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the German government. The project is focused on the efficient use of renewable energy sources in single- and multi-family homes in combination with the intelligent generation, storage and consumption of thermal and electrical energy. The findings and experiences from this project are constantly incorporated in the product development of the blue’Log M-Series. *SCADA Center: Local operation management of PV power plants* The development of the SCADA Center is meteocontrol’s response to the demands of project developers who are looking for local operation management and control of PV power plants located at remote sites and of large free-field systems. The SCADA Center is equipped with interfaces for all system components and third-party systems of grid operators and energy suppliers. Detailed options for the real-time visualization of measured values, and intelligent alarm management allow for quick identification of incidents or failures. “Thanks to the SCADA Center, we can respond more effectively to the requirements of our international customers and offer an optimal solution for the PV power plant segment,” says Jens Wening, Technical Director at meteocontrol. “Together with the blue’log X-Series of data loggers and the VCOM Virtual Control Room, the SCADA Center is a complete package that satisfies the specific demands in this performance class.” The first pilot installations are now equipped with the new system. *Monitoring: Effective processing and troubleshooting* The proven monitoring por tals safer’Sun Public, safer’Sun Professional and the operation management platform VCOM virtual control room are continuously developed by meteocontrol based on the individual needs of customers as expressed in their feedback and the specific demands of a dynamic market. In addition to improved usability and performance,

analysis diagrams for individual systems and portfolios are developed and specific requirements for determining system availability, performance ratio and yield losses are implemented. In conjunction with the blue’Log X-Series, seamless remote access to real-time values enables fast troubleshooting and operational efficiency. Future plans call for opening the PV platform to additional energy providers and consumers. *Grid feed-in management and direct marketing of solar energy* In addition to the proven functions for realizing feed-in management, zero feed-in / zero export can also be realized as demanded by grid operators in various countries. The Intelligent Power Limit (IPL) function ensures that no electricity is fed into the public grid at any time. The direct marketer interface allows direct marketers to view the current status of the actual feed-in and enables them to remotely reduce feed-in power in compliance with regulations in the EEG (German Renewable Energy Law) 2014. The direct marketer interface from meteocontrol thus satisfies requirements of the market bonus scheme. *Quality assurance: Long-term high yield for existing systems* meteocontrol supports PV projects worldwide with its quality assurance services – covering every phase from planning to operation management. Investors and operators of existing PV systems also profit from meteocontrol’s independent consulting services because only systems that are professionally monitored and regularly maintained will deliver the expected yield. Often yield losses are attributed to unrealistically high forecasts. This is why meteocontrol carefully examines the assumptions of yield reports as they relate to the configuration and components of the PV system. If the comparative evaluation of the forecast data and the actual system installation does not reveal any faults, meteocontrol then conducts random spot checks of the system. These include visual and thermographic inspections as well as the performance check of modules on-site and the measurement of the string DC parameters. Based on the results of these tests the cause of errors and even insidious errors can be revealed. Investments in quality assurance pay off over the long-term in the form of high yields.

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PR DUCTS DNV GL’s independent engineering, testing and technology reviews span solar, storage and combined applications to support market deployment DNV GL, the world’s largest resource of independent energy experts and certification body, today announces its global Solar + Storage services to support project developers, independent power producers, financiers, utilities and component manufacturers in deploying these combined technologies in the energy market. DNV GL provides independent advice, analysis, engineering and testing services to the global Photovoltaic (PV), wind, grid transmission & distribution markets and is among the first entities to evaluate and test storage technologies and applications that integrate renewable generation, while enhancing grid reliability and operations. DNV GL’s recent global survey, “Beyond Integration: Three dynamics reshaping renewables and the grid,” showed that more than 60% of energy industry respondents identify energy storage as one of the top three factors for integrating a higher share of renewables into the grid. A combined approach to solar PV plant development with energy storage is expected to become increasingly common. Increased renewables penetration, a more flexible energy delivery system and improvements in customer delivery models are some of the stakeholder benefits driving market dynamics in combining solar and storage applications. “Enabling these technologies to work together as a system and connect to the grid is not without challenges,” said Ray Hudson, Director at DNV GL for Solar Services. “A comprehensive understanding of the risks, technologies and best practices is key to unlocking the full potential of these combined applications.”

