SolarQuarter January Issue 2020

SOLAR ASSET MANAGEMENT SPECIAL ISSUE

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 Volume 10. l Issue 1  January 2020

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Solar Quarter • January 2020 5

IN CONVERSATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS Industry Insights

Mr. Anil Gagvani, Head - Asset Management, ReNew Power Limited

 Renewable Energy Investment Trends...........................................17

“Solar Asset Management Is A Challenging Proposition”

12

Mr. Luke Lu, Head of APAC Region and Vice President, LONGi Solar

 India’s Renewable Energy Making Rapid Strides 2019 Outlook 2020.......................................................................................18

“Longi Has Its Special Strength As It Owns The Full Value Chain Which Can Bring More Value To Customers”

13

Perspective

Mr. C Chaudhary, Chief Operating Officer, Amp Energy India

 Budget 2020: Insights And Growth Trends..................................20

“O&M And Asset Management Are Key To Technical And Economic Performance Of Solar Systems”

14

Mr. Ramesh Bansal, Executive Director, Novasys Greenergy Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Sushil Bansal, Managing Director, Novasys Greenergy Pvt. Ltd. 15

 How Is Automation Transforming Solar Asset Management?...........................................................................23

15

“We Supply Solar Panels With Only Positive Tolerance Which Offers 2-3Watt Extra Per Module To Our Clients”

 Factors That Will Further Aid Solar Rooftop Installation In Punjab & Haryana.........................................................................26 Mr. Rahul Mishra, CEO, Rays Power Infra

 Challenges to Effective Cost Management in Solar O&M.......28

“We continue to be an opportunistic player identifying right opportunities between utility and C&I segments”

Product Feature

16

 SUNGROW.......................................................................................31

Company Feature  WAAREE.............................................................................................30

ADVERTISERS INDEX 01

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Gatefold

For Subscription Enquiries : Kunal Varma, kunal@firstviewgroup.com, +91 88505 70273

Solar Quarter • January 2020 6

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Solar Quarter • January 2020 7

India News

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harkhand Floats A Tender For 10 MW Of Residential Rooftop Solar Projects

The Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) floated a tender for the empanelment

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ndian Railways to Source 1 GW of Solar Power by 2021-22 Indian Railways is planning to source 1 GW of energy from solar power and about 200

MW from wind energy by 2021-22 across zonal railways and production units. The 1GW

of agencies to install grid-connected rooftop solar PV power projects of various capacities

of energy is being planned to segregate in two halves ie. 500 MW of rooftop energy

anywhere in the state. The capacity of the rooftop solar PV projects will be 10 MW for

for railway buildings and the remaining 500 MW to meet both traction and non-traction

residential consumers only. The scope of work includes agencies for the design, testing,

requirements, according to a statement by the government. South Central Railways has

manufacture, installation, supply and commissioning of grid-connected rooftop solar PV power projects in the state.The scope of work includes five years of comprehensive maintenance contract (CMC) on a turnkey basis for residential electricity consumers in market mode anywhere in the state of Jharkhand.

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ndia’s Total Installed Power Capacity for Solar Reaches 9.6% in 2019

The Renewable Energy segment (including large hydro) in India accounts for 36% of

installed solar panels at stations and service buildings across the zone.

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HEL Floats An O&M Tender for 5MW of Solar Projects in Tamil Nadu In Its Premises

The Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has issued a tender for operations and maintenance of a 5 MW solar power project at its premises in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu. The scope of work for the project involves the operation and maintenance of the 5 MW solar

India’s total power capacity mix at the end of 2019, according to data from the Central

power project. This would involve the furnishing labor, safety equipment, materials, and

Electricity Authority (CEA), and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Of

tools, among others. The commencement date for the same is March 7, 2020. The contract

this, renewables (including large hydro) accounted for about 133.2 GW, up from 122.8

period is 2 years and the last date of submission of bids is January 31, 2020.

GW last year, an 8.5% increase from 2018. Cumulative solar installations in the country stood at around 35.6 GW at the end of CY 2019, representing 9.6% of the total installed power capacity mix. It accounted for about 26.7% of all renewable energy in the country.

