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CONTENT 05 INSIGHTS
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SOLAR IN PHILIPPINES PRESENT PANORAMA AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
STRING INVERTER VS CENTRAL INVERTER: A discussion on the experiences of a solar company using both types of inverter in utility-scale projects in the Philippines
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INVERTER TECHNOLOGY CONTINUOUS BREAKTHROUGH EMPOWER SOLAR ENERGY
Overview Of Solar Energy Industry in Malaysia
IN CONVERSATION
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NEWS
JAMES BUSKOWITZ Chairman & CEO, Buskowitz Group
12 CHINIE DEFENSOR Director, Business Development, ENGIE Services Philippines
14 GAN BOON HEAN CEO, Leader Energy Pte Ltd
16 ROBERT MARLON T. PEREJA Chief Operating Officer, Mspectrum
18 THANG CHEE KEONG CEO, Plus Xnergy Services
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PERSPECTIVE
KARAN SINGH Sales Director - South East Asia, SMA Solar India Pvt Ltd
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WHAT ARE THE CURRENT TARIFFS SEEN IN THE ROOFTOP SPACE IN MALAYSIA AND HOW WILL THEY EVOLVE FURTHER? HOW HAVE THE SOLAR INSTALLATIONS BEEN THIS YEAR?
WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL OF FLOATING SOLAR IN THE PHILIPPINES?
PRODUCT FEATURE
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TRINA SOLAR
FEATUREDTALKS
24 TODD LI President, Trina Solar (Asia Pacific Region)
COMPANY FEATURE
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TRINA SOLAR
DESIGNING
CONTENT
AWARD
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PHILIPPINES SOLAR WEEK 2021
LEADERSHIP AWARDS
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Firstview Media
Ashwini Chikkodi
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Radha Buddhadev
Smriti Charan
Sadhana Raju Shenvekar
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Nikita Salkar
Priyanshi Pandey
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Kawaldeep Marwah
SUBCRIPTION
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CIRCULATION
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MALAYSIA
SOLAR WEEK 2021
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ASEAN NEWS US GRANTS US$2.96 MILLION TO DEVELOP ENERGY STORAGE BATTERY SYSTEM IN VIETNAM
VIETNAM BAYWA R.E. LAUNCHES NEW SERVICES IN VIETNAM BayWa r.e. has added new services to its ‘on-the-ground operation in Vietnam. The company opened a solar distribution warehouse and new office facilities in Ho Chi Minh City to serve local installers and integrators. The warehouse, which is now fully operational, brings direct local access to solar PV, inverters, and much more. Building upon this, BayWa r.e. is now providing tailor-made energy solutions for commercial and industrial businesses in the country, both on-site and off-site. They will also be offering turnkey solutions for companies interested in installing their own rooftop solar or securing renewable energy through the use of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) via the Energy Solutions team.
The US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City has just announced a grant of US$2.96 million for AMI AC Renewables Company to implement a pilot project to develop an energy storage battery system in Vietnam. This project uses leading American technology. Specifically, the project will use leading American technology and equipment, build and connect with AMI AC Renewables’ 50MW solar power plant in Khanh Hoa province to help reduce energy loss. energy and help Vietnam integrate more renewable energy into the national energy system. Energy storage is the key to opening the door to unlocking the potential of renewable energy and is an important element in the energy transition towards the development of renewable energy sources in Vietnam. time to support Vietnam to achieve its sustainable development goals in the energy sector in the future.
VIETNAM AND DENMARK CONTINUES THE ENERGY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME (DEPP)
VIETNAM TO PRIORITIZE RE DEVELOPMENT – MINISTER NGUYEN HONG DIEN
The Government of Vietnam, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An, and Mr. Kim Højlund Christensen, Ambassador of Denmark to Vietnam, representing the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark signed the Agreement between the two Governments on Development Cooperation in the Vietnam-Denmark Energy Partnership Program for the period of 2020 – 2025 (DEPP 3). The ceremony was held in in-person combined with virtual form. Three specific objectives of the Program include: (i) Enhance capacity on energy sector planning and infrastructure construction policy regulation, integration of renewable energy sources, including offshore wind power development and energy-saving technologies, which are economically effective solutions to fulfill NDC commitments while ensuring national energy security; (ii) Develop and complete a legal framework and flexible solutions for power system operation to support a safe and efficient transition towards clean energy with an increased share of renewable energy sources; (iii) Develop mechanisms and policies to promote economical and efficient use of energy in the industrial sector, improve capacity building and amend the legal framework on economical and efficient use of energy at the national level and effectively enforce the legislation on economical and efficient use of energy at the provincial level.
At the virtual conference with the Minister for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland Greg Hands, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said that Vietnam prioritizes developing renewable energy, reducing coal-fired power, and strives to achieve carbon neutrality soon. In recent years, the Government of Vietnam has paid great attention to the development of renewable energy to meet energy demand, ensure energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many specific policies have been issued to encourage the development of renewable energy types: fixed electricity price (FIT) policy for wind power, solar power, biomass power, electricity from solid waste. In addition, renewable energy power projects also receive many other favorable mechanisms and policies such as priority for power generation, stable exchange rate, incentives on corporate income, and import tax.
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BGRIM’S VIETNAM SOLAR PROJECT GETS GREEN CERTIFICATION B.Grimm Power Plc’s (BGRIM) Dau Tieng solar farm project in Vietnam received a “green” borrowing certification from the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), an independent international environmental agency. The financing of the Dau Tieng solar farm worth US$161 million falls under the CBI’s green loan certificate category. The award was given to BGRIM subsidiary Dau Tieng Tay Ninh Energy Joint Stock Co following the finalization of a syndicated loan for the amount. Dau Tieng is BGRIM’s second green loan for a large solar farm in Vietnam following the 257MW Phu Yen TTP facility in Phu Yen province.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 05
HOLCIM PHILIPPINES SIGNS 20-YEAR DEAL WITH BLUELEAF ENERGY TO BECOME COUNTRY’S FIRST CEMENT MAKER WITH ON-SITE SOLAR POWER PLANT
ACEN AND AMI TO PILOT BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM IN VIETNAM AC Energy (ACEN) and AMI Renewables, Vietnam-based renewable energy (RE) platform, will be launching a pilot utilityscale battery energy storage system (BESS) in the Southeast Asian nation’s Khanh Hoa province. The two firms, through their joint venture AMI AC Renewables, will be operating their 15megawatt hour (MWh)/7.5MW BESS project, which will be connected to its existing 50MW Khanh Hoa solar farm. The project is expected to demonstrate the technical and economic capabilities of energy storage technology and showcase how it can help maximize the efficiency and reliability of RE.
PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES TO BUILD LARGEST SOLAR PARK IN NUEVA ECIJA A unit of Solar Philippines is preparing to build a 225 megawatt (MW) solar facility in Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija, which the parent firm described as the “largest of its kind” in the country to date. In a statement, Solar Philippines said it is setting up the Solar Energy Zones, Inc. (SEZ) to host solar power projects in its 10,000 hectares of land located in Batangas, Nueva Ecija, and Tarlac. In the coming months, SEZ will announce future locators that will be constructing their solar projects in the next five years. “The capacity of these will be multiple times greater than the country’s total solar capacity to date, making solar a major share of the country’s energy mix,” Solar Philippines said.
To further improve its sustainability performance, leading building solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc. has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Blueleaf Energy, a leading renewable energy company, to deliver solar power to its plants in Bulacan and La Union. Under the agreement, Blueleaf Energy will finance, build, operate, and maintain solar energy facilities in Norzagaray, Bulacan and Bacnotan, La Union with a combined capacity of 29 MWp and an annual generation of more than 50 GWh that will supply up to 15% of the energy requirements of Holcim Philippines’ plants there. The solar energy facilities are scheduled to be completed in 2024. The partnership is projected to significantly reduce the power costs and carbon footprint of Holcim Philippines. The parties held a signing ceremony on November 16, 2021.
MALAYSIA MALAYSIA TO LIMIT RENEWABLE ENERGY EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE Malaysia will allow only non-renewable energy exports to neighboring Singapore, while power sales to the island through self-developed transmission and interconnection facilities will not be allowed, said its Energy Ministry. The statement, cited by news agency Bernama, said the government has also agreed that the wheeling charges for selling electricity to Singapore over a two-year trial period will be US$0.0228 (S$0.031) per kilowatthour (kWh). The decision was made to boost the development of the local renewable energy (RE) industry as Malaysia aspires to reach its climate change aspiration. It will also allow the government to allocate additional solar quota to benefit Malaysian RE players. According to the statement, the decision also frees up Malaysia’s government to increase its solar capacity within its national grid system.
MALAYSIA TO BOOST RENEWABLE ENERGY CAPACITY TO 40% BY 2035 SOLAR PHILIPPINES UNIT EYES IPO FOR ITS NUEVA ECIJA SUBSIDIARY Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corporation (SPNEC) is aiming to use the proceeds of the planned public offering for the first 225 megawatts of a 500-MW solar power project. Solar Philippines is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) for its Nueva Ecija subsidiary, the company announced. SPNEC is aiming to be listed under the supplemental listing and disclosure requirements for renewable energy companies. These rules, according to Solar Philippines, allow development-stage project companies to list, subject to certain requirements such as having a valid and subsisting service contract awarded by the Department of Energy. SPNEC’s IPO proceeds will serve as equity for the construction of the first 225-megawatt portion of a 500MW solar project in Pe˜ñaranda, Nueva Ecija.
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Malaysia’s renewable energy installed capacity is targeted to reach 40 %, or 18,000 MW by 2035, Energy Minister Takiyuddin Hassan said, as the Southeast Asian nation charts a lower-carbon pathway for its power sector. The current installed capacity for renewable energy in Malaysia is 8,520 megawatts or 23 % of the energy mix, he said in a speech at the Singapore International Energy Week event. In reaching the RE targets, carbon emission is expected to be reduced by 45% in 2030 and a further 60% in 2035 compared to the 2005 level.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 06
B.GRIMM POWER INVESTS 2.8 BILLION BAHT TO ACQUIRE 375 MW SOLAR POWER PLANTS IN MALAYSIA For renewable energy business expansion in Malaysia, B.Grimm has invested 2.8 billion baht to acquire a 375 MW solar power plant from “reNIKOLA Holdings”. B.Grimm Power Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., a 100% owned subsidiary of B.Grimm Power, has entered into a Subscription Agreement with reNIKOLA Sdn. Bhd. and reNIKOLA Holdings Sdn. Bhd., or equivalent to 45% of total shares. B.Grimm Malaysia is also entitled to directly invest 3.5% of total shares in RE Gebeng BKH Sdn. Bhd. (a company which has been developing a 375 MWdc solar power plant) with a total purchase price of MYR 367 million or approximately 2,888 million baht.
SINGAPORE GRANTS IN-PRINCIPLE APPROVAL TO IMPORT 100 MW SOLAR POWER FROM INDONESIA The Energy Market Authority (EMA) has granted in-principle approval on a pilot project to import 100 megawatts (MW) of solar power from Indonesia to Singapore. The project is part of a collaboration among a consortium of companies including Singapore-based power generation and electricity retail company PacificLight Power (PLP), Indonesian power producer Medco Power Indonesia and Gallant Venture. The electricity generation will be sufficient to power over 144,000 four-room HDB flats per annum and offset over 357,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The project will play a pivotal role in meeting the Singapore government’s objectives to increase power generation from renewable sources and reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels.
SINGAPORE SINGAPORE TO GET SOLAR POWER FROM AUSTRALIA Australia’s Sun Cable will be setting up a 4,200 km power link between Singapore and Australia. The project aims to transmit renewable electricity from Australia to Singapore. The Indonesian government has agreed to allow the Australia-Asia PowerLink to be routed through Indonesian waters and has approved a subsea survey permit. Developed by Sun Cable, the AAPowerLink will connect Australia and Singapore via what would become the world’s largest renewable electricity transmission network. The $22b project aims to generate, store and transmit renewable electricity from Australia to Singapore and will be capable of providing up to 15% of Singapore’s electricity needs starting from 2028.
SEMBCORP INDUSTRIES SIGNS MOU TO EXPLORE COMMERCIALISATION OF DECARBONISED HYDROGEN INTO SINGAPORE Sembcorp Utilities has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Chiyoda Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation to explore the feasibility and implementation of a commercial-scale supply chain to deliver decarbonized hydrogen into Singapore, utilizing Chiyoda’s proven hydrogen storage and transportation technology “SPERA Hydrogen”. The participation in the MOU enables Sembcorp to potentially perform use tests via its domestic power generation assets by blending carbon-neutral hydrogen with natural gas to decarbonize power generation, Supply carbon-neutral hydrogen to customers both within and outside Singapore’s Jurong Island for fuel, chemical feedstock, and other applications and to Support the growth of demand for the emerging hydrogen segment in Singapore and other markets.
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HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT BOARD TO INSTALL SOLAR SYSTEMS ON 527 BLOCKS IN SINGAPORE The Housing & Development Board (HDB) of Singapore has planned to install solar PV systems on all 527 eligible HDB blocks in the Tanjong Pagar town. The photovoltaic systems are expected to harness clean energy by 2025, adhering to the town council’s 10-year master plan to be more energy-efficient. Having achieved their previous solar target of 220 MWp by 2020, HDB had announced a new solar target in Dec 2019 of generating 540 MWp by 2030, the equivalent of powering 135,000 four-room HDB flats. This new target would reduce carbon emissions by 324,000 tonnes per year and contribute towards the national solar targets of 2 GWp by 2030 as set out under the Singapore Green Plan.
