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VOLUME 10Issue # 1

CO

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TISA

PV MANUFACTURING

INDIA

India’s Brainchild, the International Solar Alliance, Is Gaining Momentum and How!

Robotics and Automation in PV Manufacturing

BUSINESS & FINANCELondon Stock Exchange welcomes Indian Rail-way Finance Corpora-tion’s (IRFC) first Green Bond

Only six states, UTs comply with Centre’s renewable purchase obligations

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70

22 30

ACHIEVEMENTSBELECTRIC Commissions 300th Solar power plant 50

I NTERNAT IONAL

HEAD-SALES & MARKETING :GOURAV [email protected]

9 EQ January 2018www.EQMagPro.com

TECHNOLOGY PV MANUFACTURING

TRADE WARS

ROOFTOP & OFFGRID

INDIA ACHIEVEMENTS

SEIA Insists It’s ‘Foolish’ to Think Tariffs Will Spur Domestic Solar Manufacturing

The first PV highway in the world are using Growatt string inverters

3D-Micromac is Manufacturer of Choice for Laser Contact Opening Systems for PERC Solar Cell Production at Hanwha SolarOne

More Focus Needed on Urban Rooftop Solar Growth in India

VISION OF THE GOVERNMENT is ‘24×7 Power for All’-All the Stateson board to achieve Target by arch 2019 : Shri R. K. Singh

Sungrow Named Top 25 Global Renewable Energy Honoree by Thomson Reuters

72ROOFTOP & OFFGRIDIndia Transforms Market for Rooftop Solar

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38

Pg. 07-35EQ NEWS

RENEWABLE ENERGYGovernment is on its way to ACHIEVING 175 GW TARGET for installed Renewable Energy capacity by 2022

58 48

RESEARCH & ANALYSISPractice of Standard ization in BOMs for solar module- key forQuality and Cost reduction.

46

54 64

08MICRO INVERTERSEnphase Energy Roars into Indian Market with the Company’s Largest Solar Installation in the Asia-Pacific Region

41


JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd is a world lead-ing manufacturer of high-performance solar power products for residential, commercial and utility-scale power generation. The company was founded in May 2005 and publicly listed on the NASDAQ in February 2007. Capitalizing on its strength in solar cell technology, it is committed to provide modules with unparalleled conversion efficiency, yield efficiency, and reliability to en-able customers to maximize the returns of their PV projects. JA Solar adopts a selective vertical integration model, covering silicon wafer, cell and module production, as well as photovoltaic power plant investment, development, con-struction, operation and maintenance. It has 11 production facilities worldwide. Its silicon wafer, cell and module production capacity has reached 3GW, 6.5GW and 7 GW respectively. To date, JA Solar has a cumulative shipment of over 27 GW. With its leading industry experience, continuous effort on R&D, customer-oriented service and sound financial conditions, JA Solar is your most trustworthy long-term partner.


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Wishes You All A Very Happy Republic DayWishes You All A Very Happy Republic DayPROUD TO BE AN INDIAN

Rajasthan’sFirst Fully AutomaticSolar PV ModuleManufacturing Unit

micro Inverters

EnphasE EnErgy OpEns its First r&D CEntEr in inDia

ndia is powering the growth of solar with its ambi-tious targets for clean energy and is expected to be ranked as the world’s third largest solar market in 2017. Enphase plans to support this rapid growth with the opening of its Bangalore R&D center, where it will also offer employment opportunities for engi-

neering, operations, marketing, sales, and customer support personnel to meet the needs of its customers worldwide.

India has a mature R&D ecosystem that includes many renewable energy companies with more than 20 years of business in the region. Enphase Microinverters, as promot-ed through the Company’s Made for India campaign, are de-signed and proven to operate for decades in harsh climates such as India’s. Enphase offers the most advanced inverter technology on the market with higher production, greater reliability and intelligence. With Enphase Microinverters, in-stallers can reduce their installation and maintenance costs and bring greater value to their customers.

Ithe world’s leading supplier of solar microinverters, Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company , recently announced the opening of its first R&D center in Bangalore, India to establish a best-in-class technology development center.

“This strategic expansion in India is very exciting for Enphase,” said Sunil Thamaran, vice president and manag-ing director of Enphase India. “We are pleased to be developing a highly skilled team that will span Enphase’s end-to-end operations, sup-porting both the growing local and worldwide demand for our products, services and customer support.”

Source: Enphase Energy

“I am pleased to announce our first R&D center in India, which is an impor-tant part of our overall global strategy,”

said Badri Kothandaraman, president and CEO of Enphase Energy. “The

abundant engineering and technology talent in India not only fits well with Enphase’s core of product innovation, but also helps us in operational excellence to achieve our 30-20-10 financial operating model. We are bullish about the region’s growth potential due to its ever-increasing demand for clean energy, and look forward to working with our customers, partners and module manu-facturers to deliver innovative solutions.”


micro Inverters

EnphasE EnErgy rOars intO inDian MarkEt with thE COMpany’s LargEst sOLar instaLLatiOn in thE asia-paCiFiC rEgiOn

ccupying 67,000 square feet over six rooftops in multiple orientations, the landmark installation overcomes shading challenges to power a large, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company.Powered by 2,858 Enphase

Energy™ microinverters, the system is expected to provide more than 15,000MWh of clean power annu-ally to the FMCG company’s cold storage, packaging, baking, and pickling units. RenXSol Ecotech, a lead-ing project developer and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firm based in Bangalore, is due to commission the system in December 2017.

In addition to reliability, an Enphase Microinverter System also offers enhanced flexibility in cases where a complex system design is required to meet the site’s requirements, allowing installers to utilise every pos-sible space on the rooftop. Also, the system’s ability to produce power in low-light, disbursed light or shaded conditions means it maximises energy harvest even in India’s harsh, dusty environment.

Supporting approximately 10,000 jobs from neighbour-ing areas, the facility is used by farmers within a 250-kilo-meter radius, who process, package and sell their produce there. Ultimately the facility aims to become carbon neutral for the benefit of the surrounding communities, with the system currently offsetting approximately 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

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Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company and the world’s leading provider of solar microinverters, announced that its installation partner, RenXSol Ecotech has installed Enphase microinverters in a one megawatt solar plant. Located near Bangalore, India, the solar plant is Enphase’s largest installation in the Asia-Pacific region and one of its largest globally.

“We are seeing a solid uptake of Enphase tech-nology in India, driven by the power purchase agreement (PPA) model,” said Nathan Dunn, man-aging director of Enphase Asia-Pacific. “Enphase thrives in PPA-driven markets due to our un-matched reliability, as well as leading intelligence and control capabilities for commercial and industrial asset managers.”

“When dealing with a challenging system design across multiple rooftops, it’s essential to select the right components to avoid det-rimental power losses,” said Srinivas Kumar, founder and CEO at RenXSol Ecotech. “The Enphase Microinverter System’s resilience to shading and panel mismatch, its robust design, reliability, and remote diagnostic capabilities makes it perfect for this complex rooftop, and perfect for India in general.”

Source: Enphase Energy


siEMEns tO ManuFaCturE nEw gEnEratiOn OF phOtOvOLtaiC invErtErs in inDiaSiemens India launched with Sinacon PV a new generation of photovoltaic (PV) central inverters with an output up to 5,000 kVA.

iemens India launched with Sinacon PV a new generation of photovoltaic (PV) cen-tral inverters with an output up to 5,000 kVA. The inverter is part of the Siemens new electrical Balance of Plant (eBoP) solution for PV power plant installations.

The state-of-the-art Sinacon PV in-verter will be locally produced and manu-factured at Siemens’ Kalwa plant near Mumbai for the domestic market as well as for export into the region. The Indian renewable energy sector is the second most attractive renewable energy market in the world Crossing 14 GW of already installed solar capacity, the Use of clean energy sources.

" The National Solar Mission of the Government aims to establish India as a global leader in solar energy. Siemens aspires to contribute to this with local value-addition in line with Make in India.”

A solar PV inverter converts the variable direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic solar panel into a utility frequency alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or used by a local, off-grid electrical network. The Sinacon PV is equipped with 3 level IGBT modules, has an outdoor design for harsh en-vironments with fluid cooling and can operate up to 60°C ambient temperature.

As a leading supplier of transmission, distribution and smart grid solutions, Siemens intends in addition to the inverter manufacturing also a local assembly of medium voltage

inverter stations. The new Siemens inverters and medium voltage inverter stations target large scale, ground mounted solar PV power plants, comprising of comprehensive eBoP solutions. The eBoP solution enables solar power to be intelligently integrated into the grid. The portfolio includes all electrotechnical equipment needed. Siemens offers complete end-to-end planning, engineering, and financing, all the way to commissioning and service,

SGovernment is firm on its ambition of 100 GW of in-stalled solar genera-tion by 2022.Harald Griem, Executive Vice-President and Head of Energy Manage-ment, Siemens Ltd, said “Siemens is committed to partner the Govern-ment in its endeav-or to increased

inverters


gOODwE has OnCE again tightEnED thE pOwEr DEn-sity OF its invErtEr

The new 15kW model of three-phase grid-tied inverter has reduced its weight and volume by 30%.

art from its modern and charming appear-ance, GW15KN-DT features IP65 dust-proof and water-proof rating, two flexible MPP trackers with efficiency up to 99.9%, super large 5-inch LCD, and export control with multiple communications, etc. In par-ticular, GoodWe engineers have adopted convective cooling for the 15kW model, ensuring more quiet and reliable operation.

GoodWe has invested heavily in minia-turizing the products and maximizing the benefits of the entire solar system. GoodWe 15kW model of SDT series provides the perfect solution for large residential and small commercial PV systems.

About GoodWe SDT series: GoodWe’s ‘smarter’ three-phase inverters with dual MPP trackers are the ideal solution for solar system above 5 KW with capacities of 4KW,5KW, 6KW, 8KW, 10KW AND 15KW. They provide three phase AC output, mak-ing system connections for larger homes and small businesses well balanced. The integrated dual MPP trackers allow two-array inputs from different roof orientations. Since its launch in June 2013, the SDT series inverters have been widely used in large-scale residential projects. The high reliability and excellent performance are universally acknowledged by installers and end-users alike.

GoodWe announced that it is now taking orders for its brand new model of SDT Series string inverters, GW15KN-DT. It’s one of the most com-pact inverters with 15kW capacity in the world – 516*455*192mm in size & 26kg in weight, which greatly sim-plifies transport, installation and commissioning, saving time and costs. Moreover, GW15KN-DT offers a re-ally competitive price while provides 30% DC input oversizing and 10% AC output overloading, which helps customers achieve a faster return on investment.

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inverters


ROOFTOP & OFFGRID

uLtiMatE sun systEMs shinEs bright in haryana; instaLLs 7.5Mw+ OF sOLar pOwEr gEnErating CapaCity in 2017 Delivers landmark projects such as a full 2MW rooftop solar power plant completed in just 45 days for MMU at its Mullana, Ambala campus.

Ultimate Sun Systems, a pioneer in the field of renewable energy solutions, has leveraged its cutting-edge technolo-gies to provide environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solutions in Haryana, resulting in im-pressive traction in the state. It has already served over 25 prestigious corporate entities such as DLF, NHK Springs,

IOCL, and Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU). Underlining its success in the rapidly-developing state is the fact that it has installed over 7.5 MW of solar power-generating capacity in Haryana in FY 2016-2017, a figure it aims to take to 40MW by FY2018. Additionally, Ultimate Sun Systems surpassed expectations and completed several landmark projects during the course of 2017, including a full 2 MW rooftop solar power plant completed in just 45 days for MMU at its Mullana, Ambala campus. Its other notable projects include a 1MW Utrecht ground-mounted plant, a 150 kW plant for HEWO Apartments in Gurgaon, a 75kW plant for NHK Springs in Manesar, and 15kW plant in Gurgaon for DLF. The company aims to bring its technical competence and engineering experience in conceiving, developing, and installing solar power plants for 25 new corporate clients in Haryana by March 2018.

The Gurugram-based Ultimate Sun Systems has already delivered projects above 10 MW at a pan-India level with 20 MW already in the pipeline. Driven by its vision of helping the country transition to clean and renewable energy seam-lessly, it offers customised and state-of-the-art offerings to its clients at affordable rates. With its exceptional work in the state of Haryana, along with the on-going projects ongoing projects in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, UP, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, the company is well on its way to achieving its vision of going global by 2020.

U

“Haryana has a vibrant and growing economy, and is an important market for us. The many manufacturing units and

new-age companies that are expanding or setting up shop in the state have an ever-rising

need of power. Recent concerns over pollution in the region just make renewable energy solutions more critical. At our project for Maharishi Markandeshwar University, we installed a 2MW rooftop solar power plant in just 45 days, led to a reduction in carbon emissions that was the equivalent of planting 22,000 teak trees, while substantially reducing the cost of energy. We take great pride in our efficiency and technical ability, and are aiming to partner with many other corporates in Haryana to make a contribution towards their continued economic growth while protecting the environ-ment.” MR B.S. YADAV, Managing Director, Ultimate Sun Systems,


saubhagya sChEME LaunChED in Manipur – 1.75 Lakh hOusE-hOLDs OF Manipur prOpOsED tO bE inCLuDED unDEr thE sChEMEThe Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) was launched in Manipur today, by Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy,

ROOFTOP & OFFGRID

R.K. Singh and Shri N. Biren Singh, Chief

Minister of Manipur. A total of approxi-

mately 1.75 lakh households (1.62 lakh rural house-

holds and 0.13 lakh urban households) of Manipur are pro-

posed to be included under the Scheme.

ingh further said that it is the vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to provide electricity to every household of the country. Now the Govern-ment would come to people’s doorstep to provide power connection to every household.

This is such a scheme where the poorest of the poor can afford electricity in their homes. The Minister promised that people would get 24×7 power supply by March, 2019. For achieving this target, the Government has already given obligation to private companies to provide 24×7 power supply to every household, he added.

Union Minister also assured that the Government of India would provide the required financial as-sistance for strengthening and improvement of infra-structure in the power sector in Manipur. Monetary assistance had already been extended for procuring of transformers, meters etc. to strengthen the power sector in the State, he added.

May be noted that Saubhagya is a scheme launched to achieve universal household electri-

fication in all parts of the Country at a cost of Rs. 16,320 crore including Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) of Rs. 12,320 crores from Government of India. Keeping in view the role of elec-tricity in human and socio-economic development, Government of India has formulated the scheme to ensure last mile connectivity and electricity con-nections to all remaining un-electrified urban and rural households in the country. All States and Union Ter-ritories of the country are required to complete household electrification in their respective jurisdiction by 31st March, 2019.

Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC), a Navaratna CPSE under the Ministry of Power has been appointed as the nodal agency for coordinating the implementation of the scheme. The prospective beneficiary households for free electricity connec-tions under the scheme will be identi-fied using Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC), 2011 data.

The launch ceremony was held in the august presence of Shri. Th. Biswajit Singh, Minister for PWD/R&D & PR/ Comm. & Ind/Power/Admn. Reforms and Training/I.P.R., Government of Manipur, and other senior officers rep-resenting the Union Ministry of Power and the State Government.

S

Addressing the media at the function, Shri R.K. Singh said that Manipur is the fastest reforming state in Power sec-tor in the country and the Manipur Government is performing well in terms of power sector in the State.

On the occasion, Shri N. Biren Singh said that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Saubhagya Scheme would transform the lives, es-pecially poorest of the poor by providing power supply to every household of the country.


o meet its target of generating 100 GW of solar energy by 2022, India has installed solar parks on large tracts of unused land across the country. Now, thanks to a new part-nership between the World Bank and the State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest bank, the market for rooftop solar has also begun to take off. Sometimes change comes so quickly it takes time to get to grips with it. One such change is now beginning to take hold in India.

Endowed with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, India is making strides towards becom-ing a global solar superpower. Since 2009, when the country first launched the National Solar Mis-sion, it has installed solar parks on large tracts of unused land across the country.

TinDia transFOrMs MarkEt FOr rOOFtOp sOLar

India has a massive need for energy. Its per capita consump-tion of electricity is less than one third the world average.

“But solar parks need land, and land is scarce in a densely-populated country,” explained Simon Stolp, lead energy specialist at the World Bank in Delhi.

Thanks to a new partnership between the World Bank and the State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest bank, the market for rooftop solar has also begun to take off.

“Tapping the rooftop solar market will be essential for India to meet its massive energy needs,” said Stolp. “The country has a lot of catching up to do – its per capita consumption of electricity is less than one third the world average.”

To meet these energy needs, India has set itself the ambitious target of generating 100 GW of solar energy by 2022, forty percent of which is to come from rooftop solar.

“Tapping the rooftop solar market will be essential for India to meet its massive energy needs. The country has a lot of catching up to do – its per capita consump-tion of electricity is less than one third the world aver-age.” Simon Stolp Lead energy specialist at the World Bank in Delhi

“Rooftops, on the other hand, hold huge potential.”

U ntil now, however, it was difficult to breakthrough into the rooftop solar market. Although the business case was strong, and the costs of solar panels were fall-ing dramatically, financing was difficult to come by.

In solar plants, the largest capital investment goes toward the installation of solar panels, and must be made upfront. At today’s prices, this amounts to an investment of about Rs. 5 crores (approx. $ 760,000) to produce one megawatt of power.

“But banks had no models for such new forms of lending,”explained Stolp. “And even where financ-ing was available, the costs were just too high.”

T hings have now begun to turn around very quickly. Since June 2017, when the World Bank announced a $625 million loan to SBI to provide discounted finance for rooftop solar installations on factories and institu-tions, market response has been overwhelming.In the past six months alone, SBI has approved 575 MW of rooftop solar installations, giving a huge boost to India’s nascent solar rooftop program.

“SBI has developed financing models that will provide loans at a very competitive pricing with long tenor,” explained Karnam Sekar, Deputy Managing Director, SBI. “Several capacity building measures and awareness programs are also being under-taken to sensitize operating functionaries.”

Getting the Financing

Overwhelming Response

ROOFTOP & OFFGRID


One of SBI’s first borrowers was Amplus Energy Solutions, a private renewable energy developer, and an early mover in the field. “World Bank-SBI financing has enabled us to borrow at 8.25 percent – down from 12 percent before,” explained San- jeev Aggarwal, MD of Amplus. “This has helped us lower the cost of solar energy we provide our customers.”

Amplus has around 250 megawatts of solar plants – either installed or under construction – serving more than 70 customers across 20 states of India. One of Amplus’s first customers was the India Yamaha Motor plant in the Noida industrial belt, across the river from Delhi. The motor-cycle manufacturer first began installing solar panels on its Noida rooftops in 2016 to comply with the company’s global energy policy. Yamaha’s Noida facility is one of the largest manufacturing plants in India with a ‘captive’ solar rooftop facility of more than 20,000 solar panels which generate 6.3 MW of power.

“Until now, it’s been a hard sell, because changing mindsets takes time,” said Amplus’s Aggarwal, “But now I think the market is ready to take off.There may be blips in between, but I expect that in 3-5 years time the cost of rooftop solar power will fall to Rs. 2 to Rs. 3 per unit.”

“After all,” Aggarwal adds, “This is the first time in

history that every person can generate her own clean renewable electricity – be it the smallest tea shop or the largest factory or institution.”

With strong sunshine beating down on rooftops across most of this tropical country, the future of solar power in India is bright indeed.

T he sea of solar panels on Yamaha’s rooftop is owned by the developer.

