Saur Energy Magazine November 2018

SAUR ENERGY www.saurenergy.com

NOVEMBER 2018 | Rs. 200

I N T E R N A T I O N A L DCP LICENSING NO. F.2(S-29) PRESS/2016 l VOL 3 l ISSUE 3 l TOTAL PAGES 64 l PUBLISHED ON 1ST OF EVERY MONTH

BEST PRACTICES FOR

SOLAR ROOFTOP

Mehul Sharma

Director Sales - India TBEA Xiรกn Electric Technology Co. Ltd.

Saikat Roy MD & CEO | myWay Energy and Lighting India Pvt Ltd

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

SAUR ENERGY I N T E R N A T I O N A L EDITOR MANAS NANDI manas@meilleurmedia.com

DIRECTOR MARKETING PRATEEK KAPOOR prateek@meilleurmedia.com

The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval for moving a Resolution in the first Assembly of the International Solar ASSOCIATE EDITOR Alliance (ISA) for amending the Framework Agreement of the NILOY BANERJEE ISA for opening up the ISA membership to all countries that are niloy@meilleurmedia.com members of the United Nations. Opening the membership of the ISA will put solar energy in global agenda with the universal appeal for developing and deploying solar energy.

SUB EDITOR It will make ISA inclusive, whereby all member countries MANU TAYAL that are members of the United Nations could become manu@meilleurmedia.com member. Expanding membership will lead to ISA initiative benefitting the world at large.

MANAGER- MEDIA SOLUTION Another welcome move made by government very GIRISH MISHRA recently is that, Individuals may soon be able to open public electric vehicle charging stations without girish.mishra@meilleurmedia.com applying for licences, though there will be a cap on the tariff they can charge from EV owners.

DESIGN HEAD Automakers such as Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata SANDEEP KUMAR Motors and cab-hailing companies Ola and Uber, besides several state-run companies and start-ups WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER have shown interest in setting up electric vehicle JITENDER KUMAR charging infrastructure in the country.

The government has not set any qualification criteria for opening public charging stations WEB PRODUCTION but these will be monitored and have to meet BALVINDER SINGH specifications and performance standards set by the power ministry.

SUBSCRIPTIONS State electricity regulatory commissions KULDEEP (SERCs) will fix tariffs for electricity supply from distribution companies to the subscription@meilleurmedia.com charging stations at a ceiling of 15% over Saur Energy International is printed, published, edited and owned by Manas Nandi and the average cost of supply. The tariff published from 303, 2nd floor, Neelkanth Palace, Plot No- 190, Sant Nagar,East of Kailash, charged by charging stations from New Delhi- 110065 (INDIA),Printed at Pearl Printers, C-105, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase 1, electric vehicle owners will also be New Delhi. capped by the state government.

Lots more inside!

Happy Reading

ManasNandi manas@meilleurmedia.com

Editor, Publisher, Printer and Owner make every effort to ensure high quality and accuracy of the content published. However he cannot accept any responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor and publisher.

The information in the content and advertisement published in the magazine are just for reference of the readers. However, readers are cautioned to make inquiries and take their decision on purchase or investment after consulting experts on the subject. Saur Energy International holds no responsibility for any decision taken by readers on the basis of the information provided herein.

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Subject to Delhi Jurisdiction.

CONTENT PAGE

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26

SAIKAT ROY

MD & CEO myWay Energy and Lighting India Pvt Ltd

28

MEHUL SHARMA

Director Sales – India TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd.

ROOFTOP SOLAR: DEMOCRATISING POWER GENERATION – ONE ROOF AT A TIME

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BEST PRACTICES FOR SOLAR ROOFTOP - HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SOLAR SYSTEM FOR YOUR ROOF

POLICY

MARKET

MODULE

14 08 ‘ISA’ Top Body for Welfare of Mankind in Future

06

NOVEMBER 2018

Ecoprogetti Supplies 250 MW Production Line

38

Jsw Energy Puts Solar Plans on Backburner

India May Achieve 76% Renewable Energy Target

K'taka's Dakshina Kannada Dist. 2nd in Tapping Solar

Half EU Houses Contribute to RE Production by 2050

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EMMVEE Launches New AC Solar Module at REI 2018 Trina Solar Supplies 123 MW PV Modules to DTEK

CONTENT PAGE

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PUNJAB POLICY ON NET METERING FOR GRID INTERACTIVE ROOF-TOP SOLAR PV POWER PLANTS UPDATES

PROJECTS

FINANCE

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GCL-SI, Solarpro to Build Solar Park in Hungary

Azure Prices its Public Offering at $12.50 per share

World Bank Invests in Batteries to Boost Solar Energy

KDC Solar Kicks Off 23.5MW PV Plant Construction

California Commits $800 Mn for Clean-Energy

Cleanmax Solar Donates 20kWp Plant in AP

NLCIL, CIL to Set-Up JV for Solar Power Generation

Ccube Angels Invests Rs 5.47 Cr in ALFA Transformers VOL 3 l ISSUE 03 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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NOVEMBER 2018

POLICY UPDATES

‘ISA’ TOP BODY FOR WELFARE OF MANKIND IN FUTURE Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) at an event which also marked the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors’ Meet and Expo).

Also, the inauguration was done in the presence of Secretary General of United Nations, Antonio Guterres.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that in the last 150 to 200 years, mankind has depended on fossil fuels for energy needs.

He added, “Nature is now indicating that options such as solar, wind and water, offer more sustainable energy solutions.

This is a great forum to work towards ensuring climate justice and International Solar Alliance could replace OPEC as the key global energy supplier in the future.”

In this context, he expressed confidence that in future, when people talk of organizations for the welfare of mankind established in the 21st century, the International Solar Alliance will be at the top of the list.

PM Modi said that the effect of increased use of renewable energy is now visible in India. He added that India is working towards the goals of the Paris Agreement through an action plan. He said that the target is to generate 40 percent of India’s total energy requirements in 2030, by non-fossil fuel based sources. He said India is developing with a new selfconfidence of “Poverty to Power.”

While addressing, PM Modi also stressed upon the need

to have efficient energy storage solutions for credibility of renewable energy.

The Prime Minister said, “Along with power generation, power storage is also important. In this context, he mentioned the National Energy Storage Mission. The Government is focusing on demand creation, indigenous manufacturing, innovation and energy storage.”

He mentioned that India is working on biomass, biofuel and bio-energy. He said efforts are being made to make India’s transport system clean fuel based. He said that by converting bio-waste to biofuel, India is converting a challenge into an opportunity.

JSW ENERGY PUTS SOLAR PLANS ON BACKBURNER

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NOVEMBER 2018

As uncertainties loom over the solar power sector, mainly on the policy front, the Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Energy has put its ambitious expansion plans in the segment on backburner.

The company in May had announced its plans to set up a 1,000-MW solar photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturing facility at Vijayanagar in Karnataka and to install 200 MW of solar power systems in the current fiscal. However, it has so far commissioned just about 12 MW of solar capacity.

“We have commissioned 12 MW capacity. Apart from that, we still feel the uncertainties continue to be present and doubt that any project that is developed on government support and subsidies will be sustainable,” said Sharad Mahendra, Chief Operating Officer, JSW Energy.

The firm had also said that it would look at entering the PV cell/wafer manufacturing space.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

“Uncertainties like the imposition of the safeguard duty, among others, make it really difficult to work out the numbers which are sustainable. We are not able to see that happening. Also, we need to see if the tariffs which are coming are competitive,” he said.

As per the notification of the Finance Ministry issued in July, 25 per cent safeguard duty has been imposed for July 30, 2018 to July 29, 2019, which will gradually come down to 20 per cent during July 30, 2019 to January 29, 2020 and 15 per cent during January 30, 2020 to July 29, 2020.

Mahendra said that currently the main competitors in the solar space are the private equity (PE) funds which are backing these companies and bidding at such lower rates.

“We are competing against PE firms and the financers, for whom a return of 8-11 per cent is very good. But we have a

benchmark return that we get in thermal or hydro projects, which is at least 15 per cent,” he said.

“If we enter a business, we have to be there for a longer period. So, whenever we are confident that we are going to get the desired benchmark return as a company or organisation, we will definitely venture,” he added.

Mahendra further said the company can start manufacturing solar panels or installing solar plants at a short notice.

“JSW Steel will now have an RPO (renewable purchase obligation), wherein in the next one to two years it has to install at least 250 MW of solar capacity. As a group, we can do it, but if it is not cost competitive, then let other firms do it,” he added.

JSW Energy currently operates over 4,500 MW capacity, including a thermal capacity of 3,140 MW, hydro of 1,300 MW and solar of 12 MW.

POLICY UPDATES

K'TAKA'S DAKSHINA KANNADA DIST. 2ND IN TAPPING SOLAR Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka has been ranked second in the state in tapping solar energy with the help of solar panels mounted on rooftop, MLC Ivan D’Souza said.

Bengaluru ranks first in tapping solar energy, D’Souza told after a meeting that around 377 rooftop solar energy units had been installed in the district last year. These units are generating 5081.58 Kw energy.

In Mangaluru alone, 177 solar rooftop units had been installed and generated 1641 Kw energy.

Even under Smart city projects, there was a proposal to generate 1500 Kw energy through roof top solar panels, he said.

He recollected installing rooftop solar panels of 3 Kw each, in 50 schools of Dakshina Kannada district under MLC grant last year.

He said the schools should use this money for improving infrastructure and sports facilities. The MLC observed that the surplus power could be generated from

schools when they close for holidays during peak summer. Ivan D’Souza said the solar panels come with a 25-year warranty and thus schools should not worry about maintaining the solar panels.

“I have spoken to Mangaluru Police Commissioner and SP to install solar panels in all the police stations in the district. Even the department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj had taken a decision to install solar rooftop panels in all offices of gram panchayats in the state,” he added.

He had utilised MLC fund for lighting up the homes of 35 endosulfan victims houses in Perabe in Puttur taluk through solar energy. The houses generated enough energy to power two lights, one fan and a mobile charger.

The MLC said that he had urged DK Zilla Panchayat and Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to make roof top solar panels mandatory for houses with more than 2,000 square feet area. The MCC should make roof top solar panels mandatory for commercial complexes while issuing license.

Zilla Panchayat had been asked to convert all high mast streetlights into solar powered lamps.

“DK Deputy Commissioner should convene a meeting and discuss on promoting roof top solar panels in the district. Already, majority of the government buildings had installed roof top panels in Mangaluru. The solar panels are ready for installation at Mangala Stadium,” he said.

BIHAR GOV’T BUILDINGS TO GET ROOFTOP SOLAR FROM NOV Under its grid connected rooftop scheme, Bihar Government has handed-over the task of installing rooftop solar systems on government buildings to Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) which is to be started in November, 2018.

Further, the center and the state government have to equally share the burden of installing similar rooftop solar systems on individual households, organizations and government buildings according to the scheme.

A BREDA official familiar with the project said, “The selection procedure for hiring an agency to undertake the installation work in government offices has been completed. We hope the work will start next month. We had received applications from offices under state government with a combined demand of 40MW of power through installing rooftop solar panels on government offices.”

Under the scheme, the state government has planned to redeem half the cost as subsidy for individual consumers, to be equally shared by the Centre and the state. A total Rs75,000 is required for installing 1kW capacity rooftop solar panel by an individual.

Whereas, government as well as social sector organizations’ installations are entitled to a subsidy of 25 percent of the cost incurred on the project.

Ashwini Ashok, solar power analyst at Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED), said, “Patna can generate

around 300MW solar power by using roof space. The residential buildings account for 80% of the city’s solar potential. The installation of rooftop solar panels at hospitals and offices under state government can generate huge amount of power. It will also contribute towards greater reliance on greener energy sources rather than traditional coal-based electricity.”

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NOVEMBER 2018

POLICY UPDATES

PUNJAB SOLAR CAPACITY SOARS TO 920 MW IN AUGUST The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), during 2nd Global Re-Invest 2018, said in a statement that, across government, we are talking about what is the defining issue of our generation - Climate and our transition to a low Carbon Future. Power is one of the key infrastructures for growth of industry and economy. Under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, the renewable energy sector has been infused with renewed energy and vitality. Under his guidance, a renewable energy capacity target of 1,75,000 MW has been set by the Govt. of India, to be achieved by 2022. Out of this, 1,00,000 MW is to be achieved through solar capacity including 40,000 MW rooftop capacity and the balance 75000 MW is to be achieved in the non-solar category.

• Punjab Govt. Initiatives to Implement Clean & Green Energy in the State

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NOVEMBER 2018

The State of Punjab is leading the nation in the renewable energy sector. The total installed RE capacity in the State is around 1593 MW including 920 MW in solar as on August, 2018. The hydro potential is limited to canals based small mini/hydro projects which has almost been fully harnessed. The major potential is only in the biofuel/bio-CNG and solar sector.

Punjab is primarily an agrarian economy and holds major potential for power generation from agro residues like cotton stalks, paddy (rice) straw and other biomass sources. The agriculture in the State is dominated by wheat paddy cycle producing more than 15 million tonne of rice straw. Most of the rice straw is burnt by the farmers in their fields, which is a cause of environmental pollution and soil degradation. This crop residue is now being utilized for power generation in the biomass power projects and the same is now contributing to the farmer's income and the State economy. The State NRSE Policy envisages a potential of 1100 MW generation from biomass based projects including co-generation uptill 2022. The total installed non solar RE capacity is 673 MW as on August 2018. In addition, the state is providing slew of incentives for setting-up of NRSE projects such as: • 100% exemption from payment of fee SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

and stamp duty for registration/lease deed charges for the land required for the project.

• 1 00% exemption from payment of CLU and EDC for the land required for Renewable Energy Power Projects.

• 100% Electricity Duty exemption for power consumed from state licensee during construction and testing of the project.

As a regulatory body, Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission is fully supporting the setting up of Renewable Energy Power Projects and determining preferential tariffs as per CERC Regulations adopted by the Commission with State specific parameters. The Commission determines generic (preferential) tariff every year.

The State has taken a major initiative during the last 3 years to enhance the solar capacity in line with the policy directions of the Govt. of India. The State was having installed capacity of only 9 MW in February, 2012 which has escalated to 920 MW as on August 2018.

The solar tariffs are coming down due to fall in the prices of solar PV modules as a result of economies of scale in production capacities and large market volumes. Besides the inherent advantage of solar power being pollution free, there being no fuel, can be installed in a decentralized manner near the load centers thereby reducing the transmission losses improving the quality of power supply. Till date, the rooftop potential

has not fully harnessed in the State. The State Govt. has issued the Net Metering Policy and the State Commission has also notified its Regulations on Net Metering.

The Punjab State and the State Regulatory Commission are fully geared towards harnessing the renewable potential in the State and contribute towards the national agenda of clean and green power.

• Major focus in the area of Bio-Fuel/ Bio-CNG:

Punjab is focusing on setting-up of Bioenergy projects (bio-CNG, bio-ethanol & biomass) and has taken major initiatives by signing of MOU's with various companies such as Hindustan Petroleum, Indian Oil Corporation, Verbio, Mahindra, Neway etc. Also, we are looking for the stakeholders to set-up manufacturing industries in Punjab. The status of some of the projects is as under:• HPCL(2G Etahnol Bio-refinery) - 100 KL per day production of Food Grade Ethanol based on Biofuel in TehsilTalwandi Saboo, District Bathinda- work commenced.

• Neway Renewable Energy (Bio-coal plant based on Paddy)- 75000 ton Bio-coal per annum in District Bathindawork commenced.

• Verbio- A 30 MT Bio-CNG Paddy Plant in District Sangrur - work commenced.

• Indian Oil Corporation Limited & Mahindra Waste to Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd.- proposals under consideration.

POLICY UPDATES

RK SINGH LAUNCHES AWARD SCHEME UNDER ‘SAUBHAGYA’ RK Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, has launched an award scheme under Saubhagya to felicitate the DISCOMs/ Power Department of the States and their employees for achieving 100 percent household electrification in their areas of operation.

The Ministry of Power said in a statement that, these awards would be provided for achieving 100 percent household electrification at DISCOM/ Power Department level of the States.

Eight States which have already achieved more than 99 percent household electrification prior to launch of Saubhagya (Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab and Tamil Nadu), are ineligible for participation under the award scheme.

All the remaining States and their Discoms are eligible for the award. The award will be given in 3 categories, (i) DISCOMs / Power Departments of Special Category States (which includes seven North Eastern States, Sikkim, J&K and Uttarakhand); (ii) DISCOMs / Power Departments of other than Special Category States (which includes Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telengana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal) having more than 5 Lakh unelectrified households and (iii) DISCOMs/ Power Departments of other than Special Category States having less than 5 Lakh un-electrified households.

Moreover, there will be 2 quantum of award in each of the 3 categories. Under 1st quantum of award, the 1st DISCOM/ Power Department to achieve 100 percent household electrification

by November 30, 2018 would be provided cash award of Rs 50 Lakh. The 2nd quantum of award includes cash award of Rs 100 crore as grant to the concerned DISCOM/ Power Department to be spent in distribution infrastructure development in their area of operation.

Other DISCOM/Power Department of the States to achieve 100% household electrification by 31st December 2018 would also be provided certificate of appreciation for five officials of any level from Managing Director to Lineman to be nominated by the Principal Secretary (Energy / Power) of the States.

DELHI MINISTER LAUNCHES RE INVEST SHOWCASES SOLAR CITY INITIATIVE PHASE-2 INDIA’S PERFORMANCE IN RE The second phase of Delhi power distribution company BSES' Solar City Initiative was launched by Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain.

The BSES said in a statement that, this phase, which will cover the Shakur Basti area, follows the success of the first phase started by the company in Dwarka where around 100 housing societies and apartment complexes have signed up for the initiative.

“The Shakur Basti area is home to several colonies and has a substantial rooftop solar potential of around 15 MWp. BRPL is targeting to realise around 5 MWp of rooftop net metering from the area by 2019-20,” it added.

Under the phase-1 in Dwarka, “around 25 societies having installed solar capacity of 1.5 MWp have already been energised or are about to be energised. The work at the remaining societies is at different stages,” it said.

