SolarQuarter February Issue 2020

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RENAISSANCE AHMEDABAD HOTEL A PAN-INDIA BUSINESS SERIES

TRANSFORMING ROOFS TO SMART POWER HUBS

Industrial, Commercial & Residential Roofs

DON'T MISS OUT ON THE BIGGEST SOLAR ROOFTOP GUJARAT EDITION, HAVE YOU SIGNED UP YET?

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FOR SPONSORSHIP, BRANDING & EXIBITIONS

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SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 3

CONTENTS NEWS 06 GLOBAL NEWS 08 INDIA NEWS 10 ASIA NEWS

INSIGHTS 20 BIG PUSH FOR KUSUM SCHEME: INDIA'S YELLOW REVOLUTION FOR AGRICULTURE SECTOR OVERVIEW: IMPORTANT ADVANTAGES OF THE SCHEME RECENT DEVELOPMENT PRESENT SCENARIO OF THIS SCHEME SHORTCOMINGS OF THE SCHEME WAYFORWARD

IN CONVERSATION

PERSPECTIVE 18 SMART SOLAR TECH, SOLAR COMPONENTS & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 19 SOLAR VS DISCOMS: LEARNING FROM NET METERING SAGA OF ROOFTOP SOLAR IN MAHARASHTRA 22 WHAT'S NEXT - TECHNOLOGIES TO REVOLUTIONIZE SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTION 23 PROSPECTS OF PPP IN ODISHA FOR SOLAR ROOFTOP PROGRESS

MR. SUNIL BADESRA

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24 WHAT ARE THE RECENT TRENDS IN SMART SOLAR INVERTER TECHNOLOGY? 26 WHAT ARE THE RECENT TRENDS IN SMART SOLAR MODULE TECHNOLOGY?

MR. PEEYUSH MOHIT

SALES HEAD, SUNGROW INDIA

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COO, O2 POWER

Sungrow is always leader in the industry to achieve 99% efficiency in both central and string Inverters.

we will focus on the fast-emerging areas of solar-wind hybrid, storage integration as well as floating solar technology.

MR. HARSH SHAH

MR. BHARAT BHUT

COMPANY FEATURE 27-29 GINLONG SOLIS GOLDI SOLAR ADANI

PRODUCT FEATURE

30-36

GOODWE GINLONG SOLIS WAAREE WAAREE SINENG TATA BLUESCOPE STEEL (LYSAGHT) LONGI

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EDITING

CONTENT

DESIGNING

Firstview Media

Varun Gulati

Megha Kottapalli

Neha Barangali

Ekta Pujari

Parleen Kaur Arora

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IndiGrid offers a unique platform for investors to get a pie of power transmission assets

PUBLISHING

Ventures Pvt. Ltd.

CEO, INDIGRID

ADVERTISING

DIRECTOR, GOLDI SOLAR Goldi Solar cares about its customers by leveraging business transparency and ethical business values, no matter the size and market share.

CIRCULATION

Smriti Singh

Kunal Verma

Meghna Sharma

Chandan Gupta

Samah Rumani

W W W . S O L A R Q U A R T E R . C O M

PRINTING Vaibhav Enterprises

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

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I N D I A

N E W S INSIGHTS >

BUZZ >

DETAILS RELEASED BY NTPC FOR 1.2 GW SOLAR TENDER, CEILING TARIFF SET AT ₹2.78/KWH The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has raised a point by point request for selection (RfS) for 1.2 GW of Interstate Transmission System (ISTS) connected solar projects across the country. The ceiling tariff for the tender has been set at ₹ 2.78 (~$0.038)/kWh. Bidders who are interested are expected to pay an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹ 400,000 (~$5,588)/MW undertaken. The last date for the submission of bids is March 19, 2020. A pre-bid meeting is planned on March 6, 2020.

LATEST >

KARNATAKA ELECTRICITY REGULATOR REDUCES TARIFF FOR A DELAYED 10 MW SOLAR PROJECT

TARIFF OF ₹2.50/KWH FOR 680 MW SOLAR PROJECTS GETS APPROVED BY RAJASTHAN COMMISSION The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has raised an order approving the tariff rate for 680 MW of solar projects which was issued by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). A year ago in July, Mercom reported that the Solar Energy Corporation of India's 750 MW (Tranche-II) sell off for grid connected solar projects in Rajasthan faced the lowest tariff of ₹ 2.50 (~$0.0359)/kWh. Of the tendered limit, just 680 MW of solar project was granted. SECI had tendered the limit in March 2019, and accordingly, bids totaling 1,100 MW were submitted against a tendered capacity of 750 MW, yet just 850 MW of techno-commercial bids were qualified for the last round of the bidding procedure.

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has dismissed a petition by Shorapur Solar Power Limited that argued its 10 MW solar project was delayed due to force majeure (unforeseeable) events. Due to the delay, the Commission ordered that the petitioner is entitled to a tariff of ₹ 4.36 (~$0.061)/kWh in place of the originally agreed tariff of ₹ 5.13 (~$0.071)/kWh. The Commission also directed Shorapur Solar Power Private Limited to pay liquidated damages to Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) in line with the power purchase agreement (PPA). Earlier, Shorapur Solar Power Limited had filed a petition requesting the Commission to declare that the scheduled commercial operation date be extended to the period corresponding to the time taken for the grant of the evacuation approval (142 days). It had also requested the Commission to put aside the demand issued by CESC for the payment of liquidated damages towards the delay in achieving the COD within the scheduled timeline.

DETAILS >

HARYANA SET TO ACQUIRE 250 MW SOLAR POWER VIA SECI AT ₹2.54/KWH The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) approved the request to acquire 250 MW of solar power from the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). The Haryana Power Purchase Center (HPPC) had presented the request for acquiring 250 MW of solar power through the 1,200 MW (ISTS Tranche IV) tender to satisfy its RPO targets. The agreement will be legitimate for a period of 25 years.

HPPC is a joint forum made by the state's distribution organizations in order to undertake different activities which also includes the signing of agreements on behalf of Haryana DISCOMs. The tariff set for the acquisition was ₹ 2.54 (~$0.035)/kWh fixed for a period of 25 years.

INDIA RELEASED A PRE-BID QUERY FORMAT FOR 14 MW/42 MW SOLAR+STORAGE PROJECTS The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) had raised a Request for Selection (RfS) on the 31st of January for setting up of 14 MW solar power plants with 42 MWh Battery Energy Storage Systems in Ladakh. Under the Prime Minister Development Package (PMDP), The projects will be raised at Leh and Kargil as 7 MW/21 MWh projects each. According to the Pre-Bid meeting held on 17.02.2020 a Pre-Bid Query Format will be issued which will be in order to address the queries by respective bidders. The format of the same is made available in the SECI's official website.

INDUSTRY >

INDUSTRY >

SUNSEAP KNOWN TO RAISE $80 MILLION IN SUPPORT OF SOLAR PROJECTS ACROSS ASIA Sunseap Group, a renewable solutions provider based in Singapore has raised an amount of S$100 from Banpu, a publicly listed company on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in its fourth round of raising funds. Banpu is an integrated energy solutions organization with 3 core groups of business which comprises of energy resources, energy technology and energy generation and it has expanded into 10 nations in the APAC region.

It was additionally chosen as a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices(DJSI) and it was graded an "A" under the MSCI ESG rating. Sunseap is known to be the largest clean energy solutions provider in Singapore with just about 300 MW of solar energy projects contracted, of which 168 MW have been finished on 1,500 buildings and it is listed at the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

DETAILS >

CLP INDIA TO BUY MAHINDRA RENEWABLES THREE SUBSIDIARIES FOR ₹3.4 BILLION

600 MW SOLAR POWER TO BE SOLD TO BIHAR AND PUNJAB BY NTPC AT A TARIFF OF ₹2.60/KWH

Mahindra and Mahindra Limited reported that its subsidiary, Mahindra Renewables Private Limited (MRPL), agreed to sell all its stake in three subsidiaries to CLP India Private Limited (CLP) for ~ ₹ 3.40 billion ($47.35 million). These three subsidiaries incorporate Cleansolar Renewable Energy Private Limited (CREPL), Divine Solren Private Limited (DSPL), and Neo Solren Private Limited (NSPL). The date of completion of the deal is expected to be May 31, 2020. As indicated by the organization, the share purchase agreement offered to sell 9,623,000 equity shares of ₹ 10 (~$0.14) each at a cost of ₹ 113.11 (~$1.57)/share totaling ₹ 1.088 billion (~$15.16 million). The agreement took place on February 21, 2020.

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has affirmed a tariff of ₹ 2.60 (~$0.036)/kWh adopted by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to sell 600 MW of solar power alloted to SB Energy Six Private Limited to distribution licensees in Bihar and Punjab. The Commission likewise asked the contracting parties to agree on the trading margin for long-term transactions commonly. Further, the Commission ordered NTPC to intimate the Commission before starting the bidding process in the future, which it had neglected to do in this case.

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

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SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

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ASIANEWS ABOITIZPOWER PLANS 975 MW OF SOLAR, WIND IN THE PHILIPPINES

AC ENERGY SET TO BUY THE MAJOR NUMBER OF STAKES IN 45 - MW PHILIPPINE SOLAR PARK AC Energy Inc on Wednesday announced that it can proceed with the acquisition of a majority stake in a 45-MW solar power facility on the island of Negros, the Philippines, after the country's competition commission cleared the deal. The regulator decided on February 13 that the transaction would not hurt competition, the company said. The decision comes after the signing of an agreement between AC Energy and investors in San Carlos Solar Energy Inc, which owns and operates the solar asset, in November. Then, the company agreed to buy the share of Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte Ltd, Langoer Investments Holding BV and the Government Service Insurance System in the solar park for about PHP 2.772 billion (USD 54.8m/EUR 50.7m).

VIETNAM SETS LONG-TERM RENEWABLE GOALS AS SOLAR AUCTIONS BECKON Nearly a third of Vietnam’s primary energy supply could be covered by green energy by 2045, according to government proposals emerging as the country prepares to hold PV auctions. The 97million-inhabitant state and current solar hotspot in Asia will work to ensure renewable energy accounts for a 15-20% share by 2030 and grows to 25-30% by 2045, under targets set out this month by Vietnam’s Politburo. The resolution, signed

by Communist Party general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, is meant as a blueprint to strengthen Vietnam's energy fleet in the long run. The sector remains “limited and weak” and must keep up with soaring energy use in the coming decades, the document notes.

CHINA ENERGY ENGINEERING CORP (CEEC) TO DEVELOP 500 MW SOLAR PROJECT IN UGANDA.

SOLAR PROJECTS OF 60 MW TO BE INSTALLED

BY THE HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (HDB) OF SINGAPORE

500 MW solar power capacity might soon be developed in Uganda by Chinese government owned China Energy Engineering Corp (CEEC), which issued a notification of having received this contract through a group subsidiary, on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

A total of $500 million for the solar project is to be invested, which will be developed in two phases by China Gezhouba International Company, a subsidiary of China Gezhouba Group Co., Ltd., for The EPC contract expects the company to design, procure, construct and perform trials for the 500 MW capacity.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) of Singapore plans to install 60 MW capacity of solar projects across 1,154 HDB blocks and 46 government sites. For the same it has launched its fifth installment of the SolarNova Program.

Along with Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the agency has been jointly conducting tender proceedings under the SolarNova Program The fifth tender involves the participation of six agencies including Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), both first time participants in the program.

Awarded capacity needs to come online

by Q1/2023. Last date to submit bids is March 2, 2020 and is expected to be awarded in Q3/2020.

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

Philippine power company Aboitiz Power Corp is looking to invest close to PHP 34 billion (USD 670.7m/EUR 615.4m) to realise 975 MW of solar and wind projects in the home country's Pangasinan province. The Philippine Star, a local English-language news outlet, reported Tuesday that Aboitiz Power executive Cris Faelnar had met with the Pangasinan provincial board to present some of the projects. The power company is reported to be seeking to install some 650 MW of solar power and 325 MW of wind across several areas in the province. Aboitiz has not yet studied the wind potential at chosen locations, but if it proves satisfactory, the company will proceed with the development, according to the report. The Philippine Star says that Aboitiz had already entered into an agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources since the project execution would involve crossing mostly public and forest land.

UOB MALAYSIA AGREES ON A FINANCIAL DEAL WITH DITROLIC SOLAR GROUP FOR SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS Commercial and industrial rooftop solar panel provider Ditrolic Sdn Bhd (DSB), has signed an agreement with United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (UOB Malaysia) to provide installation and management services of solar power systems for the bank’s corporate clients. Under the agreement, DSB will help UOB Malaysia’s clients identify solar power solutions and provide them with installation, commissioning, operations and after-sales service packages for their factories and offices. The collaboration marks the fourth tie-up between UOB Malaysia and a leading solar energy provider under its USolar programme, Asia’s first solar industry ecosystem that connects businesses and consumers across the entire value chain.

TRENDING SUNSEAP AND SINGAPORE’S BOUSTEAD PROJECTS ANNOUNCE A SOLAR POWER PARTNERSHIP Singapore-based real estate solutions company Boustead Projects Ltd (SGX:AVM) and local clean energy provider Sunseap Group Pte Ltd on Thursday announced a collaboration on rooftop solar installations and energy provision. Sunseap, through its subsidiary Sunseap Leasing Pte Ltd, will be Boustead's exclusive solar power partner under a contract with its subsidiary Boustead Funds Management Pte Ltd. As part of the partnership, Sunseap will potentially install rooftop solar systems at Boustead Projects leasehold properties and managed real estate projects. In addition, Sunseap will be able to provide clean energy solutions and energy to its partner's clients and tenants.

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SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

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GLOBAL NEWS Capacity of 27.4 MW Floating Solar Plant to be Installed In Netherlands

40% Of Swiss Electricity Demand Could be Covered

by Solar Rooftop

Germany’s BayWa r.e. renewable energy GmbH is steaming ahead with what it terms as the world’s largest floating solar PV plant outside of China, planned to have 27.4 MW capacity in the Netherlands. It has already completed 8 MW of installations within two weeks.The 27.4 MW Bomhofsplas Floating Solar Farm is coming up near Zwolle with some 73,000 solar PV modules on a sandpit lake. The company will deploy 13 floating transformers and 192 inverter boats to complete the project in partnership with Zimmerman PV-Stahlbau GmbH with whom it has designed its Zim Float floating system. It is the German company’s fourth floating solar project in the Netherlands after completing 14.5 MW Sekdoorn, 8.4 MW Tynaarlo and 2.1 MW Weperpolder.

At least 55% of the 9.6 million rooftops in Switzerland could host solar PV panels.

And even if the panels were installed only mainly on south-facing rooftops, Switzerland would be able to cover more than 40% of its electricity demand. The researchers say the country has currently been able to tap into only a tenth of its estimated 24 TWh/year PV potential leaving scope for another 90% to be unlocked. Margin of error of this 24 TWh is 9 TWh, which factors in variability of solar radiation and the methodology used. To arrive at this estimate, the team developed a methodology bringing together machine learning algorithms with geographical information systems and physical models to assess the PV potential by the hour.

France’s Solar PV Capacity at 9.4 GW, Registers a Flat Growth Rate Over Previous Year

Renewables Generate More Electricity than Coal Power In EU in 2019 The year 2019 will go down in the history books as the first year ever when wind and solar power plants delivered more electricity in the European Union (EU) than coal fired power plants, according to German think tank Agora Energiewende and UK based climate think tank Sandbag.Report shows that the share of renewable energy in electricity generation grew across the region to 34.6% in 2019, a growth of 1.8% points compared to 2018. Wind and solar power generation grew to 569 TWh in 2019 and exceeded the amount of coal-fired electricity by 100 TWh for the first time, according to the report. Solar power installations increased their annual power supply by 7% while wind turbines delivered 14% more electricity.

Both these sources of renewables grew their share in the electricity mix of all EU nations, barring Czech Republic.

At the same time, nuclear power generation was negatively impacted by droughts and so was hydro power.

At the end of 2019, France reported a cumulative operational solar PV capacity of 9,436 MW after adding 890 MW last year. PV accounted for 2.5% of annual electricity consumption of the country, increasing its share from 2.3% in 2018.

The cumulative capacity of 9.43 GW generated 11.6 TWh of solar power in 2019, increasing 7.8% from previous year, according to the national electricity transmission system operator RTE. Overall, France added 2,347 MW of renewable energy capacity in 2019 to the aggregate renewable energy capacity of the country that reached 53.609 GW, comprising hydroelectricity, wind, solar PV and bioenergy. Together, this capacity covered 23% of French energy consumption in 2019, said RTE as against the national target of 40% by 2030.

