Smart energy March/ April 2017 Edition

SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

Volume IV, Issue II

Pages 60

`200

ISSN 2348-5027

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Complete Renewable Energy Intelligence

THE INDIAN

SOLAR

LANDSCAPE Amidst Falling Costs & Improving Efficiency

Financial Analysis of Solar Rooftops p30 PV-DG Hybridization and Smart Way to Monitor and Control the PV Plant p34 Guidelines for Empanelment of Channel Partners p52 Perovskite Solar Cell p56

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SmartEnergy Complete Renewable Energy Intelligence

Editor Santosh Khadtare santosh@supersmartenergy.com

Associate Editor Anisha Ganguli EDITORIAL ADVISER Pragya Sharma Editorial Coordinator Varsha

Graphic Designer D. Vaidya Advertising & Marketing Head- Marketing & Business Development Sapna K sapna.smartenergy@gmail.com

Chief Executive Officer Rahul Raj Chandra Support Team Sunil Pawar Bharti Shetty

Editor's Note Dear Readers, Welcome to the Volume IV, Issue II of Smart Energy Magazine. The solar and wind sector has witnessed lot of action in the preceding two months. One that caught the attention of the Nation was the award of contracts to build and operate the 750 MW Rewa ultra mega solar park in Madhya Pradesh to Mahindra Renewables, Acme Solar Holdings and Solenergi Power at levelised tariff of Rs 3.309, Rs 3.30 and Rs 3.304 - the lowest for any solar park in the country till date. Against this backdrop this issue of Smart Energy Magazine brings to you a cover story titled ‘The Indian Solar Landscape- Amidst Falling Costs and Improving Efficiency’. The cover story takes stock of the recent developments within the sector and its impact on the Indian solar manufacturers that are already facing the double challenge of remaining cost competitive and the onslaught of cheap imports from countries like China. Going forward the key differentating factor for a panel manufacturer is going to be efficiency and aesthetics of the solar panels. The cover story takes a closer look at the preparedness of the Indian solar manufacturer and their fight to remain relevant against this technology development.

This edition also carries excerpt of the interaction with leaders, influencer and key decision makers from the Industry. With focused articles, in depth analysis and updates from the industry, I am sure you will find this issue of Smart Energy Magazine Interesting.

The second edition of RenewX that gives the industry an opportunity to penetrate into the lucrative south Indian renewable energy market is taking place from April 7 & 8, 2017 at the Hitex, Hyderabad.

Don’t miss this opportunity to visit the exhibition and interact with the industry leaders and the exhibitors. If you are not able to make it to the event, don’t worry we will be carrying an exclusive and in-depth on ground report from the event in the next edition of the magazine.

Till then, Happy Reading!

Disclaimer All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and information in this magazine, opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the vies of the owner/ publisher and the editorial team. Genesis Info-Media shall not be liable for any consequences in the event such claims are found- not to be true Printed, published and edited by Santosh Khadtare on behalf of Genesis Info-Media, published at 509, Pushp Plaza, above Snehanjali Showroom, Manvelpada Road, Virar Dist Thane and printed at M B Graphics, B 28, 3rd Floor Shri Ram Industrial Estate,Wadala West, Mumbai.

4 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

Santosh K Editor Santosh@supersmartenergy.com Like SmartEnergy on Facebook @

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Content

SmartEnergy 38 26 INTERVIEW Rajesh Singh Associate Vice President, RenewSys India Pvt. Ltd.

44 INTERVIEW Qi Wang

Cover Story The Indian Solar Landscape Amidst Falling Costs and Improving Efficiency

30 ROOFTOP SOLAR Financial Analysis of Solar Rooftops

Chief Scientist, JinkoSolar

56 TECHNOLOGY BRIEF Perovskite Solar Cell

Authored By: Amit Rane

34 PV-DG HYBRID PV-DG Hybridization and Smart Way to Monitor and Control the PV Plant

52 POLICY UPDATE Guidelines for Empanelment of Channel Partners

Authored By: Rahul Sharma

48 SPOTLIGHT Can Domestic Manufacturers Capture a Larger Piece of the Growing Indian Solar Market?

Authored By: Mercom Capital Group

6 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

REGULARS 08. News Updates 19. Inshorts 20. Product Updates 57. Events Watch 58. Advertisers Index

COMPANY PROFILE 51. Star Link

 www.supersmartenergy.com

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News Updates India's solar capacity to cross 20GW in Next 15 months: Piyush Goyal India's solar power generation capacity would cross 20,000 MW in the next 15 months from the current level of 10,000 MW, Power Minister Piyush Goyal said.

in costs of solar power, becoming comparable with thermal power in India, he said. India solar power generation capacity stood at 2,650 MW on May 26, 2014.

"On 10th of March this year the installed solar power capacity in India has crossed 10,000 MW, four times the installed capacity three years back, which in next 15 months would cross 20,000 MW," a Power Ministry statement quoted the minister as saying.

As much as 14,000 MW (or 14 gigawatt) of solar projects are currently under development and about 6 GW is to be auctioned soon. In 2016, about 4 GW of solar capacity was added, the fastest pace till date.

"India could not have completely focused on Making in India in the last three years as being in the nascent stage, its solar power sector needed technological and financial boost from abroad to rapidly expand its horizons," the statement further quoted the minister.

The sector has reached certain maturity level which will lead the country becoming self-reliant in meeting its Green Energy needs.

The proof is the drastic reduction

According to power ministry estimates, another 8.8 GW capacity is likely to be added in 2017, including about 1.1 GW of rooftop solar installations. The government is targeting 100 GW of solar and 60 GW of wind energy capacity by 2022.

Total renewable energy generation capacity is envisaged at 175 GW by 2022. Earlier last month, lower capital expenditure and cheaper credit had pulled down solar tariff to a new low of Rs 2.97 per unit in an auction conducted for 750 MW capacity in Rewa

Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh.

The auction was conducted by a joint venture of Madhya Pradesh government and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). The country has shown it to the world that India is a big market place for manufacturing in solar power sector and international investors and manufacturers have started setting up manufacturing units in the country, the statement noted ■

India to Overtake Japan as the World’s Third Largest Solar Market in 2017, Expects EnergyTrend The global solar market has yet to show signs of turnaround after going through the turbulent 2016. The latest Gold Member Solar Report by EnergyTrend, a division of TrendForce, forecasts that the global PV demand for 2017 will total just 73.9 gigawatts. This year’s PV demand growth will be nearly flat for the first time after years of expansion. Also, the ranking of the top three regional solar markets will likely change this year, with India having the opportunity to displace Japan to become the world’s third largest.

“While China remains the largest

8 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

regional market, its domestic PV installation target for this year is slightly lower than last year’s according to the latest government announcement,” said EnergyTrend analyst Celeste Tsai.

“As for the second-place U.S., the country’s current political climate is not conducive to the growth of its PV market. At the same time, Japan will continue to lower its feed-in tariff rates over the next few years. Because India still maintains strong demand for PV products, it has the potential to overtake Japan to become the world’s third largest solar market by taking at least 14% of the year’s total PV demand.”

Tsai pointed out that policy remains an influential factor in the long-term development of India’s PV market. “Currently, solar products in some areas of the country are exempted from sales taxes, but the government has yet to decide the rate of Goods and Services Tax (GST) that will be applied on them,” Tsai explained. “GST, which was approved by the parliament last year, could pose as an enormous financial burden on the future construction of PV power plants in India and stifle the growth of the country’s solar market.” ■

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News Updates Tata Power Solar Expands and Modernises Its Manufacturing Facility Keeping up with Government of India’s progressive ‘Make in India’ plan of domestic production with enhanced efficiency of a solar cells and modules, Tata Power Solar, India's largest integrated solar company, announced a significant expansion and modernisation of its cell and module manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The two-stage expansion doubled the company’s module capacity to 400 from 200 MW, and increased its cell manufacturing capacity by 65 per cent from 180 to 300 MW. Tata Power Solar, as part of this process, modernised and fully automated its entire manufacturing facility. The company was also able to ramp-up to full capacity in record time, significantly better than global benchmarks, owing to its highly skilled and trained team and also improve efficiency of its modules.

Talking about the expansion, Anil Sardana, Chairman, Tata Power Solar, said, “We are happy to see our team responding to Govern-

Tata Power Solar Expands and Modernises its Manufacturing FacilityInauguration by Shri. DK Shivakumar, Hon'ble Minister of Energy, Governement of Karnataka

ment of India’s call of ‘Make in India’. A robust domestic, qualitative manufacturing base is the backbone of any nation and is a strong foundation for long-term viability of sector. The gradual turnaround of the company and its expansion in capacity has been a hall mark achievement of Team Tata Power, when other sector players are still facing challenges of sustained economics.”

This expansion, the second in less than three years, is a testimony to Tata Power Solar’s commitment to manufacturing, in line with India’s ‘Make in India’ campaign. The company, which is a pioneer in the Indian solar manufacturing space, has been known for its quality modules for 27 years and has one of the lowest warranty returns in the industry ■

“This expansion and modernization has come on the backdrop of our landmark achievement on being the 1st Indian company to have shipped 1 GW modules worldwide. We have again demonstrated our long-term commitment to manufacturing the best quality panels for our international as well as Indian clients. This also validates our capability to manufacture solar panels and cells, comparable to the best in the world, and confidence of guaranteeing these products for 25 years of high quality performance. Our pragmatic approach of continuous investment in technology has helped us stay relevant and sustain our leadership position in India for over 27 years." - Ashish Khanna, Executive Director & CEO, Tata Power Solar

Upendra Tripathy to head ISA Upendra Tripathy, a former secretary of the renewable energy ministry, has been appointed interim director general of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which brings together countries with abundant sunshine with the aim of

10 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

lowering solar energy costs.

Tripathy, a former IAS officer from the Karnataka cadre, has been closely involved in solar power development in the country. Tripathy’s appointment comes in

the backdrop of record low Indian solar power tariffs that have raised viability concerns. Solar power project developers placed a record low bid of Rs 2.97 /kWh to win contracts for a 750 MW project at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh ■  www.supersmartenergy.com

News Updates Consul Neowatt supports Government’s Rural Digital Literacy Buses with 5 KW Sunbird Solar Inverters A strong votary of the Digital Inclusion program, Consul Neowatt, (India's power electronics major), has supplied its much acclaimed Sunbird solar inverters to facilitate the government's mobile computer lab buses specially designed to impart computer literacy among the villagers. These mobile knowledge buses are well-appointed with 15-20 desktop computers connected to the internet and are fitted with rooftop solar PV modules and battery based solar inverters to be self sufficient for uninterrupted electricity supply.

These solar powered knowledge buses would be plying across rural areas to help villagers get a hands-on computer learning experience.

These buses are currently being rolled out in rural areas of states like Jharkhand. As these areas face frequent power shortage, Consul Neowatt's Sunbird solar inverters have been chosen for their ruggedness and perfor-

mance. Around 50 buses are expected to be rolled out in the 1st phase and Consul Neowatt has already supplied 3 units for the pilot project.

Talking about Consul Neowatt’s participation in the program, Mr. Sriram Ramakrishnan, CEO & MD, Consul Neowatt Power Solutions Pvt Ltd said, “While the goal is to bring digital literacy to rural India, we also recognized the need to provide green learning labs which are self sufficient. Our Sunbird solar inverters make this mobile education initiative “green” reducing emissions while also being suitable for areas with little access to power supply, where the buses are stationed. We are very proud to be part of this initiative and strongly believe people are the building blocks of a nation and empowering them with advanced education is a surefire way to economic progress.”

Today, Consul Neowatt's 1-250 KW Sunbird Solar Inverters are the preferred choice of solar system integrators and are playing a critical role in enabling the PM's vision for Rural Electrification under Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana Scheme. Consul Neowatt offers a range of Off-grid, On-grid and Hybrid inverters up to 250 kVA. Consul Neowatt UPS and solar inverter products are also providing uninterrupted power supply for many Smart City projects.

Consul Neowatt is currently pushing for aggressive growth in the North and the West of the country and is also eyeing South Asia, Middle East and Africa regions for its overseas expansion. With strong designing and manufacturing capabilities, the company has already made ambitious in roads into various government projects focused on Smart Cities, Make-In-India and Metro Rail. The company's products are present in the RBI data centres and 1 out of 5 ATMs in the country is powered by Consul ■

Gyanesh Chaudhary, MD & CEO Vikram Solar Received Commendations as The Emerging Leader Mr. Gyanesh Chaudhary, MD & CEO Vikram Solar, the man behind the exceptional growth that country’s leading Solar EPC and module manufacturing company has scaled, was awarded with the title of ‘Emerging Leader’ by esteemed Calcutta Management Association (CMA).

CMA Management Excellence Awards 2017, which is honouring Mr. Gyanesh Chaudhary as

the emerging leader, has been carefully identifying exceptional practices in management since 2015. And being a promoter of ethical, smart, and innovative management choices, Mr. Gyanesh Chaudhary has made the perfect candidate for this year’s recognition event.