EMA, JTC PARTNER TO LAUNCH S$6 MILLION OPEN CALL FOR CLEAN ENERGY WITH SUPPORT FROM ENTERPRISE SINGAPORE The Energy Market Authority (EMA) has partnered with JTC to launch a S$6 million open call for clean energy innovations on Jurong Island, with support from Enterprise Singapore (ESG). The new partnership will be supported by ESG’s Open Innovation initiative, which aims to help SMEs and startups develop innovative solutions. The said partnership will accelerate the deployment of clean energy in Singapore and will boost local capabilities. The open call seeks to focus on advancing clean energy technologies in renewable energy, such as the latest developments in solar photovoltaic (PV) materials, innovative methods in deploying solar PV, and efficient conversion of solar energy for industrial uses.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 07
SURBANA JURONG MEMBER COMPANY JOINS EXPERT TEAM TO DELIVER SINGAPORE-AUSTRALIA SOLAR POWER LINK In a media release, Surbana Jurong said SMEC, which is one of its member companies, will be part of the team assembled by Sun Cable. It will deliver engineering consulting services for the solar generation systems and grid connection interfaces in Australia. SMEC is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy delivering innovative solutions for our clients and partners. Plans for an upcoming solar project in Australia that can supply up to 15 % of Singapore’s electricity needs are gathering pace, with a global expert team assembled to deliver the multigigawatt scale project. The Integrated Project Delivery Team comprises five companies, including SMEC, focusing on different areas, such as risk management and high-voltage direct current transmission. The other companies are Bechtel, Hatch, Marsh, and PwC Australia.
SOLAR POWER, IMPORTED CLEANER ENERGY AMONG FOCUS OF SINGAPORE’S LOW-CARBON FUTURE: GAN KIM YONG Singapore is looking at various strategies to decarbonize its electricity grid, including increasing solar power and importing low carbon energy from the region, said Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Trade and Industry. Singapore’s solar energy capacity has grown more than six times over the past five years and we aim to scale it up five times by 2030 to at least 2 GW peak, equivalent to powering around 350,000 households a year, he said. The Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project has also started, which will include cross-border power trade of up to 100 MW between the four countries involved.
SUNSEAP GROUP SIGNS MOU TO BUILD 7 GW CROSSBORDER SOLAR PROJECT IN RIAU ISLANDS Sunseap Group today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with various local and international partners to explore and develop solar power systems with a combined capacity of 7 GW around the Riau Islands, including a previously announced 2.2 GW floating solar PV in Duriangkang, Batam. The proposed solar power system is one of the largest cross-border interconnect clean energy projects in Southeast Asia and will help Singapore and Indonesia meet their green goals. The project will help Singapore and Indonesia meet their green energy goals and would be one of the largest cross-border interconnected clean energy projects in Southeast Asia.
INDONESIA SEMBCORP INDUSTRIES TO DEVELOP 1 GW SOLAR CUM STORAGE PROJECT IN INDONESIA Sembcorp Industries will develop a large-scale integrated solar and energy storage facility in Indonesia. Sembcorp has signed an exclusive joint development agreement with utility company PLN
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Batam and Indonesian renewable energy developer Trisurya Mitra Bersama (Suryagen) to carry out the project. The project will be generating 1 GW of solar power and consist of a largescale energy storage system. This project will support the clean energy needs of two markets, as the renewable power generated on-site will meet the clean energy needs of the local communities and has been proposed to be transmitted into Singapore via subsea cables.
INDONESIA SETS OFF TO BECOME A MAJOR SOLAR POWER EXPORTER IN SOUTH EAST ASIA The recently announced solar power projects in Indonesia clearly set out the advent of an export-focused strategy in the solar power markets. Experts highly believe that more local and international companies will look to sell new and renewable energy (NRE) from Indonesia to its neighbors. The increasing demand for low-carbon electricity put forward new opportunities for the NRE energy power plant developers to export energy from Indonesia to Singapore and other countries of Southeast Asia. Experts envisage increasing intra-ASEAN energy trade thanks to the rise in regional demand for clean energy due to population and economic growth.
ADB AND PLN SIGNS MOU FOR CLEAN ENERGY GOALS The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signs a memorandum of understanding with the State Electricity Corporation (PLN), Indonesia’s state-owned power company, to support the country to reach its clean energy goals. Indonesia recently committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 29% by 2030. The country aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 or earlier. Along with the Philippines and Viet Nam, Indonesia is one of three countries in Southeast Asia partnering with ADB on a pilot study of the Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM), a carbon reduction program aiming to use public-private financing to accelerate the retirement of coal-fired power stations and replace them with clean, renewable sources of energy. ADB has concluded a pre-feasibility study into ETM and is now working on a full feasibility study.
SP GROUP AND EDF PARTNERS TO DEVELOP 1,000MWP SOLAR PV PLANT SP Group (SP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with EDF Group (EDF) to jointly develop a subsea transmission cable to support renewable energy import from Indonesia. The infrastructure aims to facilitate future electricity import from Indonesia, starting from a proposed 1,000MWp solar photovoltaic plant to be developed by a consortium of partners led by EDF Renewables, a subsidiary of EDF. As part of the MOU, SP and EDF will embark on commercial, regulatory, and technical feasibility studies for the subsea cable, and explore opportunities to widen the interconnection to other neighboring clean energy generation sources in Indonesia to improve economies of scale. When completed, the subsea transmission cable will be a key enabler for regional power system integration, ensuring scalable grid connection capacity from Indonesia.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 08
INCONVERSATION
James Buskowitz Chairman & CEO, Buskowitz Group SolarQuarter ASEAN had an exciting interview with Mr. James Buskowitz Chairman & CEO, Buskowitz Group, and understood the growth of the solar sector in the ASEAN region with respect to the set target. He also spoke about the development and financing of renewable energy projects in the region and the recent technology and cost trends in the South East Asian solar market.
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FOR ASEAN TO ACHIEVE ITS RENEWABLE TARGET OF 23% BY 2025, HOW IMPORTANT IS THE CONTRIBUTION AND ROLE OF THE SOLAR SECTOR IN PARTICULAR?
Solar is one of the most abundant energy resources available, particularly in the Philippines, which experiences more peak hours of sunlight than our neighboring countries in the ASEAN region. In addition, cost of solar has dropped about 70% - 80% in the last 10 years, making solar power one of the cheapest cost of power today. Southeast Asia has been one of the fastest-growing markets with Vietnam and Malaysia at the forefront. These two countries account for the highest amount of new PV capacity installed in the region, with 5,695 MW and 2,987 MW reported in 2019 respectively.
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Locally, we anticipate a continued growth for solar infrastructure with better government support and an improvement in the permitting process, thus allowing more business to invest in the industry. Furthermore, the amendment of the Public Service Act earlier this year allowing 100% foreign ownership of public utilities—which encourages foreigners to invest 100% equity in certain domestic market enterprises, or to set up and own SMEs under specific measures—will definitely help the Philippines contribute to the ASEAN renewable energy target.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 09
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TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE RECENT TECHNOLOGY AND COST TRENDS IN THE SOUTH EAST ASIAN SOLAR MARKET
There are several improvements in solar technology that add to the equipment’s overall safety and efficiency. However, one of the big leaps in solar innovation is 20%+ increase in panel efficiency at comparable costs allowing us to install bigger capacities in smaller spaces. In highly-concentrated cities such as Metro Manila, the increased panel efficiency will definitely be able to help design systems that are both sustainable and space-saving. One of the major setbacks affecting the costs of services in the solar market is the shortage of panels due to the recent ban on exports from certain solar suppliers in China along with a shortage of global silicon. We anticipate for the costs of solar panels to continue to increase temporarily until we are able to find an alternative source of raw materials, which are increasing in demand based on the global industry’s needs. Overall however, cost of solar power has still dropped below the price of coal and I am confident it will remain that way, or rather continue to decrease and widen the margin over the long run.
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TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCING OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS IN THE PHILIPPINES?
Buskowitz was founded as a sustainable solutions and integrated services organization 9 years ago, which aimed to accelerate the country’s development towards renewable energy through solar photovoltaic rooftop installations. What was initially research on how to lower the electricity bills of our family-owned hotel in Boracay turned into an advocacy. At its infancy, the market was not aware of the benefits of going solar, which proved a challenge as many perceived solar to be too expensive. Initially, to help eradicate the cost barrier, instead of having the customer pay for the entire system outright, we started offering in-house financing plans or power purchase agreements, where the customer can avail of a system at no upfront cost. Buskowitz Energy builds the system, operates, and at the end of the contract period, gives ownership to the client for free, while still being available for maintenance and operation. This transferred the initial capital cost to Buskowitz, which made the decisionmaking of the customer much easier. However, raising capital from local banks was quite a challenge in the Philippines, so we turned towards the international private equity market. In 2019, Buskowitz also launched its signature Solar Home systems, which allows clients to select from a plug-and-play package based on their average monthly electricity bill online with flexible payment terms—allowing residents the option to easily invest in solar as well. Today, with the prevalent impacts of climate change, as well as the economic struggles brought about by the pandemic, more and more entrepreneurs and residents are looking to invest in solar to help lower their electricity bills and to find more sustainable solutions.
ONE OF THE MAJOR SETBACKS AFFECTING THE COSTS OF SERVICES IN THE SOLAR MARKET IS THE SHORTAGE OF PANELS DUE TO THE RECENT BAN ON EXPORTS FROM CERTAIN SOLAR SUPPLIERS IN CHINA ALONG WITH A SHORTAGE OF GLOBAL SILICON.
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 10
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PLEASE BRIEF OUR READERS ABOUT THE ROOFTOP PROJECTS THAT YOU HAVE UNDERTAKEN.
Being one of the major players in the Philippines’ rooftop solar industry, Buskowitz has developed, financed, engineered, and constructed over 200 solar rooftop projects around the country to date, with a total capacity exceeding 20 MWp. Buskowitz has installed on and provided solar for international brands such as Coca-Cola, Lufthansa Technik, Shell; as well as other local industry giants such as Petron, SM Mall, Robinson’s Malls, NLEX, or Metropacific Investments, and Megaworld Corporation, among others.
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HOW HAS THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR DYNAMICS CHANGED OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS IN THE PHILIPPINES?
The renewable energy sector is an ever-growing industry in the Philippines as of late. Due to the recent increase in power outages brought by manual load dropping, the interest to invest in RE has increased. Furthermore, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to leave an impact on the Philippine economy, many are looking for other means to save money and many now recognize the cost benefits of going solar and savings somewhere between 15-50% of their energy costs. Regardless of cost, climate change plays a huge part in the issue. With the adoption of the Green Energy Option Program as part of the R.A. 9513 (Renewable Energy Act of 2008)--allowing businesses operating on at least 100 kWp to source their electricity from a renewable energy source--more and more corporations are making the switch to fully divest from coal. Furthermore, the Philippines’ Department of Energy’s recently implemented Republic Act No. 11285 also continues to push
more SMEs to opt for green alternatives. Entities operating with at least 100,000 kilowatt-hours per month—those generating an average monthly bill of at least $15,800—are mandated to meet the Department of Energy’s requirements to adopt energyefficient systems and practices. With this new mindset, coupled with the recent green initiatives implemented by the government, as well as the new opportunity for foreign entities to put up and invest in renewable enterprises, we hope to speed up the growth in RE infrastructure in the Philippines. Finally, since the Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands, distributed energy resources (DER) systems that are not dependent on the transportation of fuel are well-suited to the country's geographic profile. This reduces the need for extralong transmission lines that can be exposed to intense storms or other natural disturbances and significantly increase transmission costs. DERs, especially those backed by batteries, can provide on-site power and fast backup power during calamities, making the energy system more resilient.
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HOW IS YOUR COMPANY GEARING UP TO FACE THE NEXT YEAR 2022? WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO?
Buskowitz Energy currently has 40 MWp in the pipeline this 2022, for both its commercial and residential installations. The sustainable solutions enterprise plans to expand its capacity by launching its first utility-scale project; offering a new line-up of off-grid systems for its residential clientele, and finally jumpstarting more additions to its Demand Side Management services. Buskowitz hopes to continue developing a large sustainable asset and infrastructure base not only for its own development interests but to continue to contribute to the low carbon future initiative while servicing the growing energy demand and challenges facing the Philippines and Southeast Asia Region.
I N 2 0 1 9 , B U S K O W I T Z A L S O L A U N C H E D I T S S I G N A T U R E S O LA R HOME SYSTEMS, WHICH ALLOWS CLIENTS TO SELECT FROM A PLUGA N D - P L A Y P A C K A G E B A S E D O N T H E I R A V E R A G E M O N T H L Y E L E C T R IC IT Y B I L L O N L I N E W I T H F L E X I B L E P A Y M E N T T E R M S — A L L O W I N G R E S ID E N T S THE OPTION TO EASILY INVEST IN SOLAR AS WELL. "
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 11
INCONVERSATION
Chinie Defensor Director, Business Development, ENGIE Services Philippines SolarQuarter ASEAN magazine had an interesting conversation with Ms. Chinie Defensor - Director, Business Development, ENGIE Services Philippines, and understood the rooftop tariffs in the country. She also spoke about the projects undertaken by the company and the future outlook on the solar sector.
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WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME KEY LEARNINGS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE YEAR 2021 ESPECIALLY AFTER HAVING FACED THE COVID CRISIS?
We are experiencing unprecedented momentum around sustainability globally. COP21 has brought climate risk and the need to move towards a net-zero emission environment even more critical. Looking at Southeast Asia for example, governments in this region has set great plans to mitigate this new challenge through new mandates and policies that encourage a more carbon-neutral environment We have also seen that the pandemic Covid-19 has helped increase the awareness around the need to change our ways of doing business. Today, sustainability is at the top of our client's agenda. We are providing consultation and solutions such as
solar energy production or district cooling solutions to help meet the climate challenges in the region. We see the move towards carbon neutrality in the region as a combinative and holistic approach from governments to individual companies. The governments play a leading role by providing or enabling decarbonization roadmaps through regulations and incentives in a timely schedule. Whereas respective corporate or companies play a critical role by embarking on this transformation, and this is where ENGIE as an enabler helps companies in planning and implementing their transition towards the sustainability roadmap.
THE ROOFTOP SOLAR INSTALLATION ON FESTIVAL MALL WAS COMPLETED THROUGH FILINVEST-ENGIE RENEWABLE ENERGY ENTERPRISE INC, A JOINT VENTURE COMPANY OF FILINVEST DEVELOPMENT CORP (FDC) AND ENGIE SERVICES PHILIPPINES TO JOURNEY TOWARDS CARBON NEUTRALITY." | ASEAN
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 12
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WHAT ARE THE CURRENT TARIFFS SEEN IN ROOFTOP SPACE IN THE PHILIPPINES?
Solar tariffs today are already competitive with the electricity rates of distribution utilities. However, this varies significantly from project to project largely due to specific factors such as the irradiance of a particular area, the facility's layout, roof type, client's load profile, and the size of the system. In general, I would recommend that anyone interested in rooftop solar look closely at the supplier's track record in terms of delivery. Very often, there will be suppliers who would price themselves significantly lower during bidding but might not be able to execute or deliver the project within the stipulated time frame. Sometimes, it probably is if a rate looks too good to be true.
