SolarQuarter- India Apr-May Issue 2022

Empowering, Insightful, Engaging

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RENEWX SPECIAL

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CONTENT NEWS 04 06 06 08

IN CONVERSATION 08 10 11 16

Policy & Regulatory Debrief India-International Relation Updates: Green-Hydrogen Buzz: New Industry Appointments

Project Monthly: Investments and M&A Deals: Think Tank Tender Tracker

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SOLARQUARTER RESEARCH 30 32 34

19 Founder and CEO, O2 Power

Market Statistics

FEATURED TALKS

COVER STORY 35

Executive Director, Operations, Ayana Renewable Power Private Limited

Policy & Regulatory Overview

Policy Analysis

DR. ARULKUMAR SHANMUGASUNDARAM

Where are Southern States positioned in the Renewable Race? How is South India Poised to Contribute to India’s Renewable Target of 2030?

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PERSPECTIVE 38 What Has Kept Rooftop Lagging In The 2022 40GW Target

SACHHIN PATRA

GAURAV MATHUR Director Sales Trina Solar

Senior Manager, EKI Energy Services Ltd

Race? What Are Some Lessons To be Learnt?

FEATURED OPINION 41

Maximizing Solar Efficiency: Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

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OPINION 42

Surge in commodity prices may delay India’s green hydrogen consumption goals

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How Can The Surge In Clean Energy Spends Be Continued?

Understanding The Contributory Factors To Continue The Momentum

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Mining The Waste, Not Earth?

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BHARAT BHUT

SUSHIL BANSAL

Co-founder & Director, Goldi Solar

Founder & Managing Director, Novasys Greenergy

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India - leading the transition to Clean Energy

SUMIT MEHTA

Aatmanirbhar India: HOW WILL SETTING UP A MANUFACTURING ZONE FOR RENEWABLES BOOST LOCAL COMPANIES AND REDUCE IMPORT DEPENDENCE?

SAMEER MAKHIJA

Co-founder & Director, PIXON

Account Director, Hexagon – Asset Lifecycle Intelligence Division

Flexibility in Electricity Grid for RE Integration

COMPANY FEATURE

PRODUCT FEATURE

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EKI Energy Gautam Solar Trina Solar Volga Solar Sineng LONGi PIXON Saatvik Solis NOVASYS

Contendre Solar Goodwe Skyfri Sineng Growatt Trina Solar SofarSolar

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28 VARUN SACHAR Founder & CEO, Asun Trackers

Country Head, Sungrow India

THE CHAMPIONS CORNER | 70, 71 STATE BUSINESS MEET

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

PROJECT FEATURE

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Sungrow

MR. SUNIL BADESRA

KERALA

AWARDS

STATE BUSINESS MEET

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TAMIL NADU AWARDS

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Krannich Arctech

PUBLISHING

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CONTENT

DESIGNING

ADVERTISING

CIRCULATION

Firstview Media

Ashwini Chikkodi

Sadhana Raju Shenvekar

Radha Buddhadev

Smriti Charan

Sadhana Raju Shenvekar

Ventures Pvt. Ltd.

Nikita Salkar

Sangita Shetty

Neha Barangali

Sangeeta Sridhar

editorial@firstviewgroup.com

Rajarshi Sengupta

design@firstviewgroup.com

advertise@firstviewgroup.com

Snehil Saxena publishing@firstviewgroup.com

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PRINTING Vaibhav Enterprises

POLICY & REGULATORY DEBRIEF POLICY DGTR Recommends Extension of Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Solar Glass for 2 More Years: This is to protect domestic players from low-quality imports. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies, (DGTR), has issued a notice stating that anti-dumping duties must be continued on ‘textured tempered and uncoated’ glass from China.

MNRE Invites Proposals for Pilot Demonstration of Innovative Solar Applications: MNRE in partnership with GIZ is inviting ideas (Ideas@75) for a pilot demonstration of New and innovative solar applications under the bilateral project titled Innovative Solar Areas (IN-Solar). The objective of the IN-Solar project is to find innovative ways for expanding the application of photovoltaics to optimize the use of land.

Govt to Set Up 50 Solar Parks with a Total 40,000 MW Production Capacity: These parks are meant to provide developed infrastructure to facilitate the installation of solar power projects.

Central Financial Assistance of up to Rs. 25 Lakhs for preparation of Detailed Project Report and Rs. 20 Lakhs per MW or 30% of the project cost, whichever is lower, is provided for the development of such Parks under the scheme.

Ministry Allows Coal Tolling, States Can Import Coal for Blending Up To 10% to Meet Rising Power Demand: It has also allowed tolling which essentially would mean giving electricity producers access to coal near a plant rather than transporting it from allocated mines that may be in faraway areas. The measures follow coal inventories dropping to their lowest pre-summer levels in at least 9 years and the electricity demand is expected to increase at the fastest pace in at least 38 years.

National Open Access Registry (NOAR) Goes Live From 1st May 2022: NOAR has been designed as an integrated single window electronic platform accessible to all stakeholders including open access participants, traders, power exchanges, national/regional/state load despatch centers for electronic processing of short-term open-access application thereby automating the administration of the short-term open access in the inter-state transmission system.

DDC Hosts Consultation on Solar Policy; Sets Ambitious Rooftop Solar Target: This was to help frame Delhi’s new policy and to develop a framework to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions in Delhi, especially solar energy.

Rooftop Solar Panels To Be Set Up In All CAPF Establishments: This move will generate solar power of up to 71.68 Megawatts and allow for green power use in large numbers of security establishments across India. The Government of India has taken a positive step to promote renewable energy and is moving toward a carbon-neutral economy.

MSEDCL Circulates SoP for Installation & Commissioning of Solar Rooftop Systems: A Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) has been prepared and is being circulated on 12th May 2022 for implementation with immediate effect. As per MNRE guidelines, the DISCOMs are required to implement the (MNRE Rooftop Solar Phase-II) Program by empanelment of eligible agencies selected through a transparent bidding process for installation, commissioning of Rooftop Solar System with 5 years of operations & maintenance.

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PGCIL To Develop Renewable Energy Management Centre With 100% Grant In Hyderabad: PGCIL will develop a Renewable Energy Management Centre (REMC) in Vidyut Soudha, Hyderabad, with a 100% grant of Rs 17.6 crore. The CMD stated that the Renewable Energy Management Centre will use artificial intelligence-based forecasting and scheduling techniques, and the center would provide better visualization and decision-making for load dispatch operations.

Centre To Set Up Renewable Energy-based Supply Project in Andaman & Nicobar Islands: The government signed a grant agreement on March 31 with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to provide a $133 million loan. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration is currently executing the project and it is expected to be completed by February 2024.

ALMM To Enlist BIS Compliant Models and Manufacturers of Solar Modules: MNRE enlists eligible models and manufacturers of solar modules complying with the BIS Standards in a list called the “Approved List of Models and Manufacturers” (ALMM).

NITI Aayog Launches State Energy & Climate Index-Round 1, Gujarat Tops Among Larger States: The State Energy & Climate Index (SECI) Round I ranks the states’ performance on 6 parameters, namely, (1) DISCOM’s Performance (2) Access, Affordability and Reliability of Energy (3) Clean Energy Initiatives (4) Energy Efficiency (5) Environmental Sustainability; and (6) New Initiatives.

REGULATORY CERC Adopts Tariff For 450 MW Shajapur Solar Park - NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd was allocated 105MW (Unit 1) at a tariff of INR 2.35/Kwh, 220MW (Unit 2) at a tariff of INR 2.33/Kwh, and Talettettayi Solar Projects Nine Pvt Ltd was allocated 125MW (Unit 3) at a tariff of INR 2.339/Kwh Boost For Domestic PV Module Manufacturing – CERC Adopts Tariff For 8.8 GW Out Of Total 12 GW Manufacturing Linked Tender CERC Revisits The Methodologies Of Transmission Corridor Allocation For Power Exchanges CERC Releases REC Regulations, 2022 CERC Directs Power Exchanges To Cap Spot Prices At Rs 12/kWh Amid Demand Surge CERC Orders RUMSL To Have Separate PPA For Power Procurement During Night Or Non-generation Time CERC Approves 1 Year Time Extension To PXIL To Comply With PMR 2021 CERC Reduces Discovered Tariff Rate To Rs. 2.94/Kwh For 92 MW Floating Solar Plant In Kerala RUMSL’s Proposed 550MW Solar Power Plant’s Tariff Rate Gets Approved By Commission Shree Cement Seeks Amendment In Rajasthan’s Open Access Regulation KERC Restores Original PPA Rate 8.40 INR/Kwh For M/S Chowdeshwari Solar Energy Karnataka Regulatory Commission Amended RPO Regulation 2022 Tamilnadu Regulatory Commission Revises Solar Tariff According To CERC Methodology GERC Specifies Renewable Purchase Obligation For FY 2023 To 2025 MERC Adopts Discovered Tariff For 385.3 MW Capacity Under MSKVY Scheme Odisha Regulatory Commission Allowed Group Net Metering And Virtual Net Metering For Rooftop Solar West Bengal Proposes Draft Open Access Regulation 2022 Maharashtra Regulatory Commission Approves Compensation To Tata Power Solar On Account Of Change In Law Clause

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INDIA NEWS INDIA-INTERNATIONAL RELATION UPDATES: India and Germany Discuss Collaboration To Scale-Up Renewables to 500 GW by 2030: India and Germany discussed a collaboration to increase power generation from renewable sources to 500GW by 2030 and reach ‘Climate Neutrality by 2070.

Germany was looking to strengthen its green and sustainable partnership with India.

India and Maldives To Establish Transmission Interconnection for Renewable Power Transfer : To facilitate Maldives’ energy transition programme, India and Maldives have proposed to establish transmission interconnection for renewable power transfer as part of One Sun, One World & One Grid initiative.

Nepal, India Agree to Build New Projects in The Energy Sector: The two countries agreed to build more transmission lines, complete the transmission lines that are under construction, proposed new cross-country transmission lines, complete Arun 3 hydropower project, and energy export and import.

Power Minister Invites German Energy Firms to Invest in India: Singh stated that India is the most attractive country to invest in Renewable Energy (RE). The country has a focus on programs to increase capacity and accelerate the energy transition.

ONGC Inks MoU with Norway’s Equinor for E&P, Clean Energy: The agreement is for collaboration and partnership in areas of upstream exploration and production, midstream, downstream and clean energy options, including carbon capture utilisation and sequestration (CCUS).

NGSL Signs MoE with LREB to Develop Floating Solar Projects in Kenya: The Memorandum of Engagement (MoE) is towards the development of Ground Mounted & Floating Solar PV Projects in The Lake Region of Kenya.

TotalEnergies to Install 1 MW Solar Rooftop for YEMI In India: TotalEnergies will install and operate the rooftop PV solar system and YEMI will pay for the electricity for 20 years. This agreement is without any upfront investments.

WAAREE Energies Bags Orders Worth USD 2.37 Billion from Indian and International Customers: It has received new orders in India and international markets for high-efficiency bifacial solar panels of 540Wp and 600Wp. ENGIE Awarded Multi-country On-site Solar Contract by Faurecia: This carbon-neutrality agreement is the result of a global partnership between ENGIE, and Faurecia in support of its energy transition goals.

TotalEnergies Completes 7 MWp Ground-Mounted BehindThe-Meter Solar Project in Western India: TotalEnergies client will not only reduce its carbon footprint but also be able lower its energy costs by using clean energy for 25 years, without any upfront investment.

Actis Sets Up New Company for Developing Renewable Energy in India: Actis, a global investment firm has incorporated a company in India to develop renewable energy and store assets in India.

GREEN-HYDROGEN BUZZ: GAIL to Set Up Green Hydrogen Plant at Guna in MP: It will produce green hydrogen by 2023. This is part of its plan to increase its natural gas business with carbon-free fuel.

Greenko Group and John Cockerill To Jointly Develop India’s Largest Green Hydrogen Electrolyser Gigafactory: The two companies will build a hydrogen electrolyzer Gigafactory targeting a capacity of 2 GW which will substitute 8% of India's LNG imports.

NTPC Inks Pact with Gujarat Gas Limited To Blend Green Hydrogen in Piped Natural Gas: NTPC has taken up the initiative of blending green hydrogen in Piped Natural Gas (PNG) network of Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL) at NTPC Kawas.

Statkraft, Aker Horizons Join Forces to Produce Green Hydrogen in India: This agreement will allow them to explore potential opportunities for ammonia and green hydrogen production in India.

India, Germany Sign Joint Declaration of Intent on IndoGerman Hydrogen Task Force: India has a transparent bidding process, an open market, and a fast dispute resolution system. India is internationally recognized as one of the most desirable destinations for RE investment.

L&T To Collaborate With IIT Bombay To Develop Green Hydrogen Technology: L&T’s partnership agreement with IIT Bombay, and its world-class technologists, will help India develop indigenous, globally-competitive technologies.

Ayana Renewable Partners with Greenstat Hydrogen India to Develop Green Hydrogen Projects in India: The companies will collaborate to develop large-scale green hydrogen solutions to supply long-term green hydrogen to Indian industrial and commercial customers. Karnataka will launch an initial pilot project.

India Can Be Cheapest Producer of Green Hydrogen: Kant: “India is large and has scale. India can produce Green Hydrogen at a very affordable price… India is the only country with the right climate to do so,” he stated.

Norway Looking for Green Hydrogen Opportunities in India: “We need a market where we can collaborate and that is what we found in India,” Vegard Frihammer founder and CEO of Greenstat Norway stated.

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INDIA NEWS NEW INDUSTRY APPOINTMENTS Solarspace Appoints Krishan Sharma as VP Asia Pacific: He has worked in the past with many well-respected organizations such as Conergy, Moserbaer Photovoltaic, Minda Nexgentech, ReneSola, and GCL. His expertise in the field of New Business Setup, Solar Modules, and EPC Sales and Operations Management.

Harsh Shah To Join Azure Power as CEO: Mr. Shah was the former Chief Executive Officer at IndiGrid, India’s largest Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), in the Indian energy sector. He was also the Chief Financial Officer of Sterlite Power. Mr. Harsh Shah will be joining as the Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2022.

ReNew Appoints New CFO Also Brings in New General Counsel and Chief Growth Officer: ReNew Power, India’s largest renewable energy company, announced that it has hired Kedar Upadhye as Group CFO to drive its next phase in strong growth. ReNew also has a new Chief Growth Officer and General Counsel who will lead the company’s expansion over the next ten years, including the push into green hydrogen and other clean energy segments.

Azure Power Appoints Delphine Voeltzel as Nominee Director from OMERS Infrastructure: Azure Power, a top independent supplier of sustainable energy solutions and a power producer in India announced the appointment of Delphine Voeltzel, a Managing Director at OMERS Infrastructure, to its Board. Delphine has joined the Board effective May 11, 2022, as Nominee Director appointed by OMERS Infrastructure, which is the second-largest shareholder of Azure Power. She has 13 years of professional experience in the infrastructure sector across Europe and Asia and is leading OMERS Infrastructure’s investment efforts in Asia.

PFC Chairman Ravinder Singh Dhillon Takes Additional Charge of REC CMD: Power Finance Corporation (PFC) Chairman Ravinder Singh Dhillon has been given an additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of REC (formerly Rural Electrification Corporation Limited) for three months. This development comes after S K G Rahate was elevated to the position of Secretary, Ministry of Powers (MoP).

PROJECT MONTHLY: Rays Experts to Commission 3000 MW Solar Park in Rajasthan: Rays Experts announced that it will commission Rajasthan’s largest solar park with a capacity of 3000 MWp. Bikaner, Rajasthan will host the 9000-acre solar park. According to a company statement, it has signed all necessary transmission agreements and received all approvals. It also stated that this is the first and only private ultra mega solar park of 100 percent in the country, which is also connected to the central transmission network.

Sembcorp Signs Agreement with Saint-Gobain to Supply 33 MW of RE Power for 25 Years: Sembcorp announced that it had signed an agreement to supply 33 MW of electricity from renewable sources to Saint-Gobain manufacturing facilities for 25-years. This will help the construction materials firm reach its carbon reduction goals. According to a statement, the power supply to Saint-Gobain’s production facilities will be provided by a special purpose vehicle.

GIWEL will own 74% and Saint-Gobain Indian will have the remainder.

Tata Power Solar Receives a 300 MW Solar Order worth INR 1,731 Crore from NHPC: The CPSU scheme of IREDA will develop the project site in Rajasthan. The project is expected to be completed in 18 months. It aims to reduce 6,36,960 carbon emissions and generate around 750 million units per year. The project installation would use cells and modules manufactured in India.

NHPC Awards 1000 MW Solar Contracts Worth Rs. 6,604.42 Crore: The state-run NHPC awarded engineering procurement and construction contracts (EPCs) contracts worth Rs 6,604.42 crore to Adani Infra, Tata Power Solar Systems, and SSEL-ASR JV for a 1,000 MW project and transmission line. According to a BSE filing, the completion time is 18 months.

SJVN Awards 1,000 MW Solar EPC Contract to Tata Power Solar: The statement states that the total cost of construction and development for the project was Rs 5,491.89 crore. The project will produce 2,454.55 (million units) of electricity in the first year, and roughly 56,838.32 over 25 years. This project will reduce carbon emissions by approximately 27,85,077 tons over 25 years. The project will be in operation by May 2024.

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Tata Power Renewables Commissions 120 MW Solar Project in Gujarat: Gujarat Government (GUVNL) will benefit from the landmark project, which will generate 305247 MWh annually. The installation involved the use of 3.81 lakhs modules. This project will result in a reduction of up to 1.03 million tons of CO2 per year. The project used thin-film glass on modules with various wattages and capacities ranging from 440Wp up to 460Wp.

Azure Power Fully Commissions Its 90 MW Solar Project in Assam: The state’s 90-MW capacity is distributed across four districts: Udalguri, Kamrup, Nagaon, and Cachar. The project was completed in phases. The final 25 MW were commissioned in Cachar. Assam Power Distribution Company Limited is receiving the power generated by this plant under a long-term 25-year PPA at INR 3.34 (US 4.4% cents) per kWh. Azure Power now has an operational capacity of more than 2,900 MW of high-performing renewable energy assets in India.

Jakson Wins O&M Order for NTPC’s 260 MW Bhadla Solar Power Plant : Jakson Group will be responsible for monitoring the site for any preventive or corrective maintenance issues, including plant performance and upkeep, as well as warranty claims and spare parts inventory. The company will begin Operation and Maintenance services with the aid of modern technology on May 13, 2022. This will create employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of locals.

600 MW Floating Solar Project Tender Bagged By AMP, NHDC, And SJVN: AMP, NHDC, and SJVN were all awarded the 100-unit project capacity with bids of Rs 3.21, Rs 3.22, and Rs 3.26/unit, respectively.

The project is to be completed on a Build Own and Operate (BOO).

After the issuance by Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL) of the LOI, the power purchase agreement will be signed.

SJVN Bags 90 MW Floating Solar Project Worth Rs 585 Cr: SJVN secured 90 MW Floating Solar Project at Rs 3.26/Unit in a tender by REWA Ultra Solar Ltd (RUMSL), Nand Sharma, Chairman & Managing director, SJVN, stated in a statement. SJVN will be developing this project at Omkareshwar, Khandwa District in Madhya Pradesh. The project will produce 219 million units in its first year, and 5,158 Million Units over the next 25 years. For 25 years, the Power Purchase Agreement between RUMSL & SJVN will be signed. The project must be completed within 15 months of the date of signing the PPA.

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INDIA NEWS NTPC Commenced the Final Part Commercial Operation of 80 MW Solar PV Project at Jetsar: Consequent upon successful commissioning and due approvals, the last part capacity of 80 MW out of 160 MW Jetsar Solar PV Project at Rajasthan, is declared on Commercial Operation w.e.f.

25.03.2022. With this, standalone installed and commercial capacity of NTPC has become 54596.68 MW while the group installed and commercial capacity of NTPC has become 68961.68 MW and 68301.68 MW respectively. The Company begins the first part of the project on October 22, 2021.

GE Secures Contract by ReNew Power to Help Develop Renewable Energy Zones in India: GE’s Grid Solutions business announced that it has been awarded a contract by ReNew Power Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading company in terms of total generation capacity, to build two 400 kV substations in the southwest state of Karnataka, India – a 400/220 kV airinsulated substation in Koppal, and a 400 kV gas-insulated substation in Narendra. The contract also includes the supply of two 125 MVAR 400 kV reactors for each substation.

MAHAGENCO, NTPC Form JV to Set Up Ultra-mega 2500 MW Solar Park: MahaGenco and NTPC jointly will be setting up an ultra-mega solar power park with a total generation capacity of 2,500 MW. Both the firm will have a capital investment of 50:50, respectively, for the development of Ultramega Renewable Solar Park, reads the official statement. The state energy department has been appointed as a nodal agency for project development.

SJVN Signs Pact with BHEL, REMC to Develop Renewable Projects for Indian Railways: The signing of the MoU would usher in a new era of more efficient consumption of power in the Indian Railways, while also leading to more competitive tariffs for the overall benefit of consumers, according to the statement. Under the MoU signed, all the parties will work together to leverage their core strength in project development for the establishment of renewable energy projects for use by Indian Railways, said SJVN CMD Nand Lal Sharma.:

RRECL, THDC Sign MoU To Set Up 10,000 MW Solar Park in Rajasthan : The project will be completed in five years at a cost of Rs 40,000 crore. The memorandum was signed by Rajiv Vishnoi, THDC CMD, and Subodh Agrawal, Additional Secretary Power and CMD RRECL. Agrawal stated that barren, infertile land will be leased to the project to produce 17,000 crore units of electricity.

India’s First Portable Solar Rooftop System Unveiled in Gandhinagar: The installation of 10 PV Port systems in the temple complex has been supported by the German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a statement said. The systems have been installed under the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s initiative to develop renewable energy cities across India. Designed by GIZ, the PV Port systems are standard plug-and-play photovoltaic systems of a minimum of 2 kWp that come with or without battery storage.

Azure Power Signs EoI with Karnataka Govt to Develop 1700 MW Renewable Energy Projects: The EoI was signed during the Windergy India2022 event between Azure Power, Government of Karnataka represented by Shri G. Kumar Naik IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of the state energy department. Azure Power has a strong presence in Karnataka and owns or operates nearly 2900 MW worth of renewable energy assets.

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INDIA NEWS INVESTMENTS AND M&A DEALS: IREDA Keen to Promote RE Projects in Odisha; Sanctioned Rs 670 Cr in a Year : The IREDA opened a Bhubaneswar branch office in August 2021. Following this, five hydropower projects totaling 80.5 MW were approved. A 1.5-MW energy access project was also approved. IREDA said that loans worth Rs 670 crore were approved and disbursed Rs 348 million following the opening of its Odisha branch.

Rays Power Infra Sells It’s Solar Projects Worth Over Rs 700 Crore: Rays Power Infra Pvt Ltd, an Indian developer of solar power plants and EPC providers, has sold its solar projects to two unnamed global investors at an enterprise value greater than Rs. 700 crore, according to PTI. The solar power facilities that were sold are in Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. “Rays Power Infra is completely debt-free now and plans to use the additional funds to support our innovative new solar energy projects, we are certain that it will take us less than 3 years to generate the next 3 GW of solar energy,” Vaibhav Roongta, Chief Business Officer – Rays Power Group, said.

Al Jomaih Solar Project in Gujarat Secures Rs 4,063 Million Financing from ADB : This project is being developed as a response to GUVNL’s September 2020 tender to purchase 500 MW of Power from grid-connected solar projects. Al Jomaih Energy and Water Company were among the winners of the 500 MW auction.

ADB said that the project was in complete alignment with its Energy Policy, which prioritizes support for renewable energy development. This loan is designed to encourage inclusive economic growth as well as environmentally sustainable growth.

Power Grid Corp Approves Investment of Rs 821.29 Cr in 5 Projects : The Board has approved transmission system strengthening beyond Kolhapur for export of power from solar & wind energy zones in Southern Region- RE- conductoring of Kolhapur (PG)- Kolhapur 400 kV DIC Line at an estimated cost of Rs 129.28 crore scheduled to be commissioned by February 2023.

Transmission system strengthening for Srinagar-Leh Transmission System at an estimated cost of Rs 288. 71 crore scheduled to be commissioned by December 2024.

Hindustan Zinc Invests Rs 350 Cr in 200 MW Renewable Power Project : In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India’ Net Zero’, Hindustan Zinc has joined the global movement of leading companies that are aligning their business to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels and reach net-zero value chain emissions by no later than 2050.

Hindustan Zinc has set an ambitious target for a 40% reduction in carbon footprint by 2030 and achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050 by transitioning towards renewable energy.

Tata Power Renewables Raises Rs 4000 Cr from BlackRock-led Consortium: BlackRock Real Assets, together with Mubadala, shall invest ₹ 4,000 crore (~US$ 525 million) by way of equity / compulsorily convertible instruments for a 10.53% stake in Tata Power Renewables, translating to a base equity valuation of ₹ 34,000 crores. The final shareholding will range from 9.76% to 11.43% on final conversion.

Abu Dhabi’s IHC invests Rs 15,400 Crore in Adani Group Firms: Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company PJSC (IHC) has invested Rs 15,400 crore (USD 2 billion) as primary capital in three Adani portfolio companies — Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), Adani Transmission Ltd (ATL) and Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL). IHC has invested Rs 3,850 crore each in AGEL and ATL and Rs 7,700 crore in AEL, the Indian conglomerate said.

Gujarat-Based Chiripal Group Proposes Solar Manufacturing Investment of Rs 5,400 Cr in Ratlam: Chiripal Group, a Gujaratbased textile group, has proposed that the state invest Rs 5,400 crore for the establishment of a solar cell in Ratlam and a textile unit there. According to the Industry Policy and Investment Promotion Department the Gujarat-based group proposed setting up a unit for solar cell, solar glass, and PV module production in Ratlam, with a capital investment amounting to Rs 4,600 crore. The unit will be located on approximately 250 acres.

Shell Acquires Sprng Energy Group for $1.55 Billion: Shell Overseas Investment B.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shell plc (Shell), today signed an agreement with Actis Solenergi Limited (Actis) to acquire 100% of Solenergi Power Private Limited for $1.55 billion and with it, the Sprng Energy group of companies. Sprng Energy supplies wind and solar power to Indian electricity distribution companies. Its assets portfolio includes 2.9 gigawatts peak (GWp) and 0.8GWp contracted assets. There are also 7.5GWp of renewable energy projects in its pipeline.

GRIDCO To Procure 200 MW Low-Cost Solar Power From NTPC: GRIDCO will purchase 200 MW of solar energy at Rs 2.50 per KWh through Inter State Transmission System, (ISTS), starting FY-202425 and lasting for 25 years. This contract is for State consumption and the lowest-priced solar power. GRIDCO will be able to fulfill its Renewable Purchase Obligations in the future by taking advantage of this power.

Japan’s Mitsui To Pick 49% in ReNew Power’s 400 MW RTC RE Project: ReNew signed a 400 MW Round-The-Clock (RTC) PPA last year to supply electricity to the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). For the 400 MW PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), the company will install 1,300 MW of renewable energy capacity and up to 100 MWh of battery storage. ReNew Power has finalized a partnership with Mitsui & Co Ltd, a leading global general trading and investment firm.

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THINK TANK India Adds 10 GW Solar Capacity in 2022: Report : India had a record 10 GW solar capacity added in CY 2021. This is a huge jump of 210 percent compared to 3.2 GW last year. It stated that the newly installed solar capacity in 2021 was a record and accounted for 62 percent of total power capacity increases in 2021. The report states that utility-scale projects made up 83% of all total installations, while the top ten developers were responsible for 68% of total projects installed in the calendar year 2021.

