Saur Energy International Magazine 2018 by Saur Energy International

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SEPTEMBER 2018 | Rs. 200

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DCP LICENSING NO. F.2(S-29) PRESS/2016 l VOL 3 l ISSUE 01 l TOTAL PAGES 98 l PUBLISHED ON 1ST OF EVERY MONTH

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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

Since its entry about a decade ago, China has led the global solar energy industry. Its established manufacturing sector that ASSOCIATE EDITOR has driven down costs, coupled with supportive government policies, have helped it commission multiple large-scale NILOY BANERJEE projects and become the world’s largest producer of clean niloy@meilleurmedia.com energy. Meanwhile, we have turned up at the party a little late— SUB EDITOR but now racing ahead in terms of big projects. MANU TAYAL Around 50% of the world’s 10 largest solar parks under construction currently are in India, says a report by USmanu@meilleurmedia.com based think tank Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). SUB EDITOR Even for rooftop solar installation, India has gone big. ANIRUDH SHARMA A 19 MW system installed on an 82-acre campus of anirudh@meilleurmedia.com the RSSB Educational and Environmental Society in Amritsar, Punjab, is currently world’s largest. Having said this we still have multiple policy issues. MANAGER- MEDIA SOLUTION There’s the expected imposition of safeguard duty GIRISH MISHRA on solar panels, which could cripple growth. girish.mishra@meilleurmedia.com We have talked in depth about this in this issue and brought together many industry veterans to understand the industry sentiments on this topic. DESIGN HEAD The government is also working to put India SANDEEP KUMAR as a clean energy leader. Earlier this year, for instance, India hosted the launch of the WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER International Solar Alliance (ISA), a nonJITENDER KUMAR profit group of 121 countries promoting solar energy. Industry experts saw the establishment of the ISA headquarters in WEB PRODUCTION India as a sign that India is claiming pole BALVINDER SINGH position in climate leadership. Also in this issue we have collated a SUBSCRIPTIONS number of technical case studies directly from the solar parks and KULDEEP assembly lines in association with the subscription@meilleurmedia.com manufacturers to present you the real life know how of the effects of using Saur Energy International is printed, published, edited and owned by Manas Nandi and quality materials in your projects. published from 303, 2nd floor, Neelkanth Palace, Plot No- 190, Sant Nagar,East of Kailash, New Lots more inside. Delhi- 110065 (INDIA),Printed at Pearl Printers, C-105, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase 1, New Delhi. 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. Any unauthorised reproduction of Saur Energy International magazine content is strictly forbidden. Subject to Delhi Jurisdiction.

CONTENT PAGE REI SPECIAL ISSUE

ANIMESH DAMANI Managing Partner Artha Energy Resources

KAPIL MAHESHWARI

CEO Hinduja Renewables Energy Pvt Ltd

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POLICY

SUSHIL BANSAL

Founder & Managing Director Novasys Greenergy Pvt Ltd

SOLIS’ VARIOUS GENERATING CAPACITIES OF SINGLE AXIS HORIZONTAL TRACKER PV POWER STATION

MARKET

94 12 Indian Gov’t Puts Safeguard Duty on Hold

SEPTEMBER 2018

Hanergy, Bluecar to Study Scope of Solar Evs

China Challenges US SGD on Solar Imports

World Reaches 1TW of Wind, Solar; 2nd TW by 2023: BNEF

B'luru Commuters to have Electric Buses in 5 Years

MNRE Tweaks ‘Storage’ in Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy

Boom in Global Solar Battery Charger Market

Haryana CM Starts off Evs and Exicom Chargers

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

CONTENT PAGE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

SHRAVAN SAMPATH

PRADEEP SANGWAN

NAVIN MENKAR

Vice President & Country Head Renesolar Power Pvt Ltd

Founder Oakridge Energy Solutions

Managing Director Solaico Sadguru India Pvt Ltd

COVER STORY

SAFEGUARDING & UPLIFTING INDIAN SUN

INNOVATION

PROJECTS

FINANCE

Tata Power Commissions Rooftop Solar Plant at CCI

Talks to Sell 51% Stake of GCL to State Collapses

Govt Adopts ‘Integrate to Innovate’ Programme

Amritsar Khalsa College to use Solar Energy

Rico Autos Foresees Rs 2000 Cr Turnover by 2020

Scientists use Plant Bacteria to Harness Sunlight

Azure to Install 5 MW of Solar Power System for NREDCAP

Trina Bags $30 Mn Credit Facility from Vietnam Bank

VOL 3 l ISSUE 01 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2018

POLICY UPDATES REI SPECIAL ISSUE

FOREST DEPT MULLS SOLAR FOR BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY The butterfly conservatory in Srirangam may soon be operated with clean energy as the forest department plans to generate solar power within the park’s premises to meet its electricity needs. Souring monthly electricity bills has prompted the forest department to look at the possibility of non-conventional energy source, by erecting a solar power plant within the conservatory spread across 25 acres. As of now, only street lights are powered by solar energy and rest of the power needs are met with conventional energy source. Trichy District Forest Officer D. Sujatha said that power consumption has been a lot in the butterfly conservatory, leaving them to spend more on electricity bills. “We have been paying Rs15,000 per month on an average towards electricity. All four water fountains are operated with high power motor pumps. Besides this, water from eight borewells in the campus to irrigate the green cover is extracted with the help of electric motor pumps. “We are trying to bring down the conventional power consumption by meeting our electricity need with solar energy, as the revenue generated from the visitors is sufficient only for maintenance and a large part of the revenue goes for electricity bills,” she said. Solar energy is seen as a permanent solution by forest department as it would make the butterfly conservatory self-sufficient in a couple of years. “There is a dire need for permanent power

solution. Butterflies can be retained in the conservatory if micro climate is maintained and that can only be possible by further improving green cover and motor pumps are used to irrigate the green cover,” said another senior forest official in Trichy. Forest department has sought a quotation from contractors for a solar project to run a combined 50 horse power motor pumps. Based on the quotation with least amount, a proposal would be sent for government’s approval for the project. Forest department has been submitting proposals to the government based on the requirements of the conservatory which primarily includes periodic repair work.

CHINA CHALLENGES US SGD ON SOLAR IMPORTS

INDIAN GOV’T TO SEEK RBI RELIEF FOR STRESSED POWER COs

Adding to its wide range of conflicts with US, China has questioned the US imposed safeguard duties (SGD) on imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic products before the World Trade Organization (WTO). China filed a formal complaint with the WTO regarding the 30 percent hike in the solar tariffs which is said to have favored the US domestic solar producers in a very inappropriate way. Commerce Ministry of China further mentions in the complaint filed at Geneva that the favor is in violation of the WTO Rules. Additionally, China Government has requested WTO dispute consultations with the US to take appropriate measures at the state and municipal level that provide incentives for the use of domestically sourced renewable energy products and technologies. Further, China claims that the safeguard measures on solar cells and incentive measures for renewable energy are inconsistent with a number of provisions of the WTO's Agreement on Safeguards and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMs) and the GATT 1994 respectively. Request for consultations filed by any entity/country is a formal initiation of dispute in WTO. Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a satisfactory solution without proceeding further with litigation.

Following an order by the Allahabad High Court declining to provide any interim relief to the stressed power sector firms, Indian Government is considering to ask Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for another 180 days relief for liable but stressed power companies. Apparently, the government has took this initiative under the aegis of RBI’s section 7 which states that “the central government may from time to time give such directions to the bank as it may, after consultation with the governor of the bank, consider necessary in the public interest.” Moreover, taking into account the RBI February 12 circular wide tighter bad loan norms, Allahabad High Court disapprove the relief to the private power companies. One of the officials close to the development said, “We will seek views from cabinet secretary led committee on power sector on various options for resolving stress in the sector before approaching RBI as per the Allahabad High Court directions.” Also, keeping a lenient view for the stressed power firms, the Finance Ministry opined that power firms with aggregate power capacities of 40 GW should be given relief even though they are in default. “We had suggested that an additional period of 180 days should be provided, so that lenders can undertake more intensive monitoring of these assets and its cash flow,” said a Finance Ministry official.

SEPTEMBER 2018

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

POLICY UPDATES REI SPECIAL ISSUE

GOV’T MULLS TO SUBSIDIZE EV CHARGING INFRA: POWER SEC

GOVT PLANS NEW SUBSIDY POLICY TO FOSTER EVS

Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) would have expected delay but not deaf ears of the Power Ministry as it had asked a month ago that Electric Vehicle (EV) subsidy should be connected to vehicle’s efficiency and not battery power. The government seems to turn a deaf ear to SMEV as it is heard of considering providing subsidy for encouraging setting up of e-vehicle charging infrastructure under a policy, to be unveiled in coming days, according to the Power Secretary, A K Bhalla. Speaking at an event, Bhalla pointed out, electric vehicle adoption is a “chicken and egg story” because charging stations would not be set up without enough e-vehicles and e-vehicles sales would not pick up unless there is enough facility to charge these vehicles. “We are bringing a policy in consultation with heavy industries ministry that how these chargers can be established. Whether we need to support that with subsidy to begin with,” he said speaking at the launch of ‘InnovateToINSPIRE’: Creating Future Energy Solutions" by the World Bank, World Resources Institute (WRI), and Energy Efficiency Services (EESL). He further added, “E-mobility is an area where government has been working. We have clarified that for (setting up) charging infra does not need a license as it is service oriented activity. In draft tariff policy, we have put certain policy statement for encouraging power supply to these charging stations. We have notified technical standards for charging infrastructure.” Meanwhile, he also mentioned about government’s success of UJALA scheme, pointing out that it has led to huge savings, 118 crore LED bulbs being distributed against the targeted 77 crore. During the address, the government was also projected as facing a gap between the energy requirement and supply.

Promoting the use of electric vehicles (EV), the government is planning to roll out a fresh policy that would regulate minimum subsidy on the segment. The policy would be initiated at a smaller scale initially to let the automobile industry cope with the transition. It is expected to be announced at the global e-mobility summit scheduled for September 7, 2018. The roll out of the policy will see the gradual formation of a base ecosystem for the use of electric vehicles in 9 polluted cities with a total population of over 4 million. Busy corridors like Mumbai-Pune and Delhi Chandigarh are also being considered as the target points of the ecosystem formation mechanism. “However, a new policy to create favorable ecosystems for transition to electric vehicles is silently being worked upon. The government has already begun consultations with industry bodies, including the Confederation of Indian Industries, FICCI and auto makers on five aspects,” an official said. One of the important factors of the policy, NITI Ayog is coordinating with various center and state ministries and other stakeholders for e-mobility policy. It will also seek comments from the heavy industries and ministry of road transport and highways.

INDIA LAUNCHES ACCESS TO CLEAN ENERGY SCHEME

SEPTEMBER 2018

In a bid to promote the use of clean energy, President has given nod to cabinet approved ‘Scale Up of Access to Clean Energy’ Scheme. Aiming at providing ease of access to the use of green energy, the scheme is targeting the underprivileged areas of the states Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. The funds for implementation of the Scheme would be met from Plan allocation made in each financial year during the tenure of the scheme, with an overall Plan Outlay of Rs 70 crore.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

The scheme is expected to benefit 30,000 individuals out of which 15,000 would be addressed in the year 2018-19 and rest 15,000 in 2019-20. Inter alia, the initiative is to enhance the

use of reliable and affordable renewable energy for rural productive uses/livelihoods in un-served and under-served areas in Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha for strengthening rural livelihoods, improving income generation and reduce use of fossil fuels. The project is based on the premise that lack of access to affordable and reliable energy hinders the growth of various critical rural livelihoods activities such as poultry, dairy, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and other village industries.

POLICY UPDATES REI SPECIAL ISSUE

GOVERNMENT REGULATES TIME FOR SOLAR TENDERS Government has set schedules for the state agencies and official organizations to float solar tenders. The time regulation came in to give time gaps between the solar tenders rolled out by the government agencies in order to avoid chaos in the solar industry. However, the government officials has upheld the rolling the 30,000 MW of solar tenders each in the current and the next financial years on account of attaining the 100 GW solar power target till 2022. Further, the move will also ensure a steady pipeline of solar power project tender instead of piling up the offers at once and pressurizing the overall value and supply chain. Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh took cognizance and directed a timetable of bids is issued to ensure year-round activity. Following this, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy wrote to organizations responsible for carrying out solar bids and said clashing of bids

of different organizations distorts the market and hence a strict timeline should be followed to avoid such a situation. Director, Solar Advisory firm, Gensol, Anmol Jaggi said, “The Ministry’s direction is a logical one as it allows different stakeholders to plan investments. If there is aggregation of too many tenders in a month or a particular quarter, it puts a lot of pressure on tariffs and the complete

system. Project execution timelines can also be comfortably met if the tenders are distributed across the year.” As per the direction, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) will now issue bids in December, March, June and September; state agencies in February, May, August and November; NTPC and other PSUs in January, April, July and October.

K'TAKA FREES SOLAR STATIONS PM PRESSES UPON UPGRADING BELOW 1MW FROM AUDIT FARMERS’ INCOME WITH SOLAR

SEPTEMBER 2018

Karnataka Government has exempted rooftop solar power plants with production capacity below 1000 KW from the regular electrical inspections by the state’s electricity authority. However, solar rooftop generation units with capacity of above 1000 KW set up under Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) regulation ‘Implementation of Solar Rooftop Photovoltaic Power Plant 2016’ will be inspected periodically by the electrical inspector. Further, the regular inspections by the state authorities are set under the Central Electricity Authority’s regulation ‘Measures Related to Safety and Electric Supply’. Significantly, the rooftop solar power plants installed or owned by Indian government will also be exempted from the inspections by the Electrical Inspector of the State. The move is speculated to be aiming at state’s energetic approach towards installing solar power plants. It also adds to the state’s efforts to become the top renewable energy consumer in the country. The state has also increased its solar installation target from the previously set 2,000 MW to 6,000 MW by March, 2021 mentioned in Karnataka Solar Policy 2014-2021. Also, KERC has given a 10-year waiver of key grid charges, for solar power projects commissioned before March 2018.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

During the Independence Day Speech, PM Narendra Modi has laid special emphasis on the application of the solar energy generation. The scheme aims at enhancing farmer’s living through boosting their income levels by allowing them to sell additional power to the grid through solar plants set up on their barren lands. PM Modi considered that among many avenues his government has created for raising farmers’ income solar farming has significant importance. “We have rolled out the solar farming scheme. Farmers can now earn money from farming and at the same time earn by selling the extra solar power generated at their farms”, Modi said in his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. The government has launched the farmer-oriented Rs 1.4 lakh crore solar farming scheme Kisan Urja Suraksha and Utthan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) in 2018-19 budget. The scheme involves decentralized solar power production of up to 28,250 MW over five years. Also, under the KUSUM scheme, the government has planned to provide 27.5 lakh solar pumps (17.50 lakh standalone and 10 lakh grid-connected). It will help farmers install total 10 GW of Solar Power Plants of intermediate capacity of 0.5 to 2 MW each. The scheme also envisages 50,000 Grid-connected tube-wells/lift irrigation and drinking water projects.

POLICY UPDATES REI SPECIAL ISSUE

INDIAN DIASPORA TO FORAY SOLAR SECTOR: SWARAJ Speaking at a panel discussion of ‘Pravasi Bhartiya Divas’, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj urged the present dignitaries and the attendees from the Indian diaspora to utilize opportunities in India’s solar power sector. The urge to NRIs aimed at investment opportunities in the solar power industry that are doing rounds on the back of Indian Government’s target of achieving 100 GW of solar power generation by 2022. Disclosing not much about the discussions, Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted, “Walking the talk on solar alliance! EAM @SushmaSwaraj and other participants at the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas panel discussion on the role of Indian Diaspora in capacity building for affordable solar power (sic).” Also present at the occasion, PM Narendra Modi directed the Ministry of External Affairs and MNRE to take forward these expert interactions and factor relevant outcomes in policy-making. "The external affairs minister exhorted the

Indian diaspora to utilize opportunities in India in the area of solar power," Kumar said. India has been promoting the use of solar energy in developing countries and was the leading force behind establishment of the International Solar Alliance. Additionally, India has been noticed achieving 13 percent of the renewable

energy capacity for the FY 2018-19 already. With aggressively tendering solar power projects for different locations in the country, the government seems positive of attaining its target of 100 GW solar powers by 2022. Meanwhile, Swaraj also met permanent representatives of various countries to the United Nations during their visit to India.

POLAND GOVT PASSES LAW SEZ SOLAR UNITS SEEK SGD TO BACK RENEWABLE ENERGY CLARITY ON IMPORTS

SEPTEMBER 2018

Giving support to the use of clean energy, upper house of the Polish parliament passed an amendment to encourage more investment in renewable energy. Waiting for the president’s assent, the amendment aims at reducing the carbon footprint of the country which is heavily dependent on fossil fuel energy. For a country with high reliability on coal based electricity it is challenging to reach the clean energy targets. Energy Minister, Krzysztof Tchorzewski said, “For sure for us this (35% minimum threshold) would be a very difficult challenge. From the 2030 perspective it will be difficult if not almost impossible to meet.” Earlier, the polish government had restricted the wind power production which was not helping achieving the clean, renewable energy targets. The country has total wind power installed capacity of 6.4 GW. Poland’s relatively low wind power capacity is not indicative of the country’s potential, “However, we mustn’t forget that the true market potential of wind energy in Poland by 2020 is approximately 11.5 GW onshore and 1.5 GW offshore, according to the independent Renewable Energy Institute.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

After the Finance Ministry notified 25 percent safeguard duty (SGD) on imports from China and Malaysia, not one but many private agencies have sought clarity on the imposition. Among them, solar manufacturing units set up in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) also seek clarity on whether the imposition would expand till them. Units set up in SEZ require certain products for the manufacture of solar cells. These products are largely imported from China. The ambiguous imposition of the 25 percent safeguard duty has led manufacturers fearing of reduction in their investments in the Indian solar industry. The Adani group, Vikram Solar, Websol Energy and Renewsys are among the major investors who have set up their solar manufacturing units in the special economic zones. Further, SEZ has now approached the Ministry seeking clarity on the application of the safeguard duty on imports. The SEZ players expect the safeguard duty to be only imposed on the value of imports and not on the solar modules manufactured and then supplied further. Moreover, the introduction of Safeguard duty on the imports as also brought in the chance for the international developers to set up plants in India. This has come on the heels of few solar domestic manufacturers and developers in the country.

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POLICY UPDATES REI SPECIAL ISSUE

INDIAN GOV’T PUTS SAFEGUARD DUTY ON HOLD In a relief to the domestic solar developers, Finance Ministry has issued notification staying the safeguard duty on solar imports from China and Malaysia which was rolled out from July 30, 2018. In a letter to all Chief Commissioners of customs, the Ministry said, “In compliance with the interim directions issued by the high court of Odisha, it has been decided not to insist on payment of safeguard duty for the time being.” The safeguard duty which was brought into effect on July 30, 2018 in order to protect interest of domestic solar manufacturers was awaiting clearance from Orissa High Court after solar player ACME Group filed a writ petition against the safeguard duty on imports. The notification also read, “Till further direction from the Board, the said goods, namely, solar cells whether or not assembled in modules or panels would, in respect of said safeguard duty, be assessed provisionally on furnishing of simple letter of undertaking by the concerned person.” Supporting the petition for time being, Orissa High Court has ordered to put the safeguard duty on imports from China and Malaysia on hold till the time it furnishes further investigations regarding the credibility of imposition, as per notification. Government had planned to impose the safeguard duty on solar imports in a phased manner i.e. safeguard duty of 25 percent for the period from July 30, 2018 to July 29, 2019 followed by reduced 20 percent duty from July 30, 2019 to

January 29, 2020 and thereafter 15 percent duty on imports for the next six months. The safeguard duty on solar imports has in its spectrum the health of the Indian solar market. While it has in store benefits for the domestic solar manufacturers, it is not expected to do same good to the solar developers, majority of which imports solar modules from China and Malaysia.

WB PITCHES SOLAR PV PANELS MNRE TWEAKS ‘STORAGE’ IN ON GOV’T BUILDINGS, SCHOOLS WIND-SOLAR HYBRID POLICY

SEPTEMBER 2018

Feeling isolated by not being one of the states who have recently announced solar power initiatives for their buildings like Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, West Bengal also has rolled out solar scheme under which the government buildings and schools will draw required power from the solar energy. "Today is National Renewable Energy Day. Our state government is drawing up major schemes for the promotion of solar power and other sources of renewable energy like tidal power in Bangla. One such scheme is 'Aaloshree' under which roofs of all government offices & schools are being fitted with solar panels”, Mamata tweeted. State Power Minister Sobhandeb Chatterjee had earlier said that the Bengal government is expecting to add over 2,000 megawatt (MW) of power in the next five years including 300 MW of solar power. He said the state has already made significant progress in adding capacity in solar power under the present regime. National Renewable Energy Day is also known as Akshay Urja Diwas. This is an awareness campaign about the developments of renewable energy in India, celebrated on August 20, every year since 2004.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

Widening the scope of power storage in its Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, MNRE has removed the word ‘battery’ from certain clauses in order to encourage use of other means of power storage devices. Further, the Ministry has emphasized on the use of pumped hydroelectric storage, compressed air and flywheel technology for the power storage purposes. Power storage has been crucial with the surge of solar and wind applications throughout the world. Alone the solar panels or wind mills will do no good to the society if there is a lack of storage space for the storage of power generated. Transmission is also a part of post generation process. Poor transmission of power is a major factor responsible for power wastage in a grid. Bringing diversity in the energy storage segment would immensely boost the renewables industries which rely greatly upon the storage capacities under them.

TECHNICAL FEATURE REI SPECIAL ISSUE

TEAMTECHNIK PRESENTS SUCCESSFUL ADHESIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR HJT CELLS

Stringer TT1600 ECA from teamtechnik joins HJT cells reliably using adhesive technology in series production.

SEPTEMBER 2018

The STRINGER TT1600 ECA uses new adhesive technology and low process temperatures to join high-efficiency bifacial HJT (heterojunction) cells. This process reduces thermal and mechanical stress on the sensitive cells and results in a high string quality. teamtechnik, a worldwide technology leader in stringer systems for connecting solar cells, based in Germany, has developed the process itself and brought it successfully to market. The Stringer TT1600 ECA is designed for reliable series production with high unit volumes. The production system connects HJT cells with light-capturing ribbons (LCRs) at a cycle rate of 2.25 seconds. The finished product is a solar module that is designed for extremely high performance and long life. ECA is an abbreviation for "electrically conductive adhesive". In this process a

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

conductive glue is applied to both sides of the cell using a screen-printing technique. It is then fully cured at a temperature of roughly 160ÂşC together with the LCRs. Recently teamtechnik has been able to receive from another HJT solar cell producer a major order for several Stringer TT1600 ECA. On stand 10.156 at REI, teamtechnik together with its local partner NMTronics will also be exhibiting its two highperformance systems, the Stringer TT2100 and TT4200GIGA with IR light-based soldering technology for mass production of high-quality solar cell strings with monocrystalline, polycrystalline and PERC solar cells. teamtechnik's worldwide service network, with its committed service engineers, ensures that the production systems can be installed and commissioned quickly and smoothly. The company also offers

complete systems to its customers: stringers plus layup systems, precisely matched to the high performance of the stringers. A brief portrait: teamtechnik Group Based in Freiberg/Germany, teamtechnik has been developing and building intelligent and reliable automation solutions for the solar and medical technology and automotive sectors for 40 years. teamtechnik is considered an international leader in highly flexible automation technology. The senior management team has set a sales target of â&#x201A;Ź170 million for the current business year. The company employs 1000 people around the world. The majority of the workforce are engineers and highly qualified specialists. teamtechnik Group has 5 production sites in Germany, Poland, China and the USA.

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MILESTONE UPDATES ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

TMEIC RECEIVES ‘GLOBAL COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARD 2018’ Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation (TMEIC)’s President & CEO, Masahiko Yamawaki received the 2018 Global Company of the Year Award in the Industrial Power Electronics category by California based major research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. The firm selected TMEIC by market in areas such as Japan, the Asia Pacific and other areas globally and bestows Best Practice Awards annually to companies that have achieved outstanding performance in respective industries. The Global Company of the Year Award is the highest honor for TMEIC who won the Global Company of the Year Award for the third consecutive year in the PV inverter category and the award received this year marks the fourth year in a row. Moreover, Frost & Sullivan presented this year’s award in recognition of various factors, including TMEIC’s high reputation gained from its customers in the industrial power electronics field and proposal of its PEiE (Power Electronics in Everything) concept geared toward CO 2 reduction and a sustainable future. The company was also highly regarded for its high-performance PV inverters which efficiently generate renewable energy; both Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems and Motor

Drive Systems (MDS) installed with advanced technology that contributes to making highly efficient use of energy. Frost & Sullivan distributes awards are given on the basis of thorough market research and analysis of businesses across multiple industries.