In comparison, at the end of 2018, solar power contributed to roughly 27.9 GW of the total installed generation or 7.9% of the overall power capacity.

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adhya Pradesh’s RUMS Invites Bids for 1.5 GW of Solar Projects

The Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited has invited bids to develop three solar parks with an aggregate capacity of 1,500 MW in the state of Madhya Pradesh. RUMS is a joint venture

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aharashtra Adopts Tariff of Rs 3.05/kWh for 184 MW of Solar Projects

The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has allowed Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MSPGCL) and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to procure power from 184 MW of solar projects.

The projects are set up by Waaree Energies Limited (WEL) under the state’s Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana. The tariff of Rs 3.05/kWh discovered through competitive bidding for 25 years has been approved by the commission. The commission has also agreed to

of the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited and Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited. RUMS had tendered a total of 1,500 MW of grid-connected solar projects in 2018.

However, due to impending central and state elections, the tenders were delayed. The same capacities have been reissued now.

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aryana Floats a Tender for 279 MW of Solar Projects Near Substations Under KUSUM Program

MSPGCL and MSEDCL’s request to make the required amendments to the power purchase

Haryana has issued an expression of interest for 279 MW of solar projects under the

agreement (PPA) and the power sale agreement (PSA) and submit it to the commission.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) program that aims to solarize India’s agricultural sector. Under the Component A of KUSUM,

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ata Power Solar Awarded 250 MW PV Project from NTPC Tata Power Solar Systems, has won the 250 MW solar project tender under the central

public sector undertakings (CPSU) scheme, according to a letter of award from stateowned utility NTPC Ltd. The CPSU scheme provides viability gap funding support for Indian state-run power generators to set up 12 GW of grid-connected solar PV power projects using domestically made equipment. The capacity is to be built in the next four years. This project is going to be the biggest single order from a third party. It is in line with the government’s ‘Make in India’ mission.

solar power projects of capacities between 500 kW and 2 MW were to be developed by individual farmers, cooperatives, panchayats, farmer producer organizations (FPO) on barren lands falling within a 5 km radius of the 33/11 kV substations. The Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVN) and the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (DHBVN) has now invited substation-wise expression of interest (EoI) from developers for setting up decentralized grid-connected ground or stilt-mounted solar power projects of capacity between 500 kW and 2 MW capacities. The solar power projects will be installed within a 5 km radius of the substation and the solar power generated will be purchased by DISCOMs at a pre-fixed levelized tariff of Rs 3.11 ($0.043)/kWh determined by the Haryana

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nly 560 MW is Auctioned by NTPC of the 1,000 MW Solar Capacity Under the DBDT Program - Changed

The 1,000 MW solar tender by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) had been under-subscribed with bids received only for 700 MW solar capacity. Of the undersubscribed tender of 700 MW, 80% of the bid capacity 560 MW has been awarded to Tata Power Solar (300 MW), Jakson Limited (110 MW) and Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) (150 MW). L&T had quoted the price at Rs 19.98 million/MW ($282,102) for 300 MW, but was only allotted capacity of 150 MW following the bucket filling method in the auction.

Jakson’s EPC quote bid was for Rs 19.96 million/MW ($281,820) to develop a capacity of 110 MW. Tata Power Solar was the lowest bidder with an EPC quote of Rs 19.2 million/MW ($271,089). The total contract value of Tata Power Solar is Rs 576 crore, Jakson at 219.56 crore and L&T contract value is Rs 299.7 crore (approx).

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ew Deadline Set For BIS Certification of Solar Inverters As June 30, 2020

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced that the deadline for the self-certification of solar inverters has been extended again by six months from

Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC).

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GCIL to Help Madhya Pradesh Set Up Transmission System for 1.5 GW of Solar Projects

The Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL) according to which the PGCIL will provide project management consultancy services for a transmission system to evacuate power from 1,500 MW of solar projects in Madhya Pradesh. The solar parks are located in Neemuch, Shajapur, and Agar districts, and the total estimated project cost is Rs 556 million (~$7.8 million). The consultancy cost is approximately Rs 444.8 million (~$6.3 million). The company will issue a tender for the request for the selection of bidders (RfS) for its solar projects soon. The agreement for providing project management consultancy services is for the internal evacuation power structure.

