SolarQuarter June 2018

Special Focus- Solar PV Module Technology

www.solarquarter.com



Volume 08. l Issue 6



June 2018

Double - sided power generation

—

Eagle PERC Bifacial

ind@jinkosolar.com

72

385W

—

www.jinkosolar.com

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 2

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 3

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 4

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 5

INDIA’S MOST READ SOLAR ENERGY MAGAZINE

Index

To book your space in the upcoming issue, please contact: Vipul Gulati M: +91 9920917193  E: bd@firstviewgroup.com

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS

NEWS AT GLANCE � Indian News ..................................................06 � International News......................................08

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS � A Relook at Indian Renewable Offtake Risk....................................................22

MR. Neelesh Garg Director, Saatvik Green Energy

10

� Role of Bus-Bars , in generating more power from Solar Panel.............................24 � Goldi Green....................................................25 � Sineng Electric launches first central PV inverter for bifacial solar modules....................................... 26-28 � Huawei..............................................................29 � Shading loss: An introduction, its impact on economics & mitigation techniques................................32

MR. piyush jaju CEO, Onergy Solar

12

� Reliability of TPedge PV Modules Successfully Tested......................................35 � Research at Fraunhofer ISE Investigates Integrated Photovoltaic Modules for Commercial Vehicles............................36 � Testing bifacial solar PV modules: Outperforming energy output expectations...................................................38

Mr. Krishna Manoharan CEO, MinSolar

14

� World’s largest Bifacial Solar Power Project Installed in China’s Qinghai Province..........................................40 � PV Module Aging Mechanisms..............44 � Is Bifacial The New Face Of PV?..............44 � Case Study: PAN & IAM Performance.45

PUBLISHING: VIJAY KUMAR

EDITOR: VARUN GULATI

CIRCULATION : CHANDAN GUPTA subscribe@firstviewgroup.com

PRODUCT FEATURE

Mr. Gautam Das Co-founder and Director,

16

� Sanelite.............................................................29

EDITORIAL:

� Longi Solar......................................................33

NEHA BARANGALI

� Goodwe............................................................37

SANJANA KAMBLE

� Logics PowerAMR........................................39

publishing@firstviewgroup.com

� Goldi green.....................................................41 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: VIPUL GULATI

Oorjan Cleantech Pvt Ltd

bd@firstviewgroup.com

PRINTING/PROCESSING VAIBHAV ENTERPRISES

Mr. Prateek Kakulte Business Innovation Officer, PowerSun

18

OFFICE: FirstView Media Ventures Pvt. Ltd. 907, NMS Titanium, Plot No. 74, Sector 15, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. 400614.

E: publishing@firstviewgroup.com W: www.firstviewgroup.com

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 6

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 7

Indian News

G

UJARAT GOVT ANNOUNCES HYBRID POWER POLICY

To boost solar and wind power generation in the state, the Gujarat government has announced a new Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Policy. Energy minister Saurabh Patel and minister of state for energy Pradeepsinh Jadeja told the media that the policy is meant to promote the production

He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration

distributed energy management solutions and expand

of 1500 kWP capacity solar plant developed by Delhi Sikh

operations to other geographies including South East Asia,

Gurdwara Management Committee at the Gurdwara Rakab

the Middle East and Africa.

Ganj Sahib.

strengthen its leadership position in this emerging sector

that this would inspire other institutions to go green and

and accelerate its growth through the RESCO model across

become environment conscious.

industrial and commercial, corporate and public sector clients,” it added.

of wind and solar power simultaneously. Under the policy, developers can set up wind power unit on the land meant

“Fourth Partner Energy will use this investment to

Lauding this noble initiative by the DSGMC, Singh said

S

In 2015, the Hyderabad-based solar energy company had

The objective of the new policy is the optimum utilization

OLAR POWER FIRM FRV IN TALKS WITH FUNDS TO SELL INDIA PROJECT

of land and grid land for clean energy.

Madrid-based developer of large-scale solar power plants,

and Seed Capital Assistance Facility implemented through

The electricity produced from such hybrid wind and solar

Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, is in talks to sell its 100-

the United Nations Environment Program and Asian

MW power project in India in a deal worth Rs 500-600

Development Bank.

for a solar power unit, or vice versa. The policy allows the establishment of wind-solar hybrid power producing units.

units will be exempted from electricity duty, allowing land

raised $2 million from clean tech fund, Infuse Ventures. The round also saw participation of existing investor, Chennai Angels, which invested a little under $1 million in 2014,

use for dual purpose. The new policy has the provision for

crore, according to two people aware of the development.

50% exemption from electricity duty for selling electricity

FRV is talking with various investors such as Macquarie

to a third party. For hybrid captive plants, total exemption

Infrastructure and Real Assets, green infra JV between

will be given from cross-subsidy surcharge and additional

PE fund Everstone Group & UK-based Lightsource BP’s

surcharge, and 50% relief in wheeling charges and

S

Eversource Capital and Edelweiss Infrastructure Yield Plus

SoftBank Group Corp will invest $60 billion-$100 billion in

distribution loss.

Fund, said one of the persons cited above.

solar power generation in India.SoftBank Group Corp will

FRV was awarded a 100 MW power purchase agreement by

invest $60 billion-$100 billion in solar power generation

S

OLAR POWER INSTALLATIONS SEE RECORD SURGE IN Q1 ‘18

The first quarter (Q1) of 2018 (January-March) was the best on record for solar power installations in India, with 3269 MW being installed in the country, a 34% increase compared to Q4 of 2017. Installations were also up on a year-on-year basis — 2,991 MW was installed in Q1 of 2017. The quarter also marked another feat—this was the first time when over 3 GW (One GW equals 1000 MW) of capacity was installed in the Indian solar market. This was the fifth quarter in a row where at least 2 GW of solar power generation capacity was installed, data compiled by Mercom Communications India, a subsidiary of Mercom Capital Group, said.

The surge in installations in Q1 of 2018 was primarily due to the completion of projects which were scheduled for commissioning in the previous quarter but had experienced delays due to grid connection issues. The cumulative installed solar power capacity totaled 22.8 GW at the end of Q1 2018.The surge in installations in Q1 of 2018 was primarily due to the completion of projects which were scheduled for commissioning in the previous quarter

OFTBANK TO INVEST $100 BILLION IN INDIA’S SOLAR POWER PROJECTS

Solar Energy Corporation of India under the National Solar

in India.

Mission programme in 2016. The project, which is FRV’s

Soon,the Government will sign a Memorandum of

first in India, is in Andhra Pradesh.

Understanding with the Softbank regarding this.

FRV, which was acquired by the Saudi Arabia-headquartered

Softbank will make the investment through a fund backed

Abdul Latif Jameel Group in April 2015, has sold out several

by Saudi Arabia’s government.

businesses worldwide. Its US business had been sold off

The company has announced an investment of $20 billion

earlier to SunEdison. In June last year, FRV sold its 100 MW solar plant in Australia to a consortium of Lighthouse Infrastructure and DIF, while a 65 MW solar plant in Uruguay was sold in March. Mails sent to spokespersons at

in 2015 with an aim of generating 20 gigawatts of energy.

India has set a target of generating 100GW solar power capacity by 2022. This is five times the current generation.

FRV, Eversource, Edelweiss and Macquarie did not elicit any

SoftBank’s Vision Fund has exposure to solar energy

responses till press time.

through its investment in the world’s largest such project in Saudi Arabia announced in March.

D

MRC TO PROCURE 99 MW SOLAR POWER FROM MP

C

Mega solar project in Madhya Pradesh.

ABINET APPROVES CONTINUATION OF OFF-GRID AND DECENTRALISED SOLAR PV APPLICATIONS PROGRAMME - PHASE III

There would be a huge savings to the Delhi Metro due to

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired

the 99MW as per unit cost of power will reduce from over

by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its

Rs 4.50 to Rs 3.30.

approval for implementation of Phase-Ill of Off-grid and

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is all set to procure 99 Megawatts renewable power supply from the Rewa Ultra

Decentralised Solar PV Application Programme to achieve

but had experienced delays due to grid connection issues.

In 2017, the DMRC signed a power purchase agreement

The cumulative installed solar power capacity totaled 22.8

with Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company to

GW at the end of Q1 2018.

get 24 per cent of the electricity generated from 750 Mega

Phase-Ill of Off-grid and Decentralised Solar PV Application

Watt Rewa Ultra Mega Power Project. The prestigious solar

Programme covers following components:

G

park will start supplying power to the DMRC from October.

i) Solar Street Lights: 3,00,000 numbers of solar street lights

Currently, the DMRC has 23 MW of solar powers that has

will be installed throughout the country with special

been produced by on its own by setting up solar plants and

emphasis on areas where there is no facility for street

Union Minister RK Singh today said the government will

panels in the rooftops of the station, buildings, residential

lighting systems through grid power, North Eastern

bring single solar bid of 1 lakh MW, which would also

colonies and depots.

States and Left Wing Extremism affected districts.

OVT TO BRING OUT SINGLE SOLAR BID OF 1 LAKH MW: MIN

include storage and solar equipment manufacturing components.

additional 118 MWp off-grid solar PV capacity by 2020.

“This will be a major per cent of power and the Delhi

ii) Stand-alone Solar Power Plants: Solar power plants of

Metro will be the first one in the country, which is going

individual size up to 25 kWp will be promoted in areas

“The biggest tender was floated in Spain. We brought

to process through a large quantity of solar powers for

where grid power has not reached or is not reliable. This

out single tender of 10,000 MW which would be opened

the functioning of the stations and other things. Also, this

component is mainly aimed at providing electricity to

in July. Now (we) will bring out a bid (tender) of one lakh

step will help reduce pollution because currently we use

schools, hostels, panchayats, police stations and other

MW which would also include solar manufacturing and

thermal powers that produce polluting substances,” said a

public service institutions. The aggregated capacity of

storage,” Singh said while addressing at a function here.

DMRC official.

solar power plants would be 100 MWp. iii) Solar Study Lamps: 25,00,000 numbers of solar study

Talking about India’s renewable energy programme, he said the country will overachieve the renewable energy target of 175 GW by 2022 and eventually have 225 GW. He said that India has already set up 70 GW of renewable energy capacity and about 12.5 GW is under

I

NDIA: TPG’S GROWTH’S THE RISE FUND INVESTS $70M IN SOLAR POWER CO FOURTH PARTNER ENERGY

lamps will be provided in North Eastern States and LWE affected districts.

For solar street lights and solar power plants, financial support up to 30% of the benchmark cost of the system will

implementation whereas bids have been received for 25.5

The Rise Fund, a global impact investment fund managed

be provided except for NE States, Hill States and Island UTs

GW of clean energy capacities.

by TPG Growth, is investing $70 million in Fourth Partner

where up to 90% of the benchmark cost will be provided.

Energy, a renewable power services company focused on

For solar study lamps only 15% of the lamp cost to be

building and financing solar rooftop projects.

borne by beneficiary student and balance will be provided

renewable energy by 2022. Power and New and Renewable

According to an official statement, Fourth Partner Energy

as financial support as such systems will be provided to

Energy Minister R K Singh said.

plans to use this latest funding to expand its portfolio of

school going children in backward and remote areas.

India is making rapid strides in the field of renewable energy and we will overshoot the target of 175 GW

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 8

50/60/70KW

MT Series

4 MPPT 400/500Vac Inverter

30% DC Input Oversizing Ratio

15% AC Output Overloading Ratio

Full-load Running at 50°C

20% More Compact

Maximize the profit of your commercial rooftops & utility projects with MT series

www.goodwe.com

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 9

International News

J

INKOSOLAR SUPPLIES 275.4 MWDC OF SOLAR MODULES TO GREEN LIGHT CONTRACTORS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Consortium for the country’s leading power utility, National

costs. Developed for large scale utility plants, SG3400HV also

Grid, Saudi Arabia. ABB will design, supply and commission

features a high DC/AC ratio of 1.5, with maximum inverter

a 420-kilovolt (kV) Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) for this

efficiency of up to 99%. For up to a 5 MW power block design,

JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., a global leader in the solar PV

substation, providing a compact solution with increased

the 1500Vdc SG125HV has received UL 1741-SA certification

reliability and safety, while minimizing environmental

and is the world’s most powerful 1500 Vdc string inverter,

impact.

featuring a high capacity of 125 kW. Additionally, it is proven

industry, announced that it has supplied 275.4 MWdc of high efficiency modules to Green Light Contractors Pty Ltd for use in the Bungala Solar Farm near Port Augusta, South Australia, which is owned by a joint venture between Enel Green Power and Dutch Infrastructure Fund.

Green Light Contractors, a subsidiary of Elecnor Group is

to work stably in full power operation without de-rating at

I

NGETEAM IS TO SHOWCASE ITS LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AT INTERSOLAR EUROPE 2018

50 degrees Celsius, maximizing the return on investment for project owners.

Committed to providing integrated energy storage system solutions for residential; C&I; and utility scale applications,

EPC contractor for the the Bungala project, which recently

Ingeteam will once again be present at the world’s leading

completed and started production at its first 137.7 MWdc

Sungrow showcases the 4 MW/2.134 MWh system which

event in the solar sector: Intersolar Europe. At its 150 m2

phase. The Bungala project is the largest solar PV project

consists of one PCS container and one ESS battery container.

stand, the company will showcase its very latest products

under construction in Australia.

This system can be applied to frequency regulation and

and technology for PV plants, as well as control, monitoring

peak shaving uses. It complies with TUV standards and

“Bungala Solar Farm is nowadays a reference in the

and automation systems and battery inverters.

its battery is supplied by the Sungrow-Samsung SDI joint

Australian

is

Ingeteam will also present its latest developments in

venture. Thanks to its containerized design, the ESS is

really proud of being entrusted with the engineering,

predictive maintenance through its Ingeboards data analysis

flexibly configured for customer requirements. Sungrow’s

procurement and construction of this important milestone

platform. Indeed, the company has established itself as

ESS is recognized throughout the European market with

for the renewable energies in South Australia” said Pedro

a global leader in the operation and maintenance sector,

more than a dozen projects installed in Europe last year.

Fernandez, Green Light Contractors Projects Responsible for

with a contract portfolio of more than 12 GW of maintained

Earlier this year, Sungrow announced it had won a deal to

Australia. “Working closely with JinkoSolar in the supply of

power in renewable energy generation plants. Ingeteam

supply solutions for a 20 MW/10 MWh project in Germany.

PV modules is for sure one of the keys of the good results

currently maintains more than 25,000 PV inverters in more

that this Project may achieve.”

than 500 plants throughout the world.

solar

scene.

Green

Light

Contractors

A

At its stand, Ingeteam will showcase the latest version of

LSOENERGY PARTNERS WITH SURVEY DIGITAL FOR SALES, INSTALLATIONS, AND SUPPORT IN EMEA REGION

its 1500 Vdc inverter, the INGECON® SUN PowerMax B

For AlsoEnergy, the top selling independent monitoring

Series, which can deliver a power output of 1800 kVA in a single power block at ambient temperatures of up to 30ºC,

A

RCTECH SOLAR’S FIRST MIDDLE EAST PROJECT TO FACILITATE LOCAL SEAWATER DESALINATION DEVELOPMENT

thereby giving a power density of 317kW/m3. Thanks to this

At the very beginning of the 2018, Arctech Solar’s client

powerful inverter and to the possibility of connecting up to

formally began the construction work for its 10MW solar

four inverters to the same transformer low voltage winding,

power plant in Khafji, Saudi Arabia.

provider for commercial PV in North America, this

Ingeteam achieves 7.2 MVA in a single Power Station with

partnership is an opportunity to extend international

This is a new market breakthrough for Arctech Solar’s

1500 Vdc technology.

trackers after its successful entry into African market last

coverage for sales and support.

AlsoEnergy, a leading provider of monitoring and SCADA

October.

S

The 10MW Khafji project is expected to be commissioned

Digital has been designated as a certified sales agent and

OLAREDGE PRESENTING EXPANDED COMMERCIAL PV OFFERING FOR IMPROVED SCALABILITY AND PERFORMANCE AT INTERSOLAR

service provider for AlsoEnergy in Europe, the Middle East,

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. is expanding its commercial

and Africa (EMEA).

a sandy area, Arctech Solar supplied its redundancy design

solution with the launch of larger-capacity three-phase

to this project. With its reliability of redundancy design and

For AlsoEnergy, the top selling independent monitoring

inverters with synergy technology and a multi-input power

excellent tracking performance, Arctracker Pro was the first

provider for commercial PV in North America, this

optimizer in order to further improve the scalability and

tracker product in China that obtained the UL2703 & UL3703

partnership is an opportunity to extend international

performance of its commercial PV systems.

certificates by UL last year and has been widely recognized

coverage for sales and support. AlsoEnergy has expanded

SolarEdge is increasing the capacity of its three-phase

and accepted by customers.

international offerings over the past several years and

inverters by 20% to now include 33kW and 40kW, while the

the Survey Digital partnership will enable further market

range of its three-phase inverters with synergy technology

penetration in the EMEA region, providing localized sales

will now reach up to 120kW. The new range of inverters adds

and services for the AlsoEnergy product line. Survey Digital

a number of innovative features, including the introduction

will also assume frontline support service for the existing

of SolarEdge’s new user interface for simplified installation

AlsoEnergy install base in the EMEA region.

and commissioning. In addition, its innovative PID Guard

systems for solar PV, is announcing a partnership with Survey Digital, a company specializing in sales, installation & commissioning, and maintenance for solar inverters. Survey

A

High voltage switchgear to support Saudi Arabia’s first integrated solar and natural gas power plant ABB has won an order to supply Gas Insulated Switchgear

but also power seawater desalting plant nearby with clean, renewable solar power. Given that the project was located in

S

embedded into the inverter.

Furthering the scalability of its commercial power optimizers,

Leading Chinese electric utility China Huaneng Group

SolarEdge is launching its M1500 power optimizer that has

formally initiated operation of the first direct current (DC)-

two inputs and two MPPTs for connection of up to four

side energy storage upgrade and renovation of its solar

panels. The new commercial power optimizer allows for up

photovoltaic (PV) plants recently, on the heels of a successful

to 35% more power per string, with strings up to 20.5kW.

commissioning of the project.