BSES further added that, “The rooftop solar tariff identified through competitive bidding in the case of Dwarka residents was Rs 2.66/kWh (kilowatt hour) net of generation based incentive and is around Rs 2.50/kWh less than the electricity tariff.”

The Solar City initiative, launched in January, is being implemented by BRPL in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ India) under its Indo-German Solar Partnership project.

Unlike the first RE Invest held in 2015, the second RE Invest has rather chose to showcase India’s achievements in the renewable energy sector than seeking investments.

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)’s flagship event to promote the spread of renewable energy has this time aimed at exchange of ideas between state and private players.

“During the first RE Invest commitments were sought since the aim then was to bring renewable energy tariffs down,” said K. S. Popli, Chairman, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), the MNRE’s lending arm for renewable energy projects. “Since then tariffs have come down steeply, so that is not required any more. This time we wanted to showcase India’s achievements in renewable energy. The event has put India on the world renewable energy map as a significant player.”

Moreover, India currently has around 71 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, including 34 GW of wind and 23 GW of solar, which is double of what it had four years ago, and around 20% of the country’s total installed power capacity.

The RE Invest 2018 was conducted along with first assembly of India and France’s joint initiative, International Solar Alliance (ISA). The events projected the significance that India currently has around 71 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, including 34 GW of wind and 23 GW of solar, which is double of what it had four years ago, and around 20% of the country’s total installed power capacity.

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NOVEMBER 2018

POLICY UPDATES

PM TO INAUGURATE SOLAR COOP SOCIETY IN GUJARAT In order to push the use of renewable energy and provide the stakeholders with ample opportunity in solar industry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to inaugurate a solar cooperative society in Mujkuva Village of Anand in Gujarat.

The inauguration will add to the country’s pro-active approach in the solar development and a support to India’s solar target of 100 GW by year 2022.

Moreover, the government also claims

to have achieved 13 percent of the annual solar target of 2018-19 till July end.

However, a recent report by consultancy group ‘Bridge to India’ mentions that India still needs higher capacity addition pace in order to achieve the 100 GW target. It states that the country yields 77 percent of its energy requirements from coal which further seems to reciprocate endeavor.

Additionally, the safeguard duty

introduced by the Finance Ministry has led to an expected slowdown in the solar industry. It has brought the manufacturers and the developers in a face to face battle which makes investors reluctant to foray solar sector.

Besides solar cooperative society, PM Modi will also inaugurate an ultramodern chocolate plant of dairy major Amul and an Amul’s incubation centre cum center of excellence for food processing in Anand.

INDIA’S 40 GW ROOFTOP SOLAR TARGET AMBITIOUS

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NOVEMBER 2018

The global experts has supported India’s ambitious goals of achieving 40 GW rooftop solar target by 2022 and termed it as realistic during a session on ‘Rooftop Solar PV Market Trends’ held during 2nd Global Re-Invest India-ISA Partnership Renewable Energy Investors’ Meet & Expo.

The session brought together experts who discussed global market trends, smart business models, and best practices in rooftop solar PV domain in India and Europe.

Bruce Douglas, Deputy CEO and COO, Solar Power Europe, termed India’s 40 GW rooftop solar target as ambitious but also realistic.

He also emphasised on awareness and education of consumers as well as the commercial sectors.

“Small scale renewable projects are key drivers of the European energy transition.

Small solar systems & storage are the backbone of a digitized, decarbonized, distributed and democratized energy system which empowers consumers, businesses and territories. We are looking at immense potential as well as socio-economic benefits. We need to look especially at the cities as they are responsible for 75 percent of energy demand and are therefore crucial to energy transition,” he added.

Speaking on cost of renewable, Deloitte, Director, Consulting - Energy & Resources, Rajneesh Sharma said, “Solar is emerging as a preferred technology given the cost reduction in the last few years. A lot of companies are looking at renewables as SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

the way forward to reduce overall cost.

Incentives and subsidies by MNRE have also given the segment a huge push. Also, unlike other renewable energy projects, rooftop solar gives consumers ways to easily adapt it to their needs. India has an ambitious rooftop solar target of 40 GW in installed capacity by 2022 and we have a long way to go.”

He further explained, “We have still not seen a successful model to aggregate under the OPEX model. There is a lack of consumer awareness as well. We need tariff rationalization; we need to avoid frequent changes to net-metering framework; discoms and SNAs too need to be supported to facilitate implementation of roof top solar; and a rating mechanism should be created for developers.”

Jens Martin, CEO, VIDJA and Vice Chair, Solar Power Europe drew the audiences’ attention towards utilities: “Utilities have the potential to create disruption. The

future lies in solutions such as Google’s ‘Sunroof’ that helps you map your roof’s solar savings potential; ‘SolarCloud’ which is akin to virtual storage that can be used later for a different purpose. At E.ON we are developing solutions such as Smart Check that can even detect energy consumption at an appliance level.”

He further added, “We need to take into account customers’ needs. Every market has a different need. European member countries are active in India and we are connecting with stakeholders like Indian industries’ associations and Indian solar players. We are identifying areas of collaboration between EU Businesses and India.”

Somanth Yogi, Technical Head, Renewable Energy Cooperation, focused on the recycling aspect, “The end of commercially useful life of solar panels is usually 25-30 years. We need to ensure proper recycling. In Europe they have WEEE Framework making it mandatory for the importers of panels to recycle properly. In Singapore, private companies pay to take the scrap modules away.

Japan’s Photovoltaic Energy Association has voluntary recycling guidelines which lays foundation for future enforceability.

We need government regulations to deal with electrical waste directly. We need a complete overhaul in the system to redefine and classify solar modules into a defined category. A value chain needs to be created and customer needs to be incentivized to be an active participant.”

MODULE UPDATES

ECOPROGETTI SUPPLIES 250 MW PRODUCTION LINE The line, supplied by the Italian PV equipment provider, will produce glassglass and bifacial modules. Almaden will install the line at a new factory in Al Hoceima, north Morocco.

Italian PV equipment provider Ecoprogetti has supplied a 250 MW fully automated PV module production line, which has the capacity to produce both glass-glass and bifacial modules, to US-based solar module maker Almaden.

Almaden, which also operates a glassglass solar panel manufacturing facility in Dubai, will install the line at a new factory in Al Hoceima, north Morocco.

According to Ecoprogetti, the new factory will employ around 100 people and will start manufacturing activities in late October. The company added that the glass-glass modules produced at the factory will be suitable for the difficult climatic conditions in Northern Africa.

Ecoprogetti further claims that the line’s electric laminator (ECOLAM DS 10) has the shortest and most reliable cycle times, as well as the best temperature uniformity over the complete plates, which enables a rapid lamination process with excellent Gel Content tests results.

“Each heating plate of the laminator

can be controlled separately to optimize the lamination of each panel produced, while the ECOLAM’s fast air evacuation system blocks the formation of air bubbles in the panel during the lamination process which makes this

laminator one of the most efficient in the market” the Italian company said in a statement released.

At its Moroccan factory, Almaden will manufacture both mono- and polycrystalline n-type PV modules.

EMMVEE LAUNCHES NEW AC SOLAR MODULE AT REI 2018

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NOVEMBER 2018

Adding to its innovation pipeline, leading solar module manufacturer, EMMVEE Photovoltaic Power has launched a new type of alternative current (AC) solar module at the Renewable Energy India expo 2018 (REI 2018).

Moreover, the specialty of this solar module is that it can produce AC electricity directly and has an inbuilt micro inverter.

Unlike the conventional DC output solar modules, this module operates independently. It is comparatively safer as it handles low voltage at the module level and this is ideal for all the applications.

Further, the solar module is reliable and it’s simple to install.

Whenever there is a need to further expands power plant capacity, additional AC modules can be just connected without any major modifications to the wiring.

Also, the company assures the module along with the inverter with a guarantee of 10 years.

On the occasion, Managing Director, Emmvee, D.V.Manjunatha commented, “We at Emmvee have been producing module SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

since 25 years and we know exactly what it takes to produce the best quality solar PV modules. To stand testimony for Emmvee modules have been used in many major PV grid connected projects worldwide and has returned outstanding performance and it is all because of our focus on quality and paying attention to every minor details in sourcing the finest raw materials and in the manufacturing.”

MODULE UPDATES

TRINA SOLAR SUPPLIES 123 MW PV MODULES TO DTEK

Chinese solar giant Trina Solar has delivered 123 MW of PV modules to a PV power plant project developed

by DTEK, the largest private energy company in Ukraine.

After completion, the project will become the largest PV power facility locally and the largest single PV power station in Europe.

Located near Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in Central Ukraine, the project has a planned capacity of 246 MW and will be capable of producing 280 million kWh of solar power per year, ranking among the top 3 such suppliers in Europe.

The power station is expected to

be completed in early 2019 and be connected to the grid in March.

From that point forward the power station will be able to guarantee an electricity supply to 100,000 households in Ukraine and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 300,000 tons annually.

Currently, Ukraine’s energy supply mainly relies on fossil fuels and nuclear energy, with renewable energy accounting for a very small proportion.

To diversify its energy sources, the government of Ukraine initiated a national energy development strategy, aimed at increasing total installed capacity of renewable energy to 5GW by 2020.

Commenting on the development,

Trina Solar, Executive Vice President, Yin Rongfang said, “As technology continues to advance, solar PV as an energy source will gradually reach grid parity. At the same time, demand in emerging markets is increasing.

This year, Trina Solar has, on several occasions, had good news to report from emerging markets including Ukraine and Vietnam, and we are very excited to have been recognized and trusted by local customers. As a global PV company that has maintained steady development over the long term, Trina Solar will continue to promote the application and adoption of clean energy worldwide.”

TITAN SOLAR JOINS HAND WITH SILFAB FOR PANELS North America’s one of the leading PV module maker Silfab Solar has entered into a new partnership with PM&M Electric, doing business as Titan Solar Power, to deliver its high-efficiency solar panels.

Titan Solar’s initial commitments includes the Silfab 300w and 320w modules, the most sought-after panels for residential installations, and are expected to represent a good portion of Titan’s more than 80MW annual portfolio. Sales of Silfab panels were initiated by Titan’s team in August.

Commenting on the deal, Titan Solar

Power, President and CEO, David Williamson said, “Silfab’s ongoing commitment to premium quality modules built in North America ensured our sales teams had access to the most competitive solar solution in the US market.”

Williamson further added that, Silfab is also providing strategic sales support to Titan.

“Silfab looks forward to delivering Titan the solar panels that regularly outperform competing products in efficiency, endurance and long-term power performance,” said Geoff Atkins,

Silfab's Head of Business Development and Marketing.

Because of its proven ability to deliver the highest-quality and technologically advanced products, Silfab continues to grow its distribution partnerships and sales networks with PV modules now present in 33 states and Puerto Rico.

The company has recently partnered with DSM to mass produce high-power back-contact PV solar modules, and has launched its first United States manufacturing operation and extended its warranty to 25 years.

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INNOVATION UPDATES

NEW MATERIAL, MANUFACTURING PROCESS USE SUN'S HEAT FOR CHEAPER RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY

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Solar power accounts for less than 2 percent of U.S. electricity but could make up more than that if the cost of electricity generation and energy storage for use on cloudy days and at nighttime were cheaper.

A Purdue University-led team developed a new material and manufacturing process that would make one way to use solar power – as heat energy – more efficient in generating electricity.

The innovation is an important step for putting solar heat-to-electricity generation in direct cost competition with fossil fuels, which generate more than 60 percent of electricity in the U.S. “Storing solar energy as heat can already be cheaper than storing energy via batteries, so the next step is reducing the cost of generating electricity from the sun's heat with the added benefit of zero greenhouse gas emissions,” said Kenneth Sandhage, Purdue’s Reilly Professor of Materials Engineering.

The research, which was done at Purdue in collaboration with the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of WisconsinMadison and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, published in the journal Nature.

This work aligns with Purdue's Giant Leaps celebration, acknowledging the university’s global advancements made for a sustainable economy and planet as part of Purdue’s 150th anniversary. This is one of the four themes of the yearlong celebration’s Ideas Festival, designed to SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

showcase Purdue as an intellectual center solving real-world issues.

Solar power doesn't only generate electricity via panels in farms or on rooftops. Another option is concentrated power plants that run on heat energy.

Concentrated solar power plants convert solar energy into electricity by using mirrors or lenses to concentrate a lot of light onto a small area, which generates heat that is transferred to a molten salt. Heat from the molten salt is then transferred to a "working" fluid, supercritical carbon dioxide, that expands and works to spin a turbine for generating electricity.

To make solar-powered electricity cheaper, the turbine engine would need to generate even more electricity for the same amount of heat, which means the engine needs to run hotter.

The problem is that heat exchangers, which transfer heat from the hot molten salt to the working fluid, are currently made of stainless steel or nickel-based alloys that get too soft at the desired higher temperatures and at the elevated pressure of supercritical carbon dioxide.

Inspired by the materials his group had previously combined to make "composite" materials that can handle high heat and pressure for applications like solid-fuel rocket nozzles, Sandhage worked with Asegun Henry, now at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to conceive of a similar composite for more robust heat exchangers.

Two materials showed promise together as a composite: The ceramic zirconium carbide, and the metal tungsten.

Purdue researchers created plates of the ceramic-metal composite. The plates host customizable channels for tailoring the exchange of heat, based on simulations of the channels conducted at Georgia Tech by Devesh Ranjan's team.

Mechanical tests helped show that this new composite material could be tailored to successfully withstand the higher temperature, high-pressure supercritical carbon dioxide needed for generating electricity more efficiently than today’s heat exchangers.

An economic analysis by Georgia Tech and Purdue researchers also showed that the scaled-up manufacturing of these heat exchangers could be conducted at comparable or lower cost than for stainless steel or nickel alloy-based ones.

“Ultimately, with continued development, this technology would allow for large-scale penetration of renewable solar energy into the electricity grid,” Sandhage said.

“This would mean dramatic reductions in man-made carbon dioxide emissions from electricity production.”

A patent application has been filed for this advancement. The work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, which has also recently awarded additional funding for further development and scaling up the technology.

PUNJAB SOLAR ENERGY POLICY

1. OBJECTIVES Objective of the state solar policy include:1.1 Punjab has considerable potential in NRSE sector which is being harnessed. With a view to maximize the utilization of these resources; this policy aims to achieve the following objectives: • To maximise and improve the share of new and renewable sources of energy to 10% of the total installed power capacity in the state by 2022. NRSE sector wise details are mentioned separately.

• To promote renewable energy initiatives for meeting energy / lighting needs in rural areas and supplementing energy needs in urban, industrial and commercial sectors.

1.2 Further, in order to achieve the aforesaid objectives, the following shall bethe major strategic initiatives :• To create conducive conditions for attracting private sector investment in NRSE projects along with broader participation by public community/civil society.

• To provide decentralized renewable energy for agriculture, industry, commercial and household sector particularly in rural areas thereby improving the quality of power and reducing transmission & distribution losses.

• To give support to specific NRSE projects and schemes for generating energy and conserving energy through energy efficiency.

• To support research and development, demonstration and commercialization of new and emerging technologies in renewable energy sector such as fuel cell, hydrogen and chemical energy, alternate fuels for transportation etc.

2. NRSE THRUST AREAS 2.1 NRSE are defined as Small hydro upto 25MW, Biomass including Cogeneration, Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Thermal, Urban, Municipal and Industrial solid / liquid Wastes, Biomethanation, Gasification, Wind and New NRSE sources like fuel cells/Hydrogen/Biofuels etc. of any capacity. This form of energy would mitigate carbon dioxide emissions and combat climate change. Given the geographical location of the State of Punjab, and its access to various sources of energy, the State would promote investment through private/public sector participation in the following areas: 2.2 Small/ Mini / Micro Hydel: By virtue of its topographic location and agriculture base, the State has an extensive irrigation canal network with estimated total potential of over 250 MW. The State Government is committed to exploit the total potential by the year 2022.

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2.3 Biomass/Agro residue: Punjab is primarily an agrarian SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

economy and holds tremendous potential for energy generation from agro- residues like Cotton stalks, Paddy Straw, Paddy Husk etc. It is proposed to achieve a target of 600 MW power generation in this sector by 2022.

Also the existing industries like Sugar, Paper and others have still an estimated unexploited potential of about 500MW of co-generation. Details are placed at Annexure-1A. 2.4 Urban, Municipal and Industrial Liquid / Solid Waste: At present about 5000 Metric Tons of Municipal, Urban and Industrial solid waste is being produced every day in the urban areas of the State. Introducing scientific processing and treatment of this quantity of waste would add to power generation besides being environmentally benign. Such projects shall be supported on different waste streams in the State. It is proposed to achieve a target of 50 MW power generation in this sector by 2022.

2.5 Solar Power generation: Punjab is endowed with vast potential of solar energy with over 300 days of sunshine in a year with insolation level varying between 4-7 Kw/ sq.mtr. Solar Power Generation capacity is targeted at 1000MW by 2022. With these projects located closer to the load in distribution/ transmission network, distribution losses will be reduced considerably and voltage drop at peak day time load will be minimized. Details are placed at Annexure-1B. 2.6 Wind Power: Wind power potential is low in the State as the necessary wind speed is not there. The state will support programmes to set up innovative technology based wind turbines.

2.7 Upcoming NRSE technology based projects: Lot of research is going on around the world for efficient and economic transformation of available renewable sources of energy for usage by the society. Fuel cells, Hydrogen energy, geothermal energy, Bio fuels, Bioethanol etc. have great potential of becoming commercial RE technologies. Pilot, demonstration & commercial projects in these upcoming NRSE technology sector shall be encouraged to be set up in the state by PEDA. In addition PEDA shall take up R&D projects in the Biomass especially paddy straw combustion for power generation through Rankin cycle/gasification in pilot mode.GIS mapping shall be carried out for land, biomass and solar radiation and made available to project developers for project facilitation. PEDA shall also carry out Power transmission/distribution grid network study on 132/66 KV substations for assessing the location suitability of RE projects for max grid/power benefits in terms of voltage improvement, reduction in transmission/distribution losses, evacuation infrastructure/support and decentralized power supply.