Burkina Faso 30 MW Solar PV Project Enters Construction Phase.

A 30 MW solar power project in Burkina Faso entered the construction phase.

French PV developer Urbasolar started work on the Pâ Photovoltaic Power Plant in Boucle du Mouhoun region. Being developed under a public private partnership (PPP) model with the state of Burkina Faso, the 30 MW facility will supply clean power to Pâ, Wona, Houndé, Yaramoko, Boromo regions on completion. Construction on the plant is expected to last 10 months and once it is online the 30 MW facility is expected to generate 51.7 GWh annually.

SolarEdge to Supply its Smart Energy Products for Solar Project of 1 GW Capacity International solar investor Enfindus has contracted Israeli solar PV inverter company SolarEdge Technologies to supply its smart energy products and solutions including inverters and power optimizers with 1 GW cumulative capacity to be delivered within four years. These products Enfindus plans to deploy for its commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop PV systems across Europe.

Though the specific geographies for this deployment in Europe were not shared, Enfindus says it is operating in Benelux, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, and is actively looking to initiate business in other European countries. This SolarEdge contract will enable Enfindus in its aim to finance, build, and operate a rooftop solar project portfolio of 1 GW by 2025 in Europe.

Denmark RWE Deals For 3 TWh Renewable Energy Denmark based renewable energy project developer European Energy A/S will be selling 3 TWh of green energy to RWE of Germany under a multiyear offtake agreement. It will involve solar and wind power. The agreement will come into effect on January 1, 2024 and will run for 7 years during which the Danish company will supply this green energy to RWE in Denmark. European Energy said the 3 TWh is equivalent to the full annual production of 35 modern wind turbines or the annual output of a 400 MW solar power plant during the same period and will suffice the annual electricity needs of 115,000 homes. While this deal ensures security for European Energy to undertake the renewable energy projects, RWE that has made the transaction through its subsidiary RWE Supply & Trading, says this contract complements its expansion activities with attractive purchase agreements to strengthen its portfolio activities.

Total to Install 2 GW Solar PV Plans in Spain French energy player Total has formally announced its entry into the Spanish solar PV market in the form of two agreements with two different companies aiming for a total capacity of around 2 GW. The agreements have been signed through its wholly owned affiliate Total Solar International. One of the agreements is to acquire 100% of Solarbay’s up to 1.2 GW PV portfolio

currently

under

development. Projects are coming up in Andalusia, Aragon and Castile-La

Mancha.

The

other

partnership has been struck with utility scale solar power project developer

Powertis;

the

two

companies will establish a joint venture. Total will hold 65% share in the venture while 35% will rest with Powertis. Initially, the idea is to develop 800 MW early stage projects under the partnership that Powertis will bring in; new projects will be developed as well.

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 10

NOITASREVNOC NI

SUNGROW IS ALWAYS LEADER IN THE INDUSTRY TO ACHIEVE 99% EFFICIENCY IN BOTH CENTRAL AND STRING INVERTERS.

Mr. Sunil Badesra, Sales Head, Sungrow India

IN A NUTSHELL, PLEASE DESCRIBE SUNGROW'S PV INVERTER BUSINESS IN INDIA.

WHAT ARE THE RECENT TECH TRENDS IN INVERTERS?

Sungrow has maintained its leadership position in PV Inverter business in India with more than 17% market share in 2019. Last year we launched the highest rated inverters in both Central (5MW, 1500V DC) and string inverter (250 kW, 1500V DC) categories for utility scale projects. These new products will greatly help our customers to optimize their design and achieve significant BoS savings. This has helped us to continue the longterm partnership with some of our prestigious clients and closure of a few big orders. We have also achieved 100% Y-o-Y growth for our string inverters in 2019 and thereby increasing Sungrow’s penetration in the C & I segment.We are in fact co-developing drivetrains of the future with many of our customers.

In terms of technology shift, we have always been the frontrunner in power conversion technology.

The efficiency of power electronics components will further increase up to a limit with improvements in IGBT technology and new materials.

Effective thermal design will be more critical to minimize failures as the inverters are getting bigger in power rating with compact form factor.

The inverters are gradually becoming modular in nature with higher redundancy options to achieve higher uptime and more yield.

More functionality and the option for seamless integration of storage with the inverters will add the flexibility to the overall system

WHAT IS THE CURRENT EFFICIENCY RATE OF PV INVERTERS AND HIGHLIGHT ON THE ENERGY STORAGE CAPACITY? Sungrow is always leader in the industry to achieve 99% efficiency in both central and string Inverters. In addition to the power efficiency, thermally efficient designs are very important as we deploy high power density products with smaller form factors which run in hot climatic areas.

Sungrow not only leads both in inverter performance and quality, but also pays more attention to the two dimensions of "overall system optimization" and "grid-friendliness" for our customers. With growing RE power penetration and hence stricter grid compliance norms, Sungrow inverters are highly suitable to meet all the requirements and improve the overall efficiency for the project. Sungrow is one of the leading companies with more than 900 deployments of Battery Energy Storage Systems across the globe for various applications. As SECI has recently concluded one of the largest storage tender, we are looking forward to this opportunity as well.

HOW DO PV INVERTERS FROM SUNGROW HELP MINIMIZE ENERGY WASTAGE?

Sungrow has always had a very consistent growth strategy for Indian solar market. We had understood the high potential in this region very early and hence we had set up the local manufacturing unit of 3GW in 2018. As we are now established for more than five years in India, we have the largest service network spread across India to ensure the highest level of responsiveness. As market demand evolves and customers’ requirements change, we are always the first, to bring the most advanced products to have best optimized design with higher ROI. Sungrow has crossed 100GW installations globally as a first in the industry and we are equally committed to contribute our humble part towards 100GW and more solar power in India.

MAINTAINED

ITS

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UTILITY SCALE PROJECTS HAS BOTH IN-BUILT PID THIS

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WHAT IS THE COMPANY’S GROWTH STRATEGY FOR EXPANDING ITS PV INVERTER BUSINESS IN INDIA?

HAS

The portfolio of some of the big solar developers in India have grown significantly with the ISTS and other large-scale tenders. We have already entered into strategic partnership with few of the leading players. As the No. 1 bankable brand in the large-scale project financed projects, where projects risks are critically examined by the lenders on a long term perspective, we look forward to more strategic collaborations in coming time.

DUE

Our latest string inverter series for utility scale projects has both in-built PID recovery and Anti-PID function. This feature helps to reduce losses due to module degradations and thereby energy wastage at the granular level. Innovative design has been the core features of Sungrow inverters to minimize the losses while delivering high rated power continuously irrespective of terrain/climate such as deserts, water bodies, high altitude areas, corrosive/ salty environment etc.

SUNGROW

WHAT ARE THE STRATEGIC COLLABORATION AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN INDIAN RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR THAT THE COMPANY IS EYEING AT?

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WHAT ARE THE IMPEDIMENTS TO GROWTH IN TERMS OF COMPLEX REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT AND LACK OF ADEQUATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT? Last year, tender cancellations, tariff renegotiations by few states increased the uncertainty of some large-scale projects and hence delayed their executions. Similarly, policy flip flops, regulatory changes by few states have posed a challenge for rooftop solar market to achieve its true potential. We acknowledge and appreciate that BIS certification has been extended by MNRE in 2020. A more clarity on timeline of BIS testing for larger capacity inverters (Central and string) would help us to plan in a better way.

IN VIEW OF THE RECENT BUDGET 2020 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REFORMS INTRODUCED, HOW DO YOU THINK THIS WILL FOSTER GROWTH OF SUNGROW’S BUSINESS IN INDIA? Indian Government has always been highly supportive and showed its intent to drive the growth of solar projects in India. The major thrust to schemes like Kusum and solar projects across Indian Railway tracks in the recent budget will open new avenues for small scale solar projects. With our wide and advanced product portfolio, we look forward to cater to all the segments of the market and consolidate our position as the leader.

2019.

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 11

NOITASREVNOC NI

Mr. Peeyush Mohit COO, O2 Power

O2 POWER IS A NEWLY FORMED JOINT VENTURE WITH EQT AND TEMASEK. HOW STRONGLY IS O2 POWER POSITIONED TO SET UP NEW PROJECTS? India has crossed 70 GW of solar and wind installed capacity and the RE sector has a fairly robust and mature framework in place for carrying the growth momentum forward. However, the dynamics of the sector keep evolving. For instance, green bonds are becoming a preferred financing option and have shown strong growth globally, with India becoming the second largest market for green bonds. Similarly, there is a sustained push to integrate renewable energy with storage systems. O2 Power’s investors have a deep understanding of infrastructure sector globally. By virtue of their credibility and their relationships with OEMs and financial institutions, the platform will be able to bring a set of strong core competencies to India. The Management team also brings a holistic and proven set of capabilities for constructing and operating solar and wind projects in the country. Given this, I believe O2 Power will be able to contribute very constructively to the growth of renewable energy sector in India.

O2 POWER TARGETS TO ACHIEVE 4GW OF WIND AND SOLAR INSTALLED CAPACITY IN INDIA. WHAT IS YOUR STRATEGIC PLAN TO ACHIEVE THE SAME? O2 Power aspires to be among the leading renewable energy producers in India. With an initial capital commitment of $ 500 Million, we can set up a capacity of 4 GW. We are technology agnostic and will set up both solar and wind assets. We intend to build self-EPC capabilities in both solar and wind as we see this capability as a key differentiator. Additionally, we will focus on the fast-emerging areas of solar-wind hybrid, storage integration as well as floating solar technology. Regulatory and policy certainty is important for us and so we will currently focus on central tenders and a few state specific tenders.

CAN YOU TALK BRIEFLY ABOUT FINANCING PV PROJECTS IN INDIA, AND THE CHALLENGES THAT DEVELOPERS FACE? Indian renewable energy sector has been attracting equity capital successfully. The challenge is in debt financing. While there is a strong payment security cushion from Central Govt agencies,

WE SET

ARE UP

INTEND BOTH

TECHNOLOGY BOTH TO

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BUILD

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lenders have shown concerns on the financial health of distribution utilities and the ability of Central Govt agencies to maintain good payment track record in absence of timely payment from the ultimate buyers. Having said that, several measures have been taken over the past few months to improve the payment security in the recent past. A noteworthy measure being the advance LC mechanism that is slowly but surely taking root in the system. Also, the sooner regulatory and policy clarity can be provided on factors such as GIB conservation measures, duty imposition on solar modules etc, the better it would be for the industry. Such measures should go a long way in assuaging lender concerns.

WHAT IS YOUR OUTLOOK FOR THE INDIAN RE MARKET BY 2022? WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR KEY LEARNING FROM INDIAN PROJECTS SO FAR? Multiple factors are going to shape the Indian RE market going forward.

Wind industry faced headwinds in the past and all stakeholders are now working towards reviving the industry. Hopefully, with newer technology and contractual structures coming in place, we will see increased interest in wind and hybrid projects. Indian grid has morning and evening peaks and if competitive tariffs can be discovered for peaking power to begin with and subsequently going on to round the clock tariff competitiveness, it will solve the intermittency and grid balancing issues. Going forward, we might see the emergence of technology agnostic tenders seeking the most competitive firm renewable power.I think, on an overall basis, tenders would move to a higher degree of complexity compared to the plain vanilla tenders being issued today. However, from a technology standpoint, the sector has the answers to solve for the higher complexity.

A policy framework, that evolves along with the requirements of the sector and is based on industry consultation, would hold the key to the growth of the sector upto 2022 and beyond.

BUDGET HAS ANNOUNCED A 20% TARIFF ON MODULES. WHAT IMPACT WILL THIS HAVE ON THE SOLAR POWER DEVELOPERS? After the budget, MNRE has issued a clarification that the duty on cells and modules continues to remain zero. Going forward, duty might be imposed through a fresh notification. In my view, to minimize the impact of duty imposition, 1) duty should be imposed in a phased manner.

Imposition of high level of duty in one go will lead to higher tariffs that distribution utilities may not be willing to sign up for. Phased imposition, starting with lower duty, will mitigate the tariff impact. 2) Past regulatory precedents of compensating the developer for duty impact under change in law have not been comforting. Elongated regulatory processes have resulted in considerable delays and the tariff reset mechanisms have not fully compensated the developers.In the recent tenders, SECI has started including tariff compensation clause in the tender terms. Hopefully, the process of establishing the duty impact would be streamlined so that the developer’s financial situation does not remain strained for long.

CAPABILITY AS A KEY DIFFERENTIATOR.

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 12

WE WILL FOCUS ON THE FAST-EMERGING AREAS OF SOLAR-WIND HYBRID, STORAGE INTEGRATION AS WELL AS FLOATING SOLAR TECHNOLOGY

DO YOU THINK INDIA’S CURRENT POWER DEMAND SITUATION IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ALL THE CAPACITY BEING BID OUT TO BE ABSORBED BY THE GRID? India’s GDP has been growing at around 6%-8% in the past two decades.

Depending on the growth rate, Indian grid should be absorbing 20-25 GW of renewable energy capacity every year. However, the question is not merely of demand. Grid must also be able to balance demand with the intermittent nature of supply. It is for this reason that MNRE has been keen on storage integrated tenders. The recently auctioned peak power tender

THE

RECENTLY

TENDER

HAS

OF

SLIGHTLY

IS

A

AUCTIONED

PEAK

DISCOVERED

BLENDED

HIGHER

INR

COMPETITIVE

THAN TARIFF

AS

POWER TARIFF

4/KWH.

THIS

COMPARED

WITH THE BASE LOAD POWER PLANTS.

has discovered blended tariff of slightly higher than INR 4/kWh. This is a competitive tariff as compared with the base load power plants. As the rates of customs duty and GST are made more favorable, renewable capacity should start acting more and more as base load going forward. Hence, I believe demand situation in the country should not be a hindrance to the growth of renewable energy capacity.

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 13

NOITASREVNOC NI

INDIGRID OFFERS A UNIQUE PLATFORM FOR INVESTORS TO GET A PIE OF POWER TRANSMISSION ASSETS Mr. Harsh Shah CEO, IndiGrid

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE INDIGRID IN BRIEF? IndiGrid is India’s first power-sector infrastructure InvIT. Since our listing in June 2017 with two transmission assets, we have further acquired six more operational transmission assets over last 18 months and expanded the portfolio size almost three times, from Rs 3,800 Cr to Rs 11,100 Cr. We have also secured an additional asset pipeline of Rs. 7,500 Cr which provides us strong visibility for future growth. Our quarterly distributions have grown from Rs 78 Cr to 175 Cr. Superior risk adjusted returns: We listed in June 2017 with a focus on providing superior risk adjusted return to investors and grow it consistently. We have delivered total return of greater than 25% since listing in June 2017. We have delivered Rs. 30.6 distribution/ unit to our investors. We have been a low volatility entity with a beta of 0.07. The following table elaborates how IndiGrid has performed since listing in comparison to comparable equity indices, dividend paying stock in the same sector (power transmission), NSE 500 as well as the 10year GSEC. So, with a focus on acquiring stable operating assets, long tenure contracts, and quarterly distribution, IndiGrid has delivered superior riskadjusted returns to its unitholders on a Total Return basis while displaying a Beta (a measure of volatility) of just 0.07. Providing Stable and growing returns to our investors with pillars of strong corporate governance standards and world class asset management practices is our endeavor.

WHAT WERE THE INITIAL CHALLENGES FACED BY THE COMPANY SINCE ITS INCEPTION, DURING ITS JOURNEY TO BECOME THE FIRST INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT TRUST IN THE INDIAN POWER SECTOR? InvITs are formed by complying with the SEBI Infrastructure Investment Trust Regulation, 2014. There are four important parties to any InvIT — Investment manager, Sponsor, Project manager and the Trustee. Being the first one in the sector and the second one overall was a big challenge due to lack of any experience and benchmarks. Lack of investor knowledge, yet developing regulatory framework, local credit crisis, lack of adequate sources of debt funding have been some of the critical challenges by the management team. However, through continuous engagement with all stakeholders (regulatory and market participants) has enabled IndiGrid to overcome some of these challenges. Even today, while InvITs are well regulated by SEBI and offer predictability of cashflows from operating assets, there are some policy changes required such as enabling insurance companies and pension funds to subscribe to debt securities issued by InvITs.

OUR 2,514

RECENT CR

IN

SUCCESSFUL

PREFERENTIAL MAY WITH

2019

ISSUE WAS

PARTICIPATION

OF

RS

HIGHLY FROM

HOW DOES INVIT WORK FOR THE SOLAR ENERGY AND WIND ENERGY SECTOR? HOW CAN THIS INSTRUMENT BE USED TO BRING IN MORE INVESTMENTS IN A CONSTRAINED CAPITAL MARKET? InvIT platform has two main advantages: It allows investors like (FIIs, banks, insurance companies, pension funds, retail investors) to invest well governed yield generating operating assets with predictable cash flows and low volatility.