(GIS) which will be installed at a substation that will transmit power from Green Duba, the first integrated solar

can not only produce enough electricity to households,

INENG ELECTRIC ADDRESSES THE CURTAILMENT CHALLENGE BY SUCCESSFULLY APPLYING ITS DC-SIDE ENERGY STORAGE CONVERTER INTO THE UPGRADE AND RENOVATION OF EXISTING PV FACILITIES

mitigates and prevents the build-up of PID and is fully

BB TO SUPPORT INTEGRATION OF SOLAR ENERGY IN SAUDI ARABIA

by the end of March 2018. Once completed, this project

S

The project was launched as part of the fourth phase of

UNGROW PRESENTS 1500 V PV INVERTERS AND ESS AT INTERSOLAR EUROPE 2018

Huaneng’s 180 MW central PV plant in Golmud, Qinghai

Sungrow, the global leading inverter solution supplier

solution. With Sineng Electric’s DC/DC converter designed

for renewables, presents 1500 V solutions with string

specially for PV energy storage on the DC-side in combination

PV inverters, central PV inverters, and ESS as its headline

with China Huaneng Clean Energy Research Institute (CERI)’s

catching products at Intersolar Europe 2018, in Munich,

proprietary DC-side PV energy storage management

The Green Duba power plant will deploy an innovative

Germany.

system, the energy storage system is connected to the DC

solution that integrates solar energy and combines with

The 6.8 MW turnkey solution for 1500 Vdc systems features

input side of the solar inverters at the PV plant in operation,

block monitoring, auxiliary power supply and a Night

helping transform a traditional PV set-up to a PV energy

Static Var Generator function with SG3400HV. This enables

storage station.

combined cycle (ISCC) power plant in Saudi Arabia. Located in the country’s north-west, along the Red Sea coast, when operational in 2018, the energy generated from the plant will be equivalent to the annual power consumption of approximately 600,000 Saudi Arabian households. The order, worth around $26 million was booked in the fourth quarter of 2015.

natural gas to produce up to 550 megawatts (MW) of electricity, of which 50 MW will be from solar. The adjoining substation will be constructed by SSEM-Initec Energia

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

province, China. The 3.5 MWH first-phase of the energy storage demonstration facility selected lead carbon and lithium iron phosphate batteries as the energy storage

significant savings of initial investment and future operating

Solar Quarter • June 2018 10

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 11

In Conversation “WE ARE MORE THAN DOUBLING OUR CAPACITY TO 500 MW ANNUALLY BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.”

MR. NEELESH GARG

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE LATEST TRENDS IN DEMAND FOR YOUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES IN INDIA? WHERE DO YOU SEE THE NEXT DEMAND GROWTH COMING FROM?

Director,

As we see it, the demand for our products is directly

Saatvik Green Energy

correlated to 2 aspects:

WE HAVE RECENTLY STARTED OUR EPC DIVISION IN ORDER TO OFFER END-

� growth in solar PV market, in terms of increased installations as a result of higher awareness. � Capture the already existing market by differentiating in the way we operate.

LET’S BEGIN WITH A GLIMPSE OF YOUR COMPANY’S PRESENCE AND OFFERINGS IN INDIA?

These 2 fundamentals have been crucial to our team, and we believe in solution providers to self-select their module partner, based on various factors that suit them. The market

Saatvik entered the market by establishing a state-of-the-

is becoming less sticky by the day, and the acceptance of

art manufacturing facility in Haryana. Being the largest by

new solar PV players in higher, which is a positive sign

capacity in the northern region, Saatvik aims to provide

for us. We believe that our next demand source are the

the best quality product and subsequent service to the

regional EPC players who need constant service support

developers and EPCs in the region. In its efforts to serve

from the module partner for the projects they install.

clients, it has also been able to achieve high volume – 320/325/330Wp. 72 cell polycrystalline is the major monocrystalline SGE 72M – 340/345/350Wp as well.

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT YOUR ORGANISATION?

THE MARKET IS BECOMING LESS STICKY BY THE DAY, AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF

As an organisation, we have seen continuous growth since we started, and the team wants to develop both its offerings and its client base, in order keep the thrust going.

INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS. IN TERMS OF PRODUCT, WE HAVE RECENTLY RECEIVED ALL IEC CERTIFICATIONS FOR

sales across various geographical regions, for SGE 72P offering of Saatvik, which has now been extended to

TO-END SOLUTION TO

OUR MONO SERIES, HENCE CAN READILY SUPPLY MONOCRYSTALLINE PANELS TO SOLUTION PROVIDERS.

NEW SOLAR PV PLAYERS

We have recently started our EPC division in order to offer end-to-end solution to industrial/commercial customers.

In terms of product, we have recently received all IEC certifications for our Mono series, hence can readily supply monocrystalline panels to solution providers.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE RECENT TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS IN YOUR SECTOR? Technology changes in solar industry have been a constant

IN HIGHER, WHICH IS A POSITIVE SIGN FOR US. WE

SINCE THE START OF OUR

BELIEVE THAT OUR NEXT

MANUFACTURING FACILITY,

DEMAND SOURCE ARE THE

WE HAVE ALREADY MOVED

REGIONAL EPC PLAYERS

FROM 3BB TO 5BB CELLS,

phenomenon. What takes time is their financial viability and subsequent adoption. If we specifically talk about solar panels, the major advancements have happened in the PV cell. Since the start of our manufacturing facility, we have already moved from 3BB to 5BB cells, 300Wp Poly panels

WHO NEED CONSTANT

to 335Wp Poly panels, and now we are ready for Poly PERC and Mono PERC. Apart from that, there are smart junction box/optimizer based JB, which helps manage the current and voltage in accordance with all panels in the series, when installed. Micro-inverter is also a new concept, which

SERVICE SUPPORT FROM THE MODULE PARTNER

saves the cost of DC wiring, but it is yet to be economically viable to the final consumer.

WHAT ARE YOUR GROWTH PLANS FOR THE INDIAN MARKET? WHAT ARE THE MILESTONES YOU WISH TO ACHIEVE BY THE END OF THIS FISCAL?

300WP POLY PANELS TO 335WP POLY PANELS, AND NOW WE ARE READY FOR POLY PERC AND MONO

FOR THE PROJECTS THEY PERC. INSTALL.

We have seen rapid growth in demand from existing customers, as well as some new customers who believe in our product and our company. This is given us a platform to expand our manufacturing base. We are more than doubling our capacity to 500 MW annually by the end of this year. For us, this comes naturally, as we already have infrastructure in place. This expansion will not only help push local but also export sales.

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

WE HAVE SEEN RAPID GROWTH IN DEMAND FROM EXISTING CUSTOMERS, AS WELL AS SOME NEW CUSTOMERS WHO BELIEVE IN OUR PRODUCT AND OUR COMPANY. THIS IS GIVEN US A PLATFORM TO EXPAND OUR MANUFACTURING BASE.

Solar Quarter • June 2018 12

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 13

In Conversation “WE AIM TO ENERGISE MORE THAN 10 MILLION LIVES BY 2022.”

MR. PIYUSH JAJU CEO, Onergy Solar

LET’S START WITH THE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT ONERGY SOLAR IN LAST ONE YEAR. ONergy Solar has successfully installed 10 MW solar rooftop in India impacting 8,00,000 lives through 20 Renewable Energy Centers across 12 states to provide prompt after sales service. We have done developments in following four segments in recent year- Solar Rooftop, Ground Mount, Solar Irrigation and R&D and Data analysTis. Solar Rooftop: ONergy Solar is currently focusing on solarizing educational institutions, social sectors, corporate and industries and commercial sectors. It has empanelment with government sectors like WBREDA, JREDA, MEDA and SECI to get projects on rooftop installation.

Ground Mount: Recently ONergy Solar has entered into the execution of ground mount project by bagging 1 MW

ROOFTOP HAS BEEN A GROWING SEGMENT. DO YOU SEE MORE BUSINESS FROM THE GRID MARKET IN INDIA OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS?

Do you expect to see the aggressive bidding again by

With government’s plan of speeding up Renewable Energy

aggressive bidding.

installation in the country and manufacturing base in

the developers or have the tariffs bottomed out for the present?

With the prices of modules coming down we expect further

Solar Irrigation: Onergy Solar has received large solar

market for smart grid touching newer heights in the next

LASTLY, WHAT ARE THE MILESTONES YOU WISH TO ACHIEVE IN NEXT FEW COMING YEARS?

irrigation projects from CREDA, CEL and others. We intend

four to five years, from the present level. This would be

We aim to energise more than 10 million lives by 2022 and

to install more than 200 pumps in current financial year.

fuelled by the government’s plan of setting up 100 smart

at the same time we wish to become Pan India player and

We have integrated technologies like sprinkler and drip

cities and 500 smart towns.

market leader in solar rooftop and irrigation.

systems with solar pumping technology to provide greater

Still several states are lagging behind; solar rooftop needs

through CEL (Central Electronics Limited).

benefits to the beneficiaries.

R&D and Data Analysis: Our strong R&D team is focusing

India, the roadmap has been formulated with the target of achieving 175 GW capacity. The country is slated to see the

to catch up in East, North East states and some other states also which have huge potentialities.

more on bringing innovations in technology and in financial model. ONergy Solar has expanded its strong footprints in the rural and urban sectors in India. It has been able to provide prompt service to the rooftop customers with unique remote monitoring systems and extensive data analysis. It helps to monitor the performance of the power plant and the energy generation in real time to track the Performance Ratio.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT AND POTENTIAL CHALLENGES FRONTING ON SOLAR ROOFTOP EPC SECTOR IN INDIA THESE DAYS? Indian solar market continues to be policy driven and subsidy dependent, henceforth the advancements can be achieved only with government’s assistance both in financial terms and clearances of subsidies. Policies drafted by government need to be more clear and proper mechanism in implementation of these policies by the government can overcome this bureaucratic hurdle. Except this, the major problems faced by EPC processes are logistics or supply chain problem and resource mobilization. Logistics and supply chain imposes threat to get the equipment safely to the site and in ensuring the safety of the equipments,

ONERGY SOLAR IS CURRENTLY FOCUSING ON SOLARIZING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, SOCIAL SECTORS, CORPORATE AND INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS. IT HAS EMPANELMENT WITH GOVERNMENT SECTORS LIKE WBREDA, JREDA, MEDA AND SECI TO GET

the cost gets increased affecting financial and construction plans. An undue burden is there on the EPC contractor for

PROJECTS ON ROOFTOP

ordering and supply of long lead items and completing the project within a reduced time frame.

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

INSTALLATION

Solar Quarter • June 2018 14

Central Distributed Inverter Solution Higher yields Lower system Smart O&M

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 15

In Conversation “WE HAVE BEEN ENHANCING OUR ENGINEERING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES AS WE SEE CHANGING TRENDS IN THE SOLAR ROOFTOP SECTOR.”

MR. KRISHNA MANOHARAN CEO, MinSolar

LET’S START WITH THE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT MINSOLAR IN THE LAST ONE YEAR. MinSolar was started with a focus of providing turnkey solutions to customers in the field of Solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction/Commissioning) and Solar Financing. We have seen a significant jump in our revenue in the last financial year which we credit to the trust and confidence we’ve developed with our customers. We started with a relatively small team focusing on rooftop solar installations, however today our team has expanded significantly as has our offerings. Today we focus not only on rooftop installations but also on ground mounted systems and multi megawatt projects.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE USP OF MINSOLAR?

applications such as diesel generator replacement in sectors such as telecom. Energy storage is currently the limiting factor when it comes to large scale uptake of solar or any other renewable energy source in mainstream offgrid applications. Going a step further, energy storage is currently limited by its prohibitive cost. With many

FOR AS A COMPANY IN THE NEXT FEW COMING YEARS? We have been enhancing our engineering and project management capabilities as we see changing trends in the solar rooftop sector. Apart from our core businesses we

We are driven by a strong work ethic and strive to ensure

companies investing heavily into energy storage we should

that we deliver the best value possible to our customers.

witness some drop in its cost. In our opinion solar-storage

We are one of the few companies in India with a

will become a typical energy management system and will

combination of the following business aspects: penchant

substantially improve the off-grid market in the future.

company, Provotek GmbH to provide technology solutions

DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE THE AGGRESSIVE BIDDING AGAIN BY THE DEVELOPERS OR HAVE THE TARIFFS BOTTOMED OUT FOR THE PRESENT?

business to tap off-shore markets in the coming years. We

for technology, emphasis on employee training and strict safety & quality adherence. This we strongly believe is our USP. We encourage our team leaders to fix their own milestones and reward them promptly when they achieve them. We design and introduce advance installation

are diversifying into solar O&M, energy storage and windsolar hybrid systems. We have a tie-up with a German to markets in the EMEA region and we hope to expand this look forward to flourish in the renewable energy industry as a brand that people recognise for top quality turnkey solutions combined with high ethical business practises.

techniques or protocols to achieve perfection with minimal resource utilization.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT AND POTENTIAL CHALLENGES FRONTING ON SOLAR ROOFTOP EPC SECTOR IN INDIA THESE DAYS?

We expect the tariffs to oscillate at the present value and not crash further aggressively. Local PV demand in China is expected to be sluggish this year, this could be a tariff dampener. There has not been any significant innovation/ change when it comes to the Balance of System (BOS) equipment over the past few years. The costs of these equipment have more or less bottomed out. However, the

In our experience there are 2 notable challenges specific to

proposed introduction of anti-dumping duties on Chinese

India in the rooftop segment: (1) poor contracting or not

PV imports could lead to an increase in solar installation

honouring the contract. This shatters the business model

costs, as modules account for a significant portion of the

and the cash-flow of the EPC company, whereby affecting

project cost for any solar installation.

the entire supply chain. (2) Avoiding safe practises while designing or execution of the project and legitimising such acts. This we believe is a result of a growing race to the bottom whereby quality of installations is being

WHAT FACTORS DO YOU CONSIDER BEFORE FINANCING ROOFTOP SOLAR PROJECTS IN INDIA?

compromised to achieve ever lowering tariffs. We believe this would have an adverse effect on the health of the solar industry in the long term.

INTRODUCE ADVANCED INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES AND PROTOCOLS TO ACHIEVE PERFECTION WITH

The factors for financing a rooftop project are well known and we stick to the basics. (1) The financial profile of

ROOFTOP HAS BEEN A GROWING SEGMENT. DO YOU SEE MORE BUSINESS FROM THE OFF-GRID MARKET IN INDIA OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS?

the organization including their principals, (2) clients

Off-grid solar is currently being driven through niche

LASTLY, WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

WE DESIGN AND

MINIMAL RESOURCE

appetite for the generated energy, (3) third-party payment commitment and (4) technical feasibility of the project

UTILISATION

which includes availability of roof real-estate for the duration of the contract.

Solar Quarter • June 2018 16

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 17

In Conversation “TEAM OORJAN IS EXCITED AND CONFIDENT TO BUILD A SCALABLE BUSINESS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY AND THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!“

MR. GAUTAM DAS Co-founder and Director, Oorjan Cleantech Pvt Ltd

PLEASE BRIEF OF OORJAN CLEANTECH’S OPERATION IN RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR? Oorjan is a technology enabled distributed solar company catering to residential, commercial and industrial end users. It provides turn-key projects to consumers including funding. Oorjan’s offering includes premium solar products of international brands, easy financing options, installations and hassle free maintenance. It has built bank and private investor partnership which helps Oorjan provide financing options to consumers. It offers multiple financing options like loan under Capex or Opex / BOOT/ PPA (Power Purchase Agreement). The company is led by IIT Bombay alumni, Roli Gupta and Gautam Das, with experiences across solar, banking, technology, EPC and building businesses.

and ensuring a level playing field for the public and private investors. The government is promoting renewable energy and the ecosystem is poised to drive sustainable growth in the medium-to-long term.

Finally - balancing the investments across projects, client

WHAT IS THE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS AND MITIGATION?

segments and geographies i.e., diversifying the portfolio

Solar is growing at a fast pace in India and it could be further

COULD YOU PLEASE TELL US ABOUT OORJAN’S RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS?

accelerated by the continued supply of fund. Investment in solar may yield return as high as 20 percent, which is almost 3 times of the fixed deposit rate. As adoption of solar is capital incentive, its growth significantly depends on the access to capital by the end user in the form of loan, or an Opex model where a 3rd party invests in the project and consumer pays as per unit basis generation.

Let’s talk about credit risk - there is no dearth of credit worthy customers, but an investor needs to assess risk across three aspects: credit, technology and operations. It is crucial for an investor to follow thorough credit assessment to avoid financial loss. In addition, investors may ask for collateral or partial bank guarantee or co-investment from consumers. The second aspect is managing technology risks. Selection of premium components, latest technology,

INVESTMENT IN SOLAR MAY YIELD RETURN AS

would keep the business going and attain sustainable profit.

We crossed the 100-project milestone, spread across

HIGH AS 20 PERCENT ALMOST 3 TIMES OF FIXED

7 states, in a short span of time and expect to grow 8-10 times in revenue in this financial year. Oorjan has received several awards and accolades such as “New

DEPOSIT RATE. INVESTOR

Energy Leaders in Asia” by Asian Development Bank (ADB), “Top-10 Technology Enabled Start-up” by Department of Science and Technology in association Anita Borq Institute,

NEEDS TO PAY ATTENTION

and “Top 30 Technology Enabled Start-up of India” by Your Story to name a few.

Team Oorjan is excited and confident to build a scalable

TO ALL THREE RISKS -

business in renewable energy and the journey continues!