India Will Influence World On Renewable Energy During G20 Presidency: IRENA: India will be the G20 president from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023. It will also host the G20 leaders summit in 2023. G20 is the most important forum for international economic cooperation and plays an important part in global economic governance. Binu Parthan (IRENA’s head of regions) said in Singapore that India will have significant opportunities to influence the world through its holistic approach to renewable energy development in different forms. He envisions India as supplying renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels, to other developing nations. This will make it more affordable from an investment perspective.

India To Meet Half of Its Energy Needs from Renewable by 2030: NITI Member: NITI Ayog member V K Saraswat, speaking at an event in Mumbai, stated that India would also reduce its total carbon emissions by 1 Billion tonnes between now and 2030. India will reach Net Zero by 2070. He addressed the Norway-India Business Summit 2022, organized by CII and the Embassy of Norway.

Saraswat also stressed that deep decarbonization is possible only if there are broad-based systems approaches across a range of options, including renewables and Hydrogen.

Asia-Pacific To Dominate Rooftop Solar PV Market By 2030, Says Report: The global rooftop solar PV market was valued at $64.3 billion in 2020. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 12% from 2021-to 2030. The C&I segment backed by high growth in major solar PV markets such as China, the US, and India accounted for more than 60% of the capacity. The evolution of both residential and C&I consumers to prosumers, the trend of solar panels being adopted as building materials, and additional factors such as an increase in preference for distributed small-scale solar in smart cities and microgrids combined with storage and digital solutions are expected to lead to stable growth in solar PV rooftop installations in both the segments.

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THINK TANK India’s Lead Role in The New Wave of Energy Sector Growth: Shantanu Srivastava (IEEFA energy finance analyst) said that energy security is a top national priority due to rampant import fuel inflation.

India is taking action to combat climate change by setting ambitious domestic clean energy targets and implementing bold policies and reforms that will support them. Domestic as well as international power sector players are quickly scaling up Indian renewable infrastructure capacity and are preparing to embark on the next wave of sectoral reforms.

India Needs $7.2 Billion Investment To Promote Integrated Solar Module Manufacturing: CEEW-CEF: CEEW Programme Lead Rishabh Jain stated that solar energy is central to India’s long-term goal of establishing 500 GW of non-fossil-based power capacity by 2030. It is crucial to reduce import dependence and develop a robust domestic supply chain for critical industries involved in the energy transition. Many countries around the world are also seeking to diversify their solar supply chains. This is an opportunity for India to work with other countries on R&D, indigenization, and product development across the supply chain. India’s efforts will serve as a model for other countries to build a strong domestic supply chain for clean, renewable energy. The Centre and the states should work together to promote R&D and co-create institutions that will ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals in this sector. A vibrant local solar manufacturing sector would lead to sustainability, job creation, and economic growth.

India Can Increase RE Deployment By Co-locating Solar and Wind Plants To Create Single Hybrid Station: Study: The report was prepared by NREL’s power systems researchers. It identifies opportunities in India for the development of wind-solar hybrid plants. The report states that one strategy to increase wind PV deployment is to co-locate solar PV and wind plants to create a single hybrid power station. Hybrid plants can reduce transmission infrastructure costs as well as variability in the output power profiles compared to standalone plants with one technology. This resource analysis will take the first step towards quantifying potential savings and the size of the opportunity from hybridizing solar PV and wind plants in India.

Solar Power Enters ‘Terawatt Age’; World Records 168 GW of Solar Power in 2021: Report: Global solar market is expanding at an exponential rate. The world’s solar capacity grew exponentially over the past decade, reaching 1 TW in just 10 years from 100 GW in 2012. SolarPower Europe projects that global solar will more than double in three years to reach 2.3 TW by 2025. 2.3 TW is twice as much electricity production as France and Germany together.

Global Renewable Energy Installed Capacity Rises 9.1% in 2021: IRENA: The Renewable Capacity Statistics 2022 report reveals that the global renewable generation capacity reached 3,064 gigawatts, or 9.1 percent, by the end of 2021. Hydropower still held the largest percentage of total capacity at 1,230 GW. However, solar and wind continue their dominance of new generating capacity. With 19% and 13 percent respectively generating increases, solar and wind accounted for 88 percent of the new capacity in 2021.

Higher Coal Imports Likely to Increase Power Supply Cost for Discoms by 4.5-5.0% in FY2023: ICRA: Girish Kumar Kadam, Senior Vice President, and Co-Group Head – Corporate ratings, ICRA commented on the impact of the directive on discoms. He stated that “All India’s energy demand in April and May (till date), 2022 grew by 11.5% Y-o-Y, supported also by heat wave/weather conditions. However, tight domestic coal supply positions and high international coal prices continued to have an adverse effect on energy generation levels. The MoP’s measures to reduce power supply shortages through coal imports are likely to significantly increase coal import dependency for the power sector, from 4% to 12-13% in FY2022, to 4% to 4% in FY2022. A higher proportion of thermal generation imports under a pass through arrangement, as directed by MoP, is expected to cause an increase in the cost of supply to state discoms of 4.5% to 5.0% in FY2023 all of India. This is due to the rise in imported coal and the coal price level of US$ 110/MT for 4200 kcal/kg.

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India May Miss 2030 Renewable Energy Targets as UP, Punjab, Haryana Lag, Say Experts: Aditya Lolla (senior electrical energy coverage analyst for Asia, Ember) stated that “We are falling behind in delivering the targets 175GW by 2022 & 500 GW By 2030 because while some states are on track others are lagging,” He said that Telangana had achieved its renewable vitality goals in the south, while Rajasthan has only moved forward and achieved its 2022 goal.

However, states such as Uttar Pradesh have not even reached 30% of their goals. These two states have 14 GW goals for 2022 if I compare them. Lolla said that Rajasthan has reached 17GW, while Uttar Pradesh is at 4GW.

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APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 13

THINK TANK Global Solar Sector Attracts USD 7.5 Billion Corporate Funding in March Quarter: The total worldwide corporate funding in the solar sector in the January-March 2022 period stood at USD 7.5 billion, up 51 percent from USD 5 billion raised in the 2021 December quarter. However, the funding was lower by 7 percent on a year-on-year basis. “Although financing activity was strong quarter-on-quarter with robust demand for solar assets, significant headwinds are building up that can slow the momentum considerably. Continuing supply chain issues, higher inflation, and the interest rate trajectory going forward are already major concerns,” Mercom Capital Group CEO Raj Prabhu said.

Reskilling of Coal Mine Workers Must For Transition Towards Renewable Energy: Report: Amit Vatsyayan, Partner and Leader (Social & Skills sector), Government and Public Sector, EY India, said that skills and entrepreneurship development will play a key role in the just transition of coal mine workers. According to the report, coal mines create over 7.25 lakh direct jobs and many more indirect jobs. With the phasing out of old coal plants and shutting down of mines, thousands of coal mine workers are at risk of disruption in livelihood in states like West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra.

Clean Energy Spending Commitments Reach ‘Unprecedented’ Levels, Surging 50% in Five Months, IEA: Across emerging and developing economies, however, the total amount of fiscal resources being dedicated to sustainable recovery measures is one-tenth of the amount in advanced economies, reflecting their very different financial and economic circumstances. In emerging and developing economies, around USD 52 billion of sustainable recovery spending is planned by the end of 2023, well short of what is needed in a pathway towards net zero emissions by 2050.

The gap is unlikely to narrow in the near term, as governments with already limited fiscal means now face the challenge of maintaining food and fuel affordability for their citizens amid the surge in commodity prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

RE Continues To Expand With Share In Total Capacity Expansion Reaching 81% Last Year Globally, Report: Our current energy crisis adds to the evidence that the world can no longer rely on fossil fuels to meet its energy demand. Money directed to fossil fuel power plants yields unrewarding results, both for the survival of a nation and the planet. Renewable power should become the norm across the globe. We must mobilize the political will to accelerate the 1.5°C pathway. To achieve climate goals, renewables must grow at a faster pace than energy demand. However, many countries have not reached this point yet, despite significantly increasing the use of renewables for electricity generation.

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Concentrated Solar Power Market Size Worth Around US$ 133.43 Bn by 2030: The global concentrated solar power market size was US$ 41.73 billion in 2021. The global concentrated solar power market is primarily driven by the rising adoption of renewable energy sources owing to the rising government initiatives and curbing the carbon emissions. The increased pollution levels have forced governments across the globe to frame favorable regulations that can boost the adoption of the renewable and green energy sources. Moreover, the availability of advanced technologies such as Fresnel reflectors, parabolic troughs, and power towers are positively contributing to the growth of the market.

Solar, Wind Power Hit Record Tenth of Global Electricity in 2021: In its Global Electricity Review, energy and climate think tank Ember said the combined production of electricity from wind and solar has more than doubled since the Paris Agreement was signed. Solar generation rose 23% last year, and wind by 14%. Combined, this takes them to more than 10% of global electricity generation. All clean electricity sources generated 38% of the world’s electricity in 2021, more than coal (36%).

PLI Scheme to Account for 13-15% Capex in Key Industrial Sectors Over Next 3-4 Years: Report: Since its introduction in March 2020, PLI has been announced for 15 sectors, involving government incentives to the tune of Rs 1.93 lakh crore. Of this, 5060 percent is to be spent on sectors with domestic manufacturing and export focus, and the rest on import localization.

“Implementation of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme will lead to a potential capital expenditure (Capex) of Rs 2.5-3 lakh crore over the scheme period and will account for 13-15 percent of average annual investment spending in key industrial sectors over the next 3-4 years,” the rating agency said in a report released.

Strong Demand Prospects for Renewable Energy Projects in C&I Segment: Report: The demand prospects for RE capacity addition by the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) segment are expected to remain solid, given the improved tariff competitiveness and strong sustainability/green initiatives by C&I players to meet their energy requirements through renewables. The C&I segment itself accounts for about 40 to 45 percent share in all India energy demand.

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APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 15

TENDER TRACKER TENDERS ISSUED BY CENTRAL AUTHORITIES

Authority

Tender Name

Central

MoP Invites EOI For Setting Up a Manufacturing Zone On Pilot Basis for Power, Renewable Energy Sector

Central

SECI Invites Bids For Singareni Collieries’ 22 MW Solar Project In Telangana

Central

SECI Issues Tender for 44 MW Solar Projects in Telangana

TENDERS ISSUED BY PSU

Authority

Tender Name

PSU

NHPSC Seeks Bids For 75 MW ISTS-Connected Solar Project From EPC Contractors

PSU

HPCL Seeks Consultants For Management Of 1.2 MW Solar Power Projects

PSU

Hindustan Salts Invites Bids For 1 GW Solar Power Projects Development In Gujarat

PSU

BHEL Requests Bids For O&M Of NTPC’s 22 MW Floating Solar Facility

PSU

NLC Issue Tender for Supply of 100 MW ISTS Connected Solar Project

TENDERS ISSUED BY STATE AUTHORITIES

Authority

Tender Name

State

RUMSL Floats Tender For 750 MW Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Projects

State

MPPKVVCL Invites Bids For 7.5 MW Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Projects

State

GUVNL Invites Bids To Procure Power From 500 MW Solar Projects With Greenshoe Option

State

PSPCL Issues Tender To Procure Power From 1 GW Grid-Connected Solar Projects

State

BSUL Invites EoI For The Development of 1.2 GW Solar Projects In UP

State

MPUVNL Requests Bids For 1,250 MW Solar Projects Development Under PM-KUSUM

State

UPNEDA Tenders 98 MW Solar Power Projects PM-Under KUSUM Program

State

Bhopal Municipal Corporation Invites Consultancy Services For 20 MW Solar Projects

State

Kerala Electricity Board Invites Bids To Procure 150 MW Solar Power To Meet RPO

State

RECPDCL Invites Bids For 4 Tender To Evacuate 18 GW Renewable Energy In Gujarat

State

GSECL Issues EPC Tender For 2 MW Solar Project At Utran Power Station

State

UPNEDA Tenders for 75 MW of Solar Projects

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APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 16

STATE 20 BUSINESS MEET 22

GET YOURSELF REGISTERED

for the Upcoming SOLARQUARTER Events

CONFERENCES

WEBINARS

EXHIBITIONS

AWARDS

Who Is Attending?

Find details at events.firstviewgroup.com For Speaking & Sponsorship Opportunities, contact: events@firstviewgroup.com

IN CONVERSATION

In all our upcoming projects we will be using higher wattage bifacial modules and the latest model of wind turbines.

PARAG SHARMA Founder and CEO, O2 Power SolarQuarter magazine got a fantastic opportunity to interview Parag Sharma - Founder and CEO, of O2 Power Pvt. Ltd, and learned about the recent key developments at the company and the company’s technology and solar+storage focus. He also shared insights on the solar market outlook for the year.

How has the year 2022 been so far at O2 Power? What have been some key developments?

O2 Power has signed PPAs of about 2 GW and has commissioned a 400 MW (approx) solar project. In the current financial year (FY 22-23), we plan to commission about 1 GW of power plants. As of today in the year 2022, we have not only commissioned our first 250 MW SECI project but have also completed the acquisition of a 55 MW project. As a strategy, we have started focusing on the Open Access market and are developing more than 500 MW of projects across three states, namely Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh. Besides winning bids and getting into Open Access projects, O2 is aggressively investing in building pipelines -- we have blocked 800 MW of connectivity and significant land at the CTU level. This will help us monetize the interstate opportunity in the C&I segment.

WE HAVE STARTED FOCUSING ON THE OPEN

What is your outlook on the solar market for FY 2022-23?

How has the focus on solar+storage been at your company?

Storage is one of our primary focus areas. O2 has recently collaborated with Powin, a USbased battery energy storage firm, to offer storage solutions. We have also submitted multiple proposals in the C&I segment with RTC solutions. Additionally, we are very keen to participate in SECI’s storage bids or any such bids at the Central or State level.

We see good capacity addition in the first quarter of FY22-23 as many developers have purchased modules by Mar 22 in lieu of BCD on modules starting 1st April 22. But post the first quarter, if the prices of modules remain at the current levels, I see limited procurement of modules by developers. The industry will wait for module prices to come down before adding any additional capacity. Similarly, the pending GIB judgement is also delaying projects -- we hope that Supreme Court will address the issue soon. Hence, FY22-23 might not see much capacity addition post the first quarter.

Please tell us about how you are planning for further growth and expansion and what are the milestones you are aiming at for 2022?

As mentioned above, we plan to add about 1 GW of capacity in FY222-23, although there might be some delay in one of our projects on account of the GIB issue.

ACCESS MARKET AND ARE DEVELOPING MORE THAN 500 MW OF PROJECTS ACROSS THREE STATES, NAMELY KARNATAKA, MAHARASHTRA, AND HIMACHAL PRADESH."

How has technology contributed to O2 Power’s growth?

O2 is one of the first solar developers in India which has used bi-facial modules on a large scale. In our recently commissioned project, we have used 335 MWp of bifacial modules.

Further, in all our upcoming projects, we will be using higher wattage bifacial modules as well as the latest model of wind turbines. We have also set up an advanced Central Monitoring Substation that connects all our projects, enabling us to monitor their performance at the HQ level.

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IN CONVERSATION

India has crossed the milestone of 100 GW installed renewable energy capacity this year.

DR. ARULKUMAR SHANMUGASUNDARAM Executive Director, Operations, Ayana Renewable Power Private Limited SolarQuarter got an exclusive opportunity to interview Dr. Arulkumar Shanmugasundaram - Executive Director, Operations, Ayana Renewable Power Private Limited, wherein he shared his views on India’s present position to achieve its 2030 RE target, and South Indian states’ contribution to the Solar journey so far. He also spoke about the company’s upcoming projects and recent partnerships for Green Hydrogen development.

How do you see India currently positioned to achieve its 2030 RE target?

Tell us about your recent partnership with Greenstat Hydrogen to develop green hydrogen projects.

India has crossed the milestone of 100 GW installed renewable energy capacity this year.

With renewable energy tariffs dropping to record low levels, renewable power becomes more and more competitive to be integrated into the grid, challenging many conventional power plants.

To achieve this target, India needs to install approx. 40-50 GW per year and with sustained policy support this target can be achieved. With increased focus on Hybrid, Peak Power, and Round the Clock projects, the capacity addition can be utilized effectively and this increased focus will help achieve the target.

What is the current project portfolio size of Ayana Renewables? What new projects are you coming up with in the near future?

Currently, Ayana is developing and managing 3.69 GW of renewable energy projects with a mix of Solar, Wind, and Hybrid projects. We have an operational portfolio of 1.29 GW across the states of Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

At present, to name a few, we are developing a 300 MW Solar Project in Rajasthan, 450 MW of Wind-Solar hybrid in Karnataka, and 300 MW of Wind in Karnataka.

How do you see South Indian states' contribution so far in India's RE journey?

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We have signed a Joint Agreement with Greenstat to develop large-scale Green Hydrogen projects powered by renewable energy. This partnership is in line with India’s National Hydrogen Mission. Under this agreement, we plan to install large-scale green hydrogen plants which will supply green hydrogen for commercial and industrial purposes in India. To start with, we are setting up a pilot project in Karnataka.

Anything else that you would like to highlight?

We plan to develop a 10 GW RE portfolio by 2025 with a mix of Solar, Wind, Hybrid, and Storage projects. Our focus is also on firm and dispatchable RE solutions including round-theclock power supply for industries as well as distribution companies. We have already partnered for 6000 MWh of storage capacity.

This initiative will support in creating standalone storage market in India. Providing firm and round-the-clock solutions with renewable energy instead of conventional sources reflect the growing maturity of the RE sector in our country.

TAMIL NADU HAS

States in Southern India have huge potential for Renewable energy with high wind intensity and a good number of sunny days. Tamil Nadu has the highest installed Wind power capacity and Karnataka is also one of the states with the highest RE installed capacity. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana also have appreciable RE capacity.

THE HIGHEST INSTALLED

In my view, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are already playing a major role in India’s Energy Transition journey. With support from State Governments on regulatory and policy aspects, these states will be the drivers of India’s target of 500 GW of installed RE capacity.

ANDHRA PRADESH AND

WIND POWER CAPACITY AND KARNATAKA IS ALSO ONE OF THE STATES WITH THE HIGHEST RE INSTALLED CAPACITY. TELANGANA ALSO HAVE APPRECIABLE RE CAPACITY." APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 19

FEATURED TALKS

SACHHIN PATRA

Senior Manager, EKI Energy Services Ltd

"We offer turnkey solutions that can be uniquely customized and designed for every client and their specific climate ambitions."

How has the year 2022 fared so far for EKI? What have been some recent developments?

The year 2022 has had a promising start and we expect to continue the rigor. This year we announced some key developments with an increased focus on community-based projects as we work towards building a net-zero future.

We strengthened our green cooking initiative with an associate company- GHG Reduction Technologies that will manufacture and distribute free improved cookstoves (ICS) in rural homes empowering their kitchens with an efficient cooking alternative. We have also launched a sustainability arm with an increased focus on uniquely customized climate action plans for companies to help them reduce/offset their carbon emission significantly. We also have a partnership with Shell Investments B.V and we are working with them to reduce carbon emissions in India through Nature based Solutions.

Please tell us about the range of services provided by EKI. We are a one stop destination for sustainable and strategic solutions for climate action. We offer end-to-end management of carbon footprint and climate goals starting from, GHG Inventory mapping, consulting for project registration to a generation of carbon credit, and even purchase credits to help our clients monetize their credits. We offer turnkey solutions that can be uniquely customized and designed for every client and their specific climate ambitions. This holistic approach has enabled us to work with organziations in every sector. We offer strategic solutions to optimize and eventually reduce the emissions and help them to become carbon neutral.

We offer an exhaustive bouquet of end-to-end climate solutions that enable every business with strategic plans to achieve their climate goals: ‌ arbon Offset Management - End-to-end C management of carbon emissions 1. Project Registration – Feasibility analysis, 1. determination of annual offsets, work with 3 rd party auditors to register the projects Monitoring & Verification – Monitoring data analysis and verification through 3 rd party auditors for issuance of carbon offsets Issuance – Payment of Issuance fees

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2. Purchase of Offsets – We also guarantee purchase of carbon offsets Renewable Energy Attributes - ‌End-to-end management of International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) Community Development Programmes ‌Sustainable solutions that enable community upliftment Nature based Solutions - ‌Harnessing the power of nature for sustainable solutions Green Cooking Initiative - Energy efficient ‌free cooking stoves for financially weaker households Sustainability Services 1. Climate services - Carbon foot-printing, mitigation plans & solutions to achieve NetZero 2. ESG Services ESG performance improvement and reporting as per global frameworks 3. Green Services - widely accepted green ratings & certifications 4. Customized services on Environmental sustainability & resource efficiency improvement

Could you please explain to our readers how Waste Management is the pathway to a sustainable planet?

Scientific management of waste enables numerous benefits to help build a sustainable planet: It helps to mitigate dangerous gases like methane from emitting into the atmosphere because of the anaerobic decomposition of waste in landfills. This ensures a cleaner, safer environment while also reducing the health hazards of breathing these gases.

It enables the reduction of waste ending up in landfills which would otherwise pile up and stay on the surface of the earth for years together Recycling, refurbishing, and reducing wastes also ensures a longer product life cycle that in turn translates into a circular economy. Maximized value of materials that circulate within the economy, minimizes material consumption and prevents waste from being generated.

Sustainable and greener environment as well as safety of human health Conservation of natural resources including minerals, water and wood Finally, GHG emission reduction or avoidance, can be monetized with the generation of carbon offsets carbon offsets

which can bring in additional revenues that can be further used for other climate/waste management projects

Tell us about your successful partnership with Indore Municipal Corporation in making Indore a Smart City.

We have a contract from Indore Smart City Development Limited (ISCDL), wherein we offer a comprehensive bouquet of end-to-end consulting services for carbon credit solutions to ISCDL. With this, we enable ISCDL to elevate its aggregator business model through which it offers sustainable solutions to urban and rural governance bodies enabling other smart cities or ULBs to become climate sensitive. We also help ISCDL to monetize its own emission reduction initiatives and realize additional revenues which can be used to support and fund its multiple welfare and developmental initiatives. Consequently, local bodies of other cities who join hands with ISCDL are also able to monetize their climate initiatives.

With the help of EKIESL, ISCDL was able to catalyze environmentally sustainable and financially viable waste management practices.

EKIESL enabled the ULB to earn carbon credit from effective waste management and with this additional revenue, the municipal body was able to effectively fund its other welfare projects. We can easily replicate our strategic solutions in other municipal corporations and smart city missions enabling them to reduce their carbon footprint and also generate an additional revenue source.

What can we look forward to from EKI in the next couple of years?

With an aim to contribute significantly to India’s commitment to net-zero by 2070, we at EKIESL have been channeling our efforts to encourage more and more companies to start their climate action journey. We are also working with our existing customers, to widen the scope of their climate action goals toward value creation beyond the reduction of their carbon footprint.

We foresee that our efforts will enable India to embark on its developmental aspiration without compromising its leadership position in climate action. As we move forward, we aim to increase our focus on community-based emission reduction interventions for inclusive growth for all, in line with the SDG goals established by the UN.

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 20

FEATURED TALKS

GAURAV MATHUR Director Sales Trina Solar

"In February Trina Solar was named by Reuters Events as one of the top 100 innovators in Global Energy Transition 2022."

Please tell us how the business has grown for Trina Solar in India during 2021 under your expert guidance.

The year 2021 is a turnaround year for the solar industry after two consecutive suffering years due to the covid-19 pandemic issues. As one of the largest global solar module makers, we had to deal with the challenges from finished goods demand and the raw material supply, as well the logistics-related challenges. Facing challenges and opportunities, we at Trina solar, proactively worked along with our clients and have achieved excellent results.

Thanks to our clients for trusting Trina and allowing us to serve them. Thanks to our team for their persistent hard work. Apart from sales, we have also introduced our 650Wp power bin to the Indian market and could close significant volumes for early supplies in 2022.

We completed the year 2021 with steadfast determination and grit, bearing in mind the dream of “using solar energy to benefit all mankind.” set by our founder and CEO, Mr. Gao Jifan.

How much has been the current capacity and what is the capacity planned for 2022?

Trina Solar has recently reached a remarkable milestone, having shipped 100GW of modules in the 25 years since the company was founded in 1997. As of now, Trina Solar has the world’s largest 210mm module production scale.

Cumulative shipments of 210mm modules worldwide exceeded 25GW. Trina Solar’s total planned module capacity last year reached 50GW, of which 210mm silicon wafer-based modules accounted for more than 70%. Trina Solar shipped more than 16GW of 210mm modules, ranking first among all makers of large modules.

Large modules began to predominate in 2021, with 210mm modules firmly taking the lead, Trina solar is the front runner in the race.

According to the latest report from the market intelligence provider TrendForce, the capacity of large-size modules is expected to reach 349.9GW this year, commanding a combined market share of 74.6%. The capacity of 210mm

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modules alone is expected to reach 206.8GW, accounting for 44.1%.

Meanwhile, in 2022, Trina Solar will be celebrating its 25th year of entrepreneurship, and our business is still striving forward with the industry-leading capacity to meet global demand.

What have been some latest innovations in your product categories and technology?

Trina Solar is a technology-driven company. We lead the industry with our reputable Honey and Duomax series and starting from 2020 we have introduced the large format, high power, and high-efficiency Vertex series to the market.

We have a wide range of module products with power bins ranging from 450Wp to 670Wp (in both mono-facial and bifacial) BIS certified for the Indian market.

Apart from that, On March 24, Trina Solar’s 210×210mm i-TOPCon cell achieved a maximum efficiency of 25.5%, setting a world record for the 23rd time. This new efficiency is the result of the company’s continuing innovation and research efforts demonstrating once again Trina Solar’s prowess in cell 210×210mm i-TOPCon cell technology.

The result was certified by the National Institute of Metrology of China, the preeminent metrology scientific research center, and the national legal metrology technical institution.

The achievements have been vital as the company has pressed on with its 210mm N-type i-TOPCon high-efficiency cell project, and paves the way for follow-up development in the highend market. Trina Solar’s achievements have been widely welcomed in the industry, including by authorities and renowned institutions. In February Trina Solar was named

by Reuters Events as one of the top 100 innovators in Global Energy Transition 2022.

The company was the only listed company in China in the list and among only a few others in the Asia and Pacific region to figure on it.

In technology and innovation, Trina Solar has set a total of 23 world records for PV cellconversion efficiency and module output power. Over the years Trina Solar has applied for 2,200 patents, making it an industry leader in

this respect. It has played a key role in 107 industry standards and published 96 standards, making a tremendous contribution to advances in photovoltaic technology.

With BCD and ALMM introduction, how is Trina Solar planning to overcome the challenges?

We fully understand the impact on the implementation of BCD & ALMM by GoI. We expect there will be a transition time for the market to consider the impact of BCD and ALMM in their project and financial models before it gets stabilized.

India’s solar capacity implementation is expected to rise to 14 GW per annum between fiscals 2022 and 2024, and further beyond that given aggressive renewable energy plans.

For the last 12 years, we have been serving the Indian market and we are fully committed to this market.

What can we look forward to from Trina Solar in 2022?

We have been seeing that the Indian market is quick and fast in adapting to the new technologies. Our Vertex series has a great potential to increase developers’ revenue.

The switch to large-format modules is irresistible from the perspective of industrial chain support, cost reduction, production capacity, and market share.

There is a growing demand in the global PV market for 210mm modules, and this is expected to drive further increases in the capacity and shipments of the high-power modules.

We also expect (especially in India), that the bifacial modules in combination with trackers would be new demand in the market for achieving better LCOEs. Taking the ultra-high power module based on PERC technology as an example, according to the previous Fraunhofer ISE study made in Germany, the system value of the G12 210mm Vertex 670W mono-facial and bifacial modules is significantly higher than that of the M10 540W and M10 585W modules, and LCOE is reduced by up to 7.4%.