It enables developers to invest more in the development projects and create more capacity.

With these objectives, InvIT for wind and solar energy can open up a new avenue of capital and provide much needed to some of the developers.

Globally this model has worked very well. Till date, there have been over 400 listings of similar instruments accounting for over USD 1 trillion of investments across the world. These instruments have assisted countries to meet their capital needs for the infrastructure and real estate sectors.

Long-term infrastructure assets like roads, power generation, telecom towers, power transmission, warehouses, ports, gas pipelines etc. are owned by such platforms which offer investors stable income and growth for long-term. They are considered as high dividend-paying investments suitable for investors looking for long-term, stable cash flow with moderate capital appreciation.

TAKE US THROUGH THE ROLE OF INDIGRID IN AIDING POWER SECTOR IN ITS TRANSFORMATION EFFORTS In general, India’s infrastructure sector requires USD 200 Billion investment to achieve its growth vision. A substantial portion of this investment is envisaged via private sector participation. This would need harnessing investments from foreign institutions, domestic institutions as well as retail investors. This flow of capital through InvITs could work wonders for the power sector, which is forecasted to attract investments worth INR 11.56 trillion between 2017 and 2022 in thermal, hydro, nuclear and renewable segments. We believe this is the most opportune time for InvITs in the power sector, offering a unique investment proposition in a sector that has traditionally witnessed a great degree of volatility and lack of attractive investment opportunities. Historically, there have been limited opportunities for owning power utility assets by investors and earn a regular annuity like dividend income. Imbibing the spirit of the world’s largest democracy, InvITs have the potential to provide an inclusive ownership of the nation’s power infrastructure to investors while earning a stable and growing yield.

IndiGrid offers a unique platform for investors to get a pie of power transmission assets and at the same time provide an alternative source of capital to meet the capital requirements. In addition to this, robust regulatory framework by SEBI, strong corporate governance standards and asset management practices followed by IndiGrid provide confidence to investors of operating and maintaining operating assets.

MARQUEE INVESTORS.

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 14

HOW DOES INDIGRID HELP ENSURE ADEQUATE TRANSMISSION EVACUATION FOR RE CAPACITIES TO HELP SUPPORT THE GRID? IndiGrid can support the infrastructure required for evacuating renewable energy by owning and maintaining the infrastructure. In other words, IndiGrid as a platform can acquire transmission projects and free up capital for developers to be re-invested in under-construction projects such as GEC projects.

While IndiGrid’s business strategy is to focus largely on acquiring operational assets, the GEC projects are another opportunity for us to buy a new project upon its COD. The GEC projects awarded are under the TBCB mechanism and are part of Inter-state transmission scheme (ISTS).

Our entire portfolio is of the ISTS regime and we would certainly evaluate GEC lines as and when they are commissioned, which can help developers in RE space.

issue of Rs 2, 514 Cr in May 2019 was highly successful with participation from marquee investors including KKR and GIC. KKR also expressed interest to become a sponsor of IndiGrid and acquired majority interest in the investment manager of IndiGrid. With this preferential issue, our net debt/AUM ratio is only ~45%. Therefore, there is enough headroom for us to acquire more projects without incremental capital raise. With the backing of investors such as KKR and GIC who are keen to deploy more capital for the growth of this platform for value accretive projects, we are confident that equity capital will be available for good projects. In addition to this, we are also working with SEBI to enable rights issue for InvITs which will enable all existing investors to participate equally in any new capital raises.

AS RECENTLY, SEBI ENABLED RIGHTS ISSUE FOR INVITS AND REITS (REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS) WITH NEW GUIDELINES, DO SUCH ACTIONS HELP BUILD INVESTOR CONFIDENCE? Yes, such measures go a long way in boosting investor confidence. Right issuance is the most preferred route of raising capital given the fact it gives preference to existing investors and is faster to execute. Also, it allows all categories of investors especially the retail ones to participate in the platform at par with institutional investors. It allows for efficient capital raising and better price discovery.

AS WE READ, INDIGRID HAS LATELY BEEN ON AN ACQUISITION SPREE OF ADDING MORE POWER TRANSMISSION ASSETS TO ITS ALREADY VAST PORTFOLIO. WHAT ARE THE RECENT STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS BY THE COMPANY AND GROWTH PLANS ENVISAGED FOR THE NEAR FUTURE? Our focus is to acquire projects with long contract period and low operating risk which adds to the predictable yield for our investors. We remain committed to achieving accretive growth not only through the acquisition of its sponsor assets but through the acquisition of third-party assets. We keep evaluating many opportunities beyond the identified assets with Sterlite Power. The current transmission sector landscape is very robust across ~15,000 ckms and transformative capacity of ~17,000 MVA with ~22 total Inter-State and Intra-State Projects. We also see that over Rs 10,000 Cr worth of bidding opportunities exist right now and for IndiGrid it provides a very good growth outlook going forward beyond 2022. Moreover, there is also the opportunity of public monetization by state and central transcos, should they choose to monetize. In August 2018, IndiGrid acquired its first Third Party Transmission Asset - Patran Transmission Company, a 1,000 MVA Transmission Asset locatedm in Punjab from Techno Electric & Engineering Co. Our recent preferential

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PG 15

NOITASREVNOC NI

GOLDI SOLAR CARES ABOUT ITS CUSTOMERS BY LEVERAGING BUSINESS TRANSPARENCY AND ETHICAL BUSINESS VALUES, NO MATTER THE SIZE AND MARKET SHARE.

Mr. Bharat Bhut, Director, Goldi Solar

WHAT ARE THE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS WITNESSED BY THE RENEWABLE ENERGY INDUSTRY IN RECENT YEARS? In the world of rapid transformation, India has maintained its reputation by emerging as one of the major contributors in the renewable energy sector globally. As per reports, the Indian renewable energy sector is the 4th most attractive market in the world that’s currently under the booming phase after a slow start. Innovation is bringing down costs that’s simultaneously delivering on the promise of a clean energy future.

Currently, India ranks second amongst the emerging economies for leading the transition to clean energy.

Energy Storage: Energy storage plays a significant role in balancing power supply and demand that furthermore helps in tackling the intermittency issues of renewable energy. Just pair a storage system with the renewable energy source and ensure a smooth power supply, despite any weather conditions.

AI: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is seeping its way into various industries.

Renewable energy industry is also embracing AI to power the Microgrids.

Microgrids are local energy grids that provide energy independence, efficiency and protection during emergencies.Harnessing the capabilities of AI along with microgrid controllers allows for continuous adaptation and improvement of operation.

Blockchain: In addition to AI, blockchain technology is also being adapted for use in the renewable energy industry. Initially designed for cryptocurrency, Blockchain lacks centralization, which makes it ideal for eliminating the middlemen of electricity suppliers. It reduces energy inequality and inefficiency and empowers consumers to buy and sell energy from other consumers directly.

HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE SOLAR MANUFACTURING CHALLENGES FACED TODAY AND PLANS TO OVERCOME THEM. Solar energy tariffs in India are among the lowest in the world, but state governments are keen to push them down further. These dangerously low tariffs are turning unsustainable for some developers, who in turn cut corners on quality. There is a lack of liquidity in the market which becomes a challenging situation for manufacturers. After a relatively muted 2019, India is expected to install 11-12 GW in 2020, which is due to a stronger existing project pipeline and not because the market fundamentals have changed. Even though it will take time for the economy to stabilize, renewable purchase obligations, and facilitating lending will put the solar industry back on track so it can continue generating clean power, decrease pollution, and create jobs.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF 2020 BUDGET ON THE SOLAR POWER SECTOR, AND HOW DO YOU THINK WILL IT HELP GOLDI SOLAR IN ITS GROWTH TRENDS? The much-awaited Union Budget 2020 has been appreciated by the solar power industry. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave a big push to the solar power sector in an effort to promote

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

renewable energy and signalled the end for old and polluting thermal power plants. The government announced many provisions to uplift the sector such as: PM Kusum Scheme will allow 20 lakh farmers to setup standalone solar pumps. The government also proposed to incentivise farmers for adopting solar power for agricultural purposes and utilize barren land for generating revenues.

The government also proposed to increase solar energy generation by setting up large solar capacity alongside Railways tracks.

Reducing corporate tax rate for new energy companies.

Allocation to MNREs has increased by 10.62% in this budget, providing a relevant boost to the industry.

India has got tremendous opportunity and the market landscape has evolved and matured. Developers, EPC’s, suppliers etc. have also changed a lot. Today, the market has become much more competitive and everyone is doing their best to gain market share. Goldi Solar has its special strength as it owns the full value chain which can bring more value to customers and support them to achieve more together. Our target is very simple and clear, that we are and we want to be a market leader by deploying high quality products and services. We are already recognized as one of the most reputed brands and well accepted by all customers due to our vision, strength, innovation, high product quality and after-sale service. Most importantly, Goldi Solar cares about its customers by leveraging business transparency and ethical business values, no matter the size and market share.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE OVERALL POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN INDIA, IS IT SATISFACTORY? The industry does have its fair share of challenges. The commencement of Union Budget 2020, addressed some of the major issues and provided a relevant push to the industry. In today’s time where we are grappling with one of the worst Economic Slowdown. Despite that, the government is focusing on sustainable energy and climate goals, this aided in keeping momentum upbeat for the sector.

ENERGY ROLE

IN

DEMAND TACKLING

STORAGE

PLAYS

BALANCING THAT THE

RENEWABLE

WITH

SOURCE

AND

SUPPLY,

POWER

SIGNIFICANT SUPPLY

FURTHERMORE INTERMITTENCY

ENERGY.

SYSTEM

A

THE

JUST

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STORAGE

RENEWABLE

ENERGY

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SMOOTH ANY

POWER

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CONDITIONS.

PG 16

MR. VIKAS JAIN Director Insolation Energy Pvt Ltd

ACCORDING TO YOU WHAT ARE THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES THAT CAN HAPPEN AFTER THE BUDGET 2020 POLICY? In this union budget Govt has intend to impose 20% BCD on Solar cells and Modules which was long lasting demand from the domestic manufacturer. This move will definitely benefit domestic manufacturers.

Also Govt has embarked funds for Kusum Yojna which will boost solar pumping sector to new heights.

TELL US ABOUT THE RECENT TRENDS IN THE SOLAR MODULE INDUSTRY WHICH HAS BEEN PICKING UP PACE? As far as technological changes are concerned there are hardly any major changes except for the increase in module efficiency and rise in Mono PERC share in market.

WHAT ACCORDING TO YOU CAN BE THE CHALLENGES FACED BY THE SOLAR MODULE INDUSTRY WITH THE BUDGET 2020 POLICY? Manufacturing industry was expecting some concessions in machine imports or investment on new project. Industry is also expecting some long term stable policy from Govt. Indian solar manufacturing sector is still in baby phase it needs govt support to grow and shine. Cheap and poor quality imports are still the biggest challenge then frequent changes in policy by centre and state is a big issue.

HOW HAS INSOLATION ENERGY PVT. LTD. PLANNED TO COPE UP WITH THESE CHALLENGES? Still We are not catering to big project markets so we are directly not so much impacted by imports or Govt policies but to grow further we need to cater this market also .We are expanding slowly keeping a tight vigil on factors.

DOES INSOLATION HAVE PLANS FOR FUTURE COLLABORATIONS ?

We have recently entered into collaboration with a Big brand in china for technological upgradation and capacity expansion .our capacity will increase upto 200 MW by May 2020. We are also planning to enter into manufacturing of allied products

IN THIS UNION BUDGET GOVT HAS INTEND TO IMPOSE 20% BCD ON SOLAR CELLS AND MODULES

10TH ANNUAL EDITION

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SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 17

SETYB KCIUQ

UNION BUDGET, TECHNOLOGY & BUSINESS EXPANSION

NOINIPO

SMART SOLAR TECH, SOLAR COMPONENTS & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

DR. SOMESHWER DUTT SHARMA CTO & Head – Solar Projects Sun Renewables

FACTORS DRIVING ADOPTION OF SMART SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES: India is blessed with tremendous solar potential and installed capacity has reached 30 GW+ as of Dec 2019. Indian solar industry is price sensitive and has the lowest installed cost/MW globally. Indian Solar Industry has adopted smart technologies based on clear advantages on yield improvement, low prices and smart IoT technologies for better plant O&M. For example; We have adopted Drones for plant thermal imaging because it saves a lot of time of skilled manpower and can produce thermal imaging reports very quickly. IoT based O&M practices rectify the faults and provide a lot of data points in order to find out root cause and preventive maintenance. You will see ground implementation of Bifacial, PERC Full and Half cut cells, PV with reflectors and trackers, AC PV module, PV module built in storage bank at back side, micro inverters etc in near future. Investment into any technologies demands detailed due diligence about technology performance on various conditions, site visit, raw material, supply chain, future projection about availability of such product, after sales service etc. For example; Nano coatings to keep PV Module clean; Automatic robotic dry PV module cleaning etc. If someone wants to implement nano coating or automatic robotic dry PV Module cleaning then the team needs to evaluate the impact on module warranty, energy yield enhancement, savings and project IRR.

SMART TECHNOLOGIES USED BY THE INDUSTRY FOR OPTIMUM USE OF SOLAR PROJECTS: Smart string inverters, Autonomous Robotic Dry PV Module cleaning, Micro Inverters, Nano Coatings for PV Module cleaning, Drones based plant inspection and survey, Hybrid Inverters for Solar plus storage, EMS (Energy Management System) etc.Use of BIPV technology is increasing day by day but requirements of aesthetic view and lower efficiency are the key barriers in residential and commercial segments. Researchers have developed smart solar PV technology which can be aesthetically good with moderate efficiency. You can create any type of graphics i.e roof tile, flag and company advertisement over PV Module and choose any colour as well with real time monitoring over mobile phone. Controlling MPPT at module level, maximize bus bars in solar PV Panel enhance utilization of solar power. There are other various ways like increasing internal AC voltage to reduce system ohmic losses and better conductors can further help with minimized solar power wastage.

PATHWAY FOR GROWTH IN SMART SOLAR TECHNOLOGY, POST RECENT-BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENTS Recent budget more focus on rural energy access, alternate source of income for farmers and manufacturing of solar cells, Lithium ion battery and EV charging infrastructure which will be supported by income tax exemption.

Manufacturing of Lithium ion battery enables business opportunities for Solar Battery Energy Storage System (SBESS) for minimizing Diesel consumption, supply power for peak load hours, grid outage periods, Fuel pumps, Bank ATMs and captive use for C & I clients. Govt. has started to release tenders for 24 x 7 power supply based on Renewable Energy and Storage. Therefore, Battery Storage with Innovative Energy Management Systems will be a business opportunity in near future. We may also expect the release of Policy on Solar Pumps and small ground mount solar PV power projects for Farmers.

SMART TECHNOLOGIES USED BY THE INDUSTRY FOR OPTIMUM USE OF SOLAR PROJECTS

MR. ASHISH KULKARNI Associate Partner, Ernst & Young LLP

FACTORS DRIVING ADOPTION OF SMART SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES: There are numerous factors driving smart technology. In grid connected systems, the falling tariffs and in decentralised systems the need for fully fossil free monitoring systems/management units leading to better value propositions are the main drivers Investing into smart solar technology solutions is still a decision given a lot of consideration, since the costs are still marginally high and the low deployment volumes make it a little unviable at present for companies to obtain investments from PE and other venture funds. Scale in times to come will reduce the costs and investments should begin to flow in

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

Smart solar tracking systems, smart solar monitoring tools, smart solar management units which maximise the utilisation of the power generated by solar energy. Smart solar tracking systems have the potential to increase the nominal power output of 15-25%. Apart from this, various smart solar monitoring tools provide customers the leverage to identify output issues, rectify these issues and maximise their return on investment. Smart monitoring systems can trigger any loss in production and give recommendations on the possible causes. For eg. Disconnection caused due to the operation of the electricity grid out of the normal operation range and disconnecting the solar system. The implementation of AI, ML and robotics will improve the overall performance of solar plants by improving modelling and parameters estimation, net load forecasting, line-loss predicting, battery storage system integration, equipment failure predictions and decision-making for grid operators. These will not only make the solar projects more efficient, but will also improve grid planning, thereby reducing curtailment and boosting investor confidence. When you talk of DC based decentralised systems too AI, ML and Robotics have far reaching value propositions in improving the living or the liveability value quotients (making your life much easier so to say).