Mr. Gyanesh Chaudhary, MD & CEO, Vikram Solar Pvt. Ltd., shared on the occasion, “Inspiring the organization through

12 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

transparency, effective decision making, and communication has always been a leader’s duty for me all along. And in pursuit of growth and recognition for the company and my talented team, I have always followed those ideals. And now, in this proud moment, I believe my win is actually a win for all the members of my team, the close knitted Vikram family” ■

 www.supersmartenergy.com

News Updates NEXTracker to Expand Manufacturing in India NEXTracker™, a Flex company, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announced that it will be manuNational Solar Mission and facturing additional structural supports the Make in India components of its program; a national solar trackcampaign aimed ing systems to fuel high locally in value manDan Shugar, India. By ufacturing NEXTracker's CEO augmentj o b s , ing its increase “Our India expansion reflects supply investour strategy to regionalize partners ment, manufacturing wherever possible to include a n d to better serve our customers, A P L f oster accelerate project velocity, Apollo innovareduce risk and save on Tubes Limtion logistics costs” ited along Steel tubes with four and piers form other local steel the backbone of any fabricators , NEXTracker solar tracking system, will be increasing its local steel accounting for a sizable content percentage to over 80% portion of the system's strucby volume and weight of its final tural cost and weight. Accordproduct. ingly, NEXTracker sought a local Localizing steel pipe manufachigh quality steel supplier for its turing will reduce shipment torque tubes to support a raptime as much as 50%, reduces idly growing market that seeks to logistics costs, aligns closely with have 100 GW of grid-tied solar by

ABB India surpasses 4.5 GW renewable energy portfolio Power equipment company ABB India announced in a statement released that the company has surpassed a portfolio of 4.5 Gigawatt renewable capacity with delivery of over 2,000 units of power generators in the country.

The statement said these generators for wind turbines are manufactured in a factory in city of Vadodara Gujarat, recognized as ABB’s one of the most advanced facility globally and the fourth such facility in the group.

“As the price gap narrows between electricity generated from thermal, solar and wind projects, quality solutions to optimize and integrate wind projects assume paramount importance to create long term value,” said

Sanjeev Sharma, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, ABB India.

Currently, the country has a wind power installed capacity of nearly 28 GW. Around 10 per cent of this was installed in 2015. Several policy and regulatory incentives are accelerating the country’s achievement of the 60 GW generation target by 2022.

As per recent reports by the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers’ Association the capacity addition for wind projects for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017 is expected to be around 4 GW. ABB Group has supplied components for over 40,000 wind turbines across the world ■

14 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

2022. Most of these systems will be ground-mounted and heavily dependent on high quality steel structures. NEXTracker's demand has expanded rapidly in India with over 20 projects delivered or under fulfilment with six of India's largest developers and EPCs. "We're excited to be expanding and accelerating India's national Make in India program by way of our association with a leading value-added steel vendor," noted Dan Shugar, NEXTracker's CEO. "APL Apollo is a world class steel fabricator and their dedication to delivering the highest quality products is exceptional. We are additionally supporting our India customers through the engineering and logistics capabilities of NEXTracker's Hyderabad office, which has doubled in size over the last year, and incorporating local requirements and standards into our products." ■

7,000 Railways Stations In India To Go Solar The Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced that the 7,000 railway stations across the country will be fed with solar power as per the Indian Railways mission to implement 1,000 megawatts of solar power capacity. The minister made the announcement during the union budget speech on 1 February 2017.

The minister stated that work to set up rooftop solar power systems at 300 stations has already started, and soon this number will increase to 2,000 stations.

According to data released by the Minister of Railways, India had 7,137 railway stations at the end of March 2015 ■

 www.supersmartenergy.com

Schneider Electric India powers 2 GW of solar capacity in India, targets 2.5 GW by March 2017 Schneider Electric India - a global specialist in energy management and automation - has announced that it has powered more than 2 Giga watts (GW) of solar capacity in India through its range of inverters, transformers and other mediumvoltage equipment commissioned across solar projects in India under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) & other schemes.

India''s cumulative solar capacity has crossed 10,000 MW, 20% of which is flowing through Schneider Electric''s equipment.

By March 2017, the company plans to supply and commission equipment for another 500 MW solar projects, increasing its share of total capacity to 2.5 GW. The company is currently working on solar projects located in the states of Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Schneider Electric Solar presence in the sector has grown over 50% in last one year. In 2016 alone, the company supplied equipment for more

than 500 MW of solar g, , capacity, as against ar ess dia G in 1.5 GW in last g ra Bus ric In u four years. This An olar lect E S has been due Our share as well as contribution P, ider V e to the rapid to India's solar sector is only going to n h Sc growth in the increase given the rapid growth sector given witnessed by the sector on the back the Governof the 100 GW target to be achieved ment’s commitby 2022 ment to achieving a target of 100 GW of solar power by 2022 and its focus on clean connecsources of energy and reducing tion including carbon emissions. power conversion (inverters, transformers and switchgear), Commenting on the achieveelectrical distribution, monitorment, Mr. Anurag Garg, Vice ing, supervision and technical President, Solar Business, Schsupport. Schneider Electric proneider Electric India, said, "As vides the full solution from the India embarks on an aggressive Solar panel DC output to grid capacity addition, the supply connection. chain needs to stand up to the challenge and tick all the relCurrently, company is supplyevant boxes. We are happy to ing Solar equipment and prodbe a part of this stupendous ucts from four plants, namely growth and are strongly comat Bangalore, Baroda, Kolkata mitted to help the Govern& Hyderabad, where it manument achieve its commitments facturers solar equipment such towards clean energy." as Solar Inverters, Ring Main Units up to 33kV, Inverter Trafo, With proven expertise in solar Power Trafo, Medium Voltage power conversion and energy HT Panels up to 33kV, and management, Schneider ElecCharge controllers■ tric offers a complete solution for photovoltaic integration and

Japan's JERA enters India, picks up 10% stake in ReNew Power Ventures ReNew Power Ventures has raised $200 million from JERA Co, Inc (JERA), a Japanese power company in lieu of a 10 per cent stake. This puts the valuation of the Gurugram-based company at $2 billion.

Established in 2015, JERA is a joint venture between two of Japan’s largest utilities companies, Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. and Chubu Electric Power

Co., Inc. The investment that marks the entry of JERA in India comes at a time when ReNew Power Ventures is in talks with investment bankers to launch an IPO over the next 12-15 months.

Yuji Kakimi, President of JERA, said: “We will seek to contribute to the company by making available technical, operational, project development, and management experience gained through

our global power businesses.

JERA currently operates approximately 6 GW of energy assets globally across North America, the Middle East and SE Asia.

Sumant Sinha, Chairman and CEO of ReNew Power said: “JERA’s investment in us reinforces our capabilities and commitment towards changing the future of India through transforming our country’s energy landscape" ■

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March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

News Updates China’s GCL-Poly Energy plans to invest in India China’s largest solar equipment maker GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Ltd plans to invest in India, attracted by the nation’s emerging green economy.

As part of its India entry plan, GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Ltd. is in talks with Subhash Chandra’s Essel Group to set up a solar module manufacturing facility.

The Hong Kong-listed firm, which acquired bankrupt SunEdison’s solar material business last year, also plans to develop solar power

projects in India.

India is working on a plan to make local manufacturing of solar power generation equipment competitive, attracting foreign investments. Most solar power developers in India have been sourcing solar modules and equipment from countries such as China where they are cheaper.

Domestic module makers include Waaree Energies Ltd., Tata Power Solar Systems Pvt.. Ltd., Vikram Solar Pvt. Ltd and Adani Group ■

Canadian Solar Signs PPAs with SECI to Develop 80 MW Solar Power Projects in Maharashtra, India Canadian Solar Inc., one of the world's largest solar power companies, announced that it has secured Power Purchase Agreements for an aggregate 80 MW of solar power projects with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a public sector undertaking of the Government of India.

Canadian Solar was awarded these projects under a 450 MW solar capacity tender in the state of Maharashtra, through a competitive auction process. These projects are scheduled to commence operations by late 2017 and will generate clean solar

electricity for SECI over the next 25 years.

"We are pleased to secure our first 80 MW of solar power projects with SECI, a bankable and reputable off-taker operating under the Government of India.

This investment adds to our India pipeline that stands at 110 MW and represents a significant milestone for Canadian Solar in one of world's fastest growing renewables markets," commented Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar ■

Vaisala Appoints New Managing Director for 3TIER India 3TIER India, a subsidiary of global environmental and industrial measurement leader, Vaisala, has appointed a new Managing Director. Rajnikanth Umakanthan (Rajni) joins the business to lead the Bangalore-based team in the delivery of Vaisala's platform of services for the wind and solar sectors, encompassing

project development, operations and portfolio management. Joining from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), where he served as Head of Business Development for Greater Asia and the Middle East, Rajni has over a decade of experience in the renewable energy market ■

16 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

A rooftop solar DC power system developed by IIT M gets award A solar direct current power unit developed by IIT Madras, that can power a small home at lesser cost than a conventional solar power has received the IEEE’s (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) ‘Spectrum Technology In The Service Of Society’ award.

The unit comprising of 0.9sqm solar panel (roughly the size of a floor tile) of 125watt capacity, a device that will connect AC grid to DC power line and a battery with 1kwh capacity, will power a few fans, lights, a television, mobile charging, mixer grinder and computer that runs on DC current. It is ideal to light up an entire home that is not connected to power grid or can be used as a backup in buildings that suffer frequent power cuts.

IITM director Bhaskar Ramamurthi said the technology, which took four years to develop and test, is currently covering 12,000 homes in six states and would soon be commercially scaled up. “We are working with the ministry of renewable energy to be included in the solar rooftop subsidy programme,” he said.

Ramamurthi said the technology is energy efficient, as it only consumes 40 to 50% of power thereby saving half the money, spent on running AC-powered appliances.

When the power supply drops from the solar panel due to change in weather, a smart controller helps automatically switch from normal to emergency mode, which can provide uninterrupted supply for two lights and a fan for 48hours ■

 www.supersmartenergy.com

US wants India to scrap all tenders awarded under DCR Stark differences have cropped up in talks between India and the US on compliance with a World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling last year that went against India for favouring local manufacturers in its solar power programme on a petition filed at the multilateral body by the world’s largest economy. According to reports the US wants India to scrap all the tenders awarded under the latter’s national solar mission and float them afresh so that more foreign players can participate.

However, India has made it clear that it can comply with the WTO ruling only prospectively for the sake of natural justice and the tenders already awarded can’t be scrapped now. India has stressed that it has already complied with the ruling and stopped issuing solar tenders with domestic content requirement (DCR). According to an official estimate, about 500 MW of solar projects (with DCR stipulation), which were in the pipeline, have been affected by the WTO ruling.

tured equipment.

Initially, as much as 50% of a solar project was earmarked for bidding under the DCR mechanism.

Gradually, with the increase in volume of the schemes, the share of the DCR-mandated solar installations came down to 10-15% of the overall project size.

Pitching for government support for the domestic industry despite the WTO ruling, Gyanesh Chaudhary, chief executive of Vikram Solar, said: “To improve the solar scene, India has to compete with countries like China, the US and Japan that have their

own highly efficient and battle tested supply chain backed by government support (financial and otherwise). So, despite Indian module manufacturing capability improving, claiming a significant portion in global solar market is still only a plan.” He said imported modules are still 8-10% cheaper than domestic modules.

In 2013, the US filed a complaint before the WTO, arguing that the domestic content requirement imposed under India’s solar programme violates global trading rules by unfavourably discriminating against imported solar cells and modules ■

In a bid to promote local manufacturing, the government had earlier mandated that a certain portion of capacity addition would be reserved for domestically sourced modules under the national solar mission. The companies that use such modules are eligible for participating in the tariff-based bidding process.

India has now decided to promote its industry through measures that are compatible with or insulated from the purview of the WTO regulations. If the government becomes the owner of a project, instead of the developer, it is free to choose the equipment from domestic manufacturers.

So the proposed schemes to set up 1,000 MW and 300 MW solar power projects by central public sector units and defence establishments, respectively, would be using domestically manufac-

17

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

News Updates Wind power tariffs crash to Rs.3.46/kWhr, set a new benchmark at auction Wind power prices have crashed to ₹3.46 a kWhr in the country’s first ever auction of wind capacity. The least wind tariff today is ₹4.16 in Tamil Nadu, if one ignores the outlier ₹3.82 for some specific sites in Maharashtra.

This fall in wind tariffs mirrors a similar trend in solar tariffs witnessed earlier this month, when the prices fell to an unprecedented ₹3.29, averaged over 25 years.

Four

companies,

Mytrah

Energy, Green Infra, Inox and Ostro Energy, have won rights to set up 250-MW wind projects each and sell energy to Power Trading Corporation, at a price of ₹3.46 a kWhr. It is understood that Mytrah and Green Infra would set up their projects in Tamil Nadu; the other two will go to Gujarat.

Mytrah Energy is an UK-based, AIM-listed, India-focused renewable energy company backed by Capital Group, Blackrock and Henderson funds. It is

one of the larger wind power companies in the country with a portfolio of 1,000 MW. Green Infra, set up by IDFC’s private equity funds, is now 60 per cent owned by the Sembcorp group of Singapore. It has 500 MW of wind and solar assets in India. Inox is a wind turbine manufacturer. Ostro Energy, backed by Actis, is another private equity-funded renewable energy company, which has 650 MW of operational wind and solar assets ■

PTC India to be nodal entity for supply of wind power PTC India announced in a statement released that it will be the nodal entity for purchase and supply of electricity from wind power projects of 1000 MW auctioned by government.

It said that with the wind power auction fixing the tariff at Rs 3.46 per unit for 25 years, the stage is now set for the sector to emerge as a credible renewable power source. Given India's diverse geography, non-windy states will now be able to get wind based power from states that are rich in wind resources.

The competitively discovered price of Rs 3.46/Unit is an out-

come of expected optimisation in project cost, machines efficiency and payment counter party risk, it said.

The projects are expected to be commissioned in 18 months.

SECI, which conducted the auction, is expected to allow 1050 MW (in place of originally planned 1000 MW) at the cut off price and issue letter of intend, it said.

PTC India Chairman and Managing Director Deepak Amitabh said: "We expect the share of renewables in overall power generation to steadily rise in the coming years as more

and more solar and wind projects start producing power.

The competitively priced wind power will encourage consumers to switch to cleaner sources of energy."