ANY CONCLUDING COMMENT?

and quality installations significantly lowers the technology

Supply of fossil fuel, as well as other traditional sources of

risks. Third risk is managing the operational aspects of the

energy are depleting at an alarming rate. And, pollution

plant, like ensuring proactive maintenance and continued

is making our plant unsustainable. Solar energy is one

generation without down time. Oorjan’s proprietary and IoT

the best options to address both these challenges - its

(internet of Thing) based remote monitoring tool provides

saves our plant from pollution and is financially feasible.

real time and historical update on generation and financial

In short, solar is commercial feasible and environmentally

parameters. It also provides proactive maintenance alerts

responsible! So, let’s go for it.

CREDIT, TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS TO ENSURE SUSTAINABLE

that are useful in managing operational risks.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON “MANAGING FINANCIAL RISKS VS DRIVING PROFITABILITY”?

Investors including banks, who did not manage and quantify reasonable estimates of risk premium, burnt their fingers! It is critical to assess the credit risk of the consumer and/or power purchasers, who is providing the ongoing revenue. While bidding for a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), the investor should factor in a risk premium to ensure sustainable return. Aggressive bidding with a shortterm focus often leads to poor financial return. As stated in my previous points, investor needs to pay attention to all three risks - credit, technology and operations.

Government has a role in keeping the ecosystem healthy

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 18

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar SolarQuarter Quarter• •June April2018 2018 19 5

In Conversation “THE FLORIDA ESTATE - AN EXEMPLARY SOLAR ENERGY STORY”

MR. PRATEEK KAKULTE Business Innovation Officer, PowerSun

HOW DID YOU MANAGE THE ADVISORY & SELECTION PROCESS, ESPECIALLY IN THE CONTEXT OF YOU BEING A SOCIETY? The entire project was executed without assistance of any external Consultant. The project team, with full participation of the members of our society, designed and developed the “Front End Engineering Design” (FEED) document and produced a very extensive and elaborate “Invitation to Bid” (ITB) both, technical and commercial. The ITB was floated to 25 Solar Energy Design & EPC companies across India.

INSIGHT FROM MR PRATEEK ABOUT THE PROJECT AFTER HAVING TAKEN OVER AS THE BUSINESS INNOVATION OFFICER OF POWERSUN.

Finally, the bids were received and reviewed through a transparent process, by the establishment of a ‘Bid Review Committee’.

understands the technical crux in a Solar PV installation

SELECTION OF THE RIGHT PARTNER MUST HAVE BEEN A MAMMOTH TASK, ISN’T IT?

and hence their approach has been astonishingly different

True! But not for too long. At the outset, the Bid Review

than today’s typical CAPEX inclined approach.

Committee was looking for a Specialist Partner with the

“It is very satisfying to work with learned clients! Florida team

FLORIDA ESTATE MUST BE FEELING PROUD OF ITS UNITY AND THE SKILLS YOU ALL EXHIBITED DURING THIS PROJECT. PLEASE COMMENT. Very much! This project has been credited with many ‘Firsts’. Some of these special achievements we shall always

following capabilities: -

be proud of are listed below:

of the said rooftop installation, that would help PowerSun

� Design Capabilities so as to achieve maximum energy

‘Single Largest Roof Top’ solar project executed by any Co-

for O&M referencing when it comes to performance

output at Lowest “Levelized Cost of Energy” (LCOE).

I am glad to have captured a geo synchronised thermal map

management year on year.

� Engineering Acumen and Expertise in churning out

The entire PowerSun team feels proud to have worked on the Florida Estate project which is the Largest Residential Rooftop Solar PV project in Pune; an another best by PowerSun after the MW class multi rooftop Solar PV project of MIT Institute, Pune, India”

Optimized Design Solutions � Procurement Abilities to pick up the most optimally rated equipment available globally � Construction Methodology & Execution to produce a highly robust solar plant � Performing lifetime Service, who can effectively and efficiently provide O&M support, ensure Maximised

CAPT. PAUL EMMANUEL - WAR VETERAN Presiding Officer/Project Manager, Florida Estate - Solar Energy Project

The only solar energy project solely developed by any society in Pune (Complete FEED and Tendering Process developed internally) and without the assistance of any external consultant.

The only 115kW Solar Energy Project in Pune that was completed in four (04) weeks from date of PO issue (Detailed Design, Procurement, Installation and Commissioning)

energy output, Long life, resulting in minimum

The first Residential Solar Energy Project, wherein two ‘60kW

production cost per unit.

String Inverters’ were used, having String Level Control &

� Capabilities for Remote Monitoring, Visualisation & Diagnostics to ensure pro-actions and transparency.

Monitoring. This was procured from the overseas market; a unique initiative for a Co-operative Housing Society.

� Providing Value for Money

Our Meter Re-rating process, we were approved for 60kW

On reviewing the bids and after a thorough due diligence,

energy metering, under the LT Special Metering Scheme, is

the committee was unanimous in their decision for

the first such case being approved by MSEDCL for any Co-

awarding the contract to M/s. PowerSun India Pvt Ltd a

op. Hsg. Soc. in Maharashtra

highly reputed Pune based Solar Energy Consultant, Design & EPC company, with an international footprint, in this field.

YOUR SOCIETY HAS SET AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE IN THE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR PV SEGMENT, PLEASE TELL US HOW ALL IT WENT IN THE MAKING?

operative Housing Society in Pune to-date.

They not only possessed the engineering excellence, but also had the business acumen to accept the challenge to

The project was commissioned on the eve of “World Environment Day”. At 0:32 PM, on 05th June 2018, we injected almost 14kW power into the national grid.

take up a project of international standards with stringent quality compliances and strict time-lines such as ours.

this project right from its conception till Go-Live. With my

IN GENERAL, ALL EPCS HAPPEN TO HAVE SIMILAR OFFERINGS. MUST HAVE BEEN TOUGH TO DIFFERENTIATE ONE FROM THE OTHER?

extensive background of handling international projects,

Key differentiators we found among other bidders and M/s.

I was unanimously chosen to take the lead & had the

PowerSun were its Technological Innovations, Expertise

honour to be the Project Manager for the Pune city’s

in RE business, Promoter’s contribution & inventions

biggest residential Solar PV Roof-top Project.

in RE domain, and assured returns on investments thus

Since then, The Project Team immediately embarked upon

providing us ‘Value for our Money’.

the mission and made a series of presentations (a total of

And as a testimony to our selection, PowerSun executed

08 presentations) to the society members, not only to keep

and developed our project well beyond our expectations.

them informed, but also to draw out valuable suggestions

Delivery of the project was in a record time of just four

from the fraternity. We developed a comprehensive

weeks. This included firming up of the Detailed Design,

presentation incorporating a “Project Revenue Model”, to

Procurement, Installation and Commissioning of the project.

apprise the residents of the society, about the proposed

While executing this project conforming to International

evolution, progress & development of the project in a

Standards and in accordance to the stringent & detailed

methodical & phased manner. The presentation was “Spot-

specifications of our ITB, PowerSun has displayed excellent

on Investment (ROI) is pegged at 03 years from date of

On” due to which the Revenue Model stacked-up so well,

professionalism, unparalleled competency and a very high

commissioning. This implies that the society is poised to

that majority of society’s residents voted for the project to

degree of engineering acumen.

enjoy free power, post ROI recovery, for a period of 22

In December 2016, our Society Chairman, Group Captain SC Fernandes promoted the idea of going ‘Solar’. He requested for someone who would volunteer to undertake

be implemented.

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

GP. CAPT. SC FERNANDES (RETD.) Chairman, Florida Estate - Solar Energy Project

VIEWS BY CAPTAIN SC FERNANDES ON THE FLORIDA ESTATE- SOLAR ENERGY PROJECT “Florida Estate executed this project with its own funds and resources - no bank loans or any other type of financing.

Our project has a life cycle of 25+ years and the Return

years and beyond.”

Solar Quarter • June 2018 20

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 21

Industry Insights A RELOOK AT INDIAN RENEWABLE OFFTAKE RISK In many ways electricity is the perfect commodity. From the consumer’s perspective there’s no telling the difference between the quality of a unit of electricity sourced from different power plants of a similar generation type, or for that matter even between units of electricity sourced from different power plants of vastly differing generation types.

Traditional commodities (take crude oil and coal for example) come in a range of quality gradings that in turn drive wide price differences. Electricity on the contrary is unique in that it carries vastly different price tags despite it being absolutely uniform in terms of quality across all generation types. The only discernible difference to a consumer is with respect to consistency of supply and that is where solar and wind with their intermittent generation stand out.

To compensate for this intermittent generation, solar & wind have inherently limited execution and generation risks.

Of course there is some element of risk in the construction phase, but its negligible when compared to the complexity involved in the construction of thermal, gas or nuclear assets.

The risks on the generation front too can be contained by getting the science right at the input (eg. irradiation) level and ensuring quality of construction. To elaborate, one may get the science wrong at the margins on the generation front, but one will never hear of totally stranded solar or wind assets due to feedstock unavailability. Contrast this to the billions of dollars of thermal assets which generate absolutely zero electricity in India because feedstock is simply not available.

type protections are by and large absent from PPA’s executed directly with state Discoms. PPA’s executed with quasi sovereigns may offer some measure of protections in the nature of take or pay, but these are not watertight and only protect up to a certain value of notional revenue

Offtake risk on the other hand is a whole different animal

loss suffered by the renewable project resulting from a

especially when it comes to intermittent solar & wind and it

failure to offtake. Under these circumstances the PPA unit

can be best understood by deconstructing it into two related

tariff itself assumes a role in determining the risk of the

questions. First, “What is the likelihood that electricity will

underlying cash flows. To illustrate, Figure 1 below depicts

be drawn by the offtaker in the first place”? and second,

how minimum required return is not necessarily uniform

“Once drawn (or deemed to be drawn) by the offtaker, what

for different renewable projects selling power to the same

is the likelihood that the electricity will be paid for”? This

Discom, and this can lead to some interesting implications

distinction is important because while the second question is

for the minimum return or hurdle rate that developers or

payment related and is therefore in the nature of credit risk,

owners of projects should demand.

the first question seeks to address more fundamental macro level risks associated with the broader ecosystem. The point to emphasize here is that while offtake risk encompasses

For one it can be argued that this minimum required return actually decreases along with a decrease in PPA unit tariff – of course it does not decrease ad infinitum as there are

imperfect contractual offtake protections on the one hand,

certain floors beyond which it should not fall (such as the

and uniformly negligible feedstock security and price risk on

project’s own optimally achievable cost of debt) , but it is

the other, lower tariffs almost always lead to de-risking of

certainly not static above those floors. This may sound

bottom line cash flows relative to other renewable projects

counter intuitive at first, but recall the commodity nature of

selling power to the same offtaker. These are the dynamics

electricity discussed at the outset. Combine this with the fact

at play as renewable project developers under India’s reverse

Let’s tackle the question of payment risk first and a good

that unlike coal or gas fired plants, there are no differences

auction system of PPA unit tariff discovery bid ever lower

place to start is the cost of borrowing of the offtaker or

to begin with between renewable projects in terms of cost

rates to capture capacity.

customer. The end customer in the case of a utility scale solar

volatility and security associated with feedstock supply.

or wind project in India is typically a state Discom, either via

Therefore a renewable project with a lower tariff will always

In closing, renewable energy will change our way of life

a direct PPA, or with a back to back PPA/PSA arrangement

have a lower risk associated with achieving its projected

with quasi sovereigns (NVVN, SECI) in between it and the

bottom line cash flows as compared to a project with higher

renewable power producer. The cost of borrowing in turn

tariffs selling power to the same Discom. For coal or gas

is simply the price demanded by lenders that extend credit

fired projects this relationship is not so clear cut because

to the Discom to receive a pre-defined stream of cash

they don’t start on an equal footing when it comes to

flows (interest and principal) in return. Given (a) limited

feedstock price volatility and security. So while a lower tariff

generation risk for renewables and (b) setting aside the risk

may de-risk achievement of the top line for a coal project,

of electricity being offtaken at all for the moment as it shall

such top line de-risking may not be sufficient to compensate

be brought into the picture separately, leaves a residual

for a competitor who has much more watertight contractual

payment risk for renewable power projects which resembles

security on supply and pricing of feedstock.

the Discom’s cost of borrowing to a large extent. The issue

unlike in the case of renewables, a de-risking of the top line

though is as following – is this risk equal to, more than, or

for coal and gas does not necessarily translate into bottom

less than, the cost of borrowing of the Discom?

line cash flows that are less risky than the competition’s.

credit risk, it can very often be much more than just that single aspect. And finally when it comes to risk, the ultimate objective of any risk assessment exercise after all should be to price it, ie, to determine a minimum level of return that adequately compensates for the level of risk being assumed.

Looking

at it through the lens of a cash flow waterfall, payments for electricity purchased by a Discom may be considered senior (and therefore less risky) to their debt service obligations as the payment to the former is like a “cost of goods sold”.

The presence of securities underlying the debt raised by the Discom, and whether the PPA in question has been directly executed with the Discom or via a quasi sovereign in between are additional factors that also need to be considered.

Therefore

the internet has changed our way of life in ways that could not be fathomed even a decade ago. In order to succeed, the pioneers of the internet age discarded decades of accumulated baggage that dictated how business should be done. Not everyone succeeded with the internet, and indeed not everybody will succeed with renewables. But none of the internet winners did so by sticking with the same old way of doing things. And just so, the winners that emerge in the renewables age too will be those companies that are able to discard the old baggage and relook at every aspect of their business with a fresh pair of eyes.

This is just one example of the several ways in which renewable offtake risk evaluation in India diverges from the risk evaluation of traditional forms of power generation.

What this means is that the heightened “risks” associated with lower tariffs that are often cited as a matter of concern are not really risks from a hurdle rate perspective. In fact those risks (such as lower margins) are merely statements of fact which by themselves should have no impact on

But as mentioned above, the other more fundamental

minimum return required to achieve projected cash flows.

question driving the risk evaluation of renewable project

On the contrary these lower tariffs should be seen as part

cash flows is whether the power generated will be offtaken

of a broader ecosystem producing an indistinguishable

at all in the first place. The reality is that “take or pay”

commodity at widely diverging price points. Combined with

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

in ways that cannot be fully appreciated today – just like

MR. GAGAN SIDHU Senior Independent Adviser, Renewable Energy Finance

Solar Quarter • June 2018 22

Insolation Energy Pvt. Ltd. Solar PV Module Manufacturer

Positive Power tolerance up to 5Wp

100% EL tested Pre & Post Lamination

Excellent Generation in Low Light 5BB High Efciency Cell

PID Resistant

VISIT US AT HALL No. 9, BOOTH NO. 9.93 18 - 20 September 2018 India Expo Centre, Greater Noida

H. O. : G-25, City Center, S.C. Road, Jaipur - 302001 (Rajasthan), 0141-4019103, 4029103 Sales Office : 502-A, Arunachal Building, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi- 110001, 011-4372333 Works : 25 KM Milestone, Jaipur - Delhi Bypass, Near Daulatpura Toll Tax, Vill - Bagwara, Jaipur - 303805 (Rajasthan)

www.insolationenergy.in w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

1800-212-1806

info@insolationenergy.in

Solar Quarter • June 2018 23

Industry Insights ROLE OF BUS-BARS , IN GENERATING MORE POWER FROM SOLAR PANEL In last few years solar technologies are developed with the exponential rate, whether it is solar storage, Net

FIG 1: STRUCTURE OF SOLAR PANEL

metering, Remote monitoring or any other segment, but the prime focus of technology is, How to increase the efficiency of the solar panel. Solar panels are not only the most important and expensive component in a solar plant but also consumes major space in any solar plant. Thus increasing solar panel efficiency means generating more power within the reduced area, which in turn reduces the cost of land or Roof required for a particular capacity of the solar plant. Therefore since few years, a lot of experiments are going on to increase the efficiency of solar panels.

Nowadays most of the solar panel manufacturers are promoting their module based on the number of Bus-Bars available in their module, they claim higher the number of bus bars, higher the efficiency of the panels.

So let’s understand technically how the number of Bus-

FIG 2:

Bars is affecting the efficiency of panels?

Referring to Fig 1, if we observe solar panel closely, there are 3 Parts covering its top surface: 1) Gap:

While assembling solar panel there is always

some distance maintained between the fabrication of two cells, to accommodate any kind of expansion when it is exposed to high temperature.

2) Fingers: Fingers are the horizontal thin lines within solar cells, these are the metallic wires, which collects current and delivers to connected Bus-Bars.

3) Bus-Bars: Bus-Bars are the vertical lines, made of silver paste or high conductivity wires, which carry the cumulative current of fingers & are used to interconnect other cells, to develop the module.

So in a solar panel , multiple cells are connected in the series to generate the required voltage level, like if a single cell is of 0.5 Volt, we need to assemble 60 such cells in the series to generate 30 V solar panel Voltage and 72 such

Case 1: When highways are less, long connecting roads

cells in the series to generate 36 V cumulative solar panel

are required to connect these highways. In such case, as

voltage.

connecting roads are narrow and long, in peak time car will

When the solar panel exposes to the sunlight, cells start

experience more traffic to reach to the highway & once

generating current. This current flows through fingers to Bus-Bars and Bus-Bars of each cell are connected to neighboring cells Bus-Bars and they form a complete circuit. This Bus Bar circuit carries the cumulative current of

it reaches the highway, it will experience more traffic in highways also, as the number of highways is less. In this way, the car will take more time to reach the destination so, within the given time, less number of cars can travel

the module to output terminals.

along the highway.

Now in overall process current flows through fingers and

Case 2: Now if we increase the number of highways,

Bus-Bars to reach the output terminals, Thus the factors affecting the efficiency are 1) Fingers Resistance 2) Bus-bar Resistance

connecting roads will become shorter. In such case, as narrow roads are reduced, the car will reach to the highway with less traffic & further traffic on the highway will also get distributed to additional highways. So in this case car will take lesser time to reach the destination & in a given

3) Bus- Bar & finger wire metal quality

time period more cars can travel to the highway.