PATHWAY FOR GROWTH IN SMART SOLAR TECHNOLOGY, POST RECENT-BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENTS The future seems bright for the overall sector with the Government of India recent budget announcements. All and anything made in India will have lowered costs and I think we could take a leadership in the smart technologies which are solar based and have a export oriented market planned for the future.

PG 18

EVITCEPSREP

SOLAR VS DISCOMS: LEARNING FROM NET METERING SAGA OF ROOFTOP SOLAR IN MAHARASHTRA

JAYANT MHETAR

SAHIL KEJRIWAL

Ztric India Pvt Ltd

GSE Renewables India Pvt. Ltd.

CEO,

The government' s proposal to swi tch from net meteri ng to net bi lli ng systems for commerci al and i ndustri al rooftop solar power proj ects has created uncertai nty about Rooftop solar proj ects and the commerci al vi abi li ty of the proj ects. Current proposal i s i n di rect confli ct wi th Solar Mi ssi on and Rooftop Solar Target. So we expect a uni fi ed poli cy from the Central and State Government whi ch meets the goals of Envi ronment, Employment, and Renewable Energy. A long term Solar poli cy i s recommended, i n the absence of whi ch, Solar poli cy customers are not goi ng to commi t to Rooftop Solar Proj ects. We are not goi ng to meet our Renewable Energy Targets nor our Envi ronmental goals.

Below are the recommendati ons that can help to bui ld a healthy solar rooftop sector. Coordi nati on Between Government Departments Cli mate change i s a proven fact. Global warmi ng has caused seri ous changes to the planet. But, as i ndi vi duals, we can slow down global warmi ng by i mplementi ng small more sustai nable acti ons wi thi n our communi ty. We need to take concrete acti ons NOW to reduce the i mpact of cli mate change on future generati ons.

The Mi ni stry of Envi ronment, Forest and Cli mate Change needs to set ambi ti ous Renewable Energy goals wi th the Mi ni stry of Power to achi eve i t’ s Cli mate Change Target.

Indi a i ni ti ated the Internati onal Solar Alli ance of 121 countri es to promote Solar Energy and reduce dependence on fossi l fuels, But Indi a i s far away from achi evi ng i ts own Goal.

Mi ni stry of Mi cro, Small and Medi um Enterpri ses launched a very good i ni ti ati ve of Surya Mi tra to provi de solar techni cal ski lls wi th the potenti al to create a workforce of 7 Lakh people i n the Solar i ndustry.

CEO & MD,

Net Bi lli ng, i f i mplemented mi ght be a Death Knell of the enti re rooftop i ndustry i n Maharashtra. Whi le there are a lot of stances bei ng taken, techni cally and poli cy wi se, i t i s qui te anti -solar. It would mean that our state poli ci es are not consi stent wi th the senti ments of the top bureaucracy whi ch i s pushi ng for Renewable energy. There are no real logi cal or techni cal answers whi ch resolves and gi ves the support to i mplement the Gri d support charges. As per the electri ci ty act of 2003 the generati on of electri ci ty i s not a li censed acti vi ty. Putti ng i n a gri d Support Charge effecti vely means creati ng a li cense, so i n reali ty thi s i s completely agai nst the Consti tuti on or so to a large extent. We do feel that the poli cy should be supporti ve towards Di scom but a balance has to be created such that there i s enough savi ngs for the Offtaker/Consumer. And also i t enables to create a wi n-wi n si tuati on for both the Di scom as well as the Consumer. These poli ci es create a lot of derai lment and delays i n the i mplementati on of Renewable Energy whi ch i s putti ng undue stress wi th proj ect delays as well as overhead runs on Developers and EPCs whi ch i s maki ng the busi ness nonvi able and very di ffi cult. We do recommend a faster Poli cy i mplementati on Cycle wi th qui cker closures and clari ty whi ch wi ll help Solar and enable i t to grow as a Busi ness. It wi ll defi ni tely keep the ani mal spi ri t ali ve i n the Entrepreneurs.

Employment Ground-mounted 20MW solar plant mai ntenance gi ves employment to 10 people. 20MW i n the rooftop sectors gi ves employment to 200+ people wi th many small enterpri ses provi di ng servi ces cleani ng, repai r, and mai ntenance.

Based on MSME esti mates, Rooftop Solar has the potenti al to create 7 lakh j obs. Employment opportuni ti es for those ski lled techni ci ans wi ll si gni fi cantly be reduced wi thout a vi able Solar Industry.

Currently, DISCOMs are treati ng Solar Plants as a threat to thei r busi ness.

We cannot afford thi s wrong percepti on. Renewable Energy / Solar Energy i s the need of the hour to fi ght Cli mate change and We need DISCOMs to embrace Renewable Energy i ncludi ng Solar Energy.

To sum up NetMeter poli cy should not change ti ll we achi eve 75% of the Solar Mi ssi on Goal ( 40GW rooftop solar i n Indi a by the year 2022) Central Government and State Governments should Provi de compensati on to DISCOM for basi c i nfrastructure uti li zati on.

DISCOM can charge consumers, havi ng rooftop solar plants, wheeli ng charges for all uni ts exported from Solar System i nto the Gri d, consi deri ng (Wheeli ng Loss, Transformer Infrastructure cost ) borne

by DISCOM. MNRE should gi ve subsi dy di rectly to DISCOM i nstead of the i ndi vi dual consumer for rooftop solar i nstallati on.

MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES LAUNCHED A VERY GOOD INITIATIVE OF SURYA MITRA TO PROVIDE SOLAR TECHNICAL SKILLS

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 19

STHGISNI

PROGRESS OF PM-KUSUM SCHEME ON Solar Agricultural Pumps and Renewable Energy

KNOW MORE ABOUT KUSUM SCHEME: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Surakshaevam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) is a scheme for sustainable development of agriculture in India. It is prominently led by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Administrative approval of the Scheme was issued on 08. 03. 2019 and Guidelines for the same were issued on 22. 07. 2019. In the Union Budget 2020 Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman extended allocation of Rs 1000 crore for the Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM). This scheme provides a reliable, renewable and sustainable source of irrigation to farmers using solar agriculture pumps and succor many of India’ s sustainable development goals like energy independence, lower import bill, reduced use of fossil fuels, reduced emissions, higher income for farmers, lower import bill, ease cross-subsidy burden on industry and relieve the load on national power grid. Under this scheme, surplus electricity generated by farmers will be bought by state electricity distribution companies to help raise the country’ s booming green economy. According to the scheme announced in the February 2018 budget, approximately 1. 75 million off-grid agricultural solar pumps were to be covered initially. In addition to that 1. 5 million farmers will get help to shift to solar power pumps from grid-connected pump sets. To make the transition attractive, the capacity of the solar panels will be doubled to that of the present pumps, which would help farmers sell at least 50% of the electricity generated. It is predicted that of the 30 million agricultural pumps in India, a third are fuelled by diesel. Not only did it help to cultivate

unirrigated land and help in grid balancing but it also helps India meet its commitments to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Three Main Components Of The Scheme: The PM-KUSUM mainly aims at 3 components which include: Component A– Decentralized Grid-Connected Renewable Energy Power Plants on Barren Land.

Component B– Stand-Alone Solar Agriculture Pumps.

Component C– Grid Connected Agriculture Pumps.

Important Advantages Of The Scheme: It will benefit the owners of dry barren lands by producing a source of stable income for over 25 years.

In the case of cultivators, the owners gain extra income as the solar panels are set above minimum crop height.

Not only will it help the Discoms attain owners RPO target but also provides enough energy for the rural centers as well as pump set loads.

Additionally, it will help STUs and Discoms to reduce their transmission loss and it will cut down the expenditure as it replaces the diesel pump that consumes diesel.

Furthermore, it will decrease pollution by avoiding the combustion of diesel Following Is The component-wise Details Of Sanctions and State Implementing Agencies for 2019-20:

COMPONENTS-WISE DETAILS OF SANCTIONS & STATE IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES FOR 2019-20

Credits: MNRE, PM-KUSUM Scheme

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 20

The above image denotes that 1000 MW is the total number of plant capacity sanctioned in Component A till today and Maharashtra tops for the same having 300 MW of capacity sanctioned on the other hand Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh have a lower number of capacity sanctioned ie. 10 MW. 1, 71, 050 is the total number of pumps sanctioned In Component B till today and Maharastra still stays at the top having 30, 000 pumps sanctioned whereas Himachal Pradesh has the least number of pumps sanctioned.

68, 928 is the Total number of plants sanctioned in Component C till today. Tamil Nadu tops by having 20, 000 pumps sanctioned where Meghalaya has the lowest number of pumps sanctioned.

Recent Development: Some tenders issued under Kusum schemes are as follows : Madhya Pradesh had Issued Tender for Supply of Spares for 2, 792 Solar Pumps on 19th February 2020.

The Indian Telephone Industries Limited (ITI) had invited an expression of interest (EoI) to impanel business associates for the offgrid solar water pumping program on 15th January 2020.

Haryana had issued Tender for Solarization of 466 Pumps on 12th February 2020. The Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL) had floated a tender for the solarization of 504 agricultural pumps on 5th February 2020. The Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (AVVNL) had floated a tender for the solarization of 5, 874 pumps on 4th February 2020.

The Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL) had floated a tender for the solarization of 504 agricultural pumps on 5th February 2020.

The Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (AVVNL) had floated a tender for the solarization of 5, 874 pumps on 4th February 2020.

The Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL) had floated a tender for solarization of 6, 367 grid-connected water pumps on 03rd February 2020.

The Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) had floated a tender for the solarization of 1, 300 grid-connected agricultural water pumps on 22nd January 2020.

EESL had Issued Tender for 181, 200 Off-Grid Solar Pumps Across India on 28th December 2019.

Rajasthan Invited Applications to Lease Land for Solar Projects on 9th December 2019.

BHEL Issued Tender for 104 Solar Pumps in Tribal Areas of Gujarat on 18th November 2019.

Maharashtra Floats Tender for Empanelment of Vendors for 7, 500 Solar Pumps on 27th September 2019.

Solar Cell Manufacturers Rally in Support of Domestic Cell Usage on 29th August 2019.

EESL had issued Tenders of 175, 000 Solar Pumps on 23rd August 2019.

Present Scenario Of This Scheme: Recently India not only took an oath to generate 40% of power using non-fossil fuels by 2030 but also by the same year aims to reduce carbon emission by 33-35% as a part of Nationally Determined Contributions.

Furthermore, PM Modi foreground that the nation would raise its renewable energy goal and before 2022 install 175 GW of renewable, but the sudden drop in renewable energy to 5. 7% raised ambiguity about achieving the said target. Nevertheless, the budget allocation seems to boost growth and re-establish the way to attain the set goal.

The government has marked the success of installing 86 GW of renewable energy by December 2019. As per the recent report, a rise in the contribution of renewable energy sources from 21 percent to 24 percent is noted. Besides, this year' s budget of MNRE has increased by Rs 5, 000 crores. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman allotted Rs 22, 000 crore for this sector in the union budget 2020. Via KUSUM scheme, the government also allotted over 2. 83 lakhs to aid farmers and In regards to that Nearly 20 lakh cultivators will set up solar pumps.

Different states are experimenting with different models within KUSUM. As TN rolls out KUSUM, the lessons from other States could be useful.

Developing and implementing pilot schemes across the State will help TN hone on its KUSUM design — one that also addresses the energywater-nutrition-agriculture linkages.

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Shortcomings of the Scheme: The Kusum scheme launched for 24-hour irrigation power for farmers which not only guarantees farmers to have connections up to 7. 5 HP of solar pumps which will be installed in the fields but also benefit about 6 thousand farmers in the district but so far no progress has been made by the department. The proposal has not been sent yet by the MD to the Additional Commissioner because till now, 30 % of the amount under the Tribal Area Development Scheme is not approved. The department is waiting for funds so that the scheme can be extended further. It remains to be seen how much time it takes to initiate a plan beneficial to the TSP area.

Manufacturers are also raising concerns on central govt’ s announcement on solar pumps. One section of micro and small pump manufacturers say that they would not be able to invest in licensing and changing their infrastructure to manufacture solar panels is challenging. Whereas some industrialists have the view that manufacturers here could make solar pumps, but the technical specifications given by the Centre were not suitable for them.

Wayforward : The PM-KUSUM scheme will further promote the installation of solar pumps along with a diversity of restorable power plants across the country. The government aims to enable the addition of solar and other renewable capacities of 25, 750 MW by 2020. Thereafter as financial aid Rs 34, 222 crore is further allocated for this purpose. The scheme not only assures to cover implementing agencies but also the service cost of installing.

Industry majors are optimistic about the government’ s plans on meeting the target of establishing 175 GW clean energy capacity but it would be interesting to see whether the government will reach the set target by the end of 2020.

SOURCE: SOLARQUARTER INSIGHTS

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EVITCEPSREP

WHAT'S NEXT? TECHNOLOGIES TO REVOLUTIONIZE SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTION

MR. OMKAR JANI

Director, Research & Culture, Kanoda Energy Systems Pvt Ltd

Solar already did its job during the last decade by dropping its levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Now is the decade for energy storage, an essential complement to address the intermittent nature of solar. The combination of solar energy and storage will help democratize the concept of electricity, thus giving substantial control of the sector to prosumers. A democratic electricity sector would require an exhaustive suite of communication technologies and a robust exchange or a platform. You may see it evolve as a smart grid or the separation of carriage and content, but we hope to see these transitions driven by the concept of democratic electricity. With adoption of newer technologies, ground realities for implementing smart technologies needs to be considered. Today, neither the definition nor the scope of the word ‘ smart’ is clear; it is almost like blind men trying to describe an elephant by touching its different parts. This has been leading to piecemeal implementation, which will not take us very far. And then we are trying to implement them through DisComs, which heavily rely on central funds for implementation. Subsidies should only be used to achieve a critical mass to adopt a technology, after which it should sustain itself.

Both these factors can be addressed through a comprehensive implementation roadmap, clearly stating which ‘ smart’ objectives we are trying to achieve, with a detailed implementation and funding framework. We also need to understand that smart grid deployment cannot be compared to last decade’ s solar deployment – solar deployment was more greenfield in nature, while smart grids are more complex and brownfield as we substantially have to deal with utilities’ legacy systems.

India needs to pace up its technology infrastructure, whether it is research on improving solar cell performance (which is an essential component sustained manufacturing), required PV cell and module manufacturing volumes for catering to domestic requirement, or jumpstarting ecosystems for next-generation technologies such as battery storage. We need a clear roadmap for the electricity sector (if not for the overall energy sector) with a visibility at least for the next 1015 years.

Research is the backbone to sustain any sector or industry. Today while we witness most of the manufacturing moving to China, what a lot of people don’ t see is the amount of research that has migrated globally into China that sustains its manufacturing, giving it an edge even over the Europeans, Japanese and Americans. All these countries have extremely aggressive research programmes, a combination of government and private funding, with well-defined delivery frameworks and accountability. We certainly need one in India.

To revolutionize Solar Energy Production technology reform is most needed, The solar sector is not a collection of local manufacturing and EPC industries any more, but a global phenomenon, and that too an essential one. We now need to consider the solar sector as a key component of the overall energy sector, and reforms are needed to treat it like one. It is becoming essential that policies and regulations across all states need to treat solar energy consistently and speak the same language.

Even within a state-level solar policy, we often see inconsistencies in the treatment given to solar initiatives; while some provisions are promotional, other provisions are restrictive penalizing the developer owing to the sheer nature of solar energy. We have already seen the solar deployment in India plateau due to such inconsistencies.

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With regards to IoT frameworks for boosting smart grid efficiency, loTs carry a substantial promise to address today’ s smart grid communication reliability-related challenge. While there is still a debate, mainly led by technology providers, as to which IoT communication technology is more suitable, DisComs should take this opportunity to experiment and educate themselves. There is no correct answer, and the answers will also change over time. One must understand that when you experiment, it is inherent to fail. As researchers, we like to call it learning, and DisComs also should not be afraid to learn.

MR. HITAKSH SACHAR

Director, Asun Solar

In my view, there is a fairly constant R&D and upgrades happening by the Solar Panels and Inverter manufacturers; they are constantly innovating themselves with the latest and refined formats of global R&D. However, if we talk about the revolutionizing technologies – I think there is a lot to still be addressed in the space of Asset management and storage. Technological innovations in the space of Asset management are relatively naïve currently; as the focus till date is being towards more and more deployment of solar plants/assets rather than a focused R&D approach for optimizing production capability from the same plant/asset.