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LASTLY, PLEASE TELL US HOW YOU THINK THE SOLAR SECTOR IS GOING TO GROW IN THE SOUTH EAST ASIAN REGION IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS?
Southeast Asia is becoming one of the fastest-growing solar energy markets and one of the most promising regions in the global expansion of the solar energy industry. With regional policies combined with a growing demand for renewable power in the manufacturing industry, it has been estimated that 27 GW of new PV installations across the region can be expected in the next five years. COP21 has shone a significant spotlight for countries, organizations, and governments to move towards climate change and push the buttons for a green economy. This can be translated to stimulus packages, mass behavior change, and a rapidly shifting regulatory landscape. This will present organizations with an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate decarbonization in the future. Likewise, we see more interest for many large corporates as companies align themselves with the sustainability agenda as consumers demand more green initiatives. AS the pandemic has also transformed the way we work, with organizations needing to implement a hybrid working environment. This requires an additional need for being data driven and they have to take onto consideration and control over their energy consumption.
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PLEASE BRIEF OUR READERS ABOUT THE ROOFTOP PROJECTS THAT YOU HAVE UNDERTAKEN.
Earlier this month, we started with the commercial operations of a 2.9 MWp solar rooftop installation on Festival Mall, a Filinvest LifeMall in Alabang. The rooftop solar installation on Festival Mall was completed through Filinvest-ENGIE Renewable Energy Enterprise Inc (FREE), a joint venture company of Filinvest Development Corp (FDC) and ENGIE Services Philippines. FREE signed a 20-year solar power purchase agreement in 2020 with Filinvest Land, Inc.. The intelligent solar rooftop system will supply about 28 percent of the mall's peak demand and save close to 41,000 tons of CO2, an equivalent to removing approximately 9,000 cars off the roads of Metro Manila. FREE is also working on an additional 6MW of awarded solar rooftop capacity for several multinational manufacturing facilities. Apart from FDC in the Philippines, we strive to collaborate with strategic partners such as LOGOS and ComfortDelGro in moving towards carbon neutrality in the Southeast Asia region.
IT CHALLENGED THE COMMON NOTION THAT PANEL PRICES WILL CONTINUE TO DECLINE YEAR AFTER YEAR AND EMPHASIZED HOW UNFORESEEN DISRUPTIONS, SUCH AS THE PANDEMIC, CAN UPEND THE MARKET. BEING ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY MOVE FORWARD WILL REQUIRE LEARNING HOW TO BE RESILIENT AND RESOURCEFUL." | ASEAN
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 13
INCONVERSATION
Gan Boon Hean CEO, Leader Energy Pte Ltd
SolarQuarter ASEAN magazine had an interesting interview with Gan Boon Hean - CEO, Leader Energy Pte Ltd. We came to know about the company’s projects in the Malaysian market and major challenges. He also spoke about how the market will evolve further and the company’s future growth plans.
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WHICH HAVE BEEN THE MAJOR SOLAR PROJECTS EXECUTED RECENTLY BY YOUR ESTEEMED COMPANY IN MALAYSIA?
In Malaysia, we have completed two large scale solar projects. The first one is the 37.7MWp solar farm, which we had won in the open bidding of LSS1 organised by Energy Commission of Malaysia and the second one was the 29.4MWp under LSS2 bidding exercise. Both the plants are in the State of Kedah and
have achieved COD according to the schedule. Apart from the projects in Malaysia, we are also operating three large scale solar farms in Vietnam with a total capacity of 330MWp and working on some solar farms in Taiwan. Currently we are active on C&I rooftop solar projects in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
WE ARE MAKING PLANS TO GROW OUR FOOTPRINTS IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY, BE IT FLOATING SOLAR, C&I ROOFTOP SOLAR, ENERGY STORAGE AND EV CHARGING STATIONS. WE EVEN EXPLORE GREEN HYDROGEN, AND WE WANT TO BE AMONG THE LEADER IN THE FIELD OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN MALAYSIA." | ASEAN
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 14
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AS A DEVELOPER, WHAT KEY CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE TODAY IN THE MALAYSIAN MARKET? HOW DO YOU MITIGATE THEM?
When we started our first solar farm business way back in 2016, the solar industry was still at its infant stage and there were not many solar projects in Malaysia and there are not many skilled or semi-skilled workers for the solar industry in Malaysia. We need to pool in all the resources available and learn on the job while developing the projects. We now have a young and experienced team that are able to execute solar projects in any part of the world. We also have a group of financial institutions that support our growth plan for development in Malaysia and the region.
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HOW DO YOU SEE THE MALAYSIAN SOLAR MARKET EVOLVING POST PANDEMIC/IN NEAR FUTURE?
Malaysian government has come up with a plan to increase the renewable energy mix in the power generation in Malaysia to 31% of the total generation, which will give rise to about 8,500MW of renewable energy, where mostly of these are from solar generations. Malaysian transmission grid is still one of the most robust among the Southeast Asian countries and will be able to absorb more injection of distributed generation such as solar. There is still a big room for potential growth in the floating solar power plants, C&I rooftop solar, and third-party access corporate PPA for solar.
WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY'S GROWTH PLAN FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS? PLEASE TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR UPCOMING PROJECTS AS WELL.
We are committed to fully focused on only developing renewable energy projects from now onwards. We are making plans to grow our footprints in the renewable energy, be it floating solar, C&I rooftop solar, energy storage and EV charging stations. We even explore green hydrogen, and we want to be among the Leader in the field of renewable energy in Malaysia.
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WHAT DO CORPORATE POWER CONSUMERS LOOK FOR IN A DEVELOPER WHEN THEY DECIDE TO GO FOR SOLAR POWER?
They are looking at developers that are having a long history of proven records in the power industry with strong financial and technical team backing.
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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR DRIVERS DRIVING THE GROWTH OF THE SOLAR SECTOR IN THE REGION?
Strong Government support and good incentives such as tax incentives and readily available funding from the financial institutions. Good and reliable transmission grid with a relatively intelligent smart grid that is able to maximize the distribution of the distributed generation.
WE NOW HAVE A YOUNG AND EXPERIENCED TEAM THAT ARE ABLE TO EXECUTE SOLAR PROJECTS IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD. WE ALSO HAVE A GROUP OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS THAT SUPPORT OUR GROWTH PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA AND THE REGION." | ASEAN
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 15
INCONVERSATION
Robert Marlon T. Pereja Chief Operating Officer, Mspectrum SolarQuarter ASEAN had an exclusive conversation with Robert Marlon T. Pereja - Chief Operating Officer, Mspectrum, and got some deep insights into how the Philippines renewable energy sector has progressed over the years. He also told us about current installed capacity of the company and the investment plans for the next year 2022.
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FROM THE PHILIPPINES’ PERSPECTIVE, HOW HAS THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR PROGRESSED OVER THE LAST DECADE?
Over the last decade, the Philippine Solar Industry has experienced double-digit growth due to the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program of the government from 2012 until 2016. After the discontinuation of the FIT for solar projects, the industry relied on the competitiveness of the cost of materials and optimization
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of the design of solar plants in order for each project to be commercially viable. There are studies that show a growth ranging from a conservative 13.4% to an aggressive 30% CAGR in the next 5 to 10 years. Definitely, the Renewable Energy Sector will continue to grow.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 16
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TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCING OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS IN THE PHILIPPINES?
Developing and financing renewable energy projects in the Philippines has been both challenging and rewarding. There are numerous regulatory requirements that involve various government agencies and the distribution utility or electric cooperative. A developer and/or an EPC provider has always been exposed to risks on the volatility of solar panels and dollar prices.
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DO YOU THINK FLOATING SOLAR CAN CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE ATTAINMENT OF THE REGION'S RENEWABLE TARGET? IF YOU THINK THAT FLOATING SOLAR COULD CONTRIBUTE, WHAT STEPS NEED TO BE TAKEN?
Yes, floating solar can help in the attainment of the renewable energy target of any country or region. The Earth is predominantly composed of bodies of water. My personal opinion regarding this matter is that this requires three radical reforms. First, the suppliers of solar floaters should bring down their costs. Second, a Feed-In Tariff (FIT) for floating solar for at least 5 years should be implemented to encourage investments. Thirdly, regulatory compliances should be significantly streamlined.
A DEVELOPER AND/OR AN EPC PROVIDER HAS ALWAYS BEEN EXPOSED TO RISKS ON THE VOLATILITY OF SOLAR PANELS AND DOLLAR PRICES."
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PLEASE TELL US ABOUT THE CURRENT INSTALLED CAPACITY OF THE COMPANY AND WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT PLANS FOR THE NEXT YEAR 2022?
Spectrum already has 43MW of completed and ongoing projects all over the Philippines comprised of 261 customers. We are looking at growing the business as much as 40% per year for the next 5 years.
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TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE RECENT TECHNOLOGY AND COST TRENDS IN THE SOUTH EAST ASIAN SOLAR MARKET.
The price of solar panels has increased over the last 2 years and may continue to increase. However, the drive towards renewable energy and energy efficiency will continue to create demand. We are very bullish on the growth of Microinverters as the superior choice for 230v single phase systems for homes and small to medium enterprises.
THERE ARE STUDIES THAT SHOW A GROWTH RANGING FROM A CONSERVATIVE 13.4% TO AN AGGRESSIVE 30% CAGR IN THE NEXT 5 TO 10 YEARS. DEFINITELY, THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR WILL CONTINUE TO GROW."
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 17
INCONVERSATION
Thang Chee Keong CEO, Plus Xnergy Services SolarQuarter ASEAN had an interesting chat with Thang Chee Keong - CEO, Plus Xnergy Services, and learned about the recent technology and cost trends in the Southeast Asian solar market. He also spoke about the number of services provided by Plus Xnergy and the significance of combining Solar with storage.
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TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE RECENT TECHNOLOGY AND COST TRENDS IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN SOLAR MARKET.
Adoption of Solar Energy is Growing but Could be Improved Among Consumers. Globally, solar has become the cheapest form of power due to new tech according to analysts Wood Mackenzie. As a clean energy solutionist, we are the first company to build a smart energy ecosystem to empower businesses, utilities and communities to lead the redefinition and innovation of energy generation and application, progressively advancing communities. As we build a smart energy ecosystem, region-wise, while we see that the clean energy uptake has certainly grown tremendously in terms of overall adoption especially among
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businesses, however, consumer adoption of clean energy can still be improved. The reason for low consumer adoption of clean energy is due to the fact that solar is still known as a solution with high upfront CAPEX pay-out. As we recognize this need arising in Malaysia, we were the first to launch the nation’s first rent-to-own solar program which comes at a $0 down payment and includes maintenance. Malaysia has a rooftop potential of 3.2 million landed households which can be converted into solar-powered roofs. Our plan is to convert more than 2,000 houses into solarpowered ones in 12 months and 5,000 by its second year.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 18
$0 CAPEX Solar Solution A PPA is a lease-to-own solar financing option that involves $0 CAPEX spending on part of the adopter. Aimed at optimizing cash flow, building owners can enjoy lower electricity tariff rates, saving on their monthly energy bills. Through it, businesses gain recurring and reduced electricity tariffs at no upfront capital expenditure (CAPEX) over a 15–20year lease-to-own tenure. Once mature, building owners take full ownership of the solar setup and its savings benefits.
Digitalization of Energy Data According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) Sustainable Development Scenario, energy efficiency represents more than 40% of the emissions abatement needed by 2040. At Plus Xnergy, we believe that clean energy expands beyond just solar power generation it should also include energy efficiency to complete the smart energy ecosystem, that is why we have developed in-house AIoT smart energy solutions which will digitalize the energy data. Our AIoT (Artificial Intelligence & Internet of Things) called SOURCE empowers business owners to turn their building energy data into smart energy savings. Industries that can benefit from this system include the sector we cater solutions for, which is the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector. This is because heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) consume about 40% of the global energy use. Using smart energy management, wastage of energy can be identified, while improving overall energy efficiency and maximizing energy savings.
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WHAT MAJOR CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE TODAY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROJECTS IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN MARKET?
The transition out of fossil fuels won’t be that easy Demand for oil, coal, and natural gas has skyrocketed worldwide as unusual weather conditions and resurgent economies emerge from the pandemic combined with energy shortages in China as well as nations that are doing economically well. The situation has revealed the fragility of global supplies as countries drive to pivot from fossil fuels to cleaner sources of energy, a shift many investors and governments are trying to accelerate amid concerns about climate change. Not only does this apply across the globe, but Southeast Asia, which is booming with potential, is also facing the ripple effect of these challenges. Vietnam in particular is ahead in total renewable capacity in SEA as the first place whereas Malaysia is standing at the 4th place. Vietnam’s success is driven by a proactive government determined to reduce the country’s reliance on coal to generate power, backed by policies to promote renewable energy, as well as its forward-thinking National Power Development Plan, which aims to generate 50GW by 2030. Vietnam is focused on achieving its goals to ensure a big push towards renewable energy also by attracting foreign investors into the country. Being a clean energy solutionist in Malaysia, we hope to see this success extended to our nation.
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WE ARE DEDICATED TO BUILDING A SMART ENERGY ECOSYSTEM FOR BUSINESSES, UTILITIES, AND COMMUNITIES WHICH IS WHY WE DO SO BY PROVIDING SOLUTIONS WITHIN AND BEYOND MALAYSIA." In Malaysia itself, we are still transitioning out of oil and gas, but the future is in clean energy, which is many different things such as natural gas, battery storage, other forms of clean energy, even nuclear which is arguable. As a leading clean energy solutionist, we are glad to see that clean energy uptake in Malaysia is still strong among businesses but that this improvement can be extended for communities. It’s a long process and could take more than 10 years to see a real change, but when it does happen, alternative energy such as solar as well as others such as natural gas, and battery storage- will become the majority, way beyond O&G. According to the Mckinsey Global Energy Perspective 2021 report, renewables will ramp up and account for half of the global power generation by 2035. In fact, by 2035, more than 50% of global power generation will come from renewable sources. There is certainly greater awareness in terms of the need for cleaner energy and we see this across the globe. With this, I see the year beginning with surging growth for renewable energy, despite the pandemic which has not held it back. In line with the increase in demand for green/sustainable market, we also see green jobs increasing where an estimated 24 million jobs worldwide could be created by the green economy by 2030 - which signals a positive growth in the green-sustainable market In the recent COP26, the most important global summit on climate change since the one that produced the 2015 Paris agreement, Malaysia has echoed the language of developed countries with our goal to be “carbon neutral” or achieve “net-zero” emissions by 2050, according to media outlets. Both have been announced in the 12th Malaysia Plan, though the two are not necessarily the same. Climate ambition is welcome, and Malaysia clearly wants to be perceived as proactive in this area. We applaud this movement with the rise of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) among corporate organizations to lower the global temperature by 1.5 degrees Celsius. Locally, we also see the Government moving towards sustainable focused initiatives with the carbon pricing and carbon tax introduced in the 12MP - with an aim to be a carbon-neutral nation by as early as 2050.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 19
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PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR ESTEEMED COMPANY PLUS XNERGY'S SOLAR OFFERINGS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA.