So the efficiency of modules can be increased by reducing

Thus we can say that by increasing number of highways,

Finger resistance & Bus-Bar resistance & by increasing the

more traffic can travel in a given time. In the same way,

quality of the metal wire.

after increasing Bus-Bars in solar modules, current needs

Now let us understand, how increasing the number of BusBars affects the efficiency of the module. If we increase the number of Bus-Bars in a solar cell, length of finger wires may reduce, which will reduce the finger resistance, similarly by increasing no. of Bus-Bars, cumulative width of Bus-Bars will also increase which causes the reduction of Bus-Bar Resistance too.

Now if Bus-Bars & Fingers are having low electrical resistance, the loss of current during the path will be less, which will allow flowing more current through the path. Let us understand this with a simple example of a car moving from internal road to highway till its destination, where let us consider Bus-Bars as highways, fingers as internal roads connecting to highway & current as the number of

to travel less distance in fingers which are thin wires & at the same time cumulative space in Bus-Bars is also increased, which offers low resistance path to current, thus current carrying capacity of the module will increase. This means for the same module, if we increase no. of Bus-Bars, its current generating capacity will increase in the same

NOWADAYS MOST OF THE SOLAR PANEL MANUFACTURERS ARE PROMOTING THEIR MODULE BASED ON THE NUMBER OF BUS-BARS AVAILABLE IN THEIR MODULE, THEY CLAIM HIGHER THE NUMBER OF BUS BARS, HIGHER THE EFFICIENCY OF THE PANELS.

solar radiation. Thus higher Bus-Bar Panels gives more generation compare to lesser Bus-Bar Panels.

WHEN THE SOLAR PANEL EXPOSES TO THE SUNLIGHT, CELLS START GENERATING CURRENT. THIS CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH FINGERS TO BUS-BARS AND BUS-BARS OF EACH CELL ARE CONNECTED TO NEIGHBORING CELLS BUS-BARS AND THEY FORM A COMPLETE CIRCUIT.

vehicles.

Author: Amit Tamrakar w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 24

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 25

Industry Insights TIER 1 MODULES – AN ULTIMATE TEST OF QUALITY OR A MYTH? Why do many Project Developers insist on buying modules manufactured

only

from

Tier-1

companies?

Simply

because, they are under the impression that Tier-1 module manufacturing companies provide quality modules. But are modules manufactured by Tier-1 companies the ultimate end of your search for quality modules? To understand how much truth is buried in this assumption, we need to first understand the criteria that a module manufacturer would have to fulfill, to call itself a Tier-1 company and also delve into the rating agency’s pre-defined definitions regarding the same.

A Tier-1 rating is given by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) and posted below is a link to their website where they have clearly stated: “We strongly recommend that module purchasers and banks do not use this list as a measure of quality, but instead consult a technical due diligence firm such as OST Energy, Sgurr Energy, DNV GL, Black & Veatch, TUV, E3, STS Certified, Clean Energy Associates, SOLARBUYER, Enertis or Leidos Engineering. These would usually consider what factory the module comes from, as well as the brand, and give an informed opinion on whether the modules will perform as expected.”

Please visit the link for the complete article on their website under the heading:

BNEF PV MODULE MAKER TIERING SYSTEM https://data.bloomberglp.com/bnef/sites/4/2012/12/ bnef_2012-12-03_PVModuleTiering.pdf The above quoted text, taken from their post simply points to the fact that this list is not a measure of quality and there are other companies which specialize in quality auditing.

Robotic processes will definitely have an upper hand

your answer. You should also compare the performance

compared to a manual manufacturing line in terms of

warranty that the manufacturer claims.

quality. But even Tier-1 modules manufactured under

(See the highlighted list of companies in the quoted text)

robotic processes face issues of yellowing, delamination etc.

PERFORMANCE WARRANTY

Goldi Green is the first Indian Company to be audited by

Performance warranties, or power output warranties,

“SOLARBUYER”.

4. Manufacturing panels for longer than five years:

SOLARBUYER is a quality auditor and has audited 21GW line

It proves the sustainability of the company in the solar

of module manufacturing worldwide.

market. Many customers are skeptical regarding the fact that

The image of the triangle depicted is called the Tier Triangle, which clearly shows on what criteria the manufacturers are ranked.

Now let us understand each of the criterions listed under the Tier1 section on the top of the triangle.

1. Vertically Integrated:

while providing a warranty of 25 years, will these companies be around for that long? A company operating for more

typically last for 25 years. We at Goldi Green provide performance warranty of 90% efficiency for 10 years and 80% efficiency for 25 years.

SIGNIFICANT PRESENCE:

than five years would be ranked better with its past track

Ensure that the supplier has good presence in your country

record for anyone to study, compared to a newly established

or the country you want your panels to be installed. Many

company or a company which is in the market since only

developers nowadays are going for Chinese modules, purely

one or two years.

following the price attraction parameter. But what happens when performance issues crop up in these modules? How

‘Vertically integrated’ means that the manufacturer produces

CONCLUSION:

the modules and all its important components like solar

We agree that considering solar panels from Tier-1

your warranty or demand them to replace the panels? Even

cells etc., in-house. Vertical integration gives more control to

manufacturers for your project is a good start but blindly

if they agree to do so, the buyer would have to shell out

the manufacturer in terms of supply chain and pricing. But

following the assumption that they are the only ones who

thousands of dollars to take them off the roof, ship them to

it does not signify that it will manufacture quality modules.

provide quality modules can be misleading and a risky

and from China, and install them back again.

A manufacturer outsourcing its silicon cells from any

financial decision.

reputed company and only assembling all the components

There have been many cases where modules manufactured

in its facility is also capable of providing a quality module.

by Tier-1 companies have failed to perform and there

You can install the best solar panels in the world, but if your

Many manufacturers in India who have been labeled as Tier-

have also been many Tier-1 companies which have gone

solar inverter is subpar, you won’t be converting anywhere

1 manufacturers don’t have silicon cell manufacturing in

bankrupt.

near close to the amount of DC power your solar panels are

their facility. It is strange that they still call themselves Tier-1

Hence, it is advisable to do a proper research before

manufacturers.

finalizing your modules.

2. Invests Heavily in R&D:

We have listed below some important pre-requisites for

Investing in R&D is always a good investment for the

your reference which would surely help you in selecting a

company, helping them to stay ahead of the technology

quality module supplier.

curve. But how much ‘heavily’ stands for, is not mentioned.

Supposing a manufacturing company invests 10 times more

WARRANTY:

than its counterpart, still both the companies will be ranked

Every customer wants to be assured before making an

under the Tier-1 label.

important buying decision. Hence, it is advisable to read the

3. Advanced Robotic Processes:

manufacturer warranty carefully. Every manufacturer has a

The purpose of installing robotic plants is to have high standards of consistency and lesser human interference for very sensitive processes like tabbing etc.

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

warranty document with them, where they have mentioned

practical would it be to call up a Chinese company and claim

CHOOSING A QUALITY INVERTER:

producing into usable electricity.

To ensure your solar system produces great results, Goldi Green recommends an inverter that has an efficiency of 95% or above, and has a warranty of at least 5 years.

WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING PANELS, CHOOSE WISELY Using a “Tier-1” tagline next to their brand name is just a marketing gimmick, and the assumed importance it holds, because of the brand value of the provider of this label, i.e.

Bloomberg.

under what conditions the warranty can be availed. If they

Don’t fall for this trap. Do your research properly and be

are unable to provide the same, then you have already got

assured in the long run.

Solar Quarter • June 2018 26

Industry Insights SINENG ELECTRIC LAUNCHES FIRST CENTRAL PV INVERTER FOR BIFACIAL SOLAR MODULES The new central distributed inverter comes equipped with the MPPT combination box designed specially for bifacial modules, capable of supporting an increase in the maximum operating current up to 12.5A and a current gain of over 30 percent on the back side of the panel. Image: Sineng Electric Sineng Electric has introduced a new central distributed inverter for bifacial solar modules. Bifacial modules are expected to become a leading force in the industry due to the significant improvement in energy yields and reduction in cost but their high-performance characteristics are not served well with current inverter technologies.

PROBLEM Bifacial Solar modules not only collect sunlight on the side facing the light source, but they also collect light on the back side that is reflected from the surface beneath the solar panel and from the environment. Bifacial modules can generate an additional yield between 10 to 30%, compared with mono-facial modules. However, due to the increased

operating current up to 12.5A and a current gain of over 30

PLATFORM

percent on the back side of the panel. The string-level MPPT

The unit is capable of operating at full capacity at 55 degrees

technology solves issues related to string mismatch caused

C and addresses the issues related to the high current

by an uneven exposure to light on the back side, despite the

gain on the back side. In addition, the ability to handle

complex conditions of the surface beneath the solar panel.

long periods of 1.1X and short periods of 1.2X overload

SOLUTION

The power-capacity ratio on the DC side supports extensive

capability evenly matches the overload capabilities of the

With the higher yields and lower system costs, Sineng

and flexible configurations and adapts to the change in

AC-side transformer and boost circuit. The power supply

capacity (0.9 - 1.3) on the DC side, which is caused by the

for the tracking bracket integrated with the delivery system

difference in current gain on the back side.

delivers a cost-effective combination of a tracking bracket

current of each string and serious string mismatch, bifacial modules do not always perform perfectly due to the limitations of traditional inverters when light conditions are optimal.

Electric’s central distributed inverter system (with multi MPPT inputs) has been widely applied in various scenarios.

The new central distributed inverter comes equipped with the MPPT combination box designed specially for bifacial modules, capable of supporting an increase in the maximum

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

APPLICATIONS Utility-scale PV power plants specifically using bifacial modules.

and bifacial solar modules.

AVAILABILITY February 2018 onwards.

Solar Quarter • June 2018 27

Industry Insights BEST INVERTER TECHNOLOGY FOR FLOATING SOLAR PROJECTS Over 450 MW of floating PV installations have been

voltage and multiple nodes are prone to generating DC

fans are used for cooling. However, the protection class of

deployed worldwide on dams, reservoirs, lakes and other

arc), power induced degradation (PID), and other risks. The

fans is only IP44/54, indicating that water vapor outside

bodies of water. In a new report on solar and energy storage

central inverter is not equipped with any residual current

can enter the box, affecting device reliability. In addition,

trends, research firm IHS Markit said the sector can expect

device (RCD). When the voltage is raised to 1500 V, the

external fans have various issues such as large noise, poor

to move from niche applications towards “steady market

safety of the system performance requirements is higher.

Various from AC, there is no zero-crossing point for DC,

reliability, and high replacement and maintenance costs.

uptake” over the course of 2018.

The global floating solar market size is estimated at USD 600 million in 2018 and is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period owing to the increasing penetration of the technology in major countries including Japan, UK, China, India and Brazil.

GROWING MARKET DEMAND Rising penetration of tracking technology in floating solar plants owing to superior operational efficiency is likely to have a positive impact on demand. However, high maintenance as compared to stationary plants owing to moving parts is expected to restrain growth over the projected period.

The penetration of the floating solar panels is gathering momentum owing to the low availability of land coupled with limited reserves of fossil fuels. As a result, the government has sanctioned numerous plans of floating systems to meet the increasing consumption of electricity with low harmful effects on the environment.

The market is expected to grow in developed countries like the U.S., Canada, France, and Germany owing to regulations

in the event of leakage, it will cause a major accident. For floating projects, the risk increased as the higher humility.

The string inverter, however, has short DC circuits and long AC circuits, a zero crossing point for AC arc, as well as an

Once a fan is faulty, the cooling capability of an inverter is greatly weakened.

Therefore, higher standards are raised for floating projects.

These concerns can be resolved by using Huawei’s String

RCD. Therefore, the 1500 V system of the string inverter is

Inverters which offer a complete solution package.Huawei

safer.

has offered them for more than 200MW floating projects in China. One of the largest floating projects, 50MW FSPV

CHALLENGE 2: HOW TO MAINTAIN THE DC COMBINER BOX?

plant was commissioned in March this year, which located

There are fuses in the DC combiner box. Nowadays, many

To overcome these challenges, the unique technologies of

ground-mounted projects using no string monitoring box

Huawei offer a significant advantage to the developers of

which make the operation and maintenance (O&M) much

floating solar projects. Here are some of these advantages

more difficult and energy loss even harder to detect.

on Huainan, Anhui.

that Huawei brings to the table:

CHALLENGE 3: DIFFICULTIES FACED IN COMMUNICATION Traditional RS485 cables have a poor environmental adaptability and can be easily damaged by the stress pull caused by fluctuations on the water. When the RS485 cables are arranged together with power cables, they suffer interference. In special deployment scenarios such as wet environment, the RS485 cables are prone to damages,

promoting the use of solar energy for electricity generation.

resulting in communication interruption. It’s difficult to locate

Furthermore, factors including land availability as well as the

a fault when the RS485 cable is faulty, resulting in difficulties

ability of floating solar technology to decrease the impact of

in fault identification and rectification. Engineering of the

evaporation is expected to propel demand. The installation

RS485 cable is complex, causing higher cable and labor cost,

of floating solar plants decreases the evaporation rate

especially in the floating projects.

20MW FSPV plant in Hangzhou, China

of water, which in turn aids in decrease the possibility of states of the U.S.

CHALLENGE 4: PID EFFECT IS HEAVIER IN FLOATING PROJECTS.

The penetration of the technology is expected to increase in

Floating projects are located in high-humidity environment,

Asia Pacific owing to its high market potential. Furthermore,

causing heavier PID effect. This harsh environment requires

decreasing panel cost in the region coupled with rising

higher protect level of the components in the project.

awareness of the technology is likely to promote growth

Therefore, in addition to requiring the components to have

over the projected period.

anti-PID capability, the system design also requires the

drought in regions with high temperatures such as central

ADVANTAGES Floating solar PV (FSPV) plant, refers to an array of

inverter to have anti-PID function and higher protection capability.

water, typically a reservoir or lake. Floating projects have

CHALLENGE 5: DISPARITY IS HIGHER IN THE FLOATING PROJECTS.

already been commissioned in countries like America, Japan,

Energy loss is 1% caused by higher DC voltage and mismatch.

and China. India is also very ambitious regarding floating

The distance between the DC combiner box and inverter

solar projects and has set huge targets for it.

varies with the central PV system. The voltage drop (voltage

� Solar panels work better when they are cooled, a reason

difference) and lack of flexibility in inverter installation are

photovoltaic panels on a structure that floats on a body of

why these have higher efficiency than ground-mounted plants � Another advantage is floating solar panels can shade the water they float on and reduce evaporation by up to 70% � Solar panels prevent sunlight from hitting the water, which can slow down algae growth

EXECUTION AND OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES Floating projects are built above the water, quite different from the ones built on the ground or mountain, which makes these solar projects quite challenging to execute and operate for 25 years. Here we highlight some of the key challenges that are faced by floating solar projects.

CHALLENGE 1: 1500 V SYSTEM: MORE BENEFITS OR RISKS?

likely to cause string mismatch. Besides, the higher the voltage, the more serious the string mismatch. The string inverter, however, can minimize the mismatch because two strings are connected to one MPPT.

CHALLENGE 6: COMBINER BOX AND INVERTERS REQUIRE ELEVATED LEVEL OF INGRESS PROTECTION

2MW FSPV plant in Saga Prefacture, Japan

The high temperature and humidity in India have brought challenges to the installation of electrical devices, such as the combiner box and inverter on the water surface. To ensure the long-term O&M stability, the combiner box and inverter must be protected to a higher level. But a large number of fuses are used in a combiner box for overcurrent protection. The string protection using fuses requires a large amount of preventive maintenance work. With the longterm operation, fuses are aged, resulting in fuse failures.

According to statistics, the DC fuse failure rate of a power

The 1500 V system will reduce the safety and reliability of

plant is significantly increased starting from the fourth year

electrical system, while increase the voltage of DC (high DC

of use. Meanwhile, the traditional solutions such as external

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

20MW FSPV plant in Huaibei, China

FSPV plant in Singapore

Solar Quarter • June 2018 28

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • March 2018 21

Solar Quarter • June 2018 29

ADVANTAGE HUAWEI 1: MULTI-MPPTS DECREASE MISMATCH LOSS DUE TO DC VOLTAGE DROP Taking Huawei SUN2000-70KTL string inverter for example, each 1 MW has 88 MPPTs. The energy yield drop of one string due to shading does not affect other strings. In this way, the energy yield loss brought by string mismatch is effectively reduced and the system efficiency is improved.

The simulation analysis by PVsyst suggests that the mismatch loss due to DC voltage drop in a 2 strings in 1 MPPT circuit solution is about 0.1% less than that in a 100

instantly by using Huawei big data technologies such as data mining and pattern recognition, reducing testing costs compared to traditional methods. In most centralized power plants, it is hard to detect string faults, and the loss of electric energy yield cannot be compensated. Based on the high-precision string-level detection of the smart PV controller, the system can detect faults in a timely manner.

By analyzing databases, the system can accurately locate a specific faulty device and propose handling suggestions based on preset measures and O&M experience.

strings in 1 MPPT circuit solution.

ADVANTAGE HUAWEI 6: ANTI PID SOLUTION, VIRTUAL GROUNDING

ADVANTAGE HUAWEI 2: LESS DC, MORE AC

The power degradation of PV modules brought by PID

Huawei inverters can be installed close to PV modules, which leads to shorter DC cable and prevents DC arcing. Short circuits or grounding faults are likely to generate electricity leakage and electricity shocks. Faults on the DC side could easily cause the inverter to generate alarms and shut down.

Supposing a 1 MW central inverter shuts down due to a fault on the DC side, the energy yield loss is far more than the loss of a 70 kW string inverter. The string inverter is small in size and light in weight. The inverter is prepared as a spare device onsite, facilitating installation and maintenance.

The system reliability is improved and energy yield loss is reduced, earning more interests for plant investors.

greatly impacts the return on investment. Huawei patent Smart Anti-PID technology provides Anti-PID module in SmartACU, implement positive voltage across PV- and ground to safely prevent PID effects in the daytime, and Huawei string inverter integrated Smart Anti-PID module can inject voltage+ to PV- at night, recover power loss during daytime. This prevents + recover solution can perfectly reduce power loss by PID effects and earn more

ADVANTAGE HUAWEI 7: HIGHER ENERGY YIELD: 2-3% MORE COMPARED TO CENTRAL INVERTERS Taking a floating PV plant in Jiangsu, China for example, two

Huawei string inverter adopts the closed cover design.

inverter. Both of them connected to the power grid in August,

high temperature and humidity. By removing damageable components, integrating complex functions, and removing components and operations that require maintenance, the smart PV power plant has a simple overall architecture.