PUNJAB SOLAR ENERGY POLICY

2.8 Promotion of Green Technologies: PEDA shall facilitate and promote the green technologies in the state for furthering the economic and industrial development. Technologies such as Electric Vehicles, Compressed Biogas for Transportation, Green battery technologies, energy efficient, carbon neutral building technologies shall be promoted.

3. ENERGY CONSERVATION Conservation of energy in domestic, commercial, agriculture, transportation and industrial sectors can lead to major savings in terms of reduced energy consumption thereby leading to bridge the energy demand supply gap in the state. There is a potential of saving of energy upto 20-25% in different sectors of the economy in the state. Energy Conservation Measures shall be implemented and enforced in the state in accordance with the provisions contained in the Energy Conservation Act2001 by PEDA, in consultation with Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India. Punjab has issued notifications for mandatory use of CFL, Roof Top Solar Water Heating Systems, BIS approved & minimum BEE 4 Star Labeled pump sets and promotion of energy efficient buildings. Demo projects have been initiated for development of energy efficiency in municipal street lighting, water pumping & existing Govt. buildings. Use of BEE Star Labeled electrical appliances in all government organizations has also been mandated.

Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) has been launched

by Bureau of Energy Efficiency, MOP, GOI on 27th May, 2007 to be implemented on voluntarily basis. The code is applicable to buildings / building complexes that have a connected load / contract demand of 100 kW / 120 KVA or moreand is being amended as the Punjab Energy Conservation Building Code (PECBC) to be applicable in the state of Punjab which falls in the composite climate zone within the provision of the EC Act2001. Three types of Green building rating are also available i.e. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) & BEE Star Rating of Buildings. An energy conservation action plan team has been constituted under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary, Science & Technology, Environment and NCES which reviews implementation of various energy conservation programmes in the State.

4. FACILITATION OF NRSE PROJECTS 4.1 Govt. of Punjab shall provide assistance for setting up of NRSE projects in the state. In addition the Govt. shall also provide fiscal and technical assistance to encourage setting up of these projects.

4.2 NODAL AGENCY: Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) is the nodal agency for the implementation of the NRSE Policy on behalf of the Govt. of Punjab. PEDA VOL 3 l ISSUE 03 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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PUNJAB SOLAR ENERGY POLICY

will be responsible for laying down the procedure for inviting of proposals from NRSE project developers i.e. preparing bid documents, managing the bid process, evaluation of project proposals and its award to successful bidder, project approvals and scrutiny of DPR, project implementation and monitoring. All NRSE project developers in the state (including Captive, Cogeneration, IPP and merchant power developers) will be required to submit their project proposals with PEDA for approval and validation for sale of power in or outside the state.

4.3 S INGLE WINDOW CLEARANCE: Setting up of NRSE projects involves sanctions/clearances from a number of Government Agencies/Departments. The State Government shall provide the clearances in a time bound manner through a single window mechanism within a period of 60 days after the submission of complete application along with necessary enclosures, fees/ charges and DPR. The Detailed procedure for according approvals/clearances is placed at Annexure-II. 4.4 F ISCAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: These have been detailed out in annexure on “FISCAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE� attached at Annexure-III.

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4.5 A LLOTMENT OF PROJECTS: All NRSE Projects including Small Hydro Projects upto 25 MW capacity, Biomass IPP, MW scale Solar PV & Solar Thermal Projects, Waste to energy projects under IPP mode and MW scale roof top solar PV for net metering/sale of power shall be allocated through competitive bidding by PEDA. The project developers shall sell all the energy generated from the projects to PSPCL/Licensee at the tariff arrived after competitive bidding. Financial eligibility Criteria for NRSE projects to be allocated through competitive bidding is given at Annexure-IV. Projects under REC mechanism may be allocated through competitive bidding based on the percentage share of REC price. For any project to be set up under REC mechanism, the first right to purchase power will lie with PSPCL/LICENSEE at APPC tariff. On their refusal, the bidding will envisage sale of power in open access.

Self-identified projects in the field of Small Hydro, waste to energy based on cattle dung/ vegetable waste / poultry waste projects& Biomass Power Projects Based on Energy Plantation & Rice Mill Integrated shall be allocated on the recommendation of the project allocation committee on case to case basis.

Surplus Power from NRSE Co-generation Projects shall be procured by signing of Implementation Agreement (IA). In case of upcoming NRSE technology demonstration projects, the MOU route may be considered.

All NRSE projects of capacity upto 1 MW shall be allocated on the recommendation of PEDA, whereas all NRSE projects of capacity more than 1 MW shall be allocated on the recommendation of the Project Allotment Committee consisting of following members:SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

Principal Secretary to Government of Punjab, Department of Science, Technology, Environment and NonConventional Energy

Chairman

Principal Secretary to Government of Punjab, Department of Power

Member

Principal Secretary to Government of Punjab, Department of Finance

Member

Chief Executive, Punjab Energy Development Agency.

Member

Chairman cum MD, Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd.

Member

Director, PEDA.

Member

Jt. Director (Projects), PEDA

Convener

The Committee shall examine/evaluate the techno-commercial conditions in the bidding documents for projects to be allocated through competitive bidding/detailed project report for project proposals under MOU route & shall grant approval to the offers/project proposal after considering the financial capability, technical capability, status of technical collaboration with proven technology suppliers, status of land identification and its availability etc.

5. RE Tariff The NRSE projects shall be provided tariff for sale of power as per PSERC RE tariff orders and shall be governed by RE regulations.

5.1 The preferential tariff of sale of power to the PSPCL/licensee from NRSE projects to be set up under this Policy shall be as notified by the PSERCfor the financial year in which PPA is signed but shall be revised as per tariff notified for the financial year in which the scheduled date of commissioning of the project falls except in case of Solar PV and Solar Thermal power projects in which the tariff applicability is for two years and three years respectively inclusive of the Financial year in which PPA is signed in accordance with the CERC RE regulations. Likewise, in case of NRSEprojects allocated through tariff based competitive bidding / discount on preferential tariff, the tariff arrived after competitive bidding / discounted tariff shall be applicable in accordance with CERC RE regulations.

5.2 The developer in technologies/resources where tariff has not been notified by the PSERC shall be required to submit petition to the Commission for determination of tariff.

5.3 To maximize the availability of NRSE Power for PSPCL/ LICENSEE and to meet its RPO, NRSE based captive / cogen power projects setup and commissioned during the period of NRSE Policy-2006 having surplus power and not registered with PEDA so far or not signed the Implementation agreement will be allowed to get themselves registered with PEDA and to sign agreement to facilitate power purchase by PSPCL/LICENSEE. PSPCL will sign only long term PPA with such registered projects on the last escalated

PUNJAB SOLAR ENERGY POLICY

policy, penalty provisions in case of delay, arbitration etc.

6.3 PSPCL/LICENSEE shall sign a Power Purchase Agreement within 30 days from the date of order issued by Commission in case tariff approval is to be given by PSERC. In case of competitively arrived tariff/preferential tariff and APPC, the PPA shall be signed within 30 days from the date of signing Implementation agreement by PEDA. 6.4 Scheduling: The NRSE projects operating in synchronization with PSPCL /PSTCL system and selling /wheeling power shall be required to adhere to scheduling as per applicable regulations of the Appropriate Commission.

6.5 Banking: The banking facility for the power generated shall be allowed for a period of one year by the PSPCL/ LICENSEE/PSTCL. However, the energy banked during nonpaddy season and non peak hours will not be allowed to be drawn during paddy season and peak hours respectively. tariff of NRSE Policy-2006 payable for FY 2011-12.

5.4 As per Power Purchase Agreements signed with PSEB (now PSPCL) by IPP Biomass/Biogas power projects allocated by PEDA & set-up during the period of NRSE Policy 2001,the tariff has become stagnant at Rs. 3.49 per unit since2006.

The generic tariff as per RE tariff regulation 2012 notified by CERC and adopted by PSERC for biomass power projects allows 5% annual rise in the fuel cost for the tariff period from the date of commissioning. Therefore to enable these projects to continue generation, the tariff for these projects will be re-determined by PSERC for the remaining period of PPA. 5.5 No parallel operation charges shall be levied on NRSE projects.

6. IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS 6.1 After issuing of all applicable statutory clearances the Producer shall enter into an Implementation Agreement with PEDA within a period of 15 days from the date of grant of applicable statutory clearances for the project and also notification of tariff if applicable. The project developer shall be required to submit a performance security in the shape of Bank Guarantee of Rs 20lacs per MW in case of non-solar projects and Rs. 40 Lacs per MW in case of solar projects before signing of implementation agreement or as stipulated in the bid document. The performance security shall be forfeited by PEDA for delays attributable to the developer as given in the allotment letter/implementation agreement/bid document.

6.2 The implementation agreement shall contain the major provisions for project allocation, land, location, power evacuation, project completion schedule ,time period, project life, tariff, tariff period, PPA period, various fiscal and technical assistance granted to the projects under NRSE

6.6 Injection of NRSE power: PSPCL/LICENSEE/PSTCL will accept the injection of energy in full even during sustained high frequency hours to ensure full utilization of non-conventional energy resources and merit order shall not be applicable.

6.7 Energy Payment: PSPCL/LICENSEE will clear dues within 60 days. However if the Developer requests for payment in 30 days or against Letter of Credit / payment in 7 days, rebate of 1% or 2% respectively, as the case may be, will be admissible to PSPCL/LICENSEE. Delay in payments will attract interest as per PSERC/CERC regulations.

6.8 Letter Of Credit: PSPCL/LICENSEE/PSTCL will provide facility of irrevocable and revolving, Letter of Credit issued by any nationalized bank. The amount of the Letter of Credit shall be equal to the bill amount of one month on the basis of average of last three months. All expenditures on Letter of Credit shall be borne by the power producers.

6.9 All project developers shall be required to submit monthly statement for verification of usage of fuel as detailed out in RE regulations and orders for determination of generic tariff issued by CERC. In addition, monthly information with regard to other parameter like energy generated, revenue earned, power factor and plant load factor achieved, reasons for non achievement of full generation etc as directed by PEDA shall also be submitted so as to maintain and update data bank on NRSE generation in the state and also for the purpose of monitoring generation under RPO regulations.

7. AMENDMENTS/ RELAXATION/ INTERPRETATION OF PROVISIONS OF THE POLICY Government of Punjab, Department of Science, Technology, Environment and Non-Conventional Energy shall take up cases for amendment/ relaxation/ addition/ interpretation of provisions under this policy.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 03 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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THE CONVERSATION

SAIKAT ROY

MD & CEO, myWay Energy and Lighting India Pvt Ltd GOVT HAS TO DO AWAY WITH SUBSIDIES TO RURAL CUSTOMER

The government has to do away with the subsidies to the rural customer and then the solar rooftop scheme will get traction. The industries are cross subsiding the rural subsidies and hence the DISCOMS are apprehensive in giving approvals. There is however the RPO’s which will rise to 8% and it will be in the interest of the DISCOMS to allow operators like us to invest on behalf of the DISCOMS and help them achieve their targets, says Saikat Roy, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, myWay Energy and Lighting India Pvt Ltd, a fully-integrated player in the global PV market focused on placement, development, EPC, O&M service and SAC funding. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Sub Editor, Saur Energy International, Roy shared his views on various issues which the power sector is currently dealing with along with his company’s future plan of action in the renewable energy segment. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.

Q

To begin with, please tell our readers more about myWay Solar and its contribution towards clean & green energy.

Ravi Renewable and Lighting India Pvt Ltd (RREL) is an organization that tries to understand the pain points of the industry and works towards elimination of those difficulties. We have two divisions – Renewable and LED lighting and in both these divisions we run one of a kind schemes for the industry and our customers. We run both the organizations under the brand “MyWay”. In

Renewable we run the Same As Cash Mechanism (SACM) and in Lighting we run the Smart Save Smart Gain scheme (SSSG). RREL is an extremely customer centric organization and all our decisions are based on customer satisfaction. Our strong promoter credentials (we are promoted by the The Three Sisters: Institutional Office TTSIO) along with the unique offerings are helping us to outperform the industry and we are tripling our growth over the last two years and will continue to grow at this fast pace over the next three years as well. We are already generating profits in just the second full year of operations and this year we will set up internal processes to manage the phenomenal growth that we will be achieving in FY 19. The four core values of the organization are – • We should be the easiest company to do business with • Choose a customer carefully but once chosen never let profit centre conflicts get in the way of doing what is right for the customer • Each Individual is a Leader, A profit centre head and a Decision Maker – Leaner is better • We will not resort to shortcuts in getting business, we will follow the right and ethical way – Zero Tolerance to Unethical Practices These are the basic principles on which I and each employee of the organization take our decisions. Employees are empowered to take decisions and the management backs them as long as they fall under our core principles.

THE CONVERSATION

We are working in a segment wherein we can have an impact on the socio-economic structure of our country and strongly believe that solar has to be utilised where it is generated. Hence we are working very strongly in the off grid segment and on solar rooftops.

Q

What is myWay Solar’s – 360o Business Model? Please elaborate.

Under the 360o Business model, we take care of all our partner’s needs – end to end. Under this model the customer does not have to invest into his business nor does he have to increase his fixed expenses. As our partners grow, it not only helps the industry to grow but also increases employment opportunities and impacts the lives of numerous people.

We are trying to follow a holistic approach wherein we do not compromise with the quality of the product while creating a business environment conducive for growth and also contributing to a better tomorrow.

In the renewable sector we run the SACM scheme. Presently we have close to 13 business partners across India. We are partnering these companies to scale up at a faster pace than what they would have done individually. We are aggregating businesses across regions and using those economies of scale to bring down material and operational costs. In the SACM scheme we finance procurement, as well as provide operational support like sourcing, warehousing, insuring and even commissioning projects. We help in improving the business efficiencies of our business partners, we help them to expand without them having to increase their fixed costs, we train their people in project management principles and we work closely with the promotors for seamless transition to the next level.

In the LED lighting sector, we run the SSSG scheme, wherein we encourage companies to invest in fixed assets which has direct relation to increasing their productivity whereas we take care of installing/ replacing and maintenance of their lights. We work in the industrial and commercial segment where proper lighting is of utmost importance. We educate end customers on the importance of proper lighting in different areas of use like offices, factories, conference rooms etc.

We provide entire lighting design and then install energy efficient LED lights to bring down their electricity costs.

We provide for warranties which are higher

We are strong propagators of using Solar where it is generated and believe that this sector will see tremendous growth over the next decade.

than the present prevailing market norms and also give them free maintenance for one extra year. As we move forward we intend to add more energy efficient products into our portfolio in order to provide more options to our customers.

Both the above schemes are customer centric wherein we enable them to focus on their core strength without having to spend time and money on operational issues. We get paid only if our products and services perform upto their expectations. In short we help customers increase their revenues and profit without having to spend from their pockets for doing so.

How do you ensure the quality and durability of your products?

Q

We ensure that all the procurement is done by our team. This is beneficial to our partners also as we are aggregate the business and bring scale to procurement thus adding value to our customers. We are traditionally larger buyers than most of our partners. This ensures that we have a better grip on the vendors. During procurement we ensure that our quality personnel are stationed at the vendor factories. We ensure that products are manufactured as per our specifications and there are no deviations. Over the last three years there have been numerous instances wherein we have rejected lots and the vendors have had to manufacture again to meet our specifications. We also ensure that all products are as per our norms or as per norms of the tender, whichever is applicable.

Q

What are the regions in which myWay Solar has its footprints across the country?

MyWay Solar has over the last three years worked on a Pan India scale. We have worked in Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. We are looking at new opportunities for our rooftop development business and will definitely add to our tally in the coming months.

Q

In your view, how Solar PV Pumps are changing the lives of people in rural India?

I believe that the Solar PV Pump scheme is an excellent scheme for rural India. Like our 360o model, this scheme is also beneficial VOL 3 l ISSUE 03 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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THE CONVERSATION

to all stakeholders – Farmers, Governments at the state and good quality products as per or better than specifications and national level and to the solar industry as well. We are all aware also providing employment opportunities in rural India. Through that during seasons of deficit rainfall, most governments have this scheme itself we have touched more than 1 lakh lives. to resort to farm loan waivers for our farmers. While many view What will be the myWay Solar’s expansion plans for the that as a populist scheme but in reality the farmers are left with renewable segment in next few years? no option. Then there is free electricity for the farmers. Actually, India still has a lot of work left in transmission of power to the fields. The government is working hard to transmit electricity We are today the largest aggregator of off-grid solar business to the villages but then electricity reaching the fields is a in India. Over the last three years we have ourselves installed distant dream. It would be a huge burden on the exchequer if more than 15 thousand home lighting systems, close to 5000 solar transmission and distribution lines have to be laid on a Pan India pumps and numerous rooftop and ground mounted projects. scale. The banks will also be saved from cases of loan waivers. We have been facilitated for our unique business model on The Solar Pump schemes are actually subsidised from the central numerous forums and have grown for a single member to more and state schemes but the farmers have to pay a part so that than 75 employees in two and a half years. We have turned a sense of belonging is achieved. It is being run by various state profitable in the second year of operation and have been governments and is helping local companies to achieve scale. doubling our growth YoY. We are targeting establishing our It is also helping sales of Solar Panels, Pumps, Structures and base in India which is the fastest growing solar market in the balance of systems while also creating local employment for world. We want to work across all solar segments and not limit installation and later maintenance of these pumps. The pumps ourselves to only off grid or the developer model. We want to are under warranty for a period of five years wherein the nodal be the only solar company in India who are spread across the agencies hold performance bank guarantees of the successful entire domain. We would also like to leverage this model even bidders thus ensuring compliance to quality for the period of 5 outside India specifically South and South- East Asia and Africa. years. In that time the local electricians will be trained enough Other than the SAC mechanism, we have also become to take up small servicing works. Through this scheme we have developers this year and are targeting rooftops in the industrial and educational sector as primary customers. We have seen touched close to 25 thousand lives.