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 21

FEATURED TALKS

BHARAT BHUT

Co-founder & Director, Goldi Solar

"We have now added 2000 MW with our new facility in Navsari, leading to a capacity of 2.5 GW. We also plan to have 5 GW solar cell manufacturing line, and 6 GW module manufacturing capacity by 2025" SolarQuarter India magazine had an exclusive conversation with Bharat Bhut – Co-founder & Director, of Goldi Solar, and learned about the company’s journey and evolution. He also told us about the types of modules the company manufactures, their specialties, and how they ensure manufacturing excellence to develop world-class products.

As India’s leading solar brand, how has the journey of Goldi Solar been in the last 11 years?

The company was born in 2011 with the vision of harnessing an abundant power source to produce sustainable energy. This was also expected to further develop skills, as well as meet the energy requirements of a burgeoning Indian population.

Right from its inception, Goldi’s growth has never stopped. In just eleven years, we have grown from 10 MW to 500 MW manufacturing capacity. We have now added 2000 MW with our new facility in Navsari, leading to a capacity of 2.5 GW. We also plan to have 5 GW solar cell manufacturing line, and 6 GW module manufacturing capacity by 2025

What are the types of solar modules you provide. What are their specialties?

Our modules have undergone all stringent quality tests and checks at each stage of the manufacturing process and a reputed thirdparty laboratory, along with being certified for PID resistance. Our modules are also marked for “CE” certification and also tested at certified laboratories as per STQC/MNRE standards for projects initiated under the policy of the Government of India. We are certified with Integrated Management System, which includes ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018.

We cater to international business requirements and have met all the standard quality criteria in all major countries. Our modules are tested and listed for UL Certification and CEC. Our panels have successfully passed all the stringent quality tests at internationally recognized laboratories. We are certified for IEC61215, IEC61730, IEC 61701 (Salt Mist Test), IEC 62716 (Ammonia Test), IEC60068-2-68 (Sand & Dust).

Today, we supply modules to international brands in 20+ countries. As we continue to explore global export opportunities and strengthen our production, technological, and marketing capabilities, we intend to further consolidate our leadership position in the Indian solar industry.

Goldi Solar is synonymous with quality products. What are some ways by which Goldi ensures manufacturing excellence?

Each panel manufactured in Goldi Solar’s production premises undergoes a series of stringent tests at reputed third-party laboratories to ensure international quality standards. We check for efficiencies and output capacity in different geographical areas, and most importantly in challenging climatic conditions.

There are also multiple quality checkpoints to ensure that only the best quality product reaches our consumers. Goldi Solar has a history of exceptional power generation and strong performance of modules in various locations.

Performance is usually higher than promised and all modules come with a positive tolerance.

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You have recently launched highefficiency “HELOC Pro” modules.

Tell us more about it.

The name HELOC̣ stands for High-Efficiency Low on Carbon. The name is our ode to a solarpowered, energy-efficient, low-carbon economy.

The manufacturing processes are more efficient, leading to low carbon emissions. The new module features mono-facial and bi-facial modules with the latest M10 wafer size. The new modules can be widely used in utility, agriculture, industrial, institutional and rooftop applications. Vigorous quality tests have been undertaken and the modules have shown to provide mechanical support up to 5400 Pa snow load and 2400 Pa wind load. The panels come with a 12-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty.

Goldi Solar’s massive job creation news has stormed the industry.

How important is green job creation for India’s solar growth journey?

An independent study estimates, that the Indian renewable energy sector is a significant part of India’s climate action plan and could employ around a million people by 2030 – ten times the number of people currently employed.

Presently it has been estimated that about 1.1 lakh people are working in this sector, which will increase tremendously. Also, India has set 2030, 2050, and 2070 targets for combating the impacts of changing climate in its action plan. In November last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid out an ambitious agenda for India’s contribution to the global fight against climate change. Looking at the entire approach, it is clear that green job creation is critical to the country’s solar growth journey.

INDIAN RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF INDIA’S CLIMATE ACTION PLAN AND COULD EMPLOY AROUND A MILLION PEOPLE BY 2030 – TEN TIMES THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE CURRENTLY EMPLOYED.."

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FEATURED TALKS

SUSHIL BANSAL

Founder & Managing Director, Novasys Greenergy

"We have been successful in reaching out to various Solar Integrators & Developers across India and to meet their further growing demand, we are expanding our annual capacity to 300MW+ shortly"

In an interesting conversation with SolarQuarter India magazine, Sushil Bansal, Founder & Managing Director, Novasys Greenergy briefed us about the company’s journey and its products. He also shared details about the new product launch, their technologies, and future plans.

Please give us a brief overview of your company and its journey.

With our more than 26 years of experience in dealing with fossil fuels, we realized that renewable energy must have a substantial contribution to meeting our day-to-day energy needs. Our pursuits led us to set up the most advanced 100MW Solar PV Module manufacturing unit in 2019, at Nagpur which is in the central part of India and has the logistical advantage to cater to the requirements all across India.

We have been successful in reaching out to various Solar Integrators & Developers across India and to meet their further growing demand, we are expanding our annual capacity to 300MW+ shortly. We have further expansion plans in 2023-2024 and with that, our annual capacity will become 500MW in the same premises.

Tell us about your products and their specialties.

We have a wide range of PV Modules from 10Wp to 335Wp in Poly-Crystalline, 385-395Wp in full cell Mono Perc Wp with BIS certification & ALMM approval. Very soon, we are launching 540Wp+ size in Half Cut Mono Perc Cell which is needed in the market today.

Our inline quality checks such as Pre & Post EL, Hipot Testing, and fully automated robotic framing machine ensure defect-free and worldclass PV Module to our customers. Today, we have been able to meet the customer's certification level with our quality product & competitive pricing ethics.

ON THIS NEW MACHINE, WE WILL BE ABLE TO PRODUCE & SUPPLY 600WP+ SIZE OF MODULES TOO & THAT TOO WITH REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS.

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Give us some details about the new product launch of 540 Wp. In view of the growing demand for the Half Cut Mono Perc Cell module in 540Wp+ Sizes, we have ordered fully automated machines & making it operational by June-2022 end. We can supply the best quality 540Wp+ size modules from our automated setup with all certifications from July-2022. On this new machine, we will be able to produce & supply 600Wp+ size of modules too & that too with required certifications.

What are some latest technologies that are utilized in your manufacturing process?

Some of the features of our new machines are a) On our new machine, the EL Testing process will be done at String level, and b) Our new machine can handle cells from 182MM to 210MM. c) The new setup is also completely automated to ensure the production of world-class products. d) We can produce Half Cut, Bifacial cells modules on this machine which are going to be the next huge level of demand from the market.

On the technology ground, today we are at par with the world standard, and our R&D team is closely monitoring technological advancement in this sector which will be utilized from time to time in our factory too based on market demand.

WE CAN SUPPLY THE BEST QUALITY 540WP+ SIZE MODULES FROM OUR AUTOMATED SETUP WITH ALL CERTIFICATIONS FROM JULY-2022.

What are your growth plans for 2022? Any plans of expanding outside India?

In the last financial year 2021-2022, we have touched a sales turnover of INR 100 Crores and in the financial year 2022-23, we are expecting to cross-sales turnover of 200 Crores. We are definitely exploring markets outside India and for the same, we are in process of getting the required international certifications. In export, our focus would be on the Australian, African & middle east markets initially.

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FEATURED TALKS

SUMIT MEHTA

Co-founder & Director, PIXON

"Our Modules radiate excellence through quality and high return. PIXON offers exceptionally productive modules tried in our in-house PV Module Test Lab." In an exclusive chat with SolarQuarter India magazine, Sumit Mehta, Co-founder & Director, of Pixon Energy shared his views on the present solar manufacturing business. He gave us an overview of their products and what makes them stand out from others, their present capacity, and future capacity expansion plans.

What is your view on the current solar manufacturing business in India?

India already has 3GW of solar cell production capacity and 15 GW of module production capacity. Following an increased allocation of Rs 19,500 crore in the FY23 Union budget for the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for high-efficiency solar modules, the proposal to boost local manufacturing has been announced.

This is on top of the Rs4,500 crore already set up for solar photovoltaic module production under the plan.

India plans to levy a basic customs tariff of 40% on modules and 25% on solar cell imports on April 1st, prompting the production push. A substantial manufacturing zone is also being established in each of the three states to generate power and renewable energy equipment: a coastline state, a mountain state, and a landlocked state.

India wants to become more involved in the global supply chain network. PLI schemes aim to help India become a global manufacturing powerhouse by removing sectoral barriers and leveraging economies of scale to create whole component ecosystems.

At the COP26 meeting in Glasgow in November, India vowed to reduce carbon emissions by 1 billion tones by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2070.

Please give us a brief overview of your products.

Basically, PIXON manifests into solar products and creating quality solutions for the customers.

The organization is very exceptional with a bestin-class turnkey manufacturing facility of 400MW limit. Our Modules radiate excellence through quality and high return. PIXON offers exceptionally productive modules tried in our in-house PV Module Test Lab. Our top-notch scope of solar modules is designed in India utilizing European innovation and technology.

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We essentially produce 5 distinct sorts of Solar modules:Mono-Crystalline PERC Modules.

Poly-Crystalline Modules Poly-Crystalline DCR Modules Poly-Crystalline Half-Cut Cell Modules Mono-Crystalline PERC Half-Cut Cell Modules.

The PIXON’s PID-free EVA films provide higher productivity and lower shrinkages. The range of EVA Films includes: • PIX Fast Cure EVA Film

PIXON PIX Fast Cure EVA films ensure that the solar cells are protected and solar modules provide a better performance, even while facing the utmost harsh weather conditions.

• PIX Ultra-Fast Cure EVA Film

PIXON’s PID-free EVA films are suitable for all the types of solar cells and back sheets with a cycling time of fewer than 10 minutes that speeds up your module production to provide increased yield.

PIXON also gives turnkey Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Services for the installation activities. We have an in-house, allaround prepared, and devoted EPC group for the execution of solar energy projects. We additionally also provide Ground Mounted Solar solutions, Rooftop Solar solutions, and Floating Solar solutions.

How are your products different from other players in the market?

The prime USP of the organization is that it is wholly and solely dependent on a single vendor which is our machinery. PIXON has been exceptional even on specialized grounds. While the greater part of the competitors in the industry uses different sources of vendors for their production line. PIXON has purchased the best-in-class, turnkey machinery from Europe.

This permits better quality and service as it works on the sync between various machinery of the single production line.

Our Modules radiate excellence through quality and high return. PIXON offers exceptionally productive modules tried in our in-house PV Module Test Lab. Our top-notch scope of solar modules is designed in India utilizing European innovation and technology.

How is the business at PIXON progressing so far in 2022?

The role you play is very important for the success or achievement of any organization.

Many challenges come in the way of achieving your goals but after defeating those problems as a team we can make our path easier. As an innovation-driven company, PIXON keeps an open door to innovation, ideas, and trends that can propel growth. Innovation is the keystone, and it’s important to foster creativity, whether it’s in infrastructure, work culture, or processes.

PIXON is a community of young talents and seasoned professionals who collaborate to carry out creative operations with sustainable innovations. The team stays open to new ideas to foster creativity in every aspect. With time, PIXON seeks to incorporate resources that improve its creative angle, be it technology, talent, or processes. Its team is committed to tech prosperity and is always scouring the market for new ideas and trends in order to reach its ultimate aim.

What is the present manufacturing capacity? What plans for capacity addition do you have this year?

Currently, our annual production capacities stand as below: 360 MW annually for 335wp Polycrystalline 72 cell modules 400 MW annually for 395wp Monocrystalline PERC 72 cell modules 1 GW of EVA manufacturing capacity for all types of Solar Modules The expansion for the new MBB line will be done in H2 2022 which will be able to accommodate and supply capacities as below: November 2022 – 250 MW annually for 540+ Wp Modules.

January 2023 - Additional 250 MW annually for 540+ Wp modules (So our total capacity will reach around 1 GW by January 2023).

H2 2023 - we will upgrade the current line of 400 MW into MBB or other prevailing technology.

All the above facilities are located on the same premises, moreover, we have space planning to reach up to 3 GW of expansion.

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FEATURED TALKS

SAMEER MAKHIJA

Account Director, Hexagon – Asset Lifecycle Intelligence Division

"Digitization optimizes Operational Efficiency and drives effective cost control of maintaining missioncritical equipment."

SolarQuarter India magazine had an interesting chat with Sameer Makhija, Account Director, Hexagon – Asset Lifecycle Intelligence division, and learnt about the digitalization trends in asset-intensive enterprises and the types of challenges. He spoke at length about the importance of digitalization in maximizing power generation and reduction of costs.

What are the Digitization trends in Asset Intensive Enterprises?

Shift to SaaS: More organizations are deciding to migrate to SaaS variants with acceptance of a hybrid model of accessing applications, considering the benefits of SaaS. Increased usage of Mobility: There is a massive increase in the usage of mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and phablets, driving a “mobile-first” mentality across business and EAM.

Furthermore, solution integration has increased interest in leveraging EAM for greater insight into asset lifecycle management (ALM), asset performance management (APM), and reliabilitycentered maintenance (RCM). Also, there’s a next-gen solution vision with the expansion of sensor and Industrial IoT (IIoT) connectivity, as well as predictive maintenance, analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI).

How does digitalization aid in maximizing generation and reducing costs?

Below is the Summary of Some Key Benefits:

Digitization helps achieve intelligent performance insights into mission-critical assets. It allows stakeholders to make informed decisions at the right time, which is a conduit for safe operations and increased productivity.

It reduces regulatory & operational risks with sustainable asset management identifying assets responsible for consuming higher energy, further helping achieve auditable compliant operations.

It provides a 360-degree view of assets from the acquisition stage to withdrawal from the organization.

It increases asset utilization and results in higher production output and increased revenue.

It optimizes Operational Efficiency and drives effective cost control of maintaining mission-critical equipment.

Will it lead to better predicting failures (what does this change)?

Yes, the Planned Digitization strategy indeed leads to better prediction of failure. When implemented effectively, new Gen technologies are designed to support Enterprises manage complex maintenance and supply chain processes with more maturity and greater transparency.

When it comes to the maintenance process optimization leading to cost reduction and asset availability, the enterprise can embark on a digital journey based on the maturity of resources, available investment, and the proper maintenance strategy. For example, identifying critical assets within the organization whose failure will impact an organization the most can be digitization’s first business area. If we have been tasked to implement solutions like inspections using drones or IoT sensors, the critical assets will be in the first set of asset lists where the solutions have to be deployed.

What are the Typical Enterprise Level Challenges in Asset Intensive Companies, Especially Renewable Energy?

Different Stakeholders in companies may feel a bit disconnected if: The finance team is more concerned with operating margin, revenue growth, capital allocation, The risk & governance team focuses on risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and ESG, The people & technology objective is the acceleration of digitalization, safe operations, and retaining talent & knowledge.

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About HxGN EAM HxGN EAM is an industry-leading asset management software to extend asset lifecycles and improve productivity. Built upon more than 30 years of experience and continuous innovation, HxGN EAM (formerly Infor EAM) is helping organizations shift their critical asset management to a prescriptive maintenance approach as they evolve from EAM to Asset Performance Management (APM). APM’s foundation includes a wide range of risk, condition, and reliability-based maintenance instruments, IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, and applied technologies such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning). APM can deliver trusted and accurate data, information, and strategic insights that can drive your decisions and guarantee policy compliance that aligns with your company’s investment plan.

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FEATURED TALKS

VARUN SACHAR Founder & CEO, Asun Trackers

"Our technology helps the developers improve on their CUF by not overloading their plant on the DC side (which adds to the cost by increasing the number of panels and BoS) with existing MMS."

SolarQuarter India magazine had an exclusive conversation with Varun Sachar, Founder & CEO, of Asun Trackers, and learned about their 2 Axis PV trackers, their competitive edge over others, and how they generate higher yield with lower investment and improved IRR. He also shared his views on how the tracker technology will evolve in the near future.

Please help our readers understand Asun's 2 Axis Solar PV trackers.

Optimised Angle of Incidence Across Seasons: For best performance, the angle of incidence of the sun irradiation on the solar PV panel must be perpendicular or near perpendicular at all times. This was easier said than However, the sun not only moves from East to West every day but also shifts its path from North to South. The available Tracking technologies either allowed tracking East to West, hence the name SingleAxis, however, this resulted in significant losses in winter months, because while the panels were moving east to west but since the sun’s path had shifted lower in the sky, the angle of incidence throughout the day was never anywhere near normal. The available Dual Axis design took care of this shortcoming by tracking along both axes, but owing to prevalent designs the cost was very high thus often unviable for project economics.

We have solved not only the movement along with the two axes challenge but also surmounted the cost hurdle too, through innovation and astute design engineering.

Our 2 Axis Solar PV Tracker is a technology that effectively plugs all the inherent conceptual and cost shortcomings in the MMS options available in the market. With our innovation in design and cost engineering our Tracker has the potential to disrupt the existing market of Single Axis Trackers.

The existing Horizontal Mount Single Axis Trackers have a serious shortcoming, while they do track the sun East to West during the day, they fail to accommodate the seasonal North to South shift in the sun’s path. That is why their yield actually falls during the winter months, sometimes even lower than that of fixed mount MMS. That is where our 2 Axis design scores.

Ours Next-Generation solar tracker offers a near Dual Axis performance, thus maintaining consistently higher yield, across seasons, throughout the year. I call our technology disruptive because we are able to offer this performance at a cost close to that of a Single Axis Tracker.

What is the competitive edge that Asun 2 Axis Solar PV Trackers have over other trackers?

With falling solar power tariffs all over the world, the developers and investors have only one option, to bring about operational and cost efficiencies in their plants. Which includes improving their LCoE and increasing their project IRRs. Our technology helps the developers achieve exactly that. They can improve on their CUF by not overloading their plant on the DC side (which adds to the cost by increasing the number of panels and BoS) as is the case with existing MMSs because they have significantly higher yields coming from a given number of panels.

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Effective Across a Wider Band of Locations Asun 2-Axis Tracker is effective at all locations on the globe whether above the Tropic of Cancer or below the Tropic of Capricorn, whereas the existing single-axis tracker is only effective close to the equator.

Validated Design We did our first pilot project in Roorkee (above the Tropic of Cancer) in our 2 MW solar park. For this project, we already had a Fixed tilt and SAT installation and therefore we were able to compare the day-to-day performance with our new 2-Axis Tracker in real-time. The results gathered at the end of the full 1 year proved that the 2-axis tracker gave 3 times the yield compared with SAT over fixed-tilt. Below please find the comparative graph.

‘X’-axis in KwH, ‘Y’-axis in Months Performance: 2-Axis over Fixed Tilt in % 19.88 SAT over Fixed Tilt in % 6.65

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Summary: Keeping the above five critical areas, Asun has innovated a new & enhanced solar PV tracking technology which always keeps the angle of incidence close to 90° as it moves on two axes i.e East to West & North to South simultaneously. This new innovation is called the “2-Axis Solar PV Tracker”. It gives performance close to DAT at the cost of SAT. This reduces the LCoE and improves project IRR.

Please tell us how the ASUN trackers generate higher yield with lower investment and improved IRR? While designing the 2-Axis Tracker we kept the weight of the steel structure similar to a single axis tracker with an average yield parity at 2.5:1 across the globe (the yield parity will be lesser close to the equator and higher above the Tropic of Cancer and below the Tropic of Capricorn.

This categorically differentiates its effectiveness across the globe. Please see the pic below where simulation has been done with help of available software (PVSyT): These are tentative figures from third-party software.

What are some advanced technologies integrated into your trackers?

The advanced technology in our 2-axis tracker is that it moves on two different axes i.e East to West and North to South simultaneously, with the help of two electric actuators and an advanced electronic controller. It is modular in design, Highly suitable for Bifacial modules, self-lubricating bearings

How do you see tracker technology evolving in the coming future?

Trackers today are evolving very fast because of many factors mainly due to module capacities, which have increased from 300 watts in 2015 to 600+ watts in 2022. With this, the MMS used is on the lower side, requires lesser land, requires lesser cabling, and faster installation. This has reduced the cost of BoS. Trackers have made inroads that have reduced the DC loading with a marginal increase in cost for trackers, which makes it a viable solution nowadays.

To the latest market survey by Reuters events, the market for trackers in the US is estimated to be around 20-25 GW in 2022-23, with 90% installations on trackers. India has started moving towards the same trend in reducing LCoE

What are your future plans for growth and expansion?

Asun has been granted design registration in India and pending patents in 30 countries all above the Tropic of Cancer including India. Asun has been awarded the patent for the USA in September 2021 and is pending for other countries.

Asun wants to take early movers' advantage by appointing business associates in various regions and working on the Technology Transfer/Licensee model.

Based on these assumptions the yield from the 2-axis tracker is higher than the single-axis tracker by 2.5 times. With an additional cost of 10-12%.

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OURS NEXTGENERATION SOLAR TRACKER OFFERS A NEAR DUAL AXIS PERFORMANCE, THUS MAINTAINING CONSISTENTLY HIGHER YIELD, ACROSS SEASONS, THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. I CALL OUR TECHNOLOGY DISRUPTIVE BECAUSE WE ARE ABLE TO OFFER THIS PERFORMANCE AT A COST CLOSE TO THAT OF A SINGLE AXIS TRACKER."

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FEATURED TALKS

MR. SUNIL BADESRA Country Head, Sungrow India

"Other Indian manufacturers are there, who are in the Indian market for more than ten years and still they’re importing the inverters from other countries."

Sungrow has a huge manufacturing capacity in India, which is more than 10 GW. So what were the factors that inspired this massive expansion and Make in India facility?

Four years back when we put up our 3 GW setup, we were expecting that maybe the Indian market will operate somewhere around 7-8 GW every year and that was happening but in the last couple of years, we have seen that this figure has crossed even 9 GW. So, based on that if we calculate, this 3 GW setup was not sufficient for us and at the same time the kind of demand which is coming in the market not only in the inverter but also the storage front, we decided it is the right time to do the expansion.

This is the reason why we are expanding this factory from 3 GW to 10 GW capacity. I’m sure that in case we are not able to utilise this 10 GW set up here, the extra capacity we can utilise to export the inverters to other countries as well.

WE ARE PLANNING TO MANUFACTURE IT LOCALLY AND THEN SELL IT IN THE INDIAN MARKET. IN TERMS OF CAPACITY, THERE IS NO CHALLENGE, WE CAN IMMEDIATELY INCREASE IT LIKE THIS TIME WE HAVE DONE IT IN ONE YEAR AND IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE DEMAND

Is there a plan to expand Sungrow’s India factory beyond 10 GW capacity? Is there a road map in terms of capacity addition that is already set?

Yes, we are already exploring but not in terms of the capacity but the new products which we are launching in the Indian market. We have planned to add a robotic cleaning system, which maybe you’ll see in the next couple of years. We are planning to manufacture it locally and then sell it in the Indian market. In terms of capacity, there is no challenge, we can immediately increase it like this time we have done it in one year and it all depends on the demand which is coming from the market. If market demand is there then definitely we are always ready to increase the investment in India.

How is an expansion planned to cover more and more services from Sungrow, especially with respect to first energy storage and then robotic cleaning?

Let me give you a brief on how we’re planning with this 10 GW setup. The current setup of 3GW which we’re having is majorly the assembly. But in this 10 GW set-up expansion, the major thing is the SMT line which we’re putting in. It means all the PCBs which are getting used in the inverters are going to be local and the reason behind it is that there is the

majority of the tenders, which are coming these days, are asking for their class-1 requirement which says that at least 50% local content should be there in the inverter. So, I think we will be the first company who is going to do this by having a local SMT line for all range of products.

In this 10 GW, we have done 4 GW is a string inverter then a balance of 6 GW is for the central inverters. Whatever the numbers I’m telling you, are based on the single shift, so you can understand, in case we run the factory in two or three shifts, that the capacity is going to get multiplied accordingly. The other products which we are planning are in the BESS. We have already closed a couple of storage projects in India on a bigger scale, 50 MWh+ and going forward we’re expecting that more and more storage projects are going to come into the Indian market. We are hopeful that as soon as these projects actually start execution on the ground so we are going to have all the electronics components which are used in BESS solutions like PCS we’re going to manufacture locally in India. Even we are also exploring the assemble battery cells locally, in case these things work out and can give some advantage to our customers. So, definitely, we are ready to do the investment in that batteries as well and as I mentioned we are launching few other products like Robotic cleaning systems with the name Sunpure and maybe in next couple of years we will set up a new factory for that if demand remains there and will start supplying all the robotic cleaning system locally from Indian factory. We also have planned to come in the EV segment so there also you will see some movement 6-7 months later.

WHICH IS COMING FROM THE MARKET."

Kindly tell us more about which countries are you targeting to serve?

In the last four years, we have shipped around 15 gigawatts of the inverter from the Indian factory and that shipment has gone to the U.S. market for another couple of projects, we have supplied in the Europe market as well. Also, the countries which are near to India such as Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh also we’re going to cover from this factory. Now, we are expanding the setup to 10GW, so we are also exploring Middle East market projects if we are left with some extra capacity.

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APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 28

How is Sungrow reacting to the market? How is it spearheading the future as it has always done?

Six years ago, when we entered the Indian market, then only European suppliers were there. So, how were we able to make our position in the Indian market? It was because of those solutions which we were offering to Indian customers at that time, 5-6 years ago. At that time market was completely operating on a 4 MW block size in a solar plant on a utility-scale.

Then, we shifted that market from 4MW to a 10 MW block size, where customers were able to save on BOS costs. So this is one of the major reasons why this price tariff has been achieved which the IPPs are bidding on today. Definitely, technology plays a very vital role in that. Later on, from 10 MW size, we made the solution for 12.5 MW. Worldwide, Sungrow was the only company that first made 10 MW size possible for customers than 12.5 MW and now 12.5 MW is in the market for the last four years. Now, we are coming up with new product solutions.

The new inverter range which we have started proposing to our customers which is going to give them some indirect benefits in terms of BOS or how they’re going to maintain the inverters over a period of 25 years so there are many things happening. I think over a period of six months you will see what different solutions we are offering in the Indian market and then I’ll be in a better situation to give you the detailed information on this frame but yes, this is about the block size inverter rating and secondly, the site initially 1000 Volt market was there then we shifted to 1500 Volt now a lot of R&D happening, where 2000 or 2100 Volt solutions are getting worked out. As an inverter supplier will be ready to provide the solution to meet the demand of the market in terms of the new technology which is going to come. Aside from this, there are many other things happening, we’re working on R & where we are planning to remove the transformer also so you can connect directly inverter output directly to the 33 KV alignment.

Over a period of years, you’ll see the new solutions which we’re going to offer in the market.

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How much has the Indian government supported or encouraged you? What have been the responses since you have set up?

I have personally met with the MNRE team many times and mentioned the challenges we have faced in previous years. Also, we have been sharing feedback with them, continuously. Even today, we are facing challenges in the market which is related to the investment, what we have done in the market and the setup we have put up in Bangalore to make this 10 GW possible. So, the major challenge that we’re facing right now is that despite investing, we’re not getting expected support because especially in the rooftop segment there are, except Sungrow, no other company has Make in India inverters. Other Indian manufacturers are there, who are in the Indian market for more than ten years and still they’re importing the inverters from other countries. So, this kind of support we are expecting from the government, we were pushing them to impose the duty and definitely, they have taken one step. Now, we are expecting that this duty should be increased so that the kind of infiltration which is still happening from outside could be stopped.

Otherwise, the kind of investment we have done and the efforts we are putting in Indian markets, sometimes we lack the motivation. This is one of the major things which we are expecting.