The smart PV power plant uses Huawei Smart PV Solution supports 25-year reliable and maintenance-free running.

Huawei inverter is at the IP65 protection class and supports isolation between internal and external environments,

1 MW sub-arrays with the same structured layout and tilt are selected. One adopts the 500KTL central inverter of a particular brand, and the other adopts the SUN2000-50KTL-C1 string 2017. A comparison of their energy yields in October shows other brand with a clear-cut advantage.

Huawei FusionSolar Smart PV Solution perfectly fulfills the requirements for constructing floating PV plants in India, and promotes the healthy and rapid development of the country’s floating PV plant technologies.

and impacts caused by external environments such as temperature, wind, and salt spray on the component

In 2017, SECI has announced 10 GW plan for the floating

lifetime are reduced; the system is not equipped with any

projects. Many states in India are actively developing the

damageable components, or any components that need

floating projects on the surface of reservoirs, storage/

to be replaced periodically such as fuses and fans, thereby

irrigation ponds and lakes.

achieving maintenance-free; all of the components and

The Indian government has expressed intentions to launch

system adopt a 25-year reliability design and lifetime simulation, and also pass strict verification tests. Therefore, system components do not need to be replaced within the entire lifecycle and can reliably and economically operate.

ADVANTAGE HUAWEI 4: PLCC (POWER LINE CARRIER COMMUNICATION) The technology replaces the RS485 communication cables, integrate the signal into power line, cutting workload and expense of cable routing, as well as reducing line loss on signal transmissions hence improving data transmission efficiency.

247.5KW FSPV plant in Fukuoka City, Japan

that Huawei inverter yields 3.22% more of the power than the

MARKET OUTLOOK OF FLOATING SOLAR POWER IN INDIA

so that components are running in a stable environment,

FSPV plant in Aichi Prefecture, Japan

interests for plant investors.

ADVANTAGE HUAWEI 3: ZERO-TOUCH MAINTENANCE: NO FUSE REQUIREMENT AND IP65 PROTECTION Protected to IP65, it is highly anti-corrosive and adaptable to

440KW FSPV plant in Sumiyakiike Parkin Chikuzen, Japan

another highly ambitious solar power program. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy is exploring the appetite for setting up floating solar power projects.

A floating solar power station would prove to be a

1MW FSPV plant in Jiangsu, China

projects on lakes, canals and water bodies of the water resources department (WRD). They have identified six water bodies including reservoirs like Bhatsa, Ghatghar (lower), Ghatghar (upper), Alwandi, Dhamani, Vaitarna and Vaitarna having a cumulative potential of 475 MW. Meanwhile, MSEDCL had invited bids to develop 1000 MW floating solar projects at the Ujani Dam in Solapur district.

revolutionary step as it could solve the perennial problem of

4. Besides this, many other states including Gujarat, Kerala,

land. Such pilot projects are also going on in a few countries

Uttrakhand have started active developments to develop

such as France and Australia.Studies have also shown that

floating solar projects in the state’s various water bodies.

if the rear surfaces of solar panels are kept cooler,then

Here are some of the recent developments in the sector:

their ability to generate power goes up by 16%. As these

1. NTPC started power generation from India’s largest

solar panels would be floating on water, they are expected

floating solar power plant at Kayamkulam in Kerala. The

to stay cool and hence we can generate more power

100 kWp floating solar generation plant, largest of its

After the PLCC technology is introduced to replace the

than those set up on land.As even the best is not perfect,

kind in India, was indigenously developed as a part of

RS485 solution, the transmission rate is greatly increased

currently,land earmarked for solar development in India is

‘Make In India’ initiative, at Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle

from 9.6 kbit/s (a maximum transmission rate supported by

rapidly increasing in value with prices jumping around 10

Power Plant (RGCCPP) in Kerala’s Kayamkulam district.

RS485 cables is only 19.2 kbit/s) to 200 kbit/s. In terms of

to 20 per cent.

construction, the PLCC technology uses AC cables as channels

Here are some of the recent developments across various

without additional cable arrangement, saving costs on communication cables and engineering by 0.01 RMB/W. By using AC cables as channels, the PLCC technology has a high reliability. When a component is damaged, you only need to replace the faulty component, which provides excellent maintainability. Therefore, the PLCC technology can both save communication cable costs and improve the reliability.

ADVANTAGE HUAWEI 5: UNIQUE IV CURVE SCANNING The complex onsite environment of floating plants poses challenges to troubleshooting and fault locating.

The inspection outside the PV plant can be performed on a boat, but the inspection inside PV arrays can only be conducted on foot, which is inefficient and difficult.

Huawei cutting-edge Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis locates problematic PV strings and analyzes the root cause almost

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

states in India 1. Tamil Nadu: To reduce evaporation of reservoir water and increase sourcing of solar power, Tamil Nadu is looking at the feasibility of setting up a floating solar power plant.

Chief Minister K. Palaniswami said that the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) and another company will study the feasibility of setting up 250 MW floating solar power plant at an outlay of Rs 1,125 crore.

2. Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh is also planning to set up a 100 megawatt floating solar power project. It is likely to come up at Penna Ahobilam Balancing Reservoir which has a live capacity of 305 million cubic meters. The dam also has an installed capacity of 20 megawatts.

3. Maharashtra: Mahagenco has been mandated to set up at least 250 MW of capacity through floating solar

2. JSW Energy, part of Indian conglomerate JSW Group which includes major steel manufacturer JSW Steel, is carrying out engineering works on a 4MW pilot floating solar project, with a view to setting up 250MW of similar projects in the future.

3. National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) has also announced plans to set up 600 megawatts of floating solar power project at the 1,960 MW Koyna hydro power project. NHPC has plans to set up similar floating solar power projects in other states as well. It will set up projects in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. In Kerala the company plans a 72 MW project, and in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh 50 MW projects each.

The future looks really bright for the development of floating solar projects across the globe and Huawei inverters are ready to propel this sector’s development by offering some unique solutions to the various challenges that may arise.

Credits: Huawei Solar Quarter • June 2018 30

Product Feature SOLAR ROOFTOP MARKET IN INDIA India added more

high upfront capital expenditure currently make rooftop

rooftop

solar

PV (photo voltaic) less attractive for residential consumers.

power capacity in

However, residential applications and small scale rooftop

the last financial year than in the previous years

four

combined,

making

it

the

f a s te s t- g ro w i n g segment in the country’s clean energy space. During the financial year 2017, some 715 megawatts (MW) of systems were added, up from 227 MW in the previous year, taking the country’s total installed capacity to 1.3 GW according to a report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF). This has happened largely because rooftop solar power is now cheaper than commercial and industrial power in all major Indian states. Overall, because of increased competition and low solar panel prices, setting up rooftop systems has become cheaper than the global average by between 39% and 50% in India.

INCREASING SCOPE FOR RESIDENTIAL SECTOR In the past ten years, there has been a relentless defeat in

projects are impelling this market further now. Stiff competition in the market combined with falling prices for the solar components make solar systems affordable for residential and small scale industries. Additionally, Government incentives and policies (30% of project cost offered by the MNRE and additional incentive from State

� AC / DB Cables � Earthing Protection

governments)to push rooftop solar installations have also

� Mounting Structure

contributed to the growth over the last year. Lucrative

� User’s Manual / Installation Guide

returns topped with low and easy maintenance is driving

� Bi-Directional Meter (optionally)

the residential segment to the next level. many new entrepreneurs & freelancers who wish to tap on

DIY SOLAR KITS FROM SANELITE SOLAR PVT LTD

the opportunity.Solar rooftop panels are extremely user-

Sanelite Solar Pvt Ltd is a pivotal company in the area

As the demand for residential sector grows, there are

friendly and convenient to install which is one of the major factors that influence the development of the market. DIY solar kits can become a handy tool for many professionals in such time. Solar installers can provide smart and speedy solution through DIY solar kits.

of renewable energy providing end-to-end solar PV solutions from manufacturing solar PV modules to solar EPC installations. Sanelite Solar is a preferred manufacturer of high-quality PV modules of capacity 40Wp to 335Wp. Created in astate-of-the art manufacturing facility and quality-tested at every stage of lifecycle, these panels are

DIY SOLAR KIT

aesthetically superior absorber of sunlight. Sanelite Solar

DIY solar kit can provide plug & play solutions in residential,

also offers end-to-end solar EPC solutions including grid-

commercial & other stand-alone systems. It is basically an

connected solar PV systems, off-grid solar PV systems,

all-in-one solution which carries all required components

and solar power plants. Our experience of engineering

of a small-scale solar system ranging usually from 1 KW to

and installing high quality solar power systems and our

10 KW. Usually the DIY kits include:

uncompromising service is what makes us a strong player.

driven by commercial and industrial users. The economics

� Solar PV Modules

With its extensive experience of solar installations and

work for them given the fall in costs of installation and

� Solar Inverters

the cost of significant components, for example, solar cells.

Due to higher power creating limit, rooftop solar panels are turning into the most preferred choice for substitute energy, outperforming other green energy sources. Till recently, most of the growth in the rooftop segment is

reduction in energy prices. On the other hand, the residential segment hasn’t taken off much till now. The

strong franchisee/dealer network feedback, the company has developed a one of its kind product – the Solar DIY Kit.

� DCDB /ACDB with Junction Box

For more information, please visit: www.sanelitesolar.com

INDIA’S LEADING Fully Automatic Solar PV Module Manufacturting Company

®

Solar Private Limited

SANELITE

Solar PV Modules

Solar Water Pump

Solar DIY Kit

Superior Aesthetics

SSPL own PV Modules

SSPL own PV Modules

Positive Power tolerance Manufacturing Excellence

Best in market AC pumps Early morning to late evening operation

Branded Inverter (Polycab or Equivalent)

Highest Grade Raw Material

(+91)-7226995508/09 w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

info@sanelitesolar.com

High Quality BoS

www.sanelitesolar.com Solar Quarter • June 2018 31

Industry Insights SHADING LOSS: AN INTRODUCTION, ITS IMPACT ON ECONOMICS & MITIGATION TECHNIQUES India has been actively supporting solar energy power plants and with a target of 100GW of solar power by 2022, this support is poised to be continual. The solar prices however, on other hand have been falling continually over years (Figure 1) which could be contributed to various factors (both internal and external). With such

FIGURE 2: IRRADIANCE AND MISMATCH LOSSES ASSOCIATED WITH COMMON OBSTRUCTION (DATA SOURCE: SOLAR PROFESSIONAL) Object (Height)

Irradiance loss

Mismatch Total shading loss loss

Pole (20 feet)

0.4%

1.4%

1.80%

and sustainability of the power plant, it is important to

Pole (40 feet)

0.8%

2.2%

3.00%

maintain the economics of the power plant. A slight change

Pole (60 feet)

1.1%

2.9%

4.00%

Small tree (25 feet)

1.7%

2.8%

4.50%

Large tree (50 feet)

2.7%

4.2%

6.90%

Tree (40 feet)

3.1%

3.3%

6.40%

Nearby building (70 feet)

2.4%

2.1%

4.50%

reduction in prices, in order to maintain the profitability

of any parameter of the power plant can lead to significant effect on the economics of the plant. One such parameter is shading which in simple terms means that any object (near or far) obstructing direct sunlight flailing on the solar module. Shading in the power plant is generally a result of bad designing considerations. However sometimes, it may also be a result of poor operation & maintenance (O&M) of power plant. While we explained you in our previous blog “Common problems in PV plant – Part 1” & “Optimizing solar power output in an overcast weather” as to what are the effects of such shadow on solar power plant, it is also important to understand the economic impact of such shadow on a power plant. This blog hence aims to educate its readers on types of shading along with such their economic impact on the solar power plant.

The shading which is experienced in solar plants may be of three one of these three types: 1. Self-shading: With an idea to capture more direct irradiance, the solar modules are generally kept at higher tilt angles. However with such increased tilt, the length of shadow casted to the row behind increases.

However, with limitation of spaces many plants are made compact to encompass the required power. This leads to self-shading of modules which happens in power plants mostly around winter solstice.

2. Shading due to near objects: Near objects are those which may be present within the vicinity or objects around 10 feet (such as vent, parapet walls, air-condition compressor unit, etc.). Few objects within 50 to 60 feet of distance such as trees, buildings, utility poles may also be considered. Few of these obstructions may affect the plant for certain time of the day or for the entire day depending on their location, height, distance from solar module, etc.

3. Shading from far horizon objects: Sometimes objects which are far away from the solar plant like newly built high skyscrapers, mountain ranges and/or city skylines caste shadows on the solar plant. These types of objects generally cast shadow on the entire array of modules generally when sun is below the line of horizon. While such shadows could be predicted to a fair accuracy, a designer could hardly do anything about it. However a precise calculation needs to be done about the loss of energy from such shadows.

With the knowledge on types of shading, it is also important how do they preliminary effect the power plant.

The object causing shade primarily causes two losses in solar power plant. First the (direct) irradiance loss i.e. the object blocks the direct light falling on solar module which leads to direct reduction in power generation. Secondly the module which experiences such shadowing does not produce adequate power output which it should have produced during normal operation. Such difference in power output between modules causes mismatch loss within modules which causes indirect loss of energy. The Figure 2 below gives the list of irradiance, mismatch and total shading loss of few common objects.

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Figure 1: Rapid falling prices of solar energy (Source: Waaree market research)

While we understood the types of shading and its effect, it is also important to understand how and why they originate.

We would have to thus understand the considerations that go along while designing the power plant. They are as follows: 1. For row to row spacing in solar power plant, the height (h) of the adjacent row (as shown in Figure 3) is considered. It is multiplied with a factor of 1.5 and the obtained result is kept as inter row spacing.

Figure 3: Row to row spacing consideration

2. Parapet wall consideration: For parapet wall, the installation of solar plant starts from a distance of 1.5 times the height of wall. However considering the ground clearance and the block height of understructure, this distance may be reduced.

3. Obstruction from near object: For near object obstruction, a simulation from standard softwares (like PVSyst, Google sketchup, etc.) are used. However many a times a simple site survey with basic assumptions of shadow is made and the marked area is not utilized for power production.

Let us now move forward and understand the effect

Figure 4: Monthly energy generation of ideal power plant (Source: Waaree Energies)

of shading on the economics of power plant. As far as general understanding goes, any/all the shading falling on the plant shall reduce the energy output of the power plant and hence its economics. To understand its gauge, let us consider an ideal power plant first. This power plant is considered to be on open space with no shading from near or far horizon objects. The total energy output of the power plant (Figure 4) is 434.4 MWh. Thus considering a generic value of energy sale (INR 3.50/kWh) turns it to around INR 1.52 million/year.

Now we add two near shading objects along with reducing the row to row spacing. The two added near shading

Figure 5: Monthly energy generation of power plant with near shading (Source: Waaree Energies)

objects drastically reduces the power output of the plant for almost the entire year. The effect of reduction in row to row spacing can be seen in the month of November & December where the energy output of plant further reduces due to self-shading. The total energy output of the power plant (Figure 5) is 368.9 MWh. Thus considering the same value of energy sale (INR 3.50/kWh) the revenue turns out to around INR 1.29 million/year, which is 15% below the expected revenue.

Further, we add few obstructions at far horizon (sky scrapers) along with the previous obstruction (near shading). This far horizon objects as we know shadows the entire array of modules when sun is below line of horizon. Thus while we

Figure 6: Monthly generation of power plant with near & far horizon shading (Source: Waaree Energies)

could observe a reduced generation in the entire power

energy output of the power plant (Figure 6) is 331.1 MWh.

plant, a severe reduction in generation could be observed in winters (as sun is much lower in horizon). The total

Thus considering the same value of energy sale (INR 3.50/ kWh) the revenue turns out to around INR 1.15 million/ year, which is 24% below the expected revenue.

Solar Quarter • June 2018 32

2. String and central inverter: String inverters are used to connect smaller arrays (in number) whereas a central inverter connects arrays (with larger power output). In central inverter system, shading on any module/array

WITH SUCH REDUCTION IN

of modules may cause the entire plant power to go down. An alternate solution is to connect the system

PRICES, IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN

to smaller string inverters which would increase the power output of module (comparing to central inverter system).

THE PROFITABILITY AND

3. Micro inverter: A further detailed solution could be using micro inverters. As we explained in our previous

SUSTAINABILITY OF THE POWER

blog “Optimizing solar power output in an overcast Figure 7: Specific yield of different groups of module (Image source: Solar Professional)

weather”, micro inverter could mitigate the effect of

Thus as clear from Figure 6, shading significantly affects

Waaree Energies is capable of giving turnkey solutions

the revenue from a solar power plant. While a 15% & 24%

for both Rooftop and Utility scale projects. We have an

revenue fall was seen from above simulation, practical

experience of executing more than 500+ MW EPC project

revenue fall considering (only shadowing) can vary from

services. Additionally its highly reliable module is capable

10% to whopping 60% or even around 80%. As other than

to perform to their maximum at any given conditions. Such

newly built sky scrapers, all the other type of shading could

expertise gives us a cutting edge over our competitors to

be controlled. This makes project planning and designing

always serve our customers in the most optimal way.

a crucial step in order to ensure that the plant lives up

Let us all pledge to make solar energy the primary source

to its expectations. A few considerations which could be

of energy in the near future.

shading down to single module level.

PLANT, IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN THE ECONOMICS OF THE POWER PLANT.

considered while the designing phase are as follows: 1. Grouping of modules: An important method to mitigate shading effect (to an extent), in this process, we group solar modules according to the energy they produce while keeping the time of its shading in mind.