VELTOOR GETS WORLD’S 1ST NISE CONDUCTS 1ST LIDAR TEST SOLAR PLANT PROJ CERTIFICATE TO TRACK WIND POWER Adding another milestone to India’s solar power generation aspiration, Norwegian testing and risk management company DNV GL has issued world’s first solar power plant certificate to the Veltoor Solar Power plant in Telangana. Developed by Chinese renewable energy provider, China Light and Power (CLP India) in collaboration with Suzlon Energy, the 100 MW project was commissioned phased manner in mid-2017. In 2016, India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has announced the world’s largest renewable energy expansion programme, with the stated aim of reaching 175 GW of green power generation by 2022, including 100 GW of solar power. Moreover, India is making good progress on these goals, increasing solar capacity by 370% in three years, making solar its fastest growing energy source. The solar project by CLP India Veltoor in the southern Indian state Telangana is one of the largest solar projects in the country. The plant was developed by SE solar Ltd (SPV of Suzlon Energy Ltd and CLP India) and commissioned in phases starting mid2017 and supplies energy to the Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company (TSPDCL). The certificate confirms all relevant safety features of the solar park and demonstrates the technical compliance of the project with the globally recognized standards. Certification of the Veltoor Solar Power Project was carried out according to the service specification DNVGL SE 0078 'Project certification of photovoltaic power plants'.

In a bid to tap the most potential source of wind power, National Institute of Wind Energy (NISE) has successfully conducted India’s first LiDAR based wind power test off the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat. The Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) machine was placed 23 km from the coast of Gujarat for a period of 8 months. Previously, as per the researchers, the southern and western tip of the country has been believed to have significant potential of wind speeds that can easily be converted to run power producing turbines. “Ministry of Renewable Energy and NIWE in association with Facilitating Offshore Wind in India, initiated LiDARbased measurements to validate the wind potential at the preliminary demarcated zones,” the NIWE report said. Also, “The primary prevalent wind direction is south of south west with a wind speed occurance of 20 per cent and secondary prevalent wind direction in North,” it said. The instrument has appropriately measured the wind speeds within 40-200 meters which would directly be interpreted to decide upon the height of the wind turbine from the surface of water. Further, the report also mentions that the result was overwhelming as the average maximum wind speed at the lowest height of 40 meters was measured to be 12 m/s which it believes is far more powerful than expected stats.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 01 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2018

TECHNICAL FEATURE REI SPECIAL ISSUE

ADVANCED METALLIZATION PASTES FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY SOLAR CELLS USING POLY-SILICON PASSIVATED CONTACTS Vinodh Chandrasekaran Heraeus, Photovoltaic Global Business Unit

SEPTEMBER 2018

The highest efficiency solar cell to date with metal contacts on both sides (not IBC) is the TOPCon cell structure developed by Fraunhofer ISE. They currently hold the world record efficiency of 25.8% with an impressive Voc of 724mV [1]. The key differentiator of this cell is the addition of a thin tunnel oxide with Poly-Si passivation layer on the backside of the n-type cell instead of a diffused junction and hence the name Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon). The world record cell on p-type material is the POLO cell by ISFH at 26.1% [2]. This IBC cell also uses passivated polysilicon on oxide (hence the name POLO) contacts and exhibit very high Voc of 726.6 mV. Another well-known structure that also comes under Passivated contacts is the Silicon Heterojunction cell (HJT) which uses amorphous Silicon for passivation. Using a-Si on their IBC structure, Kaneka holds the world record for crystalline Silicon solar cells at 26.63% [3]. The key difference between the a-Si and Poly-Si is that the a-Si cannot withstand high temperature processing whereas the Poly-Si is able to. This enables Poly-Si to be integrated relatively easily without having to the change the back end metallization scheme. One of the key factors in commercializing the TOPCon structure is metallization. Currently, a full area metal contact by PVD is used in lab devices, which is not suitable for high volume manufacturing. There is great interest in finding a solution with screen-print and fired metallization in order to commercialize this promising high efficiency technology. Different high efficiency cell structures are also enabled by Poly-Si. n-type polysilicon can be used on the back side of n-type bifacial cells as replacement to the diffused n+ layer. p-type polysilicon can be used on the back side of a p-type cell (as an alternated to p-PERC) replacing the Aluminum or as a rear junction n-type cell. In both cases, recombination can be reduced significantly compared to the current diffused layers. At Heraeus, we are actively working on metallization pastes that enable contact to the polysilicon layer while minimizing the metal induced recombination. This is a challenging topic for several reasons. Firstly, the requirement to reduce metal induced recombination is demanding, due to the nature of metal semiconductor interaction. Second, there are significant differences in the poly layer that play a major role in contact properties of the paste. Some of the key factors that affect paste performance on poly-Si are 1. Thickness of poly Silicon – From an absorption standpoint, thin Poly layers are preferred, however, metal induced damage is higher for thin layers. For screen print and fired metallization, thicker layers are generally preferred. As long as the poly layer is on the rear side of the cell, somewhat thicker layers can be tolerated. 2. Dopant concentration in the Poly layer – Sufficient dopant

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concentration is required to establish good contact between metal and poly Si. Whether the poly layer is doped in-situ while deposition or ex-situ after deposition, sheet resistance can be a useful metric. Typical sheet resistances of the poly layers are higher than conventional diffused layers, but the thin poly layers mainly drive that. 3. Surface morphology – The surface on which the Poly Si is deposited can be textured or planar. Recent studies have shown excellent J0’s for both types of surfaces. 4. High Temperature tolerance – As discussed earlier, one of the advantages of Poly-Si is its ability to withstand higher temperatures. However, metal induced recombination on the poly layer is also a function of temperature and usually increases with temperature. 5. Uniformity of the poly layer – Uniformity of the poly layer typically gets better as thickness increases. This has an impact of contact formation, as non-uniform layers are prone to locally higher damage from metallization. We share below some of our results of pastes to contact Poly-Si layers. Figure 1 shows the comparison of contact resistivity of three pastes labeled Paste 1, 2 and 3 on thin and thick poly Si. Paste 2 performs similarly on both thin and thick poly Si. On the other hand, Paste 1 shows best performance on a thick poly layer with only slightly higher contact resistivity than that of current generation pastes (reference) to diffused emitters. Paste 3 also shows lower contact resistivity on the thick poly layer.

Figure 1: Contact resistance of Heraeus pastes 1, 2 and 3 on thin and thick Poly-Si layers. Paste 1 shows best performance on Thick poly layer

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Figure 2: Progression of development to improve contact resistivity of paste to Poly Si layers showing excellent contact resistance at lower firing temperatures for paste A3

Typically, passivation properties of the Poly Si are better preserved when fired at lower temperatures. Hence, metallization pastes developed for Poly Si contacts should also be able to establish low resistance contacts at sufficiently low temperature. Figure 2 shows the contact resistivity of paste modifications at high and low firing temperatures. Initially, Paste A had good contact resistivity at higher firing temperatures but significantly increased at lower firing temperatures. In development, modifications of Paste A, named here as A1 and A2, show improved performance at lower firing temperatures. Using contact resistance of a screen-printed and fired paste on conventional diffused emitters as reference, it is seen that Paste A2 has comparable contact resistance to Poly Si at lower firing temperatures. Usually, J0 of the poly layer is lower for planar surfaces compared to textured [4]. However, recent developments in the poly process have shown comparable J0 for both textured and planar surfaces [5]. Contact formation can be different on the two surface types. Figure 3 shows different pastes are suitable depending on the surface. Paste A has very good contact resistivity on a textured surface, but high on a planar surface. Paste B performs the other way around and has good contact resistivity on planar surface compared to textured surface.

Figure 3: Comparison of contact resistivity of paste as a function of wafer surface

In addition to the contact properties, an important aspect of metallization pastes is their ability to preserve passivation. Screen printed and fired pastes work by etching the dielectric layers (used for passivation and anti-reflection) and establishing contact with the underlying silicon. When these layers are etched and contacts are formed, there is loss in Voc associated with metallization. It is ideal to keep this recombination loss induced by metallization to a minimum, especially for high efficiency cell structures like PERC, n-type and TOPCon cells. There are a few methods to assess the metal induced recombination of pastes. One technique that is more common these days is Photoluminescence (PL). Usually, PL is a great qualitative tool but to get quantitative values, it has to be combined with either modelling or use of a calibrated PL. Another method is to print small cells with varying metal fractions and measuring the actual Voc of these small devices. Using the Voc as a function of metal fraction, J0,met can be calculated. Another relatively easy technique used to evaluate this is by printing discrete metal dots of paste on a symmetric test structure and measuring the minority carrier lifetime after firing using Quasi Steady State Photoconductance (QSSPC) method. If the substrate is high resistivity and high lifetime such that the wafer can be taken to true high injection levels, then true J0 can be measured. By measuring J0 with varying metal fractions, metal induced recombination (J0,met) can be extracted. If cell structures are used or the above conditions are not met, Implied Voc can be measured, which is also a clear indicator of metal induced recombination. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this method, consider the data below in fig 4 where two pastes A and B were printed at 3%, 6% and 12% coverage fractions and fired. Paste A is DP02-1074, a non-contact paste used in double or dual print application, and B is SOL9641B which is a commercial fire through and contact paste. It is clear that as the metallization fraction is increased for a fire-through and contacting paste, implied Voc decreases as the metal fraction increases. On the other hand, with a noncontacting paste like 1074, Voc is relatively unchanged with metal fraction.

Figure 4: Implied Voc as a function of metallization fraction for two types of Heraeus pastes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Paste A is non-contact paste and Paste B is SOL9641B used for fire through contacts

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Since test structures are routinely used for process development before the cell structures are fabricated, this is an effective method that can be used to accurately assess the recombination properties of our paste. By using this method, we have identified pastes that have minimum effect on metal recombination on poly Si. Consider fig 5 below. Three different pastes were evaluated on Poly Si symmetric test structures. First, very high implied Voc before metallization shows the potential of this technology. Additionally, Paste 3 has a clear advantage on preserving Voc after metallization. Paste 1 and 2 damage the passivation to varying degrees, but the effect of Paste 1 is much more severe. It should be noted that contact resistance of Paste 3 is also low enough to confirm that this paste does make good contact to the Poly Si layer while preserving the passivation.

Figure 5: Implied Voc as a function of metallization fraction on p-type Poly Si for three Heraeus pastes. Paste 3 shows minimum metal induced recombination while providing very good contact.

It is clear that Poly-Si properties have significant influence on the paste properties. Through collaboration with industry partners and research institutes, significant progress has been made at Heraeus on developing screen-printed paste for contacting Poly Si layers. Pastes with respectable contact resistance and minimum metal-induced recombination have been developed for different types of Poly-Si layers. There is always room for improvement and we are continuously working to further reduce recombination from metallization with the goal of achieving true passivating metal contacts with low contact resistance. References: 1. “The irresistible charm of a simple current flow pattern – 25% with a solar cell featuring a fullarea back contact”, S. W. Glunz, F. Feldmann, A. Richter, M. Bivour, C. Reichel, H. Steinkemper, J. Benick, M. Hermle; 31st European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, September 2015, Hamburg 2. “26.1% record efficiency for p-type crystalline Si solar cells”, ISFH Press release, 06-02-2018 3. “World’s Highest Conversion Efficiency of 26.33% achieved in a Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell - A World First in a Practical Cell Size”, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Kaneka Corporation, News Release, September 2016 4. “On the recombination behavior of p+-type polysilicon on oxide junctions deposited by different methods on textured and planar surfaces”, Yevgeniya Larionova Mircea Turcu Sina Reiter Rolf Brendel Dominic Tetzlaff Jan Krügener Tobias Wietler Uwe Höhne Jan-Dirk Kähler Robby Peibst, Physica Status Solidi A 214, 8, 201700058 5. “The latest developments in bifacial solar cells at ECN part of TNO”, M. Stodolny, G. Janssen, J. Anker, K. Tool, A. Mewe, 28th Workshop on crystalline Silicon Solar cells and modules, 2018

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PRODUCT FEATURE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

GINLONG SOLIS' 5-20KW 3 PHASE 4G INVERTER ARRIVED Along with the rapidly development of PV market, the capacity of household PV system is increasing gradually. Up to now, single phase just support capacity < 10 kW, so three phase inverter can be more widely used to large capacity PV system. Compared with single phase inverter, three phase inverter has many advantages and its application will be more and more extensive. That’s the reason Ginlong solis had launched new 5-20kW Three phase 4G inverter. The following are the advantages of the new Solis three-phase 4G inverter range. Adopts the latest imported components to improve the conversion efficiency Solis uses latest Infineon IGBT from Germany and Texas Instruments microprocessor to achieve faster switching frequencies. A faster switching frequency results in the following advantages: n E fficiency improvement – it has a 0.5% higher efficiency than previous models. This is equivalent to adding 5 watts of panels on a 1 kilowatt string for free. n Silent operation - the switching frequency has been moved above the audible range (ultra-sound), therefore makes it silent to the human ear. n Smaller in size - the voltage ripple has decreased which decreases the size of the required filters. n L onger life – the lower voltage ripple puts less strain on the capacitors making them have a longer life. Multiple power models to match different capacity systems Solis covers nine inverter sizes in the range 5-20kW which accommodates PV systems of any size. The inverter allows for 120% oversizing of input to output rating. The inverter can easily generate 110% output power. Wider MPPT voltage range The MPPT voltage range of Solis 5-20KW is 160-850V. Ultra-low startup at 180V, which could make the inverter start earlier in the morning and shut down later in the evening, increase the total energy generation.

THDi (at rated output power) <1.5% The THDi outputted by the inverter will impact the grid, which has reduced <1.5% by 5-20kW Solis Three Phase 4G inverter. This will reduce the risk of influencing communications over power lines. Integrated AFCI modules High precision arc fault sensor is used to identify arc-faults through Fourier analysis. Once detected the inverter stops generating and reduces the risk of fire. Integrated automatic voltage stabilizer technology Solis proposed a new solution to solve the overvoltage failure of inverter caused by voltage fluctuations of the grid. Our new model makes reactive power compensation by sending inductive or capacitive power. This can stabilize the grid and reduce the risk of over-voltage conditions. Exquisite model, easy to install The heatsink of the 5-10w models adopts casting technology, forming in one piece, which has improved conductive heat dissipation and cooling. This new design has a 50% reduction in weight, 2/3 reduction in size. This makes the inverter much easier to install and transport saving the end-customer money. External power inductor, better heat dissipation The inductors are in different compartments to the other components of the inverter and are potting at the back of the inverter inside the heatsink. This again improves heat dissipation. Having the main components separate also increase the life-time of these other critical components, due to the lower temperature. Even in high ambient temperatures the inverter can still operate at full power, reliably.

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TATA POWER COMMISSIONS ROOFTOP SOLAR PLANT AT CCI Adding another solar energy production to its portfolio, Tata Power has commissioned a 820.8 KW rooftop solar power plant at Cricket Club of India (CCI). Inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis the plant will save the stadium around 25% of the costs spent on electricity consumption. Tata Power Solar joined hands with Cricket Club of India to utilize the potential of solar energy. The installation of the solar rooftop project will help to generate over 1.12 million electricity units per year. Further, the stadium consumes on an average 4 lakhs kWh /month but with solar installation, on an average basis the consumption from the grid would fall to approx. 3 lakhs kWh/month. CCI will also be able to curb the emission of over 840 ton of carbon dioxide annually. MD & CEO, Tata Power, Praveer Sinha said, “We are delighted to partner with Cricket Club of India on the World’s largest solar powered cricket stadium in

Mumbai. We continuously seek to move ahead in our renewable and sustainability objectives.” With an aim to be environmentally responsible by reducing its carbon footprint, Cricket Club of India initiated a project to install 820.8kWp roof mounted solar plant at the CCI stadium, Mumbai. President, Tata Power (Renewables), Ashish Khanna said in a statement, “After executing The World’s largest Rooftop

in a single location and India’s largest carport at Cochin International Airport, Tata Power Solar has installed The World’s largest Rooftop in a Cricket Stadium at CCI Mumbai, in a record period of 100 days.” Tata Power Solar has commissioned more than 1.45 GW of ground-mount utility scale and over 220 MW of rooftop and distributed generation projects across the country till date.

AMRITSAR KHALSA COLLEGE TO USE SOLAR ENERGY

AZURE TO INSTALL 5 MW OF SOLAR POWER SYSTEM FOR NREDCAP

In a bid to switch to green energy for its power consumption, historic educational institution of Amritsar, Khalsa College has inaugurated a 775 KW solar power plant in the campus. Solar panels have been installed in all the colleges, schools and other buildings on the Khalsa college campus, including hostels and canteens, to minimize their dependence on thermal and hydro-based electricity, Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) President Satyajit Singh Majithia. Moreover, solar plant was inaugurated by Majithia and solar energy provider Amplus Solar bags the onus of installing the solar panels in the college campus. Further, Khalsa College for Women, Khalsa College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Khalsa College of Nursing, Khalsa College of Engineering and Technology, Khalsa College Public School and Khalsa College Girls Senior Secondary School are the Khalsa College affiliated buildings that are installed with the solar panels. Also, the solar power plant installed on the dining room, primary school and the library is said to produce three times the electricity that the college consumes. Founded in 1892, the educational institute has asserted to enhance use of renewable energy sources to run the college operations with the installation of the solar power plant.

Azure Power has won a 5 MW rooftop solar power tender in a bid held by New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP). The developer, Azure Power is to install 5 MW of current producing solar panels on the rooftops of various government buildings in Andhra Pradesh. The company is believed to have won 33 percent of the total project amount available for bidding being the holder of largest allocation of the auction. According to the allocation, Azure Power will provide power for 25 years at an incentivized tariff rate of Rs. 4.57 per kWh. Speaking on this occasion, DGM, Vishal Jain, Azure Power said, “Azure Roof Power offers tremendous value to its customers within the solar rooftop category across various segments. Our solutions help lower the energy cost of customers and meet their greenhouse (GHG) emission reduction targets. Given our strong presence in Andhra Pradesh of 200 MWs in the utility segment, our foray into rooftop in the state is a natural extension of our expertise in implementing solar power projects. With this win, we are glad to expand our presence in the state and make a contribution towards the initiative of the government of Andhra Pradesh to go solar.” Azure Power has the largest rooftop solar power portfolio owing to its 200 MW operating and committed solar assets across 23 states.

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PROJECT UPDATES REI SPECIAL ISSUE

SIEMENS GAMESA'S 3.4MW PROJECT POWERS NTPC Spanish Renewable energy manufacturer and provider, Siemens Gamesa has commissioned a 3.375 MW wind-solar hybrid power project for the state-run National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). This is the first pilot renewable energy hybrid project in India that was developed from the engineering design stage, according to Siemens Gamesa. However, the project consists of an SG 2.0-114 hybrid wind turbine along with 1.375 MW high efficiency HiT solar panels, which was executed in Bijapur district of Karnataka. CEO, Siemens Gamesa, India Ramesh Kymal said, “The integrated approach of hybrid brings in more muscle power for renewable energy projects thus elevating renewables to the status of mainstream energy source for the country.” Siemens Gamesa, with the commissioning of the project, has reached the 5 GW mark in India and 87 GW around the world. Having commissioned in the state of Karnataka, the project is expected to

attain the said power generation with no hindrance. Moreover, Karnataka has bagged the top position in overall installation of renewable energy sources.

The wind and solar resources rich state has been tracing the renewables path by aggressively installing solar and wind parks.

COLBUN KICK STARTS 9MW OVEJERIA SOLAR PLANT

IRAN COMMISSIONS ITS LARGEST WIND FARM

Chile based power company, Colbun has started the commercial operations of its 9MW solar plant in Ovejeria. Further, the plant is made in 18 hectare land in the Tiltil commune of Santiago’s metropolitan region. The solar park constituted of photovoltaic solar panels is the company’s first solar power facility. The plant comprises 30,000 PV panels, each with watt tracker. The plant is expected to offset carbon footprint weighing around 11000 tons per year. This solar farm is part of a renewable energy projects portfolio that Colbun will develop based on market conditions and the needs of its customers, the firm's general manager, Thomas Keller, said. The company announced earlier in the year the acquisition of a 150-MW PV project from solar developer First Solar. Colbun is also looking to develop the 607-MW Horizonte wind farm in Antofagasta region. Its portfolio includes three operational hydropower plants (HPPs) with a combined capacity of 62 MW. Colbun is a utility company engaged in electric power transmission segment. The company has an installed capacity of 2514 MW out of which 1274 comes from hydropower and the rest from the fossil fuels. This project is Colbuns first step into the renewable energy sector.

Iran inaugurates its largest wind farm as part of its efforts to increase production of electricity from renewable sources. The 18-turbine wind farm, located in Tarom County in northern Iran, has a nominal capacity of generating 61 megawatt hours of power annually, Xinhua reported. Further, the wind farm, built with latest technologies at a cost of around $101 million, was financed by the National Development Fund of Iran, the country's sovereign-wealth fund. Also, Iran has a comprehensive plan to harness renewable energy and streamline the country's energy mix which mainly relies on fossil fuel power stations. Iran has a high solar energy potential also with around 300 clear sunny days. The potential has been the main reason behind traction from the investors from Iran and abroad. According to the solar experts, around 9 million MWh of power can easily be produced in a day. Under the current energy policies, the combined solar, wind and geothermal power plants are economically viable.

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PROJECT UPDATES ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

STANDARD SOLAR FINISHES 9.8 MW SOLAR PROJ IN GALLUP Rockville based solar energy company, Standard Solar has completed the 9.8 MW solar farm project in Gallup of New Mexico. Significantly, the 31 acres Standard Solar’s project is expected to save Gallup exchequer around USD 0.7 million in the first 8 years of operation. The solar farm is expected to generate more than 20 million kWh power annually and providing electricity equivalent to 10% of the city’s energy use. Moreover, the solar power project is designed to generate enough electricity to power 2,500 homes and reduce 3.5 million pounds of carbon emissions. Speaking about the commissioning of the project, President & CEO, Standard Solar, Scott Wiater said, “We’re excited that our unique ability to finance this project played a role in bringing it to its completion. City officials at all levels were committed to making this project a success, and it was an honor for us to be involved.”

On July 17, Wiater, along with CTO of Mangan Renewables H.D. Boesch, the City of Gallup Mayor Jackie McKinney, City Electric Director Richard Matzke and City Manager Maryann Ustick, participated in the ribbon cutting event for the new array. City Electric Director, Richard Matzke said, “This array will have a huge impact on the City of Gallup and its future. When the opportunity to protect our environment and save our citizens money presented itself, we were thrilled to take advantage. We appreciate everyone involved in the

project for helping us bring it to fruition.” Regarding the projects building partners, Standard Solar financed the project and will own and operate the array. Mangan Renewables, a division of Mangan, developed the project in partnership with Wiser Capital and their proprietary underwriting platform. Leading solar energy company, Standard Solar has also claimed to have provided 58 jobs during the construction phase and two jobs that are currently active in the already operational project.

MIZORAM TO GET 100MW SOLAR POWER PLANT

LONGI BACKS LIGHTSOURCE BP FOR INDIA'S LARGEST PV PROJ

Under the ‘Magnetic Mizoram Investors Summit’ initiative of New Economic Development Policy (NEDP), Mizoram government is to set up a 100 MW solar power plant in the state. The government has already signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sungevity Enterprises, a solar power service developer, to setup Rs. 630 crore 100MW solar power plant. Sungevity Enterprises Chairman Premjeet Sharma, along with senior directors of the company Binod Kumar, Aswin Patel and Sanjeev Gharoo, met Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and submitted the detailed project report to set up the mega solar power plant in the state, official sources said. Adding to the social cause, the project is expected to provide ample employment opportunities in the state both at the development stage and operational stage as well. CEO of Magnetic Mizoram Investors Summit and the Managing Director of Innovations India, Captain Rahul Bali, who facilitated both the meetings, expressed satisfaction that a big company like Sungevity Enterprises is now looking at Mizoram as an investment destination. He said the various campaigns and activities being conducted jointly by the Mizoram government and Innovations India for the overall development and promotion of the state have started to bear fruit. "This is surely the beginning of an investment era in Mizoram," he added.

Global large-scale solar developer, Lightsource BP has completed the first utility PV project in Maharashtra procuring 2,00,000 highefficiency Monocrystalline solar modules from the leading solar modules manufacturer, LONGi Solar. The project is the largest solar PV power plant in India tender of which was won by Lighthouse BP with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). CEO, Lightsource BP, Nick Boyle said, “We want to support the development of public utilities in India with efficient clean energy sub-products and technologies. When officially gridconnected, the project will provide clean electricity to about 20,000 households in Maharashtra, greatly improving local lifestyle.” With continuous innovations in high-efficiency, high-reliability and high-yield PV products and best LCOE solutions, LONGi Solar has gained recognition worldwide with reliable products and guaranteed performance. Also, LONGi Solar will accelerate the application of highefficiency PV products and make continuous efforts towards green production and advancing grid parity. Further, Lightsource BP was formed after British oil giant BP acquired Europe’s largest solar developer Lightsource. The company is dedicated to building solar projects in the United States, India, Europe and the Middle East with plans to deploy more than 8 GW solar capacities globally in the next 5 years.