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of services a wide ra nge D NV G L offers ua lified g uid ers seeki ng q to a ll sta kehold d ressing the itiga tion in ad m sk ri nd a e a nc d by the conun ities crea te rt po p o g in rg eme cl ud ing : nd storage, in a r la so f o e vergenc ering d owners engine • independent an • product testing studies) ws (bankability • technology revie valuation • modeling and d field testing • product lab an gration. • utility grid inte

•

Having already provided services to several utilities, component manufacturers, government agencies and project developers on combined deployments in the Americas and Europe, DNV GL is now focused to further reduce risks and accelerate technology and project commercialization in this emerging market. As the world’s leading independent renewable energy consultancy and certification body, DNV GL brings decades of market, application and technology expertise to these projects. The DNV GL team includes recognized experts in solar technology, solar PV plant design, independent and owner’s engineering, storage technology, testing and grid integration. The company also has solar and battery testing facilities in the United States and Europe. “Our expertise brings a unique perspective to all stakeholders, and we are well positioned to help accelerate the commercialization of qualified financed projects and products,” said Hudson

May-June 2015

PR DUCTS

BenQ Solar Presents High Efficiency Solar Solutions from Generation to Storage Highly Scalable Energy Storage Systems

r te nFo B00 r u S 96 ove 0 PM le has ule od d du mo 0% m cy an of 2 i en t c t pu ef fi er ou . W pow 333 BenQ Solar presents a complete portfolio of products and technologies focusing on high efficiency and user-friendly solar solutions to enable residential and commercial users to generate, store, and use energy in a green and effective way.

High Efficiency Solutions for Every Environment BenQ Solar offers a wide selection of high performance solar modules employing different cell technologies. Among its powerful SunForte series, the SunForte PM096B00 module delivers a high module efficiency of over 20% and power output of 333W. In addition, BenQ Solar has developed heterojunction cell modules free of potential induced degradation (PID-free) and light induced degradation (LID-free) to ensure the optimal power performance. For the environmental conscious users, Green Triplex PM060P00 module is available for residential and commercial structures. The module performs with impressively lower carbon emissions, in compliance with

May-June 2015

For effective energy management, BenQ Solar provides homeowners and offices with the remarkably intelligent PowerLegato® energy storage system. This TÜV certified, highly integrated system includes battery modules, inverter, charger, battery management system (BMS), and the EnergyOptimizer software to ensure efficient energy utilization and uninterrupted power supply. PowerRondo® is a highly flexible solution capable of storing both renewable and conventional energy. It is perfect for power systems of all sizes – the modular battery bank design of PowerRondo® makes it easy to scale up and support a wide range of purposes, from residential, commercial to industrial applications.

ISO/TS 14067:2013 and PAS 2050:2011, so as to have as small a carbon footprint as PowerLeg ato possible. energy sto ® rage system is equipped To reduce handling Energy O pti efforts, BenQ Solar’s Aer to ensure mizer eff icient PM060M01 module is energy uti liz specially fit for residential and uninte ation rrupted users. This ultra-light power sup ply. mono-crystalline module weighs only 10.5 kg (6.5 kg/ sqm), around 45% lighter than conventional counterparts, making it the world’s lightest(*) among all Easy-to-Manage Racking Solution 60-cell crystalline-silicon modules. It is safe to be installed even on To save homeowners time and effort, BenQ Solar thin metal-sheet roofs, giving less offers the 4.2 kg-only lightweight EASY ROOF pressure onto the rooftop for more EVOLUTIONT® mounting system that is flexible safety. and aesthetically pleasing in design.