This gives a leeway to designer to ensure he eliminates only the most underperforming modules while he keeps the better modules to ensure the criticality and sustainability of the power plant. As seen in Figure 7 below, we would keep the modules which are only shaded for say 1 & 3 months while we could completely remove modules which faces shadowing for 7 or more

LET US ALL PLEDGE TO MAKE SOLAR ENERGY THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF ENERGY IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

MR. SUNIL RATHI Director- Sales and Marketing Waaree Energies Ltd

months.

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 33

Product Feature HI-MO3 WITH 380W FRONT-SIDE POWER: A WORTHY SUCCESSOR OF BIFACIAL PERC May 28th, 2018. LONGi Solar, a leading, vertically integrated monocrystalline

manufacturer,

showcased

its

third-

generation product - the Hi-MO3 half-cut bifacial PERC module - at the SNEC (2018) International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Exhibition & Conference at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. LONGi Solar’s Hi-MO series have led the industry in technology development of monocrystalline PERC with high power, high yield and low LID. Hi-MO3 combines advanced monocrystalline PERC cell technology and bifacial, half-cut module construction to provide energy producers with a brand new choice to reduce LCOE. May 2016. LONGi Solar released the first-generation HiMO1 products enabled with high-efficiency, low-LID PERC technology, setting off rapid growth in monocrystalline PERC. Empirical data showed that Hi-MO1 energy yield per watt was 3% higher than that of conventional modules; April 2017. The 2nd generation Hi-MO2 bifacial PERC was released. Based on continuously developed PERC technologies, the front-side power of Hi-MO2 (60-cell) module exceeded 300W, with rear-side yield of 5-25% and a 30-year quality assurance that helps the industry significantly reduce LCOE and enhance project profitability; May 2018. Based on Hi-MO2 integrated with advanced half-cut module construction and LONGi Solar’s continuous breakthroughs in monocrystalline PERC technology, the 3rd generation Hi-MO3 half-cut bifacial PERC module pushed front-side power up to 320W. Hi-MO3 inherits its predecessor’s low-LID and high rearside yield, with more advantages: 1. Higher power. The power on the front-side reaches 320W (60-cell) / 380W (72-cell) in series production; 2. Lower hot spot effect. Under the same test conditions, the average hot spot temperature of half-cut module is 10-12 ℃ lower than that of full-sized cell modules; 3. Higher yield. The yield under shaded conditions is significantly enhanced.

change the printing process of the PERC single-sided cell,

4. Lower LCOE, with reductions of up to 11%.

and changing the rear surface from whole aluminum layer

Half-cut cell construction has the following characteristics: 1) As the cell is split in two, thermal resistance loss is

In terms of power generation, Hi-MO3 with half-cut

to a local aluminum layer. This allows incidental light on

cells and bifacial construction has the efficient power

the rear surface to enter the cell from the exposed layer

reduced and output power of the half-cut-cell module

of monocrystalline PERC, better performance in shade,

and create photoelectric conversion on both the front and

is 5-10W higher compared to a full-cell module of the

enhanced energy yield, lower hot spot temperature and

rear sides.

lower LCOE. In the high-irradiation regions and under shaded conditions, Hi-MO3 advantages help to sharply reduce LCOE and accelerate the progress of PV grid parity.

DEVELOPMENT TRENDS IN BIFACIAL PERC Among

high-efficiency

cell

technologies,

PERC

In this process, with negligible increase in manufacturing cost, bifacial PERC can achieve power generation gain

is about 25℃ lower than that of the full-cell module of

reduce the LCOE of the PV system while greatly enhancing

the same type. This can effectively reduce the hot spot

technology. is

conventional cell, the production of PERC cell needs only to add rear passivation and laser slotting sections, coupled with metallization techniques. This will effectively enhance the conversion efficiency of the cells. In the past six months, the world record for PERC cell conversion efficiency has been constantly refreshed, demonstrating the strong potential upside of PERC.

BIFACIAL PERC + HALF-CUT TECHNIQUE FURTHER IMPROVE THE COST PERFORMANCE OF MODULES

without adding much additional cost, high-power half-cut cell module is being developed on a large scale. In 2018

route for manufacturers of PERC cells and modules. From a technology perspective to improve module output power, cost product that is easy to implement in large scale production Half-cut cell is the technique that cuts a conventional cell in half and then connecting the two halves together. Compared

SNEC, half-cut cell module was a must-have exhibit for PV module manufacturers.

At Intersolar Europe, LONGi Solar will present the new Hi-MO3 PERC Half-Cut Cell Bifacial module. The innovative combination of half-cut cell and bifacial module

with conventional cell, the only operation required is to cut

construction achieves front-side power up to 320W

the whole cell into two parts by laser before string welding

(60-cell), with bifaciality more than 75%. Under shady

On this basis, bifacial PERC is also becoming an important

them. The cell splitting and transmission are fully automatic

route in the development of the technology. The commonly

and the string welder needs only slight modification to

used manufacturing technology for bifacial PERC cell is to

achieve large-scale production.

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

of the system by about 10%.

module construction technique is an important upgrade

According to ASIACHEM statistics, as of May 2018, global

solar cell technology is becoming a new-generation norm.

voltage design requirements and can reduce the cost

of high efficiency cells, combining PERC cells with innovative

investment can drive the expansion of PERC cell capacity.

lines will all adopt PERC technology. It is obvious that PERC

3) The half-cut-cell module can meet the 1500V system

Since half-cut module greatly enhances the output power

half-cut cell is undoubtedly a high performance and low

upgraded p-type monocrystalline silicon cell production

effect;

To further realize the advantages of high power conversion

Mature manufacturing techniques and reasonable capital

PERC cell capacity reached 46.8 GW. Newly built or

2) The hot spot temperature of the half-cut-cell module

of 10%-25% at the system level, which will significantly the competitiveness and development potential of PERC

undoubtedly the most cost-effective. Compared with

same type;

conditions, Hi-MO3 can deliver higher energy yield than whole-cell module array.

Solar Quarter • June 2018 34

Industry Insights RELIABILITY OF TPEDGE PV MODULES SUCCESSFULLY TESTED The TPedge concept reduces the material and production costs of PV modules, since encapsulation foils and the lamination process are no longer needed. At the same time, the aging stability of the PV module increases appreciably.

In the project “TPedge,” researchers at Fraunhofer ISE together with their partners have developed processes so that the innovative PV modules can be manufactured on an industrial scale.

TPedge modules are edge-sealed, double-glass PV modules, similar in construction to insulating glass windows. The solar cells are fixed in the gas-filled space between the two glass panes with special adhesive pins. The TPedge module forgoes the conventional encapsulation foils as well as the traditional module frame. This not only saves material costs but also avoids the time-consuming lamination process. In the project “TPedge – Development of a Technology for Edge-Sealed Solar PV Modules,” Fraunhofer ISE and the company Bystronic glass together developed processes for the industrial production of novel solar module concepts. “We have successfully transferred the lab prototype to an industrial-scale module (with 60 solar cells),” says a pleased Max Mittag, project head at Fraunhofer ISE. At the PV Module-TEC (Module Technology Center) at Fraunhofer ISE, the researchers put automated production systems into operation with which they were able to produce numerous prototypes of TPedge PV modules with different setups. As a next step, the industrial production processes were developed further and optimized. By substituting the 3 mm thick glass with glass that is only 2 mm thick, the weight of the TPedge modules could be reduced by 30 percent. The module prototypes jointly produced with Bystronic glass underwent many tests based on the standards IEC 61730 and 61215, and the

results confirmed the high reliability and technical maturity of the TPedge module concept. Many different design setups were tested, using the conventional glass-foillaminate and glass-glass-laminate modules as a reference.

As part of the procedure, the PV modules were tested for their resistance to hail and distributed loads.

AGING STABILITY In the humidity-heat test, various TPedge modules containing different types of commercial solar cells were subjected to a relative humidity of 85 percent at a temperature of 85 °C for over 4000 hours. After the test, the module power showed no change compared to the initial values measured before exposure. Conventional module concepts, however, with glass-foil-laminate and glass-glass-laminate demonstrated, in part, large degradation effects after undergoing the same test. The TPedge modules also successfully passed the thermal cycle durability test. Fraunhofer ISE’s TestLab PV Modules verified the durability of the TPedge modules by exposing them to 400 temperature cycles (-40 °C … + 85 °C) in the testing process.

MECHANICAL DURABILITY Using commercially available mounting systems, durability tests for mechanical loads and hail were carried out at Fraunhofer ISE. The tested modules successfully passed the tests in which pressure loads up to 5400 Pa were applied to the modules in different mounting configurations.

Although the tests were repeatedly carried out, no changes in the module power were detected. The TPedge concept was also tested for its resistance to hail. Even the modules with the thinner 2 mm thick glass passed the tests successfully. In the procedure, large hail stones of 25 mm

diameter were also aimed at especially critical parts of the module, for example, the glass edges. The modules passed the hail tests without being damaged and could be used further in the following tests.

COST SAVINGS With a special model developed at Fraunhofer ISE to determine the cost of ownership according to the SEMI standard, a highly precise cell-to-module power analysis (CTM), and measurements from the CalLab PV Modules, the specific module costs (€/Wp) for TPedge and relevant competitive module technologies were calculated. “The results show that the specific module costs of the TPedge concept are approximately 2 percent less than the conventional glass-foil-laminate concept,” says Mittag.

“The cost reduction is mostly due to lower material costs.

Material costs are crucial since they are responsible for ca.

90 percent of the total module production costs, including cells.” The TPedge concept also lowers material costs compared to the glass-glass-laminate concept.

The project “TPedge” started at the beginning of 2013 and was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). Fraunhofer ISE and its project partner Bystronic glass developed the TPedge module technology and the possibilities for industrial production followed. Fraunhofer ISE has installed 70 TPedge modules on the façade of one of its lab buildings; these have been operating in a field test for three years now. Further research explores promising approaches to increase the module power and addresses the particular suitability of this technology for building-integrated photovoltaics. An industrial implementation of this technology is a future aim and partners are being sought.

T H E N E X T- G E N B AC K S H E E T

1 - 10 0 1 LL

*Based on solar weighted reflection in the range 380 nm - 1100 nm per ISO 9050:2003 (method used by TÜV SÜD Chine e.g.)

HA

THE SINGLE-LAYER BACKSHEET F OR SUS TAINE D MODULE PE RF OR M ANCE

NO BACKSHEET DE L A MINATION

No laminated layers

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

HIGHEST REFLECTIVITY* SUS TAINABLE COS T DOWN ROADMAP

W W W. AG F A .C O M / U N I Q OAT

Solar Quarter • June 2018 35

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 36

Industry Insights RESEARCH AT FRAUNHOFER ISE INVESTIGATES INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Thanks to considerable cost reductions in photovoltaic

in collaboration with logistics firm Dachser and haulage

questions regarding the economic viability of using PV, and

modules, solar energy holds increasing appeal for use in the

company Benzinger, Fraunhofer ISE has equipped and

on the PV technology that is most suited to their needs.

mobility sector. Depending on the type of application, even

commissioned several semitrailers with irradiance sensors,

diesel fuel for trucks can be replaced by photovoltaics to

and as a result has been able to measure insolation

some extent. Fraunhofer ISE has carried out and evaluated

potential in real-life logistics operations. Irradiance data

CUSTOM DESIGN FOR VEHICLEINTEGRATED PV MODULE

yield analyses of PV power supply for commercial vehicles,

were collected and analyzed at Fraunhofer ISE for a period

such as refrigerated transport vehicles, using real-life

In order to minimize any additional load on the refrigerated

of around six months. A total of six 40 tonne refrigerated

solar irradiance data. Based on its findings, the institute

semitrailers, vehicle-integrated PV modules need to be

semitrailers were fitted with appropriate irradiance sensors

sees great potential in this field and is working together

developed that are as lightweight and efficient as possible.

and travelled their standard routes in the US and Europe

with partners from the logistics and automotive sectors

Furthermore, a unique design will be required to enable

– from Prague to Mallorca, Paris to Munich. The data

the PV modules to be fitted to vehicle roofs without

gathered were then evaluated by Fraunhofer ISE according

exceeding the maximum vehicle heights permitted under

to a range of criteria. The scientists calculated the savings

road traffic regulations. Such modules must be extremely

in liters of diesel per vehicle, as the average of liters of

compact and able to withstand dynamic mechanical

diesel across all routes and vehicles, and in liters of diesel

stress caused, for example, by vibrations during travel.

Employing photovoltaics in commercial vehicles can

for three geographic regions. “When you merge the data

Fraunhofer ISE is supporting the development of

contribute to reducing diesel consumption and lowering

collected for the roofs that could potentially be fitted with

lightweight modules by contributing its many years of

costs, cutting CO2 emissions from haulage in the process

PV modules, this allows you to make reliable statements

expertise in module technology and testing. Specialist

and thus meeting environmental and climate protection

about the viability of such systems,” says Ebert. “Based on

synergies at the research institute in the fields of power

targets within the transport sector. “In developing a

our calculations, we anticipate that a 40 tonne refrigerated

electronics and systems technology help in developing

solar-active vehicle shell, we want to make photovoltaic

semitrailer with a roof area of 36 m2 equipped with PV

all the necessary components, and in ensuring that they

technology available to the logistic sector and contribute

modules (nominal power of 6 kW) could save up to 1900

interact properly within the overall system. PV modules

to lowering the cost of logistics as a result,” states Matthieu

L of diesel fuel per year,” he adds. One important finding

Ebert, Head of the Team for Module Efficiency and New

of the study, which is to be presented at the European

to conduct research into special PV modules for use in commercial vehicles. The aim is to integrate the modules in the truck roofs to supply power for driving the vehicle or for cooling goods.

Concepts at Fraunhofer ISE.

ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDIES BASED ON REAL-LIFE SOLAR IRRADIANCE DATA

Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition EUPVSEC 2017 and the 8th “Lkw und Fuhrpark” (Truck and Vehicle Fleet) Conference, is that the fuel savings, and thus the viability of the initiative, are heavily dependent on

and systems can also be tested under real conditions in transport operations. Ebert and his team at Fraunhofer ISE offer field tests to interested companies and collaborative partners in the logistics and vehicle construction sectors.

The test results can then be used as a basis for individual yield analyses and for calculating savings potential.

Whereas other economic sensibility studies conducted on

vehicle deployment regions and usage scenarios. In future,

The project was funded by the Fraunhofer Zayed Program

the use of PV in commercial vehicles have, to date, been

the insights gained from the measurement campaign will

and carried out in collaboration with Fraunhofer CSE in

based on simulations with artificial weather data, working

allow Ebert and his team to advise logistics companies on

Boston.

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 37

Product Feature GOODWE CAN OFFER A COMPREHENSIVE PORTFOLIO OF PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND UTILITY SCALE PV SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL APPLICATION IN COUNTRIES WHERE SUBSIDIES ARE PROVIDED OR THE COST OF ELECTRICITY IS HIGH

SMT Series 25/30/36kW Three-MPPT, Three-Phase Compact and Powerful for Increased Efficiency

ET Series 5/8/10kW Threephase Energy Storage Inverter Declare Your Grid Independence

NS Series 1-3kW SingleMPPT, Single-Phase Enjoy The Silence

The brand new GoodWe SMT series

The brand new GoodWe ET Series is a

inverter is ideal for medium and large-

three-phase high voltage energy storage

scale commercial rooftop installations,

inverter that enables enhanced energy independence and

GoodWe NS series is ideally

providing a maximum efficiency of

maximizes self-consumption through export limit feature

98.8 percent and up to three MPPT routes for a particular

and time of use shifts for reduced electric bills. Covering a

environment. With its weight of just 40 kg and compact

power range of 5 kW, 8 kW and 10 kW, the ET Series allows

design, the SMT series is easier to handle and install than

up to 100% oversizing to maximize power output and

similar inverters in the market. Featuring a maximum DC

features Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to inductive

input voltage of 1100 V, wider MPPT range, and a start-

loads such as air conditioners or refrigerators with an

up voltage of 180 V, the SMT series guarantees an earlier

automatic switchover time of less than 10 milliseconds,

generation of power and a longer working time in order

providing grid-tied savings when the grid is up and

to maximize long-term returns and profitability for the

off-grid independence and security when it is down or

system owner.

compromised.

ON-GRID RETROFITTING STORAGE SOLUTIONS UTILIZING DC/AC – COUPLING APPROACH

and enhanced lifespan.

SUITABLE FOR LARGE COMMERCIAL, GROUNDMOUNTED AND UTILITY SCALE PROJECTS

DNS Series 3-6kW DualMPPT, Single-Phase Inverters Designed For Beautility

MT Series 50/60/70kW Four-MPPT, Three-Phase Boost Your Power & Profit

GoodWe DNS series is a perfect match

The second generation of GoodWe MT series inverter is

first AC-coupled battery storage

for residential installations thanks

suitable for medium and large scale commercial rooftops

retrofit solution with UPS function

to its compact size and light weight.

and ground-mounted solar PV systems where maximum

for both single-phase and three-

Manufactured for durability and longevity under modern

versatility and profitability are important. With its compact

phase systems. It can effectively

industrial standards, GoodWe DNS series is IP65 rated so it

design and power boost function, the GoodWe MT G2

upgrade any existing string inverter system by adding

can be mounted either inside or outside your home.

series can provide a 15% continuous maximum AC output

battery backup. Capable of being either grid-interactive or

power overload, thus offering a faster return on investment.

independent, it allows users to store surplus power and

The start-up voltage is 200V, much lower than 600V of

sell it back to the grid when demand peaks and the price

other products, which makes the inverter start up earlier to

of electricity is at its highest. With its UPS function with an

generate more power with longer working time.

automatic switchover time of less than 10 ms, GoodWe SBP

suited for new-build housing projects

or

small

domestic

applications, providing you with a range from 1 to 3 kW models for installations as small as 3 PV modules. The NS series compares favorably to other inverters in the 1-3kW power class due to its small footprint and light weight.