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PERC Allows Noida Metro to Install 10 MW of Rooftop Solar Projects with Net Metering

December 31, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Understanding the requirement for quality parts in

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has allowed the Noida

solar projects, the legislature had made it compulsory that laboratories must direct the

Metro Rail Corporation Limited (NMRC) to install 10 MW of rooftop solar power projects

tests for obligatory registration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for the execution

with a net metering facility. Earlier, NMRC had filed a petition asking the Commission to

of the quality order. Considering the capacity, issues identified with testing fees, and the

relax the 1 MW ceiling and to supply electricity on a net metering basis. The petitioner

absence of test labs availability, the industry has been seeking more time for compliance since the introduction of the policy. Hence the government has positively extended the self-certification deadline.

had stated that it wanted to install 10 MW of rooftop solar projects at 21 metro stations, depots, and parking areas on the Noida-Greater Noida Metro Corridor. NMRC had also stated that it has a contracted load of 6 MW capacity at sector 148 and another 6 MW of contracted load at sector 83 of Noida.

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Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• January January 2020 2020 8

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Solar Quarter • January 2020 9

Asia News

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DFD Allocates $ 105 Million for 8 Renewable Energy Projects Recommended by IRENA in Developing Nations

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The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) confirmed the allocation of approximately

AE Announces New Development and Funding Agreements Under US$50m Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund

US$105 million for eight renewable energy projects in developing countries in the

The UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE-CREF) has entered the second cycle of

seventh cycle of the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility. The announcement marks a record level

its three-year plan to build climate-resilient renewable energy projects in 16 Caribbean

of funding for any cycle since the facility was launched, and it will provide funding for

nations, successfully completing new development and funding agreements for the

projects in Antigua and Barbuda, Burkina Faso, Chad, Cuba, the Maldives, Nepal, Saint

Dominican Republic, Haiti, Guyana, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago,

Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The announcement was made during the 10th

and Suriname. The announcement was made at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2020, one

IRENA Assembly and brings cumulative funding to date to US$350 million, in line with the

of the world’s largest sustainability gatherings, taking place this week in the UAE capital.

commitment made by ADFD across seven funding cycles to IRENA recommended projects

According to this new development and funding agreements a solar photovoltaic (PV) carport and rooftop project will be built in the Dominican Republic; a solar PV and battery

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audi Arabia Floats 1.2GW Tender for 4 Large-Scale Solar Projects

Saudi Arabia’s Renewable Energy Project Development Office (REPDO) has opened the request-for-qualification process related to a tender for 1.2 GW of solar generation capacity.

REPDO will use the third round of the Kingdom’s National Renewable Energy Program to select developers to construct four solar power projects, with generation capacities of 80 MW, 120 MW, 300 MW and a mammoth 700 MW. The Saudi government stated the selected projects must contain at least 17% local content. The deadline to pre-qualify for the tender is February 6. In March, REPDO said the second round of the program –

hybrid project will be developed for the village of Dondon, Haiti; a solar PV and battery hybrid plant will be constructed on the island of Wakenaam, Guyana; and a solar PV and battery hybrid project is planned for Carriacou in Grenada. In Saint Kitts and Nevis, two solar PV desalination plants will be developed, while Suriname will receive a solar PV and battery hybrid plant and Trinidad and Tobago, a solar PV carport.

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ubai Sees World’s Largest Single-Site 700 MW Concentrated Solar Project by Shanghai Electric and DEWA

intended to allocate 1.5 GW of large scale solar capacity attracted 250 bidders. In July, the

Significant progress has been made in the Dubai 700 MW concentrated solar power

administrative body said the number of bidders had been narrowed down to 60, 28 of

project, announced as the world’s largest single-site concentrated solar project (CSP). The

which are based in Saudi Arabia. The final results of the exercise are yet to be announced.

