EQ June 2013 Edition by EQ Int'l Solar Media Group

EQ Manoj Kumar Upadhyay Founder, Chairman and Managing Director ACME Tele Power Ltd.

BELECTRIC presents Milestone in Solar Power Plant System Design 3.0 MegaWattBlock® makes its public debut at Intersolar 2013

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INTERNATIONAL www.EQMaglive.com Shawn Qu Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer Canadian Solar Inc.

Chemtrols Solar Unveils India’s First MW Scale PVDiesel Hybrid Solar Power Plant in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu

Renewable energy country attractiveness index by Ernst & Young

Come and see us at InterSolar Mumbai - India 14-16 December 2011 Stand 1361 Hall 1

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EDITORIAL B

udget reinstates wind subsidies After almost a year of anxious waiting, India’s wind sector finally received some good news in late February following the presentation of the 2013–14 budget to Parliament. It included a financial package allocating subsidies totaling INR8b (US$147m) to wind power projects in the upcoming fiscal year, after GBIs for the sector were scrapped in March 2012. Project developers were hoping the budget would see the reinstatement of accelerated depreciation (AD) tax incentives — also phased out last year — but these appear to remain suspended. Despite this, it is still anticipated the revival of the GBI will help resuscitate India’s flagging wind sector, which has experienced an estimated 50% reduction in new wind power installations this fiscal year compared with 2011–12, following the removal of the AD and GBI support mechanisms. With wind power not yet cost competitive with coal, India has relied heavily on government financial support, and will continue to in the short to medium term. However, there may also be a silver lining. Reduced government support caused the exit of the retail taxpayer side of the market, resulting in the growth of the independent power producer (IPP) market in 2012, mostly backed by large private equity companies. While the sector’s size has therefore shrunk, it has also arguably resulted in a stronger market, with IPPs committed to setting up quality assets. Funding barriers broken down The budget announcement also brought welcome news that the Government will provide low-interest-bearing loans for renewable energy projects over the next five years via the National Clean Energy Fund. High interest rates and relatively short loan terms have historically hindered the development of renewable energy projects given the significant upfront expenditure required. Access to low-cost debt indicates a proactive government approach to tackling this. February also saw state-owned lender Power Finance Corporation Ltd. cut interest rates by 0.50% for eligible renewable energy projects, giving a further boost to project developers struggling to obtain bank finance in a market where prevailing long-term interest rates start at around 13%. These revised rates will also apply to the National Solar Mission. Mega solar auctions sweep the country The absence of any incentives for the solar energy sector in the February budget was a surprise to some, given that the country is to launch the second 750MW phase of its ambitious National Solar Mission in May. Despite this, activity levels in the sector remain high, particularly at a state level, where a number of high-profile tenders have been launched. The results, however, represent a bit of a mixed offering. In February, it was reported that the 1GW solar PV tender in Andhra Pradesh had been oversubscribed by a margin of around 34% following bids from more than 180 companies, while April saw the Government of Rajasthan award 75MW of solar projects to seven different bidders, who will now have 180 days to reach financial close once the power purchase agreement has been signed. The northern state of Punjab also issued a fresh tender for 300MW of new solar capacity in late March, while Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh have launched 130MW and 200MW auctions, respectively. However, the state of Tamil Nadu fared less well in Q1, reportedly receiving subscriptions for less than half the 1GW PV capacity on offer in its competitive tender. February also saw the deadline for a central government pilot scheme tendering 10MW of PV capacity being pushed back after authorities received only three bids. Wind tender to attract big players It’s not just solar that’s got auction fever. The state of Rajasthan is also preparing a 300MW reverse auction for wind power, with bidders being offered 10MW–120MW of capacity. While reverse auction can generate concerns over highly aggressive discounted rates risking project failure further down the line, the condition that all bidders in this tender must have developed at least 100MW wind projects in India should mean that participants have a better understanding of the financial feasibility of such projects. Domestic content rules taken before WTO India appears to be embroiled in the trade wars that are sweeping through the global solar market. In February, the US lodged a complaint with the WTO that domestic content requirements attached to the National Solar Mission discriminate against US solar equipment imports. India is currently in talks with the US over the complaint, but the Government insists that more than 70% of the 551MW of solar capacity installed since the start of the National Solar Mission has been built using imported modules. Last November, India began its own anti-dumping investigation for solar cells from the US, mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia. Suzlon bond sets a precedent Late March saw the heavily indebted Suzlon Group — which in late 2012 failed to repay US$209m in India’s biggest convertible bond default — complete a US$647m bond issue backed by a standby letter of credit from the State Bank of India, in what the group claims to be the first ever US dollar creditenhanced bond from India. India’s largest wind turbine maker needs the money to repay foreign creditors and boost equity capital under its liability-restructuring agreement with lenders, after international bondholders rejected a request for an extension on payments in 2012. Project activity remains diverse In January, Mizuho Financial Group Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding with the Gujarat state government to lead a consortium of Japanese firms to construct a giant solar park in the region, according to Bloomberg, citing a company spokeswoman. The initial phase will install around 200MW at a cost of US$325m, but the plant could be expanded to as much as 2.2GW. Meanwhile, the state of Gujarat’s FY2013-14 budget proposal in February included the development of India’s first offshore wind farm. The explicit inclusion of the technology in the state’s renewable energy plan is a positive step as, despite having 7,600km of coastline, India has yet to exploit its offshore wind resources. Red flags remain Transmission and distribution losses remain extremely high and, according to India’s new and renewable energy secretary, an investment of INR400b (US$7.b) would be required to strengthen the system over the next four years. In April, it was announced that Germany will provide a loan of €1b (US$1.3b) to help address grid challenges, although renewables deployment is still likely to be hindered in the years ahead. Source : RECAI May 2013 by E & Y

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INTERNATIONAL

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60 Chemtrols Solar Unveils India’s First MW Scale PVDiesel Hybrid Solar Power Plant in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu

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SOLAR ENERGY

CONTENTS

Shawn Qu

Ragna Schmidt

32 Chairman, President & Chief Executive OfficerCanadian Solar Inc.

34 PV Project Finance In India: Working The System

Cover

Eq Business & Financial News 6-17

SOLAR ENERGY 24 India’s own patented technology for Industrial Process Heat Applications: ARUN® Solar Concentrator 28 Illuminating And Upgrading Rural Lives By Solar Microgrid 30 BELECTRIC presents Milestone in Solar Power Plant System Design 3.0 MegaWattBlock® makes its public debut at Intersolar 2013 36 Voluntary Renewable Energy Certificates Market Potential In India 44 Rooftop Solar PV Reaching New Heights

QUARTER RESULTS 46 JinkoSolar: -New opportunities in emerging solar market such as China, Japan, US, South Africa and India

PRE SHOW REPORT 55 SOLARCON® India 2013 will highlight the importance of PV manufacturing in India

“Nuevosol Energy is a Mounting Systems Solution provider for Solar Photovoltaic Plants, offering turnkey services of Design,Supply and Installation.Over 150 MW of installations Nuevosol has been trusted by global clients like Juwi, Solairedirect, Azure, Refex, EMMVEE, WAAREE, Harsha Abakus and many more. Nuevosol product portfolio ranges from Mega Power Plants to Specialized mounting like Car ports and Rooftops. With optimized designs and turnkey services, Nuevosol is best positioned to provide mounting solutions at highly competitive prices and impeccable quality.”

PV INVERTERS 56 Freesun HEC Solar Inverter By Power Electronics

New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013 64-79

& EQBusiness Financial Welspun Energy’s Solar Project Completes INR 65crore Financial Closure •

Financial institution commits to INR 48.75crore debt component

•

Of 7 MW capacity, 1 MW will be implemented with tracker technology

•

Solar project to power 33,600 homes by generating 12.264 Mn kWh electricity annually

•

11651 tones of carbon emissions will be mitigated by WEL’s Karnataka project

In dia ’s fo rem o s t s olar p ower developerWelspun Energy Ltd. (WEL), obtained INR 48.75 crore investment from leading financial institution. Project

cost of INR65 crore has been sourced in a Debt – Equity ratio of 75:25. The 7 MW Karnataka project located in Chitradurga district, is being developed by WEL’s step down subsidiary Welspun Solar Kannada Pvt. Ltd. under the Karnataka State Policy. Tracker technology will be implemented for 1 MW capacity, of the total project capacity of 7 MW. On ground work for the project is already in progress. As per the PPA signed with Mangalore Electric Supply Company (MESCOM) the power plant needs to begin commercial operations by March 2014.

Keeping with its execution track recorder, WEL will commission this project well before the timeline. The tracking system deployed at the site would track the path of the sun since morning till evening. This system is expected to give a significant boost to power generation percentage in comparison to the fixed tilt system. This project will help in addressing Karnataka’s annual peak deficit of 27.4% and bygenerating 12.264 Mn kWh annually, enough to power 33,600 households and mitigating 11,651 tons of carbon emissions annually.

Welspun Energy Successfully Ties-up Funds for Maharashtra 20 MW Solar Project •

INR 135crore line of credit sanctioned by consortium of financial institutions

funding of Rs. 135 crore, with Debt & Equity elements sourced in a ratio of 75:25.

•

INR 180.35 crore project cost sourced through 75:25 debt equity ratio

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Welspun Energy helps make Mumbai a greener city, annually 33,288 tonnes of carbon emission will be mitigated

India’s leading IPP (Independent Power Producers), through its step down subsidiary Welspun Energy Maharashtra Pvt. Ltd (WEMPL) is setting up this project in Solapur; a region which is one of the highest radiation receiving districts in Maharashtra. WEL had signed anMoU with Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply & Transport Undertaking (BEST) for supplying green energy to Mumbai city.With its commissioning, 28 million units of clean& efficient solar energy will be supplied to BEST annually.

•

Annually IPP will supply 28 million units of clean & efficient energy for next 25 years

Welspun Energy Ltd. (WEL), one of India’s leading renewable energy generators, has successfully achieved financial closure of its upcoming 20 MW solar project in Maharashtra. Leading financial institutions have committed to a long term project

This project will address Maharashtra’s annual peak deficit of 14.8% and will

generate enough energy to power 96,000 households and mitigating 33,282 tons of carbon emissions annually. This will be the first project executed by WEL in the state of Maharashtra. The IPP has also been awarded 32 MW capacities by the State of Punjab through Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA). Presently Welspun Energy has built up more than 300 MW clean energy capacity on-ground, of this 111 MW clean energy projects are operational. With the recent spate of projects, the clean energy generator is well on its way of reaching 1.75 GW capacity target.

Emmvee Photovoltaic power private limited bagged an 11.5 MW solar photovoltaic project from Pragathi Group, Bengaluru. Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Pvt Ltd, leading Solar PV module manufacturer and turnkey solution expert for mega watt scale projects, bags its largest photovoltaic power project of 11.5 MW from Pragathi Group. Emmvee recently completed 20 MW solar park, partially owned by third parties in Hindupur, State of Andhra Pradesh. Emmvee has proven its expertise in providing turn-key solutions for solar photovoltaic projects by successfully accomplishing its 20 MW solar park at Hindupur. Pragathi Group is a Bengaluru based

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

company which is predominantly into residential property development. The team in Pragathi Group is also engaged in other sectors such as Education, Software Training and Health Care. Emmvee will be developing this 11.5 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic project in the state of Andhra Pradesh, under open access system. The scope of project includes designing, engineering, manufacturing of modules, procurement of components, supply, erection, testing and commissioning to the grid. Emmvee is also facilitating Pragathi

for land acquisition in Andhra Pradesh to develop the project and related liaison work. Emmvee expects the project to be completed by January 2014. Emmvee is also offering operation and maintenance of the power plant for a minimum of 5 years.

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& EQBusiness Financial JinkoSolar Supplies 25.8 MW of Solar Modules to First Private Solar Park in India JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (“JinkoSolar” or the “Company”) (NYSE: JKS), a leading global solar PV power product manufacturer, today announced that it has supplied 25.8 MW of high-efficient solar PV modules to the first private solar park in India. Located in Mandrup Village, Solapur District, Maharashtra State, India, the project was developed by Enrich Energy Pvt Ltd. on a turnkey basis, a pioneer in India focused on developing large scale private solar parks. “JinkoSolar’s high-efficient polycrystalline modules were used in our first private PV solar park as they will help us to minimize

the use of land and maximize the amount of reliable, emission-free solar power generated per dollar invested - which is one of our priorities” said Mr. AnkitKanchal, Enrich Energy Pvt. Ltd’s Director - Commercial. “This is the first project of its kind in Maharashtra State developed under the Average Pooled Purchase Cost (APPC) / Open Access Mechanism & Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) Mechanism.” “Enrich Energy is one of our key strategic partners in India and we appreciate their efforts to pioneer the model of turnkey solutions for medium and large-scale solar

investors,” said Mr. Arturo Herrero, Chief Marketing Officer of JinkoSolar. “I believe JinkoSolar’s industry-leading technology, reliable contractual execution and excellent local service is key to develop this partnership. Besides, the high efficiency and performance of our products is ideal for this project, since our module has been ranked as one of the best modules for outdoor use, which is repeatedly recognized by PHOTON Lab test results. We are honored to have the opportunity to help to meet Enrich Energy’s renewable energy goals.”

Vacon Starts Manufacture Of Solar Inverters In India Global AC drives manufacturer Vacon has begun the production of its inverters for solar power generation in the company’s factory in India. The final assembly operations of solar inverters were commenced at Vacon’s facilities in Bangalore during the month of April this year.Vacon’s solar inverters, rated from 10 to 1,200 kW, are cabinet-installed systems, and they are based on Vacon’s

state-of-the-art AC drive technology. Vacon’s factory in Bangalore manufactures products available for the power ranges of 10 to 200 kW and 1,000 kW, and their primary market area is India. “The Indian market for solar power is growing rapidly and is, at the same time, rather demanding. Expanding the production

of solar inverters to India allows us primarily to achieve prompt and cost-effective delivery times. In addition, we can better meet the local demand,” says JariMarjo, Vacon’s product marketing director for solar energy.Vacon inaugurated a new factory in Bangalore, India, at the end of the year 2011.

Photovoltaic Materials Market to Jump 52% to $27.2 Billion in 2018 The global market for photovoltaic materials is poised to grow 52% to $27.2 billion, up from $17.8 billion in 2012. As PV supply and demand come back into balance in 2015, margins will steadily improve and create new opportunities for innovative materials developers, according to Lux Research. Metals, including polysilicon, metallization pastes, and metallic absorber materials in CIGS, will gain the biggest market share, reaching $12.8 billion in 2018. Polysilicon alone will make a $6 billion market, based on global x-Si module demand. “Differentiated materials that enable high cell or module efficiencies or longer lifetime will be able to earn a premium and cash in on the growing demand,” said Fatima Toor, Lux Research Analyst and the lead author of the report titled, “From Cost Reductions to Performance Enhancements: Mapping the $27 Billion Photovoltaic Materials Market.” 8

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

“In addition, the push towards improved quality will lead to materials innovations that not only drive down the $/W but also the $/kWh, enabling sustainable growth of global PV demand,” she added. Lux Research analysts used detailed cost and demand models to evaluate materials opportunities in the emerging landscape. Among their findings: Crystalline silicon tops market share. Materials needed for crystalline silicon modules present the largest opportunity, reaching $23.8 billion in 2018. Materials like backsheets, non-EVA encapsulants, metallization pastes, and antireflection (AR) coatings for module glass provide opportunity for innovation.

Other innovators include 1366 Technologies, Natcore, Bandgap Engineering, Polyrise, Cencorp, and Sinovia Technologies. Move toward quality. The solar industry now prioritizes low $/kWh on top of $/W, offering modules with a longer lifetime. Material suppliers like DuPont and downstream developers are setting the new standard. Simultaneously, companies such as Solar Buyer are helping financial institutions rate module quality. The report, titled “From Cost Reductions to Performance Enhancements: Mapping the $27 Billion Photovoltaic Materials Market,” is part of the Lux Research Solar Components Intelligence service.

Differentiation is key. As module manufacturers drive to offer improved efficiencies or reliability, they need innovative materials such as Innovalight’s silicon inks for selective emitter cell design.

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& EQBusiness Financial Bonfiglioli Becomes The Most Preferred Partner For Solar PV Inverters In India. With more than 500MW of installations, Bonfiglioli is on a steady run to be the No.1 Player in India 185 MW in 2011 to 500+MW in 2013, Bonfiglioli Regenerative & Photovoltaic Business Unit in India has exhibited tremendous growth in the Indian Solar PV market. With 24% market share and increasing, Bonfiglioli Inverters are customized to the Indian conditions and being the most preferred choice for the customer. Mr. Mallikarjun B., Head of Sales, PV Business – India says, “We are confident of improving our market share from 24% as on today to 33% by 2014 with un-matched products and services as we could see lot of repeat orders from our partners in India and also localisation of our products”. Since its first significant installations in Germany 11 years ago, Bonfiglioli has invested heavily in the development of new products, services and solutions for photovoltaic energy conversion. CEO and President Sonia Bonfiglioli confirms that “efforts in this direction have clearly been appreciated by major investors, who have obtained a more rapid return on investment thanks to their use of high-yield Bonfiglioli inverters”. With global installations of more than 1.6 GW, Bonfiglioli is definitely amongst the leaders in the Inverter Technology for solar PV energy.

Bonfiglioli inverters, based on German technology developed by the centre of excellence Bonfiglioli Vectron, have been installed in large photovoltaic parks all over the world. Bonfiglioli RPS TL Inverter series ensure maximum maturity and proven track record of the modular technology. These Inverters are modular in construction with independent MPPT tracker that helps in more yields due to less mismatch losses. It also reduces the risk of outage due to any fault with Inverter. The other significant feature includes Fault ride through / LVRT power management that is available as standard in our products. Most of our installations in India have achieved an uptime of more than 99.7%. Bonfiglioli products are already operational across the Indian Geography. The largest being in Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh with 180+MW and 133+MW respectively. This is closely followed by Rajasthan with 50+MW under operations. The other states include – Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Andra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. The Service arm of Bonfiglioli ensures that your Inverters are up and running. With dedicated service teams that operate across key markets in India, they help the customers in both pre & post sales assistance. Our personalised pre-sales assistance helps customers to optimise the dimensions of

photovoltaic field, meeting specific needs and maximising output, efficiency and reliability. While the post-sales helps to not just maintain but also to put installation into service quickly and efficiently so that you can enjoy an immediate return on investment. With this level of pro-activeness, Bonfiglioli has already signed extended warranties for duration of 20 years and uptime contracts (98%) with lot many customers in India. Another factor behind Bonfiglioli’s success, in addition to the points listed above, has been an ability to supply products that offer excellent performance in terms of yield and reliability. As Mr Giancarlo Chiapparoli, RePvS Business Development Manager India says: “We are proud to say that all our inverters are exceeding our Indian customer expectations both in terms of performance and reliability (more than 99.7% availability), Bonfiglioli confirms its historical attitude to be a reliable partner for complex projects”. In-depth understanding of markets and market dynamics, 17 commercial subsidiaries, 4 photovoltaic production centers on 3 continents and a wide range of high-tech power conversion systems, make Bonfiglioli a long-standing and riskless industry player for photovoltaic field developments anywhere in the world.

Fortum Launches Solar Power Production In India By Acquiring A 5-Mw Photo-Voltaic Solar Power Plant Fortum has acquired a solar power plant in the state of Rajasthan, north-westernIndia. The company’s short term ambition is to build a small photo-voltaic (PV) solar portfolio in order to gain experiences in different solar technologies and operating in the Indian power market.”Solar power fits well with Fortum’s other CO2-free production and we believe it will play an important role in tomorrow’s low carbon energy system,” says MattiKaarnakari, Managing Director, FortumIndia Pvt. Ltd. “Solar power is a strong growth segment that will account for an increasing part of power generation in the future. Fast technological development 10

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

is boosting competitiveness and on best markets, wholesale parity can be expected already within a few years’ time.” The power plant’s nominal peak capacity is 5.4 megawatts and its annual production is approximately 9 gigawatt-hours. The power plant was constructed as part of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), the Indian government’s initiative for 22 gigawatts of installed solar power generation capacity by year 2022, and it has been fully operational for one year. The plant will receive a higher, guaranteed electricity price for 25 years. The period

and the prices for power generation under the government’s power purchase agreement (PPA) are defined to ensure a sufficient return on investment.”India is one of the most interesting countries for solar power development. Apart from the naturally favourable geographic location, India has ambitious plans for solar power on both national and state levels,” MrMattiKaarnakari continues. In the short term, Fortum is looking to invest some tens of millions of euros -including this acquisition - in developing its PV solar competence and operations in India.

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THE NEW ULTRA: DRIVING DOWN LCOE OF PV POWER PLANTS

& EQBusiness Financial Solar Photovoltaic Demand in the US to Grow by 20% in 2013 to 4.3 Gigawatts, Reports NPD Solarbuzz Strong Contributions from Utility-Based Projects and Renewable Portfolio Standards to Drive 2014 US Solar PV Above 5 GW Santa Clara, Calif. (June 3, 2013) — Demand for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in the US is forecast to grow significantly during 2013 and post another record high of 4.3 gigawatts (GW), an increase of almost 20% compared to 2012, according to the latest NPD SolarbuzzNorth America PV Markets Quarterly. Solar PV demand from the US market now contributes over 12% of annual global demand, compared to just 5% three years ago. Demand in Q2’13 is forecast to reach 1 GW, with over 70% coming from California, Arizona, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Residential and small commercial rooftop PV installations will account for 18% of this demand, with another 14% from large commercial rooftops. The utility-dominated ground-mount segment will account for the remaining 68% of new PV demand this quarter. Large utility-based solar PV projects in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas

will drive US demand above 2.5 GW during the second half of 2013. Strong year-end contributions will also come from Hawaii, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, and Ohio. PV demand from the US is forecast to exceed 5 GW in 2014, representing a 70% compound annual growth rate since 2009. “The strong commercial and utility-based solar PV being deployed in the US is stimulated by state specific mandates that require solar to meet target levels, or carveouts, of total energy production,” explained Chris Sunsong, analyst at NPD Solarbuzz. “Meanwhile, residential demand is being driven by new third-party ownership models that allow homeowners and businesses to install PV systems with minimal upfront commitments.” New solar PV incentive policies and additional utility-scale projects are also starting to diversify PV demand across a greater number of states within the US, moving away from the traditional strongholds limited to the East and West Coasts. Six of the ten fastest-growing US states for solar

PV demand in 2013 are located in the South or the Midwest, providing annual growth rates averaging above 180%. However, sustaining the multi-GW opportunity for solar PV in the US remains heavily dependent on strong PV demand from a small group of states. Just nine states will account for more than 85% of all US solar PV demand in 2013. As a result, the US solar PV market remains highly vulnerable to any abrupt policy changes in the leading US PV states. “The success of federal incentives and aggressive renewable portfolio standards that were intended to stimulate domestic solar PV installations in the US is now coming under increased scrutiny at the state level”, added Sunsong. “Additionally, states such as New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania that are heavily dependent on solar renewable energy certificates, or SRECs, are at risk of continued oversupply that threatens to limit new solar PV investments.”