“We buy clean solar power from Amplus at Rs.6 per unit – compared to Rs. 8.5

per unit from our usual energy provider,” explained Sanjiv Paul, senior vice president at Yamaha Motor India. “This has reduced our power costs by 20-25 percent.”

During peak times, solar power meets a fifth of the Yamaha facility’s energy needs and, on holidays, the energy is fed back into the grid, creating an energy credit that the company can draw upon later. The change is now be-ginning to catch on. While large multinational companies have begun to blaze the trail, others are lining up to follow.

The Early Movers Using Green Power in Manufacturing

ROOFTOP & OFFGRID


ikram Solar has a prestigious rooftop project portfolio of 39 MW, including executed and on-going projects. We have completed over 180 solar rooftop proj-ects till now and our major under execu-tion project include- ISRO (3000kw), SL Group (1300kW), KBL (1500kw), and WBPDCL (3044kw). Successful installa-tion of 100KW rooftop Solar PV system at SBI’s Local Head Office in Patna is another feather in our cap.”

V

shared on the occasion, “At Vikram Solar, we remain committed to our objective of encouraging and protect-ing utilization of natural resources of energy. We are glad to be able to associate with SBI, one of the India’s leading Financial Institutions and help them switch to green energy. As it is, we promote new, clean and cost-effective power generation and implementation of bet-ter technologies.” Ms Neha Agrawal, Cor-porate Strategy – Head, Vikram Solar,

Mr. SashiBhushan, Incharge Electrical -SBI Patna LHO shared, “We are happy with our 100KWp Solar Project. We are also quite proud to be part of the clean energy drive by converting a portion of our electric consump-tion from conventional sources to solar energy.The PV systems will power the bank building, along with the administrative building.”

vikraM sOLar’s rOOFtOp sOLar sOLutiOns aiDs sbi patna tO jOin thE CLEan EnErgy DrivEVikram Solar, one of India’s leading module manufacturer and a prominent rooftop solar & EPC solutions provider, successfully installed a 100KW rooftop Solar PV system at SBI’s Local Head Office in Patna. Spread across 2 build-ings, the PV system is set to produce around 146000 kwh/annum.

ROOFTOP & OFFGRID


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"This is a fantastic opportunity for INGETEAM and MYSUN together to change the landscape of solar in India." “ In MYSUN, we have now found a fantastic partner who not just understands and knows the rooftop solar segment in India very well, but also is quickly becoming a household name in terms of a reliable brand. We hope to support them with our technical solutions and know-how.” Mr. S.P.Singh Director Ingeteam India

Mr. Vinay Sood, Director-Operations of Erigeron Energy said that installing a rooftop solar system with Net Metering for all commercial & Indus-trial units is very cost effective as you don’t have to spend any money on the Battery storage. So whatever energy you produce on weekly off days or on holidays, It goes to the grid & you get a set off against the same in your energy bills.

Mr. Suresh Kumar also informed that for com-mercial installations, Govt. of India is giving 40% accelerated depreciation which gives a consider-able saving in Income tax and makes a very good sense for business houses to go for solar.

he companies have announced a strategic partner-ship that will see MYSUN use the single-phase and three-phasestring inverters from INGETEAM as part of their retail solar solutions package. This solar kit will be available on the MYSUN web platform at

www.itsmysun.com. This partnership will ensure availability of high quality premium European inverters at a very competitive cost for the Indian market and it also strengthens the belief that MYSUN has strongly propagated retailing solar kits. INGETEAM develops its solar inverters at a global scale, always seeking to optimise energy consumption and to maximiseenergy genera-tion, also covering energy transport and distribution. The com-pany operates throughout the world, with a workforce of around 3,900 people.

he system is designed and Installed by M/s Erigeron Energy Pvt. Ltd.a Gurgaon based company. Dr. Mukesh Bhatia himself was very concerned about the increasing pollu-tion in Delhi and as his Institute is located at

a very busy place in Delhi, he was keen to do something to clean the environment. He him self had attended a training with MNRE and knew the benefits of installing a solar system. When Erigeron Energy contacted them, he agreed to install one system but the challenge was that he wanted to use the roof as lots of students use the roof area to walk around. Then Erigeron Energy team sug-gested installing the system at an elevated platform so that the roof is not fully occupied.

A sturdy structure was designed using STAAD analysis to withstand a wind load of 150 kM/Hr. Over this structure solar modules were installed keeping in view the easy regular cleaning of the modules. The system is expected to produce about 36000 units of green energy every year, which will reduce the electricity bill substantially.

Local DISCOMS in Delhi are very cooperative in timely clear-ances for net metering of new installations Dr. Bhatia of DBMI wished all the best to Erigeron Energy and also appealed to the commercial sector to go for solar and save the environment.

TT

ingEtEaM tiEs up with Mysun tO bring aFFOrDabLE anD high QuaLity rOOFtOp sOLar sOLu-tiOns in inDia

23kw rOOFtOp systEM COM-MissiOnED at Dr bhatia MEDi-CaL COaChing institutE, DELhi

INGETEAM, a global company specialising in power and control elec-tronics and MYSUN, India’s leading rooftop solar platform focused on providing end to end solar solutions today announced a strategic partnership to make rooftop solar accessible to every home in India.

Elevated rooftop Solar system at Dr. Bhatia Institute in Patel Nagar Delhi, 23 kW Rooftop system with Net Meteringrooftop solar system was commissioned with Net Metering at the roof.

1. INGETEAMto supply its European small-sized single-phase inverters to MYSUN in the retail rooftop segment, which will be a part of the MYSUN solar kit.

2. MYSUN portal to be the online portal to sell INGETEAM’s stringinverters in the Indian market.

"We are delighted to join hands with a global player like INGETEAM and are really excited about the potential of this partnership." "Inverter being such a key component of a solar system, we truly believe this will prove to be an im-portant part of the journey towards solar retails as it will let us meet the demands of the customer in the most fair and economical fashion and offer technically advanced solar products to the Indian consumers." Mr.Ashit Maru Co-Founder MYSUN

ROOFTOP & OFFGRID


ROOFTOP & OFFGRID

45 Lakh FaMiLiEs tO gEt pOwEr suppLy in MaDhya praDEsh unDEr saubhagya“Saubhagya was launched in Madhya Pradesh on December 22, 2017, by Power and New and Renewable Energy R K Singh and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan,” a REC statement said.

tate-run Rural Electricitification Corporation (REC) today said that Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) was launched in Madhya Pradesh to provide elec-trical connections to about 45 lakh families.

“Saubhagya was launched in Madhya Pradesh on De-cember 22, 2017, by Power and New and Renewable Energy R K Singh and Mad-hya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan,” a REC statement said

According to the statement, a total of approximately 45 lakh un-electrified households of Madhya Pradesh are proposed to be included under the present DDUGJY (Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana) and Saubhagya Schemes.

With the launch of the scheme, 5,000 new electricity connections were released in Rewa district. The Saubhagya scheme was launched in September to achieve univer-sal household electrification in all parts of the country at a cost of Rs 16,320 crore including Gross Bud-

getary Support (GBS) of Rs 12,320 crore from Government of India.

All states and Union territories of the country are required to complete household electrification in their respective jurisdiction by March 31, 2019.The REC has been appointed as the nodal agency for coordinating the implementation of the scheme. The prospective beneficiary households for free electricity connections under the scheme will be identified using Socio-Economic and Caste Cen-sus (SECC), 2011 data.

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

enewable energy minister Raj Kumar Singh has complained to finance minister Arun Jaitley that customs officials are demanding duty on

imported solar equipment, the ten year dated green bond raised $500 million with an annual yield of 3.835 per cent and listed on London Stock Exchange’s new International Securities Market. The bond was more than three times oversubscribed and received strong international investor support.

IRFC will use the proceeds of the bond to finance or refinance infra-structure for dedicated freight railway lines and public passenger transport. The bond demonstrates Indian Prime

Minister, Narendra Modi’s 2015 com-mitment to funding India’s infrastructure and growth through the issuance of over £1 billion worth of Masala bonds.The green bond is certified by Cli-mate Bonds Initiative, an international, investor-focused not-for-profit, which helps build robust and transparent assurance frameworks around green bond investment.

Mr. Shri S.K.Pattanayak, Managing Director, IRFC and Mr. Shri Niraj Kumar, Director of Finance, IRFC, together with Mr. Dinesh K. Patnaik, Deputy Indian HC to the UK joined Nikhil Rathi, CEO of London Stock Exchange plc, to celebrate the green bond listing this morning.

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London stock Exchange welcomes indian railway Finance Corporation’s (irFC) first green bond

1. Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) issues $500 million green bond on London Stock Exchange’s new International Securi-ties Market (ISM)

2. Sixtha green bond by an Indian issuer on London Stock Exchange

3. London Stock Exchange welcomes IRFC Managing Director and Director of Finance to celebrate the launch of the debut green bond

4. Reinforces London’s status as most interna-tional financial centre and India’s funding partner of choice


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Also Includes Topics like Solar Parks, Offgrid Solar & Solar Applications etc...

With Special Focus On Rooftop Solar I NTERNAT IONAL

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

This is the sixth green bond transaction on London Stock Exchange by an Indian issuer and fourth on London Stock Exchange’s new Interna-tional Securities Market (ISM), reinforcing London Stock Exchange’s position as a leading global venue for international debt and sus-tainable fundraising. Green bonds in London have raised over $3.2 billion in Novem-ber 2017 alone.

To date in 2017, there has been 64% growth in the number of green bonds listed on London Stock Exchange, compared with 2016 and a 65% increase in money raised. In 2017 year-to-date 23 green bonds have listed in London, raising $9.4 billion, compared to 14 green bonds which raised $5.7 billion in 2016. In total, there are 61 green bonds listed in London that have raised over $20 billion in aggregate terms across seven currencies.

“IRFC is delighted to launch its first green bond on London Stock Exchange today. Our debut green bond is a significant milestone for IRFC, support-ing the company’s ambitious infrastructure green projects, which includes procurement of rolling stocks electrifying rail tracks across India.“Not only was the bond three times oversubscribed but today we have also achieved our aim, through London, to increase our investor base across EMEA.”

MR. S. K. PATTANAYAKManaging Director, IRFC

“I am honoured to celebrate this landmark transaction with the Managing Director and Director of Finance of IRFC. Today’s green bond listing is a signifi-cant milestone for India and IRFC, allowing the country to further tap a dynamic new international channel of finance for Indian infrastructure. In particular we are honoured to support the fi-nancing of the Indian Railways, the heartbeat of the Indian economy.

“Indian Railways is the third state backed entity to seek global exposure by issuing a certified green bond and listing in London. This IRFC green bond and the previous issuance from IREDA and PFC are a sign of the enormous market opportu-nities for international investors in green energy,

transport and infrastructure to meet India’s intertwined climate, energy and develop-

ment goals.”

“Today also re-enforces the progress being made in the Energy for Growth partnership established in April between the UK and India, strengthening London’s position as India’s closest and most valued funding partner.

“There is an undeniable shift in momentum in the green and sus-tainable financing across the globe. London Stock Exchange Group is at the forefront of this green financing movement, developing in-novative products and services in partnership with our customers.”

IRFC’s green bond is the latest in a long line of global firsts for London Stock Exchange Group, including numerous high profile Indian and green bond issuances on London Stock Exchange:

MR. NIKHIL RATHICEO, London Stock Exchange plc

MR. SEAN KIDNEY CEO Climate Bonds Initiative


BUSINESS & FINANCE

The index has been chosen by Legal & General Investment Management for its new Future World Fund, which HSBC Bank UK Pension Scheme has selected for its equity default option, worth £4 billion, in its DC scheme In 2015 London Stock Exchange launched its dedicated green bond segments creating strict admission criteria aligned with ICMA’s Green Bonds Principles

There are 37 ‘green companies’ which have raised over $7 billion combined in London including 13 renewable investment funds with a ombined market cap of over $5 billion LSEG has been support-ing investors and issuers in the transition to a low-carbon and sustainable economy for over a decade, developing innova-tive products and services in close collaboration with the market. Its comprehensive sustainable finance offering is focused on green financ-ing for issuers (both debt

and equity), indexing and analyt-ics. London’s markets are home to a diversified portfolio of green bonds, ETFs, renewable invest-ment funds and corporates whose business models encompass alternative energy.

FTSE Russell, the global index leader, has long been a pioneer in the development of benchmarking tools enabling investors to inte-grate ESG factors in their portfoli-os and to track the increasing shift towards a green economy. LSEG joined the UN’s Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative as a Partner Exchange in 2014 and has also

signed The Paris Pledge for Action.

LSEG is home to a number of global first green bond is-suances from Bank of China and Agricultural Bank of China, India’s Axis Bank, Development Bank of Japan and the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group In 2016, 14 new green bonds in 5 different currencies raised over $5 billion; in total 61 green bonds are listed on London Stock Exchange that have raised over $20 billion

FTSE Russell, the global index provider, announced the creation of a new index, the FTSE All-World Ex CW Climate Balanced Factor Index, the first to combine a smart beta factor approach alongside climate change considerations


iFC analysis points to $3.4 trillion in Climate-smartinvestment Opportunities in south asia

angladesh, Bhutan, India, Mal-dives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, which represent 7.38 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, have enormous but untapped opportu-nities in climate-smart investing in sectors including renewable energy, transport, green buildings, urban water, climate-smart agri-culture, and municipal solid waste. The report identifies $3.1 trillion of climate investment opportunities in India alone, along with $172 billion in Bangladesh, $42 billion in Bhutan, $2 billion in the Maldives, $46 billion in Nepal, and $18 billion in Sri Lanka.

The impacts of climate change on business assets, supply chains, and business interruptions are already a major concern for South Asian companies. This concern coupled with the urgency of ad-dressing the air pollution reinforce the need for immediate action while capitalize on the existing in-vestment potential. The South Asia region has seen a surge in invest-ment in clean energy and energy efficiency in recent years, contrib-uting to significant development gains. IFC’s report highlighted two sectors for future growth: due to rapid urbanization, green buildings represent an investment potential totaling more than $1.5 trillion across South Asia between 2018 and 2030; and green transport infrastructure and electric vehicles create an opportunity of over $950 billion to 2030. Such investments generate further benefits by provid-ing access to markets, enabling trade, and ensuring mobility, which in turn stimulate economic growth and private investment.

The countries in the region are taking the lead in fulfilling their Paris commit-ments. Scaling and replicating such progress across South Asia will require catalyz-ing private finance and creating markets for climate business solutions through policies, financial innovations, and business models targeted at sector-specific local conditions. The report provides recommendations on how each country can further accelerate climate-smart investing, including demonstration projects to signal com-mercial viability and raise awareness, and promoting public private partnerships through streamlining procurement and processes.

“The only way that the South Asian countries can take advantage of these climate investment opportunities is with a strong and engaged private sector,” said IFC CEO Philippe Le Houérou. “We also need to have a comprehensive approach to creating markets for climate business in key sectors. That means putting in place necessary policy frameworks, promoting competition, and building capacity and skills to open new markets.”

According to the report, other significant opportunities in the region include:

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South Asia’s ambitious plans to meet its climate targets under the Paris Agreement represent $3.4 trillion worth of investment opportunities in cities and infrastructure by 2030, according to Climate Investment Opportunities in South Asia, a new report by IFC released today by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group.

India: renewable energy and electric vehicles. The impressive national target of generating 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022 represents almost $448 bil-lion in investment potential. This will be crucial given India’s aim to electrify all new vehicle sales by 2030, creating a potential investment opportunity of almost $670 billion if this goal is fully met.Bangladesh: climate-smart urban wastewater and agriculture. The government’s prioritization of wastewater infrastructure projects creates a $13 billion investment opportunity and climate-smart agriculture sector could see investments of more than $9 billion.Bhutan: hydropower and electric transport. Develop-ing Bhutan’s 25,000 MW of economically feasible hydropower potential will generate an investment opportunity of over $40 billion as well as substantial export revenues. The government’s ambitious electric vehicle target creates over 320 million worth of poten-tial for investment in the sector.

Maldives: climate-smart infrastructure. The country’s goals to climate-proof its infrastructure against rising sea levels and extreme weather events translates to an investment opportunity of at least $1.5 billion in transport-related infrastructure and $200 million in green buildings by 2030.Nepal: hydropower and climate-smart agriculture. Achieving Nepal’s ambition to install 12,000 MW of hydropower capacity creates an investment oppor-tunity of $22.5 billion. The government’s policy push to make its agricultural sector more climate friendly, including through the use of efficient technologies represents an investment opportunity of $4.8 billion.Sri Lanka: Municipal solid waste management and climate-smart urban wastewater. Recognizing the need for solid waste management Sri Lanka’s national policies create a $3.5 billion opportunity for investment in the sector. Wastewater management, identified as a key priority, opens an investment op-portunity of more than $2.7 billion.

BUSINESS & FINANCE


BUSINESS & FINANCE

tate-run Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has filed draft papers with markets regu-lator Sebi to float an initial public offering.

The proposed share-sale comes at a time when the government is working on ramping up renewable energy generation capacity as part of larger efforts to increase clean energy port-folios.The initial public offer (IPO) will see sale of 13.90 crore equity shares of the company, according to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) filed with Sebi.The issue includes a reservation of up to 6.95 lakh equity shares for eligible employees.

Proceeds from the issue will be used to augment the company's capital base for meeting "future capital requirements and on-lending; and other general corporate purpose"

The listing of IREDA is ex-pected to increase the paid-up share capital of the company from Rs 784 crore to Rs 923 crore. At present, the com-pany has 78.46 crore equity shares. Yes Securities (India), Elara Capital (India) Pvt Ltd, IDBI Capital Markets & Securi-ties and SBI Capital Markets will manage the company's public issue.

Earlier in June, the Cabi-net Committee on Economic Affairs had approved listing of the state-run firm to help it mobilise more funds for renewable projects. IREDA is a public financial institution es-tablished in March 1987 under the Company's Act, 1956. It is registered as a Non-Banking

Financial Company with the Reserve Bank of India.

Since its inception, IREDA has played a pioneering role in supporting and facilitating the policies and programme of the Ministry of New and Re-newable Energy (MNRE) that has nurtured the renewable energy industry in the country. IREDA has primarily worked with the private sector enter-prises operating in the power sector. For the last three decades, IREDA has been supporting establishment of renewable energy projects and has greatly succeeded in commercialisation of sustain-able energy technologies in the country.

S In addition, we believe that the listing of our equity shares will enhance our visibility and brand name among existing and potential customers," the company said.

indian green energy agency irEDa files ipO papers with sEbiThe proposed share-sale comes at a time when the government is working on ramping up renewable energy generation capacity as part of larger efforts to increase clean energy portfolios.


Canadian pension Fund plans to buy 15% Of renew power For rs 2,275 Crore

anada’s largest pension fund has sought ap-proval from the Competition Commission of India to acquire the stake, according to a pro-posal submitted by the Indian company. It will pick up convertible preferential shares issued by ReNew Power for $200 million and acquire

another 6.33 percent from the Asian Development Bank.The transaction values ReNew Power at around $2.3

billion, according to investment data platform Paper.VC. BloombergQuint’s estimates show that CPPIB will invest around $130-150 million (up to Rs 900 crore) to buy Asian Development Bank’s stake. Which means, the lender that acquired shares for about Rs 299 crore in 2014 stands to make threefold gains. Separately, the bank also provided long-term $390 million debt funding to the Indian firm in Feb-ruary. CPPIB didn’t respond to BloombergQuint’s emailed queries on its proposed investment. ReNew Power declined to comment.