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) formulated the scheme for procurement of power from large wind power projects in June last year to enable non-windy states to meet their non-solar RPOs (Rnewable Purchase Obligation) by buying wind power connected to inter-state transmission grid, thereby enlarging the wind power market ■

Inox group exits wind farming biz The Inox group has hived its wind farming business to Leap Green Energy for an undisclosed amount, according to a filing in the bourses. A statement from Gujarat Flurochemicals, the parent company of Inox Renewables Ltd, said that the Inox group has operating wind farms in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with a total capacity

of 260 MW. Director and Group Head (Corporate Finance) Deepak Asher of the Inox Group said: “Inox group decided to exit the wind farming business and focus on its core business, including that of wind turbine manufacturing.

The transaction will decrease the leverage of GFL at a consolidated level by reducing debt of

18 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

around Rs. 800 crore that was attributable to the wind farming business.”

The promoter of Leap Green Energy said that the acquisition will help increase the company’s operating capacity to 762 MW across four States ■

 www.supersmartenergy.com

Inshorts NATIONAL TN issues tender call for 500 MW solar, while 750 MW of solar to be re tendered in Karnataka Tamil Nadu, one of India’s strongest solar states, has issued a further call for national and international consortium to express interest in developing a 500 MW solar park in the state.

The Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) is proposing the development of an ultra mega solar park on a contiguous piece of land at least 1,000 hectares in size and located in one of the state’s sunniest regions.

Meanwhile in Karnataka, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has re tendered 750 MW of solar at the state’s Pavagada Solar Park following a rapid effort by the state to bring levels of infrastructure and availability of evacuation up to scratch.

Russian JV Miyota Power India and Al Ameen sigh agreement for 100MW solar PV plant in TN Taking cooperation between Russia and India in renewable energy to a new level, Russian joint venture Miyota Power India and Chennai-based Al Ameen Green Energy on Mar. 17 signed an agreement for a 100-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. The Russian partner will invest around $80 million in the project.

Annual conference on wind energy in Delhi next month In The Indian Wind Turbine Manufactures Association along with the Global Wind Energy Council will host the annual conference on wind energy ‘Windergy’ in New Delhi next month. Secretary General of the Association D V Giri said

in a release that the issues facing the industry will be discussed at the conference, where experts of international repute will address sessions. The three-day conference will be held from April 25-27.

Gamesa bags order for 50-MW for wind farm project in MP Gamesa has secured an order from Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited (IL&FS) for a 50-MW wind farm project at Amba in Madhya Pradesh. The order, to be commissioned in March this year, is a turnkey project and the first to be won from IL&FS.

Telangana Govt plans EMI scheme for rooftop solar system The Telangana government is set to come up with a scheme of Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) based installation of rooftop solar energy for individual consumers.

According to reports the scheme is in the final stages of development and would be announced soon.

As per the modalities prepared, each individual household will be able to install roof top solar energy panels to produce the power needed to meet their needs and the cost incurred can be paid through EMIs.

Norway’s Statkraft, Bharat Light and Power JV commissions 5 mw solar power project Statkraft BLP Solar Solutions, a joint venture between Norway’s State-owned utility Statkraft and Bharat Light and Power, has started generation at its 5 mw solar power plant in Karnataka, the company said in a statement released.

a five-star hotel in Bangalore, a subsidiary of a major German industrial conglomerate and a subsidiary of a German automobile parts manufacturer. The clients will be supplied solar power under the open access mechanism, the released said.

Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects Capacity Increases to 40,000 MW The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the enhancement of capacity from 20,000 MW to 40,000 MW of the Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects. The enhanced capacity would ensure setting up of at least 50 solar parks each with a capacity of 500 MW and above in various parts of the country. Smaller parks in Himalayan and other hilly States where contiguous land may be difficult to acquire in view of the difficult terrain, will also be considered under the scheme. The capacity of the solar park scheme has been enhanced after considering the demand for additional solar parks from the States.

Japan’s BB Tower picks minority stake in Indiafocussed igrenEnergi Tokyo-based Broadband Tower K.K has picked a significant minority stake in igrenEnergi, an Indiafocused solar energy start up for an undisclosed sum. The USheadquartered igren, with offices in Mumbai and Bangalore, will use the proceeds to expansion and technology up gradation. igrenEnergi, which counts Tata Power DDL among one of its major clients, develops innovative products which improve the economics of solar and storage, using its energy packetization architecture and proprietary analytics platform enabled ■

Statkraft BLP is in pact to sell power from this project to three clients in Karnataka, which include

19

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

Product Updates

Relyon Solar Launches Single-Axis Trackers for Solar Power Plants

R

elyon Solar has announced the launch of its single-axis trackers for solar power plants. The product launch was followed by a get together of industry experts at The Leela Ambience, Delhi.

Relyon Solar’s single axis tracker ensures solar project viability through an additional 18-25% increase in power generation. The improved generation can result in improved financial returns said company.

The high-performance tracking solution comes with smart algorithms that ensure the solar panels are optimally oriented towards the sun. The solution has also incorporated back-tracking algorithm that ensures minimal shading effect from surrounding panels.

Large tilt angle possibilities (- 55

degrees to +55 degrees) along with robust design make the tracker ideally suitable for solar power projects.

Relyon Solar’s single-axis trackers come with maintenance-free gearboxes and motors and frictionless bearings, ensuring smooth operations. Installation ease along with safe operations ensured through auto-stowing during high wind speeds; increase the attractiveness of the tracker solution. Additional features

include cleaning mode for routine cleaning of the tracker.

RelyOn Solar has an installation base in 16 states across India, it has in-house R&D facilities in Pune, Bangalore and Vijaywada ■

Yingli Announced Hotspot Free Module at PV Expo Japan 2017

Y

ingli Green Energy Holding Company Ltd., one of the world's leading solar panel manufacturers, announced a Hotspot Free Series Module at the PV Expo 2017, which was held in Tokyo, Japan from March 1-3, 2017. The Hotspot Free module can eliminate potential safety risks such as fire and material degradation, and ensure better safety, better module reliability and higher returns.

The Hotspot Free technology is based on a concept whereby each cell is protected by a bypass diode. In any case that the current of a single cell doesn't match the rest of the string, for example because that cell is shaded, the bypass diode will be activated and will ensure that the other cells can still work properly and prevent

the affected cell from heating up.

Beside being a safety feature, less heat also means less stress for the materials, leading to a longer lifespan of the whole module, which improves performance ratio and increases yield for the investors.

Yingli also highlighted their PANDA Bifacial module at the trade show. The PANDA Bifacial module can generate power on the front and rear sides, which, for example, has been

20 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

proven by a 50MW top runner project in Datong, Shanxi province, in China. The PANDA Bifacial module is made of two layers of 2.5mm thick low-iron tempered glass, which replaces the conventional back sheet and glass structure. Specifically, the PANDA Bifacial module integrates the technology from Yingli's state-of-the-art PANDA n-type monocrystalTwinMAX Bifacial module

»

 www.supersmartenergy.com

/ +91 9810339072

Product Updates line solar cells, which can generate power not only on the front side, but also on the rear side by using reflected photons that hit the module on the back side*.

Therefore, the power yield of the PANDA Bifacial module will increase by up to 30% compared to a monofacial standard module.

The PANDA Bifacial module possesses strong durability and resistance to PID (Potential Induced Degradation) and performs well

in various harsh environments of high temperature and humidity, salt mist and sand. With a maximum system voltage of 1500 Volts (V), the PANDA Bifacial module can improve system performance and reduce the balance-of-system costs by up to 25%.

"It is wonderful that we have such high performance modules.

They can not only generate more power but also enhance safety and increase returns. We will do

our best to promote them everywhere in Japan to give our customers the best products and highest returns," commented YAMAMOTO JOJI, Master Director of Yingli Green Energy Japan. "Yingli will always be committed to reducing the cost of solar power generation and making solar electricity affordable and accessible for all through continued technology innovation." ■

Panasonic Eco Solutions introduces three new PV module the N320K,N315K and N310K

P

anasonic Eco Solutions North America introduced three new photovoltaic module HIT®: the N320K, N315K and N310K. These new models are able to produce 320, 315, and 310 watts of power, respectively, and are a continuation of Panasonic's line of high-efficiency residential solar panels. Boasting module efficiency of 19.1% with a sleek all-black appearance, the panels are a perfect fit for most any residential setting.

The new black panels are backed

by Panasonic's track record as an industry leader in reliability within the renewable energy field.

Designed to offer optimal efficiency and stylish aesthetics, the HIT® N320K, N315K and N310K photovoltaic modules will blend in seamlessly with most rooftops and begin cutting electricity bills for customers from the moment that they're installed and start to operate.

"Panasonic has been innovating and re imagining the amorphous silicon cell since we pioneered the technology over forty years ago," said Dan Silver, President, Panasonic Eco Solutions North America. "This addition to our industry-leading line of solar panels is

the latest improvement in our array of renewable energy products.

The new black panels combine the engineering expertise and high efficiency Panasonic is known for with an attractive but inconspicuous design that will yield huge savings for consumers."

The N320K produces 23% more power for consumers than traditional panels, and feature the highest level of efficiency among other black panels available in the market today. These new all-black solar panels are designed to maintain optimal performance even in high temperatures and vastly increase savings for the consumer. Panasonic's trademark amorphous silicon layers and pyramid cell structure allow for the panel to absorb light at multiple angles so that the panel is maximizing generation at all times of the day.

The unique water drainage frame quickly removes water from the panel and prevents the buildup of any serious precipitation.

22 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

Panasonic's robust manufacturing process also provides installers and consumers additional value through an extended product warranty of 15 years. Panasonic's test criteria are among the highest in the in the industry, ensuring longterm safe operation over many years ■

 www.supersmartenergy.com

Product Updates

DEIF’s Solar Solutions

A

cross the world, the need to make the energy portfolio environmental friendly is a pressing need. Among the renewable sources, Solar power is gaining momentum in India with the push given by government and the abundant solar potential in India.

The increasing demand is driving down the cost of solar energy which is attracting more and more investment in this sector.

While the investment and increasing of Solar share in the energy sources is fully justified, it is also equally important to have efficient controls that will enable solar penetration to maximum possible extent including the possibility of exporting the excess power back to the grid.

Challenge with solar In a contemporary system, solar power can only be utilised as long as the utility supply is available. In the absence of utility, solar power can no longer deliver the power and the diesel generators come in to deliver the backup power.

The Solar systems are not geared up to supply power along with the diesel or gas genset as the load sharing between the two groups is a challenge. This leads to burning the fuel (diesel/gas) for the genset to take the entire load for the duration for which the utility is absent, in spite of solar power source being available.

DEIF’s answer challenge

to

the

DEIF with its experience and

expertise in the field of power generation control solutions; has come up with an innovative solution to this challenge. DEIF introduces the Automatic Sustainable Controller (ASC), a solution that provides integrated solution for systems with utility, diesel and solar power source.

The system provides an interface between the diesel/gas genset and solar, with or without presence of utility power - a solution that enables you to share the load between solar PV cell and diesel/ gas genset with maximum solar penetration, thus resulting in maximised savings even during utility failure. DEIF solutions being costeffective balance your economy and conserve the environment as they are highly efficient.

A solar system consists of series of PV cells connected to their respective inverters. DEIF’s solar controller is connected to the master inverter or central control point of the group of inverters and interconnected among Utility and Genset Controllers through CAN bus communication.

DEIF’s solar controller serves as DEIF’s Automatic Sustainable Controller

24 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

an interface between Solar source and the diesel genset controllers/ Utility Power, namely Advanced Genset Controllers (AGC), over the CAN bus to adjust power output to meet the load requirement with solar system taking the maximum load share. When the utility fails, Genset start up to provide the reference and provide minimum load that will let it run efficiently and let the solar meet the rest of the demand. If the solar power output decreases due to bad sunlight, the deficit will be met by diesel/gas genset through the intelligent interface, thus ensuring reliable supply of power in all conditions. If the export of power from Solar is not demanded then the Automatic Sustainable Controller will restrict the solar generation to the desired limit.

How much can you save?

To get a glimpse of what you would be your minimal saving after installing DEIF’s solution, let us consider a simple real life example.

On an average, considering power loss of up to 20 hours per week implies that in a year you can have

 www.supersmartenergy.com

almost 1000 hours of lack of utility power. Considering that the diesel consumption normally is of 125 litres per hour (500 KW at full load) and assuming 1.5 $/litre as cost of diesel, for 1000 hours of no utility power, 187.5 $/hour is the cost for running a diesel genset for one hour. For 1000 hours you would spend 1, 87,500 $ and for running 2 genset, the total spending will be 3, 75,000 $ on fuel cost alone. In addition to this, the cost for handling the fuel, managing resources, maintenance of genset, gas emissions, and environmental

setbacks add to the overheads.

On the other hand, DEIF’s solar solution enables you to use solar power even in the absence of utility with high solar penetration.

Say with a 60 % solar penetration you can run just one genset and save on fuel cost of the other in the period of utility failure which implies a saving of 1, 87,500 $.

Using solar for the additional period of the year can make that period also further green and help maximize the project’s overall return on investment. DEIF’s

solar solution will thus prove to be a boon to India’s evolving solar sector ■ Contact us For further information or any other questions you may have, don’t hesitate to contact us on (+91) 22 4245 2000 or please feel free to write us at india@deif. com. We look forward to working with you.

Wipro's new IoT-based solution to power wind parks Software major Wipro announced the launch of a new IoT-based solution for wind parks and wind turbine manufacturers that leverages the Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Windpark Manager 4.0.

The solution manages wind turbines and associated IT infrastructure, including IT applications and security aspects to optimise operational expenditure, generate new revenue streams and future-proof a customer's business.

"This solution will deliver higher outputs of usable energy while making a positive environmental and societal impact," Jayraj Nair, Vice President and Global Head of Internet-of-Things, Wipro Limited, said in a statement.

The solution's robust scalable architecture helps reduce the operating cost (OPEX) of wind parks, and boosts the efficiency of wind turbine operations.