Figure 1: US Solar PV Market Demand by State, Q3’12-Q2’13

Source: NPD SolarbuzzNorth America PV Markets Quarterly 12

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

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& EQBusiness Financial Chinese Antidumping Duties to Drive up Solar Polysilicon Devices - But Not Too Much China’s pending move to slap antidumping tariffs on imported solar polysilicon from key countries will generate a surge in pricing for this key raw material in June and July—but the magnitude of the increase will be limited market factors. The likely imposition of the import duties will cause global solar polysilicon pricing to rise to $19.50 per kilogram in June and July, up from $16.50 in May, according to IHS Polysilicon Price Tracker from information and analytics provider IHS (NYSE: IHS). This represents a major turnaround for a polysilicon market that has seen average pricing decline for seven of the last 10 months, as presented in the attached figure.

including long-term agreements (LTA) that stabilize pricing as well as efforts by buyers and sellers to bypass the tariffs.”

international suppliers will protect supply agreements. This will lock in lower pricing, at least for a period of time.

Polysilicon pricing factors

Furthermore, the duties potentially can be evaded by using wafer tolling outside of China.

While the duties will send prices up, other factors will serve to limit the increase. First, to produce high-quality cells, a superior grade of polysilicon is required. Such highend polysilicon is supplied from the European Union, the United States and South Korea. However, Chinese cell manufacturers can reduce the impact of rising prices for imports by blending high-quality silicon with lowerend material to reduce the average cost. Next, LTAs between Chinese buyers and

Meanwhile, it will be difficult for Chinese midstream players to accept polysilicon prices above $20.5 per kilogram from the spot market in China with continuous cost pressure from downstream suppliers. Finally, the global manufacturing overcapacity of solar-grade polysilicon will continue and not allow sustainable local price spikes even with protected local production.

However, the increase will amount to only 18 percent, falling short of the 30 percent indicator that would represent a major market correction. Prices also would remain below the key $20-per-kilogram mark. “IHS believes China is likely to impose antidumping tariffs with rates ranging from 30 to 50 percent on polysilicon imported from the European Union, the United States and South Korea,” said Glenn Gu, senior analyst, photovoltaics, at IHS. “However, the impact of the duties will be mitigated by factors

India-Turkey To Enhance Cooperation In Renewable Energy India and Turkey have agreed to enhance their cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy. This was decided at a meeting held between the Turkish Energy Minister Mr. Taner Yildiz and Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy at Ankara today. Dr. Abdullah is visiting Turkey along with a high level delegation to explore greater opportunities for cooperation and collaboration between Indian and Turkey. Dr. Abdullah briefed his counterpart on the energy situation in India and India’s plans to add over 30 GW of renewable energy to its energy mix in the next 5 years. He also dwelt on the success of the wind programme as well as the significant cost reductions in solar energy through the Jawahar Lal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). The Turkish leader said that Ankara hopes

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

to diversify its energy mix by introducing a large component of renewables. It has considerable potential in wind, hydro, solar and geothermal energy. It imports over 90% of its oil, gas and fossil fuel requirement. Mr Yildiz recognized India’s considerable achievements and strengths in renewable energy and noted that India had made large strides in this field. He expressed the Turkish government’s desire to set up large generating as well as manufacturing capacities in renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar. Dr. Abdullah offered India’s support and expertise to Turkey in setting up projects in wind, solar and hydropower. He also offered training slots in India to Turkish scientists, engineers and technicians through the ITEC programme. The Indian Minister expressed his country’s desire for a serious and meaningful cooperation with

Turkey, especially in renewable energy and offered all possible assistance. The Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) and the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSCON) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) later organized business seminars where business delegations from both countries deliberated in detail on the opportunities and prospects of renewable energy in Turkey. Both sides identified specific areas of scientific cooperation and possibilities of participation in renewable energy projects and investment opportunities.Earlier in the day, the Minister visited Anitkabir- the Masoleum of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey and paid his respects.

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& EQBusiness Financial 1.3GW of PV Installations Eliminated by EU Anti-Dumping Duties in 2013; Double-Digit Global Growth Still Likely European photovoltaic (PV) installations are forecast to fall by more than 6 gigawatts (GW) in 2013, with 1.3 GW of this decline attributed to incoming EU anti-dumping duties on Chinese modules according to a recently released analysis from IHS (NYSE: IHS). Despite this dramatic fall, IHS still predicts global installations will grow at a doubledigit rate to 35 GW in 2013 driven by a surge in demand in Asia. In its latest quarterly analysis on global PV installation demand, IHS cut has cut its forecast for the second half of 2013 in Europe by more than 1.3 GW, citing the antidumping tariffs that came into force on June 6. As a result of these duties, and several other factors, including changes to incentive systems, IHS predicts total European PV installations will fall to 11.6 GW in 2013, down 33 percent from 17.7 GW in 2012. ”Although the E.U. Commission has given a small window of opportunity by reducing the tariff to 11.8 percent for 60 days, IHS still expects dampened demand,” said Ash Sharma, senior director of solar research at IHS. “This decline comes in stark contrast to the sharp increase in module shipments from China as buyers stockpile ahead of the next tariff increase in August, As a result IHS has cut its European forecast for the second half

of 2013 by 1.3 GW—a nearly 20 percent reduction from our previous outlook.” The analysis found that the EU duties will accelerate the decline in European installations with biggest falls in Germany and Italy. “Germany will account for the majority of this decline with installations 3 GW lower in 2013 than the previous year,” Sharma added. “Italy will also contract by another 2 GW.” Double-digit growth still expected Despite this huge fall in European demand, IHS still predicts that the global PV market will grow in 2013, with installations hitting 35 GW, up 11 percent from 31 GW in 2012. However, unlike most previous years, Asia will be the driving force for growth, with installations in the region predicted to exceed 15 GW for the first time and thus account for 45 percent of global demand. This will make the Asian market larger than Europe for the first time. China and Japan will account for the majority of this and IHS predicts they will become the two largest markets in 2013 based on volume. Japan will lead in terms of revenue, as IHS previously announced.

will rank among the top three markets for the first time ever, and IHS’ PV Demand Tracker’s Top 10 ranking forecast for 2013 is now much more evenly balanced across all geographic regions. Emerging markets provide relief—but not in 2013 While the solar market is continuing to fragment geographically in terms of end demand, solar companies cannot fully rely on so-called emerging markets to provide support amid waning demand in Europe in 2013. IHS predicts that emerging markets will add 5.9 GW in 2013 up from 3.4 GW in 2012. However, this will be made up by more than 60 countries globally. “The good news, however, is that installations in these regions will grow to 9 GW in 2014 and to more than 16 GW in 2017 highlighting the need for solar companies to focus on emerging markets—but more importantly picking the right ones,” Sharma concluded. The IHS Global PV Demand Tracker is published quarterly and contains detailed analysis of PV installations in 60 countries.

In addition, no European countries in 2013

Forecast of Top-10 Countries for Solar Installations in 2013 (based on MW installed) (Ranking in order or megawatt installations*)

Rank

Country

China

Japan

USA

Germany

Italy

India

Greece

Australia

Canada

*Japan is expected to be no. 1 based on installation revenue SOURCE : IHS, June 2013

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

& EQBusiness Financial Renewables to surpass gas by 2016 in the global power mix EA report sees renewable power increasingly cost-competitive with new fossil-fuel generation, but agency warns against complacency NEW YORK, 26 June – Power generation from hydro, wind, solar and other renewable sources worldwide will exceed that from gas and be twice that from nuclear by 2016, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said today in its second annual Medium-

warned that “policy uncertainty is public

Decentralised solar photovoltaic generation

enemy number one” for investors: “Many

costs can be lower than retail electricity

renewables no longer require high economic

prices in a number of countries.

incentives. But they do still need long-term policies that provide a predictable and reliable market and regulatory framework compatible with societal goals,” she stated. “And worldwide subsidies for fossil fuels remain six times higher than economic incentives for renewables.”

The MTRMR also sees gains for biofuels in transport and for renewable sources for heat, though at somewhat slower growth rates than renewable electricity. Biofuels output, adjusted for energy content, should account for nearly 4% of global oil demand for road transport in 2018, up from 3%

Term Renewable Energy Market Report

The forecasts in the report build on the

in 2012. But advanced biofuels growth is

(MTRMR).

impressive growth registered in 2012,

proceeding only slowly.

According to the MTRMR, despite a difficult economic context, renewable power is expected to increase by 40% in the next five years. Renewables are now the fastestgrowing power generation sector and will make up almost a quarter of the global power mix by 2018, up from an estimated 20% in

when global renewable generation rose by over 8% despite a challenging investment, policy and industry context in some areas. In absolute terms, global renewable generation in 2012 – at 4 860 TWh – exceeded the total estimated electricity consumption of China.

2011. The share of non-hydro sources such

Two main factors are driving the positive

as wind, solar, bioenergy and geothermal in

outlook for renewable power generation.

total power generation will double, reaching

First, investment and deployment are

8% by 2018, up from 4% in 2011 and just

accelerating in emerging markets, where

2% in 2006.

renewables help to address fast-rising

“As their costs continue to fall, renewable power sources are increasingly standing on their own merits versus new fossil-fuel generation,” said IEA Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven as she presented the report at the Renewable Energy Finance Forum in New York. “This is good news for a global energy system that needs to become cleaner and more diversified, but it should not be an excuse for government complacency, especially among OECD countries.” Even as the role of renewables increases across all sectors, the MTRMR cautions that renewable development is becoming more complex and faces challenges – especially in the policy arena. In several European countries with stagnating economies and energy demand, debate about the costs of renewable support policies is mounting. In addressing these issues, Ms. Van der Hoeven

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

electricity demand, energy diversification needs and local pollution concerns while contributing to climate change mitigation. Led by China, non-OECD countries are

As a portion of final energy consumption for heat, renewable sources, excluding traditional biomass, should rise to almost 10% in 2018, from over 8% in 2011. But the potential of renewable heat remains largely unexploited. The MTRMR is part of a series of mediumterm forecasts that the IEA devotes to each of the main primary energy sources – oil, gas, coal and renewable energy – and, starting this year, energy efficiency. This approach allows the IEA to look in detail at each market while taking into account the whole energy system and the relationships between the various energy sources.

expected to account for two-thirds of the global increase in renewable power generation between now and 2018. Such rapid deployment is expected to more than compensate for slower growth and smooth out volatility in other areas, notably Europe and the US. Second, in addition to the well-established competitiveness of hydropower, geothermal and bioenergy, renewables are becoming costcompetitive in a wider set of circumstances. For example, wind competes well with new fossil-fuel power plants in several markets, including Brazil, Turkey and New Zealand. Solar is attractive in markets with high peak prices for electricity, for instance, those resulting from oil-fired generation.

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& EQBusiness Financial First-Of-Its Kind Investment Guarantee Will Catalyze $100 Million In Funding To Promote Clean Energy Solutions For India WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in India to participate in the fourth annual U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced today that it will partner with U.S.-based institutional investor Northern Lights Capital Group to facilitate a $100 million investment in India’s clean energy sector via Nereus Capital. This investment, through the Agency’s Development Credit Authority, is expected to create hundreds of additional megawatts of sustainable energy capacity and will help to advance India’s burgeoning clean energy industry. The partnership is the first time in the Agency’s history that it has partnered with a private investment fund to facilitate targeted investment. USAID will provide a 40% credit guarantee for a $100 million limited partner commitment to Nereus Capital‘s India Alternative Energy Fund managed by Northern Lights Capital Group, an institutional investor. “USAID will be able to dramatically leverage large scale funding to help India’s transition to a low carbon economy and open-up new development opportunities for enhanced

energy access,” said USAID Administrator Raj Shah, who is traveling with Sec. Kerry in India. “This investment could eventually create as much as 300-400 additional megawatts of sustainable energy capacity, which is equivalent to lighting the homes of tens of thousands of Indian families. And as our first investment in a private investment fund, it will help to facilitate access for U.S. entrepreneurs to this important emerging market.” In order to meet latent demand and address energy shortfalls, the India government has set a target of 30,000 megawatts of renewable energy generation capacity in the next five years. Nereus Capital’s India Alternative Energy Fund directly addresses this growing demand for sustainable energy by investing in independent power producers that develop, construct, and operate alternative energy projects in India. The Fund’s investment focus includes wind power, hydropower, solar power, and large-scale energy efficiency projects. “With this commitment, Nereus has cemented its role as one of the largest pools of capital

specifically focused on Indian renewable energy infrastructure,” said Jack Swift, Partner at Northern Lights Capital Group. “Nereus’ combination of investment track record and active operational value addition has enabled the firm to evolve into one of the leading financial sponsors in its space.” “Challenges for traditional thermal power generation and persistent power deficits dictate that an increasing proportion of new power generation capacity in India will be derived from alternative energy,” said Jonathan Winer, Managing Director at Nereus. “Corresponding to this expanding market opportunity, the growth in our assets under management from this transaction allows Nereus to continue to finance leading independent power producers in India.” “The Development Credit Authority’s loan guarantee will allow USAID to catalyze and leverage private sector investment for greater impact and scale,” said Ben Hubbard, the Director of USAID’s Development Credit Authority. “Through a comparatively small investment by the U.S. Government, we can ensure that U.S. investors can make low-risk investments that deliver high-reward for the people of India.”

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I NT ERV I EW

Manoj Kumar Upadhyay Founder, Chairman and Managing Director ACME Tele Power Limited EQ : Please enlighten us about the ACME Group MKU : We, ACME Group, are one of the foremost providers of innovative green energy generation, energy conservation and energy management solutions in India’s Infrastructure Sector. Our innovative products and solutions are backed by empowered field organization, spread across 17 countries. The wide range of products and solutions make green energy profitable. In Solar Sector, we are one of the leading developers in India having presence in both photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies.

EQ : What are the plants under operation in India, Asia and Africa Region

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MKU : We have started providing MW scale solar solutions in India and kW scale solar solutions in Africa. ACME’s solar portfolio of 67.5 MW includes 15 MW Solar in Gujarat (commissioned), 2.5 MW Solar Thermal in Rajasthan (commissioned) and 50 MW Solar PV in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, which is under construction

EQ : As ACME is seen Bidding in Different States …Kindly enlighten your plan for 2013 and Beyond. Briefly Enlighten our Readers on experiences from bidding and developing project in different states MKU : ACME has two operational plants in the state of Rajasthan and Gujarat. We are also constructing projects in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. Currently, we would like to expand in these States and are also focusing on having base in southern part of country. We are actively participating in the state and central government bidding and it is good to have presence at PAN India where we can work with different states, to fulfill the states requirements, norms / to understand the regulator y and policy framework.

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EQ : Do you think tariff of sub Rs.6.5 per kWh is workable for a Developer. How ? Do you see role of IPP’s diminishing and Will Solar Market see a lions share from Corporates enjoying Depreciation benefit MKU : Tariff of Rs 6.5 per unit is extremely aggressive tariff for a developer and we don’t think its workable price for any IPP. It can only work for the investors who can avail accelerated tax depreciation benefit. In the recent biddings, trends of enjoying AD benefits by Corporates can be seen. In future, we are expecting more big names to enter in the market not only to avail the AD benefit but also for captive consumption and CSR activities.

EQ : What are your views on the JNNSM Phase 2 Guidelines. (Views on VGF, Role of SECI, Bankability of PPA, States under which Capacity Addition is forseen) MKU : We understand that the target of establishing Solar Project Capacity under Phase II of JNNSM, is around 9000 MW up to 2017, with a view of achieving 20 GW capacity by 2022. Now, with these targets in mind and the facts that capacity addition with solar thermal technology is uncertain, capacity likely to be added under bundling scheme is also not visible and there is no clarity and visibility on States schemes, as such in view of these facts and timelines, as well as challenges towards implementation of these projects, it is requested to enhance the capacity of solar PV projects from the proposed 750 MW to around 1250 MW under VGF scheme. It is also anticipated that VGF scheme is likely to be the main scheme for solar projects capacity addition under JNNSM program. Regarding the VGF, it is a good scheme introduced by the ministry, however, 10% capping on L1 price may hinder achieving the entire 750 MW capacity. SECI is playing a key role in the NSM phase II. Under this phase, major states would be Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, etc.

EQ : 2013 has seen various Tenders from Rajasthan, AP, TN, Punjab, UP, Bihar, Karnataka Etc… What are your plans for setting up Projects in Various States. What are the challenges, 20

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

Advantages in respect to Different States. MKU : The year 2013 has seen various tenders, and as ACME we have already participated in several state bids of Karnataka, AP, etc. Every state has its own advantages and different types of challenges, which includes availability of land and its cost, availability of decent GHI, sometimes disturbed areas is a also a major concern.

EQ : How do you see the Scenario of Intra-State & Inter-State Open Access for Solar Market to Develop. According to you what are the various aspects for Setting up Projects under Open-Access…How much capacity do you think will come online and in which states. Kindly enlighten our readers in detail regarding Open Access & Related Regulatory Aspects. MKU : This is one of the key area for solar to grow. Though there is a ruling from CERC regarding various benefits that can be availed, however, a lot of clarity is awaited from different States on this mechanism

EQ : What were the challenges in securing the finance for your project and who are the bankers & investors behind it.What are the rates and tenure given by Indian banks and foreign banks (ex:EXIM, IFC etc…) MKU : Few are the major challenges for financing the solar projects: banks are reluctant to lend the money for longer tenure say 15 years; most of the banks are not in favor of funding the power sector because they have already exposed to lot of risk in power sector; interest rates of Indian lenders are also on very higher side making the projects unviable. Most of the international financial institutions having obligations to promote the green energy are active in lending the funds at competitive rates and for longer tenure, but the sanctioning process of these financial institutions is very long.

EQ : Who was your EPC Contractor and rationale behind selecting them for your various projects MKU : We ourselves do the EPC of our

projects. We may also hire EPC contractors based on the cost and availability of our EPC team. The EPC contractor selection decision is based on several terms and conditions such as cost, time duration of completion of the project, LC, and their past experience, quality of work, team profile etc.

EQ : Please enlighten us on the selection procedure of equipment & technology (c-si vs. Thin Film, Fixed structures vs. Tracking, String vs.Central Inverter ec..etc…) Whats the ideal solution for India and why. What modules (brands & technology), inverters, BOS used by ACME in India and other geographies controlled from here MKU : Equipment and technology can be based on the DNI and GHI, availability of land, availability of transmission line and its distance from the selected land, etc. At present, poly crystalline can be ideal solution of the country, as it requires less land, low cost and also the handling of modules is quite comfortable as compared to other PV technologies

EQ : Please share the planned and actual generation, performance ratio, availability of plant & grid. Kindly provide graphs of all plants. MKU : We are achieving the electricity generation as per the designed parameters which is around 19% CUF though the actual GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance) is comparatively lower than the GHI considered during plant design stage, reflecting the dedicated & committed efforts from our team. The efforts of our team also reflect towards achieving of performance ratio of 79.9% and the availability of plant & grid is 99.7%

EQ : RPO enforcement is one of the major hindrances in growth of Solar Market in India…Kindly comment MKU : RPO is one of the mechanisms which can support the Solar power development in the country. There is a need to develop an appropriate penal mechanism that bounds the obligatory entities to purchase solar power as well as solar RECs. This is the mechanism which can boost this sector to a great extent.

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Missing part may be one can say about the net metering practices would be introduced; stability of grid should also be there.

EQ : What’s your view on the Indian Policy Framework and one piece of advise you would like to give to the government and regulators

EQ : Discoms running into losses and fact that some private obligated entities (Captive power plants, Open access consumers) getting stay orders from their respective high courts on RPO enforcement….. Is this a major roadblock… What’s the solution to this? MKU : We believe that the initiative taken by Power Ministry to restructure the Discoms can be one of the major steps taken to ensure the revival of the Discoms and strengthening their financial condition. But it is essential to follow the restructuring scheme along with the condition levied upon the Discoms otherwise the restructuring will just an eye wash and will not serve the desired purpose. Even if any state does not opt for restructuring the conditions should be enforced upon those Discoms also. In parallel both the private and government obligated entities should enforced to fulfill their RPO obligation.

EQ : What is your view on the REC Mechanism. Kindly explain from the point of view of an obligated entity who wants to meet its RPO requirement, is it beneficial to buy Solar REC’s or build its own plant or Private PPA or buy power under JNNSM or state policies. Kindly also explain the REC mechanism projects form the point of view of a developer. How can it be made bankable… Whats the missing policies & regulations. MKU : It depends upon the financial and technical strength of the obligated entity that

on which business model one has to invest. Private PPAs, setting up of own generating plant, purchase of solar RECs are all good options. In case of REC business model, the financial institutions are reluctant to lend the money. To make the REC mechanism more bankable a series of changes should be introduced by the Regulatory bodies including visibility of REC prices for longer duration considering the payback in solar is not less than 8 years.

EQ : Recent Coal Scam, rising Coal costs….How will it impact the Solar Market. When do you Grid parity in India and then what will be the state of solar in India MKU : The recent coal scams leads to increase in prices of coal which increase the cost of electricity per unit and it has a direct impact on solar sector, as one think that grid parity will reach in next 1-2 years from now.

EQ : What is the current state of Solar Rooftop market and what are the major challenges in development of this market in India. What are the missing policies, regulations and required infrastructure? MKU : This is the initial stage of solar rooftop market in the country as this market is showing positive signs and is growing at its own pace. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is supporting this market with huge capital subsidies and we have also seen competitive bidding for rooftop organized by Solar Energy Corporation of India and with a good response from the solar market.

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MKU : Indian Policy Framework is good and attractive; this is the major reason why international firms are ready to invest in the country. But it can require some of the major changes in order to boost the solar sector with enforcement of RPO mechanism, net metering practices, strengthening the discoms, etc.