We have seen that the farmers have graduated from a single good traction and are in the process of executing these crop to a double crop season after installation of these pumps projects. We would like to scale up this vertical along with our thus increasing their status and economic condition. We have other business line for faster growth. also seen farmers have started selling water to other adjacent We are strong propagators of using Solar where it is generated and believe that this sector will see tremendous growth over farms where pumps are not installed.

There is also a scheme called the KUSUM scheme where power the next decade. We should be touching INR1.5 billion this year will not only be utilised for running the pumps but extra power and are targeting to reach INR 5 billion over the next two years. will also be fed to the grid and the farmer will be paid for this Being a rooftop solar solutions provider, are there any generation. This would also ensure less depletion of ground hindrances you face which you want from the government water and is a long term solution to the electricity problem in to be taken care of? rural India.

We strongly feel that rooftop solar is a market to be in. This is As India has set its target for ‘24x7 Power for All’ by March the only Solar vertical which can work on market mode. All 2019. How myWay Solar is contributing towards this initiative? the others will have to be government tender driven. There is huge capacity in India and penetration as of today is very We are one of the few companies who have developed the low. We strongly feel that this product can add tremendous Solar Charge Controller for the Saubhagya Scheme of the value to our customers. government of India. We have nit only developed the same Having said that, this is dependent on state policies as DISCOMS but also given it to our business partners for deployment in the are losing revenue and net metering approvals are required. field. We have tested the product in some of the largest and The government has to do away with the subsidies to the rural credible Indian labs and have close to 25 thousand installations customer and then the solar rooftop scheme will get traction. in the field. It is our endeavour that the best products should be The industries are cross subsiding the rural subsidies and hence given to rural people. This is because most of these products are the DISCOMS are apprehensive in giving approvals. There is abused in the field and maintenance of the same is extremely however the RPO’s which will rise to 8% and it will be in the difficult due to terrain and distances. We are working with interest of the DISCOMS to allow operators like us to invest on numerous companies to achieve their goals across states and behalf of the DISCOMS and help them achieve their targets. the failure rate of our products is less than 1%.

We are presently educating our customers on the advantages As mentioned above, under the SAC mechanism, we are of using Solar Rooftops and will have an installed capacity of aggregating projects and implementing turnkey projects – from more than 10MW in this financial year. We are however creating procurement to warehousing to transportation and installation. our team for rooftop solar to be a part of the boom whenever We ensure that even our local installation partners are skilled it happens in the near future. Concurrently we are also working enough to take care of maintenance problems over the 5 year on new technologies like floating solar and are hopeful that time period. Hence we are meeting double objectives of giving these new categories will propel us to the next level.

Q

Q

Q

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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

THE CONVERSATION

MEHUL SHARMA

Director Sales – India (TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd.)

BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO MEET DECREASING BIDS GOING AS LOW AS RS 2.44 PER KWH Overall cost & technology trends in solar inverters is a drag in market from 1000V solutions to 1500V solutions and due to this technology drag the cost lowers down by almost 10-12% in inverters & 0.5-2% in overall project cost and Indian solar industry have witnessed some really aggressive biddings in recent past, so the biggest challenge is to meet the decreasing Bids going as low as Rs 2.44 per kWh, believes Mehul Sharma, Director Sales - India, TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd., China-based TBEA Group arm and one of the leading solar inverter manufacturer. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Sub Editor, Saur Energy International, Sharma shared his views on various issues which the power sector is currently dealing with along with his company’s product offerings in India's renewable energy sector. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.

Q

Please tell our readers about TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd. and its product offerings?

TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd., is one of the global leaders in Solar Inverter manufacturing having its Global Headquarters in Xián, China. Company is a part of TBEA group, and inherits the engineering & manufacturing excellence of 70 years’ experience having a professional R&D team. India being second largest solar market globally after China.

TBEA have always focused on product quality and customer services being fruitfully awarded and have more than 2GW inverters supplied in India. TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd. have a wide range of solar inverter solutions of Central Inverters

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comprising with 1000V & 1500V solutions. TBEA Product basket have below mentioned solutions: 1000V 500kW Central Inverter 1000V 630kW Central Inverter 1000V 1000kW Central Inverter 1000V/1500V 1250kW Central Inverter 1000V/1500V 2500kW Central Inverter 1000V/1500V 3750kW Central Inverter 1000V/1500V 5000kW Central Inverter

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What is TBEA’s motive behind organising Smart PV Technology Exchange Conferences on pan India basis?

TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd., has started an initiative of conducting technology exchange conferences across India for spreading technology awareness. India’s first TBEA smart PV technology exchange conference was conducted in New Delhi Aerocity followed by seminars in Mumbai & Bangalore. Similar seminars will be conducted in all major cities of India with plan to extend conferences across the globe. Company takes this opportunity to understand the requirements from customers so that specific solution can b e offered, and treats this event as a platform to showcase the company capability, project references and establishments, business progress in India and to share the upcoming

THE CONVERSATION

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plans. The sessions of technology exchange conference were comprised of brief introduction about TBEA Group & its Inverter division setup in Xián, China, R&D capabilities and achievements, presence across the globe, manufacturing and testing facilities available, progress of TBEA Inverters in India till date, roadmap of TBEA in India market with regards to installation base and concluding with further plans for India market.

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How lucrative is Indian market for you?

TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd. have been exploring India Market from more than 5 years now and have served almost all major clients namely ACME, Renew Power, KEC International, OPG Energy, KC Solar, Adani, BHEL, L&T, Enrich Energy, Maheshwari Mines, Rays Power Expert, Rays Power Infra, Avaada, Azure Power, etc.

TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd., has always been praised about the product quality offered along with providing of after sales service, keeping customer first mindset helping company grow fruitfully in the solar energy sector.

The big customer base have fruitfully awarded TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd. to gain more than 2GW inverter supply in India and further counting.

Q

Is there any new technology on which currently you are working on?

Focusing on Indian solar market requirements, TBEA has launched 1500V 3.75MW & 5MW inverters into its product basket for 1000V & 1500V inverters with capacity 500kW to 5MW (Central Inverter).

TBEA Xián is one of the enterprises which has mastered a number of core technology independent research and development in PV grid inverter field.

The company now has accomplished the development of the full range of the 3kW-5000kW grid-connected inverters, and the products have passed the authoritative industry certification such as CQC, TUV, VDE, CE, G59, BDEW, SAA, UL, and LVRT. This promises the assurance of best quality productions keeping the product quality standards up to the mark and reliable.

TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd., has started an initiative of conducting technology exchange conferences across India for spreading technology awareness.

How much budget does TBEA pumps into R&D?

TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd., is a part of TBEA group, and inherits the engineering & manufacturing excellence of 70 years’ experience having a professional R&D team which mainly formed by Doctors & Masters.

Firmly focusing on the development of photovoltaic grid connected control equipment, the company works under a concept of environment-friendly, reliability and efficiency. And now, the company has established R&D Centers and GW production bases in Xi’an and Hami, whose annual capacity is able to be beyond 10GW.

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How has the response in the utility Scale solar market been? What are the key challenges faced by you in this sector.

TBEA Xiá n Elec t ric Tec hnol ogy Co. Ltd. have served all-round the solar industry by associating with almost all major key players Big & Small in the market namely ACME, RENEW, AZURE, AVAADA, ADANI, OPG, BHEL, Rays Power Infra, Rays Power Expert, KEC, L&T, ENRICH, KC Solar etc contributing to a total of 2GW+ supply record in India.

ACME alone counts approx. 900MW of supply for their several projects in Andhra Pradesh, Uttarkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Punjab, etc. Azure have been served with 1500V Outdoor solutions which successfully commissioned & running at their 10MW site in Kadapa (Andhra Pradesh), OPG 62MW in Karnataka, L&T 150MW in Karnataka, BHEL 20MW in West Bengal, Rays Power Infra 100MW in Karnataka, KEC 5MW in Himachal Pradesh, Rays Power Expert 50MW in Rajasthan, and still counting.

Overall cost & technology trends in solar inverters is a drag in market from 1000V solutions to 1500V solutions and due to this technology drag the cost lowers down by almost 10-12% in inverters & 0.5-2% in overall project cost and Indian solar industry have witnessed some really aggressive biddings in recent past, so the biggest challenge is to meet the decreasing Bids going as low as Rs 2.44 per kWh. VOL 3 l ISSUE 03 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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ROOFTOP SOLAR: DEMOCRATISING POWER GENERATION – ONE ROOF AT A TIME

Maxson Lewis

Managing Director - Magenta Power

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Rooftop solar was the fastest-growing segment within India’s renewable energy sector last year, but it is still not growing fast enough. Capacity adwdition in rooftop solar stood at around 870 megawatt (MW) in 2017, a far cry from the ambitious target of 5,000 MW for FY 2017-18. As of December 2017, cumulative rooftop solar installed capacity was only 1.6 GW. The growth of rooftop solar installations in 2018, by all means, has probably been slower given the onslaught of GST and the scare of safeguard duties.

Rooftop Solar is an idea which makes absolute sense with multi-fold benefits. The modular nature of solar power systems makes them adaptable for use on vacant rooftops.

It eliminates land and interconnection costs.

The solar panels which act as an intermediate roofing reduces the temperatures of the terrace. Rooftop solar assists distribution SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

companies balance their peak demand cycles during daytime and also reduces transmission and distribution (T&D) losses as the power is consumed at the point of generation.

For an idea which makes logical and environmental sense, why has rooftop solar been lagging behind its ground based commercial scale solar projects?

One of the seemingly fringe issues with rooftop solar is the lack of knowledge as to how the entire system works. More often than not installers, have to bake in extensive education as part of the sales cycle. The lack of understanding of how it works turns out to be more of a non-starter. But as we progress, we perceive a definite shift in mindset and an increasing occurrence of positive narratives is helping bring the change. Users who have experienced the joy of not having to pay for electricity bills since the installation of rooftop solar, have been spreading the word leading to an entire communities adopting rooftop solar.

In a nation where in only few afford the luxury of independent house, manuvering the maze of multi- household residences also comes with the associated issues of use restrictions of the roof. However, Bye law 171 of Maharashtra Co-op Housing Societies act provides the much needed legitimate diversion for individuals to use the terrace or available open space of the society's building for Solar installations.

Residents of Dnyaneshwari Co-op Housing Society in Vashi, Navi Mumbai lead this by example where few residents decided to go for solar for their individual homes using the

common terrace for installing the panels.

Another major reason why rooftop solar is struggling is the DisComs treating solar as a threat to their business. A possible reduction in demand for grid electricity is considered as potential revenue loss. Solar installations are also seen as a non-essential and that much more lack of intention to deploy effort for streamlining the process in the DisCom offices and in the field. The need to debunk this misconception in the minds of the DisCom is imperative to the success of rooftop Solar. Adoption of rooftop solar within the boundaries of the distribution network offers inherent economic benefits to the DisComs themselves. Generation close to the point of consumption lowers transmission and distribution losses. Targeted solar deployment in select areas minimises grid overloading, which lowers the need for investments in upgrading the distribution infrastructure.

The SRISTI scheme represents the perfect means for DisComs to capitalise on the opportunity presented by rooftop solar.

The proposed Rs14,400 crore incentive fund under the scheme would compensate DISCOMs for their revenue losses. This scheme could incentivise DISCOMs to change their tempo from bottlenecks to leaders of the rooftop solar revolution.

The key lies in bringing in awareness for rooftop solar and making it easy for the transition. Every challenge also means that extra push required to go green. But every additional roof we help go solar means that much more chance for our kids to breathe better.

PROJECT UPDATES

GCL-SI, SOLARPRO TO BUILD SOLAR PARK IN HUNGARY GCL System Integration Technology (GCL-SI) and Solarpro Holding AD (Solarpro) has successfully delivered 21 MW Poly Perc modules for the construction of MET Dunai Solar Park one of the largest photovoltaic power plants in Hungary.

The park which built on 40 hectares in Szazhalombatta, near Budapest, partially on the site of the Dunamenti Power Plant, will produce enough electricity to supply approximately 9,000 households.

It consists of two single sub-projects with 1,200 kWh/kWp annual specific yield that have an estimated energy production of 25,546 MWh per year.

This park is owned by MET Group, an integrated European energy company, headquartered in Switzerland, with activities in natural gas, power and oil, that is focused on multi-commodity wholesale, trading and sales, as well as energy infrastructure and industrial assets.

The company said in a statement that, the involvement of GCL-SI in such projects demonstrates it’s commitment to the further development of the photovoltaic industry by supplying reliable and quality products worldwide.

Commenting on the expansion plans, Luo Xin said, “We will continue to expand our presence in Europe as we strive to bring green, renewable power to more and more people.”

GCL-SI further added that, in order to ensure the quality of the products, their on-time delivery and overall safety, it follows stringent industry and local standards.

KDC SOLAR KICKS OFF 23.5MW PV PLANT CONSTRUCTION Owner, operator and developer of solar power facilities, KDC Solar has begun construction on a 23.5MW solar photovoltaic (PV) system in Jackson, New Jersey.

After completion, this project will be the largest net metered solar installation in New Jersey.

Also, this system will supply Six Flags Great Adventure with clean renewable energy and virtually all its electrical load at the park.

In first year, this solar facility will produce approximately 30 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity.

Additionally, the environmental benefits of the project will be equivalent to providing power for 2,787 homes for a year or removing approximately 108,000 cars from the road.

Commenting on the development, KDC Solar, President and CEO, Alan Epstein said, “We are very pleased and proud to have been selected by Six Flags Great Adventure for this groundbreaking solar project. We also want to recognize and thank our partners, GoldenSet Capital Partners and Seminole Financial Services, for providing the necessary capital to build this project.”

The debt financing for the project was provided by Seminole Financial Services through a construction and a permanent loan facility.

“The KDC team has an extensive history of

successfully developing significant energy projects and represents an ideal partner for GoldenSet Capital and Alliance Fund II,” said Everett Smith, Managing Partner of GoldenSet Capital.

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PROJECT UPDATES

NLCIL, CIL TO SET-UP JV FOR SOLAR POWER GENERATION Embarking its journey towards renewable energy, public sector undertaking NLC India (NLCIL), Neyveli has signed an agreement with Coal India (CIL) to form a Joint Venture (JV) in order to set-up 3GW solar and 2GW thermal power projects.

The company said in a statement that, “NLC India (NLCIL), Neyveli and Coal India (CIL), have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at CIL Headquarters at Kolkata on 0810-2018 for formation of Joint Venture Company for setting up solar power projects of 3000 MW and thermal power projects of 2000 MW.” The MoU was inked by NLCIL, Director (Planning & Projects), Nathella Naga Maheswar Rao and Binay Dayal, Director (Tech.), CIL in the presence of Rakesh Kumar, CMD, NLCIL and Anil Kumar Jha, CMD, CIL, it added.

Further, the solar power projects will be set up in the identified barren and reclaimed free land of CIL and also across the country where land is available, requiring around 15,000 acres.

Moreover, the estimated cost for CIL’s solar power generation is pegged at Rs 12,000 crore.

Also, the newly formed JV to come up on equal equity participation of 50:50 and has a timeline of 15 months for completion of solar power projects and 60 months for thermal power projects respectively.

As per the CERC norms, the projects will be financed through debt equity ratio of 70:30. A concept paper has been initiated by both the companies to get clearance from their respective boards.

According to a CIL official, “This is a synergistic step, combining the resources of both the companies for a common goal. CIL will be riding the core technical expertise of NLCIL in thermal power generation and Solar PV Power.”

PNM TO ADD 100MW SOLAR PROJ TO SERVE FACEBOOK DC

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New Mexico utility, PNM, received approval from the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) to purchase 100 MW of solar generation from NM Renewable Development (NMRD) in order to continue serving the Facebook data center in New Mexico with 100 percent renewable energy.

This addition supports the goal to achieve a more sustainable energy portfolio at PNM. “Opportunities for solar energy are abundant in New Mexico, and Facebook’s growth allows us to demonstrate our commitment to making our state a sustainable energy leader,” said Pat Vincent-Collawn, Chairman, President and CEO of PNM Resources. “We are proud to support Facebook’s presence in New Mexico.”

NMRD, a joint venture between subsidiaries of PNM Resources and American Electric Power, will build two 50 MW solar photovoltaic generation facilities in New Mexico.

The first facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2019, followed by the second facility in June 2020.

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Each facility is expected to result in approx USD 70 million of investment in New Mexico and create approximately 200 construction jobs.

“With these two new projects, we have worked with PNM to bring 396 megawatts of new wind and solar projects that will contribute to a greener grid and help bring more renewable energy and investment to New Mexico,” said Bobby Hollis, Head of Global Energy at Facebook. “We appreciate New Mexico’s supportive environment that has enabled us to

procure this amount of renewable energy so quickly.”

Solar and wind projects constructed to serve Facebook are expected to total approximately USD 800 million of investment in New Mexico and create over 1,300 construction and permanent jobs, representing significant economic development in Valencia, Bernalillo, Quay, Torrance, Cibola and Sandoval counties.

Meanwhile, the agreements are subject to approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

PROJECT UPDATES

STERLING & WILSON TO STRENGTHEN FOOTPRINTS IN KAZAKHSTAN One of the leading solar EPC solution providers Sterling and Wilson has planned to strengthen its footprints in Kazakhstan.

The company is targeting a CPE (electrical performance contract) for solar photovoltaic (PV) projects with a capacity of 200 MW in Kazakhstan until 2020.

The company’s move has come as Kazakhstan is expected to receive offers for 180 MW of solar photovoltaic energy in October.

This is part of the series of tenders, announced by the Government of

Kazakhstan earlier this year.

Kazakhstan aims to reduce its dependence on energy production from fossil fuels in favor of alternative energy.

The country is working to increase the share of renewable energy in electricity generation, which is expected to reach 3 percent by 2020 and 10 percent by 2030.