It also provides a real-time, execu-

tive dashboard that displays key business and IT-related information on wind park operations.

"The Windpark Manager 4.0 provides a unique application of HPE Operations Bridge software capabilities through the simplification and automation of IT operations with real-time visibility to help executives make decisions faster," Tom Goguen, Vice President and General Manager, IT Operations Management, HPE, added ■

Emirates Insolaire unveils coloured solar panels The coloured solar panels and photovoltaics from Emirates Insolaire LLC, a joint venture of Dubai Investments PJSC and SwissINSO Holding Inc., a Switzerland-based pioneer in solar technologies, will soon dress up buildings across Dubai as the Emirate is fast moving towards a sustainable future powered by renewable energy sources.

Emirates Insolaire, which pioneered the KromatixTM coloured solar technology – the first-of-its-

kind in the world, also announced that discussions with different authorities and companies across Dubai are in final stages on installing the panels in buildings. For the first time in history, photovoltaic panels from Emirates Insolaire can be adapted to any façade without compromising on the design and aesthetics of the building.

Rafic Hanbali, Managing Partner of Emirates Insolaire, said: ““Emirates Insolaire has ushered in a paradigm shift in solar applications

with its energy-elegant dress on buildings and the company is in negotiations with authorities and companies to implement this.

The KromatixTM solar panels can supply between 20% and 60% of needed energy for a building. For certain industries with large roof and façades, this can go up to 100%. Emirates Insolaire expects to play a pivotal role in the regional solar sector growth ■

25

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

Interview

 Rajesh Singh

Associate Vice President, RenewSys India Pvt. Ltd.

"RenewSys is already a preferred brand for EVA Encapsulants, Backsheets & Modules and we Envision a similar growth for our Cells as well"

Q

.With the sector forecasted to cross 20GW in solar installation in the next 15 months, how you at RenewSys are planning to make the most of this opportunity?

20GW installations in Solar certainly provides a tremendous scope for industry players and RenewSys being an integrated manufacturer of PV Modules & its components plans to score well on all its products. RenewSys is already a preferred brand for EVA Encapsulants, Backsheets & Modules and we envision a similar growth for our Cells as well.

We are aiming to be a 500 MW company in the near future

Q

.Shed some light on the progress of 100MW Module line and 100MW cell line that

26 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

RenewSys has undertaken in 2016? With the expansion of capacities what is the growth that you are looking at in 2017?

The European machineries commissioned for our Module & Cell production, now brings our capacities to 180 MW of Modules and 130 MW of Cells. With these capacities at our disposal, we are aiming to be a 500 MW company in the near future.

Q

.Are there any plans to expand the current EVA Encapsulant and Backsheet

 www.supersmartenergy.com

production capabilities at the Bengaluru facility? How do you look at these products contributing to the future growth of the company?

As I mentioned, we are the preferred brand for these products in the country. In addition, we have started exporting these products significantly to overseas markets.

A careful analysis of the market demands has led us to develop many new Encapsulants and Backsheets products in the year 2016. Our new products are POE Encapsulant, UV transparent and Mega Fast Cure EVA Encapsulants, Backsheets for 1500 VDC system voltage, copper Foil Backsheet for MWT technology, Al Foil and Black Backsheets. Our POE Encapsulant has been approved

by European partners on SWT and Glass-Glass modules. Our current capacities stand at 1.2 GW of EVA & 1.8 GW of Backsheets and we are planning to increase our EVA capacity to 1.8 GW in the

short term.

Q

.What is your assessment of the year 2016 for the sector and your company? What were the key learning’s and the outlook for 2017?

The year 2016 was a year of consolidation for us and probably for all the domestic players. The demand came towards the end of the

Our current capacities stand at 1.2 GW of EVA & 1.8 GW of Backsheets and we are planning to increase our EVA capacity to 1.8 GW in the short term

financial year. A continuous crunch of liquidity and competitive pricing from overseas counterparts posed certain concerns as well.

Although, this has enhanced our efficiency of managing the business in critical times. We evolved our methods of cost reduction & productivity and more importantly brand building especially in overseas markets. We developed new Modules, Encapsulants and Backsheets during the year to suit the requirements of the market in newer areas and applications. Strategically, we do not count high on domestic module business. We have created a good market in overseas on account of our established global sales network. We feel 2017 should be a good year from top as well as bottom lines perspective.

» 27

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

Interview

Q

.Do you feel that the govern- research where testing, reliability ment has been proactive in and developmental activities are addressing the concerns of the carried out mainly for Encapsuindustry? Any announcement lants and Backsheets. Hyderabad from the government that you facility is focused on testing, reliare looking at? ability and the development for Solar industry is counting high solar cells and modules. Both the on GST and on budget 2017 to facilities are equipped with latest support its growth, announce- equipments, qualified and expements on incentives & growth rienced industry professionals. have already been made.

Dedicated R&D teams are The growth trajectory focussed developing of solar industry innovative prodwill majorly be ucts, setting up determined customer’s by the GST process and policy in solving techWe aspire to become a short to nical probcustomers preferred choice medium lems. We for the supply of reliable term once also extend and high quality products announced. support to in the solar industry ‘Make in customIndia’ and ers to use other such our facilipolicies will ties for their help Indian internal testing manufacturers to and studies. stand on their own feet. The Government must continue to support such .In terms of exports which initiatives. are the geographies and the products that are likely to drive future growth at .Tell us more about the R&D RenewSys? facilities at RenewSys and We are already present in Europe, the current polymer and PV UAE, USA, and Africa. We believe research undertaken at these these markets have tremendous facilities? potential and our continued RenewSys has invested signifi- efforts have already started yieldcantly in setting-up R&D centres ing results. at both of its locations, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Bengaluru R&D centre is focussed on Polymer

Q

Q

28 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

Q

.Apart from modules and its critical components is RenewSys looking to enter other avenues? If yes, what are those and by when can we expect the likely rollout?

We have been watchful on few other avenues in the PV value chain. We are waiting for a right time to rollout the plan. We feel that the cost reduction is an imperative value proposition for long term sustainability in the PV sector and one of the best cost reduction proposition is venturing in wide range of products in the value chain.

Q

.Your vision for RenewSys’s operation in India?

As mentioned above, we have a global vision. We aspire to become customers preferred choice for the supply of reliable and high quality products in the solar industry globally and to constantly maintain a yearly business growth above the industry average. India is one of the fastest growing solar markets. At local perspective, we aim to capture over 80% markets of Encapsulant and Backsheets and wish to become the preferred choice of our customers for new products development ■

 www.supersmartenergy.com

17-19

MAY

Renewables | Fossil Fuels | Nuclear

PRAGATI MAIDAN, NEW DELHI, INDIA www.power-genindia.com

India is now one of the fastest growing economies in the world and energy consumption is projected to rise by 128% to 2035.

As India is looking to meet rising energy demands and to secure a lower carbon future, now is the time your business should be showcasing its products or services to the Indian power sector.

Meet new business connections at India’s leading clean energy event

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29

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

Rooftop Solar

Financial Analysis of Solar Rooftops Authored by: Amit Rane, Managing Director, Wudmin Energy Private Limited

T

he government of India has set up an ambitious target of 40,000 MW of rooftop solar by 2022. This has resulted into a US$ 30 billion opportunity for installation and commissioning of rooftop solar power plants. Over last 2 years several entrepreneurs have got into this field and are offering their services in solar EPC, Project financing, operations and maintenance of these plants. With the capacity of 40 GW by 2022, the rooftop O&M Industry alone will offer an additional business of Rs.2000 Crores Every year for maintaining these rooftop solar power plants.

As the end users are getting aware about the electricity savings, more and more applications have evolved and there is sudden demand in consumers those who are looking for solar power as a means to reduce electricity bills.

We have seen airports going on the future of the solar industry, Solar, railway stations tapping the and the customers’ confidence energy of Sun, petrol pumps being in long-term viability of the plant powered with the Sun’s energy, might be hampered. educational institutes using solar So what drives the economics energy and many industries getof these solar power plants? We ting powered with solar power. should understand that improvThis has led to a huge competition ing the quality and efficiency of that has engaged in a price war to solar power plants would drive get the share of the pie. However, the future of solar business and the consumers need to be aware make this 40 GW dream a reality. that due to this unruly competiThe concept of “Levelized Cost of tion the quality of power plants might be comproTable 01: 25 years LCOE (Rs/ KWh) mised and the develGrid 15.43 oper might 35.00 end up DG Set offering a Solar Grid substandard 4.2 Synchronised (rooftop) solar power plant. This Solar Battery Backed will have 7.2 an adverse 0 05 10 15 20 25 30 35 impact on

30 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

 www.supersmartenergy.com

Energy (LCOE)” over the life of the project needs to be understood to know the difference between a good quality and a bad quality solar power plant. LCOE is Rupees invested per KWh of energy generated over the life of the project.

The lower the LCOE, the better are the return on investments.

Low initial investment does not necessarily mean the best LCOE as there are various other parameters that determine it. We need to take the lifetime generation of solar power plants along with the associated costs (capital costs, O&M costs, interest costs, replacement costs, regulatory costs) to determine the LCOE. Table 01 gives typical cost of generation (Rs. per KWh) over 25 years for various power generating units and it clearly shows that solar grid synchronized plants is a much cheaper option than many other sources of energy.

To ensure maximum generation, we made sure that all the bidders follow the same technical specifications mandated by us so that the comparison between bids are made on the best quality parameters. Technology selection was the key criteria to ensure that both these organizations work with most reliable technical partners for the term of the project. Our

analysis show that higher investment cost with better generation over 25 years brings down LCOE drastically as compared to lower initial costs and poor generation over life of the project. Similarly, a lower solar tariff from one bidder under Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) did not offer more

»

We will discuss the concept of improving LCOE with two case studies one under RESCO (OPEX) model at MIT Group of Institutions, Pune and 750 KW project under CAPEX model at Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT, former UDCT), Mumbai.

In both the above cases, we ensured that the quality of the plant is not compromised so that we get the best possible generation over the life of the project.

31

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

Rooftop Solar guaranteed savings compared to higher solar tariff at MIT due to a huge difference in generation guarantees.

synchronized with the DG set.

For the DG set to work optimally, a smart controller is needed that allows the DG Set to work at its spinning reserve and ensure that the solar output varies as per the load requirements. The controller should also ensure that in case of low loads, the reverse flow of current from solar power system does not trip the DG set. Proper management of solar power will also contribute towards improving LCOE. We compared various controllers in market and recommended the two best controllers that meet the above requirements to be incorporated in the standard bill of supply.

Selecting the right technology is the key to reduce LCOE. As solar modules account for more than 50% of the project cost, failure of solar modules is detrimental to the economics of the project. We have seen cases in field where solar output has reduced by more than 30% in first three years due to improper selection of solar modules. We insisted various test procedures to be carried out on modules for true linear output over the life of the project. Understanding the module procurement process of various bidders was the key to ensure minimum degradation and maximum generation over the project life. Make of inverter and its field performance was checked as we have found out that make of inverters is compromised to reduce cost of the project. In many cases a cheaper make of inverter has resulted into 10%- 12% loss in generation. Shadow analysis report of each bidder was checked to see whether the estimated capacity was rightly designed or just done to show maximum savings to management. We also visited the plants installed by various bidders to check the quality of installation and verify whether the bidder was able to demonstrate the guaranteed generation at similar locations.

Cleaning of solar modules and scheduled Operations & Maintenance (O&M) to reduce breakdown will improve the generation of solar power plants. Thus, O&M needs to be taken into consideration before arriving at LCOE, as it will have an impact on generation and the overall cost of the project.

The operations and O&M cost over the life of the project is difficult to determine, as the future cost of labor and water are unknown.

However, the EPC partner should be ready to work out on providing PR based generation guarantees and the associated O&M costs to maintain the PR guarantee. The cost of labor and water should be worked as per the market conditions at that particular time. It is advisable to work with an EPC partner who is ready to take the O&M for the life of the project and commit to the PR based genera-

Care needs to be taken to ensure that during power cuts the system should be properly

Table 02: Checklist EPC Partner Reliability Generation Guarantee Panel/ Inverter Sourcing Expertise

Savings/ Revenue Estimate

Depreciation Subsidy Benefit

Interest Cost

32 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

O&M Costs

tion guarantees.

Furthermore, load analysis becomes an important part to maximize savings, as the solar power system needs to be designed after considering the annual load pattern. The system should be designed in a manner in which there is no wastage of electricity and all the generated energy gets consumed by the load. Unfortunately, due to unavailability of consumption data or due to lack of analytical skills of the EPC players, the load analysis is often a neglected area in the solar design process. We have seen cases where the project viability has suffered and savings have been reduced due to improper load analysis. Both MIT and ICT being educational institutes have low load days due to holidays. A substantial investment of time in load analysis helped us to understand the consumption pattern during holidays and helped us design a system that took care of the annual load with minimum wastage of generated energy.

As a takeaway from our experiences on the field, in order to get the best return on investment over the life of the project, generation should be optimized as much as possible. A reliable EPC partner with a good technical understanding of the solar power system will help you to improve LCOE. Also, safety measures should not be compromised to improve LCOE. While selecting technical partners, one should understand low initial cost does not necessarily offer highest return over the life of the project. Table 02 will help you to make a decision on whether a solar bid is offering a reliable solution and the best return on investment ■

IRR & DSCR

 www.supersmartenergy.com

33

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

PV-DG Hybrid

PV-DG Hybridization and Smart Way to Monitor and Control the PV Plant Authored by: Rahul Sharma Application Manager, Solar-Log™ India

Need for PV-Disel Hybrid Solutions?

As per International Energy Agency (IEA), the global energy demand will grow approximately 60% by 2030. Over the last two decades, more than 1 billion people in developing nations gained access to energy such as coal, electricity, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas.