M01 060 nly M P Aer ghing o the wei kg, is st e 10.5 ’s light cell ld l 6 0 r o w l n ng a silico amo talline- . s cr ys module

The buildingintegrated photovoltaics (BIPV) mounting system simplifies installation process by combining roofing and system installation in just one step.

do ® Ro n x i b l e r e Pow ghly fle ring hi s to i s a i o n fo r ab l e t w u l e s o h re n t i o nal bot onven c . an d e n e r gy

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PR DUCTS JA Solar PV Modules Pass Class 4 Hail Test JA Solar Holdings Co.Ltd., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-performance solar power products, recently announced that its PV modules have passed the high-grade Class 4 Hail Test conducted by RETC in May at its facility located at Fremont, California, following the successful pass of the similar test conducted by TÜV Rheinland in early March this year. The Class 4 hail test uses solid ice balls frozen at -17 degrees Celsius with a diameter of two inches (50.8 millimeters) to strike different locations of the glass surface of a PV module that include center, one corner, and one edge along the metal frame, as well as some random places, at various impact velocities with the maximum reaching 76 meters per second (274 kilometers per hour). The kinetic impact energy of this Class 4 Hail Test carried out by RETC this time on JA’s PV modules is more than eight times higher compared to the energy registered in the previous hail test conducted by TÜV Rheinland Lab in March when 45-mm hailstones with a striking speed of 30.7 m/sec were used. “In order for our products to withstand harsher weather conditions, it is a necessity that our modules pass the hail impact test under more stringent conditions. Passing the Class 4 Hail Test at RETC is a testament that further demonstrates the high quality and reliability of JA Solar’s PV modules, as well as our tirelessly devoted efforts to meet the needs of our customers through continuous performance improvement, product innovation, and vigorous quality control.”

-Mr. Wei Shan, Chief Technology Officer of JA Solar

JA Solar Achieves New Class A Fire Rating Test in Accordance With UL1703 for Type-1 Modules JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: JASO) (JA Solar), one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-performance solar power products, announced its standard modules successfully passed the Class A fire test in accordance with UL1703 standard for Type 1 modules. During the test, all six sets of BOM used for JA Solar’s type-1 modules passed the UL Class A fire test conducted by Intertek, making JA Solar the first company mass producing PV modules in China to pass the test. In recent years, as the installation of solar electricity generation has been rapidly grown worldwide at a unprecedented pace, the standard and criteria for the reliability certification of PV modules have been constantly updated and expanded

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in order to meet the increasing demand for PV products with better quality and higher reliability from the end user of solar electricity, as well as the more stringent safety, environment, and hazard regulations for PV installations by legislatures and governments at various levels. The Class A fire test for Type 1 PV modules set forth by UL-1703 requires the tested module to endure direct torch burning for more than 10 minutes from gas flame (the temperature of flame is 760±28oC, with wind speed at 5.4±0.2m/s, allowed flame spreading distance is under 1.82 meters). The criteria of this Class A test is far stricter than that of the previously commonly accepted Class C standard, which only requires the tested PV module to take 4 minutes of direct burning (with

the flame temperature at 704±28oC, the wind speed at 5.4±0.2m/s and allowed flame spreading distance at under 3.9 meters). It turned out that, during the Class A test conducted at Intertek, the JA Solar’s Type-1 modules subjected to the test not only withstood the inferno-like heat without becoming self-flammable; the flame torch was not even able to burn through the PV panel. The fact that JA Solar’s Type-1 modules passed the UL1703 Class A test once again demonstrates the long-term commitment of JA Solar to provide our customers with high-performance, high quality and reliable PV products, and to meet the ever increasing demand for clean energy through technological innovation and performance improvement.

