EQ Magazine August 2016 Edition

Volume # 8 | Issue # 8 | August 2016 |

Rs.5/-

India’s O ldest & Leading Solar Media Group

nuevosol.co.in

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Sensible Pricing?

Higher IRRs?

On-time Commissioning?

Reliable Quality Assurance?

YOUR SEARCH FOR A BANKABLE MOUNTING PARTNER ENDS WITH NUEVOSOL.

Nuevosol Energy Private Limited, Hyderabad, India - 500033, info@nuevo-sol.com I 040-30858100

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Owner :

FirstSource Energy INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

PLACE OF PUBLICATION : 95-C, Sampat Farms, Bicholi Mardana Distt-Indore 452016, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA Tel. + 91 96441 22268 Tel. + 91 96441 33319

www.EQMagPro.com

EDITOR & CEO :

ANAND GUPTA anand.gupta@EQmag.net

PUBLISHER :

ANAND GUPTA

PRINTER :

ANAND GUPTA

TRENDS & ANALYSIS

SAUMYA BANSAL GUPTA saumya.gupta@EQmag.net ARPITA GUPTA arpita.gupta@EQmag.net

PUBLISHING COMPANY DIRECTORS: ANIL GUPTA

ANITA GUPTA

CONSULTING EDITOR : SURENDRA BAJPAI

SALES & MARKETING : GOURAV GARG gourav.garg@EQmag.net

SUBSCRIPTIONS :

PIYUSH MISHRA piyush.mishra@EQmag.net

DESIGN & GRAPHIC DIRECTOR : ANKIT PANDEY (Sahil)

Designer :

PAWAN LODHWAL

PRINTING PRESS :

SHREE GRAPHICS, 74-75, HAMMAL COLONY INDORE (MADHYA PRADSH)

CONTEN T

VOLUME 8 Issue # 8

42 JA Solar Reaches Important Milestone: Monocrystalline PV Product Shipments Total 7GW Over Last Decade

33

40

Scorpius inks MoUs with three solar entities

Gamesa secures 100 MW turnkey orders from Orange Renewable in India

09

22

Hartek syncs 50MW solar project in Anantapur with Grid

S. Korea to invest 42 trillion won in renewable energy industry by 2020

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

12

47

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.

WIND ENERGY

MNRE: How to access SPIN online system for Grid Connected Rooftop

Improving Operational Excellence in Wind Farms

10

16

13 Sungrow and Samsung Officially Launch Energy Storage Partnership, SungrowSamsung SDI

GST should be imposed on renewable equipment imports : Shri Piyush Goyal

18

Trina Solar Selected to Top 100 Global Challengers List by BCG for the Second Consecutive Time

56 RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

NTPC signs MOU 201617 with Govt. of India

INTERVIEW

With Dr. Kazuhiro Imaie, MD,Hitachi Hi-Rel., Ahmedabad, India

The Story Of Opex Solar Solutions Business In Indian Banks

23

11

HAL Inaugurates Wind Energy Power Plant at Harapanahalli (Karnataka)

49

45

JinkoSolar Rises to 330th on 2016 China Fortune 500

SOLAR ROOFTOPS Future Of Solar Rooftop

52 RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

34

The 175GW renewables goal- an Indian rope trick?

Manipur joins “UDAY” scheme; would derive an overall net benefit of rs 263 crore through “UDAY”

24 SBI signs agreements with World Bank for USD 625 Million facility

26

Banks, FIs give Rs 78K cr for clean energy projects

NEWS & ANALYSIS PAGE 8-43

PRODUCTS (Pg 72-76) Canadian Solar Launches New FieldInstallable T4 PV Connector for Faster, Lower-Cost PV Installations Waaree Energies Clears Type – 1 Fire Testing Standard Incompliance Withul 1703 Standard Trina Solar Achieves Average Efficiency Of 20.16% For Industrially-Produced MultiCrystalline Silicon Perc Cells And 18.7% For Commercially-Produced Multi-Crystalline Silicon Dp Cells Meteocontrol At The Intersolar 2016: Innovative Monitoring And Effective System Check Yingli’s PID Resistant TwinMAX Dual Glass Modules Passes IEC61215/61730 Tests

Cover Huawei is a global leader of ICT solutions. Continuously innovating based on customer needs, we are committed to enhancing customer experiences and creating maximum value. With annual sales revenue of 60.8 billion USD in 2015.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

India’s Oldest & Leading Solar Media Group

For Advertisement Bookings: Call Us at- +91 96441 22268

On the 2015 Global PV Inverter Shipment List released by international authoritative insutitutions IHS and GTM research, Huawei Smart PV Solution is ranked No.1 in shipment.

For More Information Visit

www. EQMAGPRO.com

INVERTERS

SOLAR PROJECTS

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

Development Trend & Challenges of String Inverters—No-external Fan Design

Solar PV Project PG 58

PG 64

“Performance analysis of operational solar project in the State of Jharkhand through probabilistic approach” PG 68

Booth No.

Hall 9, H28 Ever since the year 2010, Great Solar has been focusing on the development and application of green energy products, And now Great Solar has developed into one of the whole industry chain production enterprises with a set of R & D, design, manufacturing and integration, and is a professional manufacturer of global PV modules. Great Solar products are used in residential, commercial and terrestrial photovoltaic power generation system all over the world.

Relying on strict technical control, quality management, and meticulous professional services, Great Solar will continue to forge ahead, and become the world's leading supplier of photovoltaic products.

Great Solar China

Great Solar India

Add: No.2 Tianshan Road, Sanjing Industrial Zone, Xinbei District, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China Tel: 0086-519-89962158 Fax: 0086-519-89962159 Email: info@great-solar.com

Add: B311 Shanti Bagh Apts, Begumpet, Hyderabad 500016 India Tel: 0091-770-2555425 Email: india@great-solar.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Jaya seeks PM intervention for surplus wind power

Tamil Nadu government recently said it was in a position to sell surplus wind power generated in the state and urged the Centre to allocate dedicated transmission capacity on a priority basis for its evacuation.Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the wind season in the state was from June to September and presently, 4400 mw of this power was being utilised in Tamil Nadu Grid based on the evacuation infrastructure available.

E

ven with the implementation of such intrastate evacuation infrastructure, the entire wind energy generated cannot be fully consumed within Tamil Nadu, particularly in this season, she said.Tamil Nadu was in a position to sell about 1000 mw of wind power to other states, which required this power to meet their Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO), she said.

“Tamil Nadu has already met its Renewable Purchase Obligation. Many states in India who are unable to meet the Renewable Purchase Obligation are now approaching Tamil Nadu for assistance for meeting” the RPO. To facilitate the sale of surplus wind power to states in need of renewable energy, it is important that a dedicated inter-state Green Energy Corridor is established so that the surplus wind energy from Tamil Nadu can be successfully evacuated and sold to other states,” she said in her letter.She said Power Grid Corporation had proposed to establish such an inter-State Green Energy Corridor and urged Modi to instruct the Ministry of Power to speed up the process of setting it up at the ‘earliest’ to enable her state to transmit the 1000 mw of renewable power to other states.”While dedicated infrastructure would take some time to be created, in the meantime, the Power Grid Corporation may be directed to allocate dedicated transmission capacity on a priority basis to evacuate the surplus wind energy available in Tamil Nadu to other states this season.”

- J. Jayalalithaa, Chief Minister, Tamil Nadu, India Source:PTI

10

EQ

August 2016

Mytrah Energy bags mandate for solar projects across four States

M

ytrah Energy Ltd has bagged mandate to develop about 500 MW of solar photo-voltaic projects in Telangana, Punjab, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, having won them amidst stiff competition from global and domestic players.

The Hyderabad-based independent power producer, listed on the AIM of the London Stock Exchange, with a portfolio of close to one giga watt (1000 mega watt) of wind power projects, had announced its foray into the solar energy segment last year.

“Our strike rate in terms of winning solar contracts has been 100 per cent and we have achieved this amidst stiff competition. And all the solar projects, including a recent win in Karnataka, have been at Rs. 5.70 per unit. The company has arrangements for 1.6 giga watt equity for the project portfolio and is at advanced stage of closing debt and total project finance. We expect to complete the projects over the next 12-15 months.”

-Ravi Kailas, Chairman, Mytrah Energy In April 2016, Mytrah raised $175 million from the Asian Development Bank and inked a pact with Chinese company Risen Energy Co for supply of solar PV modules. In the case of solar generation projects, Telangana accounts for 376 MW, spread across 19 locations, and other projects include 52.5 MW in Punjab, 52 MW in Karnataka and 8 MW in Andhra Pradesh.

Apart from the current wind energy generation capacity of the company of 826 MW, 90 MW capacity has already been erected and on the verge of commissioning and another project of 87 MW is at advanced stage. “Together, these projects will take the capacity to over one giga watt, making us the largest pure play wind energy company in the country,” he said. Last year, the company had closed with 548 MW and is set to cross one giga watt capacity and thereafter, the IPP expects to take the installed capacity of wind and solar to over 1.6 GW by June 2017. Asked about merger and acquisition of wind and solar projects, Ravi Kailas said: “The company is open to acquisitions and continues to scout for opportunities and any decision towards that will be taken based on whether it is a right fit into the company portfolio.”

Referring to setting up a first wind power unit of 100 MW in Telangana, he said: “We have demonstrated that wind projects can be set up in Telangana as well, where no one ever ventured to setting up a wind farm.”

Source: Business Line

www.EQMagPro.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Hartek syncs 50-MW solar project in Anantapur with Grid

C

handigarh-based engineering, procurement and construction company, Hartek Power Private Limited, has connected its 50-MW solar project in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh to the Grid. The 132/11-KV substation project, spread over 400 acre, is the company’s first project in the State and the biggest in South India. Riding on the solar wave, Hartek has bagged substation orders for 330-MW projects across the country in the first quarter of the current financial year. With these orders in its kitty, the company is poised to connect 500-MW solar power projects to the Grid this fiscal, it said in a statement on Monday. The 330-MW solar EPC orders are spread across six states, including Punjab, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Hartek has installed substations for 258-MW solar projects since it entered the business three years ago. It consolidated its position in FY 2015-16 by providing Grid connectivity to 123-MW solar projects spread across Punjab, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Karnataka.

Looking to build on this momentum to accelerate its growth, it has done well to cash in on the solar overdrive that the country has shifted into since the Central government revised the National Solar Mission target for 2022 last year from 20 GW to 100 GW.

“India’s installed solar generation capacity has gone up from 2.5 GW to 7 GW in a matter of just two years, offering a huge scope for growth to firms like Hartek Power. Given the upbeat market sentiment, the renewed focus of the government on solar power and our expertise in providing Grid connectivity to solar projects, we are expected to cruise to our target quite smoothly.”

-Hartek Singh, CMD , HARTEK Solar

PERFORMANCE, EXCELLENCE, EFFICIENCY & QUALITY

Manufacturers of EVA Encapsulants, Backsheets, Bus-bar Insulation Sheets, PV Solar Cells and PV Solar Modules.

Bengaluru: +91-80-33494545 | Hyderabad: +91-40-67303001 | Mumbai: +91-22-30011700 RenewSys India Pvt. Ltd.: renewsys@renewsysindia.com | www.renewsysworld.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Sungrow Successfully Connect China’s Largest 1500 Volt Solar Power Plant to Grid Sungrow, the world’s largest PV inverter manufacturer, announces the connection, of a 50MW, 1500 volt, power plant to the grid. The power plant has been developed by Sungrow in Datong, Shangxi Province, China, and is currently the largest 1500 volt solar power plant in China.

GST should be imposed on renewable equipment imports : Shri Piyush Goyal

T

he plant uses Sungrow’s SG3000HV-MV medium volt inverter container, which is a class-leading product with a maximum efficiency of over 99%.

This inverter is designed to be the leader for the 1500 volt market with unit power reaching up to 3MW. With a specially engineered container design, the SG3000HV-MV is able to save installation time and reduce labor costs. The 20-foot container can bring a number of benefits including the ability to lower system costs and ease of operations maintenance over the long term life of the product. The SG3000HV-MV has received a positive reception from experts in the solar industry and is expected to be the leading choice for the solar power plants employing 1500 volt inverters for the next several years.

This one-stop solution employed in this 50MW project, is designed to enable the building of high-efficiency, high-reliability and highly intelligent solar power plants. It is also able to continuously enhance system performance based on the “Solar+Internet” model. This one-stop solution is capable of building a standard O&M platform and promoting automation of the power plant through the real-time monitoring, fault alarm and big data analysis.

“Sungrow always leads the inverter industry with its cutting-edge technology, and their product benchmarks have repeatedly proven how their products outperform those made by other companies.”

-said one spokesman from the local government

“Sungrow is always committed to technical innovation and we will offer better products and services for -Professor Renxian Cao, President , Sungrow customers.”

12

EQ

August 2016

“Ideally we should put GST (rate) on imports so that it becomes a level-playing field and domestic manufacturing are not at disadvantage. Today there is an inverted (duty) structure. Domestic (manufacturers) are paying more taxes than imports.”

H

-Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister Of MNRE, INDIA

e was replying to a query whether the Power Ministry has proposed to keep renewable energy equipment out of the GST regime. The proposed Goods and Services Tax law, which seeks to subsumes all central and state levies including excise, service tax and sales tax, is stuck in the Rajya Sabha.

Speaking on the idea of keeping the renewables out of GST, Goyal said, “Some manufacturing people did talk to me. I don’t think we should keep it out of GST. My approach is different. We have to create a level-playing field. So, GST (rate) should be on imports (of renewable).” Asked whether his ministry has made any proposal over the same, he said, “To the best of my remembrance, I don’t think I would have asked for something like that. I believe that we should keep minimum distortion in the GST regime.” Pitching for passage of the GST bill, the minister suggested that there is a need to build a pressure so that the GST is cleared in this Monsoon session of Parliament beginning on July 18, 2016.

Source:PTI

www.EQMagPro.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

JinkoSolar Rises to 330th on 2016 China Fortune 500

J

inkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd. , a global leader in the photovoltaic (PV) industry, recently announced that the Company has climbed from 437th to 330th position in the latest China Fortune 500 list.Rising 107 places is enough to land the Company on the China Fortune 500 list of biggest year-on-year improvement, and is the company’s highest rank yet.

Fortune ranks companies by a number of factors, including their 2015 revenue. According to Fortune, JinkoSolar total revenues were RMB16.08 billion (USD2.4 billion) in 2015, an increase of-

61.1%

from 2014

Each year the Fortune 500 list ranks the titans of industry, and there’s always a special focus on the companies with the largest gains in rank. After a record-setting year of sales, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that JinkoSolar has been the fastest growing and the most sustainable company in the global solar PV industry.

“We are so encouraged to hear the news that in 2015 JinkoSolar again ranked in the China Fortune 500 list and soared to its greatest heights yet, moving up 107 spots to No. 330. Ballooning module sales last year might have had something to do with Jinkosolar’s jump in its Fortune 500 ranking, but the company accomplished a significant number of other achievements too. We connected and operated over 1 GW of solar plants by the end of 2015, pioneering a strong presence in the ChiMr. Chen Kangping, nese distributed generation market. All that hard work CEO of Jinlo Solar has paid off.”

We are proud to announce the opening of our new Wire Harness manufacturing unit at Dahanu, Maharashtra.

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Focus on funding renewable energy projects: shri Piyush Goyal

The government has asked state-run Power Finance Corp (PFC) and Rural Electrification Corp (REC) to focus on funding renewable energy projects. The minister for power, coal, renewable energy and mines, Piyush Goyal, on Monday said that the government is contemplating a $1 billion (Rs 6,700 crore) fund to finance renewable energy projects.

R

ates on loans to conventional and hydropower projects are higher at 11.75 percent to 13.40 percent. The move is aimed at giving a boost to the renewable sector as well as utilising the cash that the two financiers will receive in lieu of loans given to state-run power distribution companies post implementation of the Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY). Under the UDAY debt recast scheme, REC and PFC will recover their existing debt exposure to state discoms in cash. The two have an exposure of more than $20 billion to these distribution firms. The companies plan to utilise the cash to finance energy projects, mainly green energy projects such as solar, wind and biomass plants. Lack of new conventional coal and gas projects by private developers has prompted the two companies to shift focus to renewables. Currently, such energy projects constitute nearly 10 percent of the loan portfolio of REC and PFC. Goyal said Rajasthan and Haryana have progressed well in revival of their distribution companies.

Source: Governancenow

JinkoSolar (U.S.) INC. Extends Credit Limit with Wells Fargo Bank

J

14

EQ

inkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., a global leader in the solar PV industry, recently announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, JinkoSolar (U.S.) INC., has signed amendments to the credit agreement with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, a division of Wells Fargo Bank (“Wells Fargo”) to increase its credit limit to $60 million from $40 million with a three year term.

August 2016

MNRE:How to access SPIN online system for Grid Connected Rooftop

If any of the registered users are not able to access the SPIN system please delete the history of your browser and then try to login.

A

new domain name was activated for Grid Connect Rooftop online system namely SPIN. It can be accessed by typing http:// solarrooftop.gov.in directly.

The same can also be accessed by clicking the SPIN at the bottom of the site http://mnre.gov.in . Agencies can use it for updating different entries and the general public can use it for submission of interest of installation request or other information related to Grid Connected Rooftop.

“This is the second time we have raised our credit limit with Wells Fargo in the past years. We look forward to working closely with Wells Fargo to further expand our business in the U.S and across the globe.”

-Mr. Charlie Cao, Chief Financial Officer, JinkoSolar

www.EQMagPro.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Sungrow and Samsung Officially Launch Energy Storage Partnership, Sungrow-Samsung SDI Sungrow, the world’s largest PV inverter manufacturer, announces the official start of operations of Sungrow-Samsung SDI Energy Storage Power Supply Co.,Ltd at a ceremony in Hefei, China.

T

he $170 million (USD) joint venture between Sungrow and Samsung is able to provide complete Energy Storage System (ESS) solutions incorporating lithium batteries, Power Conversion Systems (PCS) and Energy Management Systems (EMS), that can reach an annual capacity reaching up to 2000MWh.

“The requirements of a sustainable energy future continue to drive the renewable energy market forward.

The energy storage market is expected to be a key area where Sungrow is to expand its business based on close cooperation with Samsung. Sungrow has always been committed to technical innovation, and we have strong faith in our ability to build benchmarks in the global energy storage market.”

-Professor Renxian Cao, President , Sungrow

The joint partnership has started quickly, with two energy storage contracts being signed at the opening ceremony, with planned capacities of 10MWh and 8MWh respectively. “Sungrow leads the inverter industry with its cuttingedge technology. We have strong confidence on Sungrow’s energy storage system solutions, especially after their announced partnership with Samsung. Sungrow’s product benchmarks have repeatedly proven how their products outperform those made by other companies.” said one of customers signing the contract.

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Shri Piyush Goyal Reviews Coal, Power, New and Renewable Energy Sectors Development in Karnataka Last year the imports of coal have been reduced to the tune of Rs. 24,000 crore.

This year the target is Rs. 40,000 crore .

From 2-3 days stock of coal available to Power plants to straight 51 days stock of coal, it is a reflection of the hard work & commitment of all mine employees, the Minister said.

The Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, Renewable Energy and Mines, Shri. Piyush Goyal reviewed here today issues related to Power, coal, renewable energy and mines sectors with the Govt. of Karnataka.

A

ddressing the media after the review meeting, Shri. Goyal said that there are four ongoing power projects linking with various states to bring surplus power from the central grid to Karnataka state. 400 KV Yelahanka LILO , 400KV Dharmapuri-Somanahally D/C Line, 400 KV Madhugiri â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Yelahanka D/C line and 765 KV Madhugiri â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Dharmapuri (Salem New ) S/C Line are the four projects which have been stalled from last many years due to the demand of high compensation. The Government of Karnataka has now agreed to provide all assistance to complete these projects. The completion of these projects will help Karnataka in getting surplus power.

The centre has also approved a Renewable Energy Management Center for Bengaluru to support large scale grid integration , added Shri Goyal .

India should look at doubling its mineral output in the next 3 to 4 years and become a net exporter of minerals. Coal problems are history in India. It is requested for steel industry of Karnataka to secure coal linkages.

-Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister Of MNRE, INDIA

16

EQ

August 2016

Shri Goyal thanked Government of Karnataka for signing UDAY, even though the Government has accepted only the operational efficiencies and not its financial aspects. The Minister said that Central Government is willing to help Karnataka Government in every possible way. The Central Government has been requesting to Karnataka Government to sort out right of way issues so that transmission lines can be laid out smoothly , the Minister added.

In the last 2 years the capacity of the Southern grid has been increased by -

71%

Shri Piyush Goyal stated that he has requested Karnataka Government to come up with plans for rapid expansion of output of mines and creation of jobs in Karnataka .

www.EQMagPro.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Trina Solar Selected to Top 100 Global Challengers List by BCG for the Second Consecutive Time “We are proud to have been selected as a top 100 global challenger for the second consecutive time. We believe that this reflects recognition of the strength of our business as a leading global solar manufacturer and first-class downstream project developer and operator. Over the years, we have been maintaining an industry-leading level of sustainable growth by propelling technological innovations and expanding in overseas markets, all of which has helped to enhance our global influence and competitiveness. We will continue our efforts to relentlessly drive the advancement of the solar industry and forge new frontiers in promoting a clean and low-carbon world.”

-Mr. Jifan Gao, Chairman and CEO of Trina Solar, and President of the China Photovoltaic Industry Association

Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL) (“Trina Solar” or the “Company”), a global leader in photovoltaic (“PV”) modules, solutions, and services, today announced that it has been selected to the Top 100 Global Challengers List (the “List”) by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) at the Tianjin Summer Davos Forum on June 27, 2016.

T 18

EQ

his marks the second consecutive time that Trina Solar has been included on the List since 2014, and the Company is the only solar manufacturer in China to be selected twice in a row.

Founded in 1963, BCG is a leading global management consulting firm and advisor on business strategy. The 2016 BCG report (the “Report”) marks the ten-year anniversary of the first publication of BCG’s list of global challengers, and the theme of the Report is “Global Leaders, Challengers and Champions: The Engines of Emerging Markets.” The Report indicates that top companies from emerging markets grew three times faster than their counterparts in mature markets from 2009 through 2014, and that these companies are still developing world-class capabilities and know how to win in volatile and uncertain times. Trina Solar’s selection to BCG’s Top 100 Global Challengers List is a further recognition of the Company’s strong performance and sustained rapid growth after having been selected to BCG’s China Top 50 Global Challengers List in 2012. Other Chinese companies included in the report were Alibaba, Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Tencent, and 24 other Chinese companies.

August 2016

“The global challengers are the leading edge of a much larger group of companies from emerging markets that, despite economic uncertainty, are powering ahead with confidence and ambition.”

-Dinesh Khanna, a coauthor and leader of BCG’s Global Advantage practice,

www.EQMagPro.com

If things never change, what would happened to the world?

This is a television of 30 years ago.

R&D, science and technology give life to innovation and evolution. Innovation always brings technological improvements, while evolution is necessary to reach the best results.

BACKSHEETS CAN CHANGE FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE FILMBACK (PET 185//PRIMER120)

MLP

Over 3000 hrs of DHT Superior UV resistance High reflectivity PDT 1200 VDC RTI 140°C

Filmback MLP represents a NEW GENERATION of backsheets with an innovative and performing PET MONOLAYER high grade, UV stable and hydrolysis resistant that is the ULTIMATE SOLUTION in terms of durability, performance and cost reduction.

www.filmcutter.it info@filmcutter.it

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Problems for smaller industries in using solar energy E. Boopathy, who has 20 power looms at Karanampettai in Coimbatore District, went in for solar energy systems three years ago. He installed five kw solar energy panels to operate 10 power looms.

“I invested Rs. 6 lakh for this project and have batteries to store solar energy. I use solar power during day time.”

-E. Boopathy

Cost saving However, the project has not resulted in significant cost saving. Mr. Boopathy gets about 20 units of solar energy a day. Though it is for captive use, the system is not connected to the grid. He says the project will be viable only if the smaller industries are able to connect the solar energy system to the grid.

However, according to TANGEDCO officials here, net metering is permitted for solar systems installed for domestic service connections and commercial connections.

Lesser capacity There are several industries, private schools and educational institutions here that have gone in for 100 kw or lesser capacity solar energy panels. They are Low Tension (LT) consumers and hence do not get the benefit of net metering. They cannot connect the solar energy system to the grid for captive use too.

Grid power “When the solar energy system is connected to the grid, the consumer will get grid power when solar power generation reduces. When it increases and is more than the need, it get exported to the grid,” according to an official.

Production process Most of the LT industries who have installed solar energy panels now manage the systems in-house, without connecting to the grid. But, this results in interruption of the production process when the units switch over from solar energy to grid power.

“We have already written to the TANGEDCO head office regarding -OFFICIAL SAID this.”

NTPC signs MOU 2016-17 with Govt. of India

N

TPC Limited, the largest power generating company in India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Govt. of India for the year 2016-17 on 18th July, 2016 in New Delhi. The MOU was signed by Shri Pradeep Kumar Pujari, Secretary (Power) and Shri Gurdeep Singh,CMD, NTPC. As per the signed MOU, NTPC shall strive to generate 248 Billion Unit during the year under “Excellent” category. Further, NTPC has CAPEX target of Rs 30,000 Crore under Excellent category. In addition to above, parameters related to operational efficiency, projects monitoring and financial performance are also part of signed MoU in line with MoU guidelines of Department of Public Enterprises.

The MoU signing programme was attended by Ms. Shalini Prasad, Additional Secy, (Thermal, Transmission, OM), Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Joint Secretary (Internal Finance & Budgetary Control.), Shri Aniruddha Kumar Joint Secretary (Thermal, Hydro matters including CPSUs namely, NHPC, SJVNL, NEEPCO, THDC, BBMB Environment Management for Hydro Projects) from the Ministry of Power and Shri A.K.Jha, Director (Technical), Shri S.C. Pandey, Director (Projects), Shri K.K.Sharma, Director( Operations), Shri K.Biswal, Director( Finance) and Shri S.Roy, ED to CMD and ED(Corporate Planning and Corporate Communication) from NTPC. NTPC is fulfilling power needs of the country through its 18 coal-based, 7 gas-based, 1 hydro based, 9 renewable energy projects and 9 JVs/subsidiaries, thereby bringing about the economic and social growth of the country. The company has a total installed capacity of 47,178 MW at present.

Source: The Hindu

20

EQ

August 2016

www.EQMagPro.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Smart phone app makes solar panels more effective A smartphone app that may help increase the efficiency of solar cells by up to 40 per cent has been developed by a young researcher in Canada and is being used in more than 130 countries.The SimplySolar app helps find out when solar panels are facing the most effective direction and works using a combination of Global Positioning System (GPS) and the built-in compass in smartphones.

B

ruce Gao, who is now 22, developed the smartphone app as a high school student.Users place their phones on top of the solar panels, and the app shows them when the panels are facing the most effective direction. The app is now used in more than 130 countries, the Star reported.

Who is in his second year of medical school at the University of Calgary in Canada.

He got the idea to create the app when he visited an orphanage in China where he saw children huddled together in beds to share body heat.It was monsoon season, and it was cold. There was heating in the building, but the solar panels meant to provide electricity were not installed to their full capacity.He then researched how solar panels should be positioned to soak up the most energy and decided to develop the app.

Source:PTI

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pointing solar panels in the right direction can make them up to 40 per cent more effective,â&#x20AC;?

Bruce Gao, Co-Founder SimplySolar Innovation Inc.

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Trina Solar mulls setting up solar cell, module factory in Visakhapatnam

Buoyed by the better-than-expected growth in India, world’s largest photovoltaic module and solar panel company Trina Solar Limited is considering setting up a cell and module factory in Visakhapatnam, a senior executive of the Chinese company told dna in an exclusive interview.

T

22

EQ

August 2016

he company has already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh government for this. She said the global solar panel major would look at building 700 megawatt (mw) capacity for solar cells and 500 mw capacity for solar modules in the first phase. She estimated the cost for such a factory to be roughly around $200-300 million.

Li said the company was currently evaluating what would be the right time and cost for it. “If you are going to build (solar) panels in India, you need the whole supply chain here to be as competitive as we are in China,” she said.

Trina Solar, which has been around since 2010 in India, has already captured around 17% market share with over 1 gigawatt (gw) cumulative shipment of solar modules to India last year. Li said the pace of growth in the Indian solar market has exceeded the company’s expectation. Trina is expecting to double its growth rate in the current year with a 2 gw solar modules shipment.

As per the ministry of new & renewable energy (MNRE), India had reached a capacity of 5.8 gw as on March 2016. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has set a target of 100 gw solar power by 2022. India is today one of the fastest growing solar markets in the world. From being an emerging market for solar energy some years back, it has moved to being the fourth largest market in the world.

Li said the biggest challenge in India is keeping the cost low as India was very “price-sensitive”.

She said Trina did not want to rely on government subsidy as that will compel it to source from raw material and parts from local suppliers and make it uncompetitive in terms of cost.

At present, Trina has factories in Thailand and Malaysia but the panels produced there are not as cost competitive as China.

However, since the products from these places are sold in the US and Europe markets, where the solar tariff is high, they become commercially viable. Li said the Indian plant would cater to the domestic demand.

To overcome the problem of an underdeveloped ecosystem in India, the Chinese company was looking at whether they could influence its suppliers in China to come to India with them.

“We have a very good partnership with our suppliers. We are hoping to influence them to come to India. We’ll probably take some risk by investing more but if they come with us to support our factory (in India) it will help other local manufacturers too. Yes, we are looking at a manufacturing possibility (in India). We are doing a feasibility study. Actually, we have already identified the land in Visakhapatnam but we are still discussing the solar market in India.

We are looking at what will be the cost of the product and where do we sell it. We already have a MoU signed with the AP government (for this).”

-Helena Li, President , Asia Pacific and Middle East-Trina Solar.

www.EQMagPro.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

To light up sites at night, ASI is likely to install Solar Panels on all Historical Monuments Sources in the Ministry of Culture has confirmed the decision saying the initiative has already received a go-ahead . 5MW to 25MW solar power units will be installed at each of the monument sites.

I

t will be implemented in all archaeological sites where the rooftop is available for necessary solar installation. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to light up the heritage sites as well as Historical monuments with the help of solar photovoltaic systems at the rooftop of all the monuments. The idea behind the new ambitious plan is to increase the tourist visits and reduce electricity bills significantly. The India Today report stated that sources in the Ministry of Culture confirmed the decision saying the initiative has already received a go-ahead and the process of installing solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems on the premises of heritage sites and historical monuments.

The installation process will start from July-August this year, in 2016, only as the fund for the project has already been allocated by the Ministry of Culture. 5MW to 25MW solar power units will be installed at each of the monument sites but the capacity of these units maight increase depending on the requirement. The tourists can view the ASI monuments after the solar panels have been installed.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;All the rooftops of the ASI protected monuments will come under the purview of the initiative. We will cover the rooftops with solar power panels to light up the area at night. It will help save on the electricity bills significantly. It is an ongoing process and will be executed in phases. The fund has been sanctioned already by the ministry. It will be implemented in all archaeological sites where the rooftop is available for necessary solar installation. The capacity of the solar panels may increase at some sites where the requirement would be higher as per the physical geography of the location,â&#x20AC;? an official said to India Today.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is an Indian government agency attached to the Ministry of Culture was founded in 1861 that is responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural monuments in the country. ASI protects and preserves more than 3,686 protected monuments of national importance spread all over India.

Source:newsgram

NEWS & ANALYSIS

S. Korea to invest 42 trillion won in renewable energy industry by 2020

U

South Korea will invest a combined 42 trillion won ($36.6 billion) into the renewable energy sector by 2020 as part of efforts to expand the environmentally friendly power supply system in the country, the trade ministry said Tuesday. nder the plan, new renewable power stations will be built by 2020 to produce 13 million kilowatts of electricity annually, an equivalent to that of 26 coal plants, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

In order to attain the goal, the ministry said it will raise its scheduled renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 5 percent in 2018 from an earlier target of 4.5 percent.The rate will go up to 6 percent in 2019 and to 7 percent in 2020, up from earlier goals of 5 percent and 6 percent, respectively.An RPS is a regulation that requires electricity supply companies to produce a certain portion of their energy from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar light, biomass and geotherm. For 2016, the RPS is set at 3.5 percent.

The ministry said individuals will also be permitted to sell the electricity produced by their own solar panels, while large commercial buildings can be equipped with 1,000 kW solar power generators to save on their utility bills.It will also come up with detailed plans to allow renewable energy businesses, including energy storage system companies, to participate in the energy exchange market to attract more companies to make investments into the sector.

The Korea Electric Power Corp. is the only eligible player to buy and distribute electricity in the country.

“It will also help those businesses explore overseas markets.”As of 2015, liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants accounted for 33 percent of South Korea’s total power production, followed by coal plants with 22 percent and nuclear power with 22 percent.

Source:koreatimes

”The government will lift unnecessary regulations and increase government support to foster the renewable energy sector.”

-Chae Hee-bong , S. Korea Deputy Minister of Energy

Surprise discovery could lead to better solar cells

T

he resulting maps revealed an order of magnitude difference in photocurrent generation, and a 0.6-volt difference in open circuit voltage, between facets on the same grain. In addition, facets with high photocurrent generation had high open circuit voltage, and facets with low photocurrent generation had low open circuit voltage.

“This was a big surprise. It shows, for the first time, that perovskite solar cells exhibit facet-dependent photovoltaic efficiency.” says Weber-Bargioni.

Adds Toma, “These results open the door to exploring new ways to control the development of the material’s facets to dramatically increase efficiency.”

In practice, the facets behave like billions of tiny solar cells, all connected in parallel. As the scientists discovered, some cells operate extremely well and others very poorly. In this scenario, the current flows towards the bad cells, lowering the overall performance of the material. But if the material can be optimized so that only highly efficient facets interface with the electrode, the losses incurred by the poor facets would be eliminated.

“This means, at the macroscale, the material could possibly approach its theoretical energy conversion limit of 31 percent,” says Sharp.

A theoretical model that describes the experimental results predicts these facets should also impact the emission of light when used as an LED. Linn Leppert, Sebastian Reyes-Lillo, and Jeff Neaton performed this particular work.

The Molecular Foundry is a DOE Office of Science User Facility located at Berkeley Lab. The Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis is a DOE Energy Innovation Hub led by the California Institute of Technology in partnership with Berkeley Lab. The research was supported in part by the Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Source: http://newscenter.lbl.gov/

24

EQ

August 2016

www.EQMagPro.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

HAL Inaugurates Wind Energy Power Plant at Harapanahalli (Karnataka) In a significant move to harness wind power and promote renewable energy source, Mr. T Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL today inaugurated 6.3MW wind energy power plant at Harapanahalli near Davangere about 335 km from here. The power generated from this plant would be used for captive energy consumption at Bengaluru.

T

The windmill is a hybrid type design and has a lattice portion and a tubular section. The rotor diameter is 97 meters and the length of each blade is 47.5 meters. The swept area of the blades is 7,390 square meters. The turbine is designed for 20 years of operation.

Mr. V.M Chamola, Director HR (HAL), Mr. Sanjay Nigam, Senior General Manager, Suzlon Energy Limited and other senior officials from HAL and Suzlon were present on the occasion.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are glad that through this green initiative, HAL would reduce its carbon footprint by around 10,000 tons of CO2 emissions per annum.

This project would cater to about 15% energy consumption at Bangalore-based divisionsâ&#x20AC;?

he plant comprising of three wind turbines installed in collaboration with Suzlon Energy Limited has the potential to generate 150 Lakh units per annum with an estimated annual savings of approximately rupees nine crore to the Company, he added. This is the first ever megawatt scale renewable energy project that HAL has set up at a cost of about Rs 44 crore. More such avenues would be explored in future.

#ONNECTEDČŞMOREČŞ THANČŞ ČŞ-7ČŞINČŞ )NDIAČŞANDČŞCOUNTING

-Mr. T Suvarna Raju, Managing Director (CMD) of HAL.

#ABLEČŠ#ONNECTOR

%LCOMČŠ)NTERNATIONALČŠ0VT ČŠ,TD ČŠISČŠAČŠREPUTEDČŠMANUFACTURERČŠOFČŠ%LECTRO -ECHNICALČŠ ČŠ%LECTRONICSČŠCOMPONENTSČŠINČŠ)NDIAČŠSINCEČŠ ČŠ7EČŠAREČŠ)NDIA SČŠlRSTČŠ)NDIGENOUSČŠ MANUFACTURERČŠOFČŠ3OLARČŠ06ČŠCONNECTORSČŠANDČŠTRUSTEDČŠFORČŠHIGHČŠQUALITYČŠPRODUCTS ČŠ 3ALIENTČŠFEATURESČŠOFČŠ%LCOMČŠ3OLARČŠ0RODUCTSČŠARE sČŠČŠ456ČŠAPPROVEDČŠASČŠPERČŠ%.ČŠ ČŠSTANDARD sČŠČŠ$EGREEČŠOFČŠPROTECTIONČŠ)0 ČŠ sČŠČŠ,OWERČŠCONTACTČŠRESISTANCEČŠĂŞ ČŠMĂą sČŠČŠ0UREČŠGRADEČŠCOPPERČŠTERMINALSČŠWITHČŠSILVERČŠPLATING sČŠČŠ%NGINEERINGČŠPLASTIC ČŠ56ČŠCOMPLIANCEČŠANDČŠmAMEČŠRESISTANT sČŠČŠ)N HOUSEČŠTESTČŠLAB ČŠWIREČŠHARNESSČŠPROCESSČŠAPPROVEDČŠFORČŠ5, 5,:0&7

"RANCHČŠ#ONNECTOR

-ODULEČŠ*UNCTIONČŠ"OX

7IREDČŠ"RANCHČŠ#ONNECTOR

%,#/-ČŠ).4%2.!4)/.!,ČŠ064 ČŠ,4$ (1ČŠ ČŠ ČŠ0RABHADEVIČŠ)ND ČŠ%STATE ČŠ ČŠ6EERČŠ3AVARKARČŠ-ARG ČŠ 0RABHADEVI ČŠ-UMBAIČŠ ČŠ ČŠ)NDIA ČŠ &ACTORYČŠ ČŠ0LOTČŠNOČŠ%ČŠ ČŠ ČŠSTARČŠ-)$#ČŠ+AGALČŠ(ATKANANGALE ČŠ +OLHAPUR ČŠ ČŠ-AHARASHTRA ČŠ)NDIA

&ORČŠ-OREČŠ$ETAILSČŠ#ONTACT 4EL ČŠ ČŠ ČŠ %MAILČŠ ČŠELCOM MAIL ELCOM IN COMČŠ 7EBSITE ČŠWWW ELCOM IN COM

7INNERČŠOFČŠ

3OLARČŠ#ABLEČŠ#ONNECTORČŠ -ANUFACTURERČŠOFČŠTHEČŠ9EAR ČŠ ATČŠ)NDIAČŠ3OLARČŠ7EEKČŠ ČŠ ČŠ.EWČŠ$ELHI

NEWS & ANALYSIS

SBI signs agreements with World Bank for USD 625 Million facility

The State Bank of India (SBI) and The World Bank (WB) signed agreements for a facility of USD 625 Million for supporting Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Program.