EQ : Whats the ideal way to finance both utility scale farms and roof top projects ? Kindly explain in detail. MKU : For utility scale farms, financial Institutions/Developments Banks may consider financing for 15-20 years. To make kW scale solution more popular & useful, introduction of benefits like accelerated tax depreciation at individual level is a must along with provision of short term loans at lower interest rates. These steps are required for successful scale up of Solar Industry

EQ : Kindly describe your Top 5 (worthwhile discussing) experiences with building your Solar PV plant in India MKU : For developing the project, we feel that acquiring the desired land in the given time frame is a challenge. Financial closure of the project is also related to the acquisition of land which puts additional pressure on the developer. Further getting transmission line to the specific land is also a challenge especially when distances is long and have forest/tribal land in between. We further suggest having a single window clearance system for promoting the Solar Projects

EQ : What are the future plans in India and other countries? MKU : We are focused on having our strong presence in all the States in India for setting up Solar Power Projects with target portfolio of 1000 MW in next few years. In the kW solar market, we are also emphasizing on the African Market.

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

P V M A N UFA CT URI N G

Not All Solar PV Ribbons Are Created Equal Elle, Chin - Assistant Sales Manager, Luvata Malaysia

t can be easy to fall prey to the lowest upfront cost solution when it comes to selecting PV components. After all, driving down the upfront costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems through the purchase of the lowest cost components may seem obvious. However, focusing on the long-term return of the project rather than looking only at a short-term payback period may deliver better financial returns. The market is full of low-cost solar modules that offer lower up-front cost. However, these lower costs are offset by lower long-term returns due to maintenance, under-performance, degradation or failures. Therefore, it’s important to understand the value each component represents in the overall life cycle of the solar module. The time and effort to conduct a thorough comparison of the various PV system components being considered for a project is both worthwhile and prudent. Even the financing of a PV project may come into play as investors are putting their money behind projects that use higher quality PV modules because they provide higher longterm return on the project with less risk.

Cost considerations for PV ribbon 22

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The cost of PV ribbon is relatively small compared with the other components of a solar module. Then consider an industrystandard 25-year warranty and the life cycle performance expectations of a PV module. Do you really want to cut corners on the solar ribbon that lies at the heart of a PV module? In addition to the long-term performance considerations of a solar PV system, PV module manufactures should also consider the production costs associated with the components they choose. Increases in scrap, equipment downtime, and lower yields are a few of the financial consequences that can be incurred from the use of low-grade PV ribbon.

Consequences of cost cutting Some of the most common issues with low-cost ribbon include width variation, poor camber, and solder coverage issues – including bare spots. Solder coating thickness is often less than the specified value because the ribbon supplier is attempting to keep their own costs down. Any of these issues can cause increased downtime, and can compromise the performance and long-term viability of the module.

The continued trend toward thicker ribbon and thinner cells necessitate a product that will allow module manufacturers to realize these changes without compromising performance and yield loss. As the ribbon becomes softer, maintaining low camber (straightness) becomes increasingly difficult. The ability of ribbon manufacturers to offer a product that is both soft and straight is crucial for the next generation of solar modules.

The lowest long-term cost solution The evolution of Sunwire® includes substantial reduction in camber, especially at the flanges of the spool. This, together with the extreme softness of the material, allows PV module manufacturer to align the ribbon precisely over the bus bars of the cell, enabling maximum electrical output. The Sunwire manufacturing process is both integrated and highly automated, which results in a product of superior quality and consistency. The proprietary plating process is designed to deliver plating thickness consistency along with excellent solderability. The fully-automated spooling process ensures that winding is consistent from one spool to the next, resulting in reliable and predictable de-spooling for the customer on their stringer machines.

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In addition to a manufacturing process that ensures full solder coverage on all sides of the ribbon, Luvata employs a proprietary vision system developed exclusively for PV ribbon to monitor the ribbon surface. This system continuously inspects both the top and bottom of the ribbon to ensure its consistent quality, cleanliness and dimensional conformity from the beginning of one spool â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to the end of another. All of these factors contribute to reduce scrap and downtime, while improving yields for PV module manufacturers. And while not the lowest up-front cost option, Sunwire is perhaps the lowest long-term cost ribbon solution. Luvata is manufacturing its solar PV ribbon - branded Sunwire - in Pori, Finland; Pasir Gudang, Malaysia; Appleton, Wisconsin USA; and Suzhou, China. Each of these manufacturing facilities has the same proprietary equipment and many of the same processes, to deliver the exact same product, with the exact same consistent quality, our customers have come to expect. To learn more visit our booth at the 7th Renewable Energy Exhition, Delhi (12-14th Sept 2013), Booth number 7.9

SO L A R ENERGY

India’s own patented technology for Industrial Process Heat Applications: ARUN® Solar Concentrator Abhishek Bhatewara, Director, Clique Solar

n terms of economics and business, I think we are living in the best times in India. A land full of opportunities and a story backed by sound statistics and hope in almost every domain. However, hope comes with a rider of thought and responsibility. The responsibility of shaping future in such a manner where opportunities are multiplied to the benefit of stakeholders involved (including the society’s), in an optimum manner. What role ‘energy’ plays in development of a nation and fulfilling the aspirations of individuals should not be a question in anyone’s mind. However, the crucial part is what kind of energy will sustain the world and continue to fulfill aspirations?

Did I hear renewable energy? Ofcourse, the answer has to emerge from clean and sustainable energy sources. And being in India sun is seen as the obvious source. Solar energy shoulders great expectations. Efforts need to be made in all directions to develop solar technologies relevant to different needs that exist. One such need which forms huge part of energy consumption in India is Industrial Process Heat. These are the processes where heat delivered through steam and or heated oil can fulfill the requirement. The processes range from industry to industry like milk pasteurization in dairy industry; cooking, washing and laundry in the hospitality industry; drying, cleaning, finishing and heating/cooling in the textile and chemical industry including others. 24

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Cooling or air conditioning is another energyintensive process amongst the various energy-consuming applications. Concentrated Solar Thermal technologies cater to these needs. CST technologies use reflecting surfaces to focus sunlight onto collectors, generating intense heat that converts water into steam to provide heat to a process. Consider this - Industrial process heat (IPH) applications below 250°C contribute to about 15 to 20% of India’s total oil consumption (almost 80%-90% of which is imported). If we calculate the oil bill as a result of this import it comes to $ 7-8 bn and it only threatens to get dearer. Unfortunately, many are still not confident about the value it provides.

Where does the gap lie? As per our experience the challenges that end users face in adoption of solar technologies can be categorized into

Introducing ARUN After more than a decade of sustained efforts and experimentation, I can say that we finally have an answer that fulfills the above parameters to our satisfaction. We have named it ARUN. It works on the same principle as stated above - concentration of rays. ARUN® solar concentrator is a 100% indigenously developed Fresnel Paraboloid Solar concentrator with a point focus. The innovative dish design and the automatic two-axis tracking system ensure the highest thermal energy output per sq.m of collector area compared to any other solar concentrator in India. If you are aware of some terms in the domain, then ARUN’s concentration ratio of approximately 500x will give you an idea of the accuracy of the system. The simplicity of operation coupled with the highest standards of safety ensures minimum maintenance over an extended period of time.

Fulfilling the parameters -

space availability,

unattractive economics,

limited integration/output accuracy and

low awareness

These are what define ‘relevance’ for the end users. These factors can act collectively or independently as well. Thus, technologies developed in the domain have to address each of these. Individual adoption is another reason that technologies in the domain should fulfill all the four parameters.

Output accuracy - 99.5%+ accuracy in pressure/temperature delivery With the help of appropriate controls, ARUN delivers output with a temperature/pressure accuracy of more than 99.5%, in spite of the varying solar radiation. In fact, we have taken a step further by providing storage facility. So even if the Sun is not available, ARUN can deliver thermal energy at the exact temperature & pressure that the process needs. On the other hand, in case the process is shut for a short period or the

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plant is closed, solar energy is dumped into this storage ensuring that it is not wasted. Also, we are the only manufacturers who provide performance guarantee. This means that if on a given day if get ‘x’ amount of sunlight we guarantee that ARUN system will give ‘y’ amount of output.

Minimum space required We have solved this challenge by mounting the 160 sq.m. dish on a single column of less than 1m diameter. The small footprint area of ARUN® dish (3m x 3m per dish including the foundation area) with higher efficiency and accuracy has helped us address the challenge of space. It can be mounted at locations which have space limitations. It can also be erected on rooftops of existing buildings. Economics – In most cases, where you are replacing the liquid fuels, the payback period on this investment is between 2 to 4 years. This is extremely attractive considering the long life of more than 25 years of the system. The Government provides subsidy and provisions for accelerated depreciation in the balance sheet.

payback period has been achieved it is free fuel for the rest of the system life. Imagine how much of conventional fuel and cost you will save? Also, ARUN® is the first IBR certified solar thermal boiler in India. The system can be used in ‘add-on’ mode and can be retrofitted to the existing boiler or heater system in the industry. A provision can also be made to store the thermal energy generated to meet energy requirements during non-solar hours. The thermal medium can be high or low pressure process steam, hot water, hot air, or any other thermic fluid.

Models Clique Solar currently offers 3 models of ARUN® namely; ARUN®160, ARUN®100 and ARUN® 30. These models work on the same concept but vary in the output. Thus they are applicable for varying processes and industries depending on the energy requirement l

Highest Temperature & Pressure Delivery: ARUN can operate up to 300°C (oil) & 20 bar (steam)

Government Subsidy: MNRE provides support by way of capital subsidy or soft loans for every ARUN® installation

With the minimal maintenance, the system will last upto 25 years. This means after the

For more details No 36, Wallajah Road, Chennai-600 002, Phone: +91- 98417 25555, E-mail: solar@nepcindia.co.in Website: www.nepcindia.co.in

To find out how the system can be installed: http://nepcindia.com/videos.php We also undertake ground and other specified structure required, call now for all types of module mounting structures.

Non-Solar Hours Operations: ARUN® can be augmented with a heat energy storage facility for operation in nonsolar hours

IBR Approval: ARUN® is the first IBR approved Solar Boiler in India

High Wind Bearing Capacity: ARUN® is designed to operate in wind speeds up to 10 m/s and it can survive in wind speeds up to 45 m/s

Installation Case Studies A few examples of large solar thermal system installations for industrial process heating and cooling purposes are presented below.

Case Study 1 – Solar Boiler for Laundry, Cooking, Bathing in Hotels ITC, The Maurya has successfully installed and operated two ARUN solar concentrator dishes for fulfilling its thermal energy needs like laundry, cooking, bathing, etc. This installation saves ITC an equivalent of almost 32,000-35,000 liters of fossil fuel (PNG) per annum, which equates to a reduction in CO2 emissions by almost 110-130 tons per annum.

Key Performance Figures (Per Day, on a clear sunny day)

Case Study 2 – Solar energy with storage harnessed in Dairy Industry At Mahananda dairy, one solar dish is operational for hot water generation for milk pasteurization. The system pressure and temperature is 18 bar and 180°C respectively. Due to a mismatch in the working hours of the plant and availability of sun, an insulated pressurized water storage tank with capacity of 5,000 liters has been provided for nonsolar hours operation. Pressurized water was selected as the medium of heat transfer and storage as it has high specific heat, no fire hazards, no possibility of accelerated oxidization overnight (as in case of tarring of thermic oil), compatibility with food products and low operational cost.

The scenario today However, much of it is changing. The Government has undertaken the MNRE – UNDP programme to spread awareness about the industry by asking for proposals for demonstration and replication projects. The Government will provide additional subsidy for these projects and make these reference projects for the industry. Solar energy policies of the Indian states are also helping immensely in raising awareness and promoting adoption of solar energy technologies that are commercially viable.

Demonstration projects – Awareness and confidence is a huge issue. Thus the phrase ‘Seeing is Believing’ should literally help. As more people see and understand that such projects work, the hesitation will subside and the end user community will actively participate to adopt such initiatives.

challenge due to rising fuel costs. It is only a matter of time before industries will take the advantage of such a technology. The way forward Concentrated solar thermal has immense potential for industries across. It is difficult to estimate the market size because the applicability is so varied and spread across industries. Which I would is a good news.

Following will define the way forward: R&D is the key – The industry needs to evolve further. The industry now has technologies that can be helpful to the end users, but the work on making these efficient and affordable has to go on to make adoption of such solar technologies technically and commercially viable. This will prove to be a huge step towards making India energy self sufficient. This will also reduce the impact that energy shortfall has on businesses and in turn India’s GDP growth as well.

Last year MNRE along with UNDP launched a great initiative by which the end users can apply for greater subsidy and committing to categorize their projects as demonstrations project which will be open for visit and viewing whenever required. This should definitely help the cause further.

The way forward for Clique Solar The bigger vision for Clique Solar is to cater to the thermal energy needs in the various industrial segments like dairy, automobile, textile, pharmaceutical, chemical, food processing, FMCG, etc. This can only happen when a good understanding of the process heat requirements is developed and a suitable technology is built. We are putting our energies in our R&D to serve the industry by making adoption of such solar technologies technically and commercially viable. This will prove to be a huge step towards making India energy self - sufficient. This will also reduce the impact that energy shortfall has on businesses and in turn India’s GDP growth as well.

Policy The industry is at its nascence. It needs push and support from all the direct to make it sustainable. Various stakeholders including end users need to come forward and state their concern areas and share suggestion on how CST can help their business grow.

Companies across industries are facing a big

Caption- ARUN 160 dishes at ITC Maurya.

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

Caption – ARUN 160 dishes at Mahananda Dairy

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SOLARCON India 2013 brings together the world’s leading solar PV manufacturers, technologists and experts. Be there to network, learn and expand your business. t Reach out to key decision makers and promote your products and solutions with 6000 national and international trade visitors

t 3-day conference featuring leading PV technology experts from the Fraunhofer Institute, NREL, UNSW-Australia, US PV Manufacturing Consortium, policy leaders from MNRE & industry leaders. Conference theme: "Balancing Energy Supply & Demand in the Region – the need for a complete PV eco-system from materials to power generation”

t One-day workshop on “PV Standards - from Materials and Manufacturing to Systems”, in association with IEEE, IEC and sponsored by Underwriters Laboratories

t One-day Tutorial on “Introduction to solar PV system sizing” in technical collaboration with the National Centre for PV Research & Education – IIT Bombay

Book Your Exhibit Space Now Register for the Conference, Workshop or Tutorial Today

www.solarconindia.org Tel: +91.80.4040.7103

Sponsors

Cell: 9980.761.771

Email: semiindia@semi.org

Supported by

Power of Excellence

SO L A R ENERGY

Illuminating And Upgrading Rural Lives By Solar Microgrid Sumant Dubey - Asst Vice President - Business, Kuvam Energy Pvt Ltd

hile the decentralized paradigm of energy delivery is gaining favour in rural areas of developing countries, the successful implementation of such systems requires a keen understanding of local energy needs and preferences, sensitivity to the local cultural and economic realities, and an understanding of the technology for decentralized renewable energy. With a vision to improve the quality of life in rural areas of India, Kuvam Microgrid Pvt. Ltd. has come up with a novel idea of bringing lights in the lives of rural folks by fostering the use of solar energy and energy efficient products. Innovation in Kuvam’s approach is in the integration of prepaid meters, channelizing energy efficient equipment, and social engineering efforts in the rural business. Under the brand name of “Kuvam Urja” we have developed LED Lights, fans, coolers, TV’s etc all under 50W or lesser range.

Lighting Rural Bihar: Founded in 2010 to improve the quality of life in rural areas, Kuvam has been engaged in the process of disseminating residential electricity generated from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to rural households and village markets via localized micro grids. The company has installed several Solar Micro-grids to bring light in the villages located in West and East Champaran districts of Bihar which were devoid of grid 28

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connectivity. Currently, these localised microgrids are providing electricity to over 400 households. Solar PV plants pump power into the local micro grid, giving affordable electricity to villages which historically have never had electricity. The electricity from the microgrid is distributed to houses by setting up distribution infrastructure (pre-paid meters, poles and wires, centralized solar plant). When a household signs up for the electricity connection, Kuvam’s team installs the wires and pre-paid meters in the house. People pay for the service and electricity stops once the credit is finished. The electricity is stored in batteries so that each household has electricity for full day and can be used on the click of a switch. The user just has to merely tap a switch to get the light and can even charge mobile phones from the prepaid meter.

Sustainable Lighting & Equipment: The company has brought energy efficient electronic products for the microgrid users. In a bid to make the solar energy more sustainable, the villagers are provided LED bulbs with the electricity connection which use electricity efficiently and last longer. Kuvam’s LED technology has helped its customers replace traditional lighting and energy guzzlers in a clean and sustainable manner. Kuvam’s energy efficient fans, coolers, and TV,s has upgraded the lifestyle by making these products affordable even to the poorest household.

The cost of setting up localised micro grids varies from project to project. There are various factors that are taken into account while setting up a project which include the number of households, the electricity requirement, location of the site and transmission infrastructure. This rural electrification programme through offgrid solar PV installations is gaining huge response. This success could be attributed to the company’s ability to leverage indigenous resources and knowledge by empowering the local village community, in training and implementation.

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“Kuvam’s motto is bringing sustainable light solutions and energy efficient products within reach and the core philosophy of the company revolves around the concept of sustainability,” says a senior official involved with the project. He adds, “Using this approach we are developing innovations in lighting, cooling, and entertainment. By creating supply chain efficiencies we can ensure a much larger penetration in the market. This makes the products more cost effective for the end consumer.”

Future plans: In the short term, the company aims to establish 1000 micro-grids by the end of 2013 which would be able to provide electricity to around 50,000 – 75,000 households. Commenting over company’s future plans in the field of rural electrification, Jyoti Dar, Director of Kuvam Energy, said, “We have initially set up Solar PV power plants in Bihar, and now we want to expand our models to other villages in need of electricity in India. Our focus will be primarily on Bihar and the North Eastern States.” She also sought an enhanced participation from the governmental and aid agencies to visualize an environmentally viable, decentralized energy future for the country.

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SO L A R ENERGY

BELECTRIC presents Milestone in Solar Power Plant System Design 3.0 MegaWattBlock® makes its public debut at Intersolar 2013 Yogesh D. Dabhade-CEO. - Belectric Photovoltaic India Private Limited

unich/Kolitzheim: Highly efficient, standardized and grid-integrated. BELECTRIC underlines its position as a global technology and innovation leader in ground-mounted solar power plant construction with the unveiling of the 3.0 MegaWattBlock. For the first time this new type of solar power plant produces electricity to the same level of cost and functionality as large conventional power plants. The 3.0 MegaWattBlock uses a maximum voltage of 1500 Volt. Developed in co-operation with GE and PADCON, the 1500 V inverter system reduces system and maintenance costs. A material-saving design, highest levels of quality and exceptional surface area efficiency make the new 3.0 MegaWattBlock a global benchmark in the generation of 30

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solar power. The refined modular design is

BELECTRIC has proven its technological

the result of many years of experience in

leadership and has developed a solution to

the construction of ground-mounted solar

meet the needs and requirements of power

power plants as well as intensive research

supply companies around the world,” is how

into the components and the system design.

BELECTRIC CEO Bernhard Beck explains

BELECTRIC recently completed the first

the intelligent power plant technology. The

3.0 MegaWattBlock Standard solar power

new power plant unit generates electricity for

plant.

the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE)

“The most modern and efficient

based on currently available materials and

ground-mounted solar power plant in the

technology. In developing the new system

world was built in Bavaria. This is where

technology, the power plant designers had

the evolution in design meets the revolution

a clear focus: on system efficiency, quick

in power plant technology. However, even

realization and reliability. A reliable, cost-

during the planning stage nothing less than

effective and environmentally friendly energy

the global market was in our sights: the

supply has been raised to the next level by

block design is suitable for every country

the new 3.0 MegaWattBlock Standard from

and every energy market. Once again

BELECTRIC.

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Proven Technology Designed for Reliability Total nominal power :

3,000 kWp

Required area

: 33,325 m²

Space efficency

: 900 kWp / ha

Rated AC power

: 2,000 kVA

System voltage

: 1,500 VDC

Power plant height

: 3.0m with 8° module incline

Power grid supply

: Power Conditioning Unit (PCU ) SKID System

GE ProSolar Inverter PSC-1000 (2 Units)

PADCON Central Box + Sensor Box

Medium Voltage Transformer

Built-in PID protection device

Dynamic reactive power control (24/7)

10kV to 33kV medium-voltage power grid (50/60Hz)

Construction Principle - Triple Support

Lightning protection : Active Lightning Shield Plant management

: Power Plant Controller (PPC)

Photovoltaic modules : First Solar FS3 Modules Shipment

IEC 61646, UL 1703, TÜV Safety Class II

: Container 40‘ DC HighCube x21

Container 40‘ DC x19

System efficiency: U p to 85% (Performance Ratio)

Valid air temperature :

Up to 50°C (optional to 55°C)

O&M package

3-step to Full Service Agreement Option

3.0 Mega Watt Block Design

Operating service life : 25 years+ Standards

: Meets country-specific codes

Disposal

ASCE / EN / DIN / VDE / ISO / IEC

: Recyclability of all components

Power Conditioning Unit (PCU) SKID System

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

SO L A R ENERGY

Shawn Qu Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer Canadian Solar Inc. EQ : What’s the current production capacity of your company SQ : Until now, our ingot/wafer capacity is 300MW, cell capacity 1600MW and module capacity 2400MW.

EQ : What is the unique advantage in being a vertically integrated manufacturer SQ : Full vertically integrated manufacturers don’t always have advantage as it is the situation now. Back in 2008~2010, when there was a shortage of supply in silicon and wafers and cells, full integration made sense. In the long run, full integration usually doesn’t make economic sense. Instead, specialization is always the most cost effective solution. Canadian Solar adopted a partial vertical integration back in 2007. We see the importance of working closely with suppliers along the value chain to diversify political and market risks as well as to better responds to sudden market changes.

EQ : How much has been the sale to India and what does the future look like SQ : In India, from 2011 to 2012, we have sold 155MW, and in Q1 2013, the figure was near 50MW. Solar power is a clean and renewable energy, and is very suitable to the countries with rich sun energy resources. As 32

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an important solar market in Asia, India has great market potential. We will continue to develop India market and provide our India customers with high quality solarproducts.

EQ : Please enlighten us on the thin film vs. c-si debate (explain with market share, performance etc…..in detail). Market share of thin film makers such as CDTE, CIGS, CIS, a-Si have been steadily increasing and their performance in hotter climates such as India is reportedly better than c-Si… please comment and clarify on this. SQ : C-si solar modules are the mainstream products and have around 90% market share. CdTe is most popular in thin film product, but it only has 5% market share. This is due to the higher module efficiency of c-si modules---the average module

efficiency is around 17%. While thin film only has average 12% module efficiency. C-si modules, which have higher module efficiency,can produce more power output in limited space, reduce BOS cost and improve investment return. In the past 12 years, Canadian Solar has delivered above 5GW modules worldwide. To provide customers the best quality products, we employ 235 quality control points from incoming materials through to manufacturing. Our modules have High PID (Potential Induced Degradation) resistance which are tested by PI Berlin and Franhaufer, and are salt mist/ammonia resistant. Moreover, our 25-year linear power output performance guarantee which is backed by investment grade insurance policy can insure customers to get worry-free products. I’m confident Canadian Solar’s modules are high efficient, trustable and reliable even in harsh environment.