May-June 2015

PR DUCTS

Sungrow Sets a New Benchmark in Inverter Efficiencies

Sungrow showcased inverters with 99% efficiency, at Intersolar Sungrow, one of the leading PV-inverter manufacturers in the world, announces that it has released a series of inverters with 99% efficiency. These string and central inverters with a peak efficiency of 99%, were developed by Sungrow’s in house R&D team, with certification from the Austrian Institute of Technology. The string inverters will have power ratings from 20 to 80 kilowatts,

May-June 2015

and the central inverter will have 500 kW power and container solutions up to 2.5MW to ensure enhanced performance and achieve better return on investment. Sungrow will present the SG20KTL, SG33/40KTL-M and SG80KTL string inverters, suitable for installations on commercial buildings as well as utilityscale applications. Sungrow will also present the SG500/630MX and SG2500MV central inverter for utility-scale PV projects. SG2500-MV is a 20-foot con-

tainer solution with a total capacity of 2.5MW. The turnkey system solution is easy for both transportation and installation, and able to provide high power yield with 4MPPT design. This follows the introduction of the 99% efficient SG60KTL string inverter in 2014. The new products demonstrate the focus research and development at Sungrow, with more than 30 percent of Sungrow’s employees engaged in this area of the business.

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PR DUCTS

Socomec Strengthens its market leading position

Launching three new UPS solutions for the Indian market Socomec, French based MNC company further strengthens its market-leading position with the launch of three new UPS solutions MODULYS GP, ITYS PRO and ITYS E for the Indian market. The new product ranges will add in to existing wide range of products and targets Data centre, IT, Service sector, Infrastructure, healthcare, light industrial applications. The group continues to invest strongly for innovation and technology leadership for bringing high quality products in the market. It has in-depth understanding of the market dynamics and provides solutions that are adapted to customer requirements and fully in keeping with international standards. Addressing the media persons at the event, Mr. Sushil Virmani, Managing Director, Socomec Innovative Power Solutions said, “As we know today world where the pace of business constantly accelerates, the customers are looking for dynamic infrastructure that aligns business and IT asset to support overall business goals. They would need scalable, flexible, cost effective, lesser footprint, efficient and reliable solutions. The equipment installers require solutions that are easy to order

Key facts

• Available from 50 to 200 kW. •100% modular and 100% redundant UPS, 100% SOCOMEC and 100% European. •No single point of failure. •System flexibility and scalability guaranteed during the service life of the IT infrastructure. • Compliance with the EU Code of Conduct (CoC) governing data centres that aims to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. •he architecture, incorporating an innovative Socomec’s “Forever Young” concept, combines a user-friendly system with the rapid implementation of many associated professional service packages allowing to protect the business by the latest UPS technology •The output and performance levels of the MODULYS GP have been tested and verified by an independent body •The first of its kind on the market, the MTBF value of the power modules has been certified as having the highest ranking on the market by an independent body (IEC 62380).

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and operate with minimal effort and time. As our specialists are in constant touch with the customers to sense their demand evolution, we are able to bring the solutions with the effort of our R&D team that meets our customer requirements. We are excited to launch these new solutions that will further strengthen our product portfolio and our market position”.

MODULYS GP • MODULYS GP is the 100% modular and fully redundant Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) of the Green Power 2.0 family and it is the result of Socomec’s 20 years of experience in providing modular solutions. It not only ensures the highest levels of power availability and scalability for critical IT infrastructure, but also provides the necessary margin for unforeseen evolutions in the design of secure infrastructure projects. • MODULYS GP integrates all the technological advances of Socomec’s Green Power 2.0 range, especially the optimum VFI output and unitary power factor that offers the highest power density currently on the market. The range maintains its benchmark position both in terms of its reduced footprint and energy savings.

ITYS E

Affordable and reliable protection for sensitive IT and electrical applications Key facts: • Single-phase UPS from 1 to 10 kVA • True online double conversion technology (VFI) • Constant output voltage and frequency regulation makes ITYS E compatible with different applications, operating environments and GenSets. • Automatic bypass supplies the loads in the event of overloads or faults. • Compact tower UPS system saves space in the operating environment. • No particular configuration on first startup. • Easy connections via IEC 320 sockets or terminals. • Wide input voltage tolerance limits the switchovers to battery mode prolonging the battery life. • Manual bypass for periodic or emergency maintenance.