The Canadian pension fund will compulsory convert prefer-ence shares at the time of the IPO. “The ownership is expected to be not more than 10 percent of the equity share capital (on a fully diluted basis) of ReNew,” the investment proposal said. Goldman Sachs, 53.9 percent owner of ReNew Power, is the largest share-holder with a total investment of Rs 2,071 crore so far, according to Paper.VC. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has pumped in about Rs 1,239 crore for its 17.8 percent. JERA Power—an equal joint venture between Japan’s power utilities Tokyo Electric Power Co. and Chubu Electric Power Co—is the third largest investor. It had acquired 10 percent in February at a valuation of $2 billion.

CCanada Pension Plan Investment Board plans to buy around 15 percent stake in Renew Power for $330-350 million (up to Rs 2,275 crore) to be-come the third-largest shareholder in the renewable energy company.

Global pension funds have been scouting to invest in India’s renew-able sector, where the Narendra Modi government is looking for $100 billion in investments by 2020. The proposed investment comes when ReNew Power is planning to go public. Its Founder-Chairman Sumant Sinha had told Bloom-bergQuint in February that the company plans to launch an initial public offering before March-end.

BUSINESS & FINANCE

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Only six states, uts comply with Centre’s renewable purchase obligations

Only six out of 29 states and seven union territories are complying with the central government’s Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets, a Greenpeace India report said.

Consistent non-compliance with the domestic targets reflects reluctance on the part of many state administrations towards the renewable energy transi-tion, said Pujarini Sen, Cam-paigner, Greenpeace India.

nder the RPO, states are suppose to achieve certain targets by ensuring that their power-share comes from green or renewable sources. In case the states are unable to produce enough renewable due to any-rea-sons, they buy Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) to compensate for the lag in the target.

According to Greenpeace India, however only Andaman and Nico-bar Islands, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Naga-land and Meghalaya are meeting or exceeding the targets. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state Gujarat, along with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Punjab, Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh are among the top laggards.

The Greenpeace report, a follow up to a similar analysis in 2013, shows that nothing much has changed in the last four years in terms of states com-plying with the Centre’s or their own renewable energy targets. India has an ambitious commitment of achieving 175 GW of energy through renewable by March 2022, of which 100 GW is solar and 75 MW is wind and other green sources.

Greenpeace takes this dis-parity among the states as government’s and nodal agencies lack of intent, even as “the country has the potential and resourc-es to fulfil the targets”.“A major reason for poor state performance is the lack of a penalty for non-compliance,” the report said.The analysis further point-ed out that with solar and wind tariffs falling sharply, these sources are now cheaper than two-third of India’s existing coal power generation.“Replacing the most ex-pensive coal power plants with electricity generated by solar and wind can save discoms and con-sumers up to Rs 54,000 crores,” says another analysis by Greenpeace.

The analysis also pointed out towards huge dispar-ity, as on one hand, states such as Meghalaya have fulfilled over 200 percent of the target while states such as Manipur have fulfilled zero.

“While Tamil Nadu is a laggard, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have been performing well, the study said.

As per the findings the compliance percentages of some key states and UTs includes Gujarat (76.1 per cent), Delhi (5.5), Jharkhand (2.3), Jammu and Kashmir (14.3), Manipur (0), Goa (0), Bihar (12.7), Chandi-garh (5.5), Uttar Pradesh (43), Uttarakhand (57.9) and West Bengal (55.6)

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Grappling with power shortage, Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has decided to invest Rs 50,000 crore in the next four years in the solar power sector to produce 10,700 MW of green energy by 2022.

INDIA


ower Ministry will push Electricity Amendment Bill in forthcoming Budget session, which provides for segregating the distribution network business and the electricity supply business.

He also told that the amend-ments would also provide for stricter enforcement of Re-newable Purchase Obligation (RPO). Besides, the bill will also provide for making tariff policy mandatory to keep cross sub-sidy below 20 per cent. It means that difference between highest and lowest tariff rates should not be more than 20 per cent.

The Minister said that it will help to make industrial tariff rea-sonable which is unsustainable at present. The bill would also provide direct benefit transfer of subsidy to farmers to improve efficiency in power consump-tion. It also seeks service ob-ligation on the part of discoms to ensure reliable power supply service by March, 2019.

The Minister was of the view that per capital consump-tion in the country will also increase in future. It is 1,075 units in India as against 5,000-6,000 units in Europe and around 11,000 units in the US. On village electrification he said that it is snowing in some areas in Jammu & Kashmir, so the work in those areas will start in March or April. And in Arunachal Pradesh, it will be completed by January or February next year, excluding areas affected due to snow fall.

“We will go to the Cabinet with a proposal to make 24X7 power obligatory from March 2019. Load shedding would not allowed except in cases of act of god or technical faults.There would be penalty for violators. This will not have any impact on tariff,” the Min-ister said.

The Power Ministry has identified some States where leakages or losses are more than 21 per cent and written a letter to them for reduction of these losses. Aggregate techni-cal and commercial (AT&C) loses should not be more than 5 to 7 per cent, otherwise it can be construed that there is theft of power, Singh said. In order to deal with this issue, the gov-ernment is promoting pre-paid and smart meters. The Minis-ter further said that the Power Ministry has asked the States to reduce their AT&C losses below 15 per cent by 2019.

PConsumers will be able to change their power suppliers just like telecom services, after proposed amendment to the existing Electricity Act is approved, Union Minister RK Singh said.

“We are bringing a lot of amendment in the Electricity Act. It also provides for separation of carriage and content business. The draft would come to me in another week or so. We will try to push it for passage in Budget session of Parliament,” RK Singh, Minister of State for the Power and New and Re-newable Energy Ministry told .

The separation will pave the way for introducing a new system where consumers will have option to choose from multiple electricity service providers in their areas, similar to that of telecom services.

Elaborating further Singh said, “Once the Act is amended, we would prepare a roadmap in consulta-tion with States to prepare a roadmap to segregate distribution and supply wings of the discoms. After that monopoly will be eliminated in supply wing by giving franchise to more than one players in an elec-tricity supply area“.

CEntrE pLans tO aLLOw COnsuMErs tO switCh pOwEr sErviCE COs, LikE tELECOs

Source : PTI

INDIA

A SLEW OF REFORMS PLUGGING POWER LEAKAGES

“Power demand growth rate will be good because of two reason. Firstly, we are adding 40 million more consumer under Saubhagya Scheme by December 2018. Besides, industrial growth would create more demand for power consumption,” Singh said.


INDIA

yOgi aDityanath gOvt tO invEst 50k Cr in sOLar pOwEr sECtOr in 4 yEarsGrappling with power shortage, Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has decided to invest Rs 50,000 crore in the next four years in the solar power sector to produce 10,700 MW of green energy by 2022.

his move is aimed at easing out the situation in the state and fulfil the CM’s election promise of pro-viding electricity to each house in the state. Currently, the demand and supply gap and power short-

fall are being bridged through buying power from national grid and private players which is costing a lot. The new Solar Power Policy will also generate employment in the state. In its first employment scheme, the state has decided to employ about 10,000 ‘Surya Mitra’. They will be trained in setting-up solar plants and its maintenance. “Since UPNEDA is short of staff, these Surya Mitras will help consumers set-up solar plants. Many investors have already approached the state government to set-up solar power plants in the state,” claimed the Minister. A single window system has already been created at UPNEDA office for clearances and completing necessary formalities. The UPNEDA portal will also begin an online ap-

plication processing services shortly. The State government has offered many sops to investors and consumers to set up captive solar plants and rooftop solar power units. Investors have been offered 50 per cent rebate in transmission charges if they sell solar poerr within state and 100 per cent if sold outside the state. Similarly, consumer setting up rooftop solar poer units will be offered a subsidy of Rs 15,000 per KW. Solar power units up to 10 KW have been ex-empted from Safety and security norms. Those setting up solar plants have been exempted from taking clearances from environment ministry and pollution board. Yogi Adityanath government has laid emphasis on generating more power from green energy to save environ-ment from pollution caused by thermal power plants. Since solar power is pollution-free, environment-friendly and cost effective, the CM has directed UPNEDA (Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency) to gear up for meeting the target of producing 10700 MW green energy by the 2022.

Under the Solar Power Policy 2017, approved by the Cabinet, Pathak said that industrial houses in Bundelkhand region and east-ern Uttar Pradesh will get cheaper power from the solar units.

“A separate transmission line will be laid by the government in Bundelkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh for transmitting power across Uttar Pradesh. The cost of the transmission line will be borne by the state government,” Pathak said.

TWhile announcing the move, Min-ister for Law, Justice, Additional En-ergy Resources and Political Pension Brajesh Pathak said the government has plans to set-up ‘Green Power Corridors’ that would cost Rs 4,000 crore in Bundelkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh with Centre’s help.


Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, in a written reply to a question on schemes initiated by Government to promote Solar Power in the country, in Lok Sabha today informed that in order to promote solar energy, the Government have launched several schemes in the country.

schemes launched by the government topromote solar Energy in the country

The details of schemes and the component of Central Financial Assistance therein is given below...

Sr. No. Scheme CENTRAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/SUBSIDY

1. SCHEME FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR PARKS AND ULTRA MEGA SOLAR POWER PROJECTS

• RS.20 LAKHS/MW OR 30% OF THE PROJECT COST INCLUDING GRID–CONNECTIVITY COST, WHICHEVER IS LOWER

• CFA @ RS 25.00 LAKH PER PARK FOR DPR PREPARATION OF SOLAR PARKS, CONDUCTING SURVEYS, ETC.

2. Operationalization of 300 MW Solar PV Projects by defence establishment and para military forces

• The bidders selected on the basis of bids for minimum VGF requirement for the project with commitment to supply solar power at Rs. 5.50/KWh for 25 years.

• The upper limits of the VGF are as follows: Category–I: Rs.2.5 crore/MW for project capacity up to 5 MW or 30% of the project cost whichever is lower; Category–II: Rs. 2 crore/MW for project capacity greater than 5 MW up to 25 MW or 30% of the project cost which ever is lower; and Category–III: Rs. 1.5 crore /MW for project capacity greater than 25 MW or 30% of the project cost whichever is lower.

Keeping in view the technology upgradation and economies of scales, the upper limit of VGF was revised on 17.02.2017 to @ Rs. 1.10 Cr./MW for all projects irrespective of sizes for which tenders were not brought out.

3.Scheme for Setting up of 750 MW Grid–connected Solar PV Power Projects under Batch–1 of Phase–II of JNNSM with Viability Gap Funding Support

The selection of the bidders has been based on the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) required for the project in an ascending order upto the full capacity. Viability Gap Funding (VGF) is limited to 30% of the project cost or 2.5 crore per MW, which-ever is lower. Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has signed PPA with such project developers for purchasing entire power from the project for 25 years at 5.45 Rs. per unit (4.75 Rs. per unit for projects availing accelerated depreciation).

4.Scheme for Setting up of 2000 MW Grid–connected Solar PV Power Projects under Batch–III of Phase–II of JNNSM with Viability Gap Funding Support

The Project developer is provided a viability gap funding based on his bid. The upper limit for VGF is kept at Rs.1.0 Crore/MW for open category (Rs. 1.31 Crore/MW for projects in DCR category).

5.Scheme for Setting up of 5000 MW Grid–connected Solar PV Power Projects under Batch–IV of Phase–II of JNNSM with Viability Gap Funding Support

The Project developer is provided a Viability Gap Funding based on his bid. The upper limit for VGF is kept at Rs. 1.0 crore/MW for open category and Rs. 1.25 crore/MW for projects in DCR category. SECI will select projects through competi-tive e–bidding based on minimum VGF sought (quoted in INR/MW), or there may be a provision for quoting a discounted tariff (quoted in INR/kWh).

6. Grid Connected Rooftop CFA is 30% of the benchmark cost for general and 70% CFA for North Eastern and Special Category States for residential, social and institutional sector.

7.Pilot–cum–demonstration project for development of grid connected solar PV power plants on canal banks and canal tops

Financial support of Rs.3 crore/MW or 30% of the project cost, whichever is lower, for Canal Top SPV projects and Rs. 1.5 crore/MW or 30% of the project cost, whichever is lower, for Canal Bank SPV projects.Total CFA of upto Rs.225 crore for 100 MW (50 MW on Canal Tops and 50 MW on Canal Banks) to be disbursed over a period of maximum 2 years post sanctioning of the plants as under:upto 40% on sanctioning of the projects.60% on successful commissioning of the projects.Service charge to SECI @1% of project cost.

INDIA


8.Scheme for setting up of 1000 MW of Grid–Connected Solar PV Power projects by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) under Batch– V of Phase II of JNNSM

Viability Gap Funding (VGF) provided through SECI at a fixed rate of Rs. 1 Cr/ MW for projects where domestically produced cells and modules are used and Rs. 50 lakh/ MW in cases where domestically produced modules are used. VGF released in two tranches as follows:50% on successful commissioning of the full capacity of project (COD).Balance 50% after one year of successful operation of the project.

9. Off–Grid scheme– SPV lighting systems and power plants, Solar Pumps

Lighting SystemsA. Home lights/Lanterns/Street Lights with Lead acid batteries: Benchmark Cost = Rs. 340/Wp:CFA=Rs. 102/WpB. Street lights with Lithium Ferro Phosphate batteries: Benchmark cost= Rs. 475/Wp: CFA= Rs. 142.5/WpPower packs with battery bank @7.2 VAh/WpA. Up to 300 Wp: Benchmark Cost = 200/Wp:CFA=Rs. 60/WpB. 300 Wp to 1 kWp: Benchmark Cost = Rs. 135/Wp: CFA=Rs. 40.5/WpSolar Power plants with battery bank @7.2 VAh/Wp and capacity up to 10 kWp:Benchmark Cost = Rs. 135/Wp: CFA=Rs. 40.5/WpSolar PumpsA. Up to 3 HP (DC): Benchmark Cost = Rs. 1,20,000/HP: CFA=Rs. 30,000/HPB. 3HP to 5 HP (DC): Benchmark Cost = Rs. 95,000/HP: CFA=Rs. 19,000/HPC. Up to 3 HP (AC): Benchmark Cost = Rs. 1,00,000/HP: CFA=Rs. 25,000/HPD. 3HP to 5 HP (AC): Benchmark Cost = Rs. 85,000/HP: CFA=Rs. 17,000/HP

Note: CFA stands for Central Financial Assistance. The benefits can be availed by applying under these schemes in accordance with guidelines of respective schemes. The guidelines are hosted on the website of the Ministry at www.mnre.gov.in, Shri Singh informed.

Source: pib.nic.in

INDIA


COnFErEnCE OF pOwEr anD nEw & rEnEwabLE EnErgy MinistErs OF statEs anD uts COnCLuDEs

INDIA

Resolution for Future Roadmap to Reform Power Sector and ensure 24×7 Power for All adopted by wide consensus among States

At the culmination of the Conference, a resolution was adopted by a wide consensus, salient points of which are as below:

onference of Power and New & Renewable Energy Ministers of States and UTs concluded It was chaired by the Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, and was attended by Power and Energy Ministers of States and

Union Territories (UTs) of 17 States and 1 UT.

Shri Singh reviewed the presen-tations given by senior officers of the Ministry on various issues and had in depth deliberations with all State Ministers and their officials. Further, the Minister also directed

his officers to note down sugges-tions from different States, which may be worked out later. Shri Singh gave repeated assurance to all the State Governments to approach his Ministry without any hesitation for any issue regarding the Power sector.

• Electrify all remaining Census inhabited un-electrified villages by December 2017.

• Provide electricity connections to all willing households by December 2018.

• Provide infrastructure for seamless power supply to the con-sumers by March, 2019.

• States resolve to clear all current years Government dues of DISCOMs along with 25% of arrears so that entire old dues are paid by March, 2019.

• Provide continues support to resolve Right of Way issue for seamless power transfer.

• Improve quality of power supply and minimize load sheading for non-technical reasons.

• Prepare roadmap for reduction of cross subsidies as per Tariff Policy by March 2018 and bring in Tariff reforms by simplification of Consumer Tariff categories and rationalization of Electricity Tariff.

• Ensure that DISCOMs enter into PPAs and honour PPAs, par-ticularly for wind and solar sector, where tariff has been discovered through a transparent and competitive bidding process.

• Ensure compliance of RPO, including compliance through a mechanism of purchase of REC (renewable energy certificates), as per revised Tariff policy and RPO trajectory notified by Ministry of Power on 22.7.2016. States to send suggestion on the future RPO trajectory from 2019-20 to 2021-22.

24×7 POWER FOR ALL

POWER REFORMS

States resolve to:

States resolve to:

C

• Ensure forecasting and scheduling of renewable energy for large scale grid integration by utilizing services of NIWE/other agencies.

• Set up necessary infrastructure for metering & communi-cation at all substation levels for real time data generation.

• Submit a trajectory for bidding for solar/wind (mark with annual plan) and participate in scheduled bidding pro-gramme.

• To achieve the RPO target every year.

• To promote decentralized production of power – learn-ing from models implemented in Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

• Submit proposals for solar parks under additional 20000 MW capacity under Solar Park scheme

• Promote solar rooftops and ensure hassle free grid con-nectivity

• Promote solar pumps to replace diesel pumps

• Participate in Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Ma-habhiyan (KUSUM) for setting up of 10,000 MW of Decentralized Ground Mounted Grid Connected Solar Power Plants, installation of 17.50 Lakh Stand-alone Solar Pumps and Solarisation of 10 Lakh Grid Connected Agri-culture Pumps and 50 Thousand Tube-wells/Lift Irriga-tion Projects by Financial Year 2021-22, with the objective of providing financial and water security to farmers.

• Identify at least one city for making it 100% Renewable Energy city.

• During his concluding remarks, Shri Singh proposed forming of Consultative Groups of Experts to handhold State Governments in bringing efficiency through best practices in their respective Power Sectors and phase out obsolete practices and technologies. By doing this, Shri Singh emphasized that Power Sector in India would become robust and efficient and ultimately ensure Ease of Living for every citizen of the country.

NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

• States resolve to promote digital payments through various measures such as cash incentives, waiving convenience fee, consumer friendly on line payments and promotion of digital payments through various media.

• States resolve to adopt ECBC 2017 for all new commercial buildings to make them energy efficient

• Promote use of BEE Star Rated Energy Efficient Pumps for agricultural purpose

Promotion of Digital Payments

Energy Conservation

Source: pib.nic.in


$200M FOrEign FunDs FOr assaM sOLar pLantA Netherlands-based solar power company, producing lightweight and flexible solar modules, has offered to set up a plant in Assam at the cost of $200 million.

32-member Dutch delegation, comprising the Netherlands ambas-sador to India, Alphonsus Stoelinga, trade and investment commissioner of the Netherlands to India Amlan Bora and representatives of 20 private companies based in Nether-lands, are in the state for a two-day visit to look into opportunities in water management, healthcare and agricul-ture sectors.

The Dutch have made their pres-ence felt in the state for the last seven to eight years through the Ayursundra diagnostic centre and the Ayursundra super-speciality hospital in the city. Wageningen University is also carrying out joint work in supply-chain management in agriculture with the Assam Agriculture University at Jorhat. Alphonsus Stoelinga stressed that this is not a one-off visit but the start of a long engagement. A letter of intent will be signed upon getting clearance from the ministry of exter-nal affairs.

The Assam government has expressed its willingness to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Netherlands during the Global Investors’ Summit here in February this year.

A

make in india

The company, HYET Solar, said it was willing to invest $200 million to set up a plant to produce 200MW of solar power to benefit 20 lakh people. It also offered to tie up with local partners and financial institutions.