T

he agreements were signed by Mr.KarnamSekar, Deputy Managing Director, State Bank of India and Mr.OnnoRuhl, Country Director, World Bank India in the presence of Mr.ArunJaitley, Finance Minister, Mr.PiyushGoyal, Minister of State with Independent Charge for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mr. Jim Yong Kim, President, World Bank Group.Mr.Shaktikanta Das, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Mr.UpendraTripathy, Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy and MrsVarshaPurandare, MD & CEO, SBI Capital Markets Ltd were also present on the occasion. This facility will help SBI in financing Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (GRPV) projects at very competitive rates. This in turn will catalyse the market and support Government of India to faster achieve its target to generate 40 GW of electricity from widespread installation of

rooftop solar photo-voltaic installation. The eligible beneficiaries under the facility would be developers, aggregators and end-users, who wish to set up solar PV projects mainly on commercial, industrial and institutional rooftops. Through this initiative at least 400 MW solar capacity will be created across the country.

The variety of financing mechanisms on offer under this program will represent a major innovation for the rooftop market. These solar PV installations will provide clean, renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing thermal generation. The scope of the Program also aims at improving the investment climate for solar PV, and increase the `Ease of Doing Rooftop Business’ through Technical Assistance to strengthen the capacity of key institutions, and support the development of the overall solar rooftop PV market.

“With around 300 days of sunshine every year, India has among the best conditions in the world to harness solar energy. The rapid expansion of solar power can improve the quality of life for millions of Indians, especially for its poorest citizens. It can also create thousands of jobs in the solar industry and underpin progress in all areas of development, helping the country fulfil its dream of becoming the ‘India of the future”.

-Mr.OnnoRuhl, WORlD BANK VICE PRESIDENT

* SBI Capital Markets Ltd., a subsidiary of SBI, was the advisor for structuring and setting up the facility.

26

EQ

August 2016

www.EQMagPro.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Solar scam: AP engineer held for swindling eight people of Rs 2.5 crore The White Collar Offence (WCO) team of city’s Central Crime Station (CCS)arrested a 55-year-old man for duping eight people to a tune of over Rs 2.5 crore.

T

he accused collected Rs 35 lakh from Bhasvath Solar Power Pvt. Ltd. and Rs 21 lakh from Gayathri Solar.

He collected Rs 60 lakh from ABR Infra and Power at Venkatapuram, Nellore,Rs 16 lakh from R.J. Solar at Narsaraopet of Guntur district,Rs 40lakh from Retrofit of Vishakapatnam, Rs 20 lakh from Superna services in Hyderabad,Rs 15 lakh from Dhana Laxmi Solar at Madanapalli of Chitoor district and Rs 10 lakh from Sri Bhanuteja Solar Power industry of Mahabubnagar district.

The accused Veluvarthi Venkata Bhaskar Jaganna dh,a resident of Kakinada in An dhra Pradesh, is a civil enginee r and has worked with Sungdo Solar Power Systems Pvt. Ltd. in 2012 at Kondap ur and then shifted to Habsiguda in 20 14. He collected money from differe nt clients who approached for loan fac ility, engineering, procurement and const ruction for the establishment of solar po wer plants.

-Avinash Mohanty Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP),CCS, AP

“He collected the money with false promises to provide loan facility from different banks, to provide equipment and EPC facility to establish solar power plants. He lured the victims into believing he had power purchase agreement with Chattisgarh government and other private agencies.”

-DCP said

Similarly, the CCS police arrested three persons Peddala Anji Babu Yadav, Kolapalli Naveen Kumar and Ambadas Soma for submitting fake land documents and obtaining loan from a bank.

Source: The New Indian Express

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Banks, FIs give Rs 78K cr for clean energy projects Overall, as many as 23 public sector and 7 private sector banks as well as 4 public sector and 2 private sector nonbanking financing companies (NBFCs) have committed for financing renewable energy projects of 76,350 MW in the country with an outlay of Rs 3,72,240 crore.

G

oyal said the World Bank has also approved a loan of USD 620 million (Rs 4,228 crore) and a grant of USD 5 million (Rs 34.50 crore) from clean technology fund for the grid connected rooftop solar programme in May 2016.

Public sector banks have provided Rs 19,639.52 crore finance for 12,619.83 MW renewable projects and have already released Rs 7,333.35 crore. Private sector banks have provided Rs 18,660.01 crore for 6,905.24 MW projects, and have released Rs 8,615.07 MW. Public sector NBFCs have provided finance of Rs 20,802.01 crore to fund 6,121.68 MW projects, and released a total amount of Rs 9,442.71 crore. Similarly, private NBFCs financed 5,336.95 MW projects and sanctioned Rs 19,728.15 crore. These firms released Rs 8,091.70 crore for these clean energy projects.

Among the public sector banks, State Bank of India has financed the largest renewable capacity of 1,832.93 MW and provided fund to the tune of Rs 5,418.81 crore. It has released Rs 1,634.47 crore.

Among the private banks, Yes bank has financed the largest capacity of 2,364.28 MW and provided finance of Rs 8,764.90 crore. It has released 3,904.72 crore for these projects. Among public sector NBFCs, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) has provided maximum finance of Rs 8,489.72 for 2,337.30 MW projects. IREDA has released Rs 4,526.50 crore.

Similarly, L&T Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd is a private NBFC which has sanctioned maximum finance of Rs 14,863 crore for 3,434.05 MW projects.

It has released Rs 5,962.90 crore. These clean energy projects of 30,983.70 MW include 16,040.09 MW of wind power, 13,773.81 MW solar power and 700.95 MW of small hydro power projects (of up to 25 MW capacity).

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Banks and financial institutions (FIs) have supported (renewable energy) projects of 30,983.70 MW capacity with sanction and released an amount of Rs 78,829.69 crore and Rs 33,482.83 crore respectively as on March 31, 2016.â&#x20AC;?

Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister, MNRE

Banks and financial institutions have sanctioned about Rs 78,830 crore funding for clean energy projects, of which Rs 33,482.83 crore has been released till March end this year, Parliament was informed today.

Source: PTI News

28

EQ

August 2016

www.EQMagPro.com

www.EQMagPro.com

EQ

August 2016

29

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Solar Scam: Prime Accused Saritha Nair Alleges That DMK Leader Involved In Case

India to add 4,300 MW wind power capacity in 2016-17: Tulsi Tanti

I Saritha Nair, prime accused in the solar panel scam in Kerala recently alleged that a former Union Minister and DMK leader from the state had a role in it.

S

peaking to reporters after emerging from a court here, where she appeared in connection with a cheating case, she alleged that former Union Minister Palanimanickam of DMK was involved in the solar related cases. Calls and text messages to the former minister, seeking his reaction to the charge went unanswered.

Ms Nair was replying to a question on whether any politician from Tamil Nadu was involved in the scam. Ms Nair claimed she had submitted related evidence of the “involvement” of all politicians to the one man judicial commission probing the scam. She also alleged that former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had a major role in the scam. The scam pertains to alleged duping of several persons to the tune of crores of rupees by Ms Nair and her accomplice Biju Radhakrishnan by offering solar panel solutions.

In January, while deposing before the Justice Sivarajan Commission probing the alleged scam in Kochi, Ms Nair had alleged that a huge bribe had been given to Mr Chandy’s key aide for setting up mega solar projects in the state and also to the PA of former Power Minister Aryadan Muhammed, a charge denied by both of them. After Mr Nair had deposed before the Commission on the alleged payments, a Vigilance court had directed filing of FIR against them. But subsequently, the decision was stayed

by Kerala High Court.

ndia’s wind power capacity is set to grow 30 per cent or 4,300 MW in 2016-17, helped by capacity addition in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, among others, Suzlon Group Chairman Tulsi Tanti said. At present, the total wind power installed capacity in the country is around 27 GW, accounting for about 9 per cent of India’s total installed capacity.

“India is a very promising and demanding market. It is set to grow by 30 per cent annually. In 2016-17, the country will add about 4,300 MW of wind power,” Tanti told reporters here. Suzlon has its rotor blades manufacturing facility in Bhuj and maintains sites for some of its clients.

Interacting with the media through video conferencing from Germany,

“Most capacity will be added by Andhra Pradesh followed by Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Some capacity will be added in Tamil Nadu.”

-Tulsi Tanti, CMD SUZlON

In a blog post in April, the founder of India’s leading wind turbine maker had termed 2015-16 as a “historic year” for the Indian renewable industry. Wind energy surpassed all its previous records with about 3,300 MW installation, a growth of 43 per cent. The previous highest installation was around 3,196 MW in 2011.

Source: PTI

30

EQ

August 2016

www.EQMagPro.com

www.EQMagPro.com

EQ

August 2016

31

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Jakson Group strengthens its Renewable Portfolio; by commissions Solar PV System on the roof of Railway coaches for the Indian Railways

Mr. Sundeep Gupta, Vice Chairman & MD

J

“We at Jakson Group feel gratified and distinguished to be considered as a trusted solutions provider by the Indian Railways. The commissioning of Solar PV systems fortifies Jakson Group’s vision of empowering people. The electricity generated from the system will be used for energizing lights and fans inside the coaches therefore reducing their dependency on existing supply from the Diesel locomotives along with a manifold reduction of carbon emission and savings of non-renewable energy resources. This is yet another step towards the Company’s commitment to sustainability and contributes towards building the nation, stronger.”

akson Group, India’s most preeminent power solutions company, recently announced the successful commissioning of Solar PV System on 6 coaches of Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) for North Wester n Railways, Jodhpur.

Currently 12 solar panels of 300 Wp capacity are installed on each coach and it falls under the demonstration project, which

would have a trial run for minimum 2 months and after successful completion of trial run, Jakson Engineers Limited (JEL) to setup another 44 systems of similar capacity. As per the contract, JEL is supposed to install Solar PV system for 50 coaches of DEMU, The Indian Railways. Jakson has also taken up another project with the Indian Railways Organization

for Alternate Fuels for installation of the Guard comfort kit over the 50 BVZI Wagons for the Northern railways at their Amritsar workshop, of which the Solar PV system for 6 BVZI wagons has been installed successfully and is expected to commence its trial run by month end, supporting the sprinting leap to the diversified and innovative footprint of Jakson Solar.

KERC regulations a challenge to wind, solar energy: ICRA

T

“The recent KERC regulations pose a challenge to wind and solar energy generation entities in Karnataka due to the variable and intermittent nature of generation from these sources and the limited track record and experience of the Indian renewable energy (RE) players in forecasting with the required accuracy (+/-15%),” -Sabyasachi Majumdar, ICRA Senior Vice President

32

EQ

August 2016

he Karnataka Electricity Regulator y Commissions (KERC) recently approved mechanism for forecasting, scheduling and deviation settlement is likely to pose a challenge for wind and solar power generators in Karnataka, says ICRA. According to statement, this forecasting framework is likely to have a negative impact on the cash flows and project internal rate of return (IRR) for wind and solar power projects, especially if the actual overall deviation (mix of over-generation and under-injection) exceeds 30 per cent of the scheduled generation.

Among the two main RE sources, namely wind and solar, impact for solar energy generation projects due to the deviation penalty mechanism is expected to be relatively lower due to lesser variability in solar energy generation. In order to comply with these regulations, so as to avoid the aforementioned hit on cash flows, generators would need to upgrade the requisite IT infrastructure, mainly for metering at pooling substations and transmission of energy generation data on a spot basis to the state load dispatch centre, it

said.KERC, vide its notification dated May 31, 2016, has approved the KERC (Forecasting, Scheduling, Deviation settlement and related matters for wind and solar generation sources) Regulations, 2015.As per the approved framework, scheduling and forecasting of generation is required on a day-ahead and weak-ahead basis, at intervals of 15 minutes for wind and solar power projects connected to the intra-state grid and selling power within the state, with the permissible deviation in scheduled generation in the range of +/- 15 per centand deviation charges applicable for a higher range, it said. The regulations objective is to facilitate the integration of wind and solar power projects with the grid, while maintaining grid security, stability and reliability. Final regulation by KERC follows CERC regulations on the forecasting and scheduling framework issued in August 2015, which are applicable to the regional / interstate entities. ICRA also notes that SERCs in the other states – namely Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Jharkhand – are expected to come out with final orders in the near term, where draft regulations are currently under evaluation.

Source: India Today

www.EQMagPro.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

IHS Names SMA, SolarEdge, Schneider Electric, Sungrow, Huawei and ABB as Leaders in PV Inverter Supplier Scorecard SMA, SolarEdge, Schneider Electric, Sungrow, Huawei and ABB were all identified as solar inverter industry leaders with above average scores for both market presence and market momentum, according to an industry review scorecard from IHS Inc. the leading global source of critical information and insight.

S

MA scored the highest on market presence, receiving maximum scores in nearly all categories, due to its complete product portfolio, strong position in all major regions, strong brand and continued position as the world’s largest supplier in revenue terms. ABB and Sungrow also scored highly in market presence, recording consistently elevated scores for all categories.

“This diverse group of companies has effectively overcome challenges, to position themselves at the forefront of the market.” Among the solar PV inverter industry leaders, one of the highest scores for market momentum was awarded to Huawei, because of the speed it has gained global market share, and the high proportion of the company’s revenues that are spent on research and development.

Although it was not categorized as a leader due to a relatively low score for market presence, General Electric recorded the highest market momentum score – largely because of the rapid gains it has recently made in global market share and by securing a strong position in the North America utility-scale market. Similarly, Enphase scored highly for market momentum, but its market presence score was restricted by its limited regional presence, a low score for financials, and its limited product portfolio, relative to other suppliers. Both companies were named within a group of ‘Challengers’ in the scorecard report.

The IHS PV Inverter Supplier Scorecard addresses a need for a holistic review of the PV inverter supplier base – one that does not rely simply on megawatt or revenue market share. The results reward companies that are well established in a wide range of markets, with strong brands and strong financial results, and that are well positioned for growth in the future.

“IHS has evaluated each of the biggest suppliers based on nine different metrics to arrive at overall scores for market presence and market momentum,” -Sam Wilkinson, Senior Manager, Solar Research at IHS Technology

34

EQ

August 2016

Govt working to double generation target from solar parks

G

overnment is working on doubling the power generation target from solar energy parks to 40,000 MW in the backdrop of slow offtake of rooftop solar and problems being faced by some project developers. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy is keen to set up solar park projects with a cumulative capacity of 20,000 MW, in addition to the already launched such programme of 20,000 MW in 2014, a senior government official said today. According to the official, there has been slow progress of rooftop solar projects as it is mainly being implemented by institutions like government offices, schools and colleges. The scheme for ‘Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects’ had been rolled out by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy on December 12, 2014. The scheme has been conceived on the lines of ‘Charanka Solar Park’ in Gujarat which is a first-of-its-kind large scale solar park in the country with contiguous developed land and transmission connectivity. This scheme envisages supporting the states in setting up solar parks at various locations in the country with a view to create required infrastructure for setting up of solar power projects. The solar parks will provide suitable developed land with all clearances, transmission system, water access, road connectivity, communication network, etc. This scheme will facilitate and speed up installation of grid connected solar power projects for electricity generation on a large scale.Difficulties are being faced by the developers in executing the projects as in the case of SunEdison which had bid aggressively and won the project at a tariff of below Rs 5 per unit.

The solar power tariff fell to an all-time low, with Finland-based energy firm Fortum Finnsurya Energy quoting Rs 4.34 a unit to bag the mandate to set up a 70 MW solar plant under NTPC’s Bhadla Solar Park tender. The government has set an ambitious target of generating 175 GW power by 2022 from renewable sources, including 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from the wind, 10 GW from biomass and 5 GW from small hydroelectric projects.

Source: PTI News

www.EQMagPro.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Solar Electricity Scam: Nine Officials Suspended Heads have rolled in Bescom in connection with a huge scam related to solar power generation by private persons. Mirror had revealed the scam in March this year. Nine executive engineers of the power distribution corporation have been suspended in connection with the scam, Karnataka energy minister DK Shivakumar announced on Wednesday.

T

hese engineers are said to be involved in the scam in which power generated by private persons is purchased by BESCOM. Shivakumar said that there are probably many more engineers who are involved in this scam. The decision to suspend the nine engineers is only the first step and the scam will be rooted out, he said. Shivakumar made it clear that many more engineers are in the line of fire and there could be more suspensions in the coming days. The nine engineers who are suspended in the scam now are: M R Ramesh (Chikkaballapura), KL Lokesh (KGF), GV Jagadish (Hiriyuru), KH Guruswamy (Madhugiri), H Krishnappa (Haveri), Shivannagouda R Patil (Bagalkot), DH Umesh (Gadag), D Umesh (Koppal) and Basappa K Pattanashetty (Sindanur). The minister revealed that BESCOM has received a total of 5,631 proposals by private persons to generate electricity from solar panels on rooftops. Agreements have been concluded with 3,494 of them for a total of 1,566 MV of electricity. However, basic guidelines have of contracts have been breached in 99 per cent of the cases. These engineers are said to be involved in the breaching of the guidelines when getting into contract with private parties. It has been found that Bescom, with the help of the engineers, had entered into PPP agreements with private parties even when there were no buildings to install rooftop solar panels. It had entered into agreements with people who only showed vacant lands without buildings on them. After such complaints, higher officials conducted spot inspections and found that the allegations were true in many of the cases.

“That all such agreements where ‘rooftop power generation’ was agreed upon in vacant lands have been cancelled. He said that since there was no way of such agreements being signed without the involvement of the engineers, their part in the scam is evident. The next step is legal action against these government engineers.”

-DK Shivakumar, Karnataka Energy Minister

www.EQMagPro.com

Scorpius inks MoUs with three solar entities Pune-based Scorpius Trackers, promoted by entrepreneurs Shailesh Vaidya and Kiran Shah, has inked memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with three undisclosed entities, which are independently working to put up a combined solar capacity of 1,250 MW.Under the agreement, the Pune-based company will provide tracker solutions to them.

Tracking sun

T

ypically, these single-axis trackers-electromechanical devices-allow solar panels to track the sun from sunrise to sunset. One can re-orient the solar module accordingly to improve power output. To a query, he said trackers increased the project cost of a solar plant by 10 per cent.

Scorpius Trackers has initialled MoUs with an independent power producer (IPP), an EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractor, and a large open-access solar park developer. According to Mr. Shah, tracker penetration in the solar space is very minimal. Trackers were used only in five per cent of the existing solar power plants, he said.

Innovation-driven “Scorpius has positioned itself as an innovation-driven global tracker company. It aims to accelerate the journey to achieve wholesale grid parity for the IPPs. The Scorpius tracking solution features its own patented IP such as 25-year maintenance-free bearings and also has some of the world’s first features such as storm detection.”

- A statement from the company.

“Such tracking increases power production by over 20%, depending on tracker configuration,’’ -Shailesh Vaidya, CEO, SCORPIUS TRACKERS Source: The Hindu

EQ

August 2016

35

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Manipur joins “UDAY” scheme ; would derive an overall net benefit of rs 263 crore through “UDAY”

The Government of India, the State of Manipur and the DISCOM of Manipur signed Memorandum of Understanding under the Scheme UDAY – “Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana” today for operational turnaround of the DISCOM. Manipur is the fourteenth State to join UDAY. It is also the first North Eastern State to opt for UDAY for improving the efficiency of the DISCOM.

T

he combined DISCOM debt (including CPSU dues) that would be restructured in respect of these states is around Rs.2.16 lac crore as on 30th September, 2015.

Today the Government of Manipur has taken a positive step towards supporting its DISCOM by signing the MOU under UDAY for improving its operational efficiency. Through compulsory Distribution Transformer metering, consumer indexing & GIS mapping of losses, upgrade/ change transformers, meters etc., smart metering of high-end consumers, feeder audit etc. AT&C losses and transmission losses would be brought down, besides eliminating the gap between cost of supply of power and realisation. The reduction in AT&C losses and transmission losses to 15% and 3.20% respectively is likely to bring additional revenue of around Rs.208 crore during the period of turnaround.