ITYS PRO The UPS range that combines high performance and cost-effectiveness Compact but fully equipped, easy to use and flexible, ITYS PRO simplifies each step of the project - from the design through to installation, including all maintenance operations. This ensures business continuity and reduces the total cost of ownership for the electrical infrastructure. Three different UPS configurations are available: without batteries (Type S), with batteries (Type M), and with batteries or isolation transformer (Type T). A battery cabinet completes the range, which offers the choice of flexible back-up times without increasing the footprint. Key facts • Single-phase and three-phase UPS from 10 to 20 kVA • VFI “online double conversion” technology • 95% Efficiency • Power factor: 0.9 • 3-level technology • System flexibility and scalability guaranteed during the service life of the infrastructure.

May-June 2015

PR DUCTS

IBC SOLAR presents snow load rail addition to IBC AeroFix mounting system IBC SOLAR is also continuing to optimize materials usage within the entire IBC AeroFix line in order to make the system more economically efficient overall.

Additional load rail makes flat-roof mounting system suitable for use in snowy regions IBC SOLAR AG, a global leader in photovoltaic systems presents a new addition to IBC AeroFix at this year’s Intersolar. Starting in August, the aerodynamically optimized flat roof mounting system can also be expanded to include a snow load rail, making it safe to use in regions which experience large amounts of snow. The snow load rails are made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel and are simply inserted between module and support, keeping the module within the manufacturer-specified clamping area. The rail increases each module’s maximum load capacity from 2400 to 5400 Pascal. This makes the IBC AeroFix

system suitable for regions where its use was previously limited due to heavy snow loads. The snow load rail is of IBC SOLAR’s own development, and has been approved by the module manufacturers for use with all variants of the flat-roof mounting system IBC AeroFix. It is available as a 36” rail for use at the edges of the module array, or as a 66” rail for use within the array. The rail can be installed without using tools, and is available for use with all standard IBC AeroFix supports and for any of the modules in the IBC SOLAR portfolio. The new snow load rail will be available starting in August 2015. Besides developing this new addition,

Intersolar Europe: IBC SOLAR presents new Value-Added Module IBC MonoSol ZX Black High-performance monocrystalline solar module meets highest standards in quality and design 74

May-June 2015

The company has also begun offering a practical new cable clip for use in combination with all of its mounting systems. The cable clip holds module connection cables in place and prevents them from sagging down, which can result in damage—especially to the plugs themselves—due to dripping water or contact with the ground. The clip is easy to attach to the supports on the IBC AeroFix flat-roof system, the rails on the IBC TopFix 200 pitched-roof system, or the frames of the modules themselves. It can be positioned as desired to accommodate the cable lengths in use, and replaces the cable-tie attachments commonly used until now. The clip is available for either horizontal or vertical applications

IBC SOLAR, one of the world’s leading system houses for photovoltaics (PV), is introducing a new addition to its line of solar modules. The new, Europeanmanufactured IBC MonoSol ZX Black modules are exceptionally powerful and durable and come with comprehensive warranties. Uniform black cells, back sheets and frames make them a perfect choice for aesthetically conscious private-sector PV installations. The new Value-Added Modules are the latest addition to IBC SOLAR’s own IBC SOLAR Line product

family presented at the Intersolar Europe fair in Munich. The visually striking monocrystalline module impresses with its 275-watt performance class and an exceptional 17.1% efficiency rate thanks to antireflection-coated front glass. At just