Large developers definitely have started having better controls of their assets with use of IOT platforms with predictive analysis, IOT will play the most vital role in Asset management and smart grids. Today, solar companies have more options than ever for making the most out of their equipment. Harnessing the power of digital transformation with IoT can resolve common challenges associated with DISCOMS and make it far easier to manage solar energy output. For solar energy companies, installing an IoT system will help meet customers’ demands and improve overall efficiency for Grids – making them actually smart. It is no longer a question of whether to attempt IoT digital transformation, but rather how to do it successfully. However there is a lack of dedicated solutions with analytics in the field of O&M, rework and reinstallations, rectifications and upgrades needed from the same plant/asset. The second innovation most sought is definitely storage and development of refined battery management Systems. It will be much sooner than anticipated that DISCOMS now suddenly realise that their Grid cannot be merely treated as Battery banks and they start imposing increased fixed charges and penalties on consumers installed Solar Plants for captive use. I really feel that new innovative ideas by young entrepreneurs should be entertained, supported and if needed should also be co–developed by project developers and EPC contractors. Simple and smart O&M solutions which seem quite simple sometimes can in some situations prove to be most effective. To build an organised technology infrastructure the onus of R&D’ s and more optimization from solar pants/assets is most beneficial to project developers and EPC’ s – there is very less expectation from the Government in terms of innovations. Manufacturers, Private Developers, refined EPC contractors are the only ones who can develop these innovative ideas.

There is a need to accelerate our technological research and adoption - before everyone starts realising what could have been saved from the assets was already lost.

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EVITCEPSREP

PROSPECTS OF PPP IN ODISHA FOR SOLAR ROOFTOP PROGRESS

MR. CHANDRASHEKHAR MISHRA

MR. SAYED SHAKEEB JAMAL

Managing Director,

Co-Founder & CEO,

Crux Power Pvt. Ltd

DyMechen Energies India Pvt Ltd

Odisha is a Power surplus state due to its diversified sources of energy maj orly Coal and Hydro which accounts for more than 90% of its captive annual requirements of approximately 5000MW. Additionally due to the presence of large Hydro Multipurpose Dams, Odisha consumers are blessed with a lower tariff slabs as compared to any other states like Guj arat, Maharashtra or Tamil Nadu etc. This is the very basic reason why Odisha consumers are having a slower approach to adopt roof-top Solar proj ects in home, institution, factories, offices etc.

Nonetheless, Govt. of Odisha formed a Renewable Energy policy in 2016 envisioning 2200MW of Solar Proj ects in the state by 2022 with no specific target for roof-top Solar proj ect with a clear mandate of 1MW and above proj ect to be managed by newly formed Green Energy Development Corporation of Odisha Ltd (GEDCOL) as a subsidiary of Odisha Hydro Power Corporation Ltd (OHPC) under Dept. of Energy of Odisha and below 1MW Solar proj ects to be managed by Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) under Science & Technology Dept. of Odisha.

Since its inception in 2013, GEDCOL has done a 20MWp Ground based Solar PV Power Plant at Manmunda in Boudh district of Odisha under SECI' s PSU Incentive scheme commissioned in 2016 and a 4MWp Roof-top Solar Proj ects in Govt. buildings in Cuttack-Bhubaneswar through PPP mode during 2016 to 2019 through Net-meter arrangements. Taking cue from this, GEDCOL is trying to have more PPP mode roof-top Solar proj ects in State Govt. buildings in Sambalpur, Burla, Hirakud, Rourkela, Puri, Khordha, Berhampur, Chhatrapur, Jeypore, Koraput, Sunabeda, Balasore, Bhadrak and Baripada towns with an estimated capacity of 10MW to 15MW. But considering the challenge faced during billing of the executed 4MW Roof-top Solar proj ects; GEDCOL is looking forward to doing Gross-metering for the upcoming proj ects for which OERC has to form a guideline which is expected soon.

Other than this, few CPSUs present in Odisha e. g. NALCO, NTPC, HAL, SAIL-RSP etc. have done and are further planning for captive Roof-top Solar proj ects through various schemes under Capex and RESCO plans.

Off late, OREDA has also been actively pursuing for Roof-top Solar proj ects in State PSUs e. g. OMC, OSRTC, IFCAL and Departments under Net-metering with a separate Battery backup system to tackle the power outage situation as experienced because of Cyclone FANI during May 2019.

To summarize, Roof-top Solar is having a huge future in Odisha considering the little capacity added in past, privatization of DISCOMs; no more plan of Large Hydro proj ects and Coal-based Thermal Proj ects in Odisha; growth in per capital consumption due to increasing consumerism and MSME industrialization etc.

In the next 3 years we envision the per annum capacity of private roof-top Solar proj ects including all categories would be around 8MW to 10MW.

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

With Odisha' s PPP Policy of 2007 leveraging State and Central Government funds through VGF and other financial assistance methodologies and supporting private investments by creating a conducive environment for better infrastructure and service , the conglomeration of IFC and GEDCOL for Grid Connected Rooftop Solar is a much awaited step towards a highly anticipated Solar Insurgence.

With their own PPP cells the state run authority has the ability to identify, conceptualize, prepare feasibility reports and approve proj ects under PPP Mode. The MNRE approved 18MW Solar Rooftop Proj ect covering 17 key cities and towns is a strong step towards achieving the state' s Solar target of 2200 MW target by 2022. The developer being responsible for design, finance, develop and operate Solar Panels ensures the adherence to Quality standards subj ect to a minimum CUF. The reduction of GHG emissions by 5000 tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalent annually will have a direct impact on the ever increasing emissions across the state.

MR. SHARTHAK SHANKAR BHAGAT

CEO, WhiteShark Energy Private Limited

For a market like Odisha, a PPP model for Rooftop Solar Energy generation will be an absolutely perfect match. Odisha has 90% plus home owner families with a lesser than national size of 4. 5 people per home. This at a macro level leads to more houses with less energy usage but bigger roofs. This matches perfectly with the purpose of the solar PPP model to ensure distributed generation leading to single transmission.

Also to add, there is already a fair bit of awareness on Solar Energy, particularly in the urban and semi urban pockets of Odisha, that may ease the execution of such PPP models.

However j ust like any good proposal, there would be certain key bottlenecks that have to be dealt with before making it a policy. I have tried to list a few below: 1. Shorter term of PPAs with residential consumers to ensure guaranteed payback to the developer.

2. At least two permissible expansion/renovation of the home over the current PPA period of 25 Years. a. This may lead to a plant downtime for 3-6 months over 25 years and would still provide flexibility to the property owner to gain more from his property, while ensuring solar generation for the entire PPA period.

3. Targeted awareness drives among early adopters of solar energy in the residential sector through subsidies or incentive programs.

4. Finally, a robust O&M and Central Monitoring System is of absolute necessity as managing multiple small sites spread across longer distance would need dedicated manpower and investments that would significantly impact the overall financials.

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EVITCEPSREP

RECENT TRENDS IN SMART SOLAR INVERTER TECHNOLOGY

MR. AMIT GUPTA

Business Head, EISBG Delta Electronics India Pvt Ltd.

How do smart solar inverters help improve performance efficiency, reduce downtime and save on costs?

Due to the high penetration level of DER (Distributed Energy Resources) the grid is posing a great amount of complex challenges on the functioning of inverters. As a solution for these common problems the smart inverters come into play by solving most of the problems of the traditional system. Since smart inverters work autonomously, they have a positive impact on the implemented residential sector as well as the national power grid. The traditional grid requires constant maintenance due to the stress, but smart inverters could help to address these localized challenges and grow the flexibility of the system. Smart inverters let two-way communication with utility control centers. In addition, advanced capabilities such as voltage and frequency sensors allow smart inverters to detect grid abnormalities and send the feedback to utility operators.

Delta’ s smart solar inverter solutions enables the smart and cost-effective designs for industrial and small utility-scale PV power plants by maximizing energy yields even in challenging landscapes and locations.

The smart Inverter will have more DC overloading options, flexible MPPT channels, fuse-less or in-line fuse options, wireless communication systems, mobile friendly APPs etc. With the mentioned features systems will have reduced clipping losses and provide extra generation (kWh) than the conventional PCUs. Some of the key feature of Delta smart solar Inverters are, Built-in String/Zone monitoring option with SCADA and Mobile communications through wired/wireless network GPRS/Ethernet/direct communication options Built-in Auxiliary Power supply and DC UPS systems with battery for Inverter operations ( in central inverter range) Insulation Monitoring device with digital measurement of insulation value Ground Fault detector and Indicator with adjustable pre-warning alarm and trip level + Negative Grounding Fuse protection IV Curve monitoring at string level for individual DC inputs Delta developed Highly reliable and stable Sub1G wireless communications systems with coverage area of 100+ meters By implementing right product with right design options customer can have better performance in system efficiency and earn better yield.

What are the pros and cons of implementing smart solar inverters?

The necessity of the smart solar inverter has been increasing day by day. SMART inverter technology provides some advantages to residential, commercial and utility-scale solar. This includes high redundancy through a distributed AC architecture that reduces system cost and improves operations and maintenance aspects.

The stability of the transmission system can be maintained and strengthened through the active contributions of DELTA smart inverters.

Grid operators across the globe benefit from new technologies such as the ability to supply reactive power both night and day, intelligent and flexible PV plant regulation with the Power Plant Controller, and communication interfaces integrated into the inverter Delta smart inverters have proven as perfect choice for Grid management services like dynamic reactive power feed & Output power throttling capabilities and compliance to complex HVRT, LVRT requirements of large scale PV plants. The shade-tolerant solution for string inverters lies within the string inverter’ s MPPT tracking algorithm which requires scanning of IV curve quite frequently in a short period of time. The MPPT algorithm must take

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

into account the entire MPPT voltage window to act on the presence of a global maximum. DELTA’ s shade tolerant Hill Climbing MPPT algorithm technology allows for tracking of dynamically changing global power peaks with no significant decrease in traditional static and dynamic tracking result in maximum efficiency in turn maximize output power generation, DELTA’ s smart IV curve diagnosis technology allows the inverter to export IV curves, deploys algorithms on the management system, and analyzes data. It also identifies modes to scan all PV strings of a PV plant and identify hidden PV module faults. DELTA’ s Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis is able to carry out online I-V curve analysis on entire strings with advanced diagnosis algorithm. The scanning helps to find out and identify the strings with low performance or faults, which enables proactive maintenance which results in higher O&M efficiency and lower operation cost.

SUNSPEC & MODBUS are the industry standard communication protocols designed to achieve interoperability between Distributed Energy Resource (DER) components and smart grid applications.

Alongside Wired based MODBUS & SUNSPEC protocols, Wi-Fi based Communication is also available with which users can monitor the solar system working situation through either computer or APP using his smartphone. The User can check today, monthly & total energy harvest along with many more parameters etc.

Constantly declining cost of solar modules globally encouraging developers and IPPs to invest more on DC installation to get maximum AC generation. This DC overloading of inverter yields more generation through the day, however increases the duty cycle of the inverter which mandates the inverter to operate at almost rated capacity throughout the day. DELTA’ s SMART inverters with their robust design offer maximum flexibility for project-specific oversizing. Thus, the inverter’ s full load hours can be maximized throughout the total project duration—without any component degradation. .

What is the future industry outlook for smart solar inverters in India?

With an optimistic beginning, 2020 seems more promising. Hopefully there will be adequate Government support and faster implementation of government policies to help industry achieve ambitious goal of 175GW Renewable Energy by 2022.

To meet the green energy commitments, India is on the right track and adding more and more renewable energy (Wind and Solar).

Due to an increase RE penetration grid is becoming more and more volatile and unstable. So solar inverters are required to act more smartly and contribute to grid stability. Apart from this, to make the grid more stable, storage is being added. Hence the environment at which solar inverters operate is becoming more and more complex. Considering these complexities, there is great need for inverters to be more smart. I, e smart inverters.

Solar has already become an attractive energy source compared to any other sources of Power generation on account of lowest cost of generation. Delta is well placed to meet the market needs with its current range and expected launches in coming quarters.

Highlight challenges towards implementation of smart solar inverters at the ground level, as regards acceptance by the industry?

Certification and qualification of inverters to meet stringent grid codes is a challenge. Though there are IEC/IEEE standards on for the inverters behavior under complex situations like LVRT/HVRT/Frequency control etc. there are not enough facilities for testing and certification to ensure whether the so called smart inverters are really “smart” or not. Absence of such checks will result in a deep penetration of cheap quality inverters into the market which puts a cost pressure on the suppliers which meet the requirements in true sense.

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MR. BRIJESH PRAJAPATI

CTO

Managing Director – India,

Ginlong Solis

SOFARSOLAR

Ginlong Solis has been committed to technological innovation.

From the 4G technology platform to the current 5G technology platform, our products are more abundant and the technology has also made great progress. The Indian market is one of the most active solar markets in the world. For the Indian market, we have also developed and applied many new technologies, such as technology for improving grid harmonics, active surge suppression technology and Class II SPD technology. Intelligent system diagnosis and String level monitoring technology, on Solis cloud platform. The application of these technologies is to better match the Indian power grid, installation environment and system management.

India' s solar market has huge potential, both the government and the public are actively developing clean energy. Aiming at India' s fast-growing industrial and commercial and ground power stations, we will bring new 5G products to the Indian market in 2020, including high-power 400VAC inverters such as 100kW, 110kW, and also 250kW such as 1500Vdc, 800VAC products for large power stations. In addition, we also planned off-grid systems for Industrial and Residential applications where there are more power cuts, off-grid system is independent power generators to cater to such requirements.

We all now see technology upgradation one of the key things happening in the industry in all the directions, let’ s j ust consider solar plant, PV module technologies is improving and also lot of new method are now adapted BOS, and most important components is solar inverter, which is also called as the heart of the plant. The solar inverter is the one which provides all information of completely plant, that only possible technology advancement in solar inverter to turn it into a smart Inverter which all together helps plant operator to know their plant, a smart Inverter can generate alarm, warning, which enable the plant operator to address the fault before it become permanent failure, and at the same time keeping Inverter operation to see if the threshold values are not crossing the limits by that not losing the full generations and allowing to run with best possible power which help to minimize loss of generation. We feel this advance will keep on happening in near future with solar inverters, the overall goal is to minimize the downtime, take quick action in terms of O&M Activities, module cleaning, and also prediction of future fault that will help to operate the plant in a more efficient manner.

Maj orly we see advantage only with smart inverter as Inverter will able to show the very important information j ust in time whenever it needed or required, by that plant operator can take quick decision j ust in time to achieve overall goal of minimize downtime and avoid loss of generation, which overall impact on revenue generations and also affect the ROI. Another advantage we see is that smart Inverter also safe to operate by a normal person, there is no threat of human life, easy to operate, and control, and also easy to carry out Inverter Maintenance, and in case of failure of inverter broken can be replaceable easily with less manpower.

EVITCEPSREP

MR. IDRISH KHAN

Looking to expand its footprint in the Indian PV market, SOFARSOLAR added Hybrid inverter & Storage inverter as a smart solar inverter for SOFAR SOLAR INDIA 2020 renewable future. New versions of Inverters which are very compact in size make SOFARSOLAR differentiate from others. SOFARSOLAR is positioned to play important and leading role in the Indian solar industry with new market technology innovation. New versions of Inverters which are very compact in size make SOFARSOLAR differentiate from others. We are continuous growing company and we have variety of products like NEW ENERGY AUTOMOBILE (Supercharger) products & HYBRID INVERTER, STORAGE INVERTER & ON GRID string inverter developments in our basket.

3kW power storage inverters and 3-6kW hybrid inverters in Single Phase & 10-20kW hybrid inverters in Three Phase, Li-Ion Batteries for Hybrid inverters, AC Retrofitting Single phase 6kW. SOFARSOLAR HYD inverter can work in auto or Time Of Use (TOU) mode, charge / discharge the battery when needed. In auto mode, the HYD ‐ ES inverter will charge surplus PV energy into the battery & discharge battery to supply power to local load when PV energy is not enough.

In case of blackout, HYD ES inverter can work in Emergency Power Supply (EPS) mode. HYD ES inverter will utilize power from PV panels & energy stored in the battery to supply power to critical load.

Sofarsolar Hybrid inverter is a DC-coupled retrofit battery management system which offers PV plant owners the opportunity to integrate a battery storage solution to their existing installation appeared on the market formally & were widely used in 60+ countries (e. g. Australia, the UK, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Netherland, France, China etc. ), which enable residents’ supply to be secured even in the event of grid failure and decrease the electricity bill. While you have this storage power station and HYD inverter, you may have non-stop energy 24hours.

Compatible with most brands of single phase on-grid inverters and batteries, this series intelligently manages the PV yield of a system allowing generated electricity to be directed within the home, fed into the grid or used to charge battery storage devices. Electricity stored within batteries can be released when domestic loads are high but PV generation is not possible, helping to synchronize energy production and consumption.