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EQ : What changes have your experienced in selling PV in last 5 years SQ : In the past five years, we saw great technology development in PV industry in the following aspects: 1. Increase in cell efficiency from 14% to over 17% in poly cells. 2. Significant price reduction in solar system cost. Utility scale solar power plant $/W decreased from around $5.00/W to $1.55/W. The price drop mostly comes from module price drop through innovation and large-scale production as well as silicon price drop. 3. Tremendous increase in global solar system installation, from 6.6 GW in 2008 to 30.6GW in 2012.

EQ : Which are the top 10 markets for your co and approx shipment to these markets SQ : We follow the geographic diversification strategy on market development. In Q1 2013, our top 10 markets includeJapan, USA, India, Germany, UK, France, Spain, China, Australia and Korea. By geography, in the first quarter of 2013, sales to European markets represented 24.7% of net revenue, sales to North America represented 17.9% of net revenue, and sales to Asia and all other markets represented 57.4%.

EQ : India is not a Country rather a Continent with Each State having a different story…What states are interesting for you in past, present and future. SQ : At the moment, our resources in India allow us to focus onthe states of Tamil Naju, Andhra Pradesh & Rajasthan. We are interested in each state in India.

EQ : What All projects you have already supplied in India. Please mention name of developer, location of the plant, type and number of modules. SQ : Until the end of May, we have close to 300,000 high efficiency Polycrystalline modules CS6P-P series [totaling to 175MW] were installed in India spread over Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh & Gujarat, and we have nearly 100MW to top line and serious developers like GMR, Aditya Birla Group,

Tata Power and also to EPC companies like Sterling and Wilson, HarshaAbakus. Canadian Solar is on course to cross the 300 MW mark by 2013.

EQ : What’s the roadmap for production rampup for your co and further growth in terms of technology, output of your products SQ : Our technology roadmap is to improve the efficiency of cell and module, development solar system kits and solution to satisfy the needs of end customers. By now, our ELPS mono cell, uses MWT technology, has efficiency high to 21.1%. It is the highest efficiency p-type cell. Modules made by 72 pcs of ELPS 6 inch mono cell can have the output of 320W. In future, we are the target to improve cell efficiency to 22% in 2014. On solar system and kits, our Residential AC system can convert electricity from DC to AC on module level, which can simplify system design, and realize module-level monitoring, alerts, and reports. We have also developed and launched some off-grid solar system including Maple and Andes. Maple mini distributed solar system has two system sizes: 5W and 10W. It is mainly used to provide power to light, mobile phone and other small household applications. Andes solar home system has higher power range t from 20~45W. It is an ideal energy source for a wide variety of applications, such as lightings, fans, radios, televisions, computers, mobile phones, etc. In future, we’ll develop more off-grid system to satisfy customers’ needs, such as solar irrigation system, PV + diesel hybrid, etc.

EQ : 2011-12 had witnessed a huge surge in installations in Germany, Italy and Europe, despite of which German companies have gone bankrupt like solon, q.cellss.e., closing down of REC operations in Norway, selling of cell line by schott…..what are your views on this？ SQ : For a sustainable business, a company needs to focus on the following: 1. Strict cost control in products and operation

terms of customer service and product delivery 3. Technology improvement

EQ : Do you forsee a further drop in the prices of PV and to what extent SQ : The module price trends to be stable this year and will have very small decline in next year.

EQ : Solarworldaccusations against the Chinese manufacturers that billions of dollars of subsidies are given by Chinese govt to Chinese pv companies is harming the western competitors…why do they make such accusations, what is the real situation…please enlighten our readers in detail on this？ SQ : Comparing with European and United State government, the Chinese government provides less subsidies on new energy products, SolarWorld is one of the biggest beneficiaries of subsidies. “The U.S. ‘dual’ survey on China PV industry and photovoltaic products exports to the U.S. situation distortion. Chinese photovoltaic products exports to the U.S. increased from market competition, rather than dumping or government subsidies. In fact, many countries in the world have given support to green energy industry;SolarWorld also is beneficiaries of such support. According to incomplete statistics, SolarWorld only in 2007 in the United States approximately $ 43 million of tax breaks and public subsidies, and in 2010 and 2011 respectively, in Europe gained 18.5 million euros and 45 million euros of government funding.

EQ : What is the annual expenditure on R&D and how much is it as a % of total sales SQ : In 2012, our R&D expenses are $13million

EQ : Japan has recently announces a very good FIT for PV….what is the expected size of the market in Japan. SQ : We expected Japan market size in 2013 will be around 5000MW.

2. Quick response to market needs in

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

SO L A R ENERGY

PV Project Finance In India: Working The System Ragna Schmidt-Haupt - Senior Investment and Strategy Advisor - Asia GL Garrad Hassan

Although impressive, the deployment of utility scale photovoltaic (PV) in India has been hampered by industry-specific and economy-wide factors – not least the difficulty in accessing non-recourse finance.Acceleration of India’s PV market depends on improved access to finance both from domestic and international sources. Ragna Schmidt-Haupt from GL Garrad Hassan global renewable energy consultancy provides examples and practical insights into how players can overcome the hurdles and seize attractive opportunities in the idiosyncratic Indian solar market.

or all energy projects, access to capital at reasonable cost is essential. This is especially true for PV projects, for which capital expenditure accounts for the vast majority of the lifetime cost. In India,banks are particularly reluctant to finance PV projects on a non-recourse basis. This reticence to lend is leading to debt charges as high as 14% and many projects left on the wrong side of the viability threshold. The reasons behind conventional banks’ discomfort with PV in India are various. Some factors are common to all sectors of the Indian economy such as problematic debt recovery and enforcement of non-recourse claims. Other factors are specific to the power generation sector such as a perception that PPA contracts are worth less than their face value because the public utilities signing them lack the financial substance to back them up. At the same time, India’s energy regulatory environment is notoriously capricious. Other challenges facing PV in India are specific to the technology - such as the availability of reliable irradiation data, local content rules, quality concerns and a punishingly competitive market. India’s potential in solar is vast. The 34

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

installed capacity of PV in India is now over 1,700 MW and the value of the market has doubled in a year. The ongoing rise in India’s solar sector demonstrates that projects are being financed – albeit nearly entirely with balance sheet commitment from developers. As the market matures, if – and it is a big if - the debt-recovery difficulties are resolved, readily available debt finance would allow the Indian solar sector to really shine. But, in its absence, innovative approaches to getting projects off the ground are emerging which show that with imagination, perseverance and an open-minded attitude, the solar sector in India is finding new ways to finance the development and construction of projects. Accessing many of India’s myriad policy mechanisms involves the entry into a PPA with a public entity. The financial credibility of public and other corporations in India is patchy, and developers seeking to reduce (payment) risk are well advised to do their research and choose an off-taker carefully. This kind of prudence is behind the weak demand for PPA allocation rounds in States where the PPA counterparty is seen as a credit risk. If possible, having a fall back off-taker can also help to reduce off-take risk for grid connected plants.

Regulatory challenges, such as the lack of clarity on how Renewable Energy Certificate (REC)prices will be set after 2017 and murky, variable permitting processes have affected the growth of PV in India. Meanwhile, local content rules on crystalline silicon (c-Si) products, have led to many projects importing thin film modules with typically lower efficiency than c-Si products. But the regulatory situation is not all bad for PV. Although some changes are a drag on the rate ofsolar deployment, factors such as the stability of thelevel of Accelerated Depreciation for solar - despite hefty cuts for wind farms – are positive and has seen experienced renewable energy investors gravitating towards the solar space. Mirroring a trend seen in other Asian markets, the supply chain is becoming more involved in project finance than it has been historically. Equipment manufacturers and EPC contractors are both well placed to provide short-term finance to developers during the critical construction phase of a project. This type of bridging can speed up the process of completion compared to the delays that may occur when developers are sourcing capital from India’s often illiquid capital markets.

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The terms of finance taken during the construction phase are often relatively unfavourable to the project promoter. For this reason projects may often be refinanced in pursuit of better terms or sold to an independent power producer (IPP) once the project is operational and the risk profile has improved. Finance is also being sourced from other non-banking institutions.Companies, such as L&T Infrastructure Finance Company or IL&FS are becoming more open to the idea of solar finance,and offer similar terms to domestic banks but over potentially longer periods ofup to 15 years. Furthermore infrastructure fund IDFC (who holds an equity stake in prominent developer Green Infra) has assisted several Indian developers includingAzure Power, Kiran Energy and Videocon Solar. State-owned investment outfits such as SBI Capital Markets bundle debt from domestic and international lenders and make the funds available to individual solar projects. Preferential terms are often offered by lenders with ulterior motives. Credit export agencies, such as US EXIM bank, are providing finance to solar projects that commit to sourcing equipment from a particular country to promote imports to India. Similarly, development institutions such as ADB, IFC, Germany’s KfW and India’sown IREDA can fulfil their social or environmental mandate by lending to solar projects.According to a recent report on bankability and debt financing by Bridge to India, capital is available to solar projects for as little as 11% but access is dependenton a longer and more complex application process and other qualification requirements. The high cost of capital in India has seen developers looking outside the country for finance. US dollar denominated debt has been taken by a number of developers from commercial lenders, export agencies and development banks- although this approach exposes the developer to currency fluctuation and makes it a risky strategy. Hedging the currency exposure is important if the cost advantage is not to be offset by a change in the value of the Indian Rupee.Volatile currency fluctuations and an depreciation of the Rupee by more than 60% against the USD since 2008 are not that comforting.

potential of India’s solar sector demands Picture: solar radiation a shift in the resource assessment station at Sadodar, Gujarat approach to tackling (GIZ India) technical challenges. Irradiationdata for much of India is poorand is mainly based on satellite data with limited ground-based measurement -although this situation is showing signs of improvement risk for an investor and may be the key to with 51 stations having already been installed by C-WET, project viability. under an initiative of the MNRE. An additional At the same time, an analysis of 60 monitoring stations are envisaged for operational projects shows that assets are 2013 which will enable the monitoring on currently under performing when compared a larger scale and in a more precise manner to international norms. Whether the culprit is of direct normal irradiance, global horizontal poor EPC completion or project operations irradiation, diffuse horizontal irradiation and is unclear – but with operational services direct normal irradiation, says IndradipMitra from technical consultants readily available from GIZ’s SolMap project. to owners, there is no reason why assets Most available satellite records extend should not be well managed. back only 10 years – which compares In spite of the difficulties, project finance unfavourably with the 20+years of data is slowlymaking its way into the Indian solar available for some more mature markets. sector. Developers, who have successfully Also, thelow resolutionof the data and quality achieved non-recourse project finance issues with installed measurement equipment for solar projects include Sun edison and add to the difficulty of producing bankable Astonfields, both of whom have strong local energy resource assessments. and international experience in their project This lack of understanding of the resource finance teams and banking networks. knocks investor confidence infuture power India is an idiosyncratic but potentially production and is a major contributor to the enormous market for solar PV. Only those high cost of debt finance.Typically, lenders developers who can be dynamic, innovative build-in this uncertainty by using P90 values and really understand the regulatory and (the value which the out-turn production has financial options – as well as the resource a 90% probability of exceeding) as their potential of their project - can thrive. Some performance input to their financial models. will succeed in the market long enough to The availability of bankable, site-specific see a true PV debt market emerge. resource estimates can seriously reduce the

Along with innovative approaches to financing solar projects, realising the

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

SO L A R ENERGY

Voluntary Renewable Energy Certificates Market Potential In India Alok Tripathi Director IndianPowerSector.com & Power Plus Consultants Yogita (Co-Founder & Partner, RE-Mark) Rubia (Co-Founder & Partner, RE-Mark)

enewable energy in India has been promoted through number of policies, fiscal incentives (upfront subsidies, Feed in Tariff (FiT) and soft loans) and using regulatory provisions. Section 86 (1) (e) of Electricity Act 2003 empowers the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) to specify a percentage of the total consumption of electricity in the area of a distribution licensee to be procured from renewable energy sources, which is referred as Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO). The National Action Plan of Climate Change (NAPCC) has set the target of 5 percent renewable energy purchase for FY 200910, which will increase by 1 percent for the next 10 years (Government of India, 2008). The Tariff Policy reiterates the SERCs to fix the ‘minimum’ percentage of energy to be procured from non-conventional energy sources taking into account the availability of such resources in the region and its impact on retail tariffs. To facilitate and promote the development of market in electricity based on renewable energy sources, Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism was institutionalized by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). This mechanism is aimed at addressing the mismatch between availability of renewable energy sources in some states 36

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and the requirement of the obligated entities to meet the renewable purchase obligation. The REC is an instrument of trading, which is tradable at Power Exchange and it is also a tool for fulfillment of RPO by obligated entity (Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, 2010). Renewable Energy Certificate being at nascent stages of development, very little research has been conducted with respect to future REC market development in India. The prime objective of this paper is to understand the voluntary REC market in USA, Europe and Australia and assess the domestic voluntary REC market potential for FY 2013. The market potential has been estimated utilizing two different methodologies, as unrestricted and restricted demand of RECs in India, latter takes into account the upcoming renewable capacity addition under REC mechanism.

RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATE – GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Renewable Energy Certificates or RECs are used as voluntary and compliance mechanism in various countries.“Compliance” market refers to the RECs bought by

obligated entity (generally power utilities) to meet their specified renewable purchase obligation. “Voluntary” market refers to those in which consumers and institutions purchase renewable energy to match their electricity needs on a voluntary basis. Tradable Green Certificates (TGCs) is utilized in various European countries as an instrument capable of achieving the specified RE goal in a cost effective manner (Nielsen & Jeppesen, 2003). Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) is used in Great Britain & Northern Ireland for Fuel Mix Disclosure (FMD) . REGO is a certificate issued by Ofgem to certify that the electricity in respect of which it was issued was produced from eligible renewable energy sources. All EU member states are required to establish and maintain a REGO scheme (OFGEM). Renewable Obligation (RO) in UK is currently the main financial mechanism by which the Government incentivizes the deployment of large scale renewable electricity generation. The RO places a mandatory requirement on licensed UK electricity suppliers to source a specified and annually increasing proportion of electricity they supply to customers from

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eligible renewable sources or pay a penalty. Ofgem issues Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) to electricity generators in relation to the amount of eligible renewable electricity they generate. Generators sell their ROCs to suppliers or traders which allows them to receive a premium in addition to the wholesale electricity price (Department of Energy & Climate Change, UK). Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in Australia supports the Commonwealth Government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) by facilitating the creation, transfer and surrender of certificates. The RET has two parts - the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) and the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). Renewable Energy Certificates are classified as Large Scale Generation Certificate (LGCs) and Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). LGCs are equivalent to 1MWh of renewable electricity generated above the power station’s base line whereas STCs are created by installations of solar water heaters and Small generation units. LGCs and STCs are surrendered annually to demonstrate the liability compliance against the requirement of LRET and SRES respectively (Clean Energy Regulator, Australian Government). At least 21 REC schemes were under operation in a number of jurisdictions including the UK, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Australia and numerous states in USA (Infrastructure Development Finance Company, 2010).

VOLUNTARY REC MARKET IN USA Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism has led to a considerable growth in renewable energy development in USA. In voluntary market, entities can purchase renewable energy under three mechanisms. (a) Utility Green Pricing (b) Competitive Green Power (c) Voluntary Unbundled REC Market. Utility Green Pricing – Utility green pricing program started in early 1990s, where utilities offered options to their customers to buy green power. Under the mechanism, RECs are obtained by the utility and offered to customers at some additional rate than regulated normal tariff. Today, more than 860 utilities offer green power programs to customers and more than half of the U.S electricity customers have an option to purchase some type of green power product directly from a retail electricity provider. (Heeter & Bird, 2011) Competitive Green Power – States where competitive retail market exist, customers can buy electricity generated from renewable sources by switching to an alternative supplier that offers green power. Voluntary Unbundled REC Market – Customers can purchase green power through unbundled RECs regardless of their retail power provider. More than 25 companies offer unbundled RECs to retail customers, commercial and wholesale customers (U.S Department of Energy - Energy

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

Figure 1 - Comparison of Compliance and Voluntary Markets for New Renewable Energy 2005-10 (Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, U.S Department of Energy)

Figure 2 – Estimated Annual Voluntary Sales by Market Sector, 2006-10 (Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, U.S Department of Energy)

Efficiency & Renewable Energy, 2012). Figure 1 highlight that historically, the size of voluntary market has slightly exceeds the compliance demand. However in 2010, compliance market reached 55 million MWh as compared to 35.6 million MWh voluntary markets, owing to lying of significant targets by many states.

Figure 3 – Percentage Share of Non – Residential Consumers for Estimated Annual Voluntary Sales by Market Sector, 2006-10 (Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, U.S Department of Energy)

Figure 2 provides the split of voluntary market over 2006 – 2010 and a CAGR of 31.5 percent was observed over the period.

It highlights that unbundled REC market markets contributes maximum to the voluntary market due to major participation of non-residential and commercial entities buying non bundled RECs as highlighted in figure 3. Table 1 provides the list of top 10 green power purchases by consumers which constitute the 20% of the voluntary renewable energy market in 2010. Also, recently number of companies has begun to communicate renewable energy use directly on product packaging, relying either on a logo or some combination of text and imagery as green marketing strategy (a marketing strategy highlighting the environmental attributes of a product). More than 50 companies have been identified which communicate renewable

Table 1 – Market Potential Estimation of Unrestricted Voluntary REC Market in India (INR Crore)

*PAT corresponds to sum of total PAT of top 500 companies as per ET list for a particular year ^ 2% of Average PAT ^^ 10% of CSR Budget ^^^ 0.02% of Average Revenue ^^^^ 20% of Expenditure on REC Purchase by ET 500 #Revenue corresponds to sum of total revenue of top 500 companies as per ET list for a particular year Source: Author’s Analysis

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

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energy use on product packaging (Brannan, Heeter, & Bird, 2012).

2. Third party sale or

Concept of providing labels for renewable procurement for green marketing is also prevalent in USA. Organizations like Green-E, Windmade, carbon –label etc. are operating by providing certifications and accreditations to organizations using renewable energy. (Brannan, Heeter, & Bird, 2012) Green-e is the US and Canada’s leading independent certification and verification program for renewable energy and greenhouse gas emission reductions in the voluntary market. Green‑e Marketplace recognizes companies that make meaningful commitments to use renewable energy by allowing them to display the Green-e logo when they have purchased a qualifying amount of renewable energy and passed the program’s verification standards. Green-e Energy certified 65% of all retail sales in the voluntary energy market place in 2010 (Center for Resource Solutions, 2010).

Moreover, it is important to mention that the certificates have been categorized into two categories: solar and non-solar. The floor and forbearance price of solar and nonsolar RECs are decided by CERC (Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, 2010). The above pointers form the basis of evolution and existence of REC market in India.

REC MECHANISM IN INDIA In order to devise a system that can facilitate achievement of mandate of RPO% for the states having no or very less RE potential, REC mechanism was introduced in India. REC mechanism is a market based instrument to promote renewable energy and facilitate renewable purchase obligations. The mechanism was aimed to address the mismatch between availability of RE resources in the state and the requirement of the obligated entities to meet the RPO. With regard to the conceptualization of the mechanism, the generation from RE has been classified into two components: electricity component and environment component. Whereas cost of electricity generation represents the total component, electricity component refers to cost equivalent to conventional source and environment component has been put in place as REC and it represents the cost for environment attributes, through price of REC, traded through power exchange. Further, the mechanism has been designed with three options to RE generators to sell electricity component: 1. Either to sell to state utility at average power pooled cost of state

3. Captive consumption

The market described above is a compliance market, where the obligated entities participate to fulfill their RPO. However, the legal and regulatory framework does not bar the voluntary entities to participate in market, owing to promotion of RE generation in India. Till date, two companies viz. Power Operation System Corporation Limited (POSOCO) and Manikaran Power Trading Limited have purchased voluntary RECs (Indian Energy Exchange).

VOLUNTARY REC MARKET POTENTIAL IN INDIA The voluntary market potential of Renewable Energy Certificates in 2013 is estimated utilizing two different methodologies. (1) Un-restricted Market (2) Restricted Market. The study focuses on Non–solar REC market only as authors believes that based on past year data of solar RECs and current market conditions, solar REC market will not pick up in near future, due to availability of other lucrative promotional schemes such as Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), State Solar Policy etc.

with renewable energy. Also, 62percent of respondents say that they would be more willing to buy products from brands that use wind energy production (Vestas and TNS Gallup, 2012). Providing information on the type of energy used to produce a product – specifically whether it is made with renewable energy – is an emerging strategy in US (Brannan, Heeter, & Bird, 2012). A number of companies using renewable energy in the manufacture of products communicate this directly on product packaging, relying either on a logo or on some combination of text and imagery. Other companies have refrained from using on-product messaging and rely on other types of marketing collateral to communicate their use of renewable energy, typically via their websites. Organizations buy RECs or direct renewable energy to differentiate their products and market their product as green product; hence they form a substantial voluntary REC market in western countries. Similar concept is yet to develop in India and there is a need to undertake national level market survey to understand consumer’s awareness and willingness towards products made of renewable energy. However, global survey suggests that Indians and Brazilians are most willing to reward climate friendliness. The share of consum¬ers expressing willingness to pay in India (74%) and Brazil (64%) is double that of surveyed consumers from nations struck harder by the financial crisis, e.g. the UK (32%) and the US (39%) (Vestas and TNS Gallup, 2012).

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Sustainable Development

Green Branding & Marketing

Under sustainable development or responsible business initiatives organizations make a contribution towards sustainable development as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Further, from global experiences, it is observed that corporates buys voluntary RECs with a motive of hedging against electricity prices, as a source of power supply, maintaining support from shareholders and improving employee retention & motivation. (Bloomberg New Energy Finance and Vestas).

Companies have begun offering products that are made with renewable energy. Global consumer survey revealed that 85percent of consumers surveyed worldwide would prefer a product made with renewable energy and 49percent of respondents express willingness to pay more for products made

Moreover, it is important to mention that the corporates are not the only buyers of voluntary REC, as small percentage of residential consumers have purchased them. Nonetheless, corporate purchase of voluntary REC would form our basis of estimating the market potential as a limitation of scope.