We are dedicated to building a smart energy ecosystem for businesses, utilities, and communities which is why we do so by providing solutions within and beyond Malaysia. While we cover the Malaysian market, we look forward to providing the following to countries within and beyond Southeast Asia:
Solar for Business – (Commercial & Industrial Buildings) We provide clean energy solutions for businesses to achieve sustainable energy composure, reducing energy bills, production cost, and the Maximum Demand (MD) of the building energy consumption. To date, we have contributed to this rapid growth by realizing a cumulative solar portfolio of more than 100 MNC companies and a transacted project value of over RM250mil from 2020-2021.
Solar farms We invest, develop and provide Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC) services for largescale solar power plants in Southeast Asia. With a proven track record of outfitting six solar farms, we build and deliver the solar farms on time.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Solutions To aid you in obtaining a battery storage system that is the best fit for our clients, we provide end-to-end services from the preliminary study to cost-benefit analysis and outfitting the project that’s built to return optimum value from your investments.
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YOUR COMPANY IS INTO SOLAR STORAGE SYSTEMS AS WELL. PLEASE TELL US THE SIGNIFICANCE AND BENEFITS OF COMBINING STORAGE WITH SOLAR.
As we all know, the biggest challenge with solar is the intermittency which affects the electricity supply reliability that is critical for businesses. Combining battery storage with solar can enhance the reliability & stability of the electricity supplied through the key applications below:
Peak shaving: This is ideal for businesses that are paying TNB for maximum demand (MD) charges where battery storage can help businesses further optimize their energy savings through reduction of MD charges.
Curtailment avoidance: In the self-consumption scenario, any excess generation will not be limited by consumption behavior. With battery storage, any excess/unutilized generation can be stored in battery storage and be consumed later.
Suitable for Off-Grid & Microgrid: In remote areas, battery storage can provide uninterrupted offgrid electricity to cater to the needs of the local community. This system will enable your sites to reduce the energy cost per unit, especially if the systems rely on diesel generators.
Capacity firming: Battery storage can be sized to provide a consistent supply to maintain the base load of energy required.
Demand response:
AS A CLEAN ENERGY SOLUTIONIST, WE ARE THE FIRST COMPANY TO BUILD A SMART ENERGY ECOSYSTEM TO EMPOWER BUSINESSES, UTILITIES AND COMMUNITIES TO LEAD THE REDEFINITION AND INNOVATION OF ENERGY GENERATION AND APPLICATION, PROGRESSIVELY ADVANCING
The extremely fast response time of battery storage makes it an ideal solution to ensure power supply continuity and stability during the period when the solar generation is fluctuating due to partial clouding conditions, or when there is a sudden surge in demand.
COMMUNITIES." | ASEAN
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 20
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WHAT DO CUSTOMERS LOOK FOR WHEN THEY APPROACH PLUS XNERGY TO HELP THEM ADDRESS THEIR SUSTAINABILITY AMBITION?
How clean energy will truly save the environment Many of our clients who first come to us always ask about how clean energy can further drive their ambition towards a greener future. We tell them that solar energy does not emit any additional carbon emissions when it is being generated and the level of carbon emissions it has saved is equivalent to the number of trees planted. World leaders and policymakers have identified clean energy to be a move for businesses and communities to act on towards climate change. With the rise of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, businesses are able to leverage clean energy to showcase their commitment, maintain a competitive advantage, and move forward in the future.
For businesses who are seeking to manage cash flow during this time, we are providing them with Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), an $0 CAPEX solar solution, where it is aimed at optimizing cash flow and adopters enjoy lower electricity tariff rates, saving on their monthly energy bills. Through it, businesses gain recurring and reduced electricity tariffs at no upfront capital expenditure (CAPEX) over a 15–20year lease-to-own tenure. Once mature, business owners can take full ownership of the solar setup and its savings benefits. As for homes, with concerns of the upfront cost and getting a bank loan, we launched Malaysia’s first rent-to-own solar program, Xnergy Home, and even the region, where individuals would pay a $0 down payment and would not need to get a bank loan. Similar to repaying for a car loan, individuals would pay off the system payments within a rental period of up to 5 years, and when the individual would be able to enjoy free energy after that.
AS WE ALL KNOW, THE
Making the most out of their investment
BIGGEST CHALLENGE WITH
The common misconception we often get is that solar energy is expensive and takes 10 years to reap the return on investment, when in fact that businesses can receive their ROI as early as 3 years and homes can reap the ROI as early as 5 years. This is all due to the existing clean energy policies (Net Energy Metering) and SeLCO (Self-Consumption), tax allowances offered by the local authorities such as Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) and Capital Allowance (CA) where businesses can get up to 48% of tax allowances upon their solar investment.
SOLAR IS THE INTERMITTENCY
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WHICH AFFECTS THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY RELIABILITY THAT IS CRITICAL FOR BUSINESSES."
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 21
INCONVERSATION
Karan Singh Sales Director - South East Asia, SMA Solar India Pvt Ltd
In an insightful interview with SolarQuarter ASEAN magazine, Karan Singh Sales Director - South East Asia, SMA solar India Pvt Ltd spoke about the company’s developments in the current year. He also gave us the highlights of their specialized inverters and their future growth and expansion plans.
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HOW HAS THE YEAR 2021 BEEN FOR SMA SOLAR. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS.
The year 2021 has been a roller coaster ride for us all. With the entire region being affected with the second wave of Covid-19 and most of the region being under some sort of a lockdown for major part of the year. But with improving vaccination numbers the SEA region is slowly and steadily coming to a
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kind of normalcy. Going forward we do foresee an aggressive growth trajectory for the region looking at the manufacturing base and the recent announcements by the various countries in the COP26 in Glasgow.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 22
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TELL US ABOUT THE KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR STRING INVERTERS.
The main USP of SMA inverters has always been reliability with our products which have withstood the test of time. And this year has been special for SMA being our 40th year anniversary.
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HOW DO YOUR CENTRAL INVERTERS STAND OUT IN TERMS OF COMPETITION?
Looking at the future prospects and the dynamics of the utilities wherein curtailment of power is rampant and affecting investors ROI, we feel that the future is in storage i.e. both AC and DC coupled solutions. This is where SMA has always stood out with all our current central portfolio being suitable for both the storage options. Another aspect which will drive storage forward is the decrease in pricing of the LFP batteries with the booming EV segment.
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WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR THE YEAR 2022?
For the future we are seeing a lot of focus on the rooftop segment and storage applications. This is where SMA’s complete portfolio will be pivotal in addressing the market requirements.
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WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR FURTHER GROWTH AND EXPANSION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA?
We are looking at further enhancing our regional presence with local resources and partners to be closer to the customers. This is where SMA’s years of experience of a solid distribution and service network will be vital in catering to the diverse and scattered SEA market.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 23
FEATUREDTALKS
Todd Li President, Trina Solar (Asia Pacific Region)
One of the things that makes Trina Solar unique, is it is the only solar module manufacturer that also designs and manufactures a truly integrated, lowest risk module and tracker solution.
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PLEASE TELL US ABOUT HOW YOUR JOURNEY BEGAN IN THE PV INDUSTRY? HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN?
I joined Trina Solar in 2013 as a sales manager for Thailand which is a large and growing market for solar energy. The solar industry is growing in importance around the world because solar helps fight climate change by providing an alternative energy solution that is clean and affordable.
Solar is a fast-growing industry that has provided me with enormous opportunities to develop my career. After working as a sales manager covering Thailand for Trina, I steadily took on new, more senior sales roles with the company before being appointed president of Asia Pacific.
Working in the solar industry is very fulfilling because I know I am working in an industry that is helping the world to fight against climate change by providing an economically viable and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
The solar industry is a dynamic one because technology is constantly evolving. I like working for Trina Solar because it is a very technology-driven company. For example, Trina Solar led the commercialization of PERC cell technology and is an industry pioneer of 210mm diameter solar cells.
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 24
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WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME BIG DEVELOPMENTS/UNDERTAKI NGS AT TRINA THIS YEAR?
This year’s biggest industry development was that 210mm diameter solar cells have become the new global industry standard delivering greater power and efficiency. This change across the solar industry has been underpinned by the 600W+ Photovoltaic Open Innovation Ecological Alliance that was launched last year but continued to gain momentum this year. The alliance is an innovative ecosystem that through open collaboration, synergizing the main resources of the industry chain and integrating core processes such as R&D, manufacturing and applications – has resulted in the development of 600W+ ultra-high power modules. A key objective of the alliance is to see that the whole industry – not just module manufacturers but also manufacturers of inverters, trackers, etc – are developing new products that support 210 solar modules. In March, we unveiled our new 670W Vertex module, based on 210mm diameter solar cells, that delivers even more power, further underpinning the rapid acceleration of technology in the solar industry. Modules that use 210mm diameter are a large format than earlier generation modules but we have pioneered a packaging solution where the modules are packed vertically, instead of horizontally, to maximise the space inside the shipping container, when the modules are transported, significantly reducing shipping costs.
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We have also been promoting our TrinaTracker product that is compatible with 210 solar modules. One of the things that makes Trina Solar unique, is it is the only solar module manufacturer that also designs and manufactures a truly integrated, lowest risk module and tracker solution. TrinaTracker utilises intelligent machine learning algorithms to reduce shading and boost bifacial performance so that even for sites in SEA that sit close to the equator, the tracker energy advantage over fixed structure is restored to approximately 20% or more. This, in tandem with the fact that trackers make more energy per unit area, mean that trackers deliver the same or better energy at lower DC capacity and in the same land footprint and AC capacity reduces the number of modules, steel and BOS that needs to be procured, shipped and installed, ultimately reducing overall capex by around 8% and lowering LCOE by more than five percent. Our company has enormous depth and breadth. We have expanded our manufacturing capacity to meet global demand and was voted by Bloomberg New Energy Finance as bankable by 100% of respondents in its 2021 industry survey. Trina Solar has been ranking top bankable module supplier for 6 consecutive years.
HOW IS TRINA SOLAR FACILITATING AND CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS ASIA PACIFIC’S RENEWABLE GROWTH? Countries around the region are turning to solar energy to achieve their renewable energy goals. A key benefit of solar – over other types of renewable energy such as wind and hydro – is it can be more readily deployed. We are facilitating Asia Pacific’s adoption of solar energy by ramping up the production of solar modules to meet growing demand and by developing new modules, namely the 550-670W Vertex modules, that deliver higher power and efficiency so developers can maximise their return on investment and so fewer modules are needed to deliver the same amount of power output. This leads to a lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and lower balance of system cost because less cabling, trenching, etc is required. We are encouraging the whole industry to get behind 550-670W modules that incorporate 210mm diameter solar cells and are also promoting the bifacial version of these modules coupled with trackers from TrinaTracker.
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 25
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WHAT ARE SOME UPCOMING PRODUCTS FROM TRINA SOLAR THAT WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO?
Trina Solar is continuing to develop new solar modules that incorporate 210mm diameter solar cells to deliver even higher power and efficiency. We are just at the beginning of the journey when it comes to realising the potential of this new technology. For example, the larger 210mm diameter wafer 210 technology has great potential when applied to cells that use i-TOPCon or hetero-junction technology (HJT). At the last SNEC exhibition in Shanghai, we exhibited next generation i-TOPCon and HJT modules based on 210 technology. The i-TOPCon module possesses a maximum power output of 700W+, with efficiency of 22.3%. At the expo, Trina Solar also exhibited a HJT module exceeding 710W+ with efficiency of 22.87%. Both advanced technologies demonstrate the company’s leading position in technology and that modules incorporating the larger wafers is the future technical route. Besides modules, we are also investing in our TrinaTracker business and are interested in globalising our supply chain with regards to the supply of steel-fabricated structural parts for the tracker from local companies in South East Asia.
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WHAT ARE THE QUALITY CHECKS AND TESTS THAT WERE DONE ON YOUR MODULES THAT ENSURE THAT YOUR MODULES ARE THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY?
Our modules are tested for quality assurance by the leading certification and testing authorities in China and around the world. These organisations are independent third-party organisations. Some of the organisations include the: China General Certification Centre; DNV, which is an international organisation headquartered in Norway; Europe’s Certification Entity for Renewable Energies (CERE); UL based in the US; Germany’s TÜV Rheinland; and so on. In May of this year, PV Evolution Labs (PVEL), one of the leading independent PV test laboratories, released its seventh annual global PV module test results, called the 2021 PV Module Reliability Scorecard Report. Trina Solar was a ‘top performer’ for outstanding product reliability and performance among global PV module manufacturers. To be a top performer, Trina Solar’s Vertex modules had to go through advanced testing to verify the ultra-high-power modules can maintain outstanding performance even when subject to extreme weather.
A KEY BENEFIT OF SOLAR – OVER OTHER TYPES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SUCH AS WIND AND HYDRO – IS IT CAN BE MORE READILY DEPLOYED. WE ARE FACILITATING ASIA PACIFIC’S ADOPTION OF SOLAR ENERGY BY RAMPING UP THE PRODUCTION OF SOLAR MODULES TO MEET GROWING DEMAND AND BY DEVELOPING NEW MODULES, NAMELY THE 550-670W VERTEX MODULES, THAT DELIVER HIGHER POWER AND EFFICIENCY SO DEVELOPERS CAN MAXIMISE THEIR RETURN ON INVESTMENT AND SO FEWER MODULES ARE NEEDED TO DELIVER THE SAME AMOUNT OF POWER OUTPUT."