Commenting on the development, Sterling and Wilson, CEO of Solar, Bikesh Ogra said, “Even though Kazakhstan has huge oil reserves, growing energy consumption is one of the drivers of renewable energy growth. The

International Energy Agency has predicted that energy demand in the country will double by 2035. This Central Asian country is increasingly worried about climate change, and this factor is driving the shift to renewable energies. Sterling and Wilson are exploring all options to help the country achieve its renewable energy goals.”

Sterling and Wilson operates a subsidiary in Kazakhstan that holds a category I license. The local company would be responsible for the execution of solar PV projects.

SEMBCORP COMMISSIONS 250 MW WIND PROJECT

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Sembcorp Energy India (SEIL) and Suzlon Group has completed the 250 MW wind power project, which is the first among all SECI auctioned wind projects to achieve full completion in India.

The wind power project was dedicated to the nation by Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Raj Kumar Singh at the 2nd Global REINVEST summit.

Sembcorp Green Infra, a fully owned subsidiary of SEIL, won this project in the first round of wind bids conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) on behalf of the Government of India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), in April 2017.

Sembcorp’s 250 MW project is the first wind power project, under the first reverse wind auctions in India, with the entire capacity completed ahead of the SECI timelines.

Moreover, Suzlon is the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) partner for the project.

This project is located at Chandragiri in Tamil Nadu consists of 119 units of Suzlon’s 2.1 MW S111-120m Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs).

AS per the long term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Sembcorp and Power Trading Corporation (PTC), power generated from the project will be supplied to the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

Commenting on the development, SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

Sembcorp Energy India, Managing Director, Vipul Tuli said, “The successful completion of the Chandragiri wind power project is an important milestone in Sembcorp’s journey towards providing energy to support India’s continued development and prosperity. It is a moment of pride for Sembcorp Energy India Limited and our EPC partner Suzlon, as we were able to deliver the entire project ahead of the SECI timelines. This project adds to Sembcorp’s growing

renewable energy portfolio worldwide, and strengthens our collective track record in clean energy.”

“We are pleased to have achieved yet another milestone. We partnered with Sembcorp from the pre-bid stage and delivered the full capacity ahead of the SECI timelines despite the challenges, uncertainties and initial teething issues of the new bidding regime for wind,” said J.P. Chalasani, Group CEO, Suzlon Group.

PROJECT UPDATES

SECI EXTENDS BIDS FOR UP’S 150MW FLOATING PLANT State-owned Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has extended the bid submission deadline for setting up of 150 MW (50 MW x 3) grid connected floating solar power plants at Rihand Dam in Uttar Pradesh till October 25, 2018.

SECI has issued a notification stated, “Extension of bid submission deadlineVII: Selection of solar power developers for setting up of 150MW (50MWx3) grid connected floating solar power projects to be installed at Rihand Dam, UP.” “The last date of bid submission is hereby extended till 25.10.2018 (18:00 HRS).

The techno-commercial bid opening shall be carried out w.e.f. 11:00 HRS on

26.10.2018,” it added.

This has reference to the RfS No. SECI/ C&P/SPD/RfS/150MW FLOATING/UP/ R1/092018 dated 06.09.2018 regarding “Selection of solar power developers

for setting up of 150MW (50MW x 3) grid connected floating solar power projects to be installed at Rihand Dam (also known as Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar Reservoir), Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh”.

Additionally, SECI has also extended bid submission deadline for setting up of 2 MW solar power project with 1 MWH BESS at Kaza, Himachal Pradesh till October 25, 2018.

SECI in a statement said, “This has reference to the RfS No. SECI/C&P/ KAZA/042018 dated 31.07.2018 for setting up of 2 MW solar PV power plant with 01 MW BESS at KAA, HIMACHAL PRADESH. ”

TATA POWER SOLAR LAUNCHES ROOFTOP SOLN IN AJMER Tata Power’s solar arm, Tata Power Solar, has launched the complete residential rooftop solution in Ajmer.

These residential rooftop solutions are expected to save upto Rs 50,000 annually for 25 years.

A votary of reducing carbon footprint, Tata Power Solar’s residential rooftop solution decreases use of diesel generators, hence leading to more fuel savings. Apart from this, the consumers can avail a chance to earn from their idle rooftop space. To further ease the beneficiaries’ expenses, the proposition comes with government subsidy.

The company already has a robust 150+ sales and service channel partners across India which provides its valuable consumers with financing options.

Commenting on the initiative, Tata Power, MD & CEO, Praveer Sinha said, “After our successful launch in Delhi and Mumbai, we are happy to offer solar roof top to generate easy and cost effective solutions for the residential consumers in Ajmer now. We urge all Ajmer customers to take full benefit of this service.”

“It is our endeavor to provide knowledge of commercial benefits as well as quality aspects of solar roof top installation to our residential consumers. We are hopeful that with initiatives like these we

offer cost-effective Green energy and help consumers in energy conservation.

This will also achieve our company’s objective of ‘Lightening up Lives’,” said Ashish Khanna, President, Tata Power (Renewables).

The company ensures that work happens safely and effectively to prolong the life of the system. The residential rooftop

segment will further strengthen the company’s leadership position in solar rooftop segment, along with being key growth drivers in inspiring environmentfriendly energy solutions.

The company recently launched this solution in Delhi and Mumbai and has received a great response from residential segment.

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PROJECT UPDATES

DE SHAW RENEWABLE ACQUIRES WILLOW SPRINGS PROJ First Solar and D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) said DESRI affiliate acquired 100 MWac Willow Springs Solar Project in Kern County, California, however, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The project, which was developed by First Solar, is currently under construction, with completion estimated at the end of 2018.

This project will supply power to Southern California Edison Company through a long-term Renewable Power Purchase and Sale Agreement.

“DESRI is thrilled to close on the acquisition of Willow Springs from First Solar,” said Bryan Martin, CEO of DESRI. “This project is a testament to the strong partnership that our firms have built over many years. We are looking forward to using First Solar’s leading Series 6 module technology to deliver clean energy to the Kern County community for years

to come.”

When in operation, the power plant is expected to annually provide enough clean, affordable sustainable electricity to power about 41,000 typical California homes and displace more than 77,000

metric tons of CO2 greenhouse gas emissions each year – the equivalent of taking almost 15,000 cars off the road.

Willow Springs is the fourth renewable energy project DESRI has acquired from First Solar.

SECI EXTENDS BID SUBMISSION STERLITE COMMISSIONS TIME FOR 10GW PROJECT NRSS-29 PROJ AHEAD OF TIME

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The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), an arm of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has extended the bid submission deadline for its 10GW of inter-state transmission system (ISTS) connected solar capacities with 3 GW p.a. solar manufacturing till November 12, 2018.

State-run SECI has notified in a statement that, “Extension of bid submission deadline-V: Selection of solar power developers for setting up of 10GW ISTS connected solar PV power plant linked with 3GW (per annum) solar manufacturing plant under global competitive bidding (Phase-I).”

“The last date of bid submission is hereby extended till 12.11.2018 (18:00 HRS). The techno-commercial bid opening shall be carried out w.e.f. 11:00 HRS on 13.11.2018,” it added.

As per the tender document, the techno-commercial bids would be opened on November 13, 2018. Earlier, the last date for submitting the bids for SECI’s 10GW solar tender was October 12, 2018. As per the media reports, “The bids for the auction were extended again and again due to technical and commercial issues raised by the bidders. Now, the ministry is in the process to make the tendering process glitch free.”

Meanwhile, the RFS (request for selection) was initially floated in May this year and the bid submission was August 27, 2018.

However, it was later extended to September 27, 2018 and the bids were to be opened on September 28, 2018. But it was again extended to October 12, 2018.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

Sterlite Power has commissioned one of the most challenging transmission projects globally, the Northern Region Strengthening Scheme 29 (NRSS 29).

This key project, 414 kms long, will ensure reliable power access for the Valley by augmenting the State’s power transmission capacity by at least 33%. The line has been commissioned two months ahead of schedule to allow benefits to be reaped during this winter. The company deployed helicranes in the Pir Panjal range to overcome challenges of high altitude, snow and inaccessible terrains. Proper planning has been done to ensure the line can sustain the elements during harsh winters in the Valley.

Commenting on the achievement, Sterlite Power, Group CEO, Pratik Agarwal said, “This project is a real manifestation of living our core purpose ‘empowering humanity by addressing the toughest challenges of energy delivery’. We have surmounted numerous challenges to finish this project ahead of schedule and feel very proud of the social impact it’ll have in the Valley.

We are among handful of global transmission developers, with projects worth Rs 268 bn across India and Brazil, solving toughest challenges of energy delivery.”

Additionally, Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO - Global Infrastructure, Sterlite Power, said “It is a matter of great pride to complete a challenging project like NRSS 29 ahead of schedule. The evacuation of 1,000 MW shall play a vital role in addressing the power deficit in the region, especially during winter months. ”

INNOVATION UPDATES

NA, K MIXTURE DOUBLES MAX VOLT OF FLOW BATTERY The use of flow batteries to store intermittent renewable energy is still a far cry due to the limited amount of energy delivered by them either required high temperatures or used toxic/expensive chemicals.

An assistant professor and his coworkers at the Stanford University have developed a certain type of flow battery that uses Sodium and Potassium as the core charge producers.

Moreover, the two metals when mixed form a liquid metal at room temperature which has at least 10 times the available energy per gram as other elements for the negative-side fluid of a flow battery.

PhD Student, Antonio Baclig said, “We still have a lot of work to do but this is a new type of flow battery that could affordably enable much higher use of solar and wind power using Earth-abundant materials.”

In order to use the liquid metal negative end of the batteries, the group found a suitable ceramic membrane made of

potassium and aluminum oxide to keep the negative and positive materials separate while allowing current to flow.

Additionally, higher voltage means the battery can store more energy for its size, which also brings down the cost of producing the storage device.

A new battery technology has so many different performance metrics to meet: cost, efficiency, size, lifetime, safety, etc.,” said Baclig. “We think this sort of technology has the possibility, with more work, to meet them all, which is why we are excited about it.”

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BEST PRAC

SOLAR R HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SOLAR SYSTEM FOR YOUR ROOF have been issued as on March 31, 2018 and about 1,063.63 MWp capacity has been installed.

W

hat is a solar rooftop?

Ashish Khanna CEO & Executive Director Tata Power Solar

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Being a tropical country, India is blessed to have a good amount of access to natural resources like solar. About 5,000 trillion kWh per year energy is incident over India’s land area with most parts receiving 3-5 kWh per sq. m per day.

Based upon the availability of land and solar energy, the potential of solar power in the country has been assessed to be 750,000 MW. The challenge lies in efficiently utilizing this natural resource.

The Government of India is aggressively focusing on achieving a target of installing 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022, out of which 100 GW is to be accounted to solar sources. Though to achieve this gigantic goal, so far, sanctions for solar rooftop projects of 2,009 MWp capacities SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

A solar rooftop system is typically a setup wherein solar panels are installed on the roof of any residential, commercial, institutional and / or industrial buildings.

Largely, grid-connected solar rooftop systems have garnered sizeable acceptance. In the case of excess power beyond consumption by the connected load, the grid-connected PV system supplies it to the utility grid.

Grid-connected solar rooftop system has the potential to emerge as an efficient manner in which utilization of vacant roof space can be made. Since, it incurs lower transmission and distribution losses; it results in reduction in carbon emission. This ensures long term energy and ecological security.

Before choosing anything else, ask yourself 1) Is your roof wide enough?

To install a grid connected solar rooftop, the size of the roof and shadows falling over the roof must be checked. About 10 sq.m area is required to set up 1 kWp grid connected rooftop solar system.

2) How costly is the Sunshine?

Though solar power can cut down your electricity bills, it does require some installation cost and initial investment.

Figure out how much you can spend and plan your solar implementation accordingly. The cost of solar varies from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 6,00,000 depending upon how much of the energy you can generate. You can calculate your cost by following method (simplistic way of arriving at approximate) Calculate your approximate load (in watts) for a day Divide it by 8 (avg. no of hours of sun) Multiply by INR 110 Eg: For 1800 Watts a day, you need solar panels that can produce 14400 Watts.

The cost will be INR 15,84,000 for this installation.

How to choose solar panels?

A. Picking solar panel material Once the roof size availability is checked, careful consideration needs to be taken with regards to the type of solar cells in the panel. There are namely three types of cells: i. Monocrystalline Single crystalline silicon is called monocrystalline. Here, a single silicon ingot is formed into bars and cut in wafers.

Because the cell is composed of a single crystal, the electrons that generate a flow of electricity have more room to move.

As a result, monocrystalline panels are more efficient in converting solar energy into electricity per sq meter area than their polycrystalline counterparts.

Since these solar panels yield the highest

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power outputs, they also require the least amount of space compared to any other types. The monocrystalline solar panels are efficient typically upto 17-22%.6 As per Government of India guidelines on design qualification and type approval for crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic modules, the customer should look out for IEC 61215/ IS 14286 certified panels. ii. Polycrystalline These solar cells are also made from silicon.

However, instead of using a single crystal of silicon, many fragments of silicon are melted together to form the ingot and then AST into wafers for the cells. Since there are many crystals in each cell, there is less freedom for the electrons to move. As a result, polycrystalline solar panels have lower efficiency ratings than monocrystalline panels. iii. Amorphous silicon Amorphous silicon is the non-crystalline form of silicon. It is deposited in thinfilms, due to which its efficiency is lower as comparative to the former two.

Also, high temperatures and shading have less impact on these solar panel performances.

The crystalline PV module which are predominantly used in rooftops should be certified to comply with • IEC 61215/IS 14286 – Design qualification and type approval • IEC 61730 – Safety • IEC 61701/IS 61701 – Salt mist corrosion testing (for panels installed in coastal

areas or in maritime applications) Panels should also be supplied with the MNRE mandated RFID tag that allows the panels to identified and tracked to the manufacturer for verifying performance.

Largely, modules generally come with a warranty of 25 years. The output of a panel falls down per year (degradation) by around 0.5 per cent as yoy basis to 0.8%, which means a panel may produce around 80 per cent of its rated power after 25 years of use.

B. Zeroing in on the mounting structure • Metal sheet Mounting system • Tile-on-sheet mounting system • Windstream mounting system • Flat roof mounting system Majority of the Indian rooftops are flat type so before installing a rooftop mounting solution you need to take care of the following things: 1. First and the most important thing is safety before installing rooftop solar you should checkout your roof’s load taking capacity.

2. You should also checkout for the wind speed test to avoid damage to your solar panels due to high wind speed.

3. M ake sure the mounting structure should be easy to install and it is also recommended that you should choose low weight and zero-roof penetration structure.

4. Y ou should also make sure the mounting structure should be rust-free and suitable for all the climatic conditions.

5. You should also make sure your structure should have covered under warranty for any quality related issues. Most of the structures today come with a warranty of 15–20 Years.9 It is important to note that the correct choice of the mounting structures for your solar system project is very essential in terms of the overall production, efficiency and lifetime of the solar panels.

Solar rooftop mounting structures can prove disadvantageous if the roof orientation and angle are not optimal, thus wasting lots of potential energy that your system could generate. Therefore, for optimal system efficiency,it must be ensured that there is no shadow from trees or other buildings in the optimally free airflow path of your solar panels.

Keeping in mind the above mentioned points, it can be said that choosing a solar rooftop for your own roof is not a rocket science, given that certifications and safety components are given prime importance.

Government’s efforts have also worked to ease installation of residential solar rooftop.

Initiatives such as giving concessional loans for rooftop solar (RTS) developers, launching online portal for rooftop solar – SPIN (Solar Power in India) and standardization of RTS documents have are assisting in hassle-free installation of residential solar rooftop.

You can always visit websites including Tata Power Solar website for an initial estimate of the potential generation and savings for your rooftop solar.

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MARKET UPDATE

INDIA MAY ACHIEVE 76% RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET One of the world’s leading research and consultancy group Wood Mackenzie in its report said that India may achieve about 76 per cent of the target of having 175 GW of renewable power generation capacity by the scheduled date of 2022 as it faces myriad challenges.

India has set its ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of solar capacity and 75 GW of wind power by 2022.

The research giant said in a report that, “Even with significant cost declines, Wood Mackenzie expects about 76 per cent of the target to be met by 2022 and this would still be a noteworthy achievement.”

The research and consultancy firm’s solar analyst Rishab Shrestha said that India faces a myriad of challenges in the renewables industry.

“The recent cancellation of auctions risks jeopardising investor confidence. Various duties on equipment and the associated uncertainty has led to a short-term uptick in solar prices. This leads to the knock-on effect on already cash-strapped state distribution companies who are showing an unwillingness to green light high priced solar projects,” he said.

Nonetheless, the government’s commitment and support towards renewables remain strong.

The government has been swift and adaptable at responding to various industry hurdles and are helping reduce project risks. As a result, renewable prices continue to remain competitive.

The research firm further added that the combined wind and solar capacity have almost doubled from 2014 levels to 61 GW this year.

“Driving this growth is the significant cost decline that auctions continue to deliver,” Shrestha said. “In the next five years, capital costs are expected to decline by 23 per cent for wind and 31 per cent for solar. This trend will only continue as new generation technologies replace old ones.”

Wood Mackenzie expected non-hydro renewables to make up 13 per cent of power generation mix by 2023.

Improving grid flexibility through storage and flexible power generation will be

extremely crucial in achieving high levels of renewable penetration, it said, adding that economic competitiveness, technological maturity, and financially healthy off-takers will provide a solid base for renewable capacity growth to cater to electricity demand growth.

“Over the longer-term horizon of 2040, India is forecasted to increase its renewable capacity by around seven times to 384 GW. This share will be driven by diverse sub-segments which include offshore wind, hybrid projects, floating solar and distributed solar. The 384 GW of non-hydro renewables will ultimately contribute 20 per cent of generation share by 2040,” Shrestha said.

HALF EU HOUSES CONTRIBUTE TO RE PRODUCTION BY 2050

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With a considerable share in global photovoltaic (PV) and wind power equipment market, European Union (EU) has been working towards inclusion of its households in a bid to switch energy sources.

According to a report by independent research and consultancy organization, CE Delft, about half of EU households could contribute to produce renewable energy, with off grid communities contributing 37% of this number.