However, there are still approx. more than 2 billion people worldwide who have no access to electricity. This number represents nearly one third of the global population. Today, it is estimated that 56% of the world’s rural population does not have access to energy services.

In many regions of the world, mainly in isolated remote locations or rural communities, power grids are either inadequate or non-existent. Thus, industrial consumers often ensure their power supply through alternate source of generation i.e. mostly with diesel

gensets which usually increase the costs of energy generation (due to various factors like high diesel costs, diesel transportation or storage costs in remote regions, operation & maintenance of diesel generators etc.) which is also not environment friendly.

gensets. A photovoltaic diesel hybrid system basically consists of a PV system, diesel gensets and intelligent energy management to ensure that the amount of solar energy fed into the system exactly matches the load demand at that time.

At the same time, Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are experiencing a world-wide rapid take-up due to their rapidly reducing cost and climate-friendly attributes in the past few years. So, this simply makes sense to combine PV and diesel systems so that solar irradiation – which is both abundant and free – can profitably be used at maximize as an energy source in industrial applications.

Basically, the PV system complements the diesel gensets. It can supply additional energy when loads are high or relieve the genset to minimize its fuel consumption.

Solar-Log™ PV-Diesel Hybrid system

The Solar-Log™ hybrid eControlBox is used for PV-Diesel hybrid plants where it manages in-parallel operations of a photovoltaic PV diesel hybrid system & It's system and a diesel generator.

Working This box can also be used in situPV-Diesel hybrid power systems ations where it is not allowed to combines solar power from a pho- feed any power back to the grid tovoltaic system with another as the protection system. power generating energy source The PV-Diesel hybrid eControli.e. diesel generators or diesel Box is a solution that allows an

34 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

 www.supersmartenergy.com

actual follow up of the production and consumption of a site and a management of the PV production as per two predefined scenarios: ii Grid operating ii Generator operating On grid situation, the eControl box will always allow the grid to provide a minimum draw during the PV production.

A normal draw from the grid is normally set to 14% of the PV plant capacity. This draw is used as a buffer which will prevent power from the PV system being injected into the grid.

When the grid supplies more power than the value defined in this setting, the Solar-Log™ will begin to ramp up the power output from the PV system.

Based on a hysteresis value, the system will manage the produc-

tion to respect this limitation.

With the Solar-Log™ WEB “Commercial Edition” you can easily see the minimum draw and check if the limitation has been respected.

In generator use, the eControlBox will be the conductor of the installation and will make sure, that the PV production will only be the difference between the minimum threshold configured for the genset (advice 40%) and the consumption.

A normal draw from the genset is normally set to 40% of the genset capacity to achieve better reliability & fuel efficiency. As with the grid, this draw is used as a buffer which will prevent power from the PV system being injected into the genset.

In case the PV production or the consumption is changing too quickly for inverters or logger to

react, and if the draw is going close to 0, the box will switch on an emergency break to prevent any injection to the generator.

The hybrid eControl-Box switches back to normal mode after all parameters returned to normal conditions.

Operating principle for SolarLog™ PV-Diesel Hybrid eControl Box The hybrid eControl-Box has been developed to manage photovoltaic systems and diesel generators parallel in one system. One part of the device manages the photovoltaic system output to zero export in direction generator and/ or grid, if required. As backup protection is an additional reverse power protection in place, which would disconnect the photovoltaic system in case of a reverse power.

35

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

»

PV-DG Hybrid

Solar-Log™ Hardware/ Data Loggers

The communication with the inverters runs via a 16 step 4-bit digital signal through the SolarLog™ PM+ series device which is compatible with more than 100 inverter brands.

Advantages of using Solar-Log hybrid eControl Box solution in PV-Diesel Hybrid Plants The Solar-Log hybrid eControl Box solution provides numerous advantages for photovoltaic diesel hybrid systems:

sel/Grid) installations, delivered mounted and cabled in an IP65 protection box with included electrical protections.

Other solutions offering from Solar-Log™ in Indian Market Solar-Log™ Hardware/ Data Loggers: Solar-Log™ 250- suitable for monitoring of PV Plant rating up to 10 KWp, max. 1 inverter. SolarLog™ 300-suitable for monitoring of PV Plant rating up to 15 kWo or 30 KWp with upgrade licence.

Solar-Log™ 1200- suitable for monitoring of PV Plant rating up to 100 kWp or 250 KWp w i t h

ii The major advantage of the system is, that it always ensures maximum use of PV plant to fulfil the load requirement provided the minimum draw set-points from Grid/Genset which results in reduced cost & more efficient use of power Solar-Log™ WEB “Commercial Edition” sources. upgrade licence and Solar-Log™ ii It also acts as a protection to 2000– suitable for PV Plant rating avoid the back feeding into grid up to 2000 KWp. or reverse power conditions in Gensets.

Solar-Log™ ™ WEB “Commercial Edition”: Installers and service ii It helps to achieve better fuel providers can offer plant owners efficiency & reliable performance service contracts tailored to their of diesel-genset by maintain miniindividual needs and projects, cenmum draw set-point to advice trally managing the plant in real 40%; which also helps to reduces time with remote access. the CO2 emission & pollution for Demo visit: demo.solarlogii All-in-one pre-wired solution for web.com injection ban or hybrid (PV-Die-

36 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

Solar-Log™ Sensors & other accessories: Sensor Basic & Sensor Box Professional (which delivers the irradiance values as well as the module temperature), Sensor Box professional plus with optional accessories like wind sensor & ambient temperature sensor (Sensor Box Professional Plus also has the option to connect an ambient temperature sensor and window sensor in addition to inbuilt irradiation & module temperature sensor).

Feed-In Management Solution: “X%” Regulation: The function “X Percent Fixed Regulation” with the calculation of self-consumption offers an innovative solution to minimize losses that result from the fixed regulation.

Zero Export limitation: Solar-Log™ will ensure that no amount of power will feed-in to grid.

Solar-Log™ APP: The Solar-Log™ App visualizes: plant information yield overview (day / month / year / total), consumption overview (day / month / year / total), CO² overview (total), current values, slideshow mode, sub-consumer view etc. over the Android/ iOS devices ■

Solar-Log™ APP

 www.supersmartenergy.com

Solar Energy for a Sustainable Future a part of

One Mega Event 10-12 May 2017 | Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

Exhibitor Profile Annual maintenance contractors Installers / EPC companies Inverters Manufacturers of solar cells Materials and equipment Module connectors Monitor, Mounting Systems, Trackers Photovoltaic (PV) modules Project consultants Smart Grid Technologies

Exhibition Statistics

20,000 Sqm Exhibition area

Solar cell manufacturers Solar consumer and commercial products Solar energy storage Solar LED’s Solar park developers Solar street and billboard lighting systems Solar water heating, cooling systems and solar pumps Suppliers of raw materials System integrators and assemblers Turnkey solution providers, etc.

20,000+ Trade visitors

500+

No. of exhibitors

300+

Speakers

50+

Conference sessions

www.solarindiaexpo.com / www.onemegaevent.com Diamond Partner

Workshop Partner

Visitor Bag Partner

Media Partner

Organiser

Co-organiser

India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) (A Government of India Enterprise) Department of Commerce

For more information, please contact:

» 37

Deepak Gupta | Mob. +91 9990 584 185 | E-mail: deepakg@eigroup.in Praveen Singh | Mob: +91 9899 786 777 | Email id: praveens@eigroup.in March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

Cover Story

THE INDIAN SOLAR LANDSCAPE Amidst Falling Costs and Improving Efficiency

T

he Indian government has set an ambitious target to install 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022. Though utility scale solar and solar parks will constitute a major portion of total installations, the government envisages rooftop to contribute 40% of this target.

As of March 2017 the installed solar power capacity in India has crossed 10,000 MW, four times the installed capacity three years back, and according to the Power Minister India’s solar power generation capacity would cross 20,000 MW in the next 15 months. Taking into account the recent developments where solar tariffs have touches Rs.2.97/- at recent auctions in Madhya Pradesh the future for the sector in India looks very sunny.

According to reports India is set to become the world’s third largest solar market in 2017 after China and the U.S. and according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, ‘solar is king of Indian renewables’.

Contributing to the growth of the sector are states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh owing to high solar radiation, favourable state policies and availability of land.

Indian solar manufacturers face a fight for survival Although the future of solar in India is bright the state of solar manufacturing in India remains in severe distress, with India importing almost 84% of the solar cells and panels from China itself. Manufacturers from the U.S and Europe are also supplying to India. The biggest roadblock for the growth of the solar manufacturing sector in India is lack of sufficient scale and a domestic ancillary supply chain to feed the Indian factories with raw material at a sufficiently low cost. As such, Indian panel prices and technology are majorly influenced by the

38 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

global trends.

The Total cell manufacturing capacity in India stands at 2953 MW, with Jupiter Solar Pvt. Ltd (280 MW), Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (250 MW operational capacity) and Indosolar Ltd (220 MW) being the largest cell manufacturers. Adani Group’s 1,200 MW of solar cell and panel factory at Mundra was cost uncompetitive even before starting production.

India has a total installed solar panel capacity of 8,113 MW as of December 31st, 2016, but only about 5,287 MW is operational, as per MNRE. However, as per Mercom Capital the actual working module manufacturing capacity was only 3 GW at the end of 2016. This is because majority of the operational capacity consists of old and obsolete manufacturing lines.

The Indian panel manufacturers constitute just about 5%-8% of the total national consumption. Some of the top Indian panel manufacturers are Vikram Solar Pvt. Ltd., Waaree Energies Pvt. Ltd.

 www.supersmartenergy.com

In the past few years’ solar cells have undergone rapid changes in efficiency and cost. And this can be observed from the falling prices of solar power all over the world including India. In this highly competitive space where price differentiation among the competitive modules is not too much, efficiency of a solar panel is going to be a key differentiating factor going forward. Leading panel manufacturers are investing considerable amount of time and money in experimenting with different materials and technology to increase the efficiency of the panels. In this lead story writer Sneha Shah analyses the emerging solar landscape in India and the standing of Indian solar manufacturers vis-à-vis their global counterparts. and Emvee Photovoltaic Pvt. Ltd. Each having an annual production capacity of not more than 500 MW (data from the respective websites). Compare these to the panel production capacities of some of the big solar panel companies in the world like Trina Solar at 6 GW and Jinko Solar at 6.5 GW.

new coal fired plants which can supply power at a much higher price of INR 4-5 /kWh. In January 2016, Fortum India was the lowest bidder for the Badla solar park in Rajasthan quoting INR 4.34/kWh, while one year later the highest bid for Rewa solar project comes in at INR 4.39/ kWh.

Besides these large manufacturers, India also has a number of small players with less than 25 MW capacities each. Many of these manufacturers are still using old and inefficient lines of production, which are unlikely to compete with their strong Chinese counterparts in the long run.

According to Bridge to India, about 15GW of solar projects are in different stages of development currently in India. Indian project developers emerged as champions in 2016, winning over 90% of tendered capacity.

India recently lost the WTO trade case in 2016, thereby abolishing the minimal quota of the Indian manufacturers to produce under Domestic content requirement. This has made fight for survival even tougher for the Indian manufacturers.

Solar Prices have declined by almost 80% in the last 5 years Tariff of INR 5/kWh and below had become the new norm for the Indian solar PV sector, till Madhya Pradesh’s 750 MW Rewa ultra mega solar power project, the largest solar park in the world, registered a tariff of just INR 2.97/ kWh (USD 4.4 cents). This means solar power is now cheaper than

India is a price sensitive market.

Many small project developers pay more heed to prices when compared to the efficiencies.

Improving cell efficiency, process improvements and declining polysilicon cost are driving ~10% reduction in annual costs. Prices of solar panels in India are expected to fall by another 10%-12% over the coming year. With falling prices, efficiency and aesthetics of a solar panel will become the key differentiating factors going forward. In the future, solar applications will not be influenced by price but by the overall look and performance.

Today solar panels are no more boring pieces of silicon used for their power generating capability, instead they come in a wide range of colours and appearances to suit and even improve the overall look of your house. Solar roof is an example. The solar roof is almost indistinguishable from the roof structure as it fully inte-

grates into the roof. This is a new technological breakthrough in the solar industry and will change the way the rooftop industry works.

Though solar rooftop has not gathered the pace as was expected in India, the cost effectiveness of solar power, rising electricity bills and high cost of land in India will propel rooftop growth in India.

Major Solar Panel Suppliers in India Top Indian domestic players like Tata Power, Vikram Solar and Waaree Solar do not have a combined market share of even 10% in the country. In contrast, top Chinese players like Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, Hanwha Solar, JA Solar, GCL, Renesola and Jinko Solar account for more than 50% of the total market share in India.

The only prominent Japanese company in India is the thin film player Solar Frontier, constituting 2.5% of the total market share. The other major thin film solar panel supplier in India is US’s largest solar manufacturer First Solar. Korea’s Hanwha Solar is also a big player in the Indian market.

Solar Panel Prices in India Solar panel prices in India currently range between USD 35-39 cents per watt mainly due to

» March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy 39

Cover Story efficiency ranging in between 17.01%-17.78%.

Module Suppliers % of Marketshare Other Vikram 14 Canadian Solar Solar panels come in the 14 Trina Solar 14.75%-16.46% 09 First Solar efficiency 07 Hanwha Solar range. Similarly Waaree 6.5 JA Solar Energies Pvt. 06 GCL Poly Ltd.’s Aditya 5.5 Renesola Series (80 celled polycrys04 Waaree Solar talline 260W) 2.5 Tata Power Solar is the highest 2.5 Solar Frontier efficient panel with 16.01% of 1.5 Jinko Solar efficiency level.