In addition, GoodWe NS series boasts both the lowest startup voltage of 80V and the widest voltage range from 80 to 450V. A robust, elegantly designed IP65 rated enclosure ensures the inverter is weatherproof, allowing outdoor installation, while contributing to low maintenance needs

With a low start-up voltage of only 120V and the widest voltage range of 80-550V, these inverters can provide greater options for your household system. The GoodWe DNS series is also extremely light, about 30% lighter than other inverters.

FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMMERCIAL ROOFTOP APPLICATION IN COUNTRIES WHERE SUBSIDIES ARE PROVIDED OR THE COST OF ELECTRICITY IS HIGH

FOR RESIDENTIAL ENERGY STORAGE APPLICATION IN COUNTRIES WHERE SUBSIDIES ARE NOT PROVIDED AND THE COST OF ELECTRICITY IS HIGH OR POWER OUTAGES ARE COMMON

SBP Series AC-Coupled Retrofit Solution Back Up & Upgrade Your Savings The GoodWe SBP series is the world’s

provides uninterruptible power supply to inductive loads such as air conditioners or refrigerators.

BP Series DC-Coupled Retrofit Solution Non-Stop Energy 24 Hours The GoodWe BP is a DCcoupled

retrofit

battery

ES Series 3.7/5kW Hybrid Inverter Off The Grid Not Powerless

management

The GoodWe ES series bi-directional

battery storage solution to

The GoodWe Smart DT series inverter

energy storage inverter can be

their

is specially designed for three-phase

used for both on-grid and off-grid

Compatible with most brands

solar systems, covering a wide power

PV systems, with the ability to control the flow of energy

of single phase on-grid inverters, the BP Series intelligently

range of 4kW, 5kW, 6kW, 8kW, 10kW, 12kW, 15kW and

intelligently. During the day, the PV array generates

manages the PV yield of a system allowing generated

20kW. The integrated two MPPTs allow two-array inputs

electricity which can be provided either to the loads,

electricity to be directed within the home, fed to the grid

from different roof orientations.

fed into the grid or charge the battery, depending on

or used to charge battery storage devices.

the economics and set-up. The electricity stored can

Electricity stored within batteries can be released

be released when the loads require it during the night,

when domestic loads are high but PV generation is not

including inductive loads such as air conditioners or

possible, helping to synchronize energy production and

refrigerators. Additionally, the power grid can also charge

consumption.

Smart DT Series 4-20kW Dual-MPPT, Three-Phase Maximize Your Power & Savings

The SDT series inverter is small, light and easy to install.

Suitable for both outdoor and indoor installations, this inverter offers a quiet operation. In addition, the combination of both RS485 and Wi-Fi communication allows the system to be easily monitored and controlled.

system

which

offers PV plant owners the opportunity to integrate a existing

installation.

the storage devices via the inverter. An all-round intelligent system for maximum energy flexibility.

GOODWE IS A LEADING, STRATEGICALLY-THINKING ENTERPRISE WHICH FOCUSES ON RESEARCH AND MANUFACTURING OF PV INVERTERS AND ENERGY STORAGE SOLUTIONS. WITH AN IN-HOUSE R&D TEAM OF 200 EMPLOYEES IN TWO R&D CENTERS, GOODWE CAN OFFER A COMPREHENSIVE PORTFOLIO OF PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND UTILITY SCALE PV SYSTEMS, ENSURING THAT PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY GO HAND-IN-HAND ACROSS THE ENTIRE RANGE. w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 38

Industry Insights TESTING BIFACIAL SOLAR PV MODULES: OUTPERFORMING ENERGY OUTPUT EXPECTATIONS Once you’ve decided to install a solar PV array, you want to obtain the fastest possible return on investment (ROI).

There are many options that will impact how quickly you recoup your investment, including the location of the installation, its layout and the smart solar features incorporated.

and placed on a white-painted surface, bifacial modules

How much more energy do bifacial modules generate?

outperform the standard monofacial panels by more than

Although it’s easy to say that these modules generate

a third.

more energy, it’s important to demonstrate precisely how much more they produce. This lets project managers,

BIFACIAL MODULES WITH TRACKING SURPASS THEORETICAL GAINS

homeowners and other solar PV end users make more accurate calculations to determine the projected timeline

One aspect of this equation that plays a very important role is the type of solar module you choose to install.

Among these different types of modules, bifacial solar panels stand head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to energy generation, making them an ideal choice for a rapid ROI on your solar PV installation.

Because of its higher energy production, people are getting excited about bifacial panels. However, there are still some questions about exactly how much energy they produce and how that impacts the overall ROI for a solar project.

To quell these questions, Trina Solar ran some tests to highlight just how much more energy bifacial modules produce.

WHAT’S A BIFACIAL SOLAR PANEL? Solar PV modules come in all shapes and sizes, and each

While the results showing bifacial modules outperformed

of the installation’s ROI.

some surprising results. The test showed that using a

bifacial solar modules, Trina Solar set up a test in Changzhou,

bifacial module with a tracker resulted in a greater increase

China, to discern how much more energy bifacial modules

in energy production than the sum of the gain from a

generate compared to traditional modules. The tests

tracker or bifacial modules individually.

measured the bifacial module power output and energy

Based on the energy gains from bifacial modules and

gain with and without a mechanical tracker on three

trackers individually, the bifacial module with the tracker

different fields: grass, sand and a white-painted surface.

on grass should have reached a 15.5 percent power gain.

Using monofacial modules as a baseline the test found

The actual results showed a whopping 19.5 percent power

that:

gain, or a 4 percent extra power gain compared to the

� On grass: 5.2 percent energy gain.

expectations.

� On grass with a tracker: 10.57 percent energy gain.

With this information at hand, project managers,

� On sand: 10.79 percent energy gain.

homeowners and other solar PV end users can make more accurate ROI calculations. Plus, the additional power gains

� On sand with a tracker: 24.42 percent energy gain.

generated by bifacial modules, with or without the tracker

have their own advantages. As scientists and engineers

� On white-painted surface: 21.9 percent energy gain.

continue to improve their solar panel designs, each

� On white-painted surface with a tracker: 33.2 percent

iteration becomes more efficient, reliable and durable.

traditional modules were expected, the study still revealed

To demonstrate the increased energy production from

demonstrate just how much more efficient these panels are.

energy gain.

The dual-glass construction of the bifacial modules also

Bifacial PV systems represent the latest innovation in solar

As the results show, bifacial modules outperform standard

makes them more reliable and durable than the standard

modules as they convert light captured on both the front

panels in every category, while trackers add even greater

modules, which increases their longevity in the field and

and back of the module. The solar cell to absorb more

energy gains. Further, when combined with a tracker

helps ensure a satisfactory ROI.

sunlight, thereby generating more energy.

AARVI ENCON LIMITED ISO9001-2008 Company

ENGINEERING

MANPOWER

Area of Expertise:

• Secondment of Technical Manpower for Projects and Operation & Maintenance

+

30

Years

OUTSOURCING • O&M of Solar Plant on Turnkey Basis.

·Project Management

·Testing and Commissioning

·Construction Supervision

·Operation & Maintenance

·Inspection

Aarvi Encon Limited

Formerly known as Aarvi Encon Private Limited CIN:U29290MH1987PLC045499 (ISO 9001:2008 &OHSAS 18001:2007)

B1-603, Innova, Marathon NextGen, G.K.Road, Opp. Peninsula Park, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013. INDIA Tel.: 022-4049 9999, Fax: 022-4049 9998 E Mail: info@aarviencon.com, WWW. aarviencon.com

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 39

Product Feature SOLAR PLANT MONITORING SOLUTIONS BY LOGICS POWERAMR WE CREATE A WORLD TO MONITOR EVERY WATT, MONITOR ON THE GO.......

KEY DIFFERENTIATORS OF DATA LOGGER AND RTU

Logics PowerAMR Private Limited is a solution provider that

� Plug and Play system

delivers technology driven products, systems and solutions that meet customized and strategic needs of the clients.

� Auto Configurable through server- no need for person

We are System Integrators, providing solutions to power

to configure through laptop or on site troubleshooting

utilities, industries, solar companies, power plants, meter

� Can support any inverter- device interchangeable from

manufacturers and commercial complexes. We supply all state of the art GSM/ GPRS/ Ethernet based modems, convertors and sensors including weather monitoring

one site to another � Supports multiple inverters, inter mixing of inverters of

stations etc.

different makes, addition of inverters in future without

We are pioneer in Solar Plant Monitoring System, Energy

any hassles

Management System (EMS), Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) solutions, Availability Based Tariff (ABT) solutions, DLMS protocols, Common Meter Reading Instrument (CMRI) applications, energy audit, integrated software applications, billing systems. We provide end to end solution to integrate and automate all types of energy meter right from Meter Reading Application, Meter Data Management (MDM), Meter Data Analysis to Real Time Web portals. Our USP is the unique ability of comprehensive energy meter data analysis and providing inferences in correlation to the Business functions. The main driver of clients’ interest in PowerAMR is its cost effective customized solution in the

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS), AUTOMATIC METER READING (AMR)

� Built in watch dog function

BASED TARIFF (ABT)

� Data pool during communication outage, server disconnection � OTA (over the air) firmware upgrade � Logs Power on/off events � SMS alerts to authorized person in case of power outage and power restoration � Option for digital output through 5 amp relay/ any

We offer complete variants of Solar Scada at one roof

any other device � Option for GPRS, Ethernet, Wi Fi RTUs

integrated platform for solar DLMS meters, automated

� Integration with DLMS/ non DLMS energy meters

billing, remote on/off, weather stations etc. to meet all

� Complete Solar Analytics Platform for underlying health

business needs.

SYSTEM, ENERGY

SOLUTIONS, AVAILABILITY

voltage pulse to remote connect/ disconnect inverter /

make of inverters, real time web portal, solar analytics,

PLANT MONITORING

� Over 2 months data storage

existing network. inclusive of intelligent data loggers compatible with all

WE ARE PIONEER IN SOLAR

SOLUTIONS, DLMS PROTOCOLS, COMMON METER READING INSTRUMENT (CMRI) APPLICATIONS, ENERGY AUDIT, INTEGRATED SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS, BILLING SYSTEMS.

of solar plants and underperforming plants

Industry Insights PV MODULE RELIABILITY & TESTING HOW WAS MODULE TESTING DEVELOPED?

during operation. These tests do not address long-term reliability or performance.

The U.S. Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s (JPL) Block Buy program

2. The IEC 61215 tests are suitable only for identifying

started in the mid-1970s with the goal of developing

module defects that manifest within the first few

environmental tests for crystalline silicon modules. This

operational years (i.e., defect screening).

program established many of the tests that are still used

3. Certification testing is performed on PV module

for reliability assessment today.

samples selected by each manufacturer. This may result

The European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) project was

in sampling bias if manufacturers select only their best

initiated in the late 1970s and focused on both testing

modules for certification testing.

modules and creating standard performance metrics for

How does degradation relate to module failure? Long-

solar cells.

term module power degradation is built into project

These two programs formed a foundation for today’s basic

expectations and is warranted by manufacturers. Typical

module certification tests:

warranty terms provide a guarantee of 97% of the

� International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61215 “Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval” � Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1703 “Standard for FlatPlate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels”

ARE THERE LIMITATIONS TO THE STANDARDS? Though most PV projects require UL and/or IEC certification to ensure a minimum level of module robustness and

nameplate rating during the first year, reduced by 0.6-0.7% annually during the following 24 years.

Measuring power degradation in the field when the levels are small is extraordinarily difficult due to the uncertainty of measurement tools and sensors.

Practically, this results in most PV module warranty claims being limited to excessive underperformance or complete failure. DNV GL notes that an allowance for uncertainty, typically according to EN 50380, is applied for warranty enforcement which effectively lowers the guaranteed level

safety, it is widely accepted that these certification

by a further amount (on the order of 3%).

standards are not sufficient to demonstrate long-term PV

Based on DNV GL’s experience and data, at least 7% of

module reliability for the following reasons:

commercial PV modules do not pass the IEC

1. UL 1703 (and the similar IEC 61730) are purely safety

61215 humidity freeze test. This 7% figure pulls from the

tests, to ensure that modules do not pose a hazard

historical dataset that has grown from tens to thousands

PRIOR TO PV MODULE PURCHASE, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT A TRUSTWORTHY SOURCE TESTS THE SELECTED PRODUCT’S RESILIENCE TO THE MOST COMMON DEGRADATION MECHANISMS.

of modules.

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 40

Industry Insights WORLD’S LARGEST BIFACIAL SOLAR POWER PROJECT INSTALLED IN CHINA’S QINGHAI PROVINCE The world´s largest bifacial solar project was connected as

share of over 40%in 2019 – and most of the monocrystalline

part of a 100 MW installation end of 2017 in Golmud in

modules will be based on PERC cell technology. End of

China´s western province of Qinghai. The project, which

October 2017, LONGi Group, the world´s largest producer

was developed by State Power Investment Corporation’s

of monocrystalline wafers, announced a world record

Huanghe Hydropower Development Co. Ltd., includes 20

efficiency of 22.71% for a 156 x 156 mm commercial-size

MW bifacial modules from LONGi Solar. In total 71 MW of

cell, which was certified by well-known German research

bifacial module capacity was installed.

“We are very pleased LONGi Solar´s monocrystalline PERC

institute´s Fraunhofer ISE´s CalLab and breaks the earlier record that was held by Trina Solar around for 2 years.

technology will contribute to the success of the world´s largest bifacial power plant,” said Li Wenxue, President of LONGi Solar. Adding, “While this is our first multi-megawatt bifacial project, we are discussing with several developers about further PV bifacial projects using our mono PERC modules in China as well as international markets.” LONGi Solar, the leading vertically-integrated manufacturer of monocrystalline PV modules, has supplied over 57,000 of its 350 W HiMO2 PERC bifacial modules equal to 20 MW for the Golmund project.

NO ADDITIONAL COSTS FOR BIFACIAL Bifacial solar, which is about making a PV device sunlight sensitive on both sides, is a natural progression for PERC in pursuit of higher power yields. The good thing about PERC bifacial cells: the energy boost is a free bonus. The only change required is to replace printing aluminum paste over the full area of the rear side through a grid pattern -similar to the front side – again using aluminum paste, and corresponding optimization. At the module

PERC FOR BIFACIAL High-efficiency PERC has this year become the standard

level, the opaque backsheet is replaced with glass, which not only provides transparency needed for bifacial power

in monocrystalline cell manufacturing. According to

production but also improves module endurance and

the International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic

extends lifetime, a feature solar power plant developers

(ITRPV) 2017, monocrystalline wafers will reach a market

very much appreciate.

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

HIGHER YIELD FOR BIFACIAL Above all, developers and power plant operators are mostly attracted by bifacial technology´s because of its power output gain at the system level. Depending on the reflection capabilities of the ground on which a bifacial system is installed (so called albedo), it can generate a 10 to 30% higher yield than a traditional monofacial solar system. Bifacial PV systems that have been installed during 2017 in China with monocrystalline PERC cells from LONGI Solar have shown in the first 3 months of testing already at least an 11.27% higher average energy yield than the monofacial systems.

The initial test results of LONGi Solar clearly indicate that opting for PERC bifacial technology is a simple way to improve system yield by a 2-digit amount and thus reduce costs of solar energy generation. The higher the efficiency of the PERC technology used, the better will be the yield – LONGI´s new world record monocrystalline PERC cell shows the way to go, also for bifacial technology. The first developers are already relying on bifacial technology to profit from its benefits – and the Golmund system of Huanghe Hydropower is just the beginning.

Solar Quarter • June 2018 41

Product Feature GOLDI GREEN INTRODUCES THE 1500 VOLT SYSTEM MODULE With the decrease in module prices, attention has shifted to decrease the system cost of other components like BOS, combiner boxes etc.

The Goldi 1500 Volt system module will eventually lower the cost of large scale utility projects.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF 1500V MODULES? 1500V modules lead to longer string length and thereby use fewer components as compared to conventional power plants.

WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR 1500V MODULES?

Raising the system voltage to 1500 volts allows for 50

Module prices have come down faster than inverter

combiners and wiring in a system. The panel will reduce

and electrical balance of systems (BOS) costs. Over

the amount of total PV electrical materials by 14%, leading

the last four years, module costs have fallen by about

to a 10% decrease in the BOS cost.

73%, inverter costs have declined by 56% and electrical

Less volumes of equipment such as inverters or

BOS costs have fallen by 9%. Since module prices have decreased so dramatically, the focus is on inverter and BOS costs because they now make up a larger percentage of total system costs.

Unfortunately, it is increasingly difficult to reduce inverter and electrical BOS costs. Many inverter suppliers have

percent longer strings which eliminate 33 percent of the

transformers due to higher power density is also beneficial to reducing the costs of transportation and maintenance along with giving inventory flexibility.

Due to less equipment, costs of post-operation and maintenance will be reduced accordingly.

already reached economies of scale and applied cost

Assuming the length and diameter of the cables are

reduction techniques to lower their prices. It’s difficult to

confirmed and the resistance R is constant, the cable loss

go beyond these accomplishments without a significant

will be 1/2.25 when the current lowers 1.5 times, as Ohm’s

degree of innovation.

Law P=I2R. To sum up, equipment loss will reduce and

Besides, electrical BOS components have their own distinct

power generation increases when DC-side voltage rises

challenges to drive costs down. For example, combiner

from 1000V to 1500V.

and other cabling costs closely follow commodity pricing, which makes it difficult to reduce costs without impacting the already razor-thin margins.

As a result, the industry is realizing that in order to achieve the next level of cost reduction, a system level approach is required, rather than continued emphasis on individual components.

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Larger array blocks eventually save on the components and on the labour.

Due to our in-house stringent quality tests, Goldi 1500V modules will stand the test of time, eventually proving their efficiency, high performance and ruggedness. *All new product certifications under progress.