ALPHONSUS STOELINGATrade and investment

Commissioner Netherlands

Assam chief minister Sarbanan-da Sonowal said in a statement, the power department would look at the proposal and arrange a meeting with the company.

Assam is not just blessed with natural beauty but also tremendous growth potential in sectors like healthcare and infrastructure. Through this visit, the Dutch government, alongside a delega-tion of companies from these sectors, take a step forward in substantiating lucra-tive partnerships with the Northeast. We had a fruitful discussion with Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and the participating companies like Phillips Healthcare, Arcadis, Ayursundra BV, Vital Health Software, HyET Solar and ICCO Cooperation made their pitch about their respective projects.


technology

the first pv highway in the world are using growattstring invertersOn Dec 28.2017, the first PV highway was launched atShandong province in China. The pioneering PV tech is coming.

his magical photovoltaic road is located at the southern city (named Nan Rao-cheng), total length of 1000 meters, which integrates load-supporting photovoltaic pavement technology, and at the same time under the pavement, reserves Electromag-netic induction coil and the port of informa-tion technology. The highway employs all Growatt20000UE inverters. Grid-connected power generation is already realized, and it is the world's first highway for photovoltaic research & development and installation.

The pavement, as a PV power plant, turns sunlight into electricity. One hundred years ago, the electricity ended the dark for human being, and opened a new gate for the society progress. Since the rapid devel-opment of Internet of Things, PV highway is a new opportunity with booming devel-opment. This SUPER highway is named Load-supporting high speed solar highway, which is paved with new material, similar to frosted glass, and the friction coefficient is higher than traditional asphalt pave-ment. That result in the tyre not slipped, and make sure it safe. It owns a little higher transmittance, and lets the sunlight pen-etrate it. The solar battery turns the sunlight into electricity, and transport it to the power grid in the real time.

Growatt inverters are the heart of the highway of PV power plant, and they undertake the responsibility of electricity transformation, intelligent management, safe protection, etc. GPGS smart monitor-ing system from Growatt integrates the hardware, software, and cloud platform together, and also covers many functions like data collection, data analysis, energy monitoring, early warning, remote manage-ment. Monitoring the real-time operation of highway’s PV equipment and maximiz-ing each module’s generating capacity, and improving investment benefit are quite popular among our customers. PV highway provides electricity and extra energy for local street lamps, electronic intelligence, automatic spray of snow melt agent, tunnel and charging power station. In winter, the PV highway monitors the icy pavement’s detecting system, perceives the freezing status, and auto starts the electric heating system to turn the light into heat energy. Then the snow on the pavement is removed on time, and safety of travel is guaranteed.

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In the future, the PV highway will make the electric vehicles run and recharge.


TECHNOLOGY

thE biFaCiaLity OF LOngi sOLar's biFaCiaL pErC CELL brakEs wOrLD rECOrDThe National Center of Supervision and Inspection on Solar Photovoltaic Products Quality (CPVT) issued an independent test report showing that LONGi Solar's bifacial PERC monocrystalline cells achieved a world record bifaciality of 82.15%.

"Hi-MO2 extends the advantages of monocrystalline PERC to the

back side of the module, without increasing costs. Combined with higher power and higher energy yield, Hi-MO2 reduces LCOE and

brings more benefits to the PV power plant investors," Li Wenxue,

President of LONGi Solar said.

ONGi Solar released its bifacial PERC monocrystal-line module (Hi-MO2) at Shanghai SNEC 2017. The goal is to supply modules to meet the growing market

demand for higher efficiency products and to the China Top-Runner Pro-grams.

LONGi's Hi-MO2 features high power technology, high-energy yield and low LCOE. For LONGi Solar, Hi-MO2 is synonymous with high effi-ciency, bifacial power generation, and provides the launch point for the new era of highly efficient, bifacial PERC monocrystalline power generation technology.

Hi-MO2 captures the best features of LONGi's Hi-MO1 technology plat-form - low-degradation, high-power PERC technology - and combines them with the bifacial technology. In

mass production, the efficiency of the front side exceeds 21.2%. Light reception of the backside can bring significantly additional energy yield. If the backside power yield increases the overall module efficiency by 10%, the power of bifacial PERC mod-ule can reach 330 watts for 60-cell module (300 watts from the front side), and 396 watts for 72-cell module (360 watts from the front side).

The bifacial PERC modules come with double glass lamination. Com-bined with low degradation mono PERC technology, Hi-MO2 offers first-year degradation below 2%, and the average annual degradation below 0.45% for 30 years - significantly better than conventional modules. Meanwhile, the adoption of a double-glass improves PID resistance and can extend the module life beyond 30 years.

The successful launch of bifacial monocrystalline modules is a testa-ment to the PV market's desire for high-efficiency, high-reliability and high-yield products, and a full rec-ognition of LONGi Solar's constant innovation in monocrystalline PERC cell technology. Source : LONGi Solar

L

inister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, in a written re-ply to a question on whether the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yo-jana (UDAY) has been success-ful in reducing financial losses of State DISCOMS, in Lok Sabha

today informed that as per the data furnished by the participating States ofUDAY scheme, financial losses of UDAY states have reduced from Rs.51,589.51 crores in FY 2016 to Rs.34,826.87 crores in FY 2017.

Informing about reforms undertaken by the par-ticipating DISCOMS including the reduction in AT&C losses, Shri Singh said that as per the data submit-ted by States, the participating States have achieved an improvement of 1.00% in Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses and Rs.0.17 a Unit in the gap between Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Revenue Realized (ARR) in FY 2017.

UDAY participating States achievean improvement of 1.00% in AT&C losses and Rs.0.17/unit in ACS-ARR gap in FY 2017

FinanCiaL LOssEs OF uDay statEs rEDuCED FrOM rs. 51,589.51 CrOrEs in Fy16 tO rs. 34,826.87 CrOrEs in Fy17: shri r.k. singh

Further, the Minister stated that Tariffs are determined by the respective State Electricity Regu-latory Commission (SERC)/Joint Electricity Regulatory Commis-sion (JERC), taking into consider-ation several parameters includ-ing cost of debt, power purchase costs, operation and maintenance costs, capital expenditure etc. As per information available, the states of Andhra Pradesh, As-sam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Hary-ana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Sik-kim, Uttar Pradesh and Uttara-khand have increased tariffs in the year 2017-18.

States have been regu-larly inviting bids for procuring renewable energy for meet-ing their Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs). The State

Electricity Regulatory Commis-sions (SERCs) of the States of Bihar, Maharashtra, Punjab and Uttarakhand have invoked penal provisions for ensuring RPO compliance.

Further, SERCs of Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan have aligned the RPO trajectory as notified by Ministry of Power in July 2016, Shri Singh informed. In a written reply to a separate question on measures taken by Government to revamp the monitoring system of rural feeder system to reduce AT&C losses, Shri Singh informed that recognizing that feeder monitoring is an important tool for loss reduction, the Govern-ment has sanctioned an amount of Rs.233.03 crores for online monitoring of Rural Feeders in the country.

M

INDIA


rimary focus of the event is on Meyer Burger’s PV cell technologies with partici-pants enjoying a tour through production including the company’s Heterojunction production line and MB PERC technology assembly.

One of the main themes at the Technology Day 2017 is Meyer Burger’s focus on innovation and the leading role its technologies have played in shaping the PV industry. A highlight of the visit will be the premier of the champion 334.9 Watt module as precisely measured and confirmed by TÜV Rheinland – Solar Energy Assessment Center Cologne (SEACC) and based on Heterojunc-tion (HJT) cell technology and SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT). The HJT solar cells in the 60-cell glass/white backsheet module were processed on an industrial manufactur-ing line operating at Meyer Burger (Germany) in Hohen-stein-Ernstthal. The results underscore the transfer of recent successful R&D progress. The HJT cells used for the 335 Watt module had an average busbar-less ef-ficiency of 23.5% using com-mercially available 6-inch (M2) n-type wafers. The best cell achieved a busbar-less efficiency of 24.02% based on a Fraunhofer ISE certified measurement calibration.

Meyer Burger is a leading global technology company specialising on in-novative systems and processes based on semiconductor technologies. The company’s focus is on photovoltaics (solar industry) while its competencies and technologies also cover important areas of the semiconductor and the optoelectronic industries as well as other selected high-end markets based on semiconductor materials. Over the past ten years, Meyer Burger has risen to the forefront of the photovoltaic market and established itself as an interna-tional premium brand by offering superior precision products and innovative technologies.

Meyer Burger’s offering in systems, production equipment and services along the photovoltaic value chain includes the manufacturing processes for wafers, solar cells, solar modules and solar systems. Meyer Burger provides substantial added value to its customers and clearly differentiates itself from its competitors by focusing on core technologies of the value chain.

The production line uses Meyer Burger’s fully industrialized HELiA PECVD and PVD process equipment using only six process steps. Dr Gunter Erfurt, Chief Technology Officer at Meyer Burger, commented: “Our production

line, which is continuously operated at 25 MW in two-shift mode, is unique for an equipment manufacturer and key to achieve and prove a high level of industrial-ization. Today with our cost-competitive Meyer Burger HJT and SWCT technolo-gies, we continuously achieve an average of 320 Watt with best modules above 330 Watt. As proud as we are of this milestone, the 335 Watt champion module is just another step in advancing our ambitious HJT / SWCT technology and industrialization roadmap.”

Furthermore the company confirms that the strong momentum in incoming orders that it experienced during the first half of 2017 has been ongoing. In the period from January to October 2017, total incoming orders have increased by 26% compared to the same period of last year and reached CHF 503 million.

P

Source: Meyer Burger

MEyEr burgEr tEChnOLOgy Day 2017 prEMiErs hEtErOjunCtiOn / sMartwirE MODuLE with 335 watt EFFiCiEnCy as COnFirMED by tuv rhEinLanD ; strOng MOMEntuM in inCOMing OrDErs COnFirMEDMeyer Burger Technology Ltd (SIX Swiss Exchange: MBTN) is holding its Technology Day 2017 at the technology and production site in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany.

PV MANUFACTURING


“We are pleased to see that our focus on quality

awareness and throughput has been recognized in the largest market for solar cell

manufacturing, which is China,” stated

TINO PETSCH, CEO OF 3D-MICROMAC.

he successful installation was followed by an additional order of a fourth laser system to sup-port the conversion of Hanwha SolarOne’s aluminum back surface field (Al-BSF) technol-ogy production to high-efficiency Passivated Emitter Rear Contact (PERC) solar cells. PERC solar cells have the potential to deliver

a significantly higher level of energy efficiency compared to standard solar cells. A critical step in the manufacturing pro-cess of PERC solar cells is laser contact opening (LCO), where laser ablation is used to perforate a thin passivation layer onto the rear side of the solar cell.

This process reduces electri-cal losses in the cell, resulting in approximately 1 percent (abso-lute) higher conversion efficiency. 3D-Micromac addresses this critical step with its microCELL OTF laser platform, an industry-proven, high-productivity and low cost-of-ownership solution for mono- and polycrystalline silicon solar cells. Featuring “on-the-fly” technology, the laser process takes place while the wafer runs in continuous motion through the machine, boosting the through-

put by eliminating dead cycles for motion encountered with compet-ing approaches. The microCELL OTF achieves throughput values above 4,000 wafers per hour (wph) with single-lane systems and above 8,000 wph with dual-lane systems.

Another unique selling point of the microCELL OTF is its con-tactless wafer handling, which holds the wafer in place on an air cushion during processing, thereby reducing or eliminating surface defects and microcracks, and enabling maximum yields. Mechanical wafer handling, on the other hand, can increase the likelihood of surface defects and microcracks occurring, which can result in additional wafer dam-age during subsequent process steps.

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3D-MiCrOMaC is ManuFaCturEr OF ChOiCE FOr LasEr COntaCt OpEning systEMs FOr pErC sOLar CELL prODuCtiOn at hanwha sOLarOnE

“The Chinese market is a highly competitive one, with a strong focus on pricing. By providing high quality and yield as well as cost dilution through the highest throughput values in our laser systems, we succeed-ed in being the first choice for the technology conversion at Hanwha’s Chinese solar cell manufacturing plant. This confidence of Hanwha Solar-One is a clear example that our strategy of supporting solar cell manu-facturers through extensive process know-how, innovative concepts and industry-leading performance—combined with the recent expansion of our manufacturing capacity and support infrastructure around the globe—is paying off.”

3D-Micromac AG, a leading supplier of laser micromachining and roll-to-roll la-ser systems for the photovoltaic, medical device and electronics markets, announced that it has installed three of its microCELL OTF laser systems at Hanwha SolarOne’s production facility in Qidong, Jiangsu-province, China.

PV MANUFACTURING


Solar Projects

kOLkata airpOrt tO gO grEEn with 15 MEgawatt sO-Lar pOwEr pLantThe solar power plant will be able to meet the power requirement of the terminal building at the NSCBI Airport here which is around 10-11 MW per day, Raheja said.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Tuesday said the present solar capacity of 90 MW at various airports of the Airport Authority of India was expected to be ramped up to about 200 MW in the next one and a half years.

he Kolkata airport is all set to start using clean and green energy for its day to day operations, as its ground mounted grid connected solar plant is ready for commissioning.

The 15 MW plant, capacity wise the largest one among all the AAI air-ports across the country, is slated to be inaugurated by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju tomorrow. Only two other AAI airports

have the ground mounted grid connected solar plant – Chan-digarh (3 MW) and Jaipur (1.8 MW). AAI has completed the installation work in six months in spite of operational hindrances and continuous rain, and the total cost of the project is Rs 90 crore, he said.

AAI has entered into an agreement with private power utility CESC (DISCOM) so that the excess power generated by it can be injected into CESC’s DISCOM grid and the airport can avail power from the grid when solar power is not available. This is called ‘net metering benefit’ and AAI has obtained permission from the West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission for it, AAI officials said.

“The installed capacity of solar (plants) at airports of Airport Au-thority of India would presently be at 90 megawatt. If the states agree to provide net metering, it is not difficult to get 200-250 mw in the one and a half years’ time,” said. the Central government is pushing for clean energy projects at the various airports. Civil Avia-tion Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju

After commissioning of 2 MW of rooftop solar PV plant in 2016, a 15 MW grid-connected solar PV plant at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport here was inaugurated by the Minister. Kolkata Airport Director Atul Dikshit said the solar PV plant was developed at 67.5 acre of land within six plots, each generating a capacity of 2.5 MW, at a total cost of Rs 90 crore.

On the completion of the plant, it would generate 1.35 million units per month which would reduce Airport Authority of India’s electricity bill by approx Rs 1.2 crore per month.

“Once the solar power plant becomes operational, we will be able to cut down on carbon emission and at the same time do some cost cutting once the solar power plant becomes operational,” S Raheja, member (plan-ning), Airports Authority of India (AAI), told .

The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) airport Director Atul Dixit said the solar panels have been installed across 67.5 acre land in the operational area of the airport.The plant will generate 1.35 million units per month and this will reduce the AAI’s power bill by around 1.20 crore per month, He said.

The solar power plant will be able to meet the power requirement of the terminal building at the NSCBI Airport here which is around 10-11 MW per day, He said.

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sOLar CapaCity at airpOrts Can bE uppED tO 200 Mw: CiviL aviatiOn MinistEr ashOk gajapathi raju

Source: IANS


sgurrEnErgy inDia CELEbratEs 10-yEar annivErsary with OvEr 100 CustOMErs anD 9 gw OF sOLar prOjECts in inDia

what happEnED at MEEting OF inDian sOLar assOCiatiOn with Mr.rk singh & Mr.surEsh prabhu

SgurrEnergy India on pace to cross 15 GW of solar projects consulting in 2018

Indian Solar Association delegation led by President Mr. Narasimhan Ex.MP , Chairman – Raasi Group of Companies with representatives from SB Energy, Mahindra Susten, Enerprac Energy Pvt Ltd, CleanMax Solar, Fortum , Orange Renewable, RattanIndia, Risen Energy and Canadian Solar.

Escalating and request for reconsideration on the concerns of Solar Industry of ADD

gurrEnergy India Pvt. Ltd. (SEI), a leading so-lar engineering consultancy in India, is proud to celebrate 10 years of delivering engineering and consultancy services for solar projects in India. The company celebrates this anniversa-ry with over 100 customers and involvement in over 9 GW of solar projects in India and plans to cross 15 GW of solar projects consulting in 2018. SEI began operations in India in 2007 and now has over 75 highly-qualified engineer-ing and solar experts on staff.

mposition of Anti-Dumping Duty: The Minister was very clear that it will be ensured that any project which has been bid out before the imposition of the ADD will not be covered by the ADD. There will an exemption for such projects as they would not have factored in such costs. At the request of Association, he has agreed to issue a press release to this effect so that the

investors get some comfort. Solar Projects with Domestic Manufactur-ing: MNRE is going to issue 20 GW of tender soon which will be for such stakeholders who will undertake manufacturing of solar modules in India.

Under the abovementioned scheme, the development of the solar manufacturing capability will be year wise / phase wise. As an example, he mentioned that, in the first year, the developer will have to develop a capacity to manufacture cells and modules in India. In the second year, such developer will have to develop the manufacturing capacity from wafer to cell to module. And in the third year, the devel-oper will have to show the complete chain of manufacturing of solar modules which shall be ingot to wafer to cell to module.

BANKING: Banking of power will be permitted for projects which are manufacturing modules and developing projects under the 20 GW of solar power.FLOATING SOLAR PROJECTS: MNRE is going to permitting float-ing solar projects (along with manufacturing capability). It is apparent that no land is required for such projects and there is huge unutilized area like reservoirs of various dams etc.ELECTRICITY STORAGE SYSTEMS: Minster stated that he is actively pursuing to promote ESS. He has further stated that he is open to receiving suggestions regarding regulatory changes that are required for the development of ESS. For example, regulatory provisions for deemed distribution licenses for such charging stations.1. A letter was handed over to the Minister on waiver of Anti-

Dumping Duty and stopping of all ongoing investigations.2. The Minister was however not so inclined to stop the

proceedings and emphasized that investigations need to be completed.

3. He also made it clear that as Minister of Commerce, his role is to ensure that Economy of India needs to be promoted over Economy of China.

Some of the prominent projects that SEI has worked on include the world’s largest solar project, a 648MW (AC) solar project located at Kamuthi village in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, developed by Adani Power, and the 750MW Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh. SgurrEnergy India has also recently expanded in Bangladesh, which is in line with its strategy to expand into markets in South Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

S ICommenting on the occasion, Mr. Arif Aga, founder and Managing Director, SgurrEnergy India said, “SgurrEnergy started operations when the Indian solar sector was at its nascent stage and has been growing with the sector for a decade now. Our vision and pro-ficiency in executing large-scale projects driven by innovation and effective project management to control costs have been the reason for top developers selecting Sgur-rEnergy to deliver highest quality projects. The experience has been both enriching and inspiring.”

Solar Projects


olicy will cover utility-scale solar farms, green fields across India, port-folios of rooftop instal-lations for commercial and residential builds,

among others, the company said in a statement. Under the policy the com-pany will cover risks related to non-physical damage, such as insufficient amount of sunshine and its impact on the performance of the project. The cover also protects against a system being installed incorrectly in a way that was not intended in the design phase and the impact that has on the revenue models.

hDFC ErgO LaunChEs sOLar EnErgy shOrt-FaLL insuranCE pOLiCyNon-life insurance provider HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company announced the launch of the solar energy shortfall insurance policy to account for non-traditional and non-phys-ical damage related risks that solar projects regularly face.

P Addtionally, the policy covers errors in the calculations of the projected yields that were created for projects before they turned operational.