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MNRE TO TENDER 25GW PROJECT IN LADAKH

SECI FLOATS TENDER FOR 2MW IN SPITI VALLEY

Indian Government will anytime call for bids regarding a fresh 25,000 MW solar power project tender in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. Minister of State, MNRE, R K Singh said during a meeting of policy makers and business leaders to work together on finding sustainable development solutions organised by federal policy think tank Niti Aayog, “The high-altitude Himalayan region has a huge potential for solar power generation. Power from the project will be delivered to Una in Himachal Pradesh.” The project is a bigger part of the government’s key National Solar Mission under which it aims to establish 100 GW of solar power generation by 2022. The government also gives a positive outlook on achieving the target even before the benchmarked time. Adding to the meeting, Niti Aayog, which has the task of overseeing India’s efforts towards sustainable development goals agreed with industry chamber Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to find ways of saving water and cutting down carbon emissions that could also be exported to other economies facing rapid urbanization.

Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has floated an e-tender for setting up of 2 MW Alternative Current (AC) solar power project at Kaza subdivision of Lahaul and Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh. The tender includes design, engineering, supply, construction, erection, testing and commissioning of the power plant. The tender winner will also be responsible for the power plant’s operations and management for 5 years. Also, the tender for the grid connected solar power project includes the installation of 1 MWh of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for the storage of power generated. Kaza subdivision is the largest township and commercial center in the valley. It has a significant proximity with the Sun owing to its altitude i.e. 3,650 meters. The town gets ample sunlight round the year and has a considerable power consumption that calls for a solar power plant. SECI requires the prospective bidders to be updated through the corporation website. The bid submission deadline was August 31, 2018 and a pre-bid meeting was scheduled on August 13, 2018. Further, SECI has set the earnest money deposit for domestic as well as international bidders at Rs 36 lakh.

SECI SEEKS BIDS FOR 160MW SOLAR-WIND HYBRID IN AP

SEPTEMBER 2018

Under the ‘Innovation in Solar Power and Hybrid Technologies Project’, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has floated tender for 160 MW of solar-wind hybrid power plant with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. The tender includes design, engineering, supply, construction, erection, testing & commissioning including 10 years plant O&M under International competitive bidding. Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has applied for financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Project of Innovation in Solar Power and Hybrid Technologies and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract. The bidding process would unfold according to the World Bank’s ‘Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers- Procurement in Investment Projects Financing’. Further, October 1, 2018 is the last date for the bid submissions and the pre-bid meeting was set on August 31, 2018. The bidders are liable to submit a tender

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security amount of Rs. 10 crore. As per the new ‘Solar Power and Hybrid Technologies Project’ the government is

obligatory to provide a framework for the expansion of grid-connected wind-solar hybrid systems in the country.

THE CONVERSATION ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

PRADEEP SANGWAN Vice President & Country Head, Renesolar Power Pvt Ltd

AGGRESSIVE BID APPROACH LEADS TO SUBSTANDARD SOLAR PROJECTS Aggressive tariff bids (in government as well as private solar power project) is leading to reduced cost of EPC works, resulting in projects being commissioned with substandard quality products as well as workmanship, says Pradeep Sangwan, Vice President & Country Head of leading Solar Power Developer, Renesola Power. In an exclusive interview with Anirudh Sharma, Sub Editor, Saur Energy International, Pradeep briefs about the problems in development of solar power plants and says the company prioritizes state government’s projects citing clearer policies.

We are developing projects under third party private PPA’s. Although there is a good potential in India for developers in third party PPA’s (Open Access) but due to a. Approvals from state nodal agencies & Discoms. b. Absence of Proper Financing Mechanism b. Availability of Land and Its acquisition / Possession c. Evacuation of Power / connectivity d. Threat of change in Solar Policies. We assign work to consultants for specific processes and dealings with third party / stake holders to avoid issues and conflicts. This helps in speeding up the process.

To keep our development process productive, We take up every part of process a separate project i.e PPA/Land/ Connectivity/EPC with clear timeline &amp; cost targets. India moving fast to become the largest solar market globally, the approach has to be dynamic as the consumer demand/ expectation and competition also changing with growth. Moreover the Indian government’s solar policies also keep changing making developers to change their approach.

As a developer, what are the major problems that you face in present scenario? How you deal with them?

Considering the land scarcity in the country, how do you manage to arrange land for the solar power plants and what hinders the process? We primarily focus on states where the state government’s policies for Solar Power plants are quite clear. We identify land suitable for solar projects and acquire it through land aggregators. As Land is a state subject in India, every state has different land policy and land holding patterns also vary. As stake holders are multiple (land owners / registration authorities), we use consultants and land aggregators to address and solve the issues encountered during land acquisition process. This helps in speed up the process as responsibilities are distributed and not centric.

Please elaborate the kind of approach you follow for keeping the development process as productive as possible? Keeping today’s industrial headwinds in view, would you change this approach in the near future?

Indian industries since long have been dealing with the issue of substandard qualities citing lack of next generation technology. Does this prevail in the solar industry also? Do you rely upon domestic or imported products in terms of quality?

Aggressive tariff bid’s (in government as well as private solar power project bid’s) is leading to cutting the cost of EPC, resulting in projects commissioning with substandard / low quality products as well workmanship. We are a global project developer and follow our global quality standards in materials as well as workmanship. We are using modules manufactured by ReneSola Group Company or top Tier 1 module manufacturers to ensure that the projects performance is not compromised.

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THE CONVERSATION REI SPECIAL ISSUE

SUSHIL BANSAL

Founder & Managing Director|Novasys Greenergy Pvt Ltd

We have now set up a 100 MW capacity manufacturing unit for Solar modules at Nagpur, which will go on stream from December 2018.

NEED TO INVEST IN RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES I believe that there is ample space for absorption of safeguard duty. The rise in module prices due to safeguard would eventually set off with the nosedive in the cost of imported solar modules and cells. The imposition of safeguard duty has definitely created an opportunity for domestic solar industry to flourish. They need to capitalize this opportunity by investing in Research & Development of new technologies and vertically integrating backwards up to production of wafers and polysilicon, believes Sushil Bansal, Founder & Managing Director, Novasys Greenergy Pvt Ltd, a part Sangita Coal group, and now a well-diversified entity operating in Renewable, Non-renewable, Telecom, Food & Real estate sectors. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Sub Editor, Saur Energy International, Bansal shared his views on various emerging issues which the power sector is currently dealing with along with his companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future plans in the renewable energy space. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.

As initially, Novasys Greenergy was established for coal Being engaged in Energy business as above, we realized how trading purpose. How the idea of diversifying into solar the detrimental spread of greenhouse gases and emission of space came into existence? carbon has been damaging our ecology. We, as a responsible Corporate group, have, over the past decade, felt a genuine Our coal trading activity over past quarter of a century has concern for protecting the global environment and doing been conducted under the aegis of Sangita group, which is our own bit to reduce global warming. Thus an urgent need operational in coal. to switch over to greener sources of energy, was realized.

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THE CONVERSATION ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

We took steps to explore best possible ways to remodel our business program by looking into renewable sources of energy which are viable and widely acceptable across the country. We studied the spectrum of Hydel, Biomass and Wind energy, which are associated with their unique features, both positive and regressive. In our view, we found the SUN TO BE THE BEST AND MOST RELIABLE SOURCE OF ENERGY. We truly realized that "Every Day is a SUN day". We therefore established NOVASYS GREENERGY to enter into the manufacturing sector within the field of Solar Energy; however, our modus operandi was selected carefully with an entry into Solar EPC business over the past two years. Our aim is also to offer valuable services to clients in O&M and "Complete Solar Assets Management".

Could you give us a brief overview of your company’s contribution towards clean and green energy? As mentioned, our Solar Energy business commenced with entry into Solar EPC work. We have done several EPC projects in the government and private sectors across the country. Our projects deliver energy to the grids, thus we are committed to improve Solar Energy component within the grid's energy mix. We have now set up a 100 MW capacity manufacturing unit for Solar modules at Nagpur, which will go on stream from December 2018. We are thus contributing our might to India's ongoing Solar revolution within the Government's committed goals.

years. It is evident from the consistency of PPA rates in most of the reverse biddings held recently. I believe that there is ample space for absorption of safeguard duty. The rise in module prices due to safeguard would eventually set off with the nosedive in the cost of imported solar modules and cells. The imposition of safeguard duty has definitely created an opportunity for domestic solar industry to flourish. They need to capitalize this opportunity by investing in Research & Development of new technologies and vertically

Rooftop solar is set to be the next driving force for the Indian solar industry.

is huge potential for its growth in the country. However, currently there are certain sets of challenges, which must be addressed by the policy makers. Once, those challenges are identified and mitigated, rooftop solar will play a vital role in meeting country’s substantial power requirement. With growing awareness about cost benefits as well as possible economic upliftment in rural areas which are deficient in electricity, Solar Rooftop sector is likely to grow rapidly over time. In additon, Solar Rooftop is now recognized as an important resource in areas affected by natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, etc.

Please tell our readers something about the products & services Novasys Greenergy offers?

We at Novasys provide one stop solution for all solar requirements of customers. Our solar modules are manufactured on the latest technology machine line from the best in class raw materials. Our machines are capable of producing Bifacial, PERC, BIPV modules apart from conventional Poly/Monocrystalline modules. integrating backwards up to production We have developed a team of industry’s of wafers and polysilicon. veterans for providing EPC work of solar power plants to our customers. We have What parameters do you see to a range of solar products in our kitty ensure the quality of raw materials which have already proven themselves you used? in terms of performance and reliability.

We use industry standard & IEC/UL certified What do you think should else be raw materials. We have set benchmarks done to promote rooftop solar in for selection of raw material. We do cities such as Delhi/ NCR where there is pre-sampling as well as post-sampling scarcity of land? quality inspection & tests in our laboratory Being the solar modules maker how as per sampling plan. We have our in- Creation of awareness through social you see the imposition of safeguard house laboratory which is well equipped media, print and IT media will serve in duty on import of solar equipments from with latest testing equipment for quality propagation of Rooftop Solar in large China. Will the safeguard duty for two assurance of each and every raw material cities. Simplicity in roll out of Government years ‘safeguard’ the interests of domestic entering our premises. backed schemes to assist DISCOMS adapt manufacturers? We also engage external auditors Solar Rooftop projects, must be given to inspect and ensure quality and more importance. Another technology, Except for the dilemma being faced manufacturing process at the approved where space is limited, needs to be by manufacturing units within SEZs, the vendor’s premises. adopted, the Solar Tree method of reducing safeguard duty over 2 years harnessing maximum solar energy from period is expected to assist manufacturing How do you see the future of rooftop heights available in the vertical direction. units stabilize their operations to meet solar especially in India? Gross metering policies and Open growing needs of India's Solar sector. access policies must be reframed to The capital cost of solar power plants Rooftop solar is set to be the next driving make them attractive for the investors has reduced substantially in last three force for the Indian solar industry. There and off-takers/users.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 01 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2018

TECHNICAL FEATURE REI SPECIAL ISSUE

"DE-CENTERED"

OF CHINA PV MODULE MANUFACTURERS

Mark Zhang HORAD PM

The PV module industry may leave a deep impression on people due to its ups and downs in development. Now, the industry has gradually entered the rational stage with the great tide of development. China's rapid development of PV module industry has made European and American countries feel the pressure, so the global PV module market has set off a wave of "De-centered". At present, China entrepreneurs are making steady progress in the field of raw materials, batteries and module, but in Horad's opinion, the "De-centered" of China PV module equipment manufacturers havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t started yet.

At that time, China solar cell market was in the pattern of "Two sides out", that is, the production equipment and materials were all dependent on foreign countries, and the market was also dependent on foreign countries. The domestic PV module industry needed to constantly improve the technical level and substantially reduce the production cost to achieve the goal of replacing traditional energy. In the backdrop of the "Two head out", HORAD through active research and development, seamless docking with customer's technical team, every week there are new models machine technical seminars, and every month have new version prototype electricity debugging, commissioning finished free for users to get the valuable opinions of user feedback. . And after all of these to build a batch of domestic belongs to an innovative at the time of the equipment.Because the domestic labor cost is cheaper, the domestic manufacturer produces achieves the foreign level to have the price advantage, opened the domestic market quickly.

2nd EVA & TPT cutting and layout machine

PV module productionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TQCM

SEPTEMBER 2018

In the process of industrialization of a technology, the most important factor is equipment. Since the official establishment of the PV module business department in 2006, HORAD has witnessed the development of PV module, from the manual assembly production to the fully automated production, of the entire process chain today.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

Fully auto Framing machine

TECHNICAL FEATURE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Whole series of PV production equipment In 2008,PV module industry experienced a wave of low tide, but HORAD believed that backward technologies and high costs were the root cause of the low tide, and the high-end demand of the PV module industry was actually constantly increasing or even in short supply. HORAD withstands the pressure to exploration so many years ,realizes the equipment automation to efficiency reaching the international advanced level finally. At present, Horad has become an international leading manufacturer of solar PV module production equipment, which mainly dealing with automatic material loading and testing, cell string layout, auto-welding, module packaging, EL&VI tester, auto-framing, IV tester, high-pot tester, autopackaging line, etc. HORAD have a independent research and development, design, production and construction, domestic and foreign after-sales long-term service and other comprehensive strength, solar PV module module production enterprises, to provide high efficiency and large capacity of the overall solution. The PV module equipment of Horad, already has whole series of PV module such as Monocrystalline silicon, Polycrystalline silicon, Silicon-based thin film, Copper indium gallium selenium, Gallium arsenide, Cadmium telluride, which involving the production of 24 pieces /32 pieces /36 pieces /48 pieces /60 pieces /72 pieces /96 pieces modules, etc.

module, to realizing intelligent material distribution, the whole process tracking of all consumables, equipment remote monitoring, automatic docking modular functions, fully auto-packaging line, to achieve the greatest possible authors efficiency for LONGI. HORAD was jointly with LONGI and other client enterprises for the project, to approval project of industry 4.0 of MIIT of China (See Note), and passed the final acceptance smoothly. (Related V4.0 workshop video link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EUmv_A_jrfubbqukV3UgT8oHxBn1tB2/view?usp=sharing_eil&ts=5b31f5db)

Industry 4.0 Hardware system

"De-centered" Pioneer In 2018, the state launched the "531 new policy" for PV module industry, hoping to force the PV module industry to reduce costs and increase efficiency as soon as possible, by means of accelerating subsidy regression and scale limitation. HORAD deeply aware that the single market boom was highly volatile, and that companies had to take the initiative in global positioning if they wanted to be "strong and strong". HORAD is confidence for the realization of this goal: HORAD has begun to deepen the equipment agency cooperation and after-sales team layout in India, southeast Asia, Europe and North America at present. And HORAD has formulated a 10-year action plan to finally achieve the global layout of equipment production & sales & after-sales service in addition to R&D.

Fully auto Packing line

A bellwether for Industry 4.0 The highest degree of automatio for module production line in China: LONGI Ph-1 module workshop be located in Xiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;An CHINA ,which workshop is compatible with the Common module/Half cell/Imbricate cell/Double glass

Industry 4.0 MES system

VOL 3 l ISSUE 01 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2018

PRODUCT FEATURE REI SPECIAL ISSUE

DELTA DELCEN HV SERIES

1500VDC GRID TIED SOLAR CENTRAL OUTDOOR INVERTER

SEPTEMBER 2018

The continuous evolution of Solar panel technology to higher DC Voltages up to 1500V has helped to lower the Balance of system costs, higher output power capability leading to reduction in Energy production costs. Delta’s commitment to be on par and adapt with this latest technology developments of other interactive systems has led to the deployment of DelCEN HV series which is 2.5MW/2.75MW; 1500Vdc Grid tied Solar Central Outdoor Inverter. With this product portfolio in Delta’s family of inverters it is assured to have yet another Customer centric and bankability solutions leading to uncompromised customer benefits through high degree of reliability, efficiency and productivity which is very vital in today’s High performance multi megawatt Solar power generation business.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

DelCEN HV series is a Delta’s 3 Level NPC-1 technology augmented with state of the art high performance controller Electronics and protection features. In order to ensure a long life to withstand harsh Indian Climatic conditions, DelCEN HV series is designed to have high structural stability, weather resistant, termite proof and water proof. With diligently following the preventive maintenance and scheduled parts replacement, DelCEN HV series is designed to have operating life of 25 years delivering maximum feed in revenues and Return of investment to the customer, thanks to its low maintenance costs and host of life cycle services offered by Delta’s extensive regional service network. DelCEN HV series is easy to transport and install and is an all in one for easy deployment

and commissioning. There is no need of any external arrangement for Auxiliary power, UPS and any sort of cooling arrangements thus reducing installation over heads costs to the EPC Company. DelCEN HV series is plug and play design which requires just connecting DC and AC power cables enables quicker installation and commissioning which is a key in today’s EPC practices. DelCEN HV series is fully compatible with both Thin Film and Crystalline PV panels. The DC terminals could be floating or either polarity grounded. The built in passive Anti PID relay logic feature reduces the PID effects on the panels to some extent. The numbers of input strings are user configurable to address the complex PVarray configurations with each string, fuse protected with monitoring apart from other standard protection features

PRODUCT FEATURE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

like insulation monitoring, DC Over voltage protection etc. The DC panels are completely isolated during night time reactive power processing through a motorized DC switch disconnector rated for DC21B networks. DelCEN HV series is equipped with its proprietary 1.25MW IGBT based 4 quadrant stack modules to achieve maximum of 98.7% efficiency including the filter losses and Auxiliary power consumption at full power. DelCEN HV series has design reserves of 900Vdc and 0% FIT rate of Semiconductors due to cosmic radiations at higher altitudes. Thanks to its optimized maintenance free hybrid cooling technology, DelCEN HV series is able to achieve absolutely no power Derating up to 55°C. DelCEN HV series is having modular architecture with 2 blocks of 1.25MW which ensures no loss of generation in case of 1 block under maintenance. The System Power Allocation Algorithm ensures that all modules have same operational duty at any point of time. The state of the art hardware and software protection features implemented ensures high reliability of the power core components. DelCEN HV series is capable of reactive

power processing during night time up to 1.25MVAR. The reactive power limitation can be preset remotely, hard programmed in HMI or by regulating the Grid voltage (Dynamic Reactive power control). During non-operation, DelCEN HV series features a relay logic to implement passive Anti PID to reduce the PID effects on the ungrounded PV Panels. DelCEN HV series facilitates easy integration of external SCADA systems using MODBUS TCP/IP communication protocols. DelCEN HV series has a built in additional Analog and digital input ports for weather station integrations and other sensors like wind, irradiance etc and relay status monitoring which does not call for additional data logging investments to the end user. DelCEN HV series has built in energy data logger, error log with time stamp, remote and cloud access capability with 8GB storage. The user friendly HMI with touch screen gives full control for the user to access the data and control the inverter. DelCEN HV series includes all the advanced and latest grid support functions likePQ control, LVRT/HVRT and Grid frequency regulations which can be parametrically set based on the local utility requirements.

DelCEN HV series are available in 2 variants namely DelCEN 2500HV and DelCEN 2750HV of rating 2.5MW@ 600Vac and 2.75MW @ 660Vac. The Delta Advantage No power derating until 55°C.  Night time reactive power up to 1.25MVAR.  Relay logic for passive anti PID for extended panel life.  No need of external Auxiliary and UPS power required.  No need of any additional external cooling arrangement.  HMI with remote access, Generation data logging and cloud compliant.  Web logging with user interactive data access.  Highest power density smallest foot print in this class and ease of handling.  Plug and play design.  Additional Analog and digital inputs for external modules interface like weather stations, sensors, VCB and Grid transformer monitoring relays.  Built in climate protection including humidity.  IP 65 (Electronics section)/IP54  Outdoor unit, no need of inverter room or expensive containers.

THE CONVERSATION REI SPECIAL ISSUE

NAVIN MENKAR

Managing Director, Solaico Sadguru India Pvt Ltd

VACUUM OF INTERNATIONAL QUALITY PRODUCT Through an in-depth research on Solar PV Module business, we realised the vacuum of finding international quality product from Indian manufacturers. There are very few companies of this standard and the gap is very high to fill, believes Navin Menkar, Managing Director, Solaico Sadguru India Pvt Ltd, a JV between Spanish Solar PV module maker ‘Solaico’ and India’s Shree Sadguru Enterprises a plastic product maker. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Sub Editor, Saur Energy International, Menkar shared his views on the manufacturing of solar photovoltaic modules in India, their quality and about his company’s foray into the module manufacturing sector. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.

Please tell our readers about Sadguru Enterprises.

We are a diverse plastic product manufacturer from Pune, Maharashtra. We have 35 years of solid manufacturing expertise with industry ready infrastructure at strategic locations in and around Pune. The management is blessed with strong goodwill in the market and carries a sound financial backbone.

Kindly elaborate about Sadguru’s foray into Solar PV Module manufacturing.

After months of hard work, we are delighted to officially announce the launch of our upcoming Solar PV Module manufacturing facility at Pune, Maharashtra. It’s a Joint Venture between Solaico a Spanish Solar PV module manufacturer and Shree Sadguru Enterprises a plastic product manufacturer from India. The joint venture Solaico Sadguru India Pvt Ltd finalised the brand name Aicosol for this venture.

SEPTEMBER 2018

Are there any projects you are coming up with the launch of the new venture ‘Aicosol’?

For this venture we are coming up with a 100MW capacity automatic Solar PV Module manufacturing line initially for the first phase. The line is capable of producing any latest technology module like Bifacial and PERC Twin Peak etc. Basically we are planning to cater the complete segment of Solar PV module application irrespective of it’s size and capacity.

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THE CONVERSATION ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Solaico is your Joint Venture partner. Please tell something about it.

The company has a manufacturing experience of thirty years, and more than ten years in the sector of renewable energy where its production capacity has been increasing progressively. It has facilities of ten thousand square meters in Cocentaina (Alicante). In 2016 it has incorporated its latest production line which has allowed photovoltaic installations and solutions itÂ´s manufacturing capacity to be with photovoltaic applications. The increased. The technical department company has intensified its presence in works in conjunction with the commercial the Mediterranean countries of Europe department to offer products with and North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, photovoltaic integration to the market Niger, Mali, and Chad). It also has and to meet the needs of the end several delegations in countries of users. Solaico has developed a range South America (Chile, Ecuador, Peru of photovoltaic kits, solar pumping and Brazil) where it exports photovoltaic equipment, lighting solutions (road, rural solutions for areas where conventional and recreational) and has patented a electricity distribution is complicated. water purifier powered by photovoltaic energy. How this idea of manufacturing With its own offices in Cocentaina, Solar PV module with international Madrid, Barcelona, India and the JV came into existence? Dominican Republic, as well as a n e x t e n s i v e n e t w o r k o f a g e n t s Life is always full of surprises! Twists, and distributors worldwide, Solaico turns, new opportunities. I am always brings its products to the totality of adaptable to sustainable change, this markets where there is potential in is how Solar PV Module business came

into our companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thought process in the year 2016. Through an in-depth research on the subject, we realised the vacuum of finding international quality product from Indian manufacturers. There are very few companies of this standard and the gap is very high to fill. Then we came of this idea of manufacturing solar PV module with top notch international quality, where Solaico fall in line with our long term vision. Now we are very close to commence manufacturing from our Pune factory, tentatively by mid November 2018. We are excited to live our dreams and to be another entrant in the make in India movement. Please feel free to be in touch with us for giving us any kind of advice and for any collaborative opportunity to work together for a sustainable future.

INNOVATION UPDATES REI SPECIAL ISSUE

GOVT ADOPTS ‘INTEGRATE TO INNOVATE’ PROGRAMME Per Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India’s investment promotion agency, Invest India has joined hands with energy sector companies to offer a unique lab-to-market opportunity for Indian startups through the Integrate to Innovate Programme. Integrate to Innovate is a 3-month corporate acceleration programme for energy startups housed at the corporate premises. The programme will offer energy startups an opportunity to bring their ideas to life with the guidance and support from corporates. The startups are expected to register for the programme till August 10, 2018. The selected startups will receive a cash prize grant of up to Rs. 5 Lakh per startup along with an opportunity to pilot their product with corporates. Following prizes, the corporates will offer them access to technology, technical and commercial mentorship and access to potential customers through the corporate network of partners. Entries are invited from innovators across

various stages of the energy life-cycle— generation, transmission and distribution, storage and consumption—in multiple sectors such as households, farm, industry, infrastructure, building, utility and transport. The winners will be assessed on select

parameters such as the breakthrough nature of the innovation, business viability and scalability potential. Some of the specific areas eligible for the registration are household, transport, farm, infrastructure, utility and building.