Secondly, when we’re talking about PLI, people are talking about PLI only in terms of modules. I have said multiple times that I understand the modules’ contribution in any solar project is about 60% to 65% but the inverter is also one of the major components which we cannot ignore along with the other BOS items. That kind of motivation is very important to the suppliers like us. It is not only as even for other inverter suppliers but also even for other BOS components. This kind of scheme is not going to have much impact on us but if it comes into action then definitely it’s a kind of additional motivation. It will be like, the government is thinking and have some attention to the inverter

companies. Currently, we are just feeling that the inverter is completely ignored by the government. Nobody talks about the inverter, it’s just ‘module’ talk. These are the major things, so any other additional benefits if the government can give to the players who are making an additional investment by fulfilling a requirement or 50% local content. This is going to be an additional motivating factor for us.

MARKET FOR ANOTHER COUPLE OF PROJECTS, WE HAVE SUPPLIED IN THE EUROPE MARKET AS WELL. ALSO, THE COUNTRIES WHICH ARE NEAR TO INDIA SUCH AS SRI LANKA, NEPAL AND BANGLADESH ALSO WE’RE GOING TO COVER FROM THIS FACTORY."

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SOLARQUARTER RESEARCH

POLICY & REGULATORY OVERVIEW Imported Backsheet Going To Face Anti Dumping Duty As Per DGTR’s Recommendation: DGTR published its recommendation on anti-dumping duty over imported fluoro backsheet based on the investigation period (POI) from Oct 1, 2019, to Sep 30, 2020, based on a petition filed by Renewsys Limited. The directorate conducted injury analysis in various periods to assess the impact of the dumping on the domestic industry. The periods are April 1, 2017, to March 2018, April 2018 to March 2019, April 2019 to March 2020, and the actual investing period. Renewsys has established that they are equally capable of manufacturing the same quality imported backsheet of different types i.e. fully laminated, fully coated & partially coated. They also acknowledged their limitations in transparent backsheet manufacturing. Accordingly, DGTR excluded the transparent backsheet type from the investigation. In the period of investigation, a total of 331MT units of fluoro backsheet were imported whereas the total demand was 283MT. The share of imported backsheet from China was a whopping 117%. Thus the dumping of fluoro backsheet from the subject country is clearly evident. After analyzing all assessments and the extent of the injury to the domestic industry due to the dumping of imported backsheet, DGTR has recommended anti-dumping duty as per the following rate for up to five years from the notification of the anti-dumping duty implementation date by the government of India.

Sl No 1

2

3

Description

Country Of Origin

Country of Export

Producer

Amount ($/MT)

Fluoro backsheet excluding transparent backsheet

China PR

Any country including China PR

Jolywood

762

Fluoro backsheet excluding transparent backsheet

China PR

Any country including China PR

Any producer other than Jolywood

908

Fluoro backsheet excluding transparent backsheet

China PR

Any

908

MNRE updated ALMM list on 05.04.2022: On April 5, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced the latest update to the ALMM list (Approved List of Module Manufacturers). The updated list includes ten new manufacturers, as well as an increase in Tata Power's capacity by 100 MW and Premier Energies' capacity by 711 MW. Hyderabad-based Novus Green Energy Systems Limited's 215 MW approval is included. The remaining nine manufacturers are all minor manufacturers with capacities ranging from 20 MW to 100 MW. The MNRE extended the deadline for implementing ALMM from April 1 to October 2022 on March 28. All open access, net metering, and government solar development projects are required to employ modules only approved under ALMM. The decision by the MNRE to extend the approved list of models and manufacturers (ALMM) by six months, until October, may provide a temporary boost to solar projects already under construction.

Chinese module producers can now supply non-government solar projects in India for the next six months.

MNRE has invited proposals for an innovative pilot demonstration project under GIZ - MNRE bilateral project: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has invited proposals for a pilot demonstration of new and innovative solar applications under Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and MNRE bilateral project.The project named ‘Innovative Solar Areas (IN-Solar)’ covered the scope of India’s ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ (AKAM) initiative. The objective of the project is to find innovative ways for expanding the application of photovoltaics to optimize the use of land. Companies or start-ups incorporated under the Companies Act, research institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, societies registered under the Society Act, foreign companies, or research institutions in partnership with Indian companies are eligible to participate in the project. The project must be implemented within six months from the formal signing of the agreement. A representative from MNRE, the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), and GIZ will ensure the applications are filled and submitted along with supporting documents. The results and score will be announced further, to which GIZ will enter into a contract with the winner to disburse the grant for the pilot project. The winner will be provided with a maximum of €200,000 to procure materials for the pilot project.

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Govt Wants To Set Up A Manufacturing Zone On Pilot Basis for Power, Renewable Energy Sector: The Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) have issued an expression of interest (EoI) to set up manufacturing zones for power and renewable energy equipment.

The zones will include manufacturing units to produce power and renewable energy equipment with a total financial outlay of INR10 billion. The project’s duration is five years from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26. The last date for submission of an Expression of Interest is 8th June 2022. Pre-EOI Meeting will be on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 11:00 AM. The last date for submission of queries or information required by Proposers is Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at 04:00 PM and the Issue of clarifications, addendum, or revised EOI is on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at 04:00 PM. EOI Process Authority has adopted a single-stage EOI Process for the selection of the Successful Proposer. Each Proposer is required to submit a single Proposal. All Proposals are required to be prepared and submitted in accordance with the terms of this EOI on or before the proposal due date. Any queries or requests for additional information relating to this EOI shall be submitted to the EOI Process Authority in accordance.

The Ministry of Power launches the National Open Access Registry (NOAR): NOAR is a centralized online platform through which short-term open access to the inter-state transmission system is managed in India. It is an integrated platform accessible to all stakeholders in the power sector, including open access customers (both sellers and buyers), power traders, power exchanges, National/Regional/State LDCs, and others. National Load Despatch Center (NLDC), operated by Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO), has been designated the nodal agency for implementing and operating this platform.NOAR platform provides transparency and a seamless flow of information among stakeholders of open access. It would be key to facilitating faster electricity markets and enabling the integration of Renewable Energy (RE) resources into the grid.

NOAR will enable seamless market participation by the open-access consumer with easier and faster access to the short-term electricity market, comprising about 10% of all Indian demand. NOAR is part of the Ministry of Power, the Government of India’s initiative, and the required regulatory framework has been notified by the CERC dated 01.04.2022, under Regulation 4 of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Open Access in inter-State Transmission) (Fifth Amendment) Regulations, 2018.

CERC Approves Time Extension To PXIL To Comply With ‘Power Market Regulation (PMR) 2021’: According to the newly notified PMR 2021, all existing power exchanges are required to realign their bylaws, rules, and business rules in accordance with PMR 2021 and to seek approval from the commission within six months of enforcement of

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 30

new regulations. Accordingly, India’s one of the major power exchanges, Power Exchange Of India Ltd (PXIL), prayed to the commission for an extension of time to comply with PMR 2021.

Prayer A: Grant an additional time period till 31.03.2024 for complying with the minimum net worth requirement of INR 50Cr under regulation 14 of PMR. Prayer B: Grant an additional time period till 31.03.2024 for complying with the required shareholding pattern under regulation 14 of PMR 2021.Prayer C: Approve the changes proposed in Bye-laws, rules, and business rules of exchange under regulation 12 of the PMR. Prayer D: Exempt levy of ISTS charge and loss and permit submission of application to SLDC for scheduling an intrastate transaction wherein the buyer and the seller are connected to the intrastate network of the state for contracts approved under PMR 2021.

After analyzing all inputs from petitioners in the matter of maintaining a minimum net worth of 50Cr, the commission gave an extension time until 31.03.2023 to comply with PMR 2021 regulation. In the matter of the shareholding pattern, the commission gave an extension time until 31.03.2023 to comply with PMR 2021. In the matter of approval of the changes proposed in Bye-laws, rules, and business rules of exchange under regulation 12 of the PMR, the commission indicated its observation/ direction in a separate annexure of the order. The commission directed PXIL to amend its bylaws, rules, and business rules. In the matter of Exempt levy of ISTS charge and loss and permit submission of application to SLDC, the commission rejected the prayer due to the matter being out of the purview of the commission's lookout.

Boost For Domestic PV Module Manufacturing – CERC Adopts Tariff For Manufacturing Linked Tender SECI, the nodal agency responsible for the implementation of the 12GW solar power plant connected with ISTS linked with setting up the solar manufacturing unit, asked the commission for approval of discovered tariff for 8.8GW capacity. After several amendments and revisions of capacity with the inclusion of the greenshoe option, the awarded capacity to two winners is as follows.

Sl No

Awarded Bidder

Awarded Capacity (MW)

Manufacturing Capacity (MW)

1

Adani Green Energy

4000

1000

2

Azure Power

8000

2000

12000

3000

Total

Out of the total 12GW awarded capacity, SECI has signed a letter of award (LOA) with Adani Green Energy at 2.42 INR/Kwh in respect of 4667MW and at 2.54 INR/Kwh in respect of 1200MW. LOA rates for Azure power are 2.42 INR/Kwh in respect of 2333MW and 2.54 INR/Kwh in respect of 600MW. SECI has to open a letter of credit (LOC) for payment security of the awarded developer. The remaining 3200MW out of a total 1200 MW capacity, for which a power sale agreement (PSA) is still pending, will be done by SECI at the earliest.

CERC Orders RUMSL To Have Separate PPA For Power Procurement During Night Or Non-generation Time: Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd (RUMSL), a joint venture company of Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (MPUVNL) and Solar Energy Corporation Of India (SECI), awarded 250 MW capacity each to three different solar power developers. Accordingly, as of date, the three solar power developers have commissioned part of the awarded capacity as shown in the figure below.

As per the commission’s analysis, In the absence of any power purchase agreement between DISCOM and SPDs for power drawl at night time, the petitioner’s claim to raise the bill for nighttime power drawl from the grid is rejected. Further, the commission ordered the SPDs to have separate power purchase agreements between state DISCOM or any other entity to procure power in open access mode. Until then, WRLDC will continue to raise bills as per the present methodology of DSM regulation, 2014.

RUMSL’s Proposed 550MW Solar Power Plant’s Tariff Rate Gets Approved By Commission: With respect to the tender issued by RUMSL (Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd), a 50:50 joint venture company between SECI and MPUVNL (Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd), for setting up a 550MW solar power plant in Agar district of Madhya Pradesh, on July 2021 two bidders were selected after the e-reverse auction. The shortlisted bidder with the discovered tariff rate is given below.

Sl No

Selected Solar Power Developer

Unit & Allocated Capacity

INR/Kwh

1

Avaada Energy Pvt Ltd

Unit 1 (200MW)

2.459

2

Beempow Energy Pvt Ltd

Unit 2 (350MW)

2.444

After analyzing all submitted documents by the petitioner, the commission adopts the awarded tariff rate for the whole time period of PPA duration.

Payment Security Mechanism (PSM): For the purpose of the payment mechanism, all end procurers need to open a letter of mandate to the Reserve Bank Of India (RBI), authorizing the RBI to debit the procurer’s account and credit the account of Solar Power Developer (SPD) up to an amount equal to the applicable tariff for the energy quantum equivalent to guaranteed energy offtake for four months, which may be drawn upon by the solar power developer by way of the debit claim.

CERC Adopts Tariff For 450MW Shajapur Solar Park: Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL), entrusted with the responsibility to carry out bidding, select suitable solar power developer, to develop, operate and maintain 450MW Shajapur Solar Park split into three units of 105MW (Unit 1), 220MW (Unit 2) & 125MW (Unit 3) respectively. In the context of the above RUMSL has submitted a petition to CERC for the adoption of discovered tariff under e reverse auction process. In response, NTPC claimed that on the date of bid submission GST payable was 8.9% [70% of 5% +30% of 18%], which was considered by NTPC REL while submitting its bid. However, pursuant to the above, on 30.9.2021, the Ministry of Finance, Government of India vide Notification No. 8/2021 omitted the S. No. 234 from Scheduled 1 and inserted S. No. 201A in Schedule II which attracts GST of 6% upon renewable energy devices and parties for their manufacture. As a result of the aforesaid notification, GST at the rate of 12% became applicable upon the renewable energy devices and parts for their manufacture instead of 5% which was initially applicable to solar power generators. Since the aforesaid event has occurred after the cut-off date i.e.

28.6.2021, NTPC claims to fulfill all the ingredients of the Change in Law provisions and expected revision of the PPA rate as applicable. But after analyzing all parties' claims, the commission adopts the following individual tariff for the solar PV power projects as agreed to by the successful bidders, which shall remain valid throughout the period covered in the PPAs.

Sl No

Solar Power Developer

Commissioned Capacity As On Date (MW)

Awarded Capacity (MW)

1

M/S Athena Jaipur Solar Power Private Ltd

150

250

2

M/S Mahindra Renewable Pvt Ltd

200

250

Solar Developer

3

M/S Arisun Clean Energy Pvt Ltd

35.7

250

NTPC Renewable (Unit 1)

105

2.35

NTPC Renewable (Unit 2)

220

2.33

Talettutayi Solar Projects Nine Pvt Ltd

125

2.339

Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company Ltd (MPPMCL) has submitted a petition to CERC about non-payment against power drawl by the solar power developers (SPD) at night time or non-generation time and in case of maintenance or shutdown time. MPPMCL projected the power draw by three SPDs would be in tune of 160MU from the grid after commissioning of full capacity i.e. 750 MW.

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Installed Capacity (MW)

Tariff Rate (INR/Kwh)

CREDITS: SOLARQUARTER RESEARCH DESK APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 31

Market Statistics Month on Month (MoM) Annual Solar Installed Capacity Trend

Recently Concluded Auction Detail F E B - M A Y

2 0 2 2

Auction Detail

Tariff Rate (INR/Kwh)

SECI's Karnataka (TrancheX) - Fortum

2.36

GUVNL 500MW Phase XIII Fortum Power

2.29

GUVNL 500MW Phase XIII Hinduja Renewable Ltd

2.29

GUVNL 500MW Phase XIII SJVN Ltd

2.29

GUVNL 500MW Phase XIII UPC Renewable

2.29

RUMSL 600MW Floating Solar Park at Omkereswar Reservior (Phase-I) - AMP Energy

3.21

RUMSL 600MW Floating Solar Park at Omkereswar Reservior (Phase-I) - NHDC

3.22

RUMSL 600MW Floating Solar Park at Omkereswar Reservior (Phase-I) - SJVN

3.26

Year on Year (Yoy)% Share of Solar Capacity In Cumulative RE Capacity TiII April 2022

2022

49.7%

2020

39.9%

2018

31.4%

2021

42.6%

2019

36.3%

2017

21.4%

Solar Energy Generation (MU) Annual Trend

55.3 India's Present Installed Capacity

GW

Forecasted Capacity as per MNRE Target

Forecast

100GW by 2022

44.67GW

280GW by 2030

67.17GW by 2023

Recently Awarded Auction Detail

89.67GW by 2024 112.17GW by 2025

SOLARQUARTER RESEARCH

POLICY ANALYSIS Imported Backsheet Going To Face Anti Dumping Duty As Per DGTR’s Recommendation On March 2021, upon request of India’s major backsheet producer Renewsys India Pvt Ltd, DGTR had initiated an anti-dumping duty investigation on imported fluoro based originating from China.

Backsheet is a polymer-based component used in the manufacturing of solar PV modules. It is manufactured using a lamination process where one or more sheets are laminated/ coated using solvent or extrusion lamination and/or liquid coating technology. Currently, there are mainly two types of backsheet, fluoro, and non-fluoro. Fluoro type of backsheet majorly used for solar PV module manufacturing due to superior quality and reliability.

DGTR published its recommendation on anti-dumping duty over imported fluoro backsheet based on the investigation period (POI) from Oct 1, 2019, to Sep 30, 2020. The directorate conducted injury analysis in various periods to assess the impact of the dumping on the domestic industry. The periods are April 1, 2017, to March 2018, April 2018 to March 2019, April 2019 to March 2020, and the actual investing period.

The backsheet supplier under investigation was as follows: Cybrid Technologies Inc. Jolywood (Suzhou) Sunwatt Co. Ltd Coveme Engineered Films Zhangjiang Co.Ltd Crown Advanced Material Co. Ltd Jiangsu Shuangxing Color Plastic New Materials Co. Ltd Anhui Evergreen New Material Technology Co Ltd

Particulars

2017-18

2018-19

Import from subject country

100

144

313

331

Import from other countries

100

202

48

6

Total Demand

100

150

252

283

Share of the subject country in demand (%)

100

96

124

117

2019-20

POI (Period Of Investigation)

Source: DGTR notification As per the data, price undercutting of imported backsheet in comparison to the domestic product was between 0-20% in POI duration.

Price Undercutting: The net selling price of the domestic industry – landed value of the product.

Directorate also acknowledges due to dumping, the domestic industry turned into losses during the POI. And also company’s PBIT (Profit before tax), ROCE, and Cash profit turned negative during the investigation period.

After analyzing all assessments and the extent of the injury to the domestic industry due to the dumping of imported backsheet, DGTR has recommended anti-dumping duty as per the following rate for up to five years from the notification of the anti-dumping duty implementation date by the government of India.

Hongzhou First Applied Material Co.Ltd Grand New Material Co.Ltd DSM China Ltd

Sl No

Heading Description

Country Of Origin

Country of Export

Producer

Amount ($/MT)

1

3920, 3921

Fluoro backsheet excluding transparent backsheet

China PR

Any country including China PR

Jolywood

762

Any country including China PR

Any producer other than Jolywood

908

3920, 3921

Fluoro backsheet excluding transparent backsheet

China PR

2

3

3920, 3921

Fluoro backsheet excluding transparent backsheet

China PR

Any

908

Changzhou Huitian New Material Co M/S Shanghai Huitian New Material Co. Ltd Renewsys has established that they are equally capable to manufacture the same quality imported backsheet of different types i.e. fully laminated, fully coated & partially coated. They also acknowledged their limitation in transparent backsheet manufacturing. Accordingly, DGTR excluded transparent backsheet types from the investigation.

After analyzing all import data available from DGCI&S, it is evident that in the period of investigation a total of 331MT unit of fluoro backsheet has been imported whereas the total demand was 283MT. The share of imported backsheet from China was a whopping 117%. Thus the dumping of fluoro backsheet from the subject country is clearly evident.

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APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 34

COVER STORY

Focus: South India

Where are Southern States positioned in the Renewable Race? How is South India Poised to Contribute to India’s Renewable Target of 2030?

Prelude Installed renewable power generation capacity has gained pace over the past few years, posting a CAGR of 17.33% between FY16-20. In fact, in June 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that renewable energy capacity in India increased by 250% between 2014 and 2021. A significant contributor to this is the southern Indian region. As India rapidly progresses towards its 2030 RE target, the south Indian states are likely to drive the renewable energy push. At present, the four southern states (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and united Andhra Pradesh) have 1.5+ GW of solar energy potential and 1.1+ GW of wind energy potential, making them the major contributors to India’s renewable energy ambitions. Though renewable energy penetration is highly variable by the state in India, it is important to note that five out of the ten renewable-rich states in India are the south Indian states! In order to drive India’s RE ambition, a huge amount of investment will also be required to strengthen the intra-region transmission infrastructure and to give an overall push to the sector. With the increased support of the Government and improved economics, the sector has become attractive from an investor's perspective. As India looks to meet its energy demand on its own, which is expected to reach 15,820 TWh by 2040, renewable energy is set to play an important role, and we can definitely say that the south Indian states are going to be the torchbearers.

RAVI KUMAR CO-FOUNDER & CEO, DEXLER ENERGY

This means India has to step on the accelerator to add more capacities to cater to this demand. It is abundantly clear that coal is not the way forward and it is an established fact that renewable technologies can meet this growth in a sustainable way at a fraction of the cost. India’s 500 GW plan is right on target for India to grow sustainably and the Southern States are expected to play a huge role in how this shapes up.

The southern states have been among the first states to embrace their renewable potential in India and at one point a couple of years ago have contributed to more than 50% of India’s renewable energy.

According to the LGBR of the Central Electricity Authority of India (CEA), the electrical energy demand for 2021–2022 is 1500 billion units. With a moderate GDP growth, it is estimated that we will touch 2100 billion units by 2031. Increasing urbanization and rising income levels are responsibly increasing the demand for electrical appliances. The increased demand for materials for buildings, transportation, and infrastructure is driving the industrial demand for electricity. Increased mechanization and groundwater irrigation across the country is increasing the demand in the Agri sector. The increasing penetration of electric vehicles will only fuel the demand for electricity further up and India could potentially go beyond the electricity requirements estimated. This does not take into account the ambitious plans that India has to be a pioneer in manufacturing Green Hydrogen. Add that and it will only drive the demand further up.

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CSTEP recently conducted a study and estimates that all the southern states combined have 1,526 GW of solar energy potential and 1,124 GW of wind energy potential. Compare that with the fact that to replace India’s coal-based power today we will need about 1000 GWs of Solar Energy.

The installed capacity of renewables as of today shows that Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are among the top 2 States in India. Two of India’s largest solar parks are in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Out of India’s approved plan to develop 20 GW of solar parks, more than 30% of those in the Southern States.

Southern States have been blessed with abundant wind and solar potential and expectedly will have a huge role to play in India’s ambitious plans to add 500 GW of renewables by 2030.

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 35

The Green Energy Corridor which allows for the transfer of renewable energy from resource-rich states to other parts is a critical element that will aid in the growth of renewables in the Southern States. About 34% of sub-station capacity being added under this plan is in the southern states ensuring that capacity addition in these states will be smoothly absorbed allowing for the RE potential here to be explored to its fullest.

Tamil Nadu, which is called the “Detroit of India” for its auto manufacturing prowess is considered the country’s preeminent “EV capital” and boasts $2.5 billion in investment commitments from electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and TVS Motor. Karnataka with its progressive EV policy encouraging investments is home to a number of other EV manufacturers. Pointing to an increased role these states are playing in changing landscape in India.

These states are poised better not just because of the renewable energy potential but also other metrics such as GDP – TN and Karnataka feature in the top 5 contributors and AP, Tel and Kerala are at 8,9 and 10, Industrialisation – TN has the largest number of factories in India, per capita income – TN, Ktk, Kerala feature among the top ten, infrastructure- TN, Ap, Ktk feature among the top 6 in terms of development projects with well-developed infrastructure, road, rail network, ports, and airports.

With the government’s – both State and Central intent, green energy objectives, the renewable sector, is growing considerably in an attractive manner with both foreign and domestic investors. These 5 states are already leading charts on many fronts and combined with a progressive regulatory and policy environment will be a perfect melting pot for accelerating renewable energy capacity addition in India.

It is no coincidence that Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are vying to attract the attention of module manufacturers to set up their bases in their respective states. TN is already home to Vikram solar which has set up a 1.2 GW manufacturing facility at Oragadam. Tata Solar and Acme Solar are looking to set up their manufacturing facilities in TN. Adani Group has recently signed an MoU for a Rs 60,000 crore plan for green energy in Andhra Pradesh, similarly Renew has signed MoU for a 50,000 crore investment plan in Karnataka.

THE SOUTHERN STATES HAVE BEEN AMONG THE FIRST STATES TO EMBRACE THEIR RENEWABLE POTENTIAL IN INDIA AND AT ONE POINT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO MORE THAN 50% OF INDIA’S RENEWABLE ENERGY."

KR HARI NARAYAN FOUNDER & CEO, U-SOLAR CLEAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS

The solar power plant market broadly consists of three different sectors - large ground-mount off-site (open access and group captive), rooftop and behind-the-meter solar plants for the C&I market, and the Residential market. In India, since electricity is a State Subject, the policies are governed by each state. We will examine the different markets state-wise.

Although in theory, it is possible to set up an offsite plant for open access or group captive in the states of Andhra and Telengana, the two-state governments are not keen on promoting these off-site solar plants due to the perceived revenue loss solar plants cause to their Discoms. The off-site market remains uncertain for these two states. In Karnataka, it is possible to obtain permissions for group captive plants, although the approval process is cumbersome.

Tamilnadu remains fairly open and receptive to group captive and open-access power plants and has been experiencing rapid growth in this area in recent years. In Kerala, since land is scarce, it is difficult for off-site solar plants to come up and they are virtually non-existent.

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In terms of rooftop solar plants, all the southern states are quite conducive to solar plants, but one must be keenly aware of the different processes and procedures which vary widely from state to state. Tamilnadu recently introduced net-metering for HT consumers but has also added a generation tax of Rs. 0.83 / kwh. Karnataka does not permit 3rd party investments in rooftop plants.

With plenty of demand from the industry and commercial establishments, all the five southern Indian states have a huge potential for power. However, changes in the policy that throw hurdles in the growth of the solar industry are reasons to be cautious.

THE OFF-SITE MARKET REMAINS UNCERTAIN FOR THESE TWO STATES. IN KARNATAKA, IT IS POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN PERMISSIONS FOR GROUP CAPTIVE PLANTS, ALTHOUGH THE APPROVAL PROCESS IS CUMBERSOME. TAMILNADU REMAINS FAIRLY OPEN AND RECEPTIVE TO GROUP CAPTIVE AND OPEN-ACCESS POWER PLANTS AND HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING RAPID GROWTH IN THIS AREA IN RECENT YEARS."

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 36

Tamil Nadu: The State has been a frontrunner in RE with early adoption of RE, especially Wind Energy. The state had installed ~8GW of wind capacity by May 2017. However, wind capacity addition in the State has grown at a meager 25% over the last five years. One of the main reasons for the same is the unavailability of sites with higher high wind speeds and density as these are occupied by smaller older capacity wind turbines (<500kW) installed in the early 1990s to late 2000s. The state’s repowering policy has had little impact so far and therefore, the state could come up with a revamped policy to encourage the repowering of old wind turbines to ensure optimal generation from these sites and increase in RE

KUNAL PRAGATI DIRECTOR & REGIONAL HEADSOUTH, AMP ENERGY INDIA

India has set itself up for an ambitious renewable energy (RE) target of 175 GW by 2022 and 500 GW by 2030. As of April 2022, India has achieved a total installed capacity of 111 GW from RE Sources. Out of this, 47.26 GW i.e. 42% has been installed in the Southern States. As part of the target plan, the southern region was given a target of 59 GW by 2020 i.e. 34% of India’s RE target. The Southern states combined have installed 80% of the 2022 target. With 7 months to go, the Southern states combined could be well on track to reach the 2022 target.

While few states have overachieved their targets - Telangana (248%) and Karnataka (107%), states like Tamil Nadu (75%) are inching towards their target.

The State of Andhra Pradesh has moved sluggishly with only 50% achievement of their target.

Target VS Achievement of 2022 target of Key RE States in South india (GW)

generation/ installed capacity of wind in the State. This will help repowering these Class I sites to their optimal usage in generating more power by using technologically advanced wind turbines with higher hub height. The Solar Policy, 2019 too has to be revamped to encourage more solar adoption capacity addition in the State with incentives to RE developers to set up open access projects in the State. A wind-solar hybrid policy similar to states like Gujarat will enable the addition of higher RE capacity in the State.

Andhra Pradesh offers little opportunity for a Private Open access market for C&I customers. Kerala has made considerable progress in the deployment of residential rooftop projects. The contribution of Puducherry has been low due to limited resource availability in the state Some of the Key challenges to faster RE deployment in the region Adherence to Power Sale agreement terms and Timely payments to RE generators: RE generators in some of these states are finding it tough when the contract terms of signed power sale agreements are opened for renegotiation by State utilities or when there is undue delay in timely payments to RE generators.

TN

Andhra Pradesh

Karnataka

Achievement (as of Apr22)

Telangana

Target

The major states in southern India—Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu—all have high solar or wind energy potential. The Southern Region grid is characterized by high renewable penetration and several major load centers. The five southern states are also home to a significant proportion (roughly 20%, or around 27 crores) of India’s population (UIDAI, 2018). Both solar and wind energy are abundant in the southern regions, especially relative to the northern, eastern, and north-eastern regions.

As per a 2019 study by the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), published January 2021- “CSTEP.(2019). Grid Impact for High RE Scenarios in Southern India. (CSTEP-RR-2019-03)”, the southern states have enough RE potential of installing around 329 GW of solar and 188 GW of wind capacity.

With the increased demand for renewable energy from corporates to meet their sustainability goals, the intra-state C&I market too is rapidly growing specifically in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu due to favorable policies for open access RE procurement.

Karnataka: The State has come up with a new RE Policy 2022-27 to facilitate the development of 10 GW of additional RE projects with/ without energy storage systems in the state including 1 GW of rooftop solar PV projects. The policy also promotes the development of wind-solar hybrid projects, floating solar, Biomass, and Co-Generation. The State is a preferred State for the installation of UtilityScale projects won under competitive bidding due to rich resource availability.

The State is expected to see huge capacity addition from both utility-scale and open access RE projects for the C&I segment.

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Power Curtailment: RE generators in some of these states are finding it tough when a curtailment of power generation is sought despite the ‘must-run’ status granted to RE generators. Centre as a policy mandate has issued guidelines to grid operators which forbid them from curtailing power from RE plants. However, it is not implemented entirely by some of the Southern States. This non-compliance adversely affects the operations and economics of RE power plants.

Strengthening and Upgradation of Transmission Infrastructure: Southern Region needs the addition of 52.6 GW of renewable energy capacity to match the projected electrical energy demand in the southern region, by 2030 (as per 19th EPS projections). This level of RE injection could pose huge operational challenges to the transmission grid. Therefore, additional capital investments would be needed to strengthen and upgrade the transmission infrastructure in these states. During the monsoon season, the southern region is expected to generate excess energy. while there is a potential for exporting this energy to other regions in India, inter-regional transmission corridors need to be strengthened too.

Conclusively, Southern states will continue to contribute a major portion of the 2030 RE target. Apart from RE capacity addition, the transmission infrastructure too will have to be significantly upgraded to meet the rapidly increasing RE installations and ensure grid stability. The Southern region can become a net exporter of energy with upgraded inter-regional transmission infrastructure.

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 37

PERSPECTIVE

What Has Kept Rooftop Lagging In The 2022 40GW TARGET RACE? What Are Some Lessons To be Learnt?

Prelude India has set an ambitious target to achieve 40 GW RE capacity from rooftop solar projects by 2022. However, India has installed only 9 GW till Dec 2021, hence it is highly unlikely that India will achieve its set rooftop target. Though India’s solar energy capacity has risen 17 times in the last seven years, when one looks at the various targets set for the shift to solar, it becomes evident that there is still a long distance to be covered. Rooftop Solar is an attractive pathway toward RE shift, which will help in covering this long-distance as it has a minimum requirement of land and negligible distribution losses. However, in spite of being the easiest and surest path, it has lagged behind. There have been a number of factors that have contributed to this, one of them being uncertainty in policymaking.

Also, the rules on solar installations, including those related to gross and net metering, differ from one state to another, and also from one DISCOM to another.

This leads to a lot of ambiguity. Rooftop solar in India has huge untapped potential. Clearly, states and local DISCOMs need to come and act together to make adoption and installation less costly and cumbersome. Meanwhile, awareness-building and facilitative initiatives from non-state actors could also help. If proactive measures are taken to improve the condition, this could transform the country’s dreams into reality to become a leader in climate action.

NITHYANANDAM YUVARAJ DINESH BABU EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TEAM LEADER, THE WORLD BANK - SBI GRID CONNECTED SOLAR ROOFTOP PROGRAM, EY

The journey of rooftop solar (RTS) adoption by India has been exciting thus far despite the gamut of challenges faced by this sector.

It is heartening to witness the increasing awareness and an impressive adoption by several end-use segments in the country.

These have signaled RTS’s inevitable transformation, though delaying the target set by the Government of India.

It is fair to assume the enormity of the target when set for this sector way back in 2014. With the promising enabling ecosystem in the form of predictable and long-term policies and regulations coupled with access to financing, RTS was touted to be a game-changer in the Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) market.

Given India’s democratic power sector setup with States differing in implementing prioritized (read consumer-friendly) schemes, the RTS sector is suffering the most. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission through the Forum of Regulators provided the crucial model regulation for implementing Net Metering way back in 2013 which was further modified to include transforming features in 2019.

In 2014, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched financial incentives (Phase I) for solarizing government and institutional sectors as well. Many States who were expected to make the most of the model regulation and incentives

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missed the golden opportunity resulting in a varied and complex implementation regime. DISCOMs are still shying away from having a comprehensive understanding of the impact of RTS; many have instead approached regulatory commissions and restricted net metering and other enabling RTS features to the consumers. These shaky pillars of support further triggered uncertainty in the availability of standardized financing product(s) and constrained investments leading to dismal uptake. Ministry of Power’s Rights of Consumers Rules 2020 isn’t helping the sector either with its revised ceiling of 500 kW for net metering as it is misconstrued as the new ceiling for all the States whereas it is a guide for states without net metering.

Interestingly, smart developers successfully engaged with the commercial and industrial consumers (the so-called low-hanging fruits), and the third-party investment model (RESCO) coupled with CAPEX morel triggered the growth of the RTS market in India.

In the meanwhile, MNRE discontinued the Phase I program and launched the Phase II program in August 2019, this time focusing on incentivizing the solarization of the residential sector.

Several DISCOMs have demonstrated their interest in solarizing the residential sector under MNRE’s Phase II program. For example, Gujarat’s residential consumers have already installed more than 1 GW of RTS, thanks to MNRE and the Surya Gujarat program. Further, MNRE’s recent announcement to simplify the RTS installation for the residential sector through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is expected to be a game-changer though with intrinsic challenges. Small and medium developers along with entrepreneurs/start-ups have come a long way in playing an active role in the RTS sector resulting in a significant number of green jobs. These vulnerable developers are trying to cope with the shocks from an abrupt increase in domestic and imported module costs in addition to restrictions imposed under ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) guidelines besides postpandemic impacts.

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 38

The benefits of DRE need not be overemphasized given the current power (constrained) scenario and the long-term benefits that rooftop solar could accrue to DISCOMs. The rooftop solar sector has already witnessed unprecedented progress in technology, design, demand aggregation, business models, financing avenues, best operation and maintenance practices, etc., DISCOMs need to undertake comprehensive impact assessments and play a central role in promoting rooftop solar which could turn out to be a win-win situation. DISCOMs should secure market feedback and work closely with policymakers and regulators to provide long-term certainty. It would be prudent and a timely decision (for DISCOMs) to participate in the RTS proliferation to stay as a part of this imminent transformation of DRE-based power generation.

On the financing front, NBFCs, banks, and financing institutions need to gear up and launch standard debt products based on experience showcased by SBI, PNB, IDBI, Indian Bank, Canara, Co-operative banks, Tata Cleantech Capital, Electronica Finance, etc. and comply with the debt allocation as mandated by RBI by categorizing renewable energy under the Priority Sector Lending. The financing community should in unison develop, support, and participate in riskmitigating solutions (e.g credit guarantee mechanism) to ease financing for MSMEs who contribute to India’s GDP in a significant manner.

VIBHUTI GARG ENERGY ECONOMIST, LEAD INDIA, INSTITUTE FOR ENERGY ECONOMICS AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS (IEEFA)

As of December 2021, India had 11 gigawatts (GW) of rooftop solar capacity and is likely to add ~4GW of capacity by December 2022, implying a shortfall of 25GW from the 40GW rooftop solar target. The rooftop solar installation grew at a CAGR of 54% between 2017 and 2021 but still, the pace of deployment in comparison to the target set out has been slow.

Most of the rooftop solar growth is led by commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers with 75% share, and ~25% by residential consumers.

High C&I retail tariffs make it attractive for this class of consumers but subsidized retail prices mean there is less incentive for residential consumers to shift to rooftop solar.

The tepid growth of rooftop solar relative to utility-scale solar can be attributed to a lack of consumer awareness, inconsistent policy frameworks in the center and state governments, and the absence of non-recourse financing.

Central and State Governments should join hands with the Public Sector Units and launch national-level mass awareness programs and solarization of government buildings covering all key sectors viz., townships / residential complexes, health, education, sports, defense, law, etc., With the concerted efforts of all the stakeholders coupled with a coordinated push by the Central Government, India is certain to gallop and achieve a significant milestone in the RTS sector.

MANY STATES WHO WERE EXPECTED TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE MODEL REGULATION AND INCENTIVES MISSED THE GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY RESULTING IN A VARIED AND COMPLEX IMPLEMENTATION REGIME."

Access to finance is still a challenge. Large C&I consumers with BBB+ credit ratings can get access to finance but for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), credit schemes from banks for rooftop solar have been typically unattractive. The turnaround time for a loan grant is three to six months for MSMEs. Further, high-interest rates (>14%) and scarcity of non-collateralized finance schemes have presented major deterrents for MSME consumers to install rooftop solar.

Unlocking the full potential of rooftop solar requires the formulation of a uniform and consistent policy framework. The following are further measures to help expand the RTS sector.

Restrictions on banking need to be revoked at least until rooftop targets are achieved. Instead of returning power to the end consumer/developer, distribution companies (discoms) could simply pay for the banked energy after each month at their lowest cost of procurement.

State regulators should allow such procurement of the banked energy to be counted towards discoms’ Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) compliance.

Unrestricted access to net metering is vital to help the growth of rooftop solar, especially in the MSME segment.

Novel means must be explored to attract more streams of concessional finance to help cushion project risks while also expediting the disbursal of unused concessional credit lines.

Policy uncertainty and regulatory push backs have been major factors limiting growth in rooftop solar. Adding to the confusion for developers and investors, the center has issued guidelines while various states have adopted different policies with respect to net metering and banking. More importantly, restrictions and/or ambiguity on provisions such as banking of electricity and net metering have undermined rooftop opportunities in India.

Cost-saving is the main driver for consumers to adopt solar but, with lowering of net metering and limiting of banking provisions, the opportunity for cost savings is significantly reduced, especially for large and medium industrial consumers. Similarly, imposing undesirable constraints on banking provisions removes incentives for C&I consumers, at least while storing the excess generated power in energy storage systems (ESS) remains an unviable option.

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APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 39

RITU LAL SENIOR VP AND HEAD INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS, AMPLUS SOLAR

Despite the immense potential, rooftop solar has been met with very limited success in India. The slow growth of rooftop solar can be attributed primarily to the lack of policy support from regulators. This largely stems from the states’ attempt to protect their DISCOMS, which depend majorly on the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) consumers for their revenue. Apart from higher tariffs, DISCOMS also recovers the cross-subsidy surcharge (CSS) exclusively from this category. Their concern lies in their belief that they will lose some of their best-paying customers if there is unrestricted growth of rooftop solar. As a result, over the last few years, the state regulators have begun increasing restrictions and many high-potential states are reversing policy decisions and imposing exorbitant charges for setting up rooftop solar. Some of the restrictions include unfavorable policies on third-party-owned solar projects, net metering caps, exorbitant grid support charges, lack of suitable energy banking, etc.

India targeted 100 GW solar capacity by 2022, of which 40GW was expected to be from rooftop solar. Unfortunately, while the utility solar segment seems to be growing well, rooftop capacity addition has really struggled and remains less than 10 GW today. This is especially disheartening as distributed and rooftop solar is ideally suited for a country like India where land is scarce and expensive, and often very remote, requiring the creation of expensive and inefficient T&D lines. In addition, since the energy is consumed where it is produced, there are virtually no losses on account of transmission and distribution. There is no requirement for additional T&D infrastructure, as solar plants are sized in accordance with the existing transformer capabilities. There is no additional ecological impact either, as the solar plants are set up in already built-up areas,

thus not threatening existing wildlife or cultivation zones. The distributed nature of generation makes grid balancing easier as well and is also well suited for future storage integration. Lastly, in comparison to the utility segment, rooftop solar is estimated to offer 7 times more employment, as per a study conducted by CEEW. The demand for rooftop solar has escalated across all segments – Commercial & Industrial, Residential, as well as Agriculture. The C&I demand is expected to remain very high as corporates have committed to ambitious targets for net-zero and emissions reductions. The rising cost of fossil fuels has made solar plus storage solutions viable for users with high dependence on diesel generators. Homeowners are also setting up solar to offset their high electricity costs and make individual contributions towards cutting down their carbon footprint.

For a country of our size, a rooftop solar capacity of +125 GW is easily feasible. In fact, most solarised countries (including Germany, Australia, and Japan) have a much higher percentage of rooftop solar in their total solar energy mix. Despite the apparent diseconomies of scale in rooftop solar viz a viz utility solar, the net delivered cost of energy at the point of consumption/sale probably lies in favor of rooftop generation. With a strong policy framework that is supportive and consistent, we can fulfill our rooftop solar potential. For example, the regulators should remove solar capacity caps or base them only on technical parameters such as substation technical capacity. Policies should also encourage the growth of the RESCO model, which has shown better quality and long-term plant performance (over the Capex model). Incentives for residential solar that focus on energy generation versus plant capacity will also help ensure that rooftop solar plants perform better. Lack of adequate finance is another aspect that hinders the rooftop solar segment. The government needs to do more to ensure adequate availability of finance for the sector (for MSMEs and homeowners). Finally, further streamlining is required in the statutory approval processes, including net metering, to enable faster project executions.

India is the third-largest energy consumer globally and has abundant sunshine to become clean energy independent. We must approach the subject holistically to save the distributed solar segment from becoming stagnant.

agencies, making the residential RTS space financially unviable for many of them.

SHANTANU ROY PROJECT MANAGER, ENERGY & POWER SECTOR, CSTEP

A 40 GW target of installed rooftop solar (RTS) capacity by 2022 was set by the Government of India in 2015. Measures such as government subsidies and mandatory RTS installation on government buildings and public offices were taken to help RTS grow. However, India’s total installed RTS capacity as of 31st March 2022 is only 6.65 GW. A high upfront system cost, coupled with a lack of financing options, is the most significant factor for the sluggish growth of RTS in India.

While several financing options are available for utility-scale solar systems, very few exist for RTS. Residential and smaller commercial and industrial customers are the most affected, as they cannot bear the high upfront cost of going solar.

Poor public awareness about RTS is another critical factor. Many potential RTS customers lack the knowledge of RTS technology, benefits, and policies, and hence are unable to make an informed decision to go solar.

The RTS subsidy process for residential consumers has also hit its growth. Usually, the subsidy for RTS is paid to installation agencies after system commissioning and subsidy approval from the concerned government departments. The subsidy approval timeline can stretch to several months, which adversely affects the installation

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Further, the distribution companies (DISCOMs) are reluctant toward RTS, especially in the commercial & industrial (C&I) segment, as they cannot afford to lose their highest-paying customers—the C&I segment —to RTS. This too has hampered the growth of RTS. There are abundant lessons to be learned from the RTS experience so far. Easy availability of financing options for all RTS system sizes is essential. The launch of Surya Shakti Cell in Jan 2022 by the State Bank of India, in partnership with Tata Power, for financing solar projects up to 1 MW is an excellent step. However, many more such ventures are needed. Additionally, public financial institutions should be directed to create multiple RTS loan offerings. For enhancing consumer understanding and interest in RTS, state nodal agencies, DISCOMs, and private entities need to come together to organize regular awareness campaigns.

The lesson learned from the subsidy-approval-process experience is about its simplification. A welcome step in this direction is the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s announcement in Feb 2022 to launch a national RTS portal, which will be a one-stop solution for residential customers for system application, net-metering, subsidy processes, etc.

Subsidies will be routed directly to customers’ bank accounts through this portal. The move will also encourage installation agencies to execute more projects in the residential RTS space.

Finally, a greater push for residential RTS space is needed to reduce the negative impact on DISCOM finances. This would help in increasing the overall uptake of RTS without harming the financial health of DISCOMs. Swift implementation of the lessons learned from the RTS experience can certainly accelerate its growth towards reaching the 40 GW target, and beyond.

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 40

FEATURED OPINION MAXIMIZING SOLAR EFFICIENCY: MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING (MPPT)

AJAY VIKRAM TECHNICAL LEAD- R&D ENGINEER

This article presents the concept of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and how it applies to solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Also, learn how to find the maximum power point (MPP) of a PV panel in order to optimize its efficiency in creating solar power.

PV modules are becoming an increasingly popular way to generate electricity for a variety of energy applications around the world.

Optimizing the efficiency of PV modules is important because this technology is still expensive compared to other power supplies. This can be difficult because the voltage and current in the circuit change as the weather conditions change.

Engineers designed the inverter to vary the resistance and continuously find a new maximum power point (MPP) in the circuit. This is called maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The inverter can be connected to one or more PV modules at the same time. It is up to the engineer to find the right balance between cost and efficiency in incorporating the inverter into the design. By understanding the factors that influence electrical circuits and how the elements in them are controlled, engineers can create a photovoltaic system that operates as efficiently as possible in a variety of environments with changing weather conditions can be designed.

When a PV module receives sunlight, it produces electricity, which is the product of current and voltage. The resistance of the circuit can be systematically changed in small increments to find the highest possible output power of the panel under certain conditions i.e., temperature, solar radiation intensity etc.

FIMER MGS100-15kW Microgrid system

MPPT is also very much effective under these condition If cloudy days, PV modules typically perform better at low temperatures and use MPPT to draw the maximum power available from them.

If the battery charge level is low, MPPT can consume more power to charge the battery.

FIMER offers best in class product MGS100- 15kW Solar Inverter FIMER MGS100-15kW Microgrid system can supply power to connected loads by utilizing PV power, utility power, DG and battery power. Depending on different power conditions, this microgrid system is designed to continuously support loads from PV solar panels, batteries, and utilities. If the PV module's MPP input voltage is within acceptable limits, this inverter can generate power to feed the loads and charge the battery.

Operating Diagram

How MPPT Works MPPT or Maximum Power Point Tracking is an electronic DCDC converter that optimizes matching between a solar system (PV module) and a battery bank or utility grid.

The main principle of MPPT is to extract the maximum power available from the PV module by running the PV module at the most efficient voltage (maximum power point). That is, the MPPT looks at the power of the PV module, compares it to the battery voltage, then determines the optimum power that the PV module can generate to charge the battery and converts it to the optimum voltage, maximum power. It can also power a DC load that is directly connected to the battery.

If the operating point deviates significantly from the maximum power point, it may be desirable to connect an electronic maximum power point tracking control between the PV system and the load. Use MPPT to control and maintain maximum power. Therefore, this MPPT employs a DCDC switching voltage regulator. Therefore, coupling to a load may need to supply a higher voltage at a lower current or a lower voltage at a higher current for maximum power transfer. The buck-boost method is commonly used with voltage and current sensors connected to a feedback loop and uses a controller to vary the switching time.

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Key Features Enhanced solar input power capacity: up to 22.5KW Two independent MPPT Transformer less hybrid inverter Parallel function available: up to 6 units.

100% Unbalanced load supported. Maximum power for each phase is 5000W. Super charging capability: 300A Independent DG input for battery charging and loading

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OPINION SURGE IN COMMODITY PRICES MAY DELAY INDIA’S GREEN HYDROGEN CONSUMPTION GOALS

ROHIT AHUJA

Globally, 98% of the hydrogen is produced with the use of fossil fuels currently (grey or blue hydrogen). The recent surge in fossil fuel prices has raised the Levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) production by 3 - 4x, bringing it at par with that of green hydrogen (~US$5/kg).

HEAD - RESEARCH & OUTREACH, ICRA LIMITED The recently announced ‘Green Hydrogen Policy’ by the government has drawn a lot of attention, as India tries to accelerate its transition to green energy. Inherently, Hydrogen as a fuel carries a significant advantage over conventional fuels: it has a higher energy content by weight (about 3x of petrol/diesel), with a lower energy content by volume (about 4x lower than petrol/diesel).

Additionally, hydrogen can be produced from diverse domestic resources, unlike conventional fuels and if produced through electrolysis technology, it can have zero emissions in line with India’s climate goals.

Hydrogen is classified into three types - grey, blue, and green - based on the input, emissions, and technology used.

Source: Bloomberg The drive towards green hydrogen adoption is dependent on the decline in electrolyzers’ costs by ~50% by 2030 (to LCOH of US$2-3/kg). Considering the recent surge in metal prices on geopolitical disruptions, the expected reduction in manufacturing costs for electrolyzers may be back-ended to close to 2030, rather than in the immediate term.

Source: Bloomberg Apart from the cost of electrolyzers, about 60 GW of incremental RE capacity additions by FY30 would be needed to meet the energy demand for the electrolyzer capacities (as part of the government’s drive for Green hydrogen). This will need more than Rs. 3 trillion investments, in addition to Rs. 1 trillion investments needed for electrolyzer manufacturing.

Source: US Department of Energy, Industry, ICRA Research.

Note - # Sometimes further divided into 'grey' for gas and 'brown' for coal The share of Green Hydrogen in total hydrogen production in India is expected to increase to 30%/80% (from nil) by the year 2030/2050, along with a 4-5x increase in overall consumption to ~30 mmt (from 6 mmt currently).

Source: Industry, ICRA Research A major shift in demand is expected from the transportation (hydrogen fuel cell vehicles) and power generation sectors which together will consume around 30% of the hydrogen demand by the year 2050.

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In a nutshell, incentives from the government are critical to spearhead investments for production and infrastructure development for the storage, transport, and distribution of green hydrogen. Electrolyser being critical for the production of Green Hydrogen, the Governments’ plans for PLI on its manufacturing would be critical and would be welcome to achieve cost reduction targets for production of green hydrogen, especially considering the surging input costs.

CONSIDERING THE RECENT SURGE IN METAL PRICES ON GEOPOLITICAL DISRUPTIONS, THE EXPECTED REDUCTION IN MANUFACTURING COSTS FOR ELECTROLYZERS MAY BE BACKENDED TO CLOSE TO 2030.

GOVERNMENTS’ PLANS FOR PLI ON ELECTROLYSER'S MANUFACTURING WOULD BE CRITICAL TO ACHIEVE COST REDUCTION TARGETS FOR PRODUCTION OF GREEN HYDROGEN." APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 42

OPINION HOW CAN THE SURGE IN CLEAN ENERGY SPENDS BE CONTINUED? UNDERSTANDING THE CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS TO CONTINUE THE MOMENTUM

RABINDRAN SUNDER SINGH CTO, ACME GROUP

The case for Clean energy is well and truly established. However, as India transforms herself in the quest for abundant clean energy, she is faced with the Energy trilemma, which is to find a balance between Security, Cost, and Sustainability. Clean Energy Projects are costintensive with the returns spread over the 30-year life. While the Government is focused on solving the trilemma, the Lender and the Investor will put in money only if they see an assured flow of revenue, with low risk.

The Solar and Wind sector is well established and requires no financial support like VGF. However, there are several impediments that impact the revenue flow and increase the risk.

Government Policy: Both at the Centre and State levels, the policy has been used as a tool to drive their current agenda.

Policy uncertainty (for example in the timing/quantum of changes in BCD) dampens the investor’s sentiment. Frequent policy change is the biggest impediment to investment. Subjectivity in the implementation of Change-in-law rules adds to the uncertainty.

There is a gap between demand and the domestic production capacity of solar modules. While this is expected to be bridged in a year or two, the protectionism through BCD, etc will foster poor quality and disincentivize investment in R&D and Product development.

Land acquisition remains a major stumbling block for most developers. Solar parks were promoted in a big way till a couple of years back, but the momentum has died down. This is one area where Government is best positioned to make an impact.

Governments need to identify sparsely populated parcels of land, remove impediments, and relocate and fairly compensate the owners. This is not a herculean task, as even a 10x10km parcel can generate thousands of MWs. Connectivity to the Grid remains an uncertainty at the start of each project Revenue realization is a problem for Developers. Successive schemes to strengthen the Discoms have at best revived them momentarily.

Storage is a nascent sector and needs a lot of support to grow and sustain. Demand will drive down the costs. The growth of Storage will in turn allow more RE penetration into the grid. The recent pre-bid discussion for a BESS tender was chaired by the honorable Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy and the enthusiasm was unmistakable.

The initial growth must be driven by Government policy. A mandatory storage component (say 10-20% of capacity) in every RE project can give a huge boost. Government must bring out Innovative market instruments to leverage the various use-cases of storage.

Apart from conventional solutions like Battery, Pumped Hydro, and Flywheel, there are several innovations using gravity, compressed air, liquified air, and liquified CO2. Government and IPPs need to invest in pilot projects using these technologies.

Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia The Green Hydrogen Policy was released on 17th Feb 2022, by the Ministry of Power. This is a step in the right direction. However, it was almost a year in the making and is therefore not in synch with the explosive growth of interest in the Hydrogen and Ammonia sector worldwide. To take a leadership role in this Sector, India must move beyond the policy, and come up with comprehensive and specific action plans.

This sector falls under the purview of several Ministries. An empowered Taskforce within the Government is required to identify and drive the targets. The Road map of targets with details of incentives and their validity period needs to be committed upfront to tempt investors. The Taskforce will also have to mandate the use of Green Hydrogen and Ammonia in energy-intensive sectors in a calibrated manner without affecting their viability.

Other enabling factors: Revamping of the Education sector, to churn out say 10,000 engineers per year specializing in Ammonia, Hydrogen, PV, Battery, etc.

Incentives for the setting up of R&D facilities and Testing facilities Developing of Statutory and Regulatory framework dealing with Green Hydrogen and Ammonia.

In Summary: The Future of Clean Energy is bright. Investments will flow to those countries which have set up a conducive environment.

With all the above measures in place, India will succeed in maintaining the current momentum.

There are several drivers which can sustain the investment in RE. Firstly, a committed Policy Road map is needed, with a horizon of at least 10-15 years projecting the specific details of every policy lever (BCD rates for the next 10 years for example). Active Government support and involvement in Land development is a huge enabler, with a clear definition of go/no-go locations with full forest clearance, environmental clearance, and grid connectivity. Front runner programs can incentivize the R&D and support the pilot projects involving new and improved products. Finally, an Automated Payment mechanism with safeguards and payment security can boost investor confidence.

THE TASKFORCE WILL ALSO HAVE TO MANDATE THE USE OF GREEN HYDROGEN AND AMMONIA IN ENERGY-INTENSIVE SECTORS IN A CALIBRATED MANNER WITHOUT AFFECTING THEIR VIABILITY."

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APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 43

OPINION MINING THE WASTE, NOT EARTH?

JAIDEEP N MALAVIYA MANAGING DIRECTOR, MALAVIYA SOLAR ENERGY CONSULTANCY & BOARD DIRECTOR - INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ENERGY SOCIETY The November 2021 COP26, Climate commitments made in Glasgow have entrenched the netzero target of reducing global carbon emissions, aimed at preventing the planet from warming by more than 1.5°C. . As the world gears up for net-zero, raw materials requirements will grow at an unprecedented pace and will further increase carbon footprint thus abate global warming.

India has set an ambitious target of 500 GW of renewables by 2030 with Solar energy grabbing the lion's share of 300 GW as a step towards a net-zero economy. This transition towards cleaner technologies will require raw materials at steadily growing levels to meet evolving needs as renewable energy systems are metal-intensive and in turn more mining. At a given point in time, the availability of certain raw materials will need to be scaled up within a relatively short time scale to fulfill the targets Raw materials will be at the center of decarbonization efforts for electrification as we move from fossil fuels to wind and solar power generation, battery-operated electric vehicles (EVs), and hydrogen production. The metals and mining sector will need to ensure less carbon footprint is created to justify the embodied energy and provide the vast quantities of raw materials required for the energy transition. Requirements for additional supply will come from relatively largevolume raw materials—for example, quartz, aluminum, steel, and copper to see significant demand growth beyond their current applications for fulfilling the ambitious solar energy target.