Noting that countrys solar energy sector represents huge potential for such insurance policies, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company executive direc-tor Anuj Tyagi said, “We aim to indemnify any loss that may occur due to non-physical damage of the insured project resulting in Energy Shortfall during an Energy Shortfall Policy year”. A multi-year policy, the solar energy shortfall insurance would be is-sued up to a period of five years.

Solar Projects

Source: PTI

WUXI, China, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -Wuxi Suntech Power Co., Ltd. ("Suntech") announced today that its self-developed high efficiency black silicon solar cell has been successfully put into mass production.

suntech successfully achieves volume pro-duction of black silicon solar cells

he technology breakthrough, Suntech will provide high effi-ciency black silicon solar cells and excellent modules to customers. untech started the development on black silicon solar cell processing technology in June 2017. Suntech's R&D team has effectively fixed all the issues related to diamond wire sawing of multi-crystalline silicon wafers in mass production with self-

developed metal assisted chemical etching. Through optimized nano-structured processing technology, an additional absolute efficiency gain up to 0.3% has been achieved comparing with additive direct tex-turing. It is expected that by the first quarter of 2018, the annual capacity of the black silicon solar cell will reach 500MW.

Suntech's R&D team will focus

on developing higher efficiency so-lar cells and continually working on more innovative ways to integrate black silicon and PERC technol-ogy. Suntech will keep developing laboratory technologies into mass production while endeavoring to re-duce the solar manufacturing costs in pursuit of delivering low cost yet highly efficient solar products to customers.

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PV module is made of cells,EVA,Backsheet,Interconnects, glass, junction

box and Al frame. Let us see what standardization means for these ma-terials from my experience in solar

industry for more than 30 years.

MR. CHANDRASEKHARA Director Four-C-Tron,

ALUMINIUM FRAMEAgain what is the thickness of frame? Each manufacturer has his own design/drawing though Aluminium grade is same. If the height of frame is stan-dardized with respect to 3.2 mm and 4 mm glass it will be more cost effective in packing and transportation.

Practice of Standardization

in BOMs for solar module-

key for Quality and Cost reduction.

WAFERSSemiconductor industry which uses mono wafers has long established SEMI standards which define every parameter of wafer right from 4" to 12" and this is Universal standard for semiconductor fabs. The entire fab equipment - from front end to backend are designed to handle SEMI standard wafers. Though the geometry of devices has shrunk the standards for wafer remain unique. For solar cells, mono or multiwafers is base material. Mono wafers were used in the beginning for solar PV modules with 4'' dia and later 125 mm square, 156mm square and now 156.75 mm has been accepted as standard for both mono and multiwafer.

CELLSIn the beginning - it was mono round, mono square, pseudo square then multi square with dimension from 100/101mm, 125/126mm, and 156 mm/156.75 mm and recently one company is manufacturing black silicon cells of 160.5 mm. As automation was introduced to interconnect cells from 2BB,3 BB for certain period 4 BB, 5 BB and 6 BB cells emerged which changed the width of intercon-necting ribbon and hence the Tabber /stringer manufacturers to incorporate these changes making earlier machines obsolete. Testing agency cashed on these changes for re certification. By the time Indian companies settle with 5 BB or 6 BB stringers, multi-wire connection with 12 or 16 wires will head up! As cell dimension is standard now, why not bus bar width in the front and number of pads and its width in the back ( still some cells at back has continuous bus bars) be standardized by cell manufacturers? Such changes by cell manufacturers forcing the module manufacturers to invest in new stringers and increases ribbon inventory too.

PV MANUFACTURING


EVAThough the resin and EVA film has not changed much for last 25 years but there has been change in texture and thickness. Initially the thickness was 0.5 mm but now majority of module manufacturer use 0.45 mm thick EVA. Again some are trying to use Front and back EVA with different thickness. This will end up in extra inven-tory. However the width of EVA keeps varying by 5 to 10mm than optimum width, which has implication on overall module price.

BACKSHEETThe backbone of module is white back-sheet to provide insulation, prevent moisture ingression. In early years Tedlar/Polyester/Tedlar (TPT) was the 3 layer backsheet material with 350 micron thick which has withstood the weather for more than 25 years proving TPT is best back-sheet. As Tedlar was expensive and mo-nopoly of Du Pont, Kynar was introduced by Arkema to replace Tedlar and Krempel, leading backsheet manufacturer with 25 years history in PV industry introduced KPK as alternative to TPT. But many new entrants are bringing in new materi-als with one or 2 layer instead of proven 3 layer laminate with different process viz., extrusion, and coating to bring down the price to be competitive. But these new materials though certified under lab condi-tion have to prove against natural harsh environment compared to TPT and KPK. Here again standard is missing about what exactly the composition should be and individual layer thickness and width. Not much data is generated to qualify the per-formance of new back sheets in the field.

RIBBONThe critical material which connects each cell to make string and finally connect the junction box. The ribbon width keeps varying with increasing bus bars on the cells. This again increases the inventory depending on 4 BB or 5 BB cells. Again is it 60/40 Tin/Lead or 62/36/2 -Tin/Lead/Silver? Whynot one width common to 4BB or 5BB and composition with 2% silver be set as standard? This will minimize inven-tory and adaptability to any supplier of cells and ribbon.

GLASSTransmittivity of AR coated glass is >93.5% and thickness of 3.2 mm and 4.0 mm is commonly used. But in case of 72 cell module , though 4 mm glass is recom-mended still many module manufacturers use 3.2 mm thick glass to cut cost. Each module manufacturer specify width and length differently which again makes sup-plier of glass to customize the order and this will increase cost. When the cell size is almost standardized to 156.75 mm, why not glass dimension be standardized for 60 cells, 72 cells or 96 cells module? Stan-dard size in glass helps in further saving of EVA , backsheet and Al frame as width and length of these 3 material is decided based on glass width and length. This is the hidden secret of saving.

SOLAR MODULESWhen you study various manu-facturers' datasheet on modules, though the cells are of 156.75 mm with varying efficiency, the module dimension is different with each manufacturer and every other Indian module manufacturer try to follow the crowd. However, if you go deeper, one has to define the geometry of glass first for 60 and 72 cell module taking into account acceptable standard of spacing of cells and strings which leads further to optimize dimension of EVA, Backsheet and Al frame. Thus glass manufacturers can be tuned to produce standard size of glass, stock and sell to any module company rather accepting their size and waste other materials in the process. Why not BIS step in to formulate standards for materials and module size involving module manufacturers in addition to bring in IEC test procedure under BIS umbrella. The standard materials and standard module at GW scale will create healthy competition amongst Indian module manufac-turers to deliver quality modules at more or less uniform price per watt throughout the country as there will be saving due to minimum wastage, packing, logistics , installation and maintenance in the long run.

Further, Standardization in module size will benefit EPC contractors too in installa-tion as design can be streamlined, saving in real estate area, mounting structure gets well defined, hardware can be minimized, and replacement of modules of any

supplier is possible during life expectancy of module. This aspect has been overlooked. Test houses and certifying agencies focus on testing hours/cycle and environmental effect on the modules with reference laid out by IEC and similar standards to qualify the modules and these test houses are privately held and competition is not much. For the nearly 170 module manufacturers existing in the country there are only UL and TUV lab to certify the modules. If solar mission is government vision with 100 GW target, then why not Govern-ment fund at least 5 centers of existing 14 centers of ERTLs/ETDCs.

PV MANUFACTURING


SEIA Insists It’s ‘Foolish’ to Think Tariffs Will Spur Domestic Solar

ManufacturingMore than 30 witnesses, including SEIA, will make their case at the final public hearing in the Section 201 trade case Wednesday.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) unveiled a plan for President Trump to grow U.S. solar manufactur-

ing on Tuesday, as the administration nears a decision on whether to impose tariffs on imported solar panels. The recommenda-tions were released in advance of a hear-ing at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington, D.C., where SEIA will present its final arguments against trade remedies sought by petitioners Suniva and SolarWorld.

More than 30 witnesses are scheduled to testify at the last public hearing in the Section 201 trade case on Wednesday. The USTR is tasked with sending its own advice to President Trump on how to handle the controversial trade remedies recommended by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in October.

SEIA has led the charge in opposing the trade measures, which it says would threaten tens of thousands of U.S. solar jobs. Installers have already stockpiled Chi-nese panels in anticipation of tariffs, causing prices to spike.

The group’s six-step “America First” plan, which was delivered to the White House, suggests using an import license fee system for imported crystalline silicon PV (CSPV) panels instead of tariffs. The fees would be collected from foreign solar manufacturers and redistributed to U.S. manufacturers.

“It is foolish to think that tariffs will create jobs and will create more domestic manufacturing,” said Abi-

gail Ross Hopper, SEIA’s president and CEO, who

spoke at a press event in Washington on Tuesday. “If tariffs are put in place, we’re

going to lose more solar manufacturing jobs than we

gain.”“We think with our import license fee that there will be investment here in the United States in cell and

module manufacturing, and that will continue to grow,”

she added.

Trade Wars

SEIA pitched the licensing fee previously to the ITC, where the idea gained momentum with one of the four commissioners. In her recommendations to President Trump, Commissioner Meredith Broadbent proposed selling import licenses at a minimum price of 1 cent per watt. At that rate, SEIA says the gov-ernment would collect $384 million over three years.


Trade Wars

Source: greentechmedia

U.S.-based manufacturers Suniva and SolarWorld brought the Section 201 case earlier this year, citing serious financial harm due to cheap solar imports.

Suniva filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April, while SolarWorld raised $6 million to keep its doors open and its factory operational while fighting the trade case.

Emails recently obtained by E&E News show that Suniva was in talks with trade officials at the USTR as early as March, almost a month before it launched its petition for

trade relief with the ITC. While it’s not unusual for a company to reach out to federal trade officials in advance, the mes-sages show that Suniva was planning the move before it filed for bankruptcy.

Numerous companies have shown interest in acquir-ing Suniva, including China-based LONGi Solar and Canadian Solar, according to bankruptcy filings. It’s un-

clear whether an acquisition would cause the Georgia-based company to re-launch its U.S. operations. SolarWorld and Suniva have expressed disappointment at the recommenda-tions made by the ITC, which fell short of the import relief they originally requested.

Two out of four commissioners were in favor of placing a 30 percent ad valorem tariff on imported CSPV mod-ules, to decline by 5 percentage points per year over

four years. For imported solar cells, they agreed on a four-year “tariff-rate quota” that would allow for up to 1 gigawatt of tariff-free cell imports. Any imports over 1 gigawatt would be subject to a 30 percent tariff. Each subsequent year, the tariff rate would decrease by 5 percentage points and the in-quota amount would increase by 0.2 gigawatts.

“The tariffs that the commission proposed are much less than what the petitioners asked for … but the job loss would still be in the tens of thousands,” said Hop-per.

The request for extra information pushes the deadline for Trump’s final decision on import duties from January 12 to January 26, 2018. He has the authority to adopt one of the ITC’s recommendations, devise an alternative, or do nothing.

Last week the head of the USTR, the ITC to prepare a supplemental report to help the President determine an appropriate way to help the domestic industry adjust to import competition “and provide greater economic and social benefits than costs.” He also asked the commission detail any “unfore-seen developments” that caused domestic solar manufactures to be injured by cheap foreign imports.

ROBERT LIGHTHIZERUnited States Trade

Representative,

Other steps in the plan focus on the benefits of not imposing tariffs, as

well as a request to keep solar costs down for the military in order to bolster national security.

“It’s a clear and concise plan that I think is entirely resonant with the administration,” said Hopper.

More than 200 solar work-ers from around the country are expected to gather for a rally outside the USTR building on Wednesday afternoon, fol-lowed by a march to the White House. The trade agency has received more than 1,500 public comments from industry groups, businesses and solar workers, the vast majority of which called on the govern-ment to reject the tariffs.

SunPower CEO Tom Werner told GTM the currently proposed trade remedies “the worst of all worlds.” It hurts U.S. demand, it hurts U.S. compa-nies and “it doesn’t solve the petition-ers’ problems, in my opinion,” said.


Kolitzheim(Germany)–ThisweekenviaTHERMinSaxony-An-haltofficiallycommissionedaphotovoltaicplantwithatotalcapac-ityof750kilowattspeak.ThefacilityinReinsdorf,asubdivisionoftheTownofNebra,isthe300thsolarpowerplantthatBELEC-TRIChasconstructedasaturnkeysolutionsincethecompanywasfoundedin2001.Asaresult,BELECTRIChasnowinstalledover1.6GWpofphotovoltaiccapacityworldwide.

• Over1.6GWpphotovoltaiccapacityworldwide• BELECTRICisrealisingthreePVplantsforenviaTHERM• Newsystemdesignwithlowestelectricitygenerationcostsand

highspaceutilisation

BELECTRICCommissions 300thSolar power plant

“BELECTRIC built the photo-voltaic plant for us as our main contractor. The company’s flexibility, competence and many years of experience was impressively demonstrated during our collaboration,” says Thomas Kuhnert, Chief Execu-tive of envia THERM.

he facility in Reinsdorf covers an area of roughly one hectare in the ‘Alte Zuckerfabrik’ business park. A total of 126 module strings with 22 solar mod-ules each are lined up in an east-west orientation. Annual electricity genera-tion is expected to be over 700,000 kilowatt-hours. Statistically, therefore, the facility can supply roughly400 households with green electricity and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by oughly 400 tonnes per year. A structurally identi-cal photovoltaic plant is nearing completion in the neighbouring location of Karsdorf. In addition, BELECTRIC will build another plant for envia THERM in Schkopau at the beginning of 2018.

T

ACHIEVEMENTS


“From ground breaking to completion only took us two weeks. This was made possible, on the one hand, by an entirely new plant technology, the PEG system, and, on the other, by smooth teamwork with our project partners on the spot,” explains Ingo Alphéus, CEO of BELEC-TRIC Solar & Battery GmbH.

Thanks to its special design, the PEG system is adapt-able to individual customer

requirements. With the exception of the ground spikes, the whole system including DC cabling is executed above ground, which means it can be deployed on many different kinds of land-scapes. For example, the system is suitable for electricity genera-tion in remote areas with poor accessibility and on areas with limited dimensions or on narrow pieces of land. Plant size is also easily scalable. The system can be used to realise large-scale PV facilities with a multiple megawatt output or small to medium-sized solar power plants from 10 kWp upwards for trade and industry.

BELECTRIC has already installed the PEG system in Germany, but also in

Israel, Africa, America and Aus-tralia.

Under the PEG name BELECTRIC offers an extremely light complete

power plant system that has been reduced to the minimum and delivers low electricity generation costs and high space utilisation. The entire system stands on spikes that are driven roughly 80 centimetres into the ground. They only project far enough out of the round to cre-ate a module elevation with an inclination angle of eight degrees in an east-west orientation. This substantially reduces not only the amount of material used in the substructure, but also the costs of logistics and installation.

The east-west orientation of the PV area produces an energy yield that is ideally

distributed over the day with re-duced peak output around noon and optimised electricity genera-tion in the early morning and late afternoon.

(left to right) Antje Scheschinski, Mayor of the City of Nebra, Ingo Alphéus, CEO BELEC-TRIC, Thomas Kühnert, CEO envia THERM, Michael Scheffler, MITNETZ STROM and Klaus Waldera, Head of Sales BELECTRIC (Picture credit: envia THERM)

BELECTRIC PEG is a new system design with lowest electricity generation costs and high space utilisation (Picture credit: envia THERM)

ACHIEVEMENTS


India’s Brainchild, the International Solar Alliance, Is Gaining Momentum and How!

he letter includes 13 solutions, and makes a strong case for renewable energy, and phase out subsidies for fossil fuels. The International Solar Alliance (ISA), a joint alliance be-tween India and France, is an impor-tant initiative in this regard. It wishes to infuse a seriousness among member countries about the issue of climate change, and enable a switch to a low-carbon growth path.

The ISA — an organisation which works to efficiently exploit solar energy, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels — was conceived by India as there was no independent body to address the needs of solar resource-rich countries located en-tirely or partially in the tropics.

First proposed in 2015, the alli-ance is a treaty-based inter-govern-mental organisation. The initiative brings together countries with rich solar energy potential, to aggregate demand for solar energy, to reduce prices, deploy solar technologies, and promote R&D.

According to the article, 15,000 scientists from 184 nations signed

on the letter, emphasising that all major environmental threats have become worse. And this is the second warn-ing. The principal threats have been identified as glob-al warming, and continually increasing carbon emissions due to fossil fuel burning, unsustainable farming prac-tices, rapid deforestation, loss of fresh water, depleting marine life and more ocean dead zones.

T

Coal emits nearly double the amount of carbon as other fossil fuels, but 41% of the electricity needs of the world, are still fulfilled using coal, as per the World Coal Associa-tion. stated that global scientists have issued a “warning to humanity.”

Scientists, according to the article, found it “especially troubling” that the world is on the road to “potentially catastrophic climate change due to rising greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels.”

The ISA is headquartered in India. The foundation stone was laid in 2016, jointly by Narendra

Modi and French President Francois Hollande, in Gurugram.

India has pledged a target of installing 100GW by 2022

and reducing emission intensity to 33-35% by 2030.

ISA


South Korea, Germany, Mongolia and Nepal have approached the International Solar Alli-ance for membership with voting rights. The fast pace of progress has attracted countries which were initially not included in the 121 prospective members. Upendra Tripathy, the first Director-General of the ISA, told the Times of India that there was no reason countries that don’t fall entirely or partially between the tropics could not join the ISA. Hover, these nations may not get voting rights.

An ambitious project, the ISA corpus has already received $27 million from India, to meet the cost of its Gurugram-based secretariat for the first five years. The current global capacity of solar power is 303 GW, including 12GW in India. In 2016, nearly 75GW of power was fur-ther added, thus leading India to revise its solar power target from 20GW to 100 GW by 2022.

In developing and emerging economies, af-fordable financing is difficult. The ISA plans to expand solar power in nations that are resource-rich but energy-poor, by mobilising finance from wealthier countries, to facilitate universal energy access. Lowering financial costs, developing common standards, encouraging knowledge sharing and promoting R&D collaboration are some of the strategies involved.

The ISA has been receiving rising political approval around the world, to act on climate change and make the smooth transition to a low-carbon country. Now, thanks to the partnership with the World Bank, the ISA will be recog-nisable by the UN legally to become fully functional.

At the grass-root level, solar power is gaining popular-ity amongst ordinary Indian citizens. People install solar panels on their home roofs in the cities, in order to har-ness sunlight. They have begun to realise that in a tropical climate like ours, this is ideal.

Adopting solar energy, as the primary source of power may take time. People are still dependent on traditional meth-ods; it isn’t uncommon to see coal being used in various parts of the country. Solar energy is abundant, and renewable, and leaves absolutely no carbon footprint.

As reported in the Hindustan Times, the letter written by the scientists suggests that “To prevent widespread misery and catastrophic biodiversity loss, humanity must practice a more environmentally sustainable alternative to business as usual.”

The alliance entered into an understanding with World Bank, in 2016, to accelerate finance for solar energy. The bank will

mobilise more than $1000 billion in invest-ments, to meet ISA’s goals to deploy affordable solar energy on a large scale.

The rationale behind this is that most of the countries lying wholly or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Cap-ricorn get nearly 300 days of good sunshine a year, making them highly suitable for solar energy, provided they get the best technology and ample financial backing. The initiative has been gaining momentum, and is all set to become a legal entity, on 6th December 2017.

