Saur energy magazine October 2017 by Saur Energy International

NATIONAL NEWS Vikram Solar Commissions 80MW Solar Power Project in Gujarat Energy solutions provider Vikram Solar has commissioned 80MW solar PV power project for Gujarat Industries Power Company Ltd. (abbreviated GIPCL). The 80 MW project has been developed under the Jawaharal Nehru National Solar Mission Phase II Batch IV Tranche-I Scheme with grid at Gujarat solar park for Gujarat Industries Power Company, the firm said in a statement here. Vikram Solar will also provide operations and maintenance service to the plant for a period of 10 years. Spread across 385 acres of land, the 2 x 40 MW (80 MW) plant has 2,50,429 modules and will have a power

Azure Power Commissions 50MW NTPC Solar Power Project in Uttar Pradesh Azure Power has commissioned the final phase of its 50MW solar power plant in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The 50MW project is spread across 300+ acres of land. Azure Power will provide power for 25 years at a tariff of INR 4.78 (~US$ 0.07) per kWh to NTPC, the largest power utility of the Government of India. NTPC received an AAA debt rating from CRISIL, a Standard & Poor’s Company. Azure Power secured the 50 MW PPA through an auction under the National Solar Mission Phase II, Batch-II Tranche I. Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India and has a large peak energy supply deficit, according to the Central Electricity Authority. In addition, CRISIL projects that over 10 million un-electrified households will be connected by 2019. Speaking on this occasion, Inderpreet Wadhwa, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Azure Power said, “With the commissioning of this plant, we have once again demonstrated our strong project development, engineering, and execution capabilities. We are delighted to make a contribution towards the realization of our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s commitment towards clean and green energy, through solar power generation. Our sincere gratitude to NTPC and the state of Uttar Pradesh for all the cooperation and support extended.”

Ujaas Wins 22 MW Rooftop Solar Power Project

generation capacity of 1886000 million units. Fourth Partner Energy to Develop 10MW of Rooftop Solar for Indian Railways Fourth Partner Energy is has been tasked with the construction of 10MW of rooftop solar PV projects for Indian Railways at Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Jabalpur, in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Saif Dhorajiwala, founder partner and executive director of Fourth Partner mentioned that as a full services player with complete in-house capabilities, Fourth Partner Energy is ideally positioned in this high potential market to continue its growth momentum. It has partnered with several large marquee customers.

Ujaas Energy, the pioneer of solar REC Mechanism in the Country has announced the winning of much awaited SECI order for an aggregate capacity of 20.03 MW. The project is for implementation of Grid Connected Rooftop Solar PV System Scheme for Government Building in different states/union territory of India along with two other orders from WBREDA for installation and commissioning of 150 rooftop grid connected solar PV power plants each in array capacity of 10kwp at various locations of West Bengal. This will amount to aggregate capacity of 1.5 MW and contract for solar energy generation project of 500kW at Pump station of Oil India Limited at Jorhat in the state of Assam.

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Fonrich Shined at REI Expo with PV Power Optimizer and Intelligent SMU Fonrich New Energy, a leading solar power company located in Shanghai, China, has entered the Indian solar market with its smart generation and intelligent O&M solution for both rooftop and megawatts projects. It's the first time Fonrich has appeared at an international exhibition outside of China. The optimizer is installed at the back of each PV panel, tracks the Maximum Power Point of each PV panel separately to increase the installation at the same time and improve the power output of the whole system. Fonrich optimizer also monitors the status of each PV panel, to identify the module level problem remotely and realize using real-time and cloudbased O&M with Fonrich mobile app, which also means more power, less input and more money. Fonrich String Monitoring Unit (SMU), named as Gilgal, takes the first market share in China, has been widely used for more than 15GW solar system. Fonrich Intelligent Combiner Box, which has been certificated by TUV, has optional world-class and Chinese made components and is available for both 1000VDC and 1500VDC systems.

NATIONAL NEWS IREDA raises US$300 Million on London Stock Exchange The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has launched its first Green (Masala) Bond on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), raising US$300 million (INR19.5 billion) in the process. The five-year bond, which will be dual listed on both the LSE and Singapore Stock Exchange, has a coupon of 7.125% and becomes the first green Masala bond to be listed on LSE’s International Securities Market (ISM). The green bond, the proceeds of which will be used to support renewable energy projects in India, was also certified by Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), an international not-for-profit that provides transparent assurance frameworks for green bond investment. Ultimate Sun Systems installs 150 KW Rooftop Solar Power Plant in Gurugram Ultimate Sun Systems has successfully completed the installation of a 150KW roof top solar plant at Hewo Apartment -I, Sector 56, Gurugram. For this rooftop solar project 30 percent subsidy was sanctioned by state nodal agency HAREDA (Haryana Renewable Energy Department Agency. As part of the project, six towers were covered at the premises, 469 solar PV rooftop panels, six 20kW and two 15 kW String Inverters were installed which will generate around 2.25 lac units of electricity every year, resulting in annual savings of more than 15 lacs for the residents. The plant is equivalent of planting more than 6000 teak trees and will reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere by over 4000 tonnes.

SMA Introduces New Inverter for Commercial PV Solutions in India SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA) has expanded its portfolio with the SOLID-Q 50 PV inverter. The new string-inverter offers unmatched performance to price ratio and maximum design flexibility for commercial PV applications even under demanding environmental conditions. “The new SOLID-Q 50 inverter is designed to return highest yields in commercial PV applications”, said Nick Morbach, Executive Vice President Residential and Commercial business unit at SMA. “Customers will benefit from SMA reliability and high design flexibility in applications ranging from large rooftop installations to mountainous regions or shaded systems and therefore get the highest Return-On-Invest. All components of the SOLID-Q 50 inverter are designed and tested to excellently meet the environmental conditions in India. With this inverter, SMA is once again making a valuable contribution to a future-proof, renewable energy supply.” “We have already received multiple inquiries about the SOLID-Q 50 inverter for various projects and our customers show great interest in this new SMA product,” said Rakesh Khanna, Managing Director of SMA Solar India Pvt Ltd. “We are very excited to showcase the new SOLID-Q 50 inverter at our booth at upcoming REI 2017.” Thanks to its standard DC surge arrester (type II) and patented Riso and RCD protection, the SOLID-Q 50 proves to be a safe and reliable string inverter. By adopting high quality components, SOLID-Q 50 ensures highest product performance. Considering the high temperature in India, the new inverter is also designed with excellent thermal behaviour. 3 MPP trackers with up to 10 input strings, lightweight with only 63 Kg and allowing mounting angels from 0 to 90 degree enables the inverter to provide the highest flexibility. Innovative features including smart string monitoring and integrated PID offset module are also available with this new PV inverter.

Huawei Brings New Standard for Utility-Scale Solar in India Huawei has collaborated with partners in showcasing FusionSolar Smart PV Solution at REI Expo 2017. Huawei chose "building a smart PV ecosystem" as the theme and shared the latest innovations and practical results, including the industry-leading 1100 V 65KTL smart string inverter, the latest industry standard large-scale ground-mounted FusionSolar PV Solution and rooftop solution. Huawei has signed a 100 MW contract with Hyderabad based PES Engineers Pvt Ltd., one of India's leading EPC companies with a track record of adopting innovative and cutting-edge technology in development of India's Solar PV Plants. Huawei has introduced the next generation utilityscale ground 1100 V FusionSolar Smart PV Solution which further simplifies the system, reduces the system investment and O&M cost, and improves the system security and reliability. The brand new 65KTL smart string inverter uses the efficient multi-topology technology. The maximum efficiency can achieve 99.0%, leading the industry. With the Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis technology, the PV plant is scanned remotely, and therefore faulty PV strings are precisely located and the root causes are figured out.

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Aluminum Major NALCO to Tap Renewable Energy for Power Requirements National Aluminum Company (Nalco) is betting big on renewable energy resources to meet its rising power requirements. The company also plans to set up a 20 MW solar power plant in Madhya Pradesh. The project is registered with MPNRED (Madhya Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Department) and 55.62 Ha land has been transferred to the department in November, 2016. Application for grid connectivity permission was also submitted to Madhya Pradesh Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company. The company has issued notice inviting tender (NIT) for selection of developer for EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) for 50 MW solar power project at a suitable location in India. It has placed an order to commission a 50 KWp rooftop solar power plant at Nalco Research and Technology Centre in Bhubaneswar with a total project cost of Rs 37.30 lakh. Nalco has also signed an MoU with NTPC to form a joint venture company, Gajamara Power Project for establishment of 3X800 MW coal based power plant at Gajamara at Dhenkanal in Odisha for supplying power to smelter expansion projects, the company said.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS JinkoSolar Supplies 17 MWdc of Solar PV Modules to Brooks Solar Project in Canada JinkoSolar Canada has announced that it will supply approximately 17 MW dc of its solar PV modules to Borea Construction ULC ("Borea Construction") for the construction of the Brooks Solar Project in Brooks, Alberta in Canada.The Brooks Solar Project is the first utility-scale solar project in western Canada and is owned by Elemental Energy Inc. ("Elemental"), a Vancouver-based renewable energy developer, investor, and operator. Elemental worked collaboratively with many stakeholders to successfully advance the project through late stage development and construction phases. Emissions Reduction Alberta is a contributing partner on the project. Over 48,500 of JinkoSolar's high-efficiency Mono PERC modules will be used for the Brooks Solar Project, Canada's first solar project utilizing Mono PERC solar PV modules. ADB to Help Develop Rooftop Solar Power Systems in Sri Lanka The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Board of Directors has approved a $50 million loan to help fund rooftop solar power generation systems in Sri Lanka to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the country’s energy mix. ADB will also administer a $1 million technical assistance from the Asian Clean Energy Fund under the Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility to help build capacity, increase awareness of stakeholders, and support the project’s implementation in Sri Lanka.

Heraeus Photovoltaics, Ulbrich of Austria Partners to Develop Module Assembly and Packaging Solutions Heraeus Photovoltaics has announced a joint development partnership with Ulbrich of Austria, a global leader in the production of PV ribbon products for traditional solder and conductive adhesive technologies. Under the partnership, the two companies will focus on developing innovative products for assembly and packaging technology in the solar module industry. The global collaboration capitalizes on the market leadership and proven technological track record of both companies to bring new innovation and performance to solar cell interconnection technology. The partnership combines the expertise of Heraeus in silver paste for the solar cell industry and Ulbrich’s innovations in PV ribbon technologies to increase the electrical output and performance of solar modules. With its extensive background in materials science, Heraeus will use its partnership with Ulbrich to expand its renewable energy footprint by establishing a new product line developing materials for the production of PV modules. According to Andre Kobelt, the Chief Commercial & Technology Officer for Heraeus, “The announcement of this cooperation with Ulbrich is an important step which could significantly lower the cost per watt for pv module industry. We view this agreement as an exciting opportunity for Heraeus to embark upon as we look to continue to expand our global footprint in the field of renewable energies.”

Arctech Solar installs 6 MW Tracker Projects in United States

Canadian Solar Acquires 80.6 MWp of Solar Power Project in Brazil

Arctech Solar has made a breakthrough with the

Canadian Solar has announced the acquisition

installation of 6MW of tracking projects in the state

of an 80.6 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) project in

of Georgia in the United States. The first 3.1MW project, which will deploy Arctech Solar's single axis trackers, is already under construction. And the second project will start at the end of August next year. This is an important step for Arctech Solar, as it continues to expand its global footprint. "This is just the beginning in the US," said Guy Rong, President of Arctech Solar's international business. "In the American PV market which is almost monopolized by a few local solar tracker suppliers, we found out our technology, in particularly, the redundancy design is most welcomed by customers and thus we believe there will be huge potential for us to grow in the next few years." Meanwhile, Arctech Solar has built its local sales, marketing, technical and service teams in its main office in Sacramento, CA and also worked closely with several partners to provide more services including installation nationwide, which demonstrates its commitment to the US customers and market.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER 2017 l VOL 2 l ISSUE 2

Guimarania, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Canadian Solar will build the project and provide the modules from its local factory in Brazil. The Guimarania project received a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement from the second Reserve Energy Auction at R$290.00/MWh (approximately US$91.77/MWh). Once connected to the grid, the solar power plant will generate approximately 143,664 MWh of electricity per year, which will be sold to CCEE (Electrical Energy Commercialization Chamber). Construction will start in early 2018 and reach commercial operation in Q4 2018. "The Guimarania project is an exciting addition to our attractive utility-scale project pipeline in Brazil." commented Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar Inc. "We will continue to evaluate additional opportunities in this important emerging market so as to accelerate the adoption of the affordable, reliable and clean solar energy across the country."