Un-restricted Market – Unrestricted market refers to total market potential of voluntary RECs without any supply side constraints. The basis of the existence of market lies primarily under two categories as follows:

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

Green Branding and Sustainable development initiatives from corporations would help us estimate the voluntary REC market in India but no national level consumer and companies’ market survey has been conducted in India, hence we would consider only CSR budget of companies to estimate the voluntary REC market in India for FY13.

Table 2 – State wise Power Demand and Renewable Power Required by States in 2013

Restricted Market – This methodology keeps into account the renewable purchase obligation specified by SERC, upcoming capacity addition under REC scheme and estimating total number of REC available after meeting the demand from compliance market. It would provide us the additional number of RECs available in 2013 after meeting the demand from compliance market.

UNRESTRICITED MARKET ESTIMATION In order to estimate the market potential of voluntary REC, the factor that assumes most importance is size of investment that buyers can put into purchase of REC. Since, from the global experiences, it is observed that green marketing and corporate social responsibility has been the biggest driving factor behind investments, an effort to understand the legal framework has been made. As per the latest amendments to the Companies Bill by the Union Cabinet, based on recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance and interministerial discussions, CSR has been made obligatory on part of companies. The qualifying criterion that would make the CSR mandatory is: Companies having a minimum net worth of INR 500 crore or turnover of INR 1000 crore or a net profit of INR 5 crore during any financial year. Regarding the amount of expenditure on CSR activities, it has been stipulated that at least 2 percent of the average net profits of the company during three preceding financial years shall be spent on CSR every year. Further, the companies have been mandated to formulate a CSR policy and to disclose the activities undertaken and the related spending. With the CSR budget as a driving factor for investment in voluntary REC, average of last three years profit of companies of top 500 Indian companies have been taken into 40

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

Source: Author’s Analysis * Load Generation Balance Report 2012-13 from Central Electricity Authority # Author’s Compilation from SERCs RPO Orders

account to estimate the market potential. Consequently, average of last three year profits of companies has been calculated as INR 326637 crore (Economic Times, ET 500 List, 2009, 2010, 2011). Author believes 80 percent of the demand will come from top 500 companies (having turnover of greater than 500 crore) and they would

2 percent of the average profit of 500 companies as funding available for CSR budget, a sum of INR 6532 crore is calculated. Further, owing to limitations of data, it is assumed that 10 percent of the total CSR fund would be set aside for voluntary REC purchase, which amounts to 653 crore.

Moreover, as mentioned earlier, 20 act as sustainability leaders and would percent of voluntary RECs would be through procure voluntary REC for branding and to corporates, which are not included in top 500 differentiate themselves from competitors. This would be in line Table 3 – Restricted Voluntary REC Market with the voluntary REC Potential in 2013 market in USA where the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) of US has a list of Fortune 500 partners, which contains 79 companies and which contributes to majority of volunt ar y REC purchase. (United States Environment Protection Agency Green Power Partnership, 2012). ^ Average Market Clearing Price at IEX from Jan – Sep 2012 Hence, considering

Source: Author’s Analysis

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list, and with same percentage of allocation of fund for CSR, the total amount that could come is INR 163 crore. Adding both the sum, a market potential for voluntary REC purchase of INR 816 crore is estimated. However, it is important to note that since no study has been done for estimating market potential for voluntary REC market across the globe and given the fact of absence of its market in India, due to various reasons like new market of REC, lack of awareness among corporates regarding benefits of voluntary purchase; the market size arrived in first paragraph is only a preliminary estimate and is prone to errors. Owing to the fact of a very preliminary estimate of voluntary REC market size, one another way of estimating the market size is

State-wise power demand and renewable

RECs available for trade. These additional

purchase obligation orders from all State

RECs form our restricted voluntary REC market in 2013. Considering the floor price, forbearance price and average price of RECs, table 3 provides the market of restricted Voluntary RECs in 2013.

Electricity Regulatory Commissions are utilized to estimate the renewable power required by states to fulfill their obligation for the year 2013. Table 2 provides the state wise renewable power required to meet their obligation as specified by SERCs. It also highlights that total RE power required as per RPOs by SERCs constitutes only 5.6% of the total power demand in the country, whereas National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) mandates minimum 8% of total demand from renewable energy in 2013. (Government of India, 2008) Total renewable energy capacity addition is estimated till 2013, considering conservative scenario. Further, in order to

devised through assuming a fixed percentage of a corporate expense on RE requirement of its total revenue. As per a study by Bloomberg

estimate realistic voluntary REC market,

New Energy Finance and Vestas on Global Corporate Renewable Energy Index (CREX) 2012, using data from the Bloomberg terminal, it has been calculated that total cost of renewable energy is a small proportion of the publically listed companies’ revenue on average i.e. 0.02 percent. Hence estimating market potential of voluntary REC purchase through this figure, by assuming it as a standard and replicable for Indian market, a market size of INR 745 crore is obtained (excludes 20 percent component). Again utilizing 80:20 principle, an overall market size of voluntary REC purchase of INR 931 crore is obtained.

capacity addition in 2012.

Thus, an overall market size of INR 816-931 crore for voluntary REC market (in case of absence of supply-side constraints) for FY 2013 can be taken as initial estimate as represented in table 3. Restricted Market – This methodology keeps into account the renewable purchase obligation specified by SERC, upcoming capacity addition under REC scheme and estimating total number of REC available after meeting the demand from compliance market. It would provide us the additional number of RECs available in 2013 after meeting the demand from compliance market.

technology-wise renewable capacity addition in 2013 has been assumed as similar to the REC based capacity addition has been projected till 2013 taking inputs from registered and accredited projects by REC registry of India. Further, REC based projects is subtracted from cumulative renewable capacity addition for 2013, to calculate the capacity tied under long term power purchase agreements with state utilities. In order to estimate the power generation from capacity tied under PPA, national average normative capacity utilization factor for each technology is assumed to estimate the renewable power generation. In order to estimate the renewable energy procurement position (surplus/ deficit) of a state, renewable generation from projects tied under PPA of a state is subtracted from renewable energy requirement of a state in

CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS As per the methodologies adopted to estimate the market for voluntary REC in India for 2013, it has been found that there is a huge unrestricted market of INR 816931 crore (in case of absence of supply-side constraints) for FY 2013. Considering supply side constraints for REC, an overall restricted market size of INR 145-321 crore has been identified. National level labeling program needs to be developed for companies using renewable energy in the manufacture of products for communicating through product packaging. RE-Mark is India’s first consumer labeling program which identifies products, organizations and events which utilize renewable energy in their operations. REMark label provides exclusive leverage to companies/organizations and their products to differentiate themselves environmentally from competition. With the RE-Mark label, companies can express their commitment to renewable energy, and have this independently certified. RE-Mark also assist its clients in procuring renewable energy via Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) from Power Exchange of India Limited (RE-Mark’s Exclusive REC Trading Partner) and arranging bilateral PPAs.

2013 as per RPO of a state. Further assuming that all state utilities will show compliance to their RPO, the deficit states will procure RECs to meet their obligation. Therefore, RECs

required by states is estimated accordingly. Further renewable generation from REC based projects based on national average technology-wise capacity utilization factor is estimated to check the availability and requirement of RECs in country in 2013. Detailed analysis suggests that RECs

RESTRICTED MARKET ESTIMATION

generation in 2013 is way more than the RECs required by state utilities to meet their obligation. There will be 972771 additional

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SO L A R ENERGY

Vikas Tyagi Head – Marketing Socomec India Private Limited

Prashant Sinha: Dyputy Manager – Op Marketing Socomec India Private Limited

Electrical Safety In PV Plants..Solutions From Socomec Group S

afety is a foremost concern in Power generation, since an unsafe installation leads to

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Unanticipated down times lowering

electrical safety is given a short shrift •

Is it because the Industry is still in its nascent stages, or

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Whether there is lack of policy guidelines, lack of relevant IS references or of specifications that have to be uncompromisingly adhered to

PLF •

Plant operation getting adversely affected

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Human Safety getting compromised

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While dealing with low voltage systems of AC in an Industrial or Commercial setup, a lot of research & analysis might have gone in to secure and enhance electrical safety associated with over loads; short circuits; earth faults or with residual currents impacting human & devices safety. Consequently the device selection criterion is well established, resulting in very advanced, feature rich and robust devices getting specified in the Bill of quantities of associated tender. There is no room to compromise or dilute that It is quite an irony that in the field of Solar PV parks, that is purported as the best bet of renewable energy generation, the 42

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

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It may as well be, that all have got their hands full keeping busy with benchmarked project completion schedules, to pay attention to the seemingly trivial issues Or is it the pressure on margins, necessitated by the downward spiral of reverse auctions, that is compelling many to down size expenditure in subsystems, that form the very basis of long term operational sustenability and a trouble free operation. This truly is a paradox !

How much paradoxical or trivial it may seem, but that is the ground reality Imagine, unlike in a typical Industry

or Commercial site wherein most of the distribution is on 415V AC, in case of Solar PV one has to deal with no less than 1000V not to mention the deleterious effect of Direct current ! Secondly, due to sheer economical considerations PV plants are expected to run endlessly for a span of 30 yrs or so. This will naturally require a well thought of engineering scheme, incorporating an appropriate equipment selection process A solar electrical installation is an application that requires switching devices fully meet the needs of operational reliability and operational safety intervention for this type of installation. According to IEC 60364 (Part 7-7712), the characteristics must withstand over currents up to 1.25 times the rated short-circuit current (Isc, Stc) modules During initial stages, primarily due to lack of awareness ( in fact cost cutting measures cannot be ruled out either !) a

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number of projects got commissioned by using in-appropriate PV isolation and associated protection. As the plants got operationalized, the O and M team were left aghast at the magnitude of problems encountered on account of Switch failures and also having to countenance unanticipated fire hazard, emanating from short circuits.

imminent threat of lightening strokes, as the Solar PV plants are generally located in areas with enhanced annual flash rates. Socomec’s SURGYS PV surge suppressors are available both in DC and AC versions, ensuring comprehensive protection against transient over voltages encountered during lightning strokes

As the lessons were learnt, a new realization dawned on both End users and the associated EPC Contractors, that electrical safety cannot be compromised.

The Indian PV market is still in the initial stages. Come to think of it, just 1.7GW has been commissioned out of projected capacity generation of 20GW by 2022 ! It is no surprise that there remains a stark difference between the O & M practices followed in Solar PV field, the ones currently followed in India as opposed to the prevailing practices among European countries, that have gained semblance of maturity

Beginning with the 40mw Gujarat project of Adani power, wherein more than 5000 Socomec PV switches are mounted in the Array junction boxes supplied by leading PV system integrator Trinity Touch, Socomec truly has come a long way ! Our switches have been supplied for diverse PV power generation applications, not just Solar parks but also for Commercial roof tops. It gives us great pride to have been a sub-contractor to leading EPC companies in this field, Lanco, LnT Solar, Juvi Solar, Welspun Solar, Jakson and Vikram Solar, to name a few Recently Socomec 1250A Sirco PV switches have been supplied for a prestigious project, further consolidating the amount of faith Solar fraternity reposes in Socomec brand In the Solar PV context, any discussion on the merits of an appropriate On-load isolation technology is practically incomplete without mention of the complimentary devices that provide passive protection against short circuit over-currents on the Solar PV module strings . It is against this backdrop that one needs to specifically appreciate the safety provided by Socomec’s RM PV Modular circuit disconnects with associated gPV cylindrical fuses upto 32A that not only isolate the particular module that is encountering over loads, but also facilitate an on-line fuse replacement. There are options to chose a Fuse cartridge holder, with signalization of fuse blown. It is quite interesting to note, as the discussion on PV fuses is underway, that conventional HRC fuses will not fulfil the criterion of DC overload current interruption, in A PV setup, since the short circuit thresholds of PV are quite close to the nominal healthy currents, hence the characteristics of fusible device have to be coherent with the specific application ! Let us now talk about protection from

Whereas in the Indian context, manually operated Solar PV Load break Isolators are commonly used, among Solar developed countries, there is lesser manual intervention, instead the corresponding device used is more often “Motorized PV Isolator” for its obvious advantages. Of course there is an Auto/ Manual selector switch, including provision of a manual emergency handle

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In 3 or 4 poles, from 200A through 630A

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Range of Optional accessories, namely Aux contact, Terminal screens and Shrouds

 SIRCOVER PV – They ensure source inversion or changeover under load conditions, between two photovoltaic installation circuits •

With 3 stable positions (I,O,II) and ease to switch from one to the other

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Possibility of Direct front OR External operation with shaft

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In 3 or 4 poles, from 200A through 630A

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Range of Optional accessories, namely Aux contact, Terminal screens and Shrouds

Apart from the above latest ranges, Socomec switching range starts from 25A and goes all the way to 1250A to address all manner of diverse applications from Solar PV Roof top installation through Megawatt scale state of art Solar power plants

Stretching the concept of safe Solar PV power availability under the most demanding operational conditions, Socomec has also launched a unique product named SIRCOVER PV, that is basically a versatile range of manually operated changeover switch for PV applications, ensuring source inversion under load of two photovoltaic installation circuits Latest in range of contemporary switching devices from Socomec  SIRCO MOT PV – The motorized multipolar load break switches, that make and break under load conditions and provide safety isolation for any low voltage circuit dedicated to photovoltaic applications •

With a manual emergency operation

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Padlocking position

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Auto/ Manual selector

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

SO L A R ENERGY

Rooftop Solar PV Reaching New Heights Thermax Limited - Solar Business Unit

n a testimony to the versatility of Solar Photovoltaic, Thermax Ltd., an engineering major based out of Pune has executed a one –of-a-kind application in the heart of Mumbai. The beneficiary of the Solar System is the prestigious St. Xavier’s college, a heritage institution established in 1887. Executed in record time of one month, the project stands ground as a demonstration of the potency of rooftop PV to solve our energy problems. What is both unique about this project is how the existing structures were adopted to house the Solar Photovoltaic panels. The existing structure, atop on the fourth floor of the heritage building of the presti gious institution was an old structure which needed specific design considering the limitation to do any alterations being a heritage institution. Thermax has successfully designed the customized solution. Being a shed-type structure on the terrace, to maximize the sun energy, the PV panels were mounted on the roof on all sides with 20 kWp per side. The natural inclination of the roof was used for the Solar panels to face the sun.

design. This leads to a substantial amount of savings for the institution and over a period of 2-3 years, the system pays back itself. Thermax has provide the remote monitoring & also provide Big Screen display at the library of the institution for promoting solar energy usage in the future generation of India. This is well appreciated by visiting dignities to the college. Rooftop Photovoltaic is one of the most potent ways of harnessing the sun. With technology, today, you can use utilize vacant area on your rooftop to cut your energy bills substantially. What’s more, solar maximum nearly always coincides with peak demand for

energy which makes this medium more suited than wind or other renewable energy sources. In the words of Fathe r Fraser Mascarenhas (Principal of St. Xavier college), “such a lot of rooftop has been laid to waste in a city like Mumbai that it is almost criminal that this free energy is not being harnessed as it should.” People are waking up to the change that this new mode of energy brings, primarily energy reliability. No more are you held to ransom by steep energy bills or intermittent electricity. Now you can produce it safely and in an environmentally productive way. The power of the sun has never been so within our reach. It’s now time to reach out and grab it.

The design of the panel supports w as in itself a breakthrough through the use of C-clamps and vents for proper air circulation. The system has been tested by simulated for various analysis for strength and confirms to the latest standards for green buildings. The system generates between a 120-150 units per day depending on the weather conditions. The performance of the system is as per the 44

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QUA RT ER RESUL T S

JinkoSolar: -New opportunities in emerging solar market such as China, Japan, US, South Africa and India Saumya Bansal Gupta - EQ International

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Total solar product shipments were 338.6 MW, consisting of 282.4 MW of solar modules, 25.4 MW of silicon wafers and 30.8 MW of solar cells. This represents an increase of 12.2% from 301.9 MW in the fourth quarter of 2012 and an increase of 36.0% from 249.0 MW in the first quarter of 2012. Total revenues were RMB1.16 billion (US$187.3 million), representing a decrease of 0.3% from the fourth quarter of 2012 and an increase of 9.7% from the first quarter of 2012. The Company has entered into certain sales contracts with retainage terms (the “Retainage Contracts”) since the second half of 2012, under which customers were allowed to withhold payment of 5% to 10% of the full contract price as retainage for the specified period which generally ranges from one year to two years (the “Retainage Period”). Gross margin was 12.7%, compared with 3.8% in the fourth quarter of 2012 and 0.7% in the first quarter of 2012.

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Net loss attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders was RMB128.7 million (US$20.7 million), compared with a net loss attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders of RMB761.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 and a net loss attributable to JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.’s ordinary shareholders of RMB356.3 million in the first quarter of 2012.

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Diluted loss per share was RMB1.45 (US$0.23), compared with a diluted loss per share of RMB8.58 in the fourth quarter of 2012 and a diluted loss per share of RMB4.01 in the first quarter of 2012. “We are pleased with our substantial

progress towards regaining profitability in the face of continued module oversupply and weak global economic growth,” commented Mr. Kangping Chen, JinkoSolar’s Chief Executive Officer. “In the first quarter of 2013, we maintained our leading position in the global PV market, grew our shipments

In-house gross margin was 13.1%, compared with 5.6% in the fourth quarter of 2012 and 10.8% in the first quarter of 2012.

in volume and expanded our geographic

Loss from operations was RMB16.8million (US$2.7million), compared with a loss from operations of RMB733.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 and a loss from operations of RMB306.0 million in the first quarter of 2012.

the industry’s highest for PV product

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reach. As a result of improving ASPs and our competitive cost structure, our gross margin further increased to 12.7%, among manufacturers. We believe that this quarter’s results demonstrate the effectiveness of the measures we have taken to diversify our customer base and the improvements in our operational efficiency in a rapidly changing solar power environment.”

“We continue to lead the global PV industry in the state-of-the-art development of efficient and reliable solar products. We unveiled our newest series of ‘Eagle II’ solar modules at the 7th SNEC International Photovoltaic Power Generation Conference & Exhibition in Shanghai last month. Like its predecessor, the ‘Eagle I,’ this series is also certified PID free under the conditions of 85°C and 85% relative humidity, and represents a high standard of performance and reliability. It is also Dust and Sand certified by TUV Nord, underlining just how effective JinkoSolar has become at reliably delivering the best performance in diverse real world conditions. We are currently planning to develop a new series of modules with distinctive features, including “smart modules,” which we hope will revolutionize the way in which solar modules are managed and optimized. With such strong products and growing demand, we have been able to maintain our inventory at a relatively healthy level.” “We are eager to leverage our strong brand reputation and excellent product quality and service to increase our exports and exposure globally. We continue to seek out new opportunities in emerging solar markets such as China, Japan, US, South Africa and India. We have considerably expanded our market presence in Japan. In March, we officially established a local sales office in Japan and have already signed a few large contracts. We expect that Japan will account for approximately 15% of our product shipments in the coming quarters.

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We also expect demand to pick up in China as it emerges from the seasonally slow first quarter. As one of the best-known PV module brands in China, we are well positioned to maintain our market share, capture future module sales, and further develop our PV project and EPC business. In addition, we have secured a variety of large contracts in India and have increased our presence in South Africa, where we have seen a rise in repeat business opportunities following the signing of a 115 MW contract and a 81 MW contract. We are analyzing the potential impact of the preliminary affirmative antidumping determination announced by the European Commission on June 4, which we believe to be both unfair and unfounded. We are determined to explore new ways to compete effectively in Europe.” “We are optimistic about our future development and financial and operational prospects. Our strong client relationships and reputation for excellence have driven our geographic expansion as we search for new business opportunities. Having prudently managed our business to adapt to the rapidly changing global economic circumstances, we are eager to leverage our industry-leading technology and cost structure along with our improved financial position to seize market opportunities and drive future growth.”

First Quarter 2013 Financial Results and Operational Highlights

Recent Business Developments In February 2013, JinkoSolar entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with China Three Gorges New Energy Corp., pursuant to which JinkoSolar will supply 600 MW of its high efficiency solar panels to projects in western China from 2013 to 2015. In April 2013, JinkoSolar entered into a module supply agreement with a wellrecognized project developer, pursuant to which JinkoSolar will supply 115 MW of its high-efficiency solar panel to two projects in South Africa. In May 2013, JinkoSolar unveiled its new series “Eagle II” solar modules at the 7th SNEC International Photovoltaic Power Generation Conference & Exhibition in Shanghai. A 60-cell “Eagle II” module can reach peak power output of approximately 260-270 watts. In May 2013, JinkoSolar’s modules passed TUV Nord’s Dust & Sand Certification Test. TUV Nord’s certification indicates that JinkoSolar’s modules are suitable for installation in desert regions, where a shortage of rain and constant sandstorms can cause solar PV plants to operate inefficiently.

Second Quarter and Full Year 2013Guidance For the second quarter of 2013, total solar module shipments are expected to be between 450 MW and 470 MW. For the full year 2013, total solar module shipments are expected to be between 1.2 GW and 1.5 GW, and total project development scale is expected to be between 200 MW and 300 MW. The Company expects to maintain in-house annual silicon wafer, solar cell, and solar module production capacity at approximately 1,200 MW each during 2013.

Significant Cost per Watt Reduction

Non-silicon cost continues to decrease, mainly due to: l

In-house production of certain auxiliary materials and more efficient use of other consumable materials in the production process.

Continuous improvements in operating efficiency and technological advancements.

Silicon cost continues to decrease, mainly due to: l

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Continued purchase of Silicon at spot price, resulting in decrease of total cost. EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

QUA RT ER RESUL T S

Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index By Ernst & Young

Ben Warren, RECAI Chief Editor

As the RECAI celebrates its 10 year anniversary, we look back on one transformative decade and welcome in another.

48Â

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

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Key developments Country-specific highlights

Chile goes large.

A cross-party agreement to expedite key energy legislation should boost investment in transmission networks and geothermal exploration, as well as formalize the ambitious target of 20% renewable energy by 2024. High electricity prices and surging energy demand driven by the mining sector are galvanizing significant project activity, including a number of >100MW wind projects and a giant 400MW CSP project.

India back on track.

The reintroduction in the latest budget of generation-based incentives (GBIs) for wind projects is expected to revive the flagging sector, after installations plummeted 50% following the cancellation of the scheme a year ago. The Government also plans to provide low-interest-bearing loans for renewable projects to help tackle financing barriers, while a significant number of largescale auctions are also helping to spur deployment activity.

to postpone the allocation of half the GCs awarded to wind projects until 2018, and hold back two of every six GCs for solar projects until 2017, with recovery thereafter. The energy regulator (ANRE) has separately proposed reducing the number of GCs awarded to new projects from 1 January 2014.