SCIENTISTS USE PLANT BACTERIA TO HARNESS SUNLIGHT

ISRO DEVELOPS GREEN PROPELLANT FOR ROCKET MOTORS

Seeking technical advancement in Solar cells, scientists from University of British Colombia used the bacteria of plants, which is responsible for photosynthesis, to collect solar energy. The experiment is based on the principal of bacteria’s dye that converts Sun’s energy into potential food for the plant. The scientists genetically engineered group of E-coli bacteria to produce a ton of the same ‘sunlight collecting dye’. Coating a glass sheet with dye showed a considerable rate of energy storage. The experiment deemed the dye to be twice as efficient, multiple times cheaper and over 80 percent easier than the traditional method. Vikramaditya Yadav, Professor, University of British Colombia said, “We recorded the highest current density for a biogenic solar cell. These hybrid materials that we are developing can be manufactured economically and sustainably. With sufficient optimizations these cells can perform at comparable efficiencies as conventional solar cells”. The scientists also claim the biogenic cells to be efficient even when it is cloudy.

Taking another step towards green propulsion system, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has developed an ecofriendly solid propellant based on Glycidyl Azide Polymer (GAP) as fuel and Ammonium Di-Nitramide (ADN) as oxidizer at the laboratory level. The development is aimed at minimizing drastic environmental impact while improving overall efficiency and economy. The successful implementation of the propellant will eliminate the emission of chlorinated exhaust products from rocket motors. In addition, ISRO is also carrying out various technology demonstration projects involving green propellant combinations such as Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2), Kerosene, Liquid Oxygen (LOX), Liquid Methane, ADN-Methanol-water, ADN-Glycerol-water etc. Apparently, ISRO has already begun the move towards environment-friendly and green propellants with the acceptance of Liquid Oxygen (LOX)/Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) and LOX/Kerosene based propulsion systems for launch vehicles, and use of electric propulsion for spacecraft. ISRO has also successfully developed ISROSENE, which is a rocket grade version of kerosene as an alternative to conventional hydrazine rocket fuel. The revelation came through a written reply to the question raised in the current monsoon session of Rajya Sabha.

SEPTEMBER 2018

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

THE CONVERSATION REI SPECIAL ISSUE

ANIMESH DAMANI Managing Partner|Artha Energy Resources

GOVT TO DEVELOP A MODEL FOR INVESTORS I would like to suggest the Government develops a model wherein investors can setup a solar plant on the roofs of willing industries and commercial establishment. The solar electricity bill from these plants can be tied up with the electricity bill that comes from the utility companies. Reason being, the consumers always pay their electricity bill in the fear of their electricity being cut off and combining both these bills will ensure they also pay the investorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; money that has been put into installation of the solar plant. This will attract investor interest in the industry and will open the solar market for domestic HNIs, believes Animesh Damani, Managing Partner, Artha Energy Resources, part of the K Damani Group which has been a financial institution for 70 years. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Sub Editor, Saur Energy International, Damani shared his views on various topics related to the renewable energy space. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.

Please tell our readers more about management system that is entirely Artha Energy Resources (AER) as a automated. This will help reduce the consultant in renewable energy sector. breakdown of any operating renewable asset and maximize its yield. Artha Energy Resources is Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first and only Renewable energy focused What is the client base of Artha Investment Bank. Since its inception, Energy Resources? the company has done 800 million USD worth of Mergers and Acquisitions. It Artha Energy Resources caters to owners houses three main divisions viz. of wind turbine, solar plant or hydroa. I nvestment Banking division: Deals power plant having a government PPA. with mergers and acquisitions of The client base also includes anybody operating renewable assets that who pays a monthly electricity bill of have government PPAs. more than 3 lakh. b. Solar Engineering division: Takes up turnkey projects for rooftop and Till date how much cumulative ground mounted solar installations amount AER has pumped into c. Tech and Research division: Focuses the Indian renewable energy market? on tracking the performance of individual power generators and Until now, Artha Energy Resources power consumers in the country. has done over 800 million USD worth The database covers information of mergers and acquisitions in the on 90% of the installed renewable South East Asian & Indian renewable energy assets in India and over 100 energy market. GW of power consumer data of the country. As an investment banker, what This database is one of the key resources future growth prospect you see in and feeds the Investment banking and the Indian renewable energy market? Solar engineering divisions. It helps in various purposes, one of which is I strongly believe that the pace of advising large electricity consumers on deals for 100MW + IPPs (independent how they can reduce their electricity power producers) will be reduced as bills. In the future, Artha plans to many of the deals have been struck monetize this database as well as already and the next set of deals will work on building an on-demand asset only happen after a gap.

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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

Future growth prospects for the small and medium sized IPP is that they are attracting takeovers. Retail investors are finding the minimum investment in government auctions out of their reach which is keeping them away from the government power project auctions. There is stiff competition in the sector, weak bond markets, strong preference for low tariffs and high debts which overall result in the rise of mergers and acquisitions. The wave of consolidation is ought to take over on the market as most of the renewable asset owners having less than 5MW are looking for exits. The Government discontinued the 80-IA tax holiday which led to the disappointment of solar & wind power developers. Also, the reduction of 80% accelerated depreciation to 40% and addition of no new incentives or subsidies have all driven away the interest of Indian HNIs from investing in this sector. Although Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been coming out with new subsidies to spur rooftop installations, the reduction in AD and curbing tax benefits thwarts the momentum in rooftop solar. I would like to suggest the Government develops a model wherein investors can setup a solar plant on the roofs of willing industries and commercial establishment.The solar electricity

THE CONVERSATION ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Burden of subsidies DISCOMs provide (to consumer) must be taken away. The subsidies should be borne either by Central or State government. Developing and maintaining the right mix of the energy portfolio of power producing companies will hold the key to strategically grow in the sector.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 01 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2018

THE CONVERSATION REI SPECIAL ISSUE

bill from these plants can be tied up with the electricity bill that comes from the utility companies. Reason being, the consumers always pay their electricity bill in the fear of their electricity being cut off and combining both these bills will ensure they also pay the investors’ money that has been put into installation of the solar plant. This will attract investor interest in the industry and will open the solar market for domestic HNIs. Moreover, companies with weak financials and those facing constant liquidity issues will start getting large range of investors to fund their solar installations. The need for foreign investment will be nullified as foreign investment comes with its own set of conditions. Domestic money can be used to fund domestic group keeping the money within the country. With such a payment security measure incorporated by the government, the market for rooftop solar will explode. This investment will be beneficial in installation of smart grids and prepare the country for the future in renewables.

solar. This scheme promises to provide a performance based financial support to DISCOMs which is designed to accelerate the deployment of rooftop solar projects within the DISCOMs’ distribution areas and make them the sole implementing agencies. Since there will be a cost burden associated with becoming an implementation agency, the In your opinion, how the DISCOMs scheme states that the DISCOMs will can curb their losses? be incentivized for every MW of solar added in their distribution networks. Although the amount of losses the MNRE is proposing to provide a total DISCOMs are facing are not easy to of ₹234.5 billion (~$3.66 billion) in be recovered, below are a few ways CFA and incentives to DISCOMs to in which they could be reduced: implement the next phase of the a. Burden of subsidies DISCOMs provide rooftop solar program. But there has (to consumer) must be taken away. been reluctance from the DISCOMs The subsidies should be borne either in implementing this due to potential by Central or State government. revenue losses. b. P ower losses result from either of d. A nother important step the State the two reasons. One, transmission government can take is letting (natural) loss and two, theft i.e. the transmission, distribution and AT&C loss. billing parts of electricity sector • T h e n a t u r a l l o s s e s a r e a r e s u l t being opened up for everyone to of transport of power over long participate in. Take for example, distances. This power loss during the telecom sector- letting the AER also own a wind energy plant transmission can be reduced by multitude of private players enter in Rajasthan. Please tell something incorporating the distributed power the sector has not only benefitted about it. generation model in contrast to the the government with higher tax conventional power model. In the revenues while reducing its losses Artha India Ventures, the family office conventional power model, energy but it has also made the sector of Ashok Kumar Damani, Ramesh is generated in massive quantities quite efficient and streamlined. Damani, (both ex-Directors of Bombay at a large-scale power plant and Although this is a distant dream for Stock Exchange) and Anirudh Damani, then distributed across a transmission the renewable energy sector, it can (a 4th generation entrepreneur who grid to end users resulting in massive be one of the best possible options has an experience of working in the power losses.The distributed power to curb DISCOM’s losses. The state energy sector in both, the US and generation refers to power that is monopoly and bureaucracy in the India) made their initial investment in generated on-site, or very close to the energy sector needs to be completely purchasing a windmill in Rajasthan. This location where it will be used. This can eradicated in order to ensure the windmill generates an 18% IRR that is result in more power efficiencies and losses are reduced. consequently invested into early stage a lower loss of units in transmission. startups through the family office, • F or the theft related power loss, currently headed by Apurva Damani. the government can make stricter These startups require copious guidance laws and ensure that the laws are and a small amount of capital to survive religiously followed by the governing the initial period, where expenses authorities without getting subjected exceed income. That is where AIV offers to corruption and other malpractices. its network, mentorship and the initial c. D I S C O M s s h o u l d p r o m o t e t h e capital, generated by the windmill, to installations of rooftop solar. help build these businesses. Being a decentralised model, the These investments mature over a infrastructure cost and transmission period of 4-5 years, and yield a 60% losses will be lower over the long term. IRR, the profits of which are used to In fact, to encourage DISCOMs to procure more energy assets and run promote rooftop, MNRE announced the renewable energy IB at Artha a scheme that provides subsidies to Energy Resources. These assets increase DISCOMs if they promoted rooftop

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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

the cash available for AIV to invest in startups, and the cycle goes on. Over a period of 3-4 years, AIV has a developed an impressive portfolio of 57 startups. Within just 2 exits the entire system has become self-sustaining. It has created tremendous value for the startup ecosystem and environment alike.

TECHNICAL FEATURE REI SPECIAL ISSUE

SG3125HV INVERTER TECHNICAL WHITE PAPER

1. Overview The solar industry is revolving very fast, For the utility scale plant, It faces many challenges. For example, The declining PPA, the pressure of investment costs and the more stringent demand. The new standards require the inverter either to have a wide range ride through capability or special grid support function, those new requirements and standard set a high threshold for the inverter. To follow the market tide, SUNGROW released its grid support utility-interactive inverter SG3125HV. With the application of SG3125HV, the solar plant will have no risk to interact with the utility and it brings much more benefit for the solar plant. 2. Features

3.1 High efficiency and reliability Sungrow’s SG3125HV was designed to have a power converter platform that was more efficient than previous generations of products. Utilizing 3-level converter bridge, efficient modulation algorithm and latest magnetic and switching devices, the SG3125HV provides an extraordinary efficiency performance, bringing more energy yield and further increasing project ROI. The maximum efficiency of SG3125HV can reach 99% and Euro efficiency 98.7%. Sungrow has been focused on the inverter development and manufacturing for over 20 years, the accumulated experience has equipped Sungrow inverter with an excellent reliability performance. In addition to that, the SG3125HV is developed with SUNGROW latest advanced platform and tested with Sungrow world leading testing center. 3.2 Wide operating temperature range Sungrow’s SG3125HV has one of the widest operating temperature ranges available in the industry, with full power available from -30°C to 50°C and operation in power de-rate mode available up to 60°C.The temperature sensing variable speed controlled fans are used for SG3125HV to minimize internal temperature rise, which will lead to a reliable operation, long lifetime, low power consumption.

Fig-1: SG3125HV Appearance

The SG3125HV is designed with a 10 feet enclosure and effective cooling system. Based on SUNGROW’s advanced development platform, SG3125HV has an excellent reliability performance and high efficiency. Moreover, the inverter is designed for easy skid integration, convenient for site installation and ultimately reducing the site work and cost. With the application of SG3125HV, the plant construction will move faster and it will finally bring customer a higher ROI. 3. Technical Specifications

SEPTEMBER 2018

Max DC input voltage Max output power MPPT range Rated AC output power AC output voltage (nominal) Max efficiency Euro. efficiency

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1500VDC 875VDC to 1300VDC 3125kVA 600VAC 99% 98.7%

3.3 High integration less initial cost Sungrow’s SG3125HV is highly integrated and cut initial investment and installation cost for customers. The SG3125HV has integrated the re-combiner into the DC side cabinet, so this extra cost can be saved. Sungrow SG3125HV has integrated the power supply panels including 480Vac and 120Vac, which can be used for the tracker motors, control box, communication box, etc. The plant will not need extra power supply panels, transformers and boxes for the tracker, etc. This will save the space for the SKID integration and site installation efforts, meaning the initial investment will be further reduced. 3.4 Advanced mechanical design Sungrow’s SG3125HV is designed for easy operation and maintenance. This unit has a touch screen which is located on the front door, all of the inverter running information and settings can be viewed and changed on this touch screen, which is easy for site operation. All of the components inside the inverter are front accessible, which is easy for maintenance. Specially, the SG3125HV use Sungrow patented air filter design, which is effectively resist the dust going into the inverter, and the filter is easy to be maintenance without any tool. The inverter is easily to be integrated to the SKID, Sungrow provide the installation accessories for customer convenience which will bring more values and reduce the initial cost. All of the interface/plate for installation is designed to be removable and easy to be punched, which will be convenient for customer to install the conduit and connect the cables, all of those design lead to less site work and in hence reduce the installation cost.

TECHNICAL FEATURE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

3.5 Flexible in 6.25MW or 12.5MW block SG3125HV is flexible in 6.25MW or 12.5MW. 6.25MW solution uses two SG3125HV inverters to access three winding transformer. It can save initial transformer, cable and MV switchgear investment. 50MW plant just needs 8 block.

Fig-4: 6.25MW Solution Design

3.6 Excellent grid support function. SG3125HV has an advanced voltage and frequency ride through capability. The high voltage ride through is up to 1.4 Un and It can compensate reactive power during LVRT. With the application of Sungrow SG3125HV, the customer will enjoy the high availability and get satisfied with the flexibility. The inverter also has a good reactive power capability and it can inject active power with power factor 0.8. Moreover, the inverter can supply reactive power to the grid at night to support the grid, this will reduce investment on SVG equipment.

Fig-4: 6.25MW Solution Design

4. Summary SG3125HV is designed to bring a high ROI for utility scale PV plant, with the application of this containerized inverter, the total system cost will be reduced due to saved integration cost, installation cost, O&M cost, and lower initial cost. Moreover, this grid support utility-interactive inverter brings more reliability to the utility and will further reduce the grid interconnection risk. We can expect that Sungrow SG3125HV will bring much more benefit for the solar industry.

SUNGROW INDIA PROJECT REFERENCE 50MW, CHATGAON, BEED, MAHARASHTRA Project Capacity : 50MW Location : Chatgaon, Beed, Maharashtra India Inverter Model : SG2500 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1000V No of Inverters Installed : 20Nos No of units Generated / day : 300MWh

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10 MW POKHRAN, RAJASTHAN Project Capacity : 10MW Location : Pokhran Rajasthan India Inverter Model : SG500MX ( SG1000TS ) – 1000V No of Inverters Installed : 20Nos ( SG500MX ) No of units Generated / day : 63MWh

70 MW BHADLA RAJASTHAN Project Capacity : 70MW Location : Bhadla Rajasthan India Inverter Model : SG2500 – 1000V No of Inverters Installed : 28Nos No of units Generated / day : 450MWh

SEPTEMBER 2018

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TECHNICAL FEATURE REI SPECIAL ISSUE

Bifacial photovoltaics

THE FUTURE HAS TWO SIDES

SEPTEMBER 2018

Solar modules are aligned to or even track the sun. The rear of standard solar modules only receives a small fraction of the energy captured by the front of the module. Nevertheless, the back surface can contribute 5% to 30% of the overall energy balance. The word “bifacial” keeps cropping up nowadays in the photovoltaics field and heralds an emerging trend. Bifacial refers to a solar cell or solar module that is light-sensitive on both sides. This technology is not fundamentally new; bifacial modules have been in use since as early 1994 for applications such as noise barriers on freeways. The fact that bifacial technology is currently enjoying a marked growth in interest can be attributed to several reasons. In general, module manufacturers are keeping up their endeavors to boost module performance and achieve added value. The underlying thinking is simple: as direct sunshine comes from one direction, the initial focus was on monofacial modules, that is to say modules sensitive on one side only. To date, this has proved entirely satisfactory for most applications because even in the early days of PV, roofs were seen as the primary location for photovoltaic installations. Roofs obviously require some form of cover; they are not as a general rule shaded and there is no solar radiation from the back surface. Single-sided (monofacial) “solar shingles” or solar modules are thus satisfactory in this situation. Large-scale PV proliferation in the USA, Japan and Germany is in regions where the light is typically 70% direct, approx. 20% diffuse and only approx. 10% from the rear. At the present time, however, a growing number of PV installations are being erected in sunbelt regions such as India. In these regions, the ground frequently exhibits higher reflectance – the so-called albedo. The reflected radiation component therefore becomes more interesting for photovoltaics in these

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regions. The applications for photovoltaic installations are becoming more diverse: A1) Normal slanted or tracker installation:

elevated installation variants, for example over usable areas such as fields, for carports and to provide shading. This mounting variant has advantages in windy regions, for example. The modules themselves do not form continuous surfaces, but are mounted with gaps. A3) Vertical mounting:

it is important that the modules are not unnecessarily shaded at the back by the mounting systems or cable guides and that the mounting height is not too low. An interesting application lies in floating PV systems, in which the PV modules are mounted on swimming pontoons. This enables the high reflectivity of the water to be utilized. In addition, the shaded areas beneath the modules provide an agreeable environment for fish because it is cooler there. In this way, areas of water can be utilized simultaneously (dual-use application) for fish farming and for electricity generation by means of PV systems. A2) Horizontal mounting lends itself to

Dirt tends not to stick to the module and is washed off very easily by rain. However, if monofacial modules are mounted in this way in latitudes of up to 45°, the energy yield is greatly reduced. The situation is different with bifacial modules in an east/west configuration. In desert regions with a high albedo and a serious soiling risk, vertical mounting may be a good option for solving the cleaning problem while attaining the same energy yield. Noise barriers and dividing walls as well as similar applications in the outdoor area are ideally suited for combination with solar modules. If the modules are mounted in a very high position, plants can also be grown beneath them (agro-photovoltaics). Vertical mounting is another option for dual-use applications. Bifacial modules have around 3% lower output from the front surface because the light passes through the module between the cells and cannot be

TECHNICAL FEATURE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

reflected by the white backsheet as is the case with monofacial modules. The unit of measure according to which PV modules are costed is Wp (Watt peak). This makes sense because the energy delivered by a monofacial PV installation is roughly proportional to the installed capacity and the balance of system costs are also largely determined by the installed capacity. For this reason, module manufacturers strive to maximize the performance of their PV modules. As the market grows, however, competition becomes more intense and manufacturers exploit niche markets with better prices. The vast majority of PV installations are erected in an industrial setting, though, where large industrial roofs, for example, or large expanses of land are covered; the energy generated there is frequently traded on the free energy market. This means that in addition to the system costs expressed in USD/Wp, the electricity generation costs of the installations (levelized cost of electricity) are also growing in importance. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s improved cell technology makes it possible to dispense with the back surface metallization of solar cells without performance losses, thereby creating the prerequisite for bifacial cells. Compared to monofacial systems, bifacial systems generate significantly more energy at the same specific capacity. Measurements show an energy gain of 10% to 30% for the same specific installed capacity. Interest in bifacial solutions is growing on account of the concurrent growing demand for solar systems in desert-like areas with very high solar radiation and very high ground reflectance. Even if the increased demand for bifacial technologies is driven first and foremost by applications in the regions described, PV installations in other regions are also reaping the benefit of the resulting accelerated development and production of bifacial solar modules. Bifacial modules will in future dominate the field of building-integrated installations as well as other combination applications such as agro-photovoltaics, shading

Comparison of energy yield: monofacial versus bifacial modules In order to compare the technology, measurements were taken on individual modules of the different technologies at a single (hot and sunny) location. In the case of the bifacial modules, the mounting system was installed in such a way as not to shade the back surface.

This module comparison contains all factors that might have a bearing on the energy yield: front side and back side irradiation with all spectral effects as well as the temperature. The annual average albedo of the naturally existing ground is around 24%. Derivation is only around 2%. Therefore, this comparative measurement is extremely accurate and much more reliable than currently available simulations. Meyer Burgerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HJT/SWCT (heterojunction cells with SmartWire Connection Technology) modules achieved an average of 37% more specific energy than a monofacial standard module (Al-BSF) and an average of over 12% more than a bifacial PERT module from Tier1 manufacturers. or carport solutions. Until recently, all PV installations have followed the same daily pattern: virtually no energy mornings and evenings, maximum feed-in at midday. Bifacial systems can overcome this pattern with an east/west configuration: the east side is active in the morning, the west side in the evening. At midday, when the sun is directly above the solar module, the latter receives the lower, diffuse solar radiation and feeds in somewhat less power. This enables energy to be offered at higher prices at peak load times and avoids clipping at midday when there may already be enough energy in the grid. The cost breakdown for typical largescale PV installations is as follows: 4Module: 47% 4Mounting System: 22% 4Inverter: 19% 4Ground Preparation: 7% 4AC-Connection: 5% The solar module is still the biggest cost factor, although today it accounts for less than half the total system costs. At the same time, the module offers the greatest potential for optimization, whereas relatively insignificant savings are possible on the mounting system, for example.

Even with monofacial systems, 10% to 20% more energy can be obtained by means of tracking the sun. When tracking using bifacial modules, yet a little more specific energy is generated, since these modules capture the diffuse backlight very well. Here tracking optimizes exploitation not only of the direct sunlight on the front, but also of the diffuse light on the back surface. This is in the order of 3%. Even if a module manufacturer adds the 3% reflectance losses to the price for the bifacial module, meaning that the system costs for the bifacial system are slightly increased, this can be compensated for by using tracking systems to achieve a higher energy yield. Added to this is the aforementioned energy gain of around 10% to 30%. Up to now, all-over back surface metallization (Al-BSF) has been applied in the manufacture of solar cells, thereby avoiding electrical series resistance losses on the back surface. The back-surface field improved the efficiency of the solar cells and the metallic back surface enabled a degree of light reflection. The industry is currently experiencing a radical upgrade from Al-BSF technology to PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell)

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technology. First of all, this is normal technical progress, because existing systems are enhanced with 2 additional process steps and are thus able to produce solar cells with an output that is 1% higher in absolute terms or 5% higher in relative terms. The important feature is the initial all-over passivation of the cell back surface. Here, all-over back surface metallization is no longer required. The di-electric coatings applied for the purpose of passivation also act as an internal mirror that reflects the long-wave front surface light within the cell. These cells can be manufactured both with all-over metallization and with a finger grid on the back surface. Although the so-called bifaciality factor (front surface output to back surface output) amounts to only around 60% to 80% with this type of cell, the lower metallization reduces costs in cell production. An example for an upgrade from Al-BSF to PERC with Meyer Burger systems: To date, Meyer Burger has upgraded more than 30 GW of production equipment to PERC.

Left: PERC process (upgrade with 2 production tools) Right: Complete PERC production line (A: Wafer inspection; B: Saw damage removal/Texturing; C: Diffusion; D: PSG removal; E: MAiA back side deposition; F: SiNA front side deposition; G: Laser; H: Metallization; I: Test & Sort

These systems can also be upgraded with few changes to the bifacial PERC process (PERC+): This requires a minor amendment of the production formulation for coating the solar cell in order to increase transparency, as well as a change in back side printing from all-over print to a finger grid. Both can be carried out very quickly using existing production facilities; no additional equipment is required. The existing facilities are also highly suitable for future upgrade cell technologies such as the combination of n-type wafer material with passivated contacts, including bifaciality. This conversion is extremely costeffective and enables bifaciality factors of approx. 70% to 80%. PERC+ cell structure

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New types of high-efficiency solar cells (e.g. heterojunction cells) are to some extent symmetrical in their design and thus already bifacial. In addition, passivation of the wafer surface enables even better efficiencies, very high bifaciality factors and high cell voltages with very good temperature coefficients. One challenge is the competitiveness of new technologies compared to products currently on the market. For example, the upgrade of existing production equipment to PERC only became possible when the value chain (production equipment and consumables such as tri-methyl-aluminum [TMA]) was available and customers were convinced that production was reliable. With its MAiA deposition system, of which more than 30 GW have been delivered to date, Meyer Burger ranks among the trailblazers of the upgrade boom. The MAiA production system can also be used for the manufacture of bifacial PERC cells. An example of a fully developed technology ready for mass production is the combined HJT/SWCT technology. The example shows that a holistic approach is called for in order to achieve competitive production methods. HJT stands for Heterojunction Technology, a cell structure that has been mainly marketed by Sanyo/Panasonic for around 18 years. Up to now, the cost-effective mass production of HJT cells with a high yield has proved challenging. Like MAiA, the HELiA deposition systems and a corresponding integrated process were developed by the technology company Meyer Burger. The HELiA system enables the deposition of intrinsic and doped a-Si coatings with high uniformity and quality in a 24/7 industrial process. The average efficiencies achieved are >23% Gt, while efficiencies >24% have already been reached on the series production lines. Gt stands for “Grid touch” measurement, because these are busbarless cells. These “gt” cells can be calibrated by ISE CalLab, among others. HJT cells must be metallized with low-temperature pastes, because the a-Si coatings crystallize at conventional firing process temperatures and would thus lose their special passivation properties. These pastes, however, can only be adapted to the soldering processes forming part of the cell connection procedure with considerable effort and the use of a large quantity of paste, thus incurring additional costs. To counteract this problem, Meyer Burger already developed a connection technology 6 years ago, under the name SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCTTM). Here, a large number of thin round wires are used to connect the cells. The technology reduces the minimum contact finger conductivity required to such an extent that low-temperature pastes can be used without problem. In addition, unlike the competing multi-wire technology, SWCTTM places no requirements on the positioning of the wires. More than 1 GW of solar modules with SWCTTM will be installed worldwide until end of 2018. At this year’s Renewable Energy India show, Meyer Burger will exhibit a 480 W solar module. This bifacial glass/glass module incorporates 72 heterojunction cells with SmartWire Connection Technology. According to Meyer Burger, the production costs are competitive compared to the Al-BSF or PERC standard technologies.

