SolarQuarter February 2018

Special Focus- Solar BOS System: Structures, Trackers, Inverters & Storage

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Volume 08. l Issue 2

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February 2018

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 2

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 3

INDIA’S MOST READ SOLAR ENERGY MAGAZINE

Index

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS

Mr. Prafulla Khinvasara CEO- Renewable Power Projects, Giriraj Enterprises Malpani Group

Mr. Vipul Ray Managing Director, Elmex Electric Pvt. Ltd.

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

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Mr. Manish Gupta President, NIMMA (North India Module Manufacturer Association)

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� Distributed Solar Power Generation “Small is the New Big”......................................22 � Duty spanner in the works for solar projects ......................................................24 � Global Floating Solar Panels Market Size, Share, Development, Growth and Demand Forecast to 2020 .............................31 � IRENA Rooftop Solar PV Cost and Competitiveness Indicators ...........................32

PUBLISHING: VIJAY KUMAR

EDITOR: VARUN GULATI

� Industry Trends- Solar PV Mounting Systems Market .................................................34

Mr. bharat bhut Director, Goldi Green Technologies Pvt Ltd

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� Global Solar Tracker Shipments Grow 32% in 2017, NEXTracker Leads the Market............................................................35 � Global Advanced Energy Storage Market: Snapshot ..............................................37 � Policies to support the deployment of solar energy in south east asia.....................38 � Solar + Storage case studies from around the globe ..............................................44

Mr. Syed Abbas BU Head Renewable Energy, TMEIC

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CIRCULATION : CHANDAN GUPTA subscribe@firstviewgroup.com

EDITORIAL: NEHA BARANGALI SANJANA KAMBLE NIKITA SALKAR publishing@firstviewgroup.com

PRODUCT FEATURE � MECO.................................................................... 45

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: VIPUL GULATI

� Ginlong Solis........................................................46

bd@firstviewgroup.com

� Sileaf’s.....................................................................47 � Sungrow.................................................................48

PRINTING/PROCESSING VAIBHAV ENTERPRISES

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

TRENDS & FORECASTS �

Global Solar PV Inverters Market Segmented by Inverter Type, Application and Geography - Growth, Trends and Forecasts (2018 - 2023)...................................49

� Global Solar Photovoltaic Installations to Exceed 100 Gigawatts in 2018.................51 Mr. Jayesh S Dhodapkar Key Account Manager, Sapa Extrusion India Pvt Ltd

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� Regional Market Analysis and Forecasts.......................................................53

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 5

Indian News technical textiles significantly: It is estimated to generate 7,500 MWh clean energy per year.

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TPC LTD. PAYS INTERIM DIVIDEND OF RS. 2,251.01 CRORE FOR FY 2017-18 NTPC Ltd. pays Interim Dividend of Rs. 2,251.01 crore for FY 2017-18 For the financial year 2017-18, NTPC Ltd. has paid an interim dividend of Rs. 2,251.01 crore, being 27.30% of the paid-up equity share capital of the Company.

The RTGS advice for the transfer of Rs. 1,401.81 crore to Government of India, being the share of Government of India in the interim dividend, was presented by Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC, to Shri R.K.Singh, Hon’ble

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AAREE ENERGIES AWARDED ‘SOLAR MODULE COMPANY OF THE YEAR’ AT CSR LEADERSHIP AWARDS

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NDIA’S SOLAR SECTOR GETS 54 PERCENT OF THE ALLOCATED FUNDS, WIND ENERGY 20 PERCENT The Generation-Based Incentive (GBI) scheme, under which

Waaree Energies Ltd. was recently conferred the ‘Solar

registered projects were paid 50 paise for every kWhr of

Module Company of the year’ award at CSR Leadership

power produced, subject to certain caps, was discontinued

Awards, held in Mumbai on February 18, 2018, in

last year.

recognition of the company’s outstanding work in 2017.

The wind power sector gets 750 crore, or 20 percent of

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power and New & Renewable Energy in the presence of Shri Saptarshi Roy, Director (Human Resources & Finance), Shri A. K. Gupta, Director (Commercial), Shri. S.K.Roy, Director (Projects), Shri Prakash Tiwari, Director (Operations) and Shri Prasant Kumar Mohapatra, Director (Technical) from NTPC Ltd. This is the 25th consecutive year that NTPC Ltd. has paid dividend.

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ARTEK POWER MAKES A MARK IN SOLAR GRID CONNECTIVITY, ACHIEVES 1-GW MILESTONE

With an ever present focus on market-facing innovations,

the funds set aside for grid-interactive RE projects. This

it brings together state-of-the-art technology and

“provision will be used for wind power (generation-based

operational excellence to make solar affordable and

incentive) projects, and capacity of 4 GW is likely to be

accessible. Waaree has a constant presence on the TIER 1

installed during 2018-19,” the Notes on Demands for

Module Manufacturers List.

Grants says.

To continue the stellar work and to fulfil its vision to

‘Solar power’ has been allocated 2,045 crore, 54 per cent

and Construction (EPC) companies, has surpassed 1 GW in

provide high quality and cost effective sustainable energy

of the total allocation of 3,762 crore for grid-interactive

solar power projects with the commissioning of 545-MW

solutions across all markets, Waaree has developed over

renewable energy schemes and projects. The funds are

projects spread across six states.

200 Channel partners and plans to expand the number to

meant for “development of solar PV projects on canal bank,

1000 partners by the end of 2018. As it continues to seek

canal tops, greening of islands, development of solar parks

new developments in the field of solar, the company has

and ultra mega solar power projects, defence solar and

now ventured into Floating Solar Technology – FloatON,

rooftop solar schemes,” say the Budget documents.

and has pioneered technologies like MERLIN, 5BB, Bifacial, AC Module 1500V & Explosion Proof Solar Module, in

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2017, Waaree also executed more than 50 MW of solar EPC

EST BENGAL, INDIA MAY AWARD 15MW FLOATING SOLAR PROJECTS

projects and supplied 3000 tonnes of module mounting

The West Bengal government is planning award the

structures and more than 2000 solar pumps. The year

country’s single largest grid connected floating solar

also saw Waaree execute some marquee projects like the

power project in Murshidabad by March, a top official said

solarisation of 12 railways stations for Mumbai Metro.

here today. Till date, Kerala has the largest floated PV solar

India.

Apart from supplying more than 400 MW of modules in

project of 500 Kwh size. The project is being executed by

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VAADA POWER COMMITS USD 1.55 BN INVESTMENT IN 1.6GW SOLAR PROJECTS IN UTTAR PRADESH

West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited. It is set to be developed on Raw Water Pond Number 3 of the Sagardighi Thermal Power Project on a turnkey basis.

“Tender had been floated for the project and we hope

Avaada Power Commits USD 1.55 Billion Investments in

to award the contract in March. Once it is successfully

Uttar Pradesh; Signs MoU to Develop Solar Projects in the

executed at Sagardighi Thermal Power Project, we have

State.

lined up at least two more such large projects,” state Power

Vineet Mittal, Chairman, Avaada Group, said, “We are

Commissioner A N Biswas said on the sidelines of an event

geared up to support Uttar Pradesh’s mission of utilizing

of Forum of Regulators.

the potential of the sun to power its development needs sustainably. We are working aggressively to help

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The power systems EPC portfolio of Hartek Power Pvt Ltd, one of India’s fastest growing Engineering, Procurement

Cashing in on India’s solar overdrive to match its growth with that of the industry, Hartek Power has registered a phenomenal growth of 91.1 per cent in its power systems EPC business catering to solar plants in a span of just 10 months. From just 598 MW, as on March 31, 2017, the solar power system EPC projects executed by Hartek Power have now gone up to 1,143 MW, registering nearly a twofold growth.

Involving 15 substations of up to 220 KV, the 545-MW projects executed by Hartek Power in the current financial year include a 100-MW project in Nagarkurnool district of Telangana, a 50-MW project in Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh, a 25-MW project in Sangrur district of Punjab, six projects totalling 180 MW in Bellary, Tumkur and Davanagere districts of Karnataka, two projects of 140 MW in Badhla district of Rajasthan and four projects of 50 MW in Banda, Hamirpur, Kushinagar and Hardoi districts of Uttar Pradesh.

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NDIA POWER INC FOR INCREASED SAFETY & EFFICIENCY IN POWER SECTOR India Power Inc For Increased Safety & Efficiency in Power Sector. Power minister and eminent experts from the sector

tremendous opportunities for expanding its clean energy

TATKRAFT BLP INAUGURATES ONE OF THE LARGEST “IN-CAMPUS” SOLAR POWER PLANTS IN TAMIL NADU

portfolio. We are glad that this MoU will enable Uttar

Statkraft BLP Solar Solutions, one of the leading customer-

conference – Indian Power Stations 2018 was inaugurated

Pradesh to be the front runner in achieving Hon. Prime

focused solar solution providers and independent power

by Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge)

Minister’s vision of 100GW of solar energy by 2022. The

producers in India, inaugurated a 5 MWp solar park on

Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R K Singh in

company is committed to provide affordable, clean and

13th February 2018 for SRF’s manufacturing plant in

New Delhi today. The three-day event, to commemorate

abundant power for the country and will continue to focus

Gummidipoondi, Tamil Nadu.

synchronisation of NTPC’s first thermal plant at Singrauli

The project is one of the largest in-campus solar power

Super Thermal Power Station 36 years ago, was kicked-off

catapult the state on the clean energy trajectory. The state falls under high solar irradiation zone, which offers

on innovative green technologies”.

The MoU was signed as part of the ‘UP Investors Summit

projects in Tamil Nadu and will reduce electricity costs and

2018’, in the presence of Chief Minister of UP, Yogi

CO2 emissions of SRF’s production plant for polymer-based

share thoughts on increased safety standard at power plant sites. Over 800 eminent power experts gathered at O&M conference. India’s largest Operations & Maintenance

with eminent experts and leaders sharing their thoughts on safety concerns in the power sector.

Adityanath.

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 7

International News

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ATTERN ENERGY TO ENTER JAPAN MARKET WITH ACQUISITION OF PROJECTS AND A MODEST INVESTMENT IN DEVELOPMENT

27% to 35% will result in more than 120,000 new solar

projects signed after the acquisition are not subject to

jobs alone.

the net income allocation described above. There is no European

cash consideration payable at the close of the acquisition.

Commission, DG Energy, speaking at the launch event of

Solar Alliance does not assume any employee liability in

Pattern Energy Group Inc. today announced a series of

the report, said: “We want to see solar and clean energy

the acquisition and will be issuing employment offers

transactions highlighted by: 1) agreements to acquire 206

well-developed in Europe, more solar jobs and generated

to certain former employees of Aries. In addition, Solar

megawatts of owned capacity in projects from Pattern

value is key to moving towards a sustainable lowcarbon

Alliance does not assume any liability with respect to

Energy Group LP and Green Power Investments; and 2) an

economy.”

accounts payable or other current liabilities following the

additional investment in Pattern Energy Group 2 LP to fund

MEP Butikofer commented “Crucially in the short term,

the acquisition of a controlling interest in GPI, a Japanese

removing solar trade measures currently enforced by DG

renewable developer, from Pattern Development 1.0.

Trade in the European Commission could give a welcome

“These investments represent Pattern Energy’s entry into

boost to the European solar industry including new jobs.”

the exciting Japanese renewables market by acquiring

MEP Marijana Petir, stated “This surge is only possible if

a portfolio of projects and by making an additional

countries increase their solar deployment rate in line with

investment in Pattern Development 2.0 to fund a well-

policy requirements to 2020. With the right policies in

established operating and development management

place this growth could be even greater by 2030. Member

NRG Systems, which has been a major force in the wind

team, GPI,” said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Energy.

States should have the necessary flexibility to boost

resource assessment industry for over 35 years, is best

renewable energy that is available on their territory. With

known for its turnkey tubular tilt-up towers. However,

this approach Member states could develop incentives to

as wind turbines continue to grow in scale, so does the

reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and to create new

demand for lattice tower systems, which excel at capturing

jobs in the most efficient way.”

hub height measurements greater than 80 meters, when

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AFEGUARD DUTY OF 70% WILL PUT 3 GW SOLAR PROJECTS AT RISK

Levying 70% provisional safeguard duty on imported solar panels and modules from China and Malaysia – as

Dominique

Ristori,

Director-General,

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implementation, worth over Rs 12,000 crore, at risk.

In 2017, around 4GW of solar projects were auctioned

Urban Grid Holdings, LLC (Urban Grid), a leading

and these would be under implementation now. Typically,

developer and financier of solar projects throughout the

orders for modules are placed with a lead time of one

United States, is pleased to announce the completion

year. Assuming 1 GW of excess inventory to be in transit,

of two solar installations for Allegany County, Maryland

about 3 GW of capacities would be yet to tie up their

totaling 2.14 MW.

module requirements.

The two solar arrays, which consist of 6,688 solar panels,

These projects were auctioned at low tariffs, so any rise in

are expected to produce 2,736,000 kWh of electricity in

equipment cost after the safeguard duty would crimp the

its first year of operation. This energy is equivalent to

cushion that developers have to service debt.

offsetting the CO2 emissions from 229,119 gallons of

Safeguards – will put ~3 gigawatt of solar projects under

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New data has shown that 102 cities around the world are now sourcing at least 70 percent of their electricity from renewables. Encouragingly, this is more than twice the figure from just a few years ago.

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RG SYSTEMS AND LASSER EÓLICA PARTNER TO OFFER LATTICE TOWER SOLUTIONS IN EUROPE, NORTH AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST

Thanks to NRG’s partnership with Lasser Eólica, the company is now able to offer complete lattice tower solutions to customers in regions where this method of wind resource assessment is preferred. These systems include a Lasser Eólica-manufactured lattice tower as well as NRG sensors and data logger. Lasser will provide project support from development through operation for lattice tower systems, as well as installation support for NRG tubular tower systems in Europe, North Africa, and

gasoline consumed or 220 homes’ energy use for each

VER 100 GLOBAL CITIES NOW POWERED BY AT LEAST 70% RENEWABLES

under contracts of Aries following the closing.

tubular towers are not an option.

RBAN GRID COMPLETES 2,140 KW SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS IN ALLEGANY COUNTY, MD

has been recommended by the Directorate General of

closing other than the liability to perform its obligations

year.

the Middle East.

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UXI SUNTECH HALF CELL MODULES ENTER INTO EUROPEAN MARKET

Urban Grid developed and financed the projects through

Wuxi Suntech Power Co., Ltd. (“Suntech”)

a long-term Power Purchase Agreement with the

announced that 295/290W Poly half-cell

County. While the project will offset Allegany County’s

modules has entered into European market

energy consumption and provide a price hedge against

Compared to standard modules, the half-cell module has

potentially volatile energy prices, it will also contribute

significant advantages in system applications. First of all,

to Maryland’s renewable portfolio standard. With these

with half-cell technology, the module power can be 5 to

projects, the County is showcasing a commitment to fiscal

The cities have large populations, such as Seattle,

10W higher than traditional design, and this can reduce

responsibility and an investment in continued growth of

Vancouver, Oslo, Auckland and Nairobi.

the system cost with higher module efficiency. Secondly,

renewable energy resources in the State.

unit solar cell current reduces by 50% with half-cell

The analysis, provided by the non-profit group CDP, also shows that 43 cities have now reached the astounding feat of running on 100 percent renewable energy.

This includes Reykjavík in Iceland and the city of Basel in Switzerland, both of which benefit from high levels of hydropower or geothermal.

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technology and the cell temperature during operation

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OLAR ALLIANCE COMPLETES COMMERCIAL SOLAR ACQUISITION

Solar Alliance Energy Inc. (‘Solar Alliance’) is pleased announce it has completed the acquisition of Aries Solar, LLC (“Aries”), an established commercial solar company that is licensed to operate in four Southeast U.S. states.

OLAR TO CREATE 94,000 NEW JOBS IN EUROPE BY 2021

The Company acquired all of the assets of Aries, including a pipeline of commercial projects from Thompson Corporation

(“Thompson

which alleviates the hot spot effect using the hybrid mode with series-connected after parallel-connected. In addition, the size of half-cell is smaller than that of the conventional cell, which means that the damaged area also will be smaller for half-cells if cracks occurr under the influence of external force. At the same time, the traditional complex circuit is optimized by using the distributed junction box design, and the power loss can

Solar jobs and wealth creation in Europe are set to

Machinery

increase to nearly 175,000 full time jobs and 9,500M

Machinery”). In consideration for 100% of Aries Solar, LLC,

value added by 2021, according to a new EY report. The

Thompson Machinery will receive an earnout payment

The installed capacity of global PV forecast will exceed

EY report also shows that an increase in ambition for

of 20% of net income from the current Aries project

100GW in 2018. The European market will achieve a

the European Union 2030 renewable energy target from

pipeline up to a maximum of US$1,000,000. Commercial

growth rate of 35%, and continue to lead the global PV

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Commerce

will drop by 20~25℃ compared to the standard design,

be further reduced in a cross layout of installation.

market.