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Phanes Group Opens Solar Power Incubator to Unlock Phanes Group has launched its

Congress VP Rahul Gandhi visits Sun Power Research Center and Tesla Factory in US

first Solar Incubator program,

Rahul Gandhi has visited a research centre in California and interacted with scientists to understand the

aimed at identifying PV projects

utility of solar power for India. Gandhi, 47, spent several hours at Sun Power and sought information on its

of potential in sub-Saharan Africa

advantages and disadvantages. "Idea (behind visiting the center) was to really understand implications

by providing access to funding,

(of solar system) in India," senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda, who accompanied Gandhi, said after

and commercial and technical knowledge. The initiative, ‘The PV Solar Incubator, Your Project, Our Expertise, For a Sustainable Future,’ will be held in partnership with Hogan Lovells, Proparco, responsAbility, RINA Consulting and Solarplaza, and invites PV developers to submit proposals for projects that are based in sub-Saharan Africa, and have a clear CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) component. REC Group Receives Prestigious Solar + Power Award for Its Twinpeak 2 Solar Panel REC Group has again been distinguished with the international Solar + Power awards. The awards were presented on September 26, 2017 in Ams-

his visit to Sun Power's research center in the Silicon Valley. After his visit to the solar research center, Gandhi flew to Los Angeles. He is scheduled to interact with members of the think- tank community and local leaders there. A day earlier, Gandhi visited the Tesla factory in Fremont in California. "To me, Rahul Gandhi is not just India's leader, he is a global leader. Today there is a vacuum of global leadership," Pitroda said.

NEXTracker Achieves 10 Gigawatts of Solar Tracker Sales Worldwide NEXTracker has announced that it has achieved an industry-first milestone of ten gigawatts (10 GW) of trackers sale to hundreds of projects across five continents. NEXTracker's success is a direct result of the company's dedication to delivering innovation that reduces the levelized cost of solar energy, providing an exceptional level of customer service, and manufacturing quality solar trackers with the highest availability on the market, said the company in a statement. "Over the last few years, we doubled down on commercializing next-generation yield improving technologies, completed rigorous component and system reliability testing, and expanded our global services to deliver on our brand promise of advancing the power plant of the future," said NEXTracker CEO Dan Shugar. "We have strengthened the company by globally diversifying our supply chain and building demand on five continents. We listened carefully to customer suggestions and incorporated their feedback into the product, resulting in extremely fast installation." "Mortenson and NEXTracker have successfully collaborated on six projects, from small jobs to over

terdam, the Netherlands, in con-

300 MW systems," said Trent Mostaert, vice president and general manager of Mortenson Solar and

junction with the 33 European

Emerging Renewables. "We are delighted with NEXTracker's quality, responsiveness, and on-time

Photovoltaic Solar Energy Con-

delivery. We congratulate them on their 10 GW milestone."

ference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC), the largest international conference for photovoltaic research, technologies and applications. This is the second Solar + Power industry award for REC Group and the second time its innovative TwinPeak technology based on half-cut multicrystalline PERC cells has

Solar Advisory Gensol Launches Solar Online Platform Ezybidding, Ezybox Solar advisory firm Gensol Group has launched its first online marketplace Ezybidding', an online reverse auction based platform for solar equipment installers. The company also launched Ezybox, a plug and play solar generator that can be installed on any kind of roof or terrain and can be conveniently customized by adding batteries and solar panels to take up its generation capacity up to 2.5 kW, it said in a statement. "We have noticed that the process of project completion often faces challenges ranging from delays in equipment delivery to high prices.

been awarded. The ‘Silicon Mo-

Ezybidding has been created to address this problem," Gensol Group Co-founder Puneet Singh Jaggi

dule Award’ category recognizes

said. He said Ezybidding provides a platform for solar equipment installers to participate in time

achievements in delivering high

bound competitive bidding to procure efficient equipments at the right prices from credible vendors.

quality products that establish,

"Moreover, it shall enable a virtual market-place for installers and vendors, thereby promoting best

support or exceed industry standards.

practices that ensure efficiency," he said. Jaggi also said the foray into the assembly of solar equipments with the Ezybox will address the issues of mobility, space limitation; grid connectivity and clean energy at one go.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER 2017 l VOL 2 l ISSUE 2

How

‘SAUBHAGYA’ is ‘UDAY’

T&D PONDERS?

he demand for power is relentless. With technological advancements, mankind is now consuming more power to aggran-

dize their lifestyle. Many energy experts reckon initiatives like ‘Power for All’, ‘Digital India’ and ‘Smart Cities’ shall be reigned through only increasing and distributing reliable power needs. There has been a prolong discussion on the reliability, security and affordability of electric supply. Last year, the Central Electricity Authority reported that India is cementing its position to become a power surplus nation. For a country accustomed to power shortages, this may appear to be a major step towards reliable electricity supply. But on the other hand, power cuts and intermittency of power supply in rural India is still on the cards.

TECH-QUEST

UDAY – An Economic and Political Free-

the operational performance, compared

billion under UDAY during 2015-16. UDAY

bie for DISCOMs

to the previous schemes. However, the

resulted in the annual growth of debt acc-

UDAY was launched by the government

financial performance still remains lower,

elerating to 17.4 per cent in 2015-16 and

in November 2015. It was a programme

according to the study done by India Res-

13.5 per cent in 2016 from 9.4 per cent

earch and Rating Company (Ind-Ra). With

in 2014-15.

the reduction in the interest costs and

Market borrowings finance 85 per cent of

power purchase costs, 'green shoots' have

States’ GFD. The high reliance on market

emerged. Chhattisgarh discom turned

borrowings threatens the sustainability

profitable in the first quarter of 2016-17,

of State finances as higher borrowings

while Gujarat increased their profitability

raise yields and the cost of debt. The low,

in Apr-Dec 2016-17. Similarly, Haryana

albeit rising, ratio of capital outlay to GDP

discoms turned profitable in second qua-

is yet another adverse consequence of

rter and third quarter 2016-17. While a

market borrowings financing GFD. The

performance turnaround is witnessed due

declining trend in GFD excluding UDAY

to UDAY, there is a diversified performance

as a percentage of GDP, is no consolation.

portfolio with varying degree of success

The Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC)

by different discoms with reference to the

recommended that the fiscal deficit of all

targets.

states be anchored to an annual limit of

Co-author of ‘The Singapore Blue Chips’

3 per cent of GSDP for the award period

writes that Eight States borrowed Rs. 989.6

(2015-16 to 2019-20). States with a zero

aimed at financial turnaround and revival of electricity distribution companies in India. The idea was to rework the Rs 4.3 trillion (Rs 4.3 lakh crore) debt of power distribution companies (discoms). the government's Ujjwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) is proving out to be reaping better results, as compared to the earlier financial restructuring packages. The improvement in the financial health of state power distribution companies (discoms) must be evaluated in their long term efficiency improvement and not short financial gain. Introduced to turn around the health of debt laden discoms, the scheme projects better improvement in

NEXTracker’s 30MW 2017 CleanMax in Tamil Nadu SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER l VOL 2 lsite ISSUE 2

TECH-QUEST

revenue deficit, a contentious issue, and debt to GSDP of less than 25 per cent and interest payments to RR of less than 10 per cent may clock a fiscal deficit of up to 3.5 per cent! In other words, the FFC sanctions States with a modicum of fiscal responsibility to adopt lax practices. States welcomed the recommendations with gusto. Excluding Telangana, the annual liability growth of five non-special category states, none of whom had issued UDAY debt, accelerated in 2015-16 and 2016-17. The five States are Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Ministry Reshuffle and New Challenges of Fortune

Union home secretary RK Singh has been appointed as the new power minister is likely to face few snags in the new sector. The biggest challenge will be that ‘Can he power India?’ In three years, the sector has seen a major shift from supply deficit to demand deficit. Singh has dual task at his hand – to meet the high expectations which Goyal has left for him and to keep the states on the verge of propositional growth in the power sector. Having faced ground level challenges in electricity supply at the beginning of his career, Singh would be expected to work along with the states. Some of the flagship schemes dear to PM Modi such as rural electrification, 175 GW of clean energy by 2022 depend on states improving their finances and operations. One of the major challenges would include reviving power demand as well as a resolution for stressed assets in coal, VOL 2 l ISSUE 2 l OCTOBER 2017 l SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

TECH-QUEST

gas and hydro-based projects. Coal alone has 34 stressed assets with a debt of about 1.77 lakh crore. Another big area that requires government's attention is to take measures to bring in operational efficiency in the state-backed discoms. UDAY schemes have been one of the biggest achievements of the government but making it operational without losses will be crucial for 2019. According to a report, the separation of content and carriage under the Electricity Amendment Act, where the consumer will get an option of choosing their own electricity supplier, holds importance as it directly involves the consumers. Open Market Electricity Tariff

At the India Energy Exchange (IEX), the average electricity tariff for August was Rs. 3.12 a unit (kilowatt hour) with peak tariff touching Rs. 7.91. In the first seven days of September, the average was Rs. 3.34 a unit and maximum at Rs. 8.7 a unit. The electricity sector did not witness such high prices in the last five years. Previously the Southern region used to pay higher prices due to lack of connectivity to the national grid but that anomaly too was removed since 2014. Electricity tariff normally moves up in end-monsoon. In September 2016, the average tariff was Rs. 2.42 a unit, up from Rs. 2.16 a unit in August 2016. Peak tariff increased from Rs. 4.4 a unit to Rs. 4.85 a unit. But this year is different. The average tariff was relatively firm at around Rs. 2.5 a

supplies in August. Thermal plants couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

company for a particular time period. If

tap the full opportunity as they maintained

such surplus cannot be sold, it is backed

low fuel inventory to cut costs.

down, which means power generators lie

Is Electricity Companies Power Surplus

idle at that time, incurring fixed costs, but

Really a Challenge?

generating no electricity. Surplus power

Most power procurement by distribution

takes place when the available power

companies is done through long term,

with distribution companies at a given

25-year contracts with power generating

time surpasses the demand for electricity.

companies. These contracts legally bind

A surplus could arise due to a fall in the

the distribution companies into paying the

demand for power, for instance, during an

generating company a lump sum annual

industrial slowdown. Or it could result from

amount for fixed costs, and a per-unit

an increase in power supply, for instance,

charge to cover variable costs (mostly

when a new generating station is added.

for fuel). Distribution companies have

Insights from various states show that the

to pay the fixed charges even if they

burgeoning surplus is more due to an

do not draw power from the generating

increase in power supply.

unit beginning June. More significantly, the evening peak hour tariff hovered around Rs. 6 a unit during June-July 2017 as against Rs. 3.5-4 a unit during the same period in 2016. Apparently, reports asserts, this is due to hectic short-term buying by the State distribution utilities (discom) to bridge the peak deficit. The trend gained momentum in August-September with West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Bihar emerging as major buyers. Some observers, however, feel that the current surge in tariff is temporary and might have been triggered by unexpected drop in hydel

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TECH-QUEST

Investigating ‘Saubhagya’

wide range of expertise for projects via

the forecast period. The primary demand

their skilled personnel including spe-

for the power transmission and distribution

Ghar Yojana or the Saubhagya scheme

cialist project managers, engineers, envir-

cable is propelled by the swelling global

onmental consultants, and designers. The

emphasis on commercialization of power

planning of consent support, route and

generation through renewable sources of

site optioneering, grid connection support,

energy. In addition, the incorporation of

tackling environmental constraints and

regional grids to form a national grid driven

understanding feasibility, and offering

by the need for a seamless electricity flow

smart grid solutions are some major ser-

across nations is anticipated to augment

vices offered by these companies. Acc-

the demand for power transmission and

ording to reports, by 2025, the global power

distribution cables. The high cost of raw

transmission and distribution cable market

material is expected pose a threat to the

is likely to be benefited by factors such

growth of the global power transmission

as enhanced distribution infrastructure,

and distribution cable market. However,

expanding power transmission infras-

the growing demand for high voltage

tructure, growing initiatives by the gove-

direct current (HVDC) cables and aging

rnments across the globe in order to

T&D infrastructure is anticipated to bolster

upgrade power transmission units, growing

the growth of the global power T&D cable

demand for power globally, and rising

market. In terms of growth, North America

focus on power generation via renewable

is expected to lead the global market

sources of energy. These factors are also

for power transmission and distribution

anticipated to attract investments in the

cable. However, Asia Pacific is expected

near future. The global market for power

to be a key area of growth on account

transmission and distribution cable is likely

of lower manufacturing costs of cables

to grow at significant rate in the near future

accompanied by strong economic growth.

and is likely to be driven by the growing

India Power & Distribution Transformer

The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har promises free electricity connections to all households in India by December, 2018. Under this scheme, he government will fund the cost of last-mile connectivity to willing rural and urban households by December 31, 2018. It aims to provide free electricity connections to over 40 million families in India with a budget of Rs 16,320 crore (US$2.5 billion). The biggest positive aspect of the Saubhagya scheme is that it considers electricity access in terms of households and not villages. India has electrified 96 per cent of its villages and yet there are approximately 300 million people without access to electricity. A village is declared to be electrified if 10 per cent of the households are given electricity along with public places such as schools, panchayat office, health and community centres. Reliable and affordable electricity supply has many benefits that can accrue to the urban and rural poor. In order to provide the same, the government needs to address problems related to actual hours of supply.