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 26
Among the line-up of tests, the non-uniform snowload test simulated uneven pressures caused by a large accumulation of heavy snow on the Trina Solar’s 670W module surface. The highest pressure was applied to the bottom end of the module of up to 7000Pa (equivalent to a depth of 2.8 meters of snow), with the results showing that the power attenuation of the module is only 0.56%. The extreme low-temperature mechanical load test, a static load testing of positive 5400Pa/ negative 2400Pa under an extremely low -40°C, showed no variation in electroluminescence (EL) and power attenuation of only 0.11%. In the hail test, that simulates the impact of a hail of different sizes on modules, the 210 Vertex 670W module passed the test measuring the impact of hailstones 35 mm in diameter without causing any damage. In multiple extreme dynamic mechanical load testing, 210 Vertex 670W modules delivered better performance than competitors’ modules with load capacity several times higher than the IEC standard. When installed by clamps, the 210 Vertex 670W double-glass module passed the 20,000 cycles, 20fold extreme testing, still remaining intact. In the extreme wind tunnel test, the 210 Vertex 670W module remains intact when the wind speed reached 62m/s (216km/h or 134 mph), passing the extreme wind speed test equivalent to the low end of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Furthermore, TrinaTrackers are verified by the world’s leading wind engineering consultancies RWDI and CPP under full aeroelastic testing, with every small engineering detail rigorously verified, including how the modules are fixed to the structure for long term reliability and maximisation of bifacial boost. TrinaTracker was the first mover to large format modules and our tracker is only one of very few deployed at scale in cyclonic regions, so the decision to partner with the industry’s most bankable brand who offer the industry’s only integrated module/tracker solution ultimately lowers the risk profile much more than conventional disaggregated solutions.
5
WHAT ARE THE QUALITY CHECKS AND TESTS THAT WERE DONE ON YOUR MODULES THAT ENSURE THAT YOUR MODULES ARE THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY?
Trina Solar is committed to research and development and continues to set industry standards and benchmarks for performance and sustainability. We have been responsible for a number of global breakthroughs, with 22 world records for PV cell efficiency and solar module power output since 2011. Trina was the first company to receive Client Test Data Program (CTDP) certification from UL, allowing us to conduct cutting-edge research reliably on campus. With robust and rigorous R&D, Trina Solar's rapid rate of innovation has led to over 2100 patent applications with 50% of the proportion of invention patents. The company’s cumulative R&D investment has reached US $1.86 billion. Trina continues to advance efficiency boundaries. Trina Solar State Key Laboratory of PV Science and Technology of China has set a world record in November 2019 of 23.22% with n-type i-TOPCon solar cell on the cast-mono substrate. In June 2021, Vertex high-efficiency p-type monocrystalline silicon module, based on 66 pieces of 210 mm x 210 mm high-efficiency PERC cells, achieved a record aperture module efficiency of 23.03% for larger-area industrial silicon p-type modules. Through technological innovation, we plan to continue breaking records and driving even higher efficiencies.
The reason we chose to do these tests of the 670W Vertex modules is not only to empower customers to understand the high reliability of 670W+ modules, but also to share research results across the whole of the industry for continuous innovation and comprehensive application of 600W+ modules.
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 27
INSIGHTS
SOLAR IN PHILIPPINES PRESENT PANORAMA AND FUTURE PROSPECTS The Philippines' economy was booming before the COVID-19 outbreak. The country had an impressive yearly GDP growth rate of 6.4 percent, placing it in a select group of countries that have seen uninterrupted economic expansion for more than two decades. Today, things appear to be totally different. The Philippines' economy grew at its slowest pace in 29 years last year. Approximately 4.2 million Filipinos are jobless, nearly 8 million have had their wages reduced, and 1.1 million pupils have dropped out of basic and secondary school as studies have migrated online. The intermittent reliability of fossil fuel plants has resulted in forced power outages and unexpected maintenance, exacerbating this economic and human disaster. As a result of the so-called manual load decrease to maintain power grid stability, 17 power-generating businesses fell down in the first half of 2021, exceeding their plant outage limitations. Rolling blackouts, which usually occur in the hottest months of April and March when hydropower units underperform due to water shortages, have lasted well into July, interrupting school and work for millions. The Philippines' economic and energy issues can be solved by spending more in renewable energy development. Indeed, the country may have reached a key juncture in moving its antiquated energy system into the 21st century.
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 28
WHAT ROLE DOES RENEWABLE ENERGY PLAY IN THE PHILIPPINES? The ongoing blackouts in the Philippines, as well as the attendant energy supply and security concerns, have sparked multi-sectoral, nonpartisan calls for action to overhaul the country's energy infrastructure. The island nation is also extremely vulnerable to climate change's effects. Climate change has become a major problem for energy security, energy supply, job development, and post-pandemic needs like clean air and water and a healthy world in recent years as possible repercussions have become obvious. In order to address a lot of difficulties, investing in renewable energy should be one of the country's top priorities right now. For one thing, it might provide the economy a much-needed lift and allay fears of a U-shaped rebound. According to the World Economic Forum, every dollar invested in the clean energy transition returns 3-8 times, using figures from the IRENA International Renewable Energy Agency. Furthermore, as renewable energy becomes more widely adopted, it offers job possibilities all along the supply chain. As of 2018, the renewable energy sector employs 11 million people around the world. According to a McKinsey analysis from May 2020, government spending on energy efficiency and renewable creates three times as many employments as spending on fossil fuels. Higher consumption of fossil fuels increases air pollution, so renewable energy minimizes health hazards. Furthermore, renewable energy can give universal access to electricity while lowering consumer electricity bills. While millions of additional users have gained access to power since 2000, the Philippines still has 2 million individuals without it. The goal of comprehensive electrification would be furthered by decarbonized and decentralized power generation technologies that do not require costly, huge, and logistically hard transmission networks in rugged and isolated terrains. Small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, are more vulnerable to variations in their monthly operational expenses than bigger corporations, and giving consumers options for low-cost clean energy sources can lead to savings and greater profit margins for enterprises. Finally, the low-carbon power transition will assist the Philippines combat climate change by lowering the carbon intensity of its electricity sector and increasing the robustness of its energy system. As the Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, DRE - distributed renewable energy systems that do not rely on fuel transportation are well with the country's geography. This eliminates the need for extra-long transmission cables that could be damaged by severe storms or other natural events. DREs, particularly ones powered by batteries, can offer quick backup power in the event of a disaster, enhancing the energy system's resilience.
THE ISLAND NATION IS ALSO EXTREMELY VULNERABLE TO CLIMATE CHANGE'S EFFECTS. CLIMATE CHANGE HAS BECOME A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR ENERGY SECURITY, ENERGY SUPPLY, JOB DEVELOPMENT, AND POSTPANDEMIC NEEDS LIKE CLEAN AIR AND WATER AND A HEALTHY WORLD IN RECENT YEARS AS POSSIBLE REPERCUSSIONS HAVE BECOME OBVIOUS."
IS RENEWABLE ENERGY REACHING A TIPPING POINT? While the Philippine government has taken some attempts to move away from fossil fuels, coal still dominates the country's power supply. The Philippines, like many other developing countries, particularly those in Asia, must respond quickly to the economic and human consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country will be on the right track if it invests in climate-proof, cost-effective renewable energy. Rather than relying on unstable, polluting fossil fuels, the Philippines has an opportunity to harness corporate and public support, set an example for its regional counterparts, and chart an ambitious way toward a sustainable energy future.
CONCLUSION THE PHILIPPINES' ECONOMIC AND ENERGY ISSUES CAN BE SOLVED BY SPENDING MORE IN RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT. INDEED, THE COUNTRY MAY HAVE REACHED A KEY JUNCTURE IN MOVING ITS ANTIQUATED ENERGY SYSTEM INTO THE 21ST CENTURY."
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The Philippines is putting a lot of effort into developing renewable energy sources. Although advanced modelling in the Philippines can accurately estimate energy consumption, estimating the energy provided by wind and solar is difficult. Furthermore, wind blows when it wants to, not when it needs to. This necessitates a significant increase in system flexibility.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 29
INSIGHTS
STRING INVERTER VS CENTRAL INVERTER: A DISCUSSION ON THE EXPERIENCES OF A SOLAR COMPANY USING BOTH TYPES OF INVERTER IN UTILITY-SCALE PROJECTS IN THE PHILIPPINES It is common knowledge within the solar industry that inverters play the most critical role in a photovoltaic system. With systems ranging from as small as a 1kWp residential installation to as large as a 60MWp utility scale project, the inverter regulates the generated DC energy from the PV panels and converts it to consumable AC energy that end customers can use. As inverters are now available at the scale of an individual panel or string (a so-called “string” inverter) up to a 10MW “central” station, the question becomes, which inverter type will one use in their photovoltaic system, particularly at larger system scales, where both are technically viable?
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Solenergy Systems Inc., a solar EPC company based in the Philippines, has already implemented both string, and central types of inverters in their utility projects. The 20MW “TSPP2” solar utility project of Solenergy, located in Tarlac, Central Luzon, is a PV system that uses string-type inverters from Fronius International GmbH. Meanwhile, the 60MW “TERASU” solar utility project of Solenergy, also located in Tarlac, used central inverters from Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd. for the plant design.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 30
The 20MW TSPP2 project started feeding to the Luzon grid in April 2019. With the project consisting of 61,000+ PV panels and 612 string inverters, operations and maintenance plays a major role in the success of this project and were also handled by Solenergy. The on-site engineers that were deployed at the site have noted a significant appreciation for having string-type inverters because of the advantages it brings in maintenance activities and the resolution of data. The 27kWac inverters were arranged in 2MW groupings, then stepped up to the medium voltage ring via a transformer and ring main unit. Whenever any of the inverter units experienced an internal fault or irregularity on the DC (string) side, the inverter was automatically isolated from the rest of the block, either via the automatic relay integrated within the inverter, or manually, via the DC or AC disconnect switches. With one inverter offline, the entire plant experiences <0.2% availability loss only. The beauty of this approach extends beyond production up-time though. Faults, particularly on the DC side, including lightning strikes, can have the tendency to propagate beyond the fuse or surge protection designed to mitigate such events. In the case of string inverters, these kinds of field-side faults will only impact the inverters that are directly connected to the affected strings, meaning the impact on the 2MW block is limited. However, in terms of daily maintenance, the necessary procedures to check and monitor 612 inverters, with all their parameters and terminations, do make the process more labor-intensive. The ratio of the maintenance team to the inverters being maintained is 1 man:68 inverters. This would then mean that it entails more cost owing to inputs that need to be considered to keep the system running. The plant was able to maintain a 99.98% availability in its first 2 years of operations though, a value that is rarely achieved anywhere in the world, due in large part to the string inverter design.
measure, common to all PV inverters, that is used to detect deterioration in cable insulation by measuring resistance to the ground. As the accumulated condensation can penetrate even the most minor of gaps in the terminations and gasket seals, there were some inverters that registered IR faults in the mornings and were unable to start up until the condensation had been fully driven off by the morning sun. This proved an investigative challenge for the maintenance team, as such faults can only be traced from the common DC bus outwards, so it’s a process of elimination involving 500+ strings. Whereas with a string inverter, we would know exactly where the fault is and be able to rectify it within 20 minutes, sometimes locating these issues in a centralized architecture can take 2 weeks, as you only have the early morning window to perform the necessary tests, as the condition usually disappears by 10 am. However, despite the tedious task of fault identification in the system, the maintenance of the site is less laborious as the site requires only 1-2 engineers to monitor all 13 stations on a daily basis. The granularity of data available though is significantly lower, so some fault conditions can exist and build-up for longer before being noticed and then take down the entire MW scale block while being traced and diagnosed.
The central type of inverter was used for the 60MWp TERASU project of Solenergy, also located in Tarlac. This utility project is designed to accommodate 179,000+ PV panels and 13 inverter stations with 2 central inverters per station, stepping up via a common transformer. Being the lead contractor of this project, installing central inverters was seen as far less laborious due to the possibility of connecting more strings of PV panels, via larger cables, to a single central inverter that could be hoisted into place via crane. The centralized system architecture isn’t without its challenges though. In place of string inverters, DC field termination boxes termed “String Combiner Box” (SCB) were used to aggregate the individual strings prior to the home run to the inverter via a larger buried cable. Although these SCBs also entail many hundreds of terminations, the cumulative power rating can be as high as 200kWp, meaning the testing and commissioning procedures, such as string-based I-V curve sweep, can be simplified and carried out at a single location. Having been the company to design and install the system, from the pv modules all the way up to the substation of the plant, Solenergy was already very familiar with the components and architecture, which turned out to be a great benefit to the operations and maintenance works. The plant was energized in July of 2021 and one clear limitation of the centralized architecture was experienced during this commissioning. As the rainy season in the Philippines is most intense at this time of year, overnight downpours can lead to elevated condensation in the mornings. During start-up, each inverter will measure the insulation resistance (IR) on the common DC bus. This is a safety
From a technical perspective, the advent of the mega string inverter, at 200kW each, may represent the perfect compromise and the ultimate direction for the industry. Both Fronius and Sungrow are now moving towards this direction, with new product releases in this range. Solenergy Systems Inc. is currently working on some project proposals using these units and looks forward to updating everyone with our experiences.
In this experience of Solenergy in maintaining utility-scale solar projects, each of the designs had its positives and negatives. A centralized architecture is definitely faster to deploy and commission, but the data granularity of the string architecture, in conjunction with the inherent fault isolation, can yield unprecedented availability during operations. As developers, this is a question that can also be quantified during the RFP process. Do you value a faster construction schedule or higher plant availability? If you are planning to sell the asset, perhaps it’s the former. If you intend to hold, perhaps the latter.