With bifacial systems, other factors have to be considered that do not need to be taken into account in the design of monofacial systems, such as ground albedo, module installation height, shading caused by the mounting system, etc. Bifacial modules capture light from both sides, however. If such modules have a high bifaciality factor, the energy gain is markedly higher than with monofacial PV systems that have the same output. The energy gain can be maximized if a small number of design rules are borne in mind. Albedo: If light is absorbed by rather than reflected from the ground, this means less energy on the back surface. Even grass and reddish soil have a reflectance of 10%, however. For gray-white gravel it is approx. 15% to 20%, for desert sand up to 40%, and white surfaces have an albedo of around 60%. By selecting a suitable ground, it is possible to achieve a favorable albedo and thus increase the energy yield. At the same time, vegetation or snow for example can have a seasonal influence on albedo. A greater installation height enables the module back surface to see a larger area, that is to say to capture more light. Trials and simulations have shown minimal increase in energy gain for installation heights in excess of approx. 0.8 m. Placing the module directly on the ground creates a very uneven background lighting, however. As a result, the lower cells typically have a 10% lower maximum current than the uppermost cells in a module. For bifacial systems, this imbalance should be taken into consideration and minimized at the planning stage. Simulation programs with the capacity to do this have been developed particularly in the last two years. The light irradiation per unit of area is given. If the surface area is not a cost factor, it is more advantageous to space the module/ tracker rows a little further apart. Whereas this makes no difference in the case of monofacial systems, a slightly larger spacing achieves gains for bifacial systems because the diffuse back surface light can be utilized. During the overall installation planning, more aspects have to be taken into account for bifacial systems than for monofacial systems. Summary Bifacial PV systems are highly compatible with already existing PV systems and generally achieve a markedly higher energy yield than monofacial systems. At the same time, bifacial systems are competitive because the manufacturing costs for the solar cells are slightly lower and the modern passivated cell types are inherently bifacial and do not involve additional costs. Certified production technologies for the large-scale manufacture of bifacial cells and modules are already available on the market. They include bifacial PERC (PERC+) as an upgrade or bifacial HJT/ SWCT in newly constructed production facilities. Bifacial systems can be planned in exactly the same way as monofacial systems, with a few factors demanding extra attention, for example the properties of the reflective ground. This attention will, however, be rewarded with a higher energy yield. Bifacial modules are opening up new application possibilities, often arising from dual use of the installation area. All in all, bifacial modules can be employed to good advantage for most applications in terms of energy yield, dual use of areas and distribution of feed-in times, thus contributing to the ongoing reduction of energy generation costs for electricity produced using photovoltaics.

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SEPTEMBER 2018

TECHNICAL FEATURE REI SPECIAL ISSUE

SOLIS’ VARIOUS GENERATING CAPACITIES OF SINGLE AXIS HORIZONTAL TRACKER PV POWER STATION

SEPTEMBER 2018

“Double-sided PV module plus Single Axis Horizontal Tracker" is a new technology widely adopted by China's third batch of photovoltaic pioneer program. However, "double-sided PV module" is a new technology that started in 2017, and many people are not aware of the power generation effects of actual projects. Here’s how, Ginlong Solis describes the power generation gain from “Double-sided PV module plus Single Axis Horizontal Tracker” through the case study of Kubuqi desert in Inner Mongolia: 1. Project location Kubuqi desert of Inner Mongolia, 40.26°N, 108.40°E, total radiation in the horizontal plane is 1762 KWH/m2. 2. Test conditions Fixed Mounting Structure, installed with optimum angle of inclination: Angle of Tilt Single Axis Horizontal Tracker: 12.5° Height of front pillar: 1.8 m, Height from peak of rotation axis’s center to the ground: 3.6 m Rotation range of azimuth: - 45° ~ plus 45° The pictures of the project are as follows: 3. Test time July to August 2017, total of two months. 4. Test results Two comparison tests were conducted: 1) Generation capacity of Tilt single axis tracker plus Single-sided PV module vs. fixed power generation. 2) Generation capacity of Tilt single axis tracker plus Double-

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sided PV module vs. fixed power generation.

The test results for July are shown in the figure below: Tilt single axis tracker plus Single-sided PV module vs. fixed power generation Tilt single axis tracker plus Double-sided PV module vs. fixed power generation

The test results for August are shown in the figure below: Tilt single axis tracker plus Single-sided PV module vs. fixed power generation Tilt single axis tracker plus Double-sided PV module vs. fixed power generation As it can be seen from the two comparisons: Compared with the fixed power generation, the generation gain increased to 20.8% and 17.7% respectively from Tilt single axis tracker plus Single-sided PV module, and increased to 41.2% and 36.4% respectively from Tilt single axis tracker plus Double-sided PV module in the months of July and August. This project was located at 40.26 Â°N, belonging to high latitude regions, and adopted the technology of Double-sided PV module plus Single Axis Horizontal Tracker or Tilt single axis tracker plus Single-sided PV module. Therefore, the power generation gain was obvious in summer, i.e. more than 35%. In contrast, the power generation gain was significantly reduced in winter, was about 10% to 15%. However, if Tilt single axis tracker plus Single-sided PV module was adopted in low latitudes, such as less than 35 Â° latitudes, then the influence on the power generation gain of winter will be significantly reduced.

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Somewhere in Inner Mongolia, 40.26 °NSomewhere in Guangdong, 21.2°N

SEPTEMBER 2018

This project which was invested by Elion Resources Group, turnkey system solutions charged by Xi’an Longi Clean Energy Co. Ltd, and the facilities were provided by Jiangsu Xietong new energy technology Co. Ltd. It took only 26 days from the launch day to the grid-connection. In many applications, the Double-sided PV module, a new hotspot of the component recently, has good power-generation capacity i.e. high efficiency at the front side and multiple power generation at the back side. In order to lower the cost of electricity, to improve integrated generation capacity of the power plant and to reduce the cost of power generation, the doublesided PV module along with tracker and good quality inverter has become best project portfolio selection. Besides, the climatic characteristics of Kubuqi desert belongs to the typical Semi-arid plateau of continental climate with middle temperate zone, strong solar radiation, abundant sunshine and higher ratio of direct sunlight. Here, the combination of double-sided PV module and trackers are expected to increase the power generation more than 35%. However, as a typical desert power station project, the wind and sand factors affect the direct sunlight, especially the reflected light of the background and the scattered light surrounding. On the back of high frequency of variation of maximum power point of the double-sided PV module, MPPT of the inverter required to be efficient in tracking its maximum power point rapidly and with stability. Further, this characteristic of an inverter is a significant guarantee that the power generation from the double-sided PV module can be converted efficiently. In addition, since the working environment of this project was at high-temperature in the desert area, this shows that system equipment will work properly in hightemperature environment for long time. So the equipment needs to have the

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operational capability of long-term reliability and stability in high-temperature environment. Otherwise, problem in any part of the system may arise and it will affect the integrated generation capacity of the system. Thus, inverters from Ginlong Solis ensure long-term reliability and stability in operation in a high temperature environment. With its great temperature protection capability, Solis inverter can perform normally under 45° ambient temperature, with key components temperature rise up to max 150°. The variation of maximum power point of the Double-sided PV module is more complex than that of traditional components. This component receives direct sunlight to generate electricity from the front side, while the back side generates electricity by absorbing reflected light from the background and scattered light from the surrounding. Since, power generation on the back is significantly affected by the light intensity received on the back. So, it is required that the inverter must have a faster and more stable MPPT to adapt to this component, and the tracking frequency of MPPT should be higher. Here Ginlong Solis’50kW series inverter incorporates highspeed DSP chip having high computing speed and PWM resolution, and also adopts more advanced and precise MPPT algorithm, which can adapt to the fast changing sunlight intensity. It also has high tracking accuracy, which can match the complex variation of the maximum power point of the Double-sided PV module better. According to the professional efficiency evaluation of EN5530, Static MPPT efficiency of Solis inverter is more than 99.5%, MPPT precision adjustment (<1V/S), this MPPT can ensure that the tracking power point is exactly stable near the maximum power point of the component, and more importantly, it can guarantee the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic system, thus improving the power generation. When

compared with traditional components, the single block output power of doublesided PV module is larger and the range of power variation is wider. Therefore, the range of input and output power of the inverter is also required to be wider. Thus, if the range of input and output of inverter is wider then more components can be accessed and the excess output capacity will be stronger. Further, Dc input power of Solis inverter can reach 1.2 times above of rated input and output power can reach up to 1.1 times of rated output. While ensuring DC ratio and power generation efficiency, the number of inverters can be reduced. Thereby saving costs and shortening the cycle of investment return. How to convert and transmit the electricity smoothly? Project construction client finally chooses GCI_50k_HV inverter from Ginlong Solis after multiple comparisons. Inverters from Ginlong Solis have the characteristics of high MPPT efficiency, low start-up voltage, low grid voltage, high switching frequency and high power generation efficiency. They can provide guarantee for high-quality and efficient transmission of solar power energy to this project in such climatic conditions. The high reliability of Solis inverter can also provide convenience for later operation and maintenance of this project. Meanwhile, this project has provided technical support for the application of photovoltaic pioneer program. Extended reading The "photovoltaic pioneer program" is a special photovoltaic support program implemented by the national energy administration of China since 2015. The "pioneer program" will be implemented through the construction of demonstration bases for advanced photovoltaic power generation and demonstration projects for the application of new technologies.

FINANCE UPDATES ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

CYGNI ENERGY RAISES $6.4 MN TO BACK EXPANSION Hyderabad based innovative SolarDC solutions startup, Cygni Energy has raised a funding of $ 6.4 million through a combination of Equity and Debt. The equity funding is led by Endiya Partners, a leading early-stage venture capital firm that invests in product startups, and the debt by IndusInd Bank, a leading Private Bank in India. The funds will help the startup in expanding capacity, strengthening R&D capabilities and increasing market reach. Moreover, the company had risen its previous funding in 2014 when it was also tagged as the first company to be reorganized under start-up program. Adding to the milestones that the company had achieved, former Circle Chief Technology Officer of Airtel, Paramjit

Singh was roped in as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Also, the company posted annual revenues of $ 7.8 Million for the financial year 2018 and is looking at a buoyant growth of 300-400% in the next fiscal. Today, Cygni has deployed its products in more than 20,000 homes changing the lives of over 100,000 people across

India. It provides various Solar DC and micro-grid solutions which are energy efficient and reliable offering for today’s power needs. Speaking on the announcement CEO, Cygni Energy, Venkat Rajaraman said, “This round of funding will help us strengthen our product offering & enhance customer experience. We are excited to welcome Endiya Partners as a new Investor and mentor. Their investment not only validates our belief in the technology but also gives us the push to accelerate and achieve our dreams.” Commenting on the development, Endiya Partners, Sateesh Andra said, “Renewable and clean energy is the better solution to handle the power demand in our country.”

ARCADIA POWER NETS $25 MN FUND FOR EXPANSION

REC SIGNS € 200 MN LOAN AGREEMENT WITH KFW BANK

Renewable energy digital utility, Arcadia Power has securely collected USD 25 million in the series b funding and planning to building 120 MW of community solar projects across the country. The community solar pipeline will include solar projects of 40 new large scale solar farms to be built across 600 acres availing clean energy options especially for the Arcadia members. With the inclusion of the new funding the company also plans to transform the residential energy experience by enhancing our current offerings, and bringing to market new ways to choose clean energy and save. CEO, Arcadia Power, Kiran Bhatraju said, “I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished, and, more importantly blown away by the community that has chosen Arcadia Power as their 21st century digital clean energy utility.” The new investment gives the company the opportunity to hire even more talented data scientists and software engineers to build new ways of making clean energy easy and affordable for all - from any state, living situation, or income. Arcadia Power also reimagines the community solar market. Typical community solar programs require 20-year commitments, multiple bills, and hefty cancellation fees, but company’s model has finally made community solar accessible for the consumers. A community solar power project is nothing but a solar power plant whose electricity is shared by more than one household. 'Community solar' can refer to both 'communityowned' projects as well as third party-owned plants whose electricity is shared by a community.

State-run entity responsible for financing rural infrastructural projects, Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) has signed a loan agreement with German bank KfW worth euro 200 million for funding renewable energy projects. This is REC’s fourth line of credit under Indo-German Development Cooperation which will be utilized to fund green energy projects in India. Chairman and Managing Director, REC, P V Ramesh said, “This is yet another step towards promoting renewable energy in India after having more than tripled our financing in renewable sector last year. The partnership reflects the commitment of both the institutions towards sustainable development.” The loan agreement was signed by Ramesh and Roland Siller, Member of the Management Committee – Europe and Asia of KfW in the presence of A K Verma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Power and the Consul General of India Pratibha Parkar. REC sanctioned Rs 7,034 crore for renewable energy projects last financial year (2017-18), an over three-fold jump as compared to sanctions of Rs 2,090 crore in the previous fiscal. Sanctions for green energy projects accounted for around 17 per cent of REC’s total sanctions last fiscal.

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SEPTEMBER 2018

FINANCE UPDATES REI SPECIAL ISSUE

TALKS TO SELL 51% STAKE OF GCL TO STATE COLLAPSES World’s leading solar panel materials maker, GCL Poly Energy is expected to face high selling pressure on its share market on the back of the collapsed talks regarding the sale of its 51 % stake to China’s state run Shanghai Electric Group (SEG) for up to 12.75 billion Yuan (around US$1.9 billion). The failed developments for the sale of stake to SEG also led shareholders to a negative intuition about the company’s future reliability thereby forcing a share-sell. The failure of the talks has impacted not only GCL’s attempt to raise funds to cut debt but also Shanghai Electric’s plan to further diversify away from its fossil fuel-driven business. Filing to Hong Kong’s stock exchange, GCL said, “In view of the size and complexity of the transaction, the parties found it difficult to reach a full agreement on the relevant terms and plans for the potential disposal in a short time frame.” Head, Hong Kong and China Utilities Equities Research, Daiwa Capital Market, Daiwa Ip said, “For GCL, controlled by mainland tycoon Zhu Gongshan, the intended disposal would have allowed it to declare a ‘special’ dividend after not having declared any dividend since 2015, improve its financial health and ease solvency concerns.” On the other hand, Shanghai Electric Group has claimed in

another filing to the stock exchange that the company has faced serious downfalls selling the coal-fired power related equipment. The deal of stake in GCL would come along switch of old growth drivers with new ones such as more reliability over solar energy. Further, the news of the drop of the talks might come as a relief to some of the SEG’s shareholders.

RICO AUTOS FORESEES RS 2000 CR TURNOVER BY 2020

TRINA BAGS $30MN CREDIT FACILITY FROM VIETNAM BANK

Gurugram based auto parts maker Rico Auto Industries has claimed the procurement of orders worth Rs1,200 crore from electric vehicles manufacturers. Following a three-way future growth strategy, the company expects revenue of Rs. 1,500 crore in the FY 2018-19 and a turnover of Rs 2,000 crore in the following year. In order to reach this target the company has sanctioned an investment of Rs 400 crore in the next three years. Chairman, Rico Auto Industries, Arvind Kapur said, “We launched products in two-wheeler aftermarket last year and received a good response so we are launching products in four-wheeler segment. We expect to get Rs. 100 crore from this segment.” Moreover, the company plans to venture into defense sector of the country on account of blooming demand of vehicles run on renewable energy. It is also aiming to build up its export business and earn a revenue share of 40 per cent to the total revenue in the next two years. Further, the company seeks to patiently reach out to more potential customers and gradually increase its market base to electric vehicle segment. “Currently, the supply to EV makers will take about 10 years but this is conservative approach. We expect to get additional orders in the due course. We are looking at all the opportunities and we don’t comment on market speculation”, Arvind said.

Chinese solar manufacturer, Trina Solar has bagged a funding of USD 30 million from Vietin Bank which would be used to further put on fast track company’s growth at manufacturing plant in Bac Giang Province of Vietnam. Deputy General Manager and Executive Director, Head Office, VietinBank, Tran Minh Binh said, "We have witnessed Trina Solar plant's entire development journey from starting construction to going into mass production in Bac Giang. We at both the head office and the Bac Giangbranch are confident in the partnership with Trina Solar, which is renowned for its operational efficiency and brand excellence. With the favorable new energy policies enacted by Vietnamese government, we have reasons to believe that Trina Solar will be a great success in Vietnam." Treasury Director, Trina Solar, Tian Hong added, “Trina Solar will continue to increase its investment in Vietnam and extend the partnership with VietinBank to include investment in local downstream power stations and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services.” Trina Solar is an optimized combination of Trina Solar’s industryleading solar modules, state-of-the-art solar tracker systems, and world-class inverters. In 2016 and 2017, the solar power stations owned by Trina Solar in China contributed an additional 1.1 billion kWh of clean solar power to the world, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 900,000 tons.

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FINANCE UPDATES ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

RINFRA SELLS MUMBAI POWER PORTFOLIO TO ADANI Adani Group’s Adani Transmission has acquired Reliance Infrastructure’s integrated business of Generation, Transmission and Retail Electricity Distribution in Mumbai. Reliance Infra and Adani group had signed the pact for 100 per cent stake sale of R-Infra's integrated business of generation, transmission and distribution of power for Mumbai in December 2017. The integrated business includes the Power Generation units based at Dahanu, Power Transmission Network across Mumbai & Maharashtra and the Retail Power Distribution network in Mumbai suburbs. Additionally, the new portfolio would be handled by Adani Transmission’s subsidiary Adani Electricity Mumbai (AEM) which will serve 3 million customers spread across 400 sq Kms in the city. This acquisition marks Adani Group’s foray into the large scale electricity distribution sector, the most vital function within the power supply chain. Moreover, business operations at AEM post-acquisition will continue to function seamlessly with the absorption of about 5,000 existing employees across three business areas. Speaking on the acquisition and expansion of the company Chairman, Adani Group, Gautam Adani said, “I am delighted to announce our significant launch into large scale city

electricity distribution business and am privileged to serve over 3 million consumers in the city of Mumbai. We aspire to enter into electricity distribution business in key cities and districts in India in pursuit of Government of India’s Vision to enable “Power for all by 2020”. We are committed to leverage the experience to emerge as a leading utility in electricity distribution, thereby providing state-of-the-art, reliable and competitive supply experience to all our customers.” Customers can continue to reach out to us on the easyto-remember number 19122, for all their queries. AEM will additionally introduce innovative services to ensure that consumers have access to multiple touch points to voice any of their concerns.

EBRD MAY EXTEND $35.3 MN INDIA TO SPEND RS 3.85 LAKH LOAN FOR SOLAR PARK IN KAZ CR FOR 77GW SOLAR TARGET The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is thinking to grant a loan of USD 35.3 million for 30 MW solar parks in Kazakhastan. Subsidy of the French renewables developer total Eren and Access Infra Central Asia, Nomad Solar group would be the beneficiary of the loan amount. According to a Project Summary Document (PSD) published on EBRD’s website, the bank is reviewing whether to provide a senior loan of KZT 12.8 billion (USD 35.4m/EUR 31.2m) for the specific project. The overall investment in the initiative is estimated at KZT 17.1 billion. The EBRD noted that the solar project will “demonstrate the viability of project finance structures that are still scarce in the Kazakh market.” It is the first involvement of Total Eren and Access Infra in Kazakhstan and is seen to promote foreign investment in the country’s renewables market. Moreover, the construction of the PV Park is seen to help offset around 49,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and lower reliance on power imports and related transmission losses. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) helps businesses and economies thrive. Through its financial investment, business services and involvement in high-level policy reform, it is well placed to promote entrepreneurship and change lives.

Bringing clarity to the parameters of the solar energy target of 100 GW, Indian Government asserted investment of Rs. 3,85,000 crore for setting up pending 77,000 MW of solar power capacity. Out of the total target of installing 100,000 MW of solar power capacity by 2022, 23,120 MW solar capacities have already been installed till July 2018. "For installation of remaining around 77,000 MW, an estimated investment of Rs 3,85,000 crore at Rs 5 crore per MW is required," the minister said in a written reply in Parliament, adding most of the investment in this sector comes from the private sector. The ministry also claims that it has installed the 23,000 MW solar capacity at a cost of Rs 1,15,600 crore at a rate of Rs. 5 crore per MW. Among the states, Andhra Pradesh has set up the largest base of solar capacity in the current financial year (2018-19) at 369.9 MW followed by Tamil Nadu with 312.38 MW. Data shows 13 Indian states have not set up any solar capacity this fiscal. Further, the solar target seems to face some headwinds as the government has rolled out the safeguard duty on the imports from China and Malaysia. The industry manufacturers and the solar plant developers have mixed reactions for the development of duty.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 01 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2018

THE CONVERSATION REI SPECIAL ISSUE

KAPIL MAHESHWARI CEO, Hinduja Renewables Energy Pvt Ltd

SAFEGUARD DUTY WILL DAMPEN THE GOVT’S VISION TO ACHIEVE 100 GW BY 2022 Safeguard Duty have increased the cost of solar projects which will have a dampening effect on the vision of government to achieve 100 GW by 2022. This move was done to help the domestic module manufacturing industry but unfortunately it has left several questions unanswered like why for only 2 years, how much it will help domestic suppliers, are domestic players ready with the scale and quality of production to support 100 GW, believes Kapil Maheshwari, CEO, Hinduja Renewables Energy Pvt Ltd, a renewable arm of Hinduja group and a leading Independent Power Producer. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Sub Editor, Saur Energy International, Maheshwari shared his views on diverse issues which the power sector is currently dealing with along with his company’s future agenda in the renewable energy segment. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.

To begin with, how do you see your journey with Renewables Industry?

I started my journey in Renewables Energy from the days of completing my masters from IIT, Bombay. Since then I am part of this industry in geographies like US, Germany and India. Started my journey as Design Engineer in RE Industry and I have worked in EPC, Modules, Inverters and Project Development in various roles. Today as CEO of a leading IPP like Hinduja Renewables, I see my journey in RE industry very challenging and exciting. Have gone through lot of ups and downs, mergers and acquisition and roles varying from technical to sales to operations. Developing Business and team from scratch while working in Hinduja Renewables feels like working in a start-up in a big group.

power towards government, educational institutions and hospitals which have the highest inertia to change. c. G overnment policies to promote Solar power and initiatives which bring down the cost of power to C&I customers. Presently all DISCOMs are trying hard to make solar power prohibitive through Open Access route. It is also heard that Net-metering will also be turning to Gross-metering in most states. Such move will obstruct the proliferation of solar power in cities and households which government should address immediately in favour of solar power industry. d. M ake laws to promote Rooftop Solar in Building design and introduce BIPVs. e. M ake Solar based Charging infrastructure free from any tax/fees/license. Let this be governed on supplydemand economics by open market.

Please explain up to what extent the new In your view, what are the factors that will help in technologies such as Li-Ion batteries will support in driving the country’s march towards 100 GW solar achieving the government’s renewable energy targets? power? As penetration of Renewables increases in the Grid, we In my view, the country has put in solid foundations in need to adopt storage. It could be any form of storage Solar Power sector where the MNRE and SECI are guiding like batteries, pump storage etc. Presently Li-Ion is the centrally various states to realise their RE potentials. most promising technology. Technology road map for The scales of economy are improving, making Solar Li-ion batteries will follow like Solar modules. Prices are power especially PV technology a very attractive field coming down every quarter. While the usage of Li-ion in for generating cost effective power which is green. India will largely be driven by Electric Vehicle, stationary Following factors will help in country’s march towards storage will be very important when the price point hits 100 GW mark: $100/kWh. Also, a secondary life for batteries used in a. E asy availability of equipment, indigenously for mobility will be significant in stationary storage. The developing solar power through PV technology. growing EVs will require charging infrastructure which Opening of PV Cells manufacturing and module will be built around grid power initially in cities. As the manufacturing industry in the SEZs with tax benefits. infrastructure will move away from cities and onto b. G overnment subsidy schemes to help promote solar highways, RE power will make more economic sense

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THE CONVERSATION ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

“In a developing country like India where the used cars industry is a parallel market, replacing the fuel-based cars to EVs in 12 years will be an uphill task.”

