SPECIAL FOCUS - INTERSOLAR SPECIAL
www.solarquarter.com
Volume 08. l Issue 11
November 2018
3GW+ in Global Shipments from 2015 to 2017
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Table Of Content
In Conversation
Battery Storage: Shaping The Future Of Renewable Energy
Mr. Rahul Dasari, Co-founder and CEO, Sunshot Technologies
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14 The Importance Of Choosing Modern Short-Term Solar Forecasting Solutions In India
“We have started investing a lot in developing technologies, solutions and services which will help us scaleup the rooftop installations.” Mr. Brajesh Sinha, VP-Business Development, Fourth Partner Energy “Partnering for Sustainable Change”
Mr. Krishnendu Mukherjee, COO, Sova Solar
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16
“Our initial target is increasing our productivity up to 500MW at the end of this fiscal year.” Mr. Kapil Rahul, General manager, LONGi Solar India
18 Solar Consultancy Service: A New Surgence In The Solar Industry
“LONGi Solar is committed to provide better LCOE solutions and promoting worldwide adoption of mono-crystalline technology.” Mr. Brijesh Prajapati, Managing Director, Sofar Solar
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“Hybrid Inverter & Storage inverter is now new concept in Solar market & SOFAR is very aggressive in upgrade Technology.” Mr. Jaideep N. Malaviya, (Secretary General), Solar Thermal Federation of India (STFI)
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“We are the only country to have demonstrated successfully multiplicity of industrial SHIP”
Cover Story - What Makes Your Customers Value Your Brand? ...........28-29
Product Feature: Sapa- We recently launched a new product for Trapezoidal Metal Sheds“T75 Rail”..........................................................................................................32 Avi Solar- The Ultimate Dashboard for PV Monitoring: EagleSun SCADA
Sanelite- Mono PERC Modules - Latest technological invention in making of Solar PV Modules...........................................................................................37 Huawei- Six Reasons to Choose Huawei SUN2000-50KTL-M0.............38
...................................................................................................................................33 West Coast- Rooftop Solar PV Mounting Optimum Solutions ............................ .............................................................................................................................35 Longi Solar-LR6-72HPH 380-400M, High Efficiency, Low LID Mono PERC With Half-Cut Technology............................................................................36
Company Feature: Sineng Electric- Sineng Electric is highly recognized by customers and its counterparts, and has won numerous titles............................................44
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儀唀䄀䰀䤀吀夀 倀伀圀䔀刀匀 伀唀刀 䈀唀匀䤀一䔀匀匀 䄀琀 䜀漀氀搀椀Ⰰ 焀甀愀氀椀琀礀 椀猀 渀漀琀 愀渀 愀挀琀⸀ 䤀琀 椀猀 愀 栀愀戀椀琀⸀ 䤀琀 椀猀 愀氀眀愀礀猀 琀栀攀 爀攀猀甀氀琀 漀昀 最漀漀搀 椀渀琀攀渀琀椀漀渀猀Ⰰ 猀椀渀挀攀爀攀 攀攀漀爀琀Ⰰ 椀渀琀攀氀氀椀最攀渀琀 搀椀爀攀挀琀椀漀渀 愀渀搀 猀欀椀氀氀昀甀氀 攀砀攀挀甀琀椀漀渀㬀 椀琀 爀攀瀀爀攀猀攀渀琀猀 愀 眀椀猀攀 挀栀漀椀挀攀 漀甀琀 漀昀 洀愀渀礀 愀氀琀攀爀渀愀琀椀瘀攀猀⸀
䜀漀氀搀椀 匀漀氀愀爀 倀瘀琀 䰀琀搀
⠀䘀漀爀洀攀爀氀礀 䜀漀氀搀椀 䜀爀攀攀渀 吀攀挀栀渀漀氀漀最椀攀猀 倀瘀琀 䰀琀搀⤀ ꤀ ㈀ 㠀 䜀伀䰀䐀䤀 匀伀䰀䄀刀 倀嘀吀⸀ 䰀吀䐀⸀ w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m
吀漀氀氀 䘀爀攀攀㨀 㠀 㠀㌀㌀ 㔀㔀 吀攀氀㨀 ⬀㤀 ㈀㘀 㜀 㤀㤀㤀 㤀㤀 椀渀昀漀䀀最漀氀搀椀⸀漀渀攀 眀眀眀⸀最漀氀搀椀⸀漀渀攀 Solar Quarter • November 2018 7
India NEWS
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ndia adds 1.5 GW of solar in Q3, PV output grows India’s cumulative installed solar power capacity reached 26 GW at the end of September
after 1.5 GW of fresh photovoltaic (PV) capacity came online in the third quarter. This is up from 1.4 GW in the second quarter. According to data released by India’s Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the total installed capacity rose by 53% year-on-year from 17 GW at the end of September 2017. In terms of generation, the output of India’s solar parks came at 8,399 million kWh in the July-September quarter, growing 58% on a yearly basis. However, generation was 12% lower as compared to the second quarter when some 9,514 million kWh were produced. The decline is due to seasonality. Solar output in the first nine months of the year, however, marked a 76% year-on-year jump to 26,449 million kWh.
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ovt puts solar power on fast track; asks state-run firm to float 4,000 MW tenders in 4 months
objectives of addressing the energy requirement of farmers, empowering rural economy and to reduce financial stress on DISCOMs, the Gujarat State Government had decided to utilize solar resources available in the State for the benefit of the farmers and accordingly notified the Scheme “Suryashakti Kisan Yojna (SKY)” to be implemented on pilot basis. The scheme is to be implemented on pilot basis, on 137 numbers of agriculture feeders covering 12400 numbers of agriculture connections having aggregate load of 1,42,000 HP in 33 Districts of the State. Under Pilot scheme, it is estimated that solar PV panels of aggregate capacity of 175 MW will be installed in the field of farmers with estimated cost of Rs. 900 Crore.
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SES Launches 15MW Rooftop Solar Scheme In New Delhi Delhi Power Minister Inaugurates Next Phase of BSES Solar City Initiative
ÂÂ Delhi Power Minister Inaugurates Next Phase of BSES Solar City Initiative– ‘Solarise Shakur Basti’ Launched after extra ordinary success of Phase one in Dwarka. ÂÂ Shakur Basti area is home to important colonies like Paschim Vihar & many apartment complexes. Area has a solar roof top potential of around 15 MWp
The government has asked SECI to bring 1,000 MW tenders every month from November 2018 to February 2019, in order to expedite the process of capacity edition amid criticism over unmet targets. The government has put its ambitious solar power capacity addition plan on a fast track,
ÂÂ BSES is targeting around 5 MWp roof top solar by 2019-2020 in Shakur Basti area. ÂÂ Around 100 CGHS/ apartment complexes have signed-up in Phase one (Solarise Dwarka)•BSES has energised over 1000 (~ 45 MWp) roof top solar net metering
asking the state-run Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to bring tenders to install 4,000 megawatt (MW) solar power capacity in four months to February 2019. The government has asked SECI to bring 1,000 MW tenders every month from November 2018 to February 2019, in order to expedite the process of capacity edition amid criticism over unmet targets, The Indian Express reported. The proposal to add 4,000 MW of solar capacity is, however, unlikely to help in meeting the government’s target of 1 lakh MW of solar capacity by 2022, The Indian Express report said. India has an installed solar energy capacity of 25,000 MW. The move comes with an assumption that the code of conduct for the next generation election will be enforced in March next year. The solar capacity that is expected to be commissioned in the current financial year is 4,165 MW, while the total of 4,740 of solar capacity is likely to be commissioned during the next financial year 2019-20, the newspaper said.
connections After the extraordinary success of BSES Rajdhani Power Limited’ (BRPL) Solar City Initiative –‘Solarise Dwarka’, which has seen around 100 societies / apartment complex in Dwarka showing interest and signing-up for the initiative, the discom has now launched next Phase ( phase two) of the program.
Bengaluru tops in use of solar energy products
A survey conducted by Velocity MR, a consumer research company, nearly 6 out of 10
people in the metros use or have used solar products in their homes. In Bengaluru, solar lamps and water heaters are among popular products and people here had the highest satisfaction in using solar energy compared to other metros. The survey revealed that the city has more environmental concerns and makes attempts to reduce its electricity costs. The survey further said that though 69% of the respondents think the government is taking
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ttar Pradesh Invites Bids to Set Up 200 MW Solar Park The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has
invited bids from selection of solar park developers to develop 200 MW solar park in the state through tariff-based competitive bidding process.
some steps to make solar energy available for general use, there is a lack of awareness among the public. Bengalureans felt that awareness about solar technology and government initiatives should be raised to promote the use of solar products for household/domestic purpose. Though the use of solar products was the highest in Bengaluru, other metros saw the popularity of other products. For example, solar inverters were more popular in Mumbai.
The solar park will be developed according to the guidelines for setting up private solar park in the state under Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy 2017 and the guidelines issued by the Ministry of New and Renewables Energy (MNRE). The Uttar Pradesh government will provide support for strengthening the grid network, while the DISCOMs will offer to purchase 100 percent power generated by the solar park, and also allow full sale to a third party under the Solar Energy Policy 2017. The earnest money deposit for the project is ₹200,000 (~$2,780) per MW. The last date for bid submission is December 10, 2018. Technical bids will open on December 11, 2018 and the financial bids will open on December 19, 2018.
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ndian state-owned utility tenders a further 1.2 GW of solar The projects, in Maharashtra state, will be commissioned through a reverse auction with
technical bidding to close on December 19. The deadline for the submission of financial bids and the date for the reverse auction after the opening of financial bids, will be published in due course.After tendering 70 MW of floating solar capacity in Kerala last month, Indian state owned electricity generator NTPC has invited bids for the development of 1.2 GW of grid connected solar PV projects in Maharashtra state. The projects must be on land near NTPC’s generating switchyards and the power produced will be connected to the interstate transmission system through the NTPC switchyards, and will be purchased by NTPC. The projects will be commissioned through a reverse auction.Successful bidders must operate on a ‘build, own, operate’ (BOO) basis, meaning they must finance, design, construct, own and operate the solar facility. There is no restriction on where the modules used in the projects originate and the tender is technology agnostic, so crystalline silicon, thin film or concentrated PV – and systems with or without trackers – will be considered.
SECI’s Manufacture-linked bids put off, for fourth time
State-run Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has postponed, for the fourth time, its
first manufacturing-linked solar auction of 10,000 MW.
The government’s earlier effort to stimulate local manufacturing of solar equipment through special auctions had run afoul of WTO rules and SECI, an arm of the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE), is keen not to repeat the same mistake. “We have to be careful. MNRE has been in consultation with the commerce ministry to ensure rules are complied with,” said a government official. SECI’s auction, for the first time, seeks to link offtake of power from solar projects to also setting up manufacturing capacity. Only those bidders will be considered who also commit to starting solar panel and module manufacturing units. Against the 10,000 MW being bid out, SECI wants at least 3,000 MW of fresh manufacturing capacity to be created. Developers can bid for a minimum of 2,000 MW, to which is linked setting up of 600 MW of annual manufacturing capacity.
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ndia’s 10GW Solar Tender Deadline Extended Again, Maximum Tariff Increased To INR 2.85
In order to make the 10GW more attractive for Indian as well as global players, SECI has extended the deadline again as well as eased some of the clauses. As per the scheme, 3 GW of cumulative annual solar manufacturing units are seen to be set up over three years, resulting in 10 GW of new generation capacities. The original tender was launched in the month of June this year and has been extended for various reasons since then. SECI has now deferred the last date for receiving bids to November 19. The below are the recent amendments that have been made to the tender.
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ujarat Approves Pilot Project For 175MW Agriculture Solar Feeder Scheme
In order to promote use of renewable energy and to increase income of farmers, the Central Government has contemplated a scheme called ‘Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan’ (KUSUM).
The maximum tariff payable to the Project Developer is now fixed at INR 2.85/ kWh for 25 years. The bidders will be free to avail any fiscal incentives like accelerated depreciation, concessional customs and excise duties, tax holidays etc. as available for such solar PV power projects. The ceiling tariff was initially set at INR 2.93/unit, and then reduced in line with global decline of solar modules prices.
In addition to KUSUM scheme of the Central Government and in order to achieve multiple
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Asia NEWS
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ndia Power wins Albania’s large-scale solar tender The Kolkata-based developer will build a 100 MW solar park in the Akërni salt flats,
near Vlorë. A 50 MW section of the plant will sell power to the local distributor at €59.9 per MWh over a 15-year period, while the remaining portion will sell electricity at market prices.
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igning Ceremony Of Joint Project For PV System Installation For Service Station In Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for Distribution and JCCP held a signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Agreement at Head Quarter of ADNOC Distribution in Abu Dhabi to launch the technical cooperation project named “Joint Project on PV System Installation
Albania’s Ministry of Energy and Industry has awarded a contract to build the large-scale
for Service Station in Abu Dhabi”.
PV project it tendered in August to Indian energy company India Power Corporation
Mr. Mr. Saeed M. Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer, ADNOC Distribution and Mr. Eiji
Limited. In its announcement, the ministry said that the solar park, originally set to be 50 MW, will now have a total capacity of 100 MW. It added that a 50 MW section of the project will be awarded a 15-year tariff of €59.9 per MWh, while the remaining 50 MW will sell power to the local retail electricity market. The €70 million project is set to be finalized within 18 months, and will be located at the Akërni salt flats, near the Vlora river on the southeastern Adriatic. According to Albanian newspaper Monitor, six bids were submitted for the tender, with three developers shortlisted: India Power Corporation Limited, the UAE-based Mining Resources FZE, and Hong Kong’s Midami Limited. The Albanian government said the tender was able to deliver a final price lower than those
Hiraoka, Senior Executive Director, JCCP signed the MOA witnessed by Mr. Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri, Marketing, Sales and Trading Director of ADNOC Group and a member of the Board of ADNOC Distribution. Among some 30 participants of the ceremony, HE Mr. Kanji Fujiki, the Japanese Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Mr. Ryota Seno, the General Manager of Abu Dhabi Branch Office, Cosmo Engineering. In the project, they build a solar power pilot facility with a capacity of 53.55 KW at the Yas North Service Station of ADNOC Distribution (one of major service stations in Abu Dhabi) to monitor the operation of power generation and evaluate its performance. It will be the first-ever service station in Abu Dhabi installed small power generation equipment directly connected to the national power grid.
seen in tenders recently held in Greece and Turkey.
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ustralia could run on 100% renewable energy by 2030s Australian National University (ANU) analysis has found that Australia is on its way
J
apan Asia Investment, Partners Comission 2.6-MW PV Plant In Iwate
Tokyo-based Japan Asia Investment Co Ltd. announced on Friday it has completed a 2.6-
to running on 100 per cent renewable energy by early 2030s.
MW solar photovoltaic plant in Iwate prefecture.
Renewable energy in Australia is on the rise, this could also result in them reaching the
The Ichinoseki City Suzugasawa Solar Power Station, as it is named, is the second half
half way goal of 50 per cent renewable energy, set at the Paris Agreement, by 2025.
of the 5.3-MW Ichinoseki complex, developed using the solar sharing method. In this
The country is set to install over 10 gigawatts of new wind and solar power in 2018 and
method, the PV panels are installed high above the ground so that the land below can be
2019. As a result, if the rate of growth in maintained, they report found that they should
used to grow crops.
reach their target of running on 100 per cent renewable energy by early 2030s.
This solar plant was developed in a partnership with Renewable Japan Co Ltd and Tokyu
Australia had a record breaking last year, adding 2,200 megawatt capacity of renewable
Land Corp, with financing from Tohoku Bank, the company stated in its press release.
energy. However, the people who produced the report, although convinced that
Covering an area of 58,095 sq m, Suzugasawa Solar is comprised of 9,460 solar panels
technology and the renewable energy industry will be able to meet the goal, have voiced
with an estimated annual power generation of about 3,030,975 kWh, enough to meet the
concerns over how politics will interfere.
annual demand of some 683 households, Japan Asia noted.
Recently, the newly appointed Australian Government have come under pressure from environmentalists about the fate of the country’s climate policy.
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aunch Of The Construction Of The Râ Solar Plant In Egypt (32 MW) Within The World’s Largest Solar Complex
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lobal Focus | Smart PV Power Plant Project Preludes The Opening Of G20 Buenos Aires Summit
The Two Heads of State Jointly Witness Signing of Agreements on Argentina Largest Photovoltaic Project by Power Construction Corporation of China
Voltalia, an international player in renewable energies, announces the beginning of the
At the end of November, the 2018 G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held in Argentina. Recently,
construction of Râ Solar, its first solar power plant in Africa.
CCTV G20 Summit “Roads of Argentina” has been launched and focused on the signing
On the occasion of its participation to the Africa Investments Forum in Paris today, Voltalia
agreements of Cauchari 300MW smart PV power plant project, which is witnessed by the
announces it has started the construction of Râ Solar, a 32MW solar power plant located
heads of state of China and Argentina. It is the largest PV power plant in South America
in the Ben Ban complex, in the Aswan region.
as well as the first large-scale PV power generation project in Argentina. Located at 4,200
The project will benefit from a 25 year power sales contract with the state owned
meters above sea level in Jujuy, Argentina, the 300MW smart PV power station is the
Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, which will come into effect starting from the commissioning of the plant, scheduled for H2 2019. The contract was signed upon an official visit of president Abdel Fatah al Sissi in Paris in October 2017. With a 1.8 GW capacity, the Ben Ban solar PV complex is the world’s largest solar cluster. It will contribute to achieve the 2GW target of solar installed capacity set by Egypt within the scope of the Paris Agreement in 2015. In addition, the overall Ben Ban cluster is expected to avoid 2 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year while improving access to an affordable and clean energy in Egypt.
highest-altitude PV power plant in Latin America. The plant is adopted Huawei Smart PV solutions entirely. The area of this site is equivalent to the half area of Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. The completion of the project will terminate the status of Jujuy’s purchase of electricity from other provinces, achieving self-sufficiency in electricity. Moreover, the project adopts Huawei Smart PV solutions and high-altitude construction experience, which will provide valuable experience for Argentina’s national energy development strategy.
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ali Tourist Attraction Goes Green With Renewable Power
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onstruction Of 2.35 MW Of PV Launched Under UAECaribbean Renewables Fund
Construction has been launched on 2.35 MW of solar photovoltaic plants in the Bahamas, Barbados and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, it was announced on Tuesday. The projects are part of the USD-50-million United Arab Emirates-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund that was set up in January to support renewable energy projects in the Caribbean over the next three years. Those are the first three projects from the entire portfolio, covering 16 countries, that enter construction, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a press release.