investment in the power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure

Market (2017-2022)

Reforms such as “Power for all” and plans

Transmission and Distribution (T&D)

developments. The global market for

to add 88.5 GW of capacity by 2017 and

power transmission and distribution cable

93 GW by 2022 would fuel the demand

Several market players are providing a

is anticipated to grow significantly during

for power transmission and distribution

Cable Market Compiles a Healthy Future

TECH-QUEST

equipment. According to research and

Ministry of Power recommends increase in

and demand in real time, continuously.

markets, the India Power & Distribution

charges on similar lines. The paper makes

But, research and experts in this domain

Transformer market is forecast to reach

a case that Discoms are at loss on several

have found a solution to make traditional

$2.9 billion by 2022. Government is taking

accounts if their consumers avail OA.

grid smart, engulfing an intersection of

major steps to strengthen the power tran-

According to a research paper, frequent

digital technology and the use of renewable

smission & distribution network and has

shifting of supplier by OA consumers’

energy (RE). Not just determining supply

undertaken initiatives such as UDAY for

results in lack of clarity to the Discom for

mix of fuels but the fundamental nature of

financial turnaround of power distribution

firming up its power requirement and tying

the grid and the relationships among its

companies. Further, the Government of

up contracts to meet those requirements.

stakeholders. Consumers installing their

India has projected an investment of INR

The cross subsidy surcharge and additional

own solar panels have now become pro-

146,000 crore in power transmission sector

surcharge are either not calculated by

ducers and they can also voluntarily adapt

by FY 2019 to strengthen the transmission

state commissions or not calculated acc-

their load, if given a signal or incentive. In

network thus increasing the demand for

urately. This leads to recovery falling short

the old days, demand was the main aspect

power transformers.

of expenses which further stresses Discoms

that varied by consumers’ unilateral actions,

Dubious Future of Open Access in Power

balance sheets. Though the open access

such as by time of day or season, and the

The Electricity Act, 2003, was enacted to

market has started to grow, it still faces

grid always needed sufficient generation

enhance efficiency and bring transparency

challenges. The most important is the

capability to meet any anticipated demand

in India’s electricity industry and provides

uncertainty about the future charges for

(plus a margin). That’s expensive. Smart

a fundamental regulatory framework.

using the grid such as future open access

grids (and even RE) are only the way out,

One of the path-breaking policies under

charges and grid losses. These charges

which includes not just sustainability but

the Electricity Act, 2003 was allowing a

are subject to revision every year by the

also efficiency, robustness, etc. Smart

consumer to purchase power directly from

State Electricity Regulatory Commission

systems are more than adding technologies

one or more generators/traders by securing

(SERC). This makes assessing the financial

such as smart meters and solar panels:

“Open Access” on transmission and distr-

viability of a long term open access solar

They represent a transformation along

ibution grids. OA allows bulk consumers

project difficult and affects the bankability

with an ecosystem of stakeholders and

(>1 MW) to enter into agreements with

of such projects.

their incentives.

independent power producers (IPPs) for

Shift from Traditional to Future Grids

procuring electricity via power trading

The power grid is an innovation through

markets. The involved parties would use

which mankind has enabled to develop

the existing electricity network by paying

a society. The major reason alternating

a nominal fee, per kWh, to the operators. A

current (AC) power grids are complex is

consultation paper recently issued by the

because they are always balancing supply

- Niloy@saurenergy.com

Grid Management

Re-Balancing Power Generation Power sector in India has witnessed tremendous

becomes one of the top solar markets in the

growth in its energy demand, generation

world after China and the United States. The

capacity, transmission and distribution networks.

concern comes as India pushes for an ambitious

Renewable energy generation in India has

100GW solar power installation by 2022. As

been steadily on rise. With 175GW target of

more variable power generation sources are

clean energy, it became necessary to have

added into the grid, the more difficult this

a grid that was highly adaptive (in terms of

balancing becomes. This is where Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

supply and demand). A good electric supply

massive power grid system needs re-

is one of the key infrastructure requirements

balancing to deal with the fluctuating/

to support overall development; hence, the

erratic nature of power generated

opportunities for building smart grids in India are

from renewable ene-rgy flowing

immense. The fluctuating nature of renewable

into the system and keep su-

energy, be it solar or wind, is a problem for

pply in sync with demand. It

any grid in the world. As of March 31, 2017,

is time that power sector

renewable energy sources accounted for

stakeholders in India sho-

17.5 percent of all power generated in India.

uld start discussing the

The countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total installed power generation

issues around grid

capacity was 326,848.54 MW with renewables

management and

accounting for 57,260.23 MW. The solar sector

initiate steps to

is witnessing installations at a rapid pace and

find potential

had the largest gain in share with 5.5GW of

solutions.

installations in FY 2016-17. Solar accounts for 12,288.83 MW of the total installed capacity which represents 3.76 percent of the overall power generation. The installed capacity of solar has almost doubled from 6,762.85 MW in the previous financial year. Solar recorded the largest increase with its share rising from 2.24 percent at the end of FY 2015-16 to 3.76 percent as of March 31, 2017, an increase of 1.52 percent. According to the recently released India Solar Market Update, it is predicted that 2017 solar installations will reach approximately 10 GW, a 130 percent increase year-over-year compared to 4.3 GW installed in 2016 as India

GRID MANAGEMENT

GRID MANAGEMENT: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Renewable energy sources are intermittent in nature hence; it is therefore a challenging task to integrate renewable energy resources into the power grid. Challenges and issues associated with the grid integration of various renewable energy sources particularly solar photovoltaic can be broadly classified into technical and non-technical: Technical Issues: Power Quality • Harmonics • Frequency and voltage fluctuation Power Fluctuation • Small time power fluctuations • Long time or seasonal power fluctuations • Storage • Protection issues

generation, the inherent variability of wind

grid expansion and upgrades so that

and solar resources complicates evaluations

power systems can access high-quality

Non- Technical Issues:

of whether a system with significant variable

solar and wind resources which are often

RE has adequate supply to meet long-term

remote from existing transmission networks.

• Less availability of transmission line to

electricity demand. A variety of approaches

A well-crafted combination of policies,

exist for estimating the capacity value of

rules, and procedures (designed, for exa-

variable RE, as well as techniques that

mple, through an "RE Zones" approach)

enable utilities and power system operators

encourages investment in large-scale

to use wind and solar to reliably meet

transmission expansion. These measures

electricity demand.

not only improve the utilization of variable

Grid Integration Spans a Variety of Issues,

Integrating distributed photovoltaic (PV)

RE, but also potentially defer the need for

Including:

solar power results in unique benefits and

network refurbishment.

New Renewable Energy Generation

challenges compared to the integration

Power system planners can secure and

of utility-scale wind and solar power. Sig-

Increased System Flexibility

sustain investment in new variable RE

nificant localized growth in PV can raise

becomes increasingly important in systems

concerns such as voltage violations

with significant grid-connected solar and

and reverse power flow in low-voltage

wind energy. System operating procedures

distribution systems. However, various

and market practices, especially the imple-

studies have shown that positive impacts

mentation of forecasting, faster scheduling,

(e.g., reduced line losses and avoided

ancillary services, and grid codes and

generation costs) can also result from

power purchase agreements are often

distributed PV. Updating interconnection

among the least-cost options for unlocking

standards, procedures, and distribution

significant flexibility without significant

planning methodologies to better reflect the

investments in new physical infrastructure.

characteristics of distributed PV can help

Another important institutional flexibility

realize these benefits and delay or even

option is operational coordination between

prevent the need for grid reinforcement.

balancing authority areas, which enables

New Transmission

sharing of resources through reserve

• Optimal placement of RES • Islanding • Due to scarcity of technical skilled workers. accommodate RES. • RES technologies are excluded from the competition which discourages the installation of new power plant for reserve purpose.

generation by aligning targets and incentives with grid integration considerations. Long-term, aspirational renewable energy targets establish a vision that can drive innovation in the policies and system operations that support clean energy. Also critical are “grid-aware” incentives (e.g., rewarding wind and solar generators that incorporate technologies that contribute to grid stability), which both motivate investment in renewable energy and mitigate negative impacts of integrating these resources to the grid. As planners consider scaling up variable RE

Scaling up variable RE generation requires

NEXTracker’s 30MW 2017 CleanMax in Tamil Nadu SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER l VOL 2 site l ISSUE 2

Accessing sources of operational flexibility

sharing, coordinated scheduling, and/or

GRID MANAGEMENT

consolidated operation.

across the power system.

obstacles and opportunities that wind and

Other sources of flexibility include flexible

Grid integration studies help establish the

solar integration could pose to a power

conventional generation and transmission

flexibility requirements and build confidence

system helping to dispel grid integration

networks. Additionally, demand response

among investors and operators that the

myths and misperceptions that inhibit

and storage are emerging as tools for

power system can be operated reliably

large-scale deployment. These studies

increasing flexibility at very high penetra-

at increased variable RE levels. A grid

also lay the foundation for prioritizing and

tions of variable RE.

integration study simulates the operation of

sequencing grid integration investments.

Options for procuring flexibility vary based

the power system under various scenarios,

on the regulatory context. For vertically

identifies potential constraints to reliability,

THE CHALLENGES OF TODAY'S

integrated utilities, contractual or policy

and evaluates the cost of actions to alleviate

mechanisms provide the primary basis

those constraints. Robust grid integration

number of stressors that power system

for encouraging the uptake of flexibility

studies are based on significant stakeholder

engineers of 100 years ago would have

measures. In contrast, partially- or wholly-

input, along with a broad set of foundational

never conceived of. Three major trends are

restructured power markets motivate flex-

data.

pushing for a change in how the electricity

ibility through incentives and market

Although grid integration studies usually

grid is managed, giving utilities and system

design mechanisms, such as sub-hourly

include production cost simulations to

operators plenty of new challenges to solve

dispatch, ancillary services markets and

model unit commitment and economic

to maintain reliability.

price-responsive demand.

dispatch, determining the system-wide

Planning for a High RE Future

costs of integrating solar and wind power is

Renewable generation is intermittent and

In any power system, planning activities

much more challenging. The full costs and

include assessing long-range demand and

value of variable RE assets to the power

when customers need electricity. Instead

evaluating options for expanding capacity

system depend on dynamic and complex

of a centralized location like traditional

and transmission. With the introduction of

interactions among these generators

generation, solar panels and wind turbines

significant variable RE generation, power

and a system’s loads, reserves, thermal

are being installed at distributed locations

systems planning increasingly focuses on

generators, and transmission networks.

across the grid. Although they are a low-

evaluating options for increasing flexibility

Grid integration studies illuminate the

cost source of clean and renewable energy,

EVOLVING ELECTRICITY GRID

Today’s power system must deal with a

difficult to control- The sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow

these resources may inject power into the grid at times and locations that can create difficulty for grid operators. Problems can arise, such as random changes in voltage on distribution feeders, issues with fault detection and unwanted generation capacity which all affect the reliability and sustainability of the grid. Energy-consuming equipment is cha-

nging with the advent of new technologies- Older electrical equipment such as

incandescent lights, heaters and motors were designed to react to changes in voltage and/or frequency. In fact, Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) is based on this concept. By reducing system voltage, the electricity demand from these devices will be reduced as well. Newer electronic devices do not respond to changes in system voltage or frequency, and they now dominate many homes; they include computers, lights (LEDs and CFLs), TVs, entertainment systems, etc. In addition to not responding to changes in grid voltage or frequency, these devices consume power in unusual patterns (called harmonics), which can affect the delivery of power and cause increased losses, equipment failure and a few worst-case scenarios, building fires.