Crystalline silicon dominates the solar photovoltaic (PV) market and its typical panel composition is from the following metals: quartz (for making glass), silica sand (wafers), bauxite, steel, copper, synthetic materials such as ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral and/or polyvinyl fluoride, polymers, silver, tin, and lead. The standard material-wise break-up of a silicon PV module is as below Material

% by weight Blackout Material

Glass, containing antimony (0.01-1 %/ kg of glass)

70%

Aluminum frame

18%

Glass Border Seal (Adhesive Tape)

Copper connector

1%

EVA (Adhesive Sheet)

Polymer-based adhesive (EVA) encapsulation layer

5.1%

Back-sheet layer (based on polyvinyl fluoride)

1.5%

Copper Foil Bus Bar Adhesive Photovoltaic Cell AdhesiveCell Backing Substrate

Silicon solar cell (pure silicon, copper, silver, tin, and lead)

3.65%

UV Enhanceme

Die Cut VHB Tape Core Plate Wire

Table 1: Material composition of a typical silicon Solar PV module (Image credit TechArt Media) The weight per 1 kWp PV module is average 60 kg. The ultimate 300 GW will call for mining of 18 billion kilograms of raw material. Glass and Aluminium itself take hold of 88% share by weight or about 11 billion kilograms. Further, if the panels retire early owing to RE-powering using high efficient technologies and early break-down this figure will further raise.

In a study by Joint Research Commission Science Hub, European Union the materials used in a cSi module can be recycled and reclaimed as secondary/ primary material. The amount of reclaimed is given in Table 2.

Aluminum frame and internal conductors

Glass Copper containing connectors Antimony and internal conductors

Silicon Encapsulation Back- Silver Copper, Other metal layer Sheet internal metals solar cell laye conduct (tin, lead) or (tons)

100%

90%

95%

95%

0%

0%

95%

95%

90%

Table 2: Percentage recovery of various materials in a crystalline solar cell by Joint Research Commission, EU

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Nearly 50% of the carbon footprint goes into converting raw material to finished goods like cell, inverter, frame, cables, laminate, etc. The Joint Research Commission, EU findings present electricity consumption for making a solargrade glass of 125 kWh per 100 Wp module by recycling waste glass as against 310 kWh. Energy constitutes 40% of the production cost in a typical aluminum processing. As against this the scrap aluminum converted to virgin aluminum constitutes only 5% of the energy cost.

If all the 300 GWp PV modules are left untreated at their end of life they will occupy over 22,000 km of length if stacked in a 40 feet container. Adopting a ‘Circular Economy’ will enable reclaim of up to 90% (270 GWp) and avoid fresh mining. There is a case of merit in recycling and recovering and reducing carbon footprint by avoiding fresh mining.

More so the lung disease ‘silicosis’ caused by the mining of quartz is also avoided. A step towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. “Must we say Mining the Waste, not Earth?”

AS THE WORLD GEARS UP FOR NET-ZERO, RAW MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS WILL GROW AT AN UNPRECEDENTED PACE AND WILL FURTHER INCREASE CARBON FOOTPRINT THUS ABATE GLOBAL WARMING." APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 44

OPINION INDIA - LEADING THE TRANSITION TO CLEAN ENERGY Impact and Timing MANJESH NAYAK

The following are some of the potential effects of ALMM implementation in the solar sector

FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, OORJAN CLEANTECH PVT. LTD.

Roughly 70-80 percent of India's annual installed PV capacity is made up of imported modules. Domestic module manufacturing has a total capacity of roughly 20 GW, with advanced capacity module manufacturing still at a nascent stage. There is still a lot of catching up to be done by the domestic manufacturers to cater to the solar demand.

India is being called the Clean Energy Powerhouse. With ambitious targets of 100GW by 2022, India is one of the major nations leading the transition to Renewable Energy. To accelerate solar adoption, the Government rolled out subsidy schemes to domestic consumers, provided tax benefits to commercial adopters, and incentivized large and ultra-large solar parks. This helped create demand for solar systems.

However, the lack of domestic manufacturing capacity led to heavier reliance on imported hardware. The demand-supply gap widened over time; India imports about 85-90 % of its module demand from China. To reduce the rising dependency, the Ministry of New Renewable Energy(MNRE) announced order of Approved List of Module Manufacturer (ALMM) in 2019.

Proposed ALMM policy The Indian government came up with the policy of Approved List of Module Manufacturer (ALMM) Solar Photovoltaic Module order of 2019 to assist the domestic solar manufacturing industry and protect it from the dumping of Chinese hardware under the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme. Furthermore, the MNRE had issued a notification raising the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on imported modules and cells by 40%.

Under the ALMM regulation, all government solar projects must employ only panel brands listed in ALMM. This order, which was later expanded to include non-government net metering and Open Access projects, was scheduled to start on April 1, 2022, but then recently it has been deferred till 1st October 2022.

The difficulty of increased module prices becomes the biggest hurdle, even when considering the few top local PV manufacturers with the potential to make high-quality modules as sought by developers (or investors). Due to a scarcity of qualifying modules, domestic module prices are expected to rise significantly this year, resulting in increased PPA rates.

There is currently more than 50 GW of the rooftop, Open Access (OA), and utility-scale solar capacity in the pipeline. The implementation of ALMM even post deferment makes the future of these projects uncertain.

How to ensure a thriving solar market and domestic manufacturing are simultaneously taken care of To reduce our reliance on imports, we must prioritize capacity building.

The government's flagship production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme has been allotted Rs 50,000 crores in the union budget for 2022 to stimulate solar module manufacturing. It entails rewarding hardware manufacturers.

The PLI offers discounted land and tax rates for manufacturing units, as well as incentives to enhance R&D investments.

While ALMM supports domestic producers, given the large demandsupply mismatch, timing the implementation of this policy is critical. When there is adequate capacity at home, disincentivizing imports could be a viable option. India must now create production capacity not just to meet its own need, but also to establish itself as a strong alternative photovoltaic supplier to the rest of the globe.

AATMANIRBHAR INDIA: HOW WILL SETTING UP A MANUFACTURING ZONE FOR RENEWABLES BOOST LOCAL COMPANIES AND REDUCE IMPORT DEPENDENCE?

NANDKUMAR PAI CEO, PV CELLS & MODULES, RENEWSYS INDIA PVT. LTD.

To achieve the target of 300 GW of solar power by 2030 set by the Hon. Prime Minister, we have to look at the exponential growth of the entire solar manufacturing value chain in India.

The local solar PV Manufacturing ecosystem has been growing steadily with impetus from the Government of India and the MNRE. Their support and policies have empowered more module manufacturers to set up operations. Existing manufacturers are also actively investing in increasing capacities due to this favorable market.

Further schemes like PLI 2 are also helping the industry grow in the right direction with different buckets of tenders from polysilicon to module making.

Several aspects need to be addressed together for noticeable change to be seen: Nurturing the demand for high-quality Indian-made solar panels through policy support like ALMM should continue.

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Backward integration of all module components and module manufacturing machinery in the same area needs to be implemented.

This will benefit the industry in two key ways: 1.

1. Inventory management - a local component manufacturing ecosystem will reduce the inventory to just in time as against 2-3 months of stock that the industry is carrying currently. This will free up significant working capital and bring down costs for manufacturers. Ultimately this benefit will be passed on to the end customers. An air of uncertainty that is being experienced currently with raw materials will also be abated.

2.

3. Higher Uptime of Machines - Manufacturing Unit's CUF (Capacity 2.

Utilisation Factor) - The average CUF of module manufacturing facilities in India stands at 50% whereas the average CUF for facilities in China is significantly higher. Higher capacity utilization and economies of scale can significantly improve the competitiveness of both module manufacturers and module component manufacturers. Unavailability of machinery spares which leads to unplanned downtime and the absence of a developed 24x7 service network have a direct impact on CUF. 1. Establishing a self-sustaining manufacturing ecosystem of module components, and machinery will help address both these factors.

The availability of skilled manpower locally also needs to be improved through the establishment of vocational training centers as this will play a major part in enhancing manufacturing yield.

All of these factors together will help India improve its global competitiveness as the PV marketplace of choice.

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 45

OPINION FLEXIBILITY IN ELECTRICITY GRID FOR RE INTEGRATION

PRAVEEN KUMAR AGARWAL FORMER DIRECTOR & CISO, POSOCO LTD.

Energy transitions are happening around the world at a fast pace. Now renewable energy is more competitive than energy produced by fossil fuels, resulting in a fundamental shift in power system operation. As the world moves toward more renewables and distributed generation systems from VRE, they are experiencing a paradigm shift from continuous operation to variable operation.

Replacing fossil fuel-based power generation with clean energy resources securely and reliably is a significant step in coping with the climate change problem worldwide. For example, India is committed to increasing its share of energy generated from non-fossil fuel to 50% by 2030. As a result, India has already achieved 39%, as shown in the figure.

Grid engineers overcome these challenges by absorbing the variability by varying output from other grid elements depending on their flexibility. The term and concept of power system flexibility have evolved to reflect how technology and power markets have evolved. As per IEA, “Flexibility expresses the extent to which a power system can modify electricity production or consumption in response to variability, expected or otherwise.”

The significant sources of flexibility in the grid are: Bulk Generation Power plants: Minimum operating load, start-up time, and ramp rate are the flexibility measures of power plants. Indian regulator has mandated all power plants to operate at a minimum load equal to 55% of the standard rating. Gas power plants are more flexible than coal power plants.

Grid operation: The task of the grid operator is to maintain the balance of supply and demand of electricity in the grid.

Operators employ automatic generation control (AGC) to flex the output of power plants from the grid control room. Grid operators maintain reserve by procuring some capacity in power plants to be deployed to manage imbalances in the grid.

Energy Storage: Pumped Storage Hydro Plants (PSP) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are flexible energy sources. They can act as load as well as energy sources. They help in shifting the energy generation from a low load period to a high load period. BESS does it by charging or discharging itself. PSP does the same by pumping water back to the reservoir.

Demand response: Variation in load per the grid requirements is known as demand response to generation variability. This is also a significant source of flexibility.

Figure - Indian grid Capacity

Regardless of the fact that the electricity grid basically was not designed for variable energy resources, the inherent flexibility in the grid is helping the countries to integrate a large quantum of clean energy resources. Worldwide studies show that up to 30% penetration of the VRE can be handled by existing flexibility in conventional grid. Beyond 30%, grid modernization efforts are done which include ramp control, Automatic Generation Control, and incentives to flexible resources.

However, clean energy resources like wind and solar pose some challenges to the electricity grid, which are: The blowing of wind & presence of sunlight is unpredictable though improved weather forecast helps to reduce the uncertainty to some extent.

Wind and sunlight may not always remain constant; hence output from these resources is continuously variable.

Grid Operator cannot control generation varying with wind speed & sunlight availability.

Figure - Flexible Operation of Power Plant (Sources: CEA)

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APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 46

COMPANY FEATURE

EKI Energy Services Ltd. are climate experts with 13+ experience of enabling businesses globally to reduce their carbon footprint through strategic solutions.

An overview of brand EKI We, EKI Energy Services Ltd. are climate experts with 13+ experience of enabling businesses globally to reduce their carbon footprint through strategic solutions.

We are a one-stop destination for sustainable solutions for climate action, starting from the estimation of emission levels to developing definitive roadmaps with concrete steps to reduce emissions. Once companies are able to track their carbon footprint, we work with them to help them to reduce it. For this, we offer a host of best practices and advisory services that they can adapt like carbon sequestration, energy efficient measures like nature based solutions, LEDs and efficient HVAC systems amongst others.

If companies are not able to reduce their emissions through these sustainable options, we help them to procure carbon offsets from the markets and this invariably helps them to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve net zero in the long run.

We have grown to become one of the leading companies in the climate change sector not just in India but globally. From an organisation that started this journey with a team of 5 people, we have today grown into a global team of 180+ professionals. Today, we are a global leader offering a comprehensive bouquet of best-inclass climate solutions enabling companies to achieve their climate ambitions. We are the most trusted and preferred climate partner for 2500+ clients across 40+ countries.

We were listed on the BSE (SME segment) in April 2021 becoming the first listed company in the carbon credits sector in India and globally. Today, we contribute about 90% to the total carbon credit exports from India and have supplied over 180million offsets as of date.

The business verticals of the company are: Carbon Credit Portfolio Management which includes - Climate Change, Environmental Attributes Certificates and Plastic Solutions.

Environmental Commodity Supply.

Carbon Project investments which includes - Water Filter Projects, LED Projects, Improved Cookstove Projects and NBS Projects; and finally Net Zero Services & ESG.

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FROM AN ORGANISATION THAT STARTED THIS JOURNEY WITH A TEAM OF 5 PEOPLE, WE HAVE TODAY GROWN INTO A GLOBAL TEAM OF 180+ PROFESSIONALS. TODAY, WE ARE A GLOBAL LEADER OFFERING A COMPREHENSIVE BOUQUET OF BEST-IN-CLASS CLIMATE SOLUTIONS ENABLING COMPANIES TO ACHIEVE THEIR CLIMATE AMBITIONS."

We work with the top 500 Fortune companies and also have a JV with Shell Overseas Investments BV (a unit of Shell plc) to work on reducing carbon emissions in India through Nature based solutions.

Full client list here: https://enkingint.org/clients We also have a contract from Indore Smart City Development Limited (ISCDL), wherein we offer a comprehensive bouquet of end-to-end consulting services for carbon credit solutions to ISCDL. With this, we enable ISCDL to elevate its aggregator business model through which it offers sustainable solutions to urban and rural governance bodies enabling other smart cities to become climate sensitive. We also help ISCDL to monetize its emission reduction initiatives and realize additional revenues which can be used to support and fund its multiple welfare and developmental initiatives. Consequently, local bodies of other cities that join hands with ISCDL are also able to monetize their climate initiatives.

With the help of EKI, ISCDL was able to catalyze environmentally sustainable and financially viable waste management practices. EKI enabled the ULB to earn carbon credit from effective waste management and with this additional revenue, the municipal body was able to effectively fund its other welfare projects. We can easily replicate our strategic solutions in other municipal corporations and smart city missions enabling them to reduce their carbon footprint and also generate an additional revenue source.

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 47

COMPANY FEATURE

Gautam Solar crafts its niche in the competitive Indian solar market Solar module manufacturer Gautam Solar’s story from being a family business to becoming a true pioneer in the production of solar products is a stirring one. Driven by his passion for making solar modules and components in India, founder Mr. BK Mohanka started the company on a rather small scale. Incorporated in 1997, Gautam Solar has a turnover of Rs 200 crore as of 2020. The company is now managed by his son, Mr. Gautam Mohanka, who is a champion of innovation.

Today, Gautam Solar produces a wide range of solar products, which are developed and produced in India in four different factories. In just 20 years, the company has installed 20 Lacs+ solar systems and has a current manufacturing capacity of 250 MW. Their product range includes solar panels, heaters, lights, pumps, batteries, fans, parts, and components. Gautam solar currently supplies its products to corporate clients and individual buyers and has worked with government organizations time and again to deliver high-end Indian solar components and modules.

Under the capable leadership of Mr. Gautam Mohanka, the company now delivers comprehensive solar solutions.

Compromising of modules, parts, and components, the company specializes in delivering ideas that convert solar energy into usable electricity for commercial and residential needs. Despite the inflow and demand for cheap Chinese products, Gautam Solar continues to shine and innovate, delivering products that are indigenously produced and reliable. Gautam Solar products are not merely ahead of its competitors but are compatible with one another, which enhances the usage for customers.

GAUTAM SOLAR CURRENTLY SUPPLIES ITS PRODUCTS TO CORPORATE CLIENTS AND INDIVIDUAL BUYERS AND HAS WORKED WITH GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS TIME AND AGAIN TO DELIVER HIGH-END INDIAN SOLAR COMPONENTS AND MODULES."

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Gautam Solar’s range of products is backed by a 25-year warranty, and given that the company has its factories in Haridwar, India, buyers wouldn’t have to worry about repairs, replacements, components, and parts. The company has successfully completed solar installations across the country and is among the few solar cell makers to minimize imports to produce final products.

Gautam Solar recently won the Best Technology Innovation at EQ PV Invest-Tech India 2022 for its G-2X Mono crystalline models. These models come with panels that can generate power from both the front and back end of modules, ensuring up to 30% more gains. The company also launched its gel battery, which would address battery backup concerns and is ideal for solar plants, telecom, and rural installations.

The company intends to expand its manufacturing capacity to 2.5 GW in the coming years, and with support from the Indian government, it is on the path to revolution. The R&D sector is led by Mr. Gautam Mohanka along with a team of pioneering technocrats.

Over 40+ products of the company have been ALMM-approved by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE, Govt. of India) – the highest for any local company in India. Gautam Solar intends to help the Indian sector, which still remains largely untapped and out of the reach of the masses.

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 48

COMPANY FEATURE

Trina Solar’s Global Module Shipments Top 100GW As Company Celebrates Silver Anniversary As Company Celebrates Silver Anniversary Trina Solar has reached a remarkable milestone, having shipped 100GW of modules in the 25 years since the company was founded in 1997.

25 years, high-level quality for customer value With the longest duration of product services, Trina Solar also celebrates 25 years of entrepreneurship and 25 years of quality assurance. In technology and innovation, Trina Solar has set a total of 23 world records for PV cell-conversion efficiency and module output power.

Based on its excellent product performance, Trina Solar is the only PV company to score 100% in the Bloomberg New Energy Finance Bankability Survey for six consecutive years as a top bankable module supplier. The company has also achieved excellent test results in the PVEL Product Qualification Program for seven consecutive years.

Creating a carbon-free new world together Global clean energy development is now running at full tilt, and the International Renewable Energy Agency forecasts that global PV installations will exceed 14,000GW by 2050 as new energy, including solar energy, becomes a major source of energy and electricity consumption. Trina Solar’s high-value 210 technology modules are mature in full cycle, and the ultra-high-power modules have been deployed worldwide.

“The PV industry is an open, innovative and collaborative ecosphere,” said Gao Jifan, Chairman of Trina Solar. “Only open technology innovation will enlarge the scope for growth and achieve sustainable development.”

A new energy era with solar PV as the main driving force is already here, Gao said. Marking the 100GW of shipments as the beginning of a new journey, Trina Solar will continuously strive to become the ‘green force’ to change the world and contribute to building a carbon-free world as a leading company in the industry.

GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IS NOW RUNNING AT FULL TILT, AND THE INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY FORECASTS THAT GLOBAL

100GW, equivalent to planting 7.2 billion trees Inspired by the signing of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, Trina Solar was founded that year with its headquarters in China’s Changzhou city, making it one of the world’s earliest photovoltaic (PV) companies.

PV INSTALLATIONS WILL EXCEED 14,000GW BY 2050 AS NEW ENERGY, INCLUDING SOLAR ENERGY, BECOMES A MAJOR SOURCE OF ENERGY AND ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION. "

As a leading PV company, Trina Solar has been pioneering solar technology for the past 25 years, while the diameter of silicon wafers has grown from 125mm to 210mm and module power has grown from less than 100W to 690W. PV power generation is a major source of clean energy deployed in many areas, from utility projects to household rooftops, around the world.

Trina Solar’s 100GW of PV modules have been shipped to more than 100 countries. Collectively, this 100GW of PV modules can generate about 135 billion kWh of cleanenergy power, reducing annual global CO 2 emissions by 135 million tons, and standard coal consumption by 54.54 million tons, the equivalent of planting 7.29 billion trees.

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APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 49

COMPANY FEATURE

Volga Solar Solutions provides a range of solar asset management, operations, and maintenance services.

Volga Solar Solutions Private Limited was founded in 2018 by a passionate team of professionals who bring in years of experience in solar. Volga Solar Solutions is independent solar asset management, operations, and maintenance service, provider. Our head office is based out of Hyderabad, Telangana. We currently offer our series of services across India and are expanding our operations across APAC and EMEA. Volga Solar Solutions provides a range of solar asset management, operations, and maintenance services. Our key offerings include Administration: Billing & Collections, Warranty Administration, Insurance Management, Financial Reports, Tax prep & compliance.

Monitor & Report: 24/7 Alert Response, Monthly production reports, Web-based portal access, Email alerts, multiple levels of monitoring, component monitoring, security.

Maintenance: Preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, Predictive maintenance, Extraordinary maintenance, Module Cleaning, Vegetation management, damage reduction.

We have adopted a futarchy organizational structure, and this has been helping us deliver our commitments to our clients in an effective manner. This adoption has helped us keep our overall plant uptime above 99% while we parallelly strive to improve our plant performance.

Our plant performance monitoring system is helping us in delivering information generated throughout O&M to our clients through our technical reporting process.

Our total operations capacity is around 150MWp. We want to take this opportunity to thank our esteemed clients who have trusted us and offered us a chance to deliver our services. Our clients Include Mytrah Energy, Larsen & Toubro, Amplus Solar, and Solarig.

We are currently expanding our team. We are focused on growing our portfolio. We are offering best-in-class solar O&M services at the best prices. Feel free to contact Mr. Karthik Guduru at karthik.g@volgasolar.co.in to know more about the services. Volga Solar Solutions is open to collaborating with robotics companies that specialize in vegetation management, module cleaning systems, IoT, and also PV Monitoring-Imagery Data fusion startups.

Advanced Tools: Robotic Cleaning, Water Reclamation, Thermal imaging, IV-Curve trace, Aerial Drones Troubleshoot, Repair & E-Waste Management: Repair inverter components, Tracker drive re-calibration, In-field electrical service, System removal & replacement, Dedicated NOC staffed 24/7, Solar E-Waste management, revamping, and repowering.

We offer our services with a commitment to plant performance and plant uptime and follow our in-house and clients' QSHE procedures.

As a result, we have maintained a safe working environment with zero accidents since the company's inception.

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VOLGA SOLAR SOLUTIONS IS INDEPENDENT SOLAR ASSET MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONS, AND MAINTENANCE SERVICE, PROVIDER."

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 50

COMPANY FEATURE

Sineng Electric has R&D centers located in Shenzhen, Wuxi and Chengdu, China.

Sineng Electric is a leading global high-tech enterprise specialized in power electronics products covering the business in power generation, power supply, distribution and power utilization. With advanced R&D, manufacturing, marketing, maintenance and service departments, the company offers customers a full range of solar inverters, energy storage systems and power quality control solutions.

Meanwhile, Sineng Electric has established 3 manufacturing facilities in Wuxi, China, Wuzhong, China, and Bangalore, India, reaching a total of 30GW annual production capacity. The factory in Wuxi has been awarded “Green Factory” by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China and has been contracted as the core supplier of inverter solutions for “Chinese Photovoltaic Top Runner Program” for 3 consecutive years.

Sineng Electric has R&D centers located in Shenzhen, Wuxi and Chengdu, China. The company has successively established an Enterprise Technology Center, an Enterprise Academician Workstation, a Post-Doctoral Innovation Practice Base and an advanced PV Inverter Engineering Technology Research Center.

Adhering to the philosophy of “Sincerity, Unity and Progress”, Sineng Electric has been working relentlessly to ensure state-of-theart power electronics products and solutions. Sineng is always committed to providing the world with green energy and advanced solutions, thus leading the market of power electronics and renewable energy products.

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APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 51

COMPANY FEATURE

LONGi Solar Achieves A Significant Milestone With Over 7GW Of HighEfficiency Solar Panels Supplied To The Indian Market, The Highest For Mono-Crystalline With India on track to achieve its renewable energy targets, LONGi Solar, the largest supplier of solar panels globally has been instrumental in serving the country’s need for reliable, affordable, and innovative solar panels.

LONGi Solar, a world-leading solar technology company announced today that it has achieved a significant milestone in India by shipping over 7GW of high efficiency solar panels, the highest in the mono-crystalline category.

On 6th May, the LONGi India team celebrated this achievement with its customers at the Pride Plaza hotel in New Delhi.

LONGi is arguably the most important player in the PV industry today, being the world’s largest manufacturer of solar panels with the highest market share since 20201 and the largest technology company with the highest market value in China’s A-share market. According to its 2021 financial report, the company shipped a massive 38.5GW of its monocrystalline solar panels, an increase of 57% year on year. LONGi is also the only Chinese solar energy company to join the “RE100”, “EV100” and “EP100” initiatives and the global SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative), actively and progressively working on transforming the energy supply globally.

In India, the company has been present for more than five years and has now consolidated its position as the largest exporter with the highest market share. The company’s steep progress in recent years has been owing to its steadfast focus on innovation and quality, which has progressively differentiated itself from the competition on technology and reliability of its products. With over 1387 authorised patents and an investment of more than 600 million USD in research and development, LONGi has been leading on the technology front with an efficient R&D system, accounting for 5.43% of its operating income last year.

LONGi has also been increasingly focusing on creating value for its customers with the technical expertise it has accumulated over the past two decades. Based on the company’s brand concept of ‘Customer Value First’, ‘LONGi Lifecycle Quality’ was established last year to guarantee that its products perform reliably and efficiently throughout their lifespan, allowing clients to achieve a high return on investment throughout the entire lifecycle of a PV plant.

Talking about this, Pradeep Kumar, Managing Director for LONGi India, mentioned, “LONGi has been a truly transformational company in its strategy with a keen focus on technology leadership along with providing the best value for investment for its customer. Indian developers can discern this differentiation and value our commitment to quality above everything else. Along with this our partnership approach with our customers has been the key reason for this success in the Indian market.”

Luke LU, Head of APAC region & Vice President for LONGi Solar said “LONGi is committed to the Indian market, and we would be keenly exploring the possible synergies bringing our technical expertise to the thriving Indian manufacturing segment in the near future. It gives us immense joy that we have been a trusted partner for all the leading Indian solar developers for the last 5 years as India strides towards achieving its energy transformation and achieving energy independence.”

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APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 52

COMPANY FEATURE

PIXON Received a Bronze medal from MSME for “Zero Defect” Product

PIXON becomes 2nd in Gujarat and 8th in India to receive MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification for “Zero Defect” products ensuring “Zero Effect” on the environment.

The Make in India and Zero Defect and the Zero Effect announcements put the government’s intention to change the path of the economy by focusing on manufacturing as a source of long-term growth into perspective. MSMEs can minimize waste, increase productivity, raise environmental awareness, save energy, make the best use of natural resources, grow their markets, and more by pursuing ZED Certification.

About PIXON:

PIXON manifests into solar products and creating quality solutions for the customers. The organization is very exceptional with the best-in-class turnkey manufacturing facility of 400MW capacity. PIXON is also backed by the Marwadi Shares and Finance Limited (MSFL), which has a strong financial background. The combination of a young group led by seasoned players allows PIXON to be flexible for innovative activities and advanced developments. PIXON aspires to be the world’s leading provider of efficient solar energy equipment and solutions. As a result, contribute to improving global climate sustainability.

The top-notch scope of solar modules is designed in India utilizing European innovation and technology. PIXON has a varied range of products and services for which they have different certifications and standards which ensures the organization’s capabilities and effectiveness to complete the specific work assignments and obligations. PIXON provides turnkey Engineering, Procurement & Construction Services for the installation of solar projects. They have an in-house, welltrained, and dedicated EPC team for the execution of solar projects.

PIXON Products:

PIXON products stand through their performance and quality.

PIXON solar modules are robust and tested to withstand extremes of weather conditions. PIXON provides a wide range of modules under the following categories: PIXON also offers highly efficient modules tested in our in-house PV Module Test Lab which are as follows:• Mono-Crystalline Perc Modules.

• Poly- Crystalline Modules.

• Poly- Crystalline DCR Modules.

• Poly- Crystalline Half-Cut Cell Modules.

• Mono-Crystalline Perc Half-Cut Cell Modules.

The PIXON’s PID-free EVA films provide higher productivity and lower shrinkages. The range of EVA Films includes: • PIX Fast Cure EVA Film

THE MAKE IN INDIA AND ZERO DEFECT AND THE ZERO EFFECT ANNOUNCEMENTS PUT THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO CHANGE THE PATH OF THE ECONOMY

BY FOCUSING ON MANUFACTURING AS A SOURCE OF LONG-TERM GROWTH INTO PERSPECTIVE.