We are studying the Floating Solar opportunities and waiting for them to reach the scales where a good business case can be made.”

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SEPTEMBER 2018

THE CONVERSATION REI SPECIAL ISSUE

b. W e will require charging stations for EVs constructed at every 3-7 Kms throughout the country which will require solutions for producing RE power, storage, energy management through payment getaways. c. RE power with storage and battery management have to come to scales of economy where the fuel-based cars will become prohibitively expensive for general public. Only then we will see a mass shift from gasoline If 25% safeguard duty be implemented. What do based to EVs. you think the government’s target of achieving 100 d. Since this is a disruptive technology and EVs have fewer GW solar by 2022 go hand in hand? moving parts the target may be achieved in this time frame due to its low cost and ease of usage without SGD have increased the cost of solar projects which will any emissions. have a dampening effect on the vision of government to achieve 100 GW by 2022. This move was done to What will be the Hinduja Renewables expansion plans help the domestic module manufacturing industry but for the renewables segment in next few years? unfortunately it has left several questions unanswered like why for only 2 years, how much it will help domestic a. H induja Renewables Energy has entered into the RE suppliers, are domestic players ready with the scale and sector with a long-term commitment to be part of India’s quality of production to support 100 GW. So overall, Sustainability vision. We have the vision to reach a SGD will impact the solar power projects in 2018 but portfolio size of 2 GW in few years by growing through by next year the industry will find ways to go around both organic and inorganic growth. this cost increase by some innovative cost feature and b. W e see immense growth opportunities in tapping the continue its journey. C&I customers to provide Solar Power through RESCO / OA model. What are the solar projects on which your company c. W e will be looking at opportunities in Charging is currently working on or in queue? infrastructure, alternative battery power storage with battery management as replacement to Genset based Our aim is to grow both in rooftop and utility scale. power for C&I segment. We will be working on business We want to achieve this growth through both plans to tap them early. o rgan i c an d inor g a nic m e a ns . W e a re w o rk ing o n d. Working on hybrid models to offer combined Solar and opportunities in Group captive and Private PPA wind greenfield projects is also on our plate. m ark e t i n va r ious s t a t e s . W e a r e a ls o w o rk ing w it h e. W e are studying the Floating Solar opportunities and vari o u s C &I c lie nt s f or r oof t op . waiting for them to reach the scales where a good business case can be made. In your opinion, how the tariffs will be affected after f. We see huge potential in growth of Electric Heavy vehicles implementation of safeguard duty? worldwide and we will be working closely with Mobility companies in tapping any new opportunity which will The Safe Guard Duty has come just on the heels of bring RE power closer to battery storage. China announcing the descaling of its solar capacity. Already the solar panels through Chinese imports are being spoken to at rates of 24 cents/Wp which was going around 28-29 cents/Wp before SGD. So, in my opinion the tariffs will take a very minor hit of few paisa before reaching to same levels of pre-SGD by next year. Developers and EPC players are finding new and innovative ways to keep cost competitive and we will see the industry going over this minor blip of SGD taking it in its stride. than grid power for such power infrastructure due to decreased cost of land and easy availability. Charging EVs from renewables is the only sustainable solution. So, in my opinion such new technologies are going to provide disruptive methods in which we powered our cars and in turn improve the RE capacity of the country supporting Government’s targets.

As government is mulling to replace fossil fuel vehicles with EVs by 2030. In your view, how easier could be the path for the government to achieve this target?

SEPTEMBER 2018

a. F or government this is a very challenging target. In a developing country like India where the used cars industry is a parallel market, replacing the fuel-based cars to EVs in 12 years will be an uphill task.

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TECH UPDATES REI SPECIAL ISSUE

GOLDWIND, UNSW ALLY FOR AUS 1ST WIND TECH TEST LAB China’s largest wind turbine technology and energy solutions provider, Goldwind has partnered with Australia’s University of New South Wales (UNSW) to establish the country's first ever laboratory to test renewable wind technology. As a part of first stage of the development, AUD 2 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed between the parties at the UNSW China Center inaugurated in Shanghai earlier. The amount is claimed to bolster ongoing research between the two organizations. Power systems engineer UNSW Professor Joe Dong said, "Wind power, along with photovoltaic, is the most important renewable energy for the future. Further investment from Goldwind will also fund research projects covering wind power studies, energy internet, wind turbine noise control and water processing technologies." Moreover, Wind energy in Australia accounts for country’s 33 percent of renewable energy segment and around 5.7 percent of country’s overall electricity production. With considerable effort by the country for harnessing wind energy, experts say that there still are pullbacks pending to be tackled in the country. Also, due to rapid change in wind speed plants face frequency disruptions which then do not meet with the prescribed frequency limit of 50 Hz. "Currently, we do not have a facility in Australia to test wind

turbines before connecting to the grid and so we must do this in the United States or Europe, which is very expensive -- and the foreign electricity grids don't perfectly mimic the Australian system," Dong explained. Dean, Engineering, UNSW, Mark Hoffman said, "Australia is an important market for wind power generators and this agreement with Goldwind demonstrates their commitment to partnering with internationally-renowned researchers to complement their own capability.”

ARCI DEVELOPS SELF CLEANING SOLAR PANELS

FUNNELING TECHNIQUE MORE EFFICIENT TO TAP SOLAR POWER

Hyderabad based International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) has developed self-cleaning solar panels adding another breakthrough in solar industry. The institute has used Nano-technology to build solar panels that are capable of cleaning themselves. The principle coat on the surface of the solar panels is a highly water-proof material that prevents dust particles to settle on the panels. The new invention of self-cleansing mechanism makes the process of management easier than the traditional method where panels were cleaned with detergents manually. Dr S. Sakthivel said, “Solar panels should be cleaned every week or few weeks to maintain high efficiency which is especially hard to do for large solar panel arrays. The surface of solar panels with super-hydrophobic coating stays clean. It works like Lotus flower. Water droplets fall off the leaves themselves during the rainy season.” The self-cleaning panels are said to be facing no loss of transmittance due to other uncertain climatic conditions of India. Assuring the importance of self-cleaning panels, Sakthivel said, “Power capabilities of an uncleaned solar panel in a high dust area can drop by 30-40 percent.”

Scientists from the University of Exeter, England have developed a new technique to harness solar energy more efficiently. The technique involves ‘funneling’ of sunlight directly on to the power cells with least wastage. The technique is said to be three times more efficient than the traditional solar energy collection methods. The scientists claim the headway to be a revolutionary step in the field of renewable energy. The new research would possibly decrease the size of the solar panel to that of a small book. This book sized panel, scientists say, would power an average sized house. Adolfo De Sanctis, lead author of the program from the University of Exeter said, "The idea is similar to pouring a liquid into a container, as we all know it is much more efficient if we use a funnel. However, such charge funnels cannot be realized with conventional semiconductors and only the recent discovery of atomically thin materials has enabled this discovery." The physics experts involved in the breakthrough channeled an electric charge directly on to a chip. The electric charge crosses through an electric field caused by an atomically thin semiconductor. Scientists claim that the process would enhance the efficiency of the solar cell to 60 percent up from the traditional 20 percent.

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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

THE CONVERSATION REI SPECIAL ISSUE

SHRAVAN SAMPATH Founder, Oakridge Energy Solutions

NO READY FRAMEWORK FOR FINANCING AVAILABLE IN ROOFTOP SOLAR In any infrastructure business, efficient financing is the need of the hour. In our specific vertical (rooftop solar), there are no ready frameworks for financing and no agencies have taken a lead in providing a financing framework for quick lending. We are working with leading financial institutions in creating frameworks for financing solar rooftop projects, believes Shravan Sampath, Founder, Oakridge Energy Solutions, North India's leading rooftop solar installer. In conversation with Manu Tayal, Sub Editor, Saur Energy International, Sampath shared his views on various issues specifically the rooftop solar power sector is currently dealing with. Following are the excerpts from that exclusive interview.

As an EPC how do you see the growth journey of solar in past few years?

Government of India has set an ambitious target of 40,000 MW of rooftop solar capacity to be achieved by 2022. While this is ambitious, it is not impossible to achieve either. The recent fall in the drop of module prices and the increased availability of capital subsidy has made it possible for large scale implementation of rooftop solar. As a country, we had a 100% increase in installed rooftop solar capacity last year (i.e. year ending March 2018). While this is encouraging, a lot more needs to be done to increase penetration over next few years to achieve our target.

In present scenario, are there any bottlenecks you face during the development process of a solar project? Presently, there are two major issues in our business (rooftop solar) – obtainment of net-metering, as well as obtainment of capital subsidy. Once these issues are resolved, we can expect rapid growth in rooftop solar.

How do you solve the issues related to finances?

In any infrastructure business, efficient financing is the need of the hour. In our specific vertical (rooftop solar), there are no ready frameworks for financing and no agencies have taken a lead in providing In next five years, what kind of a financing framework for quick lending. opportunities you see in the domestic We are working with leading financial solar market? institutions in creating frameworks for financing solar rooftop projects. The present installed rooftop solar capacity is about 2500 MW (as on March 2018). While dealing with project owners The market broadly consists of three how do you manage the cost factor? segments - residential, commercial and industrial (C&I) and government. Each Cost factor is a major determinant of these segments is about roughly 35% of success in rooftop solar projects. each. The C&I and government tenders We have three mantras for cost market has been in growth mode for optimization – the past few years and has attained • Efficient design momentum. However, it is clear to us that • Large volumes in procurement to drive the residential market (both individual down homes and residential societies) are the prices single largest opportunity in the rooftop solar sector over the next few years.

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SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

• Turnaround time By following these three mantras religiously, we work to keep costs down, while delighting the customer with the quality of our work.

Do you find sufficient skilled manpower as per your requirement?

Skilled manpower is always an issue in India. We are working with leading skill development institutions to ensure availability of adequate skilled manpower. Considering limited expertise in the market, we are going to campuses to recruit and then we intend to train the manpower according to the requirements of the sector.

GRID UPDATES ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

GREEK ISLAND FIRST TO USE RENEWABLE ENERGY Tilos, a sea horse-shaped island between Rhodes and Kos, has launched its first ever solar and wind power plant in order to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources. The island is said to have a winter population of 400 and that of summer is around 3,000 which relies greatly on the uncertain electricity supplies. This summer, technicians are conducting the final tests on a renewable replacement system that will be fully rolled out later this year. It will allow Tilos to run exclusively on high-tech batteries recharged by a wind turbine and a solar park. The project has been funded by the European Commission which considers this project as an encouragement for other Mediterranean islands who have limited grid connection to the mainland. The commission has provided USD 12 million for the wind and solar power project. Project Manager, Spyros Aliferis said, “The innovation of this program and its funding lies in the batteries - the energy storage - that's what's innovative. The energy produced by the wind turbines and the photovoltaics will be stored in batteries, so that this energy can be used for the grid when there is demand.” According to the plan, the plant’s battery storage will store

energy during windy and sunny conditions and would give out power when there is a heavy demand. Surprisingly, the project has been named after the Island but with a different definition- TILOS (Technology Innovation for the Local Scale Optimum Integration of Battery Energy Storage). The system tends to amplify the storage capacity of the batteries. Currently, Tilos gets its energy from an underwater cable that runs from Kos to the island of Nisiros and on to Tilos. That creates an erratic, outage-prone service that routinely breaks appliances and has forced many businesses to rely on diesel generators.

PRESIDENT ASSENTS SOLAR PROGRAMME BILL

INDIA'S LOWEST TARIFF BID IN MP'S SOLAR ROOFTOP AUCTION

After the cabinet approved the continuation of Off-grid and Decentralized Solar PV Applications Programme Phase III in financial year 2018-19, the President’s assent has deemed the continuation confirmed. Under the continuation of the programme, the government is to install/achieve additional 118 MW off-grid solar PV capacities by 2020. The extension of the capacity is aimed at achieving the targets of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). The funds for its implementation would be met from Plan allocation made during financial years 2018-19 onwards with an overall Plan Outlay of Rs 656 crore. Under the continuation, 3, 00,000 numbers of solar street lights will be installed throughout the country with special emphasis on areas where there is no facility for street lighting systems through grid power. Also, solar power plants of individual size up to 25 kWp (kilo Watt peak) will be promoted in areas where grid power has not reached or is not reliable. Further, to illuminate houses to study, 25,00,000 numbers of solar study lamps will be provided in North Eastern States and LWE affected districts. The total project of the three components included under the phase-Ill is Rs. 1895 crore of which Rs. 637 crore will be provided as central financial assistance.

India witnessed a breakthrough in solar industry in the form of lowest-ever tariff rate of Rs. 1.58 per unit of power bid in Madhya Pradesh’s 35 MW solar rooftop auction, according to a tweet by the state-run Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam (MPUVNL). MPUVNL tender for 35 MW grid-connected rooftop solar power project was rolled out under global Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) tenders with participation from 31 reputed developers. The tender has been rolled out in order to back the central government’s target of 100 GW of solar energy capacity by the year 2022 and also to make state government buildings more reliable on renewable energy sources. The tender was auctioned in a phased manner with projects categorized on the basis of different government buildings such as schools, hospitals, medical colleges, central/state universities and police establishments. Each category saw a different winning tariff rate ranging from Rs. 1.58-2.40 per unit in which private institutes and government colleges were bid at the highest rates. The state government has also dealt with the safeguard duty hump that made rounds in the country’s solar industry. The bidders had been asked to submit the bids earlier than the prescribed date to presume no safeguard duty over the modules. Eventually with the tender being successfully auctioned, the state government is set to fetch a considerable part of its power requirements from renewable energy sources.

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SEPTEMBER 2018

TECHNICAL FEATURE REI SPECIAL ISSUE

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN LOW QUALITY, UNPROVEN MATERIALS ARE USED IN SOLAR PANELS? REVEALING THE RESULTS OF OVER 4 MILLION SOLAR PANELS INSPECTED IN 275 INSTALLATIONS ACROSS THE WORLD INTRODUCTION The quality of PV modules and the materials used in them can be best assessed by evaluating their performance in the field. Challenging climatic conditions, like those in India, cause severe environmental stresses for PV materials in the field over their lifetime. Materials with poor durability can degrade quickly, so materials must be chosen carefully. Material degradation can lead to premature, faster power degradation, electrical safety hazards or even catastrophic failures of solar PV systems. Though PV modules manufactured by different suppliers look similar, different Bill of Materials (BoM) are used, and module performance varies significantly based on the materials used. Understanding the field performance of different modules and materials is crucial to differentiate between good and poor quality materials to ensure reliable, durable, safe operations for PV systems. DuPont initiated an extensive global fielded module inspection program to study module aging and degradation and analyze root causes. Many modules from the field have been taken to DuPont PV labs for detailed analysis. The learnings can be used to strengthen the module selection process for project developers, EPCs, banks, and others. This article focuses on key findings from the inspections of solar installations and recommendations based on the extensive analysis done on the fielded modules.

Figure 1 shows the summary of visual defects observed in different materials. About 22% of the inspected modules exhibited visual defects in one or more components. Defect rate was found to be highest in cells and observed in about 12% of modules checked. This was followed by backsheet defects which were observed in 9.5% of modules we evaluated. Encapsulation defects were observed in 1.3% of the modules. Some visual defects were observed in junction box and glass as well. Typical failure modes observed were cell snail trails and ribbon corrosion; backsheet cracking, delamination, abrasion and yellowing; and encapsulant yellowing and delamination from glass. High defect rates were observed in solar cells, leading to accelerated power loss and solar backsheets leading to current leakage, inverter tripping, loss of insulation and increased safety risks. CELL DEFECTS

DUPONT FIELD MODULE INSPECTION STUDY: RESULT SUMMARY

Figure 2: a) Snail trails along cell crack; b) Ribbon corrosion

The visual changes in cells mainly included snail trails. Snail trails, as shown in figure 2a, is a discoloration of fine silver grid lines on the front side of the cells, which develop mostly along the cell micro-cracks. This phenomenon occurs due to a reaction between EVA encapsulant and silver grid lines in the presence of oxygen and UV light. [ref 1] Snail trail defects confirm the presence of cracks in the cells that can impact the power generation of the module over time. Solder Ribbon Corrosion- can be seen as a color change on the flat wires used to interconnect individual cells â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in many modules as shown in figure 2b. This defect can lead to increased resistivity and, in extreme cases, can lead to ribbon break and module power loss. Figure 1: Summary of Visual Inspection of PV Modules

SEPTEMBER 2018

The focus of this study was to inspect solar panels to understand the real aging and degradation of modules in the field. The study included visiting more than 275 installations (>1GW) and inspecting more than 4 million modules installed around the globe.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

ENCAPSULANT DEFECTS The most common encapsulant defect observed was yellowing of EVA as shown in figure 3a, due to constant exposure to UV radiation and elevated temperature. Yellowed EVA was predominantly observed in older modules. This defect can reduce light transmission by up to 6%, directly impacting

TECHNICAL FEATURE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Figure 3: a) EVA Yellowing; b) Encapsulant delamination from glass

power generation [2,3]. Another issue related to encapsulant was its delamination from the front glass as shown in figure 3b due to poor material selection or lamination process in production. Based on the severity of delamination, this defect can significantly reduce light transmission and drop power output. BACKSHEET DEFECTS

Figure 4: a), b) AAA and PVDF outer layer cracking; c) PVDF inner layer yellowing; d) PET Inner layer cracking; e) PET outer layer cracking and f) yellowing; g) PET outer layer abrasion; h) PVF backsheet no backsheet degradation and <0.5% annual power loss after 27 years in field

In backsheets, observed defects included cracking and yellowing of the inner layer, and cracking, yellowing, delamination and erosion of outer layer as shown in figure 4. While cracking, delamination and abrasion of the backsheets represents actual failures of the backsheets, change in appearance of the backsheet such as yellowing is an indicator of polymer degradation and can potentially result in the embrittlement and cracking of the backsheet. Cracking is typically associated with the loss of mechanical properties and increase in brittleness of the backsheet material / materials due to exposure to UV radiation, heat and humidity. The brittle material eventually cracks due to thermal stress caused by day-night changes in the temperature. Erosion of the outer layer is caused by degradation of the polymer outer layer. Loss of the outer layer can also happen due to abrasion by airborne particles propelled by wind, in the extreme case sandstorms at high speeds. Erosion of the outer layer can lead to a significant reduction in its thickness over time. These backsheet failures can expose energized electrical components and accelerate power degradation, create electrical safety hazards, or both. Inner layer backsheet cracking has recently been linked to moisture ingress and subsequent overloads and

inverter tripping. Many backsheet types are observed in the field [ref. 4,5], such as backsheets based on Polyamide film, PVDF Film, PET Film, Fluoropolymer coatings, and Tedlar® PVF film as outer layers. Typical observations are shown in figure 4. Note the Tedlar® PVF based backsheet (figure 4h) shows no visible defects and the field had <0.5% annual power loss at 27 years of service. • Polyamide based-backsheets: extensive outer layer cracking (figure 4a) • PVDF-based backsheets: Outer layer cracking (figure 4b); Inner layer yellowing (figure 4c) • PET backsheets: Inner layer cracking (figure 4d), outer layer cracking (figure 4e), yellowing (figure 4e and 4f) and abrasion (figure 4g) In many cases, the cracking of backsheet inner / outer layer was leading to current leakage, which is a serious safety hazard. Moreover, in some cases, the defect led to significant power loss in the form of module ground faults (no power output) and inverter tripping (no power output from the whole block). CONCLUSION Field studies conducted by DuPont clearly demonstrate that modules with different materials behave differently in the field. Low quality materials degrade quickly when exposed to environmental stresses that can negatively impact power generation and safety performance of the modules. A large percentage of less than 5-year old installations exhibited material level defects in solar panels highlighting the compromise made by module suppliers. Cells and backsheets exhibited early failures and high defect rates and call for greater attention. Moreover, defects such as backsheet cracking are becoming frequent in young modules and highlight the risk of using unproven materials. It has become critical for stakeholders investing in PV plants to give more importance to BoM while selecting panels to specify and ensure use of right materials rather than leaving it to the discretion of module suppliers. DuPont has developed a set of specifications for key PV materials based on the data collated from the field studies. Please write to us if you are interested in BoM specifications or discussing the results of these studies in detail. REFERENCES 1. F an, Jing; Ju, Daliang; Yao, Xiaoqin; Pan, Zhen; Terry, Mason; Gambogi, William; Stika, Katherine; Liu, Junhui; Tao, Wusong; Liu, Zengsheng;, “Study on snail trail formation in PV module through modelling and accelerated aging tests” By Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells (2017), 164, 80-86. 2. Pern, F. J.; “Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulants for photovoltaic modules. Degradation and discoloration mechanisms and formulation modifications for improved photostability”, Angewandte Makromolekulare Chemie (1997), 252, 195-216. 3. Module Analysis of 23 years field-aged poly-Si module, Dongxian, Shenhui 4. T.J. Trout, W. Gambogi, T. Felder, K. R. Choudhury, L. GarreauIles, Y. Heta, and K. Stika; “PV Module Durability – connecting field results, accelerated testing, and materials” IEEE PVSEC, Washington D.C. (2017) 5. K. R. Choudhury, W. Gambogi, T. Felder, S. MacMaster, L. GarreauIles, H.J. Hu, R. Khatri, T. J. Trout, “Degradation of fielded PV modules from across the globe”, WCPEC-VII, Waikoloa, HW (2018)

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SEPTEMBER 2018

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE REI SPECIAL ISSUE

Safeguarding & Uplifting Indian Sun

Industry Perspective

As Indian Government has laid the ground work for safeguarding the ‘domestic solar photovoltaic module manufacturing industry’ – which seems to be in the back burner for some time. Despite of certain concerns such as safeguarding the interests of manufacturers in SEZs, everybody is waiting, by holding their breath, for the upcoming decision of the Orissa High Court on September 19, 2018 on petition filed against the levy of safeguard duty on imports of solar equipments for two years. In continuing my journey of exploring further about the present scenario of solar photovoltaic module manufacturing industry in the country, this time I have talked to an expert from a leading industry research firm focused on energy - Shantanu Jaiswal, Head of India Research, Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF); along with a few among the well-known industry veterans representing national and international players in the country - Rohit Kumar, Head of Indian Subcontinent, REC India; Krishan Sharma, Country Head & General Manager, Renesola India; Neelesh Garg, Director, Saatvik Green Energy; Nanduri. Purushotham, Director Business Development, Topsun Energy; and Navin Menkar, Managing Director, Solaico Sadguru India, discussed in detail about scope of growth opportunities available in coming years, need of technology advancement, quality parameters, cost factor, and hiccups & challenges in the sector…

In present scenario, where technology changes frequently, in your view will domestic manufacturers manage to catch-up? In the solar industry, it is not just the way electricity produced is changing but the manufacturing technology is also changing rapidly. This has created a lot of confusion for the domestic manufacturers. However, in the past, manufacturers have taken a leap of faith and put resources behind certain technologies. They have been able to catch-up till now, and they will remain competitive as long as they can adapt to the changes. In next five years, what kind of opportunities you see in the domestic solar market? India’s solar market will continue to offer opportunities for utilityscale projects, rooftop projects, captive generation and small solar products. Annual sales of PV products will shortly surpass 10GW and can go as high as 15GW provided there is continuous demand coming from distribution companies.

Shantanu Jaiswal

SEPTEMBER 2018

Head of India Research Bloomberg NEF

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In terms of quality of solar equipments, on which products do you feel developers will rely upon most - domestic or imported? It does not matter much. While having a domestic manufacturer adds to the security of supply and partially shields from currency risks, the purchase decisions are mostly dependent on soundness of technology, its pricing and the ability of the supplier to stand behind the product warranties and performance guarantees. Already several global companies across the renewable value chain have set shops in India and the domestic companies are tying up with foreign technology providers.