New protection systems and techno-

taking this important step even further.

grid to deliver more power than has ever

are now able to view the demand side

technology has enabled existing wires to

can respond to the real-time needs of

logies have enabled the modern power

With the use of new technology, utilities

been possible- For example, new wire

as a single, controllable resource that

handle higher electrical currents for short

the electricity grid. The right intelligent

periods of time; this can increase losses by more than 4 times the norm. While convenient and beneficial for today’s grid, these types of technologies have played a role in increased overall system losses from 5 to 7 percent to 9 to 12 percent.

demand management technology can help grid operators implement this type of control without impact to their customers’ operations. IMPROVING GRID INTEGRATION

To improve the grid integration, one has

ADDRESSING THE ISSUES OF MODERN

to improve planning and accounting for

The way that utilities and electricity system

factoring in their burden on the rest of the

POWER SYSTEM

renewables (rather, for all generation),

operators think about managing the grid

grid such as transmission congestion. A

has already begun to change. Instead of traditionally viewing grid management

few specifics for this are: Power Evacuation Planning- The starting

as one-directional and black and white (generation = controllable, demand = random and uncontrollable), grid operators are implementing demand management programs, which engage electricity cus-

point requirement should be that if RE plants

tomers to shift their electricity usage, imp-

intra-state issue for now.

rove their energy efficiency, enhance the reliability of the power system and sometimes offer cost savings or other incentives for participation. The next level of grid management involves

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER 2017 l VOL 2 l ISSUE 2

are being built (and they are growing in total wind/solar farm size to not just tens of MW but hundreds), there must be sufficient transmission capacity. This is often an Enable Inter-State RE- This effectively increases the balancing area, and isn’t

so transmission burdensome when the favorable sites are near the border. The problem isn’t the regulations disallow

GRID MANAGEMENT

ahead, their output in 15 minute blocks with a tolerance of 30% (with some corrections allowed in 3 hour blocks), beyond which they would need to pay UI (unscheduled interchange) charges as per the current Availability Based Tariff (ABT) as a Renewable Regulatory Charge within the Renewable Regulatory Fund. There was opposition, and the proposal is currently on hold, pending validation (technically, predictions are asked for, but penalties not enforced). Improved predictions and nimble grid operations are better than of simply socializing the prediction variation costs. Make Balancing a Proper Grid Requirement- While there is now a separate

entity for Regional and National Load Despatch (POSOCO), India needs a compleit, just that the present rules for inter-state transmission require 15 minute firm schedules, something impractical for renewable power. The use of power exchanges for improved (non-realtime) balancing is also an option (subject to transmission constraints), but this begs the question why are these used so little today, even when prices are ostensibly low, only a few Rs./kWh? The reason isn’t technological but operational. Current financial settlement norms, while good for the exchanges’ risk profiles, make it tough for states to buy much power since they have enormous liquidity problems. Improve Measurements, Predictions, and Analysis for RE Generation, Including

Data Sharing- This could be through the proposed Renewable Energy Management Center(s) (REMC), which should also coordinate with state and regional load dispatch centers. Data sharing is especially important for wind power, which has much more granular variance than solar power, especially on a kilometer scale. REMCs need not be a large or complex institution – these could be envisaged as virtual centers in synergy with Load Despatch Centers. Demand Best (reasonable) Predictions

from Generators- CERC attempted to mandate wind generators to predict, day

tely independent Regional Transmission Operator (also called an Independent System Operator in some parts of the world). Such an RTO/ISO must also coordinate with state Load Despatch Centers, balancing their financial needs with grid operations. Importantly, all despatchers must be discouraged from a mindset of loadshedding as a balancing mechanism. One simple option (as a thought exercise for now), treat load shedding as having a cost, say, equal to the next available resource in terms of merit-order despatch. (In reality, load shedding’s cost may be far higher to society overall). Strengthen the Grid- Even before we

think about ancillary services, there need to be basic improvements to operations, including the use of Primary frequency control from generators with free-governor mode of operations, whereby deviations in frequency automatically signal the generator to increase/decrease output. No generator should be allowed to ignore or bypass control signals like some reportedly do today. In the future, frequency tightening

These value grid support mechanisms beyond simple kilowatt-hour generation, such as the ability to ramp-up/ramp-down rapidly. Today, either the grid is left unstable or such services are provided by the suboptimal provider (coal plants aren’t designed for cycling production), without appropriate compensation. Move Towards Robust RE TechnologyTechnologically, RE could provide more than

simple kWh generation, such as reactive power, if it were incentivized to do so. In addition, India must plan for the ability of such generators to handle Low Voltage and Fault Ride Through capabilities, something China grappled with but ultimately enforced in recent years. The difficulty of a weak grid is exacerbated when RE generators cannot handle low voltages or faults; they trip, further weakening the rest of the grid. Deploy Smart Grids to Make Demand More Dynamic and Grids Robust- This extends to storage solutions (which often

finds value not in energy (kWh) arbitrage but also in providing ancillary services). Both of these are discussed in more detail in a separate chapter in this volume. The century old grid is changing and the question becomes is this a managed transition? Renewables aren’t just inevitable; they should be supported and scaled up. Much more subtle than the challenge of meeting the peak is keeping the grid in balance. Advanced transmission infrastructure, updated grid integration and operation mechanisms are key to scaling-up solar to 100 GW by 2022. Combined with improved pricing, storage technologies and a Smart Grid, the policy push for generation investments in green power can be not just sustainable, but even help meet the broader goals of the Indian power sector, viz., access and affordability.

can be achieved by the use of Automatic Generation Control (AGC) based on Area

- Laique@saurenergy.com

Control Errors (ACE) as signaled by an Area balancing authority. Begin Ancillary Services in the GridVOL 2 l ISSUE 2 l OCTOBER 2017 l SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

Please give us an overview of Amphenol’s operations and pro-

duct offerings? What new interconnect products did Amphenol introduced during REI 2017? Founded in 1932, Amphenol has grown to be one of the world’s largest interconnect and cable manufacturers. The company designs, manufactures, and markets electrical, electronic, and fiberoptic connectors, interconnect systems, and coaxial and specialty cable. Today Amphenol has a diversified presence in high growth markets that it has cultivated over its 75 year history. At Amphenol, technological innovation happens every day. For current, during REI 2017, Amphenol has come up with two innovative solutions. First one is bimetallic connector for solar EPC which has been developed with the collective efforts of Amphenol and an Indian Company of high repute. The second one energy storage based high performance Radsok contact technology i.e. E-power lite. More details can be accessed on our website www.amphenol-industrial.com.

Please tell our readers about your current market share in India and

reasons behind your success in this market? We accomplished approx. 40% market share in India by capitalizing on the vast range of opportunities being created by

Naresh Kumar National Sales Manager| Amphenol Industrial Product Group 30

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER 2017 l VOL 2 l ISSUE 2

the revolution in solar that is taking place within all of our end markets and strengthening our position. Our consistent focus is on technology innovation and customer support. Amphenol is known for its quality and high performance products. Our H4 PV connector has been ranked #1 by Photon International. Amphenol ‘s all Solar products meet new IEC62852 standards along with TUV and UL.

to establish production facilities in India?

What is the distribution model for

Currently, Amphenol does not

Are there any data / information

have manufacturing assets in

available on the installations using

India. When can we expect Amphenol What are the major obstacles you see in establishing production facilities in India? Amphenol has established low-cost manufacturing and assembly facilities in the three major geographical markets of the Americas, Asia and Europe/ Middle East/ Africa. Amphenol is not new to India, we have manufacturing footprints in India as old as 45 years. At present we have seven manufacturing facilities(Viz. Pune (01), Bengaluru (02), Chennai (03), Coimbatore(01)) in India already, complementing our existing business. While to further expand our product lines and technological capabilities, Amphenol will come up with solar product line and cable assembly in India soon.

PV Connectors and Junction boxes are a critical reliability co-

mponent but are not much talked about. Please let us know more about your reliability lab where periodical quality tests are conducted on your products and how stringent are these tests? PV connectors, junction boxes and cables are very often overlooked as they aren’t a large % of the BOM costs. However, it’s been shown that poorly designed connectors can account for nearly 70% of PV system failures. This is why we make every effort to ensure we make the highest performing connector. Our customers and we realize that UL and IEC standards are only a baseline for checking the product, but not necessarily indicative of the real life conditions our products will see during their usable life. Therefore, we conduct random quarterly environmental testing on our production parts. This testing goes far beyond the requirements of UL and IEC standards. Sometimes 2x or 3x the standard and also with mechanical loads added to

Amphenol’s interconnects products?

It’s not good enough to certify once and trust that the same quality will continue as production tools wear and material lots may vary. This is why we repeat the harsh testing every 3 months on real production parts.

What research efforts are Amphenol participating in to develop

connectors and related products? We are constantly working with our raw material suppliers, industry experts and certification labs to enhance product quality and safety. There are plenty of known cases where poor quality PV interconnect has led to catastrophic failure. We want to ensure we are the best in class and provide high performance, safe and reliable components with the highest value for our customers. It’s also common for field installation to be the cause of interconnect failure on PV systems so we try to make our product as easy to use as possible and look at innovative ways to protect the system in case of mistakes.

What kind of system solution is offered by Amphenol?

This is really vast area to describe, as I discussed this before, Amphenol is world’s largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of electrical, electronic and fiber optic connectors, interconnect systems, antennas, sensors and sensor based products and coaxial & high-speed specialty cable. We are offering interconnect solutions from Mobile phone to Space satellite. In context of Solar, we offer

Amphenol’s products? Let’s keep it specific to solar, we’ve sold about 400M connector pairs since we started and if we estimate average of 265W/ module… that’s 106GW installed globally! We’ve also supplied EPC cable assembly products to over 1.2 GW primarily in India , 6GW in N America till date but growing in Middle East and Latin America now.

How is Amphenol assisting client with services post-sales?

We provide on-site product installation training and educate customer to take best out of the product. Apart from this, one can have aid of online video uploaded on Youtube. Further, if the need be, our engineers are available at short notice to serve our valued customers.

What type of opportunity does the Amphenol see in the Indian

market? How do you see your business goals merging with solar sector in 2017? Considering the 100 GW vision and billions of dollars funding, a large scope exists for obtaining the growth momentum in India’s solar sector on EPC, Module Manufacturer and Energy storage. We are working with our customer to understand their need to develop new product and expand our market share every year. We look at India as one of our strategic market in coming years. As per prime minister of India guideline on Make in India, we will soon have local presence in terms of manufacturing solar and energy storage products to expand in Indian market.

solutions for Module OEM, rooftop solar, PV plant and energy storage with DC & AC side interconnect solutions under product lines, namely, H4 PV connector, Helios Junction

- Laique@saurenergy.com

Box, Customized Cable harness, Energy storage jumper cable and connectors.

the environmental and electrical exercise. VOL 2 l ISSUE 2 l OCTOBER 2017 l SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

Thermography in

Photovoltaic Plants Potential threats to photovoltaic plants

Even a small technical defect is sufficient to have a considerably negative effect on the solar yield and therefore the economic viability of a photovoltaic plant. The causes could be like; carelessness during installation, degeneration of the laminators or slow damage due to years of UV radiation and weathering. Some of the biggest problems that could be witnessed are • Hotspots: Shadowed or defective module cells form an internal electrical resistance which can lead to undesired warming hotspot. Also, faulty or unsuitable bypass diodes (where shade is minimal) continue to lead to uncontrollable hotspots. • Delamination: The EVA protective layer may come away due to external influences. Any moisture getting in may lead to cell corrosion and to a performance loss. • Modules run at open circuit: This may be caused by incorrectly connected modules or cables that have worn through. • Overheating of connection sockets: This can lead to poor operation of modules & typical faulty images for defective individual cells and substrings.

• Micro-cracking & cell ruptures: It can occur during transport and installation or due to any external mechanical influences. • Corrosions & loose connections: Aside from the individual cells and modules, electrical components can also have corrosions on electrical components or have loose cables.

These threats consequently lead to decrease in the electricity yield. In few cases, individual cells or the entire module starts consuming electricity instead of generating it. This unwanted electricity consumption heats up the modules & can also lead to a real fire risk.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER 2017 l VOL 2 l ISSUE 2

Revolutionary Tool for Easy Assistance – Testo Thermal Imagers

Checking photovoltaic plants using thermography places very high requirements on the use of a thermal imager. Several criteria must be taken into account when choosing a thermal imager suitable for this purpose: • Infrared resolution of the detector: The geometric resolution describes a thermal imager's capability of recognizing objects (e.g. individual faulty modules) from a certain distance. An IR resolution of at least 320 X 240 pixels (76,800 measurement points) are recommended in the case of large PV systems and for measurements from a long distance. • Thermal resolution (NETD): The thermal resolution describes the capability of a thermal imager to detect temperature differences on an object surface. The lower the thermal resolution, the better the IR image generated. • Exchangeable lenses: In order to save time measuring large areas, e.g. from a elevated platform, imagers with exchangeable telephoto lenses should be selected that have suitable opening angles. • Camera functions: Includes various features and properties that enable the camera for easy handling and friendly usage such

Bluetooth connectivity with other devices

as; rotating lenses for accurate positioning of imager, solar mode for ambient adjustment, radiometric video measurement etc. • Software: The analysis software (e.g. testo IR Soft) enables the optimization and analysis of the thermal images and ensures that the findings in the images are clearly presented and documented. • Bluetooth connectivity with other devices: Interfacing of thermal imagers with temperature, humidity probes & clamp-meter for solar power analysis.

Needs & Benefits of Thermography

• Using thermography, it is possible to check whether the quality of the module cells fulfils the requirements or not. • Incorrectly fitted or inadequately cooled electrical components that can quickly pose a fire risk can be easily traced. • Corroded or loose electrical cables indicating thermal irregularities can be easy detected and eliminated by thermography. • Thermography is a very safe inspection method as it reduces the considerable risk of electric shock to personnel. • Thermography is a non-contact, visual measurement method. Large-surface solar modules can be scanned very quickly thus saving a lot of time and money as well.