RK Singh, the Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, told

“The ISA will become a treaty-based internation-al intergovernmental organisation on December 6, 2017,” adding that, “It will be a major interna-tional body headquartered in India. As many as 45 countries have already signed the ISA treaty, and 15 have ratified it till November 30, 2017. Many more are set to join.”

Source: PTI

ISA


VISION OF THE GOVERNMENT is ‘24×7 Power for All’-All the

Stateson board to achieve Target by March 2019: Shri R. K. Singh

• Consensus among States on Ending Hu-man Interface in billing process; Manda-tory installation of Prepaid/Smart Meters to prevent corruption and increase com-pliance in Bill payments

• States to ensure Cross Subsidization in Power Sector remains below 20%: Shri R.K. Singh

• Separation of Carriage & Content in Power Distribution to be brought about through an amendment to Electricity Act

Programmes to reduce Power Losses below 15% by March 2019 in all States on track, says Union Power Minister

INDIA


Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, chaired a Conference of Power and Energy

Ministers of States/ Union Territories (UTs), held here. A total of 17 States and 1 UT attended the Conference and deliberated on a host of issues including progress on Union Government flagship schemes at the State level and reform measures that need to be brought about at both Union and State levels to ensure 24×7 Affordable and Quality Power for All.

Addressing the media, Shri Singh clearly laid out Union Government’s Vision behind holding this Conference. The Minister made very clear

that 24×7 Power is a Fundamental Right of every citizen of the country and all States will have to ensure that by March 2019. The States have arrived at consensus-based roadmap to bring down losses in State Utilities/ DISCOMS to below 15% by then and any gratuitous load shedding by them after that deadline would attract penalties. “There can be no justification to pass on the burden of our inefficiency to the consumer and this shall not be allowed post March 2019. It is for the Power Utilities to devise strategy to reduce their losses, the consumer must not be burdened with high power tariffs irrationally”, the Minister added.

During the Inaugural Session of the Conference, Shri Singh said that Power is at the core of eco-nomic growth of the country. “Without power

there can be no development; We are on our way towards becoming a developed country and power re-forms are top priority. Industrialization and job creation is not possible without affordable and quality power for all. We are about to add 40 million new consumers by December 2018 and expected economic growth of 8 to 9% in the next 5 years, power demand would increase manifold. Further, electricity will edge out other forms of energy in the coming future as it is more efficient and easy to transport. Electricity will take place of fossil fuels for mobility, cooking etc. and will decrease the imports of petroleum products. Becoming self-sufficient in Power is essential for our strategic autonomy on the global stage. In addition to this, renewable energy will take place of fossil fuels in the near future as storage systems become viable”, the Minister said.

Government of India is providing funds to the States under ongoing Central Govern-ment schemes of over Rs. 85000 crores, for

strengthening their power infrastructure. As the Country is power surplus presently, the States are now in a posi-tion to provide 24×7 power for all, which should be a primary obligation of the State Utilities, provided that the consumer pays for the power consumed, Shri Singh said. “It has been observed that some States are not able to bill the consumers effectively and are losing about 50% of the expected recoveries. Where the consumers are billed properly, the recovery is around 95%”, the Minister added.

roposing a slew of reforms, Shri Singh said that in order to decrease the losses of the DISCOMs and make them viable, the Union Government is proposing to do away with human interface in meter reading and billing of consumers for power consumption. Mandatory installation of prepaid meters for small consumers and smart meters

for large ones, with every connection in the future in each State, would prevent corruption and increase compliance in bill pay-ments, the Minister stated.

“This will be a pro poor step as it will give the poor consumers flexibility to recharge that prepaid meters online through mobile phones, as and when they want, with a small amount at any given point of time. This would also do away with

the human element in meter reading, billing and recovery of the amount from consumer and hence the corruption involved at the lowest level.”, said Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, . Giving an example of a successful implementation of prepaid meters, the Minister said that Manipur has been able to reduce its losses by over 50% by installing prepaid meter in all its urban areas.

Shri Singh emphatically stated that if losses continue, no matter how much funds are injected into the Power Utilities, the Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) would start building up again and the DISCOMs would ultimately become unviable in the near future. “This is an unacceptable situation and we have to make the losses a thing of the past”, he added. The Minister also re-quested all the State Energy Ministers to take continuous review of DISCOM losses with senior officials of the State electricity department and ensure that the leakages are plugged and 24×7 power for all is mandatorily ensured by all States. Stating other reform measures in Power Sector planned in near future, the Minister said that the Government of India is focusing on Make in India and the future industrialization and employment genera-tion in the country has to be indigenous. “For giving a push to Make in India and Domestic Industrialization, we have to make quality power affordable for all and all States have to ensure that the Power Purchase Agreements are honored, tariffs are sus-tainable and the element of cross subsidization remains below 20%”, Shri Singh said.

Further, the Minister added that, to help the poor power con-sumers, the government is pushing for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of subsidy in power sector. This would make the industry more competitive and the burden of excessively high tariffs will be taken away from the consumers. Ministers from the States of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kera-la, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and UT of Puducherry were present during the Conference with their senior officers. Other dignitaries present were Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Secretary Power, along with other senior officers of the Ministry.

P

Source: pib.nic.in

INDIA


big achievement that Risen Energy Co., Ltd, the leader of photo-voltaic enterprise in China, has also been selected for its excellent

contribution in the field of PV power generation, and was enlisted in this chart together with other indus-try leaders or wind power giants, and others significant companies. important part of this evaluation lays in financial health and reliability of companies from the chart. Particu-larly Risen Energy Co., Ltd proved its financial confidence in the eyes of clients, investors and other parties. By managing risks and effectively

using its financial resources, Risen Energy Co., Ltd remains financially sustainable and therefore gains trust of its work results – the goal that every company strives for.

This chart shows that the list of energy leaders outperformed the S&P 500 Index and the Morgan Stanley Capital International Corpo-ration World Energy Daily Index. The comprehensive evaluation has been conducted for the first time in the industry from the financial level, risk index, investor confidence, social responsibility, environmental impact and industry reputation as well as other multiple dimensions of today’s world’s leading energy companies.

"As the world’s lead-ing provider of efficient photovoltaic power gen-eration solutions, Risen Energy Co., Ltd always adheres to the core philosophy of lightning up every corner of the world. It has developed and delivered thousands of projects worldwide and is widely distributed in Indonesia, India, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Czech Republic and many other countries and regions along One Belt One Road initiative."

AThomson Reuters released the Top 100 Global Energy Leaders list, with the top 25 rankings in the field of renewable energy.

Source : Risen Energy Co., Ltd

"In today’s competitive global market, leadership goes beyond the balance sheet and requires a holistic view on the business. Companies provide health and safety of workplaces, commitment to the environment, etc., and that’s how the leadership of a company is determined. We congratulate the listed companies who are among the best in their field; they address business challenges with agility and responsibility, maintaining their leadership in changing business en-vironment.” Emely Lyons Director Thomson Reuters Energy Business Group

"For this reason we have been devoting ourselves to continuous exploration and ongoing investment in fron-tier power generation technol-ogy and some breakthroughs in half-cell technology have already been made. Currently, the power of 60 black silicon polycrystalline half-cells, developed by Risen Energy’s innovative research center, has exceeded 330W and achieved mass production and used in Yangquan, Ruicheng projects, and already has won wide-spread recognition of custom-ers. In the future we also hope to work hand by hand with partners in order to accelerate the continuous optimization and upgrade of the PV indus-try as well as help the innova-tion and development today and in the future.”

Wang HongPresident

Risen Energy Co. Ltd.

Risen Energy Co. Ltd qualified for Top 25 Global Renewable Ener-gy companies

ACHIEVEMENTS


RENEWABLE ENERGY

Government is on its way to ACHIEVING 175 GW TARGET

for installed Renewable Energy capacity by 2022

Historic Low Tariffs for Solar (Rs. 2.44/ unit) and Wind (Rs. 2.64/ unit) achieved through transparent bidding and facilita-tion Ambitious Bidding Trajectory for 100 GW capacity of Solar Energy and 60 GW capacity of Wind over the next 3 years laid down

India attains global 4th and 6th posi-tion in global Wind and Solar Power installed capacity By November 2017, a total of 62 GW Renewable Power installed, of which 27 GW installed since May 2014 and 11.79 GW since January 2017

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has taken several steps to fructify PRIME MINISTER SHRI NARENDRA MODI’S DREAM OF A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR THE ‘NEW INDIA The Larg-est Renewable Capacity expansion programme in the world is being taken up by India. The government is aiming to increase share of clean energy through massive thrust in renewables. Core drivers for development and deployment of new and renewable energy in India have been Energy security, Electricity shortages, Energy Ac-cess, Climate change etc.


RENEWABLE ENERGY

Capacity addition of 27.07 GW of renewable energy has been reported during the last three and half years under Grid Connected Renewable Power, which include 12.87 GW from Solar Power, 11.70 GW from Wind Power, 0.59 from Small Hydro Power and 0.79 from Bio-power. Confident by the growth rate in

clean energy sector, the Government of India in its submission to the United Nations Frame Work Convention on Climate Change on Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) has stated that India will achieve 40% cumu-lative Electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030 with the help of transfer of technology and low cost International Finance including from Green Climate Fund. As on 30.11.2017, Solar Energy Projects with an aggregate capacity of over 16611.73 MW including 863.92 MW from Solar Roof Top projects has been installed in the country.

The government is playing an active role in promoting the adoption of renewable energy resources by offering various incentives, such as generation-based incentives (GBIs), capital and interest subsidies, viability gap funding, concessional fi-nance, fiscal incentives etc. The National Solar Mission aims to

promote the development and use of solar energy for power generation and other uses, with the ultimate objective of making solar energy com-pete with fossil-based energy options. The objective of the National Solar Mission is to reduce the cost of solar power generation in the country through long-term policy, large scale deployment goals, aggressive R&D and the domestic production of critical raw materials, components and products. Renewable energy is becoming increasingly cost-competitive as compared to fossil fuel-based generation.

rder to achieve the renewable energy target of 175 GW by the year 2022, the major programmes/ schemes on implementation of Solar Park, Solar Roof Top Scheme, Solar Defence Scheme, Solar scheme for CPUs Solar PV power plants on Canal Bank and Canal Tops, Solar Pump, Solar Rooftop etc have been launched during the last two years. Various policy measures have been initiated and special steps taken in addition to providing financial support to various schemes being implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for achieving the target of renewable energy capacity to 175 GW by the year 2022.

These include, inter alia, suitable amendments to the Electricity Act and Tariff Policy for strong enforcement of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and for providing Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO); setting up of exclusive solar parks; development of power transmis-sion network through Green Energy Corridor project; guidelines for procurement of solar and wind power though tariff based competitive bidding process, National Offshore Wind Energy Policy notified, Repowering of Wind Power Projects, Standards for Deployment of Solar Photovoltaic systems/ devices, orders for waiving the Inter State Transmission System charges and losses for interstate sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by March 2019; identification of large government complexes/ buildings for rooftop projects; provision of roof top solar and 10 percent renewable energy as mandatory under Mission Statement and Guidelines for development of smart cities; amendments in building bye-laws for mandatory provision of roof top solar for new construction or higher Floor Area Ratio; infrastructure status for solar projects; raising tax free solar bonds; providing long tenor loans; making roof top solar as a part of housing loan by banks/ NHB; incor-porating measures in Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) for encouraging distribution companies and making net-metering compulsory and raising funds from bilateral and international donors as also the Green Climate Fund to achieve the target.

ESTIMATED POTENTIAL OF RENEWABLE ENERGYThe increased use of indigenous renewable re-sources is expected to reduce India’s dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels. India has an estimated renewable energy potential of about 1096 GW from commercially exploitable sources viz. Wind – 302 GW (at 100-meter mast height); Small Hydro – 21 GW; Bio-energy – 25 GW; and 750 GW solar power, assuming 3% wasteland

TARGETSThe Government of India has set a target of 175 GW renewable power installed capacity by the end of 2022. This includes 60 GW from wind power, 100 GW from solar power, 10 GW from biomass power and 5 GW from small hydro pow-er. A target of 14550 MW grid renewable power (wind 4000 MW, solar 10000 MW, small hydro power 200 MW, bio-power 340 MW and waste to power 10 MW), has been set for 2017-18. Be-sides, under off-grid renewable system, targets of 15 MW eq. waste to energy, 60 MW eq. biomass non-bagasse cogeneration, 7.50 MW eq. biomass gasifiers, 0.5 MW eq. small wind/hybrid systems, 100 MW eq. solar photovoltaic systems, 150/25 Nos. eq. micro hydel and 110,000 nos. family size biogas plants have been set for 2017-18.

SHARE OF RENEWABLE POWER IN TOTAL IN-STALLED CAPACITYEconomic growth, increasing prosperity, a growing rate of urbanization and rising per capita energy consumption has increases the energy demand of the country. In order to meet the energy demand, India has total installed power generation capacity of 331.95 GW as on 31.10.2017 from all resources. With 60.98 GW in-stalled renewable power capacity, the renewable power has a share of about 18.37% to the total installed capacity.

OOTHER IMPORTANT INITIATIVES AND

ACHIEVEMENTS OF MNRE ARE:


ACHIEVEMENTSThe details of year round initiatives and

achievements of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy are as follows:

MAJOR INITIATIVES TAKEN BY MINISTRY

GREEN POWER CAPACITY ADDITION

A TOTAL OF 11788 MW OF GRID-CONNECTED POWER GENERATION CAPACITY FROM RENEW-ABLE ENERGY SOURCES HAS BEEN ADDED SO FAR THIS YEAR (JANUARY 2017 TO NOVEMBER 2017) IN THE COUNTRY.

A total of 11319.71 MW of grid-connected power generation capacity from renewable energy sources like solar (5502.38 MW) and wind (5585.98 MW), Small Hydro Power (105.90 MW), Bio-Power (161.95 MW) has been added during 2016-17 in the country against target of 16660 MW. During 2017-18, a total 4809.51 MW capacity has been added till 30.11.2017, making cumulative achievement 62053.73 MW.

SOLAR POWER

• Under National Solar Mission, the target for setting up solar capac-ity increased from 20 GW to 100 GW by 2021-22. Target of 10,000 MW, set for 2017-18 which will take the cumulative capacity over 20GW till 31st March 2018.

• As on date, 23656 MW has been tendered out, of which LOI issued for 19340 MW.

• Capacity of the scheme for “Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects” has been enhanced from 20,000 MW to 40, 000 MW. 35 solar parks of aggregate capacity 20,514 MW have been approved in 21 States.

• Kurnool Solar Park in Andhra Pradesh with 1000 MW capacity has already been commissioned and is operational. With commission-ing of 1000 MW capacity at single location, Kurnool Solar Park has emerged as the World’s Largest Solar Park.

• 650 MW capacity commissioned in Bhadla Phase-II Solar Park in Rajasthan.

• 250 MW capacity commissioned in Phase –I of Neemuch Mand-saur Solar Park (500 MW) in Madhya Pradesh.

• 3 new solar parks have been approved in this year at Rajasthan (1000 MW), Gujarat (500 MW) and Mizoram (23 MW) after issue of Guidelines for Enhancement of capacity from 20, 000 MW to 40, 000 MW under Solar Park Scheme.

• Solar tariff has declined to lowest level of Rs 2.44 /kWh. The chronology of down ward trend in Solar tariff during recent times is as given below:

SECTOR-WISE HIGHLIGHTS OF ACHIEVEMENTS

• Largest ever Wind Power capacity addition of 5502.39 MW in 2016-17 exceeding target by 38%. During 2017-18, a total 467.11 MW capac-ity has been added till 30.11.2017, making cumulative achievement 32746.87 MW. Now, in terms of wind power installed capacity India is globally placed at 4th position after China, USA and Germany.

• Biggest ever Solar Power capacity addition of 5525.98 MW in 2017-18. During 2017-18, a total 4323.1 MW (including 207.92 MW Solar Roof Top) capacity has been added till 30.11.2017, making cumulative achievement 16611.73 MW (including 863.92 MW Solar Roof Top).

• So far, 1.42 lakh Solar Pump have been in-stalled in the Country as on 30.11.2017 includ-ing 1.31 lakh during last three and half year.

• Solar projects of capacity 23656 MW have been tendered and LoI for 19,340 MW issued.

• A capacity addition of 0.59 GW has been added under Grid Connected Renewable Power since last three and half years from Small Hydro Power plants.

• Biomass power includes installations from biomass combustion, biomass gasification and bagasse co-generation making a cumula-tive achievement to 8181.70 MW.

• Family Type Biogas Plants mainly for rural and semi-urban households are set up under the National Biogas and Manure Manage-ment Programme (NBMMP). During 2017-18, against a target of 1.1 lakh biogas plants, 0.15 lakh biogas plants installations has been achieved making a cumulative achievement to 49.8 lakh biogas plants as on 30.11.2017.

Wind Power 4046.44 32746.87

Solar Power 7599.31 16611.73

Small Hydro Power 64.80 4399.35

Bio Power (Biomass & Gasification and Bagasse Cogeneration)#

60.95 8181.70

Waste to Power 16.00 114.08

Total 11787.50 62053.73

Waste to Energy 12.11 175.45

Biomass(non-bagasse) Cogeneration 9.50 661.41

Biomass Gasifiers 0.92 163.37

Aero-Generators/Hybrid systems 0.32 3.29

SPV Systems 146.02 551.56

Total 168.87 1555.08

Family Biogas Plants (in Lakhs) 0.15 49.80

Water mills/micro hydel (Nos.) 0.00 2690/72

#Progress of Bio power has been revised to installed capacity from exportable power capacity.

Programme/ Scheme wise Physical Progress inyear 2017-18 (January- November 2017)

Sector

FY- 2017-18

Achievement(Jan-

Nov 2017)

Cumulative Achievement

as on30.11.2017

i. GRID-INTERACTIVE POWER (CAPACITIES IN MWp)

II. OFF-GRID/ CAPTIVE POWER (CAPACITIES IN MWEQ)

III. OTHER RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS

RENEWABLE ENERGY


SOLAR ROOFTOP

• So far sanctions for 1767 MWp capacity solar rooftop projects has been issued and around 863.92 MWp capacity has been installed.

• All the 36 State / UT ERCs have now notified net/gross metering regulations and/or tariff orders for rooftop solar projects

• Concessional loans of around 1375 million US dollars from World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and New Development Bank (NDB) have been made available to State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Canara Bank for solar rooftop projects.

• Suryamitra programme has been launched for creation of a qualified technical workforce and over 11 thousand persons have been trained under the programme.

• An online platform for expediting project, approval, report submission, and monitoring of RTS projects has been created.

• Initiated geo-tagging of RTS projects, in co-ordination with ISRO, for traceability and transparency.

• Launched mobile app ARUN (Atal Rooftop Solar User Navigator) for ease of access of beneficiaries for request submission and awareness.

• MNRE has allocated Ministry wise expert PSUs for implementation of RTS projects in various Ministries/Departments.

• Published best practices guide and compendium of policies, regulations, technical standards and financing norms for solar power projects.

Ministry is implementing Grid Connected Rooftop and Small Solar Power Plants Programme which provides for installation of 2100 MW capacity through CFA/

incentive in the residential, social, Government/PSU and Institutional sectors.

Under the programme, central financial assistance upto 30% of bench mark is being provided for such projects in Residential, Institutional and Social sectors in General Cat-egory States and upto 70% of the benchmark cost in Special Category States. For Government sector, achievement linked incentives are being provided. Subsidy/CFA is not applicable for commercial and industrial establishments in private sector.