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Rohit Kumar

Head of Indian Subcontinent REC India

Krishan Sharma

Country Head & General Manager Renesola India

Neelesh Garg

Director Saatvik Green Energy

Nanduri. Purushotham Director Business Development Topsun Energy

In present scenario where technology rooftop & solar pumps, obviously IPPs mostly changes frequently, how do you manage has vested interest in standard solar cell to upgrade your technology? architecture that has been in use since last 3 decades and with bottom price tag Neelesh Garg matching to present FiT and pay backs, other rampant applications need to be Every day changing technology in solar is a incentivized by policies. sure thing as the industry is still in the growth Topsun is concerned about the market stage. It definitely brings challenges, but is perspective and we are focussing more also exciting at the same time. The recent on applications front, such as glass to glass introduction and popularity of 1500V, Bi- modules with different variants not only as a Facial, Mono PERC and twin peak modules mere power generation but also as a multi have posed challenges to be able to functional element for Building architecture, manufacture them and offer it to the clients. few more on gyration at present conceptual Luckily, we already have machines which level, right time we will showcase. are compatible to make all these kinds of solar modules. With expansion already Navin Menkar planned, we have incorporated all these and even more such advancements in We designed and choose our manufacturing technology to make sure we are always line precisely to be capable of producing all able to offer best products to our clients. latest design of modules. Line is capable of up-gradation of any future technology with Nanduri. Purushotham very little modification also. So basically we can say we choose our line by keeping all Industry has optimized mostly poly future up-gradation in mind. Moreover, we crystalline technology, other technologies are tied up with some research organisations are unable to compete on price front. If for continuous improvement in technology. we talk about specific technology PERC So we are coming with all our homework (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) differs done. from the standard cell architecture. The main advantage of the PERC cell structure On which technology currently you are is that it enables manufacturers to achieve working on to dig into the Indian Market? higher efficiencies than with standard solar cells which are reaching their physical Rohit Kumar limits, though technology evocation is way back to 1980s which is just popping up as Technological expertise has been REC’s conceivable technical element for energy forte for long, and in the Indian market too generation is still susceptive to LID, Due to we have been successful owing to this. As the higher doping levels commonly applied a major Rooftop Player in the industry our in PERC cells, the negative effect due to focus in on creating higher efficiency and LID is increased with PERC technology better performance. The REC TwinPeak compared to standard cells. Series is already a much-loved brand PERC and Bifacial or as matter of fact name is now in its second generation and other technologies has very little scope in customers appreciate its innovative Twindomicile applications which are majorly design and half-cut PERC cell technology. for power generation and subsidy driven REC earned Top Performer status for the

Navin Menkar

Managing Director Solaico Sadguru India

third time in a row by DNV-GL for its awardwinning TwinPeak series in all test categories: Potential induced degradation (PID) tests, Thermal cycling tests, Damp heat tests, Dynamic mechanical load tests. Apart from this, REC just launched N-Peak, the world’s first n-Type Mono Solar Panel with Twin Design and has invested immensely in upgrading its lines and has completed transition to diamond wire slicing and new texturizing methods. We are also the leading sustainable manufacturer by pioneering in “Silicone Kerf Recycling” process, the already low carbon footprint of REC’s silicon and solar panels will even further improve.

Krishan Sharma ReneSola founded in 2005, is a leading integrated solar PV company. Leveraging its international market and expansive sales network, it is well positioned to provide highquality solar PV modules for solar projects anywhere in the world. We offer High Efficiency Polycrystalline & Mono Solar PV modules in the Indian market in 1000 V as well as in 1500 V DC versions. We are also offering Mono PERC, Half Cut Cell poly Modules, Bifacial Modules and Double Glass Modules etc. While dealing with project owners how do you manage the cost factor?

Rohit Kumar Every project owner is essentially looking at two things: the upfront cost or the capital cost and the LCOE over the years. REC is competitive on both the fronts, we are competitive in pricing while offering best temperature coefficient, industry leading low warranty claims, half-cut PERC cells for the TwinPeak series which is our bestselling product. Our consistency high- performing systems, certified by third-party and

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INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE REI SPECIAL ISSUE

unbeatable degradation numbers in Indian and has assurity on the sustainability of the context also ensure that our customers project, our job is done. have a clear-cut advantage on LCOE over others. No wonder, we have an enviable If safeguard duty be implemented in India, 85% customer retention rate for Indian how it will affect the cost to you? customers! Apart from this, we have been consistent Rohit Kumar in reducing our operational costs per watt over the last six years – achieving a 50% There is no final decision yet, so it’s still unclear cost decline. While most peers struggled what will be the actual repercussions of this. to bring down cost during 2017 due to However, in general duties are increasing higher input prices especially in H2 2017 (i.e. costs for end users in an artificial way. If polysilicon), REC managed a cost reduction the government’s intention is to support of ~15%, thanks to its continuous efforts to the domestic industry, a two-year period invest in new technology and achieving is potentially not enough to incentivize the efficiency gains. local manufacturing and India could miss the national solar capacity targets. On top Krishan Sharma of it, the draft has clearly penalized high technology and efficiency by including the We have supplied modules to numerous developed nations in its preview, which is project owners & dealing with the top saying that all imports are bad, and there is most developers of India. Due to bid no motivation for supporting quality products! over bid declining tariffs, Central and state governments are reconsidering Krishan Sharma their procurement policies leading to postponement of some tenders. We believe The matter is still under discussion in the court that this short-term hush will lead to a fierce so any comment won’t be appropriate till competition in H2-2018 too. there will be a firm stand on this point. The Our USP for this price driven market is safeguard duty is both a boon and a bane nothing but to provide technically advance for the solar value chain. product on fair price backed up with highly We have some alternate plans in case duty trained sales and technical support team. will be implemented over the cells/modules. We believe in 100% customer satisfaction and each customer is equal to us when Neelesh Garg comes to support. The safeguard duty on imported cells will Nanduri. Purushotham be an additional cost to us, which shall increase the cost of indigenous solar panels The cost factor has two vectors one is large by approx. 10-12%. scale project owners and incentivized project for other applications. I personally left first Nanduri. Purushotham facet after addressing the Indian first MW scale project. As Topsun family we are most Implementation is behind schedule, when focussed on bidding Government projects, NSM was initiated, thought would have developing our associates dispensing with been evoked now it is desolate, industry has multi tool support as per the requirement suffered impairment no ancillary industry is to win the regional based projects to aid grown up like module mushrooms paving to our cost factor. way for murky competition. As far as your question is concerned it is an overall effect Navin Menkar to one and all but evidently doesn’t stop foray of foreign fleck which is evidenced We always believe in value for money by EU even till date unable to recoup. and are able to make most of our clients understand this. It’s not the cost, the costing Navin Menkar matters the most. We adopted the way to educate our client on the value addition Surely it will affect almost everyone in short we can do with our engineering and run. But we can sense an opportunity for committed quality. So once the client the Indian industry to be self sustainable understands the return on his investment and to be competitive in long run.

SEPTEMBER 2018

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

Currently, on which projects you are working on?

Krishan Sharma We have a strong pipeline of 350 – 400MW which will be implemented by Q1, 2019. We are also working on some long term plans with some of the aggressive IPPs & developers to explore the opportunities together.

Neelesh Garg We are working on several project shipments with few clients which include both regional EPCs and national level developers and IPPs. Apart from this, we are also working on an export shipment for one of our clients.

Nanduri. Purushotham As mentioned previously our main stream is government & semi government projects. Currently we are executing projects of few SNAs, Varanasi Airport and Petronet projects and few other exports.

Navin Menkar We are currently working on a 25MW ground mounted solar PV project in Istanbul, Turkey. Currently, which segments are you focusing on in the Indian Market.

Rohit Kumar During last couple of years, rooftops have become the mainstay in our business for the Indian side and with this segment witnessing the steepest growth, our strategic approach has helped us leverage best. A total of over 50MW has been supplied so far this year into the C&I segment, which is over 50% growth rate compared to last year. The growth spur has sustained even with the continued ambiguity in the market and the BIS challenge in recent months. It clearly points to a sustained demand from this category of customers, who are aware of the quality products and value performance over price, which is quite a shift and we are eager to cater to this growing segment in future as well. -MANU@MEILLEURMEDIA.COM n

13th (2019) International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Exhibition & Conference

June 4-6, 2019

◎Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association / Shanghai New Energy Industry Association ◎Show Management: Follow Me Int'l Exhibition (Shanghai), Inc. Add：Room 902, Building No. 1, 2020 West Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200235, China Tel：+86-21-33561099 / 33561095 / 33561096 Fax：+86-21-33561089

◎For exhibition: info@snec.org.cn

For conference: office@snec.org.cn

TECHNICAL FEATURE REI SPECIAL ISSUE

ANALYSIS OF 1 YEAR’S GENERATION OF 1.1 MWP SCORPIUS TRACKER PLANT IN KARNATAKA SYNOPSIS OF PLANT 1. Canadian Solar Panels 2. ABB PV800 1MW AC Central inverter 3. BLOCK Design of 268.8 KWpx2, 282.24 KWpx2 4. Inter ROW pitch at 5.5 metres, 3.5m clear path between rows for cleaning 5. Loading of 10% on DC 6. Grid downtime of 8.8% across the year

7. PVSyst indicated a generation yield of 1.91 MU / MWp 8. Power Evac at 11KVA – Nirantar Jyoti Scheme 9. Generation normalized at 1MWp 10. Fully Operational Nov 2016 11. P lant setup under 14 weeks: Civil 4 weeks, Structures erection plus Module Mounting 8 weeks and Trackers Commissioning 1-2 weeks.

EXPECTATION FROM PLANT

Table 1: PVSyst Simulation

The parameters for the location were based on Meteonorm 6.1 which has ± 9% variation based on site conditions. Due to the unavailability of Fixed / Seasonal tilt data no comparison can be made. The generation was expected to cross 1.9MU on average over a 10 year time frame.

GENERATION ACHIEVED : 1.942 MW PER MWP GENERATED IN ONE YEAR (generation number accounts for % grid downtime observed at Inverter, taking into consideration an averaged generic generation loss in percentage without considering seasonal variation of radiation) The below graph shows the superb CUF of the plant, which clearly proves the advantages of trackers over Fixed Tilt systems, especially where DC loading brings in a lot of value addition in reducing AC+DC side BOS Costs. The voltage reduction due to horizontal position allows for accommodating more panels per string thus ensuring early wakeup and generation up to late evening.

SEPTEMBER 2018

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TECHNICAL FEATURE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

THE GENERATION OF THE PLANT HAS SEEN THE FOLLOWING 1. Highest generation from Feb to May 2. Consistent delivery during summer months 3. CUF above 20% >57% 4. Average CUF across the year of ~21%

ScreenShot 1: 31% CUF Day

The ability to deliver consistent power as well as reduce the impact of backdowns withZero failure rate on tracking components resulted in just 8.9% reduction in power delivered compared to Fixed Tilt or Seasonal for which impact would be much more severe. Please refer to Screenshot 2

Table 2: Monthly CUF

The benefits of trackers increases significantly when closer to the equatorial line and in a good DNI environment. Trackers provide steady and continuous power throughout the day enabling maximum solar radiation capture. This translates into clean, efficient and dependable power to run commercial, industrial and day based activities without encountering the need for storage thus enabling a better, pollution free nation. The limitations of fixed tilt are highlighted below in the graphs which provide a glimpse of the benefits that Scorpius Trackers brings to the table. Screenshot 2: Grid downtime has lowered effect in SAT, whereas FT/Seasonal Tilt would generate almost zero

Below, you can see a sample extract of daily power generation curves for a site using Meteonorm 6.1values

JANUARY

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TECHNICAL FEATURE REI SPECIAL ISSUE

APRIL

Throughout the year, the power generation and performance is far more robust using Scorpius Tracker Technology, which leaves little to chance with the possibility of an upside unlike older outdated technology.

KEY FEATURES FOR SCORPIUS SINGLE AXIS TRACKERS ARE

JUNE

1. E arlier in day + Smoother Generation Curve, sufficient for commercial, industrial and day loads 2. H igher Inverter Efficiency due to lower overloading requirement, Reduced Cooling needs for Inverters due to less need for oversizing 3. Maximum generation vs Fixed Tilt 4. S tructures stability at high wind speeds of 115 mph validated using Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Testing 5. Higher DC Overloading Capacity compared to Seasonal and Fixed Tilt Structures 6. Z ero Solar PV cell cracking issues, unlike Seasonal Tilt movement mechanisms 7. Optimized Grid Efficiency + Utilization 8. Minimal Grid back down effect vs Fixed Tilt 9. Reduced O&M due to lesser panel cleaning needs, Bushing Mechanical Life of 150 years 10. Agricultural ground use possible

TRACKER MYTHS BUSTED AUGUST

Flat Land is Needed- No O&M costs increases- No, actually REDUCES Considering the reduction in DC and BOS (refer NEXGEN USA 200 MW Paper published) Not Enough Performance Data Available- LOT'S IS. Tracker data on Generation and Performance is available Are Trackers From SCORPIUS Bankable ? YES, BLACK & VEATCH Independent Engineers Bankability Revies Completed In Fact, with Trackers

OCTOBER

• Reduction in overall plant CAPEX for Generation of a fixed MU target is achived • Reduction in LCOE and increase in PR for an IPP bidder is achieved • Flat uniform curve for lower CAPEX for private PPA/Battery Hybrid is achived through the day for self consumtion • Reduced O&M as BANKABLE Trackers are now like installing a fixed TILT

SEPTEMBER 2018

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

TECHNICAL FEATURE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

SCORPIUS HAS HIGH PERFORMING PROVEN ARRAY TRACKER DESIGN (2014) Our product differentiators • Centralised controller and actuator for upto 800 modules, 250 kWp • 100% wireless communication • Self powered • NO O&M on bearings • No gaps in modules, easy for Robotic cleaning solutions • High productivity & ease of installation • Only 600 pedestals per MW, lowest in its class • Least number of child parts • no welding or on-site fabrication required • install time> 20% lower than competition Over 250 MW installed. Oldest plant in operation since 4 years+ with ZERO downtime

SCORPIUS ALSO HAS A BEST IN CLASS 'ROW' TRACKER(2017) Our product differentiators • No Motion Dampers, innovative self locking mechanism • One of the widest tolerances to sloped lands (17 deg in E-W); 2 Bends allowed • Zero Maintenance- No need for lubrication • Lowest power consumption(only X Kwh/MW tracked)+ Self Powerd High productivity & ease of installation • • • •

Only 450 pedestals per MW, lowest in its class least number of child parts No welding or on-site fabrication required install time>15% lower than copetition

VOL 3 l ISSUE 01 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2018

OPED REI SPECIAL ISSUE

RELIABLE RAW MATERIAL STRENGTHENING THE BACK BONE OF PV MODULE! Identifying reliable raw material for any product is a crucial to ensure that the product lives for its lifetime. With the competitive market condition along with requirement of being cost competent selecting correct raw material to strive a perfect balance between commercial and technical terms in the product is a challenge. The scenario in case of solar PV module is no different. A solar module, other than solar cell which actually generates power output also houses encapsulant(s), backsheet, solar glass (es), (anodized aluminum) frame and junction box (Figure 1). With the plethora of suppliers of each raw material (both locally and abroad) claiming their productâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s superiority (both technically and commercially) over others, ensuring solar module producing power for 25 years (above a fixed percentage) could be a perplexing task. While each raw material used in solar module has a specific function, we believe that these 3 material i.e. backsheet, encapsulant glass are of prime importance and any effect on these could significantly affect the performance of entire power plant. Additionally they may significantly affect the LCOE of the power plant which may (sometimes) render the intended economics from the plant. This blog aims to educate its readers on the importance and effects of the three raw material on solar module.

Sunil Rathi

Director Sales & Marketing Waaree Energies ltd

Figure 1: BoM of a standard solar 72 cell module (Source: Google images)

SEPTEMBER 2018

BACKSHEET A backsheet in the solar module primarily performs three important functions namely DC isolation, UV/temperature fluctuation/moisture resistant and internal reflection. Anyone with knowledge on history of system voltage would know that it has been upgraded from 600V to (currently in practice) 1000V to the new shift towards 1500V. This means that the operating voltage of the module is high and any one coming in direct contact with it could get a hazardous shock. The backsheet forms a DC insulation layer between the solar cell and the outer world. A backsheet is also impervious to UV rays and moisture. It also acts as barrier to the outer temperature changes to the solar cells, all of which could downgrade the performance of solar module.

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The third important function of a backsheet is to reflect the light internally. Any light which passes through the cell is not essentially utilized for solar power generation. In order to give such (photons) light another chance to generate electricity, they must be reflected back towards the cell. This function is undertaken by the inner most surface of backsheet. Apart from these a backsheet is also expected to adhere to the encapsulant, hold the entire cell assembly in place and so on. With such functions selection of correct backsheet is a must. The Figure 2 below some of the common yet challenging problems faced by the backsheet. Starting with top left and going clockwise, the first issue is bubbles and hotspot in backsheet. A backsheet is expected to perform optimally over a certain range of temperature. However such temperature ranges may not be feasible for backsheet, thanks to its low quality raw material. A solar module may operate at different temperatures which after a certain point of time heat up the backsheet and lead to formation of bubbles (as shown). This would after a prolonged exposure cause a hole in backsheet which would lead to further degradation of module rendering it useless. Next concern is the yellowness of the backsheet. Primarily caused due to UV exposure, this indicates that the backsheet is not compatible to the local climatic conditions. Additionally the technology of backsheet and its manufacturing process may also be an issue. The yellowness index (a measure of how much the material has yellowed) of these backsheet was as high as 8 to 10 (<5 is acceptable limit till then end of lifetime). Such yellowness also means that the module is at risk of getting exposed by UV and may stop generating the desired power output. The effects of moisture on the backsheet cannot be ignored. As seen in figure below, the moisture (along with abrasive particles sometimes) may peel of (or even sometimes erode) the backsheet. It may also generate uneven stress in the layers of backsheet which causes cracking the outer layer of the backsheet. This leaves the solar cells vulnerable to outside atmosphere and in the long run, the effects of moisture on solar cell (like corrosion, hotspot, PID) are fairly visible.

Figure 2: Various types of degradation backsheet. The defects are (starting from top left and moving clockwise) hotspot and bubbles, yellowing of backsheet, erosion of backsheet especially between cell to cell gap & cracks in backsheet (Source: Du Pont)

ENCAPSULANT The encapsulant in the solar module has three important role namely transmittance of light, holding the cell assembly and adhering to glass & backsheet. Firstly the encapsulant is required to transmit all the light falling on it. This is to ensure that the cell assembly below gets adequate light to generate power output. Secondly the encapsulant holds the cell assembly together. This is to ensure that the solar cells do not touch each other and get short circuited. To ensure this two properties namely gel content (for elastomers) and shrinkage comes into play. Gel content of any encapsulant ensures that they have adequate intermolecular strength which could hold the module together. Encapsulant generally have a tendency to shrink at 150+ Â°C laminating temperatures. Such shrinkages need to be in limit to ensure that there are no misalignments of strings and/or cell short circuiting. Thirdly it is also important there they adhere adequately to the glass on front side and backsheet at the back side of solar module. Additionally to this, an encapsulant is also required to be stable at elevated temperatures and high UV exposure. There are lots of ways by which a solar encapsulant could possibly degrade. Out of which only few of them are actually visible (as shown in Figure 3) and with (almost) all such degradation being irreversible, it is important to understand and limit such degradation in power plant. Delamination of encapsulant after certain period of time (as seen from figure below) is one of the concerns for power plant. One of the prime causes of such delamination is moisture ingression. Such ingression may be when the modules are in operation in field or at the module manufacturing facility (where the local climatic condition along with interaction with encapsulant). The delamination would primarily hinder the entry of sunlight leading the module to perform lower than other modules. The moisture ingressions could further lead to corrosion and hotspot formation. The next visible effect on the encapsulant is its yellowing. Similar to backsheet above, this yellowing is caused by UV exposure however it is a serious concern here. The yellowing may be directly proportional to power loss experienced by solar module. The encapsulant may further turn green or brown leading to total failure of solar module.

Figure 3: Various degradations - Encapsulant delamination (on left) and Encapsulant yellowing (on right) (Source: Google images)

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SEPTEMBER 2018

OPED REI SPECIAL ISSUE

GLASS The next most important raw material in solar PV module is a solar glass. The glass in the PV modules has the following main functions namely enable transmission while minimizing reflection, mechanical strength & rigidity and compositional stability. The glass is the first surface that the light interacts with. Thus it becomes extremely important that the glass transmits the light to maximum level while lowering the reflection off its surface. In its natural form, the glass reflects 4 to 10% of incident light on it which may lead to notable loss of power output. The currently available glass are hence coated over the front surface with an anti-reflective coating (ARC) which ensures that such reflection is minimized to as low as 1% (in many cases). The next function of the glass is to provide mechanical strength & rigidity to the solar module. As the module is made to last for 25 years, it is critical that they are protected from external weather and shocks internals. The glass in use are generally tempered which ensures that the glass has adequate strength for such purpose. Also as they are exposed to all the types of radiations in 25 years, the glass is expected to mostly reflect such radiations which may significantly affect the performance of solar module. For such reason the glass it is important that the required component is added/removed as each of them have specific role to play are also expected to be stable for its lifetime. While glasses are optimized, there are still a few concerns which sometimes leads to irreversible consequences in PV module. The ARC coating has to be of a specified thickness in order to achieve maximized transmission. It is seen that the ARC coating of some glasses weather out (partially or fully) after few years. The stability of such coating has still been an issue. The degradation of ARC coating while attributed to local climatic conditions, is also significantly affected if proper cleaning cycle is not carried out (as articulated by solar manufacturer/ EPC contracted). Such degradation however significantly reduces the power output of module. The non-tempered glass is brittle in nature. This means that non-tempered would break easily and in sharp edges. Additionally they also have less strength compared to tempered glass. This makes tempering process most important, however sometimes improper tampering and/or slightest defect in raw material could lead to potential decrease in strength of glass. The solar module which may continuously be incident with small stones (carried by wind), hail stones (in few countries) may break the glass (as shown in figure below). While the solar glass comes are said to have low iron content, the blue-green tint could be still seen in glasses from few manufacturers. This signifies that the glass still has adequate iron content which reduces the transmission of the entire spectrum of visible light. This leads to lower power production from solar module. Additionally increased iron content may also lead to PID rendering the module useless (as we explained you in our previous blog “What’s and why’s of PID!”).

Figure 4: Few variations available for solar glass (left) & shattered solar glass (right) (Source: Google images)

As evident from above, the selection of correct raw material is critical and any change/ deviation from standard BoM must be extensively tested and fully verified. This is to ensure that the module would live up to its claimed lifetime without any hassle. Additionally it is also important to select correct BoM based on end requirements of the customer. One must also consider the local climatic conditions where the module must be installed at and follow all instructions provided by module manufacturer/ EPC provider to ensure that the degradation of power plant is well within the limits. We at Waaree Energies ensure that all the modules are manufactured as per the standardized BoM. Additionally sample modules from each lot are tested extensively to ensure that they meet more than the desired standards. All our suppliers are verified and audited from time to time to ensure that they supply us only premium grade material. An expertise like such enables end customer to be assured that their plant would be up and running for 25+ years ensuring more than desired return. Let us all pledge to make solar energy the primary source of energy in the near future.

SEPTEMBER 2018

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

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MODULE UPDATES REI SPECIAL ISSUE

JA SOLAR SUPPLIES MODULES FOR MENA’S SOLAR PROJECT Shanghai-based high-performance solar power products maker JA Solar Holdings has supplied 3.2 MW of mono PERC modules for Aramex’s solar plant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). To date, this plant, which uses JA Solar’s modules, represents the largest singlerooftop solar project in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Located in Dubai Logistics City, the rooftop project was constructed on a turnkey basis by IMG Solar FZE, a subsidiary of Izzat Marji Group in Jordan. Further, the strong focus on excellent quality and pace resulted in the successful completion of the project. Moreover, the rooftop solar project is expected to generate 5 million kWh of electricity per year, accounting for 60 percent of the electricity needs of Aramex’s facility, and to reduce carbon

dioxide emissions by 3,000 tons annually. JA Solar supplied all of the mono PERC modules used in the project. The

company is the core patent holder of PERC technology, and its PERC products were designed to withstand the climate in Dubai, which is known for hot temperatures, intense ultraviolet radiation, high winds and sandstorms. These high-performance modules can also resist high temperature and the abrasion of wind and sand, have higher reliability and power generation efficiency, and provide a solid guarantee for maximizing the power generation out of the system. Commenting on the development, JA Solar, Vice President, Cao Bo said, “We are committed to the research and development of mass-produced, highefficiency solar modules. We will continue to provide customers with high-quality products and services and promote the healthy and sustainable development of the photovoltaic industry.”

FLOATING SOLAR PANELS TO POWER MAHARASHTRA

REC GROUP BACK IN INDIA WITH 45MW SOLAR ORDERS

Marathwada Statutory Development Corporation (MSDC), a body formed by the state government, has come up with a plan to erect floating solar panels in the backwaters of Jayakwadi dam, located in Aurangabad district and Ujani dam in Solapur district to generate electricity. A study on the development of the projects is in an advanced stage at the Ujani dam, while the Jayakwadi dam was later added to the project. Chairman, MSDC, Bhagwat Karad said, "The Jayakwadi dam, like Ujani, has widespread backwater, which can be used for installing floating solar panels for power generation. There is ample free space at the tail-end of the dam, which we are planning to use for (erecting) solar panels. Ujani and Jayakwadi dams come under the corporation's jurisdiction. We have decided to seriously pursue the concept and come up with practical plans for setting up solar panels.” Further, the plan has been upheld by MSDC on account of similar projects being put up for development in Kerala and West Bengal. "Maharashtra also has widespread dams such as Ujani and Jayakwadi, which are under my jurisdiction. I have asked officials concerned to conduct a study on possibility of setting up solar panels on dam water”, Karad said. With ample renewable energy potential, Maharashtra has been eyeing to harness more energy from the renewable energy sources. These kind of projects will further reduce government’s reliability upon non-renewable energy sources.