Step Ahead in Solar Thermography with Testo Thermal Imagers

Thermal imagers from Testo are specially designed for solar thermography requirements. They allow solar engineers to offer their customers a valuable after-sales service, while plant operators obtain a reliable statement on the status of their solar plants. Solar thermography: Overview of applications and benefits • Early identification of faults, avoidance of yield loss • Increasing operational safety, prevention of fire danger • Fast, safe inspections • Detecting cell rupture, corroded and loose contacts & overheated connection sockets. • Identification of hotspots, modules at open circuit, short circuits, delamination etc. • Creation of added value for solar engineers and plant operators.

Thermography of Solar Panel with Testo

Practical application tips

• Measure in sunshine and at low outdoor temperatures

• Point the thermal imager correctly, bear reflections in mind • If possible, measure on the rear

• Carefully analyse the causes of temperature deviations Selecting the right thermal imager • Observe suitable geometric and thermal resolution for the application • Imagers with exchangeable lenses and rotating display provide more flexibility • Useful functions such as solar mode and video sequence recording, as well as versatile analysis software, simplify measurement and analysis.

VOL 2 l ISSUE 2 l OCTOBER 2017 l SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

An Outlook of Solar Technology in India and Necessary Changes in the Roadmap Senthil Kumar T.

Junior Research Scientist| National Institute of Solar Energy

The solar technologies are emerging and growing sector across the globe, In India with the government initiative of JNNSM the growth of the solar market has been increased exponentially. The average utilityscale LCOE of solar PV have declined by around 50% between 2010 and 2014, and the present lowest power tariff signed by government in India is of 2.44Rs/Kwh ($0.04 USD/Kwh) and till August 2017 the solar power installed capacity reached up to 13114.85 MW. The steep decline in the cost, low power tariff and easy Engineering Procurement & Commission (EPC) makes solar photovoltaic technologies to reach this milestone possible. However if solar photovoltaic technology is growing in this pace then the saturation of the technology will crop up in early 2030's. Government Targets in JNNSM

Vikrant Yadav

Junior Research Scientist| National Institute of Solar Energy

The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) is started by Indian government with the vision to install and harvest 20GW of power through solar technologies by 2020; later the target has been revised and expanded to 100GW to achieve within the same time period. The JNNSM has divided into three phases and in its first phase the target was set as follows. Application segment

Target for Phase-I (2010-13)

Target for Phase-II (2013-17)

Target for Phase-III (2017-22)

Utility grid power including roof top

1,000-2,000 MW

4,000-10,000 MW

20,000 MW

Offâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;grid solar applications

200 MW

1,000 MW

2000 MW

The idea in Phase-I was to give equal emphasis to both solar photovoltaic

Yogendra Singh Junior Research Scientist| National Institute of Solar Energy

(SPV) as well as concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies. Therefore, 500 MW each was allocated to SPV as well as CSP technologies in Phase-I. Whereas at the end of phase one because of CSPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poor performance in JNNSM Phase-I, MNRE has decided to reduce the share of CSP to 30 per cent in Phase-II. And now no new project has been shown up in India for CSP Technologies.

Plan

Segments

Schemes 27.5 GW (NonResidental Segment)

40 GW (Rooftop PV Projects

12.5 GW (Residental Segment)

100 GW Solar by 2022

Open to private sector under private PPAs and FIT based gross-metering

Individuals to install and take benefits of netmetering

20 GW

40 GW

(Utility Scale Projects)

60 GW (Utility Scale Projects)

20 GW

(Solar Park)

(Wholesale Distributed Generation)

Small scale projects to be connected below 33 KV

10 GW

To be bid out by state Govt.

10 GW

Already Installed + Bid Out + Dollar Scheme

5 GW 5 GW 5 GW

SECI to bid out PSUs to develop under REC Scheme Pvt Sector on nomination basis

The figures describe the allocation of

structure. The present Indian Grid infra-

US$0.073/kWh which is lowest power tariff

different types of installations of solar

structure is not capable enough to com-

proves that CSP can be affordable and can

technologies under JNNSM for achieving

pletely accept power from a fluctuating

be expected to further price fall in future.

the targets. This clearly describes the

source like Photovoltaic.

• Thermal energy storage is a proven and

allocations are completely designed in the

• Efficiency of harvesting solar energy is

promising low cost solution to store and

view of solar photovoltaic technologies.

comparatively low when compared to the

generate electricity during non solar hours

The Future Perspective on SPV

Concentrating solar power (CSP).

when the peak demand is high at major

The markets for solar photovoltaic are

• Storage of energy by photovoltaic's is

households.

currently increasing vigorously due to:

way to costlier.

• Environmental friendly while manufacturing

• The advancement in technologies turns

• Adverse environmental impacts esp-

and as well as while discarding the plants

out the reduction in cost.

ecially at utility scale, can also affect the

after its life time.

• The simplicity of technology, its user

biodiversity of the local environment, both

friendly nature & Retrofittable in a small

within and outside of their land footprint.

Necessary Changes in Roadmap

scale.

Landscape fragmentation can harm vuln-

impacts of the promoting only solar photo-

• The ease of Engineering, Procurement

erable vegetation, and create barriers to

voltaic's technologies, and the growth

& Commission in megawatt scale level

the movement of species.

of promising CSP technologies across

projects and availability of solar modules.

Advantages of CSP

world, the governing body should seriously

The foresaid drawbacks of present and

consider to incorporate CSP with the equal

is in the similar pace then the saturation

future of Photovoltaic technologies, the

importance by reconstructing the policies

of the technology will crop up in early

alternative systems such as concentrated

and regulations. The investors should be

2030's and with the current government

solar power should equally be prompted.

promoted and supported by government

polices and targets it could happen even

The advantages of CSP over Photovoltaic's

and a necessary linkage should be made

little earlier. The reason the technology will

are

for availing the world class technology for

saturate is described below:

• Low LCOE of Concentrated solar power,

installing in India.

• Expansion of solar capacity could fur-

Dubai’s state utility company, DEWA, has

ther hindered by existing electricity infra-

signed a power purchase agreement of

However if the growth of solar photovoltaic

In the perspective of present and future

VOL 2 l ISSUE 2 l OCTOBER 2017 l SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

Rooftop Solar Sector in India : Challenges and a Way Ahead

Priyanka Mohan Director|Kor Energy India Private Limited Rooftop Solar Sector is going to be vital in achievement of Government targets for Solar Electricity Production in India. Many initiatives have been taken by Government for promotion of this sector in last couple of year. Some of them are: 1) Central Agency SECI and various state nodal agencies have come up with tenders for installation of rooftop solar plants at government buildings across country under CAPEX and RESCO model. Incentives are being provided to empanelled vendors under the schemes. 2) Central Agency SECI and various state nodal agencies have come up with tenders for empanelling vendors to provide subsidy under CAPEX and RESCO model for rooftop solar installations in residential sector and to non profit organisations like school, colleges, hospitals and religious trusts. 3) Many states have successfully implemented net metering scheme and also some states are offering generation based incentives for rooftop solar segment. Still this sector is showing progress at very small pace against

what is desired. There is still lack of correct information regarding benefits of rooftop solar in residential and commercial segment. Despite having subsidy there is not great interest in private sector for rooftop solar installation. This is very much evident from allotted verses installed capacity data under any capital subsidy scheme for private sector. There is a need for proper information guidance to such interested customer from state or central agency. There is also heavy challenges in approvals related to net metering in most of the states and DISCOMs are not very customer friendly in promoting net metering. We find at many places the projects are shut down for upto 3 months after installation because of slow execution of net metering. Such dissatisfied customers also make new customers averse to rooftop solar. Even after net metering there are challenges in availing benefits of net metering in many places due to knowledge or technical issues at DISCOM level. Even after these challenges at many places in country because of initiatives by state agency the rooftop solar sector has picked up. With rooftop solar installation coming up in most central and state government buildings in coming years it will lead to increased visibility of solar on rooftop and will help in promoting this in private sector at residences and commercial establishments. There is a need to reward thorough recognition people who are early adopters of rooftop solar so as to motivate people to look for solar not only for return on investment but also because of concern for environment. There is also need to promote rooftop solar though industry and trade associations at much larger level. We can expect in coming months and year there is much focussed approach from state and central agencies and others involved in promotion of this sector leading to greater involvement of public at large in solar movement.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER 2017 l VOL 2 l ISSUE 2

BIFACIALS CHANGING FACE OF THE

SOLAR INDUSTRY

As solar technology has improved over the last decade, the prices have dropped exponentially as module efficiency has advanced. In recent years, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a growing concern that we are approaching an efficiency ceiling. Bifacial solar cells and modules are making a big comeback as the photovoltaic industry is looking for more ways to generate more power out of the extant solar panel technologies. Conventional PV cells and modules are monofacial, this means that their electrical power output is a function of the direct and diffuse radiation captured on the front side of the cell only. However, bifacial cells and modules have the ability to convert light captured on both the front and back sides of the module into electrical power. Bifaciality increases PV system energy capture dramatically in some casesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and rewrites conventional system design rules in interesting ways. Let us take a closer look at what bifacial solar panels are and how they actually work. On the design front bifacial cells employ a standard front surface design that is very similar to the ones that are used in screen printed solar cells that are practically the industry standard. The only major difference is the structure of the rear surface. It is not much higher quality, which makes it possible for the photogenerated charges on the rear surface to contribute to the power production as they travel towards the front surface. The design also makes it necessary to use transparent materials on either side of the module. Conventionally, bifacials were used in building integrated photovoltaic applications and in areas where most of the solar energy is in the form of diffused sunlight that has bounced off the ground and all the surrounding objects. However, with the plateauing of peak efficiencies and cheaper solar glasses, bifacial modules are back in the limelight.

Evolution and Existence

early field applications is a north-south

electrons, the industry broadly categorizes

oriented vertical photovoltaic noise barrier

mc-Si cells as either n-type or p-type

PV cells since the rise of the solar industry.

that Swiss researchers deployed in 1997

devices, respectively. It is possible to

along the A1 motorway in Zurich using

fabricate bifacial cells out of both p-type

10 kW of bifacial PV modules. The first

and n-type wafers, given high-quality

signs of commercialization, at least in

silicon material, although the process

North America, appeared roughly a de-

requires some additional manufacturing

cade later when Sanyo introduced its

steps compared to producing conven-

first UL-listed HIT Double bifacial PV

tional monofacial cells.

modules. In 2011 Panasonic completed

It is worth noting that today more than

its acquisition of Sanyo and subsequently

90% of the PV cells sold worldwide are

discontinued the bifacial product line,

based on p-type architecture, while the

as of January 2017. However, now more

majority of the bifacial products are n-type

and more manuufacturers are diving into

devices. This highlights the fact that many

the bifacial solar cell segment as it make

n-type PV cells, which are primarily found

up significant percentage of worldwide

in niche high-efficiency modules are

PV cell sales. The technology is in some

inherently bifacial.

ways a continuation or logical extension of

Domination

Scientists have been working on bifacial Japanese researcher H. Mori proposed a bifacial PV cell design in the year 1960 and had successfully developed a working prototype by 1966. Russian and Spanish researchers proposed uses for bifacial PV cells around the same time. It was the Russians, however, who first deployed bifacial PV modules in the 1970s, as part of their space program. A major milestone occurred in 1980, when Cuevas and some of his colleagues in Spain documented the ability of lightcolored surfaces to direct reflected light (albedo) to the back of a bifacial PV cell and increase its power output by 50%. Due to the high cost of producing bifacial PV cells, the first terrestrial applications for this technology were relatively late to emerge. One of the best documented

standard monocrystalline silicon (mc-Si)

According to industry experts p-type

cell technology. Depending on whether

devices are dominating the market beca-

the semiconductor material contains

use they are cost-effective to fabricate at

a relative abundance or deficiency of

scale and can provide a good balance

NEXTrackerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 30MW 2017 CleanMax in Tamil Nadu SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER l VOL 2 lsite ISSUE 2

BIFACIAL

between performance and cost. However, n-type bifacial cells offer the highest efficiency. Irrespective of the specific cell technology, the rear side of a bifacial PV cell needs to be able to act as a collector, which requires advanced architectures and manufacturing techniques. The authors of the informative Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Bifacial Solar Photovoltaic Modules notes : The opportunity for bifacial cells depends on both its technical and economic upsides. Today’s crystalline silicon and thin-film monofacial PV cells commonly use a fully metallized backside. This feature involves a moderately thick metal contact for reduced series resistance and is relatively inexpensive to produce. By contrast, bifacial cells incorporate selective-area metallization schemes to allow light between the metallized areas. The lower amount of metal changes how cell performance is optimized, potentially requiring tighter (i.e., more expensive) specs on the silicon and thin-film material used and also increasing series resistance concerns.” The author further notes that “bifacial cells may employ different metals, such as copper and nickel, and/or deposition methods, such as plating or inkjet printing, which, in part, requires different equipment and entails a potentially more complex manufacturing process. Consequently, the backside metal represents a non-trivial impediment to manufacturing bifacial cells with high performance and low cost. This added complexity and cost needs to be offset by the performance gain from increased light collection. Specifically for monofacial crystalline silicon cells, the backside metal is typically composed of aluminum, which reflects approximately 90% of the light that reaches it. A selectively metallized bifacial cells needs to employ other means for effectively trapping light in the silicon, thus allowing for the greatest chance of turning