• As on 30.11.2017 over 41.80 lakh Solar Lighting Systems, 1.42 lakh Solar Pumps, and power packs of 181.52 MWeq have been installed in the country. Major achievements of 18.47 lakh Solar Lighting Systems, 1.31 lakh. Solar Pumps, Power Packs of 96.39 MWeq have been reported during last three and half years.

• Several schemes namely (i) Defence scheme (ii) Central Public Sec-tor Undertakings (CPSUs) scheme (iii) Bundling scheme (iv) Canal Bank/ Canal Top scheme (v) VGF Scheme (vi) Solar Park scheme (vii) Solar rooftops, have been initiated/launched by the Ministry under National Solar Mission which are under implementation.

• Under Defence scheme against a target of 300 MW, 357.50 MW has been sanctioned; under Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) scheme against a target of 1000 MW, entire capacity sanctioned; under 3000 MW Bundling scheme, Tranch-I: 3000 MW has been tendered; under 100 MW Canal Bank/ Canal Top scheme, all capac-ity sanctioned; under 2000 MW & 5000 MW VGF Scheme; and under 20,000 MW Solar Park scheme, 35 Solar parks have been approved in 21 States with aggregate capacity of 20,514 MW.

S. No Period CapacityLowestTariff (Rs./KWh)

Scheme State

1. Feb.-2017 750 MW 3.30 State Scheme

Madhya Pradesh (REWA Solar Park)

2. May-2017 250 MW 2.62 VGF Scheme

Rajasthan (Bhadla IV Solar Park)

3. May-2017 500 MW 2.44 VGF Scheme

Rajasthan (Bhadla III Solar Park)

4. Aug.-17 500 MW 2.65 VGF Scheme

Gujarat (Non- Solar Park)

Solar tariff has declined to lowest level of Rs 2.44 /kWh. The chronology of down ward trend in Solar tariff during recent

times is as given below:

Grid Connected Rooftop and Solar Power Plants

RENEWABLE ENERGY


SMALL HYDRO POWER

• BIOMASS POWER Biomass power includes installations from biomass combustion, biomass gasifica-tion and bagasse co-generation. A cumulative achievement to 8181.70 MW has been reported as on 30.11. 2017.

• FAMILY SIZE BIOGAS PLANTS Family Size Biogas Plants mainly for rural and semi-urban households are set up under the National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP). Dur-ing 2017-18, against a target of 1.10 lakh biogas plants, 0.15 lakh biogas plants installations has been achieved making a cumulative achievement to 49.8 lakh biogas plants.

• OFF-GRID SOLAR APPLICATIONS As on 30.11.2017 over 41.80 lakh Solar Lighting Systems, 1.42 lakh Solar Pumps, and power packs of 181.52 MWeq have been installed in the country. Major achievements of 18.47 lakh Solar Lighting Systems, 1.31 lakh. Solar Pumps, Power Packs of 96.39 MWeq have been reported during last three and half years.

• Amendments in Tariff Policy to promote Renewable Energy• Enhancement in Solar RPO to 8% by March 2022.• Introduction of RGO for New coal/lignite based thermal plants after specified

date.• Ensuring affordable renewable power through bundling of renewable power.• No inter-state transmission charges and losses to be levied for solar and wind

power.• Further, pursuant to the revised tariff policy, the Ministry of Power on 22nd

July 2016 has notified the long term growth trajectory of RPO for solar and non-solar energy for next 3 years 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 as under:-

A capacity addition of 27.07GW of renewable energy has been reported during the last two and half years under Grid Connected Renewable Power, 0.59 GW from Small Hydro Power.

Renewable Small Hydro Power.

Long term trajectory 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19Non-solar 8.75% 9.50% 10.25%

Solar 2.75% 4.75% 6.75%

Total 11.50% 14.25% 17.00%

WIND POWER

• During the year 2016-17, wind power capacity addition of 5.5 GW was made, which is highest ever wind power capacity addition in the country during a single year. The present wind power installed capacity in the country is around 32.75 GW. Now, in terms of wind power installed capacity India is globally placed at 4th position after China, USA and Germany.

• India has a strong manufacturing base of wind power equipment in the coun-try. Presently, there are 20 approved manufacturers with 53 models of wind turbines in the country up to a capac-ity of 3.00 MW single turbines. Wind turbines being manufactured in India are of international quality standards and cost-wise amongst the lowest in the world being exported to Europe, USA and other countries.

• The wind power potential of the country has been reassessed by the National Institute for Wind Energy (NIWE), it has been estimated to be 302 GW at 100 meter hub-height. Online wind atlas is available on NIWE website. This will create new dimension to the wind power development in the country.

• Signing of PPAs/ PSAs for first SECI wind auction (1000 MW, tariff discovered was Rs. 3.46 in Feb 2017). Second wind auction of 1000 MW which resulted in lowest tariffs of Rs. 2.64/ unit.

• India has long coastline where there is a good possibility for developing offshore wind power projects. The cabinet has cleared the National Offshore Wind En-ergy Policy and the same has been noti-fied on 6th October 2015. Certain blocks near Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coast line have been identified. First LiDAR installed and commissioned off Gujarat coast for gathering wind resource data.

• Wind Forecasting: Based on wind fore-casting experience of Tamil Nadu with NIWE, MoUs for forecasting done with Gujarat and Rajasthan.

• Meso scale map prepared for wind resource at 120 meter height, as most of turbine hub heights being installed are more than 100 meters. Total assessed wind resource of India would go up from 302 GW at 100 m to about 600 GW at 120 m); MESO scale map also prepared for Offshore wind. However for actual use these would have to be correlated with actual site specific measurements.

• Bidding guidelines for wind auction under Section 63 of Electricity Act have been notified in December to Ministry of Power.

RENEWABLE ENERGY


• IREDA Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has been award-ed Mini Ratna Status and the authorised capital of IREDA is increased from Rs.1000 Cr. to Rs.6000 Cr.

• GREEN ENERGY CORRIDOR Intra-State Transmission System is being implemented by eight renew-able rich States (Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh) with total project cost of Rs. 10141 crores, with funding mechanism consisting of 20% State Equity, 40% Government of India Grant (total 4056.67 crores) and 40% KfW loan (500 million EUR). The project includes about approx. 9400 ckm transmission lines and Substations of total capacity of approx. 19000 MVA to be completed by March 2020. The purpose is to evacuate approx. 20,000 MW of large scale renewable power and improvement of the grid in the implementing States.

• OTHER INITIATIVES India is taking a leading role in the International Renewable Community and was a leading country along with France in formation of Interna-tional Solar Alliance (ISA), an international body of 121 countries lying between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. 47 countries have signed the Framework Agreement and 18 countries have ratified it within 1 year of opening of Framework for signature. Accordingly, ISA became a legal entity on 6.12.2017, with its headquarters in India.

• Bank loans up to a limit of Rs.15 crores will be given to borrowers for purposes like solar based power generators, biomass based power generators, wind power systems, micro-hydel plants and for renewable energy based public utilities viz. Street lighting systems, and remote vil-lage electrification. For individual households, the loan limit will be Rs.10 lakh per borrower.

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100% is permitted under the automatic route for renewable energy generation and distribution projects subject to provisions of The Electricity Act, 2003. In order to achieve the targets, various initiatives have been taken by the Govern-ment which interalia include:

1. Announced a cumulative target of 175 GW renewable energy based electric installed capacity of 100 GW solar power installed capacity; ii. Issued guidelines for procurement of solar and wind power through tariff based competitive bidding process; iii. Declared Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to the year

2018-19; iv. Declare Renewable Generation Obligation on new coal/lignite based

thermal plants; v. Notified National Offshore Wind Energy Policy; vi. Notified policy for Repowering of Wind Power Projects; vii. Notified standards for deployment of solar photovoltaic systems/

devices; viii. Issued order for waiving the Inter State Transmission System charg-

es and losses for inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by March 2019; ix. Launched Atal Jyoti Yojna for Solar LED Street Lights in five States; and

x. Setting up of exclusive solar parks;xi. Identification of large government complexes/ buildings for rooftop

projects;xii. Provision of roof top solar and 10 percent renewable energy as man-

datory under Mission Statement and Guidelines for development of smart cities;

xiii. Amendments in building bye-laws for mandatory provi sion of roof top solar for new construction or higher FAR;

xiv. Infrastructure status for solar projects;xv. Raising tax free solar bonds;xvi. Making roof top solar a part of housing loan by banks/NHB;xvii. Raising funds from bilateral and international donors as also from the

Green Climate Fund to achieve the target.

WIND POWER

RENEWABLE ENERGY


Sungrow Named Top 25 Global Renewable Energy Honoree byThomson Reuters

L ist determines organizations that outshine more than 1,500 energy companies by hav-ing high scores across eight pillars of performance: Financial, Manage-ment and Investor Confidence, Risk and Resilience, Legal Compliance, Innovation, People and Social Respon-sibility, Environ-mental Impact, and Reputation.

ACHIEVEMENTS


Sungrow, the global leading inverter solution supplier for renewables, announced re-cently that Thomson Reuters, a leading source for news and industry reports for pro-fessionals across the globe, has named Sungrow as a Top 25 Global Renewable Energy Honoree in its Top 100 Global Energy Lead-ers rankings. The rankings represent the industry’s first holistic assessment of renew-able energy companies, with its methodology emphasizing a quantitative and data-driv-en analysis in evaluating the award’s contenders.

ungrow has been one of the most fast growing companies in the clean energy industry. Indeed, the company’s continued heavy investment in R&D and technology development certain-ly paid off, according to recent growth metrics. Sungrow’s latest interim financial report for Q3 2017 shows that its revenue has grown 265.23% from the same period of last year. Its global inverter shipments have reached over 10.9GW in H1 2017, rising nearly 70% from H1 of the previ-ous year. The company, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month, now has over 49GW deployed worldwide.

“The companies that rise to the top of this list are the Renaissance Organi-zations that best succeed across the parameters at the intersection of regula-tion and commerce. They are the energy industry’s decathletes. They embrace the challenge of outsizing business complex-ity with the acumen and agility to stay one step ahead of constant change,” said Emily Lyons, managing director of the Thomson Reuters Energy Practice Group.

We are thrilled to be named in the Top 25 Global Renewable Energy Honorees list by Thomson Reuters. Sungrow has been dedicated to clean energy for 20 years and the reason for our contin-ued success lies in our never-fading passion for innovation, quick response to customers’ needs, and high standards of social responsibility. Look-ing ahead, we will continue to play a pivotal role in clean power adoption across the globe,”

S

PROF. RENXIAN CAO, President of Sungrow.

ACHIEVEMENTS


NEXTracker Introduces Lithium-ion and Vanadium Flow Energy Storage Systems for Smarter Renewable Energy ProductionNEXTracker’s NX Drive and NX Flow energy storage products deliver integrated, versatile, investment-grade solutions that maximize energy production and storage

REMONT, CA, USA — NEXTracker™, a Flex company, an-nounced NEXTracker Energy Storage Solutions, a portfolio of products that includes NX Drive™ and NX Flow™. NX Drive is a standardized battery enclosure system for generation-plus-storage or stand-alone storage applications. NX Flow is a modular, integrated solution designed for long duration solar-plus-storage applications. Each is designed to maximize long-term value and offer the lowest levelized cost of stor-age (LCOS) for a wide variety of applications, such as peak smoothing, bulk load shifting and demand charge reduction. NEXTracker’s energy storage portfolio provides customers with configurable and intelligent solutions for new and retrofit-ted power plants and stand-alone applications.

Bloomberg New Energy Finance forecasts the global energy storage market will “double six times” by 2030, growing from less than 5 gigawatt-hours in 2016 to more than 300 gigawatt-hours. An estimated $103 billion will be invested in energy storage over that time period.[1] As the solar tracker market share leader for the second consecutive year, NEXTracker continues to execute on increasing global demand for smart tracking and storage systems in the large-scale solar power industry.[2]

NX Drive provides a flexible, pre-engineered bal-ance-of-system (BOS) solution for virtually any genera-tion-plus-storage or stand-alone storage application. NX Drive consists of a standard ISO form factor enclosure with pre-engineered and integrated electrical, mechani-cal, and thermal management features. Customers can also upgrade battery modules as technology continues to evolve and integrate PV and/or storage inverters de-pending on design preference. Using advanced, patent-pending technologies to ensure safe operation and optimized performance, the container delivers a stan-dardized system infrastructure for customer-supplied or NEXTracker-procured Tier 1 lithium-ion batteries.

NX Drive and NX Flow use common capabilities to ensure maximum value and performance, including:

• Smart, connected technology. An industrial-strength cyber secure data platform by parent company, Flex, combined with NEXTracker’s predictive smart control software and Digital O&M™, offer complete cyber-secure system analytics and monitoring for critical operational parameters.

• Robust, pre-engineered designs for lowest Balance of System (BOS) cost. Upfront design work is eliminated, speeding up deployment; advanced safety designs are compliant with leading authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ).

• Global supply chain powerhouse. Backed by Flex’s award-winning supply chain expertise, NEXTracker can deliver solar trackers, storage and other power plant infrastructure technologies at scale.

F“Customers face a complex set of tech-nology decisions as they design their energy systems and solutions. NEX-Tracker’s solutions approach leverages our expertise in optimizing power plant technologies to help customers make the right choice for each specific project,” said Alex Au, CTO of NEX-Tracker. “NX Drive and NX Flow can be used for many energy storage and solar-plus-storage scenarios, offering our customers a wide range of choices. With NEXTracker’s Energy Storage Solutions, we are on the front line of mass-scale intelligent energy system development for modern power plants.”

Source: nextracker

energy storage


First Tracker Designed for Bifacial Module & Certified by CPP, Sky Smart Made its Debut in Global Market

Mr. Guy Rong,president of Arctech Solar’s international business commented thatArctech Solar has made quite an effort to meet any new demand from our clients through in-novation.SkySmart is a well-designed new generation tracking systemwhich integrated technologies of bifacial module,cleaning equipment,wireless communication and so on. Sky Smart will bring a satisfactory return of investment to the system investors.

Smart tracker

Due to its high energy yield advantage, bifacial modules are becoming widely accepted by the solar PV market. To be responsive to this market trend, Arctech Solar recently launched its innovative SkySmart tracking system.SkySmart is the world’s first tracker that is specially designed for bifacial modules, and it is also certified by CPP.

COMPARED TO STANDARD TRACKING SYSTEMS, THERE ARE SIX SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES OF SKYSMART.

SKYSMART OWNS THE INDUSTRIAL RECORD N-S SLOPE 20%With the unique design of 2 rows of modules in portrait,

SkySmart adapts to 20% S-N slope, equivalent to 11.3 degrees, which is the largest N-S slope ever in tracker industry.

THE NUMBER OF FOUNDATIONS HAVE BEEN REDUCEDIf 385 modules are installed on a row, only 200 foundations

will be used for 1MW.

SKYSMART TRACKING SYSTEM HAS A DOUBLE PITCH RISK-FREE DRIVE-THROUGH CLEANING ADVANTAGE

With linked-row systems, pull pole is typically located between rows, which can lay difficulties for cleaning. Whereas, SkySmart by designing as 2 in portrait can provide double pitch drive-through module cleaning compared to 1 in portrait, it will prevent modules from damages caused by vehicles.

SKYSMART IS COMPATIBLE WITH ALL COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE PV MODULES, AND IT IS ALSO THE WORLD’S FIRST TRACKER SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR BIFACIAL MOD-ULES

Thanks to its advantage of uncovered back-side, when combined with SkySmart, the performance of bifacial modules will be maximized.

SKYSMART IS A SELF-POWERED SYSTEM WITH LI-ION BAT-TERY AS A BACKUP

There is no need for cables and traditional power supply for SkySmart, as the motor is powered by a string of modules, the extra Li-ion battery is only used for backup to bring the tracker to the safety position when emergencies come up. As such, SkySmart further maximizes the performance of battery and extends battery service life.

SKYSMART IS THE WORLD’S FIRST SUPPLIER TO APPLY LORA-WIRELESS COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY TO TRACKERS

SkySmart applies the latest communication technol-ogy—Lora Wireless, which has lower consumption but larger coverage range to keep the signal stable under various climate circumstances.

Except for the excellent technical indicators mentioned above, when compared with standard tracking systems, what is particularly worth mentioning here is that Sky Smart can maximize the value of bifacial modules with Artech Solar’s patented4 point/6 point bifacial module fast mounting fixing method.It is a key design that differentiates SkySmart from other manufacturers in the solar PV industry. The newly pat-ented installation method will help users reduce the module backside shading effectively, accelerates project installation and increases the energy yield.


While both cost and quality should be op-

timally balanced to maximize levelized cost

of electricity (LCOE), low awareness among

PV stakeholders about importance of qual-

ity materials and the perception that “qual-

ity comes at a price” have shifted the balance

towards cost. This as-sumption is preventing PV stakeholders from

taking measures to incorporate quality in

their PV module selec-tion process and thereby

increasing investment risks.

Quality is a necessity, not an option for lifetime performance and returns for your PV systems

MNRE has recently issued a new order seeking to improve the quality of components in the solar sector[Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices, and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017].This step clearly indicates that the quality of solar panels being used in Indian projects is sub-standard.

olar panel’s bill of materials (BoM) is one of the key quality aspects that has witnessed rapid changes in the past few years. Changes in BoM include thinner front glass, thin-ner cells, new (but unproven) backsheet materials such as PVDF, PET, Fluoro-coat-ing, and Polyamide (PA), thinner frames, etc. that are subjecting PV panels to a higher risk of failure in the service environment. In the ex-tensive PV field studies conducted by DuPont, that include inspection of 450 MW global installations, 11% modules demonstrated cell related defects (snail trails / cracks, hot spots) and 7.5% modules demonstrated backsheet defects (cracking, yellowing, delaminating, abrading). Most of these defects were observed in less than 5-year old solar installations with new back sheet materials which highlights the negative impact of compromises being made on the materials side.

Coming to back sheets, Ted-lar® PVF film-based back sheets’ proven field performance for over 35 years (very low module power loss)has set quality benchmarks which no other backsheet has been able to achieve. In DuPont field studies,7% modules (average age 2.3 years) with PVDF based backsheets

and 8.6 % modules (average age 3 years) with PET based back-sheets showed defects in backsheet compared to only 0.01% backsheet defects seen in modules (average age 5.4 years) with Tedlar® PVF film-based backsheets.

Some of the field observations in backsheet are shown in below figure Let’s also understand the cost differential between Tedlar® PVF film-based backsheets and other backsheets. Tedlar® PVF film-based backsheets usually come in two structures – TPT™ (Tedlar®/Poly-ester/Tedlar®) and TPX (Tedlar®/Polyester/tie-layer), where tie layer can be an adhesive based copoly-mer such as EVA or Polyethylene or Polyolefin, fluoro-coating, etc.

TPT™ backsheets (double side fluoro polymer) provide excellent protection in extreme climates where very high UV radiations, humidity, and temperatures are observed and is field proven for 25+ years in all climatic conditions. For moderate climates, TPX backsheets provide excellent protection and lasting value by delivering consistent performance over solar panel’s lifetime.

S

Field Proven solar PV materials are also provento be cost effective!

By Rahul Khatri, Technical Manager,

DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions

PV MANUFACTURING


The payback time for TPT™ backsheet is just 14 – 17 days, and that for TPX is

20 – 26 days. In other words, the higher price of TPT™ / TPX backsheet can be recovered if the system produces power for an additional 14 – 17 days / 20 – 26 days. The cost difference and payback time are summarized in below table:

The above analysis clearly demonstrates that Tedlar® PVF film-based backsheets provide an optimal balance between qual-ity and price and prove to be an extremely cost-effective solution to enhance module protection and mitigate performance risks over the long term, and therefore con-tradict the perception of quality coming at a price.