You can contact the Sofarsolar sales and service teams who can help you choose the right energy management system, HYD inverter sizes and solar battery sizes which will assist you in cutting down on your energy consumption and will allow you to get good idea of how much battery capacity you need.

Disadvantages we see is that inverter becoming super sensitive machine, at the same time level of advancement should need to use while commissioning the plant, the best installation practices need to follow, sometimes we see bad installation practise lead to Inverter malfunction as the solar inverter is too sensitive components which get trigger if see any changes in values, so.

The important point is not j ust inverter to be smart, but also the EPC company, designer, and installer also need to use the right practice to make all together a better solar plant. As the plant needs to function for next 20 to 25 years.

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

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EVITCEPSREP

RECENT TRENDS IN SMART SOLAR MODULE TECHNOLOGY

MR. MAX MA

MR. SUNIL RATHI

Product Director,

Director

Zhejiang Trunsun Solar Co. Ltd.

Waaree Energies Ltd.

Rooftops have many specific challenges like limited space, local shading to name a few, so conventional module is not an optimum option. Hence, a novel design upgrade along with large wafer size and half cut solar cells was developed. Introducing 400 Wp modules – The first product with such power output in Indian PV market. The modules utilize larger wafer size and highly efficient full square Mono PERC solar cells. The modules are available in 2 variants mono facial (Super 400) and Bifacial variant (Super 400 Pro).

The super 400 series modules use half cut cells which directly halves the current output from the cell. Halving the current reduces the resistive losses (I2R) of the module by one fourth. Primarily this reduction in resistive losses directly reduces the nominal module operating temperature (NMOT). Additionally, such gain is improved significantly with increase in irradiance as the current output of the module is directly proportional to the irradiance.

Compared to the traditional modules, the excited electrons in the super 400 module have to travel almost half the distance before they are connected at the module’ s junction box (JB). Compared to a traditional module, the electron faces less resistance which further increases the power output of the module.

For a rooftop site, there may be times when a module experiences shadow. Such shadow may be due to many reasons such as expansion of nearby buildings, shadow due to nearby trees, bird shit, cloudy atmospheric conditions etc. which may be temporary, for a few hours or days or even permanent. Shadow even if on any cell(s) in the string hampers the generation of the string and hence the solar module. Under normal operation, both the traditional and doublet module produces the desired power output. But when all the strings of the traditional module are under shadow all 3 bypass diodes of the module are activated resulting in zero power output from the module.

Whereas in the case of a super 400 module, the bypass diode is in between the two strings of upper and lower half of the module. While the lower half is under shadow, the upper half of the module is continuously generating power. Hence, 50% of power under shadow conditions is retained.

Smart modules are solar modules that have power optimizer embedded into the solar module at the time of manufacturing.

1) Module level: Assembled with the AC optimizer and it' s easy for installations for Rooftop projects; 2) Cell level: The power optimizer is embedded in the junction box of the solar module with a purpose to maximize the power generation; Smart modules are different from traditional solar panels because the power electronics embedded in the module offers enhanced functionality such as panel-level maximum power point tracking, monitoring as well as offers enhanced safety.

Recent trend: 1. Monitoring 2. Shut-down 3. Minimize the energy cost of the smart module itself; Smart modules are different from traditional solar panels because the power electronics embedded in the module offers enhanced functionality such as panel-level maximum power point tracking, monitoring and enhanced safety.

Module-level Smart modules are easy to be installed on the rooftop, will save about 30% cost of the labour; Module-level Smart module project do not need inverter again and will save the cost; Cell-level smart modules are optimized in the strings of the cells and have the optimization on the cell level, maximum the power output. 10%-25% more output; Cell-level smart modules could reduce the risk of the hi-spot and also the loss of the hi-spot; Save the land cost Highlight challenges towards implementation of smart solar modules at the ground level: 1. Cost; 2. Lifetime 3. Electromagnetic interference

；

（ EMI ）

Future industry outlook for smart solar module manufacturing in India and Asia:

MR. SAI CHARAN KUPPILI

Technical Director, South Asia Jinko Solar Co.,Ltd

Future lies in developing the smart module which could have the low cost of production with an in-built shut down and the monitoring function. Cost reduction of AC smart module is of the top most priority to be effective in large scale deployment

Solar PV Modules across the Globe has experienced an immediate shift to Mono PERC from Poly Technologi es. The shi ft of Technology i s clearly visible in India for all 2020 deliveries. Jinko always leads the PV Industry on Technology fronts. It has a platter full of di fferent Hi gh effi ci ency PV Products to cater different market needs across the Globe. Specific to India, we could noti ce the i ncli nati on i s more towards P-Type Mono PERC wi th majority market share with Mono facial modules. Mono facial Solar PV modules reached the power class of 470 Wp wi th Ji nko’ s Ti ger Seri es, whi ch i s the maximum power available in the market as a mainstream product with 20. 93% Module effi ci ency. 9 Bus-bar and ti li ng ri bbon technology paved a path in achieving the maximum power even at a lower wafer size of 163. 75mm. Also Ji nkoSolar could observe more acceptabi li ty on Swan Bi faci al modules with Tedlar based Transparent back sheet and preferred to widely use bi faci al technologi es for all textures of land whi ch has got low soi l moisture (barren lands). Rooftop & Distributed generation markets of other regi ons have maj or acceptance on Smart Modules whi ch comes wi th integrated optimizers to increase the number of modules per string. N Type products have advantages wi th degradati on factors but have a challenge with limited manufacturing capacity across the Globe.

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 26

Y N A P M O C E R U T A E F

GINLONG AFTER-SALES SERVICE HITS HIGH MARKS IN CHINA Ginlong Solis has enjoyed a momentous year in 2019. After going public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in March, the string inverter manufacturer leveraged fresh capital to invest in new businesses and to expand geographically. These strategies proved successful, with recent third quarter earnings increasing 82% over the same period last year. We are grateful to our customers for choosing Ginlong and have completely overhauled our after-sales service system to meet rising demand in China and across the globe. Ginlong’s service network now covers all of China with 21 after-sales service centers.Our dedication to service drives our corporate culture and prompts us to expand our operations. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, with after-sales key performance indicators after conventional regional acceptance including: 1. 2 minute response time 2. Technician arrives on site within 24 hours 3. Solving problem within 24 hours

Solis Gets High Marks for Service Excellence

We are proud to have been issued a five-star rating as part of our “Commodity After-Sales Service Certification" from the prestigious Beijing Standard Certification Center. Not only is this the highest possible level of service but Ginlong is also the first domestic renewable company to obtain this certification.

Ginlong Solis After-Sales Service What is the significance of achieving a 5-star "Commodity After-Sales Service certification" rating?

Our goal is to respond as quickly as we possibly can and resolve every issue the first time around. As such, our customers get prompt support through our national toll-free service hotline at 400-101 6600.

Establishes Credibility: Certification is granted only to companies that have achieved the highest standards and established their service leadership industry-wide.

Confirms Bankability: Certification is an important reference and qualification requirement for government and corporate procurement.

Recognized by consumers: Brands that display the After-Sales Service Certification star on their products earn an additional level of customer confidence.

Enhances Service Quality: Companies that earn this certification have unified their service efforts across the country.

Continuous Improvement: To achieve certification, Ginlong Solis has woven customer service into every level of its operations, enhancing its after-sales systems, its reputation, and its dedication to excellence.

OUR SERVICE PROMISE: FAST, EFFICIENT, HIGH-QUALITY, SECURE

With this designation, Ginlong takes a solid step forward. Rather than being a goal in and of itself, this certification motivates us to continue developing the best possible service experience for our customers.

Based on its original service standard, Ginlong revamped its customer service infrastructure with technology upgrades from remote, overseas service and in-person service technician visits. The result is industry-leading support that delivers "fast, efficient, high-quality and secure” solutions for our customers: Mature

after-sales

service

systemProfessional

after-sales

service team

OUR GOAL IS TO RESPOND AS QUICKLY AS WE

Strong after-sales service reputation World-Class Service Staffed by Local Experts The Ginlong Solis team meets the gold standard required by its first Commodity After-Sales Service certification. In China, as across its entire global service operation, our customer service agents are recognized for their timeliness, professionalism and

POSSIBLY CAN AND RESOLVE EVERY ISSUE

problem-solving acumen.

THE FIRST TIME

Prestigious certifications aside, we honor our service teams for

AROUND.

their customer-driven, can-do attitude. As a commitment to our employees,

Ginlong

offers

ongoing

in-house

training

and

professional development to continue building on our prior success.

Maintaining that success means we cannot be complacent. At Ginlong Solis, we are committed to improvement and welcome any comments you may wish to share.

Please take a few moments to answer our annual customer survey (https: //www. wj x. cn/j q/53817912. aspx) You can also reach us any time at our service hotline: 400101-6600

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 29

E T A D P U Y N A P M O C

GOLDI SOLAR REINFORCES AS A TIER 1 SOLAR PV MANUFACTURER ON THE BLOOMBERG NEW ENERGY FINANCE LIST

Goldi Solar, one of the leading Indian solar panel manufacturers, EPC provider and independent power producer (IPP), bags the title of “Bankable Tier 1” solar panel manufacturer by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) for Q1, 2020.

BNEF developed its tiering system for PV module makers to create a transparent differentiation between the hundreds of manufacturers of solar modules in the market. The classification is based on bankability, specifically whether projects using a particular brand of solar modules are likely to be offered non-recourse debt financing by non-development banks. Tier 1 module manufacturers are those that have provided products to six different projects, which have received non-recourse financing by six different banks in the past two years. Nevertheless, Goldi Solar has met all the criteria’s to be on this list of Tier 1 and it is the fourth Indian company listed.

Mr. Ishver Dholakiya, Managing Director – Goldi Solar, said, “This is a big win for us and we worked diligently to reach this milestone. We recognize that major PV project developers, EPCs and financers rely on the BNEF report and we believe this announcement will open up a broader section of the market for our high-quality solar modules”.

Mr. Bharat Bhut, Director – Goldi Solar, said, “We are delighted today to be included in this list of Tier 1 manufacturers, our panels which have been supplied to the projects have fulfilled BNEF standards. This “Tier 1” title is important to us which will not only attract new opportunities but it will also help us to complete few pending International orders and to penetrate more easily in markets like Europe and US as a major bankable supplier of the solar PV industry and allow us to further contribute more towards sustainability and greener future”.

About Goldi Solar

Goldi Solar is one of the leading solar PV module manufacturing companies. We have increased our manufacturing capacity to 500MW and subsequently we aim to scale it up to 1GW in 2020. We are ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and OHSAS 18001:2007 certified. We are also a leading OEM supplier catering to many international brands in countries like USA, UAE, Turkey, Myanmar, Italy, Greece, Germany, France, Denmark, Croatia and many more by delivering unmatched quality at a competitive price. Our modules are stringently tested for all product reliability factors across various parameters. Besides having a robust and automatic manufacturing line based on Japanese & German technology, we follow best quality, environment and safety practices at our manufacturing process. We have an Internal Quality circle team, which meets regularly to focus on continuous improvements. Having adopted the best methodologies in our manufacturing process, we also conduct regular in-house training for our Quality & Production teams.

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 28

Contributing to the nation’ s journey of becoming self-reliant in terms of Energy Security, we ventured into what is known to be the pathway to a greener world – Solar in 2017. Adani Solar is the solar manufacturing arm of Adani Group, a USD 15 billion Indian conglomerate and one of India' s largest business houses with businesses spanning across Resources, Logistics, Energy, Agri and ancillary Industries. Adani Solar is India' s largest indigenous Solar PV Cell and Module Manufacturer with multi-level infrastructure, optimised for scaling up to 3 GW of modules and cells, under a single roof, located at world’ s largest Special Economic Zones at Mundra, Gujarat. It is also the fastest growing Solar EPC Company with projects over 250 MW commissioned and over 500 MW under execution.

Market Leadership Milestones distinguished great organisations from

It mai ntai ns market leadershi p, as i t i s the fi rst manufacturer i n Indi a wi th IEC 2016 certi fi cati on i n all SKUs

Y N A P M O C

World Class PV Modules Adani Solar is India' s first and largest indigenous company with vertically integrate businesses that offers product along with services across the spectrum of photovoltaics manufacturing upto project development. The Company offers and produces high efficiency Multi, Mono PERC and Bifacial modules with superior efficiency, higher performance and enhanced reliability. Adani Solar’ s cutting-edge technology, scale of operations, cost leadership and reliability, sets up apart from all other global competitors and supporting utilities. With its state-of-the-art platinum rated manufacturing facility at Mundra (India’ s largest & first), the Company supplies reliable DCR solar modules that are proven to meet all of our customers’ exact requirements. Our module’ s presence is spread across all 4 Continents.

It i s accredi ted as Ti er-1 module manufacturer by BNEF for the pIast 3 years (Bloomberg New Energy Fi nance)

Potenti al Generati on esti mate accredi ted by 3rd Party vali dated PAN & IAM fi les – Assuri ng Hi gher Generati ons – upto 3% hi gher yi eld i n actual i nstallati on than peers

the ordinary. We at Adani Solar were fortunate to experience many landmarks within a short span.

Hi ghest Gold Category Rati ng by the Internati onal Research Insti tute of Manufacturi ng at Nati onal Awards for Manufacturi ng Competi ti veness 2019

Adani Solar i s the fi rst company i n the world to start a Greenfi eld Proj ect of GW scale.

DCR COMPLIANT PV MODULE CATEGORIES WE OFFER:

E R U T A E F

WHY ADANI MODULES AND CELLS ARE THE BEST CHOICE?

It i s the only Indi an manufacturer to be awarded Top Performer by DNVGL PVEL Global reli abi li ty testi ng for two consecuti ve years (2018 & 2019).

Adani Solar has Indi a’ s best logi sti cs servi ces support for i mport-exports i . e.

Ai r, Sea, Rai l, Land, Road

Modules Tested for 3 IEC – Assuri ng superi or reli abi li ty & li near warranty of PV Modules

Factory audi ted by renowned bodi es li ke solar buyer, CEA, Black & Veatch, TUV Rhei nland

Adani Solar Modules approved by over 35 banks – Non recourse fi nance

Largest & only Bi faci al Cell and module manufacturer from Indi a

Accordi ng to Mercom Indi a Solar Market Update, Adani Solar i s Indi a’ s top Proj ect developer, i nterms of cumulati ve solar i nstallati ons.

WHY ADANI SOLAR PV MODULES ARE THE BEST CHOICE? Highly Bankability.

R&D Market leader in solar cell development.

Our R&D always plans 6-12 months ahead of competition (industry average).

Power rating of our PV modules in mass production will always be one bin higher than its competitor.

Backed by 100% Fully Automated State of the Art Manufacturing Lines.

ENCORE Series Multi-crystalline For large-scale and Rooftop PV installations

ETERNAL Series Mono-PERC - For higher efficiency and better rates of return

ELAN Series Bi-facial - Lowest LCOE & highest IRR

Adani Solar produces and manufactures Hi-Tech, best in quality, certified most reliable, durable and efficient (DCR) PV Modules to the customers across the globe.

Our PV Modules -- Undergoes 3 EL process steps while module manufacturing ensuring Crack Free PV Modules.

-- Qualifies for 2 * IEC Thresher Test Program.

-- Can withstand extreme climates, temperatures, humidity and pressure over a 25-year period.

Has Superior PID Resistance compared to Competitors.

Are resistant to Salt, Mist, Ammonia, Sand and Dust Abrasion.

Are tied up with world renowned laboratories like TÜV Rheinland and UL Laboratories, Fraunhofer, PI Berlin, DNV GL PVEL, JET. Can pass Dynamic Load Test (1000Cycles) replicating real life conditions for 25 years lifetime Are certified to withstand Snow Loads (8000Pa) and high wind loads (4200Pa)

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 29

E R U T A E F T C U D O R P

WHY GOODWE INVERTERS BECOMES NECESSITY OF SOLAR PROJECTS

GoodWe i s a leadi ng solar i nverter company havi ng focus i n research and manufacturi ng of PV i nverters and energy storage soluti ons.

Si nce i ts i ncepti on, the company has been dedi cated for research and development of PV i nverter technology whi ch have frui tfully been awarded i nto GoodWe bei ng ranked i n Top 10 solar i nverter manufacturers by Bloomberg, IHS Marki t and Wood Mackenzi e. GoodWe takes pri de i n bei ng recogni zed as preferred i nverter partner by i ts customers, whi ch i s the result of dedi cated R&D, hi gh quali ty producti on norms, i ntegrated advanced components and unmatched after-sales servi ces.