Energy boost of a bifacial PV system with landscape mounted module, south oriented, 30 degree pitch and a row of 2.5 meters, 80% albedo a photon into an electron. Meanwhile, thin-

two generation peaks, it will also benefit

film PV technologies need to overcome

from all the diffuse light that enters the

fundamental materials science issues

module from the indirect side.

before they can be adapted to bifacial

Height

applications. Cadmium telluride (CdTe)

The installation height of the module is the

and copper indium gallium selenide

second main influence on the energy yield

(CIGS) absorbers lack a p-type contact

of a bifacial module. Figure above shows

material that is sufficiently transparent and

simulated data for the additional energy

conductive while being low cost enough

yield (energy boost) for a landscape-

to manufacture. As a result, opaque metal

mounted bifacial module (one module per

contacts will likely be used on the p-type

row, 30 degree pitch, south orientation,

side of thin-film cells for the foreseeable

2.5 meter row pitch, 80 percent albedo)

future.”

with variable installation height. The higher

Vertical Integration

the installation height of the module, the

To match the photovoltaic generation

higher the additional energy yield will be

profile with the onsite demand, most of the

of the bifacial PV module. However, Figure

consumers go for an east-west orientation.

above shows the saturation curve reaching

Half of the panels are tilted towards the

its inflection point at an installation height

east and the other half are tilted towards

of about 0.5 meters. Beyond this point,

the west, for better generation peaks in

any additional energy yield only incre-

the mornings and afternoons respectively.

ases slightly.

The double peak profile better matches

Innovation

the electricity use onsite, especially for

Recently Solar Energy Research Ins-titute

commercial and residential installations.

of Singapore (SERIS) at the Nati-onal

This approach will work even better if

University of Singapore (NUS) in coll-

we employ vertically installed bifacial

aboration with the International Solar

modules, which would cut down the nu-

Energy Research Center Konstanz, Ger-

mber of required modules by more than

many (ISC Konstanz) developed and

half. Not only will this setup benefit from the

fabricated world's first full-size inter-

VOL 2 l ISSUE 2 l OCTOBER 2017 l SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

BIFACIAL

digitized back contact (IBC) bifacial solar in Singapore. The module technology's first prototype was produced using bifacial ZEBRA IBC solar cells from ISC Konstanz with efficiencies as high as 22%. The cells were fabricated using industrially proven process equipment and standard industrial 6-inch n-type Cz monocrystalline silicon wafers. The module's structural reliability is ensured by using a double-glass insulation technique perfected by SERIS since 2009. Encapsulated using the double-glass structure, IBC bifacial solar modules could offer a longer warranty period of 30 years or more. Furthermore, by utilizing the bifacial nature of the solar cells, as much as 30% extra power is generated by the double-glass module due to reflection of sunlight from the ground ('albedo') towards the module's rear surface. Dr Wang Yan, Director of SERIS PV Module Cluster, is ecstatic about this new product. "With SERIS' new module design, panels with 350 Watts front-side power can be made with sixty 23% efficient screen-printed IBC cells. Considering an additional 20% of power via the panel's transparent rear surface, each 60-cell IBC bifacial module will produce a stunning 400 Watts of power in the real world." The world's first full-size IBC bifacial module has several unique features: All back contact: This eliminates metal shading losses from the cells' front surface. As a result, the module can achieve higher current and efficiency outputs. Bifacial nature: The module is able to absorb light from both its front and rear surface, with a bifaciality of 75%. This enables the module to convert sunlight that enters via its rear surface, as a result of reflection from the ground and the surroundings. Double-glass structure: The cells are encapsulated between two glass panes using polyolefin elastomer (POE), which

guarantees a long module lifetime in

technologies the breakthrough in the PV

the field.

systems arena".

Low-temperature interconnections: This

Prof Armin Aberle, SERIS CEO, is also

prevents warping of the IBC cells due

enthusiastic about the development,

to heating.

he said "IBC cells are famous for their

Specially designed & customized ele-

efficiency, reliability and durability in the

ctrical junction box: This prevents shading

field. The newly developed IBC bifacial

of the rear surface of the bifacial IBC cells.

module is a testimony of SERIS' R&D

Industrially feasible solar cell and module

capabilities in the PV module technology

fabrication process and equipment: This

sector. The module technology offers

enables the module to achieve high effi-

world-class front side power while pro-

ciency at lower cost and means that

viding free extra power from the rear

the technology is ready for industrial

side. As a result, it has excellent LCOE

production.

potential" he explained. "The prototype

Dr Radovan Kopecek, founder of ISC

module made at SERIS serves as a proof

Konstanz, Director of Advanced Solar

of concept for mass production. The next

Cells and Lead Scientist for ZEBRA deve-

step will be to transfer the technology to

lopment since 2009, has ambitious future

industrial partners." He believes that such

plans for this technology: "Many people

a high-power product could be available

now might think that putting highly efficient

in the market within two years.

IBC cells into bifacial modules does not make sense - but our consortium will prove them wrong. The ZEBRA process is extremely simple and cost-effective and so is the module manufacturing process. In large bifacial systems, this technology will lead to the lowest LCOEs ever. Bifaciality is quickly gaining popularity and, since a few weeks ago, one can also simulate the bifacial advantage using PVsyst - such developments will give many bifacial

NEXTrackerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 30MW 2017 CleanMax in Tamil Nadu SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER l VOL 2 lsite ISSUE 2

- Santanu@saurenergy.com

PRODUCTS

EcoStar DC200 UPS

Product Brief EcoStar DC200 is an efficient Solar UPS for domestic appliances which can run on both AC and DC Power. Whenever healthy AC power is available, the appliances run from mains supply. In the event of power failure or unhealthy conditions the appliances run using Battery power converted to a DC voltage suitable to run the above appliances. Product Feature Solar EcoStar DC200 comes with in-built Solar PWM and mains SMPS Charger. It also supports battery charging current sharing with solar and mains. The UPS has two output types- one for General household mains operated appliances and one 12V DC output for DC Fans and LED lights. It is included with powerful charger for charging at very low mains voltage, and added with surge and over voltage protected. Application Suitable for residential applications. Benefits If Solar Power is available, the Battery will be primarily charged using solar energy; else it will be charged from Mains. In addition EcoStar DC200 can run loads which can run on 12VDC power supply, like DC Fans and LED Lights directly from battery. Availability Available

Luminous NXi Grid Tied Inverter

Product Brief Luminous NXi Grid Tied Inverters are powerful inverters that convert DC electricity into AC, It is also called On-Grid system which works without battery. The main purpose of Grid tied inverter is to supply power from Mains supply to home/offices and feed the Generation of solar power to mains supply. Product Feature NXi Grid Tie Inverters are designed to quickly disconnect from the grid if the utility grid goes down. It ensures that in the event of a blackout, the grid tie inverter will shutdown to prevent the energy it transfers from harming any line workers who are sent to fix the power grid The NXi Grid Tied Inverters can be availed in 1.5kW and 30kW capacity. Application Suitable for residential power system. Benefits On Gird/ Gird Tied inverter are useful for saving electricity bill by selling access generation of solar power to power distribution company through net metering system. Availability Available

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER 2017 l VOL 2 l ISSUE 2

PRODUCTS

GSola GEL-M11 Solar Module EL Detector

Product Brief

GSola Power introduced its newest Solar Module EL DetectorGEL-M11 at the Renewable Energy India Expo 2017. It is used for detecting the inner defects of solar modules, such as low efficiency solar cell, broken finger, contamination, micro-crack, short edge, wafer issue, and so on. The detector is useful for testing the solar modules before lamination, after lamination or for framed modules at the end of production process. Product Feature

The EL Detector comes with 42MPEL image resolution and offers image shape resolution ration of â&#x2030;¤0.3. It has a high throughput of 130 modules/hours, and is known to generate 300MW capacity per year.

Fonrich FR-PVMBPVSx Module Monitoring Device

Application

Used for detecting the defects of solar modules Benefits

The GEL-M11 Solar Module EL Detector can also be used as standalone machines or integrated into production line. Availability

TBA

Product Brief The Fonrich FR-PVMB-PVSx Module Monitoring Device is used to monitor the working status of every module and send these real-time data to a specific data collector through PLC communication. Realtime data is an essential part for intelligent maintenance of PV plant. Product Feature Named Gilgal2 and Gilgal3, these are designed for 1000V and 1500V systems. The main unit can be directly connected to the bus-bar with an embedded power supply, which saves the space of a combiner box and the cost of the external power supply. They have enclosed and compact PCB boards and modularized current sensors, can monitor the string current, bus-bar voltage, combiner box temperature and the status of breaker and SPD, and transfer the data through Modbus to SCADA. Application Used for monitoring the working status of every module. Benefits Gilgal3 can monitor 4 digital and 2 analog data sets and detect the arc-fault to protect the system from fire. 40% fires are caused by DC arc-fault in solar systems. Moreover, LoRa wireless communication is also a shining feature for Gilgal3. Availability Available

VOL 2 l ISSUE 2 l OCTOBER 2017 l SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

SOFAR Solar 3-Phase 4-12KW String Inverters

Product Brief SOFAR Solar launched its 3-Phase 4-12KW String Inverters during REI 2017. The new member of the family is the 3-Phase String Inverter that brings advanced and upgraded technology with it. The new series comprises inverters in 4-12KW capacity range. Product Feature The latest series offer 98% of maximum efficiency and can predict real time predict MPPT algorithm for maximum harvest. The wide input voltage operation range from 160V to 190V. It is a flexible and economical system solution that comes with DC solution. The inverter comes with reactive power adjustment settings. Application Optimum selection for big PV plants, commercial buildings. Benefits SOFAR Solar 3-Phase 4-12KW String Inverters offers high powered density. It comes with rust-free aluminum covers and has been added with flexible monitoring solution. The inverter can be availed in small light weight size. It can self reduce the power when frequency is high and support remote active/reactive power limit control. Availability Available

Sineng Electric EP-2500HA-OD Central Inverter Product Brief Sineng Electric launched the EP-2500- HA-OD central inverter at the REI 2017. Available with Three-level topology, maximum efficiency up to 99.02 %, the new central inverter comes with maximum DC/ AC ratio up to 1.5V. Product Feature With 1500V DC voltage, maximum efficiency of up to 99.02% and 2.5MW unit integrated design, the EP-2500- HA-OD helps reduce the initial investment cost and increases the income from power generation significantly. It is also available with Anti-PID function, and is compact, making it easy-to-maintain. Application It is suitable for complete grid support functionality (LVRT, HVRT, Reactive/Active Power Regulation). Benefits The central distributed inverter displayed at the show has several advantages highly recognized by the Indian market, including Multiple MPPT, high power output and low initial investment and maintenance costs. Availability Available

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER 2017 l VOL 2 l ISSUE 2

Sungrow SG125HV 1500VDC String Inverter

Huawei 1100V 65KTL Smart String Inverter Product Brief Huawei 1100V 65KTL Smart String Inverter, the latest industry standard large-scale ground-mounted FusionSolar PV Solution and rooftop solution was introduced at REI 2017. The next generation utility-scale ground FusionSolar PV Solution reduces the system investment and O&M cost, and improves the system security and reliability. The solution inherits the outstanding fuse-free, natural cooling, and PLCC technology. Product Feature The brand new 65KTL smart string inverter has been integrated with multiple advanced intelligent technologies, including PID recovery at night, smart tracker convergence, smart box-type transformer, Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis, smart O&M, smart component (optimizer), and dedicated self-adjustable cable connection design. These technologies decrease the line loss on the entire PV array, continuously increase the energy yields, and reduce the O&M cost and initial investment. The brand new 65KTL smart string inverter uses the efficient multitopology technology. The maximum efficiency can achieve 99.0%. Application Suitable for utility-scale ground. Benefits Added with Black Technology—Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis, Huawei 1100 V 65KTL Smart String Inverter can scan the PV plant remotely, and therefore faulty PV strings are precisely located and the root causes are figured out. This technology helps avoid the waste on the journey to PV plants and greatly save O&M time and cost. This technology can also be used to evaluate the PV plant health and produce early warnings for risks, which is good to problem discovery and preventive maintenance, prevents the PV plant from becoming sub-healthy, and ensures the long-term high energy yields of the PV plant. Availability TBA