700 MW CSP project marks phase four of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai and is a crucial part of the UAE government’s “Vision 2021” initiative to

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arubeni, Total and Siraj Energy to Develop 800 MW of Solar Projects in Qatar

A special purpose company (SPC) formed by Japan’s Marubeni Corporation, Francebased Total Solar International and Siraj Energy of Qatar has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) to develop 800 MW of solar projects. The collaboration has an equity holding of 20.4% by Marubeni Corporation, 19.6% by Total, and 60% by Siraj Energy. With an estimated cost of QR 1.7 billion (~$462.5 million), the large-scale solar power project will be constructed at Al-Kharsaah area west of Doha on a 10 square kilometer land and is expected to be equipped with 2 million bifacial solar modules with trackers. The special purpose company will develop, construct, and operate and maintain the solar PV project.

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asdar and Infinity Energy establish joint venture “Infinity Power” to develop renewable energy projects in Egypt

Masdar and Infinity Energy, have agreed to establish a joint venture company, Infinity Power, to develop utility-scale and distributed solar energy and wind power projects in Egypt and Africa. The agreement was signed at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week by Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Infinity Energy Managing Director and Co-founder Mohamed Elamin Ismail Mansour, and Infinity Energy CEO Nayer Fouad. Egypt’s 2035 Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy targets 20 per cent of the electricity mix coming from renewables by 2022 and 42 per cent by 2035. The country has the potential to supply 53 per cent of its electricity mix from renewables by 2030, according to analysis by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly development. Once operational, the CSP plant will reduce Dubai’s carbon footprint by 1.6 million tons per year.

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ndonesia may ease auto, solar imports Indonesia may ease restrictions on import of automobiles and solar equipment from

India in return for shipping higher quantities of palm oil, following a government move to license the import of the edible oil, which is seen to be targeted at Malaysia. Indonesian trade minister Agus Suparmanto Subagio, who met commerce & industry minister Piyush Goyal in Davos, is also expected to visit India over the next month to discuss details of an enhanced trade engagement with India.

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alaysia Awards Over 491 MW of Solar Projects to Five Companies

The energy commission of Malaysia has awarded nearly 491 MW (490.88 MW) of largescale solar projects to five companies. The winning companies are ib vogt GmbH and Coara Solar, Cypark Resources Berhad and Impian Bumiria, JKH Renewables and Solarpack Asia, ENGIE Energie Services and TTL Energy, and Konsortium Beseri Jaya and Hanwha Energy Corporation Singapore. The tender was issued in February 2019, by Suruhanjaya Tenaga to develop 500 MW of large-scale solar projects in Peninsular Malaysia. This was the third large-scale solar project tender under the country’s large-scale solar program.

The project capacity was between 1-100 MW and expected to be commissioned by 2021.

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asdar and PLN Enter Partnership to Develop First Floating Solar Power Plant in Indonesia

Masdar, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, has signed a power

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urkish Solar Reaches 6GW Turkey reached a cumulative 5,995 MW of installed solar generation capacity last year,

according to statistics published by grid operator TEIAS.Of Turkey’s total solar capacity, 5,826 MW is represented by ‘unlicensed’ PV systems – installations with a capacity of no more than 1 MW. Licensed projects, awarded in public tenders, supply 169.7 MW. Solar makes up around 6.5% of Turkey’s power generation capacity, which at the end of the year stood at 91.26 GW. Last year, the volume of newly deployed PV reached 923 MW.

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purchase agreement (PPA) with Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), the state electricity company in Indonesia, for the first floating solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the country.

The 145-megawatt (MW) PV plant, which will also be Masdar’s first floating solar PV project, will be built on a 225-hectare plot of the 6200-hectare Cirata Reservoir, in the West Java region. Masdar is developing the plant with PT Pembangkitan Jawa-Bali (PT PJB), a subsidiary of PLN. Indonesia is the largest energy user in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, and the country is targeting 23 per cent of its energy mix coming from renewables by 2025, rising to 31 per cent by 2030.

Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• January January 2020 2020 10

Asia News

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hai and Chinese Consortium Bag Record Floating SolarPlus-Hydro Project

Thai regulator Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has awarded a contract

and solar energy equipment and solutions. Within South-East Asia, Vietnam is a leader in solar energy with the largest installed capacity of 5.5GW in 2019. The PV capacity for the region is expected to triple in the next 5 years.

for a 45MW floating solar project on the Sirindhorn Dam to a consortium including local firm B.Grimm Power and Energy China. Expected to become operational by December, Ratchathani Province, will be one of the largest floating PV systems in the world. A release

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from B.Grimm also claimed that it would be the world’s largest hybrid floating solar project

Cleantech Solar and Ambu Sdn. Bhd. have entered into a long-term power purchase

connected to a hydropower plant.

agreement (PPA) to benefit from a 923 kWp solar PV system that will be installed across

the Sirindhorn Dam Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid Pilot Project in Sirindhorn District, Ubon

mbu signs Power Purchase Agreement with Cleantech Solar in Malaysia

Ambu’s manufacturing and research and development buildings in Bayan Lepas, Penang.