Terregra Asia Energy Tbk has completed its first commercial solar project in Indonesia
at the iconic Waterbom waterpark in Bali. Thousands of Australians visit the Waterbom waterpark every year and the new rooftop solar project will help this major tourist attraction to run on clean, renewable power. The project will operate under a businessto-business scheme and is owned and operated by Terregra Asia Energy – a leading hydro and solar renewable developer and the only publicly listed IPP in South East Asia. Construction was completed less than three months after the signing of the contract and it will be operational for 20 years. “This is our first commercial solar project in Indonesia but we have many more in development,” said Graham Pearson, Director of its Australian subsidiary Terregra Renewables. “Beyond the commercial solar projects, we also intend
The three solar projects include a 900-kW carport PV array with an electric vehicle charging
to develop, build and operate more than 500MW of hydro projects in Indonesia over the
station at the national stadium in the Bahamas, a 350-MW solar carport, also with an
next 5 years.” But with plans to grow further, Terregra Asia Energy Tbk launched into the
EV station, and a 500-kW ground-mounted PV facility in Barbados. The third scheme
Australian market earlier in 2018 and established Terregra Renewables to develop, build
envisages the construction of 600-kW solar plant in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
and operate utility scale solar projects.
to be connected to a 500-kW battery storage facility, covering the entire island’s power demand during the daytime.
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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••November November2018 2018 10
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 11
Global NEWS
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ew Solar Plant In Mexico For A Sustainable And 100% Green Future
The construction of the Magdalena II solar plant, the first renewable Enel Green Power plant in the Mexican state of Tlaxcala, has begun. Another step forward in our growth in Mexico, where we are committed to the ever greater spread of green energy. The construction of the first Enel Green Power power plant in the region, the Magdalena
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rgentina launches 400 MW mini renewables auction The government of Argentina has launched a “mini-tender” for 400 MW of renewable
energy generation capacity, after the exercise was announced in early September. The auction is the fourth round of the RenovAr program for large-scale renewable energy projects.
II 220 MW solar park, started today in the municipalities of Tlaxco and Hueyotlipan, in the
The Ministry of Energy and Mines has set a ceiling price of $60/MWh for the solar and
Mexican state of Tlaxcala.
wind power generated. Maximum quotas of fiscal benefits for each category of energy
The laying of the foundation stone took place in the presence of the Governor of the
were also fixed, at $630,000/MW for wind; $382,500 for PV; $1.12 million for biomass;
State of Tlaxcala, Marco Antonio Mena Rodríguez, the Mayors of Tlaxco and Hueyotlipan, Gardenia Hernández Rodríguez and Mauro León Garfias, and Paolo Romanacci, EGP Area
$2.02 million for biogas; $585,000 for biogas landfill; and $1.26 million for small hydro.
Manager in Mexico and Central America.
The ministry also determined “reference values for investments for each technology, for
“This new project is yet another step in our expansion within the important Mexican
the purposes of calculating the necessary expenditures to achieve the effective principle
market, where we are continuing to bring our global renewable expertise. The company’s
of execution of each project”. For wind, the reference value is $1.4 million/MW; for solar
entry into the State of Tlaxcala, which boasts an abundance of solar resources, confirms
$850,000; for biomass $2.5 million; for biogas $4.5 million; for biogas landfill $1.3 million;
our commitment to help Mexico meet its electricity needs by boosting the Country’s renewable energy mix.”– Paolo Romanacci, Head of EGP Mexico and Central America.
S
olar Power Is Europe’s Most Popular Energy Solar has highest level of public support in Europe finds new European Social Survey.
and for small hydro $2.8 million.
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razil’s Ceara approves 264-MW solar project Coema, the state council on the environment of the Brazilian state of Ceara approved
A new European Social Survey on ‘European Attitudes toward Climate Change and Energy‘
last week a solar complex project with about 264 MW of installed capacity.
found that solar power has the highest level of support in Europe, with 89% of Germans
Named Complexo Fotovoltaico Apodi, the project will require BRL 800 million (USD
85% of Italians and 85% of French saying it was their preference. Aurélie Beauvais, Policy Director of SolarPower Europe said: “Solar is the energy choice of Europeans. Nine out of ten people believe that solar is the best technology to affordably
245.18m/EUR 219.98m) in investments to be made in its seven solar farms. In total, the complex will consist of 825,300 solar modules of 320 Wp each.
address climate change and ultimately help reach the EU’s 2050 decarbonisation goal.”
The solar plant, once completed, will cover four different cities. Its energy will be fed into
Beauvais added: “Solar is the most democratic and decentralised form of energy. The
the grid via a 230-Kv overhead transmission line.
beauty of solar is that anyone, anywhere can install it on their residence, school, hospital
Of the seven plants, four are already secured through former energy auctions, while the
or business. That is why it is crucial that the EU get the upcoming Electricity Market Design Directive right for small-scale solar players. A market design fit for small solar installations will ensure that European citizens can continue to take an active part in the energy transition.”
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PES Solutions: Internet Of Things Becomes A Growth Driver For Off-Grid Photovoltaics
The off-grid solar module manufacturer OPES Solutions expects that the Internet of Things boom will significantly increase the demand for small photovoltaic modules. The background is the ever-lower energy consumption of modern data technology and the
remaining three will take part in the next federal tenders, Coema said in a press release. (BRL 1 = USD 0.306/EUR 0.275)
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erano Capital wins large portion of Argentina’s solar tender to deliver 100 MW project
Verano Capital, an American project developer headquartered in Chile, announced that it won 18% of the solar capacity in auction at the Argentinian energy tender with its 100 MW VeCaSo-1 solar project. Located near Mendoza, Verano’s PV project was selected on
falling costs of solar modules.
a winning bid at $42.50/MWh.
The combination of both developments already makes the power supply of small
This is yet another achievement for the company, who completed the development of a
decentralized devices and sensors through photovoltaics particularly economical today.
project that was awarded a large chunk of the Chilean energy auction just 2 weeks ago.
Even if a power grid is available, in many cases solar energy can be cheaper than a grid connection. “The world is becoming increasingly connected, and cheap energy is needed wherever
The VeCaSo-1 100 MW project is set to be completed in 2019 and will run on a 20year “take-or-pay” power purchase agreement. Within this PPA framework, the generator
devices communicate with each other as for instance in Smart Cities. In the last 6 months
takes on the production risk, with its plant expected to deliver power on a must-run basis.
we received more enquiries for IoT concepts that use photovoltaics as an economic energy
CAMMESA, Argentina’s national utility company, on the other hand, must integrate all of
source than in the complete previous year”, said OPES Solutions CEO Robert Händel in a
the plant’s output, or remit compensatory energy payments if it fails to do so.
presentation at PV Days Conference at Fraunhofer Institute in Halle, Germany. He expects the Smart City market, which will rely to some extend on solar power, to reach 5.6 Billion USD in 2022.
$
25.38/MWh bid sets new record low for 24/7 block mixing wind and solar at Chile Tender
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he government of the western Canadian province of Alberta has decided to increase the budget of its $36 million Residential and Commercial Solar Program
“Albertans are eager to install solar, and provincial programs make it that much easier,”
Verano Capital, an American project developer headquartered in Santiago, announced
Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Parks, Shannon Phillips said. According to the
that the 47 MW solar project they initially developed was selected in Chile’s latest energy
statement, the province’s installed PV capacity at the end of 2018 was around 35 MW,
tender with a winning bid at $25.38/MWh, the lowest 24/7 block price combining solar and wind ever recorded in the history of energy tenders. The winning bid was offered by a solar project which will be coupled with wind projects
while more than 950 installations have been connected to the grid under the scheme since it was launched in April of last year.
to offer a 24/7 supply over a 20-year period. Dylan Rudney, CEO of Verano Capital, who
The government has raised solar rebate levels by 15% for residential projects from $.075/
originally designed and developed the solar project before partnering with the fund who
watt to $0.90/watt, and by 25% for non-profit organizations, from $0.75/watt to $1.00/
eventually took the project to bid, expressed his satisfaction with the results of the tender.
watt. Furthermore, it has also raised per-project cap for businesses and non-profits from
“It was an extremely competitive tender. Contracts were awarded at an average price of
$500,000 to $1 million.
$32.50/MWh, which represents a 75% drop from the peak of $130/MWh reached in the 2013 tenders. These are the lowest renewable energy prices we have ever seen on a 24/7
It has also allocated an additional $7.5 million to help Alberta municipalities develop solar
energy auction anywhere in the world. This will be most directly beneficial to Chilean
projects within their communities through the Alberta Municipal Solar Program. “Managed
energy consumers, but it also underpins the changing trend in the energy industry,
by the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, first-time applicants to the program will
where conventional energy sources are no longer able to compete with increasingly low
also receive an additional rebate incentive of $0.25/watt,” the Albertan government said.
renewable energy costs,” said Rudney.
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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••November November2018 2018 12
Saatvik™
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Our current annual capacity is 200MW and we would be reaching 500MW by the end of this year. Toll Free No. : 1800-1801051 | Email: info@saatvikgroup.com | Website: www.saatvikgroup.com
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 13
In Conversation
“We have started investing a lot in developing technologies, solutions and services which will help us scaleup the rooftop installations.” Mr. Rahul Dasari, Co-founder and CEO, Sunshot Technologies
Please tell us about the current installed capacity of the company and what are the investment plans for this year?
are as per the expectations. But in north India because of pollution and suspended
Recently we have crossed 150 rooftop installations. In 2014 we had a humble start with
yield estimation. The yields in such regions are much lesser than these software estimates.
FIAT, 10 kWp rooftop capacity and in September 2018 we have commissioned 3350 kWp
When it comes to yield estimates in such areas we go with absolute on-field data.
rooftop capacity at Bangalore International Airport.
particulate matter none of the modeling software can take up the actual conditions for
Financially majority of our customers are satisfied and as a result we are also doing well.
We have been almost doubling our installed capacity in the rooftop space every year and want to increase this pace with exceptional Quality and Safety standards. We are one of the few companies in rooftop solar sector which is well capitalized and
Financing is still a major issue in the sector. How difficult is
profitable; where excessive competition has really eroded the margins and made it look
raising finance for rooftop solar projects?
like commodity product.
There are two types of projects happening in rooftop solar. One is in Capex model and
At Sunshot we truly believe that it is a temporary phase; working power plant on top of the
other is Opex model.
roof of an industrial and commercial entity is not an easy job from quality and technology point of view. In the EPC business the only way you can differentiate yourself is how your previous projects have really worked out and performing. We have started investing a lot in developing technologies, solutions and services which will help us scaleup the rooftop installations. Inherently scaling rooftop solar power plant
In Opex; third party investor puts in money and signs the PPA with customer. This model is for the customers with BBB+ ratings. Here we do not see any financing issue. The actual challenge is with returns. The market has become so commoditized that many of the foreign investors are not meeting there return numbers. As a result, they put cost pressure
is very difficult as every roof is different, and you need to do a customized job.
on EPC which can hamper the quality of the solar power plant.
This year we have introduced our own PV module mounting structure brand-PVFix. Our
In Capex projects; most of the Indian nationalized financing institutes including State
structures are designed to reduce the overall installation time and improves quality of the
Bank, Punjab National Bank and Non-Banking Financial Companies has been not very
installation. Similarly, from asset management perspective we believe that when you have hundreds of assets spread across various roofs you need to bring in advanced technologies like IoT, Analytics, Automatic intelligent cleaning systems etc. to manage the assets well; both technically and commercially.
forthcoming to support the sector. This is the reason you can not see lot of projects happening under Capex model.
Do you think India is an investor friendly market for this
You had a recent plant built for Bangalore International Airport Ltd. Would like to tell us more about this project? What have been the most interesting & challenging projects that you have undertaken so far?
sector?
After commissioning multimegawatt capacity rooftop solar power plant at Mumbai
lot of external factors has brought in uncertainty into the solar sector, this is impacting
International Airport, I am proud to share with you that in September 2018 we have commissioned 3.35 MWp rooftop solar power plant at Bangalore International Airport (BIAL). It is the single largest rooftop solar power plant order in the Indian solar industry.
Yes, absolutely. India is a great market for solar investors. Testimony to the fact is at speed which solar installations in the country has ramped up in last 2-3 years. This would not have happened if investors would have found the market not to be investor friendly. But the investments in the sector. For example, rooftop solar net metering policy is not implemented in smooth fashion. The 1 MW cap on the net metering must be removed.
This is a significant milestone in our journey of clean energy. BIAL solar power plant adheres
Rupee has greatly depreciated against dollar as a result lot of bidding has gone haywire.
to finest safety practices, quality norms, and construction methodology.
Also, there is always an uncertainty regarding open access policies, government keep
After thorough analysis of all the roofs at BIAL, we installed solar power plant over multiple
changing it regularly because of which project IRR goes for a toss.
roofs like Engineering and Maintenance, Menzies Bobba and Air India SATS buildings.
Not in India but across the world distribution companies facing huge pressure on the
These roofs are easy to maintain and can yield maximum energy. Additionally, we had to design and engineer power plant such that the solar panels should not cast glare taking off and landing of the planes. For us, one of the latest and most challenging project was Nashik City Center Mall, 842 kWp capacity. The challenging and most interesting part of the project was its roof diversity. The
bottom line. This is bound to happen. Here government need to step-up and support distribution companies by giving them targets to increase rooftop solar installations in there respective areas and give subsidy amount can be given to the distribution companies for their economic viability.
power plant has been installed on RCC, Metal and Polycarbonate sheet roofs of the mall. The RCC roof of multilevel car parking building is utilized to install significant capacity of power plant using 18 ft high metal structure raised on the 7th floor of the building. For Polycarbonate roof, safety was of prime importance. We have done a great work in installing 91 tons of steel structure on the polycarbonate sheet and RCC roof where 515 kWp capacity has been installed. Around 327 kWp of total capacity has been installed on various trapezoidal and Kalzip metal roofs of the mall. The other challenging installations was Cognizant Technology Solutions – 472 kWp capacity. At the Chennai facility of Cognizant, we have installed power plant on a 9-story multi-level-car-park building using 110 tons of steel. The power plant is designed to withstand a wind speed of more than 180 Km/hr. I am proud to say that our designs have
India is a great market for solar investors. Testimony to the fact is at speed which solar installations in the country has ramped up in
sustained the high wind speeds from cyclone Vardah which hit Chennai 1.5 years back.
last 2-3 years. This would not have happened if
How have your projects performed, financially and technically? Has the ROE been up to your own expectations?
investors would have found the market not to be
Yes, most of our projects have performed as per the expectations both commercially and
investor friendly.
technically. We are neither too aggressive or conservative with our energy yield assessment. We do yield assessment very methodically and scientifically from the climate data we get, this helps in setting the expectations right. The yields from all the plants we have installed
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In Conversation
Partnering for Sustainable Change Mr. Brajesh Sinha, VP-Business Development, Fourth Partner Energy
What have been some of the recent developments at your organization? Our biggest milestone in the recent past has been the USD 70 million fund raise from The Rise Fund managed by TPG. Partnership with The Rise Fund has allowed us to expand our boundaries of thinking. We are scaling up multifold. We are almost going to triple our size as compared to last year. Our vision with The Rise Fund is not to be India’s number one company in the field but to champion the cause across entire region including Asia, Middle East and Africa. We help our clients reduce their cost of power by giving them the option of setting up
not only are we, but our clients as well can monitor the performance of the plants. We have set dedicated teams operating out of our hubs in Hyderabad and Pune which constantly monitor the performance of all our plants and in case any plant is not performing up to the mark, they are quick to identify the same and deploy a team to fix the issue. The app is equipped with string-level monitoring which helps diagnose the root-cause in the shortest possible time and ensure low down-times. Our overall approach has helped us win the confidence of some of the largest industrial and commercial names in India.
funds to build capabilities in the form of more people, offices etc.
Are you content with the progress of the Indian solar industry and the new policies being introduced by both state and central government? What more would you like to expect from the government policies?
In terms of product offerings, we are thinking beyond just solar to become a distributed
Government has announced the National Solar Mission of setting-up 100 GWp of solar
solar plants on their roofs at zero costs in return for long term power purchase agreements at pre-determined prices. Bulk of the money will go into building a healthy portfolio of solar assets. Typical to any classic private equity investment, we will allocate a part of the
energy management company. This is built on the premise that we are at the customers’ premises and we should be able to manage all their energy requirements within those premises. Energy efficiency, electric vehicle charging, we can make their premises smart, by adding battery we can help take their premises go off-grid. These are some of the solutions the firm is working upon. Further, access of energy into rural India offers an opportunity to serve 200-300 million people who still don’t have a good source of power for their commercial use. This kind of extended thinking is what the firm is putting in place.
Project performance is becoming an increasingly important factor for project developers. How do you address the performance related demands & concerns of the project owners? Fourth Partner Energy’s journey has been a little over 8 years. In this time, we have transitioned from a pure play EPC company to one of the largest developers in the distributed solar industry. Our entire model is that of a partnership, where we are out
plants by 2022 but till date we have added approximately 23 GW only. The Centre and State Governments are putting in place policy and regulations to help spur this growth to meet these ambitious targets but the need of the hour is clarity on some of these policies and also long-term stability of these policies. There is a lot of uncertainty amongst the suppliers whether GST will be charged at 5% or 18% for solar photovoltaic water pumping systems. Recent imposition of safe guard duty may put lot of projects at risk for developers given that the developers are already feeling the pinch due to regulatory delay in allowing pass-through of 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Net Metering guidelines have been put in place in most states, but more efforts are needed to expedite net metering implementation and approvals procedures in most of the states. The state government/ DISCOMS can play a key role in penetration of OPEX model. Industry players suggest involvement of DISCOMs as a party to the PPA between the developer and the consumer to reduce the consumer credit risk. It will help both the developers and SMEs in solving the basic problem associated with OPEX model and can
there ensuring our customers identify and realise strong savings in the prices of power by
really help the growth of rooftop solar segment.
using solar on their roofs.
However, on the positive side, guidelines are being put in place which require all new
One needs to realise that the returns from the power plant for both customers as well as
buildings above certain size to have provisions for rooftop solar. The Government’s
us, as developers is directly tied to the plant performance and their ability to sweat for life of the asset, i.e. 25 years. Three key components that go into ensuring the same are:
Smart City project entails making over 100 cities across India sustainable; and rooftop installations are an important step in growth of solar industry.