While efforts will be made by the State Government and the DISCOM to improve the operational efficiency of the DISCOM, and thereby reduce the cost of supply of power, the Central government would also provide incentives to the DISCOM and the State Government for improving Power 36

EQ

August 2016

infrastructure in the State and for further lowering the cost of power. The Central schemes such as DDUGJY, IPDS, Power Sector Development Fund or such other schemes of MOP and MNRE are already providing funds for improving Power Infrastructure in the State and additional/ priority funding would be considered under these schemes, if the State/DISCOM meet the operational milestones outlined in the scheme. The State shall also be supported through additional coal at notified prices and in case of availability, through higher capacity utilization, low cost power from NTPC and other CPSUs. Other benefits such as coal swapping, coal rationalization, correction in coal grade slippage, availability of 100% washed coal would help the state to further reduce the cost of Power.

The State would gain around Rs.32 crore due to these coal reforms. Demand Side interventions in UDAY such as usage of energy-efficient LED bulbs, agricultural pumps, fans & air-conditioners and efficient industrial equipment through PAT (Perform, Achieve, Trade) would help in reducing peak load, flatten load curve and thus help in reducing energy consumption in the State of Manipur.

The gain is expected to be around Rs.17 crore. Improvement in operation efficiency would enable the DISCOM to borrow at cheaper rates in future, for their infrastructure development and improvement of existing infrastructure. The expected benefit to the State on this account is around Rs.6 crore during the turnaround period.

An overall net benefit of approximately Rs.263 crore would accrue to the State by opting to participate in UDAY, by way of cheaper funds, reduction in AT&C and transmission losses, interventions in energy efficiency, coal reforms etc. during the period of turnaround.

The ultimate benefit of signing the MOU would go to the people of Manipur. Reduced levels of transmission and AT&C losses would mean lesser cost per unit of electricity to consumers.

Improved operationally efficiency would also improve the DISCOM’s financial health. A healthy DISCOM would be in a position to supply more power.

Thus, the scheme would allow speedy availability of power to around 188 villages and 2.43 lac households in the State that are still without electricity.

Availability of 24×7 power to hitherto unconnected villages/ households etc. would boost the economy, provide more employment opportunities for the people of the State and thereby, improve the standard of living of the people of the State.

Source: PIB

www.EQMagPro.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Solar cell prices to fall as China produces more than demand “As a result, we expect tier-1 module prices to fall to Rs 27.50/Wp for shipments in Q1-2017, a significant decline of almost 10% in less than a year. Indian project developers will welcome the steep fall in prices, which will provide much needed relief after the intense price bidding seen recently.

C

hina is poised is to do solar photo-voltaic cell manufacturing what it did to steel, aluminium and coal. Produce so much that it leads to oversupply and prices crash. According to Bridge to India, a renewable analysis firm, recent market reports suggest that an oversupply situation is building up in photo-voltaic module manufacturing in China, especially for the second half of 2016 and this is likely to lead to significant price corrections in the market.

Analysts from IHS research believe that PV installations in China in Q3-2016 may drop by as much as 80%. For global sales, module prices shipping in the fourth quarter of 2016 have already declined by as much as 10%, since the first half of 2016. Price reduction in India is being further aided by a significant depreciation of the Chinese Yuan against the Indian rupee Indian solar project developers will be relieved to see prices coming down much more sharply than expected, providing an opportunity to improve returns despite aggressive bidding In the midst of this demand slowdown, tier-II and tier-III module suppliers from China have lowered prices due to their over exposure to the domestic market and tier-I companies are now being forced to narrow the gap. IHS noted that module prices for Q4-2016 have already declined by as much as 10%

Projects from the Telangana state cted allocations are expe ies iar fic ne be t to be bigges they of this price drop as tariffs r tte be ly ive have relat ects and a bulk of the projmism co are likely to be sioned in Q1 2017,” the Bridge to News report said.

“China has a target of supporting 18 gigawatt of solar installations in 2016 against 15 gigawatt of actual capacity addition in 2015. It is estimated that 13 gigawatt of solar capacity was installed in the first half itself. As a result, demand is expected to slow down sharply in the remaining part of the year,” since the first half of 2016 (refer). Fall in prices comes at a perfect time for Indian solar market as Q1-2017 is expected to be the biggest quarter for new capacity addition till date.

Bridge to India estimates new capacity addition of around 2 gigawatt in this quarter. Price reduction in India should be further aided by depreciation of Chinese Yuan against Rupee by about 3-4% over last year.

With near term trends pointing to market stagnation in China and Japan as well as trade restrictions continuing in US and Europe, India has emerged as a key growth market for the Chinese suppliers. Unless there is a change in Chinese demand sentiment or EU removes its trade barriers against Chinese suppliers, we expect prices to stay soft for the next few quarters.

Source: Economics Times

ROoftop solar scam: 50 more executive engineers likely to be suspended

M

any more executive engineers of different Escoms are set to face disciplinary action regarding the alleged scam in sanctioning rooftop solar units. The rooftop solar scheme had been misused by some engineers, who had colluded with investors to grant permission even in cases where there were no buildings at all. Though the State power regulator had reduced the procurement tariff for these units from the earlier Rs. 9.56 a unit to the range of Rs. 5.2 to Rs. 7.08 a unit depending upon their capacity, the engineers had allegedly signed the pacts with old dates to get higher tariff for these unauthorised plants.

Warned that about 50 executive engineers would face suspension within a week if the “illegal” agreements signed by them for setting up such plants were not cancelled.

Already, about 20 executive engineers have been suspended.

D.K. Shivakumar, Karnataka Energy Minister Source: The Hindu

www.EQMagPro.com

EQ

August 2016

37

NEWS & ANALYSIS

GIPCL will grow agri crop below solar panels For the utilisation of land under solar power plan, state-run Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited has decided to use the land for the agriculture purpose.

For this, the company is taking help from agriculture universities of the state.

U

nder guidance of the university scientists, GIPCL will grow grains and vegetables below solar panels on pilot basis at the Amarol village of Anand district. According to Anand Agriculture University’s (AAU) research director, the company will harvest, paddy, castor, bajra, guar and vegetables on some 2.5 hectares land on trial basis and if successful, the same will be replicated on more land cover. The current capacity of Vadodara and Mangrol plants is 815 MW. The Rs 1,350 crore company’s net profit stood at Rs 188.41 crore in FY16.

For the pilot project, GIPCL has installed one mega watt (Mw) solar power project the Amarol village of Anand district. The company has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AAU and the university will guide the GIPCL in agriculture part.

Gujarat government is also considering to come up with special policy on the basis of the DPR. Other agencies of the power department are also working on the similar projects in other parts of the state. AAU has levelled the farm land under solar power plant and will soon start harvesting of kharif crops such as bajra, guar, castor and paddy. The university will check the environment below the solar panels is favorable for the sowing or not and which crop can be sown.

According to the university officials, if this pilot project is successful, the utilisation of land under solar power projects will improve and farmers would stand to benefit.

“We have started pilot project of sowing agricultural crop. The basic idea behind it is utilisation of land under solar panels so that both farming and power generation can be done on agriculture land. We will take different season crops in kharif, winter and summer and AAU will help us in it. On the base of result we will extend the project next year. AAU will submit the detailed project report (DPR) to the state government next year.”

-M.J. Desai, Deputy General Manager of GIPCl

“Our scientists will observe the climate conditions below solar panels and its impact on plants. The entire process will start from next week and result will most probably come out in next three to four months. We are also trying to grow vegetables like potato, onion for trial. Any small crop is possible under the solar panels.”

-Dr. K.B. Kathiria, Director of Research, AAU Source: BS

JinkoSolar wins “Module Manufacturing Innovation Award” at the Solar+Power Awards 2016

R 38

EQ

August 2016

ecently, JinkoSolar’s Eagle Dual has won the “Module Manufacturing Innovation Award” at the Solar+ Power Awards 2016 in Europe.

Eagle Dual has got 48% of all votes, clearly leading the category of module manufacturing innovation. The honor of receiving the award underlines the superiority of the Eagle Dual modules on the global PV market.

JinkoSolar’s Eagle Dual is by far the most

superior dual-glass module on the market.

Besides the highest efficiency and power output of this kind, it is also the only framed dual-glass module. Comparing with the usual frameless structure, JinkoSolar’s Eagle Dual is free of EVA aging, yellowing and weld strip oxygenation due to EVA exposure to air, providing clients the most reliable solution on the market and great ROI.

www.EQMagPro.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Azure Power Inaugurates 10 MW Solar Rooftop Project in Punjab Azure Power, a leading Indian solar power company, recently inaugurated a 10 MW solar rooftop power plant in Mohali, Punjab. This is one of the country’s largest grid-connected solar rooftop projects.The event was graced by Hon’ble Minister for New & Renewable Energy, Punjab, Bikram Singh Majithia and Hon’ble Agriculture Minister, Punjab, S. Tota Singh.

A

lso, the ceremony was commemorated in the presence of Azure Power’s senior leadership including Mr. H S Wadhwa, COO and Mr. Preet Sandhu, Co-founder, Azure Power.

The 10 MW solar rooftop project is spread across eight locations in the state of Punjab.

The electricity generated by the plant will be sold to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited at a tariff of INR 7.59 kWh for a period of 25 years.Azure Power currently maintains a leading position in the state of Punjab. Starting from a 2MW project in 2009 in Awan, Azure Power has expanded its total solar portfolio to 225 MW in the state, currently making it the largest owner and operator of solar power plants in Punjab.

The Punjab government’s support through various solar policies under Punjab Energy Development Agency have facilitated in the implementation of these projects.

“We are delighted to make this contribution towards the realization of our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s commitment towards clean and green energy, through solar power generation. Azure Power’s strong track record of executing projects in Punjab, is a testament to our efficiency and reliability as a solar power producer. Our sincere gratitude to the State of Punjab, for all the cooperation and support extended.”

“Azure Power was the first to commission a solar power plant in the state of Punjab in 2009.

Since then the company has commissioned over eight projects and hence has supported Punjab state’s renewable energy targets.”Azure Power has the longest operating history of solar power plants across various states in India. The company currently has a total solar portfolio of 1 GW+ and has the largest operating solar power project under the National Solar Mission, a 100 MW plant in Rajasthan.

www.EQMagPro.com

- Inderpreet Wadhwa, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Azure Power

-Bikram Singh Majithia, Hon’ble Minister for New & Renewable Energy

India: Eight states to offer Rs 5,000-crore green-grid projects “The grid can handle 30,000 megawatt (Mw) of renewable energy. An additional system for 10,000 Mw will be issued

by September, 50 per cent has already been issued,” said an official of the renewable energy ministry.

T

he country’s renewable energy capacity is 40,000 MW, of which wind power’s share is 26,000 MW and solar power’s 7,000 MW.The green corridor, a Rs 40,000 crore transmission network for renewable energy, was envisaged by state-owned Power Grid Corporation in 2011. The project was divided into two parts to speed it up. Eight states will issue tenders worth Rs 5,000 crore for projects in a renewable energy transmission network. Six of these states have issued notices for tenders, inviting companies to bid for parts of this green corridor.Tamil Nadu, which issued the largest tender worth Rs 1,593 crore, has informed the renewable energy ministry it has awarded the contract.Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh will issue their tenders later this year. Rajasthan has awarded a contract worth Rs 383 crore and Andhra Pradesh has awarded a contract worth Rs 529 crore. Power Grid is setting up the first corridor connecting states rich in renewable energy. Work is also on for a second corridor connecting solar parks in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Gujarat.The intra-state projects are worth Rs 11,000 crore. German bank KfW and the National Clean Energy Fund will pick up 40 per cent of the tab each and the states 20 per cent.These projects will be awarded through transparent bidding to speed up transmission for upcoming solar parks. The move is in line with the government’s plan to open up power transmission to private investment.Adani Power, Sterlite Power, Essel Infra and Tata Power are likely to bid for these projects. These companies won several transmission projects last year.

Source:BS

EQ

August 2016

39

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Talesun Solar Donates 20kW PV Modules to Thailand Temples to contribute to eco-villages sustainable energy iniatives Jiangsu, China, July 2016, the world’s leading professional photovoltaic manufacturer, Talesun Solar declared that the PV module donation activity of “the Belt and Road, Tea Ceremony & Zen Meditation with Solar PV” has formally completed the handover. It is reported that all this 20 kW PV modules are TalesunSolar’s TP672P type. The receivers are Thailand MAB UAENG ecological and agricultural temple and WONGSAINT ASHROM ecological temple.

M

AB UAENG, who received 10 kW of photovoltaic systems, is located in the north part of Thailand. The Temple Master, Songkrom has spent 15 years to build the current ecological & agricultural temple, which is designed to educate people on how to develop agriculture appropriately, and how to protect the earth ecology. The temple adheres to the natural agriculture and self-sufficiency philosophy, and actively participates in repairing and solving climate warming and ecological problems.

Master Songkrom said: “Talesun Solar is the world’s leading PV manufacturer. The donation shows clearly TalesunSolar’s strength, it is also a great support to the better world environment. We are very thankful for what Talesun Solar has done with their contribution to the world environment.”

WONGSAINT ASHROM ecological temple was built in 1985, and also has been endowed with 10 kW of photovoltaic systems.

WONGSAINT ASHROM ecological temple sets Buddhism, meditation training, cultural diversity and environmental sustainability as one, and combined with spiritual practices and community involvement, demonstrated a simple concept and simple way of life. For this donation, the Temple Master Moo commented: “Clean energy is the future, but also we need everybody to get involved. As a modern temple, we are at the frontline of the world.

We hope that more companies like Talesun Solar can support ecological development.”

“We are very delighted to be able to participate in the donation. As an advanced new energy enterprise, we are deserved to contribute to the world’s clean energy. Meantime, Thailand has always been the key market for Talesun Solar.

From Talesun HQ China, founded in 2010 to Talesun Thailand founded last year, this target market has never changed. The donation is only a beginning, and we hope that in the future we can be more involved in the progress of green energy, to contribute to a greener earth.”

Mr. Zhou also shared his long term vision: “We are grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to eco-village sustainable energy initiatives, and we are looking forward to contribute also in other markets such as India who also counts several beautiful temples.

-Mr. Zhou Jianxin, President of Talesun Solar

Talesun Solar is one of the top 10 world’s leading PV manufacturers.

It has been on market since 2009 (The Shenzhen Stock Exchange: 002309). TalesunSolar’s business scope includes solar cells, solar modules, EPC and turn-key solutions of PV projects.

40

EQ

August 2016

www.EQMagPro.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Solar Photovoltaic Arrives As a Mainstream Technology: A Look at the Game Changers Solar power is finally maturing as a key energy source on the global stage. In addition to green targets, energy independence, and distributed energy, a crucial market accelerator has been the defining of the structure of feed-in tariff for solar photovoltaic generated power.

A

long with regulatory dynamics and incentives, this has lowered the levelised cost of electricity of solar power. With higher economies of scale, the cost of solar power systems for both residential and utility-scale PV will reach grid parity by 2020 and increase uptake of decentralised solar energy.

As a result, stakeholders from raw material suppliers, solar cell manufacturers, solar module manufacturers, and balance of system equipment suppliers to system integrators and installers are positioned for robust growth.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Global Solar Power Market—2016 Update (http://www.frost.com/sublib/display-report.do?id=MBA6-01-00-0000&src=PR), finds that market revenues stood at $113.75 billion in 2015 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% to reach $179.13 billion in 2020. Installed capacity with grow from 50,780 MW to 76,600 MW at a CAGR of 8.6% for the same period.

For complimentary access to more information on this research, please visit: http://corpcom.frost.com/forms/EU_PR_AZanchi_MBA6-14_19Jul16

Geographically, Asia will see aggressive expansion of solar PV fuelled by economic growth, urbanisation and greater electrification: Asia’s market share will rise to 64.1% by 2020 with China, India and Japan together accounting for more than 80% of all solar installations planned over the next 5 years.

China and Japan will lead with compelling FiT rates and capacity based rebate programs.

North America will witness a robust growth with the extension of investment tax credit eligibility for solar generators until 2019. By 2020, the region will have about 20 million residential prosumers. Fiscal incentives, technological advancements, and new solar leasing models will be strong drivers.

Europe, however, will suffer a setback due to withdrawal of subsidies and incentives. Huge overcapacity, coupled with price decline of solar modules, will see suppliers struggling to make profits.

Investments in grid infrastructure, especially in remote off grid locations, will energise demand in the emerging markets of Latin America and Africa.

www.EQMagPro.com

“The solar PV supply chain participants are expected to develop new technologies that will lower costs and integrate PVs with flexible infrastructure grids. Innovative business models to integrate solar power will also open opportunities in smart metering, demand response and net metering.”

Energy & Power Growth Partnership Service program

“Pro-solar incentives and the recently made pledges at the COP 21 summit will ensure that the market for solar PV continues to grow exponentially over the next 5 years, Grid integration of renewables and investment in energy storage initiatives are othermarket enablers.”

Frost & Sullivan’s Energy & Environment Analyst “Extreme weather variations, declining energy reserves, and increase of distributed generation technologies will compel utilities to seek newer models supporting energy efficiency and energy management initiatives.”

Noted the Analyst

Frost & Sullivan’s related studies include: 2016 Global Distributed Energy Outlook, Global Energy Storage Industry Outlook 2016, 2016 Global Outlook of the Critical Power Market, Utilities as a Client, Future of the Smart Grid Industry, 2016 Global Outlook of the Energy & Environment Industry, Annual Global Power Generation Forecasts 2016, Global Demand Response Trends, Global Smart Electricity Meter Market. All studies included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

EQ

August 2016

41

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Gamesa secures 100 MW turnkey orders from Orange Renewable in India Gamesa, the renewable energy leader in India, has received turnkey orders from Orange Renewable for its upcoming wind projects in Maliya, Gujarat and in Gurmitkal, Karnataka.Gamesa will deliver complete turnkey solutions for a 40 MW project in Gujarat and a 60 MW project in Karnataka with the supply of 20 units of G114-2.0 MW T106 and 30 units of G97-2.0MW T104 turbines, respectively.

B

oth the projects are scheduled to be commissioned by March 2017. This order forms part of the 460 MW consolidated orders announced for India vide our global press release.Promoted by AT Holdings Pte. Ltd, Singapore, Orange Renewable (Orange) is focused on developing, constructing and operating renewable energy projects in the field of wind and solar. The strong Orange team has expertise in project development, capital mobilization, contract awards and management, project management and power plant operations.

“We are glad to be partners in growth with Orange Renewable and these repeat orders signify customer trust in us. With a turbine made for India, we expect to deliver better generation for our clients and contribute positively to India’s renewable energy capacity addition targets.

This will bolster our role in bringing wind energy to the forefront and improve energy security of the country.

We will further continue to focus on sustainable innovations for the wind sector and try to amplify India’s renewable energy capabilities.”

-Mr. Ramesh Kymal, Chairman and Managing Director, Gamesa India

We are delighted to partner with Gamesa for our latest wind projects. The ongoing relationship demonstrates our confidence in Gamesa as our technology partner. Our promising foray into Gujarat and Karnataka validates our growing portfolio in key growth markets and we look forward to delivering optimal energy solutions to the country. ”

-Mr. Sudhir Nunes,, Chief Executive Officer (Wind Business), Orange Renewable

42

EQ

August 2016

KGAL establishes new renewable energy fund ESPF 4

K

GAL is launching its fourth Enhanced Sustainable Power Fund (ESPF 4) and expands its market-leading position in this segment throughout Europe. The new fund enables institutional investors to benefit from the existing growth opportunities and the stability offered by renewable energies. For the first time, the investment strategy encompasses the entire value chain spectrum within wind power, solar, hydropower and other renewable energy technologies. Investments in mature markets will focus on the development and construction phases, with brownfield investments in growth markets completing the portfolio. The fund will focus on European projects.