Solar Quarter • February 2018 8

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 9

In Conversation “WE ARE AN INTEGRATED CONGLOMERATE CONTRIBUTING IMMENSELY TO THE ENTIRE RENEWABLE POWER SECTOR IN INDIA.” defined in the Power Purchase Agreements need to be

ONE OF THE MOST

strictly followed; for which Government’s support is very important. Several DISCOMS who are the ultimate buyers MR. PRAFULLA KHINVASARA CEO- Renewable Power Projects, Giriraj Enterprises Malpani Group

of power, are in a poor financial condition. Hence, payment delays and rising receivables can upset both financial plans as well as cash flow management.

The Industry is also facing a typical challenge of Power Evacuation. While the Policy has accorded ‘Must Run Status’ for the Solar Projects, it has been seen that the backing down instructions are being given by several DISCOMS to the Generators during peak generation months.

LET’S START WITH THE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT YOUR ORGANISATION IN LAST ONE YEAR.

IMPORTANT CHALLENGE THAT THE DEVELOPERS ARE FACING IS THAT THE DISCOMS ARE NOT HONOURING THE PPA TERMS AND NOT PAYING IN TIME. THE INTEREST CLAUSE

THE AUCTION BID

DEFINED IN THE POWER

Malpani Group is a diversified Business House with

PRICE MECHANISM HAS

PURCHASE AGREEMENTS

interest in FMCG, Renewable Power Projects, Real Estates,

REALLY AFFECTED THE

Amusement & Water Parks, Hospitality & Education.

The Group is one of the pioneers in the Renewable Power Industry in India and started investments since 2000-2001.

INVESTMENTS BEING MADE BY TYPICAL INDIAN

We have operating asset of 581 MW combined both Wind &

BUSINESS HOUSES WHO

Solar Sector spread across 8 States including Maharashtra,

HAVE TRADITIONALLY

Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana,

CONTRIBUTED A LOT TO

Tamil Nadu & Kerala.

We

are

an

integrated

conglomerate

contributing

immensely to the entire renewable power sector in India.

NEED TO BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED; FOR WHICH GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT IS VERY IMPORTANT.

THIS SECTOR IN LAST

We are also exploring possibilities of entering into EPC

SEVERAL YEARS. FROM

Business of Solar Rooftop Segment and the Operation and

In last one year we have installed and commissioned

INDUSTRY POINT OF VIEW,

Maintenance Business of Grid Scale Solar Projects.

almost 75 MW of Wind Projects in Gujarat and Kerala

THIS IS REALLY A MATTER

States. Apart from this we have installed almost 12 MW of

OF CONCERN.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD.

Roof Top Solar Projects mostly for our own requirements

The Auction Bid Price Mechanism has really affected the

(including 1 MW of Car Parking at our WET-N-JOY Water Park, Lonavala). We have also installed almost 1 MW of

investments being made by typical Indian Business Houses The lack of Long Term Policy for Open Access is also a

who have traditionally contributed a lot to this sector in

great challenge. The Open Access Charges and Losses

last several years. From Industry point of view, this is really

We are also looking forward to acquire operating assets

such as Transmission, Wheeling Losses & Charges, Cross

a matter of concern.

of about 100 MW Solar Projects; which can add to our

Subsidy etc should be derived for long term; and typically

portfolio of profitable projects from which we can drive

needs to be fixed for at least 10 years from the Date of

After the recently concluded Paris talks, several countries

efficient revenues in long term.

Commissioning of such Project.

Roof Top Project at Mumbai Airport.

WE ARE AN INTEGRATED CONGLOMERATE CONTRIBUTING IMMENSELY TO THE ENTIRE RENEWABLE POWER SECTOR IN INDIA.

WHICH STATES DO YOU BELIEVE LEAD SEE MAXIMUM SOLAR ENERGY INVESTMENTS THIS YEAR?

agreed to limit their emissions. Even, in the National Action Plan on Climate Change our Country made specific target for Renewable Energy Projects through which Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) can be fulfilled. But there is need of strong enforcement to fulfill the RPOs of obligated entities. The lack of enforcement has already resulted in

I can see maximum Solar Investments in the State of

lesser capacity additions of Solar Projects & low trading of

Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat

Renewable Energy Certificates at Power Exchanges.

in next couple of years.

AS THE ASSETS BECOME OLDER, WILL AGGRESSIVE BIDDING TODAY BECOME A PAIN POINT FOR THE INDUSTRY A FEW YEARS DOWN THE LINE? Yes, I think so. The Solar Industry is till date not fully matured. The developers really don’t have data regarding

AS A DEVELOPER, WHAT KEY CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE TODAY?

the life of the Solar Panels (which are being mainly

As all know, the Prices of Power Sale have dropped

Even we have observed several quality issues after 3-4

drastically due to Auction Bid Price mechanism. However,

years in Solar Panels (of very reputed Make) installed at

there are several potential risks (such as currency hedging,

our few Solar Project Sites. Moreover, it will also be difficult

higher interest, inflations, delay in lad acquisition and

to envisage the cost of the Operation and Maintenance in

establishing power evacuation) which the developer has

long term (typically after 10 or more years).

The Government should seriously think on establishing some long term policies (at least till 2022) with Feedin-Tariff Mechanism while restoring both Accelerated Depreciation and GBI Benefits. This shall help in providing better investment climate in Renewables in India.

The long awaited Policy for Wind-Solar Hybrid also needs to be expedited.

imported from China) or the Inverters. It will be interesting to see how these major components perform in long run.

to face during Project Execution. The Government should

WE WISH TO ADD 50 TO 100 MW PROJECTS EVERY YEAR; WHILE TARGETING TO HAVE OUR OWN ASSETS OF

soon or later such projects can become NPA.

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

One of the most important challenge that the developers

As a long term investor in Renewable Sector, we wish to

1000 MW BY 2020.

are facing is that the DISCOMS are not honouring the

add 50 to 100 MW Projects every year; while targeting to

PPA terms and not paying in time. The interest clause

have our own assets of 1000 MW by 2020.

provide some instruments by which such risks can be mitigated; otherwise the possibility can’t be ruled out that

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 10

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 11

In Conversation ‘ELMEX’ IS A STRONG BELIEVER IN ‘MAKE IN INDIA’ AND WE ALSO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS LOT OF SCOPE FOR INNOVATION AND ADAPTATION.” TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE RECENT TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS IN YOUR SECTOR? MR. VIPUL RAY Managing Director, Elmex Electric Pvt. Ltd.

‘ELMEX’ IS A STRONG

Electrical sector is going through a massive change and it is moving rapidly towards Renewables and Digitisation. Solar

BELIEVER IN ‘MAKE IN INDIA’

plays a very important role in creating the right balance in terms of energy sources, but it is also bringing in new challenges in terms of Transmission and Distribution. Also, the quality and reliability of power is the need of the hour.

And in this situation, we are seeing a lot of development

AND WE ALSO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS LOT OF SCOPE

in terms of smart grid and intelligent monitoring systems.

FOR INNOVATION AND

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

AS AN ORGANISATION

Founded in 1963, ‘elmex’ is one of India’s leading

WE STRIVE TO MEET AND

manufacturers of Terminal Blocks, and a pioneer in the Electrical Wire Termination Technology. It has extended its domain knowledge in Wire Termination Technology to develop a product range suitable for Photovoltaic systems by indigenous design and development. Photovoltaic

EXCEED THE STANDARD

specifications conforming to International Standards. ‘elmex’ range of PV products complies with International Standards and is approved by TÜV Rheinland. Products

REQUIREMENTS. IN THE RECENT PAST THE INDUSTRY IS MOVING TOWARDS THE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND

Inline fuse Connectors, Wire Harnesses, DC Fuse Holder and PV accessories which are used as balance of system components (BoS) in PV power generating strings.

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

COMPONENTS SUITABLE TO

moving towards the use of equipment and components suitable to 1500V DC. Hence, we have also launched a product line of connectors and fuse holders with these specifications.

Like I said earlier the trend is towards Renewables and smart

ALSO LAUNCHED A PRODUCT

said this there is a huge need and scope for infrastructure

LINE OF CONNECTORS AND FUSE HOLDERS WITH THESE

come from Electrical Vehicle and Energy Storage. Having development in India and hence the core industries will continue to grow.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD FOR OUR READERS. ‘elmex’ is a strong believer in ‘Make In India’ and we also believe that there is lot of scope for innovation and adaptation. The developed nations are today looking at

ONE OF OUR AGENDA

THE RIGHT KIND OF

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE LATEST TRENDS IN DEMAND FOR YOUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES IN INDIA? WHERE DO YOU SEE THE NEXT DEMAND GROWTH COMING FROM? management of energy. I also feel that the next growth will

SPECIFICATIONS.

IS ALSO TO DEVELOP

key focus areas for the year.

1500V DC. HENCE, WE HAVE

As an organisation we strive to meet and exceed the standard requirements. In the recent past the industry is

years. One of our agenda is also to develop the right kind of skills in electrical connections and this will be one of our

include range of PV Junction Boxes, PV Connectors suitable for 1000V DC & 1500V DC (Straight, Branch, Panel), PV

of designing, developing and manufacturing electrical products we are targeting to double our revenues in next 3

systems and equipments need interconnectivity solutions that meet the electrical, mechanical and environmental

ADAPTATION

us for solutions and guidance for appropriate solutions

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

considering our field conditions. We also contribute to such

Our growth plans are in line with the ‘Make In India’

technologies and share our experience and expertise for

initiative. Being a local player and having vast experience

the safe and efficient management of electrical energy.

initiatives in our field by being an active member of the IEC committees, working on formation and development of standards for insulation coordination and connection

SKILLS IN ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS AND THIS WILL BE ONE OF OUR KEY FOCUS AREAS FOR THE YEAR.

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 13

In Conversation “WE ARE PLANNING TO DOUBLE OUR CAPACITY IN NEXT YEAR” WHAT ACCORDING TO YOU ARE THE CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES, BIGGEST CHALLENGES, IN INDIAN SOLAR MARKET? MR. MANISH GUPTA President, NIMMA (North India Module Manufacturer Association)

WITH RISING DEMAND FOR CLEANER ENERGY

� Current Opportunities: - Cumulative Solar Installation

AND FINANCIAL

has crossed 16 GW in India with 7 GW added in 2017.

WOES OF DOMESTIC

� Out of this the rooftop installations have crossed 1 GW mark & approximately 850 MW was added in 2017.

MANUFACTURERS,

� It is forecasted that 8 GW of installation will take

THE GOVERNMENT IS

place in 2018 which offers ample of opportunities for manufacturers.

PROPOSED SAFEGUARD DUTY ON MODULE/CELLS IMPORT…WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON THIS The domestic industry is experiencing significant losses and increasing unsold inventory due to cheaper imports specifically from countries like China, Taiwan and Malaysia.

� The India Government has doubled the planned � Biggest Challenges are various duties which are imposed on Indian Manufacturing units like GST, Safeguard Duties, and Import Duties & BIS Certification.

government’s Make in India efforts, the increased cost of poses threat to the government’s target of installing 100

POWER INDUSTRY

GW of Solar Photovoltaic Plants by year 2022.

IS ANTICIPATED TO

With rising demand for cleaner energy and financial woes

viability of the projects at stake.

With bids as low as INR 2.44 /unit the commercial viability of the projects are questionable. With the proposed safeguard duty & import duty the impact on ongoing

HAVE DOUBLE DIGIT

of domestic manufacturers, the government is certainly

projects will be very detrimental. It is yet to be seen that

GROWTH DURING NEXT

seeking to balance the two sides.

how many projects will actually see the light of the day.

FEW YEARS, DUE TO

WHAT IS YOUR SUGGESTION REGARDING SAFEGUARD DUTY TO GOVERNMENT / FOREIGN MODULE MAKERS / INDIAN MANUFACTURERS / DEVELOPERS / POLICY MAKERS / REGULATORS ETC..

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR INDIA, YOUR VIEW ON THE GOI TARGET OF 100GW SOLAR POWER BY 2022

THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO INCREASE THE SHARE OF

The government has set itself a target of 100 GW of solar

SOLAR POWER IN

power by 2022, of which 60 GW is to come from utilities and 40 GW from rooftop solar installations. While the 60

THE COUNTRY’S

70 percent duty which is proposed by the Directorate General of Safeguards Duty (DGS) is on the higher side

GW target seems achievable, the country is lagging behind on the target set for rooftop solar. We are also planning to

ENERGY MIX AND

& which will adversely affect the solar projects in India.

The cost of power generation will significantly go up, &

FALLING EQUIPMENT

achieving Grid parity will be a tough task. In addition, such a

(PV MODULE) COSTS

high level of safeguard duty will raise the working capital of manufacturers leading to high fund cost. Our view is some

GLOBALLY. MOREOVER,

reasonable amount of duty should be imposed which is a

SOLAR POWER

win-win situation for project developers & manufacturers.

double our capacity in next year.

WHAT WILL BE THE COST, TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN SOLAR PV MODULES Indian Solar Power Industry is anticipated to have double digit growth during next few years, due to the government’s

TARIFF IN INDIA HAS

policy to increase the share of solar power in the country’s energy mix and falling equipment (PV Module) costs

WITNESSED A DRASTIC

globally. Moreover, solar power tariff in India has witnessed

FALL OVER THE LAST

THE COST OF POWER

a drastic fall over the last few years.

FEW YEARS.

The solar power tariffs in India have fallen in nominal terms from INR 15 /Kwh in 2009 to INR 2.44/ Kwh in 2017, due

GENERATION WILL

A TOUGH TASK. IN ADDITION, SUCH A HIGH LEVEL OF SAFEGUARD DUTY WILL RAISE THE WORKING CAPITAL OF MANUFACTURERS LEADING TO HIGH FUND COST.

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AGGRESSIVE BIDDING DESPITE OF MANY CHALLENGES ENLISTED ABOVE, WHAT IS YOUR VIEW/OPINION Recent aggressive bidding by developers has put the

INDIAN SOLAR

solar cells may invariably cause project costs to rise, which

GRID PARITY WILL BE

TWO SIDES.

generation from solar parks to 40 GW from 20 GW.

challenges of domestic manufacturers, thus bolstering the

UP, & ACHIEVING

TO BALANCE THE

installed capacity with solar accounting for nearly 4.5%

While the move is expected to alleviate the financial

SIGNIFICANTLY GO

CERTAINLY SEEKING

� Renewable comprise almost 18% of the India’s total

to decline in module prices and improvements in capacity utilization factor.

IMPACT OF GST ON SOLAR? � Imposition of GST on Solar effective 1 July 2017 on modules which was earlier exempted in most states are now taxed at 5% . � GST on other solar components varies from 5%- 18%. � More than 500Cr input tax credits pending with the Government resulting in high working capital cost. � There are lot of variations in tax structure on different components which is resulting in uncertainty in market

should

rationalize

GST

good investments into the sector but have raised concerns over the long -term sustainability of the projects.

Improving manufacturing technology has led to the reduction in cost of solar panels which has resulted in reduction in cost of solar power generation. The reduction in the cost of solar power coupled with strategic policy of the government has resulted in increase in solar power into the energy mix of the country.

To boost the solar power generation in the country, the

EXPECTATIONS FROM INDIAN GOVERNMENT? Government

The ever-declining solar power tariffs has encouraged

Government of India has announced various policies and regulations, such as, accelerated depreciation, capital for

domestic

subsidy, Renewable Energy Certificate(RECs), Net Metering

manufacturers to help them achieving their target & better

Incentives, Assured Power Purchase agreement etc. The

sales opportunities. Some incentive schemes for enhance

schemes formulated by the government intends to reduce

and upgrade of manufacturing capacity like to be purposed

the capital expenditure in building a solar power plant, and

by Govt. Tax exemptions should be given to residents for

subsidize the power generation to make it economically

rooftop installations so as to encourage mass application

viable for the stakeholders involved in the solar power

of solar.

business.

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 15

In Conversation GOLDI GREEN HAS ALWAYS STAYED AHEAD OF THE TECHNOLOGY CURVE BY INTRODUCING NEW PRODUCTS

MR. BHARAT BHUT Director, Goldi Green Technologies Pvt Ltd

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE TECHNOLOGY NEW TRENDS IN THE MODULE INDUSTRY AND HOW HAVE YOU GEARED UP FOR THE SAME? With the decrease in module prices, attention has shifted to other factors like reducing the BOS costs, increasing efficiency and versatility.

Along with delivering consistency and quality with competitive pricing, Goldi Green has always stayed ahead of the technology curve by introducing new

LET’S START WITH YOUR COMPANY’S PRESENCE IN INDIA. Our company, Goldi Green Technologies Pvt Ltd is based in Surat city of Gujarat state. Besides, we have our presence in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kolkata and Pune.

WHAT EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE IN THE INDIAN AND GLOBAL MARKETS?

products, effectively responding to the market demand as well as customer satisfaction.

Recently we launched our new range of PV modules which will cater to the various demands in the industry for which we would like to present a brief outline.

GOLDI 5 BUS BAR PERC modules: Goldi PERC panels have a higher energy density per square foot and perform well under low-light conditions and high temperatures. Besides, 5 busbar cells offer guaranteed performance with minimal power loss due to improved

GOLDI GREEN HAS ALWAYS STAYED AHEAD OF THE TECHNOLOGY CURVE

BY INTRODUCING NEW PRODUCTS, EFFECTIVELY RESPONDING TO THE MARKET DEMAND AS WELL AS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.

The Indian solar industry is growing and is one of the

temperature coefficient.

fastest developing markets globally besides China and

GOLDI SPLIT JUNCTION BOX modules: The Goldi Split

the US. Both international and domestic players have a

Junction Box layout design enables for a higher energy

lot of hopes for India.

yield while reducing heat and increasing panel reliability.

If you take a look at the past three years of India’s track

Also results in reduction of cable length high fill factor &

record, all major corporations that were not in the solar

four times lower power loss in complete module.

business before are now turning into solar outfits or

GOLDI 1500 SYSTEM VOLTAGE modules: Goldi 5 busbar

branching out into solar. This shows that the market is

1500 System Voltage modules lead to longer string

sustainable.

length and thereby use fewer components as compared

All these years Goldi Green has focused on quality and

to conventional power plants, thus decreasing BOS

consistent product delivery. Having initially worked

costs.

with a small manufacturing capacity of 130MW we were

IF YOU TAKE A LOOK

GOLDI WHITE EVA & TRANSPARENT EVA GLASS TO GLASS modules: The Goldi White EVA & Transparent EVA

AT THE PAST THREE YEARS OF INDIA’S TRACK RECORD, ALL MAJOR CORPORATIONS THAT WERE NOT IN THE SOLAR BUSINESS BEFORE ARE NOW TURNING INTO SOLAR OUTFITS OR BRANCHING OUT INTO SOLAR. THIS SHOWS THAT THE MARKET IS SUSTAINABLE.

Glass to Glass module eliminates PID due to frameless

QUALITY, COSTS AND PERFORMANCE ARE KEY CONCERN AREAS FOR INDIAN MODULE MANUFACTURERS. HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES FOR YOUR OFFERINGS IN INDIA?

serving limited customers with quality products. We later did OEM for some reputed global players which gave us exposure to international standards and requirements.

design, with no grounding required and is free of snail

Along with pursuing manufacturing excellence, scaling

trails. The frameless design also reduces O&M cost due

up is the key to address costs. Having a 500MW

to less dust and snow accumulation.

manufacturing facility in place, our backend is ready and

GOLDI BI-FI modules: Goldi bi-facial modules have the

we can make bulk offerings at competitive prices.

advantage of producing more energy by using reflective

To further have a competitive edge we also focus on

incidental light from the rear along with light from the

dynamic pricing. Most of the contracts we sign with our

front of the module.

customers are fixed-price contracts and we only bind

GOLDI LIGHT WEIGHT modules (2mm & 2.5mm glass):

ourselves on a quarter-to-quarter basis.

Reduced thickness of glass in Goldi Light Weight

If cell prices escalate, then our prices go up in tandem

modules results in low weight of modules, very much

with them or vice versa. Our clients believe in our

suitable for roof tops along with eliminating need for

products and hence they do not have issues. Quality

expensive structural reinforcements. Uniform and better

and high prices do not necessarily go together. By

heat dissipation from glass results in lower temperature

quadrupling our manufacturing line, we are trying to

of module leading to higher yield.

bridge that gap and offer competitive prices.

IF CELL PRICES ESCALATE, THEN OUR PRICES GO UP IN TANDEM WITH THEM OR VICE VERSA. OUR CLIENTS BELIEVE IN OUR PRODUCTS AND HENCE THEY DO NOT HAVE ISSUES. QUALITY AND HIGH PRICES DO NOT NECESSARILY GO TOGETHER. BY QUADRUPLING OUR MANUFACTURING LINE, WE ARE TRYING TO BRIDGE THAT GAP AND OFFER COMPETITIVE PRICES.

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 17

In Conversation “TMEIC’S STRENGTH IS IN THE RELIABILITY OF OUR PRODUCTS AND THE PEOPLE BEHIND IN SERVICE OF OUR CLIENTS.”

MR. SYED ABBAS BU Head Renewable Energy, TMEIC

LET’S START WITH YOUR COMPANY’S PRESENCE IN INDIA. In 2003 TMEIC started in India as a back-end engineering and development support office for our HQ in Japan and US. Two years later we started commercial operations on our own. First foothold in India came in the form of award for the largest hot strip mill project in 2007, which was eventually commissioned in 2010. That was when TMEIC became a brand in India and started full scale operations.

Thereafter, many successes followed and currently TMEIC

in 2014, TMEIC started the manufacturing of utility scale

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES YOU OFFER IN THE INDIAN MARKET?

central Inverters for Solar applications. TMEIC now has 5

TMEIC’s strength is in the reliability of our products and

Sales offices, 12 Service Centres, 450 staff. Our facility at

the people behind in service of our clients. This comes as

Tumkur is 26,000 sq mtrs of shop floor space, with clean

no surprise because of our parentage, both Toshiba and

energy from our own roof-top solar power, the plant is

Mitsubishi Electric are established market leaders in client

carbon and water neutral (zero emission and zero discharge

satisfaction and so bankability comes naturally to us. It’s in

resp), natural light saving 1240Kwh/day - a 100% self-

our DNA.

sustainable green building. Our Inverters are manufactured

We meet the market needs via our Utility scale central

holds a strong market position in the country.

With the acquisition of AEG assembly unit in Bangalore

with totally green power, pity we cannot colour them so!

Talk about walking the talk on green energy!

indoor inverters ranging from 500-kW to 2.5MW Single Block assisted natural cooled. The Inverters could be mounted inside civil rooms or inside plug-and-play compact containerised stations of 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10-MWs.

THE LEVEL OF TARIFFS

In the past three years TMEIC has shipped 2.7-GW of Inverters only in India, out of which 1.7-MW in the form of containerised stations.

WE SAW LAST YEAR AND CONTINUE TO SEE THIS YEAR CAN ONLY ACCELERATE

BEING A LEADING MANUFACTURER IN THE GLOBAL PV INVERTER INDUSTRY WHAT MAKES YOUR PRODUCT OFFERING DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?

IT’S OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY. IN TERMS OF RESOURCES, TMEIC INVESTS HEAVILY ON QUALITY. THIS COMMITMENT IS RENEWED EVERY DAY ON THE SHOP FLOOR AND IS THE BACKBONE OF TMEIC’S BANKABILITY.

It’s our commitment to Quality. In terms of resources,

CONSOLIDATION IN THE

TMEIC invests heavily on quality. This commitment is

MARKET, WHICH IS NOT

of TMEIC’s bankability. We are conscious of the reliability

ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA. WE HOPE BETTER SENSE PREVAILS AND PRICE PRESSURES EASE OFF A BIT AND GIVE SOME BREATHING

renewed every day on the shop floor and is the backbone of performance and consistently work towards delivering higher value, so that the return on investment for our clients is better than what goes on paper. Out of the installed base of over 2-GW, we are running an uptime of 99.7% and are consistently pushing this figure even higher. Our clients recognise this and reward us repeatedly by investing their

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take some time before it catches momentum in India.

First, we need to inject better economic health in the

A BRIEF ON YOUR GROWTH IN THE PAST YEAR AND SOME MILESTONES YOU WISH TO ACHIEVE THIS YEAR.

from e-auctions developers are finding it more and more

India the figure is 2.7-GW. We have been rated the fastest growing Inverter manufacturer in India and currently rank

GROWTH TO THE INDUSTRY.

Storage is the buzzword these days, but I think this will

confidence in TMEIC.

Globally, TMEIC has crossed shipments of 14-GW and in

SPACE FOR SUSTAINABLE

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE LATEST TRENDS IN DEMAND FOR SOLAR INVERTER MARKET IN INDIA? WHERE DO YOU SEE THE NEXT DEMAND GROWTH COMING FROM?

among the top 3 in the country. We are hoping to cross the 3-GW mark this FY.

renewable energy projects. With the current tariffs rates difficult to meet investor expectations. It is difficult to sustain positive sentiment behind investment coming into renewables in India. The level of tariffs we saw last year and continue to see this year can only accelerate consolidation in the market, which is not always a good idea. We hope better sense prevails and price pressures ease off a bit and give some breathing space for sustainable growth to the industry. This is essential for the environment.

Solar Quarter • February 2018 18

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Industry Perspective

TRENDS - STRUCTURE AND TRACKER

W

hat are the latest technology trends in PV Structures and Trackers Industry?

In today’s industry, a commercial or an industrial consumer of solar power expects the generation to be maximum with minimal to nil effect on the tariff. Keeping this basic motto in mind, all the structure manufacturers are working on reducing the weight of the structures, both on rooftops as well as ground mount without any compromise on the strength.

affect the project directly, but also the BoS suppliers like structure and cable manufacturers. Currently, structures account for about 10 % of the project cost (including installation) and is the third most costly item in the complete project. Developers and EPCs are expecting a

innovate designs for rooftop structures that require additional tilt as well as structures that are flat mounted on metal sheds. Factors like structural stability and clearance

order to sustain the project execution. the structure design is a probable option.

price index London Metal

S

Exchange. Currently, the

ince the projects are increasing in numbers, how has the demand outlook changed for the sector?

With an ambitious target of 40 GW on rooftop solar (by

role. In addition to these factors, our structures factor in

2022) set by the government, day-by-day increasing

installation flexibility by offering mounting clamps suitable

number of EPCs, developers and OEMs are entering into

for any framed module.

the solar market. Given the number of projects going

developing FRP based structures which would be lighter than aluminium or steel, but will have cost implications.

W

Prices of structures are directly affected by the metal price index London Metal Exchange. Currently, the prices of most of the metals like aluminium (Structures and module frames), iron/steel (Structures) and Copper (Cables) are at a 7 year high. We are expecting the prices to remain stable with minor fluctuations at least till the first half of 2018.

Modules being 60 % of the total solar project cost an

prices of most of the metals like aluminium (Structures and module frames), iron/

on simultaneously across different states for a single EPC as well, it is important for installers to complete the project quickly and move on to the next site. Supply chain of structures plays a huge role here as they need to be installed first, be it a ground mount or a rooftop solar

hat are the current price trends that structures and trackers industry follow?

directly affected by the metal

With the price in metal trending bullish, value engineering

from the metal shed for heat dissipation play a vital

Some of the structure manufacturers in Europe are

Prices of structures are

price reduction of at least 15 % over the current prices in

At Sapa, we are closely working with our partners “Mounting Systems Gmbh” in Germany to continuously

MR. JAYESH S DHODAPKAR Key Account Manager, Sapa Extrusion India Pvt Ltd

project.

We at Sapa realised this need of the market well in advance and started regulating stocks of individual products, based on comprehensive analysis of previous data available.

steel (Structures) and Copper (Cables) are at a 7 year high.

We are expecting the prices to remain stable with minor

Based on the type of product, project capacity and the location of the project, the material can be supplied within

fluctuations at least till the

a week of the order receipt. In addition to that, we have developed distributors across India, who can cater to local requirement in order to reduce the transit time and thereby

first half of 2018.

support the project execution time.

additional safeguard duty (as applicable), would not only

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Industry Insights DISTRIBUTED SOLAR POWER GENERATION - “SMALL IS THE NEW BIG”

Indian Renewable energy sector got a major boost when

The rooftop/distributed solar market is finally beginning to

the Government of India revised the National Solar Mission

realise its potential, factors which are the backbone of this

target of Grid Connected Solar Power projects from 20 GW to 100 GW by 2022, which is the world’s largest Renewable Energy expansion programme. The same is sought to be achieved through rooftop/distributed solar projects (40 GW) and Ground mounted/ Utility scale solar projects (60 GW).

There is a splendid growth in the Solar energy market, Solar Power Projects Commissioned in India have increased by more than 370% in the previous 3 years from 2.6 GW to more than 13 GW in 2017 (as on 31.07.2017 the cumulative Solar Energy capacity installed is 13.6 GW). Out of this India has added 678 MW of rooftop solar capacity in FY 2016-17, growing at 81% Y-o-Y. Total installed rooftop solar capacity reached 1.4 GW as of March 2017. In the first half of 2017, large-scale solar installations made up 4,290 MW (90 per cent) and rooftop installations totalled 475 MW (10 percent) of the total.

Commercial and Industrial (C&I) customers remain the biggest market segment in rooftop solar sector with 65% of total installed capacity (910 MWp), as economic viability is most pronounced for such customers because of factors like Accelerated Depreciation, Projects being offered under OPEX model and Energy savings of more than 50% (considering currently grid tariffs in this segment are typically between INR 7-10 and rooftop Solar OPEX tariff to be INR 3.5 - 4.5).

C&I segment is followed by Residential with an Installed

growth story are � Central and State Governments offering subsidy of about 30% of the project cost. � Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) floating phase wise Tenders for rooftop Solar Power Projects, for Government Buildings with Incentives in FY 2017-18 and for Institutions/Colleges/ Non-profit Organisations etc with 30% Subsidy in FY 2016-17. � Tax Benefits for Commercial & Industrial customers, because 40% Accelerated Depreciation could be claimed in the first year itself. � Net (or) Gross Metering offered by almost all States. � Decline in EPC prices for rooftop/distributed solar by more than 30% from Q1 2015 to Q1 2017. � Rooftop/Distributed Solar Plants are more Energy Efficient as there are minimal energy losses when compared to Utility scale projects In the rooftop/Distributed solar segment, in FY 2017 capacity addition expected is 1 GW and might scale up to over 2 GW by 2019 and over 3 GW by 2020. Therefore, Distributed Solar Power Generation market in India will be apt to be termed as “Small is the new Big” as they present

capacity of 304 MWp (22%) and by public sector with 189

an attractive growth opportunity along with strong growth

MWp (13%). The public-sector segment is expected to

trajectory for years to come because of strong market

show robust growth in coming years because of the strong

fundamentals, lucrative policies from the Government,

government push, combined with incentives.

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DISTRIBUTED SOLAR POWER GENERATION MARKET IN INDIA WILL BE APT TO BE TERMED AS “SMALL IS THE NEW BIG” AS THEY PRESENT AN ATTRACTIVE GROWTH OPPORTUNITY ALONG WITH STRONG GROWTH TRAJECTORY FOR YEARS TO COME BECAUSE OF STRONG MARKET FUNDAMENTALS, LUCRATIVE POLICIES FROM THE GOVERNMENT, FALLING COSTS AND IMPROVED DEBT FINANCING.

falling costs and improved debt financing.

Solar Quarter • February 2018 22

Eco-Conscious design

Fully Customizable

Very Reliable

Easy to Maintain

WAAREE ENERGIES LIMITED 602, Western Edge-I, Off. Western Express Highway, Borivali (E), Mumbai - 400066, Maharashtra, India

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 23

Industry Insights DUTY SPANNER IN THE WORKS FOR SOLAR PROJECTS BACKGROUND The Directorate General of Safeguards (DGS) has recommended a provisional safeguard duty of 70% for 200 days on imports of ‘solar cells whether or not assembled into modules’ from all (except developing) nations.

However, duty will be imposed on imports from People’s Republic of China and Malaysia despite being a part of developing countries. The safeguard duty investigation

The above-mentioned capital costs do not factor in the 7.5% customs duty plus 10% surcharge. The reclassification of modules has increased duty on imported modules from

SUPPLY DEFICIT OF SOLAR CELLS AND MODULES VIZ A VIZ DEMAND FROM DOMESTIC SOLAR CAPACITY ADDITIONS

the zero duty earlier. As a consequence, if both safeguard and custom duties are factored, capital cost based on imported modules (except from exempted countries) will reach Rs 54-55 million per MW, requiring a further increase in tariffs.

(Custom Tariff – Rule 5) was initiated by the Indian Solar

Over the next six months, ~6.5 GW of capacities are

Manufacturers’ Association (ISMA) which has requested

expected to be tendered, which may see bid tariffs factor

the imposition of safeguard measures for four years with

in this risk. Further, 3.5 GW of solar projects worth over Rs

a request for a provisional safeguard duty while the final

120 billion (at the current capital cost) are at risk of lower

decision is still awaited.

returns or default, in case the government / electricity commissions do not provide relief via the change in law

KEY CONCLUSIONS

clause.

� The imposition of a safeguard duty will make imported

If developers bid at tariffs based on domestic modules

modules 1.5 times costlier than domestic modules

at current prices, Rs 2.9-3.15 per unit would be required

(current prices), which will require minimum bid tariffs

for equity IRR of 9-12%. However, domestic capacity for

of Rs 3.6-4.0 per unit.

cells and modules is inadequate to meet the burgeoning

� Procurement of domestic modules would increase

domestic solar power demand.

tariffs by Rs 0.4-0.65 per unit (at current prices) from

Module supply could switch to domestic market; indigenous

the current ~Rs 2.5 per unit. However, supply-demand

module capacities may flourish over the medium term

dynamics may lead domestic manufacturers to charge a premium on their products, triggering further increase in capital costs. � The duty will increase price competitiveness of domestic modules, with local and foreign manufacturers expected to expand/install capacities over the next one-three years in view of the increased demand opportunity. � Consequently, bid tariffs may rise in the near term (~Rs 0.4 – 1.5 per unit, depending on the source of modules) which would lower the competitiveness of solar power versus coal-based power. Over the long term, costs may decline again once supply-demand dynamics settle and operational benefits such as economies of scale, cost rationalization etc. accrue to domestic module manufacturers. � Capacity additions are expected to continue with a temporary blip, if at all. However, future bid tariffs could

As the safeguard duty exempts other developing nations, solar project developers and module manufacturers may still import modules and solar cells, respectively from other regions such as Vietnam and Thailand, where several large foreign players have recently expanded. This may help solve, in the interim, the supply-demand deficit.

Source: CRISIL Research

However, pricing and technology would still remain the key monitorable in this regard.

domestically.

Additionally, with inadequate domestic capacities (6.5

Even if we factor in capacity expansion announcements

GW of average annual operational capacity versus 8 GW

by domestic players, new capacity and expansion projects

of average annual demand over fiscals 2017 to 2020),

would take at least a year for implementation. Hence,

manufacturers would position their products at a premium

domestic capacity expansion would happen over the next

due to demand-supply deficit. This would further increase

one-three years. Players such as Adani, Vikram, Waaree,

prices of domestic modules and tariffs in the near term

Tata and BHEL can benefit from the opportunity and

until domestic supply is sufficient and manufacturers

strengthen their capacities to meet higher demand.

benefit from a lower cost of production.

Additionally, Chinese players such as Longi Solar, Trina

Domestic module manufacturers may charge below the

Solar etc. have expressed interest in setting up Indian

for an exemption under the ‘change in law clause’.

70% hike on imported modules, but this would depend

manufacturing units in the past, which would make more

on the demand-supply dynamics based on factors such

TARIFFS MAY RISE IN THE NEAR TERM

economical sense with the duty. Their units in India would

as imports from other regions, domestic supply and

also have access to upstream inputs (wafers, polysilicon

inventories with both module manufacturers and solar

and silica) from their own facilities elsewhere, as no

project developers.

duty is proposed on these items as of yet. With a lack of

At the cell stage, the installed capacity has always trailed

indigenous manufacturing capabilities for these inputs,

modules, and the capacity utilisation has averaged ~50%

domestic manufactures would have to purchase these,

for cell manufacturers and ~60% for modules, respectively.

which may still lead to a price differential.

factor in the increased cost while existing projects hope

The recommended 70% safeguard duty would increase the landed cost of imported modules from Rs 24.8 per wattpeak (wp) to Rs 42.1 per wattpeak. Considering that China PR and Malaysia are the main exporters of modules with 88% and 7% export share, respectively in fiscal 2017, developers would require minimum bid tariffs of Rs 3.6-4.0 per unit for solar projects constructed on such imported modules to clock an equity internal rate of return (IRR) of 9-12%.

Hence, as the safeguard duty would be on solar cells and not solar wafers, the production capacity of solar cells would need to match that of solar modules; otherwise cells would still need to be imported to manufacture modules

SOLAR POWER TO MOVE FROM BEING THE MOST COMPETITIVE POWER SOURCE Currently, the average solar power tariff is near Rs 2.6 per unit and was expected to stay at Rs 2.5-3.0 per unit in fiscal

SOLAR POWER TARIFFS RISE TO NARROW THE DIFFERENTIAL VERSUS COAL AND OTHER RE TARIFFS

2018, considering all factors remained same. This is 20% lower than average coal-based power tariffs across major states and ~40% lower than the last competitively bid thermal auction of June 2015 for Andhra Pradesh’s 2400 MW. However, with the imposition of duty, solar tariffs would close the gap. Despite being lower than thermal, the competitiveness between solar and other REsources such as wind would reduce. However, capacity additions would continue with a minor blip if at all, as players are expected to factor in higher costs going ahead.

By, Rahul Prithiani, Director, Note: Coal-based tariff is for the competitively bid auction of June 2015 for Andhra Pradesh’s 2400 MW based on domestic coal.

Source – CRISIL Research

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CRISIL Research rahul.prithiani@crisil.com

Solar Quarter • February 2018 24

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 25

Tech Insights SMART GRID, SMART INVERTERS FOR A SMART ENERGY FUTURE Smart grid infrastructure can provide the technology necessary to reliably attain high levels of solar integration

FIGURE 1: SCHEMATIC OF THE INTERPHASES BETWEEN DOMAINS IN A SMART GRID.

in the United States’ electric grid—so what, exactly, is a smart grid?

The electric power infrastructure in the United States—also known as the grid—is an engineering marvel, with more than 1 million megawatts of generating capacity and over 300,000 miles of transmission lines that provide power to residents in urban New York City and rural Wyoming alike.

However, with electricity demand and variable renewable energy adoption increasing across the U.S., the current electric grid is being stretched to its capacity to provide reliable transmission and distribution of power. To help manage increasing penetration of variable renewable energy generation while maintaining reliability, the grid could be updated to a “smart grid,” a modernization which would help automate and control the complex electricity needs of the 21st Century (Figure 1).

The smart grid is a power production and distribution system that allows for two-way flow of electricity and communication, ultimately designed to deliver sustainable, cost-effective, and secure electricity supplies. Much like

Source: Smart Grid Overview (NREL).

the internet, the smart grid utilizes a range of advanced information, communication, and energy technologies

ability to receive offsite operation instructions, and the

working together to respond digitally to variable electricity

capability to make autonomous decisions to maintain grid

demand across the grid. Benefits associated with the smart

stability and reliability. Advanced inverters can be used to

grid include:

support the grid in the case of high solar adoption in the

� More efficient transmission and distribution of electricity

following ways:

� Quicker restoration of electricity after power outages

� Capability of “riding through” minor disturbances to

� Increased and efficient integration of variable renewable energy systems A smart grid technology that is already being deployed in conjunction with solar energy generation in some areas is the advanced inverter, or smart inverter. The basic function of a standard inverter is to convert the variable direct current (DC) output of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to alternating current (AC) that can be fed into the electric grid or used onsite, a technology that effectively converts the electric output of solar panels into a usable form of electricity. Advanced inverters perform this same standard function, but additionally address some of the concerns and challenges associated with high variable renewable energy integration into the electric grid via sophisticated monitoring and communication of the grid status, the

CALIFORNIA HAS HELPED PAVE THE WAY FOR ADVANCED

frequency or voltage: Advanced inverters can direct a distributed generation system to stay online during

INVERTER DEPLOYMENT,

relatively short, minor frequency or voltage disturbances.

THE FIRST STATE TO

� Capability to inject or absorb electricity into or from the

LEGISLATIVELY ALLOW

grid: Variability in the power output from distributed generation can make it difficult for grid operators to

ADVANCED INVERTERS.

keep frequency and voltage levels within the required

THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC

range. The capability of advanced inverters to feed

UTILITIES COMMISSION

electricity into or take electricity from the grid can

(CPUC) UPDATED

help maintain system stability by keeping voltage and frequency level within specified limits.

RULE 21 IN JUNE 2016,

� Capability to provide a “soft start” after power outages:

LEGISLATION WHICH

Staggering the timing of the reconnection of distributed generation to the grid after an outage can help avoid

DEFINES THE STATE’S

spikes in active power being fed into the grid, limiting

INTERCONNECTION

the risk of triggering another grid disturbance.

STANDARDS AND

To enable the use of advanced inverters in the market,

THE ELECTRIC POWER INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE UNITED STATES—

decision-makers must ensure that regulations allow them

PERMITS THE

to be used. Three considerations for decision-makers to

INTERCONNECTION OF

keep in mind are:

required to contribute to frequency/voltage control,

THE GRID—IS AN

services, and whether they are compensated for this

WITH MORE THAN 1 MILLION MEGAWATTS OF GENERATING CAPACITY

THE GRID.

services: Consider whether PV system owners are

ALSO KNOWN AS ENGINEERING MARVEL,

SMART INVERTERS TO

� Requirements and compensation for grid stability

what amount of time owners would provide these service to the grid. � Standards that allow for advanced inverter functionality: Consider updating policies or codes and standards

the interconnection of smart inverters to the grid. Other states such as Hawaii and Arizona are following California’s lead, analyzing the cost and benefits of advanced inverter

that allow new ranges for grid frequency and voltage

enabling legislation.

requirements and staggered ramping of PV systems

Expect

after outages.

deployment and the transition to a smart grid to continue

conversations

concerning

advanced

inverter

AND OVER 300,000 MILES

� Alternative Ownership Structures: While the PV system

as states begin to further understand smart technology’s

owner generally also owns the inverter, alternative

benefits to renewable energy integration and overall

OF TRANSMISSION LINES

ownership structures (such as utility-owned inverters)

electric grid infrastructure.

could provide opportunities for improved coordination

Variable renewable energy (i.e., wind and solar power) can

THAT PROVIDE POWER TO RESIDENTS IN URBAN

in advanced inverter integration.

be a challenge to reliably integrate into the electric grid

California has helped pave the way for advanced inverter

because it is inherently intermittent and non-dispatchable.

NEW YORK CITY AND

deployment, the first state to legislatively allow advanced

For example, electricity production from photovoltaic

RURAL WYOMING ALIKE.

inverters. The California Public Utilities Commission

systems decreases when a cloud passes in front of sun,

(CPUC) updated Rule 21 in June 2016, legislation which

requiring system operators to source electricity from a

defines the state’s interconnection standards and permits

different generator during these times.

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 26

Tech Insights THE SOLAR ENERGY TRIFECTA: SOLAR + STORAGE + NET METERING Massachusetts recently opened an inquiry focused on

solar production does not meet demand and/or electricity

Tesla offer only a single example related to this broader

the eligibility of energy storage systems to be paired with

rates are low.

question.

net metering, and may become the first state to provide

Tesla’s petition stemmed from an email they received from

Several other states, including Colorado and Rhode Island,

National Grid, an investor-owned utility in Massachusetts,

have been considering policy related to solar-plus-storage

stating that they did not believe battery storage is eligible

combined with net metering. As part of a much larger

for net metering. On September 21st, 2017 the DPU

docket, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)

released an advisory ruling that the solar-plus-storage

declared the following:

system presented by Tesla qualifies for net metering,

The Company [Public Service Company of Colorado]

comprehensive guidance on the issue. The inquiry is a result of a petition filed by Tesla, Inc. in May 2017 to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) seeking an advisory ruling on the eligibility of pairing solarplus-storage systems with current net metering policies.

Integrating solar-plus-storage with net metering would allow customers to import and export electricity from the electric grid (as defined by state net metering policy) as well as store energy on-site using a battery. Pairing solarplus-storage with net metering has received minimal policy attention to-date because energy storage has, until recently, seen limited deployment (see Figure 1). While this policy question may seem obscure, it is starting to pop up in other states as pairing energy storage with solar energy systems becomes more economical.

Net metering paired with energy storage may seem at odds with each other, as net metering can lower the economic value of energy storage for solar customers, particularly in states that offer retail rate net metering.

In such a scenario, many customers see little motivation to install an on-site energy storage system. However, in states with time-of-use (TOU) rates, demand charges or net metering compensation rates below retail rates, energy storage systems have the potential to save customers money, allowing distributed PV system owners to store electricity during times of abundant solar generation and withdraw it from the storage system when grid electricity rates are higher. Solar PV system owners could potentially consume electricity from the grid during periods when

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but that net metering does not yet broadly apply to all solar-plus-storage applications, stating that the general eligibility of solar-plus-storage systems “requires further investigation.”

will allow an energy storage system that is paired with net energy metering (“NEM”) eligible onsite renewable generation to be operated in parallel with the grid provided that (a) an interconnection review is completed,

At the core of the emerging dialogue around pairing

and either (b) the storage system is charged exclusively by

solar-plus-storage with net metering is how to make the

the NEM eligible on-site generation, or (c) the customer

combination fair for all parties involved. For example,

can demonstrate the storage system will never export to

under TOU rates, PV system owners could potentially

the grid.

charge their on-site battery with electricity from the utility

Similar to the issue in Massachusetts, Tesla has also filed a

grid when rates are low, and then sell back the power when rates are high. To address this possibility, Tesla and the DPU agreed on three criteria for solar-plus-storage net metering eligibility: 1. the solar net metering facility must have a nameplate capacity of 60 kW (AC) or less, 2. the battery will be charged only from the solar net metered facility, and 3. the battery storage component will not export power to the grid.

The DPU inquiry regarding pairing energy storage with net metering is ongoing, with the DPU seeking written comments through February 2018. The issues raised by

petition with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) with respect to the eligibility of pairing solar-plusstorage with net metering. The Rhode Island PUC ruled on December 22nd, 2017, that “solar power generating systems no greater than 25 kW AC, and paired with battery storage, where the battery is only charged from the solar power generation system, and the host is not on timeof-use rates, fall within the definition of an eligible net metering system.”

With the cost of energy storage declining and many states moving towards non-retail rate net metering (often called net billing), expect policy developments to continue regarding the pairing of solar-plus-storage with net metering.

Solar Quarter • February 2018 27

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 28

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 29

Tech Insights WHAT IS THE SMART GRID? THE SMART GRID Maybe you have heard of the Smart Grid on the news or from your energy provider. But not everyone knows what the grid is, let alone the Smart Grid. “The grid,” refers to the electric grid, a network of transmission lines, substations, transformers and more that deliver electricity from the power plant to your home or business. It’s what you plug into when you flip on your light switch or power up your computer. Our current electric grid was built in the 1890s and improved upon as technology advanced through each decade. Today, it consists of more than 9,200 electric generating units with more than 1 million megawatts of generating capacity connected to more than 300,000 miles of transmission lines.

Although the electric grid is considered an engineering marvel, we are stretching its patchwork nature to its capacity. To move forward, we need a new kind of electric grid, one that is built from the bottom up to handle the groundswell of digital and computerized equipment and technology dependent on it—and one that can automate and manage the increasing complexity and needs of electricity in the 21st Century.

greater advantage of customer-owned power generators

� More efficient transmission of electricity � Quicker

restoration

of

electricity

after

power

disturbances � Reduced operations and management costs for utilities, and ultimately lower power costs for consumers � Reduced peak demand, which will also help lower electricity rates � Increased integration of large-scale renewable energy systems

WHAT MAKES A GRID “SMART?” In short, the digital technology that allows for two-way

� Better integration of customer-owner power generation systems, including renewable energy systems

communication between the utility and its customers, and

� Improved security

the sensing along the transmission lines is what makes the

Today, an electricity disruption such as a blackout can

grid smart. Like the Internet, the Smart Grid will consist

have a domino effect—a series of failures that can affect

of controls, computers, automation, and new technologies

banking, communications, traffic, and security. This is a

and equipment working together, but in this case, these

particular threat in the winter, when homeowners can

technologies will work with the electrical grid to respond

be left without heat. A smarter grid will add resiliency to

digitally to our quickly changing electric demand.

our electric power System and make it better prepared to

WHAT DOES A SMART GRID DO?

address emergencies such as severe storms, earthquakes, large solar flares, and terrorist attacks. Because of its

The Smart Grid represents an unprecedented opportunity

two-way interactive capacity, the Smart Grid will allow

to move the energy industry into a new era of reliability,

for automatic rerouting when equipment fails or outages

availability, and efficiency that will contribute to our

occur. This will minimize outages and minimize the effects

economic and environmental health. During the transition

when they do happen. When a power outage occurs,

period, it will be critical to carry out testing, technology

Smart Grid technologies will detect and isolate the

improvements, consumer education, development of

outages, containing them before they become large-scale

standards and regulations, and information sharing

blackouts. The new technologies will also help ensure that

between projects to ensure that the benefits we envision

electricity recovery resumes quickly and strategically after

from the Smart Grid become a reality. The benefits

an emergency—routing electricity to emergency services

associated with the Smart Grid include:

first, for example. In addition, the Smart Grid will take

to produce power when it is not available from utilities.

By combining these “distributed generation” resources, a community could keep its health center, police department, traffic lights, phone System, and grocery store operating during emergencies. In addition, the Smart Grid is a way to address an aging energy infrastructure that needs to be upgraded or replaced. It’s a way to address energy efficiency, to bring increased awareness to consumers about the connection between electricity use and the environment. And it’s a way to bring increased national security to our energy System—drawing on greater amounts of home-grown electricity that is more resistant to natural disasters and attack.

GIVING CONSUMERS CONTROL The Smart Grid is not just about utilities and technologies; it is about giving you the information and tools you need to make choices about your energy use. If you already manage activities such as personal banking from your home computer, imagine managing your electricity in a similar way. A smarter grid will enable an unprecedented level of consumer participation. For example, you will no longer have to wait for your monthly statement to know how much electricity you use. With a smarter grid, you can have a clear and timely picture of it. “Smart meters,” and other mechanisms, will allow you to see how much electricity you use, when you use it, and its cost. Combined with real-time pricing, this will allow you to save money by using less power when electricity is most expensive.

While the potential benefits of the Smart Grid are usually discussed in terms of economics, national security, and renewable energy goals, the Smart Grid has the potential to help you save money by helping you to manage your electricity use and choose the best times to purchase electricity. And you can save even more by generating your own power.

BUILDING AND TESTING THE SMART GRID The Smart Grid will consist of millions of pieces and parts— controls, computers, power lines, and new technologies and equipment. It will take some time for all the technologies to be perfected, equipment installed, and systems tested before it comes fully on line. And it won’t happen all at once—the Smart Grid is evolving, piece by piece, over the next decade or so. Once mature, the Smart Grid will likely bring the same kind of transformation that the Internet has already brought to the way we live, work, play, and learn.

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 30

Industry Insights GLOBAL FLOATING SOLAR PANELS MARKET SIZE, SHARE, DEVELOPMENT, GROWTH AND DEMAND FORECAST TO 2020 The solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are used, as eco-friendly and renewal energy based power generation technologies around the world. These solar panels are installed upon free land and roof tops. However, solar PV systems have a major drawback of occupying large land areas. Several countries around the world do not have large free-land areas, and hence could not implement solar PV systems on a large scale. These problems were addressed with the advent of floating solar panel technology. The floating solar panel technology utilizes water surface for the installation of solar panels. These floating solar power plants can be installed upon ponds, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and sea.

The floating solar power plant comprises floating system (floating structure and floater). The floating solar panels have several advantages over land-mounted solar panels, such as increased efficiency and evaporation control. Solar panels work more efficiently at low temperature. Floating solar panels have increased efficiency, due to the cooling effect of water.

Based on locations, the global floating solar panels market can be segmented into on-shore floating solar panels and offshore floating solar panels. Whereas, based on product type, the global floating solar panels market comprises stationary floating solar panels and solar-tracking floating solar panels.

In 2014, the stationary floating solar panels accounted for the larger share in the global floating solar panels market.

Asia-Pacific is the largest market for stationary floating solar panels, owing to high investment made by major solar panel manufacturers for the development of floating solar power plants and increased government support for floating solar power projects. For instance, in April 2015, Kyocera TCL Solar LLC, a joint venture of Kyocera Corporation and Century Tokyo Leasing Corporation accomplished the construction of two floating mega-solar power plants at Nishihira Pond

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and Higashihira Pond in Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.

The plants are expected to produce 3,300 megawatt hours of electricity per year.

power plants. Many of these countries are providing direct capital subsidies and tax benefits to the manufacturers of solar panels.

Some of the major drivers fuelling the growth of the global floating solar panels market are increased government initiatives and stringent environmental regulations, no need for acquisition of large land areas, and increased efficiency of power generation. The rapid depletion of fossil fuels and global warming caused by their usage has shifted the global interest from conventional energy resources to green energy resources. The different governments across the globe have initiated several projects and schemes to promote and encourage the generation of renewable energy. With the advent of floating solar technology, several countries, such as Japan, the U.S., the U.K., France, Australia, India, and Brazil have started taking initiatives to develop floating solar

The lack of service providers and scarcity of free land areas is creating ample growth opportunities for the global floating solar panels market. However, high installation and maintenance cost is a major challenge in the global floating solar panels market.

The global floating solar panels market was valued at $3.89 million in 2014, and it is expected to grow with a CAGR of 116.1% during 2015 - 2020.

The key companies operating in the global floating solar panels market include Novaton AG, Ciel & Terre International, DNV GL AS, Infratech Industries, Inc., KYOCERA Corporation, SPI Solar, Pristine Sun, Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited, Trina Solar Limited and Sharp Corporation.

Solar Quarter • February 2018 31

Industry Insights IRENA ROOFTOP SOLAR PV COST AND COMPETITIVENESS INDICATORS WHAT ARE THE INDICATORS? The IRENAs Cost and Competitiveness Indicators for rooftop solar (IC&CI or “indicators” hereafter) are a series of indicators of solar photovoltaic (PV) costs compared to electricity rates.

The solar PV market is one of the fastest moving renewable energy markets, with high learning rates of 18% to 22% (for PV modules) combined with rapid deployment resulting in rapidly falling costs (IRENA, 2016). As a consequence, there is a clear need for up-to-date analysis of the evolving competitiveness of solar PV in different markets.

The IC&CIs are designed to inform government, policy makers, regulators and others about recent trends in the competitiveness of solar PV. The goal of the indicators is to aid decision makers in designing, adopting or sustaining renewable energy policies to support solar PV deployment.

The results are based on a simple and transparent analysis of reliable cost and performance data, which are updated on a quarterly basis. The indicators consist of three key components: 1. PV installed cost trends, 2. Effective electricity rate when the solar PV system is generating, and

direct economic or financial benefits of solar PV in the

in total installed costs at the rooftop and utility-scale

market segments examined, either for the owner of

levels (IRENA, 2016). A range of studies has confirmed

the solar PV system or for the utility. The detailed data

the competitiveness of solar PV in different markets, such

required to accurately assess these values are beyond

as Germany. Yet, there is also a lack of regularly updated

the scope of this analysis.¹⁷ The indicators are designed

analysis in the public domain for important markets.

instead to show the evolution of the costs of solar PV

An accurate understanding of the evolution of solar PV

systems in different markets and to compare these to a proxy of the value of solar PV (on the basis of electricity tariffs) to identify competitiveness.

competitiveness in different markets is critical to ensuring both efficient and effective support policies. The IC&CI are therefore designed to help fill the significant gap in available

First and foremost, the analysis is designed to help inform

analysis, by analysing current cost and performance data.

policy makers about the trends in solar PV competitiveness.

To make the analysis as useful as possible to policy makers,

As a result, although support policies are discussed for each market, their impact on a system owner’s financial situation is not analysed. The IC&CI are, however, also designed to be a vehicle for examining special topics around solar PV costs and deployment, so these issues may be discussed in future editions of the indicators.

WHY DEVELOP THESE INDICATORS? Commercially available solar PV systems have benefited from almost half a century of development and are today a mature and proven technology. Yet PV costs continue to fall rapidly in some markets.

the IC&CI use a series of simple indicators. These still require very detailed modelling, however, combined with transparent methodological assumptions and data. This ensures that policy makers have the best possible analysis to allow them to make informed decisions on the role that distributed solar PV can play in their energy system.

The IC&CI are part of IRENA’s cost analysis programme’s core products and are designed to leverage the data available in the IRENA Renewable Cost Database and other sources. By focusing on analysis that has direct relevance to policy makers (rather than just reporting installed cost trends) and doing so in a timely manner, the indicators are

PV is one of the fastest growing renewable power generation

designed to provide IRENA’s Member States and others

3. The location-specific levelised cost of electricity (LCOE)

technologies and has experienced strong progress in cost

with timely and useful supporting analysis.

of the PV system. Notably, the IRENA indicators for

reduction. PV modules have fallen in price by around 80%

rooftop solar PV are not an attempt to identify the

since 2010, with somewhat lower percentage reductions

This analysis is particularly topical. Once the LCOE of residential solar PV falls

below

tariff

levels, even in the absence of support measures,

installing

residential

PV

systems in order to self-consume electricity

PV

becomes

increasingly a t t r a c t i v e .

Understanding when this occurs is critical for

policy

makers

and utilities, as smallscale

distributed

solar

PV

is

a

potentially disruptive technology.

At

low

levels

of

penetration, solar PV owners and utilities can

benefit

from

solar PV deployment.

Customers

can

reduce their bills and utilities

can

lower

distribution

losses,

enjoy

deferring

investments

in

distribution capacity and in some cases transmission capacity. As solar PV’s penetration

grows,

however, the strong economic for

incentive

individuals

organisations

or to

install solar PV can affect

the

balance

between costs and income in the system and undermine the

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 32

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existing utility model. As such, utilities start to look more

In all cases, the analysis does not include the impact of

first edition also provides indicators for Germany, which

closely at the impacts of solar PV on their profitability,

policy support. This is because the goal is to inform policy

remains one of the most competitive residential solar

and questions about the appropriate market design can

makers about any gaps in the level of competitiveness.

PV markets globally. Additional markets will be added in

become very important. (IRENA, 2017b)

Where policy support is in place, the relative economics will

forthcoming editions of the IC&CI.

Understanding these issues well in advance of a market

be better than that implied by the indicators – sometimes

Eventually, the analysis could be extended to other market

shift will allow policy makers, utilities, regulators and

significantly so.

potential solar PV owners to have a balanced debate and

Despite focusing on a set of simple metrics, the analysis

is not envisaged in the near future, given the resources

analysis of all the direct and indirect costs and benefits of

and modelling itself can be very complex. This is because

required to undertake this extension of the IRENA

solar PV deployment. They also can understand how the

of the very granular analysis of costs, performance and

indicators.

regulatory and support structure needs to adapt to the

competitiveness undertaken at a city/state level. In addition,

rise of solar PV, over time. This challenge will only become

the sophisticated modelling required to analyse hourly

more pressing as electricity storage costs continue to

output over the 8 760 hours in a year, while identifying the

decline, increasing the potential for self consumption of

associated electricity tariff in force in each of those hours,

solar PV generation.

is also a complex procedure. This identification depends on

HOW ARE THE INDICATORS CALCULATED?

tariff schedules, location, user demand profile for electricity and other factors.

The details of the methodology and definitions used in the

To ensure that the analysis is as accessible as possible to

IC&CI series can be found in Annex 1 and will be available

policy makers, it is based on a simple set of three indicators:

online in subsequent IC&CI updates.

1. Solar PV installed costs: data for individual systems by country – and in some cases by city – and by market

WHICH MARKETS WILL BE COVERED?

segment (e. g., residential). The analysis is focused

The IC&CI series is being launched with an analysis of

on examining trends in installed costs at a relatively

residential PV in the markets of California and Germany.

granular geographic level (i. e., at the city or state level,

These markets have been chosen because they provide

where data are available).

interesting contrasts in terms of costs and electricity tariff

2. An indicator of the value of solar PV as measured by

structures for residential consumers. Good time-series

mapping the hourly output of the PV system to time-

data are also available for all the relevant parameters.

of-use (TOU) tariff rates (if in effect) over the 8 760

Future editions of the IC&CI will include other markets but

hours in a year, assuming an average meteorological

may not have the same granularity, given more challenging

year. This is done using freely available modelling

data collection issues.

software that is specifically adapted to the task.

This first edition provides indicators for the four largest

3. An analysis of the LCOE of the solar PV systems for

metropolitan areas in California (Los Angeles, San

comparison with the indicator of electricity value,

Francisco, San Diego and San Bernardino) as well as five

assuming a 5% cost of capital. This is based on a

cities in Germany (Cologne, Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg and

methodological approach that has been used by IRENA

Munich). The locations in California cover the full range of

over a number of years.

utilities in the state, which has become one of the most

segments, such as commercial rooftop systems, but this

UNDERSTANDING THESE ISSUES WELL IN ADVANCE OF A MARKET SHIFT WILL ALLOW POLICY MAKERS, UTILITIES, REGULATORS AND POTENTIAL SOLAR PV OWNERS TO HAVE A BALANCED DEBATE AND ANALYSIS OF ALL THE DIRECT AND INDIRECT COSTS AND BENEFITS OF SOLAR PV DEPLOYMENT.

important renewable energy markets worldwide. This

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 33

Industry Insights INDUSTRY TRENDS- SOLAR PV MOUNTING SYSTEMS MARKET Solar PV Mounting Systems Market size for 2016 was valued

PV

over USD 6 billion and is predicted to witness growth over

market.

6% by 2024.

Government of Sweden

Growing adoption of sustainable energy over conventional

announced 60% subsidy

systems will escalate the global solar PV mounting systems market size. Stringent carbon capture norms coupled with ambitious renewable capacity addition target will further

to

mounting In

systems

2016,

cover

the

residential

energy storage system installation cost including

complement the industry growth. European Union (EU)

solar systems.

under its 2030 climate and energy directive aim to reduce

Growing

investment

greenhouse gas emissions by 47% from 1990 level.

towards

development

Government initiatives including soft loans, tax rebates,

of

Feed in Tariff (FiT), and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) will further fuel the solar PV mounting systems market share.

The U.S. government passed a spending bill for Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in 2015, which allows a deduction of 30% from federal taxes on installation of photovoltaic systems.

Competitive tariff coupled with declining component cost will foster the solar PV mounting systems market share.

Photovoltaic component cost has witnessed a significant drop of over 50% from 2014 levels. In 2017, Chinese panel prices witnessed 30% drop when compared to preceding year.

Solar PV Mounting Systems Market, By Product Rooftop solar PV mounting systems market is predicted to witness growth over 8% owing to its compact size, ease of installation and space optimization features. Introduction of decentralized power to reduce grid dependency will further stimulate the product demand. Initiatives including financial assistance and tax credit schemes would further complement the business outlook.

Ease of maintenance, higher efficiency and facility for inclination & orientation will embellish the solar PV mounting systems market. Ongoing demand for large capacity photovoltaic plants along with measures towards expansion of existing systems will positively influence the industry growth.

Solar PV Mounting Systems Market, By End-Use Rising demand for reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply from urban areas will foster the residential solar

EUROPE SOLAR PV MOUNTING SYSTEMS MARKET, BY END USE, 2016 & 2024 (USD MILLION)

green

structures the PV

building will

propel

commercial mounting

market. introduced

solar

systems Europe

2010/31/EU

directive, with an aim to ensure all new buildings to be net zero energy buildings by 2020. In 2016, France launched new tenders for installation of photovoltaic systems on commercial and industrial buildings to achieve 20.2 GW photovoltaic capacity by 2023.

Government initiatives including net metering, easy financial assistance and tax rebate will further encourage the adoption of photovoltaic system. In 2016, the U.S. Army signed USD 500 million contract with Apex for installation of 15.4 MW photovoltaic and 50.4 MW wind energy plant in Texas.

Solar PV Mounting Systems Market, By Technology

UK solar PV mounting systems market for 2016 is set to

Tracking accounted for over 19% of global solar PV

fossil fuels dependence and long-term objectives to curb

mounting systems market share in 2016. Ability to enhance

emissions up to 80% by 2050 will augment the industry

the generation rate by 20% when compared with available

outlook. The Government of UK has introduced ambitious

counterparts will boost the product demand. Decline in

plan to harness 30% of total electricity from renewable

O&M expenditure along with significant product price drop

sources by 2020.

will further complement the industry outlook. In 2016, first

Growing demand for off-grid electricity coupled with

solar installed 52.5 MW capacity Shams Ma’an single-axis

measures towards adoption of clean fuel over traditional

trackers PV power plant in Jordan.

lighting source including kerosene and candles will propel

Low capital cost along with limited space requirement will

Ghana solar PV mounting systems market size. In 2016,

positively encourage the fixed solar PV mounting systems

Ghana received a funding of USD 98 million from Industrial

market. Low maintenance and ability of the system to

Commercial Bank of China and Stanchart Ghana for its

withstand harsh climatic conditions will positively impact

rural electrification project. In 2016, the U.S. Trade and

the growth.

Development Agency granted USD 0.70 million to Ghana

Solar PV Mounting Systems Market, By Region Increasing investment towards clean energy technologies along with growing measures towards energy security will drive the U.S. solar PV mounting systems market.

expand over 5% by 2024. The country measures to reduce

based Home Energy Africa (HEAfrica) limited towards the development of 100 MW PV projects with an aim to electrify 75,000 households.

China solar PV mounting systems market was valued over USD 2 billion in 2016. Growing electricity demand coupled with increasing investment to diversify clean energy portfolio will complement the business outlook. In November 2016, National Energy Administration (NEA) has set a target to add 110 GW capacity from photovoltaic including 60 GW from distributed photovoltaic energy systems by 2020.

Competitive Market Share Key players in solar PV mounting systems market are Schletter, UNIRAC, K2 SYSTEMS, Quick Mount PV, RBI Solar, Mounting Systems, Landpower Solar Technology, SolarWorld, Xiamen Grace Solar Technology, Versolsolar, Clenergy, DPW Solar, SNS Corporation, Suyash Metatech.

The industry is competitive in nature and has witnessed several innovations as a part of strategy to increase global presence and enhance customer portfolio. In March 2017, SolarWorld introduced 350-watt module to reduce the costs of large scale projects, thereby achieving low balance of system costs through durability and peak performance.

Solar PV Mounting Systems Industry Background These products are generally made up of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, iron, alloy, and plastic. It provides necessary inclination & orientation to the solar panels for maximizing the annual energy yield of plant. These systems are mainly deployed by residential, commercial and utilities customers for supporting plant till its lifespan and withstand harsh environmental conditions. Rising demand for rural electrification coupled with various government initiatives will play an important role in the industry growth roadmap.

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

Solar Quarter • February 2018 34

Industry Insights GLOBAL SOLAR TRACKER SHIPMENTS GROW 32% IN 2017, NEXTRACKER LEADS THE MARKET

According to new data from GTM Research, global solar tracker shipments hit a record 14.5 gigawatts in 2017. This represents growth of 32 percent year-over-year.

The data comes from GTM Research’s new report, Global Solar PV Tracker Market Shares and Shipments 2018.

The report notes that NEXTracker maintained its spot at the top of the shipment rankings, accounting for a third of all solar PV trackers sold worldwide in 2017. Array Technologies ranked second and Soltec third.

MEXICO AND BRAZIL ARE TWO OF THE FASTEST-GROWING SOLAR MARKETS IN THE WORLD, EACH ACCOUNTING FOR OVER 1.5 GIGAWATTS OF TRACKER SHIPMENTS IN 2017,” SAID SCOTT MOSKOWITZ, SENIOR ANALYST AT GTM RESEARCH AND AUTHOR OF THE STUDY. “THE U.S. UTILITY-SCALE MARKET WAS SIGNIFICANTLY STUNTED LAST YEAR DUE TO TARIFF UNCERTAINTY, SO IT TOOK A BACK SEAT TO LATIN AMERICA.

For the first time, Latin America was the largest market for solar trackers, followed

closely

by

the

United States.Global Solar PV Tracker Market Shares and Shipment Trends 2018 “Mexico

and

Brazil

are

two of the fastest-growing solar markets in the world, each accounting for over 1.5 gigawatts of tracker shipments in 2017,” said Scott

Moskowitz,

senior

analyst at GTM Research and author of the study.

“The

U.S.

market

utility-scale

was

significantly

stunted last year due to tariff

uncertainty,

so

it

took a back seat to Latin America.”

In spite of strong growth, GTM Research expects to see continued consolidation in the industry. The report notes that vendor margins continue as

to

the

compress

market

grows,

making profitable growth a

challenge.

There

has

already been one significant acquisition in 2018, with steel

giant

ArcelorMittal

acquiring Exosun out of French bankruptcy court in January.

However, analysts at GTM Research remain optimistic.

“Fundamentals in the global utility-scale solar industry are excellent, and trackers are an obvious choice in most

developing

solar

markets,” said Moskowitz.

“We

expect

growth

in

30

percent

2018,

with

shipments approaching 20 gigawatts.”

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

Solar Quarter • February 2018 35

EVENT SNAPSOTS RE Assets 2018

Solar Roofs Maharashtra - 2018

Solar Roofs - Haryana - 2018

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

Solar Quarter • February 2018 36

Industry Insights GLOBAL ADVANCED ENERGY STORAGE MARKET: SNAPSHOT Advanced energy storage refers to the process of storing

advanced

electricity after converting it into energy. The energy is

attributed to the fact that it is the most

converted back to electricity for later use.

economical technology for large-scale

Advanced

energy

storage

market

is

energy storage technologies amass energy from different

energy storage.

sources and store it in different mediums for a period of

For photovoltaic systems, battery storage

time before supplying it to power or energy providing services. It comprises of conventional as well as novel energy storage technologies such as pumped hydro, battery storage, flywheel, thermal, and hydrogen storage.

is the most popular choice. Lithium-ion batteries are most common for power generation in mobiles and laptops but need

more

improvement

for

power

The global appetite for electricity is rising at a massive pace

generation applications. Battery storage

owing to factors such as rapid urbanization, industrialization,

is still expensive due to a number of

and the mounting rise in global population. As a result, the

factors such as need for new technologies,

need for energy storage is anticipated to remain strong

overcharge protection, and improved

to timely and efficiently supply power to the required

reliability and safety. The segment of

end-user. The demand for effective and advanced energy

thermal energy storage, representing

storage technologies is also rising due to development in

another

renewables energy resources, improvement of antiquated

option, is anticipated to grow rapidly in the advanced

utility grid networks, and higher energy demand costs.

energy storage market during the forecast period owing to

Transparency Market Research estimates that the global advanced energy storage market, which had a valuation of US$0.87 bn in 2015, will exhibit a promising 5.4% CAGR from 2016 and 2024 and rise to a valuation of US$1.39 bn by 2024.

PUMPED HYDRO STORAGE TO REMAIN MOST PREFERRED METHOD FOR LARGESCALE STORAGE PURPOSES On the basis of technology, the advanced energy storage market has been segmented in the report into pumped hydro, battery storage, flywheel storage, and thermal storage. Of these, the segment of pumped hydro storage accounted for more than 90% share in the global market in 2015. The massive share of the segment in the global

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

economical

energy

storage

the increasing focus on renewable energy.

and is also expected to exhibit impressive growth over the forecast period.

The market is expected to exhibit growth at a relatively lower pace in Europe and North America than Asia Pacific

ASIA PACIFIC MARKET TO CONTINUE TO EMBARK UPON HEALTHY GROWTH PATH

as both the regions feature mature markets for advanced

From a geographical standpoint, the advanced energy

infrastructure, especially across thriving economies such as

storage market has been segmented in the report into regions such as North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East and Africa. Of these, the demand for advanced energy storage systems was the dominant in Asia Pacific in 2015, followed by Europe and North America. The development of advanced energy storage market began relatively late in Asia Pacific as compared to developed regions such as Europe and North America.

However, it has seen rapid growth in the past few year

energy storage. The Asia Pacific market is anticipated to exhibit strong growth over the report’s forecast period owing to vast developments in the power distribution China, India, and South Korea.

Some of the leading players operating in the global advanced energy storage market are AES Corporation, EDF Renewables, Schneider Electric, Maxwell Corporation, LyondellBasell Industries N.V., and INEOS Group AG. Other prominent players include SAFT S.A, Green Charge Networks, LLC, S&C Electric Company, NEC Corporation, Beacon Power LLC, Dynapower Company LLC, and EOS Energy Storage.

Solar Quarter • February 2018 37

Industry Insights POLICIES TO SUPPORT THE DEPLOYMENT OF SOLAR ENERGY IN SOUTH EAST ASIA Using project financing as a yardstick, solar PV continues

Thailand kick-started solar investment in 2007 with a

2016, with a FiT of USD cents 17/kWh, another 17 projects

to lead non-hydro clean energy investment in the region

feed-in premium known as the Adder Program, but in

made the cut bringing 2016 to a close with 903 MW grid

given the abundance of solar resources, its increasing cost-

recent years shifted to a fixed feed-in tariff to enhance

connected installed solar PV capacity and 3.2 MW installed

competitiveness and its developing market. Investment in

investors’ confidence. Table 4.3 presents the tariffs

for self-consumption. Experts point out that the FiTs were

solar projects in Southeast Asia totalled USD 892 million

offered in selected Southeast Asian countries. Since the

high due to the extra risk for investors resulting from

in 2016, attracting 1.5 times more than the USD 588

introduction of the FiT, Thailand has regularly increased

the Philippines’ unique “first come, first served” scheme

million invested in wind power projects (although this

the targeted volume of installed PV and revised tariffs

which stipulated that a project would only learn of its

solar-to-wind investment ratio is expected to shift in 2017

in a way that reflects developments in the sector while

Energy Regulatory Commission award when the project

after significant wind power deals totalling more than

attracting further investments. Moreover, increasing

reached commissioning stage. The unique approach

USD 1 billion were finalised). Since 2010, at least USD 8.3

the duration of the PPA from 10 to 25 years helped

discouraged lenders and placed extra risk upon project

billion of solar project financing deals have been made,

increase the attractiveness of investments (Pugnatorius

developers. Net metering regulations and interconnection

an indicator of the sector’s strong standing in the region

Ltd, 2017). The rooftop market, however, is yet to be

standards went into effect in July 2013 and supported the

(Conergy/Clean Energy Pipeline, 2017). There is a clear

developed due largely to both technical and regulatory

deployment of rooftop installations below 100 kW. Unlike

correlation between the countries where significant levels

constraints (IRENA, 2017d). In the last quarter of 2017,

the FiT programme, which targets 500 MW awarded on

of investments have occurred and the countries that have

Thailand is expected to end a decadelong restriction on

a first-come basis, there is no upper limit for the net

enacted price support policies (Figure 4.1).

households and commercial buildings selling leftover

metering market. Excess electricity exported to the grid is given a credit based on the exported quantity at the average monthly cost of generation (approximately 50% of the retail tariff). Since these net metering rules have been put into effect, there has been a marked increase in activities in the industry, and it is expected that this development will accelerate due to continued solar cost reductions and retail tariff increases. Overall, significant future growth in solar PV capacity is expected in the Philippines; 3 GW of installed capacity is projected by 2022. As of end2017, solar developers were still waiting for Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) to be enacted, and auctions to take hold with the expectation that both mechanisms will reinvigorate the growth of the renewable energy sector. In the interim, renewable energy developers, particularly for solar PV, have pursued bilateral arrangements with distribution utilities to participate in the Philippines’ spot market, while waiting for the next directive

Malaysia The growth in Malaysia has been slow but steady. Malaysia’s FiT was put in place in the 2011 Renewable Energy Act and the tariffs were revised every year up to 2016 in response to falling technology costs and changing market conditions. Under its FiT scheme, the installed capacity increased modestly by about 30% each year in 2015 and 2016, to 297 MW at the end of 2016 (IRENA, 2017f). The basic FiT in 2017 for installations below 72 kW was US cents 12.17/kWh with a potential bonus FiT of up to US cents 8.06/kWh (Ho, 2017).

In 2016, Malaysia introduced a net metering scheme to support a total

Thailand

power generated by their solar rooftops to the Electricity

installation of 500 MW by 2020 in Peninsular Malaysia and

Generating Authority of Thailand at a rate fixed below

Thailand currently accounts for the largest share of the

Sabah, with a 100 MW capacity limit a year. Consumers

Thai baht (THB) 2.6/kWh. The total capacity to be allowed,

region’s installed solar capacity at more than 2 GW as of

can generate their own electricity with one meter installed

however, is not determined yet (Fredrickson, 2017).

and sell excess power to the national utilities (SEDA,

a priority; the aim is to install 6 GW by 2036 as part of the

The Philippines

2016a).

overall target of 30% renewables in the energy mix that

The second-largest increase in installed solar PV capacity

year. Thailand also envisages robust growth in rooftop

has occurred in the Philippines, where the FiT drove solar

solar installations, in response to constraints on land

PV development into high gear. With an initial FiT of USD

availability for utility scale installations, as is the case for

cents 23/kWh (20-year term and 0.6% degression rate),

the Bangkok metropolitan area (IRENA, 2017d). Private

solar capacity jumped to 62 megawatts (MW) in 2014.

investment has been so far mainly incentivised through

Tariffs were revised to USD cents 19.58 /kWh in 2014 and

support programmes like feed-in policies.

installed capacity reached 108 MW by 2015. By the end of

2016 (IRENA, 2017f). Solar is expected to continue being

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

In 2017, a solar auction resulting in 563 MW (with locational distribution of 360 MW in Peninsular Malaysia and 100 MW in Sabah/Labuan) was successful in spurring market competition. Although bidders were required to have previous experience in project financing and operation of power plants, the auction attracted almost 1 632 MW of submissions in the Peninsula and 190 MW in Sabah. Project capacity was constrained to between 1

Solar Quarter • February 2018 38

eligible for a capital allowance (initial allowance of 20% and annual allowance of 14%) enabling tax deductions over a period of six years (Hasilnet, n.d.).

Indonesia A FiT program was first introduced in 2002 when the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) issued a regulation for small-scale renewable power plants below or equal to 1 MW. In 2013, an auction scheme for 172.5 MW of solar capacity across dozens of sites was announced (Parnell, 2013). The auction scheme was not successful and was cancelled in 2015 due to issues with local content requirements and premiums. In 2016, a new regulation on local content was issued for solar PV according to a set of requirements from the Ministry of Industry (ACE, 2016b). A net metering scheme for residential and commercial rooftops was mandated in 2013, obliging PLN to credit excess energy produced by solar through a bidirectional meter to a customer’s account. Credits were to be carried forward indefinitely. In 2017, the government approved a decree that changed the FiT from a predetermined fixed tariff to a new tariff that is based on the cost of electricity generation, which varies from region to region. This was meant to encourage the deployment of renewable-based power outside Java-Bali.

The tariff is negotiated between the IPP and PLN, as the state-owned power utility to 30 MW, and bidders were inclined toward large scale

commissioned in 2019 and 2020 (Bakermckenzie, 2017).

projects in the Peninsula: 1 198 MW were received for

Prices were in the range of US cents 8-12/kWh (MYR 0.34-

projects between 10 and 30 MW, 172 MW for projects

0.53/kWh), less than the administratively set FiT (Kenning,

between 6 and 10 MW, and 72 MW for projects between

2017).

1 and 6 MW (Kenning, 2017). Foreign participation was

Malaysia’s solar market also receives fiscal support.

capped at 49%, in line with the government’s strategy to support the local industry, and projects were to be

Corporate tax incentives are available with additional incentives in place for solar systems. Solar systems are

O&M

was unwilling to sign renewable power contracts with higher fixed tariffs. The new law provides a cap based on the electricity supply costs of the region where the project is to be developed (costs vary greatly across Indonesia’s different regions and islands). As such, regions with supply costs above the national average receive a FiT capped at 85% of the average. Regions with supply costs lower than the national average are expected

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to negotiate bilaterally between developers and PLN. The

the large potential for those countries to adopt solar

national average supply cost in 2016 was US cents 7.4/

technologies. As such, policies enabling the development

kWh (IDR 13 307/kWh), meaning that the new decree

of the industry were put in place, including education,

implies a significant reduction in the solar tariff of almost

research and development, and instruments to incentivise

50% (from the previous FiT to between US cents 6.5–11.6/

the use of locally sourced products and services.

kWh). Moreover, the set tariff is fixed throughout the term of the PPA, whereas PPA tariffs for conventional power projects are indexed to inflation and foreign exchange rates. The new law puts solar power in direct competition with coal-fired power plants, and since coal is the predominant form of power generation in Indonesia, this puts solar options in a challenging position.

Other countries are also showing willingness to utilise new programmes to spur investment in solar. In mid2017, Viet Nam’s first solar PV FiT programme and PPA template were launched, gaining considerable attention from regional project developers and investors. A pilot auction for 50 MW was also launched and a net metering scheme was introduced. Cambodia, with the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), signed its first PPA for a large-scale solar (10 MW) project and within months announced the launch of a 100 MW solar park to be competitively tendered with ADB assistance.

OTHER COUNTRIES ARE ALSO SHOWING WILLINGNESS TO UTILISE

Education and research and development

NEW PROGRAMMES TO

The development of a local industry in the region benefited from complementary policies such as those aiming at

SPUR INVESTMENT IN

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VIET NAM’S FIRST SOLAR

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 42

assembled solar PV modules and an additional US cent 1/kWh for the use of locally manufactured or assembled solar inverters (SEDA, 2017). In addition, the Malaysian auction capped foreign participation at 49%.

SOME COUNTRIES HAVE INTRODUCED ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES FOR THE USE OF LOCALLY MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN INTRODUCED, THE INDONESIAN FIT PROVIDED ADDITIONAL TARIFFS FOR ENSURING A MINIMUM LOCAL was addressed through actions designed to build local

Malaysian FiT that provided an additional US cent 1/kWh

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 43

Industry Insights SOLAR + STORAGE CASE STUDIES FROM AROUND THE GLOBE agreement tariff is 7 US cents / kWh

energy market resulted in streamlined interconnection and

generated plus a premium of 2.5 US cents

integration. It is estimated that the total investment required

/ kWh to reflect the “smoothing” of the PV

to develop and commission the Angamos ESS plant was

power and deferred investment in reactive

roughly $30 million. By covering the thermal plant’s reserve

power compensation. The resulting all-

capacity and frequency regulation requirements, the plant will

in power cost of 9.5 US cents / kWh is at

be able to increase its generation output by an estimated 4

parity with Minster’s average retail tariff.

percent, about 130 GWh annually. Wholesale electricity prices

The economics are further improved

vary considerably throughout Chile, and many generators are

by a payment from the PJM frequency

contracted directly through power purchase agreements.

regulation market, determined through a bidding process.

Nevertheless, in 2014, the average spot market prices in the country were $104.4/MWh. By increasing the annual output

A key aspect of any energy storage

of the plant by 130 GWh, the ESS could result in maximum

project is trust that the system will

additional annual revenue of $13.5 million for the plant. This

deliver expected value and savings, thus

would result in a payback period of only 2.2 years for the 20

unlocking affordable financing. In the

MW storage facility. The main beneficiary of the additional

Minster project, the performance of

revenue generated by the Angamos ESS will be AES which

the battery was guaranteed through a

both developed and owns the system as well as the associated

VILLAGE OF MINSTER, OHIO, UNITED STATES

warranty from LG Chem, a well-established

power plant. However there are numerous benefits to

and reputable vendor. Furthermore, performance in the PJM

the entire region from the development of this project. In

The energy storage system commissioned in early 2016

frequency regulation market was guaranteed by Viridity,

addition to the investment in the region and the creation of

in Minster, Ohio, in the United States, has been cited as a

an S&C Electric and market analysis software provider. The

construction and engineering jobs, this system will improve

leading case study for effectively deploying this technology.

involvement of these trusted vendors limited the risk to the

the overall reliability of the power grid and can decrease both

The project offers an example of providing value to multiple

customers and kept project costs low because they enabled

wholesale prices and retail electricity rates. By allowing the

stakeholders, including the local municipal government, while

affordable financing. Another key to the success of this project

coal power plant to run at greater levels of efficiency, less fuel

also improving the stability of the grid and facilitating the

was the use of advanced software platforms provided by S&C

is required to generate a given amount of electricity, reducing

integration of renewable energy. Minster is a small town with

and Viridity to manage the operation of the system and to

the marginal costs of generation. These savings can allow the

only about 2,800 residents. However there are several large

analyze opportunities to earn revenue in the PJM market.

plant to bid lower prices into wholesale markets, driving down

C&I facilities which require reliable and high quality power

These platforms can greatly improve a project’s economics by

average prices in the region. Additionally the fast responding

for their operations. As a part of the PJM Interconnection

identifying the most lucrative operation of the storage system

and more accurate frequency regulation provided by the ESS

regional market, the town must purchase electricity in a

at all times.

can allow for a greater amount of renewable energy to be

competitive market with costs impacted by the total peak

Software is key to improving the value proposition of energy

added in the region without compromising grid stability.

capacity required. Minster’s local government has been

storage, particularly in emerging markets, by determining

exploring possibilities to reduce electricity expenses.

The main beneficiary of the additional revenue generated by

the ideal system size and analyzing the optimal services a

the Angamos ESS will be AES which both developed and owns

The town worked with developer Half Moon Ventures to

system should provide. This project provided a model that

the system as well as the associated power plant. However

construct a 4.2 MW solar PV plant that will reduce the total

should be, and already is, being replicated around the world.

there are numerous benefits to the entire region from the

amount of energy purchased from the market while also

A challenge for this replication, however, is whether a project

development of this project. In addition to the investment in

reducing the town’s carbon footprint. However solar PV alone

can be financed with complex revenue streams that financiers

the region and the creation of construction and engineering

cannot guarantee a reduction in the town’s peak demand,

are unfamiliar with. Working with reputable and established

jobs, this system will improve the overall reliability of the

which drives much of the overall cost for electricity. With this

vendors can greatly reduce the risk to customers and lenders

power grid and can decrease both wholesale prices and retail

and other factors in mind, Minster and Half Moon Ventures

for such projects.

electricity rates. By allowing the coal power plant to run at

developed a large-scale energy storage system with systems

greater levels of efficiency, less fuel is required to generate

MW / 3 MWh li-ion system will provide numerous benefits for

AES ANGAMOS ENERGY STORAGE ARRAY, CHILE

the town’s residents and businesses. This project was financed

Commissioned in 2012, AES Energy Storage’s Angamos li-ion

prices into wholesale markets, driving down average prices

and is owned by the developer Half Moon Ventures, but

storage facility was the second large-scale advanced energy

in the region. Additionally the fast responding and more

details on the financing structure have not been made public.

storage project undertaken in Chile. (See Picture 4.1). The

accurate frequency regulation provided by the ESS can allow

The stacking of revenue streams will be important for energy

project is integrated with a 544 MW coal power plant near

for a greater amount of renewable energy to be added in the

the town of Mejillones. The plant is owned by AES Gener, an

region without compromising grid stability.

AES Corporation subsidiary which also owns the Angamos

This project takes advantage of Chile’s energy market

storage system. Building on the success of AES’s first energy

deregulation, which separates entities for the generation,

storage project in the region, which was commissioned in

transmission, and retail sales of electricity in wholesale

2009, the company developed the 2012 Angamos project

markets. This market structure allows AES to deploy

to allow the thermal plant to operate at optimal efficiency

private capital to improve the efficiency of its plants and its

levels while still meeting its required obligations to provide

competitiveness in the wholesale markets while at the same

spinning reserve capacity. This legally required capacity

time providing new infrastructure to support the regional

is required to be available to maintain grid stability in the

grid’s growth and to integrate renewables. With some of the

event of an unexpected transmission loss or the failure of a

highest levels of solar irradiance in the world, the Chilean

large generator. Furthermore the plant is required to adjust

government is looking to deploy large amounts of solar PV

its output periodically in response to changes in the grid’s

in the country’s north. This project will help facilitate the

frequency because coal-fired plants are inherently inefficient

integration of these new resources and help the country meet

and slow to respond to rapid changes in system frequency.

a goal of generating 20 percent of its energy from renewables

The ESS with a 20 MW peak capacity can provide the plant’s

by 2025. The Angamos project is considered a major success

required spinning reserves while also injecting and absorbing

and is leading to additional projects. AES Energy Storage

power, allowing the coal generators to run at optimal

is building another 20 MW project in Northern Chile, and

consideration for its C&I customers. The addition of a large

efficiency.

developer NEC Energy Solutions announced a 12 MW ESS in

solar PV system on the town’s grid presents the possibility

This project was privately financed by its owner Empresa

2015. Chile’s experience provides a good framework for how

of rapid fluctuations in output which can cause damage to

Eléctrica Angamos S.A., which is a subsidiary of AES Gener and

emerging markets can capitalize on local renewable resources

grid infrastructure. By smoothing solar PV output, the ESS

also owns the associated Angamos power plant.The ability

and the capital of foreign investors. Allowing for more open

allowed the town to avoid purchasing power factor correction

of the corporation to privately finance this project greatly

competition among energy generation and ancillary service

capacitors that would cost an estimated $350,000. According

simplified the development process, and the owner’s close

providers has been key for these developments in Chile, and

to a July 2016 article on Utility Dive, the power purchase

relationship with regulators and knowledge of the Chilean

should be considered by market regulators in other countries.

integrator S&C Electric and battery provider LG Chem. The 7

storage to be a solid investment, particularly in emerging markets where project development may be more expensive and where there are fewer opportunities to generate revenue in competitive markets. The town’s primary stated goal for this project is to reduce its cost for imported electricity by reducing the total peak demand which determines its peak load contribution to the regional grid. However peak demand is rarely reached in the town and the ESS may only be required to actually reduce peak demand for about 10 days per year, enabling the system to be available for other services most of the year. In practice, the primary application for this system is providing frequency regulation services in PJM’s competitive ancillary services market. When peak demand is unlikely to be met, the system bids its capacity into the market to respond to signals to absorb or discharge power, earning revenue based on the amount of energy dispatched. Additionally, this system is used to improve power quality in the village, a key

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

a given amount of electricity, reducing the marginal costs of generation. These savings can allow the plant to bid lower

Solar Quarter • February 2018 44

Product Feature MECO “SOLAR POWER METER MODEL 936” MECO Solar Power Meter is a portable meter used for

� Easy measurement for rate of daylight penetration

measuring Solar Power or Solar Irradiance. It uses High

� Auto change for measuring range

sensitivity Silicon Photodiode to measure solar power. Solar Meter can also detect Solar Tilt Angle with Orientation.

This instrument is designed to measure solar power in the

� Auto power off with disable function � Instantaneous display Ave/Min/Max values

range from 400 to 1100 nanometers. It Measures the solar

� 20 points memory

power and transmission up to 2000 W/m2. Solar Power

� Socket of tripod mounting

Meter has Max / Min / Avg and data hold functions to

� Magnetic mount

indentify locations with maximum or minimum power. The good spectral range, orientation and angular detection of meter allow users to conduct the most precise quantitative measurements of Solar Power Radiation.

FEATURES : � Solar power measurement with Orientation and Tilt

� Backlit LCD and 4 digits triple display

APPLICATIONS :

� Physics and optical laboratories

� Solar radiation measurements

� Meteorology

� Solar power research for location of the solar panels or

� Agriculture

solar water heater

� Windows performance – calculation and verification of the heating or heat reduction caused by direct sunlight.

angle

MECO OFFER SOLAR MODULE ANALYZER, MODEL – 9018BT The MECO Solar System Analyzer is a portable analyzer

at production line, warehouse or site of installation,

conversion of I-V curve under

used for testing, monitoring, measuring, analyzing and

maintenance of solar panels, identify requirement of solar

OPC to data under Standard

troubleshooting various parameters of Solar System.

power system, verify best angle of installation and for

Test Condition (STC) based

Analyzer draws I-V curve with parameters such as Voc,

Research and Development.

upon IEC standard, users can

Isc, Vpm, Ipm with efficiency (%) calculation for solar

Analyzer is supplied with user friendly software for Data

setup series number of solar

system. This analyzer comes with Remote Solar Detector for measuring and monitoring solar irradiance and temperature. The Analyzer and Remote Solar Detector is connected by Bluetooth Wireless technology (Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR Class 1).

Storing and Analysis. Users can store data (.CSV/.TXT) that can be read in MS Excel and print Waveform / Graph via printer. Users can generate test report with testing data and curves of information. This report can be viewed by browser and printed out. Report can be varied according to

Solar analyzer has Intelligent Test Logic with no personal

the selected curve items (OPC/STC/OPC, STC).

attendance required. Solar System Analyzer waits and

Other features: Max. Solar Panel Power (Pmax) search by

tests the system until appropriate sun light Irradiance is detected. The system continuously monitors DC output of Solar System and AC power output of inverter; calculate Efficiency of DC to AC power conversion and maximum output power. The analyzer can be used for quality control

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Auto-Scan : 1000V & 12A (12000W capability), Memory Size 512KB (3980Mod, 320 REC, 3980 PWR or 3980 IRR files), Series Resistance of solar panels, with Data logging/ Open function the I-V curves of the solar system can be analyzed/ recorded for period of time (eg.60min.),

panels so that parameters of many panels can be measured in

single

measurement,

irradiance and temperature of the solar panels can be continuously monitored

measured, and

recorded,

provide OPC and STC test reports for verification of solar panels performance (OK or NO OK), Large LCD backlight, AC Adaptor & Rechargeable Lithium Battery, I-V Curve with Cursor to Display each Data Point.

Solar Quarter • February 2018 45

Product Feature GINLONG SOLIS INVERTER IS LISTED ON APPROVED VENDOR LISTS OF LEADING BANKS AND FINANCING INSTITUTES Ginlong Solis is one of the oldest and largest global string

� 2016 Awarded as the Best Distributed Inverter Brand

inverter manufacturer specialists, for converting DC to

� 2016&2017

AC power and interacting with utility grid. Residential, commercial and utility scale solar market include home owners, business owners, utilities, solar developers and investors benefit from a complete product line of ultrareliable, bankable, cost effective and innovative string inverter technologies, selling under Ginlong Solis brands.

Top 3 energy storage inverter supplier

in China � 2016&2017

Ginlong awarded TOP BRAND PV by

EuPD Research � 2017 Ginlong got the APVIA Technology Achievement Award

These products are installed globally, optimized for local

� 2017 – Team of 600 Employees catering to International

markets and serviced by local experienced teams - to

Business across the World with shipments to exceed

deliver significant long-term return on investment for

3GW

stakeholders and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.

Reliability & Innovation is the key to success of Ginlong Solis Inverter � Ginlong Solis Inverters Are Installed On Eiffel Tower

Ginlong Solis Inverters provide a quality option for an affordable and reliable photovoltaic inverter system � Company Website: http://www.ginlong.com/ � Year Founded: 2005 with Headquarters in Ningbo,

Ginlong Solis inverter is listed on Approved Vendor Lists of

Zhejiang (China)

leading banks and financing institutes. Third party inverter

� Made in: Various

qualification testing was completed by DNV GL. Ginlong

� Product lines: Solar Inverters, Inverter Monitoring

Solis inverter products have an outstanding field record in the Ginlong Solis Inverter products have an outstanding field record typically suiting the Indian subcontinent’s

� Warranty: 5 Year Limited Warranty (Extendable) We are expertise in providing end to end solutions

climatic conditions as well as the grid variations

including maintenance and services

COMPANY OVERVIEW

HIGHLIGHTS

� One of the Earliest Manufacturers of Grid – tie Inverters

� High value grid-tied inverter from a global manufacturer � Low failure rates, proven for reliability

in the World � Over 15 years of Design and 13 years of Supply History

� R&D driven company focusing on sustainability

� Only the Second company to achieve UK G83

� Affordable inverters with industry leading technology

certification in 2006 � First Chinese Company to achieve UL 1741 certification in 2009

� WIDE PRODUCT RANGE: 700WATT to 70KW

� Second Chinese Company to achieve AS 4777 / AS 3100 certification in 2009 Complex –

Ginlong

� ULTRA LOW VOLTAGE STARTUP � MULTI MPPT

� 2003 – Started as an R&D company in UK University � 2005

FEATURED PRODUCT

Technologies

founded

by

Yiming (Jimmy) Wang Born in Shanghai in 1981 M.Sc. (University of Edinburgh), Ph.D. Study (University of Bristol) Committee Member of IEC 61400-2 Standard Ph.D. Supervisor and Invited Researcher for Chinese Academy of Sciences (Ningbo) Distinguished Professor and group leader at Shanghai University of Electric Power Listed as 4040 by Recharger (40 Global Renewable Energy Leader under 40 years) � Renowned R&D Team and government Authorised

� MAXIMUM 4 � HIGH EFFICIENCY 99% � WIFI AND MONITORING APP AVAILABLE � NUMEROUS PROTECTION FUNCTIONS

TECHNOLOGY SPECIFICATION � SOLAR GRID TIED INVERTER WITH MULTI MPPT TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS � ULTRA LOW VOLTAGE STARTUP � COMPACT AND LIGHT DESIGN,EASY INSTALLATION

Research Lab � Over 80 world class engineers from different countries

ACHIEVEMENTS � 2015 Top 12 inverter sales in Europe

� DUE TO INDEPENDENT MPPT INTELLIGENCY WE CAN DO ASSIMETRICAL DESIGN ON EACH MPPT INPUT

TARGET

Top 3 PV string inverter brand value in

� ROOFTOP: BECAUSE OF MULTI INDEPENDENT MPPT

� 2016 Top 5 global single-phase string inverter market

� GROUND MOUNTED: EVERY INVERTER GENERATE

� 2015&2016 China

shares(MWac)- GTM Research � 2016 To be listed Asia PV innovation company

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WE CAN USE AVAILABLE SPACE OF ROOF FOR SOLAR MORE POWER DUE TO INDEPENDENT INTELLIGENT MPPT CIRCUIT

Solar Quarter • February 2018 46

Product Feature SILEAF’S ADVANCED STORAGE SYSTEM

Ever since its inception, Sileaf has been at the forefront of the Indian energy landscape developing innovative robust and reliable products. Sileaf’s R& D team has over 6 years of experience and efforts building robust solar products made in India for Indian Environment and has developed a range of innovative products including Solar DC water pump, Off-Grid Inverter, String inverter, Data logger and Power management Controller (DG controller / Reverse power controller). In January 2018 Sileaf launched its indigenous advanced storage solution with Battery Management System(BMS).

CAN Open for efficient fast

The system uses advanced Li-Ion batteries which ensure long life, minimum maintenance & space requirement and substantially lower losses than conventional batteries.

etc.

The BMS manages the battery, protecting it from operating outside its Safe Operating Area. It’s developed indigenously for monitoring cell voltage, pack voltage, and pack temperature of Lithium-Ion battery with automatic cell balancing for each cell in order to maintain certain voltage.

The system has independent cell voltage, temperature protection and cell balancing. Intelligent, efficient multicell balancing maximises the usable range of the battery and improves the life of battery pack.

environments. A prototype

The controller is designed using high-end Micro-controller which provides the complete range of programming and diagnostic features that increase the flexibility of the system. The BMS offers custom configuration for setting the limit and interlocks which protects the Battery. Cells are protected from over-voltage, under-voltage, overcurrent, over-temperature, and under-temperature based on the programmed minimum and maximum values in the battery profile.It also integrates a voltage translation and precision analog-to-digital converter system to measure battery cell voltages with high accuracy and speed.All cells are connected in a daisy chain configuration which provides scalability and simplicity of the system.

It is also capable of monitoring battery status, calculating secondary data, reporting that data, controlling its environment, authenticating/balancing it. The controller collects and manages the monitored data and provides the health of individual cells and battery pack. It triggers error notifications if either the pack or individual cells are in poor health.Two External communication interfaces are used

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

communication

between

micro-controllers

and

devices and RS 232 interface to communicate with the external

display.

Users

can remotely access the interface and see real-time monitoring data of Battery/ cell voltage, temperature, and cell balancing status The to

BMS

is

operate

designed in

harsh

PRE-BID ASSISTANCE

of this system is installed in 2016 at Ajman for a 220kW rooftop

installation

with

CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION

600 kWh battery storage and 16-hour backup. Along with this, a customised DG and solar synchronization capable

system

COMMISSIONING ASSISTANCE

was

developed with the feature of charging the LithiumTHIRD PARTY REVIEW

ion batteries through DG in case Solar is not available.

It is also flexible enough to allow interface with the grid in future as and when

PLANT AUDIT

it becomes available.

The

project

was

award

best rooftop project of the year 2016 by Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA.). It demonstrates how 24 hours renewable energy

supply

can

be

achieved through advanced storage solutions and is a big step towards achieving energy independence.

Solar Quarter Quarter •• February February 2018 2018 47 47 Solar

Product Feature SUNGROW SG3125HV TURNKEY STATION FOR UTILITY-SCALE PV PLANTS High yield Thanks to the 3-level topology and smart cooling design, it reaches a peak efficiency of 99% and can work without derating at 50℃. In tropical Indian climate, having sustained power yield for PV plants in the scorching heat is essential for good project economics.

Easy O&M With all key components such as IGBT modules, PCBs and cooling fans facing the front door and modular design makes it less time consuming for O&M. Additional function such as DC input monitoring can significantly reduce the time for troubleshooting.

Grid support SG3125HV has an advanced voltage and frequency ride through capability. The high voltage ride through is up to 1.4 Un and it can compensate reactive power during LVRT.

SG3125HV 1500VDC TURNKEY STATION

With the application of Sungrow SG3125HV, the customer will enjoy the high availability and get satisfied with the flexibility. The inverter also has a good reactive power capability and can inject active power with power factor 0.8.

Flexible 6.25MW or 12.5MW block design Developed for large-scale utility plants, SG3125HV is flexible in 6.25MW or 12.5MW block design. 6.25MW solution uses two SG3125HV inverters to access three winding transformer. It can save initial transformer, cable and MV switchgear investment. A 50MW plant just needs 8 blocks.

SG3125HV is designed to bring a high ROI for utility-scale PV plant, with the application of this containerized inverter, the total system cost will be reduced due to savings on initial investment and O&M cost. Moreover, this grid support utility-interactive inverter brings more reliability to the utility and will further reduce the grid interconnection risk. With the application of SG3125HV, the solar plant will have no risk to interact with the utility and it brings much more benefit for the solar plant.

THE HIGH VOLTAGE 12.5MW SOLUTION LAYOUT

WITH ALL KEY

The solar industry is revolving very fast. For utility-scale

COMPONENTS SUCH AS

declining PPA, the pressure from investment costs and

IGBT MODULES, PCBS AND COOLING FANS

or special grid support function. Those new requirements

DOOR AND MODULAR DESIGN MAKES IT LESS TIME CONSUMING FOR O&M. ADDITIONAL FUNCTION SUCH AS DC INPUT MONITORING CAN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE TIME FOR TROUBLESHOOTING.

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

TO 1.4 UN AND IT CAN

plants, they are faced with many challenges, such as the more stringent demands. The new standards require solar

FACING THE FRONT

RIDE THROUGH IS UP

inverters either to have a wide range ride through capability and standard set a high threshold for the inverter. To follow the market tide, SUNGROW, as a global leading inverter solution supplier, has released its latest 3.125MW 1500Vdc turnkey station, at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES)

COMPENSATE REACTIVE POWER DURING LVRT. WITH THE APPLICATION OF SUNGROW SG3125HV,

held in Abu Dhabi this January.

Saved investment The SG3125HV containerized solution highly integrates PV inverter power conversion together with block monitoring, an auxiliary power supply, and Night Static Var Generator (SVG) functionality in a standard 10-foot container, meaning significant savings in initial investment and future operating costs.

THE CUSTOMER WILL ENJOY THE HIGH AVAILABILITY AND GET SATISFIED WITH THE FLEXIBILITY.

Solar Quarter • February 2018 48

Trends & Forecasts GLOBAL SOLAR PV INVERTERS MARKET - SEGMENTED BY INVERTER TYPE, APPLICATION AND GEOGRAPHY - GROWTH, TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2018 - 2023) The solar PV inverters market is expected to witness considerable demand during the forecast period due to the increasing growth in the solar PV market. Till date, most of the growth in the solar PV inverters market has come from commercial and industrial

customers;

however,

many

residential installations are also taking place. Several countries have recently introduced net-metering policies and are supporting the roll-out of projects. These measures are likely to carry the solar PV inverter market forward in the immediate future, as will favorable economics due to high power tariffs.

Japan

saw

residential

growing sector,

demand which

in

the

accounted

for 11.8% of new installations in 2016.

Additionally, countries, such as Pakistan, and Nigeria, with their large populations and

unreliable

grid

power

supply,

are among the emerging markets for residential solar in the developing world.

grid for 0.15 seconds when the voltage at the point

AG, Delta Energy Systems Inc., Enphase Energy Inc.,

As a result, the increasing residential solar installations

of interconnection drops to 0. Moreover, according to

SolarEdge Technologies Inc., Huawei Technologies Co.

across the globe are expected to drive the solar PV

solar power development plan by the National Energy

Ltd, Kstar New Energy Co. Ltd, Sineng Electric Co. Ltd,

inverters market during the forecast period.

Administration (NEA), more than 110 GW capacity

Sungrow Power Supply Co Ltd, Tabuchi Electric Co. Ltd,

addition is planned by China. These initiatives and targets

TBEA Sunoasis Co. Ltd, TMEIC Corporation.

INCREASING SOLAR POWER CAPACITY ADDITIONS TO ACCELERATE GROWTH

are expected to help China remain the largest solar

During 2016, at least 75 GW of solar PV capacity was

energy producer in the

added worldwide, owing to increasing competitiveness

world during the forecast

of solar PV, as well as due to rising demand for electricity

period as well.

and improving awareness of solar PV’s potential, as countries seek to alleviate pollution and reduce CO2 emissions. The increasing solar power capacity across the globe is likely to promulgate the demand for solar PV inverters during the forecast period, primarily driven by government regulations or incentives.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MARKET Sungrow Power Supply 3.125MW well

2015, with a capacity of 139 GW (+50 GW). Almost half

at

of all new solar capacity was installed in China in 2016 (+34 GW). Other countries with significant expansion included: the United States. (+11 GW), Japan (+8 GW), and India (+4 GW). Capacity in Europe expanded by 5 GW to reach 104 GW with most expansion occurring in Germany and the United Kingdom.

China, being one of the top energy consumers in the world, is trying to cut down its dependence on coal, oil, and natural gas, and is replacing them with solar energy at a breakneck speed. In 2016, the country had an installed photovoltaic capacity of 34.54 GW. The country has elevated its national strategic targets for new solar power generation capacity and has been reinforcing market-based

incentives,

government

subsidies, and tax credits. In the recent years, there has also been an increased emphasis on inverters in China providing Zero-voltage Ride Through (ZVRT). To meet the Chinese Grid Code for ZVRT, PV power plants must continue to operate without breaking away from the

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

Station,

as the

its

as

200MW Automatic Module Manufacturing Line Spanish Make

SG125HV

World

Future

Energy Summit held in Abu

Dhabi,

targeting

the MENA region. The 1500VDC string inverters are developed for largescale utility plants.

D e c e m b e r

� ●

SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS WITNESSED IN CHINA

1500VDC

Turnkey

Asia witnessed the maximum growth in solar capacity in

with

2018:

Co showcased its latest

ASIA TO DOMINATE THE MARKET

them

January

� ●

2017: Siemens AG had

High-Efficiency Solar Cells & Modules at an attractive price

launched a 5,000 kVA central inverter, which would be supplied to utility-scale power

solar

plant

PV

projects

across India, as part of its strategy to re-enter PV inverter market in India.

MAJOR

PLAYERS:

ABB

120MW Machinery of Cell Line European Make

Ltd., Schneider Electric SE, Siemens

AG,

Mitsubishi

Electric

Corporation,

Omron

Corporation,

General Electric Company, SMA

Solar

Technology

Email: manish@surana.com:vani@surana.com Tel.: 040-44665780, Call: +91-98851 70000 Solar Quarter • February 2018 49

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

Solar Quarter • February 2018 50

Trends & Forecasts GLOBAL SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATIONS TO EXCEED 100 GIGAWATTS IN 2018

IN A MARKED CHANGE FROM THE PAST, CHINESE PV MODULE SUPPLIERS ARE NOW PRIORITIZING THEIR DOMESTIC MARKET. AT ONE TIME CHINA REPRESENTED ONE OF THE LOWEST-PRICED PV MARKETS, BUT AFTER PRICES INCREASED IN 2017, CHINA BECAME AN ATTRACTIVE MARKET FOR LOCAL MANUFACTURERS. AS A RESULT, SUPPLY TO OTHER REGIONS Strong demand for solar power in China in the first half

policy uncertainty. President Trump’s final ruling on

of the year is expected to push total installed capacity to

Suniva’s 201 petition case could significantly affect global

108 gigawatts

PV economics in this market. Planned corporate tax

Largely driven by an improvement in the outlook in China,

reforms could also significantly weaken investor interest in

global photovoltaic (PV) demand is forecast to reach 108

the sector. The relationship between supply and demand

gigawatts (GW) in 2018. According to business information

has already become distorted, due to the stockpiling of

provider IHS Markit (Nasdaq: INFO) strong demand from

modules ahead of the 201

the Chinese market is expected to continue on the back

decision.

of strong policy support, a successful transition to a more

2. India, the third-largest

diverse market and strong momentum in the distributed-

market in 2018, is mulling

PV (DPV) sector.

the introduction of anti-

“Exceeding 108 gigawatts of PV installations is close to

dumping

the top-end of what can be achieved, based on the global

modules manufactured in

polysilicon manufacturing capacity,” said Edurne Zoco,

China in the second half of

research and analysis director for IHS Markit. “Supply will

2018. The country has also

therefore be tight throughout the first half of the year at

announced

least, resulting in stable to higher prices across the supply

projects with local content.

chain.”

Such measures may limit

According to the latest edition of its PV Demand Market Tracker, global installations will likely be shaped by PV module supply and pricing. “Short supply and higherthan-anticipated module prices in the first half of 2018 will impede many markets outside China, due to worsening project economics,” Zoco said. “Projects in some regions might be delayed or even canceled, because market prices are higher than were estimated during the planning phase.”

In a marked change from the past, Chinese PV module suppliers are now prioritizing their domestic market. At one time China represented one of the lowest-priced PV markets, but after prices increased in 2017, China became an attractive market for local manufacturers. As a result, supply to other regions is restricted when demand in

duties

tenders

STRONG.

for

the amount of modules available to supply India’s PV demand over the next few years, unless local manufacturers ramp up production quickly.

ABOUT THE PV DEMAND MARKET TRACKER The PV Demand Market Tracker from IHS Markit provides

forecasts

1

No.

SUPPLIER OF HDPE PIPING & DUCTING PRODUCTS TO SOLAR EPC & SOLAR PUMPS SYSTEM INTEGRATORS.

and

analysis for installed PV capacity countries.

in

nearly The

50

tracker

HDPE PIPES AND COIL CABLE DUCT PIPES

In addition to the expected shortfall in PV modules,

provide the most up-to-

MDPE PIPES

following are the two most important factors influencing

date projections for each

the PV outlook outside of China next year:

market based on the latest

1. The United States, which is still forecast to be the

policy changes and market

second-largest PV market in 2018, is facing significant

developments.

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

DEMAND IN CHINA IS

for

is updated quarterly, to

China is strong.

IS RESTRICTED WHEN

PVC PIPES DRIP IRRGATION SYSTEMS SPRINKLER SYSTYEMS

Solar Quarter • February 2018 51

12th (2018) International Photovoltaic Power Generation Conference & Exhibition

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Participate at 4th Edition

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LIGHTING THE FUTURE

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 52

Trends & Forecasts REGIONAL MARKET ANALYSIS AND FORECASTS In emerging markets around the world, there is only

report. The development of distributed and local energy

are expected to grow by over 40 percent annually in

limited experience with energy storage, yet vast

resources, including renewables and energy storage,

the coming decade, resulting in approximately 80 GW

potentials exist to benefit from the technology. Many

can provide significant economic growth, jobs, and a

of new storage capacity. The following sections explore

of these markets share similar energy market dynamics

sustainable energy future in emerging markets. Energy

energy storage market activity, challenges, and potential

and needs for new resources. Driven by growing urban

storage deployments in emerging markets worldwide

in emerging markets worldwide.

populations,

many

emerging

markets

have a significant need for new electricity reserve capacity, particularly to meet peak demand. Many emerging market countries have a weak grid infrastructure that is susceptible to frequent outages and that has only limited capacity to effectively integrate

local

renewable

energy

resources. Furthermore many of these countries have not yet provided electricity service to portions of their population, providing an opportunity for microgrids equipped with energy storage to negate the need to expand centralized grid infrastructure to new areas. Energy storage is a valuable tool to support the needs of many emerging markets and using it can provide a reliable peak capacity resource, improve grid reliability, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy. Chart 3.1 provides forecasts for new energy storage capacity and revenue for each of the six major developing regions identified in this

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 53

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Solar Quarter • February 2018 54

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS REDEFINED

SOLAR EPC & DEVELOPMENT

CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

SOLAR ROOFTOP

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

E-MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

MISSI

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