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ehui a Vietnamese PV Maker Bets on US Solar to Fuel 2020s Growth

One of the biggest names of Vietnam’s PV manufacturing scene is to throw its weight behind the US solar market over the next three years, with plans to target utility-scale buyers by embracing bifacial technology. Dehui Solar told about its ambitions to triple its

The PV system would be installed by Solarvest Holdings Berhad and is expected to be fully operational by mid-2020. The solar PV system, is expected to generate over 23,700 MWh of clean energy, avoiding 16,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions across the agreement’s terms. Through this arrangement, Ambu will benefit from savings on electricity costs and

business with the US in the space of three years, using its subsidiary in the country to take

also see an improvement on its environmental performance as the company lowers its

shipments from 1 GW in 2020 to 2GW in 2021 and 3GW in 2022. Dehui said its factories in

dependency on non-renewable energy, without having to invest its own capital.

Vietnam should reach this year 1.5GW and 2GW in combined cell and module capacity, respectively. As it ambitions to ramp up shipments, Dehui is also planning to majorly scale up production. The firm currently

runs

250,000

www.Lntecc.com

Every challenge under the sun, has an innovative solution 60 MWp Solar Tracker Plant at Tiruchuli

100 kW (AC) microgrid project with energy storage at Patna, Bihar

square feet split across five production lines but has set aside a further one million square feet, set to host factories in the future.

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ECOM Supplies Mono Modules to Savina Power in Vietnam and Expands its Global Presence RECOM

delivers

Microgrid project for Rural Electrification In Bihar

50 MWp Solar Tracker Plant, Theni, Tamil Nadu

360Wp

mono modules to Savina Power JSC in Vietnam, as part of its growing presence in the market. The RECOM modules, totaling 6MW, will be deployed in three industrial

solar

projects:

Mekong factory, Sa Thay District, Kon Tum Province; Tra Da Factory, Tra Da

We are among the world’s leading solar PV installers. The track record includes the largest solar plants in India. Our canvas is vast, and growing wider.

EPC Capabilities are on offer for Utility Scale, Rooftop, Microgrid, Distributed Generation and Storage Solutions.

Product Offerings include Horizontal Single Axis Tracker, Solar Pumps, Battery Energy Storage Container.

industrial park, Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province and Triple Factory, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. Savina Power JSC is a leading developer in

Vietnam projects,

investment design execution,

•

Over 2 GWp of projects incorporating various technologies

•

India’s first landfill solar PV project of 14.4 MWp in Rajasthan

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One of the world’s largest rooftop PV plants of 7.5 MWp in Punjab

•

Biggest tracker portfolio for EPC in India with more than 440 MWp of projects

•

Largest rural electrification and microgrid project covering 229 villages in Bihar

•

India’s first large scale Solar PV Project of 2x10 MW with 16 MW/8 MWh battery energy storage system in Andaman (under execution)

providing

professional servicing for solar

Records under the Sun:

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project

L&T Construction-Power Transmission & Distribution Mount Poonamallee Road, Manapakkam, P.B.No. 979, Chennai - 600 089, INDIA E-mail: info@Lntecc.com Tel: +91 44 2252 6000, 2252 8000

A brand of Larsen & Toubro Limited

Regd. Office: Larsen & Toubro Limited, L&T House, N. M. Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai - 400 001, INDIA CIN: L99999MH1946PLC004768

maintenance,

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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 11 11

Global News

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avel Solar Grid Achieves 120 MW Total Installed Solar PV Capacity in Altai Republic