ÂÂ Quality of the project executed ÂÂ Quality of the components used ÂÂ Ability to effectively service the plants While many companies typically outsource some portion of the value chain, that could be either engineering and construction, procurement or service, at Fourth Partner Energy, one of our biggest differentiators is that we developed in-house capabilities across the entire value chain. We have the ability to go out and execute these plants for the customers, with our own team, with our own capabilities which means we can engineer the solutions, procure the components, implement them on sites and more importantly make sure these assets operate efficiently and generation is maximised for life of the plant, i.e. 25 years. Partnering for Sustainable Change The increasing scale of operations and strong long-standing relations with component suppliers helps 4PEL in procuring quality equipment and components at best terms. Also, we conduct regular audits of our suppliers’ facilities to ensure they are adhering by our standards. We realise in the long fray, service is going to be a game changer in our industry and at a very early stage itself, we made significant investments in strengthening our service capabilities. We invested in technology to monitor the performance of our plants and help deliver quick resolution in case our plants face any problems.
“We help our clients reduce their cost of power by giving them the option of setting up solar plants on their roofs at zero costs in return for long term power purchase agreements at predetermined prices. Bulk of the money will go into building a healthy portfolio of solar assets. Typical to any classic private equity investment, we will allocate a part of the funds to build capabilities in the form of more people, offices etc.”
We are one of the only players who has developed an in-house monitoring app where by
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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••November November2018 2018 16
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IN CONVERSATION
“Our initial target is increasing our productivity up to 500MW at the end of this fiscal year.” Mr. Krishnendu Mukherjee, COO, Sova Solar Limited
Tell us more about the latest innovations in your product and solution offerings for the Indian market.
Our initial target is increasing our productivity up to 500MW at the end of this fiscal year. The large productivity will help in reducing the costs of manufacturing. Besides this, we
We realise the ecological and environmental impact of electricity generation through the
have to introduce the PERC cells PV modules for higher efficiency of the solar products.
fossil fuel, therefore we are trying to promote innovative solutions for providing the quality
As per Government norms, we have all IEC certificates for solar PV modules as well as we
power using the renewable energy like solar system. In recent times, it is noticed that the demand of the PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) cell for manufacturing high power and high efficiency solar panels are increasing. PERC cells provide the more freedom in solar system design because it has higher density per square foot. It can perform well in low light and hot environment. We will promote this PERC cell for solar module manufacturing in near future. Besides this, we are introducing solar panel with maximum system voltage
are certified by the BIS for manufacturing grid connected solar panels. MNRE issued this quality control measure for maintaining the productivity of the solar panels and quality of solar equipment. Besides this, we have decided to manufacture the modules of PERC cells which have the higher productivity than the Polycrystalline Solar modules.
of 1500 volt which increases power density and performance of the solar PV module.
What support domestic manufacturing is getting from
Besides this, it will reduce the losses in DC cables, reducing capital costs, susceptibility
government for the development of the sector? What more
to PID increases. It is expected that in the next five years 1500V system would see an
can be done by the Government?
increased market penetration around 95%.
What are your growth plans for the Indian market? What are the milestones you wish to achieve by the end of this fiscal? As solar power is the fast developing industry in India, we also try to expand our solar capacity in recent times. In India, the target has set by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy to 100GW solar power by 2022. The capacity of our plant is 200 MW which we want to increase up to 1GW by 2022. In this financial year we have a target to reach 500 MW to contribute in the solar target taken by the Indian Government for a green environment in
The Indian Government has already taken the initiative for procurement of the solar power throughout the country. The public sector undertakings department of the central Government call for the tenders for setting up of the power projects. The Government has several schemes (like, Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, Rooftop Scheme, Solar Park Scheme, Viability Gap Funding Scheme, UDAY scheme etc.) for developing the solar power sector. We think the power sectors needs to reduce Aggregate Technical & Commercial Losses for the domestic manufacturers. Besides this, Government may take some measures for smart metering, feeder replacement etc for controlling technical losses. We hope all the measures taken by the Government will be beneficial for us.
near future.
As a module manufacturer what trend do you expect in the race in Module Technology? Panels incorporating PERC cells give more freedom in solar panel manufacturing. When total energy production rather than peak wattage is considered PERC panels are most efficient. It is expected that PERC technology will capture the market as it produces more energy in a given aperture area. Higher energy density per square meter improves the performance under low light condition and high temperatures. Therefore, using fewer PV solar panels we can achieve maximum output goals. We know that our clients want to pack more power as possible in a lower cost. To accomplish this, we have to develop Mono PERC cells for the solar PV modules. It can be said that we are going slow but steady for the Mono PERC cells for our future productivity.
Would you be focussing on international or export market? Yes, of course we have a focus on it. We have already exported our solar modules in
“In recent times, it is noticed that the demand of the PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) cell for manufacturing high power and high efficiency solar panels are increasing. PERC cells provide the more freedom in solar system design because it has higher density per square foot. It can perform well in low light and hot environment. We will promote this PERC cell for solar module manufacturing in near future.”
Japan, Germany on regular basis. They are very quality-conscious countries regarding solar module implementation. Apart from this, we have got appreciation from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, USA and other countries. As well as we catered to the market of Nepal in the previous years. Besides this, discussion is going on to tie up with a Canadian Company for exporting our modules in Canada. We will also promote some products of them in India as their Indian associates to make the business deal more effective.
Quality, Costs and Performance are key concern areas for Indian project developers. How would you like to address these issues for your offerings in India? We, Sova Solar Limited, are in the solar module manufacturing market for last 10 years. We couldn’t survive if we compromise with quality of the product. We have the expertise of IIT engineers for maintaining and enhancing the quality and effectiveness of PV solar modules. We want to develop our product quality to move forward in near future. We have signed the technical collaboration with them to gain long term business in this solar market. We are thankful to the R&D division of IIT Kharagpur for getting guidance and support for an end to end production.
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“As per Government norms, we have all IEC certificates for solar PV modules as well as we are certified by the BIS for manufacturing grid connected solar panels. MNRE issued this quality control measure for maintaining the productivity of the solar panels and quality of solar equipment”
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In Conversation
“LONGi Solar is committed to provide better LCOE solutions and promoting worldwide adoption of mono-crystalline technology.” Mr. Kapil Rahul, General manager, LONGi Solar India
Let’s begin with a glimpse of your Longi’s presence and offerings in India? LONGi Solar, a world leading manufacturer of high-efficiency mono-crystalline solar cells and modules. The company has focused on p-mono for 18 years and is today the largest supplier of mono-crystalline wafers in the world, with total assets above $5.2 billion, and shipped approximately 6.5GW product in 2017. With strong focus on R&D, production and sales& marketing of mono-crystalline silicon products, LONGi Solar is committed to provide better LCOE solutions and promoting worldwide adoption of mono-crystalline technology. The mono PERC cell efficiency of module got the world record, reach up to 23.60%.
What have been some of the recent developments at your organisation? The rapid development of LONGi Group is support by the strong core capacity in technology. Along with the continuous introduction of LONGi’s high-quality mono-crystalline modules to the market and business partners, the product value concept - ‘high efficiency, high reliability and high yield’ has also been conveyed. For years, it invests more than 5% of revenue into research and development. From 2013 to 2015, the investment even reached nearly 7%, and in 2016 it was as high as USD 83 million.3)
Tell us a bit about the recent technology advancements in your sector?
Center. LONGi Solar’s Hi-MO series have led the industry in technology development of monocrystalline PERC with high power, high yield and low LID. Hi-MO3 combines advanced monocrystalline PERC cell technology and bifacial, half-cut module construction to provide energy producers with a brand new choice to reduce LCOE.
What are your growth plans for the Indian market? What are the milestones you wish to achieve by the end of this fiscal? LONGi has already made a progress in developing the India market, it has launch of branch office and cell and several module plants in India. Furthermore, the company will catch the opportunity to promote its bifacial PERC modules. The company has plans to reach 45GW mono-crystalline wafer production capacity by 2020.
What have been the latest trends in demand for your products & services in India? Where do you see the next demand growth coming from? On May 28th, 2018, LONGi showcased its third-generation product - the Hi-MO3 half-cut bifacial PERC module - at the SNEC (2018) International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Exhibition & Conference at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. LONGi Solar’s Hi-MO series have led the industry in technology development of monocrystalline PERC with high power, high yield and low LID. Hi-MO3 combines advanced monocrystalline PERC cell technology and bifacial, half-cut module construction to provide energy producers with a brand new choice to reduce LCOE. India plans to
HiMo-3 is the latest technology of LONGi Solar. The company showcased its third-
install 100GW of solar energy by 2022 in accordance with the JNNSM. Therefore, the
generation product at the SNEC (2018) International Photovoltaic Power Generation
efficiency of solar modules is vital to the increase of power generation. This would be a
and Smart Energy Exhibition& Conference at the Shanghai New International Expo
great opportunity for LONGi to promote its mono bifacial PERC modules.
“Hybrid Inverter & Storage inverter is now new concept in Solar market & SOFAR is very aggressive in upgrade Technology.” Mr. Brijesh Prajapati, Managing Director, Sofar Solar
There are different types of grid tied solar inverters – micro, string and central.
Solar project should be designed for a life of 25 years. What quality parameters should Solar inverters adhere to sustain over this period?
A) Micro inverter :- A micro inverter consists of a small box located on the back of or situated
Mostly Inverter usually running life is nearby 10 years and if client need more warranty period
very close to a solar panel systems . Its role is to convert the DC electricity produced by a
then it will be provided by as per extended techno-commercial terms. But after some aging
single solar panel. Small rating voltage system.
life of inverter it will give some poor generation because of using of component designed life
What have been the latest technology trends in solar inverter market globally & in India?
B) String inverters :- A string inverter is the type most commonly used in home and commercial solar power systems. It is a large-ish box that is often situated some distance away from the solar array. Depending on the size of the installation, there may be more than one string inverter present. Medium Rating voltage system. C) Central inverter:- Central inverters are designed for applications such as large arrays installed on buildings, industrial facilities as well as field installations – they are basically just a very large string inverter. Its in high rating voltage systems. Hybrid Inverter & Storage inverter is now new concept in Solar market & SOFAR is very aggressive in upgrade Technology.
With falling tariffs & Increasing competition, are you facing significant cost-pressures? In the market various people mindset from various industries, if they are looking technology
also have some limit level. We are responsible for our products 10years or more than 10 years also as per client requirement in extension terms & if product model discontinue then after also we are responsible for providing support for systems.
What are your strategies going forward? ÂÂ Local sales, Local Service, Local Support. ÂÂ Inverter replacement during 7 Years Warranty Period. ÂÂ Prompt service support available onsite & offsite. Planning to develop toll free number service very soon. ÂÂ We are very flexible in OEM Segment . We are doing Customized OEM Business with confidential business Techno-Commercial terms with client. ÂÂ In future planning to business in NEW ENERGY AUTOMOBILE ( Supercharger ) products & HYBRID INVERTER, STORAGE INVERTER & ON GRID string inverter development
quality. We are using well known long life reliable components & upgrade new generation
A brief on your growth in the past year and some milestones you wish to achieve this year.
technology in global market. We are doing business in lesser profit with highest technology.
Compare to past year we are very aggressive in current year & now days market accepting our
We are facing competition related prices with local market player & another whose giving
products on reliability , quality with good price terms. Our product good demand in market
cheapest technology product but we are never comprising in products technology & well
& we are providing onsite/offsite prompt service support . We have received good number
known component.
of orders & also opened the account in well known EPC business segment, also developed
with good reliable products then are never compromising with lowest prices and cheaper
business partner . We done good business in OEM sector, we are providing our systems with Client company logo, certification, warranty cards & packaging boxes.
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In Conversation
“We are the only country to have demonstrated successfully multiplicity of industrial SHIP” Mr. Jaideep N. Malaviya, (Secretary General), Solar Thermal Federation of India (STFI)
STFI has partnered in an International Project “SOLAR PAYBACK”. What is the major highlight of this partnership?
What are the current policies initiated by Indian Government for Solar Thermal?
The Solar Thermal Federation of India (STFI) and the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is providing capital subsidy of 30% on the solar
(IGCC) have teamed up for the international ‘Solar Payback’ project. Supported by the
component. Besides under the GEF-UNIDO programme underway IREDA also extends
German Federal Environment Ministry and funded by the International Climate Initiative,
interest subvention of 5%. Besides eligible industries can also avail of depreciation
the three-year project will be implemented in India, South Africa, Mexico and Brazil. It is
benefits. The role of analogous institutions like Bureau of Energy Efficiency and Petroleum
coordinated by the German Solar Association BSW-Solar and eleven partner organisations:
Conservation Research Association is crucial in assisting elevation of SHIP in their
three German companies, plus each target country’s national solar industry association
programmes.
and German Chamber of Commerce. The aim is to raise attention for the huge market potential of solar process heat, which is still playing the role of a relatively new niche technology in the above-mentioned countries.
How is Solar Thermal going to create a difference in India’s Solar Industry?
What according to you can improve the existing policy which will help promote Solar Heat Technology? Making mandatory/obligatory for identified to meet a certain percentage of heating by solar thermal, capacity building workshops for industries and energy managers/auditors, devising performance-based incentive instead of area-based incentive, identifying 100
Almost 15 million tonnes fuel oil is consumed in annually for heat up to 250 C alone in
end applications where SHIP offers viability, encouraging ESCO thus decreasing the risk
industries & close to 5,000 trillion kWh of electricity for heating. Industrial sector consumes
for investors and exposure of Indian manufacturers to the best developed technologies
38% of total energy consumed in India. Energy efficiency measures and renewable energy
globally. Ministry of Environment and Forests can put a threshold limit on emissions for
sources offer hope for conserving up to 25% of the industrial energy requirement. It will
industries using fossil fuel and encourage use of clean energy technologies like solar
give respite to the demand for fuel by reducing the burden of foreign exchange.
thermal.
O
STFI has initiated Solar Heat for Industrial Process. Can you give some insights on the development in this Technology? The use of solar heat for industrial process (SHIP) is still a niche market in India. With Solar Payback, we aim to accelerate SHIP, reduce greenhouse gases and aim for commercialisation. Raising awareness amongst industries and certified energy auditors is the key to explore the huge potential of over 5,000 kWth solar process requiring heat up to 150 deg.C. The project also aims to refine the competitive edge of local industries.
Which segments of industries are identified as potential for SHIP and the potential regions in India? Dairy, Food processing & Brewery, Pharmaceutical Automobile components and Textile are the potential industries. India is the world’s largest dairy producer and offers best case study to execute SHIP and set global standards. Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh have reasonably good Direct Normal Incidence and are industrially developed.
“With Solar Payback, we aim to accelerate SHIP, reduce greenhouse gases and aim for commercialisation. Raising awareness amongst industries and certified energy auditors is the key to explore the huge potential of over 5,000 kWth solar process requiring heat up to 150 deg.C. The project also aims to refine the competitive edge of local industries.”
What do you feel about Indian market’s acceptance for SHIP? Under the current fluctuating fuel oil prices and its uncertainty in future the industries are now seriously considering implementing alternative technology that is sustainable, predictable but affordable. The atmosphere is apt for solar thermal manufacturers to deliver stable and better maintained systems.
How will this impact the end user? What are the major barriers for the technology adoption by the Industries? Lack of awareness in industries duel to low confidence, lack of knowledge with certified energy auditors / managers, no quality control orders, no performance-based incentives, no policy for heat obligation in industries and unwillingness by Banks for capital funds are some of the barriers identified.
What are some of the salient features of solar heating in India? We are the only country to have demonstrated successfully multiplicity of industrial SHIP. Notably we are the only country in the world with highest steam cooking systems. In 2017 India was the lead country installed solar thermal capacity for industrial heating. We are
“Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is providing capital subsidy of 30% on the solar component. Besides under the GEF-UNIDO programme underway IREDA also extends interest subvention of 5%. Besides eligible industries can also avail of depreciation benefits. The role of analogous institutions like Bureau of Energy Efficiency and Petroleum Conservation Research Association is crucial in assisting elevation of SHIP in their programmes.”
proudly placed amongst top 5 countries of installed capacity.
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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••November November2018 2018 22
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 23
In Conversation
“Sineng will have about 300MW inverter shipment in Indian in the year 2018” Mr. Jianfei Li -Vice President, CTO, Sineng Electric
Let’s begin with a glimpse of your Sineng’s presence and offerings in India?
capacity, and adopts advanced cooling method with high protection level. The maximum
Sineng Electric has been in the inverter development for about 10 years and ranks top 5
What are your growth plans for the Indian market? What are the milestones you wish to achieve by the end of this fiscal?
inverter manufacturers from year 2015 to 2017. Since the year 2015 when Sineng started India market, it has got great achievement for market share and been accepted by more and more important customers. Sineng invests its own local India factory in Bangalore and the factory has a capacity of 3GW each year. Also there is strong service team for the after service work. As Sineng has determined to develop the India market, it will has excellent performance and achievement in the future.
What have been some of the recent developments at your organisation? With the overseas market develops quickly, Sineng begins its global PV inverter business like APAC, Middle east, Africa. Sineng increases market team in charge of these new markets. At the same time, Sineng develops a strong R&D team specially researches and designs inverter satisfied with different countries requirement.
Tell us a bit about the recent technology advancements in your sector? Sineng has specially designed an outdoor central inverter with the capacity of 3.125MW single inverter to satisfy the requirement of large PV block size in India market. It has 1.15 overload
block size for can be achieved to 12.5MW, which will save the system cost greatly.
Sineng will have about 300MW inverter shipment in Indian in the year 2018. With the good Indian government policy, the PV installation will grow rapidly. Sineng has many advantages for India market, such as local factory and service team, also the good reference capacity of inverter installation. We plan for 1GW inverter installation in 2019.
What have been the latest trends in demand for your products & services in India? Where do you see the next demand growth coming from? As large ground PV plant is the main stream in India, the 1500V outdoor central inverter is the first choice. Sineng has developed a series of 1500V outdoor inverter from 2.5MW to 3.25MW, specially designed for the large utility PV plant with requirement of lower system cost. Also, the rooftop project develops quickly in India, we have 40kW, 50kW and 60kW for rooftop project. Sineng attaches great importance to services In India, and it has develops a skilled service team for inverter installation guide, system commission and efficiency inverter O&M work, to ensure the customer get the good power generation. At the same time, we are preparing energy storage converter for India market, considering there is a huge market requirement for stable energy. Energy storage system is our focus of next growth for India market.