This would account for a considerable SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

number of small power generating units with decentralized systems and would operate independently of the main grid and offer greater stability and independence than traditional offsite power stations, giving consumers agency over their own energy needs in the process.

Exemplifying the household stated system is the four Smart Integrated Decentralised Energy (SIDE) system projects have been set up in Amsterdam, namely the Aardehuizen, De Ceuvel, Schoonchip

and Republica Papaverweg.

Microgrids are used at each site to connect the town to a localized energy network, while renewable technology such as rooftop solar panels, heat pumps and storage batteries are used to generate electricity, which is then shared between households.

Similarly, the Brooklyn micro grid in New York ensembles similar principal of small power stations and then connecting them to the bigger grids to transmit surplus power generated.

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EVENT

INDIA’S ROOFTOP SOLAR MARKET HIGH OPPORTUNTIES LOADED WITH CHALLENGES

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Net metering was introduced in India as a measure to make rooftop solar more accessible and economical for electricity consumers. However, implementation across many states have been slow due to various challenges, more particularly DISCOMS fear of losing premier C&I customers.

The rooftop capacity therefore has barely crossed 2.5% of the 40% of the national solar target. However, the segment is expected to pick up momentum with the launch of the “Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India” (SRISTI) scheme which addresses DISCOM’s concerns.

With electrically powered gadgets becoming an essential part of everyone’s SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

life universal access to electricity has become a necessity as never before in India.

Simultaneously power prices are rising and more and more cities are choking alarmingly with pollution.

Clean solar energy has the great advantage of being put to use both as a small decentralized power generator of few tens of watts and as a centralized mega centralized power plants.

Commercial and Industrial rooftop solar market has been rising over the last two years, driven by the huge savings energy cost and the availability of attractive financial models. Low cost financing from multilateral agencies like the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, KfW

etc are also helping the market growth.

The C&I segment has accounted for close to 70% of the total rooftop solar installations. However, the market potential still remains hugely under exploited. Among the serious constraints are: 1) DISCOMS’s disinterest for fear of losing high tariff paying C&I customers which helps them in offsetting the social burden of offering cheap or free power to agricultural sector.

2) M etering policies of states: many lack clarity and they are not aligned across the states.

3) S erious issues like the possibility of abrupt downward revision of tariff orders looms large.

EVENT/ MARKET

Over the past few years the residential electricity tariffs have been rising sharply and the electricity payout is hurting.

Simultaneously, driven by enhanced media focus and the growing tribe of solar entrepreneurs, the market for residential solar is growing.

However, despite the huge potential remains the market growth is disappointingly low. Among the many challenges are suitability of roof, allowable size, metering policies, ease of getting low cost financing and subsidy.

Recognizing that DISCOMs are central to reach the goal, The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced an achievement linked financial support scheme to them to accelerate rooftop solar deployment in the targeted segments: Residential, Commercial, Social, Governmental and Institutional.

Further, to make rooftop solar attractive to the residential segment, 30% capital subsidy on the MNRE bench marked price for a max size of 5KW is proposed. The scheme called “Sustainable Rooftop

Experts from the industry, policy makers and market researchers will share their experience and views and suggest the ways to accelerate the market during three rooftop conference sessions at Intersolar India on December 1113, 2018 in Bangalore Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India“ (SRISTI) is planned to be implemented with a provision of Rs 23,450 crore.

The rooftop solar installed capacity barely reached 2.5 GW in August which is just 6.25% of the targeted 40GW under the National Solar mission. A lot needs to be done to reach the target and to realize the huge advantage of Rooftop Solar.

Experts from the industry, policy makers

and market researchers will share their experience and views and suggest the ways to accelerate the market during three rooftop conference sessions at Intersolar India on December 11-13, 2018 in Bangalore.

Andrew Hines, Co-founder of CleanMax Solar will give a mid-term outlook for rooftop PV in India. Ryan Cook Senior Consultant at Meister Consultants Group will talk about residential market push through PV-rooftop demand aggregation.

R.K. Jain, Addl. General Manager (Solar) at Solar Energy Corporation of India will talk about the successes and constraints of the rooftop solar growth in India.

Afterwards Anuvrat Joshi, India Business Development Director at Cleantech Solar Energy (India) Pvt. Ltd. will address key trends, opportunities & challenges in adoption and scaling of industrial solar.

Furthermore, in a session organized by swissnex India, experts from Switzerland will showcase proven BIPV technologies and applications for more energy efficient buildings, innovative rooftop structures, and sustainable Greentech solutions.

$141 BN BATTERIES MARKET BY 2022: REPORT The global demand for batteries is forecasted to grow 9.8 percent per year to USD 141 billion in 2022, as per the ResearchAndMarkets report “Global Batteries by Product and Market, 11th Edition”.

Further, the growth will be driven by increased demand for high-value batteries in emerging applications such as electric vehicles and grid storage.

The key findings of the report include: i. Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (HEVs) to be the largest driver of growth: Increased penetration of HEVs will fuel rapid demand for batteries worldwide, with lithium-ion products absorbing the bulk of gains. Massive investments in lithium-ion battery production capacity will support price reductions due to improved economies of scale, allowing HEVs to increasingly compete on cost with conventional vehicles. Growth will be particularly strong for products used in EVs, as cost reductions will fuel increased use of high-value high-capacity batteries. ii. Grid Storage market expanding quickly from small base: Battery-based grid storage systems have proliferated rapidly in recent years after commercialization began at a large scale in 2014. Cost reductions for lithium-ion batteries have abruptly made this technology economical, and it is expected that these grid storage systems will become increasingly common as the technology’s efficacy is established. Rapid growth in renewable energy capacity worldwide -particularly for

solar energy- will further contribute to an increased need for grid-scale energy storage systems. iii. Advances in developing regions boosting sales in conventional applications: Growth in sales of alkaline and lead-acid batteries will be spurred by broad economic development in the Asia/Pacific and Africa/Mideast regions, with China and India posting particularly strong growth. Rising personal income levels will drive increased sales of alkaline batteries in consumer replacement applications, with these products displacing low-cost zinc-carbon products. Increased wealth and industrialization will also boost demand for lead-acid batteries in both the OEM and aftermarket segments of the automotive market.

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MILESTONE UPDATES

PIYUSH GOYAL GETS TOP PRIZE IN ENERGY POLICY The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy bestowed its highest award ‘Carnot Prize’ to Piyush Goyal, India’s former Minister of Power and Renewables and current Minister of Railways and Coal.

As former Minister of Power and Renewables, Goyal fasttracked the electrification of 18,000 remote villages in India—bridging the country’s vast energy divide.

Now, as the current Minister of Railways and Coal, Goyal faces the complex balancing act of keeping villages energized with reliable power, while delivering energy in the most sustainable way.

“This is a teaching moment at Penn and in the United States” said Mark Alan Hughes, founding faculty director of the Kleinman Center. “In 2017, 18 percent of U.S. primary energy was generated from coal. In the U.S. most of that coal combustion happens because we are being protected from clean energy disruptions. In India, on the other hand, coal is being burned to end energy poverty.”

The International Energy Agency (IEA) in its report said that in the year 2000, less than half of India’s population had access to electricity.

Now, more than 80 percent of the population has access to electricity. If this pace continues, India will have universal electrification by 2020, “one of the largest successes in the history of electrification.”

Goyal has been instrumental in reforming India’s power markets and expanding renewable energy in an effort to meet the country’s Paris Agreement targets.

The Minister has successfully retired outdated coal plants while launching an ambitious renewable energy expansion program. Although India is the world’s fourth top CO2 emitter, the country is currently at 20% renewables and is on solid

footing to reach a 40% renewable mix by 2030.

“We applaud the Honorable Minister Goyal for his courageous work in crafting policy capable of meeting the biggest challenges in energy,” said Frederick Steiner, dean and Paley Professor at PennDesign.

“It is a testament to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that this work energizing the lives of 1.3 billion Indians is being globally recognized with the Carnot Prize by the University of Pennsylvania,” said Goyal, who is using his award money to create a new energy prize in India. Goyal is partnering with the International Solar Alliance to award Indian institutions that maximize solar—particularly those that work with special needs children.

REC GROUP GETS BIS CERTIFICATION

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Europe-based REC Group’s ‘72-cell product with multi awardwinning TwinPeak Technology’ has received certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

The company said in a statement that, this new accreditation allows the REC TwinPeak 2S 72 Series - the world’s most powerful 72-cell multicrystalline solar panel - to be offered to the Indian market.

To ensure the quality and standardization of solar panels, earlier this year, the Indian government announced some key policy SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

changes, with BIS the designated agency for implementing these new requirements.

The certification by BIS is now a mandatory requirement for all solar panels imported to or manufactured in India.

By achieving this certification, the REC TwinPeak 2S 72 Series is now one of only a few panels to have met the BIS standards, and REC is the only European brand with a BIScertified product in its portfolio.

“With BIS certification now being a mandatory requirement, we at REC Group are delighted that the Indian government is finally placing an emphasis on quality and standardization through this certification,” said Rohit Kumar, Head of REC Group for the Indian Subcontinent.

He further added that, “With the proper implementation of this policy, Indian customers shall benefit the most, as it will help to ensure that only products that meet high quality standards are used. In terms of product quality, REC panels lead the market.”

FINANCE UPDATES

AZURE PRICES ITS PUBLIC OFFERING AT $12.50 PER SHARE Azure Power Global (Azure Power) has priced its underwritten public offering of 14,800,000 equity shares (offering) at a public offering price of USD 12.50 per equity share.

As part of this offering, the company has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,200,000 equity shares at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.

The company’s shareholders, CDPQ Infrastructure Asia, IFC GIF Investment Company I and International Finance Corporation, have each indicated its intention to purchase up to approximately USD 100 million, USD 40 million, and USD 10 million, respectively, of the equity shares in the offering at the public offering price.

Indications of interest are not binding agreements or commitments to purchase; therefore, CDPQ Infrastructure Asia, IFC GIF Investment Company I and International Finance Corporation may each determine to purchase a smaller amount or not to purchase any equity shares in the offering.

However, the offering is expected to close on October 10, 2018, subject to

customary closing conditions.

TCredit Suisse Securities (USA), Barclays Capital and HSBC Securities (USA) are acting as joint lead book-running managers. SG Americas Securities is acting as a book runner. JMP Securities, Roth Capital Partners and Janney Montgomery Scott are acting as comanagers for the offering.

A registration statement on Form F-3 was previously filed with the U.S. Securities

and Exchange Commission (SEC) and has been declared effective. A prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus describing the terms of the Offering have been filed with the SEC. When available, the final prospectus supplement for the offering will be filed with the SEC. The offering is being made only by means of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus.

CALIFORNIA COMMITS $800 MN FOR CLEAN-ENERGY

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Embracing measures to increase reliability on renewable energy, California State Governor, Jerry Brown has signed committing USD 800 million for clean energy technologies and home energy storage infrastructure.

The measure has been signed aiming to capture, for California, electricity generated by solar panels during daylight hours to help keep the lights on after the sun goes down.

Moreover, the allotment of fund is also expected to increase the incentives saved for the energy storage segment to more than a billion dollar. According to the sources, the rebate money can be used for residential and commercial systems, including for schools, farms and businesses.

“We want to make sure that everyone who has rooftop solar also has an energy storage system,” said State Senator Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat who sponsored the bill. “Once you have a rebate program that the industry knows is table for a number of years, the industry will invest and innovate.”

Significantly, about a third of the money has been set aside SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

for low-income people to claim first. The state funds the incentive program with a fee of about 50 cents a month added to utility customers’ bills.

FINANCE UPDATES

CCUBE ANGELS INVESTS RS 5.47 CR IN ALFA TRANSFORMERS CCube Angels Network, Singapore based angel investing network and a group of investors have invested Rs 5.47 crore (SG $ 1,024,692.31) in ALFA Transformers, a public limited BSE listed company, engaged in manufacturing of power and distribution transformers for more than 30 years.

ALFA plans to utilize the investment for further expanding the manufacturing capacities, meet the working capital requirements and expand to sub-Sahara African and SAARC countries.

It has reciprocated investor’s faith in the company’s business strategies by inviting Vipin Aggarwal, who has over 20 years of experience in Fund Management, Fund Raising, Real-Estate, and Capital Markets,

to join the board as a Director.

On the investment and on-boarding, Vipin Aggarwal, Principal – CCube Angels Network said, “We at CCube Angels believe that ALFA Transformers offerings have great potential as we can see the increasing demand for amorphous transformers. ALFA Transformers has a rich experience in its industry, has great potential to expand globally.”

He further added that, “The company has seen a shift from legacy transformers to amorphous transformers, which is a true example of the company’s broad mindset towards adopting new technologies and achieving the next level. We hope that the current investment will assist ALFA to further achieve its goals.”

ALFA has also invited Rahul Gupta as an Independent Director to its board for further enriching the management. Commenting on development, Gupta said, “ALFA Transformers has the capability to feed India’s growing need for amorphous transformers and I am happy to join the management to share my experiences and guide them accordingly.”

GREENKO COMPLETES ORANGE CDPQ RAISES STAKE IN AZURE RENEWABLE ACQUISITION POWER TO 40% India’s one of the leading renewable energy companies, Greenko Energy Holdings (Greenko) has completed the assets acquisition of Orange Renewables.

Moreover, it has also inked a definitive purchase pact to buy Skeiron Green Renewables.

The combined deal of Orange and Skeiron will add about 1,300 MW operating and near completion wind and solar assets and increase Greenko’s overall operational capacity to about 4.5 GW of well diversified and de-risked portfolio of wind, solar and hydro, the company said in a statement.

The company has an additional under-construction capacity of over 8 GW, largely Integrated Renewable Energy Projects, which will take its total operating capacity to about 12 GW, it added.

Further, the deal will add approximately USD 200 million to the company’s EBITDA in the first full year after close, with further accretion and growth anticipated thereafter.

Commenting on the development, Greenko, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Anil Chalamalasetty said, “The proposed acquisition of Skeiron and completion of Orange Renewable assets are expected to drive capacity, revenue, EBITDA and overall earnings growth potential for Greenko and its stakeholders. Indian energy markets are transitioning from deficit markets to demand driven contracts requiring reliable, flexible and cost competitive energy.

Greenko is focused on building integrated renewable energy assets with storage, which can compete with conventional energy assets like thermal in quality, quantity and cost.”

Canada’s one of the leading institutional fund managers, La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) has raised its shareholding in Azure Power Global, India-based solar firm, to 40 percent through USD 100 million contribution to the company’s recent capital raising.

Post this new investment, the total amount invested by CDPQ in Azure Power grew to USD 240 million.

Commenting on the development, CDPQ, Executive Vice-President, Infrastructure, Emmanuel Jaclot said, “Through this investment, we are reaffirming our commitment to Azure Power and our willingness to support its growth.

Azure Power is a leader in the fast-growing sector of solar power in India, a priority market for CDPQ, and has a high-quality management team that possesses thorough knowledge of the industry.

Furthermore, this transaction fits perfectly with CDPQ’s desire to contribute, as an investor, to a global low-carbon economy.”

Azure Power is one of the country’s largest independent solar power producer with a pan-Indian portfolio of more than 3 GW spread across 23 Indian states.

“CDPQ’s successive investments into Azure Power since we went public on NYSE in 2016 are a strong testament of our leading solar power platform in India. CDPQ’s new investment enables our continued organic growth of highest quality solar power assets and our contribution towards realization of India’s Hon'ble Prime Minister's commitment towards clean and green energy,” said Inderpreet Wadhwa, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Azure Power.

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FINANCE UPDATES

ØRSTED BUYS 100% EQUITY IN DEEPWATER WIND Danish energy company Ørsted has inked a pact with the D.E. Shaw Group to acquire a 100 percent equity interest in US-based offshore wind developer Deepwater Wind for about USD 510 million.

As per the deal, the two companies’ offshore wind assets and organizations will be merged into the leading US offshore wind platform with the most comprehensive geographic coverage and the largest pipeline of development capacity.

Deepwater Wind has built an attractive and geographically diverse portfolio of projects along the US East Coast. It’s portfolio has a total potential capacity of approx. 3.3GW. While, Ørsted’s current US offshore wind portfolio has a total capacity of approx.

5.5GW. With the combined organization and asset portfolio, Ørsted will be able to deliver clean energy to the seven states on the US East Coast that have already committed to build more than 10GW of

offshore wind capacity by 2030.

Commenting on the development, Ørsted, CEO of Offshore Wind, Martin Neubert said, “With this transaction we’re creating the number one offshore wind platform in North America, merging the best of two worlds: Deepwater Wind’s longstanding expertise in originating, developing and permitting offshore wind projects in the US, and Ørsted’s

unparalleled track-record in engineering, constructing, and operating large-scale offshore wind farms.”

Post completion of the transaction, the new organization will be named as Ørsted US Offshore Wind.

Meanwhile, the transaction is subject to clearance by the US competition authorities and is expected to close by end of 2018.

SOLAREDGE TO BUY 75% STAKE IN KOKAM FOR $88 MN

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Israel-based SolarEdge Technologies has inked a definitive pact to acquire a major stake in Kokam, a provider of Lithium-ion cells, batteries and energy storage solutions.

As per the deal, the acquisition of approximately 75 percent outstanding equity shares of Kokam reflects an aggregate investment of approximately USD 88 million, including related transaction expenses.

However, the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the coming weeks.

Commenting on the development, SolarEdge, CEO, Chairman and Founder, Guy Sella said, “The acquisition of Kokam will enable us to grow our offering, adding already proven battery storage to our product portfolio.”

“Our technological innovation combined with Kokam’s world-class team and renowned battery storage solutions, will enable seamless integration with our current solutions, taking us a further step SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

toward making solar installations smarter and more beneficial,” Sella added.

This South Korea-Headquartered firm has been manufacturing Lithium-ion cells and providing reliable, safe, high-performance battery solutions for the past 29 years.

Kokam provides battery solutions for a wide-variety of industries, including ESS (Energy Storage Systems), UPS, Electric Vehicles (EV), aerospace, marine and

more.