A developer might have to initially pay small premium for Tedlar® PVF film-based back-sheets, but the benefits of reliable performance and reduced failure risks on investment greatly out-weigh the incremental cost. Judg-ing the field performance results of different backsheet materials available in the market, it’s a wise decision for developers to specify use of Tedlar® PVF film-based based backsheets in the solar pan-els for their projects to mitigate backsheet failure risks.

TPT™ vs Double Side PVDF TPX vs Single Side PVDF

Cost Differ-ence ($/Wp)

0.004 – 0.005 0.004 – 0.005

Payback Time (No. of days of outdoor

exposure to recover cost differential)

14 – 17 20 – 26

Assumptions:• Average Solar Radiation: 5 kWh/m2/day• Feed in Tariff (FIT): INR 3.3/kWh• Performance Ratio (PR): 80%

Policy & Regulation

The Goa cabinet approved the much-awaited Solar Power Policy, under which the state expects to generate 150 MW of

power by 2021, Parrikar, after chairing the cabinet meet-ing, also informed that the policy would become functional by the end of current financial year.Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said here.

“Lot of people were anticipating the solar power policy. We had extensive discussions on the policy before finalising it,” he said. “It will take next two-three months to have proper documentation for the policy and by the end of this financial year, it will become function-al and will start showing an impact,” he said.

The residential societies, which can generate less than 100 KV power would be compensated by the government under this policy as per the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission rates depending on the gross metering, he said. The units producing more than 100 KV power will be compensated on net metering as the unit operator would be participating in the reverse gridding of the power, he said.

The policy also encourages power generation by individuals, who either have their own land where they can set up the unit or can procure NOC from the land owners for it, Parrikar said. “The land owner would be spared from the process of conversion of his land or permission from local panchayat or civic body, if he is installing solar power generation plant under the policy,” he said.

“In such circumstances, the power producer will have to show the documents of the land and bank guarantee of six months. But the unit operator would be penalised in case of non-supply of power to the government or delay in it,” he said.

after chairing the cabinet meeting, said that the policy would become functional by the end of the current financial year.

Under new solar pol-icy, Goa eyes to pro-duce 150 MW power by 2021


As the demand for solar energy increases there

is continuous pressure to improve quality and reli-

ability and to decrease price on products. To remain competitive in

this type of environment, manufacturers need to

increase their output, maintain or improve

quality, whilereducing costs. While these may

seem like inherently op-posing goals, they can all

be achieved by transi-tioning to an automated assembly line. However,

this process requires careful and detailed

planning and creative problem solving.

Robotics and Automation in PV Manufacturing

Mr. Lior Handelsman, VP Marketing and Product Strategy, founded SolarEdge in 2006 and currently serves as SolarEdge’s Vice President, Marketing and Product Strategy where he is responsible for So-larEdge’s marketing activities, product management and business development.

Prior to founding SolarEdge, Mr. Handelsman spent 11 years at the Electronics Research Department (‘‘ERD’’), one of Israel’s national labs, which is tasked with developing innovative and complex systems.

At the ERD he held several positions including research and development power electronics engineer, head of the ERD’s power electronics group and manager of several large-scale development projects and he was a branch head in his last position at the ERD. Mr. Handelsman holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering (cum laude) and an MBA from the Technion, Israel’s Institute of Technology in Haifa.

PV MANUFACTURING


Labour-intensive manufacturing creates a number of chal-lenges in terms of efficacy and limits both the quality and quantity of products being manufactured. Strong depen-

dency on human labour means that a ramp-up or ramp-down in response to change in demand is slow. Fast ramp-up typically requires the hiring of new employees and an intensive training process. Not only does this generally slow down a manufactur-er’s market response time, but during the on boarding process it has the potential to also increase the statistical likelihood of quality issues caused by human error.

Automated assembly is intended to reduce quality problems related to human error, reduce the amount of labour required for production, increase production speed and ramp-up, and decrease production costs. Automation is also intended to en-sure consistent and sustained high-quality and reliable products by significantly decreasing downtime to only a few hours of maintenance and cleaning per month. The impact of moving to an automated system not only can help to improve the competi-tiveness of the manufacturer, but also downstream. This means distributors can supply products when needed, installers can create more attractive quotes, and PV system owners can have increased system uptime.

Besides overcoming quality and quantity limitations, au-tomation in manufacturing may also allow for increased sustainability in multiple areas, thus furthering the benefits

of going solar. Manufacturing that is heavily reliant on human la-bour often requires that the facility be located in regions offering lower labour costs. This in turn can increase the exposure to po-tential geopolitical upheavals, economic risk, and environmental factors that can impact product quality, price, and supply.

Automation in manufacturing helps to overcome these poten-tial obstacles and diversifies the risk by making it easier to dupli-cate manufacturing in other regions. Because the manufacturing is no longer limited to specific regions, manufacturers can set up plants closer to distribution and installation centres and therefore potentially reduce shipping costs and pollution. Another impor-tant aspect of increased sustainability is the decrease in material waste. The highly-repeatable tasks involved in automated assembly enable precision so that the exact amount of mate-rial, such as potting material, can be used without any or with minimal waste. Also helping to decrease material waste is the fact that there is no scrapped material created by human error.

Just as innovation is required to develop leading products, so too is it essential for transitioning to automated manufacturing. In order to meet high-quality and reliability standards, state-of-the-art manufactur-ing technology requires production speed, versatility, and precision. Meeting these requirements may mean completely re-thinking both the product and the manu-facturing processes. For instance, products may need to be re-engineered for vertical assembly in order to allow for a less-com-plex manufacturing process. Automation may also require overcoming multiple chal-lenges. When SolarEdge implemented an automated assembly line for the production of power optimizers, it was necessary to develop solutions for precise-torque screw assembly, two-phase potting dispensers, ac-curate placement, and in-line testing. These required new developments in the manu-facturing process, showing that embedding innovation at all levels of a company can be beneficial.

While the financial impact of automated manufacturing is often touted as the major added value, there are important benefits that are passed throughout the supply chain that may impact the viability of an entire industry. For instance, at a company level, automation has helped SolarEdge keep up with downward price pressures while providing a strategic advantage in the growing and competitive MLPE market sector. But at the industry level, it has helped meet the growing demand for MLPE in PV systems, which ultimately helps increase the proliferation and avail-ability of solar energy.

PV MANUFACTURING


More Focus Needed on Urban Rooftop Solar Growth in India

India has successfully surpassed the 1.5 GW milestone for rooftop

solar installations, show-ing nearly 90% growth in 2017 compared to 113%

growth in 2016. Given the sluggish industrial

growth in India, this growth tra-jectory is fascinating. Though-Central Electricity Authority of India (CEA) plans to add around 24 GW of rooftop solar capac-

ity by 2027, dependency solely on Government backing will not provide a major boost in rooftop

installations.

Statistics show that the rooftop potential of the country stands at 1,24,000 MW. And more than 30 per cent of this can be easily covered if only 1.3% of the households in India areso-larised. This news alone should stir the Government and private entities to expedite rooftop installation in cities and rural areas. However, India is still struggling with adopting solar in the major cities.

Although, Government has offered a 30% subsidy for rooftop installation and focused on net-metering (total 36 states and UTs in India have been identified to have net-metering policies), cit-ies in India are failing to lead the rooftop solar revolution.

By : NEHA AGARWAL Head- Strategy,Corporate,

Vikram Solar

ROOFTOP & OFFGRID


Analysing City Wise Rooftop Solar Growth Can Highlight the Drawback:

ddressing the issue, India is now carefully targeting residential consumers to increase accept-ability and enhancethe rooftop solar capacity.Surveys and polls show significant public interest in accepting solar. However, lack of awareness of schemes, policies, details on the benefits of solar energy, has been the hurdle in the path of spontaneous rooftop solar adoption. Although there are 300 million homes in India, only a meagre percentage of that number have solar panels compatible roofs.

Delays in implementation of policies, delays in getting approvals for net-metering, problems in getting approval from DISCOMS, lack of clarity in cost distribution, and lack of a standard installation methodol-ogy within the country lines are creating roadblocks for the roof-top solar growth. A better control over policy development and

timely implemen-tation, manda-tory standardiza-tion of processes (technical or oth-erwise), develop-ing committees for state wise inspection and enforcement of mandatory policy and procedures, developing skilled profes-sionals, bringing clarity regarding capital sub-sidies, etc. can streamline the process and help the rooftop industry flourish.

To encourage residential and small commercial installations, the Government needs draft an easier financing solution. Easy access to finance can be a game changer for rooftop growth, bringing common men in the fold. Besides the Capex

model, Opex and other financial strategies and products need to be introduced in the market for smaller installations. Therefore, as it seems, there are multiple variables at play here that influ-ence the rooftop solar growth in India. In order to gain positive re-sults, and reach the 40 GW target by 2022, the Government must realign its actions with the vision of making India solar reliant.

Delhi has an estimated solar potential of 1.25 GW, while the city’s official target is 1 GW by 2020 and 2 GW by 2025.Surprisingly

the city has an installed capacity of only 35.9 MW as of Dec 2016 whereas about3 MW of that capacity is from residential installations.

Similarly, Tamil Nadu, which provides Rs 20,000 as subsidy for domestic consumers, has also been unsuccessful in making much progress.

The state’s rooftop solar target is 350 MW, out of which nearly 2 MW has been installed.

The current ~1.7 GW of the Indian rooftop solar capacity consists of 34% Industrial, 26% Commercial, 28%Residential, and 12% Gov-

ernment installations. This explains that rooftop solar growth is concentrated on large scale utility sector and commercial installations, which is inadvertently keep-ing the common people from the solar revolution.

ROOFTOP & OFFGRID

A


Year End Review 2017 –MNRE• Government is on its way to

achieving 175 GW target for installed Renewable Energy capacity by 2022

• India attains global 4th and 6th position in global Wind and Solar Power installed capacity

• By November 2017, a total of 62 GW Renewable Power installed, of which 27 GW installed since May 2014 and 11.79 GW since Janu-ary 2017

• Historic Low Tariffs for Solar (Rs. 2.44/ unit) and Wind (Rs. 2.64/ unit) achieved through transpar-ent bidding and facilitation

• Ambitious Bidding Trajec-tory for 100 GW capacity of Solar Energy and 60 GW capacity of Wind over the next 3 years laid down

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has taken several steps to fructify Prime Minister Shri Naren-dra Modi’s dream of a clean energy future for the ‘New In-dia’. The largest renewable capacity expansion programme in the world is being taken up by India. The government is aiming to increase share of clean energy through massive thrust in renewables. Core drivers for development and deployment of new and renewable energy in India have been Energy security, Electricity shortages, Energy Access, Climate change etc.

• A capacity addition of 27.07 GW of renewable energy has been reported during the last three and half years under Grid Connected Renewable Power, which include 12.87 GW from Solar Power, 11.70 GW from Wind Power, 0.59 from Small Hydro Power and 0.79 from Bio-power. Confident by the growth rate in clean energy sector, the Government of India in its submission to the United Nations Frame Work Convention on Climate Change on Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) has stated that India will achieve 40% cumulative Electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030 with the help of transfer of technology and low cost International Finance including from Green Climate Fund. As on 30.11.2017, Solar Energy Projects with an aggregate capacity of over 16611.73 MW including 863.92 MW from Solar Roof Top projects has been installed in the country.

he government is playing an active role in promoting the adoption of renewable energy resources by of-fering various incentives, such as generation-based incentives (GBIs), capital and interest subsidies, viability gap funding, concessional finance, fiscal incentives etc. The National Solar Mission aims to promote the development and use of solar energy for power generation and other uses, with the ultimate objective of making solar energy compete with fossil-based energy options. The objective of the National Solar Mission is to reduce the cost of solar power generation in the country through long-term policy, large scale deployment goals, aggressive R&D and the domestic production of critical raw materials, components and products. Renewable energy is becoming increasingly cost-competitive as compared to fossil fuel-based generation.

In order to achieve the renewable energy target of 175 GW by the year 2022, the major programmes/ schemes on implementation of Solar Park, Solar Roof Top Scheme, Solar Defence Scheme, Solar scheme for CPUs Solar PV power plants on Canal Bank and Canal Tops, Solar Pump, Solar Rooftop etc have been launched during the last two years.

Various policy measures have been initiated and special steps taken in addition to providing financial support to various schemes being implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for achieving the target of renewable energy capacity to 175 GW by the year 2022. These include, inter

alia, suitable amendments to the Electricity Act and Tariff Policy for strong enforcement of Renew-able Purchase Obligation (RPO) and for providing Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO); setting up of exclusive solar parks; development of power transmission network through Green Energy Corridor project; guidelines for procurement of solar and wind power though tariff based competitive bidding pro-cess, National Offshore Wind Energy Policy notified, Repowering of Wind Power Projects, Standards for Deployment of Solar Photovoltaic systems/ devices, orders for waiving the Inter State Transmission Sys-tem charges and losses for interstate sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by March 2019; identification of large government complexes/ buildings for rooftop projects; provision of roof top solar and 10 percent renewable energy as mandatory under Mission Statement and Guide-lines for development of smart cities; amendments in building bye-laws for mandatory provision of roof top solar for new construction or higher Floor Area Ratio; infrastructure status for solar projects; raising tax free solar bonds; providing long tenor loans; making roof top solar as a part of housing loan by banks/ NHB; incorporating measures in Integrated Power Devel-opment Scheme (IPDS) for encouraging distribution companies and making net-metering compulsory and raising funds from bilateral and international donors as also the Green Climate Fund to achieve the target.

T

RENEWABLE ENERGY


ACHIEVEMENTS

The details of year round initiatives and achievements of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy are as follows:

Green Power Capacity Addition

A total of 11788 MW of grid-connected power genera-tion capacity from renewable energy sources has been added so far this year (January 2017 to November 2017) in the country.

A total of 11319.71 MW of grid-connected power generation capacity from renewable energy sources like solar (5502.38 MW) and wind (5585.98 MW), Small Hydro Power (105.90 MW), Bio-Power (161.95 MW) has been added during 2016-17 in the country against target of 16660 MW. During 2017-18, a total 4809.51 MW capacity has been added till 30.11.2017, making cumulative achievement 62053.73 MW.

Other important initiatives and achievements of MNRE are:

ESTIMATED POTENTIAL OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

TARGETS

SHARE OF RENEWABLE POWER IN TOTAL INSTALLED CAPACITY

• The increased use of indigenous renewable resources is expected to reduce India’s dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels. India has an estimated renewable energy potential of about 1096 GW from commercially exploitable sources viz. Wind – 302 GW (at 100-meter mast height); Small Hydro – 21 GW; Bio-energy – 25 GW; and 750 GW solar power, assuming 3% waste-land

SECTOR-WISE HIGHLIGHTS OF ACHIEVEMENTS

• Largest ever Wind Power capacity addition of 5502.39 MW in 2016-17 exceeding target by 38%. During 2017-18, a total 467.11 MW capacity has been added till 30.11.2017, making cumulative achievement 32746.87 MW. Now, in terms of wind power installed capacity India is globally placed at 4thposition after China, USA and Germany.

• Biggest ever Solar Power capacity additionof 5525.98 MW in 2017-18. During 2017-18, a total 4323.1 MW (including 207.92 MW Solar Roof Top) capacity has been added till 30.11.2017, making cumulative achievement 16611.73 MW (including 863.92 MW Solar Roof Top).

• So far, 1.42 lakh Solar Pump have been installedin the Country as on 30.11.2017 including 1.31 lakh during last three and half year.

• Solar projects of capacity 23656 MW have been tendered and LoI for 19,340 MW issued.

• A capacity addition of 0.59 GW has been added under Grid Connected Renewable Power since last three and half years from Small Hydro Power plants.

• Biomass power includes installations from biomass combustion, biomass gasification and bagasse co-gen-eration making a cumulative achievement to 8181.70 MW.

• Family Type Biogas Plants mainly for rural and semi-urban households are set up under the National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP). During 2017-18, against a target of 1.1 lakh biogas plants, 0.15 lakh biogas plants installations has been achieved making a cumula-tive achievement to 49.8 lakh biogas plants as on 30.11.2017.

• The Government of India has set a target of 175 GW renewable power installed capacity by the end of 2022. This includes 60 GW from wind power, 100 GW from solar pow-er, 10 GW from biomass power and 5 GW from small hydro power.

• A target of 14550 MW grid renew-able power (wind 4000 MW, solar 10000 MW, small hydro power 200 MW, bio-power 340 MW and waste to power 10 MW), has been set for 2017-18. Besides, under off-grid renewable system, targets of 15 MW eq. waste to energy, 60 MW eq. biomass non-bagasse cogeneration, 7.50 MW eq. biomass gasifiers, 0.5 MW eq. small wind/hybrid systems, 100 MW eq. solar photovoltaic sys-tems, 150/25 Nos. eq. micro hydel and 110,000 nos. family size biogas plants have been set for 2017-18.

• Economic growth, increasing pros-perity, a growing rate of urbanization and rising per capita energy con-sumption has increases the energy demand of the country. In order to meet the energy demand, India has total installed power genera-tion capacity of 331.95 GW as on 31.10.2017 from all resources. With 60.98 GW installed renewable power capacity, the renewable power has a share of about 18.37% to the total installed capacity.

RENEWABLE ENERGY


PR DUCTSSu-Kam showcases state-of-the-art solar products at Intersolar Meet 2017

mong the products show-cased on the occasion were solar online UPS, ERD lift UPS, grid-tie inverter, hybrid grid- tie inverter, Brainy S 1000.

ASu-Kam Power Systems Ltd. one of India’s leading companies in power-backup and solar solutions showcased its state-of the art range of products at Intersolar India meet held at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.

Su-Kam’s solar grid tie inverter is the Made in India product that can be powered by mains as well as solar energy. It can work even volt-age as low as 80 to 450 volts in DC and 150 to 280 volts in AC and is able to generate solar power even during low periods of sunshine. With an efficiency of almost 100%, the IEC- certi-fied product can withstand dust and heavy rains.

Su-Kam’s Lift UPS is so designed to provide full power backup in case of power failures in elevators. Brainy S Solar UPS is a device with zero switchover time keeping in mind the health and safety of sensitive appliances. In the solar industry today, it is the first ever solar-static product designed to have this feature as compared to other solar system that do not provide such a smooth transition. This unique feature makes Brainy S the one stop solution for households.

Hybrid – Grid tie inverter is an intelligent combination of a normal inverter and Grid Tie Inverter which can work as both off-grid and on-grid system. This is the only system which can utilize the maximum solar power by feeding power to the grid when mains are available. When mains are not available, solar power can be utilized to run load and charge battery at the same time.

Intersolar India is among the largest exhibi-tion and conference in the solar segment which witnessed the convergence of about 200 stake-holders and a footfall of over 12,000 visitors.

The event was organized by Messe Muenchen India Pvt. Ltd. which is one of the leading organizers of trade fairs in India. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Messe Muenchen International, Germany, Messe Muenchen India organises B2B trade fairs across various indus-trial verticals.

On the occasion, Kunwer Sachdev, Managing Director, Su-Kam, said: “Solar energy is the future of India’s energy roadmap. It is eco-friendly and hence has the potential to reduce the country’s carbon footprint. All our products are equipped with state-of the art technology and are designed to make lives of our customers com-fortable and hassle-free.”


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