Indi a bei ng one of the largest markets worldwi de, GoodWe understands the market scenari o and offers a wi de range of products for Resi denti al, Commerci al & Industri al and Uti li ty Scale solar proj ects and Energy Storage Soluti on as well. GoodWe has i ts technologi cal strength i n i ts i nverters servi ng resi denti al , Commerci al & Industri al Uti li ty scale proj ects wi th Inverter capaci ti es of 1kW to 80kW, whi le havi ng hi gh output voltage i nverters of 7080kW capaci ty. The i nverters have a robust desi gn and manufactured for extreme condi ti ons to mai ntai n hi gh effi ci ency and maxi mum output to provi de maxi mum ROI. Hi gh end topology desi gn i ntegrated wi th advanced components makes GoodWe i nverters reli able, easy to mai ntai n and hi gh performance devi ce. GoodWe offers MT Seri es Solar Inverter soluti on whi ch comes i n 50kW to 80kW capaci ty. MT seri es i nverters have become a necessary choi ce for C&I and Uti li ty scale proj ects due to i ts technologi cal strength for hi gh performance even at harsh condi ti ons of 50 ℃ . The MT Seri es i nverters come wi th 50% DC overloadi ng and 15% AC overloadi ng feature along wi th 4 MPPT havi ng a range of 200V to 1000V. The i nverter i s made to adapt i n extreme condi ti ons li ke hi gh heat of 50 ℃ , hi gh humi di ty of 85% along wi th protecti on grade of IP65 keepi ng i t operati onal i n heavy rai n & dust.

Though MT Seri es i nverter soluti ons have IP65 protecti on grade, i t comes wi th an i ntelli gent venti lati on desi gn whi ch allows strong heat di ssi pati on wi th the help of smart fans thus ensuri ng long product li fespan.

It offers 99% effi ci ency rate along wi th a flexi ble and li ghtwei ght desi gn; the 80kW MT seri es i nverter wei ghs only 72kgs maki ng i t easy to operate & mai ntai n. GoodWe MT Seri es i nverter soluti on comes wi th vari ous other features whi ch keep these i nverters ahead i n the market. Key features li ke DC reverse current alarm, Stri ng level moni tori ng wi th smart detecti on, Arc fault ci rcui t i nterrupter, Power li ne communi cati on wi th PLC, WIFI and vari ous other communi cati on port sources, I-V curve scanni ng functi on, Anti PID functi on, Insulati on moni tori ng, Integrated resi dual current moni tori ng uni t, etc. GoodWe MT seri es i nverter soluti on comes fully loaded wi th features maki ng i t a reli able source of power generati on and easy to moni tor the Return of Investment (ROI).

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

GOODWE MT Series Inverter | 50-80 kW | 3Phase | 4 MPPT

WHY CHOOSE GOODWE? Wide product portfolio of inverters for Residential, C&I and Utility proj ects.

Strong R&D department comprised with big team of researchers & software engineers with focus on technological advancement.

Inverter solutions loaded with various features for customer peace of mind.

Data collection capability of electricity consumption day & night, in both string & storage inverters.

High bankability of GoodWe as a brand.

Strong belief in educating the customer to keep them up to date with the latest technological capabilities of solar inverters.

Apart from PV inverters, GoodWe is also devoted to developing its own monitoring platform which is free for customers and its smart energy management system for Module level monitoring, Rapid Shutdown and optimization.

Unmatched after sales support.

In the past 3 years, we have worked wi th some of the most reputed Indi an EPCs/Developers li ke Tata Power Solar, Sterli ng & Wi lson, Bosch, etc i n Indi a on many large-scale Commerci al & Industri al proj ects rangi ng from 5MW to 20MW. Worki ng wi th the top Solar EPC fi rm i n Indi a has gi ven us the opportuni ty to conti nuously i mprove our servi ces, enhance the quali ty and tai lormake the features of our products to meet the requi rements of thi s dynami c market, better.

GoodWe have recei ved i ts recogni ti on after many years of pai nstaki ng research, conti nuously achi evi ng i nnovati ve breakthroughs i n the world of i nverter technology. Inverters bei ng hi ghly effi ci ent and i ntelli gent combi ned wi th flexi ble and li ght wei ght desi gn makes GoodWe an obvi ous choi ce for every proj ect.

PG 30

T C U D O R P E R U T A E F

BEIJING SHUNZHEN GREEN HARBOR'S 6.6MW Beijing Shunzhen Green Harbor's 6.6MW plant (5.5MW flouting Plant and 1.1MW on the rooftop) distributed photovoltaic power generation project was successfully connected with grid by the end of December 2019. This project was commissioned with Ginlong Technologies GCI-50K and GCI60K-4G inverters, which marks the official commissioning of the Solis string-type floating PV power plant.

The project is located in the central port of Shunyi, Beijing. This project is a floating PV system with very high humidity; however, because of the special Climate and temperature condition on site, the inverter needs to support the installation plan with a horizontal inclination of 15 °. Through the docking communication between field personnel and Solis technicians, and experimental simulation tests, the technical problem was successfully solved. The inverter system was running with full efficiency.

We can monitor the operation data in real time and transmit the data to Shunzhen Green Harbor's platform by using the card designated by Beijing energy conservation center.

100% global-renowned components:

Solis is known for using components of internationally renowned brands for a long time, and these components have a reliable quality guarantee regardless of the operating temperature range and the materials and processes.

Integrated aluminum metal alloy shell and large area radiator:

The weight of the Solis inverter radiator is almost two-thirds of the overall body weight. This greatly increases the heat dissipation area of the inverter and ensures the efficient cooling of the inverter. The housing is an integrated aluminum alloy panel, which Tightly connected, the heat of the components can be directly transmitted to the aluminum alloy shell through the heat sink, forming a heat dissipation path of device heat sink shell air. In addition, the heat of the components can be conducted to the case through the air inside the inverter, and then radiated to the outside air through the case. In addition, external inductance structure design which Ginlong adopted, could improve the heat dissipation performance of the inverter greatly. Even the inverter 15 ° installation can ensure good thermal performance. In addition, the measured ambient temperature of Solis inverter can still guarantee 110% full load operation which greatly improves the energy output of the system.

→

→

→

Built-in anti-component PID effect design

：

When the battery module works above the water surface, the inverter is prone to PID attenuation. The Solis inverter has an anti-PID module built into the inverter. When the inverter stops in the evening, the module takes power from the AC side and adjusts the output voltage, injects voltage between PV and PE to reach the PV-pair of the panel. Ground potential eliminates the negative voltage of the PV-ground and plays a role in suppressing PID. More reliability and economical

：

Due to the special installation environment of this project, the inverter must have extremely high reliability. Solis string inverter has IP65 protection level, waterproof and dustproof, maintenance-free. The entire system is simple, eliminating supporting and auxiliary equipment as much as possible, reducing failure points and eliminating wearing parts; reducing the failure rate of surface systems and the number of manual inspections. In addition, Ginlong inverter passed a lot of reliability tested under extreme conditions, such as: high altitude and low air density test, direct air high pressure cycle test, high intensity ultraviolet radiation test, high intensity salt spray test, radiator ash coating test, limit Day and night temperature difference long-term cycle test (1500 cycles, -40 ℃ to 70 ℃ ), surface attached ice test, extreme environment test (high salt fog area, desert area, high altitude area, high humidity area), etc.

SOLIS

IS

KNOWN

FOR

USING

COMPONENTS

OF

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED BRANDS FOR A LONG TIME, AND

THESE

COMPONENTS

HAVE

A

RELIABLE

QUALITY

GUARANTEE REGARDLESS OF THE OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE AND THE MATERIALS AND PROCESSES.

Intelligent air cooling technology: Solis inverter can intelligently control the shutdown of the fan. When the inverter temperature reaches a certain value, the inverter controls the fan to start and cooperate with the radiator to dissipate heat. When the inverter is running at full load, the fan stops working and the inverter enters a natural cooling state. This improves the effectiveness of the fan's working time and greatly extends the fan's service life.

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 31

E R U T A E F T C U D O R P

SUPER 400 SERIES Waaree Energi es Ltd. i s the flagshi p company of

Waaree

Group,

founded

in

1989

wi th

headquarters i n Mumbai , Indi a. It has Indi a' s largest

Solar

PV

Module

manufacturi ng

capaci ty of 2. 0 GW' s at i ts plants i n Guj arat.

Waaree Energi es i s amongst the top player i n Indi a

provi di ng

development,

EPC

rooftop

servi ces, soluti ons,

proj ect

and

solar

water pumps and also as an Independent Power Producer. Waaree has i ts presence i n over

300+

countri es

locati ons

nati onally

i nternati onally.

and

Waaree

68

Energi es

whi ch has a maj or focus on solar PV module manufacturi ng has recently also ventured i nto Li thi um Ion battery manufacturi ng maki ng i t the

Significant reduction in resistive losses:

The current output from a solar cell i s dependent on the number of li ght parti cles (photons) falli ng on i t whi ch further depends on the area of the cell. Thus i ncreasi ng the area of cell di rectly i ncreases the current output of solar cell. The Super 400 seri es modules use half cut cells whi ch di rectly halves the current output from the cell. The resi sti ve power loss i n a module i s di rectly proporti onal to the square of the current flowi ng through (or generated by) the cells.

Halvi ng the current reduces the resi sti ve losses (I2R) of the module by one fourth as shown i n fi gure 2. Pri mari ly thi s reducti on i n resi sti ve losses di rectly reduces the nomi nal module operati ng temperature (NMOT).

country’ s largest verti cally i ntegrated energy company.

Waaree

Energi es

offer

solar

PV

Figure 2: Resistive losses in Super 400 module

Further, such decrease i n the resi sti ve losses di rectly leads to an i ncrease of effi ci ency of module by around 1%. Addi ti onally, such gai n i s i mproved si gni fi cantly wi th i ncrease in i rradi ance as the current output of the module i s di rectly proporti onal to the i rradi ance.

modules ri ght from 3 Wp to as hi gh as 400 Wp. The

maj or

vari ants

compri se

of

multi /poly

crystalli ne modules, mono PERC modules, AC modules, flexi ble modules, half cut cell based modules and bi faci al modules.

Solar modules have predomi nantly used both on

land

and

at

the

top

of

the

i ndustry/home/commerci al roofs. In the run of mi ni mi zi ng

the

LCOE

whi le

also

parallelly

maxi mi zi ng the commerci al gai ns from a solar power

plant,

the

shi ft

to

hi ghly

effi ci ent

modules wi th enhanced techni cal advantages i s the need of the hour. So a novel desi gn module uti li zi ng a new cell technology was developed. The cells used were based on large full

square

(generally upgraded

mono

wafers

known desi gn

G1 of

i . e.

si ze).

the

solar

158. 75

mm

Further,

the

PV

Advantages of enhanced design:

Figure 3: The path travelled by exited electron in traditional module (on left) and Super 400 module (on

The constructi onal changes of the half cut cell based Super 400 modules are numerous. Thi s module has i ncreased open area when compared to the tradi ti onal module. Thi s allows more li ght to be reflected i nto the module from the backsheet whi ch enables enhanced power generati on from the module.

Addi ti onally, compared to the tradi ti onal modules, the exci ted electrons i n thi s module have to travel almost half the di stance before they are connected at the module’ s j uncti on box (JB). Compari ng to tradi ti onal module, the electron faces less resi stance whi ch further i ncreases the power output of the module (refer to Fi gure 3).

right)

Better performance in shade:

Figure 4: Effect of shadow on traditional and Super

module

uti li zed half cut cells i nstead of full cells. These half cut cells were not all i nter-connected i n seri es but a set of seri es connected half cut cells were i nterconnected i n parallel wi th other whi ch helped to achi eve a maxi mum power of 400 Wp. To si mpli fy, these module consi st two modules of half cut cells connected i n parallel wi th each other. It i s the fi rst product wi th such power output i n Indi an PV market (Fi gure 1).

The modules are avai lable i n 2 vari ants mono faci al (Super 400) and Bi faci al vari ant (Super 400 Pro), whose techni cal advantages are menti oned as below.

400 module

The solar modules are i nstalled i n such a way that thei r generati on i s not hampered by shadow at any poi nt of ti me. However wi thi n i ts li feti me of 25 years, there may be ti mes when a module or the stri ng experi ences shadow. Such shadow may be due to many reasons such as expansi on of nearby bui ldi ng, shadow due to nearby trees, bi rd shi t, cloudy atmospheri c condi ti ons etc. whi ch may be temporary, for few hours or days or even permanent. Shadow even i f on any cell(s) i n the stri ng hampers the generati on of the stri ng and hence the solar module. Under normal operati on, both the tradi ti onal and Super 400 module produces the desi red power output. But when all the stri ngs of the tradi ti onal module are under shadow all 3 bypass di odes of the module are acti vated resulti ng i n zero power output from the module.

Whereas i n case of Super 400 module, the bypass di ode i s i n between the two stri ngs of upper and lower half of module. Whi le the lower half i s under shadow, the upper half of the module i s conti nuously generati ng power.

Hence, 50% of power under shadow condi ti ons i s retai ned as shown i n fi gure 4.

Figure 1: Super 400 Series by Waaree Energies. Super 400 (Left) and Super 400 Pro (Right)

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

PG 32

Advantages of using split junction box:

A j uncti on box (JB) houses electri cal i nterconnecti on wi thi n the stri ng of the module.

It also houses bypass di ode(s) (reverse bi ased) whi ch protects the module from generati ng hotspot i n case of shadow. The Super 400 seri es module uti li zes a spli t type j uncti on box as shown i n fi gure 5 below. A typi cal spli t type JB consi sts of three separate boxes collecti ng current from separate stri ngs. Thi s pri mari ly leads to better di ssi pati on of heat from the JB. Also as di scussed i n previ ous secti on, the Super 400 module keeps performi ng even when i n shade. Thi s enables the bypass to be less acti ve as compared to tradi ti onal modules. Thi s could overall enhance the li fe of the bypass di ode and further the solar module.

Figure 5: A typical split type JB

Waaree Energies have understood the advantages of half cut cell module and have introduced their half cut based doublet module both in mono/multi crystalli ne and PERC based solar cells. With the given advancements in solar module technology, we believe that it’ s time when the end customer gets the maximum energy output.

Additionally, our stringent quality checks also ensures that the reliability of the module is not compromised at any stage in manufacturing or when performi ng i n the field.

Mr. Sunil Rathi, Director, Waaree Energies Ltd

Let us all pledge to make solar energy the primary source of energy in the near future.

RAHE ROSHAN HAMARA NATION

TENDER BUZZ TENDER BUZZ IN INDIA: MASSIVE RESPONSE TO SECI’S 1.2 GW TENDER; BHEL, TERI, NTPC, NPCIL RELEASE NEW SOLAR TENDERS NTPC Tenders for 1200 MW ISTS-Connected Solar Projects in India NTPC Ltd has invited online bids from eligible bidders for the selection of solar power developers for setting up 1200 MW ISTSConnected solar PV power projects anywhere in India. The last date for submission of bids is March 19, 2020, and the techno-commercial bids will be opened on the same date. The date and time of opening of the price bids and the ereverse auction will be intimated separately by NTPC to the technically selected bidder. To address the concerns raised by the prospective bidders a pre-bid meeting has been scheduled for March 6, 2020, to address the concerns raised by the prospective bidders. All bids must be accompanied by Earnest Money Deposit for an amount calculated at the rate of Rs 400, 000 per MW of quoted bid capacity in the form as stipulated in the RfS Documents.

BSNL Tenders for 2.5 MW Rooftop Solar Systems in Maharashtra Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has issued a tender under the RESCO model inviting bids from eligible firms for implementation of 2. 5 MW grid-connected rooftop solar power

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

systems at BSNL Buildings in different zones of Maharashtra . The last date for bid submission is March 17, 2020, and the techno-commercial bids will be opened on the next date i. e. March 18, 2020. To be eligible for participating in the bidding process, the firms should have designed, supplied, installed & commissioned at least one grid-connected solar PV power project having a capacity of 50 kW which should have been commissioned at least 6 months prior to techno-commercial bid opening date. Rs 4 crore should be the average annual turnover to participate in this bid.

Himachal Pradesh Issued Tenders for 10000 Solar PV Lanterns The Himachal Pradesh Government Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA) has issued a tender, inviting bids from eligible firms for the supply of approximately 10000 solar PV Lanterns (LED type) for distribution to the beneficiaries in the state. The general scope of work for the contract will include the supplying of 10, 000 solar lanterns to the beneficiaries of in the state. The general scope of work for the contract will include the supplying of 10, 000 solar lanterns to the beneficiaries of the State and in reference to the same the suppliers must provide a warranty period of 5 years which will

commence from the date of receipt of the material by Project Officer. During the warranty period, the supplier will carry out preventive, routine and breakdown maintenance of the SPV Lantern including replacement of any components including DC battery, electronics, etc. which goes bad free of cost. The last date for submission of bids is February 27, 2020, and the technical bids will be opened on the same date i. e. February 27, 2020. The tentative cost of the project is Rs 2. 5 crore.