Cris Vincent Alidon Head of Project Business, Solenergy
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 31
INSIGHTS INVERTER TECHNOLOGY CONTINUOUS BREAKTHROUGH EMPOWER SOLAR ENERGY
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 32
Spencer Xu GoodWe solar academy solution engineer
To achieve the dream of the world net zero emission by 2025, reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to tackle global warming, accelerating the energy transition and revolution have become inevitable. At the same time, with the rapid economic development and unit cost of silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) cells declining trend, the rise of solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation forms an important part of this global energy transformation. Also the increased power requirements and the technological advancements in modules have led to significant development in inverter technology. Project developers, EPC including stakeholders are looking for upgraded systems to help them find out stable solutions that are consistent with policies, make sure the safety and convenient for operation & maintenance, also decrease LCOE and improve the ROI. As a world-leading PV inverter and energy storage solutions manufacturer, GoodWe provide several advanced solutions to our users which can meet all-scenario requirements.
POWER LIMIT SOLUTION In some areas, the distributed photovoltaic power stations are not allowed to export power to the grid or only limited power are allowed to be exported. This requires the distributed PV system to have the function of "anti-backflow", especially for residential and C&I. GoodWe has a series of mature and complete Zero- Export Solutions. For example, for most of the C&I projects, GoodWe use SEC1000 to realize the function. Through RS485 communication cable, the inverters connected to the corresponding interface of GoodWe Smart Energy Control Box SEC1000, and the current transformer (CT) external to SEC1000 connected to Transformer low-voltage side. After the anti-backflow scheme is configured, the CT and voltage sampling on the line will detect the upstream power, and the SEC1000 will issue a power adjustment command to the inverter to make the reverse. The inverter adjusts the output synchronously to achieve the same output power and load, so as to achieve the purpose of preventing backflow.
POTENTIAL INDUCED DEGRADATION (PID) RECOVERY SOLUTION Potential Induced Degradation (PID) is an undesirable phenomenon that occurs when the module's voltage potential and leakage current drive ion mobility within the module between the semiconductor material and other elements of the module (such as glass, mount and frame) GoodWe adopts the last solution to PID effect by imposing a reverse voltage to the DC negative polarity of the inverter to the earth. The device, PID recovery board is deployed and integrated into the AC side of the inverter. In this way, the voltage potential between PV- and the earth is reversed and the lost ions are driven back to the solar cell. The PID effect is repaired and the solar module’s performance is restored to a certain extent.
THERMAL DESIGN An inverter is a crucial unit in any solar system, its heat dissipation performance has always been taken as an important index of overall performance. Production of the solar power plants would be affected, especially on hot summer days and in areas with constant high temperatures. GoodWe focus on the thermal design to have an inverter with excellent heat dissipation performance from three aspects. Excellent Heat Transfer Design Smart Cooling System Control Application of High-quality Fan
ARC DETECTION AND PROTECTION SOLUTION Electric arc fault often leads to alternating voltage waveform and current waveform in a circuit, accompanied with arcing sound, arcing flash, heating, and high-frequency electromagnetic waves. A common practice to deal with an arc fault is using sensors to detect and analyze variations in physical characteristics and electrical characteristics of the circuit when an arc fault is happening. The arc fault detection is based on the detection of arcing current. GoodWe arc detection and protection solutions adopt the same application. With an arc detection board and magnetic rings integrated into a GoodWe inverter, an arc fault can be determined whenever there is an occurrence of abnormal arcing current detected, and protective measures, in consequence, are triggered and taken automatically.
COMPATIBILITY WITH HIGH-CURRENT & BIFACIAL MODULES Meet connection requirements with ultra-high power module products is also an important consideration for inverters, GoodWe upgraded series inverters are compatible with high power and bi-facial modules, which ensure more solar power absorption and makes it be more productive, keeping up with the market trend closely.
To learn more about GoodWe solutions, please visit www.goodwe.com
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 33
INSIGHTS
OVERVIEW OF SOLAR ENERGY INDUSTRY IN
MALAYSIA
The COVID ′ 19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on a number of industries, including solar energy. Malaysia has announced roughly US$ 2.9 billion in expenditures for the construction of new grids, rooftop solar panels, and LED street lights as part of its economic rescue package. In the year 2020, the government has decided to issue a tender for a 1400-megawatt solar power project, which is anticipated to produce investments of nearly 5 billion ringgits. The Government of Malaysia declared in 2018 a goal for the country to boost renewable energy in its power generation mix to 20% (20%) by 2025, in an effort to open the way for a more green and sustainable future. Solar energy is one of the primary renewable energy sources that the government is focusing on as part of this plan. With the goal of encouraging green technology, the government announced Green Technology Tax Subsidies for the acquisition and use of green technology, such as solar power and energy, from the year of evaluation 2013 to December 31, 2020, during the release of Budget 2014. Furthermore, the Government announced the renewal of the Green Technology Tax Incentives until 2023 in Budget 2020, as well as a seventy percent 70% tax relief for enterprises that engage in solar leasing activities for a term of up to ten years. According to a new analysis from Fitch Solutions, Malaysia's installed solar capacity is predicted to quadruple by 2030, owing to a successful procurement procedure and enhanced financial incentives. Due to increased investor interest in the market and fresh project announcements, the consultant has changed its solar predictions for Malaysia, expecting capacity to jump from roughly 996MW at year's end 2020 to more over 4GW by 2030.This change is reported to be due to the country's ongoing solar bids, the most recent of which was the fourth phase of its large-scale solar program, which began last year and saw the government nominate 30 winning bidders with a cumulative capacity of 823MW over two major categories. The Malaysian Energy Commission chose 20 projects with a capacity of 10MW to 30MW for the first category. In the second category, ten projects ranging in size from 30 to 50 megawatts were chosen for a total proposed capacity of 500 megawatts. The solar photovoltaics (PV) business in Malaysia is increasing
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thanks to increased government backing, more investor confidence, and lower costs. Given the favorable conditions that are forming, Malaysia's solar sector, which is now the largest solar PV employment in ASEAN, is well positioned for further growth. Aside from having relatively high levels of irradiation, Malaysia has a well-established solar manufacturing sector, albeit most of the solar equipment utilized is now exported. According to Fitch Solutions, “With global digital costs falling, the growing domestic manufacturing base for renewable elements will provide project developers with a low - cost and reliable supply chain.” Renewable energy is being promoted at all levels of government, and Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad promised that current incentives and tax breaks, such as the Green Technology Financing Scheme and the Green Investment Tax Allowance, will be maintained. Such measures are required if Malaysia is to meet its ambitious goal of growing its renewable energy generating mix from 2% in 2018 to 20% by 2025, as announced by the Ministry of Energy, Technology, Environment, Science, and climate change in September. If all of Peninsular Malaysia's roofs are fitted with solar panels, Malaysia will be able to generate more than enough electricity to meet its current demand. The new NEM Net Energy Metering plan has also been favorably accepted, with industry regulators SEDA - Sustainable Energy Development Authority approving 16.6 megawatts of NEM in the first four months of 2019, compared to 18.24 megawatts in 2018.
CONCLUSION Solar energy is a fantastic alternative energy source since it is the safest and most available renewable energy source. Malaysia has seen a boom in the solar energy business in recent years, with increased investor confidence, thanks to numerous incentives and cost-cutting stimuli given in respect of solar and/or renewable energy. However, we still have a long way to go before we reach the 20% objective for renewable energy consumption in our generation mix by 2025. Although the current trajectory appears to be encouraging, Malaysia's renewable energy sector requires ongoing support.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 34
LAUNCHING NEW EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION for AFRICA Solar Industry
AFRICA For Advertising Opportunities, Contact: Smriti Charan, M: +91 7718877514, E: smriti@firstviewgroup.com For Editorial Participation, Contact: Ashwini Chikkodi, M: +91 93727 88474, E: editorial@firstviewgroup.com
PERSPECTIVE
What are The Current Tariffs Seen In The Rooftop Space In Malaysia And How Will They Evolve Further?
How Have The Solar Installations Been This Year? PRELUDE:
Malaysia has been one of the foremost nations in the South East Asian market to build and expand on its solar power sector, for the growing energy demand. Malaysia is blessed with abundant sunlight and temperatures suited to develop large scale solar PV projects for generation of clean, renewable, and sustainable energy. The government support for solar has only increased in recent times, which has further led to a boost in investor confidence.
CURRENT TARIFF POLICIES IN MALAYSIA Malaysia’s Feed In Tariff system enables buyers of renewable energy, that is; companies licensed to distribute renewable power (Distribution Licensees) buy from a Feed In Approval Holder (FIAH). An FIAH can be a person or organization with the approval of SEDA (Sustainable Energy Development Authority) to sell renewable power at the FiT rate. FiT rate is the fixed rate at which renewable energy is sold to DLs. This rate differs for different renewable energy sources and installed capacity of the energy provider as well. Renewable energy is supplied by the FIAH to an electricity grid for a specific period of time, for which the Fit rates are paid by the DLs. These rates are viable and thus incentivize buyers to consider switching to renewable energy for consumption and investment for a long term period of time. This tariff policy also supports only indigenous renewable power (not imported from outside Malaysia), which is a great way to support growth of solar power in the nation. In 2022, the tariff policy will evolve towards the Green Electricity Tariff (GET). The Malaysian Government is incentivizing consumers and industries to reduce their carbon footprint by obtaining their power from renewable sources under the GET tariff plan. Malaysia’s Energy MInistry has made the GET tariff plan effective from 1 December 2021. Benefits of the plan would seep to the consumers from January 2022. Under this tariff plan, an ordinary individual who does not own any rooftop solar farm, or has any investment in any solar PV project can still obtain green electricity by paying the Green Electricity Tariff. Malaysia RECs can also be obtained by customers under the GET plan. This tariff plan would be open for both residential as well as industrial consumers. Renewable energy would be obtained from Government approved solar and hydropower projects in Malaysia.
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 36
ALMOST 95% OF THE ELECTRICITY AUTHOR:
GENERATED IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA COMES FROM EITHER COAL OR NATURAL GAS, WITH BOTH COMMODITIES EXPERIENCING AN
YAN-LAM TONG COUNTRY SALES MANAGER, TOTALENERGIES RENEWABLES MALAYSIA The base electricity tariff for Malaysia under the Regulatory Period 2 (RP2) from 2018-2020 (subsequently extended to end2021 due to the pandemic) is set at MYR 39.5 cent/kWh. Regulatory Period 3 (RP3) which begins from 1st January 2022 is widely expected that this base tariff will be increased after the revision was postponed for a year. This is especially true given the recent announcement of the MYR 22 billion investment being planned by TNB to modernize the national grid into “the grid of the future” with higher RE penetration under the Incentive-Based Regulation (IBR) framework. The current Imbalance Cost Pass-Through (ICPT) rebate of MYR 2 cent/kWh to all electricity users (Domestic and Non-Domestic) will most likely end on 31st December with a high possibility of a surcharge being implemented due to the rising fuel cost in the second half of 2021. Almost 95% of the electricity generated in Peninsular Malaysia comes from either coal or natural gas, with both commodities experiencing an incredible spike in prices as the world recovers from Covid-19. Another side of the equation is the PV module and we have seen an increasing PV module price since the beginning of 2021 plus the overall increase in PV system costs due to supplyside constraints and rising shipping costs globally. Prices are expected to remain at an elevated level throughout 2022 compared to 2020’s level and the general inflationary pressure will dial back on aggressive forward-looking project costing estimation. Against this backdrop, the rooftop PPA space has seen tariff discounts in the range of 20-40% against the base electricity tariff, depending on the size, complexity, and location of the project. Even with increasing PV system cost, the range is most likely to be maintained or even further improved, mainly due to the looming increase in “landed electricity cost” from an expected hike in base tariff and ICPT surcharge.
INCREDIBLE SPIKE IN PRICES AS THE WORLD RECOVERS FROM COVID-19."
HOW HAVE THE SOLAR INSTALLATIONS BEEN THIS YEAR? Malaysia has experienced a stop-start pandemic year since the start of 2021. With multiple Movement Control Orders (MCO) implemented by the Government, private sectors, especially those categorized as “non-essential” have been hit the hardest along with minimal activities public sector with work from home rules being enforced. We have seen a rush towards the end of 2020 when there was a rush to get hold of the NEM 2.0 quota, which resulted in a full subscription of the 500MW allocation by end of November 2020. Another 300MW quota under NEM 3.0 scheme was allocated for commercial & industrial consumers in April 2021 and was fully subscribed in July followed by the recent opening of an additional 300MW quota for the same category of consumers. Manufacturing companies, which make up the biggest bulk of rooftop solar installation in Malaysia saw a big drop in activities especially during the MCO period from June to August which prohibited rooftop solar installation activities. Residential and Government sectors suffer a similar fate as well during this period. Projects with NEM 2.0 quota have 12 months to achieve the NEM Commencement Date whilst for NEM 3.0 the commencement of installation activities must begin within 3 months of approval. As consequence, momentum grew from September onwards, coinciding with the gradual reopening of the economy and easing of Covid travel restrictions. There has been a rush to complete projects to meet the deadlines, but many were also delayed due to the spike in material cost which has affected margins and profitability for both EPC contractors and developers. Having said that, Malaysia is on track to reach 1,000MW of installed rooftop solar capacity by 2022, more than 5 years since the rollout of the NEM scheme back in November 2016. With increasing awareness and action towards reducing carbon footprint to combat climate change plus Government’s target to reach 31% RE capacity mix by 2025 and be carbon neutral as early as 2050, this segment is poised to continue growing sustainably for the years to come. It is indeed an exciting time ahead for the solar industry in Malaysia.
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 37
AUTHOR: AHMAD NIZAM AMIRUDIN SENIOR MANAGER-BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT-CLEANTECH SOLAR MALAYSIA
With the COVID-19 situation in Malaysia worsening at the start of 2021, many businesses are looking for ways to reduce their operational cost and Cleantech Solar is at the forefront of this by offering customers a Zero Capital Expenditure option through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement. This allows businesses to have a solar system installed on their rooftop without incurring any upfront cost, allowing them to focus their budgets on their core business activity. We have seen the solar market grow this year and we foresee the market sentiment as positive. We hope to enable companies to realize their sustainable goals by offering them a unique combination of: Shared values ensuring a long-term partnership Leading technical expertise with a strong focus on delivering safe and high-quality projects Experienced local teams in all markets to ensure compliance and smooth execution State of the art control room delivering optimized performance in real-time Cleantech Solar is a pan-Asia supplier of renewable energy to corporates, combining the capabilities of a regional player with responsiveness and agility.
The solar market in Malaysia has evolved over time and more customers are becoming aware of the advantages of solar energy. Malaysia is blessed with abundant sunlight, which may be converted from DC to AC and utilized at their location. The Malaysian government is also committed to achieving a renewable energy mix of 31% by 2025 and 40% by 2035 as part of its power generation plan.