With the commissioning of 10 MW Chemal PV Power Plant, Hevel Group of Russia has reached a total installed solar PV capacity of 120 MW in Altai Republic, this capacity

lowest winning bid was JPY 10.99 ($0.10) per kWh for this round. The actual power amount offered in this tender was 416.19 MW and bids were capped at JPY 13.00 ($0.12) per kWh. In response, METI said it selected 72 bids representing 185.6 MW of total capacity to be considered. Eventually, 27 projects made the cut.

would generate 154 million kWh of clean power annually, enough to cater to over 30%

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), till the end of 2018

of the region’s consumption. The Russian solar power project developer and module

Japan’s cumulative installed renewable energy capacity was 90.38 GW, of which solar’s

manufacturer has deployed its own heterojunction (HJT) modules for the 10 MW plant

share was 55.5 GW. Japan’s official target is 64 GW solar by the end of 2020 that the

and with this, the companies installed capacity of HJT modules in Russia now exceeds

government has been targeting for 2030, said local consultancy RTS Corporation that

200 MW. Following this the company will connect 40 MW Ust-Koksa PV plant in Altai

believes the country has the potential for 150 GW to be installed by 2030.

Republic which it claims to be the largest PV installation in Siberia and one among the largest HJT PV projects globally.

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ower Company Galp to Take Over 2.9 GW Solar Power Capacity from ACS Group valued at $2.44 billion

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oltalia UK Gets Green Signal for 40 MW Solar and Storage Plant

The Dorset Council in the UK has given its planning consent for a subsidy-free 40 MW solar power plant along with battery storage capacity to be set up near Blandford

In a big swap of assets, between Galp and ACS Group, Galp will be taking over 2.9 GW

Forum by local presence of French renewable energy company Voltalia. UK based

solar PV capacity in Spain of which currently 900 MW is operational, which is valued

consultancy Pegasus Group secured the council approval on behalf of Voltalia, which it

at €2.2 billion ($2.44 billion). It is scheduled to scale up to 1.4 GW by 2020, 2.3 GW

announced on its Twitter handle. Voltalia UK will set up the ground mounted solar PV

by 2021, 2.8 GW by 2022 and finally 2.9 GW by 2023. Valued at €2.2 billion ($2.44

array with batteries to generate grid connected clean power for around 10,605 homes

billion), the deal includes acquisition, development and construction of the projects.

annually for a period of 35 years. Post that, it may either be decommissioned or apply

Galp plans to finance additional developments in the 2020-23 period through project

for further planning consent.

finance and will look for possible partnership opportunities in the renewables sector.

The project will allow livestock to continue to graze on the land even under the panels and the company has pledged to manage hedgerows and field margins to encourage

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BSOLAR Announced Brazilian Distributed Generation Capacity Reaches 2 GW

Brazilian solar PV energy association ABSOLAR announced that the Brazilian cumulative operational distributed solar PV generation capacity has reached 2 GW, this capacity comes from 171,900 grid-connected solar PV systems. Brazil crossed the 1 GW capacity level in this domain in June 2019, according to the statistics shared by its National

biodiversity and wildlife habitat here. Pegasus said the project will help deliver viable and profitable farming to the area.

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9.5 GW Corporate Clean Energy Contracts Signed Globally in 2019

As per Bloomberg New Energy Finance year 2019 saw corporations across the globe

Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL). A note released by ABSOLAR, and reported by various

sign up for a total of 19.5 GW of clean energy contracts, which is 43% more than

media, claims that solar PV accounts for practically all of the distributed generation

reported in the previous year. In 2018, the total capacity contracted by corporates was

(DG) capacity in the country, to be precise 99.8% of all installed. It also represents over

13.6 GW, which is a revised number as previously it claimed 13.4 GW of the total figure

BRL 10 billion ($2.39 billion) in investments since 2012 across five national regions.

that came from 121 companies.

The biggest stakeholder in Brazil’s distributed solar power generation systems is the residential segment that claims a 72.6% market share followed by commercial and services segment with 17.99%, rural consumers 6.25%, industries 2.68%, public authorities 0.43% while the remaining 0.04% and 0.01% has been installed by services and public lighting segments, respectively.