Central Electronics Limited (CEL) Declares Auction Results For Its 44 MW Solar Tender The auction results for Substations in Maharashtra for its 44 MW solar tender has been declared by The Central Electronics Limited (CEL). Gensol Engineering Private Limited, Kor Energy Private Limited, Purshotam Profiles Private Limited, Mitcon Consultancy, Engineering Services Limited, and Kalpa Power Private Limited won a capacity of 13. 2 MW, 11 MW, 8. 8 MW, 6. 6 MW, and 4. 4 MW respectively. Gensol had quoted the lowest tariff rate of ₹ 15. 1 /W out of all five companies for 44 MW, considering the same CEL asked the companies to go with the tariff rate of ₹ 15. 05/W. At the designated project sites CEL will provide 310Wp of solar PV modules.

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SINENG INVERTERS - GLOBAL INVERTERS WHICH ARE WISELY & STRATEGICALLY DESIGNED Indian solar market outlook- 2020

With the increasing maturity of inverter and module technologies, more and more people turn their eyes to solar power. Inverter market continues to grow every single year as well!

Global solar installations are expected to reach 142 gigawatts (GW) in 2020, 14% rise over the previous year. Keeping in mind the future electricity needs and clean energy, India government is trying to achieve the flagship target of 100 GW grid-connected solar power capacity by 2022 and 450 GW in the future. As reported, more than 10 GW of new generation capacity will be deployed in this year. And, India is undoubtedly amongst the better-performing countries with over 300 operational solar firms.

Sineng is expecting a large pipeline of projects to spur the return to growth from two “flat” years- 2018 and 2019.

There are over 35 inverter suppliers active in the Indian market as of 2019. In 2020, top players are likely to go bigger and there will be intense price competition and churning in supplier landscape.

Nevertheless, Sineng always appreciate competition because it gives opportunity to innovate, learn, adapt, and ultimately improve Inverter market trends in India and choice of inverter

Top 10 inverter suppliers are accounted for around 75% of shipments in 2019 globally and 94% in India. Based on last past five years inverter market share, the market for utility scale solar proj ects in India is dominated by central inverter.

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

The bigger, the better’ seems to be the mantraowing to the reason that price on inverter depends on its power capacity. Sineng central 3. 125MW inverter was developed for large utility-scale application scenario and it has been dominating Indian market. Choosing right inverter can be a game of inches. By that, I mean the difference between a jackpot machine and one that loses money is just a few rankings. To squeeze out those extra rankings, Sineng pay attention to tons of tiny details what most inverter manufacture miss while developing a product.

Sineng Inverters- Global Inverters which are Wisely & Strategically Designed.

Compatible with state-of-the-art technologies It is expected by Konstanz that optimum LCOE will be achieved by 2021/2022 using tracker system (single axis or multi axis) along with bifacial module. These technologies need inverter to be operated at full-load and overload in respect to generate more power.

Well, it is not an uphill task for Sineng central 3. 125 MW inverter as it can run at full load for a long time attributing to reliable and robust components selection with advanced design. It also features overload capacity of 115% for a longer period. 3. 125MW is a global product in compliance with both IEC and CEA standards.

Cost effective-optimum LCOE Bigger block size is a great way to reduce LCOE, but it has its challenges which can easily be solved with Sineng 3. 125MW! It is suitable for large ground mounted PV plants with large block size of 3. 125 MW, 6. 25MW or 12. 5MW. In addition, skid or integrated solution 6. 25 is also available which consists of 2*3. 125MW outdoor inverters, SF6 switchgear, 6. 25MW double split transformer and LV distribution & communication cabinet. CAPEX study shows that Sineng 3. 125MW saves cents $/Wp which is much more distinctive with skid solution.

Adapt to Harsh Environments There’ s nothing worse for plant owner than inverter that can’ t adapt with harsh environment as plants are often situated in harsh environment like hilly, coastal and desert areas.

For that, the major challenges need to be dealt with are temperature, ingress protection and corrosion protection. Forced air cooling is adopted in 3. 125MW as the heat dissipation method which is better than natural cooling method on account of lowering internal temperature. Moreover, The two-phase heat exchanger is applied to key components compartment. The inner compartment is not directly exposed to top air inlet as it is totally sealed and separated, so sand and dust can’ t enter the compartment. Thus, it provides IP65 for key component compartment. 3. 125MW adapts C4 or C5 corrosion protection both solution which makes it ideal for applications in coastal, chemical industrial and other typical harsh areas.

Smart monitoring and controlling-saves time and hassle Problems come up on power plant all the time.

What matters is how fast you respond to them.

That’ s why Sineng provides a complete monitoring and controlling solution which includes smart communication box -SAU100, local SCADA, sienergy cloud -remote SCADA, inacess PPC (Power Plant Controller). Operator could use it to figure out in real time if there is any abnormality in power generation of any inverter which saves time and hassle of O & M. Reliability and something more!

Providing reliability in inverter market is a game of margin. Which is not exactly easy! To ensure high PR ratio, Sineng inverter is equipped with all kinds of protection what a plant owner would wish for.

Least discussed but considerably large amount of cases due to fire hazard. Sineng inverter features arc-fault detection device (AFDD) and smoke detector.

Class II and III protection device to protect the inverter from lightning strikes and any other surges.

Fan rotation speed is controlled according to the sensed temperature by temperature sensor. The fan control is thermostatic.

Each DC input of the inverter is equipped with hall sensors. The current, voltage and power of each combiner box can be observed from the monitoring system or the inverter display.

3.125 MW characterizes load ration up to 1.5 for wide time window. It indicates that inverter can generate more power during low irradiance.

Negative grounding method allows to mitigate PID effect.

SVG functionality provides fast-acting reactive power to grid- adjustable from +0.8 to -0.8.

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T C U D O R P

LONGI HI-MO 4 MODULE WHY IS THE LONGI HI-MO 4 MODULE FAVOURED BY THE PV MARKET

？

There is little question that the solar market in general has thus far shown a growi ng preference for the LONGi Hi-MO 4 module with M6 wafer (166mm), but there are nevertheless still some in the PV industry who have an ambiguous attitude towards the product. In this article, we have put together a Q&A list on the LONGi Hi -MO 4 and trust that this will provide a more systematic and in-depth understanding of i ts background and benefits.

E R U T A E F

KNOW ALL ABOUT

WHY HAS LONGI CHOSEN THE M6 WAFER (166MM) SPECIFICATION FOR THE HI-MO 4 MODULE?

The cost saving and compatibility advantages of the M6 wafer (166mm) are achieved at both the manufacturing end of the industrial chain and the application end of the system.

For the cost saving on the system side, the fundamental reason is that the increase of current basically makes use of the margin of the current commercial inverter and increases the capacity of a single string for unchanged Voc (the string length is unchanged). Since M6 bifacial modules fully utilize the current margin of the inverter, any wafer larger than M6 will limit the inverter’ s current and lead to a loss in power generation. Although new module circuit design can reduce current, the benefit in BOS cost will disappear when compared with M6 modules.

HOW HAS THE LONGI HI-MO 4 MODULE EVOLVED?

LONGi optimized the design size of the Hi-MO 4 module earlier this year. The size of the 72 cell module changed to 2094 * 1038mm. The efficiency of mass produced modules exceeded 20% across the board, and that of the 450W module reached 20. 7%. The improvement in efficiency brings further BOS cost savings, and the land area occupied by a power station is also significantly reduced.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN BOS COST BETWEEN THE LONGI HI-MO 4 MODULE AND MODULES OF OTHER SPECIFICATIONS? With a 72 cell module with a 158. 75mm silicon wafer, at a power station adopting a centralized inverter and fixed bracket configuration, the BOS cost of the Hi-MO 4 can be reduced by 0. 65 US cents/W. Although the power of a 78 cell module is equal to that of the Hi-MO 4, the reduction in the number of series connections leads to a significant gap between the cost saving of its BOS and that of Hi-MO 4. At a power station adopting string inverters, the BOS cost of HiMO 4 can be reduced by 0. 86 US cents/W due to the increase of capacity ratio.

LONGI’S HI-MO 4 MODULE IS OBVIOUSLY LARGER. CAN IT REALLY REDUCE INSTALLATION COSTS? Obviously, a high power module with an M6 wafer (166mm) brings hi gher power generation gains and lower BOS costs in practical application. But will the i ncrease i n module size and weight make the actual installation more difficult? Will i t add more installation costs?According to detailed research, there is no obvious difference between a Hi-MO 4 module and a conventional module in terms of handling, upper bracket and installation work. However, due to the increase in power of a single Hi-MO 4 module, the number of modules required is lower, meaning that installation effort is reduced, effi ci ency improved, and the overall construction period shortened, significantly loweri ng overall installation costs.

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ILIOS™ A HIGH STRENGTH LIGHT WEIGHT SOLAR MODULE MOUNTING SOLUTION Weaving Perfect Synergy for Solar Energy

Tata BlueScope Steel launched its indigenous brand ILIOS™ a Solar Module Mounting Solution to cater to the increasing demand of the renewable energy sector in India. With ILIOS™, Tata BlueScope Steel has addressed the demands for quality products under its flagship brand, for both roof and ground mounting solutions.

ILIOS™ offers a wide range of sectional dimensions and thicknesses; making it suitable for every requirement.

These customized mounting structures are manufactured from cold rolled Zn-Al/Zn coated steel with high corrosion

ILIOS™ – Solar Module Mounting Solutions

resistance, weight optimization and quick installation.

The high strength steel ensures better load bearing capacity and longer spans.

ILIOS™

is

one

step

forward

in

consolidating

Tata

BlueScope Steel offerings for the solar segment under a single Brand. These specialized solutions enable an integrated

approach,

in

terms

of

design

detailing,

engineering support, installation and material supply. So far ILIOS® has been associated with major projects across India, amounting to 1. 3 GW capacity. To fulfill the challenging needs of the industry, Tata BlueScope Steel’ s R&D team of experts have been constantly strived in improvising on the product offerings with Innovation and Quality at its core.

KLIPLOK® 700 – Solar Mounting Clip

A team of design engineers help in optimizing weight of the mounting structures, thereby reducing the overall cost of the structure and in turn the cost of the Project.

ILIOS® is available pan India through strategically locates manufacturing facilities at four different locations. This enables

an

on-time

delivery

with

faster

project

completion.

Solar segment is poised for an exponential growth in the near future. It is essential for us to provide an optimised and high quality solutions for bridging the demand supply gap. With ILIOS™, Tata BlueScope Steel aims to offer customised

solutions

suitable

for

every

customer’ s

requirement. ”

TRIMDEK® 1015 – Solar Mounting Clip

About Tata BlueScope Steel Limited Tata BlueScope Steel is an equal joint venture between Tata Steel and BlueScope Steel in the field of coated steel,

steel

building

solutions

and

related

building

products. The Company operates in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region.

Tata BlueScope Steel maintains high standards in the area of Safety, Health and Environment and has been certified by Underwriters Laboratory Inc. for ISO 9001: 2008 as well as by M/s. UL MSS India for the ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001 certifications. Tata BlueScope Steel’ s core values are Safety, Trust, Human Dignity and Excellence.

The company consistently works towards “Creating Your

Ground Mounted Solutions- C Section

SOLARQUARTER | FEBRUARY ISSUE 2020

New World in Steel!”

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Tech News QUANTUM DOTS - NEXTGENERATION SOLAR POWER TECHNOLOGY A new world record for the conversion of solar energy to electricity using quantum dots, that are about five billionths of a metre in size and can be put into liquid form and printed onto surfaces, where they harden to form a flexible layer.The development of next-generation solar power technology that has potential to be used as a flexible ‘skin’ over hard surfaces has moved a step closer, thanks to a significant breakthrough at The University of Queensland. UQ researchers set a world record for the conversion of solar energy to electricity via the use of tiny nanoparticles called ‘quantum dots’, which pass electrons between one another and generate electrical current when exposed to solar energy in a solar cell device.Solar technologies used rigid, expensive materials. The new class of quantum dots the University has developed are flexible and printable.

This opens up a huge range of potential applications, including the possibility to use it as a transparent skin to power cars, planes, homes, and wearable technology. Scientists claim to have developed solar power technology that can produce around 20 percent more energy in cloudy weather, compared to conventional solar cells. It is also printable, flexible and transparent – meaning it could be used as a skin to power nextgeneration electric cars or applied as a film to windows on buildings and homes. The development represents a significant step towards making the technology commercially-viable and supporting global renewable energy targets.Overcoming previous challenges around the fact that the surface of quantum dots tend to be rough and unstable – making them less efficient at converting solar.

D-HVPE TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH WILL REDUCE THE TIME TO MAKE A SOLAR CELL The scientists successfully integrated an aluminum source into their hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) reactor, then demonstrated the growth of the semiconductors aluminum indium phosphide (AlInP) and aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP) for the first time by this technique.III-V solar cells—so named because of the position the materials fall on the periodic table—are commonly used in space applications. Notable for high efficiency, these types of cells are too expensive for terrestrial use, but researchers are developing techniques to reduce those costs.One method pioneered at NREL relies on a new growth technique called dynamic hydride vapor phase epitaxy, or DHVPE. Traditional HVPE, which for decades was considered the best technique for production of light-emitting diodes and photodetectors for the telecommunications industry, fell out of favour in the 1980s with the emergence of MOVPE. Both processes involve depositing chemical vapors onto a substrate, but the advantage belonged to MOVPE because of its ability to form abrupt heterointerfaces between two different semiconductor materials, a place where HVPE traditionally struggled.

That’s changed with the advent of D-HVPE.The earlier version of HVPE used a single chamber where one chemical was deposited on a substrate, which was then removed. The growth chemistry was then swapped for another, and the substrate returned to the chamber for the next chemical application.

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NEOM ADOPTS PIONEERING SOLAR DOME TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DESALINATION PROJECT NEOM will now adopt pioneering solar technology to produce low cost, environmentally friendly water, strengthening its reputation as an emerging hub for innovation and conservation.The company has signed an agreement with U.K.-based Solar Water Plc. to build the first ever “solar dome” desalination plants in NEOM, located in northwest Saudi Arabia.

The pilot project promises to revolutionize the water desalination process, helping solve one of the world’s most pressing problems – access to freshwater. Work will commence in February and is expected to be completed by the end of 2020. At an estimated $0.34/m3, the cost of producing water via “solar dome” technology will be significantly lower than desalination plants using reverse osmosis methods. The technology will also significantly reduce the impact on the environment by producing more concentrated brine, a potentially harmful byproduct of the water extraction process. Solar Water’s ground-breaking approach, developed at the U.K.’s Cranfield University, represents the first use, on a large scale, of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technology in seawater desalination.

The process sees seawater pumped into a hydrological “solar dome” made from glass and steel, before it is superheated, evaporated and eventually precipitated as fresh water.The “solar dome” desalination process, which can also operate at night due to the stored solar energy generated throughout the day will reduce the total amount of brine that is created during the water extraction process. Solar Water’s groundbreaking approach, developed at the U.K.’s Cranfield University, represents the first use, on a large scale, of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technology in seawater desalination.

COVESTRO'S INSQIN TECHNOLOGY GRANTED SOLAR IMPULSE'S LABEL

Covestro’s waterborne technology called Insqin for sustainable textile coating has been granted the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions Label by the Solar Impulse Foundation. The label signifies its credibility and a guarantee of quality for those looking for clean solutions. The project has been proven economically profitable and environmentally protective.Covestro’s solar-powered greenhouses for drying food to preserve it have also got the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions Label. With its Insqin technology, Covestro significantly increases the sustainability of textile coating. The technology is based on waterborne polyurethane coatings, making textile production more eco-friendly and easier to handle. Using Insqin, the production of coated fabrics also requires up to 95 per cent less water and 50 per cent less energy.The solar greenhouse dryer is an efficient, decentralised, cost-effective and sustainable solution for reduction of post-harvest losses in agricultural products. The high efficiency of the dryer is achieved through the use of polycarbonate for construction of a parabolically shaped greenhouse. The material is transparent to visible and in particular infrared light and shows good thermal insulating properties, allowing the dryer to heat up quickly. The World Alliance for Efficient Solutions, founded under the auspices of the Solar Impulse Foundation, collaborates with start-ups, companies, institutions, NGOs and investors to create synergies, share knowledge and build relationships for speeding up the implementation of clean and profitable solutions.

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