Product Brief Sungrow, the global leading inverter solution supplier for renewables, introduced its latest 1500V SG125HV string inverters at the Renewable Energy India Expo 2017. The SG125HV, the world’s most powerful 1500Vdc string inverter rated at 125kW, is proved to work stably in full power operation without derating at 50 degrees Celsius, maximizing the return on investment for project owners. This 1500Vdc string inverter enables up to 5 MW power block design. Product Feature Sungrow’s1500VDC string inverter is designed to significantly reduce installation and balance of system costs for utility-scale PV systems. The SG125HV weighs only 68kg and therefore does not require heavy machinery for loading, unloading and installation. The system is compatible with 3rd Party SCADA for all grid support requirements and complies with standards UL1741 SA, IEEE 1547, IEEE 1547.1. Application Utility-scale PV power plants in 2-5MW block designs. Benefits The SG125HV comes with Sungrow’s patented five-level topology design, which enables the inverter to lift the maximum efficiency up to over 98.9%. Max.(Euro efficiency 98.7%.Max and CEC efficiency 98.5%. Max), with a 5MW PV power block design reducing AC transformer and labour costs, while eliminating the need for AC combiner boxes. DC side cabling costs can also be reduced significantly. The company claims that, thanks to the Virtual Central Inverter Concept, ~US¢ 1.1/Wp system cost is saved (compared with 1000Vdc string inverter system design, inverter cost not included) on a 100MW power plant, providing lifetime savings of over US$1.1 million. Availability Available

VOL 2 l ISSUE 2 l OCTOBER 2017 l SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

Chint Power CPS SCH1250/1500K GridTied Inverter

Su-Kam Brainy S 5.5VA/96V UPS Product Brief Su-Kam Solar presented the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first zero change over time solar static UPS- Brainy S 5.5VA/96V at REI 2017. The Brainy-S is the perfect system to run all kinds of sensitive

Product Brief CPS SCH1250/1500K is designed for 1500Vdc PV systems. The inverter adopts 3-level I-type topology, maximum efficiency up to 99%, and European efficiency up to 98.6%. Intelligent power control can get higher efficiency, better power quality and expanded service time under low power conditions. Modular design ensures that the other modules will keep working when any module fails. This can reduce the impact of faults. Product Feature Available with 3-level I-type topology, the CPS SCH1250/1500K GridTied Inverter also includes optimized MPPT control technology. It comes with space vector PWM, decreasing switching losses and has intelligent power control. Application Commercial rooftop and utility-scale PV systems. Benefits Comes in modular design and reduces the impact of faults. It has comprehensive protection functions. Available with advanced thermal design and includes embedded ground-fault circuit & interrupter. Availability Available

appliances through solar power and mains when connected with Su-Kamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MPPT or PWM solar charge controller. Product Feature This brilliant product combines the features of Online UPS and Solar Power Conditioning Unit to give reliable and steady power to your computers, modems, servers and other sensitive appliances. It can operate on both solar power as well as power from grid, but it always gives priority to solar power. Capable of saving battery from deep discharge Application Commercial and Residential Benefits The Brainy S 5.5VA/96V can run load simultaneously while battery charging. It has been designed to give priority to solar power and uses grid power only when the solar energy/battery power is insufficient to meet the load requirements. Availability Available

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER 2017 l VOL 2 l ISSUE 2

Fonrich FR-PVMBPVSx Module Monitoring Device

Product Brief The Fonrich FR-PVMB-PVSx Module Monitoring Device is used to monitor the working status of every module and send these real-time data to a specific data collector through PLC communication. Real-time data is an essential part for intelligent maintenance of PV plant. Product Feature Named Gilgal2 and Gilgal3, these are designed for 1000V and 1500V systems. The main unit can be directly connected to the bus-bar with an embedded power supply, which saves the space of a combiner box and the cost of the external power supply. They have enclosed and compact PCB boards and modularized current sensors, can monitor the string current, bus-bar voltage, combiner box temperature and the status of breaker and SPD, and transfer the data through Modbus to SCADA. Application Used for monitoring the working status of every module. Benefits Gilgal3 can monitor 4 digital and 2 analog data sets and detect the arcfault to protect the system from fire. 40% fires are caused by DC arc-fault in solar systems. Moreover, LoRa wireless communication is also a shining feature for Gilgal3. Availability Available

Su-Kam Solar Grid Tie Inverter

Product Brief Su-Kam introduced its Solar Grid Tie Inverter at the REI 2017. Su-Kam Grid Tie Solar Inverter is designed to convert solar electric power into utility-grade electricity that can be utilized by the home or sold to the local power company. The inverter can be availed in 1Kw to 20kW capacity. Product Feature Su-Kam Grid Tie inverter is designed to take advantage of solar modules configured as high voltage PV string arrays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with an input voltage Maximum Power Point Range of 90V to 250 Vdc. It comes with extensive grid code compatibility and adjustability. The inverter has been added with communication interface & monitoring software offering operational status and generation data via in-built GSM. Application Commercial and Residential Benefits It offers high reliability and efficiency with low auxiliary consumption for rapid return on investment. MPP efficiency > 99.9% ; Maximum efficiency >97.5%. Su-Kam Grid Tie inverters use Maximum Power point Technology (MPPT) to harvest the maximum amount of energy from the solar array. Provide single and double MPP trackers for different application demands. Availability Available

VOL 2 l ISSUE 2 l OCTOBER 2017 l SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

GSola Solar Simulator XJCM-11A+ Product Brief

China based GSola Power introduced its Solar Simulator XJCM-11A+ at the REI 2017. It is used for measuring crystalline module with the size up to 2000mm x 1100mm in face down position, able as manual standalone system as also as inline system. In the end-of-line testing it gets the proof of quality for the manufacturer and customer, suitable for testing crystalline module, especially the modules using high luminousness EVA. Product Feature

LG NeON R Solar Module Product Brief

LG Electronics has introduced its most powerful and energy efficient solar module technology in the form of the LG NeON R. The new residential module creates a system with seamless installation and use, improved temperature coefficient and heightened visual appeal making it an all-around win for energy-conscious homeowners. Product Feature

LG NeON R is known to have one of the best temperature performance characteristics on the market, with key design features that significantly enhance output for maximum efficiency. The LG NeON R provides consumers with more power than ever before, 365 Watts per panel rating for 60-cells, compared with most conventional panels that have a 290W rating, or 26 percent more power said the company in a statement. Application

Residential installation. Benefits

The LG NeON R is LG's highest power module for residential installation, with a power output up to 365W. Additional features include the highest wind / snow load rating in the industry, flexibility in array design, and ease of installation. The N-Type cells used in the NeON R use almost no boron, so Light Induced Degradation is reduced significantly, maximizing performance and maintaining maximum potential power output for the life of the module. The elimination of electrodes on the front of the module not only creates a seamless visual, it maximizes light absorption. Availability

Available

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER 2017 l VOL 2 l ISSUE 2

Available in A+A+A+ class, XJCM-11A+ offers performance which is twice better than the IEC 60904 class AAAA requirements. Being configured with several intensity steps to measure the IV curves of several irradiances within one flash, the IV curves under 200 W/m², 400 W/m², 600 W/m²,800 W/m², 1000 W/m² and 1200 W/m². Using high accuracy IR temperature sensor, it ensures the accuracy of temperature testing. Application

Solar module production facility. Benefits

Solar simulator is used for testing solar cells or solar modules output electrical properties, such as Voc, Isc, Pm, Vm, Im, Rs, Rsh,Eff, FF and so on. The system uses xenon lamp as light generator to simulate the sun light to effect testing. Gsola's solar simulator is highly integrated, operation and maintenance is easy, not special skill requirements to the manpower. Availability

Available

Gsola XJCM-11 Solar Cell Tester Product Brief

GSola Power has brought its AAA class Solar Cell Tester XJCM-11 in India. The product was introduced during REI 2017 Expo. It is suitable for testing all kinds of solar cells, such as crystalline silicon solar cells, thin film solar cells, HIT solar cells and all the other high efficiency solar cells. Product Feature

The XJCM-11Solar Cell Tester uses LEDS as light generator instead of xenon lamp. Available in A+A+A+ class, it offers spectrum wavelength of 300 to 1100nm. The device is compatible for 2/3/5 BB solar cells and can be customized for more bus-bar solar cells. It supports reverse current test.

Enphase M250 Microinverter

Application

Used for crystalline, thin-film, PERC, HIT, N-type, IBC, CIGS and other capacitance cells Benefits

The solar cell tester uses different LEDS whose colors are chosen to match the spectrum and intensity of visible sunlight. The flasher is able to do freely defined light pulses ranging from 10ms to 200ms based on the solar cells. Machine performance is fourth better than the IEC 60904 class AAA class. The flash curve contains Suns-Voc evaluation, IV testing, reverse current testing and spectrum response testing. Availability

Available

Product Brief Enphase Energy showcased its microinveter, the M250 at the REI 2017. The microinveter has been designed for wide range of modules. The M250 Microinverter produces 250-Watts rated AC output power and pairs with modules up to 310W. The Product Feature The versatile Enphase M250 Microinverter performs in both residential and commercial solar PV installations and is compatible with both 60-cell and 72-cell modules. With its all-AC approach and integrated grounding, the M250 delivers increased energy harvest and reduces design and installation complexity. The M250 is rated at 95.7 percent EU efficiency and has been built to withstand the harshest environmental conditions. Application Residential and commercial solar PV installations. Benefits No GEC needed for microinverter and no DC design or string calculation required for the installation. Supports easy installation with engage cable. The M250 comes with warranty up to 25 years. Facilitates energy production and minimizes impact of shading, dust, and debris. Availability Available

VOL 2 l ISSUE 2 l OCTOBER 2017 l SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

MARKET GLANCE

Lithium-Ion Battery Market to Reach Worth $93.1 Billion by 2025: Grand View Research

The global lithium-ion battery market is expected to reach USD 93.1 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 17.0%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increased usage of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, portable consumer electronics and grid storage systems owing to its high energy density and high safety level is expected to drive market demand. The rising number of PV installations and nuclear power plants along with the commencement of New Wind Energy Projects are anticipated to stimulate the market growth over the forecast period said the research firm. Rising off-grid installations in China, U.S., Germany and India along with increasing adoption of lithium-ion batteries in medical equipment is expected to promote industry expansion over the forecast period. The product is commonly used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, and power tools. The demand for the product in the manufacturing, solar

power, and railway industries is expected to increase with the growing need for power backup and storage. High density, long life span and reduction in battery prices will drive product demand over the forecast period. Rising demand for other batteries including lead acid battery, lithium-air, flow battery, and sodium nickel chloride batteries in electric vehicles, energy storage, and consumer electronics is expected to restrain lithiumion battery market over the forecast period. The trend of renewable energy generation was driven by increasing concerns about climate change, favorable government incentives, decreasing price of solar photovoltaic cells, and declining cost of batteries. Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s EV sales are predicted to witness growth in the coming years owing to government subsidies & purchase quotas on traditional vehicles in big cities and the presence of major electric vehicles players, including Tesla, Nissan, Chevrolet, BMW, Ford, Fiat, and Toyota, mainly in the U.S.,

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER 2017 l VOL 2 l ISSUE 2

the UK, China, and Germany. Hybrid & electric vehicles will witness growth on account of substitution from fuel to electric batteries. In addition, government's stringent regulations on emission norms in order to safeguard the environment and to reduce the degradation based options are expected to play a critical role in shaping the overall battery market. Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt battery was the prominent segment and accounted for 26% of the global share in 2016. Increasing adoption of NMC in power tools, e-bikes and other electric powertrains on account of its higher energy density, lower cost, and longer cycle life will fuel its demand over the forecast period. NMC offers overall performance and excels on specific energy and possess high capacity and high power. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries is expected to grow at the CAGR of 17.5% from 2017 to 2025. The LFP batteries offer excellent safety and long-life span to the product. Rising demand for LFP batteries in