Headquartered in Singapore, Cleantech Solar has been selected for numerous solar power plants across India and Southeast Asia, covering over 600 MW across the various stages of operations, construction and development. This includes installations and projects in India, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Many schemes are currently available in the market, the most recent of which is Net Energy Metering (“NEM”) 3.0, with a 600MW allocated quota for the NOVA segment for Commercial and Industrial customers. This allows customers to export any excess energy to the grid at the average System Marginal Price (“SMP”). The Self Consumption scheme is more popular among high consumption consumers because there is no capacity limit to be installed, but is capped at 75% of the average Maximum Demand (“MD”). The current electricity tariffs for rooftop customers in Malaysia are getting more competitive with the increased number of companies entering this business. Customers were initially content with the solar tariff provided so long as the solar rate was lower than the grid utility tariff, but with rapid change in the market and the advancement of technology, customers are quickly zooming in on savings. However, there are also many multinational firms as well as small businesses that are now aiming to minimize their CO2 emissions by utilizing renewable energy. On-site solar is one of the quick ways to do so. Any potential savings from the solar installation are considered as a bonus. In addition to savings and emissions, another key consideration for the growing number of customers is safety. At Cleantech Solar, we place a high priority on safety by providing guardrails, safety lines, skylight covers, and walkways/setbacks on our projects. As the number of installations continues to increase in Malaysia, we will see greater awareness and emphasis on safety requirements.
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HAVING SAID THAT, MALAYSIA IS ON TRACK TO REACH 1,000MW OF INSTALLED ROOFTOP SOLAR CAPACITY BY 2022, MORE THAN 5 YEARS SINCE THE ROLLOUT OF THE NEM SCHEME BACK IN NOVEMBER 2016. " OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 38
AUTHOR: JIEN YUE CHOONG HEAD OF OPERATIONS, MALAYSIA, SKYE RENEWABLES
INCREASING COMPETITION FOR CLIENTS HAS BROUGHT PRIVATE PPA TARIFFS DOWN TO THESE LEVELS, AS DEVELOPERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE LOWER PRICES
It is hard to analyze the current state of the Malaysian solar industry without noticing a ‘first’ for the industry – increasing costs. After two decades of declining panel prices and improving technology, which has ultimately permitted the widescale adoption of solar, a unique combination of factors has led to the first cost increases in memory. Whatever the reason – raw material shortages, COVID-related supply chain constraints, China manufacturing bottlenecks – the impact is now being felt in Malaysia. For solar developers like Skye Renewables, our aim is to provide rooftop solar solutions to our clients at a rate of up to 25% below their current grid tariff, which is usually fixed for the length of the contract (15-21 years). Increasing competition for clients has brought private PPA tariffs down to these levels, as developers have been able to accommodate lower prices given the simultaneous falling costs of their components (mainly panels and inverters). However, the sector’s current challenge is that our costs are increasing, but the grid tariff that we are trying to beat is remaining constant. More Net Energy Metering (NEM) allocation from the Sustainable Energy Development Authority in Malaysia (SEDA) has helped here, as it lowers the risk for developers (and our financial partners and lenders), ensuring that all power that is generated during the life of the contract can be ‘revenuegenerating’ (albeit at a lower feed-in-tariff). This is especially important during ongoing COVID restrictions, where clients are often reducing their capacities and operating hours, either voluntarily or through government mandate.
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GIVEN THE SIMULTANEOUS FALLING COSTS OF THEIR COMPONENTS (MAINLY PANELS AND INVERTERS)." But can this be sustained? Demand remains strong from clients, as seen by a large number of installations and high-profile RFPs in Malaysia over the last 12 months, only slightly delayed during COVID-related lockdowns. For now, developers have been able to absorb margin reductions, ensuring that tariffs continue to be attractive to clients. However, component costs are now rising dramatically on the ground, making it harder for rooftop developers (and our EPC partners) to avoid passing this onto clients through higher tariffs. More marginal projects, which are either sub-scale or with specific engineering challenges, have already seen higher proposed prices per kWh. And what about the future? Well, the current situation does demonstrate that clients shouldn’t wait, as there is no longer the implicit assumption that prices will continue to decrease into perpetuity. We are regularly asked whether it would be sensible to install rooftop solar “in a few years, once system prices have fallen further” – the answer is now much clearer. Probably not. And in the near term, component prices will likely remain high and volatile over the next 24 months, given the time lags associated with such heavily integrated global supply chains. However, at Skye Renewables, we will continue to work with clients to offer a competitive PPA tariff, whilst maintaining our emphasis on the quality of our systems, as well as strong health and safety protocols.”
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 39
PERSPECTIVE
What Is The Potential Of Floating
Solar In The Philippines? AUTHOR: MILAN KOEV FOUNDER, HEXAGON PEAK
The potential of floating solar in the Philippines is enormous. The country has over 1,000 dams and reservoirs all around its territory. Those are equivalent to tens of GWp of solar capacity potential. There has been a couple of case studies with small projects installed as pilots, but the scaling up of this segment is not yet happening. I think key obstacles are access to financing – banks (international and local) and other financing institutions are still reluctant to look at floating solar as a credible asset class, simply because of lack of data. The oldest commercial floating projects in operation are probably 8 to 10 years old and there is an insufficient amount of data to track their performance. Even though there are multiple reports on the effects of a floating solar system over the ecosystem of the reservoir, still the practice is to take those feasibility studies on a project-byproject basis and there hasn’t been an industry-wide agreement. Clear is however already that the water evaporation is significantly reduced due to the shading layer the solar system adds, but there are arguments on plastics pollution (particularly due to the erosion of the floats and cables). On the other hand, there is a clear consensus on the advantages on a system level – the solar panel’s performance increases up to 5% compared to ground-mount PV systems due to the cooling effect of the water surface. The cost for land acquisition
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or rental is saved and particularly in the Philippines, a clear advantage is the benefit of not having to go through land conversion, which has proven to be the bottleneck for largescale utility solar projects in the country. There is around 4 GWp of installed hydropower capacity in the country. Those plants are the lowest hanging fruits for coupling with solar power on the surface of the dams since the infrastructure is already available and the connection point cost is being saved. Some of those hydro plants are very old and the cost of keeping them alive grows exponentially. My personal forecast is that floating solar will become a stronger micro-industry within the solar industry in the next 5 years and we will see a lot more financing institutions and investors stepping in. For this to happen I think the key is to continue optimizing the system cost, particularly the floats and the operations and maintenance of such systems. Robotization and IoT would be great contributors to servicing floating solar projects. “The real deal” however will be the offshore floating industry. Essentially Philippines (and many other much smaller countries) have vast access to seashore waters. So offshore solar has the potential to become as strong as example offshore wind, which has been growing steadily and has been supported by governments all over the world. Offshore solar systems however will still need to prove that they are resistant to natural events; the system equipment is resistant to seawater corrosion and does not affect marine life. The good news is that there are already plenty of offshore projects in operation or under development and despite lack of project financing, developers still manage to execute such projects. So it is really just a matter of time and more analytical data for the floating industry to pick up.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 40
THE RE ACT ALSO PROVIDES AUTHOR: DENNIS A. QUINTERO PARTNER, QUISUMBING TORRES LAW OFFICE (Member Firm of Baker & McKenzie International)
INCENTIVES FOR RE DEVELOPERS, SUCH AS AN INCOME TAX HOLIDAY FOR THE FIRST 7 YEARS, DUTY-FREE IMPORTATION OF RE MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS, AND A LOWER CORPORATE INCOME TAX RATE
There is great potential for floating solar in the Philippines. With 1,830 square kilometers of inland water and a coastline spanning 36,289 km, the possible locations for floating solar power plants are numerous. In July 2019, the Philippines' first floating solar power project located in the 1170 hectare Magat reservoir was switched on. Indeed, there is an increased interest in establishing floating solar projects from energy players in the Philippines, particularly in Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines. The following is an overview of the legal framework involved.
First, the Renewable Energy Act (RE Act) was passed in 2008 to "accelerate the exploration and development of renewable energy resources", such as solar power. The RE Act also provides incentives for RE developers, such as an income tax holiday for the first 7 years, duty-free importation of RE machinery, equipment, and materials, and a lower corporate income tax rate of 10% on net taxable income. Second, under the Philippine Constitution, only corporations, 60% of whose capital is owned by Philippine citizens, may undertake the exploration, development, and utilization of
OF 10% ON NET TAXABLE INCOME." natural resources, including solar power. Third, the operator will need to secure water rights. Under PD 1067, a water right is a privilege granted by the government to appropriate and use water for purposes including power generation. Securing water rights has been a challenge for firms looking towards floating solar plants. However, there are reports that authorities, such as the Laguna Lake Development Authority, are considering implementing rules relating to floating solar plants. From a legal perspective, a floating solar power plant is feasible in the Philippines. Considering the infancy of the technology and the industry, regulations may need time to catch up to the technology. Nonetheless, the essential legal framework to establish floating solar plants is in place. From a demand perspective, there are reports suggesting that the Philippines' annual power consumption is expected to grow by around 5.8% annually until 2030. As the demand for power in the Philippines rises, the growth potential of floating solar plants rises with it.
SECURING WATER RIGHTS HAS BEEN A CHALLENGE FOR FIRMS LOOKING TOWARDS FLOATING SOLAR PLANTS. HOWEVER, THERE ARE REPORTS THAT AUTHORITIES, SUCH AS THE LAGUNA LAKE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, ARE CONSIDERING IMPLEMENTING RULES RELATING TO FLOATING SOLAR PLANTS."
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 41
PRODUCT FEATURE
112MW PV POWER PLANT USING TRINA SOLAR 210 VERTEX 670W ULTRA-HIGH POWER MODULES SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED GRID CONNECTION IN DACHAIDAN, QINGHAI PROVINCE, CHINA ON SEP 17, 2021
As a global leading provider for photovoltaic (PV) modules and smart energy solutions, Trina Solar delivers PV products, applications, and services to promote global sustainable development. Since its establishment in 1997, Trina Solar has been driven by innovative, reliable quality and customer value. With its top-notch research and development of ultra-high power modules, Trina Solar has led the industry into the 600W+ era, with a host of highpower, high-efficiency, high-yield, and highly reliable products, offering new opportunities to further save the system costs of projects and ensure the interests of customers.
THE REASON FOR CHOOSING TRINA SOLAR VERTEX 600W+ MODULES IS THAT THE ULTRA-HIGH POWER MODULES ARE DESIGNED TO REDUCE THE COST OF THE DISTRIBUTED POWER STATIONS AND SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THEIR REVENUE."
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Featured Product: Ultra-high Power Module for the Ultimate 600W + Era T ri n a S o l a r V e r t e x s e r i e s m o d u l e s , w i t h a m o d u l e conversion efficiency of over 21.4%, boasts of a power output of over 600 W. Incorporating 210mm cells, the new Vertex series modules are designed for utility and rooftop installation in large commercial & industrial projects and come in two versions -the bifacial double-glass modules and mono facial back sheet modules.
Technology Specifications B a s e d o n T ri n a S o l a r ' s l e a d i n g m u l t i - b u s b a r technology, Vertex modules incorporate 210mm silicon wafers, non-destructive cutting and highdensity interconnect technologies, allowing over 600W power output and 21.4% module efficiency. By virtue of low-voltage and higher module string power output, the new Vertex series unlocks huge potential for further reducing balance-of-system costs. OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 42
F r a u n h o f e r I S E , t h e w o r l d ’ s l e a d i n g a p p l i e d r e se a r c h third-party organization, has conducted research on the LCOE advantage and value of 210mm Vertex modules in all scenarios. It is found that the CAPEX and LCOE of the new generation of 210mm (G12) Vertex modules are lower than those of the 182mm (M10) modules and the traditional 166mm modules. In the mode of 210mm mono-facial module + fixed tracker, the LCOE of the G12 Vertex 670W modules is 4.5% lower than the M10 585W modules and is 7.4% lower than the M6 455W modules. In the era of grid parity, the advanced Vertex 210mm series of modules have a prominent edge in BOS and LCOE costs. It sets a new cost-saving standard, ultimately ensuring the project’s earnings and maximizing customer value, making PV solar energy more cost-competitive. 210mm silicon wafer brings the highest power output: The 500W+ Vertex module employs cells based on 210mm silicon wafers, which is the largest possible wafer size provided by the semiconductor industry and brings the highest power output. NDC technology brings the best cell performance at chip-level: Non-destructive cutting technology is adopted to achieve the best cell bending strength and section appearance, resulting in the best performance for the minimum cell unit. MBB technology leads to a 0.4%-0.6% increase i n m o d u l e e f f i c i e n c y : M u l t i - b u s b a r , w i t h t h e capability to increase light absorption, perfectly matches the large-area cell. Technology integration enables the Vertex series modules to achieve higher power and power generation capacity per watt. High-density interconnection technology o p t i m i z e s m o d u l e e f f i c i e n c y : B y f l a t t e n i n g c e l l connection areas of welding tape, the cell spacing is reduced to 0.5mm to optimize power output and e f f i c i e n c y , w h i c h w i l l l e a v e a c e r t a i n g a p t o r e d u c e yield risk, micro-cracks and damage to the modules.