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PR DUCTS

IBC SOLAR showcases compact DC storage solution for private homes IBC SolStore Li with coolcept³ technology enhances independent consumption in your own home IBC SOLAR AG, a global leader in photovoltaic systems, presents a preview of the expansion of its storage portfolio at Intersolar Europe. The DC-coupled IBC SolStore Li relies on quality components from German manufacturers. The core element of the system is an inverter from the German manufacturer Steca Elektronik as well as a new voltage transformer. The electronic engineering of the voltage transformer is currently in development for use in IBC SolStore battery storage systems. As a management system, it controls the loading and unloading of the storage system. The compact DC storage system employs the successful coolcept³ inverter series which is known for its high efficiency of over 98 per cent. 18.5 kilograms apiece, the IBC MonoSol ZX Black module is also easy to install; its stable frame can be clamped on either the short or the long side, allowing greater flexibility in installation design. Continuous quality control measures – from production to end-customer delivery – ensure that the modules are especially durable and provide consistently high yields, making them a particularly

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As for end users, a compact storage system is being developed which is completely dedicated to optimising selfconsumption of solar power and also scores high marks with a price saving of up to 15 per cent for the entire system. Longevity and investment security is also guaranteed with a warranty of 7 years on the inverter and the battery. The system is therefore also eligible for the German KfW storage funding programme. The storage system is especially suited to private households, but can also be used by small commercial businesses and perfectly complements IBC SOLAR’s storage portfolio. The German manufactured storage system will offer maximum freedom when it comes to solar power self-sufficiency. secure investment. The German manufacturers offer even more security in the form of a ten-year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance warranty for the European Union and Japan. IBC MonoSol ZX Black will be available from July. IBC SOLAR’s portfolio now also includes IBC MonoSol ZX modules with a performance class of 280 watts – making them the most powerful option in the current IBC SOLAR Line portfolio. The European-manufactured modules with elegant dark frames also come with the Bavarian systems house’s comprehensive warranties. As with all Value-Added Modules of the IBC SOLAR Line, the IBC

In addition to the new DC solution, IBC SOLAR is presenting its entire storage portfolio at Intersolar. This portfolio offers the best possible system solution combination for all applications. All storage solutions have an intelligent management system and independently control the alignment between energy production, energy requirements, independent consumption and feed-in. As the core brand of the German system house, they meet the highest quality and safety standards and offer complete warranty and investment security. IBC SOLAR also supports its Premium Partners in Germany with customised services, such as on-site support for the initial installation of storage systems.

MonoSol ZX and IBC MonoSol ZX Black modules undergo an extensive series of tests in IBC SOLAR’s own quality control laboratory before becoming part of the portfolio. These include long-term load tests in the climate chamber as well as tests using flashers with integrated electroluminescence measurement. IBC SOLAR also uses a comprehensive catalogue of criteria when certifying solar module suppliers for the IBC SOLAR Line products. To achieve “Certified Supplier” status, companies must demonstrate high standards in a variety of areas, including quality management, employee management, working conditions and environmental protection. In addition, all products are inspected upon arrival using a process based on DIN ISO 2859-1

May-June 2015

PR DUCTS Our future: Extending technological leadership Highest cell efficiency and low LCOE with heterojunction technology (HJT) Heterojunction cell technology combines the advantages of monocrystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells with the good absorption and the excellent passivation properties of amorphous silicon (a-Si). The economically attractive HJT production process takes place at low temperatures and requires fewer production steps compared to other high efficiency cell technologies. The high efficiency of HJT cells, combined with their thermal characteristics, enable significant increases in energy yield. As the performance of established PV technologies will deteriorate in the near future, HJT cells will continue to develop their full performance potential.

SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT): the most cost-effective method for connecting cells Employing a multi-wire foil electrode instead of conventional cell connectors (ribbons), this solution enhances the efficiency of solar modules while reducing production costs per Wp. The dense contact matrix, the resulting lower shading and less electrical resistivity result in fill factor improvement while the elimination of the busbars on both sides of the cell combined with the optimization of the cell finger aspect ratio reduce the amount of silver required by up to 80%.