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APR MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 53

COMPANY FEATURE

Saatvik Encompasses the global market with a revolutionary business strategy to set new benchmarks.

Saatvik, India’s leading and fastest-growing solar module manufacturer, has updated its global go–to–market strategy to focus on international economies. Saatvik began operations by establishing an ultra-modern manufacturing plant in 2016.

In the last fiscal year, Saatvik has installed an extra manufacturing line in Ambala to fulfill the growing market demand and expanded our manufacturing unit by setting up an additional production line for the production of M10/G12 size modules to raise the production output to 1GW/Annum in Ambala (Haryana).

To manufacture and supply high-efficiency Solar PV Modules equipped with the latest technology and state of art manufacturing facility for Bifacial and Mono PERC product lines.

Saatvik sources the highest quality cells and other materials from their leading and worldwide manufacturers.

Seeking the exponential Global growing market demand and technology up-gradation, the company has upgraded its product range by introducing Bifacial & Mono PERC half-cut Multi Bus bar modules. These modules are offered with a power range of up to 545Wp in both Monofacial & Bifacial product streams further expanding power range capacity up to 600Wp. Innovation, Research, and Technology up-gradation are the key values of our organizations. We are striving for innovations across Technology. Manufacturing, Sales, and Service to ensure clean and green energy mediums. We are in discussion with leading Solar cells and technology providers to implement the latest and most advanced technology such as TOPCON & HJT into our operations.

The talks with these service providers are into the final stage and upon finalizing the implementation of these techniques will be done in our upcoming Greenfield manufacturing unit in Gandhidham (Gujarat). The new facility unit will be spread across 62 Acres of land, to be equipped with the most advanced technology.

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As the company has strategized its annual production and supply plan the company focuses on innovating new technologies and methods decreasing dependencies on their import for cells and other items, Saatvik targets to create a complete eco-system for Solar module manufacturing in the stream with make in India initiative.

The company has recently done a strategic alliance with Munich RE for manufacturing Mono Perc Half Cut MBB Technology modules in (540Wp +) improving performance standards for the power output warranty.

In the ongoing era of change and conversion toward clean and renewable energy sources company will soon be starting out a new business vertical EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction).

Company forays and emphasis on global markets catering to USA, Europe and Middle East territories providing end-to-end solutions in terms of EPC Projects.

PRASHANT MATHUR CEO, SAATVIK GREEN ENERGY

SAATVIK EMPHASIZES ON CREATING A TECH-ORIENTED ECO-SYSTEM IN THE INDIAN MARKET REDUCING DEPENDENCIES ON IMPORTS.."

APR MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 54

COMPANY FEATURE

Solis Achieves An Astounding 2GW Shipment Milestone

Solis has achieved a remarkable milestone of 2GW shipments.

Also, Solis has recently emerged victorious with a 29.18% market share out of the entire share of 2196 MW capacity of inverters supplied in 2021. To mark this achievement, the company hosted a celebration on May 6th in Bangalore. More than 160 esteemed guests joined the celebration.

At the event, Idrish Khan, Solis’s Chief Technical Officer in India, summarized the sales and service of Solis over the years. “As a global leader in inverters, Solis is highly focused on the Indian market. Since entering India in 2016, the company has continuously introduced industry-leading products and solutions. It has also set up an Indian branch with a responsive marketing and service team, which has improved its localization operations. Now as we enter the sixth generation of inverter technology platform, this has undoubtedly established a solid foundation for achieving good market sales results.”

Top representatives from Fourth Partner Energy, Amplus Solar, Tata Power Solar, Hero Future Energies, and other well-known Indian players attended the event. K.L.H. Raya, Secretary, Karnataka Renewable Energy System Manufacturers Association graced the occasion with a speech.

K.L.H. Raya, congratulating the Solis team for this feat, added, “I believe after-sales service plays a critical role in the success of a company. Deepa Solar has been using Solis inverters for 2 years now. Their customer care and service backup are very good and make them stand out as compared to others. “

Manav Virdi, Head of Rooftop Procurement from Tata Power Solar said that their association with Solis started as an experiment that has been tremendously successful. He further quoted, “Instead of working on a transactional basis, Solis has been like a partner, working hand in hand throughout the journey. With their innovative techniques and regular interactions, they brought all the difference.”

Solis has the widest installed base of string inverters globally, with its inverters converting DC to AC power and interacting with the utility grid, thus reducing the carbon footprint and helping to enrich society around the world. Solis has achieved rapid growth in revenue and profit for many years in a row because of its leading technology and its dedication to product quality. This achievement of 2GW shipments is a testimony to the same. This achievement represents a significant milestone for the company, after years of deep cultivation of the Indian market. It will encourage Solis to explore more of the Indian market and promote sustainable development of low-carbon and green energy in India.

Solis is committed to a global vision built on product-centered engineering, putting customers at the center of our most critical decisions, and ensuring that we play our role in the transition to clean energy by helping make it more efficient, safe, and dependable.

Sunil Kumar MD of Urban Engineer Consultancy Pvt Ltd congratulated the Solis team on this major milestone and mentioned that Solis inverters have added a lot of value to their projects. He further said, “Solis’s innovation contributes to a project’s being very economical and cost-effective and makes it very viable for an end customer.”

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APR MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 55

COMPANY FEATURE

Our goal is to produce high-quality products to generate energy for the future through solar power.

With our deep and more than 20 years long understanding of the human need for ever-growing sources of energy, we realized that fossil fuels must make way for renewable and green sources. Our pursuits let us set up the most advanced 300 MW solar photovoltaic modules manufacturing unit spread over a 2,20,000 sqft area at Nagpur, the heart of India, from where we cater to the solar assets management needs of our clients across the country.

The capacity is expandable to 500 MW in the same premises.

We specialize in manufacturing high-efficiency solar PV modules using advanced MBB technology. We offer our clients the full spectrum of photovoltaic solar products, applications, solutions, and services from small domestic systems to large industrial projects.

Established in 2004 for commodity trading purpose Diversified into Solar Industry in 2016.

Prime Objective: Manufacturing of high efficiency and highquality Solar Panels.

Part of a diversified group operating in Renewable, Nonrenewable, Agriculture, and Real estate sectors with a group annual turnover of INR 6.5 billion.

Our team consists of well-experienced and technically sound professionals.

Have set up a state-of-the-art, entirely automated, German engineering-based solar PV module manufacturing unit at Nagpur, Maharashtra.

- Annual capacity: 300 MW+

VISION & MISSION Vision: With a deep commitment to nation-building, our goal is to reach out to people, to give them cleaner & greener energy that is accessible and affordable.

Mission: To be known for the scale of our ambition, speed of execution, and quality of operation. We see ourselves as one of the leading corporate entities which promote clean and green energy in the years to come.

“We recognize and appreciate that there are many different forms of renewable energy, each with its own unique applications. However, we're dedicated to focusing on solar energy, which led us to believe that yellow is the new green when it comes to harnessing the sun's rays and converting them into clean, green energy. Whether you want to cut down on costs or do your part to preserve the environment, solarisation is the way to go.”

Our goal is to produce high-quality products to generate energy for the future through solar power. We strive to go beyond just a business relationship and build strong bonds of trust and integrity.

PRODUCT RANGE: a) POLYCRYSTALLINE - VEGA SERIES

Made from 156.75/157mm (M1/M2) polycrystalline cells.

Can be made from 72,66,60 & 54 cells.

Wattage range72 Cells (335Wp, 330Wp) 66 Cells (300 Wp, 305 Wp) 60 Cells (275 Wp, 270 Wp) 54 Cells (250 Wp)

Pulsar Series b) MONO PERC - PULSAR SERIES

Lyra Series

MONO PERC

Passivated layer on the rear side of the cell.

Made from monocrystalline Perc cells size(M2 & M3).

M3 – 158.75 X 158.75 mm.

Wattage range-

Solar Modules | 72 Cells

Vega Series

Rigel Series

POLYCRYSTALLINE

BIFACIAL MONO PERC

Solar Modules | 72 Cells

Solar Modules | 72 Cells

TWIN PEAK

Solar Modules | Ply | Mono

New Alpha Plus Series

390 Wp, 395 Wp. c) BIFACIAL - RIGEL SERIES

Generates energy from both sides of the module.

Available in Mono PERC technology.

Overall increase by 8-30% in the generation.

We offer Bifacial modules with Glass transparent back sheet. d) ALPHA PLUS SERIES (Half cut) The latest product from Novasys 144

half-cut

cells

connected

in

series

and

connected with the other similar set in parallel.

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APR MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 56

Business Competitiveness: We have invested in the best-in-class manufacturing facilities with complete automation.

We have designed an error-free, streamlined, and fully controlled production process.

Our modules are manufactured from the best-in-class raw materials.

Our modules have higher energy output at enhanced efficiency without an increase in module size thus saving on the cost of balance of systems and components.

We are committed to customer-oriented services at every stage from production to after-sales.

Quality Policy of Novasys: Quality is our biggest asset and we procure raw materials from certified vendors.

Why one should go for Novasys Made Solar Panels?

TT2100 German Stringer with patented bussing technologies ensures minimum losses & better output.

Better Performance under “Low light” & High Temperature too.

Resistant to PID, LID, Salt-Mist, Ammonia Corrosion (Certified).

Complete Sequential automation process with automated framing, and sealing of frame to ensure lifelong performance.

Every panel was tested under EL before & after lamination to ensure “Zero Micro Crack” and lifelong performance.

27Years Performance Warranty with a minimum of 80% output.

Team and Management: Upcoming Products: Multi Busbar Modules 9BB, 10 BB Higher Efficiency Higher wattage Shingled Modules Overlapping Cells Very low resistive loss Higher efficiency Less susceptible to mechanical and environmental stress HJT modules Combines the best quality of Crystalline & Amorphous silicon modules Very high efficiency Very Low-temperature coefficient

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APR MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 57

Client Testimonial Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd., the world’s largest bankable inverter manufacturer, has over 224GW of installed units worldwide as of Dec 2021. Sungrow was founded in 1997 and is a pioneer in the development and research of power conversion technologies. It has the most dedicated R&D team in this industry, offering a wide product portfolio including PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions.

With a solid 25-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power installations in over 150 countries. Recently, Sungrow inaugurated the 10GW solar inverter manufacturing facility in India, for which a formal inauguration ceremony was held in New Delhi. With this magnificent production capacity, Sungrow exhibits its commitment to the “Make in India” initiative thus leading to an “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

Below are the words of appreciation from Dignitaries invited to the grand event hosted at Aerocity, New Delhi on the occasion of the 10GW virtual factory inauguration which will continue to motivate team Sungrow to aim and achieve new milestones-

Shri Bhagwanth Khuba Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shri Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy of India virtually inaugurated the manufacturing unit and said, “Sungrow has been serving the Indian Solar market since 2014 and has supplied more than 11 GW of inverters. This new manufacturing facility is in response to the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India and will help the country to achieve its vision for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. It will help Sungrow to cater to different segments of the solar inverter market including residential, commercial and industrial, and utility solar. I appreciate this step by Sungrow which is a big leap to reach the solar ambition of the country. In the future, I hope Sungrow’s India factory sets a benchmark for the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.“

Akhileshwar Singh Director (Finance) and Head of Business Development, SJVN Limited Gracing the ceremony virtually with his esteemed presence, Akhileshwar Singh, Director (Finance) and Head of Business Development, SJVN Limited conveyed his best wishes. He further said, “It is a matter of great pride as Sungrow launches this phenomenal facility. Congratulations to Sungrow’s entire team for this noteworthy expansion of their manufacturing Capacity.”

Pranav R Mehta

M. Srinivasa Reddy Head of Operations, Fourth Partner Energy

Many congratulations to the Sungrow team for this huge milestone. We truly appreciate their long-term vision of making India ‘Atma Nirbhar’.

Sungrow has been our partner for over 4 years. We look at three main factors when purchasing a product: price, delivery timeframes, and aftersales support. While most providers meet the requirements for delivery time and price, after-sales support is a problem. Sungrow is an exception.

Sungrow’s service has not presented us with any significant challenges.

They provide continuous support, which is why we choose Sungrow every single time. We will continue to work together on many other projects with their support.”

Rohan Jhawar Director and CEO, LNB Renewable Energy

Our relationship with Sungrow goes way back to 2013. We were searching for an inverter manufacturer when we started our first gridconnected project at Rajasthan’s Bhadla Solar Park. That is when we discovered Sungrow. We were blown away by Sungrow’s first product and since then have not looked back.

Nearly all of our projects use Sungrow products. These range from the 30KW string inverters upto the 5MW central inverters. Needless to say that the generation and performance across our plants have been exceptional. An inverter is considered the heart of solar systems. It is vital that the heart is healthy to ensure optimal functioning. We are glad that we made the right choice to get the correct inverter. Sungrow’s service is also excellent.

Sungrow has been a great partner. We look forward to working with them on many more projects. We wish Sungrow a lot of success and many more milestones.”

Dilip Mehta Sr. Vice President, Amplus Solar

Founder and Chairman of the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) On the occasion, expressing his happiness, Pranav R Mehta, Founder and Chairman of the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), praised Sungrow for its astonishing growth. “It is noteworthy that Sungrow which started business in India in 2013 has within a span of 9 years supplied 12 GW of solar inverters in India and 225 GW globally. It’s remarkable that Sungrow’s current manufacturing capacity stands at 90 GW per year.” “As India’s solar sector has progressed, Sungrow has proved its mettle and is a shining example of the Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. On behalf of the NSEFI, I congratulate Sungrow and wish them great success.”, he added.

| INDIA

Amplus Solar congratulates Sungrow on this tremendous feat. This is a great step under the Atma Nirbhar scheme in India. Sungrow has been our business partner in the supply of inverters for close to 250MW over the past 4-5 years. We have enjoyed their services and supply so far. We hope to build a lasting relationship with them in the future.”

Learn more about Sungrow by visiting: www.sungrowpower.com.

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 58

PRODUCT FEATURE

All our services and products are constantly fine-tuned to make them prompt, hence professional.

Contendre Solar: One of the India's most Premium Solar PV Manufacturing and Solutions Company is an ISO certified organisation headquartered in Mumbai and with a State-of-the-Art, Automated Solar Module Manufacturing Facility located at Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, India. Our Avant grade European production line provides us with a high level of production accuracy in turn helping us achieve our goal of providing the highest quality Solar Products and Solutions to the World at a competent price point. Contendre strives to produce Indian, high quality solar products ensuring the highest in class power output and best in-class reliability to our customers. Contendre’s product line is tailored for residential, commercial and utility applications.

Every Contendre solar module is certified and surpasses industry standard regulations, proving excellent performance over the longterm. With our equipment already advanced & upgraded to keep up with the fast-evolving technology, we are able to provide our customers with a wide range of products along with a special option for customization.

P Series- Polycrystalline Solar PV Modules (305-335Wp/ DCR) Contendre’s P Series Modules are one of the most popular among the entire product range with a yield ranging between 305Wp -335Wp. This module can be put to good use for the installations of residential, commercial, industrial, off-grid, and utility-based projects. Contendre’s Poly-crystalline PV module provides a best in class module efficiency of up to 17.32%. The modules can be used in PV frameworks with a voltage of 1500V DC. The modules can withstand the snow load of up to 5400 Pa and wind load of up to 2400 Pa. Power resilience is +4.99Wp. The solar modules are BIS, IEC and ALMM Approved. The mentioned range of modules are also available in DCR variant.

generation capacity. The range will be further extended in next stage with integration of Bifacial technology allowing an extension of up to 600wp.

Mini Series- Range of Small Modules (40W280W) Contendre also offers its customers with small solar modules for low power applications like lighting and off-grid solar solutions making us the one stop shop for all your solar module needs. The offered range is BIS, IEC Certified.

Contendre Solar Power Solutions Our expertise does not only limit to the manufacturing of Solar PV Modules but it also extends to provision of end-to-end solar solutions to our customers. We provide tailor-made power solutions to satisfy the specific requirements of each and every customer. For us quality is not just the quantitative measure of perfection, it includes customer satisfaction too. All our services and products are constantly fine-tuned to make them prompt, hence professional. Our services include Solar Installation, Solar System Design, Solar Equipment Supply, Solar Consulting Services, Long Term Operation, and Maintenance, etc. And with us having the in-house manufacturing for most of the critical components needed in solar installations, we can provide our clients with a single point responsibility allowing them to have a hassle-free project installation and life.

M Series- Monocrystalline Solar PV Modules (380415Wp) India’s first and only IEC and BIS certified 400Wp+ Module range with trusted full cell technology. Contendre offers Mono Crystalline Perc PV Module with a power range of 380-415Wp. The modules are ideal for all types of installations ranging from residential, commercial, industrial, utility, and off-grid-based projects.

Contendre’s Mono-crystalline Perc PV modules offers an efficiency of up to 20.16%. The maximum system voltage of this module is 1500 V DC. The withstand capacity of snow load is 5400 Pa. and for wind, the load is 2400 Pa. Power resilience is +4.99Wp. The solar modules are BIS, IEC and ALMM Approved.

G Series- Solar BIPV Glass Products (Customised) This is one of the unique propositions offered by Contendre Solar. With our technologically advanced setup, we are capable in producing and providing this highly customisable product solutions to our customers as per their specific requirements. The range covers all the different type of module technology starting from Glass to Glass, Glass to transparent back sheet, Coloured Glass to bifacial solar PV Modules and covers all the different size, shapes and colours.

X Series- Xtreme Power Series (530-550W) Contendre is soon going to launch its High Efficiency Modules series and establish itself among international module brands. The Modules will generate ultra-high power with best-in-class module efficiency, touching 21%. The modules will be based on 210mm large-size silicon wafer and monocrystalline PERC cell technology. It will also include other unique integrations like high density encapsulation and multi busbar technology allowing higher power

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PRODUCT FEATURE

India’s another big ground-mounted Utility-Scale Solar Project with Goodwe HT-250KW*10 inverters commissioned at Century Plyboard Industries Ltd. Background: Century Plyboards (India) Ltd. is an Indian manufacturer, seller and exporter of plywoods, laminates, doors, PVCs and veneers. The company offers plywood products under the brand name - Century Ply and exports its range of products to over 20 countries. These award-winning products have been redefining Indian realty and bringing about a paradigm shift in the concept of living spaces, making Century Plyboards the largest seller of multi-use plywood and decorative veneers in the Indian organized plywood market.

It is also bringing a shift in the use of renewable energy in order to cut down costs and boost profitability by harnessing Solar Power at its units. This was among the cost-cutting measures initiated by the company. Green Energy Shift is a plan to become a part of the National Green Energy Revolution and they have succeeded in ushering into the renewable hemisphere by installing various solar projects in their units. Century Ply’s intention is to contribute towards the Solar Mission of the country and actively address the issue of global warming. GoodWe has partnered with them to help them contribute to environmental longevity and enhance their renewable footprint.

Challenge: The site is in a hilly region and since the project commissioning was done during the peak winter season, the team had to face cold waves and the problem of zero visibility due to fog. Also, the installation was done on the outskirts of the factory site where the ground was uneven which led to difficulties in transportation.

The Factory boundary is fenced but the forest area is very near, which also led to the risk of wild animals entering the premise.

There are also defined protocols & strict guidelines in terms of working hours. The team has exactly 8 hours to work per day and had to finish the project within a limited timeline.

Moreover, the factory had numerous safety & Covid testing guidelines as protective measures.

The installation & technical parameters were quite high and the team had to ensure that the quality of work is not compromised. The look, including a 360-degree view of the project, cable length, and canopy all had to be perfect as the project was also monitored at every angle through CCTVs.

Environmental effect:

Installation details Location: Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India EPC: Enerparc Energy Pvt. Ltd. Bangalore System Capacity: 2.8MW Commission Date: 01-01-2022 Solar Panels: Renesola-440Wp Inverters: GW250K-HT*10

Solution: The installation team ensured that the project was at par with all Quality standards.

The project is one of the biggest Ground Mounted Utility-Scale Solar projects with 10 HT-250KW* GoodWe inverters powering the plant.

With cutting-edge technology and an extensive list of features, the HT series offers more yield, increased reliability, lower O&M costs, increased safety, and remote monitoring, making solar projects highly reliable. These outstanding sets of features were conceived to ensure the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and a utility that runs efficiently.

Century Plyboards is continuously working towards setting rooftop power plants in a timeline of 1 to 3 months with precision engineering that maximizes roof space and meets power demands at the least cost. GoodWe ensures that the return on investment on the rooftop power plants of our esteemed clientele is maximized and the realization is optimum. They also want to analyses the power usage and optimize the same for further Solar projects.

GoodWe is glad to be a part of Century Ply (India) Limited’s solar drive. And, this testifies to our resolve at maintaining and improving quality, performance, and customer-centricity.

The PV generation in this case will reduce CO2 consumption by 977,982 kg per year, which is equivalent to:

About GoodWe GoodWe is a world-leading PV inverter and energy storage solutions manufacturer and is listed as a public limited company on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 688390). With an accumulative delivery of more than two million inverters and installation of 23GW in more than 100 countries and regions, GoodWe was ranked as the Global No.1 storage inverter by Wood Mackenzie in 2020. GoodWe has also ranked as one of the Top 10 inverter suppliers by IHS Markit and has achieved six consecutive TÜV Rheinland “All Quality Matters” Awards. The great reputation of the MT-Series is spreading across continents and the pace of our global deployments is expanding rapidly.

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APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 60

PRODUCT FEATURE

THE SOLUTION IS SKYFRI INTELLIGENCE, A REAL-TIME, AUTONOMOUS AND INTEGRATED RENEWABLE ASSET PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT SAAS SOLUTION. Solar energy development is blooming, and investments are sky high. The energy source is expected to account for over 60% of the global energy mix in the next decades, but energy production has met a severe issue. Assets are underperforming. Outdated, manual and low-quality O&M practices are the key reasons.

This problem is at the core of the inspiration for our products and solutions. While operating in the solar industry for decades, the issue became clearer with time. The solution is Skyfri Intelligence, a real-time, autonomous and integrated renewable asset performance monitoring and management SaaS solution. It’s onestop enterprise software for the management and operations of solar power plants. Driven by extensive industry experience and new thinking, we utilize technology to transform how we operate solar power plants today.

Skyfri Intelligence monitors site generation remotely 24/7, and detects and addresses site issues, underperformance, energy losses and equipment failure in real-time - improving risk management, energy production, asset lifetime and return on investment. The integrated CMMS system dynamically creates incidents from real-time alerts and assigns priority tickets to the site team and/or OEMs immediately. Various modular functions within the Skyfri Intelligence suite of software enable efficient day-to-day operations, inventory management, and reporting breaking down silos with easy integration with third-party software. Enabling one single source of truth for asset managers and –operators and maximizing performance - in real-time.

Key features: Site performance is monitored 24/7. The secured real-time data stream from site sensors, SCADA to cloud.

AI-enabled technology is able to identify underperformance before the equipment fails and immediately pinpoint the root cause of the underperformance. Providing full financial impact and operational overview in real-time.

The root cause of underperformance is turned into actionable insights, enabling timely action, warranty claims and making sure the solar plant is operating at maximum performance at all times.

Our platform is built as a combination of stand-alone applications which makes customizations and third-party integrations easy.

Data capture: Industrial IoT SCADA 2.0 for all solar assets with the real-time data stream and power plant controller.

Insights: real-time performance remote monitoring with alarms, geotagged digital twin of the plant and loss adjusted generation forecast.

Workflow: PM Scheduling, CMMS & Site management for incidents and inventory management.

Finance: financial KPIs, billing and invoicing, order to cash, integration with ERP and procurement to pay systems.

Commercial: contract management, insurance and warranties, payables and receivables management.

The Skyfri IoT device fetches the plant data from the site at remote locations and transfers the data from the site device to the cloud under strong security protocols. Data is then stored and monitored by our cloud platform for real-time and dates analysis of plant performance and recommendation for optimization of loss management. Affordable and easy solution for both retrofit of operating assets or new build, either ground mount or on a rooftop, which can be procured on monthly subscription without an upfront investment Skyfri Intelligence provides a complete operational and financial overview 24/7 in a portfolio/asset dashboard customized as per user role or choice, real-time performance monitoring and AIbased fault/loss detections and loss buckets are categorized and reported through alarms and incidents. Based on the alarms you’ll get recommended actions by the semi-automatic incident handling.

For your equipment, you can use the spare management and CMMSbased preventative maintenance feature.

Furthermore, it includes historical analysis benchmarking, performance against day/month/year, dynamic benchmarking of assets and equipment prediction. You can also find more insights with our drill-down detailed reporting and equipment benchmarking.

Finally, the digital twin at string level with augmented geo-located plant layout provides a visual and precise understanding of the location of a fault.

Advanced analytics transformed into actionable and prioritized workflows VARIOUS MODULAR FUNCTIONS WITHIN THE SKYFRI INTELLIGENCE SUITE OF SOFTWARE ENABLE EFFICIENT DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS, INVENTORY MANAGEMENT, AND REPORTING BREAKING DOWN SILOS WITH EASY INTEGRATION WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE. "

| INDIA

Root-cause determination of underperformance is turned into actionable insights and tasks in real-time through Skyfri’s computerized maintenance and management system (CMMS).

Automated workflows and recommended actions for on-site personnel via a mobile app based on advanced cost-benefit calculations, making sure the solar plant is taken care of before it breaks down and there is operating at maximum performance 24/7.

Comprehensive overview of all operations and maintenance work, work order scheduling and status tracking.

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 61

PRODUCT FEATURE

Sineng Electric is one of the few companies who manufactures both central and string inverters for utility projects.

Sineng Electric offers a wide range of smart inverter solutions tailored for customers worldwide, committed to a cleaner future for all.

Sineng Electric is a leading global high-tech enterprise specialized in power electronics products covering its business in power generation, power supply, distribution and power utilization. With advanced R&D, manufacturing, marketing, maintenance and service departments, it provides customers with a full range of solar inverters, energy storage systems and power quality control solutions.

Constant innovation and optimization at each level is the only way to exist in the present competitive environment. In recent years, the market has shifted from small block size to 6.5/12.5MW block size and 1000V to 1500V. Presently, our R&D team is working on a higher voltage solution than 1500V for the future. Storage is also going to happen at a big scale in near future. We have been providing DC/AC and DC/DC coupled PCS and integrated solutions in China and the global market.

Sineng Electric is one of the few companies who manufactures both central and string inverters for utility projects. We launched a wide range of string inverters in order to satisfy the growing demands of global customers. Now the company’s string inverter technology is already mature and has been extensively adopted by many customers.

String PCS Solution (EH-0200-HA-M) Max. 220kW; IP66 + C5 protection; Pack level management; Independent charging and discharging etc.

DC-DC Converter (EH-0182-HA-M ) Max. 200kW; IP66 + C5 protection; Pack level management; Independent charging and discharging etc.

Battery Container Outdoor design; Smaller footprint; Liquid cooling system; Three level BMS protection etc.

As a technology-driven company, Sineng strives to bring innovative solutions that can offer more competitive advantages in the form of more power generation and BOS saving. Sineng has been and will always be holding on to its mission “high quality is low cost”, thus coping with the demands of the evolving market.

Our string inverters are able to turn customers’ attention and that’s why we have set up production lines for string inverters in India manufacturing base this year. In 2020, we have added a new string model (SP-275K-INH) in our string inverter product line which gives an ease-to-design array with the larger wafer 210 mm high power module.

The maximum current for each string input of this inverter is 20A.On the other side, Sineng is also working to come up with higher capacity compact central inverter solutions in near future.

Central PCS Solution (EH-2.5/3.15/3.45-HA-UD) Max. efficiency 99.0%; IP65 protection; PQ, VF, SVG, VSG and other functions; Off-grid operation and black start etc.