1.1 Vikram Solar It’s other panels 26 Others have an efficiency range of Source Bridge to India 6.36%-15.71%.

Tata Solar’s cheap Chinese imports. The Chi- TP300 (72 celled 310W) have an nese account for more than 80% efficiency of 15.63%. of the panel supplies in India Efficiency of multicrystalline owing to their proximity to the modules is further expected country. Costs of all major solar to improve by 0.2%-0.3% from components have been declining the 16%-16.5% range currently. at a rapid pace in India over the Monocrystalline technology is 2% last five years. Not only have the more efficient than the multi cryscapital costs reduced, but prices of talline panels. Longi Silicon, a leadmounting structures and evacuaing Chinese domestic wafer manution infra have also contributed to facturer, thinks that the industry falling costs. Indian made panels will gradually move towards are almost 10% expensive than Monocrystalline technology leavthe Chinese solar panels sold in ing the dominant multicrystalline India. technology behind. Monocrystalline technology started gaining gradually around the Indian Solar Panel grounds end of 2015 in China and wafer

Major Solar Panel Suppliers in India

and cell markets also saw prices of mono-Si and multi-Si products match.

Efficiency of Foreign Panels having a dominant presence in India Indian made panels have lower efficiency as compared to the foreign solar companies. As such the international solar panels have a huge demand in India. India continues to excite foreign manufacturers given the huge growth.

These companies have not only identified India as a market strategic to them but have also increased their activities in India (including plans to set up manufacturing in the country). Many of these foreign companies have access to cheap financing which has further enabled their growth on the Indian soil. Many Indian companies from other sectors too are looking at entering the solar landscape owing to the attractive risk return profile.

Chinese companies have grown their dominance in the India owing to its locational advantage, while panels manufactured

by First Solar sell more in India owing to its greater suitability with the hot Indian climate. It is interesting to note many of these international companies are also

Efficiency

Efficiency of a panel plays an important role in the effective working of the whole solar system.

Higher efficiency solar panels will result in lesser number of panels to be installed and hence will entail less capital outflow in the form of labor and maintenance costs. The higher the efficiency of a solar power system the lower will be the levelized cost of electricity per kilowatt hour.

Efficiency Comparison n-type Monocrystalline

20.50%

p-type Monocrystalline

Vikram Solar’s Eldora Neo (72 celled polycrystalline and 330W-345W) solar module has

40 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

17%

Multicrystalline

16.10%

Cd-Te

16.40%

CIGS 0.00%

13.80% 5.00%

10.00% 15.00% 20.00% 25.00%

 www.supersmartenergy.com

Construction of solar power plant in progress

achieving new levels of efficiency during the recent times.

At the end of the fourth quarter of 2016, First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) the leading thin film manufacturer in the U.S. exited 2016 with a full fleet average efficiency of 16.4% and best line efficiency running at 16.9%. The company also mentioned India as an important market for its products going forward.

Trina Solar’s (NYSE:TSL) shipments to India also grew substantially in the third quarter to a record high of 376.6 MW. It recently announced reaching new efficiency level of 22.61% for its monocrystalline silicon PERC cells.

Canadian Solar (NYSE:CSIQ) was ranked as the top module supplier in terms of module quality and price/performance ratio in IHS Markit’s independent PV Module Customer Insight Survey 2016.

The company’s diamond wire-saw technology is compatible with its Onyx black silicon multicrystalline solar cell technology, reducing manufacturing cost.

Jinko Solar (NYSE:JKS) was awarded the India Solar Module Company of the Year, thus mark-

ing a leading position in the country. The company also confirmed that India is an ideal market for rapid growth and demand for its PERC products continue to be strong in its latest earnings call.

Hanwha Q Cells achieved an efficiency of 19.5% using efficiency Q.ANTUM solar cells.

JA Solar, GCL Poly and Renesola are the other top suppliers in India also known for their efficiency products.

Technology Trends Emerging technologies can substantially improve solar cell efficiencies. A traditional silicon crystalline solar cell can convert between 15%-20% of the sun’s energy into usable electricity.

A recent MIT research revealed that step cells using two different layers of sunlight absorbing semiconductor materials like gallium arsenide and gallium phosphide has have better absorption properties than silicon. Step-cells have the potential to reach efficiencies above 40% theoretically and 35% practically. Such technological innovations if successful

can result in major breakthrough in solar technology.

Current technology developments that could result in solar panel efficiency are multi black silicon cells, diamond wafer saw and PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Contact). Though PERC works better on mono-products in terms of increasing conversion efficiency, black silicon is better for multi-products.

Black silicon solar cell is an extremely dark form of silicon made up of nano-sized needles on a silicon wafer capable of capturing more sunlight and functioning even at low light angles. The nano-structures make the cells far less reflective, thus helping them absorb more light. Hence these cells do not require the anti-reflective coating, which further leads to cost reduction. Black silicon panels were introduced to the market with efficiencies of around 18%.

Last year Trina Solar announced a record 23.5% efficiency for black silicon mono crystalline solar cells.

Black silicon together with diamond-wire sawing can reduce the cost of wafer production. The

»

41

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

Cover Story diamond-wire sawing method has been instrumental in significantly cutting down wafer-slicing costs.

It is expected that the black silicon technology will see a much slower capacity expansion as compared to the pace at which PERC cells will grow in capacity during the coming years.

age of expensive silicon.

India.

Solar plus Storage Conclusion Options will boom Since India has revised its targets going forward to 100 GW of solar installations by

PERC (Passivated emitter rear contact) cell technology adds an extra layer to the rear-side of a solar cell enabling increased absorption and inner reflectivity. Manufacturers can easily upgrade to PERC as it requires minimal modifications to existing cell manufacturing lines. PERC panels have a higher energy density per square foot and perform well under low-light conditions and high temperatures.

Nearly every panel manufacturer now employs PERC technology and PERC cell production is forecast to exceed 15GW in 2017. While mono-PERC adoption is becoming increasingly popular, light and heat degradation problems in multi-PERC has made it less attractive to some manufacturers.

Solar plus storage will be a game changer going forward. It is expected that solar rooftop and storage costs will together be lower than grid power beyond 2022. Owing to improvement in technology, lithium battery costs are also estimated to reduce by almost 50% over the coming five years with Tesla has recently started production at its Gigafactory in the U.S. Similar gigafactories could soon be expected to be built in China and costs will plummet given the past track record of Chinese manufacturing. Indian utilities might go into a death spiral as highest tariff paying customers will switch to the more lucrative solar option, especially the commercial and industrial consumers who pay horrendously high electricity bills.

Diamond Saw Technology is a cutting edge technology employed to cut out wafers from silicon ingots. This technology not only increases the output and production speed but also reduces wast-

India is expected to reach INR 5/ kWh price (7 cents) level for solar plus storage by 2022. With gridpower prices expected to increase this will lead to an increased adoption of rooftop solar systems in

2022, many international companies have been trying to expand in the country. PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ has also been instrumental in attracting major foreign companies to India. The government has also announced various subsidies for the promotion of solar in the country. The recent budget was a mixed one for the Indian solar industry. There is uncertainty regarding the impact of GST on the solar market in India as well.

However, despite these hiccups solar is set to boom exponentially in the country and seems to be the only viable power option. Solar energy has become best energy source today due to its falling costs and its ability to fight the rising levels of pollution in the Indian cities. As demand in major international markets like China, Japan and Europe has started to level off; India has become the most important country for solar energy ■

India: Solar Cell and PV Module Manufacturing Capacity as of Dec 2016 9,000 Solar Cell Capacity (MW)

8,000

PV Module Capacity (MW)

7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000

While operational module capacity was around 5.2 GW, working capacity according to manufacturers was much lower at ~3 GW at the end of of 2016 due to obsolete manufacturing lines.

3,000 2,000 1,000 0

2007-08

2008-09 2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

2014-15

2015-16 2016-17

Source: Mercom Capital Group

42 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

 www.supersmartenergy.com

MINISTRY OF EW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

Conference Sessions

CONTACT MUMBAI Iyer Narayanan M: +9199673 53437 E: iyer.narayanan@ubm.com CHENNAI Julian Thomas M: +9199404 59444 E: julian.thomas@ubm.com BENGALURU Amitava Sarkar M: +9193792 29397 E: amitava.sarkar@ubm.com

Media Partner

43

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

Interview

JinkoSolar Chief Scientist Qi Wang Interviewed by PV CellTech PV CellTech 2017 takes place in Penang, Malaysia, on 14-15 March 2017, and we were delighted when we caught up with Qi Wang at JinkoSolar.

JinkoSolar’s participation at PV CellTech is essential, JinkoSolar’s Chief Scientist Qi Wang delivered one of the keynote presentations titled: Record efficiency of industrial screen-printed multi c-Si solar cells. The company has propelled itself into the clear top position for c-Si module supply to the industry, and also seeking to have leading market-share across almost all global end-markets, its module shipments in 2017 could easily

exceed 10GW if the company overperforms on its recent shipment guidance for this year.

make the company a technologyinnovator, and not just following mainstream trends.

JinkoSolar thinks knowing the cell technologies being adopted and as part of capacity expansions is paramount to every manufacturer, not to mention downstream installers and EPCs.

The location of PV CellTech in Malaysia is also topical, as JinkoSolar has selected Malaysia as its overseas hub for Southeast Asia cell and module production.

Historically, JinkoSolar was mainly focused on the cost-reduction side of GW-level cell manufacturing, and was heavily reliant on cells from other cell producers for use in its modules. This all changed a couple of years ago, and JinkoSolar now has R&D activities and capex allocations that

44 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

Let’s review our Q&A with Qi Wang, and then make some observations:

Q

.What topics are going to be included in your presentation?

Qi Wang: Update the JinkoSolar R&D effect to lead the manufac-

 www.supersmartenergy.com

turing of PV modules.

In Qi Wang’s speech, not clear what the next PV technologies for solar cell mass production [will be]; [the] lack of low cost and good (reliable, stable, repeatable, etc.) equipment for solar cell mass production; [the] endless reduction of cell manufacturing cost.

Q

.What are the main things you are hoping to learn after the two days of PV CellTech 2017?

Get [an] update [on] cell technology and manufacturing status; especially, about PERC cell manufacturing - why there [is] so [much] capacity build up and only a few [cells] produced in 2016? { PV-Tech } JinkoSolar’s strategy, both for manufacturing and global sales and marketing, is fascinating to observe today, and the company is putting markers in the sand that are both offensive and defensive in nature, somewhat in equal measures. It is a very powerful position to carve out, and this extends to wafer and cell technologies being pursued.

This is clear to see from the recent announcements to add multi-GW levels of mono wafer capacity, mirrored by mono-PERC additions. However, multi is still seeing heavy commitment, and this is reflected in the title of the talk from JinkoSolar at PV CellTech.

ing mono and multi, having the ability to run multi-GW activity across both p-mono and p-multi is almost ideal, and allows JinkoSolar to benefit in equal measures from the competitive activities from the mono and multi specialist wafer/ cell producers this year.

Perhaps the most interesting comment from our interview with Qi Wang is related to the comment on the lack of PERC production, in contrast to the regular announcements we have been hearing in the industry on PERC, or the myriad of demo modules shown at the industry’s main exhibitions during 2016.

It is a question I get regularly when talking to people, and I think there are many factors at play here. I’m sure many will be addressed and discussed at PV CellTech, and here we may get the most useful inputs from the equipment suppliers of PECVD and laser patterning tools.

First, the move to PERC is happening rapidly, and the capacity plans and full line integration plans are being done at a frantic rate.

It always takes time to get things optimized quickly when implementing new process flows, and of course, it needs the entire cell production line to be optimized, not simply rear side deposition and laser openings. Everything needs to work together on the cell lines. PERC is not an instant drop-in solution: it takes time.

We also have the mono/multi aspect, and it is no surprise that processing on mono wafers, at the cell stage, is simply easier, and process windows are wider, while secondary loss mechanisms are easier to understand and control. Only 2-3 cell makers have succeeded in moving directly to p-multi PERC: the others are likely to follow, but only once p-mono PERC is fully controlled from a standard-deviation and manufacturing cost standpoint.

The final issue that surely impacts on PERC production levels relates to the equipment supplychain, and it is interesting to see

»

JinkoSolar now has R&D activities & capex allocations that make the company a technology- innovator, and not just following mainstream trends

Given the current crossroads the p-type industry is at, regard-

45

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

Interview Qi Wang flag the equipment side of things. PV equipment supply is such an integral part of PV CellTech this year, complemented by materials supply, and we have added a panel session discussion on equipment.

Specifically for PERC, Meyer Burger has been the dominant company for PECVD supply, following market-share successes seen before by the company it acquired several years ago, Roth & Rau. While Roth & Rau was focused on SiN deposition on the front side, revenues from Meyer Burger have a strong contribution from rear-side materials deposition in the PERC process.

Laser equipment supply has also often been from European based laser tool integrators (InnoLas and 3D-Micromac), with many of the leading PERC producers today opting for supply from one of these two companies.

of cell efficiency, or implementing advanced cell concepts, the domestic Chinese equipment suppliers were rarely seen as options.

In fact, we could almost ringfence screen-printing here. Up until a few years ago, all screenprinters were from a select group of companies: Applied Materials (AMAT), ASYS, DEK-Solar (now ASM Alternative Energy), Jonas & Redmann (or JRT), and Seishin.

Of this grouping, AMAT’s Baccini operations were the clear leader, in terms of market share.

However, now we have a Chinese-based company seeing strong market-share gains for screen-printing, and winning business previously seen as safe

However, for both PECVD and laser ablation, PERC is also seeing strong participation from Chinese tool suppliers.

Historically, cell manufacturing tools were the exclusive domain of European, US, and Japanese equipment suppliers. This started to change during the first Chinese expansion phase in the industry during 2009-2012, with domestic Chinese equipment suppliers seeing order uptick for furnaces (diffusion and firing), PECVD and wet-etching benches.

territory for AMAT. This company is called Maxwell Technologies, and this now means that Chinese equipment suppliers are now active across all parts of cell production lines.