Spain deflates. The sector received yet another blow this year following new legislation that reduces subsidies by stripping out the effects of energy, food and tax changes on the inflation rate applied to FIT levels. This has led a number of large international investors to initiate legal action against the Government; international funds have invested an estimated €13b (US$17b) of capital in renewable energy assets in Spain.

BP markets wind assets.

The energy giant is to sell its interests in 16 operating wind farms in the US with capacity

Saudi Arabia lays down the rules. January saw completion of the kingdom’s largest ground-mounted PV installation to date, a 3.5MW plant in Riyadh. Meanwhile, KA-CARE’s 54GW “mega tender” officially got under way following the release in February of a consultation white paper detailing the proposed competitive procurement process. A 500MW–800MW introductory round is expected in the first half of this year, followed by two further rounds, taking expected awarded capacity to around 7GW by 2015.

of around 2.6GW and an estimated value of US$1.5b, as well as 2GW of projects poised to start construction. The company has attributed the divestments to a renewed focus on its main oil and gas business.

Bosch stops the solar engine. Falling prices have been cited as the catalyst for the decision by Germany’s Robert Bosch, the world’s biggest car parts manufacturer, to abandon its US$2b foray into the solar sector. The group will cease production of ingots, wafers and cells and will seek an expedited sale of its solar business units.

US$1b solar deal easy as ABB. Swiss engineering company ABB, also the world’s largest power and automation technology group, has acquired solar inverter manufacturer Power One for US$1b. ABB hopes to use the technology to make it the market leader in connecting solar power to the grid.

New clean energy investment worldwide, Q1 2013 Q1 total new clean energy investment of US$40.6b is the lowest quarterly figure since 2009 and down 22% on prior year ... ... but falling prices are expected to boost investment in clean energy assets by 230% to US$630b per year by 2030.*

Brazil scares away wind. In a bid to avoid further connection delays, the Government is proposing that wind farm developers take responsibility for developing new transmission lines in future governmentled auctions. Regulators may also apply domestic content rules in future tenders, in addition to those already attached to development bank funding. However, such measures will increase project costs and intensify competition, prompting a number of wind companies to reconsider their presence in Brazil.

Romania’s big freeze.

April’s surprise announcement of a temporary freeze in support for existing projects from 1 July has threatened a mass exodus from the sector. The draft legislation proposes

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Source: “Global trends in clean energy investment — Q1 2013 fact pack”, BNEF, April 2013 * Extracted from BNEF’s Global renewable energy market outlook 2013, April 2013, and based on total clean energy asset investment of US$189b in 2012. EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

UK IPO opens up options.

The oversubscribed £260m (US$395m) IPO of Greencoat UK Wind on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in April may represent a template for green infrastructure funds looking to tap equity in capital markets, after it became the first pure-play investment on operational UK wind farms available on the LSE.

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

EU 2030 debate ignores real issue. In late March, the European Commission launched a public consultation on the EU’s 2030 climate and clean energy framework. The proposals included a 40% carbon reduction target and a 30% energy share for renewables by 2030, up from the 2020 targets of 20%. However, many see the plummeting price

of carbon under the EU’s emission trading scheme as a more pressing matter. A decision in April not to postpone a series of permit auctions means the surplus of permits in the market will continue to drag down prices, which fell a further 45% to less than €3/EUA following the decision. Rates this low are extremely unlikely to have any meaningful impact on carbon usage or decision-making.

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

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Index highlights

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

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Fifth edition from 01-03 August, 2013 at KTPO Exhibition Complex, Bangalore SOLARCON India 2013 SEMI, the global industry association serving the photovoltaics, nano- and microelectronics manufacturing supply chains, will presentSOLARCON® India 2013 the fifth edition of its solar focused trade show and conference at the KTPO Exhibition Complex in Whitefield, Bangalore, India from 1-3 August, 2013. Impressive PV installation growth in India, now in the region of 1.5 GW, and growing, has been overshadowed by the fact that PV manufacturing in India, like in many other parts of the world, is going through a deep crisis with cell and module manufacturers having to restructure and re-target their businesses and plans. This seemingly paradoxical situation has played out across the global PV market due to overcapacity, bloated inventories, intense cost competition and scaling back of solar targets in key PVgrowth regions. Against this backdrop, SOLARCON® India 2013 will re-affirm, besides the enormous role for solar in power hungry India from power plants to rooftops and off-grid applications,the crucial need for investments and commitment in both R&D and manufacturing to sustain the demand cycle and to enable Indian industry to compete superior quality and competitive pricing. “Balancing PV supply and demand within regions provides greater economic benefits, reduces carbon emissions and the costs of transporting PV products, making a case for a strong regional manufacturing industry”, said Bettina Weiss, VP Business Development, SEMI. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), clearly calls out, as one of its objectives, the need to build 4-5 GW of solar manufacturing capacity in the country across the entire value chain, from materials to electronics, to enable price competitiveness, greater value addition and innovation. Phase 2 of the JNNSM will also

further emphasize the importance of a robust domestic PV manufacturing eco-system. The event will feature PV materials suppliers, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, electronics providers, project developers and other eco-system enablers who will meet, debate, explore new opportunities, assess the challenges and evolve plans for the future of the industry in India. Leading technology experts, visionaries and policy leaders will address the conference including Dr. Harish Hande, Managing Director, SELCO India and winner of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Prof. Pradeep Haldar, Recipient of the US President’s Excellence in Research Award and CTO of the US Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium,Shri Tarun Kapoor, IAS, Joint Secretary, MNRE on JNNSM Phase 2 and Dr. Ashvini Kumar, Director Solar Energy Corporation of India who will present and interact with the industry on implementation perspectives. There will also be opportunity to meet and hear leading global technology & market analysts such as Dr. Finlay Colville of Solarbuzz and technology experts from Fraunhofer ISE. Represented at the conference will be industry experts from organizations such as Applied Materials, Bonfiglioli, Citel, Dupont, Enerparc, First Solar, Jinko Solar, Lanco, L&T, Mahindra, Spire, Tata Power Solar, Tata Steel and Welspun, among others and analysts and financiers from EQ International, Bridge to India, Emergent Ventures, IDFC Bank and IREDA. Indian cell and module manufacturers such as Emmvee, HHV and Solar Semiconductor will participate in a discussion on revitalizing Indian manufacturing and on the most promising growth segments and opportunities for Indian companies including rooftop PV. Besides national policy makers and industry leaders, PV momentum is going to be increasing driven by state level policies

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and the conference will have a session on the “Role of States in PV growth” featuring developers active under state policies and key representatives from the southern states, all of which have announced attractive solar policies and from states such as Chattisgarh and other parts of the country where pioneering work in solar PV has been undertaken. A session entitled, “Opportunities for Independent Power Producers under India’s REC mechanism” will be moderated by REC trading leader, REConnect, and will bring the focus to bear on this important market enabler. SEMI’s positionhas been that an economy the size of India must not become solely a consumer of solar technology, and that it has much to offer the world in terms of materials and engineering expertise, innovation, product learning and from the vast field experience it can bring. Building a local manufacturing base has huge benefits for the nation’s economy - as a generator of jobs, in creating locally suited technology and from an energy security viewpoint. Two conference discussions reflecting this focus are entitled, “Balancing PV supply and demand in India: Re-invigorating Indian Manufacturing” and “Perspectives on building a complete solar PV eco-system in India”. The first of these will bring equipment & materials suppliers and Indian manufacturing leaders together and the latter will examine the components of skills development, financing, end user and product perspectives to discuss what it will take to truly ignite a dynamic local ecosystem in India. A one-day workshop on “PV Standards - from Materials and Manufacturing to Systems” will be held on 2ndAugust with experts from UL, IEEE, SEC and SEMI and the industryleading a discussion on the need for standards, greater Indian focus and participation in global PV standards development and steps ahead. EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

P RE SH O W REP O RT

SOLARCON® India 2013 will highlight the importance of PV manufacturing in India

PV INVERTERS

Freesun HEC Solar Inverter By Power Electronics Ravi Sibal - Director Marketing & Sales - India, Power Electronics

ow A Modular & Redundant Topology Generates Higher Yields

Freesun Hec Solar Inverter Is The Ultimate Outdoor Inverter Of Power Electronics Featured With Long Lasting Outdoor Enclosure And Modular&Redundant Operation. Power Electronics’ 1000vdc Class Upgraded Inverters Offer Extended Mppt Voltage Range And Maximum Efficiency In Four Different Ac Voltages 270vac, 300vac, 330vac And 360vac, Ranging From 200kva To 1390kv Covering All Commercial And Utility-Scale Pv Facilities. Freesun HEC is based on a modular & redundant design with the advantages of a distributed configuration (string inverter) and a centralized configuration (central inverters), but none of the inconvenients. On one hand, when a central inverter fails, the entire PV production connected to it, typically

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

from 250kW to 900kW is lost; in this case on-site spare parts and a fast service response is crucial to get the availability rates required nowadays. On the other hand, when one of the hundred string inverters that comprise the PV plant fails, the plant just loses a small amount of production, typically (5kW to 9kW) being a minor issue in comparison with the previous case. These units cannot be repaired on site so once replaced they are sent to the manufacturer and afterwards sent back refurbished after a couple of weeks. So it is required to acquire extra units to be able to replace them at any time. Freesun HEC topology gets the competiveness of central inverters and the availability of string inverters. It is constructed with independent modules from 100 to 139kVA, each module includes its own control board, power stage and cooling system, being coupled by the DC and AC buses. All the units work in parallel together commanded by the

master. This master is the main governor of the system and is responsible of the MPPt tracking, synchronization sequence, overall protection… An issue only affects to one of the units and never the entire system. At the same time, the power of the faulty module is sent to an adjoining operative module, without losing a kWh by means of its builtin redundancy. HEC is smartly designed to last. The automatic mode shifts every night the master role by comparing the register of energy production of every module. The one with less energy produced (kWh) will act as a master next early morning with the first sunbeams. This feature enables a homogeneous ageing of all the components in the modules, extends the product lifetime and MTBF ratio. When addressing the selection of a solar inverter manufacturer, there are crucial points that should be considered first and inverter’s

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efficiency is one of the most important. On low radiation conditions, a modular inverter operates at higher efficiency levels than a similarly sized central inverter. By shutting off unneeded power modules, modules load increases to get the maximum available efficiency. At the same time, a lower power rating of the inverter units allow to start feed-in earlier in the morning and to stop later in the afternoon. As a result, throughout

the entire service life of the PV plant, HEC will generate higher yields than central or string inverters. But don’t be caught! There are substantial differences between modular inverter manufacturers. Here in after we mention a few. 1- The redundancy should be applied to all critical components that are susceptible

to decrease the MTBF of the inverter. Thus, all those electronics devices (main controller, communications gateways, interfaces…) that are essential to run the inverter shall be redundant as well. 2- Full hardware protection and automatic DC disconnection, all modules connected in parallel shall be able to be isolated automatically at any time when an internal fail occurs. PV panels act as a current source that delivers variable short circuit current depending on the solar radiation. On low radiation conditions and on an unlikely internal short circuit, all the current available in the field feeds the fault, but if that current is not enough to blow the module fuse (early in the morning and late in the afternoon), it can lead into an uncontrolled component overheating and fire. 3- These electronic devices have typical efficiencies around 98%, thus a 2% of the generated PV power is transformed into heat. The inverter shall be able to disperse this heat to the air by using a cooling system that ensures the

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smallest thermal gap from the exterior. The semiconductors that comprise the power stage of the inverters work more efficient and last longer running under lower operation temperatures. This difficulty is moreover further compounded by the fact that electronic boards are inherently sensitive to dust, moisture and pollution. Therefore, indoor inverter requires special dust filters and a double enclosure (concrete, steel …). Those manufacturers that have designed an independent cooling system of the electronics and the heatsink/filters, are capable to reduce the strains on filters and release outdoor versions. The selection of the type of solar power station is a crucial point when planning the lay-out of your PV plant. Power Electronics offer a wide portfolio of integrated solutions and is willing to adapt standard units to your specific requirements: 40” Container Solar Power Station (HET Series), Concrete Solar Power Station (HES Series), Skid Solar Power Station (HEK SERIES). When considering outdoor inverters for your project, you shall be aware that it must stand firmly for over 15 years under harsh climate conditions. The inverter will be exposed against direct sun light, moisture, conductive dust and in the worst case corrosive atmospheres (saline, sulphur oxides…). Therefore, you shall select an enclosure and cooling system capable to withstand these extreme conditions. Freesun HEC addresses this issue by delivering as standard a stainless steel enclosure coated with corrosion-proved polymeric painting and a rockwool isolation panel. The coated stainless steel enclosure ensures a rugged and long lasting operation without corroded parts. At the same time, a special frame of the roof and door together with a joint silicone applied automatically by a robot seals the cabin against leakages or dust penetration. Why is it highly recommended to 58

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

install an internal isolation? It is a matter of reducing heat build-up. As we mentioned before, at full load 2% of the rated power is transformed into heat. Let’s consider approximately the losses and heat gains of a real case, Freesun HEC FS1390CH with a rated power of 1390kVA. P HEAT≈ PRATED• 2% = 1390kW•0.02= 27.8kW

Heat gains are proportional to solar irradiation (W/m2), exposed area (m2) and surface absorptivity (p.u.) PGAIN≈ I• S •α = 1200W/m2 • 8.92 m2 • 0.89 = 9.53kW

If there is no internal isolation that acts as a heat barrier, all the heat is transferred to the internal areas overloading the cooling system up to 34%. Therefore, an outdoor inverter rated to operate at 40ºC or 50ºC, without internal isolation and exposed to high solar radiation levels can suffer from overheating and trip at lower temperatures. HEC goes one step further by implementing a set of strategies that aims to increase inverter’s cooling capacity (iCOOL concept). 1. Filters and Heat sink are cooled separately from electronics. The electronics boards and wiring are enclosed in a sealed area, fully protected from dust and moisture “clean zone”. The rear area of the inverter comprises the EMC filters, heat sinks and DC link condensers “dirty zone”. This way around 95% of the heat generated is cooled with dedicated axial fans that take fresh air from the outside, force it to pass through the dissipation areas, and expel the hot air through the top gratings.

7m/s). On the contrary, less sophisticated inverters integrate centrifuge fans which operate at high speed (8m/s - 11m/s) increasing the entrainment of small size dust particulates. 3. Cooling capacity depends on multiple factors and significantly affects to overall efficiency and fan’s lifetime. Therefore Power Electronics has implemented a variable speed control in the main power fans, which is able to vary the fan’s speed-flow according to the module temperature. As you may know, the power consumption is proportional to the cubic of speed following the affinity laws. This means that a 20% flow cut off leads to a 60% reduction of the power consumption. Additionally, HEC firmware includes the latest utility interactive features (LVRT, OVRT, FRS, FRT, Anti-islanding, active and reactive power curtailment…), being compatible with all the specific requirements of the utilities. In other words, a modular and redundant topology leads to the highest yield and availability rates, maximum efficiency at low loads, lowest start feed-in power, maximum safety, minimum maintenance and spare parts stock.

2. The proper selection of the fans affects on the size of the heat sink, gratings and the internal distribution of the components. HEC integrates axial fans that propel the air at low speeds (5m/s –

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REI 2013 EXPO

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

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PV INVERTERS

Chemtrols Solar Unveils India’s First MW Scale PVDiesel Hybrid Solar Power Plant in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu Dhananjay Nandedkar, AVP- Projects, Chemtrols Solar Pvt. Ltd.

India’s First 1 MWp Rooftop PV Diesel Hybrid Grid-Connected Solar PV Plant.

hemtrols Solar Private Limited unveils India’s First MW Scale PVDiesel Hybrid Solar Power plant in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu. A Spinning Mill in Tirupur District of Tamil Nadu has the distinction of having a MegaWatt(MW) Scale, Roof Mounted, Grid-Connected Solar power plant with unique DG synchronization capabilities, the first of its kind in India, and only the second in the World. The 1 MW Solar plant installed on the sloping roof of Alpine Knits (India) Private Limited at Palladam in Tirupur is designed, engineered and constructed on a turnkey basis by Chemtrols Solar Private Limited, headquartered in Mumbai. The Rooftop Solar plant synchronizes with the incoming 11KV utility grid and provides energy to the spinning mill for captive consumption during daytime. Importantly, even when the utility grid is not available during frequent power cuts, this solar plant has the capability to synchronize with the in-house 1.25MVA Diesel Generator 60

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

to provide up to 65% of the energy required by the Alpine Knits factory, thanks to the recent ‘Fuel Saver’ technology developed by SMA Solar Technology AG of Germany, the global market leader in the field of Solar Inverters and related technologies. During grid failure period when the DG set is put into operation, the ‘Fuel Saver’ device constantly monitors the DG set electrical parameters, the available load at the factory and optimizes the Solar Power Plant output to provide substantial fuel (diesel) saving at any point in time. The Fuel Saver also provides protection to the DG Set and to the Solar Power Plant against reverse power as both are power generating devices. Alpine Knits not only saves diesel but also earns RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates) that can be traded at the designated Power Exchanges in Delhi or Mumbai within a price band of Rs 9300 to Rs 13400 per REC, the price band mandated by CERC until March 2017. Alpine shall get one REC for every

1000 units (KWH) of electricity produced by the Solar Power plant, the sale of which is estimated to result in an additional revenue of about Rs 2 crores per year. Shortage of power has been the major grievance of the Textile Industry in Tamil Nadu. Power accounts for about 30% of the total cost of production in a spinning mill. For Factories that suffer Power Outages and are dependent on Diesel Generators for their power supply, a Hybrid System should be the solution of choice as it increases the utilization of the Solar Power Plant significantly and thus reduces payback time. These Solar Power Plants also help in meeting the SPO (Solar Power Obligation) of HT consumers as per the TN Solar Policy. This 1MW plant at Palladam, built in about 60 days with very high quality components procured from SMA, Germany (inverters), Canadian Solar (PV panels) and ABB (power evacuation system), was connected to the grid on 31 March 2013.

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

Exhibit now!

PV INVERTERS

Power Management Based On Energy Storage Systems At PV Plants Roberto GonzĂĄlez & Rauf Javid (R&D Director, Solar PV & BDM, Solar PV) Ingeteam Power Technology India Pvt. Ltd.

ver the last few years, grid-connected PV systems have experienced a considerable increase in market share. With a global installed capacity of more than 50 GWp, PV energy has risen to occupy a prominent position in the range of power generating technologies. However, in order to achieve a higher penetration rate, it must be possible to smoothly integrate PV systems into the grid. In order to guarantee grid stability, conventional electricity generating plants (thermal, nuclear, etc) implement a number of regulation mechanisms (primary, secondary and tertiary regulation) to ensure that energy production is equal to consumption at all times. However, this regulation requires specific response times. The integration of renewable energies (solar and wind power) may compromise this stability, due to the fact that the variability of this energy resource is far higher than that of conventional plants. In this way, for example, whilst conventional plants have an output power variability of 3-10%/min, PV plants can reach values of up to 80%/min, depending on their size. This fact takes on particular importance in weak systems such as islands or small grids based on diesel generators, where high penetration levels could endanger the stability of the system. To counteract a sudden increase in irradiance, PV inverters can limit their production by moving out of the maximum power point range and operating like a conventional plant. However, when there is a drop in irradiance, the PV inverter is unable to control the energy produced, therefore

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requiring the use of energy storage systems (ESS) to provide energy and to limit the power variations. In order to address this issue and to facilitate the greater integration of PV energy into the grid, Ingeteam has developed the INGECON EMS Plants (EMS: Energy Management Solutions) family of inverters with an output power range of 500 to 1000 kW, designed to integrate battery-based storage systems into PV plants. The integration of an ESS makes it possible to control the power slopes generated at the PV plant. Whenever a cloud passes over, with the subsequent loss of irradiance, the ESS provides the energy required to offset the energy shortfall. Once the cloud has gone, the available power increases sharply and this is used to charge the batteries whilst smoothly increasing the power output at the same time. Figure 1 shows an example of the system performance in the face of an 80%/min fluctuation in irradiance (up and down), in accordance with the 10%/ min output power variation

5MW Plant installed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Fig. 1. INGECON EMS Plant performance example

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there be strict reactive power delivery requirements. For this topology, a plant controller manages the energy flow between the grid and the batteries, adjusting the plant generation to a pre-established pattern. Figure 5 shows the integrated version, patented by Ingeteam, in which the PV inverter and the battery manager are housed in a single piece of equipment. This INGECON EMS Plants topology integrates a two-way DC/DC converter connecting the PV array and the ESS.

Fig. 2. Power delivered by a PV plant on a sunny day

Both topologies have been successfully tested at a 1MW plant, using Li-Ion batteries.

Fig. 3. Output power regulation at a PV plant on a day with scattered clouds currently imposed by some grid operators, such as PREPA in Puerto Rico. Figures 2 and 3 show two actual cases in which PV energy is produced at a 1MW plant on a sunny day and on a day with scattered clouds, in addition to the output power when energy storage systems are included in the plant.

plants, namely distributed and integrated. Figure 4 shows the distributed topology for conventional grid-connected inverters for PV generation and dedicated inverters to connect the batteries to the electricity grid. This option can be installed in PV plants that are already operating. With this system it is also possible to provide reactive energy with

Fig. 4. Distributed topology connection diagram

Within its family of INGECON EMS Plants, Ingeteam has provided for two topologies for integrating the ESS in the PV

Fig. 5. Integrated topology connection diagram

the battery inverters, thereby avoiding the need to over-size the PV inverters should

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New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

Gefran Launches APV-S Three-Phase String Inverter Range At Intersolar 2013 South African Renewable Energy Program (REIPPPP).

APV HOME INVERTERS RANGE

Gefran has launched a new line of APV-S 10 to 20 kW three-phase string inverters at Intersolar (Stand 356 - Hall B4) in Munich, the largest international trade fair devoted to renewable energy. At the same time, the company is relaunching and updating its range of Radius photovoltaic inverters. Gefran has many years of experience in responding to market needs with its APV central inverters, which have gained an enviable reputation for robustness and reliability. Now the company is introducing the APVS line of string inverters for the photovoltaic generating market. The new line is 100% Italian-made, and as part of its introduction, Gefran is relaunching and updating the range of 55-500kW APV central inverters, which can be supplied with or without transformers. At the same time, the company is launching an update of its RADIUS System containerised standard turnkey solutions. These are capable of delivering up to 2.5 MWp for utility-scale systems, for which more than 250 MW have been made. The new products were developed following Gefran’s establishment in 2012 of a new 5000 m2 manufacturing unit in Cape Town. South Africa is one of the world’s largest markets for renewable energy. The new Gefran plant was set up to produce PV inverters from 55 kW to 500 kW and shelter configuration/container photovoltaic plants (up to 2.5 MWp) built under the 64

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The new APV-S line is available in a range of sizes, and with a choice of installation options, making it suitable for a wide variety of applications. The IP65 protection standard, along with fan-free natural cooling, offers a double advantage for outdoor installations: reduced fan maintenance and greater energy efficiency, delivering added value through more efficient conversion. In addition, the APV-S can work efficiently in room temperatures of up to 60°C and at full power up to 50°C, even with variable cos phi.