European solar photovoltaic (PV) panel provider in India, REC Group has clocked major orders in the rooftop RESCO segment in the month of June and July. The total orders combined for the three-leading solar EPC companies in India amounted to a whopping 45 MW. Moreover, Cleanmax Solar, Fourth Partner Energy and SunSource, together placed orders for 45 MW of REC panels for their RESCO projects spanning the country with close to 40 MW of panels supplied being REC’s TwinPeak technologybased modules. REC’s premium TwinPeak 2S 72 Series is expected to have temperature coefficients, low warranty claims, half-cut PERC cells and a twin-panel design for enhanced performance under shaded conditions, indicating a clear preference for efficiency over mere quantitative parameters. REC panels are a clear favorite for the commercial and industrial segment in rooftops where reliability and track record on the ground are fast becoming the catch phrases ensuring real LCOE advantage for the end consumer. The group has secured the order for the solar modules under the orders from Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO). RESCO is an energy supplying company with a well spread portfolio in renewable energy. RESCO includes investor owned, publicly owned, cooperatives, and community organizations. Also, REC Group has planned to showcase its breakthrough technologies in the upcoming Renewable Energy India Expo (REI Expo).

SEPTEMBER 2018

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

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MODULE UPDATES REI SPECIAL ISSUE

SILFAB, DSM ALLY TO MAKE BACK-CONTACT PV MODULES North American leading solar PV module manufacturer, Silfab Solar has collaborated with purpose-led sciencebased sustainable living-promotional company, DSM to mass produce highpower back-contact PV solar modules. Apparently, Silfab Solar is incorporating a conductive backsheet launched by DSM which is expected to increase the power output from solar energy almost by 30 percent. COO, Silfab, Paolo Maccario said, “When you combine DSM’s innovative technology and material science capabilities with Silfab’s proven designs, we are able to realize a nearly 30 percent increase in output over conventional modules. Today’s announcement represents our ongoing investment to deliver the most advanced and cost-effective solar module technology to the United States residential market.” Vice President, DSM Advanced Solar, Pascal de Sain said, “We are very excited by our Silfab partnership. Silfab and DSM are a powerful combination. As North America’s leading and most innovative

producer of affordable PV solar modules, and the PV industry’s leading material science-based player, respectively, we look forward to driving adoption of the next generation of PV solar modules in the United States.” The strategic partnership of DSM and Silfab brings together two companies dedicated to enhancing module power, reliability and durability in a cost-effective module made in North America.

DSM’s Conductive backsheet design connects neighboring cells to transport more power from a module. Back-contact technology features all electrical contacts at the back of a solar cell, thus creating maximum space on the front of the module to capture and convert more light into energy. Silfab and DSM are concluding final testing to incorporate back-contact cells and conductive backsheets into Silfab’s product lines.

TRINA VENDS SOLAR MODULES TO PV PROJECT IN VIETNAM

SEPTEMBER 2018

Chinese solar panel manufacturer, Trina Solar (TSL) has revealed that it supplies 258MW Monocrystalline PERC double glass modules to the largest private solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Vietnam. The project scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2019 is being funded by the leading Vietnamese investment firm and is located in the Phan Rang-Thap Cham of Ninh Thuan Province of Veitnam. Costing upto US$ 220 million, the project is expected to play a key role in the country’s transformation to renewable energy. The project is also a good source of PV panels’ demand in the market. During the signing ceremony, Trung Nam Group, Executive from the company said, "Given that it is the group's first PV power plant investment, Trung Nam was very careful in selecting a leader in technologies, products and raw materials as its supplier partner." Vice President and Head of Global Sales and Marketing, Trina Solar Yin Rongfang said, "We are honored to partner with Trung Nam in the integrated renewable power generation project that set new benchmarks in the industry in Vietnam, marking one further step in Trina Solar's commitment to emerging markets. With a deep understanding of the Vietnamese market, we have built a 1GW solar cell production facility in the country,

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

in addition to several new projects under development." Trina’s business in Veitnam is a big addition to the company’s global shipments in 2017 summing up to 9 GW. Out of this 60 percent of the shipments were heading to outside the country. In order to cope with the restrictions forced by the domestic policy makers, Trina, now is strengthening its capabilities in terms of expanding into overseas markets as part of its longterm development plan.

MARKET UPDATES REI SPECIAL ISSUE

CEA MARKS PEAK POWER DEFICIT FOR APRIL-JULY AT 0.9% Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has asserted country’s peak power deficit at 0.9 percent and overall electricity deficit at 0.6 percent during the four month period April-July, 2018. As per the report by the CEA, 170.76 GW electricity was supplied during peak hours against the demand of 172.38 GW during April-July this fiscal, resulting in a deficit of 0.7 per cent. Also, overall 433.48 Billion Units (BU) of electricity was supplied against the demand of 436.14 Billion Units during the period which indicated a deficit

of 0.6 percent. Further, the report has been projecting against the CEA’s forecast that said India would be a power surplus country by 2018-19 with energy and peak power surplus at 4.6 and 2.5 percent respectively. The report said, “All India power supply position indicates that the country is likely to have a peak surplus of 6.8 percent and energy surplus of 8.8 percent in the period 2017-18.” Whereas, the peak power deficit was at 2 percent and overall electricity deficit was at 0.7 percent across the country

in 2017-18. India with its National Solar Mission is on the verge of overcoming all the power deficits as the government has aggressively pushed upon rolling out solar and wind tenders which includes hundreds of MW s of projects. Moreover, the industry experts say that the India has already started to be called a power surplus country. The deficit is mainly due to the distribution companies which lag behind in buying the required power because of the financial stress.

BEE, AEEE ISSUE ENERGY CHINA'S ENERGY STORAGE EFFICIENCY PREPAREDNESS INDEX MARKET TO POST 40% CAGR

SEPTEMBER 2018

As part of its commitment to create awareness about energy efficiency as a resource and also to develop an action plan for energy conservation initiatives, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), released the ‘State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index’, which assesses state policies and programs aimed at improving energy efficiency across various sectors. The efficiency preparedness index aims at assessing state policies and programs aimed at improving energy efficiency across various sectors. Addressing the event, Secretary, Ministry of Power, A.K. Bhalla said, “Efficient use of energy is the fastest, cheapest and cleanest way to meet India’s rising energy demand and power the nation’s growth. The State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index will help in implementing national energy efficiency initiatives in states and meet both State as well as national goals on energy security, energy access and climate change.” The State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index has 63 indicators across Building, Industry, Municipality, Transport, Agriculture and DISCOM with 4 cross-cutting indicators. States are categorized based on their efforts and achievements towards energy efficiency implementation, as ‘Front Runner’, ‘Achiever’, ‘Contender’ and ‘Aspirant’. Based on available data, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Rajasthan are the front runners of the nationwide index. The Index examines states’ policies and regulations, financing mechanisms, institutional capacity, adoption of energy efficiency measures and energy savings achieved. The required data was collected from the concerned state departments such as DISCOMs, Urban Development Departments, etc., with the help of State Designated Agencies (SDAs) nominated by the BEE.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

Market research company, Technavio mentions in a report that energy storage market in China is expected to post Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 40 percent in the period 2018-2022. However, the growth momentum of the market is expected to decelerate due to a decline in the year-over-year growth. A key factor driving the growth of the market is the energy revolution. China is one of the largest economies in the world. It is experiencing high economic growth due to which the power needs of the country have grown exponentially. Consequently, the country is undergoing an energy revolution, where millions of dollars are being invested to increase the share of renewable energy in meeting its growing energy needs. These aggressive renewable energy targets have led China to be the world’s largest solar and wind energy producer. Per the Technavio report, the market for Li-ion batteries has been gaining traction and is witnessing rapid growth. However, leading manufacturers of Li-ion batteries are working on technological advances and are trying to reduce the price of Li-ion batteries. Senior Analyst, Technavio, Research on Human Machine Interface said, “The prices of Li-ion batteries are expected to reduce further during the forecast period. Also, companies are developing Li-ion batteries by keeping specific industrial and utility applications in mind. The declining prices of Li-ion battery will have a favorable impact on the market, increasing its utilization in the energy storage applications.” Further, the report includes market ecosystem, characteristics and segmentation analysis among other factors of consideration.

MARKET UPDATES ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

WORLD REACHES 1TW OF WIND, SOLAR; 2ND TW BY 2023: BNEF The world has attained the landmark figure of 1,000 GW of wind and solar generation capacity installed, as per the Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) report. According to the BNEF estimation, second terawatt of wind and solar will arrive by mid-2023 and cost 46 percent less than the first. Further, the new output from the research firm’s database shows that there were 1,013 GW of wind and solar PV generating capacity installed worldwide as of June 30, 2018. The 1TW milestone would have been passed sometime just before this date. The total is finely balanced between wind 54 percent and solar 46 percent. The report further added that, “Looking back on the first terawatt of wind and solar reveals just how far these two sectors have come. Total installed capacity has grown 65-fold since the year 2000, and more than quadrupled since 2010.” On the solar PV capacity installation, the report said, “Even more striking is the

growth of solar PV alone. As recently as 2007, there was just 8GW of PV capacity installed, compared with 89GW of wind. Since then, PV has grown from just 8 percent of total installed wind and solar capacity, to 46 percent.” In the process, PV installations grew 57-fold, with utility-scale PV overtaking small-scale PV in 2014. Wind still represents the majority of the installed base at 54 percent, but is likely to relinquish this

lead soon, it added. On investment, BNEF estimated that the first 1TW of wind and solar required approximately USD 2.3 trillion of capital expenditure to deploy. The second terawatt will cost significantly less than the first. Based on estimates from its New Energy Outlook 2018, capital expenditures on wind and solar generation will total about USD 1.23 trillion from 2018 to 2022 inclusive.

BOOM IN GLOBAL SOLAR BATTERY CHARGER MARKET

INDIA’S REPORT CLAIMS 175GW GREEN ENERGY BY 2022

World’s leading market research institution, Research and Markets asserts a strong growth in the global solar battery charger market for the decade 2017-27. The increase in the segment is accredited to the high demand for solar photovoltaic consumer products and increasing use of electronic devices. Based on Type, the market is categorized into Lighting Function, Voltage Adjustable and Ordinary. In the case of electronic devices, the market is segregated into Digital Camera, Mobile Phone, MP3 and Other Applications. The report has been established on the basis of estimated market values as the base numbers. The main drivers included in the reports were market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, opportunities and other trends and in-depth company profiles of key players and upcoming prominent players of different nations. Additionally, the market report includes key developments and strategies observed in the market as a major determining factor which mentions investments and initiatives taken in the field of solar energy and electronics markets. The report has simplified the findings using the classification of solar battery charger markets on the basis of type, application, end user and geography.

In the report of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) under Paris Climate Agreement, India has claimed of achieving new target of about 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030. The report also mentioned about the other initiatives taken by the Indian Government including establishing National Solar Mission and announcing target of installing 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022 for increasing share of carbon free energy in the energy mix. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy also demonstrates special confidence in achieving the 175 GW target by 2022. Replying to a question in the monsoon session of Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R K Singh reiterated all the new energy achievements under National Solar Mission of the Government. As per recent statements, the present installed renewables capacity includes around 34,145 MW of wind, 21,651 MW of solar, 4,486 MW of small hydro and 9,502 MW of biomass based power capacity.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 01 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2018

MARKET UPDATES REI SPECIAL ISSUE

ENERGY HARVESTING CHIP MARKET TO TOUCH $3.4BN BY 2022 In an addition to the evidences to show that alternate sources of energy are going to be consumed more than ever in near future, a research report by Arizona based market researcher, Semico Research shows that the energy harvesting chip market will touch USD 3.4 billion by the year 2022. Manager, Manufacturing Research, Semico Research, Joanne Itow said, “While there is a great deal of interest in the different types of energy harvesting devices or energy generators. The greater opportunity for the semiconductor industry is the overall solution which

includes power conversion, power management, microcontrollers, radios, and MEMS sensors. The advent of IoT with remote monitoring and data collection has also prompted more interest in energy harvesting as a viable solution to maintain WSNs (Wireless Sensor Networks)." According to the research report, a broad range of markets will employ energy harvesting to either replace batteries or extend battery life. The main applications for the energy harvesting equipment includes wireless sensor nodes (WSN) for bridges, infrastructure, building automation and

controls, home automation (including lighting, security, and environmental, automotive applications, cell phones, wearables, and other consumer electronics. Significantly, the number of devices with an energy harvesting solution is expected to reach 509 million units by 2022 whereas ‘bridges’ are expected to be a large user of energy harvesting in the infrastructure sector by 2022. Also, energy harvesting devices in all buildings is expected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.7% by 2022.

INDIA’S ENERGY DEFICIT SHRINKS DRE SEGMENT MAY HOLD TO LESS THAN 1% IN 2018: NITI $100BN OPPORTUNITY

SEPTEMBER 2018

The installed power generation capacity in India has risen to 344 GW and its energy deficit, which stood at over 4 per cent in 2014, has shrunk to less than one per cent in 2018, an official release said. NITI Aayog CEO, Amitabh Kant made a presentation at a review meeting held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that looked at the progress of key infrastructure sectors - power, renewable energy, petroleum and natural gas, coal, and mining, the release said. "In course of the presentation made by CEO NITI Aayog, it was noted that the installed power generation capacity in India has risen to 344 GW. India's energy deficit, which stood at over four per cent in 2014, has shrunk to less than one per cent in 2018. "Significant capacity additions have been made in transmission lines, transformer capacity and inter-regional transmission," it said. The release said that India now ranks 26th in the World Bank's "Ease of Getting Electricity" Index, up from 99th in 2014. The meeting reviewed progress in household electrification under the SAUBHAGYA initiative. Discussions also focused on last-mile connectivity and distribution, in both urban and rural areas. "In the new and renewable energy sector, cumulative installed capacity has nearly doubled, from 35.5 GW in 2013-14 to about 70 GW in 2017-18. In solar energy, installed capacity has increased from 2.6 GW to 22 GW in the same period," the release said. Officials expressed confidence that the country is on track to comfortably achieve the target of 175 GW renewable energy capacities by 2022. Modi urged the officials to work towards ensuring that the benefits from increase in solar energy capacity reach the farmers through appropriate interventions such as solar pumps and user-friendly solar cooking solutions.

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

A recent analysis has shown that the investment opportunities in Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) segment in India may have reached $100 billion. Moreover, the DRE solutions, according to the report, should be made more prominent in the national and state energy systems of the country. Further, DRE segment as a large push to sustainability includes small stand-alone devices (solar lanterns or advanced biomass cooking stoves), integrated solar home systems (SHS) that power multiple devices or appliances for a single household, and smaller generation and storage resources that feed isolated or localized distribution networks (minigrids or micro-grids). Also, as per records, India consumed 421 million tons of oil equivalent in 2015, 57% thermal energy and 43% electricity. Out of this, DRE is expected to have a potential of contributing 15 percent of power. DRE has been doing rounds in rural India rather inefficiently as 80 percent of rural household use traditional biomass stoves, firewood or dung cakes. This accounts for DRE segment providing opportunity to harness untapped potential for biogas plants as an option for cooking fuel and replacing existing biomass stoves with energy-efficient, smokeless stoves, which can reduce biomass consumption to less than half. Meanwhile, solar water heaters could mean an investment of about $29 billion by 2032 if used to replace biomass in rural areas and electric geysers in urban areas.

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SOLAR BOOM A FANTASTIC FILLIP FOR INDIA! CHINAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S - NEW SOLAR POLICIES EV MARKET - INDIA EXCLUSIVE

Praveer Sinha CEO and MD Tata Power Co. Ltd

EV UPDATES REI SPECIAL ISSUE

PM MODI TO LAUNCH FAME INDIA II ON SEPTEMBER 7 Enhancing India’s approach towards the use of hybrid and electric vehicles, PM Narendra Modi will launch the 2nd phase of FAME India Scheme [Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India] on September 7, 2018. The 1st phase of FAME India scheme came into effect on 1st April 2015 in order to incentivize the mass adoption of electric/ hybrid vehicles and to support hybrid/ electric vehicles market development and manufacturing eco-system. Moreover, the 2nd phase of FAME India Scheme is expected to see an investment outlay of around Rs. 5,500 crore. PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 2nd phase of the scheme on 7th September at the global mobility summit ‘MOVE’ to be held in the presence of several global CEOs from the automotive sector in India. The first phase of the scheme was initially proposed for two years till March 31, 2017 but was extended twice for six months

up to March 31, 2018. Significantly, The second phase of the scheme spanning five years will offer subsidy to all categories of electric vehicles, including two-wheelers, three-

wheelers and four-wheelers including taxis and electric buses used in public transportation, to promote green vehicles and check pollution. Also, the launch will be followed by gradual setting up of grand charging infrastructure in the country. However, the 2nd phase is seen as ‘nogood news’ to the strong hybrid vehicles. The strong hybrid vehicles which were entitled to the incentives in the ongoing phase are not excluded from the perks of it. Under the scheme, depending on technology, battery-operated scooters and motorcycles are eligible for incentives ranging between Rs 1,800 to Rs 29,000, while in three-wheelers it is between Rs 3,300 and Rs 61,000. With over 2.25 lakh electric vehicles sold, government under the aegis of the scheme has given out incentives of around Rs. 263.9 crore.

BMW AND CATL ALLY FOR NXT-GEN Li-ION BATTERIES

MAHINDRA ASSERTS LAUNCH OF ELECTRIC KUV100 IN 2019

Luxury and sports automaker BMW’s energy efficient arm BMW Brilliance and battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement that would take forth the breakthrough in Li-ion batteries segment, providing cells for the next-generation power battery of BMW Brilliance's new energy vehicles. Vice-president, BMW Brilliance, Benedikt Hartmann and Vice-General Manager, CATL , Jiang li signed the strategic cooperation agreement in Beijing. Furthermore, BMW Brilliance is about to purchase a battery capacity building project in Fujian Province, which will be used to produce batteries for BMW Brilliance's new energy vehicles. Likewise, CATL declared establishing a battery manufacturing factory in Germany for providing battery aid to BMW’s new energy vehicles. Owing to the intensive cooperation from CATL, BMW claimed to consolidate its new energy ecosystem of ‘In China, For China’ which covers the entire life cycle of new energy vehicles from battery cell production to battery cell recycling. CATL has benefited from BMW Brilliance's "Industry 4.0" manufacturing and continuous innovation in the field of electric mobility. CATL, as a result has consolidated its leadership in the field of power batteries and laying a solid foundation for global expansion.

Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M), India’s leading car manufacturing MNC has announced the launch of an allelectric Mahindra KUV100 in 2019. Electric KUV100 would be first electric SUV to be sold commercially in India which was also showcased in the 2018 Auto Expo. Mahindra is the only automobile company in India with a running electric car selling portfolio. It already sells E20 Plus and e-Verito to the consumers. Having invested Rs. 500 crore already in the electric vehicle segment, the company also announced to invest Rs. 500 crore in Pune’s Chakan plant to develop electric vehicles and also for the expansion of Mahindra Electric plant for manufacturing electric cars’ powertrain. Also, the company claims to double its electric car manufacturing capacity from the present 500 units per month to 1000 units per month. Further, the company also keeps on card to launch an upgraded version of e-Verito which till now was just being sold to the Government as a part of an EESL tender. M&M, President Automotive, Rajan Wadhera said, "We will come up with a new e-verito soon, the car will see a major upgrade and we are working towards it." Having all the automakers pressing upon the manufacture of electric vehicles in India, Mahindra certainly has preponderance in the electric vehicle’s market.

SEPTEMBER 2018

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

EV UPDATES ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

HANERGY, BLUECAR TO STUDY SCOPE OF SOLAR EVs A subsidiary of Beijing based leading solar manufacturer, Hanergy Holding Group has partnered with Bluecar, a subsidiary of France's Bollore Group to discuss the scopes of design, manufacture and production in the field of solar electric vehicles. Subsidiary of Hanergy, Donghan New Energy Automotive Technology signed the strategic cooperation framework agreement with Bluecar, a French leader in electric vehicle segment, in order to study the scope of solar electric vehicles. The companies involved in the strategic agreement would involve in the designing, manufacturing and producing solar electric vehicles in the future. The strategic cooperation framework agreement was signed by Wang Xin,

General Manager of Donghan New Energy Automotive Technology, and Herve Champion, Vice President of Strategic Cooperation and Purchasing of Bollore Group. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Zhang Bin, executive director and senior vice president of Hanergy Thin Film Power Group, Ding Jian, Senior Vice President

of Hanergy Thin Film Power Group and CEO of Alta Devices. While, Hanergy electric vehicle strategy has been fully consolidated, Bluecar is a leading automotive designer, a researcher and developer and a mass production capacity. The agreement also binds the companies to cooperate in the development of solar power and solid-state lithium battery energy storage and thereby utilizing solar energy as a source of power for lithium batteries The cooperation was also sealed for the distribution and delivery and establishing R&D centers for the development of the solar electric vehicles in areas mentioned in the agreement. These included Asia, Africa and America.

B'LURU COMMUTERS TO HAVE ELECTRIC BUSES IN 5 YEARS

HARYANA CM STARTS OFF EVS AND EXICOM CHARGERS

In a bid to reduce the environmental pollution caused by worn diesel buses, state’s Deputy Chief Minister, G. Parameshwara has affirmed that the authorities will discontinue the use of all diesel buses over the next five years. The garden city will have electric buses included as only fleet in city’s public transport regulator Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) announced by the deputy CM while opening the eighth edition of ‘Bus World India 2018’, an exhibition of buses at the international exhibition centre near Peenya. Further, companies including Tata Motors, MG Automotives, Force Motors and Olectra (formerly Goldstone) showcased their latest passenger vehicles and innovations during the event. “Over 70 lakh vehicles use Bengaluru roads every day and our roads were not built to take so much of traffic load. We require an efficient public transport system including buses. There is a proposal with our government to replace all buses with electric buses in about five years,” Parameshwara said. Moreover, the industry sees this announcement as quite a task because for now among the fleet of 6,500 buses there is no electric bus. Also, the authority has started an electric bus in 2014 on pilot bases but shut the service citing high costs. It was only after the central government rolled out a subsidy for electric vehicles when the state transport authority thought of initiating the electric buses plan again. Eventually, in February 2018, the state listed Hyderabad based electric bus maker Olectra Greentech to provide BMTC with 80 electric buses. The plan is yet to be materialized.

Haryana CM, Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the Electric Vehicles (EV) and Exicom Tele-Systems AC and DC Fast Chargers in order to encourage the use of green energy driven vehicles and convenient charging points in the state. Additionally, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has been assigned the governance of the launched EV segment and the Exicom chargers hereby. First AC & DC electric vehicle charging station has been installed at the car parking facility of Tau Devi Lal Sports Stadium. It is part of the plan to develop EV charging points across the country. Having installed electric vehicle charging stations, Exicom is expected to be committed towards country’s plan of shifting 30% of country’s fleet to electric mode by 2030. Gurgaon based Exicom is North India’s leading provider of reliable and cost effective power and energy solutions for electric vehicles, information technology, telecom and renewables sector. Moreover, the company has till now deployed AC and DC Fast Chargers for various customers including government PSUs, fleet operators and Auto OEMs etc. adding a significant number of projects to its portfolio.

VOL 3 l ISSUE 01 | SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2018

NATIONAL EVENTS RENEWABLE ENERGY INDIA EXPO 2018

website : www.renewableenergyindiaexpo.com START DATE : 18-Sep-2018 END DATE : 20-Sep-2018

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS TAIWAN INTERNATIONAL PHOTOVOLTAIC EXHIBITION 2018 website : www.pvtaiwan.com

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FUTURE ENERGY EXPO 2018

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START DATE : 21-Sep-2018 END DATE : 23-Sep-2018

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INTERSOLAR INDIA 2018

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START DATE : 24-Sep-2018 END DATE : 27-Sep-2018

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

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6TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION ON ENERGYSTORAGE & MICROGRIDS IN INDIA website : www.esiexpo.in START DATE : 22-Jan-2019 END DATE : 23-Jan-2019

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

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SEPTEMBER 2018

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

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NEPAL SOLAR TODAY EXPO

RENEWX 2019 START DATE : 19-Apr-2019 END DATE : 20-Apr-2019

3RD IRAN RENEWABLE ENERGY CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

SAUR ENERGY INTERNATIONAL | VOL 3 l ISSUE 01

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