Technology Advancements 1 2 - y ea r p r o d u c t w a r r a n t y , 3 0 - y e a r p o w e r w a r r a n t y Up to 30% additional power gain from the rear side in different installation environments B e t t e r t e m p e r a t u r e c o e f f i c i e n t ( - 0 . 3 4 % ) , l o w e r working temperature result in more generated power Excellent IAM (Incident Angle Modifier) and low light performance, validated by 3rd party certifications
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Enhanced frame structure to achieve better reliability Mechanical performance up to 5400 Pa positive load and 2400 Pa negative load
Targeted/ Benefitted Customer Segment T r i n a S o l a r ’ s V er t e x s e r i e s m o d u l e s a r e d e s i g n e d f o r utility and rooftop installation in large commercial & industrial projects. Over the past year, the 600W+ Vertex modules have proven to be highly reliable and adaptable. Plants equipped with 600W+ modules can be found worldwide, including in the 850 MW super large project in Brazil and the 112MW PV agricultural project in Da Chaidan in Qinghai, northwestern China. Recently, Trina Solar’s 2MW commercial project was successfully completed on the roofs of a large-scale factory building in Linyi, Shandong Province. In the first phase, around 40,000 m2 roofs were installed with PV modules, with an installed capacity of 2MW. The project uses Trina Solar’s 210mm Vertex ultrahigh power modules, including 1.5MW of 600W mono-facial modules and 0.5MW of 670W monofacial modules. The installation of the modules took only around 20 days from the beginning to the end of October. The construction period has been greatly shortened compared to the past which indicates the truly convenient installation of ultra-high power modules! The 210mm Vertex 600W+ modules guarantee power generation for 25 years, saving the Linyi factory’s electricity costs and contributing to the target of carbon emission reduction. This rooftop installation is expected to generate 2.6 million kWh in the first year, reduce 2,160 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and save about RMB 1.4 million in electricity costs. In the 25-year service life of the PV power station, the total power generation is expected to reach 62.53 million kWh, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 52,000 tons and saving the factory nearly RMB 33.76 million in electricity costs! In addition, Trina Solar provides a 25-year power warranty and a 12-year product warranty for the Vertex 600W+ ultra-high power mono-facial modules, ensuring the long-term successful operation of the project.
The project is expected to be connected to the grid by the year-end.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 43
Trina Solar Conclusion: S o fa r , m o r e t h a n 5 0 % o f i n d u s t r i a l a n d c o m m e r c i a l p r o j e c t s g l o b a l l y h a v e s e l e c t e d a n d a p p l ie d 6 0 0 W + m o d u l e s . T h e r e a s o n f o r c h o o s i n g T r i n a S o l a r V e r t e x 6 0 0 W + m o d u l e s i s t h a t t h e u l t r a - h ig h p o w e r m o d u l e s a re d e s i g n e d t o r e d u c e t h e c o s t o f t h e d i s t r i b u t e d p o w e r s t a t i o n s a n d s i g n i f i c a n t l y i n c re a s e t h e ir re v e n u e . T h e 2 1 0 m m u l t r a - h i g h p o w e r m o d u l e s a r e g e t t i n g i n e v i t a b l y p o p u l a r i n t h e e r a o f g r i d p a rit y w h e n d is t rib u t e d s c e n a r i o s h a v e b e e n f u l l y u p g r a d e d . P r o d u c t s w i t h a h i g h e r p o w e r r a n g e a n d h i g h e n e rg y y ie l d re p re s e n t e d b y t h e 2 1 0 m m V e r t e x m o d u l e s w i l l f u l l y g u a r a n t e e t h e i n v e s t m e n t i n c o m e o f d i s t r i b u t e d p ro j e c t s b y v irt u e o f t h e ir outstanding advantages.
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 44
COMPANY FEATURE
Founded in 1997, Trina Solar is the world leading PV and smart energy total solutions provider. The company engages in PV products R&D, manufacture and sales; PV projects development, EPC, O&M, smart micro-grid and multi-energy complementary systems development and sales, as well as energy cloud-platform operation. In 2018, Trina Solar launched its Energy IoT brand, established the Trina Energy IoT Industrial Development Alliance together with leading enterprises and research institutes in China and around the world, and founded the New Energy IoT Industrial Innovation Center. With these actions, Trina Solar is committed to working with its partners to build the energy IoT ecosystem and develop an innovation platform to explore New Energy IoT, as it strives to be a leader in global intelligent energy. In June 2020, Trina Solar was listed on the STAR Market of the Shanghai Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit WWW.TRINASOLAR.COM.
VISION: L e a di n g global standardized and solutions
energy transformation with high-value PV smart energy
MISSION: S ol a r e n e r g y f o r a l l
BUSINESS GOALS & OBJECTIVES: T h r o u g h c o n s t a n t i n n o v a t i o n , T r i n a S ol a r c o n t i n u e s to push the PV industry forward by creating greater grid parity of PV power and popularizing renewable energy. The company’s mission is to boost global renewable energy development around the world for the benefit of all of humanity.
BUSINESS STRATEGY: A s o f D e c . 2 0 2 0 , T r i n a S ol a r h a s d e l i v e r e d m o r e t h a n 70 GW of solar modules worldwide, ranked “Top 500 private enterprises in China”. Trina Solar has always adhered to the six strategies of Innovation, Branding, Globalization, Platformization, Intellectualization and Industry-Finance Synergy, leading development in terms of innovation level, economic benefits, product quality and environmental safety. With its outstanding technological innovation capability and leading globalization level, it has accumulated excellent brand reputation and public praise and won numerous domestic and international awards.
TRINA SOLAR’S FACTORY IN CHANGZHOU, CHINA
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OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 45
COMPANY’S PRODUCTS & SERVICES As a global leading provider for PV modules and smart energy solutions, Trina Solar delivers PV products, applications and services to promote global sustainable development.
BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS In 2014, Trina Solar realized the milestone of shipping over 1GW in one quarter. The company also broke the solar cell efficiency world record 7 times that year. To date, Trina Solar’s State Key Laboratory of PV Science and Technology has broken 21 world records on solar cell efficiency and module power. Trina Solar leads the industry in research and development with over 1300 solar PV patents filed to date. The unmatched level of innovation and technological capabilities of Trina Solar has allowed the company to become a global leader by setting industry benchmarks for both quality and efficiency.
QUALITY POLICY OF THE COMPANY P h o t o vo l t a i c p r o j e c t s r e l y o n h i g h q u a l i t y p r o d u c t s that stand the test of time for inputs ranging from engineering design to financing and more. Trina Solar’s products have always maintained high reliability and solid performance based on its commitment to the quality-first policy. In the company’s upstream business model, Trina Solar tightly controls quality over every step of the manufacturing process, from silicon crystallization to module deployment in the field. The company guarantees the quality of its products with an industry-leading 25-year lifetime warranty. In its downstream business model, Trina Solar follows strict compliance with national regulations and industry standards, including Chinese National Standards GB 50797 "Photovoltaic Power Station Design Specifications,” GB 50794 "Photovoltaic Power Plant Construction Specifications,” GBT 50866 “Design Code for Photovoltaic Power Station Connection to Power System and GBT 19939 "photovoltaic system Grid technology requirements,” among others. With an innovative solar design team, rigorous procurement procedures and experienced construction and operation team, Trina Solar has more than 15 years’ worth of hands-on expertise in PV project development.
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SERVICE PLEDGE: Trina Solar ensures the highest quality standards for its PV products across the entire supply chain. This mitigates risks and increases return on investment. Because of the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality PV products, Bloomberg New Energy F i n a n c e ( B N E F ) n a m e d T r i n a S ol a r a s a t o p b a n k a b l e module supplier, five times in a row since 2016. Trina Solar is the only module manufacturer to be rated as fully bankable for five consecutive years by 100% of the experts participating in the BNEF survey. As part of Trina Solar’s commitment to quality and reliability in its own products and across the solar industry, Trina Solar has partnered with third-party testing groups, including TUV Rheinland Group, China General Certification Center, China Quality Certification Center and UL. In 2012, Trina Solar became the first solar PV company to obtain UL's Client Test Data Program certification after undergoing a rigorous inspection and audit process. In 2017, Trina Solar received the first CQC's witnessed Manufacturer's Testing certification in the Solar Industry.
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OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE A s a s o l a r p i o n e e r , T r i n a S ol a r h e l p e d c h a n g e t h i s solar industry, rapidly growing from one of the first PV enterprises in China to become a world leader in solar technology and manufacture. Trina Solar reached a milestone in 2020 when it was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Mr. Jifan Gao, Chairman and General Manager of Trina Solar, founded the company in 1997. At Trina Solar, the team is tackling the world’s energy challenges. The global community at Trina works passionately to bring smarter solar energy solutions to the world, ranging from modules to balance systems to full power plants for its partners.
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T r i n a S o l a r h a s r e g i o n a l h e a d q u a r t e r s i n S w i t z e rl a n d , United States, Japan, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. It has also set up offices and branches in Germany, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, South Korea, India etc. It has also set up production and manufacturing bases in Thailand and Vietnam, with operations in more than 100 countries and regions. The company is committed to working with installers, distributors, utilities and project developers worldwide to build a sustainable solar energy industry, constantly leading the industry in technological innovation, product quality, environmental protection and corporate social responsibility, bringing clean and reliable solar clean energy to households and to commercial and large public facilities.
OCT-NOV ISSUE 2021 | PG 47
Top Honors For The Leaders In Philippin
PHILIPPINES SOLAR WEEK 2021
LEADERSHIP AWARDS
CORPORATES SHARE TH SOLAR WEEK LEADERSH Unveiling the proud winners of Philippines Solar Week Leadership Awards 2021:
Solar Company of the Year: Developer PROINSO
Solar Company of the Year: Consultancy PROINSO
The company is a global leader in the solar energy market, offering solar projects of all scales a full-service portfolio including procurement, engineering, project development, finance, and construction service.The company has supplied over 3.5GW of projects for blue-chip companies and public institutions and has established operations in 5 continents. The company in the last fiscal year has done a project capacity of about 640 KW ac in the Philippines
The company is a global leader in the solar energy market, with business in units project development, distribution and integration, and business solutions. They offer a full-service portfolio for solar projects of all scales that includes advisory, procurement, engineering, project development, finance, and construction services. They work with their partners to provide tailored solar, storage, energy efficiency, and management solutions to clients who want to optimize their energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint.
Solar Company of the Year: Distributor Baywa-re The company has more than 25 years of experience in the photovoltaic market. In the Philippines it was established in 2019, however, the company has been quite successful in serving various customers even during the pandemic. In a span of 2 years, they served more than 200 deliveries to various projects.In the most recent months, the Philippines entity of this company has secured numerous outstanding and game-changing projects. To name a few, the company has secured deals to supply products for a major fast-food chain in the Philippines. A few projects’ highlights are projects completed with Maynilad Water Services inside La Mesa Dam.
Business Leader of the Year - Mr. Ari Natividad, President,ZA Global Partnerships, Corp. Mr.Natividad has been a Renewable Energy developer since 2013. Has developed numerous projects for utility scale solar, wind, and hydro. He has contributed highly to the growth of his company during the pandemic and actually added more projects and employees. The leader has actively participated in numerous speaking engagements for the industry during the pandemic to share knowledge about the industry and market situation. A very commendable approach by him during the Pandemic was to add more employees instead of laying them off. He has added numerous large-scale solar projects to his portfolio and has signed an exclusive full development funding support for the entire pipeline.
Best Solar Project of the Year - Proinso The project is a Rooftop project of 393.6 kWpeak, The total solar production of the project is 290 AC.All the innovations done for the project construction system were under Meralco's net Metering scheme. With the use of Net Metering, even if the demand load was minimal, the power generated from the solar was supplying the Grid, which Meralco pays back to the consumer.
e Solar Industry nes & Malaysia
MALAYSIA
SOLAR WEEK 2021
LEADERSHIP AWARDS
EIR SUCCESS STORIES AT IP AWARDS 2021 Unveiling the proud winners of Malaysia Solar Week Leadership Awards 2021:
Business Excellence Awards Solar Company of the Year: EPC SAMAIDEN GROUP BERHAD The company is one of the key players in the Renewable Energy market, dedicated to offering its expertise and bringing new approaches to these sectors. In terms of projects, a range of projects involving commercial and industrial have been completed and one of the biggest projects that the company has done in the last 2 years is the Malakoff projects in Penang worth Malaysian Ringgit 46.4 million with a capacity of 10MW ac.
Solar Company of the Year: Finance - Leader Energy Holding The company owns and operates two solar farms in Malaysia, i.e. a 29 MWac solar farm under the LSS1 and a 20 MWac solar farm under LSS2 of the Malaysian solar bidding exercise. Both plants achieved their COD according to schedule and managed to raise the first Asean Green Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) Sukuk worth Malaysian Ringgit 260 million.
Solar Company of the Year : Structure AEROCOMPACT India Pvt Ltd The company specializes in the production of aerodynamic substructures for the photovoltaic industry.Their products mainly target removable ground mount systems/ waterproof membrane rooftop systems in the region.The company's products are tested according to the highest industry standards and the static design as well as the wind and snow load calculation is carried out for each individual project in Aerotool, the company's own online 3D engineering software.
Solar Project Excellence Awards Best Solar Project of the Year - Hasilwan (M) Sdn Bhd The winning project is a Malaysian Highway Solar Project.The project involves the installation of approximately 3122 pieces of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on 3 types of solar PV installation methods, namely metal deck roofing of various buildings, building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) car park structure and ground mounted structures. A total of 13 different Solar PV systems over 8 sites would provide an annual green energy generation capacity of approximately 19,05,000 kWh per year.
Best Solar Project of the Year: Floating - ADL SOLAR SDN BHD The company's floating solar project has 36,000 pcs of PV Panels with a total solar production of 15MWp.The company had transformed abandoned land areas into long profitgenerating power production lakes. It Introduced modern and fast construction of operation and management offices incorporating all required functioning spaces.It installed an Artificial Intelligent CCTV system equipped with motion detection compound spotlights.
Technology & Innovation Excellence Awards
Individual Leadership Awards
Smart Technology Innovation of the Year Uzma Group
Emerging Business Leader of the Year Ms.Chow Pui Hee, Group Managing Director, SAMAIDEN GROUP BERHAD
The company’s amazing technology helps in site assessment by using satellite image analytics. The technology helps in flood risk assessment, hydrological historical study, Mapping & Surveying.The advantages of using this technology are that it can be done remotely, it is cost effective, less manpower required, efficiency in data and assessment, less time to produce the study, and 85% accuracy.
Ms. Chow comes with a rich industry experience of 18 years.She established the company with the aim to become the first few successful female entrepreneurs in this field that can provide end-to-end solutions for RE, EE, and Environmental projects. Throughout the years, she has managed to accomplish several remarkable achievements for the company as well as the environment.
Outstanding Service Innovation of the Year Maqo Engineering The company is a leading solar power company and solar panel installer in Malaysia that provides clean energy to residential homeowners to full-scale commercial & industrial solar energy systems and solar farm projects. The company branched beyond the conventional solar panel system, with more creative and innovative layout design and installation to harness its beauty and aesthetics, whilst maximizing the clean energy potential of the sun.
To know more about our awards visit us at: https://solarquarter.com/studio/