APV System_Cabinet

The new string inverters are available in two series: Advanced Energy and Energy Efficiency (E2). The first series is designed primarily for photovoltaic roof arrays with complex tracking and irradiation features. It is both extensive and flexible: there is a choice of five power levels (10/12/15/18/20 kW); a wide MPPT voltage range ( 35 0V to 800V); and a c h oi c e o f multi-tracking configurations up to 3 MPPT. The use of SiC Inside technology en su res hig h APV-S-KA

output levels, even at low input voltages. Installation is easy, with simplified AC and DC wiring through tool-free and maintenancefree terminals, and the user interface is simple and intuitive using a large touch screen display. The Energy Efficiency (E2) series is designed for use in large-scale multi-inverter arrays with uniform tracking (on both ground and roof), and where the price/performance ratio is of paramount importance. Its peak efficiency of 98,5% makes it one of the best performing products of this type on the market, delivering fast and high return on investment to users. Aimed at mediumto large-scale applications, the “Energy Efficiency (E2) series” has a straightforward configuration with three power sizes (10/15/20 kW), one MPP tracker, and a simplified touch-screen alphanumeric display for the user interface. Externally, these new Gefran string inverters are very compact, making them ideal for multi-inverter installations with limited space. The wiring zone is designed with the installer in mind, offering separate access for complete freedom and safety. Conforming to the highest international standards, the APV-S satisfies the application needs of a market in constant technological evolution. The line is completed with a wide range of options, such as a DC switch disconnector, DC side fuses with string current sensors, and wireless communication modules. Gefran offers design consultancy for photovoltaic systems of all sizes, and supports this with continuous worldwide customer service through its network of subsidiaries and distributor network. As part of this support, Gefran has developed a network of Solar Service Centres which react quickly to ensure uninterrupted operation of photovoltaic systems.

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New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

New, Maintenance Free Battery Connector For the quick, safe and easy interconnection of Li-Ion battery packs Multi-Contact has developed a new, maintenance-free battery cable connector (BCC). The BCC has been specifically designed for applications requiring quick installation, maximum safety and minimum maintenance.

It is for example suited for the use in battery storage solutions for renewable energies such as photovoltaics and wind power, or for the interconnection of battery packs in electric vehicles for public transport or mining. The easy to handle solution provides a high

The battery cable connector BCC for easy and safe interconnection of battery packs.

level of safety for the operating personnel in high voltage and high power applications.

ABB Central Inverter Now Available Up To 1000 kW Size ABB’s successful central inverter series, PVS800 is now available in larger sizes. The new 875 and 1000 kilowatt (kW) central inverters reduce overall system cost and have even higher total efficiency with one of the most compact and easy-to-maintain designs on the market. The operating temperature and altitude rating have both been extended and the modular direct current (DC) input design provides greater flexibility for system integrators. The new higher efficiency value of the new ABB central inverter is the result of systematic and continuous R&D efforts. It has a 98.8% maximum efficiency with improved efficiency at partial loads to provide a Euro efficiency rating of 98.6%. This, together with a very low auxiliary power consumption of only 700 watts for the new sizes at nominal power, results in an inverter with a very high total efficiency. A 45% higher power density compared to earlier ABB central inverters makes this one of the most compact inverters on the market by footprint and volume per kW. This reduces installation and container space and lowers transportation costs. The larger inverter

power rating also brings considerable savings on the medium-voltage side by allowing larger transformers to be used. The new 875 and 1000 kW ABB central inverters offer a wider operational temperature range, up to 50°C at nominal power, and up to 55°C with power derating.

This is especially helpful when considering the DC cable type and the number of junction boxes needed. The 1000 kW central inverter is available as standard with eight fused busbar inputs and this can be extended up to 16 inputs. Additionally, the DC input section can be provided with integrated DC current measurement per input. As a new feature, PVS800 series inverters are also now able to support grid stability even at night by providing reactive power with the DC input disconnected.

This makes the product very suitable for hot climate conditions. At lower temperatures, the central inverter provides up to a 20% power overloading capability, up to a maximum power output of 1050 kW and 1200 kW at 25°C for 875 kW and 1000 kW inverters, respectively. The modular DC input section provides system integrators with a flexible approach.

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The ABB central inverter series, rated from 100 to 1000 kW, is designed for multi-megawatt photovoltaic (PV) power plants as well as large PV installations in commercial and industrial buildings. With the ABB central inverter’s certificates and advanced and flexible grid support functions, it is possible to meet all applicable network connection requirements, regardless of where the project is located. To help meet bankability requirements and secure the highest return on investment, ABB supports its customers with a dedicated global service network providing a complete range of life cycle services in more than 60 countries. EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

Power-One Features New Energy Storage System at Intersolar Europe 2kWh storage system REACT will enable self-consumption and energy independence for home owners Power-One, Inc. (Nasdaq:PWER), a leading global manufacturer of renewable energy and energy-efficient power conversion and management solutions, announced that the company showcased a prototype of its new residential energy storage system REACT (Renewable Energy Accumulator and Conversion Technology) at Intersolar Europe. The PV storage solution will be available at the beginning of 2014. The prototype energy storage system consists of a 4.6kW single-phase grid connected Power-One inverter and a lithium-ion battery providing 2kWh usable capacity. A smaller version with a 3.6kW inverter will also be available. The solution thereby allows home owners and landlords to store any excess energy produced during peak times for times with higher energy demands. By giving system owners the ability and flexibility to use excess energy generated to charge their batteries, this surplus electricity can be used to power home appliances during times when the PV installation does not produce any or insufficient energy. “Making PV energy available upon demand is a great step towards total self-consumption as well as energy independence and opens up a new opportunity for selling PV and energy storage systems,” said Paolo Casini, Vice President, Marketing at Power-One. “With our new storage solution we enable our customers to align energy production and consumption with their needs, thereby helping them to increase their self-consumption and save money on their energy bills.”

that they fully benefit from their PV and energy storage systems. This is why we will work together with our partners to establish sales strategies and tools for our new PV solutions in the upcoming months,” continues Casini. To ensure the safety and longevity of the lithium-ion battery, Power-One needed to design the inverter according to the voltage and current values required by the battery. Furthermore, the company had to ensure that the inverter is capable of communicating with the battery management system. Despite these additional challenges, the new product will benefit from the advantages Power-One’s customers expect from the company’s expertise in inverters: the storage system will offer dual MPPTs, broad input voltage ranges as well as high efficiencies. Moreover, Power-One plans to add basic load management outputs and an auxiliary AC output, which will allow operation of the system in the event of a power outage.

expected life of the battery. The solution can also be expanded by additional battery modules to up three times its original size. Due to the integrated Ethernet port, the energy storage system allows for remote or local monitoring without requiring any additional interfaces. Power-One’s energy storage system will be launched in Q1 of 2014 in Italy and Germany. While Germany is the most advanced country regarding defining and incentivizing self-consumption within the residential PV market, Italy is also a very promising market as a premium is paid for self-consumption today. Other interesting markets for residential PV storage solutions include France, the UK and then, at a later stage, the U.S.

The energy storage system has been designed for a long lifecycle with a t e n year

“At the same time, residential energy storage systems require distributors and installers to collaborate more closely with the home owners to calculate their energy usage patterns. This way they can ensure 66

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New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

The RPS Endurance 500 kW inverter from Bonfiglioli: a compact powerhouse with 15% overload capability Bonfiglioli has expanded its RPS Endurance series of inverters with the introduction of a unit featuring a power rating of 500 kW, a high overload capacity and a record compact footprint.

RPS Endurance inverters can operate at rated power in ambient temperatures of up to 50°C. In lower ambient temperatures, the inverter’s power output is automatically increased by up to 15%. In this way, a 500 kW unit can generate up to 575 kW at 25°C ambient.

A two-stage ambient protection and cooling system isolates critical components from dust and pollution and ensures full IP54 protection from an intelligent air flow. This allows installation in harsh environments, and even in the absence of clean cooling air.

The unit’s record, compact layout has been achieved thanks to an advanced air cooling system designed to ensure reliability and easy component serviceability during maintenance.

A dedicated control algorithm keeps the operating temperatures of key components inside the inverter within a narrow range, mitigating the thermal cycles that represent a key source of fatigue and therefore maximising equipment service life.

With a wide range of self-protection functions and grid management options, the RPS Endurance series represents Bonfiglioli’s answer to modern power control requirements in the fast-developing global PV market.

Conergy Complete with east-west mounting system – the sun rises in the east … Power of the future means a precisely matched and customised configuration of your own power plant. Besides the size, the plant’s orientation is also of importance. An east-west arrangement can offer an appropriate solution for certain load profiles. It ensures that energy production is relatively evenly distributed over the day, without high load peaks around midday. It allows optimum coverage of the regular base load. This is the reason why Conergy will be offering a new Complete system for flat roofs with an east-west mounting system for the first time at Intersolar. It can be installed with ease and speed, generally without the need

for ballasting, which b en ef it s both the installer and the business.

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New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

Danfoss FLX inverter series - When Experience Meets Innovation New three phase transformerless inverter series from 6-17 kW The FLX is the result of the accumulated knowledge of Danfoss’ considerable experience in the solar industry. Building on the best elements of the TLX range and incorporating the latest thinking and technology, it is the first 2nd generation of transformerless three phase string inverters. Designed for robustness the new FLX series is a natural progression that delivers flexible layouts, even easier installation and new yield increasing features.

Hassle-free installation

Dynamic Power Distribution (DPD) that ensure maximum power generation under grid management conditions and Advanced PV sweep, which reduces losses due to partial shading to a minimum. Top it all with high efficiency and a flexibility which is second to none.

Easy commissioning and use Commissioning FLX is simplicity itself. Data replication and an installation wizard make commissioning fast. ConnectSmart™ and the built in web interface make remote monitoring simple to set up and use. Built in international grid codes, display languages

and easy to navigate user interfaces make commissioning as well as use fast and simple.

The next generation The new FLX inverter is a showcase of order and structure. With its low losses and high yields the FLX boasts engineering which make it unique in the market. Among others the coated PCBs and the new die cast aluminium heat sink with an IP65 seal, make the FLX the truly reliable choice.

FLX makes it fast and easy to install correctly first time. A new easy to use installation a r e a wi t h h o l d - o p e n magnets in the lid ensures straight forward access to all connectors. The wall mounting concept ensures correct mounting with visual feedback during installation and the packaging ensures that the inverter is unpacked in an upright position ready for mounting. And all these benefits come in a product weighting just 39 kg.

Higher yields With new yield increasing features and super-flexible design possibilities with three independent MPP trackers it is possible to harvest the maximum potential energy from any building or ground area, regardless of installation size, placement or conditions. Yield increasing features include Adaptive Consumption Compensation (ACC) and 68

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New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

Delta Introduces New Solar Energy Solutions At Intersolar 2013 At the world’s largest exhibition fort he solar industry in Munich, Delta exhibited new solar energy solutions for residential and commercial applications. New high efficiency solar inverters will be presented as well as the new SOL I VIA Live application for mobile devices. At Delta, we are dedicated to creating a cleaner and more energy-efficient tomorrow. This is a mission we share in common with our customers, our employees, our suppliers, our share holders and the greater community. This is why we say „Smarter. Greener. Together.“ With this brand spirit in mind, Delta demonstrated innovative solar energy solutions at Inter solar that offer our customer senvironmentally-friendly power generation for residential and commercial applications.

Residential Solutions Delta will demonstrate solar PV solutions for residential applications. A highlight will be a 2 kW transformer-based single phase inverter with exceptional max. Efficiency of 96.2 %. Since the inverter is galvanically isolated it is suitable for residential applications that require positive or negative PV grounding, such as thinfilm modules. The 2.0 TR performs at full capacity in temperatures up to 55° C and features IP65 protection class with fan less cooling. It is therefore especially suitable for PV systems on smaller roof areas such as on carports, garages and/or single family homes. The isolated inverter series from Delta will be extended with the addition of the 2 kW unit, offering TR inverters without puts from 2 kW to 11 kW.

Commercial Solutions New Solar PV inverters of interest for commercial applications will include a 11

kW and 10 kW TR three phase inverter with one of the highest power densities in this class of isolated inverters. Not only are these next generation units compact but they provide outstanding versatility in system design. The 11 TR and 10 TR inverters have an ultra-wide input voltage range and high max. DC voltage of 1000 V making the units compatible with a wide variety of solar module types in different string configurations. Efficient power conversion is achieved with a high max. Efficiency of 96.8 %, industry leading for isolated inverters currently on the market. An IP65 protection class allow these inverters to be installed in outdoor areas, even in harsh environments where direct sunlight or humid sea air are present. An automatic power balancing for the three phases is integrated and ensures that the inverters always balance the feed-in over all phases. Together with Delta’s broad transformer less inverter series without puts from 10 to 30 kW, the expanded transformer-based products offered without puts from 2 to 11 kW, help customers with all different PV generation requirements to plan for residential as well as commercial applications.

Delta will also present the new SOLIVIA Live application, monitoring software designed specifically for use on tablets and smart phones. The new SOLIVIA Live for mobile devices will allow the user tom on it or their PV installationfromanywhereandanytime. All important inverter data such as current power and energy yield by day, month, year and lifetime are available with easy tore ad graphs. The user can easily share their graphs with friends by posting them to Face book and Twitter, simply done by clicking a share button within the application. An inverter event list is stored with important messages highlighted to enable the user to keep track oft heir installations tat us at all times and therefore maintain the highest yield from the PV plant. The SOLIVIA Live is available in Apple iOS and Android versions and a Windows Phone 8 version will come out later this year. Andreas Schmidt, Head of Marketing at Delta Energy Systems says, „At Delta we are dedicated to providing innovative, clean and efficient energy solutions. With the introduction oft he se new advanced solar inverters and innovative monitoring applications, we are realizing our go alto provide our customers solutions that help them produce clean and reliable energy from the sun and with the added benefit of reducing harmful greenhouse gas emission.“

SOLIVIA Live for Mobile Devices Besides demonstrating new inverter solutions,

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

HUBER+SUHNER launches RADOX® SolarBox HM-Blue-Safety with integrated safety electronics In perfect time for the Intersolar, HUBER+SUHNER launched the new intelligent RADOX® SolarBox HM-BlueSafety. It forms part of a protection system to prevent fires in PV installations, which has been developed in collaboration with the renowned partner MERSEN.

company MERSEN. The system allows users to switch modules to a voltage- and current-free state via a master switch for maintenance and repair work. In the event of fire, the safety system also enables the fire department to fight fires on the system without the risk of hazardous voltages.

With its new, intelligent junction box HUBER+SUHNER is presenting an innovative premium product for the PV market. The new junction box consists of the basic RADOX® SolarBox HM and an application-specific BlueBox, which can be installed easily via «plug & play».

To prevent fires breaking out, the entire security system detects arcs on bad contacts and faulty insulation. If an electric arc is detected, the integrated safety switch automatically switches off the individual modules, thus

Thanks to excellent heat dissipation and the patented thermal separation from the module, the BlueBox ensures reliable operation of the electronics throughout the entire service life of the system. It also meets the requirements of Class II and IP67 protection. With a maximum system voltage of 1000 V and current of up to 12.5 A, the box satisfies all PV-related requirements.

Focused on market requirements With this new product, HUBER+SUHNER is taking a proactive step in anticipation of the safety standards for buildings, sensitive installations and rooftop applications that are due to enter into force in various countries over the coming years. The modular system also provides module manufacturers and installers with a flexible platform that allows the integration of a smartelectronics system of the customer’s choice

Integrated smart electronics The BlueBox incorporates a smart elec tronics equipped with a safety switch and wired communication. The junction box is one element of a protection designed for installations by the

system

at a later date. preventing potential damage. The integrated communication unit detects the voltage, current and temperature of the solar module. system P V partner

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

Reliable for the entire service life of the

HUBER+SUHNER already has another BlueBox application under development: the RADOX® SolarBox HM-Blue-AC, which is scheduled to be launched beginning of 2014. The box has an integrated microinverter, which converts the solar energy into alternating current directly on the module.

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New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

IBC SOLAR Presents the Newest Generation of Solar Power Storage with IBC SolStore PB Home The intelligent system combines solar power storage and energy management to increase self-consumption IBC SOLAR AG, a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) systems, introduces IBC SolStore Pb Home for the first time, a solar power storage system which can increase the self-consumption rate in households by 80 percent or more. This solution enables households with a PV system to use the majority of their selfgenerated solar power directly. IBC SolStore Pb Home will be one of IBC SOLAR’s highlights at Intersolar Europe 2013 in Munich (from June 19th to 21st), the world’s leading trade fair for the solar industry (hall B6, stand 310). IBC SolStore Pb Home is an advancement of the proven lead-acid battery solution IBC SolStore 8.0 Pb and is complemented by the product innovation IBC SolGuard Home, an intelligent energy management solution. Thanks to an automatic energy yield forecast and the possibility to manage household machines actively, the complete PV system ensures owners optimal use of self-generated solar electricity any time, day and night. By incorporating thermal storage solutions, the self-consumption rate could increase by up to 80 percent. IBC SolGuard Home ensures intelligent energy management: the system takes into consideration the cheapest time to use electricity, weather forecasts, consumption patterns, battery charge status, as well as all relevant energy flows and produces reliable PV forecast data. Forecast is automatically compared with the known consumption patterns of household appliances and appliances are turned on once enough solar energy is available. Surplus electricity is only fed into the grid once the storage system is

full and no more energy can be fed into the household. At their stand at the Intersolar trade fair, IBC SOLAR demonstrated how customers can also heat their water supply by combining a thermal storage system with IBC SolStore Pb Home. With IBC SolStore Pb Home, IBC SOLAR not only presents the newest generation of its proven battery storage solutions, but also allows customers to take advantage of German government incentives for solar storage systems: the IBC SolStore Pb Home complete system fulfils all current requirements of the German government’s storage incentive programme that entered into force on May 1st 2013 and that covers up to 30 percent of the acquisition costs. Inter alia, IBC SOLAR offers a seven-year

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guarantee. All IBC SolStore Pb Home components are “Made in Germany”. The long-life leadacid batteries are seal-regulated and thus maintenance-free. Refilling the water is not necessary, which makes the storage system particularly easy to use. There is also a new integrated load-break switch that allows the storage system to be immediately separated from the inverter, stopping the electricity flow. This is one more safeguard in IBC SolStore Home’s comprehensive security approach. The lead-acid IBC SolStore Home as well as a lithium-ion version will be available in the third quarter of 2013.

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

Innovative And User-Friendly Solutions From Lapp And FPE Fischer EPIC® SOLAR MAP SET nominated for Intersolar Award 2013 At Intersolar Europe, the Lapp Group and FPE Fischer presented innovative connection solutions and an unprecedented level of user-friendliness with the EPIC® SOLAR MAP SET, a modular connection system developed jointly by the two companies and now nominated for the Intersolar Award 2013. In a further innovative move, the Lapp Group has teamed up with Kostal Industrie Elektrik to guarantee, for the first time ever, the compatibility of solar connectors from two different manufacturers.

The EPIC® SOLAR MAP SET consists of a range of components made of top-quality, weatherproof, impact-resistant plastic, which can be combined as required to create connections between photovoltaic modules – thereby rendering conventional junction boxes redundant. These standardized components can be mounted and welded onto modules automatically, and customized solutions for different numbers of strings and varying cable lengths can easily be provided, even within the same production line.

Thanks to a completely new connection design, the EPIC® SOLAR MAP SET helps cut the cost of connection technology, while boosting the level of automation in the module manufacturing process and making modules easier to service and repower. As a result, the two partners have been nominated for their innovative connection systems for the second year running: their aluminium junction box, the EPIC® SOLAR RAZOR, made it onto last year’s shortlist for the Intersolar Award.

Modeled after the automotive industry’s principle of flexible production platforms, the EPIC® SOLAR MAP SET builds on existing technologies and modular parts. Since the components can be inexpensively produced using injection moulding and stamping technology, the manufacturers’ part costs are extremely low. The system’s modular construction also opens up the possibility of further variants, including one for glass-glass modules. The prototype of this model will be on display for the first time

at Intersolar Europe 2013. “The modular construction makes it easier and more costeffective to develop tailored solutions for customers,” says Thomas Hoffmeister, Head of Photovoltaics at the Lapp Group. “Only a radical new design could have made this set-up possible!” Elsewhere, the Lapp Group’s partnership with KOSTAL Industrie Elektrik has paid off handsomely: thanks to their combined expertise in the development of photovoltaic connector systems, the EPIC® SOLAR 4 THIN from Lapp comes fully tested for compatibility with the KOSTAL KSK 4 connector – something customers have been requesting for years. The two companies worked together closely on the tests to ensure compatibility, making it possible at long last to combine connectors from both manufacturers intelligently and securely.

Nominated for the Intersolar Award 2013: the modular EPIC® SOLAR MAP SET from the Lapp Group and FPE Fischer is a great way to substantially reduce part costs and running costs

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

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New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

Lightway Launches Its Smart Modules Series Lightway announced the launch of the LWSS modules series specifically featured with its achievement on power optimization through the integration of module-level MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) to maximize system performance. It is ideal for residential, commercial rooftop and utilityscale applications. In conventional PV systems, especially of rooftop projects, shading severely effects generation output. LWSS modules, however, can eliminate power losses caused by module mismatch, shading, and soiling collection. The system equipped with LWSS modules, compared with conventional ones, can positively enable more power density and efficiency, which increases the return on investment for the owner. Furthermore, systems installed with LWSS modules are able to perform module level real-time monitoring, allowing customers

to access to the performance data wherever and whenever on web or portable application. In addition, it can also diagnose and troubleshoot the system remotely, which saves time and reduces O & M costs. From a security point of view, LWSS modules are equipped with Arc Prevention and automatic DC shut off, which provide extra security on each module to minimize fire risk and electrical shock to operators. LWSS modules are safer than conventional modules. “We are delighted to be able to work with global leading technology providers, and introducing our Smart Module Series for our clients worldwide,” said Mr. Andrew Li, Chief Marketing Officer of Lightway. “We believe product differentiation and readiness, as the solar industry maturing, is one of the key factors for sustained technology

and product leadership. Lightway’s Smart Module Series would potentially offer our clients options to enhance, and improve, their return of investment, while employing leading solar and electronic technology.”