MARKET GLANCE portable and stationary application, as they require high load currents and endurance is expected to augment market growth. Extensive R&D for development of effective and high-quality products was another initiative undertaken by the manufacturers. Supportive government regulations coupled with incentives and subsidiaries to electric vehicles have driven their sales in these countries. High stability of these batteries at high temperatures has increased their demand in this segment. Energy storage systems is expected to augment show significant demand rise at a CAGR of 21% from 2017 to 2025 as a result of increasing off-grid installations. The growth is driven by government support, and incraesing solar PV installations in the U.S., China and Germany. In addition, growing concern for air pollution, greenhouse gases and carbon emissions is anticipated to result in greater adoption of solar power over the forecast period. Asia Pacific is expected to show high revenue gains at a CAGR of 17.7% from 2017 to 2025. Increasing demand for mobiles and tablets in various countries including India, China, Japan and Thailand is expected to augment industry expansion over the forecast period. Increasing lithium-ion battery production capacity in China, by various players including Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd. (CATL), Panasonic, and LG Chem along with increasing government subsidies in electric vehicles is expected to create immense market potential over the forecast period. China is the world’s leading producer of wind energy and is expected to witness significant growth in the production of wind energy over the forecast period. Wind capacity output is likely to cross 200 GW by 2020 and will drive the demand for energy storage systems in the country, which is expected to augment battery demand. North America is expected to witness a significant growth over the forecast period owing to the growing electric vehicle and consumer electronics sales in countries including U.S. and Mexico. The increasing demand for the product in smart phones owing to its extended shelf life and enhanced efficiency is expected to drive the lithiumion battery market. The lithium-ion battery market is highly competitive in nature as a

result of presence of large and small scale manufacturers, specifically in the U.S., China, and Japan. The market is dominated by various major participants including Panasonic, Samsung, BYD Co., Ltd, LG Chem, GS Yuasa Corporation, and Hitachi. Key players rely on strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures in order to increase their presence in the market. They also focus on increasing their market share and profitability through product innovation and R&D activities. Industry rivalry is expected to be high over the forecast period with fluctuating raw material prices resulting in major entry barriers for new participants. In February 2017, BYD Co., Ltd. launched new high and low voltage battery energy storage systems under the B-Box product line in Australia. This strategic move is expected to enable the company to fulfill the increasing energy storage requirements in the residential sector. In March 2015, LG Chem Ltd. signed an agreement with Daimler AG, a Germanybased multinational automotive firm, to supply lithium-ion batteries for installation in the latter’s smart electric vehicles. This strategy is likely to enhance its distribution network and boost its presence as a key automotive battery provider. Further key findings from the report suggest: • Lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) was the dominant product segment and was valued at USD 7.15 billion in 2016 on account of its high usage in mobile phones, tablets, laptops, cameras as it offers high energy density and high safety level. However, its relatively short life span, low thermal stability and limited load capabilities is likely to act

as restrain to demand. • Growing adoption of solar power systems and e-bikes in UK, Germany, and Netherlands will stimulate industry growth. Growing lithium-ion battery demand in Germany, Spain, Italy, France and the UK is expected to have a positive impact over the forecast period. • Consumer electronics was the largest application segment and accounted for 52.3% of the overall share in 2016. The increasing demand for portable devices including mobiles, and tablets in China and India is expected to drive demand. • North America was the second largest market and accounted for 25.9% of the overall revenue in 2016 and is anticipated to show substantial growth considering increasing sales of electric vehicles and smart phones. • The industry is highly competitive with the presence of major players including Panasonic Corporation, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd., GS Yuasa International Ltd., Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., LG Chem, and BYD. • In March 2016, Daimler AG invested USD 586.7 million to install second lithium-ion batteries facility in Germany for electric vehicles and hybrids under the MercedesBenz brand • In January 2016, Nissan invested USD 31.0 million to manufacture future-generation electric vehicle batteries at its advanced lithium-ion battery plant in Sunderland

VOL 2 l ISSUE 2 l OCTOBER 2017 l SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

MARKET GLANCE

Global Concentrated Solar Power Market to Reach USD 8.92 Billion by 2025: Research and Markets

Research and Markets in its new report predicts the global concentrated solar power market to reach USD 8.92 billion by 2025. Increasing awareness about renewable energy along with government regulations to control growing carbon footprint is further propelling the market growth. Increasing clean energy adoption over non-renewable fuels is expected to drive the global concentrated solar power over the forecast timeframe. Favourable government regulations towards reduction of carbon footprint and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will further enhance the business growth. Growing electricity demand along with rising investments to augment the efficiency index will provide an impetus to the concentrated solar power market growth said the research firm. The Federal Government sponsored USD 9 million towards the research and development of six new CSP projects in the country, to reduce the total project costs though technological growth. Substantial reduction in the component costs along with supportive government incentives like energy certificates, and carbon credits

will expand the concentrated solar power market over the forecast period. Regulators around the world have been encouraging grid integration, making it an affordable alternative compared to non-renewable energy sources. Concentrating Solar Power technology can store solar energy in the form of heat, even post sunset, which is perceived as the greatest advantage that it offers over all the other competing technologies. Reliable power supply coupled with flexibility in usage assist in bridging the demand supply deficit, currently faced by nations especially in the developing world. However, CSP technology is capital intensive as compared to other solar thermal technologies, as this may prove to be a restraint for the its adoption over the forecast period. In terms of technology, the parabolic trough technology held over 75% of the global concentrated solar power market share in 2016. Matured technology coupled with affordable costs as compared to other forms of available systems will positively influence the growth of the concentrating solar power market over the forecast period

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER 2017 l VOL 2 l ISSUE 2

said Research and Markets in its report . Power tower technology was valued over USD 955.5 million by 2025. Enhanced heat storage ability, higher efficiency, and favourable capacity factor will augment the business growth. Further key findings from the report suggest â&#x20AC;˘ The U.S. concentrated solar power market, in terms of value, will witness growth of over 18.9% over the forecast period. Favourable government initiatives like tax credits, installation cost subsidies among other benefits will augment the business growth. â&#x20AC;˘ In Morocco, climatic conditions are favourable to the growth of CSP technology adoption, in tandem with the existing pipeline projects. Morocco concentrating solar power market is expected to exceed USD 852.2 million over the forecast period. â&#x20AC;˘ Spain concentrated solar power market size is set to exceed USD 1.22 billion by 2025. Spain is the market leader with the maximum installed capacity in the world as of year 2017.

MARKET GLANCE

Indian Solar Capacity to Hit 20GW by FY 2017-18

According to a report released by consulting

spot in solar PV deployment, followed by

manufacturer last year, followed by Vikram

firm Bridge to India, India is expected

Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil

Solar and Tata Power Solar.

to reach an installed solar capacity of

Nadu.

The 20 gigawatt estimate by March 2018

20 gigawatts by the end of the present

According to the latest edition of India Solar

is in line with the forecasts given by rating

financial year (2017-18). This was the initial

Map 2017, Greenko and ReNew Power

agency ICRA earlier this year. India had

target under the National Solar Mission for

emerged as top developers, followed by

an installed solar power capacity of 12.2

March 2022, which was later updated to

Acme in third place, on the basis of capacity

gigawatts on 31 March 2017. In FY2016-

100 gigawatts.

commissioned during the last four quarters.

17, a record 5.5 gigawatts of solar power

The current utility scale installed capacity

The solar map also pointed out that 7 project

capacity was added which would likely

of solar stands at 16.2 GW by the end of

developers have portfolios of more than 1

increase to a record 7.5-8 gigawatts in

September 2017. The installed PV capacity

GW comprised of both commissioned and

FY2017-18.

grew by 84% in the last four quarters, i.e.

in-pipeline projects.

Even though India continues to add record

Q4 2016-Q3 2017, with the addition of 7.5

There has been a marginal increase in the

solar power capacity every year, it seems

gigawatts of capacity.

share of Indian module manufacturers, but

highly unlikely to meet the National Solar

Majority of the capacity addition, or 57%,

Chinese module manufacturers continue to

Mission target of 100 gigawatts by March

came from three southern states, namely

dominate with over 80% of the total market

2022. Even at 20 gigawatts of installed

Telangana, Karnataka, and Andhra Pra-

share. Chinese Trina Solar leads the market

capacity by March 2018 India will have to

desh, during the last four quarters. Tela-

with a 16.6% share followed by JA Solar

add 20 gigawatts every financial year until

ngana, with an installed capacity of 2,792

(9.2%) and Canadian Solar (8.7%). On the

March 2022 to meet the 100 gigawatt target.

MW, has now pushed into the number one

domestic front Waaree was the biggest VOL 2 l ISSUE 2 l OCTOBER 2017 l SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

MARKET GLANCE

Lead-Acid Battery Market in Southeast Asia to Benefit from the Change in Energy Mix : Technavio Technavio market research analysts forecast the lead-acid battery market in Southeast Asia to grow at a CAGR of close to 9% during the forecast period, according to their latest report. The market study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the lead-acid battery market in Southeast Asia for 2017-2021. The report identifies East Penn Manufacturing, EnerSys, Exide Technologies, Yuasa, and C&D Technologies as the key vendors in the lead-acid battery market in Southeast Asia. A comprehensive analysis of this market is also presented by application (stationary, automotive, and motive) and product type (VRLA batteries and FLA batteries). Research analysis on the lead-acid battery market in Southeast Asia identifies that the improved consumer spending will be one of the major factors that will have a positive impact on the growth of the market. Technavioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market research analysts predict that this market will grow at a CAGR of above 8% by 2021. The rise in urbanization and the growing number of earning members in a family have resulted in an increase in disposable incomes. There is a growth in the household expenditure in Southeast Asia especially for purchasing products such as automobiles, power tools, and gardening equipment. Since most of these equipment require lead-acid batteries, the demand for these batteries will increase in Southeast Asia. The growth in high-speed rail networks across the world is one of the latest trends that will gain traction in the lead-acid battery market in Southeast Asia. The emerging countries in APAC such as China, India, Bangkok, Thailand, and Malaysia are witnessing huge investments towards highspeed rail network projects. China and India are increasingly offering high-speed rail networks to cater to the needs of the rising population. This shift from standard railway lines to high-speed rail tracks in developing countries will increase the need for lead-acid

batteries. The lead-acid battery market in Southeast Asia consists of many regional and local vendors. The lead-acid batteries market in Southeast Asia is in the growth stage is highly competitive. The vendors are increasingly making efforts to achieve better sales numbers and establish distribution networks to sustain the competition notes the research firm. During 2016, the stationary segment accounted for the major shares of the lead-acid battery market in Southeast Asia. Factors such as their cost-effectiveness and the wide range of usage in the telecommunication and data communication industries, will contribute to the growth of this industry segment in the coming years. According to this market research report, the VRLA batteries segment will account for the maximum shares of the lead-acid battery market in Southeast Asia until 2021. This is mainly attributed to the increasing demand for sealed maintenance batteries in the developing countries, the rising usage of UPS, and the increasing sales of golf carts. Microgrid The microgrid the research firm said it is a small-scale, localized power station

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL l OCTOBER 2017 l VOL 2 l ISSUE 2

than can either operate independently or in congruence with the main central grid. As a way to incorporate renewables, microgrid often involves multiple energy resources such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and fossil fuel generators. With the integration of renewable power sources, it can function as hybrid and operates independently to supply power to a local community, a university, or a military base among others. A microgrid is connected to the central grid as a single point of load and usually accompanied by energy storage systems to address the intermittency of the renewables, and the entire network is managed by an energy management system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Microgrids are more resilient to natural calamities than traditional grids and provide power to a limited geography when the main grid fails. A major portion of rural and remote areas in Southeast Asia are yet to have access to electricity. With the growing deployment of microgrids in Southeast Asia, the market for lead-acid batteries is likely to grow,â&#x20AC;? says Thanikachalam Chandrasekaran, a lead analyst at Technavio for energy storage research.

MARKET GLANCE

Grid-Tied Residential Energy Storage to Overtake Off-Grid Storage in US In 2017

A new report from GTM Research has

will flip the industry on its head, somewhat,

“It is most instructive to think of the residential

determined that for the first time ever, grid-

with grid-connected battery deployments

battery market not as a monolithic entity, but

tied residential battery storage deployment

set to make up 57% of annual deployments

rather as a patchwork quilt of geography-

will overtake that of the traditionally-leading

— the first time ever that grid-connected

and homeowner-specific applications that

off-grid and grid-independent battery

battery systems have overtaken off-grid

will be stitched together over time,” the

storage systems across the United States

and grid-independent systems.

authors of the report note. “Each application

in 2017.

Further, and astonishingly, GTM Research

lends itself to a specific set of system

GTM Research published its latest report

predicts that by 2022 grid-connected sys-

requirements, which may potentially overlap

this week, U.S. Residential Battery Storage

tems will account for 99% of new dep-

with the requirements for other applications.

Playbook 2017, which details the battery

loyments, with off-grid and grid-independent

Further complicating the matter, homeowner

storage industry in the United States, and its

backup deployments remaining relatively

preferences and site-specific constraints

future potential. Traditionally, the report has

flat.

may alter or limit what can be achieved by

shown that off-grid and grid-independent

According to GTM Research, this massive

a given system.”

backup battery storage applications have

shift in battery storage trends is being

dominated the US market, accounting for

driven both by homeowners and utilities,

86% of the total residential battery storage

each of which are doing so for a different

systems installed during 2016. More than

set of reasons: Homeowners are looking for

4,400 residential battery systems were

backup power or for monetary savings, while

installed during 2016, representing a total

utilities are looking to mitigate the effects

of 127 MWh (megawatt-hours) of energy

of so much variable electricity making

storage.

its way into the grid by way of high solar

However, GTM predicts a shift in 2017 that

penetration. VOL 2 l ISSUE 2 l OCTOBER 2017 l SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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