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May-June 2015

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CONFERENCE & EVENTS PV Japan 2015 Date: 29-31 July 2015 Place: PV Japan 2015 Organiser: Nikkei PR Advertising Co. Tel.: 81.3.6812.8694 Email: pvj@nikkeipr.co.jp Web.: www.jpea.gr.jp/pvj2015

The 7th Guangzhou International Solar PV Exhibition 2015 Date: 18-20 Aug 2015 Place: Guangzhou, China Organiser: Guangdong Grandeur International Exhibition Group Tel.: 86 20 29188156 Email: grand.ev@grahw.com Web.: www.pvguangzhou.com

World Renewable Energy Technology Congress & Expo

Power Purchase Agreement 2015 Date: 24-27 Aug 2015 Place: Johannesburg, South Africa Organiser: Infocus International Tel.: +65 6325 0274 Email: reanne@infocusinternational.com Web.: www.infocusinternational.com/ppa

Date: 24-25 Aug 2015 Place: Shanghai, China Organiser: Aiexpo Tel.: +86 21 36411819 Email: info@aiexpo.com.cn Web.: www.asiasolar.net

2015 Asia Pacific Resilience Innovation Summit & Expo Date: 24-26 Aug 2015 Place: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA Organiser: Techconnect Tel.: +1 512 6978849 Email: wenning@techconnect.org Web.: islandsconnect.com

Date: 02-04Sep2015 Place: Taipei, Taiwan Organiser: SEMI Tel.: +886 3 5601777-101 Email: ali@semi.org Web.: www.semicontaiwan.org

PV Expo Osaka ESER Expo 2015

Date: 26-28 Aug 2015 Place: Shenzhen, China Organiser: ESER Tel.: +86 755 83165556 Email: eserexpo@eserexpo.com Web.: www.eserexpo.com

Power & Energy Africa - Tanzania 2015

Date: 27-29 Aug 2015 Place: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Date: 21-23 Aug 2015 Organiser: EXPOGROUP Place: New Delhi, India Tel.: +971 50 6285684 Organiser: Energy & Environment Foundation Email: response@expogr.com Tel.: +91 92 13901510 Web.: www.expogr.com/tanzania/powerenergy/ Email: punit.nagi@ee-foundation.org Web.: wretc.in

AsiaSolar 2015

SEMICON Taiwan 2015

POWER-GEN Asia 2015

Date: 01-03Sep2015 Place: Bangkok, Thailand Organiser: Pennwell Tel.: +44 1992 656610 Email: exhibitpga@pennwell.com Web.: www.powergenasia.com

Intersolar South America 2015 Date: 01-03Sep2015 Place: São Paulo, Brazil Organiser: Intersolar Tel.: +49 7231 58598-207 Email: engelhard@solarpromotion.com Web.: www.intersolar.net.br

Date: 02-04Sep2015 Place: Osaka, Japan Organiser: Reedexpo Tel.: +81 3 33498519 Email: pr-eng.wsew@reedexpo.co.jp Web.: www.pvexpo-kansai.jp

Mostra Convegno Expocomfort Asia 2015 Date: 02-04Sep2015 Place: Singapore, Singapore Organiser: Reedexpo Tel.: +65 6780 4658 Email: mce-asia@reedexpo.com.sg Web.: www.mcexpocomfort-asia.com

Solar Asia 2015

Date: 09-11Sep2015 Place: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Organiser: Wesexpo Tel.: +86 10 65262861 Email: vanessa_wong@wesexpo.com.cn Web.: www.ecobuildsea.com

Solar Asia 2015

Date: 14-17Sep2015 Place: Anaheim, California, USA Organiser: SPI Tel.: +1 703 7389460 Email: info@solarpowerinternational.com Web.: www.solarpowerinternational.com

For Listing of your Event : Conference and events are listed free-of-charge, so please feel free to get in touch to tell us about your event. We would also be happy to provide you with free copies of magazine for distribution at your events.(while stock last). Please send your conference information to : Mr. Gourav Garg at gourav.garg@EQmag.net

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May-June 2015

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May-June 2015