Tech Insights
Key Parameters Contributing Gain in Bifacial PV Systems Bifacial PV modules are the upcoming product & future of solar Industry. They offer
Pitch also plays a vital role in contributing the energy gain. Greater is the pitch, more is
several advantages over traditional solar PV Modules. Power can be produced from front
the reflected area resulting lower Ground Coverage Ratio (GCR) thus giving higher bifacial
and back side of a bifacial module thus increasing total energy generation within same area. Since both sides of these modules are UV resistant, they are more durable and have reduced potential-induced degradation (PID) concerns especially when the module is frameless, however it increases the chances of breakage. The yield gain over conventional
energy gain. However, increasing the pitch is not a feasible option as it comes along with issues of land constraints and increasing the total cost of the project. The cost of bifacial modules is about 8% higher over conventional monofacial modules with an advantage of
monofacial modules is mainly determined by the conversion efficiency for solar irradiance
5-10% gain.
incident on the rear side of a bifacial PV module, and the amount and quality of solar
According to bifacial module market share forecast, its deployment is about to be 3% by
irradiance incident on the rear side. Bifacial modules allow a unique vertical mounting configuration. Various studies indicate that vertically installed bifacial PV modules in higher latitude locations produce energy which is comparable to monofacial modules installed at conventional latitude tilt, and significantly higher than that of vertically
end of 2018 and the market aims to rise sharply, reaching 40% by 2025. We at Mahindra will be deploying 10-20MW of Bifacial modules by first quarter of 2019 and shall be sharing more insights on Bifacial modules post installation in our upcoming article release.
mounted monofacial modules.
Below are the major key parameters that contribute to the gain in bifacial PV system:
Albedo is the measure of solar irradiance incident on the rear side. It is defined as the ratio of irradiance reflected to the irradiance received by a surface. Albedo depends on soil surface colour & texture. This require proper soil condition study for its optical properties for uniform gain throughout the year. Hence soil preparation activity is very important for getting maximum gain from bifacial modules. The whiter & smoother is the surface
“Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is providing capital subsidy of 30% on the solar component. Besides under the GEF-UNIDO programme underway IREDA also extends interest subvention of 5%. Besides eligible
the better is the albedo resulting in higher bifacial gain. It can also vary with seasons like
industries can also avail of depreciation benefits.
for winter with white snow it is about 90%, for spring with green grass it is around 25%,
The role of analogous institutions like Bureau of
summer with dry grass accounts to 33% and fall with humid soil gives nearly 15% of gain, hence making snow the best and volcanic rock the worst case for albedo.
Height is another key factor taken into consideration while designing the bifacial modules. Bifacial performance is increased by increasing the height of the installation thereby
Energy Efficiency and Petroleum Conservation Research Association is crucial in assisting elevation of SHIP in their programmes.”
reducing the shadow intensity projection. According to our study, at the height 0.5m, 0.8m and 1.2m gain obtained is approximately -3%, 5% and 8% respectively, but this gain is limited to certain height. Increasing the height beyond certain height the saturation will
Credits: Mahindra Susten
set in the gain.
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 24
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 25
Tech Insights
Time for Solar Revolution 2.0 Electricity has been a key to drive growth in almost all the business sectors. Coal due to
Figure 1: Region wise electricity demand till 2030 (Source: IEA)
its widespread availability was/is the primary source of generating electricity across the world. With rapid industrialization, the demand of electricity was increasing continuously which led to over-exploitation of coal. While the electricity demands were being met, the emissions from coal power plants had started posing issues such as global warming, ozone layer depletion, ozone hole, etc. Additionally realizing the fact that coal was a limited resource & electricity demand of world was poised to increase by more than 5 times (Figure 1), scientist in 20th century started seeking other energy sources which were rather non-polluting. It was the result of their continuous efforts that humans could utilize energy of both sun & wind to generate electricity from solar cells & wind turbine respectively. Solar energy, due to its easy and rather free availability throughout the globe was focused upon. And not limited of geographic location, sun rises everywhere
During the mid-20th century, solar cells due to its best power-to-weight ratio were put into use in satellites and space rockets. However due to its high cost and being relatively less efficient (than other energy sources), its use was still limited to space applications. This is when various countries formed research facilities (NREL (USA), NEDO (Japan), Fraunhofer–ISE (Germany)) to promote the growth of solar PV. With evolvement in cell/ wafer manufacturing techniques along with development in cell technology, the efficiency curve of solar cell was on rise. In late 20th century various federal government started various incentive programs (like feed-in tariff), upfront subsidy support led to steady development of solar sector.
Figure 2: EL images of 72 cell mono & multi crystalline module
Now with the technology establishing itself, increased demand for solar panels and futuristic growth of solar market was now visible. It was at this time that various companies around the world decided to venture into solar panels/raw materials manufacturing. While the world was on the move the situation of solar market in India has rather been quiet surprising. In the early 21st century, India only had few distributed solar installations which (almost) without any policy support, were priced at premium rates. It was on 11th January, 2010 that the Government of India, realizing the true potential of solar energy launched
Figure 3: Development of solar energy prices in India
the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) with a target of 20 GW by 2022. The prices of solar energy around this times were still hovering around INR 12~13/kWh. With the widespread use of solar energy coupled with increasing awareness the prices of solar energy had started coming down. In 2015, India upgraded its target under JNNSM to 100 GW from 20 GW showing our commitment towards renewable energy. This upgradation was adopted by both central and state government with all of them formulating supportive policies in favour of solar markets.
It was also around 2014~15 that the solar market witnessed a shift. This shift was driven mostly by demand of quality solar modules in the market. On technology front demand for more efficient solar cell had begun which were also free from inherent defects like PID, EL defects, etc. The development and/or implementation of new generation solar cell into solar module i.e. HJT, PERC-PERT, Bifacial cell had begun. While still at laboratory level, it was clear that such implementation had potential to increase the module level efficiency. This efficiency was also boosted by major shift in the manufacturing process (es). Initially
nature, if coupled with correct type and size of storage could power the grid even at non-
the solar modules were manufactured by laying up the cells/strings manually. Additionally
generation hours. Modules now are also tested extensively under different accelerated
there was no provision of capturing/recording in-process electroluminescence (EL) image
conditions to simulate real time operations on field ensuring that they stay put even
(EL image shows any type of crack/micro-crack, open solder, etc. in the module). Realizing
beyond their declared lifetime. With these developments, we believe that it’s time for the
the need of the hour, entire manufacturing was automatized along with implementation
sector to move ahead from the notion of evaluating solar system at its buying cost i.e. $/
of in-process and post lamination EL image (as shown in Figure 2) which along with
Wp. With solar plants expected to run for more than 25 years, we believe that all the solar
increasing the module efficiency also enhanced the overall quality of PV module.
installations (be it utility or rooftop) shall be strictly viewed from $/kWh (i.e. the cost of
Manufacturers now already had reliable & established technologies for manufacturing
energy generated) over its lifetime. Additionally with the solar energy prices already below
top notch raw material for PV modules. Along with this various manufactures had already
grid parity, we believe that the market now should be self-driven without the need of
expanded (or were expanding) exponentially (mostly in China due to its favourable
any policy intervention or subsidy (except in few sectors such as agriculture). We believe
manufacturing policies) which led to availability of adequate raw materials around the
that instead of focusing on subsidy, the federal and state government should ensure easy
world. Solar energy by around 2016 had started bearing fruits for the common public
disbursement of loans to end consumer (via banks and NBFCs). Such factors shall enable
in India and around the world as solar energy prices were below grid parity (as shown in
smooth transition of energy sector towards clean & green energy.
Figure 3). Let us all pledge to make solar energy the primary source of energy in the near future. The solar market now with recent developments is again at tipping point. While the solar energy prices shall not observe any significant change (like previous years), the technology is on verge of serious transformation. In cell/ module level a series of new modules have been introduced like mono/multi PERC, Bifacial and Half-cell based modules with various possibilities within these technologies themselves. Additionally with the introduction of micro-inverters & smart junction box, smart modules are poised to have an increased market share enabling smooth plant monitoring. Now with increasing share of solar energy (& renewable energy) in country’s grid, storage shall also have an important role to play. Renewable energy sources which are known to be intermittent in
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MR. SUNIL RATHI Director- Sales and Marketing
WAAREE ENERGIES LTD
Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• November November 2018 2018 26
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 27
Annual Event Calendar
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 28
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 29
Cover Story
What Makes Your Customers Value Your
Brand?
The process of manufacturing a quality PV module at Goldi starts right from the time when raw materials are introduced onto the production line. Various quality controls are
Mr. Bharat Bhut , Founder and Director, Goldi Solar Pvt. Ltd
implemented before, during and after the production process. Our quality control team monitors each step of the production process, ensuring each module to adhere to our strict quality standards. Besides being tested by third parties (UL), our modules also go through a battery of in-
Goldi Solar offers the best quality solar PV modules up to the range of 380Wp using Poly & Mono crystalline solar cells. Since inception, we have always focused on delivering quality products to our customers, resulting in which, we have earned a reputation as
house quality checks. This results in a product that combines maximum efficiency and optimized temperature control to allow top performance under extreme conditions of sunlight. It is this very philosophy of delivering consistent quality that has created value amongst
being quality suppliers of PV modules in India as well as across the world.
our customers.
revenues to the tune of €21.8 billion. Today, Heraeus has several business functions in the environmental, energy, electronics, health, mobility and industrial applications sectors.
Mr. Chandresh Jain, Regional Manager – India, Heraeus Photovoltaic (HPT)
Heraeus Photovoltaic (HPT) is a strategic GBU of Heraeus Family. With over 30 year in solar cell paste technology and more than 300 Patents & Patents Application, Heraeus Photovoltaic continues its domination of silver metallization paste application and is taking giant steps to expand beyond paste in the PV value chain . With Major R&D
A brand is not just about having distinguishable name and logo.
It is more
Centre in USA, Production sites in 4 countries and Technical Service Office in more than
about how a customer and people in general perceive it . It is all about trust
8 Countries, we are available during all time zones across four continents. Driven by
when they interact with the company through controlled and uncontrolled
innovation and operational excellence, HPT’ Efficiency and Reliability platform continues
touch
stakeholder’s
to escalate, providing customers an opportunity to leap higher in their quest for efficiency
commitment, Customer experience influence how a customer perceives the BRAND.
gains and cost leadership. Over the years, multiple Tier-1 customers were able to break
points.
Factors
like
Vision
&
mission,
long-term
goal,
world record for solar cell efficiency using our products and service, and we are proud of Founded in 1851, Heraeus is a family-owned globally leading technology group
it. With technical expertise, commitment to excel, focus on innovation and entrepreneurial
headquartered in Hanau, Germany. In FY2017, with approximately 13,000 employees in
leadership, HPT constantly striving to improve performance and Productivity. These factors
40 countries and a part of “FORTUNE Global 500-listed Company, Heraeus has clocked
have helped us in getting TOP OF MIND presence for our customers across the Globe. > SAJ is special for On grid solar inverter manufacturing with power range from 1kW to
Mr. Nitin Gupta, Director Sales (India), Guangzhou Sanjing Electric Co., Ltd.
60kW since 2011 > SAJ is the certified supplier of JA Solar and Trina Solar products, as well as the ODM supplier for ReneSola and Chint Power. > SAJ is the TOP 5 On-grid string solar inverter manufacturer in China, with more than 7 years European proven quality and service experience. Unique Features of SAJ On Grid Inverters:
“SAJ offers one-stop solution for On Grid solar inverter requirement ranging from 1kW to
• Plus GPRS / Wifi • Plus Local Service • Plus 30% DC Power Input • Plus 10& more
60KW along with Transformerless Hybrid Inverter 4 KW & 5 KW”
generation • Plus String current monitoring • Plus Built-in with DC SPD & AC SPD
> SAJ is among TOP 3 On Grid solar inverter for residential market in China.
Global Shipments: Already crossed 5 GW mark.
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SolarQuarter Quarter••November November2018 2018 30 30 Solar
Cover Story need for a robust remote monitoring solution. The best of the best SCADA systems deployed in large MW plants were either non functional or was not accessible remotely. In 2016, EagleSun SCADA development was initiated. We put together an experienced
Mr. Ashok DM, CEO, Avi Solar Energy Pvt. Ltd.
development team comprising of experts in data technologies, Firmware, IOT platforms & hardware design. Today Avisolar boasts about a cloud based SCADA which has started replacing leading SCADA systems. It is an unbelievably low cost solution, very simple to deploy, is compatible with all standard interfaces like Modbus-RTU/TCP & CAN. The system can work in very low bandwidths & needs just 2G network for data transmission, Customers can see all their plants in one dashboard be it in their HQ or in their mobile! In
Avisolar was incorporated in 2010 by Ashok DM- MD & CEO, with a passion to make a difference in the Indian solar energy sector. The journey started with the humble solar lighting & Home UPS system. Within five years Avisolar was working on several Megawatt projects .It partnered with companies like SunEdison, Renew Power, Shapoorji Palonji & many other market leaders for operation & maintancne services of solar PV plants. In 2016 company had over 250 employees, managing over 700MWs of plants. Looking at the numerous technical issues in the field, company felt the
2018 two more upgradations were done – one is the control feature and other is forecasting. Our goal is to provide technical leadership for solar PV plants. Several Gigawatts of plants have been built in India with the expectation that they should last for over 25 years. For that to happen the plant has to be closely monitored and the data should be analysed for leakages, malfunctions & equipment failures. AVisolar has the domain expertise and skilled development & monitoring team and are poised to make an impact not just in Indian market but also in the global solar PV industry!
“Avant-Garde” the terminology itself meant for “New and Experimental ideas and methods”. We at Avant-Garde with our professional cognizance provide our quality services in timely
Mr. S.Balaguru Cheif Technical Officer Avant-Garde
manner and hence ensuring our Clients to achieve some value addition their projects. Avant-Garde ensure the value to our clients by firstly understanding what drives value for clients; secondly understanding our value proposition; thirdly to identify the client segments where we can create more value relative to others.
Our Engineering specialisation includes proper selection of technology for the project at Avant-Garde is a 28 years professionally managed Engineering Consultancy organisation
optimal cost and ensuring the quality in place which provides a decent return of investment
based in Chennai founded by a group of technocrats and we have served projects in more
to the Owner. Our detailed engineering team ensures the Layout optimisation and hence
than 36 countries. Power and renewable energy is our core market strength. In Solar, our
the loss minimization and to achieve maximum generation for the selected site using
overall cumulative projects are more than 150 numbers and cumulative capacity is more
latest proven software. Our value added engineering services always understands the
than 2250 MW globally. Our highest capacity project is 250MW Solar Plant in Madhya
operational constraints of the plant personnel and keeps the design operational friendly.
Pradesh. We have provided our expertise / engineering services to Sun Edison, India; AES,
Our design validation verifies the detailed design and calculations to ensure the quality
US; MAS Holdings, Sri Lanka; Sime Darby, Malaysia; Wind Force, Sri Lanka; and leading
and the expenses in balance. Our state of art Project management team ensures the overall
clients of India like Sprng; CleanMax; RattanIndia; NTPC; LANCO; Vikram Solar; ReNew
Schedule in control and does the required escalations whenever needed. In a nut-shell
Power; Sterling & Wilson; Greenko; Mytrah; Suzlon etc.,
Avant-Garde ensures the overall engineering responsibility on the project and provides the best services at all times with continual improvement.
suppression technology through a perfect combination of optimum topology design in
Ms. Sweety Arya,
hardware and improved algorithm in software.
Marketing Manager,
>> Outstanding heat dissipation.
Ginlong Technologies.
Our Solis New 5-20kW three-phase 4G inverters adopt external inductor structure which has independent heat dissipation. This change not only improves the overall performance, but also halve the volume and weight. 2/3 reduction in volume and 50% reduction in weight compared to our last generation.
With swift growth of PV market, the capacity of household PV system is growing progressively. Consequently, three phase inverter can be more extensively used to large capacity PV system. In comparison with single phase inverter, three phase inverter has
>> Integrated AFCI modules High precision arc fault sensor is used to identify arc-faults through Fourier analysis. Once
several advantages. Solis three phase series are apt for the different types of household
detected the inverter stops generating and reduces the risk of fire.
and commercial three phase input PV system installation. The inverter is transformer less,
>>Built-in export power control technology.
wall mounted design, easy installation, IP65 visually pleasing for domestic environment. The inverter exhibits maximum efficiency of over 98%. This can be easily considered as
Currently, many customers have the demand for preventing PV power feeding into the
one of the best solutions for medium and small size distributed commercial and industrial
grid and balancing the generation and consumption which most of traditional inverters
PV system.
do not support or require extra devices to realize it. We integrate the function into our
Advantages of Solis New 5-20kW three-phase 4G inverter >> Efficiency improvement – it has a 0.5% higher efficiency than previous models. This is equivalent to adding 5 watts of panels on a 1 kilowatt string for free.
new inverters which only requires minor modifications to the circuit board. >>Wide range of power rating.
>> Wider MPPT voltage range, the MPPT voltage range of Solis 5-20KW is 160-850V.
We offer multiple choices for customers from 5/6/8/9/10/12/15/17/20 kW with decent
Ultra-low startup at 180V, which could make the inverter start earlier in the morning and
quality
shut down later in the evening, increase the total energy generation. >> THDi (at rated output power) <1.5% , Our Solis New 5-20kW three-phase 4G inverters utilize the most advanced harmonic
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>> Adopts 100% components from the world’s leading brands to improve higher reliability for Solis inverter.
SolarQuarter Quarter••November November2018 2018 31 31 Solar
Industry Insights
Battery Storage: Shaping The Future Of Renewable Energy Introduction - the Lithium revolution
“Moreover, BESS is increasingly prevalent in areas with weaker grids, notably remote locations or island based projects that present limited specialist labour pools, longer lead
To increase reliance on renewable energy, we need to find ways to store it. Will the new range of battery energy storage systems provide what the world needs? Jamestown, South Australia is a blip on the map; 200 kilometres from Adelaide and home to fewer than 2,000 people (as well as a lot of sheep). It’s an unlikely place for a world first. But it is the site for the world’s largest Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery, built by US technology
replacement times and, often, higher natural catastrophe risk. Ever since experiencing a very large BESS fire loss in 2012, GCube has been working closely with technology manufacturers and developers to deliver a well risk managed, suitably protected and ultimately an insurable BESS format for projects around the world.”
giant Tesla for French company Neoen’s Jamestown wind farm. This 100 megawatt battery
Recent Advances
represents the evolution of a technology that will shape the future of renewable energy.
Michael Stuckings, operations vice president, group manager, field engineering for FM
Promoted on a number of occasions by techpreneur Elon Musk, the battery represents
Global, one of the world’s largest commercial and industrial property insurers, says there
a quantum leap forward for governments pushing greater uptake of renewable energy.
have been many advances in battery management systems that control the operation,
This project is part of South Australia’s ambitious A$550 million push to solve the state’s
safety and long-term reliability of the BESS.
energy woes. Willis Towers Watson is proud to be the insurance advisor and broker to the
“Lithium-ion battery energy storage systems have been leading the market in new
Tesla project.
installations of the past few years and continue to grow in market share,” Stuckings said. “Most systems we see now use this technology, and a lot of effort has
Renewables become economic
been undertaken by the industry to understand the risks posed by BESS.”
Power is being transformed: the energy and technology sectors are driving the transition from a carbon past into a green and clean future. Electrical energy from renewable
Understanding the Li-Ion risk
sources provides great potential to meet today’s and tomorrow’s energy requirements in
FM Global has extensively researched Li-Ion technology, coming up with a property loss
a sustainable manner.
prevention data sheet for electrical energy storage systems. As with any new technology,
In many jurisdictions around the world, prices for energy derived from the renewable
it is critical for the insurance industry to understand the type of system being constructed
sectors have started to decrease. In the UK for example, offshore wind energy has moved
and develop knowledge of the differences in failure modes associated with different types
from being one of the most expensive forms of renewable energy to, in some cases,
of batteries.
being cheaper than nuclear. Private investment is growing and government legislation is
The Tesla battery is a giant, modularised Li-Ion battery. While Elon Musk, ever the
encouraging the move.
showman, describes it as something ‘sculptural’ and likely to become ‘a tourist attraction’
Wind and solar, as well as the longer established hydro, have been part of the renewable
for Jamestown, there’s no surprise that the installation is in a largely remote part of
landscape in Australia and around the world for a significant period. The issue with wind
Australia with a low population base. In short, any battery system has a risk of fire, but
and solar to date has been the inability to store the energy from these forms of generation,
understanding what may trigger a problem and designing to avoid catastrophic situations
at a high enough level, to ensure stable supply.
such as in Oahu are paramount. There are many different types of energy storage systems. Electromechanical systems
BESS - the storage solution The answer is Battery Energy Storage Systems, or BESS. Technology has come to the fore to develop such systems, but it has not been a linear progression; indeed there have been some spectacular failures that have blunted the risk appetite for some players in the
include Li-Ion batteries and the still developing technology of metal-air batteries (an electrochemical cell using an anode made from pure metal and an external cathode of ambient air). Thermal storage systems include the molten salt system seen in thermal power plants. A pumped hydro system is an example of mechanical storage.
insurance industry. Despite that, renewable energy insurance provider GCube estimates that, within the next five years, up to 4,000 MW of these systems are expected to be
Thermal runaway reactions and key variables
constructed10. There is clearly a growing market opportunity for insurers.
Without commenting on the design of the Tesla project specifically, Stuckings says the
But Li-Ion technology appears to be developing at the fastest rate, driven by implementation
key difference with Li-Ion batteries from a risk perspective is that they are susceptible to
costs that have been falling around 70% every 18 to 24 months11. However, in future the
“thermal runaway reactions”.
cost saving is expected to slow
“These may be caused by mechanical damage of the cells, over voltage, over temperature but also under temperature,” Stuckings said. “During a thermal runaway event, the cell
Is BESS a bad risk?
The Kahuku legacy Insurers have a long memory and the fire disaster at the Kahuku wind farm on the Hawaiian island of Oahu in 2012 led many to believe that battery technology is a bad risk. That incident – the largest single loss recorded to date globally for a BESS – concerned a legacy-style lead battery rather than Li-Ion technology. Nevertheless, it has put risk management under intense scrutiny.
GCube research
produces gas that builds up within the cell enclosure, and without prompt action, thermal runaway can cascade from cell to cell, causing much more damage. “That said, regardless of the technology there are a number of key variables to consider when evaluating the risk profile of a BESS. Obviously the equipment protection or safety devices are a key element to ensure a safe shut down in the event of an upset condition, and there should be no single point of failure. For Li-Ion batteries the handling is much more critical to avoid any mechanical damage.”
Fire exposure dependent on technology According to scientific research conducted by FM Global, the fire exposure is dependent
GCube research shows the sector is now approached from two standpoints; ensuring that installations are designed and constructed with the best fire protection practices in mind and identifying factors that contribute to BESS failure, looking specifically at preventive measures. Charlie Richardson, Senior Underwriter at GCube comments that “whilst BESS is not new as a concept or indeed as a storage reality, it still presents a substantial risk for developers, investors and insurers alike. The unprecedented growth of renewable energy projects has more recently been coupled with an increased demand for grid stability, power on demand and energy storage capability in order to maximize grid availability, to address demand cycles and to prevent power outages. “This demand has driven a far greater interest in the sector from technology manufacturers and therefore of increased production volume, the strive towards improved energy density and naturally a drive towards ever reducing costs per MWh of output. However, quality assurance concerns remain in what is still a fragmented and relatively immature market
“Storing energy is still a missing link for most renewable power installations across the world, but there are rapid developments in the US and Europe as well as research and start-up companies who may fill that gap.”
of suppliers and installers with varying levels of expertise, professionalism and financial standing.
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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••November November2018 2018 32
Industry Insights on the technology and arrangement of the cells – the cell and case material, the number in a module or rack, and the proximity of racks to each other. “The heat associated with a battery fire is intense, meaning if a large number of cells are close to each other a fire could destroy a large portion of the BESS,” Stuckings said. “That is why data sheet 5-33 ‘Electrical Energy Storage Systems’ recommends appropriate segregation between BESS enclosures, or groups of enclosures, and buildings or critical site utilities, provided by either a minimum space separation of six metres or thermal barriers such as concrete block walls. “In any event, to assess a site’s risk quality we would have one of our specialist engineers visit and review factors such as construction, battery management systems and safety devices, fire protection, asset integrity management programs, contingency planning and natural hazard exposures.”
Making energy storage happen - and the risks involved Battery storage systems can be either a standalone installation or a hybrid system connected with complementary technologies such as wind turbines or solar installations. Implementing an energy storage system has complex deployment considerations intertwined with its own unique risk characteristics.
Recent developments Storing energy is still a missing link for most renewable power installations across the world, but there are rapid developments in the US and Europe as well as research and start-up companies who may fill that gap. FM Global’s Andrew Stafford, vice president, client service manager, says it’s important for the industry to understand the strengths and weaknesses of any type of BESS:
Track record issues The lack of a good track record is also an issue for insurers. While some insurers “got burned” with the Oahu disaster and part of the industry is still second guessing itself on this sector, Li-Ion technology has had sufficient growth over the last five years to give the industry some confidence that it will be able to perform in accordance with its specifications.
It should be remembered that renewable energy technology itself carries a significant level of risk; early underwriters of solar and wind risk would have also been impacted by losses and there are insurers who have since opted out, only willing to put their capacity to traditional thermal or hydro-electric generation. Hydro may be considered a renewable but it is a mature technology.
Conclusion: working together FM Global’s Stafford believes it is important for insurers, brokers and clients to work together to understand the risk associated with this developing technology – enabling the end-users to ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are used in their projects: “While we really can’t speak for the insurance sector as a whole, we have a history of research and collaboration with key industrial organisations. When translated into sound loss prevention practices at a client’s facilities, this knowledge should help prevent and mitigate loss and ultimately build a more resilient business - the end result being the ability to provide a tailored, cost-effective insurance and risk financing solution.”
Martyn Thompson is Australasia Regional Industry Leader, Natural Resources, Willis Towers Watson
“An additional factor to be considered is the long-term reliability and availability of these systems, which, given the recent rapid developments, has obviously not been proven. I am confident that the market will adopt the appropriate technology to meet the end-users’ needs in Australia.”
Credits: Power and Renewable Energy Market Review 2018, Willis Towers Watson
Dealersh ip Inquiry +91-7226995509/10
PV MODULES SKY Series 60 cells
SPACE Series 72 cells
250W -265W
300W-330W
16.30% (Efficiency)
16.65% (Efficiency)
Sanelite Solar is a preferred manufacturer of high-quality PV modules ranging from 40Wp to 330Wp.The produccon line is carefully designed ultra-modern line with high efficiency automaac laminator and auto-tabber & stringer machines.The PV modules are engineers with highest grade raw material to get oppmum performance and high efficiency.The end produccon is an aestheecally superior absorber of sunlight - the Sanelite Solar PV Modules.
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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••November November2018 2018 33
Product Feature
We recently launched a new product for Trapezoidal Metal Sheds- “T75 Rail” Sapa Extrusion India Pvt Ltd (a part of Norsk Hydro Group) signed an agreement with Mounting Systems Gmbh, (based out of Germany) in January 2015 to exclusively manufacture and distribute their products in the Indian Sub-continent. Their patented click and clamp technology across all their products is the USP of our product line. These clamps are suitable for all framed modules with thickness between 30-50 mm, thereby offering customers flexibility of choosing modules. We currently offer solutions for penetrative solutions for trapezoidal / corrugated type sheet roofs with loading both on sheet as well as purlins. We also offer non-penetrative solution for seam type sheets and systems with additional tilt requirement (from 7 degrees to 45 degrees) for both RCC and metal roofs. Our systems are designed to sustain the harshest of climatic conditions including high wind zone and snow load areas, which is
Photo Courtesy – Winnerspitch Energy, Gurgaon (Mr Neeraj Chawla)
why our installations range from sites in Darjeeling to the cyclonic areas of Philippines.
Product Introduction
Technological Advancements
We recently launched a new product for trapezoidal metal sheds - - “T75 Rail” which as
As seen in the photo of the cross section, major part of the base has been shifted upwards
the name suggests, provides a clearance of 75 mm (excluding the trough height), 77 mm including the EPDM sheet. This rail can be fixed on sheets using rivets or self-tapping screws (4 per rail)
for two reasons – increase in the inertia values of the rail (thereby its inherent strength) and to reduce the overall weight of the rail. 77 mm height of the rail + additional trough height of 25-35 mm provides a net clearance of 100 mm between the sheet and module, allowing ease in heat dissipation and thereby enhanced generation.
Technological Specifications Like all the other components in our portfolio, T75 rail is also extruded in homogenized – virgin Aluminium alloy 6063 in temper T6 (EN AW 6063 T6) and weighs about 0.9 kg/m. The rail is available in lengths between 200 mm and 395 mm, in both anodized and nonanodized finish. Customers can request for the product datasheet for inertia and uplift forces.
Targetted / Benefited customer segment T75 rail system is suited for all types of consumers including industries, commercial establishments and residential properties with metal sheds. Since the product launch in April’18, we have catered to over 5 MW of projects with this system including exports to different countries across all types of wind zones.
Industry Insights
GOVERNMENT POLICIES Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
Repowering Policy
ÂÂ In October 2018, 21 countries adopted the Delhi Declaration on Renewable Energy in the Indian Ocean Region for a common renewable energy agenda, increased collaboration and promotion of regional capacity building.
ÂÂ Promotes optimum utilisation of wind energy resources by creating facilitative framework for repowering.
ÂÂ An interest rebate of 0.25 per cent over the interest rebate offered to new wind energy projects will be provided.
ÂÂ All fiscal and financial benefits offered to new wind power projects will be extended to repowering projects
Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy
ÂÂ Aims to achieve a hybrid wind-solar capacity of 10GW by 2022. ÂÂ Hybridization of the two technologies will help in:
- Minimizing Variability - Optimal utilization of infrastructure including land and transmission systems
Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO’s) Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects
ÂÂ RPO’s are a mechanism by which State Electricity commissions are obliged to purchase certain percentage of power from renewable energy sources. ÂÂ Also, floor prices of the RPO have been set to provide certainty to companies. The floor price has been set at US$ 144 per Megawatt.
ÂÂ Aims to set up 25 Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects targeting 20,000MW of solar power installed capacity by 2019-20. ÂÂ US 83.78 million have already been sanctioned under the scheme.
Credits: IBEF Reports, August 2018
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 34
Product Feature
The Ultimate Dashboard for PV Monitoring: EagleSun SCADA With our experience of operating & managing over 800MW of Solar PV plants across
Whether it is a new plant, or an old plant which has only local monitor, or you want to
India we found that less than 50% of the plants have a working SCADA, less than 40%
bring all your plant data to one single dashboard – we have a solution for all - EagleSunTM
have string monitoring, less than 25% have remote monitoring feature and only couple of
SCADA.
customers have a centralized dashboard where they can monitor all their solar PV plants! Having a remote dashboard at your office & monitoring your PV plant can save you a fortune! EagleSun SCADA has been developed with the abundant knowledge of Avi Solar’s engineering team working in different PV technologies at different geographical location. By analyzing the real-time data that is pushed into the cloud server from the plant, EagleSun SCADA can pinpoint the problem at field, it can send alert based on the severity of the problem. In Fig 2. on a single day for a given irradiance in a 5MW plant – losses add upto 1690 units! There are plenty of SCADA systems with complex graphics, rugged PLC hardware, expensive servers in control rooms hungry for high bandwidth connectivity to transfer data over internet. Is that really what you need ? EagleSun SCADA is a Simple Low Cost - IOT based platform which works on GSM hotspots/ SIM cards. The focus here is ease of use and simplicity! Within a few clicks you can point out to the problems at the field. Don’t worry if you have already installed SCADAs from multiple vendors in your PV plant, we will help you bring the data remotely to the cloud & offer you a single dashboard to monitor all your plants. As the solar PV plant gets older, one needs to watch for performance degradations & losses due to aging of plant .PV Panels degrading , MMS fasteners rusting, Cable terminations giving away – its all happening there faster than expected! Monitoring all the parameters at the site remotely and engaging with the the technical competent O&M service provider might save your plant from catastrophe. Avi Solar offers most comprehensive solution for PV plant monitoring needs. Its In house developed hardware – APIC [Avi On-Premises IoT Controller] is compatible with all industry standard protocols including Modbus – RTU/TCP/CAN/RF and has state of the art Edge Computing firmware developed by our domain experts.
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Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• November November 2018 2018 35
Industry Insights
GoodWe Inverters Flawless Operation under Harsh Environmental Conditions
End-users frequently express concern about installation of solar systems in environments of harsh weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures, high humidity or salt spray. One interesting example is provided by the GoodWe solar inverters that have been installed close to the beautiful city of Nantong that lies just next to the Yellow Sea. Even though this is not a very large project - only 18 DT series inverters were installed- this is a case in point that illustrates the GoodWe strategy of gaining customers’ confidence through the installation of high quality inverters capable of enduring extreme environmental conditions. In this case, the plant owner took advantage of suitable roofs, along with the surface of the water, to construct the photovoltaic power station. Three years on and this solar platform is still operating on a perfect condition with stable high energy yields every day. As for the reason why, the plant owner explained “Due to concerns related to the corrosion of the electronic equipment placed near humid and salty environments, we had much consideration and very rigorous products selection since the very beginning, especially for solar inverters – and only tier one products were considered for selection. We executed the 800kW project on two stages: on the first stage of the selection, only GoodWe and Huawei inverters met all the requirements; however, considering that GoodWe provided equal excellent performance in power generation as Huawei and unparalleled service in the following six months, we finally chose GoodWe as the winner of the project in the second stage.” Furthermore, GoodWe Smart Energy Management System (SEMS) has been used for visualizing and monitoring the operation of this power plant. The main focus of the system is to improve O&M efficiency by establishing an intelligent warning system which provides quick troubleshooting solution to underperforming power plants. SEMS also generates customized charts and tables to facilitate data analysis. This cost-free system can allow customers to overview their power plants via web or smartphone application. “We are proud that our products have beaten Huawei’s inverters in this very demanding project.” stated Mr. Huang Min, CEO of GoodWe. “GoodWe will always ensure the quality of its products before they enter the market, and among many other quality enhancement methods, we always conduct strict environmental adaptability tests for outdoor implementation through third-party authoritative institutions, in order to ensure the longterm reliability of our inverters.” With an in-house R&D team of 200 employees and two global research centers, GoodWe offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and solutions for residential, commercial and utility-scale PV systems, ensuring that performance and quality go hand-in-hand across the entire range. On the one hand, the inverter comes on a die-casting case made of aluminum-magnesium alloy, which has a strong anti-corrosiveness and good air tightness preventing moisture and wet dust into the fuselage inside. On the other hand, only the most reliable and prominent components are selected for the inverters after rigorous testing. For example, GoodWe inverter uses a dual 85-film capacitor, which withstand up to 85 ℃ high temperatures and 85% humidity. In addition, all GoodWe inverters pass an aging test at 50 ℃ in a high humidity, sealed room for 6 hours to simulate extreme temperature conditions and ensure their maximum performance without degradation. All GoodWe inverter series are IP65 waterproof and dustproof for indoor or outdoor mounting.
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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••November November2018 2018 36
Product Feature
Rooftop Solar PV Mounting Optimum Solutions West Coast Engineering Works Pvt Ltd is a pioneer in the solar industry for Innovating,
The mounting structure are
Engineering and Designing ALUMINIUM WALKWAYS for Solar Rooftop Projects. After
pivotal in roof mount system
having manufactured and supplied Aluminium Walkways, Handrails and Ladders for
and hence all design parameters
multiple prestigious jobs, West Coast has become a generic brand in the solar industry.
of safety and durability have
Having the opportunity to be a part of the solar industry right from its inception, we have researched, innovated and developed ancillary products that are paramount for the solar power plants. Our latest area of development has been the MMS for Solar Rooftop Projects. Solar PV Panel mounting support system is a critical cost bound product. We have optimally designed Aluminium support brackets used to mount PV panels on solar rooftop. The Aluminium mounting structure is very important as the lifespan of the Solar PV panel depends upon how light weight and strong the support system is made to resist reverse
been given utmost attention so that execution can be done smoothly and there is no post installation problems. West Coast’s research and design team are continuously working to develop unique systems for roof mounting with optimum customization as well
air pressure from bottom. In addition, the design is made to provide optimum efficiency
as standardization for Rooftop
of PV panel energy generating power. This can be achieved by providing a sufficient gap
Solar Power Industry.
between the panel and rooftop to maintain the right temperature beneath the panel. Temperature needs to maintained as with high temperature the efficiency drops. Our support system ensures that the lifespan of the metallic roof is maintained, by avoiding the possibility leakage due to hole penetration.
“Our latest area of development has been the MMS for Solar Rooftop Projects. Solar PV Panel mounting support system is a critical cost bound product. We have optimally designed Aluminium support brackets used to mount PV panels on solar rooftop.”
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 37
Product Feature
LR6-72HPH 380-400M High Efficiency, Low LID Mono PERC With Half-Cut Technology LR6-72HPH 380-400M
Complete System and Product Certification 1. IEC 61215, IEC61703 2.
ISO
9001:2008: ISO Quality
Management System 3. ISO 14001:2004: ISO Environment Management System 3. TS62941: Guidelines For Module Design Qualification And Type Approval 4. OHAS 18001:2007 Occupational Health And Safety
Positive Power Tolerance (0~+5W) Guaranteed High Module Conversion Efficiency (up to 20.2%) Slower PID Resistance Ensured by Solar Cell Process Optimization And Careful Module BOM Selection Adaptable To Harsh Environment: Passed Rigorous Salt Mist And Ammonia Tests Outstanding Low Light Performance Average Relative Efficiency 97.5% Or Better At 200W/m2 Reduced Resistive Loss With Lower Operating Current Higher Energy Yield With Lower Operating Temperature Reduced High Spot Risk With Optimized Electrical Design And Operating Current w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m
Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• November November 2018 2018 38
Product Feature
Mono PERC Modules - Latest technological invention in making of Solar PV Modules When we think about solar panels, likelihood is we predict of roofs or big arrays of
While conventional mono-crystalline cells have an emitter layer on the front side and
glimmering panels within the desert. However, advances in solar photovoltaic (PV)
a standard back surface field, the PERC cells, on the other hand, employ two different
technologies over the last decade have created doable more smaller-scale applications
features not found in conventional cells. These include applying a passivation film on the
for everyday living, on a lot of personal level.
rear surface of the cell and using chemicals to create tiny pockets in the film that absorb
Solar technologies have evolved lots since they 1st created their debut within the 1960s.
more light. These additional features create a three-part advantage:
Whereas antecedently solar photovoltaic (PV) were seen as a factor of the longer term,
• A significant reduction in electron recombination
today, technological breakthroughs have positioned the business for large growth. But
• Greater absorption of light
here in smart world, we discuss about PERC technology.
• Higher internal reflectivity Combined, these three benefits boost energy generation in solar PERC cells compared to
What is PERC technology and why we need to know about it? Scientists and engineers are perpetually innovating to supply the foremost bleedingedge technology in solar PV systems to improve up energy generation. One amongst the foremost recent introductions to extend solar battery potency has been the event of a replacement process of advanced Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) technology. The initiation of PERC technology has increased solar efficiency, which converts to faster ROI and more savings for end users.
conventional ones.
Sanelite Solar Pvt Ltd, a leading manufacturer of high-quality solar photovoltaic modules, has launched its high-efficiency mono PERC modules recently. Exceeding all trade standards and certifications, our mono-crystalline PERC star panels square measure out there in white (higher power) and all-black (sleeker aesthetic) PV back sheet variants. It comes with a standard quality & 25-years of warranty, which guarantees maximum performance throughout the lifetime of the PV system. Features of Our Mono PERC Solar Modules are:
A bit more about technology… PERC cell technology defines a solar cell architecture that differs from the standard cell architecture that has been in use for three decades and that is usually featured in all photovoltaic manuals. In this technological era, that combines rear wafer surface
• High-performance mono PERC cell structure • Exceptional performance under low-light and high temperature conditions. • Higher energy density per square foot than conventional mono-crystalline cells.
passivation and local rear contacts to maximize light capture, mono PERC solar modules are paving the way for dramatically increased PV system efficiency.
For more details, visit www.sanelite solar.com or drop a mail to info@sanelitesolar.com
AARVI ENCON LIMITED ISO 9001-2015 Company
ENGINEERING
MANPOWER
+
30
Years
OUTSOURCING
Deputation of Technical Manpower · Project Management · Construction Supervision · Inspection · Testing and Commissioning · Operation & Maintenance
Aarvi Encon Limited
Formerly known as Aarvi Encon Private Limited B1-603, Innova, Marathon NextGen, G.K.Road, Opp. Peninsula Park, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013. INDIA Tel.: 022-4049 9999, Fax: 022-4049 9998 E Mail: info@aarviencon.com, WWW. www. aarviencon.com Contact person: Mr. Mahesh Repal, Mobile No. : 9757024238. Email ID: mahesh@aarviencon.com
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 39
PRODUCT FEATURE
Six Reasons to Choose Huawei SUN2000-50KTL-M0
20MW rooftop PV plant uses Huawei SUN2000-50KTL string inverters in Xi’an, China
Back in 2013, Huawei released the world’s leading commercial inverter with Fuse-free and Natural cooling design. These features greatly improved the reliability of the PV system, and firmly placed Huawei as the leader in the commercial segment. Five years on, the new SUN2000-50KTL-M0 (hereinafter SUN2000-50KTL) commercial inverter is being released – and it’s ready to meet the ever-increasing requirements of the commercial & industrial market, with new built-in cut edging technologies.
So what’s new in the SUN2000-50KTL? More experience – over 75GW worth more Based on the GTM Research and IHS Markit 2018 report, Huawei ranked No.1 in PV inverter global shipments in 2015, 2016 and 2017. In fact, there are a total of 75GW of solar inverters deployed globally by Huawei FusionSolar to date. That’s a whole lot of learning experience, successful projects and happy customers.
Fuse-free Design for Superior Safety MPPT in every two PV strings in parallel connection, even if there is a fault in one string,
String-level Management for Easier O&M
the short-circuit current will not exceed 10A, which is well within capacity level for both
The Huawei SUN2000-50KTL configured 0.5% high-
the string and inverter. Typically metal fatigue and the fuse de-rating cause fuse high
accuracy sensors in every string input side for real-time
failure rate, and the fuse failure rate increases with solar plant running from the 4th year
current & voltage monitoring, string-level management
onwards. Huawei’s fuse-free design greatly reduces the O&M cost of replacing fuses while
& optimization. It automatically generates fault
increasing safety.
alarms and provide O&M suggestions for efficient site
The SUN2000-50KTL has made significant strides in achieving Superior Safety. With one
maintenance.
IP65, Natural Cooling Design for Better Reliability accumulated over 25 years’ experience on heat dissipation. The SUN2000-50KTL inverter
4G Dongle Solution for Simpler Communication
adopts nature cooling technology with no external fans, is fully sealed and achieving IP65
Huawei FusionSolar provides free Cloud platform,
protection rating with high environmental adaptability. It can be used in humid, salt-mist,
enable the customers to monitor and manage all their PV
desert and any other harsh environment, which effectively avoids the O&M costs of fan
plants in one system (FusionSolar Smart Management
repair and the loss of the inverter shutdown caused by the failure of fans.
System). Derived from the design concept of being easy
As a leading global provider of ICT infrastructure and smart devices, Huawei has
Multi-MPPT for Higher Yields As figured in Huawei FusionSolar website (http://solar.huawei.com/), Huawei SUN200050KTL inverter is equipped with 6 MPPTs which efficiently adapts to different layouts. Compared with 3-4 String/MPPT design, the Huawei inverter results in lower power loss
installation, smart management and reliable operation, latest 4G Dongle solution simplifies the communication method on rooftop, supporting maximum 10 inverters for internal and external transmission, saving time and cost on commissioning and management.
from string mismatch, while significantly achieving higher yields.
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Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• November November 2018 2018 40
Industry Insights ÂÂ Targets deployment of 100 GW of solar power by 2022. ÂÂ Various incentives are being offered under the scheme: •Zero import duty on capital equipment, raw materials •Low interest rates and Priority Sector Lending •Single window mechanism for all related permissions.
ÂÂ Scheme for setting up 1000 MW Inter State Transmission Systems (ISTS) connecting wind power projects. ÂÂ Projects of 50 MW and above will be connected to ISTS point. ÂÂ Around 1,739.14 MW of wind power capacity was added in 2017-18. Wind power capacity addition is expected to reach 3 GW in FY19. ÂÂ Inter-state distribution of wind power was started in August 2018.
w wwwww. .s so ol la ar rq qu ua ar rt te er r. .c c oo mm
Government Initiatives
National Solar Mission Budget 2018-19 Ministry for New and Renewable Energy Allocation is US$ 1.6 billion
Wind Bidding Scheme
Green Energy Corridor
ÂÂ Project for evacuation of renewable energy from generation points to the load centres by creating intra-state and inter-state transmission infrastructure. ÂÂ India received a US$ 1.15 billion soft loan from German development bank for implementation of green corridors project. 40 per cent of Intra state and 70 per cent of inter state transmission schemes will be funded through the soft loan.
ÂÂ Solar and wind energy sectors in India are expected to generate over 300,000 jobs by 2022.
Skill Development
ÂÂ To meet the rising demand of trained manpower, a target of achieving 50,000 “Surya Mitras” of skilled manpower in solar energy sector by 2019-20 has been set. Credits: IBEF Reports, August 2018
Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••November November2018 2018 41
COMPANY NEWS
J
N
olywood Unveils New Transparent Mesh Backsheet to Reduce LCOE of Bifacial System
TR Acquires Nine UK Solar Assets Totalling 38.4MW
NTR’s second sustainable infrastructure fund, NTR Renewable Energy Income Fund II
In a bid to create leading solar products, Jolywood’s research and development team has
has acquired nine operational UK ground mount solar assets totalling 38.4MW for an
developed a transparent mesh backsheet that features additional reflective mesh on the
enterprise value of €61.3 million, including a deferred consideration amount of €2.6
blank areas between the solar cells in the modules. This allows the mesh to increase the
million, on satisfactory completion of certain conditions.
power of the module by 5-6W, and better protect the inner layer of the backsheet. Also, the
This is the first transaction for the Fund, which invests in quality onshore wind and solar assets across a number of European markets in order to provide attractive and sustainable yields for its investors.
product is lightweight, breathable and with high light transmittance. These features make the product a good fit as a component for bifacial modules. Compared with double glass, glass plus transparent backsheet has more cost advantages in product yield, crushing rate of transportation and installation, clamp cost, O&M, etc.
NTR’s first renewable energy infrastructure fund, which was launched in 2015, is now fully
Lin Jianwei, Chairman of Jolywood, said, “We are proud of the great work that our world-
invested. The assets were developed by Plus Renewable Technologies Limited, a global
leading team has done to develop this latest advancement in backsheet technology.
renewable energy and technology company that delivers renewable energy projects and
Jolywood has 10 years of experience providing high-quality backsheets for the
asset management services.
encapsulating of modules. We’ve been making efforts to develop innovative products for
Said Rosheen McGuckian, CEO of NTR; “Our strategy for the NTR Renewable Energy Income
the PV industry, and will continue to roll out more products to promote fast application
Fund II is to acquire both pre-construction and operational European onshore wind and
of bifacial modules.”
solar assets, with the operational assets providing immediate yield on investment while
In addition, DuPont China has teamed up with Jolywood to jointly develop PV products.
the pre-construction assets are being built out.
Wang Wei, Global General Manager of DuPont China, said that Jolywood has been an
We are very pleased with this, our first acquisition for the Fund, which consists of a welldiversified portfolio of attractive cash yielding solar assets, providing long-term contracted revenues for our investors from the get-go.”
important strategic partner, and both companies have worked closely together to develop valuable transparent backsheet products and will continue their efforts. In addition to transparent mesh backsheets, Jolywood also provides the most efficient N-type mono bifacial solar cells.
S
R
MA Exceeds 400 MW Solar Inverter Sales In Vietnam
aycatch secures financing round led by DSM Venturing and BayWa r.e Energy Ventures
Raycatch Ltd., a provider of AI technology that enhances existing solar plant energy yield,
SMA Solar Technology AG has sold more than 400 megawatts of solar inverters across
announced recently that it secured a series B round of financing led by DSM Venturing, the
Vietnam in 2018.
venturing arm of Royal DSM, a global science-based company active in nutrition, health and sustainable living, and BayWa r.e. Energy Ventures, a leading global player in the development, trade, wholesale and retail of renewable energy. Joining the round are Rio Ventures and existing shareholders Maverick ventures Israel. Raycatch automates decision-making processes associated with photovoltaic PV solar asset ownership and management. While PV costs have significantly declined over recent years, revenue optimization methods for solar plants have lagged behind. Raycatch has developed a platform that uses AI methodologies to provide solar plant owners with precise actionable insights to increase energy yield, reduce capital expenditures and maximize asset’s profitability. “Raycatch is thrilled to add DSM Venturing and BayWa r.e. as strategic partners. With partners like DSM, a leader in advanced materials that improve solar PV panel efficiency,
With the country directing itself to a robust and sustainable energy environment, the turnkey SMA Medium Voltage Power Station proves to be the right solution for the different requirements in Southeast Asia. The robust turnkey container solution, including Sunny Central inverters, a powerful medium-voltage transformer and a medium-voltage switchgear, is easy to transport and allows for fast commissioning. The MVPS is ready for global outdoor use. “Vietnam is one of the key markets for SMA in Southeast Asia,” said Boris Wolff, Executive Vice President of the Utility business unit at SMA. “In the last few years, we have seen a strong commitment from the Vietnamese government as well as the growing market demand in the solar sector. Thanks to SMA’s technological advancements, the various stages of project execution have been eminently simplified.
and BayWa r.e. one of the world’s largest PV owners and operators, Raycatch will be
“A major feature to aid this is the MVPS, a true outdoor plug and play container solution
poised to enhance its analysis capabilities and reach new heights. DSM and BayWa’s goal
which ensures faster and safer transportation and commissioning. The Sunny Central
of optimizing solar assets is completely aligned with Raycatch’s vision of maximizing the
inverters are designed, engineered and manufactured in Germany and undergo severe
yield from every ray of sun,” said Haggai Hofland, CEO and Founder of Raycatch.
testing processes. With its patented OptiCool cooling system, they are true outdoor
“Raycatch is a great addition to our portfolio with its unique technology capabilities and
inverters ready to face the crucial challenges posed by demanding environmental
breakthrough approach for managing solar assets,” said Pieter Wolters, Managing Director
conditions.”
at DSM Venturing. “We are excited to enable a partnership with Raycatch to leverage innovative analytical tools to advance DSM Advanced Solar’s leading materials position.”
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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••November November2018 2018 42
COMPANY NEWS
A
F
zure Power Wins 300 MW Solar Power Project With AAA Rated NTPC
ÂÂ 86% of Azure Power’s 2 GW+ contracted pipeline is with counterparties that have A to AAA domestic debt ratings ÂÂ Over 1 GW of the contracted pipeline are with sovereign counterparties. Azure Power, one of India’s leading independent solar power producers, announced that it
ourth Partner Energy Commissions 980 Kwp Rooftop Solar Carport For ŠKODA AUTO’s Production Facility In Aurangabad
Fourth Partner Energy, India’s leading distributed solar energy company has commissioned a 980-kWp carport for ŠKODA AUTO India Private Ltd. at their manufacturing facility in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. This initiative, built in line with the ‘GREEN FUTURE’ strategy of ŠKODA AUTO and commissioned as part of the ‘INDIA 2.0’ project, is expected to reduce 922 tons of carbon
has signed a letter of award for a 300 MW Interstate Transmission System grid connected
dioxide emissions each year.
solar PV project won in an auction conducted by NTPC Limited, which has a domestic AAA
The carport built by Fourth Partner Energy, is spread over an area of 8,000 square metres,
debt rating and is the Government of India’s largest power utility.
and is expected to provide covered parking space for almost 300 cars. The unique design
Azure Power will provide power to NTPC at a tariff of INR 2.59 (~US 3.6 cents) per kWh for
has a span of 18 metres, resting on just two columns and can accommodate three cars in a row. The shed is leak proof and can withstand wind speeds up to 150 km/hr. The carport
25 years. The solar PV project can be located anywhere in India, which will likely be outside
structure of the designated system will cover 30 percent of the plant’s annual energy
a solar park, and is expected to be completed in early 2021. With this win, 86% of the
consumption by generating 1,475 MWh of power per annum. This solar power generation
company’s 2 GW+ contracted pipeline is with counterparties that have A to AAA domestic debt ratings and over 1 GW of the pipeline is with sovereign counterparties.
project is expected to substitute 759 tons of coal usage each year and the carbon offset is equivalent to planting almost 72,000 trees. Mr. Lubos Hradecky, Director – Production, Quality and Logistics, ŠKODA AUTO India
Speaking on this occasion, Mr Inderpreet Wadhwa, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive
Private Ltd. said, “A ‘GREEN FACTORY’ is fundamental to ŠKODA AUTO’s ‘GREEN FUTURE’
Officer, Azure Power said, “Our long history of superior solar power operations with NTPC
strategy. We are pleased to have associated with Fourth Partner Energy on this strategic
from the inception of National Solar Mission has contributed to our success of winning this 300 MW project with NTPC.
asset investment. The unique carport structure of the Advanced Solar Power Generation Project demonstrates how technology has enabled OEMs to transition from mainstream to cleaner alternative sources of energy. We look forward to working collaboratively
We are delighted to make a contribution towards the realization of our Hon’ble Prime
with Fourth Partner Energy to achieve our commitment to an increased footprint in the
Minister’s commitment towards clean and green energy, through solar power generation.”
renewable sector under the ‘INDIA 2.0’ Project.”
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 43 43
TECHNOLOGY NEWS
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G
ew Materials Could Make Concentrated Solar Power Cheaper Than Battery Storage.
Sunlight can do lots of useful things. It can make plants grow. It can allow solar panels to make electricity. And it can be used to heat stuff up to extremely high temperatures.
rowing Exponentially, Floating Solar Opens Up New Horizons For Renewable Energy
Floating solar technologies are creating major new opportunities to scale up solar energy around the world, particularly in countries with high population density and competing
That last one is what makes concentrated solar power possible. According to a report in
uses for available land.
Science Daily, “Concentrated solar power plants convert solar energy into electricity by
The use of floating solar – deployment of photovoltaic panels on the surface of bodies of
using mirrors or lenses to concentrate a lot of light onto a small area, which generates
water – has grown more than a hundred-fold in less than four years, from a worldwide
heat that is transferred to a molten salt. Heat from the molten salt is then transferred to a
installed capacity of 10 megawatts at the end of 2014 to 1.1 gigawatts by September 2018,
“working” fluid, supercritical carbon dioxide, that expands and works to spin a turbine for
according to the first market report on floating solar, produced by the World Bank Group
generating electricity.”
and the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore.
The critical elements in that process are the heat exchangers used to transfer the heat
The report estimates the global potential of floating solar, even under conservative
stored in the molten salt to the carbon dioxide working fluid. If the whole process could
assumptions, to be 400 gigawatts – roughly the total capacity of all solar photovoltaic
be made to operate at even higher temperatures, CSP systems could make more electricity
installations worldwide at the end of 2017.
from a given amount of sunlight.
“Floating solar technology has huge advantages for countries where land is at a premium
“Storing solar energy as heat can already be cheaper than storing energy via batteries, so
or where electricity grids are weak,” said Riccardo Puliti, Senior Director for Energy and
the next step is reducing the cost of generating electricity from the sun’s heat with the
Extractives at the World Bank. “Governments and investors are waking up to these
added benefit of zero greenhouse gas emissions,” says Kenneth Sandhage, a professor of
advantages, and we are starting to see interest from a wide range of countries in Africa,
materials engineering at Purdue University.
Asia and Latin America.”
At the present time, those heat exchangers are made of stainless steel or nickel based
At some large hydropower plants, covering just 3-4 percent of the reservoir with floating
alloys, but they get too soft at the desired higher temperatures and at the elevated
solar could double the capacity of the plant, potentially allowing water resources to be
pressure of supercritical carbon dioxide. Professor Sandhage has been collaborating with
more strategically managed by utilizing the solar output during the day. Combining solar
researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Wisconsin – Madison,
and hydropower can also be used to smooth the variability of solar output.
and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop new materials that can be used in heat
In a number of countries, floating solar also allows power generation to be placed more
exchangers that operate at those higher temperatures.
closely to urban areas or other demand centers. And while up-front costs are slightly higher, the costs over time of floating solar are at par with traditional solar, because of floating solar’s higher energy yield – due to the cooling effect of water.
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earning from nature: the increasing efficiency of organic solar cells
Researchers from universities around the world are attempting to improve the efficiency of solar cells using organic materials. Scientists in China and the UK have developed carbon and plastic-manufactured polymer cells, while Canadian researchers have looked into using bacteria to convert light to energy, taking techniques from natural photosynthesis. How have alternatives to traditional solar cells been developed, and can they be more efficient? The prerequisite of any solar cell is that it is made from semiconducting materials. These
ovel Process Could Generate Cheaper, More Efficient Solar Power
New research could someday put solar heat-to-electricity generation in direct cost-competition with fossil fuels. Researchers from Purdue University and the Georgia Institute of Technology have created a new material, that when paired with a new manufacturing process, could more efficiently generate electricity from the sun’s heat. “Storing solar energy as heat can already be cheaper than storing energy via batteries, so the next step is reducing the cost of generating electricity from the sun’s heat with the added benefit of zero greenhouse gas emissions,”
materials must be able to absorb sunlight. Some cells are optimised for absorbing sunlight
Kenneth Sandhage, Purdue’s Reilly Professor of Materials Engineering, said in a statement.
that reaches the Earth, while others are optimised for use in space. Designs include single-
Along with the solar panels commonly used on farms and rooftops, concentrated power
junction solar cells made from a single layer of light-absorbing material, and multi-junction
plants that run on heat energy generate electricity by using mirrors or lenses to contribute a
cells made from multiple layers.
substantial amount of light onto a small area. This generates heat that is then transferred to
They can also be classified into three generations. Conventional cells made from crystalline
a molten salt. Heat from the molten salt is then transferred to a working fluid—supercritical
silicon are the most recognisable, and cells using amorphous silicon are also commercially
carbon dioxide—that expands and works to spin a turbine to generate electricity.
significant for purposes such as photovoltaic (PV) power stations, building integrated PVs
However, to make this process cheaper, the turbine engine would need to run hotter to generate
and occasionally in small independent solar power systems.
more electricity using the same amount of heat. This is difficult to do because heat exchangers,
While crystalline silicon cells are typically more efficient than other PVs, there are a number
which transfer heat from the hot molten salt to the working fluid, are currently made of stainless
of issues that need addressing, according to Matthew Stone, commercialisation director at
steel or nickel-based alloys that get too soft at the desired higher temperatures and elevated
renewable technology firm NextGen Nano.
pressure of supercritical carbon dioxide.
“For years, solar photovoltaic cells have suffered from problems with efficiency, durability
To overcome these hurdles, the researchers combined a ceramic zirconium carbide and
and cost. Part of the problem is to do with silicon, the semiconductor material traditionally
tungsten metal to create plates that host customizable channels tailored to the exchange of
used to turn the sun’s energy into electricity,” says Stone.
heat.
“Commercial solar panels using silicon are typically brittle, expensive and cumbersome, at
After conducting mechanical and corrosion tests, the team found that the new composite
best generating energy with around 15%-17% efficiency.” He adds that “the manufacture and disposal of existing solar panels produces hazardous materials such as cadmium compounds, silicon tetrachloride, hexafluoroethane and lead.”
material could ultimately be tailored to successfully withstand both the higher temperature and the high-pressure supercritical carbon dioxide required to more efficiently generate electricity that the heat exchangers currently being used. The researchers also performed an economic analysis on the new process and found that the scaled-up manufacturing of the new heat exchanges could be conducted at a comparable or even lower cost than the stainless steel or nickel alloy-based heat exchanges.
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SolarQuarter Quarter• •November November2018 2018 4444 Solar
TECHNOLOGY NEWS
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ew Air-Conditioner Absorbs Solar Energy and Blasts Radiation Into Space
As people search for solutions to the climate change crisis on Earth, scientists are working to create renewable energy sources as alternatives to fossil fuels. Now, scientists at Stanford University hope to offer a new solution as they are developing a single device that collects solar energy and shoots radiation out into space – acting as both a heater
evice to store solar power in water
The renewable energy school under NB Institute for Rural Technology (NBIRT), headed by solar power expert S P Gon Chaudhuri, has come up with a prototype of an integrated machine that will store solar power in water for 24 hours.
and air conditioner.
The ministry of science and technology has allocated Rs 2.7 crore to initiate a pilot
Collecting the sun’s energy via solar power has been a leading alternative energy source
project to develop this integrated machine for a mass solar-hydel project in Assam.
for many years. But this new work suggests that devices could both collect solar energy
NBIRT scientists and Viswa Bharati researchers will work on it.
could and also use what is described as “space energy,” which isn’t really a source of
Gon Chaudhuri, who along with his team, has developed the prototype of the machine,
energy, but rather a heat sink.
said, “Now, only a small amount solar power could be stored in batteries. With this
Alternative Cooling
machine solar power can be stored for 24 hours and the cost is about 1/5 th that in
Objects emit heat as infrared radiation (a type of light we can’t see). This radiation is
batteries. Batteries storing solar solar power have an average life expectancy of five-six
mostly reflected back to Earth by reflective particles in the atmosphere. But some of it can
year while through this machine, solar power could be stored in in water for over 40
escape into space. But this new technology, known as “radiative cooling,” capitalizes on
years,” he said.
this process and uses infrared light to cool its surrounding area, essentially allowing for fossil fuel-free air conditioning.
Space Energy
The scientist said the integrated machine has five parts: a solar panel, a micro-solar pump, a micro-hydel equipment, a water tank and a and a water reservoir. “Once the solar panel produces solar power, it is first stored in the underground reservoir and
The research team thinks that such cooling “space energy” could potentially improve
then pumped into the overhead water tank, where it is stored as potential energy. To
the efficiency of solar cells. And they’ve now developed a device that combines radiative
generate power, a micro-hydel equipment will be switched on and that will bring the
cooling and solar absorption tech. “On a rooftop, we imagine a photovoltaic cell can supply electricity while the radiative cooler can cool down the house on hot summer days,” study lead author Zhen Chen, who is a former postdoctoral research associate at Stanford
high- pressured, stored solar-powered water into the main machine which will turn it into electricity,” he said.
University and current professor at the Southeast University of China, said in a statement.
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 45
Company Feature
Sineng Electric is highly recognized by customers and its counterparts, and has won numerous titles. Sineng Electric Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specialized in R&D, manufacturing and sales of power electronic products, which provides customers with products and solutions of solar inverters, photovoltaic plant operation and management, photovoltaic plant development, power quality control, energy storage system and automobile charging solutions In 2014, Sineng acquired the solar division of a fortune top 500 company, and comprehensively achieved world advanced level in R&D, management, market and other fields
Strategy In August 2014, with the integration of PV business of a Fortune 500 Company, Sineng Electric had undertaken the advanced power & electronic technology platform and accumulated experiences of the century-old foreign enterprise, making it be geared to the world’s advanced standards in all-round fields, such as R&D, management and market. Relying on the technology accumulation and R&D platform of the Fortune 500 Company, Sineng Electric has made crucial breakthroughs in the aspects of high power inverter technology and grown into a leading enterprise in the industry for more than one technological indicator.
Business Concept Sineng Electric has a full range of central distributed inverters, central inverters and string inverters, which are applied to various scenarios like large grounds, mountains, water areas, roofs of industrial and commercial buildings and poverty relief projects, to better meet the diversified demands of clients. By the end of 2016, Sineng Electric had witnessed a market share of over 20%, and served the national power generation groups and excellent private enterprises. Its products has also widely applied to PV projects at home and abroad and installed in harsh environments featuring sandstorm, high altitude, high temperature, bitter cold, and dense salt fog. By virtue of remarkable technological superiorities, advanced solutions and strong market performance, Sineng Electric is highly recognized by customers and its counterparts, and has won numerous titles such as Technology Leader of PV Industry, 2016 China Technology Innovation Award of Distributed PV System, 2016 China Top 10 Most Innovative Products
AMBITIOUS PROJECT :
of PV Industry, 2016 Top 10 Innovative Enterprises of PV Industry, Weathervane of PV Industry of the Year 2016 and “Chinese Photovoltaic Top Runner Program” Excellent Enterprises Award, thus enhancing its brand influence as well as industry credibility.
ÂÂThe largest 200MW largest single PV power station of Huang river Geermu in global world,
CUSTOMERS & PROJECTS 1. Tata Power Solar Systems Limited, 25MW 2. NLC India Limited, 50MW 3. Sterling & Wilson Private Limited, 50MW,
2012. ÂÂ250MW PV Hoa Hoi solar power plant project in Vietnam,2018.
4. L&T Construction, 100MW 5. Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions Pvt Ltd, 2MW 6. Azure Power Limited, 1MW 7. Brazil Mori, 5MW 8. China ToP Runner project in 2018, 885 MW 9. 60 MW PV power station in Xitieshan, Qinhai province, China for China General Nuclear Power Group 10. 50MW PV power station of Huang rive rhydropower station for China Power Investment Corporation 11. 50 MW PV power station in Geermu ,Qinghai province for China Huaneng Group
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“Sineng Electric had witnessed a market share of over 20%, and served the national power generation groups and excellent private enterprises. Its products has also widely applied to PV projects at home and abroad and installed in harsh environments featuring sandstorm, high altitude, high temperature, bitter cold, and dense salt fog.”
Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• November November 2018 2018 46
QUICK BYTES Industry Insights
Solar Consultancy Service: A New Surgence In The Solar Industry
Large number of solar organisation have mushroomed in the recent past. Although, lack of
The solar consultancies are leveraging their expertise and experience in not only developing
proper technical knowledge organisations make engineering mistakes, install poor quality
effective design, optimizing engineering but also in detailed technical and commercial
systems leading to malfunctioning of system which has raised the need gap for guidance.
analysis of projects to get an accurate assessment of risks and their mitigation. Beside the
That is where Solar Consultancy services has become vital not just to bigger players
gradual acceleration of solar consultancy services in the industry, the solar companies are
but essentially for new companies to act as an educator, a catalyst to bring change or
also soliciting partnerships for joint application of tenders as with strong credentials they
equip them with required knowledge to facilitate smooth processing, mitigating risks and
offer to be the technical partner to meet eligibility requirements and provide complete
saving cost. The solar consultancy service providers are offering engineering, consulting,
assistance from tender submission to execution where financial investment to be from
transaction advisory, project management and training services with a present focus on
partner on profit sharing basis and also forming partnership for financing solar OPEX
clean energy covering the entire project life-cycle from conceptualization, commissioning
Rooftop projects for sales lead generation for corporate /industries / reputed institutions.
to operational monitoring. With the solar- focused experienced team, the consultancies
These opportunities are opening up new avenues in the solar industry to thrive on the
are providing feasibility studies, design and development, construction management,
goal of climate smart livelihood.
O&M, performance monitoring and due diligence for solar developers and EPCs. The solar consultancies are containing vast experience in solar structure designing, installation, they are representing themselves as one stop shop for consulting, engineering, training and
Credits: ONergy Solar
installation & commissioning with deep commitment to quality service. With drastic reduction in engineering errors organizations are able to save costs by better designing, getting access to highly skilled technical resources at affordable costs. The End to End solar solution providers, ONergy Solar are also providing cutting edge consultancy services making projects more professionally managed and win more projects from competition and faster turnaround time. They offer technical expertise in cost saving in BOM and structure and reduce maintenance cost. Be it site survey and feasibility report, engineering audits, electrical, civil structural drawing, preparing market research reports and installation & commissioning the experts work hand in hand with the organization to ensure quality work alongside maintaining industry standards. With the basic philosophy of innovation and out of the box thinking, the solar consultancies are formed to cater to the need for state of the art design in Solar Power managed by a team of professionals from diverse backgrounds possessing expertise with in-depth understanding of market dynamics in solar industry to help the clients to achieve their targeted goals in the most efficient and cost effective way. The trend of solar consultancy has been evolving due to the technical, designing, financial benefits they provide and their unbiased guidance to owners and developers to ensure projects are planned, contracted, implemented and managed efficiently and effectively leveraging these consultancies to bridge the gap between advanced technology and end customers. “There is a very critical need to offer affordable engineering Consultancy services, solar industry is getting a bad name because of sub-standard installation, lack of understanding and poor after sales service” says Piyush Jaju, CEO, ONergy Solar.
“The solar consultancies are leveraging their expertise and experience in not only developing effective design, optimizing engineering but also in detailed technical and commercial analysis of projects to get an accurate assessment of risks and their mitigation.”
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 47
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Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• November November 2018 2018 48
Industry Insights
China’s One Belt, One Road: Implications for Wind Power & Solar Energy Overview of the wind power industry in China
As the key part of China’s “One Belt, One Road” national strategy for renewable energy, offshore wind power is an important factor which will promote the transformation of
Capacity doubled for four years in a row
China’s energy industry in these developed coastal regions. In May 2017, the government produced a proposal to speed up the research to develop the equipment and components of 5MW, 6MW offshore wind turbines.
The construction of wind farms in China began in 1980s and during the following 10 years, the country experienced the initial demonstration and industrialization establishment phases. Following this, wind farm installed capacity grew slowly and steadily. Since 2003,
Development of the solar industry in China
which saw the bidding for the first government wind power concession project, wind farm construction has entered the large-scale and localization stage and as a result installed
In 2016, the annual installed capacity of solar power in China was 34.54GW, with a total
capacity had increased rapidly. From 2006, installed capacity doubled for four consecutive
installed capacity of 77.42GW. New and total installed capacities are both world leaders,
years, an explosive level of growth2.
which includes 30.3GW of ground solar farms and 4.24GW of distributed solar farms. The
The rapid development of Chinese wind power in recent years has benefitted from both
capacity of distributed solar farms has now grown by 200%.
from the specific plan and the upgrading development assistance from local government.
As at the end of September 2017, newly installed solar power capacity in China is at about
Power companies and manufacturers have therefore developed wind power confidently
42GW, having grown by 60%; this includes 15GW of distributed solar farms, representing
in China.
a growth of more than 300%.
Original objectives revised The rapid development of wind power is forcing China’s original long term objectives to
High efficiency, high quality
be constantly revised; indeed, China has now become the largest and fastest growing wind power generation market in the world. According to the statistics of the Global Wind Energy Council, the global cumulative installed wind power capacity has increased from 23,900MW at December 31 2001 to 486,749MW at December 31 2016, with annual growth rate at 22.25%. During the same period, the annual growth rate of China’s cumulative installed capacity of wind power was 49.53%, ranking first in the world. In 2016, the new installed wind power capacity of China was 23,328MW, being 42.7% of global new installed capacity, making China the world leader. By the end of 2016, total installed wind power capacity was 168,690MW, being 34.7% of the world’s installed capacity and the highest for any country in the world. Development of offshore wind power projects in China
Under the Chinese government development plan, the Chinese solar industry is being developed with high efficiency and high quality in mind. Some poor quality solar farms will be eliminated; on the other hand, solar industries enterprises will further reduce the cost of solar power by the continuous innovation of technology. PV modules, systems, inverters, and electricity prices were reduced by 90%, 88.3%, 91.5% and 77.5% respectively in last 8 years. During 2016 -2017, the price of components decreased by nearly 21%. Ray Zhang is Head of Power and Renewable Energy, Willis Towers Watson China Credits: Power and Renewable Energy Market Review 2018
As at the end of August 2017, there are 19 offshore wind power projects in China, with a total installed capacity of 4,799.05MW. These projects are located in: ÂÂ 7 provinces in China (Jiangsu, Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Hebei, Liaoning and Tianjin) ÂÂ 8 in Jiangsu with a total capacity of 2,305.55MW ÂÂ 6 in Fujian with total capacity 1,428.4MW ÂÂ 1 in Zhejiang, Guangdong, Hebei, Liaoning and Tianjin respectively In these 19 projects the capacity of wind turbines (installed or planned) made by: ÂÂ Shanghai Electric (Siemens technology) is 2,232MW ÂÂ Goldwind is 964.15MW ÂÂ Ming Yang Energy is 567MW ÂÂ Envision Energy is 400.8MW ÂÂ China Haizhaung is 110MW
Huge potential resources China has huge potential offshore wind power resources, especially in the eastern coastal areas around Shanghai. According to the Chinese government’s renewable energy planning, offshore wind power projects will be located in coastal areas of Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Fujian and Guangdong. In 2016, more than 135 offshore wind turbine units were installed in China, with a capacity of nearly 600MW. The development areas of offshore wind power in the future are mainly
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concentrated in the economic developed eastern coastal areas. According to the Global Wind Energy Council recent report, the research shows that within 5 to 25 meters of water depth in coastal areas, at 50 meters above sea level, the capacity of wind power would be 200GW. The development of offshore wind power will not only meet the electricity demand of the eastern area with a combination of onshore and offshore wind power, but also accelerate the growth of China’s renewable power generation.
Reduced costs
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With the investment and development of new technologies, the cost of offshore wind projects is being reduced. The offshore wind developers are facing more competition; according to the Chinese government development plan, the installed capacity of wind power will be 210GW by the end of 2020, including 5GW installed capacity of offshore wind power.
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 49
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
The Importance Of Choosing Modern Short-Term Solar Forecasting Solutions In India As the rate of growth in installed solar capacity accelerates globally, along with it has come a new suite of challenges to integrate the incredible volumes of new capacity into our energy markets and networks. With just shy of 100GW of new solar added in 2017, following on from 75GW in 2016, many energy markets around the world have experienced a breakdown in the long-established processes and methods for forecasting supply and
Modern short-term solar forecasting approaches To properly identify a suitable *modern* solar forecasting approach for short-term predictions of utility scale solar farm power output, there are three key requirements.
demand and planning and operating electrical networks. This is a trend that is just getting started, and likely to expand significantly over the coming decade, and with an aggressive
First, the solar forecast should be a rapid update, satellite based service built with
wind and solar energy installation target of 227GW in India, the need for high quality,
meteorological expertise. By rapid update, I mean that solar forecasts are continually
modern solar forecasting technologies to contribute to optimal operation of electricity
being regenerated based on the latest information from the satellite imagery (where the
markets and networks is fast becoming of great importance.
clouds are) and the actual generation statistics from the solar facility. For example, at my company Solcast, we track the actual locations and estimate the characteristics of cloud
However, in a market like India, with such impressive and ambitious solar integration targets, traditional (non-modern) solar forecasting technologies are poorly suited. Over the past decade, day-ahead forecasting for unit commitment and hourly forecasting for load balancing across a given day in regions like Europe and the United States have been the status quo. For these purposes, modelling approaches based on numerical weather models and machine learning techniques have been suitable.
However, despite the
cover in real-time, over every continent except Antarctica. At any given time, we know where all of the clouds near your solar facility are, how thick they are with respect to sunlight, and then forecast of where they’ll move next, by leveraging wind velocity data from high-resolution weather models. With each satellite scan, we regenerate an entirely new set of forecasts. That’s rapid update. You’d be surprised how few solar forecasting providers actually do this.
credentials of forecasting providers from these regions, such traditional approaches are far from suitable for making the short-term predictions of solar farm power output on the timescale of minutes to 1-2 hours ahead that a high-penetration market like India will soon require.
This is driven by one fundamental reason: such methods do not actually know where the clouds actually are at any given time. Contrary to popular belief, weather models do not actually model cloud conditions directly, they instead rely on parameterisations and other tricks to handle them at a broad scale. Even with the best machine learning methods available, if the forecasting approach doesn’t actually use knowledge of actual local cloud cover conditions, it will fail to make accurate short-term forecasts.
Satellite-base forecasting is essential, but not all approaches are suitable At the forecasting horizons of greatest interest to the Indian market (minutes to hours ahead), satellite based imagery and forecasting can offer significant improvements over the aforementioned ‘traditional’ methods. Weather satellites are placed in geostationary orbits where they record images of the Earth, which includes the surface and cloud cover. These images update every 10-15 minutes, and are available at resolutions as fine as 1km2, which is exactly the kind of data input short-term solar forecasting methods should be utilising.
Secondly the forecasts should be delivered via API. An API is an Application Programming Interface, which is the modern protocol for securely and quickly transmitting data between cloud based computing platforms and devices/facilities operating across the world. Information packages are encrypted, and completely secure against cyber-intrusion, so long as the user keeps their API keys confidential. At Solcast, we deliver all of our forecasting services via a REST API running on the latest generation of Microsoft’s .NET
Yet, not all satellite based forecasting services are the same. Just because one can pull in
Core technology, making the data instantly available via HTML, JSON, XML, csv and jsv
this imagery data, does not actually mean they are able to identify clouds or track their
formats. This cloud based approach also comes with the added capabilities of guaranteed
motion with precision, let alone model the amount of solar radiation arriving at the Earth’s
uptime, including redundancy across multiple service regions. With an API, you get all
surface or the eventual power output from a solar facility. Furthermore, nearly every
the benefits of the cloud, including speed, safety, reliability and easy integration. Anyone
satellite based forecast methodology in practice oversimplifies the processes of cloud
using FTP servers or email downloads to deliver your forecasts, is simply not operating
motion, extrapolating a motion vector from previous cloud movement and projecting the
a modern architecture, nor implementing best practice with regard to the safety of your
cloud positions forward all as one mass, in the same direction, to make a forecast. This
data.
is simply not how clouds behave, as each layer of the lower atmosphere, where clouds reside, often move in different directions due to a phenomena known as ‘wind shear’ (the change in cloud speed and direction with height).
Third, the forecast needs to be using the latest generation data from your utility scale solar farm site, in combination with satellite imagery. Satellite data is absolutely required for the identification of cloud features before they arrive at your solar facility. However, even the best satellite based forecasting approaches aren’t perfect at timing cloud cover, or
“ At any given time, we know where all of the clouds near your solar facility are, how thick they are with respect to sunlight, and then forecast where they’ll move next, by leveraging wind velocity data from
capturing the development of small convective cloud cover, or estimating the thickness of the local cloud cover. For this reason, the actual measurement data from the utility scale solar farm site needs to be a part of the forecast. Fortunately, any modernised service which utilises APIs, will offer two-way communications (unlike FTP based solutions), which allow the forecast customer to POST (send to the API) the SCADA measurements from the solar farm site to the API.
At Solcast, we use this information to ‘tune’ the PV power forecast according to the individual
high-resolution weather models. With each satellite
characteristics of the site. Our PV Tuning technology learns the real characteristics of your
scan, we regenerate an entirely new set of forecasts.
extract, or a real-time feed of your SCADA data, we match up the performance of your site
That’s rapid update ”
your specific facility. This is not only important because of the limitations of satellite
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utility scale PV plant, by using your measured power output data. Using either a historical with our solar irradiance and weather data, to produce a ‘tuned’ forecast that represents based approaches, but also due to the complexity of utility scale solar installations! Even
SolarQuarter Quarter••November November2018 2018 50 Solar
QUICK BYTES INDUSTRY INSIGHTS INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
with perfect execution against a construction plan, once commissioned, solar facilities
About the Author: Dr. Nick Engerer
encounter a host of real-world challenges that can impact performance in many ways. Tuning captures these complexities!
Closing thoughts
Dr. Nick Engerer is the CTO of Solcast, and an expert in the field of solar radiation modelling and forecasting. Dr. Engerer has cofounded Solcast out of a sincere desire to enable others to build
In closing, India has shown great leadership with its aggressive solar installation targets.
the solar-powered future. If you have any questions about this
With its state distribution companies now due to enforce penalties for inaccurate solar
article, please get in touch at nick@solcast.com.au. I also hope
forecasts, it would be quite wise to also show leadership in its implementation of its solar
you’ll take the time to check us out on http://solcast.com.au, where we include much more
forecasting technologies and network/market operations by choosing modern approaches.
information about our technologies, including supporting documentation on how to get started with your utility scale solar farm forecasts via a free trial.
Bringing the Skilling revolution in Solar PV, Worldwide: Kwatt Solutions When it has started, it was a dwarf and let’s see, how it now consumes the Sun’s essence. Do you know what I am talking all about? – This is the Solar PV technology that I want to discuss here all about, matching your expectations from this magazine. We fight everyday with problems either from EPC (One who Installs the SPV), manufacturers (One who Manufacturers the Solar cells/arrays), or end users – blinding on the problems what we see as a result now is the market dip proportionally to SPV technology credibility dip. We are intent to serve this problem with a solution. November 2013 was our foundation time, and having chaired since then by Dr Chetan Singh Solanki (Prof. Energy & Science Department, IIT Bombay). From the beginning we have been focused on EPC, Solar PV Skill Development & Solar PV research lab manufacturing. But you see things are not fully under your control, with time we have shifted our focus more Solar PV skilling vertical, as we felt a grave problem was encircling the EPC market due to unethical business tactics and unskilled hands. We have trained 10000+ students as well as professionals from all backgrounds since our inception, not only in Solar PV technology but also on how to maintain work ethics, fair business practices, critical thinking, and to keep good values. Some of our Alumni’s has become entrepreneurs in this domain, while installing 600 to 700kWp of SPV by themselves in less than a year of their certification as ‘Solar PV Installer’. We have training centres over PAN India, and going to establish our first centre on foreign land in Mauritius soon. We have also, launched an online basic Solar training certification course which cost as low as Rs 500 per participant, while keeping in mind the money and time resources that underprivilege students all over India have. We have been awarded under category, ‘Outstanding contribution in Solar training domain’ by Skill Council for Green Jobs at InterSolar expo 2017, Mumbai. In addition, we were among the top three shortlisted companies under ‘Excellence RE Skilling’ award category at REI 2018 awards India. We have also installed over 3500kWp of SPV rooftop over PAN India with a consultancy experience of over 1500+ Mwp. “LEARN FROM THOSE WHO DO” – Kwatt Solutions (Graduated from IIT Bombay)
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 51
Industry Insights
Managing risk through analytics: some fresh perspectives for the power industry Introduction – a catastrophic hurricane season Introduction – a catastrophic hurricane season This year’s Atlantic hurricane season has brought a great deal of devastation to the Caribbean region and parts of the US. Puerto Rico faced three major hurricanes in a row, with the first Category 4 hurricane (Maria) to cross the country since 1932. With wind speeds reaching up to 160mph, Maria caused extensive damage to the island and its infrastructure including its power distribution network.
ÂÂ As our company evolves, what would happen if our employees’ skills and capabilities do not realign to changing business needs? ÂÂ Are senior leaders fluent in the new realities of the business? How are the portfolio changes impacting the organisation’s culture? Quantifying Risks “Our company doesn’t need heavy-duty analytics - we’re insured” Insurance is just one means of risk management; while not addressing many of the key
The hurricanes have prompted interest in ways of shifting island power grids toward greater reliance on renewable energy and greater power preservation techniques. Centralised
risks that power companies face, it can provide a financially efficient form of risk transfer for a range of risks from property to liability to D&O.
power grids have showed deficiencies in resilience to storms and experts consider that
Today’s processing power is sufficiently advanced and cheap to enable actuaries and
smaller diversified grids could provide a solution and lower costs. Rebuilding the same
catastrophe analysts to model more risks. The insurance industry is increasing its reliance on
type of power infrastructure could mean similar damage and destruction in the future and
analytics to help them understand risks and to set pricing guidelines for their underwriters.
such reinvestment could prove unsustainable in the long run.
Fortunately, the power sector increasingly has access to the analytical power and information to address this concern. Growing databases of client and industry loss and
The impact of the recent hurricanes on the US power sector was also significant. Harvey
exposure information and sophisticated analytical and catastrophe modelling tools are
caused outages to substations, power plants and transmission lines in Texas and along
enabling better risk models to be created, allowing companies to objectively answer the
the US Gulf coast. Damage was caused by both the devastating wind forces and the
key insurable risk questions:
widespread flooding, which some considered to be a ‘1 in 500 year’ loss event (i.e. a 10% chance of this loss occurring within 50 years)
ÂÂ What is the loss profile of the risks: how many losses are expected each year (frequency) and how large will they be (severity)?
At its peak, over 10,000 MW were offline, fuel supplies were affected and personnel were
ÂÂ Are our assets and operations exposed to catastrophic hazards and climate risk and if yes, what could be the potential financial impact?
not able to reach power generating facilities. Hundreds of high-voltage transmission lines, including several 345kV lines and more than two hundred smaller lines experienced storm-related outages. Outages were also reported for wind turbines which normally shut down at 55mph winds. In the aftermath of such events companies often turn their attention to resilience. The best way to achieve this is through a holistic approach to risk - from analytics through insurance
ÂÂ How much risk should we retain, how much insurance should we buy and what should this insurance cost? ÂÂ How can I reduce my risk costs through alternative policy structures and risk mitigation? Credits: Power and Renewable Energy Market Review 2018
to managing the broader enterprise risks.
The changing risk profile of the power industry A more complicated energy mix The changing power industry risk landscape is forcing power companies to radically rethink their business and operating models. We have seen players moving to a more ‘retail’ oriented mentality and investing in new technologies to reshape customers’ experience. As the commercial viability of different renewables evolves, the energy mix is getting more complex. Companies are spreading their bets and this has significantly impacted their Capex and Research & Development (R&D) spending. There have also been increasing challenges to market position from several fronts: deep-pocketed oil and gas players seeking greater downstream presence and agile tech players and start-ups deploying technology to gain an edge. Hard & Soft Risks A power company’s risk register will typically describe certain “harder” risks using financial measures and other, “softer” risks using qualitative measures. Most companies employ analysts to measure particular “hard” risks such as commodity prices, bank loan interest rates, bond rates and currency fluctuations. Where financial instruments are available and cost effective, they will then decide the extent to which they wish to pay to hedge these risks. These “hard” risks are characterised by an abundance of data and mature yet constantly developing risk transfer markets. Analysts working in these areas look at historical experience, economic factors and exposure metrics to project how these risks are likely to develop over the coming months and years, and the range of volatility around these average expectations. “Soft” risks tend to arise from many, volatile and opaque contributory factors, often including human behaviour such as financial crime, fraud, changing regulations and sanctions. Senior management, investors and local regulators want evidence that the company has a real understanding of both its upside and downside risks, with proper reference to the company’s risk appetite. Power companies are therefore increasingly asking the following questions along the transformation journey: ÂÂ Our company is a very different organisation now - how has this changed our risk profile? Is my insurance strategy still appropriate? ÂÂ As our reliance on technology deepens, what does this mean for our cyber risk? What does this mean for our reputational and operational risk?
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 53
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 54
TRENDS
Current Trends Impacting The Solar Business In India
Solar as a business in India or wherever in the world is quite dynamic, especially given
If we divert from technology, solar like any industry is pure play economics. If we analyse
the recent scheme of things. From when solar was introduced, to when it started getting
the situation, the tenders are being rolled out, which might cumulatively add up to 100GW
recognition, to now, when it has become popular, the industry has witnessed some major
by 2020, as the target issued as per National Solar Mission, but we see tenders getting
milestones in terms of technology developments, increased applications, free fall in prices
annulled quite often, the reason is dynamic pricing nature of the industry. The government
etc. The interesting part is that the Indian solar industry is still in the growth stage, hence
won’t buy electricity if in the process of tendering, the technology got cheaper, and
posing a lot of opportunities, not only to expand with the existing technology base, but
companies won’t implement if the project doesn’t offer the returns they expected while
also to launch new technologies and products.
bidding, which is fair. What can be done is that there can be a formula mechanism to this, so that the overall development is not hindered.
If we closely look at a solar power plant, there are a lot of components involved such as solar panels, inverters, cables, structures, HT/LT and even batteries in case of off grid
As far as small rooftop solar is considered, the real challenge lies in the skepticism of
systems. Each component is developing itself every passing day. It can be easily witnessed
people investing their hard-earned money into something they don’t quite understand.
that the technologies that become financially feasible start catching up and ultimately
The quantum of investment is also a major factor affecting the purchase decision. Two
succeed the outgoing technologies. For instance, since my introduction to the industry,
surefire ways to tackle this problem are a provision for EMI by banks and a specialized
the most selling product used to be 300Wp solar panel, which has now been replaced
insurance plan, although these added securities will come at a premium. Once consumers
by 330Wp solar panel at a substantially lesser cost down from $0.55/Wp to $0.30/Wp
know how to finance this technology, they need to understand the technology itself, its
approx.
uses and its payback. Solar literacy camps organized by the government in collaboration with corporates to break down the complexities facing this technology will go a long way
Now, with introduction of Mono-PERC technology, one can get solar panels with
in imparting knowledge and dispelling misconceptions.
efficiencies as high as 360Wp. Lead Acid batteries are also on a verge of getting replaced with lithium ion batteries, which are much lighter and have a much higher life span. Even
As a whole, it is definitely an interesting to be a part of the growth story of the industry,
in case of utility scale solar projects, the concept of Energy Storage System (ESS) is also
and help shape it towards a better and sustainable India.
cropping up, which is basically a cluster of lithium ion batteries put together. The industry has already seen sun tracking structures, which increase efficiency of solar systems up
Credits: Mr. Manik Garg, Executive Director, Saatvik Green Energy
to 20-30%. Projects with floating structures, which help put solar on streams and water bodies, are now being implemented. All these standalone product technologies are making the solar industry grow to its full potential.
These are just a few mentioned noticeable changes that have happened in the recent
“If we analyse the situation, the tenders are
past. With such a dynamic and constantly evolving industry, it is very difficult to determine what the future holds, but it is definite that the solutions will improve and it will surely be at the most economically feasible cost.
In a macro perspective, 2030 should see India’s maximum electricity generation through renewable energy, advanced energy storage systems, electric vehicles plying on roads with efficient charging infrastructure in place, and even newer technologies, whether it is hydrogen or methanol fuel cell. There is no denying that India has a lot renewable energy potential which is yet be exhausted. The industry still has a way to go before it matures around mid 2020s. The government has played a crucial role to help the industry grow and it is un-doubtful that the joint effort of the government along with various
being rolled out, which might cumulatively add up to 100GW by 2020, as the target issued as per National Solar Mission, but we see tenders getting annulled quite often, the reason is dynamic pricing nature of the industry.”
stakeholders of the industry will definitely result in how we envision India to be, minimum carbon footprints and maximum sustainability.
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Solar Quarter • November 2018 55
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Solis 700W-70kW Inverter Has Arrived Feel Quality, Experience, Reliability
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