Meanwhile, SolarEdge said in a statement that, “Over time, the company intends to purchase the remaining outstanding equity shares of Kokam that are currently listed on the Korean over the counter exchange through open-market purchases and otherwise, eventually resulting in Kokam becoming a whollyowned subsidiary of SolarEdge.”

FINANCE UPDATES

THOMASLLOYD BUYS SIGNIFICANT STAKE IN SOLARARISE ThomasLloyd has acquired a significant stake in solar project developer SolarArise India Projects (SolarArise), which currently owns and operates 130 MW of gridconnected solar power projects in India.

The company’s investment is expected to support it’s expansion of its solar energy capacity by approximately 250 MW. Further, these projects will be a combination of government and state sector projects as well as selected private sector projects, benefiting from long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs).

Following the investment, the company will become the largest shareholder in SolarArise.

The investment will be from ThomasLloyd Cleantech Infrastructure Holding GmbH, ThomasLloyd Cleantech Infrastructure Fund SICAV and ThomasLloyd SICAVSustainable Infrastructure Income Fund.

This is ThomasLloyd’s first renewable energy investment in India, and beyond the current identified portfolio, ThomasLloyd has the scope to expand capacity in excess of 1GW of gridconnected solar for the fast-growing domestic Indian market.

Commenting on the stake acquisition, ThomasLloyd, Managing Director Merchant Banking, Nandita Sahgal Tully said, “This partnership will fuel our ambitions to tap into the incredible opportunity in the Indian renewables sector and to be involved in the setup of greenfield solar assets across several states. Our strategy has always been to build a portfolio consisting of high quality, medium-sized, grid connected assets with long term diversified PPAs. We look forward to working with the management

team and other stakeholders to achieve this target.”

“Building on our track record of impact investing in Southeast Asia we believe this is an important investment in addressing the growing energy needs of India in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. We support the Government’s renewable energy target outlined in their National Solar Mission of 100GW installed solar capacity by 2022,” commented Michael Sieg, Chairman and Group CEO, ThomasLloyd.

HANWHA SOLAR TO BUY HANWHA Q CELLS FOR $825 MN Solar PV modules maker Hanwha Q CELLS has entered into a definitive plan of merger with Hanwha Solar Holdings, a subsidiary of Hanwha Chemical Corporation.

As per the deal, the company will be acquired by Hanwha Solar in an all-cash transaction implying an equity value of the company of approximately USD 825 million.

According to the merger terms, each ordinary share of the company issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be cancelled and cease to exist in exchange for the right to receive USD 0.20 in cash without interest, and each American depositary share of the company, representing 50 shares, will be cancelled in exchange for the right to receive USD 9.90 in cash without interest, except for shares owned by Hanwha Solar.

The merger consideration represents a

premium of 50 percent to the closing price of the company's ADSs on August 2, 2018, the last trading day prior to Hanwha Solar's announcement of its proposal to purchase the shares of the company that it does not already own, and a premium of 52 percent to the average closing price of the company’s ADSs during the 3-month period prior to the disclosure of Hanwha Solar's proposal.

Further, Hanwha Solar intends to fund the merger with equity.

The merger is currently expected to close during the first quarter of 2019. If completed, the merger will result in the company becoming a privately owned company, its ADSs will no longer be listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market and the ADS program will be subsequently terminated.

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UPDATES

WORLD BANK INVESTS IN BATTERIES TO BOOST SOLAR ENERGY The World Bank has decided to invest USD 1 billion for energy storage in Africa.

The objective is to support the production of batteries to stimulate the production of solar energy.

Africa is increasingly relying on solar energy to increase the rate of access to electricity for its population.

Intermittence is the main disadvantage of the renewable energy source. It only reaches its maximum production capacity during the day and yields fall at night. The challenge is to find the right balance of production to secure daily access to energy. Hence the use of batteries to store energy.

In Africa, energy storage is not yet a priority. The World Bank recently decided to boost the sector by creating a USD 1 billion fund. According to the bank, in developing countries, only 4.5 GWh of energy is stored. The objective for the next seven years is to reach 17.5 GWh. The World Bank is gradually expected to raise an additional USD 4 billion but the first billion is for Africa alone.

In the developing country market, batteries remain very expensive according to the World Bank. It is estimated at USD 400 to USD 700 per GW

hour in middle-income countries, unlike developed countries where the same battery costs only USD 200 to USD 300.

The World Bank’s investment also aims to encourage battery manufacturers to review prices and make them accessible to all, especially for people living in rural areas who use mini grids to provide lighting. A battery for a small domestic network should conserve stored energy during the day for at least 8 hours until it lights up at night.

The World Bank is not the only actor supporting energy storage in Africa. In September 2018, British Prime Minister Theresa May toured Africa where it was widely discussed. She announced a USD 72 million investment to support an energy storage project in South Africa.

The objective of all those policies is to boost the production of renewable energies and in particular solar energy, which is part of the old continent’s natural resources.

CLEANMAX SOLAR DONATES 20KWP PLANT IN AP

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NOVEMBER 2018

Country’s one of the leading rooftop solar developer CleanMax Solar has donated 20 kWp solar plant to the Gram Panchayath of Komaravolu village in Andhra Pradesh (AP).

The plant was inaugurated on October 10, 2018 by Nara Bhuvaneswari, wife of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu, Tejus AV, Head - Solar Farms for CleanMax Solar, was also present on this occasion.

Further, the Komaravolu village was adopted by Nara Bhuvaneswari under the “Smart Village Smart Ward programme” to develop it into a model village.

With this installation, this village has taken a step closer towards energy security and environment preservation by adopting solar energy.

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Moreover, the Gram Panchayath is estimated to save up to Rs 58,000 per year as this solar plant will approximately generate 29,000 kWh electricity units per annum for next 25 years.

The project will meet 36 percent of the gram panchayath’s electricity requirement through solar power.

Commenting on the occasion, CleanMax Solar, Co-founder, Andrew Hines said, “The ‘Smart Village Smart Ward programme’ by the Andhra Pradesh Government is a laudable initiative to promote solar electricity in villages. While much attention is paid to large scale solar projects, village-level projects like this one will help to improve energy availability in villages, where this problem is more acute.

CleanMax Solar is glad to be a part of this program and to contribute towards development of Komaravolu village by helping the Gram Panchayat become self-sustainable for their electricity requirements. We hope that such an initiative will set an example for other villages to turn towards sustainable forms of power generation.”

UPDATES

SOFTBANK TO OFFER FREE ELECTRICITY TO ISA MEMBERS MNRE has organized 2nd Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo, (REINVEST- 2018) aiming to take another step towards inclusion of renewable energy in the energy mix.

During a plenary session, ‘RENNOVATE’, at the event, CEO, SoftBank Group, Masayoshi Son said ISA has been a very important part of Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. PM Modi wants 100% electrification; it’s a great mission, with great vision, for villages and for households (Saubhagya)”.

Commending the efforts of the ISA, he said “We are no more one nation in this mission, but 121 nations involved in bringing a change. I get involved as the chairman of task force, sharing three outcomes- solar innovation platforms, solar technology centers and finally connecting people with power. We fully support the vision 2020 set by PM Modi. Cost of Solar power generation is much cheaper in India compared to rest of the world. I will give free power from solar power projects after 25 years of PPA to all ISA member countries. We’re investing in tech & innovation so that we can harness solar energy efficiently to provide free power to children, mothers, communities across the world. It’s not a dream; we now have the resources to make this happen”

The conference was inaugurated in a common function by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in the presence of Antonio Guterres, Secretary General, United Nations on 2nd October 2018 in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

The 2nd REINVEST aims at accelerating the worldwide effort to scale up renewable energy and connect the global investment community with Indian energy stakeholders. 2nd REINVEST is a three-day conference on renewable, clean-tech and future energy choices, and an Expo of renewable-related manufacturers, developers, investors.

MICROLINK DEVICES’ SOLAR SHEETS POWER ZEPHYR FLIGHT America’s MicroLink Devices has provided its epitaxial lift-off (ELO) solar sheet technology to Airbus Defence and Space for the successful launch and landing of the maiden flight of the next-generation Zephyr unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Zephyr S UAV flew more than 25 days continuously without refueling, setting a new long-endurance flight record.

Further, the Zephyr platform is a new class of unmanned air vehicle that operates as a high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) enabling affordable, persistent, local satellite-like services.

Running exclusively on solar power, the Zephyr aircraft holds world records for absolute endurance as well as altitude, flying at 70,000 feet or higher.

This stratospheric platform can fly for months at a time and combines the persistence of a satellite with the flexibility of UAV. MicroLink Devices provides a lightweight and flexible, high-efficiency solar sheet technology that is an enabling technology for electrically powered UAVs and satellites that have significant area and weight constraints.

The combination of high-efficiency and low mass enabled by MicroLink’s ELO inverted metamorphic multi-junction (IMM) solar cells provides superior performance unmatched by any other solar cell technology.

Commenting on the development, Airbus HAPS Program Director, Sophie Thomas said, “Our collaboration with MicroLink Devices in the application

of their ELO solar sheet technology to the Zephyr has been important to the success of the HAPS program. The high specific power of MicroLink’s solar sheets enables the Zephyr to fly uninterrupted in the stratosphere which would not be possible with lower performance solar cell technology. This will further extend the capability and utility of the Zephyr platform for our customers.”

VOL 3 l ISSUE 03 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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UPDATES

RENEW POWER EXPANDS LEADERSHIP TEAM One of the leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) ReNew Power has appointed three senior executives who have joined the organization in leadership roles.

These strategic appointments are in-line with the company’s continued focus on strengthening its management team.

The company has appointed Mayank Bansal as President – Strategy & Operations, Varun Sivaram as Chief Technology Officer and Stephen O’Rourke as Managing Director, ReNew North America.

Both Mayank Bansal and Varun Sivaram will be based out at the company’s Gurugram office while Stephen O’Rourke will be based at it’s recently set up international office in San Francisco, California.

Mayank will be responsible for developing the current and future strategy of the company and all capital allocation decisions.

He has close to 20 years of consulting experience across verticals like Automobile, Metals & Mining, Infrastructure and Consumer Goods.

As CTO, Varun will be responsible for understanding and integrating new technologies in existing lines of business, identifying new streams of technology enabled opportunities and building a culture of technology innovation within

ReNew. Stephen will be driving ReNew’s business in the US market, which the company has recently entered.

He joined ReNew Power from Capitas Energy where he served as the co-founder and Managing Partner helping them source, advance and sell more than 300 MWac of mid-stage and greenfield utility scale projects in less than 2 years.

Commenting on these appointments,

ReNew Power, Chairman and Managing Director, Sumant Sinha said, “We are pleased to welcome Stephen, Mayank and Varun to the leadership team. These senior level hires reflect our commitment to the goal of providing smarter and more efficient clean energy solutions. I look forward to our new appointees bringing in fresh ideas and rich experience to the organisation, adding a new dimension to our business.”

MAGENTA POWER INSTALLS INDIA’S 1ST EV BILLING METER

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Adding another feather in its cap, Magenta Power has installed India’s first EV billing meter in association with MSEDCL (Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd).

Further, this EV Billing Meter is launched by the company in sync with the government plans to support adoption of Electric Vehicles.

The Government of India (GoI) has been pushing the EV agenda by way of policies to support the adoption of Electric Vehicles.

On policy, that has been in place for long but not implemented was the EV charging metering under a subsidised rate.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

Moreover, individual states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana published their EV policies with this subsidised energy rates on offer.

But on the ground, while some EV charging stations have come up, they have been connected to the base meters which meant higher prices for the consumers.

With the support of the Government of Maharashtra and the MAITRI program and installation by MSEDCL, the state of Maharashtra has installed the first EV billing meter in the country.

Commenting on the launch, Magenta Power, Director, Maxson Lewis said, this is a first of its kind initiative in India which

now opens up the nation to setup such charging points under the governments EV support program.

The idea is to make the charging experience across India as convenient as possible. While this meter setup is a small step it is a significant one in India’s EV journey. This meter has been setup at a charging station installed by Magenta Power in Navi Mumbai.

The company will be deploying the new EV billing meters on all its 6 charging stations already in operation. It is planning a slew of new charging stations on other important highways under the EV billing meters scheme.

UPDATES

CHILDREN SET WORLD RECORD LIGHTING 5000 SOLAR LAMPS After IIT-Bombay initiated the programme Solar Urja Lamp (SoUL) for the schoolchildren to assemble solar lamps from solar kits, a world record has been set by the children who lit 5000 solar lamps all together on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

More than 1.25 lakh students participated in SoUL which was held in 850 schools across the country.

Significantly, out of the 1.25 lakh lamps assembled across the country, 5,700 were made at the IIT-Bombay campus.

Further, Guinness World Records certified the event that was organized by the ministry of new and renewable energy, IIT-B, State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLM), SoUL and Techfest.

However, the exact number of LED lights will be declared later after verification, said an official, adding that the previous record was set in 2016, when 1,590 lamps were lit.

“Once the students understand the importance of saving energy, it will help us spread the word faster and

create awareness,” said Chetan Singh Solanki, professor at the department of energy science and engineering and SoUL founder. Chief Guest, Scientist Anil Kakodkar, former chairperson of

atomic energy commission, said, “Like Gandhi’s charkha was the soul of the freedom struggle, these solar lamps are important to spread the message of solar, renewable energy,”

US KEEN TO INVEST IN INDIA’S SOLAR, INFRA, PORT SECTORS

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OPIC is eagerly interested to invest in the development of India’s infrastructure, port and solar energy sectors, said David Bohigian, Executive Vice-President, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) of US. The US government’s development finance institution OPIC Executive, who is visiting India, further said that India is clearly the anchor of US government’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

OPIC is a self-sustaining US government agency that helps American businesses invest in emerging markets.

During an interaction with media, Bohigian said that, “We are looking across all sectors (of India for investment) including infrastructure development, port development and solar energy sector, not just in venture capital.”

He, however, added that OPIC does not have any numerical target for investments in India, and the development finance SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

institution is looking at the merits of the projects in India. “We are proud to announce our investments in Iron Pillar, a mid-stage India-focused venture capital fund,” Bohigian added.

He also noted that when countries take development finance from any source, then the policymakers must ensure sovereignty of the host country, rights

and transparency in project funding.

Bohigian said the OPIC has USD 23 billion portfolios across 90 countries in the world in every sector from small, medium size ventures up to major infrastructure projects.

In India, it has around 40 projects with total investments valued at USD 1.5 billion, he added.

MILESTONE UPDATES

PM MODI RECEIVES ‘CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH’ AWARD In an encouragement to India’s enhanced approached towards the use of renewable energy, UN General Secretary, Antonio Guterres presented United Nations’ highest environmental honor, ‘Champions of the Earth’ Award to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Guterres said, "PM Modi recognizes climate change poses a direct existential threat to us. He knows what we need to do to avoid a catastrophe. Other leaders also recognize, know and understand, but the difference is that he not only recognizes but he acts."

Moreover, the award has been conferred upon PM due to his leadership of the International Solar Alliance and pledge to eliminate single use plastic in India by 2022.

Further, awarded annually, the 'Champions of the Earth' prize is given to outstanding leaders from government,

civil society and the private sector whose actions 'has had a positive impact on the environment.'

Besides Modi, the award has been bestowed upon five other individuals and organizations.

TATA POWER BAGS 7TH ACEF ASIAN LEADERSHIP AWARDS

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Country’s one of the leading integrated power utility Tata Power has won two awards at the ‘7th ACEF Asian Leadership Awards’ for its impactful work in the areas of Environmental Conservation and Public sanitation.

It has won the Gold and Silver for its work in the conservation of Mahseer fish under the ‘Best Sustainable Green Initiative’ and its campaign to end open defecation in Jamshedpur under the ‘Best Corporate Community Partnership’ sub-categories respectively.

Over the last four decades, the company is renowned for having successfully bred the Mahseer fish in captivity by working closely with Government agencies and fisheries institutes for responsible reintroductions of the species in the wild.

The breeding facility at Walwhan, Lonavala, maintained by the company is open to scientists and students for research and training purposes, thereby, helping build capacities in this specialized field.

Tata Power’s Mahseer Conservation Program has served as an important vehicle for improving the livelihood of SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

local community, particularly women who are seeking a sustainable source of income outside mainstream vocations in the region.

The local community in Jojobera, near Jamshedpur, where the company operates a 550 MW thermal power plant was provided with 8,486 toilets and repaired around 1,200 toilets in the region benefitting nearly 45,000 people directly.

Commenting on the development, Tata Power, Managing Director & CEO, Praveer Sinha said, “We would like to thank the ACEF Asian Leadership Awards for recognising our initiatives and motivating us to undertake more such activities for our grassroots level workers who have dedicated their lives for improving the quality of life of the community they live in.”

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PUNJAB NET METERING POLICY

PUNJAB POLICY ON NET METERING FOR

GRID INTERACTIVE ROOF-TOP SOLAR PV POWER PLANTS

Scope and Application:-

(1) This Policy shall apply to the distribution licensee and consumers of distribution licensee of the State of Punjab.

(2) The eligible consumer may install the rooftop solar system under net metering arrangement which; (a) shall be within the permissible rated capacity as defined under this Policy. (b) shall be located in the consumer premises. (c) shall interconnect and operate safely in parallel with the distribution licensee network.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Policy, relevant State authorities shall have the right to undertake rooftop solar projects above 1 Mega Watt Peak (MWp) capacity through alternative mechanisms.

(4) This Policy shall remain applicable unless repealed or substituted with new Policy.

(5) The provisions of NRSE Policy 2012 shall also apply to solar power plants under this Policy.

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Eligibility:- All the consumers of the State Distribution licensee or PSPCL who intend to encourage solar energy and set up solar PV plants at available places on roof-tops of Individual households, industries, Government or Semi-Government or SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

Local Body offices, commercial establishments, institutions, residential complexes shall be eligible with project capacity ranging from minimum 1 KWp upto 1MWp (AC side) with or without battery back-up support. Consumers may generate solar power for self consumption and may feed excess power into the grid to be adjusted as per clause 13 of this Policy.