Solar Quarter • June 2018 42

Industry Insights PV MODULE AGING MECHANISMS PV module aging and failure mechanisms have been

underperformance caused by poor quality manufacturing,

documented over a wide range of power plant locations

materials or product design.

and material sets. Field failures of PV equipment can stem

In another large study, from 2012 to 2018 DuPont

from component issues, design flaws, or failures in quality control during the manufacturing process.

performed extensive field inspections on over one GW (approximately four million modules) from systems

The graphic below indicates leading PV module aging and

ranging in age from zero to 30 years.

failure mechanisms occurring as infant, midlife and wear-

DuPont conducted visual inspection, thermal imaging and

out failures.

IR spectroscopy, identifying issues in approximately 22% of

The results from a Heliolytics study support this trend.

the modules surveyed. Their findings are outlined below.

Heliolytics has inspected over 8 GW of operating systems using aerial infrared technology. Focusing on ground-

FAILURE CATEGORIZATIONS

mounted modules with sub-module defects, they found that more than 7% of sites have sub-module defect rates greater than 0.5%. Sub-module defects include failed diodes, cell damage or poor soldering where at least 1/3 of the module becomes inactive.

IS LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE DATA AVAILABLE? The solar industry generally lacks comprehensive public datasets of PV equipment field performance. However, in 2016 Dirk Jordan and Sarah Kurtz from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) collaborated with DNV GL to perform a comprehensive literature survey on

1. Source: IEA PVPS 2014 2. Source: “Compendium of Photovoltaic Degradation Rates”, D.C. Jordan, et al, NREL, 2016 3. Source: Sub-module failures on ground-mount sites courtesy of Heliolytics, 2018 4. Source: Courtesy of DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, “Degradation of Fielded PV Modules from Across the Globe”, K.R. Choudhury, et al., 2018.

published PV degradation. This study identified more than 11,000 module degradation rates from nearly 200 studies worldwide. Of significant interest is the long tail with degradation exceeding 1% annually.

The long tails in both histograms are indicative of module

PV200 Kit:

Solar Utility Pro:

SunEye210:

Solmetric PV Analyser Kit :

> Run a sequence of tests in the blink of an eye with the ‘auto’ function. > Holds up to 999 test records. > Instantly view detailed I-V curves in the field using the Android PVMobile App. > Records irradiance wirelessly. > All in one commissioning tests and I-V curve tracing.

> Test up to 1500V/40A systems – ideal for today’s more modern powerful PV installations. > Highest rated PV tester on the market. > Record up to 999 full sets of string data. > Rugged case design – giving more protection while being transported around large

> Rooftop measurements from ground level with the SunEye Extension Platform. > Accurate readings on metal rooftops using ‘Target’ mode to align without the compass. > Identifying shade-free area using ‘Windowed-Access’ to calculate solar access.

> Run a sequence of tests in the blink of an eye with the ‘auto’ function. > Highest accuracy and measurement throughout. > Largest display with best array troubleshooting feature. > Datasbase of 50,000 PV modules. > Measurements up to 1500V at 30A. > 300 foot wireleess sensor range.

utility scale sites.

Isothermal Technology Private Limited 410, 4th Floor, K M Trade Tower, Radisson Hotel building, Sector -14, Kaushambi, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh – 201010, India Email: solar@isotech.co.in | Website: www.itplindia.co.in | Phone: +919810339072 / +919810134932

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 43

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 44

Industry Update India’s Largest Solar Tender Yields Lowest Tariff Ever Two of India’s leading solar power developers have managed to win possibly the largest capacities ever awarded in a single tender in the country.

Acme Solar and Azure Power managed to secure the rights to develop 600 megawatts of capacity each in the largest solar power tender issued by the Solar Energy Corporation of India to date. The tender is jointly the largest tender issued in the country ever. Tenders with 2 gigawatts of capacity each were issued by the states of Jharkhand and Telangana.

The tender was issued in January this year, and attracted bids worth 2.95 gigawatts in the final round of auction from eight developers. Acme Solar and Azure Power each placed successful bids to develop 600 megawatt capacity.

While Acme Solar placed the lowest-bid of Rs 2.44/kWh (3.55¢/kWh), Azure Power secured the capacity at Rs 2.53/ kWh (3.69¢/kWh).

Megawatt solar power project at Anthapuramu Solar Park in Andhra Pradesh. With this, the overall operating renewable energy capacity of the company stands at 2,215 MW in India, the firm said in a statement. The company has tied-up the sale of power from the plant under a 25year Power Purchase Agreement with state-owned Solar Energy Corporation of India.

The sale of power from this solar plant has been tied up under a 25 year Power Purchase Agreement with Solar Energy Corporation of India . This is part of the implementation of the MNRE scheme for developing grid connected solar power capacity of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar MissionPhase II, Batch-III of the Government of India through Viability Gap Funding Mode.

Bids for 2,000 MW: Solar tariffs revert to record low level After a brief lull caused by fears of a rise in the cost of imported modules, solar developers have regained their

competitive aggression. The latest reverse auction for 2,000 MW capacity has discovered tariff of 2.44 per unit, which matched the lowest ever rate that was found in May 2017 for Rajasthan’s Bhadla projects.

An impending threat of a hefty 70% safeguard duty on solar cells and panels had pushed up the tariffs to as high as Rs 3.54 per unit, giving credence to the analysts’ fears that the lower rates would be unsustainable.

The possibility of China’s export prices for photovoltaic modules plunging in the wake of a policy to slow the pace of solar capacity addition in the country and a recent regulatory decision to allow pass-through of extra costs due to duty hikes seem to have enthused the players in the sector. Icra has estimated that every 8-cent-perwatt decrease in module prices (as a result of cheaper imports from China) would lower capital costs of Indian developers by about 13%.

India: ACME Solar wins 600 MW project at lowest ever Indian tariff ACME Solar has bagged a 600 MW solar PV project in a reverse auction conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) at a tariff of Rs 2.44 (US$0.036) per unit.

This is the lowest the solar tariff ever recorded in India, with tariffs falling to Rs. 2.44 per unit just once before in May 2017 under the SECI auction for the Bhadla Solar Park.

In comparison, the highest tariff ever reached in India was Rs. 3.54 per unit in an 860 MW auction held across different talukas (administrative divisions) of Karnataka, by the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDl) this February.

Earlier this year, SECI invited solar tenders with a cumulative capacity of 2,000MW to be connected directly to the Inter State Transmission System (ISTS), and executed at any location in India.

Of the 2,000 MW capacity, Azure Power also won a 600 MW project at Rs 2.53 per unit. The other auction winners include: Shapoorji Pallonj (250 MW at Rs 2.52 per unit), Hero Solar and Mahindra, with 250 MW, each, at Rs 2.53 per unit; and Mahoba Solar for 50 MW at Rs 2.54 per unit.

TATA Power Renewable Energy commissions 100 MW solar project in Andhra Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power company announced that its 100% subsidiary Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd commissioned 100 MW (50 MW x 2) solar capacity in Anthapuramu Solar Park, Andhra Pradesh.

With this, the overall operating renewable capacity of TPREL now stands at 2,215 MW in India.Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd an arm of Mumbai based private power producer Tata Power announced it has commissioned a 100

w w w w w w .. ss oo ll aa rr qq uu aa rr tt ee rr .. cc oo m m

45 Solar Quarter Quarter •• June June 2018 2018 45 Solar

Industry Insights IS BIFACIAL THE NEW FACE OF PV? India, due to its widespread in geography can be viewed

the module with 1 kW/m2 (which reflects actual field

as a nation where vivid range of weather condition exists

conditions)and measuring its power output. However

simultaneously. With such varied conditions the albedo

for bifacial module the irradiance at which the rear end

(the ratio of reflectivity of light from a surface to the

should be flashed is not known. This is because the

incident light) is expected to vary from place to place.

irradiance received at the rear end changes location

In power plants where mono-facial (single sided) solar

wise and day wise. In India, such discrepancy affects

modules are used the reflected light from the ground

the projects where the AC capacity and/or the nominal

merely increases the internal temperature of the module

ratio (the ratio between name plate DC power capacity

(generally) resulting in lowered performance. Hence, the

to AC power capacity) are fixed. Thus the uncertainty

need of effective utilization of such reflected light can be

in DC name plate capacity would lead to uncertainty in

clearly felt. This is where bifacial solar cell (and module)

the nominal ratio of such plant.

comes into play.

3) Varying weather conditions:The variation causes the

The history of bifacial solar cell dates back to 1960

ground surface to vary from grass in rainy seasons to

when Japanese researcher H. Mori proposed the design

dry soil in summer seasons. This variation insurface

of bifacial PV solar cell and had developed the working

causes variation in albedo (refer Figure 3) and hence

prototype by 1966. A typical structure of a bifacial solar cell

varying power output. Such seasonal (and sometimes

is shown in the figure below. Comparing it to the typical

daily) variation in energy output. Such variation

solar cell used in current market, the bifacial solar cell has

causes problem in energy modelling for the system.

textured surface (enables more absorption of incident

Additionally, with both the central and state regulator(s)

light) on both sides. The bifacial solar cell has an additional

bent on implementing scheduling and forecasting for

surface passivation (enables increased current collection)

renewable energy generators, such variation in energy

on its rear surface. Additionally, instead of full metallic back

output may cost the generators a significant amount of

surface, the bifacial cell has finger grid at rear side.

money.

Bifacial modules uses these bifacial cells (as shown in

4) Optimizing height of under structure: The optimum

figure above) encapsulated with transparent materials

height at which the module has to be placed has always

on both side for maximum light absorption. This enables

been an interesting topic of research. One simulation

the effective use of light reflected from the ground

study from SolarWorld suggests that the energy boost

surface. Additionally, it also helps in reducing the internal

is steepest (around 15%) between 0 to 0.2 meters and

temperature of module bettering its performance. Below

the point of inflection is 0.5 meter where the energy

are few advantages of using these modules:

boost of around 20% can be realized. However, after

1) Enhanced performance: An average power daily

0.5 meters height the energy boost curve is almost flat.

curve from a study carried out by Sandia National Laboratories is shown below. The study was carried out using mono and bifacial modules at different angles and orientations. It is interesting to note that bifacial modules outperform mono facial modules in all the conditions. This would enable more power output from same footprint. Additionally, it would also lead to

These studies however do not account for additional cost incurred in strengthening the system against wind loads when increasing the height of under structure.

Some studies also suggest that keeping the module at power output. Hence a clear idea on optimum height of module under structure height is yet to be known.

While

compared to cost from mono-facial modules.

disadvantages of using bifacial modules, the fact that

that the current modules available in the market are frameless. Aluminium frame is known to be a conducting medium which allows the exchange of ions and electrons causing PID. 3) Lower Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE):The LCOE of the system due to its high energy generating capacity leads to lower LCOE. Additionally it also leads to slightly higher Return on Investment (ROI) while comparing it to the mono-facial module system.

4) Other benefits: Other benefits include higher linear

Figure 3: Albedo factors of different surfaces (Source: SOLARPRO)

lower height causes backside shading leading to loss of

a slight reduce on Balance of System (BoS) cost when 2) PID free modules: This can be attributed to the fact

Figure 2: Performance analysis of bifacial module (Solid line) versus mono-facial modules (dashed lines) (Source: SOLARPRO)

we

presented

both

the

advantages

and

they shall be the future of tomorrow cannot be ignored.

The figure below shows the world market penetration of bifacial cell technology where a clear indication of increase in uptake in use of bifacial solar cells from early 2021 can be seen. However, such uptake shall require support from the government and high acceptance rate from consumers.

Waaree Energies Ltd. has high quality bifacial solar modules manufacturing capability and is ready to take forefront in this continuously changing and growing PV market.

Let us all pledge to make solar energy the primary source of energy in the near future.

performance warranty of plants (30 years) by all the leading module manufacturers (LG, Trina, etc.).

Currently only glass (on both front and rear side) are Figure 4: Optimal under structure height (Source: SOLARPRO)

used in the modules. This enables a reduction in cost as the glass which are currently used are 20~30% cheaper than the transparent sheet.

While there are advantages of such system, there are few problems which havehad significant impact on utilizing the benefits of this technology. Below are the few problems: 1) High upfront cost: The first and foremost barrier to use the system is the high upfront cost. This is because the bifacial cells are expensive compared to monofacial cells.Additionally the manufacturing of these modules require additional steps adding to its cost.

India markets value cost the most and it shall not be an easy task to make the consumers accept such modules compromising on cost.

2) Name plate rating of solar module: Currently the name plate capacity determination happens by flashing

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Figure 1: Comparison between typical solar cell (on top) and bifacial solar cell (on bottom) (Source: EPRI)

Figure 5: Market share of bifacial solar modules by 2025 (Source: ITRPV 2017)

Credits: Waaree Energies

Solar Quarter • June 2018 46

Industry Insights CASE STUDY: PAN & IAM PERFORMANCE THE IAM PROFILE OF THE MODULE CAN REPRESENT A

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT MODELED PRODUCTION? Similar to PAN files, DNV GL provides two simulations to demonstrate the expected yield with an optimized IAM profile. By not changing any system design parameters except for IAM curve, these energy production simulations showcase the implications of IAM. The IAM profile of the

1-2% DIFFERENCE

module can represent a 1-2% difference in predicted production. As with the difference in production from PAN

IN PREDICTED

files, this difference in IAM can significantly impact the valuation of a PV project.

PRODUCTION. AS WITH THE DIFFERENCE IN

ENERGY PREDICTIONS

PRODUCTION FROM

ARE A KEY CONTRIBUTOR

PAN FILES, THIS DIFFERENCE IN IAM CAN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT THE VALUATION OF A PV PROJECT.

TO PROJECT DEVELOPMENT FOR PROCUREMENT DECISIONS, COST OF CAPITAL AND RISK MITIGATION.

INCIDENCE ANGLE MODIFIER: REFLECTION QUANTIFIED As

the

earth

rotates

throughout the day, the angle at which sunlight strikes the solar module

WHAT IS A PAN FILE AND HOW IS IT MADE? Energy predictions are a key contributor to project development for procurement decisions, cost of capital and risk mitigation. For PVsyst software, a file with a ‘.PAN’ extension is used to specify the performance characteristics of a PV module including the module’s response to temperature and irradiance.

changes. As this angle becomes more oblique, losses

from

increase.

reflection

Manufacturers

have focused on mitigating these

losses

through

the use of anti-reflective coatings or texturing. To model these losses, an Incidence Angle Modifier

DNV GL’s optimized PAN files start with lab-based power

(IAM) profile is quantified

measurement per IEC 61853-1, which determines a module’s

and employed.

power across a range of irradiance and temperature. This

These results can be used

dataset is the feedstock for optimizing five coefficients in

to inform or validate a

a modified one-diode model employed by PVsyst. These

manufacturer’s

results are reconciled with the manufacturer’s datasheet,

to its customers.

which governs product warranty compliance.

In PVsyst, the default IAM

When compared to default simulations, optimized PAN files can provide more accurate performance predictions for the measured modules.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

guidance

profile is modeled using the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning (ASHRAE) model. This model, using default

parameters,

To better illustrate performance from optimized PAN files,

can

DNV GL provides two simulation results with each report

losses from non-normal

that use identical system configurations to compare

incidence

performance between a default PAN file and an optimized

based characterization of

PAN file. As illustrated in the figure above, module selection can result in a 4-5% production difference when all other parameters are fixed. This difference can have significant impacts on the value assigned to a PV project.

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

over-estimate angles.

the Lab-

the IAM profile can result in more accurate yield predictions that provide more clarity in the energy assessment.

Solar Quarter • June 2018 47

9

Government of India Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises NITI Aayog

www.ee-foundation.org

THEME

Renewable Energy Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Dr. Harsh Vardhan

Shri R. K Singh

Hon'ble Union Minister Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry of Power & New and Renewable Energy Government of India Government of India

21 22 23 AUGUST 2018

Shri Anand Kumar

H.E. Ms. Harinder Sidhu

Mr. K.S. Popli

Secretary Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Government of India

Australian High Commissioner Australian High Commission

CMD, IREDA Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd

Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra Chanakyapuri New Delhi | India

Energy And Envirnoment Foundation

August 22 & 23, 2018 Energy And Environment Foundation

Environment Award 2018 Energy And Environment Foundation

Dr. Ajay Mathur

Mr. I. S. Jha

Mr. Ricardo Gorini

Mr. Sanjiv Singh

Dr. Wolfgang Bauer

Director General The Energy and Resources Institute

CMD Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd

Senior Programme Officer & Head of Renewables Roadmaps IRENA, Germany

Chairman Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

Distinguished Professor & Senior Consultant Michigan State University, USA

Sustainability AWARD 2018 Energy And Environment Foundation

WasteMet AWARD 2018

Energy And Environment Foundation

GreenBuilding

For details contact at dranilgarg2011@gmail.com

AWARD 2018

Mr. Rajinder K. Kaura

Dr. P. V. Ramesh

Ms. Sukla Chandra

Mr. Anil Shrivastava

Mr. Manuj Khurana

CMD Bergen Group of Companies

CMD Rural Electrification Corporation Limited

Managing Director Licensing and Technology Ventures GE India

Director General, DMEO NITI Aayog

Assistant Vice President Invest Indiaa

Reserve your exhibition space today!

- Meet with industry leaders, policy and decision makers at networking events.

- Position your company as the leading brand for future energy solutions.

For More Information

Dr. Anil K. Garg

9th WRETC & Expo-2018 is an excellent platform to promote your organization to influential players & investors in the industry. Showcase your technology, products and services.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE. Contact Dr. Anil Garg 91 9971500028

President, WRETC-2018 Cell : 9971500028, 9999071071 dranilgarg2011@gmail.com dranilgarg@ee-foundation.org

Punit Singh Cell : 9213901510, 011-22758149 Telefax : 011-43019379 punit.nagi@ee-foundation.org

www.wretc.in For regular update join

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 48

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 49

Introducing THE

GOLDI 1500 Volt

System Module

With 1500V max voltage, module strings extended to 50%, reducing system BOS. Reducing equipment loss increases power generation in overall system.

Due to less equipment, post-operation and maintenance cost reduced accordingly.

All new product cerrficaaons under progress.

Images depicted are for reference only. © 2018 GOLDI GREEN TECHNOLOGIES PVT. LTD.

w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • June 2018 50