Returning to the PERC production issue now, and many of the Chinese-centric lower tier cell producers have chosen to adopt a strong China-only equipment supply tactic. Given what we know about the challenges in getting the process windows tied down with PERC (mono or multi), it is perhaps not surprising that some observers are questioning the suggested mismatch with PERC capacity announcements and modules hitting the end-market.

When Qi Wang comes on stage at PV CellTech 2017 on the morning of 15 March, the entire audience will be gripped by what is being proposed by JinkoSolar and the company’s thoughts on the cell manufacturing landscape today. When industries have clear market-share leaders that are pulling away, their every word and sentiment is eagerly followed.

We expect nothing less in Penang next week! ■

However, when companies were seeking to push the limits

46 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

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March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

Energy Spot Storage Light

Can Domestic Manufacturers Capture a Larger Piece of the Growing Indian Solar Market?

S

olar installations in India reached 4 GW in 2016, and are expected to surpass 9 GW in 2017, an incredible pace of growth considering India installed just 883 MW in 2014.

With exponential growth in the sector, the government wants to ramp up domestic manufacturing to decrease the volume of solar module imports which, along with installations, has also increased dramatically. The challenge, like in most markets, has been cost competition from Chinese manufacturers. India also lost the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling last year which decided that its Domestic Content Requirements (DCR) discriminated against U.S. manufacturers. With this backdrop, policy makers are looking at various options to support domestic manufacturers without violating trade agreements.

The Indian solar manufacturing sector was active long before any policy or significant market

demand existed in India. The sector mainly focused on original equipment manufacturing and exporting to European countries.

India had exported almost a billion dollars in modules before the National Solar Mission was established. Exports boomed in 2008 with massive growth in global demand, but the slump in 2009 (due to the global recession) slowed the sector. As manufacturing took off in China, prices dropped to record low levels. From the beginning of 2011 through the end of 2012 module prices fell from $1.80/W to $0.65/W, a 65 percent drop. State funded and subsidized Chinese manufacturers captured most of the global market at the cost of manufacturers elsewhere, including Indian manufacturers.

Installed capacity of domestic solar cells and modules in the country is estimated to be 2,815 MW and 8,008 MW respectively, while operational capacity of

48 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

solar cells and modules is 1,448 MW and 5,246 MW respectively as of December 2016, according to Mercom’s Manufacturing Tracker.

However, manufacturers paint a different picture. Most of them are of the opinion that true working module manufacturing capacity was approximately 3 GW as of the end of 2016. This huge disparity in figures is due to old and obsolete manufacturing lines that are still being counted by manufacturers as “operating capacity”.

As of December 2016, an estimated 9.6 GW of solar has been installed in India. In the seven months from April to October in financial year (FY) 2016-17, export and import activity totaling $1.22 billion (~Rs.83.22 billion) was registered in the sector. Out of this, India imported solar materials worth more than a billion dollars.

This is not just because India lacks manufacturing capacity, but it’s mostly because Indian modules

 www.supersmartenergy.com

are much more expensive compared to Chinese modules.

Installed capacity of domestic solar cells and modules in the country is estimated to be 2,815 MW and 8,008 MW respectively, while operational capacity of solar cells and modules is 1,448 MW and 5,246 MW respectively as of December 2016

Challenges Competing with low-cost imports, low profit margins and lack of scale are all hurting India’s solar manufacturing sector.

“The major problems plaguing the sector are a lack of scale, insufficient government support and an underdeveloped supply chain,” stated an official at Waaree Energies.

Access to financing is also a challenge. Manufacturers are citing lack of funding available to build manufacturing units. “Even if private banks are willing to lend, it is at exorbitant rates ranging from 16 to 17 percent,” stated Mr. Thakur of Shukra Solar, a solar manufacturer.

Financing challenges struck a chord with another solar manufacturer: “You won’t find banks financing manufacturing units because it is considered risky.”

Any financing that has happened so far is because of foreign direct investment, voiced another manufacturer.

Most manufacturers agree that the DCR ruling by the WTO has

hurt the indigenous manufacturing sector. “The government can still make DCR a pre-requisite for government tenders for projects installed on government land or buildings,” stated another manufacturer.

Manufacturers would also like to see more investment in research and development to support new innovations that can bring down costs over the long

run. “The investment in research in the sector is almost negligent compared to other countries like China,” commented another manufacturer.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) called a meeting with manufacturers that have a capacity of 500 MW or more to discuss these issues in June last year. The MNRE asked the manu-

»

Indian Solar PV Imports and Exports ($M)

2,500 2,250 2,000

US$ Million

1,500 1,250 1,000 750 500

Over $1 Billion in Indian Module Exports Before

JNNSM Policy

65% Module Price Crash between 2011 & 2012, Indian exports begin to decline due to Chinese competition

1,750

250 0 2003-04 04-05 05-06 06-07

07-08

08-09 09-10 10-11

11-12 12-13

13-14 14-15 15-16

16-17

Source: Department of Commerce

49

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

Spot Light ers compete globally,” stated an official at Ministry of Commerce.

Indian Modules (ASP) VS. Chinese

0.70

Indian Modules ASP($/W)- DCR Indian Module ASP ($/W)- Non DCR

0.65

Chinese Modules ASP ($/W)

0.60 0.55

What Lies Ahead

0.50 0.45 0.40 0.35

While the government is still tendering under its DCR category, it is doing so at a slower pace, and interest from developers for projects in this category is muted due to higher costs.

Q4’15

Q1’16

Q2’16

Q3’16

Q4’16

Source: Mercom Capital Group

facturers to build polysilicon manufacturing facilities of about 500 MW each, either in partnership with a foreign company or joining forces with Indian companies like Waaree, Vikram and Goldi Green.

In return, these companies would get independent power producer rights to develop a 1,500 MW solar project at a fixed tariff by MNRE. “While the offer was made, we have not heard back from MNRE on this topic,” said a source at Vikram Solar.

Manufacturers were hoping for some kind of subsidy or incentive from the government to scale up production but were disappointed that the current budget did not provide any.

Manufacturers also want more clarity around state-sponsored incentives so they can determine which states are better and more profitable for building manufacturing units.

According to Mercom, Indian non-DCR modules typically cost about 10 percent more compared to Chinese modules. With highly competitive auctions like the one we saw in Madhya Pradesh at the REWA solar park auction, tariffs have come down below

Rs.4 (~$0.059)/kWh for the first time to Rs.3.30 (~$0.049)/kWh. These tariffs are only viable with cheaper Chinese panels, posing an even bigger challenge to local manufacturers.

What’s Being Done The “Make in India” program is the country’s push to focus on domestic manufacturing to compete with Chinese manufacturers. The government is trying to promote domestic manufacturing with a 20-25 percent capital subsidy and incentives such as interest free loans and tax breaks, commented a MNRE official.

In addition to focusing on solar manufacturing through this program, the government is also considering subsidizing solar manufacturing through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) per an MNRE official.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is further expected to help solar manufacturers once it is ratified by all states. “Currently, manufacturers have to pay a countervailing duty of 12 percent and 5 percent Value Added Tax. The GST will do away with these and help indigenous manufactur-

50 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

Developers meanwhile are thrilled at declining Chinese module prices, without which most of the recent aggressively bid projects would not be viable. The government, on the other hand, is saving hundreds of millions due to low aggressive tariffs in auctions which reduces its offtake bill, but this is only possible because of cheaper Chinese panels.

“Other than announcing DCR auctions for government installations, there is no concrete policy proposal yet. Access to financing at competitive rates is something many manufacturers are looking for. Unless there is scale it seems like an impossible task to compete with Chinese manufacturers on price,” said Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group. “Cheaper infrastructure and R&D investment are other areas that the government can focus on. American and European manufacturers have tried and failed to upend the domination of Chinese manufacturers, and it remains to be seen how far the Indian government is willing to go to support local manufacturers,” he added ■ (This artcle is part of the research report released by Mercom Capital Group.

Mercom Capital Group, llc, is a global communications and research firm focused on healthcare information technology, cleantech and financial communications.

Mercom delivers highly respected industry market intelligence reports covering Smart Grid, Battery Storage & Efficiency, Solar Energy and Health IT/Digital Health.

To get a copy of Mercom’s popular market intelligence reports, visit: http://mercomcapital.com/market_intelligence.php.)

 www.supersmartenergy.com

Company Profile

Star Link: Assisting Organizations to Boost Employee Productivity

T

here is a narrowing focus on enterprise safety and security of both physical and logical assets. Increasing demand for enhanced security and government policies for security issues is driving the finger & card based electronic access control system market. According to recent market forecast report by Markets and Markets, the biometrics industry is estimated to grow from $4,217.2 million in 2010 to $11,229.3 million in 2015, at an estimated CAGR of 21.6 percent from 2010 to 2015. However, lack of inter operability with existing security systems is affecting the market growth. Also, high up front cost and growing market for alternate technologies such as near field communication (NFC) and biometric control access are posing challenge to the market growth. Riding through the ups and downs of the market, Star Link Communication, based in New Delhi, enables organizations to keep the track of employee activities through Biometric Attendance & Access Control System.

Most organizations seem to have regarded absence of employees from work as unpredictable and uncontrollable, which affects the overall productivity of the company; Star link facilitates Star Time Office Software to help organizations suffice the requisite. The software helps companies to streamline the workforce by keeping the track records of attendance thereby assisting HRs to reduce the managing cost while increasing the efficiency. Moreover, Star Link’s Leave Manage-

ment Software is based on SQL server database with multi-Level leave approval policy that aids in automating employee’s leave management process. Additionally, Bio Link 09, a finger based access control system offered by Star link, avails multiple communication modes that allow users to get data easily without any hassle. Star Link Access control

processing with in-built compliance related reports & data.

software simplifies management of access and generates various reports Door wise as well as User wise. Attendance report can also be generated with the help of Star Link Time Office Software.

tive process orientation and fully IT enabled operations. “We are planning to come up with solutions based on Adhaar authentication. Along the same lines, we are focused to expand our security domain at home level by integrating IoT with our systems to make it more intelligent”, asserts Vipin Yadav, Managing Director, Star Link. Ensuring security and reliability, the organization puts efforts in exploring the latest innovations for enhancements in the global market and takes all necessary steps to do justice to the clients.

Mitigating HR performance issues The outdated HR systems with loose or no integration with accounting and ERP systems create inefficiencies and hamper visibility into business trends.

Gaining visibility of HR performance is a growing challenge. Pertaining to that, Star Link renders customizable Payroll Software System that reduces the human effort and enables every process to be done in a single click. The software offers Single click salary

Star Link endeavours to evolve quality products by accentuating on delivering clarity & transparency through implementation and automation. The company works to add new features to the products that are available on web and mobile platforms with effec-

For More Details Contact: Start Link Communication Private Limited @ +91 11 40598888/ sales@starlinkindia.com ■

51

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

Policy Update

Guidelines for Empanelment of Channel Partners/Agencies and New Entrepreneur under ‘Grid Connected Rooftop and Small Solar Power Plants Programme’ The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is implementing a ‘Grid Connected Rooftop and Small Solar Power Plants Programme’ in the Country.

The Government of India has set a target of 40,000 MWp of GridInteractive Rooftop Solar PV Plants during the next five years. However, 10,000 MWp are intended to be done in next two years. These rooftop solar PV plants will be set up in residential, commercial, industrial, institutional sectors in the country ranging from 1 kWp to 500 kWp capacity. Such rooftop plants have become economically viable as they produce clean electricity from the solar energy at about Rs. 7.0 per kWh even without any subsidy. However, MNRE will be providing the 15% subsidy on the capital cost of the system.

The interest subsidy through the banks is also being planned.

The Channel Partners/Agencies will play an important role in implementation of grid connected rooftop systems in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional sectors across the country. The Channel Partners may be involved by States Nodal Agencies/ Departments/ PSUs, Financial Institutions, Public Sector Banks and other implementing agencie Ref. “Grid Connected Rooftop and Small Solar Power Plants Programme” vide no. 30/11/2012-13/ NSM dated 26th June 2014, for empanelment of Channel Partners the guidelines are as follows :

Section-1 Any of the following entities can

apply to become Channel Partner ii Renewable Energy Service Providing Companies (RESPCOs) ii System Integrators ii Manufactures of any component of the Solar Plants ii Project Developers ii VENDORS/Suppliers of solar equipment’s ii Reputed and relevant NGOs of national level ii Govt. PSUs, Departments, Agencies, Technical Institutions

The eligibility conditions are: ii The Registered company/NGO must have experience to carry out activities which are envisaged under the programme. ii The Channel Partner have certificate from a rating agency in the country for technical and financial strength. ii The Channel Partner must have audited account for last three years. ii The company net worth must be positive. The assests and liabilities of the company must be clearly specified by rating agencies. ii Reputed Govt. PSUs, Departments, Agencies, Technical Institutions could be exempted from the accreditation by rating agency on submission of their application with MNRE based on the criteria defined for this purpose.

Application process: Any entity which fulfills the above criteria

52 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

may approach rating agencies to get the rating. After getting rating the entities may forward the rating report with application to register them as Channel Partner.

Rating Agencies: Reputed rating agencies in the country which may be specified by MNRE including those who registered with RBI and SEBI are eligible to rate the agencies. Table 1 gives details of the levels of rating.

1 to 5 depicts the technical strength with 1 being the highest. A to E depicts the financial strength with A being the highest.

Period to Receive Applications: The Ministry will receive applications from the entities to become Channel Partners during January February and July - August in every calendar year. However, depending upon necessity the applications may be invited in between also.