The fund has a target volume of EUR 500 million and is designed for institutional investors. KGAL has maintained a longstanding presence in renewable energy markets and developed an extensive project pipeline for investing in both development projects and the secondary market. Moreover, ESPF 4 is investing in a renewable energies market which is expected to demonstrate significant growth, both in Europe and globally. The share of capacity accounted for by renewable energies within Europe is forecast to grow from 45 % in 2015 to 70 % in 2040, indicating an estimated additional capacity expansion of up to 1.000 GW and a corresponding capital requirement of more than EUR 1.0 billion until 2040.

Europe has a well-developed and competitive renewable energy market and has made a binding political commitment to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil energy sources.

Moreover, increasing urbanisation and electrification are powerful arguments signalling rising demand for electricity and attractive long-term electricity prices. A comparison of electricity production costs reveals that the costs of wind and solar energy are already comparable to fossil energy sources such as coal.

“The pace of change in the renewable energy markets requires a flexible, regionally diversified investment strategy optimised to account for investment cycles. The growing interest in renewable energy assets has squeezed returns in brownfield investments, with the result that risk-appropriate returns may not always be achieved. The premise of ESPF 4 takes this development into account and offers investors opportunity-based participation in the growth in renewable energies,” -Michael Ebner,

MD of KGAl Investment Management GmbH and in charge of the infrastructure division within the KGAl Group.

“KGAL has been investing in renewable energies for 14 years. It conducts active asset management of its pan-European project portfolio totalling around EUR 2.4 billion and has achieved an impressive performance record and extensive expertise. With more than 50 employees in its infrastructure division, it is ideally placed to create value for its investors with this broader investment strategy.”

-Gert Waltenbauer, CEO of the KGAl Group

www.EQMagPro.com

www.EQMagPro.com

EQ

August 2016

43

NEWS & ANALYSIS

JA Solar Reaches Important Milestone: Monocrystalline PV Product Shipments Total 7GW Over Last Decade JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. , one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-performance solar power products, recently announced that as of middle of July this year, the company’s shipments of monocrystalline PV products over the last ten years had totaled 7GW.

T

44

EQ

August 2016

he strong shipment performance is the result of JA Solar’s unremitting commitment to the development of higherefficiency solar products. JA Solar was founded in 2005, and started production in March 2006. The company focuses on the research and development of monocrystalline cell products, and has accumulated rich experience in the area.

Since 2010, JA Solar has been one of the world’s leading solar cell producers and the largest P-type monocrystalline cell manufacturer. The world-class cell technologies enable JA Solar to manufacture PV modules with high conversion efficiency, high power output and high reliability. After transforming its main business from cells to modules, JA Solar’s shipments of monocrystalline modules reached 500MW in 2013, making the company the world’s largest P-type monocrystalline module provider. In 2014, the company shipped more than 1GW of monocrystalline modules, and the figure for 2016 is expected to near 2GW. Percium, launched in October 2013 as a flagship product, is a high-efficiency monocrystalline module developed by JA Solar. Percium modules incorporate cells using Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (“PERC”) technology and JA’s PERC cells have delivered continuous improvement in conversion efficiency over the past three years. In June 2014, volume production began for Percium high-efficiency cells, making JA Solar the industry leader in furnishing an average conversion efficiency of over 20% for a mass-produced P-type cell.

Percium family products now have average conversion efficiencies of up to 21%; the average power output of 60cell modules exceeds 295W, and that of 72-cell modules exceeds 345W. Percium modules feature better low-light performance, a lower temperature coefficient, lower light attenuation, and better PID resistance. For comparison, they generate 2% more electricity per rated “watt” than conventional monocrystalline modules.

In 2015, China launched an initiative, the “Front Runner” project, with the aim of bringing about a transformation of the PV industry and driving the industry to develop higher efficiency and lower cost per watt products. This undoubtedly provides a significant growth opportunity for JA Solar. As one of the few manufacturers in China that have the capacity to mass-produce high-efficiency monocrystalline PV modules, JA Solar provided 422MV modules for the national advanced PV technology demonstration project in Datong, Shanxi province, including 303MW monocrystalline modules. The first phase of the project has a total installed capacity of 1GW, for which JA Solar is providing 42% of modules needed, with monocrystalline modules accounting for more than 30% of the project’s total.

In addition, JA Solar produces five types of PV modules that meet or exceed China’s “Front Runner” standards.

“JA Solar is one of the monocrystalline PV products manufacturers with the longest history, and is also the largest P-type monocrystalline modules provider in the world . Reaching the shipments of 7GW monocrystalline modules demonstrates consumers’ confidence in the quality of such products and the popularity of our high-efficiency products on the market. As the trend of monocrystalline module recovers in China, we intend to further bolster our track record of innovations in technology, with the goals of better conversion efficiency and improved manufacturing processes. JA Solar is proud to play a key role in the transformation and improvement of China’s PV and manufacturing sectors.”

-Mr. Jian Xie, President of JA Solar

www.EQMagPro.com

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Shapoorji Pallonji Group, Adani Group and Panchavaktra Power keen on local production of polysilicon t least three Indian companies are planning to manufacture polysilicon, which so far is not produced in this country: the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, the Adani Group and Panchavaktra Power, a subsidiary of the conglomerate Panchavaktra Holdings.

“To make polysilicon, we expect an offtake guarantee from the government,”

P

-Jayant Parimal, CEO, Adani Green Energy olysilicon, made from sand, is the basic building block of solar energy projects. While India has around 7565 MW of installed solar capacity and has set itself a target of 100,000 MW by 2022, its solar manufacturing capacity is modest. Most of the solar modules used by Indian developers are imported. Solar manufacturing comprises four stages – production of polysilicon, slicing polysilicon into silicon wafers, making solar cells using the wafers and making solar modules using the cells. While India has some limited solar cell and module manufacturing capacity, polysilicon is not made in India at all. The reason is that achieving the scale required to be price competitive in polysilicon manufacture calls for huge investment. Polysilicon units also guzzle power. Their setting up will require foreign technical collaboration. Shapoorji Pallonji is planning a 2000 MW solar manufacturing capacity across the value chain, according to sources close to the development. The company, however, remained non committal in its emailed reply to ET’s query.

The Adani Group too is looking at incorporating the entire solar manufacturing process from polysilicon to modules and has set up a special purpose vehicle, Mundra Solar Pvt Ltd, to handle the project. All three, however, will start by making cells and modules and integrate backwards into polysilicon manufacture when conditions are right.

“ We are talking to four state governments on how to go about polysilicon manufacture,” said Kumar.

“The cost of power and cost of land

“We want to produce around 6000 tonne of polysilicon annually which will require about $1 billion investment,”

-Anand Kumar, CEO, Panchavaktra Power ltd.

are issues. A lot of land will be needed, around 200 acres. We will need subsidized power too at less than Rs 1.50 per unit to make it viable. Currently the cost is around Rs 4 per unit. Orissa, for example, provides capital capital subsidies to other industries, so why not solar manufacturing too? There needs to be price advantage as well as economy of scale for polysilicon.”

“It is a highly competitive market globally and needs government support to take off in India”. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Niti Aayog are known to be working together on a new solar manufacturing policy, which the industry anxiously awaits, hoping it will provide enough sops to galvanize growth. India’s current manufacturing capacity is 1212 MW of solar cells 5620 MW of solar modules. Apart from polysilicon, on which work will start only in the third of phase of its solar manufacturing programme, the Adani Group also plans 2000 MW of solar cell manufacturing capacity is 1212 MW of solar cells 5620 MW of solar modules. Apart from polysilicon, on which work will start only in the third of phase of its solar manufacturing programme, the Adani Group also plans 2000 MW of solar cell manufacturing capacity.

Panchavaktra Power is looking at 1500 MW of solar making capacity across seven manufacturing units.

Others preparing to enter cell and module making in India include Trina Solar and Solargise India.

Source: Economic Times

“We are betting big on the policy the government is expected to come out with. We are investing $200-300 million to set up cells and modules. We have located the land in Andhra and are assessing it.”

-Gaurav Mathur, Head of Sales, India, Trina Solar

www.EQMagPro.com

EQ

August 2016

45

Organised By

5th EQ Cleantech Finance Summit 2016

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

MUMBAI DECEMBER 07-08, 2016 Renewable Energy Finance & Investment Conference EXPECTING 100

+ SPEAKERS 200+ DELEGATES

INTERViEW

INTERVIEW WITH DR. KAZUHIRO IMAIE Managing Director, Hitachi Hi-Rel. Power Electronic Pvt. Ltd.

EQ: Please describe in brief about yourself and association with Hitachi.

EQ:Kindly enlighten rforour readers on the pe India in ers ert Inv ur yo mance of locations, in various geographic k. customer feedbac erters is efier or ance o o r n nt generation. lle ce ex ing giv nitely good…. more than a 1 of se ba We have installations un led aro d 962 Invert GW in India and instal es (65 locations) at sit t en ers units at differ experience some all terrains. Yes, we did ms of Inverters ter in lly tia ini s challenge ferences in Instalbreakdown due to dif ed in India. We lation practice follow s challenge thi to e om erc have ov minor me so ed and introduc ms. changes in new syste

KI: I have taken over the responsibility of Managing Director of Hitachi Hi- Rel Power Electronics, India in April 2016. Having strong Power Electronics background (Ph.D. in Power Electronics), I have been associated with Hitachi Japan for more than 26 years and worked in different roles, be in Technology or Business.

I am happy to be at the helm of Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics (HHPE), which is now a 100% Hitachi Group Company and is recognized as a Pioneer in Power Electronics, and is on its way to the next level of success.

EQ: Please share how Hitachi made Hitachi Hi-Rel in India a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Hitachi.

KI: The demand for power electronics products is expected to increase in keeping with the development of various industries in India and Southeast Asia as well as the recent rapid growth of renewable energy market worldwide.

In this market background, Hitachi has decided to take direct control of Hitachi Hi-Rel operations by acquiring 100% stake in Oct 2015, after having major stake in way back in 2011. This was done mainly to reinforce power

www.EQMagPro.com

of trust in our market segment and now with direct control of Hitachi management, we continue to offer world class power electronics products, value added services & customized solutions at Hitachi Quality. Our vision is to be recognized as the most trusted power electronics company by supplying superior products and services.

We target to lead all our current market segment be it grid tied solar inverters, UPS for industrial (nonIT) and enterprise (IT & commercial) applications, medium & low voltage variable frequency drives and other product domain.

EQ: Please describe your Establishments in India. electronics business through increasing product competitiveness and expanding application fields by enhancing Hitachi Hi-Rel’s R&D, design, and manufacturing structures with making full use of the Hitachi Group’s sales/service network.

By further expanding power electronics business, Hitachi will contribute to the development of industry in India and throughout the world.

EQ: Please describe in brief about your company, its vision and product range.

KI: Having more than 3 decades of experience as Hi-Rel Electronics Pvt. Ltd, we have garnered a significant level

KI: I am particularly pleased with the fact that we are contributing to the “Make in India” initiative of the Govt. of India since 2011, much before its launch. I am proud to note that HHPE has been a strong contender in the market for the last 33 years with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, both at Sanand & Gandhinagar, to manufacture power electronics products conforming to global standards to cater to the Indian and global market. Our ultra-modern Sanand Manufacturing Works Spread over 26,000 Sq mtr. is modelled on Hitachi’s Omika Works in Japan and is one of the most modern power electronics manufacturing facilities in India. This Company is a key hub, for both “Manufacturing” as well as “Research & Development”, within the

EQ

August 2016

47

INTERViEW Power Electronics division of Hitachi Group and we will leverage it to drive Innovation and Growth. This geographical advantage, value added solutions and technological leadership help us in serving the customers in India and across the globe – USA, Africa, Middle East, South East Asia and Australia.

For Solar, presently, we are operating on our maximum manufacturing capacity (150 MW / month). We have expansion plan in place and our production capacity for both Center Inverters and Variable Drives would be double in next year.

EQ: Kindly brief about your offerings in Solar Industry.

KI: We are offering highly optimized energy solutions based on Hitachi technology. For Solar, we offer grid tied solar Inverters (HIVERTER NP 201i) which is available from 250 kW to 1.25 MW capacities. With 3 level IGBT technology and wider MPPT range, HHPE inverters are delivering considerably high reliability and maximum power generation.

Hitachi 1.25 MW Solar Inverter is among the most popular grid tied Solar Inverters currently in India for its various technical advantages and major saving in EBOP. We offer highly reliable after sale support from dedicated & decentralized after-sales-service centres located at strategic locations across the country.

EQ: Present some noteworthy projects, case studies of solar plants built using your solar Inverters KI: I proud to inform you that we have been chosen as Inverter partner for world largest Solar power plant in India (648 MW) by leading business group and we have supplied 360 MW worth of Inverters in record time of 3 months. In last financial year, we have worked on one more mile stone project in country and supplied Inverters for 150 MW NTPC Ananthpur project through EPCs & successfully commissioned within time frame. This was the first solar plant of NTPC under UMPP scheme.

EQ: What are your plans for India, your view on the Indian Government aggressive target of 100 GW Solar Power by 2022

EQ: Any message to Indian Industry?

KI: I firmly believe that our success lies in the success of our valued customers, strategic partners, business associates and employees.This we can achieve by working together in a cohesive and vibrant environment. I have a vision to not only lead from the front, but also lead by setting examples – be it by offering state-of-the-art products, well-timed services and through happy and content employees We appreciate the constant and valuable support extended by our business partners in the past and hope to receive the same in our future endeavors too. I promise to deliver the best to Industry from Hitachi Hi-Rel. Wishing all readers a successful year 2016-17.

KI: Looking ahead, we are expecting a historically strong year in Indian solar market be a State Policies, UMPP or SECI projects. I am confident that, with our leading technology, strong brand name & superior products, we will further solidify our market leading position. HHPE experienced truly unique achievement – a much deserved entry into 1000 MW Club. We are poised to achieve even bigger targets (1.5 GW) leveraging the experience gained in past.

We are confident to meet industry demands looking forward to consolidate & fortify our brand for promising future in coming years.

EQ: What is your vision and future plans for Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics?

KI: As the Managing Director of Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics, my vision is to take Hitachi Hi-Rel to a new height, to position our organization as one of the most admired company in the world, number 1 power electronics company in India, and as one of the top performing of Hitachi group companies with power electronics business at the centre contributing significant growth in revenue and profit.

With expertise, experience and an efficient product line, we will always try to be a leader in power electronics sector. One of our values – Customer Delight, encourages us to realize our customer’s expectations and to serve them better - All Time, Every Time.

48

EQ

August 2016

www.EQMagPro.com

WIND ENERGY

Improving Operational Excellence in Wind Farms The global renewable energy industry has seen unprecedented growth over the last several years. According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), the cumulative installed capacity of wind power projects has increased from 24 GW in 2001 to 432 GW in 2015 and is expected to grow to 703 GW by 2020 (Global Data).

M

uch of this growth has resulted from great state and national level policies, tax incentives and high electricity prices.

However, many of these incentives have since been reduced and now wind power companies face pressure to improve profitability, while scaling operational excellence. Mechanical engineering and physics based improvements have long been used to increase plant operations. However, these improvements plateau after a period of time thus providing diminishing returns. In the increasingly connected world of today, sensors are ushering in a new era of operation excellence based on real time, plant specific data. Companies now recognize that using data to improve operations can bring returns far greater than any physic improvements made to the components.

www.EQMagPro.com

AUTHORS-

R Vijay Domain Expert Wind MachinePulse

Sahiba Chopra Data scientist MachinePulse

We are in the age of the Internet of Things where sensors are recording data from every modern device, and the renewable energy industry is not one to be left behind.

EQ

August 2016

49

WIND ENERGY

G

overnments around the world are slowly scaling down renewable energy incentives such as tax benefits and generation based incentives while renewable energy electricity prices are falling.Companies are thus focusing on minimizing operations and maintenance (O&M) costs and maximizing power production. Data analytics enables O&M teams to achieve both goals by taking a closer look at the data from every plant device. According to a recent report by McKinsey, depending upon the plant’s existing level of performance, better O&M could account for as much as a 20% increase in IRR. The type of data analytics for better wind farm O&M falls into three categories: a) forecasting, b) alarms based on threshold values, and c) condition monitoring.

Power and weather forecasts are useful for plant owners to understand what the future generation of a turbine will be. These forecasts are used regularly in energy trading markets which are an additional source of income generated from the wind farms.

The second type of data analytics is identification of threshold values for alarm systems. Data from plants is collected and mapped to identify trends during normal operation, that is operation during which time a failure does not occur. These figures are used to create threshold values and raise an alarm any data point from the plant falls outside the range contained by the thresholds. These alarms based on threshold values signal any issues that need attention, including but not limited to failures and system downtime.

The third type of data analytics is condition monitoring to predict a failure well before it occurs, thereby reducing downtime. By identifying changes in significant parameters that lead to equipment malfunctions, it is easy to prevent major failures, especially during high wind season when maintenance charges skyrocket. Furthermore, it provides an in-depth description every turbine’s behavior. For example, the average lifetime of a turbine is said to be is 20-25 years, but these figures are difficult to justify. With condition monitoring, the data is analyzed to understand individual turbine behavior, the pressure it has been exposed to, etc. in order to better approximate how long it will keep performing at its peak. This analysis can also contribute to customized repair and maintenance schedules based on the component’s health instead of a fixed 50

EQ

August 2016

schedule. Out of the three data analytics categories, condition monitoring has the power to provide maximum monetary benefits to wind farm owners by enabling maximum uptime.

Furthermore, condition monitoring can be categorized into three types: a) physics model, b) statistical model c) artificial intelligence model.

The physics model is mainly used for engineering purposes. For example, to find out the impact that force has on a component’s load and fatigue. If all the data is available, a physics model is highly accurate. The drawbacks are that a physics model is not scalable because each component of a wind power plant behaves differently. For example, a gearbox’s specification differs depending on its manufacturer. It is thus difficult to use a physics model created for one gearbox on another gearbox built by a different manufacturer. Furthermore, physics models are computation heavy which makes them less than ideal when deployed at scale. A physics model also requires in-depth knowledge of a component’s behavior as well as a complete list of component parameters that can be difficult to acquire.

The second type of model, statistical models are currently the most popular choice because they have been tried and tested. These models can use existing SCADA data to predict a component’s lifetime behavior. Unlike the physics model, statistical models can be highly accurate without component specific information. These models are easy to scale and can be built for any equipment

that has sensors attached. Typically, in the wind industry, condition monitoring is performed exclusively for the gearbox.

Statistical models expand that scope to all the components within a wind turbine. The drawbacks of statistical models are that they are computationally heavy and can be difficult for the end user to understand.

However, the biggest drawback of statistical models is that they are only as good as the data used to build them.

The model will be unable to predict future failures unless it has learnt them from the past data. For a statistical model to give accurate results over a period of time, the model will have to be “refreshed” by re-building it at regular intervals using new data that will capture all the known failures. This is not only time consuming but is also a significant crutch when trying to scale the models.

The third, and most effective method to predict failures is Artificial intelligence (AI). Like the statistical models, AI models use existing SCADA data and don’t require detailed information about the device which makes them easy to scale across different plant equipment.