Third Party Owned Rooftop PV Net Metering Model:-

I n the third party owned rooftop PV net metering model, the developers or intermediaries lease out solar PV systems to interested rooftop owners. This can be a popular model for residential home owners, where turnkey installers lease rooftop systems to individual owners who, in turn, pay them a monthly lease rental. The owner of the house provides the rooftop and engages a turnkey installer to design and install the system.

Alternatively, the installers can also offer an integrated service of leasing, commissioning and maintaining the systems to owners and guaranteeing standards of performance. The electricity generated from such a system is used to meet the rooftop owner’s internal electricity needs while the excess generation is fed into the grid on net metering basis. This model has the following benefits:(1) Benefits to rooftop owner: The household owner avoids

PUNJAB NET METERING POLICY

large upfront investment for the solar equipment and on occasion avoids assuming technology or performance risk of solar systems. Net metering allows the rooftop owner to save on power consumed from the grid to the extent of solar generation. A part of savings in energy bill of power consumption is shared with the developer by way of lease rentals.

(2) Benefits to developer: The leasing company generates revenues by way of lease rental from the rooftop owner under a contract. As it continues to be owner of the equipment, it also qualifies for claiming depreciation on the capital cost of the PV systems with associated direct tax benefits.

(4) However, for all intent and purposes, PSPCL shall deal with the rooftop owner or Consumer only and arrangement between rooftop owner and developer shall be personal to them.

(5) As per Open Access Regulations in force, such third party owned system may result in an open access transaction with implications of wheeling charges and surcharge relating to cross subsidy. To encourage the green energy, such roof top solar system installations set up under this Policy would be exempted from open access regulations.

Net-Metering:-

(1) T he distribution licensee shall allow nondiscriminatory netmetering arrangement on first-cum-first serve basis for both self-owned and third party owned rooftop PV systems as long as the total capacity (in MW) does not exceed the target capacity determined.

(2) The distribution licensee shall accept the solar PV power for 25 years as per the useful life of the SPV system.

Capacity Targets for Distribution Licensee:-

(1) Maximum cumulative capacity to be installed under this Policy shall be decided by GOP on yearly basis. The

shortfall in any year shall be carried forward to the next succeeding year provided that the cumulative capacity to be allowed at a particular distribution transformer shall not exceed 30% of the rated capacity of the distribution transformer; on first-cum-first serve. The applications not considered will lapse and consumer will have to apply afresh in the next financial year.

(2) The distribution licensee shall update distribution transformer level capacity available for connecting rooftop solar systems under net metering arrangement on 1st October every year and shall provide the information on its website as well as to the Commission and PEDA.

Installed Capacity:-

The maximum capacity of the Roof Top Solar PV system, as mentioned on AC side at the output of inverter based on rated inverter capacity, shall not be more than 80% of the Sanctioned Connected Load or Contract Demand (in KVA converted to KW at normative Power Factor of 0.90) of the consumer and the minimum capacity shall not be less than 1 KW. Eligible Consumers shall assess their rooftop solar PV plant capacity based on the shadow less clear roof top area or vacant spaces, SCL or CD, actual annual energy consumption pattern and the capacity of Distribution transformer.

SPV Plant and Metering:-

All the equipment associated with solar plant installation like solar PV panels, inverters; synchronizer, MPPT, batteries, transformers, cables, junction boxes etc shall be brand new and as per latest specified Indian/IEC standards. Bidirectional energy meter with CTs and PT, if required, having the feature of recording both the import and export of energy, besides other parameters shall be as per CEA metering regulations or State Grid code as applicable and of the make & specifications as approved by PSPCL shall be installed at the cost of the SPV plant owner at the point where interconnection is VOL 3 l ISSUE 03 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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made between Consumer system and PSPCL system. The Plant owner has option to install the meter and metering equipment procured by PSPCL or can procure from vendors approved by PSPCL. If metering system is procured by Plant owner, then the testing and installation of meters including CTs and PT shall be got carried out from PSPCL as per the latest departmental instructions and no meter rentals shall be charged. PSPCL shall seal the tested bidirectional energy meters as per prevailing practice of PSPCL. Details of Energy Meters is given at Annexure-I.

Connectivity and Protection:-

Solar Photo Voltaic rooftop systems shall be allowed in house auto synchronization or de synchronization facility with distribution system of the licensee at generation voltage level. It will utilize the same service line for excess power injection into the Grid which is currently being used by the consumer for drawl of power from utility network and shall operate in synchronization with PSPCL system provided that such injection of power from the rooftop solar PV system shall not be more than 90% of the total consumption from the licensee’s supply by the consumer in a Settlement Period. It shall be mandatory for the solar rooftop generator to provide an appropriate protection system on their incoming side or consumer premises with the feature of “Islanding the SPV generator”, so as to achieve isolation of consumer power-system from utility power-system during grid failure including protection from voltage / lightning surges. The Power Conditioning Unit of the SPV plant shall have features to filter out harmonics and other distortions before injecting the energy into PSPCL system. The harmonics and inverter standards are given at Annexure-II and III.

Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation:-

The quantum of electricity consumed by eligible consumer, who is not defined as obligated entity, from the rooftop solar system under net metering arrangement shall qualify towards compliance of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) for the distribution licensee.

Applicability of Other Charges:-

The rooftop solar system under net metering arrangement, whether self-owned or third party owned installed on eligible

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consumer premises, shall be exempted from banking and wheeling charges and losses, cross subsidy and additional surcharge etc. and MMC shall be applicable as per subclause(5) of clause 13.

Eligibility to Participate under Renewable Energy Certificate Mechanism:-

The issuance of renewable energy certificate shall be as per the eligibility criteria specified under Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for recognition and issuance of Renewable Energy Certificate for Renewable Energy Generation) Regulations, 2010.

Banking Mechanism and Billing:-

(1) O n commissioning of the solar roof top system and at the end of each of the billing cycle/settlement period, PSPCL shall take energy meter readings for import or drawl and export or injection of power and work out the net energy flow quantum from or to the consumer. In case the net flow is towards the PSPCL i.e. the consumer has injected/ exported the net surplus energy to the PSPCL system, such quantum will be treated as energy banked by the consumer with PSPCL in the current billing cycle. In such scenario, the consumer will be issued Energy Account Statement along with the bill for charges like meter rentals, service charges etc., and banked energy will be carried forward for accounting in the next billing cycle. If the net energy flow is from the PSPCL, then the consumer will be issued the Energy Account Statement and Energy Bill for the net power drawn in the billing cycle plus other charges.

(2) T he Energy Account Statement to be issued to consumer

by PSPCL for each billing cycle shall show the quantum of export/injected energy from roof-top Solar PV System, import/drawl of energy from PSPCL in the billing period, banked energy of the previous billing cycle, net billed energy for payment by the consumer for that billing period or net banked energy carried forward to the next billing period separately. The Energy Bill for import will be prepared as per the retail supply tariff as approved by the PSERC for the category to which the consumer belongs. The energy exported to PSPCL from the rooftop Solar PV system shall be set-off against the energy

PUNJAB NET METERING POLICY

imported from the PSPCL grid at the PSERC approved retail supply tariff applicable to the particular consumer category.

(3) At the end of the next and subsequent billing cycles/end of settlement period, PSPCL will take the energy meter reading and work out the net flow taking into consideration the energy banked in the previous billing cycle if any, along with the readings of import and export of power for current billing cycle and work out the net energy account bill, as the case may be. The procedure will be repeated at the end of every billing cycle. The settlement of net energy including any banked energy shall be done at the end of each settlement period based on 90% of the consumption. At the beginning of each settlement period, cumulative carried over injected energy shall be reset to zero.

(4) All Rules and regulations including tariff shall be governed by the orders of PSERC and terms and conditions prescribed in Application & Agreement (A&A) form. An additional form or MOU shall be signed between the licensee and seller of such rooftop Solar PV sources and shall include necessary terms and conditions of meter reading, meter-rent, billing, payment, payment security arrangements, rate of delayed payment surcharge etc. and shall become the part of A&A Form.

(5) All the instructions, rules and regulations applicable to the consumers of the PSPCL for the applicable class/category including but not limited to the Tariff rates, Payment Schedule, Late payment surcharge, connected load/contract demand, Load Surcharge, peak load restrictions, Advance Consumption Deposit etc., shall also be applicable to the Roof Top Solar plant owner as a consumer of PSPCL. Electricity duty shall be levied as per GOP instructions amended from time to time and at present ED is applicable on the net power drawn by the Consumer from PSPCL. As long as the consumer having set-up the solar power plant consumes power from PSPCL and/or generated from solar plant or banked solar energy up to or more than the MMC level in any billing period, Monthly Minimum Charges (MMC) shall not be leviable.

Procedure:-

The consumer intending to set up the Roof top PV system can download the solar net-metering rooftop ApplicationcumAgreement form from the website of the PSPCL and shall submit the same to designated officer of PSPCL for grant of permission to set-up the plant. After checking the feasibility, the applicant shall be issued Letter of Approval by PSPCL within 30 days of receipt of application. The consumer shall set up the plant and submit the work completion report along with Single Line Diagram of the synchronizing and protection arrangement issued by the plant supplier/EPC contractor that the plant has been installed as per approved standards and specifications within 180 days. After site verification, PSPCL shall install and seal the Bi-directional energy meter(s) within 10 days of the submission of report and plant will be treated as commissioned for net-metering commercial operations from that date. In case of delay the consumer shall have to get further extension from PSPCL. Such extension will be granted for a maximum period of 2-months only and the approval granted will lapse automatically if the project is not set-up even in the extended 2-months period.

However, he will be eligible to apply in the next financial year but his application will be kept at the bottom of the list of applicants and he will be permitted to set-up the plant only if all the applicants above him are selected and there is still capacity available for allotment.

Restrictions on Level of Overall or Local Grid Penetration:-

(1) N et-metering based rooftop solar systems are small capacity systems and can be expected to proliferate fast when the policy and procedures are conducive.

The impact and level of proliferation of net-metering based rooftop would have an impact on the local grid which has to address technical, safety and grid security issues arising out of possible reverse flow of electricity in the local grids. The distribution licensee shall provide net metering arrangement to all eligible consumers as long as the cumulative capacity to be allowed for a particular distribution transformer shall not exceed 30% of the rated capacity of the distribution transformer.

(2) The distribution utility to which the - consumer is connected VOL 3 l ISSUE 03 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

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can be given the benefit of deemed RPO for selfconsumption of electricity by consumers who are not defined as obligated entities under the RPO framework as long as such consumers do not opt for REC framework for self consumption as eligible entity. This will encourage utilities to facilitate implementation of small capacity netmetering based rooftop solar projects.

(3) T he quantum of electricity consumed by an eligible consumer, who is not defined as an obligated entity from the rooftop solar system under net-metering arrangement shall qualify as deemed Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) for the distribution licensee.

Application Fee:-

The applicant shall pay application fee of Rs. 50/KVA alongwith the application to PSPCL. No parallel operation charges shall be leviable on these projects as per NRSE Policy 2012.

Technical and interconnection requirements shall Given at Annexure-IV.

Operation and Maintenance:-

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(1) T he solar plant shall comply with the relevant standards specified by the MNRE /BIS and CEA. The responsibility of operation and maintenance of the solar photo voltaic (SPV) generator including all accessories and apparatus lies with the consumer. The design and installation of the rooftop SPV should be equipped with appropriately rated protective devices to sense any abnormality in the system and carry out automatic isolation of the SPV from the grid. The inverters used should meet the necessary quality requirements and should be certified for their quality by appropriate authority; the protection logics should be tested before commissioning of the plant.

(2) The automatic isolation or islanding protection of SPV should be ensured for, no grid supply and low or over voltage conditions and within the required response time.

Adequate rated fuses and fast acting circuit breakers on input and output side of the inverters and disconnect/ isolating switches to isolate DC and AC system for maintenance shall be provided. The consumer should provide for all internal safety and protective mechanism for earthing, surge, DC ground fault, transients etc.

(3) T o prevent back feeding and possible accidents when maintenance works are carried out by DISCOM personnel, Double pole/Triple pole with neutral isolating disconnect switches which can be locked by DISCOM personnel should be provided. This is in addition to automatic sensing and isolating on grid supply failure etc and in addition to internal disconnect switches. In the event of DISCOM LT/HT supply failure, the consumer has to ensure that there will not be any solar power being fed to the LT/HT grid of DISCOM. The consumer is solely responsible for any accident to human beings/ animals whatsoever (fatal/non fatal/departmental/non departmental) that may occur due to back feeding from the SPV plant when the grid supply is off. DISCOM reserves the right to disconnect the installation at any SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

time in the event of damage to its grid, meter, etc. or to prevent accident or damage.

(4) T he consumer shall abide by all the codes and regulations issued by the Commission to the extent applicable and in force from time to time. The consumer shall comply with PSERC/DISCOM/CEA requirements with respect to safe, secure and reliable function of the SPV plant and the grid. The power injected into the grid shall be of the required quality in respect of wave shape, frequency, absence of DC components etc.

(5) T he consumer shall restrict the harmonic generation within the limit specified in the agreement or specified by the Central Electricity Authority as and when such regulation is issued.

(6) T he SPG (individual homes/commercial establishments) may establish LT grid interactive solar power plant in the roof top or elevated surface with the following options: (i). G rid interactive solar PV system without battery. ( ii). Grid interactive solar PV system with battery backup.

However, in both the options, features as per section clause (2) & (3) above shall be available so as to ensure islanding of the SPV system & prevent back feeding to Grid system of PSPCL. (7) The inverter standard shall be such that it should not allow solar power/battery power to extend to DISCOM’s LT grid on failure of DISCOM’s grid supply, irrespective of the LT connectivity options. The required inverter standard for three phase and single phase solar power are furnished in Annexure-III. (8) The inverter should be a sine wave inverter. Harmonic standards shall be as per IEEE 519.

Applicability of Renewable Energy Certificates and RPO:-

Net-metering injection is not eligible for REC. The quantum of electricity consumed by an eligible consumer, who is not defined as an obligated entity from the rooftop solar system under net-metering arrangement shall qualify as deemed Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) for the distribution licensee.

Penalty or Compensation:-

In case of failure of net metering system, the provisions of penalty or compensation shall be as per the provisions of the standard of performance regulations for distribution licensee.

Power to Interpret, Relax and Amend:- The Secretary, New and Renewable Energy shall be final authority to interpret any of the provisions and may by general or special order, relax any of the provisions of This Policy and from time to time add, vary, alter, suspend, modify, amend or repeal any provisions of this Policy.

Subsidy:-

(1) The consumers interested in setting up of solar rooftop PV project can approach PEDA for grant of applicable MNRE, Government of India grant as per the prevailing instructions/Policy.

(2) The solar power plant will be eligible for the fiscal and other incentives as per NRSE Policy 2012.

NATIONAL EVENTS

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

SIGMA SUMMIT 2018

EILAT EILOT CLEAN ENERGY CONFERENCE 2018

START DATE : 06-Dec-2018 END DATE : 08-Dec-2018

START DATE : 02-Dec-2018 END DATE : 04-Dec-2018

E-mail :

E-mail :

website : www.eilatenergy.org

website :https://sigmasummit.com Location : New Delhi, India Phone : +91 11 43563113 rinkisharma@greenbizindia.com

Location : Eilat, Israel Phone : +972 8 6371717

info@eilateilot.org

INTERSOLAR INDIA 2018

SOLAR-TEC 2018

START DATE : 11-Dec-2018 END DATE : 13-Dec-2018

Location : Bangalore, India Phone : +49 7231 58598215 E-mail : feth@solarpromotion.com

START DATE : 03-Dec-2018 END DATE : 05-Dec-2018

14TH INTERNATIONAL BATTERY, SOLAR AND LEAD RECYCLING EXHIBITION & SEMINAR

SOLAR EXPO - A WORLD FUTURE ENERGY SUMMIT EVENT

website : www.solartecegypt.com

website : www.intersolar.in

website : www.batteryfair.co.in START DATE : 18-Jan-2019 END DATE : 20-Jan-2019

Location : Noida, India Phone : +91 11 22137081

Location : Cairo, Egypt Phone : +971 4 4072655 E-mail : jaan.vanvalkenburgh@informa.com

website : www.solarexpo.ae START DATE : 14-Jan-2019 END DATE : 15-Jan-2019

Location : Abu Dhabi, UAE Phone : +971 2 4090387

E-mail : info@batteryfair.co.in

E-mail : afrina.nasrin@reedexpo.ae

6TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION ON ENERGYSTORAGE & MICROGRIDS IN INDIA

THE ENERGY EXPO 2019

website : www.esiexpo.in START DATE : 22-Jan-2019 END DATE : 23-Jan-2019

Location : New Delhi, India Phone : +91 11 48550059

website : www.theenergyexpo.com START DATE : 23-Jan-2019 END DATE : 24-Jan-2019

E-mail : DhumalA@md-india.com

E-mail : mail@TEE2019.com

RENEWX 2019

NEPAL SOLAR TODAY EXPO

website : www.renewx.in START DATE : 19-Apr-2019 END DATE : 20-Apr-2019

Location : Hyderabad, India Phone : +91 99404 59444

E-mail : julian.thomas@ubm.com

61

START DATE : 28-FEB-2019 END DATE : 02-MAR-2019

Location : Kathmandu, Nepal Phone : +91 98201 30615

SNEC 13TH INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATION & SMART ENERGY CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

website : www.solarindiaexpo.com

NOVEMBER 2018

website : www.solartodayexpo.com

E-mail : info@solartodayexpo.com

4TH SOLAR INDIA 2019 EXPO START DATE : 22-MAY-2019 END DATE : 24-MAY-2019

Location : Miami, Florida, USA Phone : +1 305 4120000

Location : New Delhi, India Phone : +91 9711 737395

E-mail : kulbeerg@eigroup.in

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 03

website : www.snec.org.cn START DATE : 03-Jun-2019 END DATE : 05-Jun-2019 E-mail : info@snec.org.cn

Location : Shanghai, China Phone : +86 21 53893020