Tenure: The tenure of Channel Partner is initially for two years. ii The Channel Partner will give undertaking for engagement, development and training of at least 25 persons who will work for the development of solar rooftop market through sales, service, marketing etc. ii The Channel Partner must open office/ shops and service centers in the State where they have their registered office.

Section-2: Service network Since all systems installed by Channel Partners are with five years AMC the Channel Partners  www.supersmartenergy.com

must have representative office in the area/state where the systems are installed. The Channel Partner must be in position to attend the complaint, if any, within 48 hrs.

Section-3: Website The Channel Partner must have own website. Details of all systems installed by Channel Partners must be placed on website.

Channel Partners have to have complaint redressal mechanism.

This must be reflected in the Channel Partner’s Website.

Section-4: Training The Channel Partner will have to develop training capacities. MNRE will come with plan to train local persons to ensure service near the user. Channel Partners will have to implement the plan. They must also have a plan of their own. The details of trained manpower must be placed on Channel Partner’s Website.

payrolls. This will reflect in the rating reports given by the rating agencies. ii Literature User’s Manual: The Channel Partner must have literature/user’s manual for installer and user. They must have brochure, pamphlets giving company information, company information, to whom complaint to be placed for service. These must be distributed to all users along with manuals of inverters and other information to the user.

Section-6: Review The Ministry will review the Programme periodically.

Guidelines for Empanelment of New Entrepreneurs ii It should be a registered company under the Company Act 1956. ii It should not be blacklisted from ministry of cooperate affair.

Section-5: Manpower

ii It must have Solar/power related experience.

Channel Partners must have technical manpower on their

ii The company must have Engineering background.

ii Company engaged in the manufacturing of any of solar related product or BOS component can be considered for the empanelment.

Terms & Conditions for Entrepreneurs ii The entrepreneur must have at least a Bachelor degree in Engineering or Science from reputed institution or the main functionaries should have these qualifications ii Young entrepreneurs will be preferred (Below the age of 35 years) ii Must be a registered company ii Should have working experience in Solar PV Programme.

Preference would be given to those having experience in SPV Programme. ii The selected entrepreneurs will be allowed to operate in the states with mutual agreement ii Selected entrepreneurs will be reviewed and continuation is based on the performance ■

SmartEnergy Complete Renewable Energy Intelligence

For more information on advertising and editorial opportunities call +91 250 606 8789

53

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergy

Curtain Raiser

RenewX 2017: UBM India's Renewable Energy Mission for South India

Arvind Kumar, Energy Secretary, Government of Telangana inaugurating 1st Edition of RenewX Exhibition and Conference at Hitex, Hyderabad

U

BM India, organisers of Renewable Energy India Expo (REI India) announced the second edition of RenewX, a two-day Renewable Energy trade expo on April 7 and 8, 2017 at the Hitex, Hyderabad after the stupendous success of its first edition.

Through RenewX 2017, UBM India will provide an industry platform for organizations to capitalize and penetrate into the lucrative south Indian renewable energy market. The expo will witness a congregation of South India's green economy community to discuss industry trends, challenges and market insights including the Indian regulatory framework.

Bringing together manufacturers, EPCs, distributors and service providers, RenewX 2017 has over 130 participating exhibitors striving to make a difference in the renewable energy domain. These include Renewable Energy Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd., Greenko Group, Cleantech Solar Energy, Amplus Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Zhuhai Gmee Solar Equipment Co., Ltd., MachinePulse, Oriano Clean Energy Pvt. Ltd., Avi Solar Energy Pvt. Ltd, Brij Encapsulants, Phocos



India Solar Pvt. Ltd., MECO Meters Pvt. Ltd., Vision Mechatronics Pvt. Ltd, Bergen Associates, Premier Solar Systems Pvt. Ltd, Premier Solar Powertech Pvt. Ltd, Archimedes Green Energys Pvt. Ltd., Greenvision Technologies, Surana Solar Ltd., Greentek India Pvt. Ltd, Radite Energy, Solar Idea Pvt. Ltd., Nuevosol Energy Pvt. Ltd. and RenewSys India Pvt. Ltd. among others.

Of special interest this year is the China Pavilion being launched at RenewX for the first time. Chinese companies such as Sunworld Tech Corp, Ningbo Osda Solar Co., Ltd, Ningbo Aike Electronic Technology Co. Ltd., GuangZhou Mango Energy Technology Co. Ltd, Shanghai Minjian Alu Co. Ltd and Taizhou Hangning Refrigeration Equipment Co. Ltd among others will provide immense value addition and intelligence sharing for visitors. A Telangana Pavilion has also been planned.

RenewX 2017 is supported by central nodal agencies such as Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA), Telangana New &

54 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

Renewable Energy Development Corporation Ltd. (TNREDCL) and the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC).

The announcement of the second edition of RenewX comes at a time when renewables continue to increasingly carve a bigger space in the country's generation sphere, encouraged by government funding. Green power, for instance, is driving the growth in India's electricity generation as the total installed solar capacity, including rooftop and off-grid projects, has crossed 10 gW, according to the latest government and market data. On a pan Indian scale, while Tamil Nadu has the highest installed solar energy capacity, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana follow closely along with Rajasthan and Gujarat. The renewable energy sector has recently got a further impetus with the government announcing an ambitious scheme to double solar power generation capacity under the solar parks scheme to 40,000 mega watts (mW) by 2020, with Rs. 8,100 Crores assistance to fund 30% of the initial project cost of developers. In 2017 itself, India is expected to add new solar capac-

 www.supersmartenergy.com

Technical Presentations to bring forth the experience from ground and discuss what are the most pertinent issues in technology.

ity of 8-10 gW, a growth of 137% over last year, a recent report by Bridge To India, a green energyfocused consultant, indicated.

The expo will also hold a twoday conference on 'Sourcing the Sun' that will talk about integrating Renewables into business, and to find the best solutions and practices that can lead to increased integration of clean energy into businesses.

The topics for the sessions are: ii 'Converting Curiosity into Demand' - that will bring forth ideas and deliberate on ways in which to engage, incentivise and educate the customers so that they can integrate renewable in their businesses ii 'International Perspective on the Indian Solar Rooftop Market'A technical presentation that will provide residential/public/commercial sector analysis ii 'Sunny Side Up' - A platform where industry leaders will share their views on the most pressing issues in the Solar Rooftop sector and how to best market clean energy ii A case study on Comparative Assessment of Net Metering Policies and Implementation with few real life examples ii -Today or Tomorrow' - a unique

Q&A session that discusses the financial implications of renewable energy projects and what are the most pressing issues in this area ii 'Third Party Financing: Game changer for achieving the Rooftop targets?' - This session will talk about the three barriers to the growth of rooftop solar power in India: The high upfront costs of installation, low access to debt finance, and perceived performance risk ii A technical presentation on 'The importance of Solar Simulator Selection for Module Manufacturers' ii 'Walking the double-edged word: Project Financing and Risk Management in the Indian Scenario' - A session that will talk about these two major challenges along with debt financing on the nonrecourse basis, credit worthiness of the end consumer, the risk of technology obsoletion and business continuity risk

Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India said, "Providing energy security to all citizens, more specifically through clean energy sources has been one of the challenges our country is facing despite huge renewable resource availability and potential. The government's ambitious target of adding 175 GW of renewable power in the country by 2022, has created awareness about renewable energy in the country and will offer massive investment opportunities across the value chain. Telangana, since its establishment, has been playing an active role in aggressively supporting solar energy. Along with other states in South India that are also promoting renewable energy, the region holds a promise for the sector with its profitable and favourable government and industrial policies. The sector in the region has also been benefitted by investments leading to launch of major projects.

After our successful 1st edition in 2015, we are all set for the second edition of RenewX in Hyderabad that aims to accelerate the growth of Renewable Energy Industry in South India and contribute to the country's sustainable economic development." â&#x2013;

Apart from this, the sessions will also include Case Study Presentations and

55â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

March/ April 2017 SmartEnergyâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;

Technology Brief

P

Perovskite Solar Cell

erovskite solar cells is the emerging class of thin-film photovoltaic cells. Perovskite solar cell is a type of solar cell that comprises perovskite structured compound. The perovskite structured compound is mostly composed of hybrid organic-inorganic lead or tin halide-based material, as the lightharvesting active layer. These perovskite materials possess intrinsic properties such as broad absorption spectrum, fast charge separation, long transport distance of electrons and holes, and long carrier separation lifetime. These distinct properties possessed by perovskites make them promising material for manufacturing solid-state solar cells. The solar cell efficiencies of devices using these cells have increased significantly over the past decade due to the constant developments. Furthermore, these perovskite solar cells have the ability to absorb light across all visible wavelengths and are easily fabricated. Perovskite solar cells are sued in various applications such as smart glass, outdoor furniture, portable devices, and automotive and other electronic applications.

Perovskite solar cell aims to increase the efficiency of the cells and lower the cost of solar energy.

Perovskite solar cells have the ability to reach a broad range of wavelengths of light. This allows them to convert more solar power into electricity. This is one of the major advantages of perovskite solar cells over the other conventional solar technologies. Furthermore, these solar cells offer properties such as flexibility, semitransparency, and lightweight. These characteristics of perovskite solar cells are expected to open new opportunities for various applications of solar cell.

Saule Technologies is working on developing perovskite cells that can make a revolution. Perovskites are great absorbers of all light. Even ultra-thin layers of perovskites, 1/10 of the thickness of a human hair, can absorb all the incoming sunlight.

Additionally, in comparison to silicon perovskites are soluble. That is why scientists have designed an ink based on perovskites and used it to print, yes print, solar cells on a flexible foil.

The cells are produced with the use of very cheap materials and a low amount of them (reduction of material consumption can be decreased three times).

Saule Technologies have presented a demonstration device able to charge a smartphone with solar energy. By the end of 2017 they plan to launch test production line and introduce the fully operational and large scale product by 2019.

Currently, the common electrode material used in perovskite solar cells is gold. Thus, perovskite solar cells are costlier than other commercially used solar cells. This is expected to hamper the perovskite solar cell market during the forecast period. The cheaper perovskite solar cells available in the market have shorter lifespan.

This further hampers the perovskite solar cell market. Toxicity of a substance called Pbl is another major issue restraining the perovskite solar cell market. Moreover, lead, which significantly pollutes the environment, is majorly used in most perovskite solar cells. However, the development of substitutes is expected to drive the perovskite solar cell market in the near future.

In terms of geography, the global perovskite solar cell market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.

The perovskite solar cell market is

56â&#x20AC;&#x201A;SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

anticipated to expand during the forecast period, led by an increase in electronic developments in countries such as Japan, China, India, and South Korea. Thus, Asia Pacific is estimated to lead the market during the forecast period.

North America and Europe are the next attractive markets for perovskite solar cell due to the increase in solar energy practices in these regions. The perovskite solar cell market in regions such as Latin America and Middle East & Africa is estimated to expand at a sluggish pace owing to the high development costs of these solar cells.

The perovskite solar cell market is highly consolidated, with a few global manufacturers and developers operating across the globe.

Key players in the perovskite solar cell market include Saule Technologies, Fraunhofer ISE, Oxford Photovoltaics, Xiamen Weihua Solar Co.,Ltd, Dyesol, and FrontMaterials â&#x2013;

ď&#x192;&#x153; www.supersmartenergy.com

2017 EVENTS WATCH FEBRUARY

MARCH

JANUARY

23-25 2017

14-16 2017

03-05 2017

Event: Intelect 2017

Event: Solar Middle East 2017

Event: North India Solar Summit 2017

Dubai, UAE. (Concluded)

IIA Grounds, Gomti Nagar, Luckhnow, UP, India.

India Expo Centre, G. Noida, India.

(Concluded)

MARCH

08-10 2017

APRIL

07-08 2017

Event: India Smart Grid Week 2017 Manekshaw Centre,Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi.

MAY

APRIL

26-27 2017

Event: RenewX

Event: India’s Renewable Energy Congress

HITEX, Hyderabad.

Delhi, India

MAY

MAY

17-19 2017

17-19 2017

Event: Power-Gen India & Central Asia

Event: Renewable Energy World India

Event: 2nd Solar India 2017 expo

Pragati Maidan, N. Delhi, India

Pragati Maidan, N. Delhi, India.

Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

AUGUST

21-23 2017

SEPTEMBER

20-22 2017

Event: 8th RETC New Delhi, India

57 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

10-12 2017

DECEMBER

05-07 2017

Event: Renewable Energy India Expo

Event: Intersolar India 2017

India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, India

BEC, Goregaon, Mumbai, India

57

March/  April www.supersmartenergy.com 2017 SmartEnergy

ADVERTISERS INDEX Akshaya Solar Power (India) Pvt. Ltd. Apar Industries Ltd.

17 IFC

Aster Technologies

35

DEIF India Pvt.Ltd.

03

Electrotherm Solar Ltd.

11

Exide Industries

BC

Fidelity Services

09

Gravin Earthing & Lighting Protection System (P) Ltd.

31

Isothermal Technology Pvt.Ltd.

21

Mersen India Pvt.Ltd.

05

Pennar Engineered Building Systems Ltd.

07

Power Gen India 2017

29

REI 2017

43

Renewable Energy World 2017

IBC

Renewsys India Pvt. Ltd.

27

RenewX 2017

33

Shenzhen Topray Solar Co. Ltd.

23

Solar India 2017

37

Starlink Communication Pvt. Ltd.

13

58 SmartEnergy March/ April 2017

 www.supersmartenergy.com

17-19

MAY

PRAGATI MAIDAN, NEW DELHI, INDIA www.renewableenergyworldindia.com

How to Successfully Finance Renewable Energy Projects Examining the Policy Roadmap for the 175 GW, 2022 Target Energy Storage & Greater Renewable Energy Integration Register as a Renewable Energy World India conference delegate to hear about the real issues for Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renewable energy sector.

Supported By:

www.renewableenergyworldindia.com Event Organizers:

Supported by: