SolarQuarter October Issue 2019

Solar Inverters Special

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Volume 09. l Issue 10

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October 2019

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Solar Quarter • October 2019 3

IN CONVERSATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS Industry Insights

Mr. Ashish Khanna, President – Renewables, Tata Power

 Key Facts: Large Scale Battery Storage ........................................22

“We Offer The Best In Class EPC Capabilities For Self & Third-Party Projects & Utility-Scale Intelligent O&M Systems”

 Artificial Intelligence And Big Data Contribution To Power

12

Sector Transformation.......................................................................24  The Role Of Analytics In The Solar Valley Chain.........................30

Miss. Farzana Rahman, Senior Vice President & Unit Head Renewable Energy, Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL)

 A Guide To Choosing Inverter: Central Or String?......................34  India’s Employment In Renewable Sector ...................................37

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“We Target To Finance 300 Mw Industrial Rooftop Solar Installations By 2021”

Perspective Mr. Jianfei Li, VP/CTO, Sineng

 Way Forward To Recover From The Liquidity Crunch In The Indian Solar Sector/SofarSolar?......................................................21  Best Practices in Dealing With Regulatory And Project

15

Execution Challenges In Bangladesh.............................................23  Cost Reduction And Improvement Of Operations And

“Sineng Lives By Its Motto Of ‘Endless Energy For Limitless Green,’ To Make The World A Better Place”

Mr. Ankit Kanchal, Managing Director & CEO, Enrich Energy Pvt. Ltd

Maintenance Using Advanced Data Analytics : The Rise Of Machine Learning...............................................................................26  Will The Recent Amendments In ‘Gujarat Solar Power

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Policy-2015’ Bring The Desired Benefit To MSME Sector.........28

Opinion

“At Enrich Our Commitment Stands To Support The Sustainable Energy Initiatives Of Our Customer & The Nation” Mr. Venkata Krishnan, Country manager and Executive Director Business development, Utopus Insights

 Are InVits The Future Of Large-Scale Capital Deployment In The Sector?/SofarSolar ..............................................................22

Product Feature

17

 Goodwe ............................................................................................29

“Utopus Insights Delivers Software Products That Are Descriptive, Predictive And Prescriptive”

Mr. Munawar Misbah Moin, Managing Director, Rahimafrooz

 Goldi Solar ......................................................................................31  Sofarsolar ........................................................................................32 18

 Indian Energy Exchange Limited (IEX) ..............................35

“Our Module Manufacturing Plant Manufactures Solar Panels Ranging From 20-350 WP”

 Ginlong..............................................................................................36

Mr. Mehul Sharma (Sales Director – India), TBEA

 RR ISPAT............................................................................................36

“TBEA Have Always Focused On Product Quality And Customer Services Being Fruitfully Awarded With More Than 3GW Of Inverter Installation Base In India”

 Longi Solar.......................................................................................38

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Solar Quarter • October 2019 4

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Solar Quarter • October 2019 5

India News

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he Rooftop Solar Power Scheme In Gujarat Aims To Cover 2 Lakh Families.

Saurabh Patel, Gujarat Energy Minister, said that the rooftop solar power scheme will be

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0 Per Cent Growth After GST Rate Cut For Solar Thermal Industries.

Solar thermal industries are expecting a 10% percent growth after the GST rate cuts on

covering two lakh households in Gujarat by 31st March, 2020. According to this scheme

the components from 18% to 5%. The STFI (Solar Thermal Federation of India) secretary

locals can install solar rooftops in their buildings for solar energy generation in case of any

proceeded towards the GST directorate general and the finance minister to convince them.

surplus, they can sell it to the power grid. The government has declared a 40% subsidy for

Hence with this rate cut the final product will become economical to the consumer hence

people who will or have installed solar panels for a capacity of 2 KW and a 20% subsidy

seeing a growth in the market.

for a capacity of 3 KW to 10 KW. They can avail this subsidy under the state government scheme or under the similar schemes of central government.

S

ECI To Increase Solar Tender Capacity Upto 7 GW With 2 GW Of Manufacturing.

Solar Energy Corporation of India has increased the solar tender from 6 GW to 7 GW. The tender has been amended to 7 GW of Interstate Transmission System (ISTS) connected solar photovoltaic (PV) projects with a solar manufacturing capacity of 2 GW. SECI has set the maximum tariff slab of Rs. 2.93/kWh compared to the previous slab of Rs.2.75 which is an increase of 6.5%. A SECI official confirmed that the tender is according to the MNRE order and the new date for submission of bid is October 31,2019.

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enewable Energy Deviation Settlement Regulations To Be Launched By Maharashtra From Jan 2020.

MERC has directed the Maharashtra State Load Despatch Center (MSLDC) to revise its forecasting and scheduling procedure in line with the principles and rules of the commission in two weeks. The commission has also directed MSLDC to take stakeholder’s views into account and take their approval in 45 days. Forty-three renewable energy generators filed a petition along with Maharashtra State Load Despatch Center (MSLDC) and Manikaran Analytics Limited for the removal of hurdles from the provisions of the MERC (Forecasting, Scheduling and Deviation Settlement for Solar and Wind Generation) Regulations, 2018, and its implementation. The hearing for the 43 cases were done together by the commission because of the similarities in the cases. After which some of the issues were considered to be addressed.

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ndian Railway Invites Bids For 32.56 Mwp Solar Rooftop.

Indian railways is inviting bids to set up 32.56 MWp of grid-connected rooftop solar

system for railway establishments, offices, and others. This project will be under publicprivate partnership on the basis of ‘design-build-finance-operate-transfer’. The developer who gets this tender shall be accountable from start to end design of this project, involving all the necessary procedures. The developer will also have to provide operation and maintenance support for 25 years. These systems will be covering up to 117 locations of four zonal railways – Easter, North Central, North frontier and Northern, and coach production units in Kapurthala and Raebareli. One developer can either bid for any one location for all the zonal locations. However, the developer should bid for the full quoted capacity.

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HEL Tender For 25 MW Floating Solar Project.

The Government of India’s engineering and manufacturing arm for electricity equipment, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has issued a tender seeking bids for the supply of a complete floating platform and accessories with mooring and anchoring for a 25 MW floating PV project.

The said project is to be stationed at Simhadri Thermal Power Plant of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) in Andhra Pradesh that awarded the contract to set up the 25 MW project to BHEL in July 2019. BHEL expects the winning bidder to design and supply the equipment required for the project.

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ndia Drafts Guidelines For Hybrid Wind PV Projects.

The Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued draft guidelines for a tariff based competitive bidding process for grid connected wind and solar hybrid projects.

Through these guidelines the ministry aims to set up a framework for a transparent bidding process, define roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders and enable distribution licensees to procure electricity from such hybrid power projects (HPP) at competitive rates.

Eligible projects under the scheme are stated as having an individual size of 5 MW and above on a single site with minimum bid capacity of 25 MW for intra-state projects. The other lot will be projects with individual size of 50 MW and above at a single site with minimum bid capacity of 50 MW for inter-state projects. Storage component may be added to such a hybrid project. Winners will be selected basis the lowest tariff (L1) quoted and awarded a contract for a period of 25 years.

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ndian Robotic PV Panel Cleaner Raises INR 124 Million.

Waterless robotic solar panel cleaning technology start-up Nocca Robotics from India has raised INR 124 million ($1.7 million) from a seed fund called IAN Fund. IAN stands for Indian Angel Networks, which is a network of angel investors that support and mentor start-ups in India.Nocca Robotics leverages technologies as artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning, deep learning and robotics to create automated waterless and shareable cleaning solution for solar panels.

According to local media reports, the company will use the proceeds to set up a manufacturing facility in the country to create artificial intelligence powered robots with improved quality control. These cleaning robots will be able to cater to 1 GW of solar power annually.

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aharashtra Has Extended The Bidding Deadline For Its Solar Tender Of 1350MW.

Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) extended its bid submission deadline till 15th October, 2019 for its 1,350 MW projects which is spread across 30 districts. This project is under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana. This project has a vision to provide with power in the daytime to the consumers for agriculture.

This new submission date is both for the technical and financial bids. This project will be with 50MW capacity each which will be developed in 24 districts and 25 MW each across six districts.

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orld’s Largest Solar Farm: An Investment Of $13bn On 15,000 Hectares Of Land.

Australian technology billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes has recently announced that he would be investing in Singapore-based Sun Cable to create the world’s largest solar farm.

However, the co-founder of the software company Atlassian is yet to reveal how much he

S

ECI Tenders 400 MW Of Renewables With Storage Option.

Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has invited proposals for setting up an aggregate 400 MW capacity of ISTS-connected renewable power projects anywhere in India. To be set up on ‘build-own-operate’ basis, the projects can be augmented with appropriate energy storage systems for round-the-clock power supply.

SECI will enter into a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the selected developers and power procured from the above projects has been provisioned to be sold to the NDMC, New Delhi (200 MW) and Dadra & Nagar Haveli (200 MW) utility.

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ndia Planning 30 GW RE Plants Along Western Border.

India may be considering setting up 30 GW of renewable energy capacity along the desert

region of its states in western region, namely Rajasthan and Gujarat. The government

is going to invest, the project would enable Singapore to get away from its reliance on

wants to make use of the sunny, arid and windy region along the western border.

imported liquid natural gas, and thereby achieve its greenhouse gas emissions goals. $13

The government is seeking to expand its renewable energy capacity and reduce the

billion is the estimated valuation of Sun Cable’s proposed solar farm. The company aims

share of fossil fuels in its energy mix through these efforts. If the plans came to fruition,

to develop the world’s largest solar energy farm to power Singapore from the Australian

this could help the country in expanding its renewable energy capacity which the Prime

desert.

Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to scale up to 450 GW by 2030. The interim plan is to achieve 175 GW capacity by December 31, 2022.

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Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• October October 2019 2019 6

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Asia News

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alaysian RE EPC Firm Signs MoU For 150 MW PV.

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isen Energy To Supply 150 MW Modules In Malaysia.

Cypark Resources Berhad, a renewable energy EPC solutions provider in Malaysia, has

Chinese solar PV module producer Risen Energy Co., Ltd. has secured its biggest order

announced signing two separate memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for the

in Malaysia till date to supply 150 MW of its high efficiency solar PV modules to power

development of 150 MW of combined solar PV capacity in the country under its net

stations in its home country. Risen said this was the biggest module order it has won for

metering scheme (NEM).

an overseas floating power station, it added.

One of the MoUs is to jointly develop 100 MW of solar PV projects with Menteri Besar

For the unidentified power stations of undisclosed clients at an unknown location, Risen

Kedah Incorporated (MBI Kedah) in the state of Kedah Darul Aman. The MoU will remain

Energy will supply its Jaeger 144 modules each with an output of 395 W. Delivery will be

in effect for a period of 12 months and may be extended further at a later date.

take place in batches starting from October 2019 and completed by June 2020.

Another MoU with NS Corporation will see the two jointly developing 50 MW solar PV capacity within the state of Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus. This agreement will be effective for a period of two years.

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0 MW Scaling Solar Tender In Afghanistan.

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DB Backs Vietnam Floating Solar Plant With $37Mn Loan.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has thrown its weight behind a 47.5 MW floating solar power plant in Vietnam with a loan of $37 million to Da Nhim-Ham Thuan-Da Mi

In September 2018, the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Hydro Power Joint Stock Company (DHD). The latter is a subsidiary of the national utility

announced its support to help Afghanistan design and tender a 40 MW solar power

Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) that’s putting up solar panels atop a man made reservoir of

project that will become ‘a new model for subsequent solar projects’

DHD’s existing 175 MW Da Mi Hydropower Plant.

The said 40 MW project will be located near Gozareh district in the country’s Heart province

The bank calls it the first large-scale floating solar installation in the country and the

which is considered a relatively safer region in the conflict prone country. An information

largest such installation in Southeast Asia. And this 175 MW hydropower plant is just one

brief released by the IFC says it will act as lead transaction advisor to invite private sector

among four such plants DHD operates that contribute to about 1.7% of the country’s total

developers to design-build-finance-operate-maintenance-transfer (BDFOMT) the plant.

generation capacity.

The winner will sign a power purchase agreement (PPA) with state-owned utility Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) with 25-year validity.

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3.9 MW Solar Project Enters Construction In Japan.

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erman Bangladesh Consortium Win 50 MW PV Project.

German solar power project developer ib vogt GmbH has secured rights to develop a 50 MW grid-tied solar power plant in Bangladesh in a consortium with local AG Agro Industries

A 73.9 MW solar power project in Japan has entered the construction phase with the Japan

Ltd. The consortium won a 20-year contract with the Bangladesh Power Development

Renewable Energy Co., Ltd. (JRE) breaking ground on site in Shirakawa City, Fukushima

Board (BPDB) to supply at a tariff of BDT 8.75 ($0.10) per kWh, reported the Dhaka Tribune.

Prefecture. The company claims this to be the largest solar power plant in the Tohoku

Both the winners will develop the project in Mirsharaiupazila, Chittagong on a build-own-

region.

operate (BOO) basis on the condition of ‘no electricity, no payment’. It was approved in a

Shirakawa Solar Park is expected to use close to 184,730 solar panels that would generate

meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase with the country’s Finance Minister

a combined 79.7 million kWh clean power capacity annually which will be sold to local

AHM Mustafa Kamal.

utility Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc. The project to be spread on around 128 hectares of unused land is expected to come online by the end of December 2021.

S

unseap Bags 70 MW Rooftop Solar Contract In Singapore.

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audi Arabia To Fund RE Projects & Manufacturing.

The Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) has launched a new fund with SAR 105 billion ($28 billion) to support promising new sectors such as renewable energy projects,

Sunseap Leasing Pte Ltd is the winner of the Singapore’s 4th rooftop solar PV auction.

manufacturers of renewable energy products and equipment, among others.

It was awarded all of 70 MW tendered in December 2018 through the Housing &

Called Mutjadeda, the program will support participation of local content in this sector

Development Board (HDB) and the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore.

through long-term financing that could last up to 20 years or more. Through this facility,

Beginning Q1/2020, rooftop solar PV systems will now be installed for 1,218 HDB blocks

Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its energy mix and achieve its renewable energy ambitions

and 49 government sites with completion due in Q3/2022. The 70 MW is also an increase

comprising 40 GW solar power goal by 2030. Having in-house manufacturing facilities

of 40% over 50 MW awarded in the third tender in 2018.

should enable the country to meet local and regional demand.

This happens to be the second SolarNova auction won by Sunseap. It already won the

expected to be complete by the end of 2020 when 5,500 HDB blocks will be fitted with

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solar PV panels or identified for solar PV installations.

The Mongolian Ministry of Energy has invited bids from interested bidders to construct a

inaugural tender in 2015 for 76 MW capacity. According to HDB, the installation work for 76 MW, 40 MW and 50 MW—awarded under the first three SolarNova auctions—is

ongolia Seeking Bidders For 10 MW Solar PV Plant.

10 MW solar power plant in Khovd region. For payments under this tender, Mongolia will

J

apan: 2030 PV Generation Cost To Drop To JPY 5 To 6/ kWh.

Come 2030 and the solar PV power generation cost in Japan is likely to drop significantly from current JPY 15.3 ($0.14) per kWh to a level of JPY 5.00 to JPY 6.00 ($0.047 to $0.056) per kWh, according to the Solar Power Generation Costs in Japan Current Status and Future Outlook by non-profit think tank Renewable Energy Institute. This price, points out the report, is sufficiently inexpensive even when compared against the current average day-ahead daytime power exchange prices proving that PV technology has the potential to reach a competitive price level, even without subsidies.

Despite the huge cost potential, the reality is that the cost of solar power generation in

use parts of proceeds the government has received in financing from the International Development Association (IDA) towards the cost of the Second Energy Sector Project.

The EPC contract stipulates design and engineering work for the plant to also extend to a 35/110kV substation located at the site and a 110kV overhead transmission line to the nearby Myangad substation of Myangad soum, Khovd Aimag. Operation and maintenance of the plant post commissioning for a period of three years is also part of the job.

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EC Kicks Off Production Of New Alpha Series Panels In Singapore.

Norwegian solar module manufacturer REC has started mass production of its Alpha

Japan is much higher than the global level where solar power has reached often cost parity

Series heterojunction (HJT) modules at its manufacturing facility in Singapore.

to fossil fuels.However, the cost levels anticipated for Japan in 2030 have been reached

The company said it invested US$150 million in the new 600 MW production line which

in many other countries today. The general conception for Japan’s high prices are its

has taken its annual panel manufacturing capacity to 1.8 GW

massive administration / grid-connection cost. The institute suggests policy level changes to ensure the system design follows a set time limit for commencing operation of solar projects under the feed-in-tariff (FIT) scheme while also recommending regular verification of generation costs which will guide the government to take the right decisions regarding the future energy mix of the country.

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The 60-cell panel has a reported power output of 380 W. That, the manufacturer claims, translates to a power density of 217 W/m², providing 20% more power than conventional panels with the same footprint. According to the product’s official specification (pdf), the 380 W module has an efficiency of 21.7% and the black version has an efficiency of 21.4% and an output of up to 375 W.C.

Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• October October 2019 2019 8

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Solar Quarter • October 2019 9

Global News

G

lobal Corp Funding In 9M/2019 Improved 34% YoY. The solar industry seems to be doing well, attracting investors globally, which shows

the technology is gaining credibility among the lot. During the first nine months of 2019, total corporate funding increased 34% YoY to $9 billion, compared to $6.7 billion reported a year back.

Mercom Capital Group’s latest report 9M and Q3/2019 Solar Funding and M&A Report counts venture capital (VC), private equity (PE), public market and debt financing to add up to total corporate funding. The CEO of the market intelligence firm Raj Prabhu said the demand outlook looks positive. Out of $3 billion raised in Q3/2019, more than $100 million in venture funding was grabbed by technology and manufacturing-focused companies, a rarity according to Prabhu while another highlight was five initial public offerings (IPO) and over a billion dollars in securitization deals so far.

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8minute Solar has also added 1.5 MWh of battery energy storage system making it the first storage project for Capital Dynamics.

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.8 MW Solar+Storage Project Online In French Guiana.

A solar PV project with 3.8 MW capacity coupled with 2.6 MW/2.9 MWh of battery storage has been commissioned in French Guiana, an overseas region under France. Savane des Pères power plant is jointly owned by French renewable energy company Voltalia and Canadian institutional investor Caisse des dépôts through Banque des Territoires. Both these firms won the project under a tender conducted by the Ministry of Ecology, Energy and Sustainable Development in June 2016.

Voltalia says the solar & storage project can send clean power to the grid when the

oogle Commits $150Mn For RE In Manufacturing Zones.

Google has announced a new commitment towards its sustainability initiatives,

this time pledging to invest close to $150 million in renewable energy projects in key manufacturing regions. Alongside its partners, Google will hope to catalyse some $1.5 billion of capital into renewable energy.

“With these investments, we expect to help generate renewable energy that is equivalent to the amount of electricity used to manufacture our Google consumer hardware products,” explained Anna Meegan, Google’s Head of Sustainability, Consumer Hardware, in a blog post. “So when you buy these products, you know you’re contributing to bringing new renewable energy to manufacturing communities.”

demand for electricity is highest between 7 pm and 9 pm. Spread in 4.75-hectare land, it has been developed on a communal landfill in the city of Sinnamary.

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artnership For Subsidy-Free Solar In Italy.

Italian independent power producer (IPP) and project developer Solar Ventures S.r.l. will develop subsidy-free solar PV projects in Italy in partnership with private equity investor Zouk Capital. The initial pipeline they will start working on should be close to 120 MW. The partners say these will be amongst the first such projects in Italy to be completed on a ‘truly subsidy free basis’.

The initial project portfolio is already identified to be developed and constructed by the

S

panish Utility Signs PPA For 126 MW Solar.

Spanish renewable energy company Enhol Group will supply solar power from three projects of 126 MW capacity to local electricity utility Factorenergia. A new power purchase agreement (PPA) was signed between them which will be valid for a period of 12 years.

Factorenergia will supply this power to over 60,000 homes it caters to for a fixed price which was not revealed.

The three projects are identified as two 50 MW plants and another 26 MW all of which will be constructed in 2020. The entire portfolio will be located in Navarra and is expected to generate 230 GWh of solar power annually.

two partners. Currently, these are at mid development stage. While Solar Ventures will finalize the development process and construct the plants, Zouk Capital will contribute through funding. Upon completion, these projects will sell power commercially through long-term power purchase agreements (PPA) instead of depending on feed-in-tariff (FIT) or other state incentive mechanism.

O

rlando Utility Approves 149 MW Solar Capacity.

Two solar power projects with 74.5 MW capacity each have been approved by the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC),The second largest municipal utility in Florida. These projects will be developed by clean energy company Invenergy which will then supply power to

F

inancial Closure Achieved For 162 MW Wagyu Solar Project In Texas.

Canadian pension funds backed Cubico Sustainable Investments has achieved financial closure of an undisclosed amount for a 162 MW solar power project in Texas, US. This project holds a 15-year corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) with global coffee chain Starbucks and 12-year physical hedge from BP. Financing for the project was arranged from HSBC, Nord LB ad Rabobank with the US Bank providing tax equity.

The Wagyu Solar Project is currently being constructed by Renewable Energy Systems (RES) as the EPC provider and carries an operation and maintenance contract with Cypress Creek Renewables. This happens to be Cypress Creek’s largest project till date to reach financial close and start construction. It is scheduled to come online in Q3/2020.

OUC under two separate 20-year power purchase agreements (PPA). Invenergy will build and operate the two plants.

OUC commissioners have given green light to negotiate the contracts with Invenergy. An energy storage component will be added to the portfolio to test its viability.

Both the projects will be built near existing OUC transmission lines in Osceola County, these plants to come online in 2022 and 2023.

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erman Sets New Solar Target 98 GW By 2030.

The German government has formally announced the national target of 98 GW of cumulative solar PV capacity to be achieved by 2030 in its Climate Protection Program 2030.

This brings finally both clarity and investment security on a topic that had been causing

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headaches in the German solar community for a while. Only until recently, the government

Spain’s SOLBAL program has finalized 55 projects under the first call for tenders for solar

2019, Germany’s total installed solar PV capacity was 48.65 GW

PV installations in Balearic Islands with a cumulative capacity of 326 MW. These projects

The 98 GW target achievement by 2030 would translate into solar PV accounting for around

5 Solar Projects Approved For Balearic Islands.

are eligible to receive grants worth €40 million ($44.5 million) from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) that are managed by the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) under the Spanish Ministry of Ecological Transition.

The €40 million co-financing from ERDF accounts for 15.30% of the total budget of the 55

was planning to end the EEG support when the 52 GW cap on solar installations in the country were reached – and that is expected to be as soon as next year. As of August 31,

17% of the total energy mix of Germany, according to German Solar Association BSW. The association has welcomed the plans of the federal cabinet to double the country’s solar target but finds it still insufficient to meet the country’s climate targets. It said this would not compensate for nuclear and coal emissions.

facilities which adds up to some €260.5 million ($290 million). For the first call for tenders of the SOLBAL program, IDAE received 56 applications with a cumulative capacity of 335 MW earlier this year.

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21 MW Springbok 3 Solar Farm Commissioned In Kern County.

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rance Awards 129.4 MW In Solar Tender.

In the eighth edition of its call for tenders for rooftop solar projects, France has awarded 129.4 MW PV capacity to 268 projects. This capacity would need to come up on buildings, agricultural sheds and carports.

The third and final phase of the Springbok cluster solar farm in Kern County, California

The French Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition said these projects will generate

has been completed and commissioned with 121 MW capacity coming online. The entire

electricity at an average price of €97.48 ($107.11) per MWh for systems in the range of 100

cluster now has 448 MW (DC) capacity operational, which developer 8minute Solar Energy

kW and 500 kW. For those systems ranging between 500 kW and 8 MW, the average price

calls ‘one of the largest solar developments in the world’.

was €86.54 ($95.08) per MWh.

The 121 MW project, with global private asset management firm Capital Dynamics as

To be able to meet its solar PV capacity target of 35.6 GW to 44.5 GW by the year 2028,

its majority owner, will sell power under a long term power purchase agreement with

France is working on issuing more tenders. Minister Elisabeth Borne announced that in

the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) through the latter’s participating

2020 France will launch two separate tenders for solar PV projects for 850 MW and 1 GW,

member, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP).

involving both ground-mounted and rooftop PV, along with more rooftop solar tenders.

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Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• October October 2019 2019 10

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Solar Quarter • October 2019 11

In Conversation

“We Offer The Best In Class EPC Capabilities For Self & Third-Party Projects & Utility-Scale Intelligent O&M Systems” Mr. Ashish Khanna, President – Renewables, Tata Power

Congratulations on bagging 105 MW floating solar project in Kerala, please give our readers a brief insight about it?

As a leader in EPC, what key challenges do you face today?

Thank you! We are also looking forward to execute the project.

rooftop installation at the India International Centre Delhi, the largest carport in India

Post reverse auction of 105MW Floating Solar Project, we received a Letter of Award to

at Kochi airport, with a total installed capacity of 2.68MW, commissioned 820.8 kWp at

develop this project worth around INR 343 crores including three years O&M (operations

the Cricket Club of India (CCI), Mumbai in 100 days to name a few. Each project has its

and maintenance). This project is one of the most prominent floating solar projects in the

own uniqueness, however, our focus always remain in ensuring a complete safety of the

country and requires to be commissioned in 21 months. The venture will be executed

employees.

on the reservoir of NTPC Kayamkulam District in Alappuzha, Kerala. This project will be another milestone in our accomplishments and reinforce our commitments to deliver complicated projects. Floating Solar has immense potential in our country and we will ensure that this project will act as a benchmark for floating solar projects.

What are your views on the potential of floating solar in India?

By some estimates, the potential is as high as 300 GW by just utilizing 10-15% of the water

There are several milestone projects that we have successfully executed like 70kW solar

The company ensures that its products adhered to the safety standards required for asbestos roofs and look after the safety concerns of employees as well as lakhs of devotees who flocked to the complex.

What are the highlights of your company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility?

bodies in states like Kerala, Assam, Odisha, and West Bengal. Some two years ago, Solar

Tata Power’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility flows from our

Energy Corporation of India had invited Expression of Interest from prospective project

sustainability principles that is at the very core of how we conduct our business.

developers to set up 10 GW of floating solar PV projects in a phased manner over a three-

With sustainability being our core philosophy, Tata Power leads the way in the generation

year period.

of non-emitting sources of energy that provide low-cost electricity and help reduce carbon

There are several reasons why floating solar power holds immense potential. Large land-

emissions. It is also our strategic intent to increase the share of our clean energy portfolio

based solar farm projects face challenges with land acquisition. That is, when the developer

to 40-50% by 2025 from around 30% now.

is seeking large tracts of land. This challenge is generally not there for water body-based projects since most of them are owned by the government. This is the biggest advantage.

Secondly, though the cost of floating solar projects are more expensive than land-based projects, they make a good business case where comparable land costs are prohibitive.

Tata Power is also aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs and has prioritized nine of these through a comprehensive study. We are spearheading the sustainability journey for the power sector by not only mapping our initiatives with

The cooling effect of the water on the solar panels also helps increase the overall energy

SDGs but also charting a way forward through a roadmap with 3-year targets for all the

output from floating solar panels as compared with land-based projects.

prioritized SDGs. To enable this, we are building partnerships with global and national

Furthermore, in India where water conservation is an important challenge, building large solar projects over water bodies also helps in reducing loss through evaporation.

organizations like UNDP, WBCSD, Niti Aayog, ICSI, Nabard, etc. in the sustainability space to collectively further climate action efforts and make representations to the government on regulatory changes and social development.

What according to you are the strengths of the company that has made you be successful in the power industry?

Our sustainability initiatives also involve working closely with the community we operate

Tata Power’s leadership in the renewable energy space comes from its long experience that

now, our objective was not just to save a species of fish from extinction. We see Masheer

is spread across the entire spectrum of clean energy i.e. generation, manufacturing, EPC

as an important cultural and biological icon of the rivers of India linking livelihoods and

(Engineering, Procurement and Construction) for large projects, products, and operations

biodiversity conservation to each other.

& maintenance.

Our ‘Club Enerji’ programme that is a nationwide resource and energy conservation

Through our subsidiaries, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), Tata Power Solar

initiative was started with a strategic focus on nation-building and has sensitised over 23.8

Systems Limited (TPSSL) and Walwhan Renewable Energy Limited (WREL), the company is

million people across seven cities -- Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru,

a front-runner across the renewable spectrum.

Tata Power Solar is India’s No.1 Rooftop EPC Company for the last 4 years as per Bridge to India (BTI). � Executed world’s largest rooftop system 12 MW for Radha Soami Satsang Beas Educational and Environmental Society in Punjab

in. For example, for our Mahseer Conversation Project which more than four decades old

Kolkata and Ajmer and saved around 4 million units (MUs) of electricity across 533 schools in 2018-19.

Club Enerji has also created around 347,986 Energy Champions and 386,633 Energy Ambassadors among school students. With its varied content applicable to children and teachers across cities, the strength of this self-sustaining model lies in its ‘4E’ approach

� Commissioned India’s largest vertical solar farm for Dell, Bangalore

-- Educate, Engage, Empower, Enhance, which directs communities through mini-clubs,

� Built India’s largest carport installation 2.67 MW for Cochin International Airport

energy champions, and energy ambassadors.

� Delivered India’s first solar vehicle charging station for Gujarat Sachivalaya

During 2018-19, the Club Enerji initiative reached out to nearly 3.2 million citizens in

� Commissioned around 246 MW till date serving residential, government, commercial,

Mumbai. In an effort to help conserve energy & curb wastage, Club Enerji is also running a

institutional, and industrial segments across India, holding the largest market share

three-month pledge campaign currently called “Switch off to Switch on” which started on

We offer the best in class EPC capabilities for self and third-party projects and utility-scale

World Environment Day (June 5) and has children as ambassadors of energy conservation

intelligent O&M systems for predictive maintenance.

to raise awareness for creating a sustainable future.

� With over 1.5GW of EPC Projects Commissioned, TP EPC arm is one of the biggest in

Our ‘Say no to plastics’ initiative, aims to sensitise individuals about health and

India.

environmental hazards which are triggered as a result of using plastic.

� Strong order-book of 1.2 GW

Tata Power employees are also an integral part of the sustainability journey and have

� Strong Capabilities in key areas

given 82,867 hours and also involving their families in this effort. Our social initiatives

� Engineering and design optimizations � Low-cost procurement might Cost light project execution

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have positively impacted 24.67 lakh beneficiaries in FY19 in the areas of education, livelihood, skill-building, clean water, health and sanitation, financial inclusivity and women empowerment.

Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• October October 2019 2019 12

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Solar Quarter • October 2019 13

In Conversation

“We Target To Finance 300 Mw Industrial Rooftop Solar Installations By 2021” Miss. Farzana Rahman, Senior Vice President & Unit Head Renewable Energy, Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) Kindly brief our readers about IDOCL efforts in accelerating solar sector in Bangladesh?

Majority of the population of Bangladesh lives in rural off-grid areas. Given the nature of dispersed rural settlements and limited ability to pay of rural people, providing them access to electricity was a great challenge.

On this backdrop, IDCOL started its Solar Home System (SHS) Program in 2003 which is currently providing electricity to 12% population of the country living in off-grid areas of rural Bangladesh. Building on the success and implementation experience of the program, IDCOL later ventured into mini-grid program in 2009 and financed 26 solar mini grid projects with a cumulative capacity of 5 MWp in off-grid areas where there was no possibilities of grid expansion in next 15-20 years. IDCOL financed 1,473 solar irrigation pumps with a cumulative capacity of 37 MWp. IDCOL financed solar irrigation pumps supplying affordable irrigation water to more than 75,000 rural farmers.

Recently, IDCOL has started financing industrial rooftop solar and so far, IDCOL has approved financing of 16 rooftop solar projects with a cumulative capacity of 15 MWp. We target to finance 300 MW industrial rooftop solar installations by 2021.

and India may explore if there are any opportunities to learn from these success stories of Bangladesh. On the other hand, Bangladesh is relatively new in utility scale solar gridtied as well as rooftop solar sectors. Bangladesh would be benefitted from the sharing of lessons learned and experiences gathered by India in all these years. As said earlier, we are also trying to encourage prominent EPC players of India to work in Bangladesh rooftop solar market.

Bangladesh has huge potential for rooftop solar installations. The government has already taken necessary policy initiatives to promote the sector. Net metering policy

IDCOL started the SHS program in January 2003, please tell us more about the benchmarks set by the said program and the current status of the programme?

has been approved and SREDA is frequently

IDCOL Solar Home System (SHS) program commenced in January 2003 with a vision to meet basic energy demand of rural households by replacing unhealthy kerosene consumption. IDCOL financed installation of more than 4.14 million SHS. Through this program, more than 18 million beneficiaries have accessed better quality electricity for enjoying lighting loads and other smaller loads such as charging of cell phone, operating energy efficient television, fans etc. SHS has ensured income-generating activities and productive work-hours at households after dark. The program is replacing about 300,000 tons of kerosene use every year through 4.14 million SHS with capacity of 180 MWp.

arranging awareness as well as training

IDCOL played an important role in creating enabling environment where NGOs/MFIs and private sector entities could operate through sustainable business model. IDCOL provided innovative financing packages to these organizations and created technical standards for the products to be sold to the end beneficiaries. Extensive field level monitoring and quality control mechanisms ensured households receive the intended benefits.

Currently, SHSs are being distributed free of cost under safety net program of the Government. Also, with the advent of rapid grid expansion by Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board, the market for SHS is almost saturated. At this moment, IDCOL is overseeing the monitoring and quality control aspects of renewable energy components of the government safety net program.

How can rooftop sector in Bangladesh be further strengthened, What’s are the efforts taken by IDCOL for the same?

Bangladesh has huge potential for rooftop solar installations. The government has already taken necessary policy initiatives to promote the sector. Net metering policy has been approved and SREDA is frequently arranging awareness as well as training sessions to capacitate the national utilities about the integration of rooftop solar with the grid through net metering arrangements.

IDCOL being the state-owned financial institution has huge plans to develop the sector.

IDCOL targets to finance at least 300 MW industrial rooftop solar installations by 2021 through various business models. We have already received funding from KfW and the World Bank to extend financing to the private sector for implementing industrial rooftop solar projects.

IDCOL is now encouraging both local and foreign EPC players to work intensively in Bangladesh rooftop solar markets which will very much needed to realize the full potential of this sector. We are also conducting various promotional activities to create greater awareness among the industries. IDCOL has many more activities planned that you will see happening in coming days.

What are the other RE projects taken by IDCOL? Among other, IDCOL has Improved Cook Stove as well as solar irrigation programs. Both these programs have great potential in Bangladesh. Also, we are keen to explore floating solar, solar cold storage, solar charging stations, and waste to energy, etc. project financing.

How can India and Bangladesh work together and use respective strengths for the faster progress in the countries solar space?

Both India and Bangladesh have great aspirations about renewable energy, and particularly about solar energy deployment. There are various scopes of cooperating with each other to realize the potential, opportunities and the objectives the respective countries have in this regard. Bangladesh has been able to create great footprints in off-grid solar electrification

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sessions to capacitate the national utilities about the integration of rooftop solar with the grid through net metering arrangements.

Among other, IDCOL has Improved Cook Stove as well as solar irrigation programs.

Both these programs have great potential in Bangladesh. Also, we are keen to explore floating solar, solar cold storage, solar charging stations, and waste to energy, etc. project financing.

IDCOL played an important role in creating enabling environment where NGOs/MFIs and private sector entities could operate through sustainable business model. IDCOL provided innovative financing packages to these organizations and created technical standards for the products to be sold to the end beneficiaries. Extensive field level monitoring and quality control mechanisms ensured households receive the intended benefits.

Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• October October 2019 2019 14 14

In Conversation

“Sineng Lives By Its Motto Of ‘Endless Energy For Limitless Green,’ To Make The World A Better Place” Mr. Jianfei Li, VP/CTO, Sineng

Can you brief us about the success story of Sineng in Clean Tech segment in the past 5 years?

skid or integrated solution EP-6250-HA-UD was also brought out which consists of

Sineng lives by its motto of ‘Endless Energy for Limitless Green,’ to make the world a better place to live in by reducing the globe’s greenhouse emissions! The company has established itself as the leading Chinese manufacturer of inverters with a large global market share in the last 5 years and listed as China’s non-listed company-2017 in Forbes and 5th in inverter industry ranking of IHS Markit report. Sineng has also received several awards recognizing it’s ability of innovations, including China Distributed PV “Technology Innovation Award” in Top Runner excellent inverter company, “China’s top 100 renewable energy pioneers” and many others.GW and MW projects have been installed and commissioned by sineng over these 5 years around the world which has given the company an enormous and profound experience to meet any types of workload or requirements.

distribution & communication cabinet.

2*3.125MW outdoor inverters, SF6 switchgear, 6.25MW double split transformer and LV As the name suggests central distributed inverter, it is combo of central inverter and multi MPPT characteristic of string inverter (1500 V Smart MPPT combiner box). It is a unique product in the solar market and sineng provides the market’s best solution for central distributed inverter. Smart MPPT combiner box characterizes 12 MPPT trackers, P-V curve scanning, module level monitoring, compatibility of bi facial module, strong monitoring.

On the other hand, the BOS of central distributed inverter is lower than central and string inverters and it is suitable for hilly areas.

Latest model of string family is SP-185K-INH1 which deliver maximum efficiency of 99% and delivers one of the highest power densities on the present string inverter market.

There have been several innovations in solar inverter technology.

What is your latest product innovation in this segment?

It possesses 10 MPPTs which help in reducing mismatch problems. Sineng ESS solution

Let’s face it-it’s the era of smart inverter; and sineng is keeping pace up with the trend by all ways. The industry has experienced several new technologies in all aspects such as multilevel inverter topologies, 1000V to 1500V system, smart cooling, string level monitoring and controlling, compact designing, bifacial model compatibility, high level of protection against harsh environment and optimization in every level of operation. Latest products of sineng central, central distributed, string and ESS solutions are equipped with all aforementioned cutting-edge technologies.

installed in 2019.We have developed ESS solutions for DC or AC side as it is appearing as

Central inverter series- EP-3.125-HA-UD which was developed for large utility-scale application scenario. Compact design and smart control algorithm of 3.125MW inverter give an ease of installation, controlling and monitoring. This machine is furnished with everything DC/AC side protection, high load ratio, high overload capacity, environmental protection, IEC compliances, SVG functionality, PID capability, ingress (IP65 for key components) protection and so on what a plant owner would wish for! It is suitable for large ground mounted PV plants with large block size of 6.25MW or 12.5MW. In addition,

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is continuously recognized throughout the china market with over a dozen of projects a must to enable the power plant for peak shaving and frequency regulation.

What are the challenges faced by the company in today’s market?

What is the vision of your company for the coming years?

Let’s be honest here. In spite of relentless cost pressures and the inevitable rolling back of subsidy support mechanisms in most markets, the inverter market has been witnessing an eventful period. Not only many new inverter companies are coming into market, but also so many new technologies and products are changing so quickly. Though upfront costs and cost pressures generally remain a big issue for the industry, but sineng is holding on its mission for low cost and high quality. Ensuring low cost and high quality has not come in the form of silver bullet, but it has been as much about continuous learning as it has about continuous innovating. Because the competition is so fierce, so the vision of sineng is to keep practicing its mission of low cost along with high-quality products.

Solar Quarter • October 2019 15

In Conversation

“Our Commitment Stands To Support The Sustainable Energy Initiatives Of Our Customers & The Nation” Mr. Ankit Kanchal, Managing Director & CEO, Enrich Energy Pvt. Ltd

Enrich Energy was incepted in 2010, how has the experience been so far?

To say in a word, ‘exhilarating’. Enrich started at a time when the industry was in its nascence, and there was a long road ahead to build the size of 30GW which it stands

solar energy. Its overall good tailwind for the Indian solar industry to grow at an even better pace and achieve the federal target, should the financing hurdles faced by the industry be resolved and the DISCOMs honor their payment timely to solar power generators.

earlier years to a 100 MW single project which we commissioned for NLC India Limited in

Are we seeing a major push towards better & smarter technology in solar sector by the EPC contractors?

2019. The industry has witnessed a series of changes in policies, technology, practices, and

Solar PV in particular rode the success story primarily due to its constant drive for better

project economics during the decade long run up and it’s been worth the effort. At Enrich

efficiency components and efficient EPC practices. Also, solutions that are complementing

our commitment stands to support the sustainable energy initiatives of our Customers

solar energy like Energy storage, will provide an effective clean energy solution that

and the nation.

responds well to “On Demand” energy.

Tell us more about the major challenges you’ve faced in executing your projects and how you overcame those?

What are the biggest threats and opportunities for the Indian industry and how do you wish to address them?

There are two major challenges in recent times, which are worthy of mention. First being the

The biggest threat is the lack of funding support available to the solar energy sector.

imposition of safeguard duty imposed on Solar modules imported from certain countries,

While the federal system has undergone major uphaul in recent times, the ground reality

and second challenge being the financing for our business growth. The former challenge

remains worrisome to support business growth, and it’s weighing on the financial health of

was overcome thanks to the pro-active measures taken through strategic tie-up with key

companies. There are steps taken to reduce the interest costs, mega bailouts, which should

Indian manufacturers forged as part of our risk mitigation strategy in the domestic market.

entice liquidity in the system in the short to mid term.

today. Enrich too has scaled up from its first single 1 MW project commissioning in its

However, the later challenge turned out to be a daunting task, as RBI had toughened banking sector norms to plug fraudulent use, but was impacting the genuine business houses adversely. At Enrich, we diligently worked for the next few months and formed a sourcing strategy which was well accepted and supported by our key Vendors, helping to overcome the challenge to a large extent and saw us deliver the projects despite these adversities. These challenges have just helped Enrich become stronger than ever.

What is your outlook for the Indian market over the next 2 years?

Positive. There are 2 forces that are supportive, first is the federal push to achieve the 175

How significant is energy storage for the development of solar sector?

While Solar energy has a high predictability in terms of time of availability, but the extent of availability of the natural resource varies. Due to which solar energy is unable to provide an effective firm power / act as a base load as would be desired by the Distribution companies that already face demand side fluctuations, that challenge grid stability. Energy storage is the perfect solution to this challenge. Energy storage solutions will in fact support higher levels of solar energy adoption.

GW, the other is the pull generated by Private consumers due to the economic viability of

Opinion

The Biggest Challenges Faced By Solar Energy Projects In Nepal Prof. Tri Ratna Bajracharya, President, Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA)/Solar Energy Foundation (SEF Nepal)

Nepal is one of the naturally beautiful and culturally rich countries with densely populated

failure of such projects is largely dependent on the system configuration and sizing, social

urban areas and sparsely populated rural areas. Among total population, about 80% have

and economic environment in which it operates.

access to grid electricity and about 20 percent of the total population have access to

The biggest challenges associated with solar projects can be classified as political

electricity from the alternative energy sources. In addition, 31 percent of the population have utilized clean renewable energy for different purposes.

(associated with policies to promote the use of solar energy), financial (associated with high initial investment), social and technical reasons (associated with acceptability

Regarding solar energy potential, on average, Nepal has 6.8 sunshine hours per day with

of technology in society, viability of technology due to local physical environment). In

the intensity of solar radiation ranging from 3.9 to 5.1 kWh per meter square, and over

addition, following problems are more specific for case of Nepal.

300 sunny days in a year, the commercial potential of solar power for grid connection

� The cost of generating solar power in Nepal is even higher than those for hydroelectricity;

estimated to be 2,100 MW. For the first eight months of the FY 2017/18, 26.5 MW of renewable energy from solar and wind power plant have been utilized as an alternative energy. In addition, during this period, 16,572 solar power plants have been installed. To say more about opportunities of solar energy, there is scope of constructing solar farms for generation of electricity, sufficient enough to connect to the national grid and house hold solar power system (Roof-top Solar Power System) for sufficient enough for switching

therefore, solar power remains an uncertain and costly alternative for power generation. � The land acquisition is a big problem in Nepal for commercial power generation sites. � The inadequate accessibility and inadequate technical experts to connect the grids is one of the major risks of exploiting solar energy resources. � To promote the use of solar energy, it is crucial that the Nepal government creates a

to net-metering plan thus changing the consumer to prosumer.

clear and consistent regulatory environment in order to improve the solar success rates.

Despite this, many schemes are not generating the expected power, and, in some cases,

The development of policies for the viable utilization of solar energy can help Nepal

plants are not operational at all. In addition, private installations of solar panels are more

emerge as a leader in the global arena.

frequent in urban areas however net metering has not gained much success in Nepal.

There are many reasons for poor functioning of solar energy projects, but poor operating capability, inefficient management, poor feasibility and improper design have been considered as main reasons for not functioning properly. It is argued that the success or

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Solar Quarter • October 2019 16

In Conversation

“Utopus Insights Delivers Software Products That Are Descriptive, Predictive And Prescriptive” Mr. Venkata Krishnan, Country manager and Executive Director Business development, Utopus Insights

Please tell us about the products and services offered by the company.

Utopus Insights is a New York-based data-driven energy analytics Software as a Service company that develops global digital solutions to accelerate the integration of renewable energy into the modern grid.

Our ‘digital intelligence’ leverages the power of advanced data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to unlock insights from vast amounts of IoT data including sensor, smart meter and weather data.

Utopus Insights delivers software products that are descriptive (historic data and real-time visualization), predictive (energy and weather forecasting), and prescriptive (asset health for optimal maintenance and uptime).

Scipher™, our energy analytics platform and application suite enable renewable energy

Asset downtime and underperformance have always been a challenge in the renewable industry. More energy companies are now using sensor data and digital algorithms to maintain and operate grids in a much more efficient manner than ever before. With data analytics, it is easier to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between various signals and causes of failure, and using data analytics, makes failure identification possible with enough lead time to take timely action.

What are the new innovations that the company is working on?

At the core of Utopus Insights, data is the key to everything. We are incorporating advanced analytics in our product suite to helps industry professionals track asset performance to optimize and maximize revenue from their portfolio.

Scipher.Vx+, a visualization product, provides advanced dashboarding and analytical capabilities. It allows monitoring renewable energy asset performance using industry-

asset owners, operators, and utilities to optimize their financial interests and increase

standard reference power curves to visualize, analyze and quantify potential performance

reliance on typically intermittent renewable energy sources. Enhanced forecasting

deviations, also provides intuitive and interactive visualization capabilities enabling

capabilities improve asset predictability, promote reliability, and augment maintenance

customized analyses across multiple regions, time periods and OEMs.

operations to lower costs and extract additional revenue.

Scipher.Rx is an advanced one-stop predictive maintenance SaaS product that allows users

Why has data analytics boomed in the market in a short period of time?

to identify, prioritize and preempt critical component failure at the individual asset level, or across an entire fleet.

Scipher.Rx ingests, organizes and structures historical asset data and information to train

The energy industry is going through profound changes, with digitization playing a key

and run predictive models that alert users of potential component failures. Metrics such as

role. The industry is using data analytics to cut costs, optimize investments and reduce

confidence score, failure windows and alert counts are visualized and analyzed to reveal

risk.

failure trends at the individual asset level or across an entire fleet.

Leaders in Solar Park

Ranked among Top 10 Solar Companies in India Solar Parks in: Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh

500+ MW Solar Plant Installation

8 Solar Parks

500+ MW Installation

Offices : Jaipur | Delhi | Chandigarh +91 141 4600 500 | +91 844 844 9557

15+ O&M Centers

Spread Across 10 States

info@raysexperts.com

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Solar Quarter • October 2019 17

In Conversation

“We aim to deliver clean and sustainable energy solutions to the underserved and unserved” Mr. Munawar Misbah Moin, Managing Director, Rahimafrooz

Could you give our readers a brief introduction of your company?

What are the emerging investment opportunities in Bangladesh?

The history of Solarising Bangladesh by Rahimafrooz started in the mid-1980s with our

In the immediate terms investments will be Rooftop EPC and ESCO model. In addition

R&D and installation of the first ever Solar Home System (SHS) in 1989. The installation was

solar irrigation pump and mini grids. Opportunities also exist Solar MW IPP as per the

located at West Nijra, Gopalgonj. This then remote village, became a center of attraction

master plan of GOB. DRE solutions delivering productive and Agro solutions will gain

around miles for being a pioneering solar user. Back then, kerosene lamps were the only

momentum. Also EV and Fast charging will definitely pick up as already One million three

solutions for lighting and livelihoods for rural people; along with it came the inconveniences

wheeler EVs are existing in rural mass transportation. With GOB commitment towards

of darkness. Adopting to a new solution, new technology was thus a revolutionary feat

100% RE by 2050; technologies with focus on rural and urban energy solutions linked to

29 years ago. Given the market scenario and the prospects of renewables, Rahimafrooz

productive and economic outcome will create new areas of opportunity.

Renewable Energy Ltd. (RREL) was incorporated in 2006. Till this date, we have installations over 35Mwp all over Bangladesh. We have created over 2000 green jobs over the years, for service delivery to the last mile consumers. Our diverse range of products and solutions include Energy efficient appliances, Solar Home Systems, Roof On Grid Solutions, EPC, Storage solutions, Off-grid solutions. Our module manufacturing plant manufactures solar panels ranging from 20-350 Wp.

RREL has created a smartphone application UDDOM, Kindly elaborate on the benefits of the app?

We have partnered with UDDOM, a smart phone application, to mobilize the untapped potential of the rural unserved market with last mile entrepreneurs. Though Uddom is at an initial stage it harnesses the ‘green entrepreneur’ or the ‘uddokta’ (Bengali for entrepreneur) by motivating and empowering them to create a community or pool of customers. It is an ecosystem that maximizes the entrepreneurial drive by delivering products and services to customers which improve the standard and quality of life for much of Bangladesh’s Population that lives in rural and remote areas, without direct access to energy, clean drinking water, finance and health care. The use and application of these products has a direct impact on the economic status of the user/consumer through

We have been very successful with Solar Home Systems (SHS) with nearly 6 million roll out in the country, the largest in the world. From home, now DRE productive solutions like Irrigation pump; Mini gird; Agro Solar; Solar milk chiller, cold storage are areas that have significant potential provided right sized solution with financial viable proposition are brought together.

capacity building, increased monetary savings, maintaining health, enabling education and potential to create a sustainable source of income. Collectively, the long-term benefits are undeniable.

In your view, what more needs to be done in Solarizing Bangladesh?

70% of our population lives in rural areas. As such any solution must deliver to enhance their living conditions and economic upliftment. As such distributed RE solution is the right way to go. We have been very successful with Solar Home Systems (SHS) with nearly 6 million roll out in the country, the largest in the world. From home, now DRE productive solutions like Irrigation pump; Mini gird; Agro Solar; Solar milk chiller, cold storage are areas that have significant potential provided right sized solution with financial viable proposition are brought together.

DRE in overall context will always succeed in reaching the unsaved and under served In addition, rooftop with Net Metering will increasingly be a viable proposition. Also certain large scale Solar MW IPP has prospect.

We see energy efficient appliances like TV, Fan, Refrigerators making in roads into rural homes and communities. RE based productive solutions focused on Agro; fisheries, SME delivering new growth possibilities.

For all the above; the government needs to ensure certain regulatory framework to ensure quality, standards, compliance. Also provide tax and fiscal incentives for developers and users to escalate solar RE adaptation.

There also is a target of generating 10% of Bangladesh’s power from renewable resources by 2020. This is a collective effort on the part of both the private and public sector companies for now and going forward as well.

What technological breakthroughs do you foresee in the coming years?

DRE solutions delivering productive and Agro solutions will gain momentum. Also EV

We see energy efficient appliances like TV, Fan, Refrigerators making in roads into rural homes and communities. RE based productive solutions focused on Agro; fisheries, SME delivering new growth possibilities.

Energy Storage System moving to Li ion and more advanced technology will become key in DRE solutions and emerging Electric Vehicle segments. Also Solar Hybrid solutions will

and Fast charging will definitely pick up as already One million three wheeler EVs are

also drive in the area of Fast Charging for EVs. By helping cut operating costs, enhance revenues, and improve reliability, battery storage could play a crucial role in this evolution.

ESS will also impact grid network stabilization.

existing in rural mass transportation.

In addition the internet, IoT, SMART phones platforms will be a game changer in getting all solutions in a connected platform.

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Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• October October 2019 2019 18

INDUSTRY Industry Insights INSIGHTS

What A Climate-Safe Energy Transformation Looks Like & What It Would Deliver What A Climate-Safe Energy Transformation Looks Like To maintain the 1.5°C pathway, the share of renewable energy in total primary energy supply (TPES) will have to rise from 14% today to at least 65% in 2050. Under IRENA’s

2050, the amounts saved by reducing (net) subsidies and curtailing the damage to human and environmental health from emissions and other forms of energy pollution exceed the investment costs by three to seven times.

Energy Transformation scenario,the use of renewable energy would nearly quadruple by

In other words, every additional dollar spent on the energy transformation between now

2050.TPES would also fall slightly below today’s levels. From 2010 to 2016, with growth in

and 2050 will pay back USD 3 to USD 7 in fuel savings, avoided investments and reduced

population and economic activity, TPES grew 1.1% per year. Current plans would reduce

externalities.

this figure to 0.6% per year to 2050, whereas, under the Energy Transformation scenario, it

Cumulative net savings over the period would be between USD 45 trillion and USD 140

would turn negative and show a decline of 0.2% per year to 2050 (IRENA, 2019b).

Electrification with renewables is the single largest driver for change in the global energy transformation. The share of electricity in total final energy consumption (TFEC) increases under the Energy Transformation scenario from just 20% today to 49% by 2050. The share of electricity consumed in industry and buildings doubles to reach 42% and 68%, respectively, in 2050, and in transport it increases from just 1% today to over 40% in 2050.

The most substantial growth in the use of clean electricity over other fuels will need to come from the building sector (for space heating) and cooking, and in the transport sector for passenger and road freight.

The

increasing

generated

use

from

of

electricity

renewable

trillion – about two years of current global GDP. Up to 2030, these benefits can be reaped with low additional investments over Current Plans. After 2030, no additional investments are needed (compared with Current Plans).

Indeed, required investments drop in the Energy Transformation case because of the declining costs of renewable technologies.

The investments that will have to be made through 2050 to ensure that the Energy Transformation scenario becomes a reality are laid out in the next section – by sector and by world region.

Transforming The Energy System - IRENA

sources

reduces inefficient fuel consumption.

Under

the

scenario,

Energy energy

Transformation efficiency

thus

improves, owing to an increase in renewables-based

electrification,

especially in transport and heat.

With the electricity mix significantly transformed, the carbon intensity of electricity drops by 90%. The power sector sees the wide-scale deployment of renewable energy and increasingly flexible

power

systems,

supporting

integration of variable renewable energy (VRE). The share of renewable energy in the power sector increases from 24% today to 86% in 2050. This transformation will require new approaches to power system planning, system and market operations, and regulation and public policies.

The most important synergy of the global energy transformation is created by the combination of increasingly inexpensive renewable

power

technologies

and

wider adoption of electric technologies for end-uses in transport and heat. That synergy alone could provide two-thirds of the energy-related emissions needed to set the world on a path to fulfillment of the Paris Agreement and the IPCC 1.5°C recommendation.

Deploying

the

solutions

and

technologies required to reduce the carbon intensity of the global economy by two-thirds by 2050, as in the Energy Transformation case, would result in lowering total primary energy supply in that year slightly below 2016 levels, even though the economy would be three times larger than today.

And what it would deliver Transforming the energy system would cost less than not doing so, even without factoring in the estimated payoffs of mitigating climate change and achieving sustainability. Through

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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter• •October October2019 2019 19 19

In Conversation

“TBEA Have Always Focused On Product Quality And Customer Services Being Fruitfully Awarded With More Than 3Gw Of Inverter Installation Base In India” Mr. Mehul Sharma (Sales Director – India), TBEA

What type of challenges have you faced in this time period, with over 70 years of experience in the power transmission industry?

which enhances the life cycle of the inverter providing a sense of peace to the customer.

TBEA Xi’an Electric Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise affiliated to TBEA Group

awarded with more than 3GW of inverter installation base in India serving almost all major

that specializes in R&D of core equipments and delivery of rich technical solutions in photovoltaic power generation, flexible AC/DC transmission, smart micro-grid field, etc.

TBEA have always focused on product quality and customer services being fruitfully Big & Small Project developers & EPCs namely ACME, Renew Power, Adani, L&T, Avaada, Azure Power, BHEL, KEC International, OPG Energy, KC Solar, Enrich Energy, Maheshwari

The Company mainly produces photovoltaic inverters, high-voltage SVGs, energy routers

Mines, Rays power expert, Rays Power Infra, etc.

and flexible DC transmission equipments.

TBEA has been ranked among top 2 PV Inverter manufacturers against other competitors,

Since its establishment, the Company has always been developing based on technological

according to the report generated by Bridge to India in Q1 2019.

innovation, and has established a world-leading energy internet and power electronics experts, including doctors and masters, set up 2 R&D centers in Xi’an and Munich, Germany.

What are the new technological innovations in the solar inverter market globally and in India?

The Company has successively undertaken more than 10 major scientific research projects

Inverter technology have always been a crucial point of development. All inverter

such as the National 863 Program and Science and Technology Support Program, presided

manufacturers invest a huge sum in development of highly efficient transition technologies,

over the drafting of many national standards and won more than 300 patents of various

better & advanced cooling systems for large capacity inverters, which can also handle

laboratory, built a professional R&D team with more than 300 people led by overseas

kinds. It was awarded a number of honors such as “National Local Joint Engineering Laboratory”, “National Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation”, “National Patent and Innovative Pilot Enterprise”, and was one of the few enterprises in the industry that mastered a number of independently developed core technologies.

In the field of smart photovoltaic power generation, after 18 years of unremitting efforts,

frequency fluctuations more efficiently. Also, inverter manufacturer have a pressure to develop highly efficient 1500V solutions with higher capacity to reduce the BOS cost.

TBEA have a big R&D department continuously towards advanced technology and have developed high capacity inverters of 1500V 3.75MW & 1500V 5MW single unit inverter with highly efficient cooling system.

the Company has led the industry concept and technology direction of photovoltaic power generation, and independently developed a full range of 3kW-5000kW gird-connected inverters, and launched a one-stop smart photovoltaic power station solution which can be applied in various environments. With business in more than 20 countries on four continents, the cumulative global operating performance has exceeded 30 GW.

Could you please present with some case studies of a few noteworthy projects implemented by your company in the distributed solar space?

TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd. have served all-round the solar industry by associating with almost all major key players Big & Small in the market namely ACME, RENEW, AZURE, AVAADA, ADANI, OPG, BHEL, Rays Power Infra, Rays Power Expert, KEC, L&T, ENRICH, KC Solar etc contributing to a total of 3GW+ supply record in India. ACME alone counts approx. 1.3 GW of supply for their several projects in Andhra Pradesh, Uttarkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Punjab, etc. Azure have been served with 1500V Outdoor solutions which successfully commissioned & running at their 10MW site in Kadapa (Andhra Pradesh), OPG 62MW in Karnataka, L&T 150MW in Karnataka, BHEL 20MW in West Bengal, Rays Power Infra 100MW in Karnataka, KEC 5MW in Himachal Pradesh, Rays Power Expert 50MW in Rajasthan, and still counting. Overall performance of inverters are remarkable leading to reliability over the brand & technology of TBEA Xián Electric Technology Co. Ltd.

What are the USP’s of your company products and what factors differentiates you from your competitors?

Considering the brand presence, reliability and banakability of the company, the products have been successfully applied in more than 1000 PV projects of major domestic photovoltaic power plant projects, and have been exported to Europe, North Africa, Central Asia and some other countries & regions accumulating to total installed capacity of more than 30 GW across the globe and more that 3GW in India itself.

Further reasons to use TBEA products are noted below: TBEA inherits an engineering experience of 70 years having highly experience & professional R&D team.

Inverter solutions manufactured by TBEA are based on 3 level topology to provide maximum efficiency and power generation reducing the switching losses.

TBEA is the only brand manufacturing the highest capacity of String and central inverter of 205 kW String Inverter single unit and 5000 kW Central Inverter single unit , which saves the BOS cost of the customer.

TBEA manufacturer’s plugin type solution which supports the critical short span project commissioning trends of India.

Company have a world-class manufacturing facility in China which meets the globally

One of the biggest achievement is you are coming with an Indian factory, what do you think how fruitful will it be for your business?

India being second largest solar market globally focus on Utility scale projects followed by commercial & rooftop scale segment and TBEA proudly supports both having Central inverters and String Inverters in its product basket. TBEA have always focused on product quality and customer services being fruitfully awarded and have more than 3 GW Inverters Supplied in India.

The company has established R&D Centers and GW production bases in Xi’an and Hami, whose annual capacity is able to be beyond 10GW. Further to support India market even better, TBEA is coming up with its manufacturing facility with manufacturing capability of 3GW per annum, in Bangalore, Karnataka and located around 5KM from Electronic City.

TBEA India factory is rolled out a plan to have total 3 assembly lines, each having manufacturing capacity of 3 GW. Initially to start manufacturing with two assembly lines each having 1 GW capacity. First assembly line will manufacture Outdoor type central Inverters - All Ratings. Second Assembly Line to manufacture Utility Type Multi MPPT String Inverter of 208kW. Third line to be made operational on later stages depending on market trend.

Inverter technology have always been a crucial point of development. All inverter manufacturers invest a huge sum in development of highly efficient transition technologies, better & advanced cooling systems for large capacity inverters, which can also handle frequency fluctuations more efficiently.

acceptable quality standards. Company use TIER 1 components in its inverter solution

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Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• October October 2019 2019 20

Perspective

Way Forward To Recover From The Liquidity Crunch In The Indian Solar Sector Mr. Animesh Damani, Managing Partner, Artha Energy Resources The current liquidity crunch being felt in the Indian Solar sector

and Tata. These lenders require solar developers to invest in companies with a minimum

is very segment-specific. For utility-scale projects, the developers

BBB+ credit rating, which vastly reduces the number of companies that could receive

have been facing resistance from banks due to current low PPA

loans. Hence, the remaining companies do not have access to low cost finance from the

rates. However, for developers of open access and RESCO projects,

Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.

financing was already tough to come by and has become even

Therefore, we require more NBFCs and banks, which are willing to deal with zero debt

more difficult. The private industry has seen their sanctioned limits reduced or loans called back. This squeeze has reduced the debt capital for solar.

companies and lower credit quality, to lend to the sector. The need of the hour is a solarfocused NBFC that is proficient in the technical aspects of solar and counterparty risk

To recover from this liquidity crunch, more banks need to lend to the solar sector. Currently,

assessment. It creates efficient lending as well as effective installation and maintenance

the only state lenders to solar developers are SBI and PNB, and in the private space, L&T

of these assets. This seems to be the most sustainable way out of this liquidity squeeze.

Miss. Vibhuti Garg, Energy Economist, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis Indian solar sector has shown a remarkable growth with utility scale installed capacity more than tripled from 9GW to 30GW (with another 4.3GW of mostly behind the meter rooftop solar

Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Further, non-payment by DISCOMs adding to woes of the solar developers. As per CEA September 2019 report, discoms owe Rs. 9736 crores to renewable energy (RE) developers.

capacity) during the period January 2017 to September 2019.

To rebuild the momentum in solar deployment, the government needs to act fast. The

Since FY 2010-11, solar prices have dropped by more than 75

sanctity of the competitive auction process should not be violated with imposition of

percent in India, from as high as Rs.12.16 per kWh in December 2010 to Rs. 2.45 per kWh in May 2017.

In the last few months, the sector witnessed a setback on account of the confusion regarding the Goods & Service Tax (GST) and the import duty on solar equipment. Further, offtake of renewable energy power requires grid strengthening and creation of demand through open-access platforms in the situation when discoms are violating the Power

tariff ceilings and serial cancellation/resizing of announced bids. Further, curtailment of solar power to be addressed by strengthening inter-state transmission network. The states should facilitate acquisition of land for development of solar projects.

In order to revive the sector and attract investment, policy certainty and strict enforcement of PPAs is required to build investor confidence. A robust payment security system to be built in requiring adequacy and validity of Letter of Credit (LC) to cover the payments due on account of drawl of power.

Case Study

Sofar Solar Inverter SKY PROJECT (KUSUM YOJNA). TOP Position in Gujarat � The Gujarat government on launched a solar power scheme for farmersSuryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY) enabling them to generate electricity for their captive consumption as well as sell the surplus power to the grid and earn an extra buck & Now in future it will be undercover in KUSUM scheme (Government launched new scheme).

SOFARSOLAR

own

WAREHOUSE

in

Ahmedabad-Guajrat with wide space & local Indian registration as name of SOFARSOLAR INDIA PVT LTD. LOCAL

SALES-SERVICE

SUPPORT

with

LONGVISION Business Policy Establishment in INDIA. � SOFARSOLAR is currently installed more than 28MW covering whole Gujarat Region & another more than 30Mw projection to install very soon. These project demanding very high quality and flexible adaptability for various grid situations and outstanding efficiency in extreme weather condition. SOFAR 4.4KW – 70KW models are using with RS-485 communication.

SOFARSOLAR is biggest installer & TOP Position in SKY PROJECT Scheme. � In recent SKY project numbers of inverters are installed in PGVCL feeder. But due to grid fluctuation of one phase w.r.t other phase inverters repetitively tripped. So we are taking voltage graphs on CRO during Peak time and find the reason of grid voltage variation. We troubleshoot that problem by upgrading inverters and changing voltage limitation for particular feeder. Now all inverters are working in all types of weather condition in different state and generate more energy. � In adequate performance of SOFARSOLAR inverters with different data loggers, Grid voltage, extreme conditions, flexible installation pattern proves to be leading in PV market.

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Manufactured at :

Registered Office and Works : 490/1, 491/2, Urla Industrial Area, Raipur 492 003. Chhattisgarh. INDIA. Phone : +91 771 408 2350 |Email : sales.rr@gpil.in | info@consoul.co.in www.consoul.co.in

Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 21 21

Opinion

Are InvITs The Future Of Large-Scale Capital Deployment In The Sector?

Mr. Sachin Bajaj, CFO, Amplus Solar

Infrastructure is one of the most critical sectors of any economy and the cornerstone

needs a lot of capital and funding, by augmenting long-term capital from foreign as well

of its economic development. A well-developed infrastructure set-up enables the

as domestic investors.

overall development of a country and facilitates a steady inflow of investments, thereby

The development of solar sector has recently been hit by multiple issues such as power

augmenting the capital base available for the growth in a sustained manner.

tariff disputes, GST concerns, imposition of safeguard duty on panels imported from China

Given such importance of infrastructure sector, Securities and Exchange Board of India

and Malaysia, issues in raising capital, which has led to a decline in investor interest in

(SEBI) had introduced the concept of Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvITs) in 2014, with

solar auctions and delay in completion of existing projects. In such a scenario, InvITs could

a view to promote infrastructure development in India. InvITs are trust vehicles, which are

act as a game changer for the solar sector, on account of various factors, such as strong

listed on stock exchanges, raise funds from investors (retail as well as institutional), acquire

corporate governance framework of SEBI, stable long-term returns because of mandatory

income yielding infrastructure assets, manage such assets, and distribute regular yields to

distribution rules of 90% of cash flows, capped leverage ratio, lower risks, high quality

the investors under a SEBI regulated regime.

assets, sponsor lock-in of 15% units for 3 years and tax benefits on income distributions

InvITs which are listed on Indian stock exchange(s) can either be privately placed or public.

(such as exemption from DDT under specified conditions, taxation of interest for non-

As the name suggests, privately placed InvITs can raise funds from institutional investors,

residents @ 5% etc.). As per press reports, Tata power and Piramal Enterprises are already

public InvITs can raise funds from retail as well as institutional investors and have more

in the planning stage for setting up renewable focused InvITs.

diversified and low risk investment conditions. The concept of a privately placed and

InvITs act as an efficient and optimum structure for financing/ refinancing of solar projects

unlisted InvIT has also been recently introduced by SEBI.

and to free up sponsor capital for reinvestment into other avenues, thereby acting as a

InvITs have off late been garnering a lot of attention, not just from the investor and

catalyst in the development of this sector. More specifically in solar sector, InvITs could

sponsor community, but even from Govt. of India, which has been keenly exploring InvITs as a possible means to monetize its infrastructure assets held by CPSEs. Given the ambitious target of achieving 175GW of renewable energy by 2022, which Govt. of India has set itself, InvITs are sure to play a significant role in the solar sector, which still

play a critical role by easing the burden of the banking sector, by replacing/refinancing existing high cost bank debt with long-term low-cost capital from investors, which would help banks to reduce their exposure to solar sector. InvITs are thus expected to get a lot of traction in coming times.

Industry Insights INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Key Facts: Large Scale Battery Storage Utility-scale battery storage systems are mostly being deployed in Australia, Germany,

deployments in emerging markets are expected to increase by over 40% year on year until

Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and other European nations. Apart from

2025, resulting in approximately 80 GW of new storage capacity (IFC, 2017). The following

these countries, several island and off-grid communities have invested in large-scale

table provides some key facts about global large-scale battery storage installations.

battery storage to balance the grid and store excess renewable energy. Energy storage

TABLE 1 KEY FACTS ABOUT LARGE-SCALE BATTERY STORAGE Description

Key facts

Key regions where large-scale batteries are used (2017)

Australia, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States

Global installed capacity of large-scale battery storage systems

10 GW (IRENA, 2017)

Main services currently provided

• Ancillary services, such as frequency response and voltage support • Capacity reserve • Renewable energy capacity firming and curtailment reduction • Reliable power supply to isolated grids • Deferral of transmission and distribution upgrades

Most established large-scale battery storage technology

• Currently, Li-ion batteries represent over 90% of the total installed capacity for large-scale battery storage (IEA, 2017) • Costs fell by 80% from 2010 to 2017 (IRENA, 2017)

Largest capacity project to date

Examples of battery manufacturers

In November 2018, PG&E in California awarded the world’s two largest battery contracts to date, at 300 MW / 2 270 MWh and 182 MW / 730 MWh (Bade, 2018).

BYD, GS Yuasa, Hitachi, Kokam, LG Chem, NEC Energy, NGK, Panasonic, Saft, Samsung SDI, Sony, Toshiba

Source - IRENA’s Innovation Landscape

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Solar Quarter • October 2019 22

Perspective

Best Practices in Dealing With Regulatory And Project Execution Challenges In Bangladesh Mr. M A Taher, Managing Director, Sherpa Power Engineering Ltd Bangladesh is seeking to Promote sustainable development

& load distributions. So we need Smart Grid Immediately where Load sharing will be

and renewable energy is the key part to develop this sector. As

easy for PV Grid Connections. But Government yet to make decision for Smart Grid line

Government & Private sector are trying hard to take a key role in

for Renewable energy distribution.

this sector but they are facing the following challenges:1) Awareness of Government Policy: Most of the people do not

6) Skilled Personnel: There is another Challenges where to get skilled people or Organization to Design, Drawings, System Instigation & Installation technicians.

have adequate knowledge of the Government rules & regulations of renewable energy

In spite of the fact that our Government is trying to finish all regulatory policies very

policy but Government & Private Sector are trying hard to Overcome this situation.

shortly & we hope all policies will be complete by Dec 2019 and then there will be time to

Also Government are taking time to finalize the renewable Policy because Government

take into other disciplines to mitigate the above challenges.

is trying to involve all the stakeholders in this sector and its very good initiatives.

2) Prefabrication Structure: In Bangladesh we are facing lack of Prefabricated structure manufacturing vendor which help very much to complete Projects in time & makes installation easy.

3) Evacuation: Evacuation is major challenges & costly to Implement PV Power in Bangladesh.It is very hard to get Medium Voltage & High Tension Voltage Line nearby PV Power Plant and in LV Line it faces load shedding, Low Voltage, poor Line, Deeps, sudden blackout resulting PV Power loss for Sponsor. If Government takes initiatives to develop evacuation cost at their end it will be more effective for PV Projects Implementation 4) Land Scarcity: In Bangladesh mostly plain & cultivated land. Abandon land are very few and it may takes Several GWp but such a remote area which takes huge cost involvement for evacuations.

5) Smart Grid : There are a lot of Challenges to connect PV Power to the Conventional Grid Line and sometimes it causes big problems for the existing line because of SCADA

Evacuation is major challenges & costly to Implement PV Power in Bangladesh.It is very hard to get Medium Voltage & High Tension Voltage Line nearby PV Power Plant and in LV Line it faces load shedding, Low Voltage, poor Line, Deeps, sudden blackout resulting PV Power loss for Sponsor. If Government takes initiatives to develop evacuation cost at their end it will be more effective for PV Projects Implementation.

Mr. D.M Abu Bakar Siddique, Managing Director, Exelon Bangladesh

Bangladesh Government just passed net metering guideline in 2018 which has been an encouraging move by MOPAMR to promote Solar Rooftop System on any unused space inside the premises where either an industry, commercial or a residential establishment is placed. It has certainly helped in speeding up the installations, and ensured a better ROI for the sponsors and with the availability of low-cost finance from IDCOL it certainly is a sector to concentrate on. Currently utility companies don’t take significant amount of time to change uni-directional meter to bi-directional meter and it has been a matter of submitting an application to the utility company only, and rest is been taken care of. During execution of the project and after the finance is confirmed there are few hurdles for an EPC company to get over one of them is the taxation during import which cumulatively adds up to 15% of the material cost in total and on top of that EPC companies need to add VAT and AIT during issuance of sales invoice, which is not at all a friendly environment for rooftop developers ultimately resulting in higher LCOE. Government needs to take a reasonable smart step to minimize all sort of taxation and this surely would contribute in growth of this particular sector of this country.

During execution of the project and after the finance is confirmed there are few hurdles for an EPC company to get over one of them is the taxation during import which cumulatively adds up to 15% of the material cost in total and on top of that EPC companies need to add VAT and AIT during issuance of sales invoice.

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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 23 23

INDUSTRY Industry Insights INSIGHTS

Artificial Intelligence And Big Data Contribution To Power Sector Transformation

AI and other digital technologies can support the renewable energy sector in a variety

irregular peak loads in the power grid. AI can ensure that the power grid always

of ways. Most of the advances currently supported by AI have been in advanced

operates at optimal load and can optimise the energy consumption of customers.

weather and renewable power generation forecasting and in predictive maintenance.

Ideally, the electricity generated by the solar PV system in the home or within the

In the future, AI and big data will further enhance decision making and planning,

neighbourhood grid would be consumed.

condition monitoring, inspections, certifications and supply chain optimisation and

Grid congestion at the transmission and distribution level is an important factor that

will generally increase the efficiency of energy systems. However, this brief focuses on

slows the integration of wind and solar PV electricity into power systems. AI can

facilitating greater integration of VRE into power systems, where six main categories

increase the capacity of the power grids and reduce the need for new lines through

of application for AI can be identified, as below

better use of existing lines as a function of weather conditions. This is the case in, for example, the dynamic line rating projects implemented by the company Ampacimon

Improved renewable energy generation forecast

or being investigated at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in the “PrognoNetz”

Improved weather forecasting is one of the main AI applications that will improve the

project (KIT, 2019). AI-based systems, using large amounts of weather data, can ensure

integration of renewables into the power system. Solar and wind generation provide

optimal use of existing power grids by adapting operation to the weather conditions

an enormous amount of data, and renewable technologies have benefited from sensor

at any time and therefore reducing congestion.

technology being long established. Big data and AI can produce accurate power

AI can also improve safety, reliability and efficiency in the power system by automatically

generation forecasts that will make it feasible to integrate more renewable energy

detecting disturbances. The technology can enable automated data processing

into the grid. For example, in 2015, IBM was able to show an improvement of 30% in

in real time and detect cases of emergency or appliance failure. As an example,

solar forecasting while working with the US Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative.

researchers have provided AI models with examples of typical system outages to allow

The self-learning weather model and renewable generation forecasting technology

the algorithm to gradually learn to distinguish – and precisely categorise – normal

integrated large datasets of historical data and real-time measurement from local

operating data from defined system malfunctions. The algorithm was able to make

weather stations, sensor networks, satellites and sky image cameras (IBM, 2015).

split-second decisions on where there was an anomaly or fault, as well as the type

Accurate VRE forecasting at shorter time scales can help generators and market players to better forecast their output and to bid in the wholesale and balancing markets, while avoiding penalties. For system operators, accurate short term forecasting can improve unit commitment, increase dispatch efficiency and reduce reliability issues, and therefore reduce the operating reserves needed in the system.

Maintain grid stability and reliability By providing accurate demand and supply forecasts, AI can further optimise the operation of the system, in particular in the context of decentralised systems with bidirectional electricity flow, which increases complexity in power systems.

Power distribution grid operators are confronted with great challenges because the number of decentralised energy generation systems, such as solar PV, has grown rapidly. The deployment of renewable energy technology leads to fluctuations and

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and location of that disturbance. If one power plant should fail, an abrupt spike can be expected in the load placed on the other power plants. The increased load slows down the generators, and the frequency decreases. This calls for rapid (less than 500 millisecond [ms]) countermeasures, because if the frequency sinks below a threshold value, the operator may be forced to cut off sections of the grid for the sake of system stability. Since the algorithm can reach a decision within 20 – 50 ms, there would be sufficient time to implement the appropriate fully automated countermeasures. The algorithm is ready to be implemented, according to researchers, and work continues on the control and regulation of the relevant countermeasures.

Improved demand forecast Accurate demand forecasting, together with renewable generation forecasting, can be used to optimise economic load dispatch as well as to improve demand-side management and efficiency.

Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 24

INDUSTRY Industry Insights INSIGHTS Consumers produce an increasing stream of data that comes through the power grid itself. There has been a significant push to install smart meters that are able to send the information to utility providers as often as hourly. From this data, AI can predict not only network load but also consumption habits, and can accurately draw a consumption pattern for each consumer. This becomes even more relevant with the current deployment of DERs, such as electric vehicles, heat pumps and solar PV panels,

Demand-side management is witnessing a myriad of AI and big data activity, with advancements being made in demand

which change the traditional load shape entirely.

response, energy management systems and

Understanding the consumer’s habits, values, motivations and even personality further

overall energy efficiency. Using weather

bolsters the balancing and effectiveness of a smart grid. It also allows policies to be created more effectively and enables an understanding of the human motivations associated with renewable energy adoption and how to possibly change consumer behaviour to optimise the whole energy system.

Efficient demand-side management Demand-side management is witnessing a myriad of AI and big data activity, with advancements being made in demand response, energy management systems and

forecasts, occupancy, usage, energy prices and

patterns

identified

in

consumer

behaviour, AI can optimise the energy management of a consumer’s house, reducing their electricity bill.

overall energy efficiency. Using weather forecasts, occupancy, usage, energy prices and patterns identified in consumer behaviour, AI can optimise the energy management of a consumer’s house, reducing their electricity bill.

Optimised energy storage operation

Other AI applications in the power sector In addition to directly supporting the integration of VRE, AI can be used in other applications for power systems. These include increased visibility into energy leakage,

Energy storage systems, in the form of large-scale batteries, aggregated small batteries

consumption patterns and equipment functioning status. For instance, predictive

(“behind the meter”) or plugged-in electric vehicles, are emerging as key enablers

analytics can take sensor data from a wind turbine to monitor wear and tear and

for renewable energy integration. AI can help operate these technologies in a more

predict with a high degree of accuracy when the turbine would need maintenance.

efficient way, maximising renewable electricity integration (including the reduction

Strategy in targeting where to deploy the real-time sensing is also necessary. For

of generation forecast errors), minimising prices for electricity consumed locally and

example, some assets last a very long time and outlast the sensors several times over.

maximising returns for the owners of the storage system. For large-scale energy storage systems, this includes decisions on storing excess renewable electricity in a

Source - IRENA’s Innovation Landscape

network of batteries and discharging the batteries to meet demand at a later point in time, while considering forecasted demand, renewable energy generation, prices and network congestion, among other variables.

As storage batteries can be activated quickly and can be used to manage excessive peaks and minimise the back-up energy needed from diesel generators, coal-fired power plants or other speaker plants, AI can be used to predict and make energy storage management decisions.

The speed and complexity of managing energy storage systems in a dynamic environment, encompassing many variables, requires advanced AI. AI research is studying decision making on a scale and with a complexity that surpasses that of a human operator, especially for networks of thousands of mixed energy storage units (electrical, thermal, etc.) installed at the end consumer side, at households or industrial installations.

In addition, AI can help estimate and extend the useful life of a storage unit by applying predictive logic algorithms to the charging and discharging data. Owners will deploy their storage pack according to the compensation for the services provided by the battery, as well as the impact these services have on the state of health of the batteries. California-based company Stem has developed Athena, which uses AI to map out energy usage and allow customers to track fluctuations in energy rate to more efficiently use storage.

Optimised market design and operation Sophisticated models based on AI are also being deployed to optimise close to realtime market operations. Such optimisation relies on the analysis of large streams of diverse data to enable rapid response to market changes.

Intraday trading is particularly useful for adjusting to unforeseen changes in power production and consumption by putting market mechanisms to use before control reserves become necessary. This allows a power plant operator who suddenly loses production in a single block to buy additional power from other participants on the market and maintain the balancing group. Intraday trading is therefore a key component for direct marketing of power produced by renewable energy when quickly changing weather results in an unplanned shortfall or surplus of power from solar or wind power plants. The speed and complexity of operating intraday markets in a dynamic environment that encompasses many variables can be beyond a human operator; his would be an ideal application for advanced AI.

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Solar Solar Quarter Quarter ••October October 2019 2019 25

Perspective

Cost Reduction And Improvement Of Operations And Maintenance Using Advanced Data Analytics : The Rise Of Machine Learning Dr. Praveen Jambholkar, CEO, Metagogy Learning System Pvt Ltd Operational and Maintenance (O&M) costs of the PV plants

from the field data (through IoT) which is simply impossible to perform using mere

can have a big impact on its viability and success. Preventive

statistics or regression analysis.

maintenance is a traditional technique which involves periodic scheduling and reactive maintenance involves identification and correction of unexpected deviation of performance in the system. These traditional techniques take much time and are expensive not only in terms of manpower effort and money but also costs associated with downtime.

We can reduce Operations and Maintenance cost by digitizing the power plants, that collects electrical data from devices installed on the PV plant and sent to the cloud, where

Using Deep Learning algorithms, we can identify field issues in solar power plants (fault classification), such as partial shading, degradation of modules, dust and dirt on modules, improper wiring, poor dynamic MPPT efficiency of inverter, etc. Statistically, it may not be possible to differentiate between these conditions.

Using temporally capable Machine Learning algorithms, predictive, pre-emptive maintenance can be performed, potentially saving permanent damage to the system.

data analysis takes place to perform ‘Root Cause Analysis’ and to predict anomalies in the

Combining these two techniques, it is possible to bring down the O&M costs drastically,

system with the help of Machine Learning algorithms.

as well as reduce the system downtime.

The meaning of Data Analytics has changed rapidly over the past couple of years. Now,

Conclusion: The industry, therefore has to rapidly moving towards adoption of smarter

with cutting edge technologies of Machine Learning, we can get actionable intelligence

solutions based on IoT and advanced Machine Learning solutions.

Mr. Mohanram R Musuwathy, Managing Director (Projects), Vena Energy For this, one needs to have a sophisticated software platform which interlaces pure In God We Trust, Everyone Else Bring Data to the Table - Indian Solar Industry is still at a very nascent stage of adopting this famous saying in the operations and maintenance. In today’s

play monitoring, O&M tasks, processes. In this way, the concept of calculating Technical manpower based on size of the project will vanish. One could manage a large 100+ MW plant with a very small team and that too on a need basis.

scenario, most of the solar plants are managed using legacy processes and systems. In case of utility solar plants, technical team is deployed and they follow certain checklists and address breakdowns as and when it happens. Cleaning labors have specific targets of cleaning ‘n’ number of tables per day. As the day ends, field engineers, plant managers churn out ‘Daily Reports’ of various activities in different formats. When Tariff rates are locked for ~2.5 to 2.6 rupees for 25 years, it puts enormous pressure on O&M costs resulting in poor maintenance leading to loss of generation. The need of the hour is ‘advanced analytics’ to introduce a ‘data driven approach’ on each and every aspect of O&M. O&M teams & Inverter OEMs should jointly mine inverter data and come up prediction on when likely next breakdown will happen and why. This needs to be automated at inverter level or at plant SCADA/Monitoring systems. This could help creating self-healing / machine learning inverters in future. Thereby, reducing generation loss, savings on warranty costs, etc. Preventive maintenance checklists filling have to be done using Tablets/mobile phones and each check list item has to be tracked with a photo or video. Whenever a breakdown happens, the data on when failed part undergone maintenance activity should be automatically linked. This will help to understand how diligently maintenance activities

O&M teams & Inverter OEMs should jointly mine inverter data and come up prediction on when likely next breakdown will happen and why. This needs to be automated at inverter level or at plant SCADA/Monitoring systems. This could help creating self-healing / machine learning inverters in future.

are carried out.

Mr. Thirumala Raju M, AVP & Head – ICT, Greeko Like most of the emerging companies our systems have been

Our dashboards and energy graphs are assisting Operations & Maintenance teams to

built over a period of time by using point applications to address

identify deviations from projected Vs actual, identifying the odd ones out and gauge

tactical business functionality. Mostly the required information

the effectiveness of maintenance activities. Early predictions of machine failures will give

used to be scattered across multiple data sources like SCADA,

additional advantages towards making corrective actions / replacements specifically in the

IoT collectors, ERP and internally developed applications.

Renewable Energy sector which is seasonal in nature and hence can help avoid large scale

We sat down with our leadership and mapped the business requirements for the next

generation loss.

three to five years and arrived at a Technology Roadmap. We created a data platform

AI and ML are becoming the cornerstones of our future planning specifically while

through data mining, slicing / dicing and continuous validation through trials. Creating

being used in data preparation, predictive analytics towards machine performance, for

data lakes based on business requirements helped us create predictive analytics and

streamlining energy forecasting & scheduling operations where multiple predictions

business dashboards. Our achilles heel was in providing for real-time data from various

required in a day, to detect anomalies across forecasting vendors – to name a few. All these

sources including SCADA / PLCs in our Renewable Energy assets. This was as a critical

systems involve massive data collation, preparation and continual model improvements.

need of the hour for business operations like energy forecasting & Scheduling which

We are on a continuous improvement journey here with a lot more possibilities to harness

are more dynamic, time bound and needed to be accurate for actionable insights and

and improve reliability, efficiency, accuracy and speed of our service platforms.

business decisions. Usage of AI and ML in data preparation will be a definite advantage.

Our initiation towards analytics readiness will give definite advantage towards reducing

As part of this initiative we leverage complex existing data structure for large scale process automation by involving simple servicing bots to sophisticated AI agents being deployed for data preparation and data model enhancements.

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penalties arising due to more stringent regulatory requirements on energy forecasting.

We are looking forward to plummeting generation losses with better understanding of the real-time data and fine tune our data & AI models.

Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 26

Mr. Rohit Mishra, Data Scientist, Utopus Insights Asset downtime and underperformance have always been a

analysis helps pinpoint acute and chronic conditions of underperforming assets. Data

challenge in the renewable industry. With advanced data analytics,

holds less significance if viewed in absolute terms but holds the key if users can derive

we can now disrupt this area with a deeper understanding of the

insights that then can be converted into actionable items. With a diverse portfolio of

relationship between various signals and cause of failure. This

renewable assets spread across the globe, it’s always helpful if companies have a top-level

identification of failures can now be done with good lead time,

understanding of how their assets are performing with just one click on their computer or

thereby improving operational efficiencies and reducing costs.

phone. The insights revealed also help make the decision-making process easier.

In today’s world, advanced data analytics means a rapid iteration of data analysis on

Another aspect of improving operation and maintenance is to move from scheduled

longitudinally and horizontally rich data. Longitudinal data represents years’ worth of data

maintenance to predictive maintenance. This helps customers focus their attention to

gleaned from one wind turbine, along with historical maintenance and event records. This

areas that need immediate help, with the algorithms deciding the priority.

analysis can help understand gradual performance degradation due to various reasons

Scheduled maintenance can also be effectively executed with more precise power

such as pitch/yaw system issues, higher friction during low wind conditions, and dust accumulation on blades, among others. This type of analysis is becoming a common and affordable practice, as opposed to a specialized consulting engagement, which unlocks operational performance improvement and extends the lifetime of valuable assets.

Horizontally rich data allows the operations team to view asset performance with respect to similar assets in the same geography and compare it with operating conditions. This

forecasting. With advancement in forecasting techniques, asset farm operators can always decide on the timing of scheduled maintenance to coincide with low power production, thereby reducing net cost.

Industries are sitting on huge amounts of data that have the power to unlock way more value than is potentially being realized from existing assets and resources. Better planning with the investment in the right technology can go a long way.

Boopathi Neethipathi, Sr. Manager - Asset Management, O&M (Wind + PV Solar), SB Energy (SoftBank Group) RE Analytics helps to provide insight into what has happened in

Predictive analytics:

the past and why particular events occurred. It helps to predict

It attempts to develop forecasts. Probability and statistics are employed to understand the

failures & Realtime performance in comparison with system design to perform predictive maintenance thereby improving the revenue & healthiness of the plant. The below are the various forms of renewable energy analytics & its advantages.

Descriptive analytics: It is most commonly applied form of analytics. It is used to provide insight into what has happened in the past.

Advantage : It helps for the benchmarking

likelihood of an outcome occurring based on past information. This sees the complexity of predictive analytics rising significantly relative to earlier stages of analytics.

Advantages : It helps in forecasting & performing predictive maintenance

Prescriptive analytics: It attempts to estimate the best responses to forecasted events. When operating within a stochastic context this requires complex computational capabilities and will be based on expected value calculations. The benefit of accurately modelling best response decisions can be significant. This form of analytics is primarily dominated by Machine Learning and

Diagnostic analytics:

Artificial Intelligence.

It seeks to understand why particular events occurred. This is often based on testing

Advantage : It gives all the benefits of other analysis & also provides intelligence action

correlations between various relevant variables.

& performance.

Advantage : It helps to find similarities / symptoms with other healthy components

Mr. Prudhvi Raj K, CEO, Matics Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM) leverages global best practices of Operations and Maintenance combined with advanced data analytics models using AI, ML and DL. RCM helps

Solar Structures you can count on

in decision-making related to maintenance of large assets, its components, maintenance methods and schedules in order to achieve efficient O&M operations.

In comparison with Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) which bases maintenance decisions on condition of equipment, RCM provides insights based on consequences of

Light Weight

High Strength

Corrosion Free

failure mode. RCM provides an understanding of which failure modes deserve what kind of maintenance and which task needs to be redesigned. With CBM, there can be no upper limit placed on maintenance frequency. But with RCM, it is possible to reduce or limit the number of maintenance needs to be done. However, CBM can be used effectively, with the availability of smart operational and maintenance related data analytics models.

To achieve smart operations, it is critical to track the component-wise efficiency and thereby their impact on overall asset efficiency. The overall efficiency of the asset therefore depends on the efficiency of mechanical and electrical components. And to achieve smart maintenance, it is critical to predict the failure of a component well in advance by which maintenance, replacement, cranes and spares can be planned smartly. IPPs will be able to reduce revenue loss caused due to sudden failures and add credibility to their company during investor evaluation. Through preventive maintenance or well-planned replacement activities, huge savings in maintenance costs can be achieved.

As the characteristics of each asset and each component of the asset are different, we need to have a highly scalable and intelligent model, with several layers of automation

500+ MW Experience

2000 Tonnes/ month Production Capacity

PAN-India Delivery

using ML & DL, to address any type of component. We can get a complete understanding of the key reasons behind the efficiency loss of an asset, anomaly detection and predict failures well in advance. This helps in taking quick real-time operational and maintenance decisions so that the asset will run at its best possible efficiency with reduced downtime.

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MIGHTY AVENGERS SOLAR PVT. LTD.

In conclusion, the best O&M practices when combined with data analytics creates the

Call: 0141-4600-500 | +91-931-451-1634 | info@mapl.xyz

right balance between increased revenue from generation and reduced cost of generation.

Address: G1/79, Road No. 14, Badarna EXT, VKI, Jaipur-302013

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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 27 27

Perspective

Will The Recent Amendments In ‘Gujarat Solar Power Policy-2015’ Bring The Desired Benefit To MSME Sector Mr. Yogendu Joshi, Principal Associate, Tatva Power Projects And Associates Recently Government of Gujarat (GoG) have taken an industrial

For example, if MSME pay Rs. 8.00 per unit during day time. Now if during day time and

and environmental friendly decisions in order to ensure that the

during peak working hours, direct use of Solar Power can give profit of Rs. 3.00 per unit.

MSME sector is able to reap the benefits of solar energy. ✔ MSME unit can set up Solar Generation Unit of any Capacity i.e. irrespective of Sanctioned Load or Contract Demand either on

However to achieve maximum benefits, they have to understand combination of Demand & Solar Power Supply Curves. As per Policy, Accounting of Solar Generation will be carried

Roof Top on Net Metering or Ground Mounted for Wheeling of Solar Power for their own

out on 15 Minutes Time Block basis. That means, Consumption of Solar Energy must be

Captive use.

within the same 15 Minutes required. To gain maximum benefits, MSME firm can identify

� MSME can purchase Solar power from Third Party.

following general steps :

� Any surplus Solar Power produced by MSME shall be purchased by Discom @ 1.75 Rs./

� Priority wise loading pattern can be identified as per gradual rise of solar power after

Unit.

These steps may bring big boost to encourage MSME sector to start producing their own Solar Plant. As a Consultant, we can anticipate a lot of upcoming Solar Projects from MSME sector due to their shift pattern, in general MSME sectors works on One or Two Shift and their peak demand always observed in day time. And hence generated Solar Power can be utilized straight away during the peak requirements. We can learn in simple example, How MSME sector can reduce their Electricity Burdon :-

the sun rise. Non-critical power can be controlled by the use of Demand Controller. � During peak Solar Power Generation, maximum operation of miscellaneous equipment or ancillaries can be done. � Managing 100% working days for all the weeks by providing substitute team during holidays.

Mr. Eshan Cholia, Managing Partner, Sunfraa Renewables LLP The recent amendment in MSME sector i.e. allowing installation

arms as almost all MSME’s that I meet intend to go solar in the near future.

of solar power plant of more than 100% of sanction load is

The other aspect I see in the current trend is that most of the industries are going towards

according to me a huge boost for the industry. This shall act as a catalyst in achieving the central government’s target of 100 GW by 2022. Till now there was a restriction of 50% which was holding back industry owners to install a solar photovoltaic system to their maximum capacity even if they wanted to. Now, since the solar power plant installation has already

cost cutting by many means. I see that installation of a solar power plant as an alternate source of power is the best possible means of cost cutting one can opt for. Since the government has restricted setting up new thermal power plants, this move will be beneficial for Discoms as well to achieve their renewable energy obligations. Having said that, the

become economically viable for the industries with an average ROI of 4 years, this move

maximum power is consumed by large scale units where still there is a restriction of 50%

by the government will encourage more and more MSME’s to go solar. Also, since the

of sanction load in Gujarat. I strongly urge that this should also be removed gradually to

amendment, I have experienced that industry owners have welcomed this move with open

further boost the renewable energy generation.

Mr. Karan Dangayach, Director, Shashwat Cleantech The Policy for Manufacturing Enterprises in the MSME Sector of

adoption. The biggest roadblock for swift adoption seems to be the 15-minute timeblock

Gujarat is a welcome boost for the sector. The policy has raised

for the consumption of the energy produced. This is not possible for MSME’s as this

a lot of hope and interest for MSME’s who are looking to adopt

timeblock does not account for weekly off-days and the very nature of MSME’s where

solar energy to reduce power costs. There are currently more

predicting power consumption is not possible in such a coordinated manner.

than 3,00,000 MSME registered units in Gujarat.

The policymakers can certainly think of ways to counteract this concern of MSME sector. If

However, currently there are a number of points in the policy which are stopping its

this is done, then this policy can take Gujarat’s solar capacity to new heights.

Mr. Shobit Rai, Director, Prozeal Infra Engineering (P) Ltd. The new amendment for MSME sector in the Gujarat

Solar

policy 2015 will be a big boost for the sector as they will be able to generate more solar power which will help them to reduce the overall power cost and in turn reduce their operating cost.

Though there are certain additional charges that they will have to pay line the ED (15%) which was earlier exempted. But still the industries are going to get a set off at the rate of approx 6.30/Kwh in their bills which is substantial savings and makes sense. Though this changes does not favour the 3rd party sale to MSEMs as the policy mentions 100% CSS and ASC which makes the proposition unviable.

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The other points which still remains unanswered are : Weather the ED will be changed on only the additional capacity over and above the 50% cap or will be applicable to the entire quantum of power generated by solar through Rooftop or off site.

What in case if MSEMs install Rooftop of capacity exceeding 1 MW will they also have to do the energy accounting in 15 min time block.

I think the above points needs clarification from Government for the generators to do the right calculations for setting up Solar power plants.

Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 28

Mr. Ankit Jain , Founder & Director, Lume Solar Energy Pvt. Ltd.

The Gujarat government has recently launched an incentive

The above changes in the solar power policy of 2015, will encourage 33 lakh MSME units

scheme for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),

towards production and use of green and clean energy.

this new initiative will offer a win-win situation to the MSME

There are 33 lakh MSME units with investment of up to Rs. 10 crore in the Gujarat state

sector.

that are eligible for the relaxation.

The cap on 50% load capacity has been removed for MSMEs in

We are now the leading Solar EPC Company across Gujarat and PAN India for every kind

case of solar power generation. With this, MSME units would be able to install 100% or

of MSME and Commercial units, with our prominent presence in almost all major sectors,

even more capacity of solar power plant.

among which few of them are categorized as follows:

Additional power generated by these units would be purchased by state-owned electricity

1) Oil & Gas- Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

companies at Rs 1.75 per unit.

Also, in case MSME units don’t have adequate own land to install solar panels, they would be allowed to generate solar power in rented land. However, the electricity duty and wheeling charges have to be paid by the MSME units as per the existing norms.

At present, MSMEs pay Rs 8 per unit for electricity consumption. The new decision will

2) Automotive – Hero Motocorp, Force Motors 3) Manufacturing – GYSCOAL Alloys Ltd., Achint Chemicals, Pegma Resources Pvt. Ltd. 4) Textiles – Western Suitings Pvt. Ltd. 5) Food processing – Jovial Foods Pvt. Ltd. (Aashirvaad Atta)

benefit the MSME sector and earn them a profit of Rs 3 per unit. The firms will make a

6) Transport – Chartered Bus

profit of Rs 3.80 per unit if they produce solar energy on their own land, and in the case of

7) Renewable energy – Suzlon Energy Ltd.

leased land, they will make a profit of Rs 2.75 per unit.

Mr. Manish Bagadia, Managing Director, Grace Renewable Energy Private Limited To encourage micro, small, medium enterprise (MSME) units

to buy power from third parties as well. This policy change is a welcome move to scale up

to switch towards clean energy, The Gujarat Government has

solar power generation in the state.

amended its existing solar policy which allows MSME units to

Although, it’s unlikely to spur demand for implementation of solar power plants among

install solar power projects that are more than 100 % of their sanctioned load or contract demand. Before this announcement, commercial and industrial clients were allowed to install only 50 % of their sanctioned load.

The definition of MSME is considered as per the 2006 Act which should have been according to the latest amendment. In Spite of this fact MSME units would definitely be benefited from this decision as this policy change can help them to reduce their power costs. In addition, the policy has supported RESCO model which allows the MSME units

the MSME units as they would be liable to pay transmission & wheeling charges, electrical duty and Cross Subsidy surcharge for captive or third party use.

This new initiative is indeed a boost for the commercial and industrial segment and may motivate clients to adopt solar power however Customer’s interest can fall succumbed to clause like Energy accounting where consumer is given a time block of 15 minute to consume electricity generated from solar power, failing to do so the unused surplus solar energy would be purchased by the Discom at 1.75/unit which is lower than the average power procurement cost (APPC) rate of Rs. 2.50/unit

Secure A Faster ROI With Goodwe’s String Inverters GoodWe is a leading, strategically-thinking enterprise that focuses on research and manufacturing of PV inverters and energy storage solutions which have been largely used in residential rooftops, commercial systems, and energy storage systems. GoodWe is currently ranked inside the Worlds Top 10 solar inverter manufacturers by Bloomberg, IHS & Wood Mackenzie. And also be the world’s 4th largest supplier of three-phase inverters for use on Commercial and Industrial (C & I) applications.

Technological innovation is GoodWe’s main core competence. With an in-house R&D team of 200 employees in two R&D centers, GoodWe can offer a comprehensive portfolio of products and solutions for residential, commercial and utility-scale PV systems, ensuring that performance and quality go hand-in-hand across the entire range.

At present, the portfolio of GoodWe three-phase C & I inverters consists of our models SDT, SMT, and MT. MT Series string inverters (50-60kW) are most popular for Indian C&I solar market, which can be successfully deployed on large scale commercial rooftops and groundmounted solar PV systems and can help further reduce installation costs while its power boost function provides higher yield and a faster ROI. It is very proud that we have worked with some of the most reputed EPCs/Developers on many large-scale C&I projects, ranging

GoodWe’s philosophy is to always create win-win partnerships by identifying and

from 5MW to 20MW, such as TATA Power, Bosch, and Sterling & Wilson, etc.

integrating the most advanced components and techniques available while offering

Besides offering a comprehensive portfolio of string inverters and solutions for residential,

unparalleled after-sales service. To serve the Indian market and expand our presence in

commercial and utility-scale PV systems, GoodWe is committed to research and

India, GoodWe had an office/repair center and a service network of 12+ engineers all

manufacturing of energy storage solutions and smart energy management systems. The

established in 2018. GoodWe’s qualified service network team is available at all times

brand new three-phase high voltage energy storage inverter GoodWe ET Series enables

to provide local technical support whenever and wherever required. A professional team

enhanced energy independence and maximizes self-consumption through export limit

of authorized engineers can perform on-site inspections, testing and debugging and

feature and time of use shifts for reduced electric bills. Covering a power range of 5 kW, 8 kW, and 10 kW, it allows up to 100% oversizing to maximize power output and features Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) function to inductive loads such as air conditioners or refrigerators with an automatic switchover time of fewer than 10 milliseconds. While GoodWe Smart Energy Management System (SEMS) is a comprehensive platform for visualizing and monitoring all kinds of power plants. The main focus of the system is to

providing repair or replacement if necessary, using the latest techniques to maximize inverter performance while minimizing production or process downtime.

“GoodWe inverters have been gaining an excellent response from the fast-growing Indian solar market,” claimed our CEO Mr. Huang. “GoodWe inverter solutions are efficient, easy to install, safe and reliable, helping you achieve a faster return on investment. We believe

improve O&M efficiency by establishing an intelligent warning system which provides

in a sustainable future and therefore we will keep supporting and enhancing India’s future

quick troubleshooting solution to underperforming power plants. SEMS also generates

energy supply with reliable and efficient inverter solutions.” GoodWe is committed to

customized charts and tables to facilitate data analysis. This cost-free system will allow

providing high quality and efficient solar solutions and makes its own contribution to a

customers to overview their power plants via the web or smartphone applications.

renewable future in India and as well as all around the world.

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SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 29 29 Solar

INDUSTRY Industry Insights INSIGHTS

The Role Of Analytics In The Solar Valley Chain With the global shift towards Renewables owing to environmental threats like climate change and high pollution levels, solar energy has become one of the most prominent sources of Renewable Energy. In India, in the past five years there has been an eight-fold increase in the amount of solar energy harvested annually. With reducing equipment costs and maturing technology this trend is expected to progress exponentially.

This increase in the adoption of solar energy as a renewable energy source has led to a tremendous growth in solar energy assets, thus making an important case for a solution that help manage these assets efficiently. The most important component of this asset management value chain is data.

Internet of Things has made data acquisition and remote asset monitoring and management easier than ever. However, that is not all, it’s just a part of the value chain. The story so far would result in chunks of data lying on the servers, a handful of which would lead to value creation. This is where leveraging the power of Analytics could help drive value out of the ‘invaluable’ data sitting on the servers.

Using in-depth exploratory analysis for finding patterns in the generation data to forecasting future generation, string level summary analysis, component level fault detection and predictive maintenance using Machine Learning, applications of analytics span across the entire value chain. Let’s discuss the most important and fundamental applications and the impact that they create.

String Level In-Depth Analysis of Generation Metrics String level analysis of generation metrics would help in comparing performance among strings and detect under performing strings.

For instance, in the figure above, we have four histograms that represent the spread of the magnitudes of the current of four strings of the same site. We can observe that for string 1 and 2, for the majority of instances the output current has been less than 10A. And, the maximum output for both these strings do not exceed 20A. Whereas, if we observe the histograms for strings 3 and 4, we observe that the plots are more widespread and there are a considerable number of instances when the output current for these two strings have exceeded 20A. Also, the maximum output current for strings 3 and 4 is around 30A. Such analysis can also be done on data over a period of time to make sure whether the above observations are true for a longer span or not and could also help in detecting an underperformance trend that has been persistent for a long.

Above is a figure that shows the average monthly output current for the same four strings observed over a period of 12 months. It shows that string 1 and string 2 had lower average outputs than string 3 and string 4 for the entire 12-month period. Many more problem specific insights can be generated by performing in-depth exploratory analysis.

Predictive Maintenance Resulting in Reduced Equipment Downtime Predicting faults using control parameters for generation metrics could help build a more efficient system, more robust to faults. For example, setting a control parameter like a range or a boundary for a generation metric which when exceeded results in an abnormal condition, further if this condition persists for a certain duration of time, a warning is sent.

Such instances of abnormality can also be analysed over time in order to make a comparison among different sites of the same region, so as to figure out if there’s a persistent fundamental problem at a particular site.

Leveraging Machine Learning for Future Power Generation Prediction With the rise of Solar Energy as one of the largest sources of electricity and with greater proportion of power entering the grid coming from solar plants, the information about the

Both the images above are the results of a regression model that was trained on historical data and the future weather data was used to predict future power generation. The results of the model have been later compared to what the actual power generation was later on those days.

availability of power from them in the near future is of great importance when it comes to

To conclude, currently, Analytics, in the Solar Energy

load dispatching, especially from higher capacity installations. The better the predictability

Industry is far from its true potential. As evident

of future power generation , more efficient would be the dispatch process.

That might sound like a herculean task at first, but the combination of Data and Machine Learning would help get the job done. A Machine Learning model is trained on historical data, with the past weather and power generation data and then this trained model is

from all the potential applications mentioned and many more problem specific tailored analytical solutions, analytics can help derive tremendous

used on future weather forecast to predict future power generation. The two figures below

untapped value, enhanced customer experience

would give a better insight regarding the same.

and better decision making.

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MR. ANIK AGRAWAL, Founder & CEO Enerlytics Software Solutions

Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 30

Product Feature

Our Panel offers a Business Advantage of Quality, Reliability, Performance & Result Goldi Solar Pvt. Ltd. is one of the leading solar PV module manufacturing companies. We

d.

manufacture modules up to the range of 380Wp using Poly and Mono PERC crystalline

Applications: On-grid large scale utility systems, on-grid & off-grid residential systems, on

solar cells in an air-conditioned and state-of-the art, dust free facility.

Our avant-garde facility has a manufacturing capacity of 500MW to produce PV modules and subsequently we are aiming to scale up our production capacity to 1GW by next year.

We are ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and OHSAS 18001:2007 certified and one of the

Targeted/ Benefitted Customer Segment

grid commercial / industrial roof tops and solar pumping systems.

Apart from the above, application of Bi-Facial cell modules and Glass to Glass modules are ideal for BIPV, carport, floating PV, Snow or desert environments etc.

first Indian company to be independently audited by SOLARBUYER, U.S.A. Besides being tested by third parties (SGS-TUV-SAAR-INTERTEK-ICAS-FRAUNHOFER-UL), Goldi Solar modules are also integrated for reliability testing as part of the design process, and the test results are used to fine- tune module quality during mass production.

Our EPC arm has grown by leaps and bounds with over 2000+ customers in our kitty PAN India. We have an in-house team of engineers and we guarantee clean and professional installations within the committed time along with rated output to remotely monitor our plants 24x7 throughout the year.

Goldi Solar is here to benchmark on quality, reliability and on-time delivery which is in our DNA. We offer in-line as well as pre-dispatch inspection access to our customers and maintain complete transparency. Goldi’s USP is 99% achievement of targeted delivery timelines thus helping customers to execute and commission the project on time, allowing Goldi to have an edge over its competitors.

Featured Product a.

Product Introduction

Highlighted here is a brief introduction of our GOLDI 72 series 5 Bus PERC cell technology Mono Crystalline modules.

Offering a range from 370Wp to 380Wp, this module offers a conversion efficiency of up to 19.4%, benefitting from Passivated Emitter Rear Contact (PERC) technology.

The 5 bus bar solar cells offer guaranteed performance with minimal power loss due to improved temperature co-efficient.

b.

Technology Specifications

PERC or Passivated Emitter Rear Contact technology refers to the dielectric layer on the back of a PERC solar cell. This layer on the back of the solar cell helps to reflect light that passed through the cell, back into the cell so it can generate more electrons. This is also known as backside passivation.

Hence, light which passes through the cell without being absorbed is again reflected back by the rear passivation for the second absorption attempt, thereby increasing efficiency.

Benefits: Goldi Solar PERC panels have a higher energy density per square foot and perform well under high temperature.

Designers can utilize less panels to accomplish total output goals where footprint is limited, or they can dramatically maximize energy output if space is not a problem. This empowers designers to be more flexible and responsive to project objectives.

c.

Technology Advancements

Keeping ahead of the technology curve, we have launched the following new products for which we would like to highlight some of the benefits in brief.

Goldi 5BB 1500 System Voltage Module Goldi 5BB 1500 System Voltage modules lead to longer string length and thereby use fewer components as compared to conventional power plants, thus decreasing BOS costs.

Goldi Bi-facial cell modules Goldi bi-facial modules have the advantage of producing more energy by using reflective incidental light from the rear along with light from the front of the module.

Goldi Split JB module The Goldi Split Junction Box layout design enables for a higher energy yield while reducing heat and increasing panel reliability. Also results in reduction of cable length high fill factor & four times lower power loss in complete module.

Goldi White EVA & Transparent EVA Glass to Glass module The Goldi White EVA & Transparent EVA Glass to Glass module eliminates PID due to frameless design, with no grounding required and is free of snail trails. The frameless design also reduces O&M cost due to less dust and snow accumulation.

Goldi Light Weight module (2mm & 2.5mm glass) Reduced thickness of glass in Goldi Light Weight modules results in low weight of modules, very much suitable for roof tops. Eliminates need for expensive structural reinforcements.

Derives higher panel efficiency due to lesser absorption and higher irradiance reaching the cells. Uniform and better heat dissipation from glass results in lower temperature of module leading to higher yield.

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SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 31 31 Solar

Product Feature

Sofarsolar Attended REI And Showed The Newest Product Improve Brand Recognition Since September 18-20 2019 Renewable Energy India expo was held in New Delhi, India which is a good platform discussion between user & developer for business strategy, future business scope & transparently meet with organization peoples. It’s a one stop solution for Solar systems products. Sofarsolar attended this exhibition and showed the bestselling products including new inverter ranges such as the single phase inverter (1-7.5kW),three phase inverter (4-70kW), hybrid inverter (3-6kW), battery and AC charger.

During the expo Sofarsolar achieved a complete success and laid a solid foundation for accelerating the pace of Indian market in the next step.

Indian PV market plays an important part for Sofarsolar international market expansion since then Sofarsolar system has been installed on the buildings of prestigious Business buildings, Industrial’s Slanted roofs, Local houses under guidance of Rooftop Policy and Commercial Projects in India. Sofarsolar is continuously winning most selling Inverters in Gujarat under GEDA rooftop policy & other states also good quantum installation database with prompt service support. We well positioned to become a major player in commercial roof-top &utility-scale PV installations.

SOFAR inverters are installed in the farms under SKY PROJECT (Surya Kisan Yojana) initiative of GUJARAT Government at different Feeders covering GUJARAT region.

For example, Sofarsolar has provided more than 28MW inverters to SKY PROJECTGUJARAT. And SOFARSOLAR has another projection which is more than 50MW for SKY PROJECT.

SOFAR inverters are installed in the farms under SKY PROJECT (Surya Kisan Yojana) initiative of GUJARAT Government at different Feeders covering GUJARAT region. For example, Sofarsolar has provided more than 28MW inverters to SKY PROJECT-GUJARAT. And SOFARSOLAR has another projection which is more than 50MW for SKY PROJECT. In this Project SOFAR 6.6KW to 70KW three Phase models installed with compatibility of synchronize with Three phase motors, communicating with dataloggers via RS-485 and various grid voltage ranges.

Now, Sofarsolar has earned an important position in the field of PV inverter in India. With the continuous growth of the power demand, Sofarsolar will seize the market development opportunity, launching more solar inverters to suit market demand, deepen service, further expand the Indian market, and increase the share of Indian market, to improve brand recognition.

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SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 32 Solar

Technology News

A

C

n oasis of PV

alcium batteries cool down with new electrolyte

Scientists at Germany’s Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a new class of electrolytes they say could bring calcium batteries – currently only a lab technology – a step closer to being a practical reality for energy storage.

German scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in the development of calcium batteries which they claim, with further lab work, could eventually provide a cheaper, more environmentally friendly alternative to lithium-ion technology.

One of the biggest problems for the technology to overcome, according to scientists working as part of the Center for Electrochemical Energy Storage Ulm & Karlsruhe (CELEST), is the development of a suitable electrolyte to enable such devices to charge at room temperature.

Water pumping systems powered by solar energy may help Mauritania reduce water losses across its numerous oases, while also significantly lowering water pumping costs, according to the study Rehabilitation of Mauritanian oasis using an optimal photovoltaic based irrigation system, published on the ScienceDirect website.

The authors of the research found that PV water pumping systems, which are said to have high performance and feasibility in remote desert areas, can help minimize excessive irrigation of fields compared to conventional pumping tools based on manual withdrawal.

The findings are based on a simulation case study irrigation water pumping project

“It’s only been a few years since experimental electrolytes, and thus prototypes of the calcium battery [existed],” said Zhenyou Li, energy storage post-doc at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. “These allow a charging process but only at temperatures beyond 75 degrees Celsius and are still prone to unwanted side reactions.”

comprised of eight submersible pumps totaling 83.5 kW of power, supplied by a 142.8

The CELEST group presented a solution in the paper Towards stable and efficient electrolytes for room-temperature rechargeable calcium batteries, published in Energy & Environmental Science.

average solar radiation, or peak daily sun hours of 5.67 kWh per square meter.

A first step

planted at the oasis, while an additional 250 fiberglass storage tanks with capacity of 4 m3

The paper describes a new class of electrolytes based on organic calcium salts which enable room-temperature charging. According to the researchers, the electrolytes also exhibited “state of the art electrochemical properties” in terms of oxidative stability, ionic conductivity and the capability of long-term reversible cycling.

each are also used to ensure the system’s production. The one-year simulation of the

The researchers noted there is still plenty more work to be done. “The new electrolytes are a first important step,” said CELEST director Maximilian Fichtner. “We have a long way to go before we can get to the marketable calcium battery.”

kW thin-film PV installation at the Tawaz oasis, one of the largest date palm production oases. Located in Atar city in the Adrar plateau of northern-central Mauritania, the site has

The pumps deliver 80% of the available well capacity for eight zones of date palm trees

proposed system demonstrated it delivering a pumped water cost of $0.2071/m3. The ScienceDirect report stated that figure was “300%” lower than current pumping costs but, as one of our more eagle-eyed readers pointed out, that seems unlikely. pv magazine has been unable to ascertain the non-solar pumping figure in order to establish the correct percentage of the solar saving.

A

N

new generation of nano-architected, 3D solar cells

ew antenna for a better photon harvest

A group of scientists at Netherlands based research institute AMOLF have discovered

Scientists from Italy’s University of Milano-Bicocca claim to have developed an organic

a method for electrochemical printing at the nanoscale. With further optimizations, the

nanomaterial which offers more effective photon-sensitized upconversion – a process by

group theorizes, the technique could allow for the development of new, three dimensional

which low-energy photons can be converted into high-energy ones to offer better light

solar cells.

harvesting in solar cells.

Researchers working on 3D Photovoltaics at the AMOLF institute at Amsterdam’s

The paper, Engineering Porous Emitting Framework Nanoparticles with Integrated

Science Park have demonstrated a method which uses an atomic force microscope to

Sensitizers for Low‐Power Photon Upconversion by Triplet Fusion study, published in

electrochemically print patterns at the nano scale.

Advanced Materials, states the nanomaterials used – emitting porous aromatic frameworks

Atomic force microscopy, according to ScienceDirect, is a technique for three-dimensional characterization with a sub-nanometer resolution, and involves the moving of a tiny stylus up and down over a surface. In this application, the stylus – a 50 nanometer platinum needle – moves over the surface “like the needle of a record player”, according to AMOLF. The stylus acts as one electrode, and a small gold plate as another. Both are suspended in a copper sulphate solution, and when voltage is applied, copper is deposited at the precise location of the stylus.

Details of the technique are published in the online journal Nanoscale. AMOLF Ph.D

(ePAF) – are easy to embed in PV devices due to their architecture featuring a triplet sensitizer and an annihilator/emitter. The former acts as an antenna for the absorption of low energy photons in the porous nanoparticle and the annihilator/emitter converts the photons to a high energy state.

“To date, the challenge to achieve solid-state upconverters suitable to fabricate solar devices for industrial processing, is still open since there are several difficulties, especially with regard to the organization and accessibility of the two complementary components,” the report noted.

student Mark Aarts was able to use the technique to spell the institution’s name, and he

Pioneering engineering

says that he can use the technique to draw “any desired shape on a surface.” And the same

The combination of nanoparticles of robust ePAFs with the metallo-porphyrin sensitizers

technique, the institute says, could be used in the production of a “new generation of nano

used for triplet-triplet annihilation (sTTA) enabled green-to-blue photon upconversion

-architected solar cells.”

with a record yield of 15% in condensed-phase annihilators, the researchers claimed.

Aarts also explained that a curious “double layer” effect discovered during this work could

The team added that its proposed system is the first example of engineered fully organic

also have implications for the design of batteries or electrocatalysis processes. “A layer

autonomous nanoparticles for sTTA-based upconversion. “The synthetic route developed

with the opposite charge always forms around a charged electrode. This ‘double layer’ also

exploits optically active moieties as building blocks for fabricating a homogeneous covalent

forms around our AFM tip and the gold electrode, and that prevents the copper reaction

organic network with a highly controlled density of chromophores without affecting the

from taking place,” he explains. “the double layer is what facilitates the reaction. By tapping

electronic properties of the individual emitters,” the researchers wrote.

the tip on the surface, the double layer is broken, which allows the reaction to take place

That particular configuration is said to allow better diffusion and annihilation of the triplet

locally.”

excitons crucial for the triplet-triplet annihilation process responsible for generating high energy photons.

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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 33 33

INDUSTRY Industry Insights INSIGHTS

A Guide To Choosing Inverter: Central Or String?

The solar PV module is known to produce DC power. In order to convert this DC power into AC power, an inverter is used in the power plant (as shown in Figure 1). However with increasing demand in conjunction with up-gradation in technology, the role of an inverter has expanded. Considered to be the brain of the power plant, an inverter is also responsible for communication, grid management, safety, monitoring of energy to name few responsibilities. While such responsibilities have increased, the category in which an inverter can be classified has remained more or less the same i.e. a central inverter and a string inverter. With the continuous tumbling down of solar energy prices, the plant designer has to be cautious on what components actually go into the power plant. This is because the product in place should both be technically compatible and commercially feasible as changes in any of these conditions could render the plant’s viability. This makes their selection crucial. With the two available categories, the selection between central or string inverter in a power plant is always a challenge to the designer. Given the advantages and disadvantages of each of this type of inverter, we believe that such challenge would not end soon. Thus for a novice, it becomes crucial that he understands these different types of inverters and further also the considerations which go into selecting them. This blog hence aims to educate its reader the basics of and comparison between central & string inverter. It would also act as a guide for a novice in the solar field who intend to set up a PV power plant.

of string inverters have been falling and it is expected that they would match the prices (or be slightly costlier) with the central inverters by 2020. Such reasons can be attributed to economies of scale of manufacturing along with increased demand of string inverters.

Figure 3: A typical layout of plant with string inverters (Source: ICF)

Figure 1: A typical solar PV power plant (Source: Google images) 2) Operation & Maintenance (O&M) and replacement: The next most important consideration is O&M and replacement. A central inverter needs a separate room for its smooth operation. The power modules which handle such huge DC power and convert it to AC power needs active cooling (with dust free air). The fans and filter used for such operation required periodic cleaning. Additionally, the power module along with certain boards may need immediate replacement after end of its life or in case of failure. All such spares are required to be maintained by the O&M team which could add to cost. The much smaller string inverter eliminates the need for cooling and other components required. Deemed to be maintenance free, a string inverter leads to direct replacement in case of failure. However, if not maintained in stock, a slight deviation in technology of replaced inverter (say communication technique) could require certain up-gradation to power plant.

Central Inverter A central inverter is the one where DC output from numerous PV strings are taken into single combiner box and fed into it. This DC power is converted to AC power. This power is further converted to grid compatible power with the help a medium voltage transformer (arrangement shown in Figure 2). A central inverter is generally placed in protected environment (conditioned environment to be specific) which is also near the main electricity service panel. While the operating voltage range of central inverter are comparable (to string inverter), their input current would range to around 4 kA. Central inverter are known to be installed in utility scale power plants in ranges from few 10’s of MW to GW scale plant.

Figure 2: A typical layout of plant with central inverter (Source: ICF)

3) Plant performance: The performance of power plant (if all the other parameters are kept same) may be gauged by efficiency of the inverter used. Both central and string inverter have efficiency well between 98~99%. Thus the energy output of both the plant ideally remains same. However when in operation slightest variation in any parameters (say variation in tilt angle, orientation between different strings, shadow on few strings, etc.) may lead to mismatch in power output within strings. Such variations when experienced in plant housing central inverter would expedite the power loss at plant level. Whereas in case of plant housing string inverter, only a portion of power plant would experience such loss. Additionally with failure in inverter itself, a central inverter would take down the entire plant with it however only a portion of plant would be non-performing in case of shutdown in string inverter.

4) Interaction with modules: String inverters are generally known to be transformer-less while central inverters have galvanic isolation transformer built in them. Such isolation in central inverter gives a chance of negative grounding of PV strings. Such negative grounding is not possible when using string inverter which may lead to PID-s (as we explained to you in our article “What’s and why’s of PID!”). However with PID free modules available in market today, such situations could be offset.

While with all these and other factors give upper hand to one technology over other, the fact that the industry was dominated by central inverter cannot be ignored. However with the advancement in technology, the share of string inverter over central inverter is poised to increase in next few years (as shown in Figure 4).

STRING INVERTER A string inverter (as shown in Figure 3) as the name suggests is usually connected to fewer strings of PV array. This AC power from various inverters are pooled at the AC combiner box which may be grid compatible or a transformer may be used to convert it to low voltage grid compatible power. String inverters can be installed almost anywhere near their subsequent strings. Their power ratings start from as low as 2 kW and go all the way up to around 80 kW. Such inverters could be used both in small, medium and utility scale power plants.

With a basic understanding of these inverters, let us now move forward to points to be considered while selecting an inverter.

1) Capital cost: With the market being inclined more towards highly efficient technology at comparable cost, its consideration in selection of inverter is crucial. It is known that the price on inverter depends on its power capacity. This means that the string inverter should be more costly than a central inverter (which was a case before years). However the cost

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Figure 4: Share of central vs string inverter (Data source: Bridge to India) Waaree Energies along with supplying PV modules of international grades is also supplying inverters.

They, similar to our modules are certified by various agencies for quality and safety standards. The inverters range from single phase 1 kW to 75 kW three phase inverters. You can find more details of our inverters at https://www.waaree.com/inverters.

Let us all pledge to make solar energy the primary source of energy in the near future.

MR. SUNIL RATHI Director- Sales & Marketing Waaree Energies ltd

Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 34

Company Feature

Competitively Priced Power To Discoms And Industries Access Power On Demand In The Most Reliable & Flexible Way INDIAN ENERGY EXCHANGE LIMITED (IEX) IEX is the first and largest energy exchange in India providing a nationwide, automated trading platform for physical delivery of electricity, Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and ESCerts (Energy Saving Certificates). The exchange platform enables efficient price discovery and increases the accessibility and transparency of the power market in India while also enhancing the speed and efficiency of trade execution. The Exchange is now a publicly listed company with NSE and BSE. IEX is approved and regulated by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and has been operating since 27 June 2008.

Market Segments Electricity Market: Day-Ahead Market (DAM) & Term-Ahead Market (TAM) offer contracts to trade in electricity for the same day to upto 11 days in advance on a 24*7 basis. DAM offers standardized contracts of 15 minutes allowing participants to trade in electricity a day in advance. It is a delivery based market that provides flexibility to trade as low as 100 KW and facilitates price discovery for every fifteen minutes block for the next day as well an overall price discovery on a daily basis.

IEX has consistently been a market leader ever since its inception in 2006 with avg. market share of 97% in electricity market during the financial year 2019. The electricity volumes represent a growth of 13% from 46,215 million units in FY18 to 52,168 million units traded in FY19 on the Exchange. With competitive tariffs in exchanges, industrial consumers across many states are increasingly buying electricity from the power exchange. In fiscal 2018-19 the DAM traded 50,063 MU at an average price of Rs. 3.86 per unit while TAM traded 2,105 MU. The electricity traded through IEX contributes to 36% of the power transacted in the short-term market.

STRENGTHS 

First and largest energy exchange in India



24*7 trading - power on demand



Flexibility in power procurement



Competitive price discovery



Diverse participation base



State-of-the art and highly scalable technology

The prices discovered on the Exchange have been far more competitive vis-à-vis prices in the bilateral market as can be seen in the graph below compiled based on the CERC data.

Power market goes ‘Green’: The Exchange has been working enthusiastically towards integrating renewable generators - solar, wind and biomass generators on its platform.

Already, several solar energy generators equipped with improved forecasting technique, are already participating in the Day Ahead Market. These generators are able to bid and schedule power through the exchange platform with very great precision and minor

infrastructure

deviations with their net commercial realization being considerably higher vis-à-vis prices discovered in the recent solar and wind auctions. In FY19, 23 solar generators comprising of capacity over 1,072 MW were registered and sold solar energy through day ahead market on the Exchange.

The Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Market provides a competitive platform to obligated entities (like Distribution companies, Open access, captive consumers) to meet

PRODUCT PORTFOLIO 

� Day-Ahead Market

their Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO), by purchasing green attributes in the form of certificates. In fiscal 2018-19, the REC Market traded 89.56 lac RECs.

� Intra-day and Day-ahead Contingency

Energy Saving Certificate (ESCerts) Market – with the Government of India’s aggressive focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy as key to India’s development goals, IEX

� Term-Ahead Market

became the first Power Exchange to commence trading in ESCerts in September 2017. A total of 12.98 lacs ESCerts were traded from September’17 until January’18.



Looking Ahead or less at about 12% of the total generation. However, with robust transmission, better

� Non-Solar Certificates

liquidity on supply side and growth in demand, the short-term power market should be concerned going forward our endeavor would be to: a. Promote SMART procurement and optimize power purchase cost for distribution companies with introduction of new IT tools. b. Integrate greater number of renewable energy generators in exchange platform and facilitate them to sell their green power through Green Term Ahead Market (G-TAM). c. Introduce new bid types in day-ahead and term-ahead markets to help both buyers and sellers to participate in the Exchange more efficiently. d. Pursue policy advocacy on deepening of power market.

With rich market experience and consistent market leadership gained over the last decade we aspire to foray into the following new products and market segments going forward: a. Cross-border trade in electricity b. Long duration contracts c. Real-time Market d. Data Analytics e. Technology Advisory

Renewable Energy Certificates � Solar Certificates

The volumes traded in the short-term market in the last five years have remained more

able to achieve a much higher growth in the near term. In so far the existing markets are

Electricity Market



Energy Saving Certificates

PARTICIPATION 

6500+ registered participants



Participants spread located across 29 States, 5 UTs



55 Discoms and 5 UTs

 4100+ open access consumers i.e. industries

and large power users



500+ Private generators



1000+ Renewable energy generators

f. The Gas Exchange As a young and vibrant company with immense talent and entrepreneurship in its fold, IEX aspires to develop the energy market and take it to the new heights.

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SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 35 35 Solar

Product Feature

Solis Launches Utility Inverter Solution at the REI Expo 2019 Zhejiang, China and New Delhi, India – Sept. 18, 2019. Ginlong Technologies (Stock Code:

About Ginlong Technologies

300763.SZ), a global leader in photovoltaic string inverter manufacturing, expands its Solis

Established in 2005, Ginlong Technologies (Stock Code: 300763.SZ) is one of the oldest

portfolio with a new utility-scale solution for the India solar market. The Solis 125kW

and largest manufacturers of PV string inverters. Presented under the Solis brand, the

1500V three-phase string inverter will make its debut at the REI Expo exhibit Sept. 18

company’s portfolio uses innovative string inverter technology to deliver first-class reliability

through 20 in New Delhi, India.

that has been validated under the most stringent international certifications. Armed with

According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s recent Solar Module and Inverter

a global supply chain as well as world-class R&D and manufacturing capabilities, Ginlong

Bankability report, Solis earned third place among Asian inverter brands out of a total of

optimizes its Solis inverters for each regional market, servicing and supporting customers

17 global inverter manufacturers. Banks are more willing to offer non-recourse loans to PV

with its team of local experts. For more information on how cost-effective Solis delivers

projects using Solis inverters, helping developers secure financing.

value while maximizing reliability for residential, commercial, and utility customers, visit

PV asset owners are increasingly turning to string inverter technologies for utility-scale

ginlong.com.

projects. Delivering substantial energy harvest advantages, the Solis 125kW solution combines high power density and light weight to streamline installation. Furthermore, Ginlong’s integrated utility solution includes a dedicated India - based service team to guarantee hassle free O&M. “Solis continuously sets new standards in string inverter reliability,” says Idrish Khan, Chief Technical Officer at Ginlong Solis India. “High system reliability means ultra-low maintenance costs for our customers, boosting returns over the life of their assets.”

DNV-GL validation testing puts Solis at the very top of the performance range for three-phase string inverters. DNV-GL notes “the inverter life models presented are positively impacted by the long and impressive track record of PV inverters designed and

PV asset owners are increasingly turning to string inverter technologies for utilityscale projects. Delivering substantial energy harvest advantages, the Solis 125kW

manufactured by Ginlong. The useful life projections are at or near the top of the string inverter life projections.”

solution combines high power density and

Designed for higher energy yield, the Solis 125kW offers unique advantages including: � 33% higher DC string voltage than 1000V systems, resulting in higher energy density

light weight to streamline installation.

and lower installation costs � 99.1% maximum efficiency -- one of the highest in the market � 20 DC inputs results in DC to AC ratios up to 150% for greater energy generation during lower irradiance conditions � Optional AC combiner connects two-125kW units into a 250K system, substantially reducing AC cable costs The Solis 125 kW features built-in string monitoring, which measures all string parameters for quick fault isolation and system commissioning. An integrated smart I/V curve scanning feature helps detect such string faults as panel mismatch and shading, decreasing O&M time and increasing system energy yield. DC fuses on both positive and negative inputs protect the inverter and DC cables, while built-in replicable DC and AC Type II surge protection devices (SPD) safeguard during power surges, further ensuring system availability. Lastly, Type I SPD protection is also available to shield against damage from frequent surges and lightning strikes.

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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 36

Product Feature

Quality & commitment to provide high quality products to consistently meet customers specific requirements by using innovative technologies RR ISPAT (A unit of Godawari Power and Ispat Limited), a group company of HIRA GROUP was established in 1999 with a vision of becoming the most trusted brand of steel in Central India.

QUALITY OF PRODUCT

The founding leaders along with the dedicated and professional employees of this organisation displayed exemplary mix of business with ethical business values.

Customer satisfaction and retention has been the focused work culture in our company offering them quality product at reasonable value with right services at desired time frame.

This journey of excellence continued with product diversification, up gradation to latest technologies and valuing customer’s satisfaction.

COMPANY PROFILE AND PRODUCTS

Thus, with our holistic approach to product and people, within a span of just a decade, we became the most trusted brand across India.

MISSION To provide high quality products to consistently meet customer’s specific requirements by using innovative technologies within an environment of motivated and dedicated employees who are determined to achieve perfection, highest business standards and work ethics.

To deliver world class products at competitive prices on demand as well as provide superior services to customers by developing leading edge solutions in technology and processes and opportunities for inclusive growth of the employees by nurturing human resource, so that all our partners can share the pride of success.

VISION To be a globally admired organization that manufactures innovative products through sustainable industrial and business development and delivering excellence with reliability.

To be an industry benchmark across all vertical, while becoming the supplier of choice, delivering premium products and services, creating value with our customers and demonstrating high ethical standards.

VALUE Business ethics and integrity Respect time and expectations of all associates Empowerment of human resources agile work culture building trustworthy relationship with customers, stakeholders and society.

Spreading the mantra of harmony and wellbeing among employees.

Quality and commitment to deliver the consignments in time is embedded in the DNA of this organization and we imbibe the same in the total process cycle of our each product.

Justifying the very essence of Group Tagline “GROWING STRONGER TOGETHER”, our company is diversified into production of HB Wire, Electrical Engineering Product, Cable Tray, TLT-Rural ElectrificationRailway and Solar Structures, Galvanising, M.S.Pipe, Metal Beam Crash Barrier, Swaged Tubular Pipe, Mono Pole and High Mast Poles.

Railways OHE Structure

Along with the business, we equally value the overall prosperity of our employees. Promoting work life balance by ensuring a MEDITATION SESSION among employees is a major focus of the unit. This is also being resulted the positive outcome with higher efficiency of the employee with excellent retention rate.

We, being an ethical and responsible corporate, believe in giving back to the society. We are spearheading a numbers of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in the sector of Education, Health, Vocational Training, Livelihood and Environment. We are touching lives through our different community initiatives in our operational areas.

Transmission Line Tower Monopole Cable Tray

Rural Electrication

High Mast Pole

ERW Pipe

Swaged Tubular Pole

Control Relay Panel Metal Beam Crash Barrier

Octagonal Lighting Pole Solar Dual Pump Structure

Solar Irrigation Pump Structure

Manufactured at :

Solar Pump Controller Registered Office and Works :

490/1, 491/2, Urla Industrial Area, Raipur 492 003. Chhattisgarh. INDIA. Phone : +91 771 408 2350 |Email : sales.rr@gpil.in | info@consoul.co.in | www.hiragroup.com

Industry Insights INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

India’s Employment In Renewable Sector In India less utility-scale capacity was added in 2018 than in 2017, but rooftop installations

GW was down substantially from 4.1 GW the previous year. The sector is adjusting to the

expanded by 66%. By late 2018, cumulative capacity in the utility-scale segment was

switch from preferential tariffs to an auction model. IRENA estimates that employment in

24.4 GW, 3.8 GW in rooftop, and 0.8 GW in off-grid solar (Mercom India Research, 2019;

the sector stood at 58 000 at the end of the year.

Kenning, 2018b).

Auctions have pushed solar power tariffs to record lows. While this has generally led to higher installations in recent years, the resulting intense competitive pressure has led project developers to choose low-cost components over quality, sometimes cutting corners to win bids. An analysis of six representative plants — conducted in collaboration with Indian government agencies — highlighted the importance of a well-trained (and by implication well-remunerated, thus higher-cost) workforce to guarantee installations and operations of sufficient quality (GIZ, PTB, and PIB, 2017).

India’s employment in grid-connected solar PV, as estimated by IRENA using employment factors, increased to 115 000 jobs in 2018, a gain of more than 20 000. Jobs in off-grid solar applications cannot be calculated with precision but may well double total solar employment.

Seven of India’s top 10 module suppliers are Chinese firms. Indian manufacturers cannot compete on cost, and many have limited access to low-cost loans. Imports, principally from China and Malaysia but increasingly also from Thailand, Viet Nam, and Singapore, dominate the Indian market. In fiscal year 2018, domestic manufacturers had a market share of just 7%.

China is also becoming a leading force in the Indian inverter market. Indian companies retain a much stronger foothold in solar project development, accounting for eight of the top 10 firms, and in the engineering, procurement and construction segment, where they represent six of the top 10.

The Indian government has sought to craft workable policies in support of local manufacturing. Safeguard tariffs imposed in mid-2018 on imports from China and Malaysia were effectively offset by falling prices. A 10 GW manufacturing-linked tender

by Solar Energy Corporation of India failed due to low tariff ceilings, safeguard duties, and other factors. Viability gap funding of USD 1.2 billion for 12 GW worth of projects mandates that all modules and 40% of other components for grid-connected projects be domestically manufactured; for off-grid projects, the requirement was set at 70%.

Seven of India’s top 10 module suppliers are Chinese firms. Indian manufacturers cannot compete on cost, and many have limited access to low-cost loans. Imports, principally from China and Malaysia but increasingly also from Thailand, Viet Nam, and Singapore, dominate the Indian market.

In fiscal year 2018, domestic manufacturers had a market share of just 7%.

India came in fourth in wind generating capacity additions in 2018, but the pace of 2.2 Source - IRENA - Renewable Energy and Jobs

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Solar Quarter • October 2019 37

Company Feature

Established in 2000, LONGi Solar is one such player which is driving the transformation through its R&D investments, technological innovation and equipment standardisation efforts Power Packed Solar power is the fastest growing source of electricity generation globally and has been replacing the conventional sources of energy across countries. At the end of 2018, global solar PV installations reached 500 MW and analysts expect the capacity to soon hit 500 GW. This transformation from “old” to “new” sources of energy has been achieved not just because of government and corporate sustainability targets, but also due to a sharp drop in panel prices accompanied with greater efficiencies and technology innovations in recent years. These cost and performance efficiencies in turn have been a result of large scale manufacturing set-ups and research and development (R&D) efforts of equipment manufacturers.

Established in 2000, LONGi Solar is one such player which is driving the transformation through its R&D investments, technological innovation and equipment standardisation efforts. In 2013, LONGi released the M1 and M2 monocrystalline silicon wafers that unified silicon wafer sizes with five leading monocrystalline silicon wafer manufacturers. At that time, M2 wafers could boost module output by 5 Wp or more without increasing the overall

LONGi has always believed in the idea of using standardised products to further reduce the upstream and downstream costs of the industry chain, boosting the technological progress and industrial upgrading of the PV industry. In continuation of these efforts, the company recently launched its M6 wafers and Hi-MO4 bifacial modules.

size of 60-cell modules. Such a significant improvement in cost per Watt had enabled M2 to be listed among the mainstream products and it stayed on top for many years to come.

Meanwhile, LONGi’s Hi-MO 4 bifacial modules deploy upgraded PERC technology based

After the release, it took six quarters to complete the standardisation process and the new

on 6 busbars, with cell efficiency reaching 22.5 per cent. While the front-side power of Hi-

silicon wafer standard was eventually included in the SEMI standard. These standards were

MO3 is 380 W (72 cells), that of Hi-MO4 is 440 W. With M6 mono crystalline wafers,

included in the CMI International Standards Directory in August 2017. Having established

Hi-MO 4 modules configured with 72 cells can achieve a size of 430 W. Compared with

three dedicated R&D centres for wafers, cells and modules, in 2018, LONGi obtained 526

conventional polycrystalline power station systems, the balance of system (BoS) cost

patents. Further, in November 2018, CTC National Inspection Group certified LONGi as the

using Hi-MO 4 bifacial modules is 0.21 yuan per watt. Coupled with an increase of power

leader in the power attenuation rate of photovoltaic components. After outdoor natural

generation by 10 per cent and average annual degradation of less than 0.45 per cent, the

aging tests, the average degradation rate of LONGi photovoltaic module was 0.38 per cent

value advantage of using these modules can reach 0.8 yuan per watt, significantly reducing

in the first year, 0.32 per cent in the second year and 0.36 per cent in the third year, ranking

the cost of electricity. Technology experts have termed this as a significant breakthrough

first amongst monocrystalline modules.

in the solar PV space.

A fully integrated player manufacturing ingots, wafer, cells and modules, LONGi also

With increasing applications of bifacial technology in advanced systems worldwide, LONGi

focuses on downstream energy services to be a customer-engaged and responsive

high-efficiency modules, with leading monocrystalline technology, have been widely used

equipment supplier. Its current manufacturing capacity of ingot/wafer, cells and modules

in large-scale ground-mount projects globally. Going forward, growth in bifacial demand

is 36 GW, 10 GW and 16 GW, respectively, lends it significant economies of scale. By end-

will continue to accelerate, taking global market to 5.42 GW by end-2019 and over 21 GW

2020, the company plans to expand the capacity of its ingot/wafer production to 50 GW,

by 2024 – close to a ten-fold increase compared to 2018. Industry experts believe that by

cell production to 15 GW and module to 25 GW. By end-2021, the capacity is planned to

2024, over 17 per cent of PV modules installations worldwide will be bifacial.

be expanded to 65 GW, 20 GW and 30 GW, respectively.

Already the current indicated order for Hi-MO 4 has exceeded 2 GW. LONGi is also actively

Leading the change

upgrading its production line projecting the demand to increase significantly in the coming quarters.

LONGi has always believed in the idea of using standardised products to further reduce the upstream and downstream costs of the industry chain, boosting the technological

Sound financials ensure strong growth

progress and industrial upgrading of the PV industry. In continuation of these efforts, the

According to industry sources, LONGi accounted for 40 per cent of the industry’s

company recently launched its M6 wafers and Hi-MO4 bifacial modules.

monocrystalline silicon wafer capacity in 2018, reinforcing its position as the largest

The M6 silicon wafers of LONGi has a margin of 166 mm and a diameter of 223 mm. The

monocrystalline module manufacturer in the world. Listed as Tier I manufacturer by

upgrade of the M6 silicon wafers’ specification allows the product to have a larger light-

BNEF, LONGi’s cell and module shipment ranked number one in the world according to

capture area, which can increase the power of cells and modules, and the manufacturing

Global Data and PV-Tech. Driven by strong demand for its products and services, LONGi’s

cost per watt is reduced. M6 monocrystalline silicon wafers has been priced at 3.47 yuan/

revenue in 2018 was CNY21.988 billion, an increase of 34.38 per cent over the previous

piece but compared with M2 silicon wafers, the price of M6 is only 0.4 yuan higher. From

year and net profit was CNY2.558 billion. Not just last year but LONGi Solar’s revenues

the perspective of cost per watt, M6 is equivalent to M2. Moreover, compared with the

have grown steadily over the last three years,

silicon wafers of 158.75 size, M6 offers an 8.8 per cent increase in output power. Therefore,

in a sustainable manner that ensures product

with M6, the procurement cost of silicon wafers is reduced by 4 per cent per watt.

quality and financial standing are not

LONGi’s existing crystal pulling and slicing processes are compatible with M6 which has

compromised.

ensured the mass production and supply of M6 silicon wafers in 2019. The company’s scale

Summing up, led by continuous R&D

of production is expected to reduce the price premium of M6 vs M2 silicon wafers to less

investment, LONGi Solar has made remarkable

than 0.2 yuan.

technological progress. The technological

For cell manufacturers, they can achieve higher profits with M6 monocrystalline silicon

breakthroughs like M6 and Hi-MO 4 will

wafers. The new cell production line is compatible with M6. However, the old production

gradually

line needs to be upgraded to fit this new product and the transformation cost can be

scale production of LONGi Solar products.

controlled. Already, many cell companies have expressed their approval and support for

Further, growing revenue and margins will

this new product and have placed large-scale orders.

help it maintain one of the leading financial

be

incorporated

into

largeYINGGE WONG, Marketing Director, Longi Solar

strengths amongst its industry peers.

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

SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 38 Solar

Company News

I

S

ngeteam‌ ‌Launches‌ ‌Its‌ ‌New‌ ‌PV‌ ‌String‌ ‌Inverter‌ Featuring‌ ‌1500‌ ‌Vdc‌ ‌Technology‌

untech supplies 250MW of solar panels under Round 4 of South Africa’s REIPPP Program

Ingeteam is finalizing the launch of its new INGECON® SUN 160TL photovoltaic string

Suntech, one of the world’s largest producers of solar panels, has announced that it is

inverter, offering the possibility of achieving a power output of 160 kWAC in a single

in the process of supplying approximately 250 megawatts (MW) of solar panels to three

75kg/165lbs unit. This inverter, which has already been physically showcased at a number

projects that are being developed, built and operated in South Africa under Round 4 of

of national and international fairs, is now at the production stage thanks to an order

the REIPPP program.

for two hundred units for the Brazilian market. This new three-phase inverter, featuring

Commenting on the announcement, Sean Friend, Investment Director at AIIM said: “We

1500 Vdc technology, is suitable for indoor and outdoor installation alike, and is primarily

are delighted to have Suntech’s expertise on board these projects. As well as delivering

directed at multi-megawatt projects, in other words large-scale solar PV plants.

strong long-term returns to AIIM investors, the new plants will provide essential clean

In addition to its high power density, the inverter's main features include its high maximum

energy to the grid which, in addition to environmental benefits, will help boost economic

efficiency (99.1%), Wi-Fi and Ethernet and PLC (power line) communications supplied as

growth by creating jobs in construction and follow-up operations and maintenance.”

standard, and advanced grid support functionalities, with low voltage ride-through and

The projects, namely Droogfontein2 (86MW), Bokamoso (78MW) and Waterloo (86MW),

reactive power capability.

which are currently being constructed at three separate sites in the country’s Northern

A further key advantage lies in its significant cost savings potential, given the fact that its

Cape and North West provinces are majority owned by the IDEAS Managed Fund, a fund

high power density means that it is possible to drastically reduce the number of inverters

under the management of African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), one of

to be installed and, therefore, the total amount of cabling. Furthermore, no connection

Africa’s largest and most experienced infrastructure-focused private equity managers and

boxes are required (either in DC or AC) and neither is a neutral cable necessary, thereby

a member of Old Mutual Alternative Investments. The sites are designed and constructed

reducing the total AC cabling cost by up to 20%. All this leads to huge reductions in capital

by Juwi South Africa and are expected to be operational during the course of 2020.

expenditures (CAPEX).

“We are excited to be partnering with Juwi, one of the world’s leading EPC renewable

This inverter also offers lower operating costs, thanks to the Wi-Fi communication

energy companies, and renowned for their engineering and implementation expertise,”

which is supplied as standard, making it possible to start-up, monitor and control the

Suntech South Africa’s Managing Director, Muneeb Gambeno, said in a statement last

PV installation through either a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. Furthermore, its string

week. “These projects will further showcase the ability of solar to provide sustainable

inverter philosophy guarantees minimum potential maintenance requirements, with no

energy and its growing contribution towards socio-economic development in South

need to vacuum the inverter interior or to check the state of the fuses, or the thermal

Africa.” he said.

magnetic breaker or torque.

The solar systems are expected to generate approximately 400 gigawatt-hours of electricity,

The new Ingeteam inverter can be supplied in two different versions (STD and PRO) in

enough to power approximately 380000 households and displace approximately 399200

order to adapt to customer needs and to the technical requirements of as many projects

tons of carbon emissions per year. The projects are expected to create over 1500 employment

as possible. This PV inverter is part of the INGECON® SUN 3Play family which has PV

opportunities during the construction period and 200 additional opportunities during the

inverters installed in more than 15 countries and which, up to now, had power outputs of between 20 to 100 kW.

operations and maintenance phases of the respective projects.

J

A

inkoSolar Unveils New Tiger Module with Tiling Ribbon Technology at All-Energy Australia 2019

5 MW GoodWe Utility Project in Hungary and more to come in Central Europe

The great reputation of the MT-Series utility grade inverters is spreading across

JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (the “Company,” or “JinkoSolar”) (NYSE: JKS), one of the

continents and the pace of our global deployments is expanding rapidly. According to

largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today announced

the PV Inverter Market Tracker released by IHS this year, GoodWe has become the world’s 4th largest supplier of three-phase inverters. In a very short period of time, Central Europe has become one more of the regions testing and tasting the GoodWe MT utility solutions. Judged by the pace of expansion, the evidence suggests that users across

that it has officially launched a new high efficiency Tiger module using 9-busbar Mono PERC and Tiling Ribbon (TR) technology at All-Energy Australia 2019, Australia’s largest national clean and renewable energy show, held in Melbourne. With module efficiency

the region are increasingly recognizing the great value of the GoodWe MT inverter and

of 20.78%, the new Tiger module can generate up to 460 Wp of peak power output

consequently, finding more applications for it in the region.

which is suitable for both utility and rooftop installations.

At the heart of Central Europe, Hungary has been acting rapidly in order to meet its

JinkoSolar incorporated Tiling Ribbon technology into the new Tiger module to

lower emissions targets in accordance with its European commitments. Latest reports

eliminate the inter-cell gap and increase efficiency. The new Tiger module consists of

suggest that this country is projecting to expand its solar capacity by more than ten times by 2030. One example of this remarkable growth is the utility project located in the Pest County, in an area that surrounds the capital city of Budapest, which is a heavily industrialized region where the energy demand has remained consistently high.

For this 5 MW project, 68 GoodWe MT inverters of 60kW capacity were installed, helping

Mono PERC Half cell design to reduce cell current mismatch and ribbon power losses.

In addition to this, 9-Busbar technology shrinks the distance between the main busbar and finger grid line which decreases the resistance loss and increases power output and efficiency.

the local communities to benefit from the clean energy produced with this powerful

“Our new Tiger module delivers significantly higher power output and an easy

inverter. It is worth mentioning the renowned German energy company E.ON was

performance boost that doesn’t require much extra effort for customers to install,”

involved in the execution of this project and that the GoodWe MT utility inverter has

said Kangping Chen, CEO of JinkoSolar, “This is technologically another step forward

already been included on the list of approved inverters used by E.ON. The holistic and diversified strengths of the MT inverter include different power capacities that range from 50 to 80KW, 98.8% efficiency, capability to fully operate at

for JinkoSolar. It demonstrates our ability to innovate advanced technologies as we accelerate towards the era of grid parity.”

50°C and oversizing capabilities of up to 50%, compatible with bifacial modules, string level monitoring and PLC communications, AFCI. This inverter has become a sort of presentation card for GoodWe, having been successfully installed across large projects worldwide by international EPCs. High IHS Markit ranking and comparatively low LCOE build up strong confidence to the Hungarian project developer and EPC, which made GoodWe win out from all the European inverter brands.

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

Solar Quarter • October 2019 39

Top 6 Solar Modules launched recently in REI Expo 2019

W

e recently attended the 13th REI expo, one of the leading renewable energy show in India, where industries are looking forward to showcase their latest solar energy innovations.

In this year’s exhibition we could see a dip in the innovations on display based on wind energy, while there was a lot of tech buzz in the solar energy segment.

India is seeing a big push in the new large scale solar projects along with rooftop solar capacity additions across commercial, industrial, public sector and residential projects.

As per the latest reports of IEEFA rooftop sun-powered establishment will see an increment at a CAGR of 50 percent in the following three years. India is expected to achieve a total of 13 GW of installed rooftop solar capacity by FY22. There were numerous exhibitors in the REI Expo for solar energy who displayed their products and advancements. The following are a few Solar Modules which were launched at the expo:

INTERNATIONAL SOLAR MODULE COMPANIES Jinko Solar – SWAN Bifacial Module SWAN – New Bifacial Module with Single Glass & DuPont™ Clear Tedlar® film-based back sheet was launched at the REI Expo 2019. It uses highefficiency Jinko Solar’s Cheetah Mono PERC technology. Its 158.75 mm cell size can generate up to 415 Wp from front side. Combined with Jinko half-cell technology, which reduces power loss and the possibility of hot spots, enables it to increase module power and reliability.

Jinko Solar is the first module manufacturer to produce p-type bifacial big cells module with DuPont™ Clear Tedlar® technology. Swan represents a unique combination of bifacial technology and simplicity of standard module structure.

For SWAN module, Jinko Solar won Intersolar Award for Leading Solar Technology, in Munich, this year.

Key Features of Swan Bifacial Module: � Swan is 8.5 kgs lighter in weight compared to Bulky Double Glass Bifacial modules. It thus reduces labour costs for module installation, MMS & Logistics. This results into higher IRR & lower LCOE. � Higher structure strength: Framed modules are less prone to bending and cracking during transportation and installation than frameless ones. Framed Structure of SWAN also simplifies its handling and installation. Thus, it reduces PV module breakage rate. � Limited light capturing capacity of Double Glass bifacial modules: In Swan, white mesh in-between the cells can be also printed on the transparent back sheet to increase inner laminate reflection, providing up to 5 Wp extra module power.

� Different frame cross section in Swan compared to traditional C-shape in mono-facial modules: This would help in decreasing the

shading by the frame over the rear side of the cells, increasing the bifacial gain.

� Cleaning backside of module: Hydrophobic surface of the transparent back sheet provides excellent anti-staining features, making module cleaning easier and reducing O&M costs.

� Higher Price Delta of Double Glass Bifacial modules, compared to mono-facial Mono PERC Modules: Price delta of SWAN is less. � Enhanced Reliability: 30-year performance warranty � Back sheet breathability minimizes risk of delamination, bubbles or corrosion during module lamination and lifetime operation

Risen – Jäger series Jäger series by Risen were born in response to some of the key industrial pains and customer concerns: how to reduce LID (Light-induced Degradation, LeTID (Light and elevated Temperature Induced Degradation), internal loss, shadow shading and BOS cost. As a new generation of high performance, high cost-effective and reliable products, Jäger series have a total of four types of products: RSM120, RSM132, RSM144 and RSM156of which the highest module conversion efficiency can reach up to 20.6% and the highest power output can reach up to 440Wp. Jäger high-efficiency mono-crystalline cells deploy the world leading two-side-stack-passivation technology, SE (Selective Emitter) technology, low-temperature firing technology and enhanced current injection technology, which can increase the cell conversion efficiency and at the same time reduce LID and LeTID. Jäger cell conversion efficiency can reach up to 22.51% with the efficiency of mainstream bin between 22.1% and 22.2%.

The reduction of module inner power loss can efficiently increase the module actual power output. This loss is caused by several negative factors such as the light reflection loss, the conductor/cable resistance loss, and the inter-electrical connection loss and so on. To decrease these negative affections, various methods have been researched and used in PV industry, Jäger series products also use some advanced methods to decrease this inner loss. The Half-cut cell technology is one of the methods which can decrease the inner electrical connection loss. This kind of Half-Cut design not only improves the power output of the module, but also effectively reduces the adverse effects of shadow shading to the minimum. At the same time, the working temperature of the Half-cut Cell module is 2 to 3 oC lower than that of the Full cell module due to the reduction of the current. In the case of shading, the highest temperature of the module is about 20 oC lower than that of the Full cell module, which greatly improves the stability of power output and the long-term reliability of the module.

As a cost-effective product, the application of Jäger products can effectively reduce the BOS cost of PV system. The BOS cost of a 50 MWp ground-mounted power plant is simulated and compared by Risen Energy engineers and technicians in the White Paper, using the 335 Wp module and Jäger 400Wp module. The results show that the use of high power modules can reduce the quantity of modules, giving rise to the reduction of construction and installation costs of ground piles, brackets, DC cables, shunt boxes and photovoltaic field areas.

REC – REC Alpha In the exhibition REC came up with a unique technology, wherein utilizing hetero junction technology, the REC Alpha Series reaches an astounding 21.7% efficiency. This translates to a power density of 217 W/m², providing 20% more power than conventional panels in the same area. Based on proprietary panel design with revolutionary cell technology, the new product is already acknowledged by a granted design patent.

Emerging from REC’s leadership in half-cut cell technology, the Alpha integrates half-cut heterojunction cells (HJT) and advanced connection technology (designed by engineering experts from Germany and Singapore). With HJT, REC combines the benefits of crystalline silicon solar cells with those of thin film technologies for much higher efficiency and energy yield. With a much lower temperature coefficient of 0.26 %/°C it is especially suited for hot climate conditions like in India.

Key features of REC Alpha:

� REC’s pioneering and award-winning ‘Twin Panel’ design: Introduced in 2014, this delivers demonstrably better performance

in shaded conditions.

� REC’s commercialized half-cut cell technology: The Alpha features high efficiency n-type mono wafers between thin layers

of amorphous silicon.

� REC’s unique frame design: The 30 mm thin frame construction allows more panels per pallet, an easy installation and allows the Alpha to withstand snow loads of 7000Pa.

� Industry-leading warranty: 25-year product warranty on installations by REC Solar Professionals (otherwise 20 years), and a 25-year power output warranty, guaranteeing 92% of nameplate power after 25 years.

� Evenbetter for the environment: Manufacturing of REC Alpha solar panels requires less energy, which is further reducing the

carbon footprint.

With the REC Alpha Series, customers will get over 20 percent more power from the same area and the same number of panels – or, put other way, the same energy output from less space. This reduces the Balance of System (BoS) costs. In addition to better economics, customers can also look forward to an increase in the value of their property: several studies in various countries show that a premium solar installation on the roof is adding value to the property and is a highly desired extra for home-buyers, not least due to the better energy performance rating.

With the Alpha, REC is bringing a solar panel to the market that creates a triple win opportunity, for REC, our partners and solar professionals as well as for households and businesses who want to create a legacy of sustainable energy for the next generation.

Top 6 Solar Modules launched recently in REI Expo 2019

TRUNSUN – TSHP-144 340W As one of the world’s leading PV module manufacturer, Trunsun Solar always puts great efforts on the development and maintenance of oversea market, as well as on focusing clients demanding trend. Trunsun will continue its innovation and development so as to provide advanced products and services with high-quality and lower LCOE products.

The displayed module can be regarded as one of the best solutions for Indian PV market with the five key features: Higher Module Efficiency: Brings 5-10W power gain due to half-cut production system More Energy Yield: Lower NMOT and better temperature coefficient by lower Cell series resistance, helps boost energy yield Lower Operating Temperature, More Reliable: Lower operating temperature and hot spot temperature during the sunny day, making the module prevail during the sunny days.

Better Shading Tolerance: Thanks to Paralleling circuit design, more power generated under shading condition and during morning& evening time Better Micro Crack Resistance: Minimize the impact by micro crack by limiting cell damage and potentially extending area by half-cut module architecture.

INDIAN SOLAR MODULE COMPANIES Topsun – Solar PVGU As the Solar Industry is at its peak and no customer can say no to solar, here is where one after another technological innovation has no limit. The one which we found during REI was from none other than Topsun Energy Limited.

Topsun has come up with a latest and unique solar panel called “PVGU”. Can you imagine who is the first user of PVGU? It is none other than I.S.R.O. – The organization who believes in technology and who understands technology. I.S.R.O. has installed these panels at their new campus situated at Bopal- Ahmedabad. Below are some USPs of this product.

What is Solar PVGU? Solar PVGU is combination of Solar PV Module & DGU integrated with Air Gap filled by inert Gas & Sealed with hot melt to generate isolation sealant Provide isolation from heat and noise as well. Front Face Generates Electricity while the back face can be a tinted or frost Glass design available in More than 7 variables to keep inside face aesthetic and appealing.

Why Solar PVGU? Glass is nowadays becoming an integral part of Civil Engineering & Architecture for exterior face lift for buildings “then why not Generate electricity as well, cool the place and maintain interior aesthetic with safety using Solar PVGU. Why and how is it useful? � Electricity Generation � Reduction in HEAT and also reduce power required for space cooling. � Reduce outside noise levels � Attract natural light to save on day lighting � Aesthetically appealing inside face � Human safety within building and outside

Spark Solar – 6 Bus Bar 144 half cell Mono PERC modules Spark Solar unveiled the completely new module series RAPID DUO 6 Bus Bar 144 half-cell Mono PERC modules. The RAPID DUO module series combines half-cell technology, six busbars and the PERC cell technology. Thus, the monocrystalline modules reach efficiency of close to 20% and power outputs of up to 395 Wp from 144 half-cells.

Spark Solar has the widest portfolio of solar modules which also includes its newly-developed glass film BIPV modules . “We are thrilled to unveil our latest high-end innovation to global customers. With the RAPID DUO series, Spark Solar will be setting another benchmark in terms of high-end performance and reliability of crystalline solar modules under real-life conditions. Customers and investors are looking for the highest possible yields and reliability.

Benefit of 6 Bus bar Solar Panels: 6 Bus Bar module is the latest technology in the market and it has several benefits over 5 bus bar or 4 bus bar modules. The six bus bar PERC cell technology combined with 144 half cell technology and 3 piece junction box boost module output upto 20Wp. “High power in the smallest space with maximum durability”.

The busbars are the metal lines you see going down the cells of the solar panel. They are the wires that connect each cell to the other, allowing the current to flow. Since each cell is generally just over a half a volt, the bus bars wire them together in series to create the higher voltages needed to be a usable solar panel.

Higher Output per cell = Higher Efficiency As the distance between adjacent bus bars is shorter in 6BB modules, the current path is shorter leading to higher output.

Additional busbars creates lower resistance between cells. Ohms Law tells us that as resistance (ohms, R, or Ω) go down, the current (amps) goes up. And when current goes up for the same voltage, power (which is volts times amps) goes up.

The result of the additional bus bars is that the solar panels are about 2% more efficient. This means that they can pack 2% more power in the same size solar panel.

Lower Residual Stress in 6 bus bar cells= Lower Degradation When conductors are soldered onto solar cells to assemble them into solar modules, the soldering activity leaves behind residual stress in the cells. Over time the residual stress converts into micro-cracks which ultimately reduces the generation. Due to shorter distance between the bus bars in 6BB cells, the residual stresses are lower in 6BB modules by up to 10%. Hence long term generation of 6BB modules is superior as degradation is lower.

Today significant losses occur during stringing the cells in a module by using standard 5 or 4 busbar technology. Simulations demonstrates that the multi-busbar design allows higher cell and module efficiencies compared to 3 or 4 or 5 busbar cell design, and in the same time reduces the amount of silver needed for the front electrode.

TOP 10 SOLAR INVERTERS RECENTLY Every year the level of competition increases when it comes to the Annual REI Expo.

Mayank Mishra, regional sales director of Huawei Smart PV Business India, said:

We could see the same scenario this year as well at the Annual REI Expo 2019 which

“The SUN2000-185KTL power density is further enhanced and it is the industry’s first

was held in the greater Noida between September 18 and 20, 2019.

on-grid solar inverter that incorporates AI technology. It integrates smart tracking

As the Indian economy is developing the utilization of power is anticipated to arrive

system control functions to stably adapt to various power grids and complies with the

at 15,280 TWh in 2040. In any case, with the growing pollution and contamination of resources, the government is planning to utilize the Green Energy segment. The Green Energy segment is expected to attract a revenue of US $80 Billion in the following four years.

The REI Expo saw a participation of about 800 exhibitors who showcased their projects, innovations and technologies. There was presence of major Chinese and European manufacturers, some of them were also a part of the wind energy segment. For solar segment there were an array of companies for solar modules and solar inverters.

latest CEA guidelines of India and IEC certified. Based on reports released by global consultancy IHS Markit, Huawei was ranked No.1 globally in inverter shipments for four consecutive years, 2015 to 2018.” Huawei Smart PV is committed to bringing digital to every organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. It will stay customer-centric and continuously provide competitive products and solutions through large-scale R&D investment and technological innovation to the Indian solar industry.

SUNGROW – SG5000UD & SG250HX-IN Sungrow,

Some of the top performing solar inverters which interested the audience were:

yet

another

DELTA – M70A CLOUD Delta was one of the exhibitors at

REI

kVA maximum AC apparent power

new

its

monitoring, I-V Curve scanning, Night time reactive power generation, Anti-PID function & RS 485, Sub-1G wireless & Wi-Fi based communication and an electromagnetic interference (EMI)-proof design give the system planner more flexibility when designing PV plants & maximizing overall yields. Fuseless design and operation of inverter, in case only 2 strings per MPPT are connected, gives a cost optimization flexibility. With ground-mounted systems, module rows can be set up with minimal spacing. Potential shadowing can be compensated by smart allocation of the MPP trackers. Even complex rooftop systems that have multiple sections with different alignments can be easily implemented using

new at

2019.

They two

products

SG250HX-IN.

M70A is easy to transport and install. pairs of connectors, string current

wide

SG5000UD-20 and

compact design and low weight, the Having 6 MPP trackers, each with three

a of

launched

for ground-mounted and commercial to

renewables,

products

phase solar string inverter with 77

Thanks

supplier

range

was launched. It is a connected three-

systems.

inverter

solution unveiled

flagship inverter model, M70A cloud

rooftop

leading for

the REI Expo 2019 where Delta’s new

global

The SG5000UD-20 turnkey station features an optimal protection level of IP65, provides a maximum efficiency of 99% and can work without derating at 50 degree Celsius, making it ideal for India by reducing O&M cost and enabling sustained power yields despite the scorching heat and sand corrosion. It’s equipped with integrated current and voltage monitoring function for online analysis and trouble shooting. Developed for largescale utility solar plants, the turnkey station also characterizes a high DC/AC ratio of up to 1.7 and flexible 5MW or 10MW block design, ensuring an optimized LCOE. They launched another flagship product which was introduced at REI was, SG250HXIN. The SG250HX-IN is the world’s most powerful 1500Vdc string inverter, featuring a high capacity of 250kW. It comes with the high voltage of 1500Vdc and 800Vac,

the M70A.

enabling cost saving on DC and AC cables. The product is of a maximum efficiency

HUAWEI – SUN2000-185KTL

features 12 MPPTs and a flexible block design, making it an ideal solution for hilly

of 99% and compatible with bi-facial modules, offering a higher yield. The system utility-scale applications.

Particularly with an ingress protection level of IP66 and an anti-corrosion grade of C5, the compact inverter is resilient in harsh conditions like desert and coastal areas.

With smart forced air-cooling technology, the SG250HX can operate without derating at extremely high temperatures. The system is also inserted with fault diagnostic and IV-curve scan function, making it easier for operation and maintenance. Embedded anti-PID function will lead to much less module degradation. Also, the improved Power Line Communication (PLC) shall decrease installation cost without excessive communication wiring. In a bid to co-work with the probable storage segment, the inverter can be connected to storage systems with equipped storage interface.

Huawei, which is also known to be a world leader in inverter shipments, announced the launch of latest utility-scale 1500V smart string inverter, SUN2000-185KTL-INH0

GOODWE – ET SERIES

(“SUN2000-185KTL”) for Indian solar market at the REI exhibition.

During the exhibition, GoodWe launched its brand-new ET Series, high voltage

The state-of-the-art SUN2000-185KTL integrated the AI algorithm, is the best choice

hybrid inverter for both households and commercial applications. The energy storage

for 1500V solar system, trackers and bifacial PV modules. Huawei updated the traditional astronomical algorithm and adopted intelligent trackers and bifacial PV modules based on AI algorithm to achieve the integration of tracker control, power supply, and communication, maximizing energy yields.

SUN2000-185KTL has a maximum efficiency of 99.03% and a European efficiency of 98.66%, ensuring high power generation; 9 MPPTs for versatile adaptions to different layouts and string-level fast trouble-shooting; multi-MPPT design reduces mismatch impact caused by shading and dust; the no fuse design reduces the fire risk caused

by DC side malfunction and decreases the O&M cost. Comparing to the traditional solution, FusionSolar Smart PV Solution with SUN2000-185KTL makes the yields

solution from GoodWe give customers control of their power, by giving them choice and flexibility over how they use the electricity grid. By storing excess power during off-peak hours, when electricity costs are at their lowest, clean energy can be enjoyed during peak times while benefitting from a reduction in monthly costs. In addition, the battery storage system provides critical back-up power during grid outages or blackouts.

Covering a power range of 5 kW, 6kW, 8 kW and 10 kW, GoodWe ET is the world’s most compact and lightweight three-phase hybrid inverter in the market with maximum efficiency of 98.3%, equipped with Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Function, backup overloading, AC charging functions and open-protocol EMS communication

increase by over 3% and O&M efficiency increased by over 50%; AI auto-learning

system.

enables the trackers to fit the bifacial PV modules better by optimizing the tracking

The product has adopted a leading topology and an innovative inverter control

algorithm, which brings an additional 0.5% to more than 1% of energy yields; Huawei

technology which contributes the maximum efficiency up to 98.3%. Electricity from

patented multi-peak algorithm by achieving tracking to its highest power peak in 200

PV modules is converted with a decreased loss, greatly increasing power generation

milliseconds; Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis can proactively discover low-performance

capabilities and serving users a higher return on investments. It also allows 33%

strings, achieving the revolution from passive maintenance to active preventive

DC oversizing capacity for easy connections with more PV modules and features a

maintenance.

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SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 42 Solar

Y LAUNCHED AT THE REI EXPO 2019 wide battery voltage range of 180 – 550 V.

The Solis 125 kW features built-in string monitoring, which measures all string

Furthermore, when comparing with existing

parameters for quick fault isolation and system commissioning. An integrated smart

EPS function (Emergency Power Supply)

I/V curve scanning feature helps detect such string faults as panel mismatch and

on the market, UPS is much favorable to

shading, decreasing O&M time and increasing system energy yield. DC fuses on

inductive loads such as air conditioners or

both positive and negative inputs protect the inverter and DC cables, while built-

refrigerators with an automatic switchover

in replicable DC and AC Type II surge protection devices (SPD) safeguard during

time of less than 10 milliseconds, which

power surges, further ensuring system availability. Lastly, Type I SPD protection is also

guarantees 24/7 non- stop power supply.

available to shield against damage from frequent surges and lightning strikes.

The new GoodWe ET series storage inverter is manufactured to be very compact with dimensions

of

415*516*160

mm

SOFAR SOLAR – G3 INVERTERS

and

SOFARSOLAR

introduced

its

latest

lightweight (25kg) which makes it easier for

inverter series named ‘SOFAR G3’. The

installation and maintenance both indoors

range is from 1kW to 3.3kW, which is

and outdoors. Thanks to its Battery Input

specially

Reverse Polarity Protection, battery will

systems. These inverters make PV systems

not be damaged by accidental swap of

in private households more powerful.

the positive and negative polarity which help ensure safe battery installation. The

Its most outstanding characteristic is its

inverter is also in-built with open-protocol EMS communication system as it ensures

weight, which is only 5.3kg. So it can be

interconnections between grid companies and batteries to dispatch electricity freely.

installed easily and quickly. G3 inverters

GoodWe will be committed to research and manufacturing of energy storage solutions

support 40% overload on DC side. And

and smart energy management. GoodWe believes that, with the development

the efficiency is up to 97.7%. It can meet

of relevant technologies and the price declining of batteries, energy storage will

any challenge found on roofs, ensures

complement the accelerated deployment of renewable energy in its various forms.

maximum

designed

solar

for

yields

single

and

phase

reduces

electricity costs. G3 inverters all support

GINLONG SOLIS – SOLIS 125KW

zero exporting function integrated. Its WiFi and GPRS dongles support six months data storage. SOFAR G3 inverters attracted the attention of large numbers of customers were they are showed in the exhibition.

SINENG – EP-3.125MW-HA-UD When it comes to choose the best inverter solution, you have to consider some specifications like - DC/AC side protection, efficiency, real time remote monitoring and control and other advanced functionality such as SVG function, PID control and so on.

Ginlong Technologies, launched its photovoltaic string inverter manufacturing, this

EP-3.125MW-HA-UD, a utility-scale

expands its Solis portfolio with a new utility-scale solution for the India solar market.

applicable inverter solution of Sineng,

The Solis 125kW 1500V three-phase string inverter made its debut at the REI Expo

comply

exhibit.

specifications and was showcased

According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s recent Solar Module and Inverter

in REI-2019. Eco-friendly and robust

Bankability report, Solis earned third place among Asian inverter brands out of a total of 17 global inverter manufacturers. Banks are more willing to offer non-recourse loans to PV projects using Solis inverters, helping developers secure financing.

PV asset owners are increasingly turning to string inverter technologies for utilityscale projects. Delivering substantial energy harvest advantages, the Solis 125kW solution combines high power density and light weight to streamline installation.

Furthermore, Ginlong’s integrated utility solution includes a dedicated India – based service team to guarantee hassle free O&M. “Solis continuously sets new standards in string inverter reliability,” says Idrish Khan, Chief Technical Officer at Ginlong Solis India. “High system reliability means ultra-low maintenance costs for our customers, boosting returns over the life of their assets.”

DNV-GL validation testing puts Solis at the very top of the performance range for three-phase string inverters. DNV-GL notes “the inverter life models presented are positively impacted by the long and impressive track record of PV inverters designed and manufactured by Ginlong. The useful life projections are at or near the top of the string inverter life projections.”

with

all

aforementioned

design for a 25 years lifespan makes it suitable for extremely humid or hot areas like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh of India. It comes with anti-corrosion protection and IP65 for key components such as IGBT module, DC bus capacitor, SMPS for various drive and DSP control board etc.

Compact design and smart control algorithm of 3.125MW inverter give an ease of installation, controlling and monitoring. In means of 3-level topology and smart 2 phase redundant cooling method, the efficiency can be achieved up to 99%, and it can work without derating till 50-degree Celsius. It also features 1500V DC inputs, maximum DC/AC ratio of 1.5, flexible 6.25MW or 12.5MW block design and overload capacity of 115%. All of these characteristics allow this inverter to offer customers with high yields and easy O&M which, in returns, profit the customers with a large amount by optimum LCOE. One of indisputable features is night Static Var Generator (SVG) functionality what helps plant owners utilize inverter efficiently before and even after sunset by injecting controllable reactive power to the grid. Additionally, Inverter also owns negative grounding technology for recovering module PID effect and an auxiliary power supply. Input and output side of the inverter is designed following IEC,

Designed for higher energy yield, the Solis 125kW offers unique advantages including:

EN and other standards so as to secure the highest level of safety for inverters and

� 33% higher DC string voltage than 1000V systems, resulting in higher energy

users. It is a front maintenance and modular designed device which saves time and is

density and lower installation costs � 99.1% maximum efficiency — one of the highest in the market � 20 DC inputs results in DC to AC ratios up to 150% for greater energy generation during lower irradiance conditions

convenient for inspecting and repairing while any fault occurs. To connect to the grid as per IEC and CEA requirements, respectively, it is also featured with anti-islanding, over/under voltage protection and LVRT capability for smooth operation. It is obvious that this machine is equipped with everything what a plant owner would wish for.

� Optional AC combiner connects two-125kW units into a 250K system, substantially reducing AC cable costs

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SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 43 Solar

GROWATT – MIN 2500-6000TL-X

Output performance: Applying redundancy design and optimum software algorithm Growatt’s

newly

launched

inverter

MIN

2500-6000TL-

empowers it with 110% max output capacity.

Thermal stability: It applies integrated die-casting molding and could be operated at

X was a highlight

extreme -40℃ condition while output will not reduce under high temperature (60℃)

at

environment.

the

Energy

Renewable India

Expo

2019. It’s considered as the most up-todate

solution

for

residential solar plants in the industry. The inverter has modern and compact design, and is very attractive to end users at first glance.

“Our R&D team along with our designers and senior sales engineers has put a large

Conversion efficiency: Innovative MPPT algorithm, with 99.9% MPPT efficiency, maximum conversion efficiency 98.53%.

Power quality: Applies advanced weak grid adaptive algorithm, making the general harmonic distortion ≤2%.

R5 residential solar inverter Highlights: � Lightning protection, High precision leakage monitoring � Die-casting case cover, Beautiful & reliable

amount of time and energy in developing this new residential inverter. As the climate

� Low standby consumption, High efficiency (20kw up to 98.8%)

change is increasingly getting the attention of people around the world, more and

� Bluetooth APP connection, All data at real time

more people will go solar and start using solar energy. So our team started to work on this next generation residential solution and aim to lead in the residential sector,”

� Remote Maintenance, Remote Configuration

introduced Rucas Wang, Growatt regional sales director.

� Quiet generation, No noise pollution

MIN 2500-6000TL-X adopts integrated top cover case design and there’re no screws

� Intelligent & Grid-friendly, Active response to grid dispatch

on front cover. The design has fewer gaps and provides better protection against water and dust. Aerospace grade materials are used for TL-X, making the inverter light, durable and flame-retardant. It is around 10.8kg, 35% lighter when compared

INGETEAM – SUN 160TL

with other old generation inverters.

Ingeteam has been present

To achieve better HMI experience, it is designed with OLED display and touch button.

once again in the main Indian

OLED display is premium material and consumes less power. Its touch button is more

trade show of the renewables

durable and can last over three million clicks. In addition, the inverter has advanced

sector:

internal design with invisible cable routing. Its patented inductance technology

India Expo. This venue was

optimized heat dissipation for the inverter. Therefore, the inverter can work under

selected to launch its new

harsh conditions, such as salty air, humidity, high and low temperature etc.

Renewable

INGECON®

TL-X has great protection with Type II SPD on DC side, connection protection and

SUN

Energy

160TL

photovoltaic string inverter.

optional AFCI. It has two MPP trackers and 1.4 DC/AC ratio. Its string current reaches

This solar PV inverter offers

12.5A and is compatible with bifacial modules. For system monitoring and remote

the possibility of achieving a

O&M, customers have multiple options such as WIFI-X, GPRS-X, 4G-X, RF or RS485.

power output of 160 kWAC

With the data logger installed, customers can have access to Growatt Online Smart Service platform for reporting issues and troubleshooting. MIN 2500-6000TL-X is, no

in a single 75kg/165lbs unit

doubt, the leading residential inverter of the solar industry.

and is now at the production stage thanks to an order of

SAJ – R5 RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INVERTER

two hundred units for the Brazilian market.

This

new

three-phase

inverter, featuring 1500 Vdc technology, is suitable for indoor and outdoor installation alike, and is primarily directed at multi-megawatt projects, in other words large-scale solar PV plants.

In addition to its high power density, the inverter’s main features include its high maximum efficiency (99.1%), Wi-Fi and Ethernet and PLC (power line) communications supplied as standard, and advanced grid support functionalities, with low voltage ride-through and reactive power capability.

A further key advantage lies in its significant cost savings potential, given the fact that its high power density means that it is possible to drastically reduce the number of inverters to be installed and, therefore, the total amount of cabling. Furthermore, SAJ provides professionally distributed solar inverter, energy storage hybrid solar

no connection boxes are required (either in DC or AC) and neither is a neutral cable

inverter and monitoring solution and solar pumping system. Meanwhile, SAJ solar

necessary, thereby reducing the total AC cabling cost reduce by 20%. All this leads to

inverters have been awarded with the Top 10 solar inverter brand for five consecutive

huge reductions in capital expenditures (CAPEX).

years. Monthly average shipment of residential solar inverter (1kW-10kw) from SAJ ranks the Top 3 within the solar energy industry in domestic market. With the strategy of local service network, SAJ has more than 20 branch offices and over 80

This inverter also offers lower operating costs, thanks to the Wi-Fi communication which is supplied as standard, making it possible to start-up, monitor and control

service centres in China, and its overseas service centre has expanded to Germany,

the PV installation through either a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. Furthermore, its

Belgium, Turkey, Australia, India, Brazil and other countries. With the superior quality

string inverter philosophy guarantees minimum potential maintenance requirements,

and comprehensive service network, SAJ has successfully supplied 1 million sets of

with no need to vacuum the inverter interior or to check the state of the fuses, or the

products around the world.

thermal magnetic breaker or torque.

SAJ R5 residential solar inverter is featured as safe, efficient, intelligent power

The new Ingeteam inverter can be supplied in two different versions (STD and PRO)

generation, etc. Power capacity is single phase 1kw to 8kw, while three phase is from 4kw to 20kw. Among all SAJ R5 series inverters, R5-10K-T2 won the TÜV Rheinland PV Inverter for Home Use [10kw] AQM Award 2018.

Input performance: Start voltage is 180Vdc; minimum input voltage is 150Vdc. This performance will be better under weak light condition and the on-grid power

in order to adapt to customer needs and to the technical requirements of as many projects as possible. This PV inverter is part of the INGECON® SUN 3Play family which has PV inverters installed in more than 15 countries -India is one of them- and which, up to now, had power outputs of between 20 to 100 kW.

generation time could be prolonged.

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SolarQuarter Quarter••October October2019 2019 44 Solar

ANNUAL EVENT CALENDAR Asia’s Largest Cleantech Energy Event Network February

January

May

March

June

August

July

October

September

November

December

Pan India Series

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North-South Edition

Solar Quarter • October 2019 45 Solar Quarter • August 2019 85

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