Mounting Systems, Inc.: New Open Terrain Racking System Sigma I XL For Solar Plants Combines single-post principle of the Sigma I with robust rail technology of Sigma II Mounting Systems, Inc., the international developer and manufacturer of solar racking systems, presented the new open terrain PV racking system Sigma I XL. The substructure combines the advantages of the Sigma I single-post racking system with the robust Pi-rail technology of the Sigma II. By ramming only one post, Sigma I XL reduces pile-driving time and requires less site improvement and maintenance time than its two-post counterpart. Resembling the Greek letter “Pi”, the Pi-rail’s consists of a horizontal beam that provides strength and stability with minimal material usage. Due to improved material use and increased structural force of the Pi-rail, Mounting Systems manufactures the Sigma I XL in

both portrait and landscape versions. Both versions rely on the Pi-rail technology and employ a patented attachment method for the respective applications. The Sigma I XL in landscape configuration provides a click-system for assembling the modules quickly, easily and without screws or bolts. Its portrait “brother” utilizes Mounting

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Systems’ patented slot-nut-technology, the Quickstone, for a fast and secure installation. Susanne Kylla, Director Sales at Mounting Systems, Inc., says: “The Sigma I XL stands out with its simple, functional design and the minimal number of tools needed for installation. Most parts are pre-assembled making this new open terrain product fast to install. This means considerable savings in time and installation costs compared to other systems, especially in large-scale projects.” Since the Sigma I XL does not require concrete foundations, the need for site alteration is reduced and reclamation is easy, making the system environmentally friendly. In addition, the system is fully recyclable.

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

Trina Solar Presents New High-Efficiency Products And Focus On Extended Service Proposition Trina Solar presented its latest development in PV modules, Honey M, which comes with the option of an integrated Trinasmart performance optimiser. In addition, the company will illustrate its focus on top-inclass service offerings and new direct sales models for installers. Trina Solar is also developing its downstream activities, and will be stepping into project development in the future as it broadens its strategy in the current competitive environment. The new Honey M module combines high-efficiency monocrystalline cells with Trina Solar’s world-record-setting Honey technology for the first time. The TSMDC05A is based on a 156mm cell platform, and its 60 black cells and black frame make it particularly visually attractive. A module

with a black backsheet is also available. This product line is therefore particularly suited for private residential and smaller commercial rooftop installations; the efficiency rating is over 16 per cent. The panels are also especially effective even in poor light conditions, and are capable of withstanding both snow loads of up to 900kg (5400Pa) per module and wind loads of up to 2,400Pa.

string, for example – by up to 20 per cent. Users have real-time access to all module data through their smartphone or laptop, enabling them to monitor and control the system – including the ability to switch off the entire array with a single click in case of emergency. Trinasmart works with all inverters, can be simply wired in, and also makes it possible to run longer-than-usual strings of modules.

Trina Solar also offers the Honey M with the option of an integrated Trinasmart performance optimiser. Trinasmart enables the monitoring and control of arrays at module level and increases the system performance – with opacity effects and differing module performances within a

Balance-of-system costs are reduced thanks to the exceptional efficiency of Honey M modules, and the system delivers a particularly high energy output. As with all its PV modules, Trina Solar’s TSM-DC05A is covered by a 10-year workmanship warrantee and a 25-year performance guarantee.

Two-phase SOLPLUS Inverters For Photovoltaic Systems With 6 – 8-kW AC Rated Power •

Different roof alignments efficiently combined

•

Two-phase, compact, cost-optimised

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New product launch at Intersolar

Solutronic AG has used this year’s Intersolar to launch its all-new, 2-phase inverters. The transformerless SOLPLUS 60 2P and SOLPLUS 80 2P inverters for PV installations with an AC power rating of 6 to 8 kW impress thanks to their flexible capabilities, compact design and optimised cost-efficiency. Each phase has its own independent MPP

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

tracker, making it possible to assign modules individually and efficiently to each phase. This means that different combinations of shadowing conditions and roof pitches can be combined in just one inverter. Despite their low price, these new 2-phase SOLPLUS units still come supplied with Solutronic’s proven communication platform. The new inverters are capable of feeding into the grid and, when combined with Solutronic’s DE-ICING BOX 2P, can generate optimum yields even during the winter period (for more information, go to

http://www.solutronic.de/index.php?article_ id=112&clang=1). The new SOLPLUS 60 2P and SOLPLUS 80 2P inverters are protected by an IP65 enclosure and, like all SOLPLUS units, have been developed and are made in Germany.

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New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

SolarMax Presents Self-Consumption And Storage Solution The SolarMax P-Battery Upgrade Kit allows for storing solar energy with the help of a battery and therefore an optimization of the self-consumption in the private customer segment. The Swiss inverter manufacturer Sputnik Engineering has developed the SolarMax P-Battery Upgrade Kit for P series inverters in order to allow for storage and optimized self-consumption of solar energy. In this way, the solar energy generated during the day can be stored intermediately in a battery and used in the evening or during the night, for instance. The P-Battery Upgrade Kit is designed for solar power plants of up to 6kWp and is therefore applicable first and foremost to private plants on single-family homes and multiple dwellings. With the help of the battery, the self-consumption can be increased significantly and the public power grid can be relieved simultaneously. Within the framework of Intersolar Europe in Munich, SolarMax will present the prototype of its self-consumption and storage solution for the first time. Self-consumption and the storage of solar energy play an increasingly important role with respect to power supply. In some countries - particularly in Germany - already today, it is more cost-efficient to generate your own electricity than to buy it from energy suppliers. In these cases it is more efficient to consume the generated electricity yourself. By moving and activating loads in a targeted manner (load management), the energy consumption can be optimized by switching on controllable loads (e.g. heating cartridges or heat pumps) when large amounts of electricity are available or when lower amounts of electricity are required (e.g. at midday). Furthermore, the P-Battery Upgrade Kit can be used to charge a battery with solar energy during the day so that the energy

is available in times of lower or no PV electricity generation. The plant operator can select how the battery is charged and/ or discharged by selecting from different modes, for instance depending on the consumption, the time, or in order to relieve the grid (Peak Shaving). Depending on the size of the battery, the stored solar energy may even be sufficient for a couple of days without the necessity of drawing electricity from the grid. The P-Battery Upgrade Kit will be compatible with a number of different battery types. “We developed the P-Battery Upgrade Kit in order to enable private plant operators to easily store solar energy and therefore to optimize their self-consumption,” explains Hans-Georg Schweikardt, Head of Product Management with SolarMax. “A positive side effect is related to the much discussed topic of grid fluctuations, because thanks to the energy storage it is possible to relieve the grid in the event of high solar irradiation. Accordingly, the inverters must no longer

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disconnect from the grid or reduce their output due to grid parameters.” According to the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), plant operators can reduce the energy they procure from the public grid by up to 60 percent when using battery storage solutions. This makes them more independent of the strongly increasing energy prices and provides for an essential contribution to energy turnaround. Since the beginning of May, storing solar energy is funded by the German government for PV power plants installed after January 1, 2013 in order to further drive the expansion of renewable energies and simultaneously relieve the public power grid. The SolarMax P-Battery Upgrade Kit for the P series presented within the framework of Intersolar Europe 2013 in hall B4 / booth 110, along with the numerous other new SolarMax inverter solutions.

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

The New Quality Standard For Solar Power Modules The new Sunmodule Protect series is the latest addition to the SolarWorld AG range. It has set new benchmarks when it comes to service life, mechanical durability, degradation behavior and its groundbreaking performance guarantee. Sandwiched between glass on both front and back, solar cells are optimally protected against environmental factors such as water intrusion. Cells also are less susceptible to shear stress, thereby reducing cell breakage. Even with a second pane of glass, Sunmodule Protect solar panels remain lightweight, at about 21 kilogram – the same as the Sunmodule Plus glass-film panels. They include the same sturdy aluminum frame and reliable junction box with MC4-connectors. Therefore, the new product will work with all mounting systems approved for use with the Sunmodule Plus product line. Product benefits Sunmodule Protect •

3 0 - ye a r l i n e a r guarantee

p e r fo r m a n c e

•

E n e r g y - y i e l d - ov e r- s e r v i c e - l i f e

ratio substantially exceeds that of conventional glass-film panels

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

•

Embedding the cells in glass-glass ensures optimal protection against mechanical loads and environmental factors

•

Same weight and dimensions as the Sunmodule Plus ‒ compatible with all standard SolarWorld mounting systems

•

Stable aluminum frame for easy mounting

•

Reliable junction box attached at the rear

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New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

RenewSys Expands Its EVA Encapsulant Market and Launches Its Backsheet Range: Leveraging decades of expertise in Polymers, the ‘CONSERV’ range of EVA Encapsulant and the new ‘PRESERV’ range of Backsheets developed by RenewSys offer unmatched consistency and long term performance in the field. ‘CONSERV™ 360 – 14 FC’ EVA Encapsulant from RenewSys has a Fast Cure formulation with extremely high Light Transmittance. ‘CONSERV’ is manufactured using special ‘OS’ manufacturing technology. ‘OS’ Manufacturing Technology enables CONSERV to be produced without induced stresses allowing it to exhibit Ultra Low Thermal shrinkage. The unique surface structure of ‘CONSERV’ eliminates the requirement of masking film. It has been successfully tested by TUV Rheinland for 2250 Hrs. of Damp Heat Test and is UL and RoHS Certified. The Company has commissioned its state-of-the-art Backsheet manufacturing facility at Bengaluruin April 2013 and

started commercial supplies. Fluoro and Non-Fluoro based structures of Backsheet ‘PRESERV’has already been tested for high electrical properties and Damp Heat Test upto 2000 Hrs. The UL Certification of Backsheets is expected shortly. R&D:

& technology driven solutions, RenewSys has significantly invested in setting up an R&D centre at its facility in Bengaluru. This enables RenewSys to partner with its clients to create customized solutions of mutual benefit and contribute to take the industry forward.

With a commitment to provide innovative

RenewSys Receives UL Approval For Its Backsheets RenewSys, the quality manufacturer of EVA Encapsulant and Back sheet s based at Bengaluru, India has announced the UL approval of its ‘PRESERV’ Backsheet range as per U-94 guidelines. The company had recently launched its Fluoro and Non-Fluoro material based Backsheets. With this approval, the company has Backsheets with Partial Discharge values suitable for 1000 VDC system voltage modules in addition to economically priced Backsheets for 600 VDC system voltage modules. RenewSys has already been selling TUV and

makers to buy both the components from a single source eliminating issues relating to quality, inventory and logistics. Many domestic and overseas modules makers have appreciated the move and acknowledged these advantages.

UL certified ‘CONSERV’ EVA Encapsulant in domestic and overseas markets witnessing encouraging business growth since its inception. With the launch of the certified wide range of Backsheets, the company feels it would be a great advantage for module

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With a commitment to provide innovative & technology driven solutions, RenewSys has invested significantly in setting up a R&D center at its Bengaluru facility. This enables RenewSys partner with its clients to create customized solutions for mutual benefit and contribute in taking the industry forward.

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013

Trapezoidal Roof Fastener ClampFit-H Simpler, more cost-efficient, quicker to mount and, as far as possible, convenient to plan, order and store - these are the benefits and characteristics which should be offered by the new mounting systems and parts of today. The new trapezoidal roof fastener ClampFit-H is designed for the horizontal mounting of modules on trapezoidal sheet metal roofs and fulfils all requirements in an exemplary manner. It is also an optimal supplement to the universally applicable range of Schletter fasteners. Although this fastening system undercuts the thus far affordable €/kW system prices once again, the ClampFit-H system still complies with the Schletter quality guidelines Optimal distribution of forces is achieved by fastening through the side flank. This avoids an overload of forces at individual points, even on very thin sheeting The possibility of screws loosening through thermal expansion and load change is thus excluded.

to the lightning protection. Since its initial conception, the AluGrid system has been consistently enhanced and its scope of application broadened according to demand. We have new products in a great many areas of production: from the latest superimposed load calculation software to new continuous beams, to the fitting of a variety of surface protection mats and seals, through to system variants for high snow loads up to 5.4kN or to the mounting of systems on trapezoidal roofs, as examples. All details and planning guidelines are available for reference in the new AluGrid brochure.

Open area / Landfill sites The recipe for economic efficiency and reliable mounting systems in the open area sector is not for a system “to cover all”, but is rather for “quick and bespoke project planning based on an optimized kit system

The ever increasing cost of land and logistics combined with further decreasing system prices means that, as with roof systems, the cost-effectiveness of the installation is becoming dependent upon an optimal utilization of terrain. The system variant “100” (100 stands for an almost 100% utilization of terrain) has been designed with this in mind. Particularly large rack geometries can be assembled in combination with the system variant FSMax - ideal for hillside locations. Interest is growing in the secondary use of landfill sites for the construction of solar parks.. The focus on surface foundation systems is growing due to the the characteristically shallow ground cover of these sites. Using screw-pile foundations with a large cross section, the Terragrid system can be implemented in locations with an approx. ground depth of 0.5m. Alternative designs with no ground

AluGrid Cost-efficient but safe mounting systems based on innovative designs. The success of the AluGrid system, which has now been installed in numerous installations,

for each individual type of subsoil and for

penetration include the PvMax3 weightedfoundation systems. Schletter provides the right system for all areas of application, with quick and professional project planning based on modern geotechnical measurement- and investigation techniques with wind-dynamics and optimization methods.

ranging from 1kW to 10MW in capacity, is due to the fact that its development has been based around such innovative strategy. Using this system, the module frames are integrated organically into the support structure - every gram of material being used effectively. Dimensioning and optimization procedures are applied in accordance with the most up to date knowledge of wind dynamics and using the duly derived planning software, resulting in a universal flat-roof kit which can be viewed as a logical system rather than as a series of “components” right through 78

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

any area of application” To this end, we have continued to enhance our well-proven system family. The proven single-support system combines the benefits of economic efficiency, maximum mounting times and optimal accessibility for terrain maintenance. By incorporating steel purlins into the design, we were able to further optimize the costs. A variant of each system (alu or steel) is also available for inlay installations, further reducing mounting time.

Almost 100% systems are manufactured inhouse at the Schletter premises, using stateof-the-art machinery and custom-assembled to the onsite requirements. Economical and safe - and all under one roof

SmartPvCharge The ecological solution for managing mobility! The integration of renewable energies,

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New Products at InterSolar Europe 2013 relief of networks, storage capacity or SmartGrids - these are the demands being made on the development of our “energy systems of the future!” The integration of PV plants into domestic buildings and business locations provides a keystone for the supply of renewable energies. A high percentage of proprietary consumption is, however, prerequisite to the future profitability of photovoltaic plants in the household and industrial locations. Unfortunately, in industrial locations, it is not always possible to regulate energy consumption according to PV irradiation and, even within the general household, “Demand Side Management” (time influenced consumption of energy) can only be implemented to a limited extent. Combining the electric car with an optimized charging process SmartPvCharge is the ideal means of regulating the consumption of power.

Charging energy 16.0kWh, Total yield PV 36.2kWh

sun! The priority of the charging process can, of course, be adjusted to meet immediate demand, with the effect that if a vehicle needs to be charged quickly, the process can be induced irrespective of the irradiation. Example 1: Own consumption curve on 17.10.12 (no SmartPvCharge) (blue = PV-yield, grey = Grid supply, green = Own consumption) Charging energy 6.5kWh, Total yield PV 27.8kWh

An elec tric c ar powered by the SmartPvCharge system can facilitate a consumption percentage of over 80% over the long term due to high storage capacity and the time-oriented flexibility of the charging process. At the same time, a flexible approach to charging levels can facilitate the achievement of “CO2-neutral” mobility:

Principle of operation: In this example, 6.5kWh represents the total energy available for charging. No further optimization is possible in this case, although the charging process is triggered automatically, i.e. the car simply needs to be connected when parked and the system controls the rest.

Fill up - but keep it green!

Charging energy 18.5kWh, Total yield PV 23.6kWh

Prerequisite to the use of SmartPvCharge is an electric vehicle that can be used in the household and that can be parked for long periods for charging at a PV plant. In many cases, (e.g. for use as a second car), it is possible to recharge the vehicle between two short journeys and at periods of optimum irradiation to maintain the desired user profile without restriction. A purely random charging process would, in the case of the standard-sized PV plants, result in a higher percentage use of electricity from the grid in order to sustain a consistent level of charge. SmartPvCharge monitors the generation of PV-electricity along with the household consumers and initiates the charging process as soon as the minimum capacity becomes available. With increasing energy yield , the charging parameters are increased to maximum capacity and are regulated according to the irradiation. This ensures that the vehicle is charged fully and exclusively with energy generated from the

Depending on the availability of the vehicle, the charging process could be triggered earlier and the car charged fully using solely PV energy. If the vehicle is not available for early charging, then a part-charge can be initiated on its return using PV or, as in this case, without SmartPvCharge, the process can be regulated to begin charging with PV energy and can be topped up using electricity from the grid if necessary.

Example 2: Own consumption curve on 11/10/2012 (no SmartPvCharge)

Again, in this case, the SmartPvCharge system would start the charging process automatically but not to the full available charging capacity. Drawing energy from the mains grid (grey) can be completely avoided if the intelligent charging process is used to reduce charging power at the start and end of the process while maintaining charging energy levels to almost 100%

Charging process in accordance with IEC XXX (Schletter Wallbox with EWS Box)

Activation using an appropriate Home Management System

Deployment of the SmartPvCharge is not exclusive to the household; The system can also be implemented in industrial locations with one or several electric vehicles, in parking areas, in parking garages, at airports, shopping centers etc. The system can optimize the private consumption of generated energy and load management for the entire charging infrastructure across the building management system.

Example 3: Own consumption curve on 08/10/2012 (no SmartPvCharge)

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EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

SolarTech Expo MENA 2013

Intersolar North America 2013 Date: 8-11July-2013 Place: San Francisco, California, USA Organiser: Intersolar Tel.: +49 7231 58598-215 Email: koch@intersolar.us Web.: www.intersolar.us

SolarTech Romania 2013

Date: 18-19Aug-2013 Place: Kuwait City, Kuwait Organiser: Green World Conferences Tel.: +44 78 46486980 Email: dm@greenworldconferences.com Web.: greenworldconferences.com

Date: 2-3Sep-2013 Place: Bucharest, Romania Organiser: Green World Conferences Tel.: +44 78 46486980 Email: dm@greenworldconferences.com Web.: http://www.greenworldconferences.com/

produkt_109_solartech_romania_2013.htm

EF/?sSubSystem=Prospec...

Solar Argentina 2013

Date: 10-12July-2013 Place: Buenos Aires, Argentina Organiser: Artenergy Publishing Srl Tel.: +39 02 66306866 Email: info@enersolar.biz Web.: www.solar-argentina.com

SolarTech Expo India 2013

Date: 22-23July-2013 Place: New Delhi, India Organiser: Green World Conferences Tel.: +44 78 46486980 Email: dm@greenworldconferences.com Web.: www. greenworldconferences.com

PVJapan 2013

Date: 24-26 July, 2013 Place: Tokyo, Japan Organiser: JPEA Tel.: +81 3 68128694 Email: pvj@nikkeipr.co.jp Web.: http://www.jpea.gr.jp

Solarcon India 2013

Date: 01-03Aug-2013 Place: Bangalore, India Organiser: SEMI Tel.: +91 80 40407103 Email: rgurumurti@semi.org Web.: www.solarconindia.org

The 5th Guangzhou International Solar PV Exhibition 2013

Date: 19-21Aug-2013 Place: Guangzhou, China Organiser: Guangzhou Grandeur (Hongwei) Exhibi-

tion Services Co. Ltd

3rd Annual Solar Power Generation South Africa

Date: 2-5Sep-2013 Place: Cape Town, South Africa Organiser: Green World Conferences Tel.: +44 20 70990600 Email: samantha.coleman@greenpowerconfer-

Tel.: +86 20 28314758 Email: gzhw@163.com Web.: www.pvguangzhou.com

ences.com Web.: www.solarindaba.com

Power Purchase Agreement 2013 South Africa

SEMICON Taiwan 2013

Date: 20-23Aug-2013 Place: Johannesburg, South Africa Organiser: Infocus International Group Pte Ltd Tel.: +65 6325 0254 Email: lisa.tan@infocusinternational.com Web.: www.infocusinternational.com/ppa

Date: 4-6Sep-2013 Place: Taipei, Taiwan Organiser: SEMI Tel.: +886 3 5601777 Email: ali@semi.org Web.: www.semicontaiwan.org

PV Project Development Africa 2013 Date: 27-28Aug-2013 Place: Johannesburg, South Africa Organiser: PV-Insider Tel.: +44 20 73757556 Email: jack@pv-insider.com Web.: www.pv-insider.com/africa

13th China Photovoltaic Conference and International Photovoltaic Exhibition

Solar Energy + Technology 2013

2013 Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo

Date: 25-29Aug-2013 Place: San Diego, California, USA Organiser: SPIE Tel.: +1 360 676 3290 Email: CustomerService@SPIE.org Web.: spie.org/solar-energy.xml

Date: 5-7Sep-2013 Place: Beijng, China Organiser: Chinese Renewable Energy Society Tel.: +86 21 34280006 Email: service@newgrace.net Web.: www.ch-solar.com

Date: 9-11Sep-2013 Place: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA Organiser: techconnect.org Tel.: +1 978 5611908 Email: cerb@techconnect.org Web.: www.ct-si.org/events/APCE2013

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

EQ INTERNATIONAL - June 2013

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EQ International Magazine Editorial Advisory Board

K Subramanyam Former CEO Tata BP Solar

Thomas wittek Managing Director & CEO Refu Solar Electronics Pvt. Ltd.

Rabindra Kumar Satpathy President Reliance Solar

Shaji John Chief Solar Initiatives, L&T

Rajesh Bhat - Managing Director juwi India Renewable Energies Pvt Ltd

G. Kalyan Varma Country Head TUV Rheinland (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Gyanesh Chaudhary Managing Director Vikram Solar Private Limited

Gaurav Sood Managing Director Solairedirect Energy India Pvt Ltd

Ravi Khanna - CEO Solar Power Business Aditya Birla Group

Shivanand Nimbargi MD & CEO Green Infra Limited

Sunil Jain Chief Exe. Off. & Exe. Director Hero Future Energies Pvt Ltd.

Pashupathy Gopalan Managing Director MEMC-SunEdison

Inderpreet Wadhwa CEO Azure Power

Paulo Soares CFO & Director Inspira Martifer Solar Ltd

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