What sets AI models apart from statistical models is that they don’t need any manual “refreshment”. AI models can improve with every additional data point. These models are built to learn from new data and improve any past errors so that they are not repeated in the future. This makes AI models very accurate but at the cost of heavy computation and in most cases, it is challenging to explain the complex mathematics behind the results. For example, one of the most popular AI models is artificial neural networks (ANN). This model processes data similar to how the human brain processes information. For every new experience, the human brain begins by first recording information, acting on that information and then replicating actions based on new information. Similarly, as more data is fed to an ANN, the more it learns and the more accurate its results get. Since ANN is a “black box”, which is to say that it is difficult to say what is going on in each neuron, it is difficult to explain the results. However, there are numerous methods used to ensure that the results can be trusted, even if, their accuracy can’t be explained.

Ultimately, data analy tics can boost a wind farm’s uptime thereby adding value for any future transactions. Thus, O&M powered by data analytics is the key differentiator between well performing and underperforming wind farms.

www.EQMagPro.com

ROOFTOP & OFFGR

FUTURE OF SOLAR ROOFTOP

The solar energy target set by the Government includes 40 GW to be generated through rooftop solar systems, which is equivalent to 4 lakh large scale rooftop solar generation units with 100kW capacity each, costing INR 252 thousand crores altogether, even after the 30% subsidy through the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) provided by the MNRE. In terms of micro-power solar systems with 10kW capacity, the number of units needed would be 40 lakhs to achieve this target.

T

www.EQMagPro.com

he rooftop investment viability is based on the avoided cost of buying from the grid, and needs no subsidy from the central or state government. Rooftop solar units power the owner’s premises - the last mile of the discoms’ supply -and hence strengthen the distribution network of the discoms. They also cut carbon dioxide emissions. A 100 KW rooftop solar unit could save 3000 tonne of CO2 over its 25-year lifetime.

Just imagine, rooftop units will democratise investment in solar power, and millions of Indians can become stakeholders. Compare this to the limited number of public and privatefunded companies involved in setting up large MW scale solar plants in India. India’s rooftop target is 40,000 MW, and ground-mounted solar generation target is 60,000 MW. It requires more than four lakh acres of unencumbered land to reach this target. A lot of roof is available, but not enough land banks, for setting up tens of thousands of large solar projects.

So far, 26 States have notified their regulations to provide Net Metering/ Gross metering facilities to support solar rooftops installations. Also over 13 states in India adopt Net Metering policies, debates will rage on regarding how welcoming the utilities should be of rooftop solar. And the most obvious benefit of net metering is to consumers.

EQ

August 2016

51

WIND ENERGY

If you install net metering in your home, you can reduce the amount of money you spend each year on energy.

You can even make money if you produce more than you consume and your utility company pays you for that excess energy at the retail rate.

The capital subsidy of 30% will be provided for general category States/UTs and 70% for special category States i.e., North-Eastern States including Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

52

EQ

August 2016

T

oday it is possible to generate solar power from the solar rooftop systems at about Rs.6.50/kWh. This is cheaper than the diesel gen-sets based electricity generation. It is also cheaper than the cost at which most DISCOMs would make power available to the industrial, commercial and high-end domestic consumers. With the new initiative, India will emerge as a major country utilizing the roof space for solar rooftop systems on such a. large scale.However, there is a large potential available for generating solar power using underutilized space on rooftops. Small quantities of power generated by each individual household, industrial building, commercial building or any other type of building can be used to partly fulfill the requirement of the building occupants and surplus if any, can be fed into the grid.

In some models, third-party developers lease rooftops from building owners, which provides long-term rental income.

Generally, large projects face significant hurdles and delays due to land acquisition as well as clearances and approvals from various authorities. In India, for example, several authorities across village and state levels need to be consulted for land related approvals. In comparison, rooftop solar projects require relatively few clearances; projects are usually permitted through automatic standard provisions in most states. Site selection and related clearances under building by-laws can also be standard rather than project-specific.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despite the recent drop in oil price, we expect solar electricity to become competitive with retail electricity in an increasing number of markets globally due to declining solar panel costs as well as improving financing and customer acquisition costs. Unsubsidized rooftop solar electricity costs between $0.08-$0.13/kWh, 30-40% below retail price of electricity in many markets globally. In markets heavily dependent on coal for electricity generation, the ratio of coal based wholesale electricity to solar electricity cost was 7:1 four years ago. This ratio is now less than 2:1 and could likely approach 1:1 over the next 12-18 months.â&#x20AC;?

-**A report by Duestch Bank read,

www.EQMagPro.com

WIND ENERGY

Grid connected Rooftop Issue

T

he net-metering model of rooftop solar implementation has helped bring citizens, corporate and other stakeholders together to support the green energy revolution in India. By developing policies like specific economic incentives to attract stakeholders to install solar panels on rooftop spaces; consume solar energy and sell any surplus energy to the grid, the sector can easily be prioritized by the government.

Recognizing quality rooftop solar developers in a transparent manner could also help. Also, an analysis of available rooftop space in respective jurisdictions could be taken up by states to allow developers and investors to estimate the potential, and then approach rooftop owners in a targeted fashion. Defining standards for net meters clearly will also help avoid any technical snags in the development of this model. **These insights are captured in a comprehensive white paper by IFC which was launched recently by Mr. Tarun Kapoor, Joint Secretary for the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India at the prestigious Inter Solar’14 in Mumbai.

How easy is it to finance a self owner rooftop SolarPlant

H

owever, there are no central or state government schemes which promote attractive financing options for purchasing and installing rooftop solar PV modules on private rooftops. Given the high interest rates, it becomes unattractive to implement such projects due to poor returns–even for commercial rooftop owners who pay electricity tariffs close to, or higher than, solar PV generation costs. For a rooftop owner, the key benefits of a rooftop solar system are the utilization of idle rooftop space to generate power, reduce electricity expenses, and provide additional revenues from the sale of power or from roof rentals. If the price of solar modules declines further, and innovations and mass deployment of energy storage technology continue, rooftop solar can play a significant role in India’s quest for energy independence.

www.EQMagPro.com

Obstacle to Roof-top Solar

T

here is barriers constrain the development of rooftop solar projects in India.

» The JNNSM scheme fixed similar tariffs for both ground-mounted and rooftop projects. The scheme garnered enthusiastic response in the ground-mounted segment, but almost none in the rooftop segment. Similarly, while solar tariff orders in several states provide for grid-connected rooftop projects, not many have been taken up. Since the same technology and systems are used for both ground-mounted and rooftop projects, the lack of inclination towards the rooftop projects clearly shows that regulatory and grid interconnection issues are hindrances to deployment.

»

The ambiguous regulatory framework and the absence of technical guidelines to connect small-scale distributed power generation systems into the grid acted as a barrier to extensive deployment of net metering systems.

»

Although the technology for rooftop solar systems is well proven, the market lacks sustainable business models. Individual households as well as commercial rooftop owners lack knowledge, information, and financial incentives to install these systems to optimal standards. India lacks pilot projects developed jointly by public and private sector, to serve as proof-of-concept to encourage future segment growth

In India for instance, while the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission provides an enabling framework, a definite roadmap needs to be outlined to ensure implementation.

Furthermore, several states in India need to strengthen regulatory frameworks for net-metered rooftop solar PV projects. Finally, attractive financing options for rooftop owners are also needed to make such projects more viable.

Despite tariffs coming down, neither generation companies nor end consumers are excited by the current situation.

Generation near the point of consumption is the need of the hour. Commercial and industrial consumers will benefit the most from rooftop solar which is already reaching grid parity levels in many states. The other segment offering potential for future growth is the huge untapped rural India potential.

On the back of these developments rooftop solar is all set to become the key driver for capacity addition in the Indian solar market.

-By Rani Supriya Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications Rays Power Experts

EQ

August 2016

53

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

The 175GW renewables goalan Indian rope trick?

The Indian rope trick was a popular magical illusion of the 19th Century and beyond, involving a lot of smoke and other visual distractions, a coil of rope that uncurled and rose up improbably towards the sky and sometimes a small boy who climbed it.

W

-By Vandana Gombar, Policy Editor, Bloomberg New Energy Finance BE(Electrical), MBA, Chartered Engineer

ith hindsight, perhaps it represented the towering ambition of its home country and the overcoming of obstacles. But the illusion cannot last forever: the rope would have to fall back down to Earth eventually.

Is something similar unfolding in India’s energy policy? When the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced two years ago the target of installing 100 gigawatts of solar capacity in India by 2022, it was seen as reaching into the sky by a country that had been, and still was, wedded to coal. Many commentators scoffed at the number, though their voices have been hushed to some extent since — by the capacity that has actually been built.

Solar will certainly be huge in India, but will it be huge enough, combined with other low-carbon technologies, to deflect the country from a coalintensive development path? It is a vital question not just for India itself, but for the world also. Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s latest long-term forecast for world power generation — the New Energy Outlook, or NEO — published in June, showed that the current course could mean Indian emissions trebling between now and 2040, and being the biggest single challenge in the way of global attempts to keep CO2 below the 450-partsper-million mark.

Solar awakening The 100-gigawatts solar target was set in 2014 by the government of Prime Minister Modi. Was this a serious target?

Was India trying to be a China?

I

ndia is the only country, other than China, with a population of over 1 billion, but the two neighbors are very different. Whereas China is a centrally planned economy, with a track record of hitting the targets it sets itself (in multiples sometimes), India has a federal structure where both the central government and the states are responsible for energy policy and often work at cross-purposes. It is messy and littered with bankrupt buyers of power owned by often profligate state governments. This makes investment difficult and change slow to happen.

54

EQ

August 2016

www.EQMagPro.com

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

If we had said in 2008 or 2009 that India would have 7,500 megawatts of solar installed by early 2016, we would have been told that it was technically feasible, but impossible. India is often depicted as an elephant. Elephants move with slow, sure steps. They are not exactly agile.

Who could have foreseen that international project developers and some of the world’s largest power utility companies would soon be lining up to invest in India’s renewable energy sector? India had very limited success in attracting foreign investment in its conventional power sector, despite repeated attempts. What is more, solar projects have been awarded largely through capacity auctions — procedures that can give rise to concerns about “spiking of specs [specifications]”. In other words, a government designs processes that are meant to be competitive but actually favor a select few.

In fact, in India, the process has been relatively smooth so far. No one could have predicted that the record for the lowest solar bid in India would be held by a subsidiary of the Fortum OYJFinnish utility (Fortum Finnsurya), and that the bid would be not far off 4 rupees (6 U.S. cents) per kilowatt-hour.

The record for the second-lowest solar bid in the country is held by SunEdison Inc, the bankrupt PV giant that is now in the process of trying to sell its 1-gigawatt pipeline of projects in India, and there seems to be no lack of interest from international buyers. For instance, Singapore’s Sembcorp Industries Ltd. recently increased its stake in Green Infra; while earlier this year, Malaysian utility Tenaga Nasional Berhad announced the purchase of a 30 percent stake in a “select portfolio” belonging to GMR Energy Ltd. Italian utility Enel SpA owns a majority stake in wind power producer BLP Energy Pvt Ltd. Norway’s Statkraft AS formed a joint venture with Bharat Light & Power Pvt Ltd late last year to provide distributed solar energy systems. And Engie SA, through its subsidiary Solairedirect SA, is also a familiar name in the country, bagging solar projects at low tariffs.

There are domestic groups looking at growth by acquisition too. For instance, Tata Power Co Ltd agreed to buy Welspun Renewables Energy Pvt Ltd’s total portfolio of 1.1 gigawatts last month.

www.EQMagPro.com

“In India, we require a certain rate of return. This reflects the fact that there is no inflation-proofing in the PPAs [power purchase agreements], and there is rupee exposure.

Some other companies are OK with a 12 percent return in India, but not Enel.”

However, when asked what would be the next big market for Enel, after Latin America and South Africa, he voiced optimism: “Well, we hope it will be India. I still think Enel can play a big role there.”

Antonio Cammisecra, Head of Business development for Enel Green Power, (told Bloomberg New Energy Finance last Month)

The no-regret path How cheap is India’s solar? Well, the lowest bids are about a third the price of power from diesel. But why compare with diesel?

The latest official figures from India show 300 gigawatts of power generating capacity, 60 percent of which is coal, followed by gas at 8 percent, and less than 1 gigawatt of diesel power. However, the country has a dirty secret in the form of almost 100 gigawatts of diesel generator sets, that kick-in to supply power when the grid fails to deliver. And this happens regularly. It is estimated that as much as 25 percent of the country’s total capacity is therefore accounted for by diesel, which is one of the most expensive and polluting ways to produce electricity. At 6 U.S. cents per kilowatt hour, solar makes a lot of sense - a “no-regret measure” to borrow a phrase from former Indian climate negotiators. However, since the solar panels being deployed are mostly imported from China, questions have started to be asked about who is really benefitting economically from India’s solar drive. There is increasing noise about domestic manufacturing. However, a move in this direction coupled with local content requirements to support production will inevitably result in higher costs. Despite solar’s apparent success in India, there are those who question whether a PV plant can actually deliver power at 6 U.S. cents. They might have a point- or not. It was only 12 months ago that Saudi developer ACWA Power won a 200-megawatt solar tender in Dubai at a record 5.8 U.S. cents. Since then we have seen successful solar bids in Mexico at 3.5 U.S. cents and Dubai again at just under 3 U.S. cents. In Zambia last month, under a World Bank-backed program titled Scaling Solar, there was a winning solar bid at 6.02 U.S. cents. All these prices hide small print about inflation, timing and financing terms that make them hard to compare directly, but solar at 6 cents and lower seems to be increasingly normal. Solar developers are also starting to look downstream towards the rooftops of commercial and industrial consumers. The basic regulations to kick-start this market have just about been sorted out, and most of India’s states now have net-metering rules allowing solar power to be sold back to the grid.

EQ

August 2016

55

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

Wind farms are pretty

T

he wind sector has had a longer, though mixed, history in the country. Aishwarya Rai, who was Miss World in 1994 and later a Bollywood actress, and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar were among those who owned turbines because there was tax to be saved. The model of development in India was also distinctive: it was the turbine manufacturers that developed projects and offered turnkey projects to investors. And there was a generous feed-in tariff to make all this possible. In contrast, the solar sector was really born in auctions. Now the price of solar is lower than the feed-in tariffs for wind.

The wind industry resisted auctions, and it is now seeing the fall-out. New projects that are ready to commission are sitting idle because their developers cannot finalize PPAs at the generous feed-in tariffs of yore, and some that have secured those deals are not getting paid. The buyers of power — mainly the state distribution companies — are simply preferring cheaper solar power.

As a result, India is now due to start auctioning wind projects, despite the long and strenuous lobbying against that.

Wind farms have another thing going for them in India, and in many countries in Asia.

No one thinks they are ugly. They are rather a sign of development, progress and power.

Not only is there scope to add farms on the land, and offshore, there is a neat repowering market gradually opening up. A plan to allow solar panels to be installed on a wind farm, or vice-versa, could bear fruit soon, with the government close to finalizing a wind-solar hybrid policy.

56

EQ

August 2016

Brimming

M

eanwhile, everyone is brimming with ideas. I recently met the president of the Wind Independent Power Producers Association and also the chief of Hero Future Energies Ltd, Sunil Jain, who is not alone in lamenting the slow progress of the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and the Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO). He argued for a more direct Renewable Consumption Obligation, or RCO, on commercial and industrial users -starting at 10 percent.

Renewables and coal minister Piyush Goyal has toyed with the idea of dollar-denominated tariffs- to take away the sting of currency volatility on returns - a move that could swing many fencesitters towards making actual investments. A draft national policy on renewable energy based microgrids was released last month.

Something is also cooking in the bio-energy space. Training courses for technicians are being offered at over 100 locations across the country with the cost underwritten by the government, and, the world’s largest efficient-lighting program is currently underway in India.

One can also see the first stirrings of renewables demand from corporate India, driven by a desire to be responsible corporate citizens, and to attract and retain what may be called “ethical” capital.

Two companies, Tata Motors Ltd. and Infosys Ltd, have committed to 100 percent renewables, the latter by 2018.

Demand is also expected from international groups with operations in India that have made the same commitment, such as Google Inc. and Unilever PLC. The Tata conglomerate decided last month to adopt an internal carbon price.

Surplus coal and power

M

At the same time, coal production is rapidly picking up pace in India. The new government has set a target to produce 1 billion metric tons annually by 2020 - up from 536 million metric tons in 2015.

India’s dominant source of electricity is coal and, in theory, the country has a pipeline of as much as 80 gigawatts of coal plants - the largest in the world. Our New Energy Outlook 2016 forecast puts the likely gross addition at 258 gigawatts by 2040, offset to a small extent by 49 gigawatts of decommissioning.

How likely is it that India will veer off this coal-intensive trajectory?

One straw in the wind came in May, when Anil Swarup, the coal Ministry’s top bureaucrat, hinted that the actual capacity built could be significantly lower than the official pipeline.and Unilever PLC. The Tata conglomerate decided last month to adopt an internal carbon price.

www.EQMagPro.com

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

The swing emitter

M

One of the major conclusions of our NEO 2016 forecast is that India is one of the keys to the level of global emissions in the future. Our modelling suggests that by 2040 India will account for 23 percent of world power sector emissions, or 3.1 gigatonnes out of the world’s total of 13.6 gigatonnes. But that outcome is far from inevitable. Our NEO forecast is not a prediction, it is a scenario that describes the long-term economics of supply and demand in the power sector. Those economics are ultimately influenced by policy decisions.

India is taking steps to try to bend its future in a less carbon-intensive direction. It has a modest but rapidly increasing tax on coal, known as the coal cess — collections are estimated at about $4 billion for the year ending March 2017 — and there is talk of making the washing of coal mandatory before use in power stations. Last year, India submitted its emissions target, or INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contribution) ahead of the UN climate change conference in Paris, committing the country to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 30-35 percent by 2030, relative to 2005 levels, and to increasing the share of non-fossil-fuel based energy resources to 40 percent of installed capacity by the same year. This would mean stretching its renewable energy target of 175 gigawatts by 2022, to 300-350 gigawatts.

From a climate perspective, an optimistic view might be that perhaps India will not need so much power generation, thanks to efficiency initiatives and the realities of poverty.

There are certainly many people willing to consume more power as they get grid connections as part of India’s Power-For-All program, but the number of them actually able to do so may be limited. This is because India still has millions of poor people who require subsidies to afford even basic lighting. That would partly explain why India is set to show a power surplus for the fiscal year ending March 2017, despite there being ongoing shortages in some regions, and almost 240 million people without any access to electricity.

Interestingly, India, a coal importer, is now also contemplating exports of coal.

The headline on this article asks, cynically, if the country's targets could be an Indian rope trick, in other words a distraction behind which it will go on building more and more coal-fired power stations. Fittingly, one of the explanations for that famous old magic trick is that the rope tended to be thrown upwards in front of the sun, to prevent the audience getting a clear view of what was going on. However, the evidence is building up that India's renewables policy is no optical illusion. I might add that the Indian rope trick eventually declined in popularity, as audiences became harder to convince - and more familiar with the amazing things that could be achieved with real-world technology. And today, real-world technology, to a large extent, means solar.

Generation mix, 2015 and 2040 (%)

Public opinion matters too. It is not uncommon to see the choice of the power source being debated at neighborhood cafes, as pollution masks and traffic restrictions kick in, especially during the winter months.

This was not the case a few years ago, when the focus was solely on getting electricity. The idea that a starving man just wants food, not necessarily healthy food, does not seem to be the view of an increasing number of Indian civilians.

We have now seen protests against coal-fired plants in India and other parts of the region, and at least one attempt to shut down a running plant in the capital city to control pollution.

www.EQMagPro.com

SOURCE: BlooMBERg NEW ENERGY FINANCE

EQ

August 2016

57

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

THE STORY OF OPEX SOLAR SOLUTIONS BUSINESS IN INDIAN BANKS -By Uttam K Talapatra, BE(Electrical), MBA, Chartered Engineer

We saw our elders construct commercial buildings to rent out to mercantile and business firms with an aim to earn rentals. They also built residential houses for dwelling in, and gave out parts of unoccupied space to tenants. The privately held building sector has always been closely related to ‘rent collection’, which is considered a steady income. Even banks find it attractive to lend to borrowers who have steady rental income from their properties.