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PRODUCT FEATURE

GROWATT’S NEW C&I PV INVERTER IS NOW AVAILABLE ON GLOBAL MARKET Growatt, the global TOP 5 C&I PV inverter supplier officially announces the availability of MAX 100-125KTL3-X LV PV inverter on the global market. Since its debut last year, it has attracted a lot of attention in the industry with its outstanding features.

“Designed especially for C&I PV application, the new MAX model is set with 125kW maximum power output, which is the highest power of string inverter with multiple MPPTs at 400Vac level,” said Lisa Zhang, Marketing Director of Growatt.

With the maximum DC input current reaching 32A for each MPPT and 16A for each string, this new MAX inverter matches well with high power and bi-facial solar modules. Its 10 MPP trackers support 20 strings connection at most, which significantly reduces the energy loss caused by shadow effect and module mismatch.

Besides that, MAX also supports up to 150% DC/AC ratio, which can get the lowest LCOE for the PV plant. With the wide MPPT working range from 180V to 1000V, the inverter can start to work earlier in the morning and switch off later in the afternoon, realizing a longer operation time and harvesting much more solar energy.

Apart from higher yields, Growatt also enhanced the operational safety with Type II SPD on the DC&AC side, Fuse Free Design, Integrated DC Switch, IP66 Protection as well as optional Active Arcing Protection (AFCI) and Built-in PID Recovery to provide allround protection for the inverter and even the whole solar system.

DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR C&I PV APPLICATION, THE NEW MAX MODEL IS SET WITH 125KW MAXIMUM POWER OUTPUT, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST POWER OF STRING INVERTER WITH MULTIPLE MPPTS AT 400VAC LEVEL,” SAID LISA

Key features: Managing a large number of inverters may be a little tricky, thus to make the management smarter and easier, we also supplemented various system solutions of monitoring and smart energy management for C&I PV projects”, Lisa Zhang added.

Growatt simplifies the management of multiple inverters with Smart Energy Manager, thus to realize export limitations and PF control of the system. Besides that, the company also developed various platforms for differentiated users. For example, ShinePhone and ShineServer for end-users to monitor the system operation anytime, and OSS (Online Smart Service) system for installers and distributors to take easy and quick online service, such as online smart IV scan and diagnosis, remote configuration and firmware upgrade, which can have 60% of issues solved without on-site traveling.

“Since its launch in the international market, this new MAX model inverter has accumulated over 500MW shipments globally, especially in China and Latin American countries. Now we are ready to bring this excellent C&I PV solution to more countries worldwide”, Lisa Zhang explained.

ZHANG, MARKETING DIRECTOR OF GROWATT."

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APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 63

PRODUCT FEATURE

Trina Solar’s 210 Vertex Modules Outperform In The Field Tests Trina Solar’s 210 Vertex modules exhibit higher levels of power, efficiency, reliability, and power output making them best suited for distributed rooftop and utility scenarios. This has been proved by the field tests carried out which established the outdoor power output performance advantages in terms of low irradiation performance, shading output characteristics, and outdoor operating temperature.

Remarkably Higher Power Output, Maximum Being Up to 1.7% Vertex modules produce much higher power output when compared to M10 540W modules, with the highest being up to 1.7%. This conclusion has been derived from two outdoor tests conducted in Changzhou and Yinchuan, China.

Test 1:

Location: National Photovoltaic Science and Technology Laboratory of Trina Solar, Changzhou.

Commencement: September 2020.

Tilt angle: 25° Installation height: 0.5m Data collection method: Solar IV multi-channel tester Inference: By March 2021 the single-watt power output capacity of the 210 Vertex series mono-facial modules was 1.6% higher than that of M10 540W modules.

Test 2

Location: National Photovoltaic Quality Inspection Center, Yinchuan. Here the accumulated duration of high irradiance (500W/m2 and above) is more than 2,000 hours a year.

Commencement: April 2021 Tilt angle: 40° Installation height: 1m Surface: sand Data collection method: High precision DC meter + inverter SG20RT-20 Cable: 4 mm2 Inference: Data from April 2021 to February 2022 showed that the energy yield of the 210 Vertex monofacial module was 1.7% higher than that of the M10 540W mono-facial module, and the energy yield of the 210 bifacial modules was 1.1% higher than that of the M10 540W bifacial module.

Three Main Advantages Guarantee 210 Vertex Modules’ Higher Power Output

1

EXCELLENT LOW IRRADIATION PERFORMANCE: 210 VERTEX MODULES HAVE HIGHER POWER OUTPUT PER WATT WHEN ACTUAL IRRADIATION IS LOWER THAN 1000W/M2.

Yinchuan project’s test results indicate that on days of high irradiation the power output of the Vertex module is comparable to that of the M10 module. However, on days of low irradiation, the power output of the Vertex module is significantly higher.

This chart (on the right) is based on three months’ comprehensive empirical data:

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APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 64

When the actual irradiation is lower than 1000W/m2 (STC standard testing condition), the loss due to inner resistance would have a weaker impact on the energy yield of Vertex 210 modules compared with that of M10 540W modules. This proves that the low irradiation performance is significantly superior to that of the M10 540W modules.

Shading Impact On The Back Side When compared with M10 mono-facial modules, bifacial modules have higher power output as they can draw on the advantage of air scattering and reflected radiation from the ground surface.

Taking data of June 2021 as an example, the duration when irradiation exceeded 1000W/m2 accounts for only 3.98% of the whole testing span in Yinchuan, hence, the actual energy yield is determined by modules’ low irradiation performance.

Vertex 210 modules performance.

2

are

superior

in

overall

energy

yield

LOWER SHADING IMPACT ON BOTH FRONT AND BACK SIDES OF MODULES

The shadowing between arrays during mornings and evenings can cause a series of mismatches between PV modules. One of these can be reduced power generation efficiency and in severe cases, can produce hot spots, causing damage to the modules.

Shading Impact On The Front Side

With the 210mm size silicon wafer and innovative design layout, the Vertex series modules can reduce power loss caused by shading in the same area compared with that of M10 540W modules, thus increasing power generation.

The following table shows the percentage of power degradation for different modules in various shading conditions: Partial Shading

M6-72

M10-72

G12-55

G12-66

Single cell shading half M6 half-cut area)

-18.4%

- 14.4%

- 10.3%

-9.63%

Single cell (shading one M6 half-cut area)

-33.9%

-33.9%

-25.5%

-24.69%

Single long side (shading half M6 half-cut area for each cell)

-33.9%

-33.9%

-23.6%

-22.82%

Single short side (shading half M6 half-cut area for each cell)

-27.0%

-16.9%

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-13.4%

-13.43%

Radiation loss comparison simulation of 50mm purlin cells In some projects with bifacial modules, beam crossing occurs at the backside of the modules. Considering 50mm purlin as an example, when the distance of purlins is at 35mm to cells, the equivalent shading loss of backside irradiation for 210 half-cut cells is 26.1%, and for 540W modules 28.5%.

To incorporate the irradiation of both front and back sides and the shading loss of backside irradiation into the photo-coupling model, when the shading on the backside of bifacial modules is caused by the purlins of similar width, the energy yield of Vertex 210 modules is 0.09%~0.42% higher than M10-540W modules.

210-50mm purlin shading

M10-540W50mm purlin shading

Energy yield loss of grassland Albedo=0.2

0.52%

0.61%

Energy yield loss of sandy ground | Albedo=0.4

0.98%

1.21%

Energy yield loss of white paint | Albedo=0.7

-33.9%

-33.9%

APR-MAY ISSUE 2022 | PG 65

3

EXCELLENT OPERATING TEMPERATURE TO ENSURE MODULE EFFICIENCY

The operating temperature of PV modules has a significant impact on their performance. As the operating temperature rises, the efficiency falls, thus reducing the output.

Considering the Changzhou field test as an example, the ground type was grassland, the tilt angle was 25°, the installation height was 0.5m, and the operating temperature of the module was noted by using a HIOKI thermocouple data collector.

Below is the weighted average temperature of three different types of modules (M6-72, M10-72, G12-55):

The measured and simulated results are compared in the following figure.

It can be seen that the operating temperatures of the 210 Vertex module and the M10 540W module are basically the same.

Conclusion

Based on a 210mm silicon wafer, equipped with an innovative design for low-voltage and high-string-power, the highest power output of Trina Solar Vertex modules reaches 670W. The 210 Vertex modules have thus proven to exhibit excellent power generation advantages and outstanding low irradiation performance, working temperature, and stronger anti-shading ability.

At the same time, as a longer string design can be realized, it leads to reducing the number of strings and modules, thus resulting in reduced installation costs and faster progress on the project.

It is therefore proved that the 210 Vertex modules produce better system value, lower LCOE, and generate higher returns on power generation.

Test result of the operating temperature of three types of modules.

The data was recorded on September 5th as the day was typically sunny, and the measured data and measured meteorological data were substituted into the steady-state heat balance model.

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PRODUCT FEATURE

SofarSolar's New Intelligent Residential ESS- Now Available for Pre-order in India

SofarSolar’s newly launched “One-Stop” residential energy storage system solution - SOFAR PowerAll is now available for pre-booking in India. This new system seeks to realize high compatibility with all components and features high safety, unparalleled efficiency, and easy installation.

The smart lithium-ion battery is composed of a low-voltage battery pack, Battery Management Unit (BMU), and Power Control Unit (PCU). Through the PCU, it can independently adjust the output voltage and current, and automatically balance the capacities between battery packs according to the battery SOC. The SOFAR PowerAll adopts a fully modular design and can be stacked in any combination. With deep integration with lithium battery and inverter, the system can monitor the realtime status of PV panel, lithium battery, grid power, and load, and automatically control the power flow direction with a smart energy management strategy to achieve the optimization of system power distribution. Meanwhile, the system can quickly switch between system battery charging and discharging demands and shorten the response time to be within 100ms.

"Innovations in energy storage have never been more exciting and necessary than they are today," said Yin Rongfang, President of SofarSolar. "As part of our ongoing commitment to providing top-notch solar and storage solutions for homeowners, SOFAR PowerAll boasts new features that not only meet the needs of energy-conscious homeowners but support broader sustainability goals," he added.

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PROJECT FEATURE

KRANNICH SOLAR HAS DELIVERED TRINA MODULES TO A 7MW OPEN ACCESS PV PROJECT COMMISSIONED BY HYSOLWIN To meet the growing energy demand across the state, Maharashtra has observed rapid development in renewable energy. The commissioning of a 7MW ground-mounted project in Solapur has recently done on 12th April 2022. Krannich Solar has delivered Trina modules to this open access PV project while the installation and commissioning have been done by its EPC partner Hysolwin Green Power.

This 7MW project will generate 12775000 KWh of electricity per year and 319375000 KWh throughout its life. Thanks to highly efficient Trina modules for such an excellent generation. The project will supply power to Western India Forgings Private Limited Pune, Maharashtra from its open-access project at Bacheri village in Solapur district.

As we know that the environmental advantage of solar energy including lower carbon emission and reduced air pollution has been widely known for decades. As far as this project is concerned, it has delivered numerous socioeconomic benefits. The PV project will save 138,160 Metric Tons of CO2 in emissions in 25 years. This is equivalent to 152,861,283 pounds of coal burned or 13,571,690 of gallons diesel emission. Congratulations K rannich Solar, Trina Solar, Hysolwin and all other involving parties for this amazing cause.

Certainly, there were some challenges faced during the installation.

It is a heavy windy area, so it was challenging to install a sustainable PV project there. However, the installation team effectively mitigates the tunneling effect. Also, it was difficult to get open access permission for the project at the location but it has finally done with the support of local bodies. In this way, the best and most effective implementation of the project has been done.

Mr. Deepak Prasad, Director, Hysolwin Green Power, said “We would like to extend our gratitude to the Krannich team for cooperating with us, especially in these tough times where there is a shortage of the products across the market and helping us deliver the project within the timelines. We have been procuring PV products from Krannich for last the 3 years and are extremely satisfied with their outstanding services and strong commitment”.

“It’s pleasure working with Hysolwin and sowing seeds of renewable energy across the country. Thanks for choosing Krannich. We will ensure the best of our services all the time.” said Raunak Paikhot, Sales Head – West Zone, Krannich Solar.

WE HAVE BEEN PROCURING PV PRODUCTS FROM KRANNICH FOR LAST THE 3 YEARS AND ARE EXTREMELY SATISFIED WITH THEIR OUTSTANDING SERVICES AND STRONG COMMITMENT- DEEPAK PRASAD DIRECTOR, HYSOLW IN GREEN POWER."

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PROJECT FEATURE

WHY ARCTECH IS THE SMART SOLAR TRACKER SOLUTION PROVIDER WHO KNOWS INDIA THE BEST ?

Arctech, the world’s leading tracking, racking, and BIPV solutions provider recently harvested a 156MWp SkyLine Project in Savarkandla, Amreli, Gujarat, the top state in domestic solar panel installations in India, accounting for 68 percent of the country’s 79,950 fittings.

As one of the most important players and reliable partners who knows India the best, Arctech has a portfolio of 3.5GW across the region by the end of 2021. In 2022, the company is amping up 3GW tracker products to meet the demand from global markets by building an Indian manufacturing base, where 95% of the hire accounts in the local factory are for the locals, followed by the technological transformation in a long term, and in the foreseeable future, the company aims at 70% of content produced in India.

As the government of Gujarat announced a new policy lifting restrictions on the capacity for solar power generation as part of its target of producing 30,000 MW by 2022, the project is definitely adding more confidence to the regional renewable target for increasing solar power generation.

Self-owned wind tunnel laboratory boosting wind performance

With great terrain adaptability, SkyLine can operate on North/South slopes for up to 20%. Equipped with the AI Smart Control Box independently developed by Arctech, SkyLine can significantly increase power output by effectively overcoming the shadow effect. Meanwhile, the tracking system provides stable performance under harsh weather conditions due to its structure adjusted based on wind tunnel data, which is of great importance for this very project where the highest wind speed is a startling 50m/s.

Solar trackers are widely known as rigid structural parts; while the main axis of a solar tracker is susceptible to deformation caused by vertical bending, torsion, and complex natural conditions such as high wind speed. Therefore, more advanced analytic tests are necessary for reliable tracker design.

In 2021, Arctech has become the first in the PV industry worldwide to own a wind tunnel laboratory. Equipped with the world-leading testing capabilities of structural static pressure and structural dynamic response, the laboratory can test the effect of wind on trackers at speeds of up to 30m per second, a speed that would cover most likely real-world scenarios. The technical database is also leveraged as the source of basic design parameters for product design, R&D and product structure design verification.

Arctech Wind Tunnel Laboratory

By applying the technical database for concept design and structure design for products, Arctech has been able to optimize the design for mitigating wind-related risk on trackers and equipping trackers with better wind resistance capability. The company has launched the SkyLine II in late 2021, which is the latest horizontal single-axis solar tracking system, the first 1P (one-in-portrait) tracker designed with a pentagonal torque tube and synchronous multi-point drive mechanism, which only triggers wind stows at 22m/s, leading to up to 2% more energy yield per year.

Best solar tracker solution for land uncertainly Granted the testimonial from a chain of successful projects in providing the best tracker solution in mitigating wind-related risks, SkyLine II also has a best-kept secret weapon for land uncertainty, which is a long-lasting issue in the Indian market.

“Normally, tracker design requires different designs in interior and exterior posts as the wind pressure varies, hence when land changes occur which is not rare in India during the installation, project owners inevitably suffer financial loss. On the flipside, enabled by the multi-point mechanism, Arctech's SkyLine II tracker can perfectly adapt to the land uncertainty issue by significantly reducing the cross-section of piles as bending moments are lower when trackers are stowing at 0 degree.

SkyLine II

Localization Strategy with a global mindset

Expediting in the localization strategy, in 2022, the company is amping up 3GW tracker products to meet the demand from global markets by building an Indian manufacturing base, where 95% of the hire accounts in the local factory are for the locals, followed by the technological transformation in a long term, and in the foreseeable future, the company aims at 70% of content produced in India.

Arctech is the key player and reliable partner in the solar industry in the region, where it has built its business development staff at the India office 5 years ago as it anticipated an immense growth in solar development in the country. Now, the team of 30 has provided engineering and manufacturing support for Arctech's local operation, with the possibility of acting as an extension to the headquarters in China and supporting the global business.

“Leveraging the rich experience in overtaking international projects as well as the solid understanding of local market demand, the Arctech Indian team is capable to support clients in providing customizing solutions, installation, debugging and after-sales service and soon manufacturing, which surely will help optimize the capability of our champion solar tracker products in the future.” Remarked by Gail Chen, General Manager of East Asia and India at Arctech.

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Recognizing & Honoring The Top Achievers Of the Indian Solar Industry Awards do not only acknowledge success; they recognize many other qualities: ability, struggle, effort, and, above all, excellence. It is an acknowledgment of appreciation for your Team's hard work and dedication to achieve the milestone.

STATE BUSINESS MEET

KERALA

AWARDS

20 22

This year the ‘SolarQuarter Business Meet Awards 2022’ became grander with the presence of the industry leaders and contributors to the Solar Sector in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Making the events more graceful we had invited Shri Harikumar Ramdas, Director, Energy Management Centre Kerala, and Mr. Vinay Kumar P, COO, Vibrant Energy as our Guests of Honor to present the awards.

Unveiling the proud winners: Honorary Awards: Shri Harikumar Ramdas, Director, Energy Management Centre Kerala Shri Narendra Nath Veluri, CEO, ANERT Shri B Ashok, CMD, Kerala State Electricity Board

SolarQuarter State Business Awards: Atmanirbhar India State Business Leader - Powerone Microsystems Pvt. Ltd Powerone is the only Indian manufacturer of Hybrid Solar inverter with a 7 MW installation. It is into the manufacturing of on-grid, hybrid, and off-grid inverters. The company has an installation of 2 MWs in Kerala. Its Athmanirbhan initiatives are adding value to the Indian Solar segment as a whole.

Solar EPC Company Of The Year (>6MW) - INKEL Limited Inkel is a Public-Private Partnership Initiated by the Government of Kerala. This company offers services from concept to completion and after-sales support of projects in the renewable sector. It has an excellent track record for timely execution of RE Projects, Streamlined Procurement activities, Logistics management, and Reduction of material wastage. The company has completed 7.5 MW projects in Kerala.

Solar EPC Company Of The Year (<6MW) - HAVELLS INDIA LIMITED Havells as a brand believes in vertical integration.95% of the products offered by this company are being manufactured inhouse. They offer end-to-end solutions to customers, having one of the biggest service support networks spread across the country. The company is among the top 5 EPC companies.

They have a strong presence in Kerala solar sector having executed more than 5 MW of business in the last fiscal year.

Best Project Of The Year - Amp Energy India The project by Amp has been installed on a combination of the rooftop, ground mount, and elevated structures which is quite unique and showcases the company’s ability to provide flexible, high quality, tailor-made solutions for its customers.

Due to its innovative design and versatility, the project has become a leading example for mass transportation systems to switch to renewables. The project is supplying solar power to the metro stations, and depots and meets about 35-40% of the energy needs of KMRL.

Visionary of the Year - Dr. Satheesh Basant, Managing Director, Kshema Power & Infrastructure Company Pvt. Dr. Satheesh is one of the early entrants to the Renewable sector with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He is the Founder of the company which is one of the largest players in EPC/ System Integration solution provider for Wind & Solar Parks. Our leader has also spearheaded the group to enter into diverse fields like Hospitality, Education, and Healthcare. His vision and his strong belief in customer satisfaction, lead the company to achieve more than 3000MW projects with various clients across the country.

Emerging Leader of the Year - Mr. Abhinand Basant, Director - BD Global & Funding, Kshema Power & Infrastructure Company Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Basant has been handling global business development and initiating investor relations for investment in new projects and company expansion. He has been handling the business for the last 7 years. An aspiring social entrepreneur spearheading the second generation of business he has been building new dimensions for the company in terms of Global Expansion, Exploring new business verticals viz. Green Hydrogen, Blue Hydrogen, EV Storage, etc. in the Renewable power sector, and establishing an association with companies which are focused in providing next-level technology solutions towards RE sector.

EPC Company Of The Year - Residential - Almiya Engineering Consultant Pvt Ltd. Almiya is ranked 1 in the KSEB soura scheme for the 1 MW category. A channel partner for Adani solar in Kerala, they have completed around 2MW of residential solar projects in the state.

The company is promoted by a team of young dynamic and enterprising technocrats with decades of experience which is specialized in delivering engineering solutions and services.

EPC Company of the Year: Commercial - Kshema Power & Infrastructure Company Pvt. Ltd Kshema specializes in installing large-scale grid-connected solar power plants & rooftop solar power solutions to generate electricity for augmenting power at energy-intensive commercial establishments and industrial consumers. The company concentrates on three major areas - Complete Engineering, Procurement, and Construction. They assist their customers in project conceptualization, planning, implementation, construction, operation, and maintenance to assure a greater financial return within a stipulated time. They have completed Commercial projects of 869 KW in the state.

Recognizing & Honoring The Top Achievers Of the Indian Solar Industry

STATE BUSINESS MEET

TAMIL NADU AWARDS

20 22

Unveiling the proud winners:

SolarQuarter State Business Awards: Atmanirbhar India State Business Leader Sleepwalkers Engineering Solutions Private Limited Sleepwalkers is a 6 years old company recognized by startups in India. It has a Young team working on the vision of making the energy system robust. The company provides consultancy on power evacuation of renewable energy to the grid and is proud to introduce their Make In India product - An indigenously developed bot for cleaning solar panel soiling dust.

Solar EPC Company Of The Year: Rooftop - Viridis Engineering India Private Limited Virdis is an end-to-end turnkey renewable energy solutions and service provider company founded by young and dynamic professionals educated in the field of Solar Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy. They have completed 32 MW rooftop projects in the year 2021-22. Last year they cumulatively achieved 51 MW Rooftop projects in Tamil Nadu.

Solar EPC Company Of The Year: Utility- Renfra Power Private Limited Renfra in a short span of time has completed 30MW projects in the last financial year in Tamil Nadu with a target to complete 75MW for the upcoming financial year. They provide Turnkey projects and give the end to end service in the field of both solar energy and wind energy.

State Rising Star Award: EPC - Jayram Industries India Pvt Ltd Jayram has got an order from the Airport Authority of India, Chennai for the operation of a 1.5 MW rooftop project in Chennai Airport Complex along with this they have also commissioned a 3 MW Ac/3.9 MW DC solar project, 2 MW AC/2.5 MW DC project in Veppur, The company has many more projects in their kitty.

State Market Leader Award: String & Central Inverters - Sungrow India Pvt. Ltd Sungrow is the world’s most bankable inverter brand with over 224 GW installed worldwide as of 2021. The company also has a 10 GW manufacturing unit which is the largest in the PV Inverter segment here in India. The Central Inverters by the company were launched with patented technology of paralleling many numbers of the power modules and Tamil Nadu has become the first state to install such new technology in the inverter.

State Market Leader Award: Modules - LONGi Solar India Pvt Ltd LONGi is the world's leading Solar Technology Manufacturer.

With 300MW+ Monocrystalline module supply, it has become the first company to achieve this feat in the Tamil Nadu region.

Also due to their module’s excellent performance, they have received many repeat orders and made the company customers' first preference.

State Market Leader Award: EPC- SWELECT ENERGY SYSTEM LIMITED SWELECT is a leading Solar Power Systems Company with a strong presence in the Global Energy market for over 30 years. It has the ability to implement solar power projects on small as well as large scales with the utmost understanding of customer requirements and customized solutions.

State Market Leader Award: Central Inverter - FIMER India Pvt. Ltd. FIMER has been operating in India since 2010 and has played a key role in showcasing India’s manufacturing prowess since its erstwhile ABB days. For FIMER, a supplier whose inverters generate more than 20 percent of the Solar power generated in India, it’s a decade-long journey supporting India’s “Aatma Nirbhar” initiative.

State Technology Leadership Award - JINKO SOLAR Jinko is one of the most famous and innovative solar technology companies in the world. Its business covers the core links of the photovoltaic industry chain, focusing on the R&D of integrated photovoltaic products and integrated clean energy solutions. It is the first company to establish a "vertically integrated" production capacity from silicon material processing to the wafer, cell, and module production in the industry and proudly introduces Tiger Neo - N-Type TOPCON.

State Customer's Choice Award: Distributor Wattkraft Industries Pvt Ltd

State Sales & Service Leadership Award: Distributor Impulse Green Energy Private Limited

Wattkraft is a German group dealing in solar products like Huawei and phono solar and has a multicultural team. The company has supplied 100 MW in 2021 which is a 40 % market share for Huawei in Tamil Nadu. Their last fiscal year revenue is 30.3 CR for the Tamil Nadu region.

Impulse is foremost in providing solutions for the solar power industry. They are immaculate in providing sales and services support for the world’s pre-eminent solar product manufacturers in India. They have supplied 54MW of HUAWEI inverters and have done sales of around 15Cr in the Tamil Nadu Region.

State Customer's Choice Award: Solar Modules Saatvik Green Energy (P) Ltd Saatvik is the leading & fastest growing brand in the Solar sector that manufactures and markets High Quality, HighEfficiency Solar Photovoltaic modules. Integrated with worldclass technology and a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit.

They have an annual production capacity of 1 GW. Their clients are BHEL, HILD, Avvada, Amplus, NTPC, and Fortum.

Best Project Of The Year - SWELECT ENERGY SYSTEM LIMITED The winning project of SWELECT is a 7 MW Solar PV Plant on a Turnkey basis by M/S MILKY MIST DAIRY FOOD PRIVATE LIMITED. The scope of work involved detailed engineering design, supply of materials, land developments, and construction of the solar plant including Erections, Testing, and commissioning. This Plant has 9.52 MWpeak of Solar PV Capacity.

Best In Client Satisfaction: Distributor of the State enPossibilities Pvt Ltd enPossibilities is a young one with numerous mature achievements. They are the authorized Distributors for Industry Leaders, namely. Sungrow solar string inverters for South India, JA Solar modules in PAN India, and Saatvik Green Energy solar module in South India. They have sold over 65MW string inverters in Tamil Nadu and over 10MW modules in Tamil Nadu for retail clients.

State Service Leadership Award: Inverter - Solis Solis has achieved a remarkable milestone of 2GW shipments & the No. 1 Sting inverter Company of India. Also, it has recently emerged victorious with a 29.18% market share out of the entire share of 2196 MW capacity of inverters supplied in 2021. The company’s proven bankability has attracted support from world-leading financial institutions, ensuring solid long-term returns on investment.

SolarQuarter State Business Leader Awards: Visionary of the Year - R. Chellappan, Managing Director, SWELECT ENERGY SYSTEM LIMITED Mr. Chellappan has 37 Years of rich experience in Power Electronics. Under his guidance, his company was empanelled by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency as an Energy Service Company. He has been on panels of many governments as well as association boards. A winner of many awards and accolades and being announced as one of the 50 Most Influential Solar Leaders in 2018 he is a true visionary of the sector.

Emerging Leader of the Year - S.Sampath Kumar, CEO, Festa Solar Private Limited Mr. Kumar is an energetic and proactive individual with 15 years of enriched experience in the Solar Industry and brings a unique combination of Business Development, Project Development, and Product Development skills to this Solar Industry. He has handled more than 1GW of modules sales supplies to all his clients and executed more than 30+MW of Rooftop, Commercial and Industrial Projects across South India

Emerging Leader of the Year - Sakhamuri Satish Babu, Managing Director, Jayram Industries India Pvt Ltd Mr. Babu has a rich 22 years of experience in the power industry and 10 years of experience in the solar industry. With Technical capability and leadership quality, he has created benchmark timelines in the execution of the projects. He takes care of the day-to-day operations of the group including business risk study, investments, financial designs, and project implementation plans.

To know more about our awards visit us at: https://solarquarter.com/studio/

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