I

58

EQ

August 2016

n 2003, the Electricity Act was put in place in India. Whereas, prior to it, generation and sale of electricity was purely a state endeavour, the Act of 2003 made it accessible to private enterprise. Power became a saleable ‘commodity’. Rise of power generating companies, or independent power producers( IPPs) has since then been rapid and the Indian power sector has been witnessing fast growth. Many IPP companies, however, first went into power production setting up conventional, fossil fuel based plants, chiefly coal and petro carbon products ; later on manyalso moved towards unconventional, green energy sources like Hydel, Wind and Solar. Growth depended to some extent on extant incentives and fiscal laws.

The Government regularly undertakes energystudies in different sectors to ensure both energy sufficiency and efficiency.

Here we are about to take a look at the Banking industry in particular. The RBI watches over profitability of banks and advises regularly about adopting measures for better operating results. Adoption of ATMs, Net banking and Phone banking have been strongly taken up to reduce ‘cost per transaction’ which was as high as over Rs.50/- each, just about a decade back. As the number of ATMs grew, footfalls in the bank premises dropped drastically leading to reduced floor areas of branches (lower rentals). The induction of CBS solutions and net connectivity with IT related solutions led to modern banking procedures taking firm roots in India. Of late, Government has started emphasizing the induction of a cashless society where almost all financial transactions can be IT enabled, thus eliminating need and risks of carrying cash at all. Growth in the number of ATMs in India is expected to be phenomenal over the next decade.

There were about 86,000 ATMs in 2011-12. Today, Indian banks have over 2 lakh ATMs spread across the country. These numbers are expected to exceed 3.5 lakhs till 2016-17 and RBI wants all banks to target much deeper penetration of banking services under Government’s Financial Inclusion plan through deployment of small branches, ATMs, laptops and hand held POS ( Point of Sales terminals being used by authorised Banking Correspondents or BCs, over 75,000 of whom are already operating for various banks in territories where there are yet no branches or ATMs ).

www.EQMagPro.com

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

B

ranches need to operate with equipment like computers, modems, printers, cash dispensers, other hardware like cheque book printers, etc.

They are fed through UPS systems to ensure constant power inputs. Banks also require uninterrupted power 24x7 for the ATMs, VSATS, POS, etc. Cost of power is an issue, of course, but also important is the reliability of power source at all times.

Banks took to adopting battery backed UPS systems a few years ago and came to grief when they found that maintenance of such systems was impractical as batteries require upkeep, and at the end of battery life the UPS systems simply stopped functioning. Hours of power cuts for which the UPS backups were to keep the systems working, turned into unproductive periods causing losses. The capital expenses ( CAPEX ) incurred on such UPS systems thus turned unproductive after a while.

Use of D.G. sets was out of the question, and the banking sector thus took to renewable sources under the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s / RBIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suggestions.

Banks also decided to adopt the Operating Expenses ( OPEX ) model to ensure proper functioning of UPS systems. Grid interactive solar systems with deep discharge solar batteries proved to be a suitable and reliable power source for banking loads like ATMs, computers, modems, VSATs, etc. Banks also adopted the BOO ( Build, own, operate ) model through RFPs with a few initial POC installations ( Proof of Concept ) at a few selected ATM sites identified as deficient in regular and sustained grid power.

The experiment succeeded and has opened up a vast potential for such installations across the country today.

Thus, an entire Rental Collection model has emerged in the SME category Solar industry today.

The rates are extremely attractive as of now, ensuring payback periods of as low as 18 to 20 months. As time elapses, the rental rates are bound to fall.

However, since leading banks are entering into long and medium term contracts now, this will ensure a risk free environment for investors into this attractive rental model of business. And besides, banks are, after all, the best paymasters and regular too. Added to that are the dual advantages of accelerated depreciation and continued ownership of the equipment which may be re-deployed on rentals after expiry of the current lease terms, at fresh rates.

www.EQMagPro.com

But who were the early entrant companies that decided to get into this sunrise sector in 2013 - 14, in the first place, who enjoy the early movers advantage today ?

S

ome of them were existing vendors to banks who were already in the business of supplying variousIT related products and services. Others were the Telecom services / industry vendors. There were also a few manufacturers of ATM machines who teamed up with solar equipment providers to submit their offers.

In a major initiative, a Delhi based bank-vendor company teamed up with a telecom services group having solar capabilities, to form a JV. They won the first major contracts from leading nationalized banks. This was in year 2013. This JV has since set up its footprints across several banks and in different states where their technical team had already been providing solar services to leading telecom operators.

The group, with about 500 installations is today raking in approximately Rs.9 Crores as annual revenue from rentals and have their order books full for the next many months to install a few hundred more such units.

Though some players have been toying with the idea to enter this lucrative business, the lack of proper business intelligence and an initial a version to OPEX model by near sighted business groups has ensured that the above mentioned JV has been growing rapidly without much obstacle from competitors. An erroneous point of view often deters short sighted companies, that this business is highly capital intensive.

In reality, it is not.

A relatively small corpus, compared to funds required by regular EPC providers of Solar Rooftop systems, is sufficient to enter into this recurrent revenue model of bank based solar business.

This large business potential is just at the verge of its wait for some far sighted, organized business group which would be clever enough to seize the opportunity for wealth creation through rental services which are regular, highly remunerative and long lasting. It is a true part of the India Growth Story.

EQ

August 2016

59

SOLAR PROJECTS

Solar PV Project All components of a photovoltaic system other the photovoltaic panels • Inverters • Mounting & Racking Systems • Electrical Equipment and Installation • Cabling-AC & DC • Transformers & Breakers • Combiner Boxes • Earthing • Transmission Line, etc • Civil Work & Development • Inverter Rooms, CMCS • Roads, Boundary, Drainage, Cleaning Systems, etc • Land • Miscellaneous

60

EQ

August 2016

www.EQMagPro.com

SOLAR PROJECTS

Solar Project Cost Breakup

Cost Benefit Analysis • Till Generation gain surpasses increase in cost DC side cabling costs have decreased by about 40% due to efficient design in the last few years • Efficiency of average commercial wafer based silicon module has grown from 10% to 17% in last 10 years • Best efficiency multi-crystalline module:

Smart DC Block Sizing

19.2%

Source: Fraunhofer ISE, 2016

• Big Plant sizes allow DC block sizing optimization String Fusing by Y-connectors-> Solar Cable & SCB Cost reduction by around 30%

For every 5W increase in module wattage • project costs decrease by 0.27% • BOS costs reduce by 0.8%

• Leap Frogging saves 25% cable cost in the case of tracker.

• String Monitoring removed, relying on inverter zone

monitoring.

With effective design optimization on the DC side, a reduction of 1.1% and 3.6% on project cost and BOS can be achieved.

For every 10% increase in overloading • project costs decrease by 1.25% • BOS costs reduce by 3.5%

www.EQMagPro.com

Inverters

Tranformers

• Inverter costs have reduced by more than 70% from 2010-11 •Driven by •Scale of Production (Inverter learning rates vary from 18-20%)1 • Technological advancements: ü Material (SiC, GaN) ü Block Size üVoltage Increase (1500V) • Localization • Inverters are predicted to see price reductions of 8-9% per annum upto 20202

• Have shown reduction in costs in recent years due to: • Higher transformer capacities due to bigger block size • Metal Prices • Multi- winding transformer (5-winding, 7 winding) resulting in BOS optimization

Source: 1. Fraunhofer ISE, 2015 2 Greentech Media, 2015.

EQ

August 2016

61

SOLAR PROJECTS

Case Study: Impact of Block Size on BOS

62

EQ

August 2016

www.EQMagPro.com

SOLAR PROJECTS

Case: 65MW Plant with 5 nos. Of 10MW and 1 no. of 15MW Block Feeder

Saving of INR 0.45/W due to Block Size Increase and use of 5-winding Transformer.

Advantages •

Higher DC and AC voltage i.e. lesser current and lesser cabling

•

Lesser current allows the increase in inverter block power, lesser BOS

•

50% longer strings, implying lesser strings, and 33% lesser junction boxes

•

Lesser monitoring, and economical installation

•

IEC certifications are in place

•

Higher yield

Comparison of 1500V v/s 1000V

Disadvantages •

Component availability limited at present, thus driving BOS costs higher

•

Higher inverter costs due to 1500V components

Comparison of 1500V v/s 1000V (Alternate Optimization) • •

For same DC ohmic losses, a 7.5MW block can be formed in 1500V when compared to 5MW block.

Bigger block size would mean optimization can be carried on AC side.

1500V

1000V

7.5MW

5MW

LAND COSTING • • •

www.EQMagPro.com

The cost of land for solar projects has risen about 6-10 times as compared to 2010-11 Not only expensive, but difficulties in acquisition.

As the cost of PV modules decrease, land use optimization by decreasing the tilt, and increasing the power density (kW/sqm)

EQ

August 2016

63

SOLAR PROJECTS

East-West Mounting •

For places closer to equator, i.e. latitude <10°, solar modules can be mounted in east west fashion at low tilt angles (around 3°)

•

High land utilization, with GCR>80% can be achieved

•

Wider peak

•

Lesser structure and foundation cost

•

Lesser BOS cost

•

Marginal drop in generation

Shift from Fixed to SeasonalHow numbers work • • • • • •

Structure Trend - Seasonal Tilt - Y 2014 – 60T

20 X 315Wp modules in series = 6.3kWp = 1 Table 1MWp = 160 Tables (approx.)

A team of 3 persons will take 15 minutes to change tilt of 1 table (on an average), hence, 32 tables per day.

Five such teams i.e 15 persons per day shall be able to change tilt of 1MWp installation.

At a labour rate of Rs. 350/- per day, it takes less than Rs. 6000 to change tilt of 1MWp installation.

Assuming an increment of 3T / MWp between fixed and seasonal tilt, additional capex comes out to be Rs. 2.4Lacs approx.

Wind Shielding of Outer most structures

Structure Trend - Seasonal Tilt - Y 2015 – 40T

•

•

•

•

Pre Fab rooms and Decking Sheets •

Pre fab rooms offer significant time advantages in execution timelines hence bring generation gains and more efficient supplies

64

EQ

August 2016

•

Instances where Pre fab buildings are not considered, decking sheets with concrete layer on top can offer same benefits. It provides both required strength, insulation and quicker installation benefits

Recent designs leverage on the density of array yard and consider lower values of k2 factor in design calculations of structures.

Outer rows are designed with higher sections as they have more impact of wind speeds, however inner rows are designed 10-15% lighter to leverage the shielding that outer structure provides One name that has echoed in procurement teams lately. It’s a fine play and tight walk on the line between Optimization and Under design Galvalume suits fixed tilt structures and can be very good for optimization Use of galvalume in seasonal tilt structures has seen many failures recently and resulted in loss of PV modules & of course generation Extra caution to be exercised while tilting galvalume based structures and must be done only using proper jacks. Manual tilting is a strict no, if not particularly addressed during Engineering.

www.EQMagPro.com

SOLAR PROJECTS

Cost Saving by Internal Transmission Line Site specific: If land is not highly constrained, and HT cables are running along northern boundary

Pros: •

Cheaper compared to HT cable (30-40% lesser at full load evacuation)

Cons:

•

Maintenance friendly, and lesser probability of fault

•

•

Higher current carrying capacity. New age AAAC panther conductors can carry

•

25MW on single circuit, whereas typical 33kV cables will take around15MW

•

Land wastage around poles due to shadow Land wastage can be minimized by planning TL along boundary, and suitably oriented to north direction

Main Drives of BOS Cost Reduction in future • • • • • • • •

Best practices assimilation across the industry Module efficiency Technological developments Incremental design improvements, such as higher overloading, mounting structure, block size, etc Localization including streamlined logistics Increase in market volume Automation in production, development and installation Based on the above factors and historical trends, we foresee a BOS cost reduction of 30%-35% by 2020

www.EQMagPro.com

EQ

August 2016

65

INVERTERS

Development Trend & Challenges of String Invertersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;No-external Fan Design

W

ith the depletion of coal and petroleum resources as well as the increasing importance of environmental protection throughout the world, power generation from renewable resources including solar power, and the application of these technologies, are becoming a global focus. It is known that photovoltaic (PV) inverters are the core equipment of the solar power generation system, so the reliability of the inverters determines the reliability of the PV system.The heat dissipation performance is the key factor influencing the reliability of PV inverters.

Various components like power switch, a core component of inverters, are sensitive to temperature, i.e every change of temperature impacts on the connection and disconnection process. A high temperature leads to poor performance of the power switch or even broke the switch. Therefore, the scheme of inverter heat dissipation is a key factor affecting the performance and quality of the inverters.

In recent years, ground power plants around the world have widely adopted the string inverter solutions. Compared to power plants with centralized inverter solutions, the string inverter plants have obvious advantages: better electricity yield, smaller footprint, no equipment room, more reliable operation, and simpler operation and maintenance (O&M).

PV power plants are generally situated in deserts and highlands, where the sunlight is abundant. However, these areas also have extreme weather conditions in winters & summers including strong sandstorm and high altitudes. For plants near to sea, the corrosion is severe. In these application scenarios, string inverters, either on walls, or PV supports, or independent installation racks, is directly exposed to elements, so the exterior components are deteriorating because of the rain and dust corrosion. That is why the prime concern of inverters becomes how to strike the right balance between adaptation to harsh environments and heat dissipation.

66

EQ

August 2016

1

I

Common Heat Dissipation Mode and Relevant Problems in String Inverters

n general, inverters dissipate heat through natural or air cooling.

Manufacturers also add external fans to string inverters to increase the heat dissipation capability. But string inverters are normally used in harsh environments, so this poses higher requirements on the protection performance of external fans.

Currently, the protection level of outdoor fans only averages IP54 or IP55. As a result, the protection level of the whole system cannot reach IP65. To protect the fans from rains, the design of air channels becomes more complicated and the form is limited. Once the fans fail to work, the heat dissipation capability is badly impaired, and the output power of inverters derates decreasing electricity yield & greatly affecting the benefits of customers. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worse, the lifecycle of fans is tremendously shortened because the fans are exposed to rain, dust, and other corrosives for years. So, fans need to be replaced many times within the lifecycle of the inverter, resulting in high O&M cost.

www.EQMagPro.com

INVERTERS

Following are the images of a fan of the inverter in an outdoor power plant. We can see from the figure that after the inverter has been running for a year, the fan is dusty and badly corroded.

Figure 1.

Dusty and corroded fan of the inverter

2

A

Solutions to Heat Dissipation Problems of String Inverters

t present, no-external fan design is the advanced solution.

Without an external fan, the protection level can reach IP65. In addition: noise levels are reduced, power degradation is eliminated, maintenance is simplified, reliability improved and the cost for O&M is lowered.

As the output power of the inverter increases and its size decreases, heat dissipation becomes a major bottleneck. For solving this problem including copper and aluminum composite, heat pipes or temperature equalization plate may be employed to reduce thermal resistance and improve the dissipation capability of radiators.

Another important method is to add a spoiler fan in the cavity to cool the hot spots inside and improve the heat dissipation capability. As the spoiler fan is inside the cavity, it does not need protection. Even if it fails to work, it will do little harm to the overall heat dissipation and power. For the effects of Huawei heat dissipation design, see Figure 2 and Figure 3.

www.EQMagPro.com

Figure 2.

No external fan

Figure 3.

Spoiler fan inside

By adopting the mentioned heat dissipation concept and employing the heat equalization design, heat isolation and heat shield technologies, Huawei SUN2000 string inverters realize the no-external fan design, IP65 protection, and high reliability. Whether it is in the highlands of the northwest or in the coastal regions of Hainan, the Huawei string inverter withstands the tests of sandstorms and corrosion with its high reliability, effective protection, sound operation, and quality performance.

EQ

August 2016

67

INVERTERS

Summary From Table 1, we can see that string inverters without fans have obvious advantages over string inverters with fans, no matter in protection level, reliability, or anti-corrosion.

Table 1 Heat dissipation comparison between inverters with and without fans-

Design With Fans Without Fans

Protection Reliability Level IP54/IP55 External fan is bottleneck IP65 High

String inverters, more often work in outdoor environments of high temperature, dust, wind, sunshine and rain. If the fan-cooling mode is used, fans are prone to damage and need to be replaced frequently. This not only increases the cost of maintenance dramatically, but also affects the electricity yield. Besides, if the inverter is installed on the walls or the attic of the customers, the noise of the fan may invite complaints from neighbors. However, the natural cooling product, as which has no fan, operates longer and more reliable and produces lower noises. So, the no-external fan design is the core selling point for small outdoor power inverters.

68

EQ

August 2016

Anti-corrosion Noise External fan is High bottleneck Strong Low With the widening application of string inverters, excellent energy yield, convenient maintenance and even free of maintenance are becoming the main interests of customers. The external fans of inverters are a barrier to that end. So to speak, the no-external fan design of string inverters is development trend in the future.

www.EQMagPro.com

India's Largest Exhibition and Conference for the Solar Industry Bombay Exhibition Centre, Hall 1, Mumbai Network with over 11,000 potential business contacts from the solar industry Stay up to date with the latest trends and technological developments Boost your brand visibility with an established B2B event

SMS IS16 06 to 56767 to visit Intersolar India with special exhibitions

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

“Performance analysis of operational solar project in the State of Jharkhand through probabilistic approach” India is blessed to have ample sunshine window through day –a year across the country and having power guzzling country with peak deficit of 3-4% (approx. 5-6 GW end consumer power and 12-13 GW Generation capacity), development issues with large coal and hydro based power projects. These circumstances makes solar energy a better options to adopt to reduced peak deficit, decrease per capita carbon emission etc. In this process Government of India has scale up the Solar Energy target from 20 GW to 100 GW till Year 2022 through different business models and shall spread across the every states in Country.

70

EQ

August 2016

www.EQMagPro.com

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

A BY: MR. ASHISH VERMA Analyst, AMP Solar India

In this article cumulative performance analysis and benchmarking of 7 operational solar projects having each 2 MW capacity erected and commissioned by leading EPC contractor Premier Solar and located at village Mohanpur district Deoghar in the state of Jharkhand, India.

s India is scaling up the development of solar project in different states the performance i.e. CUF, PR of existing and operational solar project should be analyzed in the states where development of solar photovoltaic projects is not as much of compare to Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. The actual energy generation data/ radiation data boost the confidence level of stakeholder i.e. financial intuitions, Lender’s, Developers, and Investors. In this article cumulative performance analysis and benchmarking of 7 operational solar projects having each 2 MW capacity erected and commissioned by leading EPC contractor Premier Solar and located at village Mohanpur district Deoghar in the state of Jharkhand, India. These projects have been developed under JNNSM’s Rooftop PV and Small Solar Power Generation Programme (RPSSGP)and are in under operation since Year February 2013.The performance has been evaluated based on the month wise generation data of 18 months (September 2013 to February 2015) uploaded and compiled by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), project technical details i.e. capacity, project developer details, pv module technology,make, inverter make and capacity etc. from UNFCC webpage as these 7 operational projects are registered under CDM.The project location receives annual average global horizontal radiation of 1816 kWh/ m² (Meteonorm 7.1). The plant performance i.e. energy generation, Probabilistic exceedance (P50, P75, P90 etc.), capacity utilization factor has been comparatively analyzed based on the expected energy during the installation of the project and actual generation on ground.

Project Technical details These 7 operational projects have been developed by 7 different project developer in same location, the details are given below Project Location

Latitude: 24.46 N Longitude: 86.764 E

Annual Global Horizontal Radiation (kWh/m²)

1816.0

Project capacity

Project Developer

Type of Solar PV technology

Plant capacity break up based on Solar PV technology

2

Enertech Engineering Pvt. Limited

Poly C-Si/ Thin film

1 MW Poly C-Si 1 MW Thin film

2

PCS premier Energy Pvt. Ltd

Thin film

2 MW Thin film

2

KVR Construction

Thin film

2 MW

2

Premier Solar System Private Limited

Poly C-Si/Thin film

1 MW Poly c-Si 1 MW Thin film

2

AKR Construction

Poly c-Si

2 MW Poly c-Si

2

New Era Environ Ventures Pvt. Ltd

Thin film

2 MW Poly C-Si

2

Saimeg Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd

Poly c-Si

2 MW Poly C-Si

www.EQMagPro.com

The Premier solar make poly c-Si and make thin film make solar modules have been used. The Power generated from the each 2 MW Solar project is connected at 11 kV Voltage level at nearest grid substation owned

by Jharkhand State Electricity board.

EQ

August 2016

71

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

Methodology and data assortment The below described methodology has been followed for the data collection for the performance benchmarking, generation analysis and probabilistic calculation, • Month wise actual energy generation data of each operational project has been compiled which has been fetched from MNRE webpage. 18months (from September 2013 till February 2015) operational data has been compiled along with actual capacity utility factor (CUF).

• Project technical information i.e. solar pv technology, capacity break up, make , solar inverter technology, make, evacuation voltage, distance have been

fetched from the PDD submitted during the CDM registration in UNFCC. • Expected Generation (kWh), expected CUF (%) and net expected CUF (%) (Considering plant unavailability, grid unavailability and temperature losses) have been generated all the projects for the comparison on the common base.

• The projects have been divided into three categories with respect to technology to evaluate the performance of each technology:

»

Plant with 100% thin film technology

»

Plant with 100% poly C-Si technology

»

Plant with 50% thin film and 50% poly C-Si.

• The monthly average of all the projects in terms of Capacity Utility Factor (CUF) has been generated to observe the overall performance of the plant and to determine probabilistic exceedance for the energy yield.

Results and conclusions • For the comparison of mentioned three types of technology, the average CUF (%) from same technology projects has been taken of 18 months of same capacity: 2 MW thin film, 2MW Poly C-Si and 2 MW mixed (1MW thin film & 1 MW C-Si).The graph shows that thin film technology shows the best plant performance for the specified location. The reason behind the good performance is the availability of more diffused radiations at location. The resuts are tabulated in the table below. The standard deviation of about 2.2 % is obtained for the avg. actual CUF.

S.NO

Plant Performance

100% Thin Film

100% Poly C-si

50% Thin film 50% C-si

1.

Expected Avg. CUF(%)

16.85

16.45

17.50

2.

Actual Avg. CUF(%)

16.51

15.28

15.40

From the Meteonorm 7.1, it has been observed that high diffused radiation of about 100 Kwh/m2.mth on average has been obtained between the months of March to July.Also, the performances of the other two technologies are almost similar for the complete 18 months.

72

EQ

August 2016

So, we can conclude that mixed technology and 100% Poly C-si are showing same performance throughout, only dependent on Global Horizontal Radiation (GHI).

www.EQMagPro.com

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

Analysis for Septâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;13 for Poly C-Si and Novâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;14 data is missing Probabilistic Exceedance for the Projects have been calculated.

The expected monthly average of all the projects comes out to be 16.67%. Expected generation at P60, P70, P75, P90 and P95 has been determined and compared with average actual generation of the plant.

www.EQMagPro.com

EQ

August 2016

73

Canadian Solar Launches New Field-Installable T4 PV Connector for Faster, Lower-Cost PV Installations

Waaree Energies Clears Type – 1 Fire Testing Standard Incompliance Withul 1703 Standard

Canadian Solar Inc. one of the world’s largest solar power companies, today announced that the company has introduced the new T4 FieldInstallable PV Connector portfolio to the North American market.

T

he T4 PV Connector is a high-quality field-installable PV connector manufactured by TLIAN, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar established in December 2014.

The T4 Connector has been in production since May 2015, after being granted state-of-the-art double certification per IEC62852/UL6703 standards, with over 12 million connectors already deployed in field installations.

The T4 Connector is certified for UL 1500V DC system voltage and has an IP68 rating for highest ingress protection for water / humidity - which increases the reliability and longterm stability of the connector significantly compared to the current industry-standard IP67 rating for connectors. In addition, the new Canadian Solar connector portfolio supports a broader operating temperature range of -40ºC~+90ºC to allow the usage in very hot climates such as the Middle East, Central America and others. The NEC-compliant locking mechanism secures against vandalism and against unplugging under load for maximum safety and protection.

Dr. Shawn Qu , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar.

74

EQ

August 2016

“We are very pleased to introduce the T4 PV Connector portfolio and all related tools and accessories to the North American market. This high-quality, field-installable connector addresses our customers’ need to have reliable and cost-effective connectors, complementing our 1500V DC system. With 12 million connectors already deployed in the field, the T4 PV Connector has proven itself as a reliable milestone further reducing overall PV system costs.”

Waaree Energies, India’s largest solar PV module manufacturer adds another feather to its cap by passing the Type – 1 fire testing standard from Intertek, a UK-based multinational Photovoltaic & Solar Panel Testing and Certification group, for its solar PV modules.

T

he UL 1703 is a Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels.

This standard requires PV systems or modules to comply with the minimum fire classification of roof assembly which includes – fire performance, hail resistance, and/or resistance to wind uplift. With its Type – 1 fire testing clearance, Waaree’s solar modules are now certified to be in compliance with UL 1703 for integration with all Class A rated mounting systems.

The fire safety requirements for UL 1703 have been developed in the earthquake-prone region of California.

These requirements cover modules and panels intended for use in systematic frameworks which have a maximum system voltage of 1000 V or less.

www.EQMagPro.com

Trina Solar Achieves Average Efficiency Of 20.16% For Industrially-Produced Multi-Crystalline Silicon Perc Cells And 18.7% For Commercially-Produced Multi-Crystalline Silicon Dp Cells Trina Solar Limited , a global leader in photovoltaic modules, solutions, and services, recently announced that it has achieved an average efficiency of 20.16% for its industrially-produced P-type multi-crystalline silicon cells (156 x 156 mm2) with passivated emitter and rear cell (“PERC”) technology, and an average efficiency of 18.7% for its multi-crystalline silicon P-type double print (“DP”) cells that were mass produced for commercial shipment.

T

he results, tested by the Company, further solidify Trina Solar’s leading position in cutting-edge technology for the mass production of high efficiency crystalline silicon solar products, following the Company’s recent efficiency breakthrough in mono-crystalline silicon PERC cell production.

Both the multi-crystalline PERC cells and DP cells are fabricated on a new generation of high-performance ptype Trina-1 wafers (T1 wafers). The T1 wafers were independently developed by Trina Solar based on the technologies that include homogeneous nucleation and black edge free, as well as optimized technical processes, proving quality and performance assurance for the production of cells. The multi-crystalline silicon PERC cells are built on the advanced rear passivation technology that integrates the Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) process for better light trapping. Modules (60pcs cells) equipped with these high efficiency multi-crystalline silicon PERC cells have managed to produce output of 286W.

“We are pleased to announce efficiency achievements for both our multi-crystalline silicon PERC and DP cells that are based on our selfdeveloped T1 wafers on a mass production basis.

The improvements demonstrate our capabilities in continuously transforming lab technology into production practice as well as leveraging our advantages of vertical integration.”

Dr. Feng Zhiqiang , Vice President of Trina Solar and Director of the State Key laboratory of Photovoltaic Science and Technology

“Over the years, Trina Solar has built a solid foundation of independent research and has developed a complete set of proprietary advanced technologies and processes, through which we have attained a number of industry-leading breakthroughs that are outpacing our peers. Looking forward, we will continue to focus on applying laboratory technologies into mass production while endeavoring to reduce the solar manufacturing costs in pursuit of delivering low cost yet highly efficient solar products. The mission of Trina Solar remains unchanged and we are working harder than ever with a vision for the solar electricity to be as competitive as traditional fossil fuel power generation.” Dr. Feng concluded.

www.EQMagPro.com

EQ

August 2016

75

Meteocontrol At The Intersolar 2016: Innovative Monitoring And Effective System Check At this year’s Intersolar Europe 2016, meteocontrol GmbH, the world’s market leader for manufacturer-independent PV monitoring, unveiled its Pit Stop service for existing systems as well as the latest refinements made to its SCADA Center and VCOM monitoring solutions. meteocontrol’s exhibition at Booth 219 in Hall B1 also highlighted the blue’Log X series of data loggers with improved functions and the MX Module AO add-on module. meteocontrol currently monitors around 41,000 systems around the globe that produce a total output of approximately 11 GWp. This places the independent provider of monitoring systems in first place worldwide in the overall ranking of a new market study published by GTM Research and SoliChamba Consulting.

New service: Pit Stop As part of its comprehensive qualityassurance portfolio, meteocontrol will present the new Pit Stop service at its booth. The professional system check for a fixed price comprises an expert inspection of components and a valid report that outlines faults and recommends solutions.

“Our new service has been very well received by the market. The objective assessment of the actual system quality allows operators to identify hidden defects and increase yields. The service is immensely helpful for investors on the secondary market. Risks can be minimized and profits maximized when buying or selling systems.”

-Robert Pfatischer , Managing Director of meteocontrol.

76

EQ

August 2016

Efficient monitoring from the world’s market leader

VCOM – the modern monitoring platform for PV portfolios

Further refinements to the blue’Log X series of data loggers focus on new functions that enable status information to be quickly and easily processed. These enhancements include configuration of the status inputs, real-time visualization of status changes and alerts from current status alarms. With the MX Module AO add-on module, system operators can use analog outputs to react even more flexibly to the needs of grid operators. The goal of the company is to maximize the efficiency of operation management, even for large system portfolios.

Guided by the motto Innovation by Experience, meteocontrol is further refining its VCOM (Virtual Control Room). Functions such as the heat-map diagram, keyboard shortcuts for faster operation and analysis diagrams for ticket evaluation underscore the company’s commitment to providing an effective monitoring platform. The improved alarm system with user-defined alarm rules is another highlight. Improved usability is found, for example, in a new feature that optimizes the further processing of incoming alarms by filtering and prioritizing them on a system-specific basis.

“Thanks to virtually automatic processes, the operation manager can concentrate on essential system-management tasks such as analyzing performance and managing incidents.”

-Martin Schneider , Managing Director of meteocontrol

Condition monitoring – avoiding errors and yield losses before they ever occur meteocontrol would like to set standards in developing condition monitoring, too.

Drawing on its wealth of experience and comprehensive operating data from the systems it monitors, the Augsburg-based PV specialist is developing new types of alarm algorithms to help identify or predict the causes of faults. Operation managers and investors benefit from the selflearning alarm system: They save time and money thanks to efficient monitoring and trouble-free system operation.

www.EQMagPro.com

SCADA Center for utility-scale environments For operation management and managing large PV power plants, meteocontrol has developed a high-performance SCADA system that it continuously adapts to meet market requirements.

Because this system does not depend on having a stable Internet connection and features a flexible user interface, it can be used anywhere and adapted to suit local requirements. Data is stored on a high-performance industry server and available on location for analyses. High-resolution live values allow errors to be located quickly and easily.

“At the same time, the SCADA Center provides everything needed for operation management in the control room,” says Schneider. For on-site and VCOM-based system monitoring, we are supplying the SCADA Center to the biggest private solar power plant in Jordan, which produces an output of around 11 MWp with its three individual units.”

Yingli’s PID Resistant TwinMAX Dual Glass Modules Passes IEC61215/61730 Tests Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE: YGE) (“Yingli Solar” or “Yingli”), one of the world’s leading solar panel manufacturers, today announced that its TwinMax 60 cell dual glass modules (including standard and bifacial series) have passed the IEC61215/61730 tests.

T

hese standards ensure the performance and safety of the modules and thereby of investors’ capital.

Yingli Solar has recently commercialized its PID resistant TwinMAX dual glass modules. Thanks to their outstanding properties, such as strong durability and resistance to PID and maximum system voltage of 1500V, these modules passed the IEC61215/61730 tests and were certified by TUV Rheinland. Noted for rigorous and reliable testing certification, TUV Rheinland, a leading provider of technical services worldwide with a history of over 140 years, was the first to start laboratory-scale technical testing of solar components decades ago and houses the largest worldwide PV testing network.

“We are proud that our TwinMax dual glass modules passed the IEC tests, which truly reflect the extraordinary performance and premium quality of these modules. We believe that with the certifications from TUV Rheinland, our TwinMax dual glass modules will become even more popular in the Chinese and global markets. We will continue to push forward the advancement of solar at Yingli so that we can offer the most Dr. Dengyuan Song , dependable products for our CTO of Yingli Solar customers.”

Source-prnewswire

Now Read on

Tablet & Smartphone

78

EQ

August 2016

www.EQMagPro.com

www.EQMagPro.com

CONFERENCE & EVENTS 2016

Solar Projects Egypt 2016

Solar Power International 2016

Date: 06-07 Sep 2016 Place: Cairo, Egypt Tel.: +971 4 3614001 Email: lara.makdessi@acm-events.com Web.: www.solarprojectsegypt.com

Date: 12-15 Sep 2016 Place: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Organiser: SPI Tel.: +1 703 7389460 Email: info@solarpowerinternational.com Web.: www.solarpowerinternational.com

Mexican Energy Leaders

Intersolar Middle East 2016

Date: 07-08 Sep 2016 Place: Mexico City, Mexico Organiser: Greenworld conferences Tel.: +44 78 46486980 Email: dm@greenworldconferences.com Web.: www.greenworldconferences.com/mel2016

Renewable Energy India Expo 2016 Date: 07-09 Sep 2016 Place: Greater Noida, India Organiser: UBM Tel.: +91 9871 726762 Email: Rajneesh.khattar@ubm.com Web.: www.ubmindia.in/renewable_energy

Date: 19-21 Sep 2016 Place: Dubai, UAE Organiser: Intersolar Tel.: +49 7231 58598207 Email: info@intersolar.ae Web.: www.intersolar.ae

Asia Power Week 2016

Date: 20-22 Sep 2016 Place: Seoul, South Korea Organiser: Pennwell Tel.: +44 1992 6566008 Email: LeeC@Pennwell.com Web.: www.asiapowerweek.com

PV Guangzhou 2016 EXPO Solar 2016

Date: 07-09 Sep 2016 Place: Seoul, Korea Tel.: +82 70 50315309 Email: save@infothe.com Web.: www.exposolar.org

4th International Photovoltaic Power Generation Expo Osaka Date: 07-09 Sep 2016 Place: Osaka, Japan Organiser: Reed Expo Tel.: +81 3 33498519 Email: pr-eng.wsew@reedexpo.co.jp Web.: www.pvexpo-kansai.jp

Date: 26-28 Sep 2016 Place: Guangzhou,China Organiser: Guangdong Grandeur International Exhibition Group Tel.: +82 20 29188156 Email: grand.ev@grahw.com; evepvgz@yeah.net Web.: www.pvguangzhou.com

Dubai Solar Show

Date: 4-6 Oct 2016 Place: Dubai, UAE Organiser: DEWA Email: info@dubaisolarshow.com Web.: www.pvguangzhou.com

PV Taiwan

Date: 12-14OCt Place: Taitra Organiser: Taipei, Taiwan Tel.: +886 2 27255200 Email: pv@taitra.org.tw Web.: www.pvtaiwan.com

Intersolar India 2016

Date: 19-21 Oct 2016 Place: Mumbai Organiser: MMI Tel.: +49 7231 585980 Email: intersolar@intersolarglobal.com Web.: www.intersolar.in

Photovoltaic Conference and Exhibition of China 2016 Date: 19-21 Oct 2016 Place: Beijing, China Tel.: +86 10 68462772 Email: zhouxj@pvcec.org.cn Web.: www.pvcec.org.cn/pvcec2016

Nigeria Alternative Energy Expo 2016

Date: 19-21 Oct 2016 Place: Abuja, Nigeria Tel.: +44 203 2396611 Email: info@nigeriaalternativeenergyexpo.org Web.: www.nigeriaalternativeenergyexpo.org

Africa Solar Summit 2016 Date: 24-25 Oct 2016 Place: Kampala, Uganda Organiser: Africa solar summit Tel.: +256 393 237452

Email:info@africasolarsummit.com Web.: africasolarsummit.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

ADVERTISERS INDEX

SUBSCRIBE Subscribe “EQ International” at www.EQmag.net or fill your complete address and Email to : piyush.mishra@ eqmag.net or Call +91 98930 99769

APAR INDUSTRIES..................................................................29 Elcom INTERNATIoNAl.........................................................23

Yes! I would like to Subscribe to EQ International Magazine For 1 Issue:

GREAT SolAR.........................................................................07

o Indian citizens Rs. 200

GANGES INTERNATIoNAlE.....................................................27

o International $ 25 / € 20 For 1 Year (12 issues):

EQ clEANTEch FINANcE SUmmIT..........................................44

o Indian citizens Rs. 2400 o International $ 300 / € 240

hUAwEI TElEcommUNIcATIoNS.........................FRoNT coVER INTER SolAR INDIA...............................................................67

Please Mail the coupon to: Name:------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JA SolAR...........................................FRoNT GATEFolD coVER

Job Title: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------Department: --------------------------------------------------------------------------

JolywooD (FIlmcUTTER).........................................................15

Company: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JINko SolAR........................................................BAck coVER

Description of the Company: --------------------------------------------------Adress: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JURchEN TEchNoloGy..........................................................11

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------City/State/Zip Code: ----------------------------------------------------------------

lERRI SolAR.......................................................INSIDE FRoNT

Country: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PARU......................................................................................17

Phone: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Fax:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NUEVoSol..............................................................................03

E-Mail. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Web site: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PV GUANGZhoU 2016............................................................25

PAYMENT

PV TAIwAN 2016....................................................................75

1.- My Cheque/DD in favour of “FirstSource Energy India Private Limited” for Rs……………………………………………………………………

Drawn on………………………………………is enclosed herewith.

RISEN ENERGy........................................................................07 RENEwSyS.............................................................................09

Date/Signature:

REFUSol.................................................................................13

2.- I will pay by Credit Card

RENEwABlE ENERGy INDIA ExPo..........................................41

Type: ..........................................................................

Name on Card: .............................................................

ScoRPIUS..............................................................................19

Number: ......................................................................

Security Code: .............................................................

Expiration Date: ............................................................

SoVA PowER.........................................................................21

Mail this coup on to: FirstSource Energy India Pvt. Ltd. Subscription Department.

17 Shradhanand Marg, Chawani. Indore 452 001. Madhya Pradesh. India Tel. + 91 96441 22268 , + 91 96441 333199

80

EQ

TBEA..........................................................INSIDE BAck coVER

" August 2016

www.EQMagPro.com

Visit Us in REI 2016 September 7-9

10GW 4GW

Booth NO. 3.124

Excellent products and services, Good brand image and market reputation, Total installed capacity of inverter is more than 10GW around the world.

Comprehensive production security system and strict quality supervision system, Annual shipment has exceeded 4GW.

Enterpriseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission:To provide high-quality and efficient green energy for the society, Enterpriseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision:To become an international first-class power electronic equipment suppliers, Our products have provided the tailwind for more than 500 PV stations.

TBEA XI`AN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

http://www.tbeapower.com

R.N.I. NO. MPBIL/2013/50966 | DATE OF PUBLICATION: AUGUST 20 | POSTAL REGD.NO. MP/IDC/1435/2016-2017