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BNEF says the 19.5 GW came from more than 100 corporations in 23 nations with maximum purchases reported in the Americas region that added 15.7 GW to the cumulative last year. Together these projects are expected to cost between $20 billion and $30 billion to develop and build. A major factor for the record-breaking growth of PPAs last year were corporate sustainability commitments as close to 400 companies, went in for a science based target to reduce their emissions in line with the Paris

cope for Chile to Reach 43.6 GW Under 100% Renewable Energy Scenario By 2050

Agreement. The RE100 initiative saw 63 companies joining the fray, thus taking the number of members to 221 that are likely to purchase an additional 210 TWh of clean

Based on a scenario that the Latin American country will have an energy system

power in 2030 to meet their targets. “Should this shortfall be met with offsite PPAs,

completely based on 100% renewable resources, a study published in the International

it would catalyze an estimated 105 GW of new solar and wind build globally,” stated

Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management sees solar PV accounting

BloombergNEF.

for 43.6 GW of total installed power capacity in Chile by the year 2050. It is claimed that it would be technically feasible and more cost-efficient than the current system.

In such a scenario, the PV capacity across all sectors will increase from 1.1 GW in 2015 to 43.6 GW in 2050. Wind power, on the other hand, will grow from 800 MW in 2015 to 24.8 GW by 2050 – and these two technologies will mainly constitute all renewable electricity in the country, helping the country’s levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by about 25%, stop imports of energy and have the energy system emit zero GHG emissions by the target year.

An energy system mainly powered by fossil-fuels, Chile aims to have 70% of renewable energy share in its total mix by the year 2050, under its 2050 energy roadmap. This level will mainly be met by solar and wind power, and to some extent by hydro power.

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apan Selects 27 Solar Power Projects With 40 MW Capacity Under Fifth PV Auction Round

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ri-State To Add 700 MW+ Solar PV Capacity By 2024

A not-for-profit cooperative of 46 members in the US, Tri State Generation and Transmission Association says it will add 1 GW of solar and wind power projects to its portfolio in its bid to increase the share of renewables to 50% of its electricity supply by 2024. This roadmap follows Tri-State’s Responsible Energy Plan released after pledging to close down all its coal power plants and not build any more plants using this technology. The plan comprises eight projects in all, including six solar facilities with a combined capacity of 715 MW. Barring the 200 MW Escalante Solar Project in New Mexico for which Tri-State has a contract with Turning Point Energy, the rest of the solar power projects are under contract with Germany’s juwi. With 145 MW capacity, the Axial Basin solar project in Northwest Colorado will be located near Colowyo Mine, due for closure by 2030.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has selected a total of 27

Spanish Peaks Solar will be 100 MW strong and will be located in southern Colorado

solar power projects with a cumulative capacity of 39.81 MW as winners in the fifth

like the 40 MW Spanish Peaks II solar project. Juwi also has contracts for 120 MW

round of solar auctions concluded in the country for solar power systems with 500 kW

Coyote Gulch Solar and 110 MW Dolores Canyon Solar projects, both in southwest

or more capacity. While the weighted average bid level was JPY 12.57 per kWh, the

Colorado.

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Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• January January 2020 2020 12

Global News

O

ver 22 Million Jobs By 2050 to be Generated by Solar PV Globally

The solar PV sector, comprising both utility scale and rooftop solar, alone is expected to account for 22.2 million jobs across the world by 2050. In fact, solar PV may just replace coal as the major job creating energy resource with around 64% of total jobs

region. According to the company its installed capacity of HJT modules in Russia now exceeds 200 MW. For Hevel Solar, the commissioning of this project follows the grid connection of the 40 MW Ust-Koksa PV plant in Altai Republic which it claims to be the largest PV installation in Siberia and one among the largest HJT PV projects globally.

by 2050, compared to only 10% of total jobs in 2015. Along with solar, battery storage

In October 2018, Hevel Solar said it will aim to have 140 MW operational PV capacity

will represent around 13% of total jobs. Coal, gas and nuclear power sector jobs will

in Altai Republic by 2020 while adding an energy storage component. It signed an

decline rapidly. Power batteries will add 4.5 million jobs by 2050 and wind energy will

agreement with French battery maker Saft for its lithium-ion energy storage technology.

contribute with 1.4 million. Hydropower will create 1.9 million jobs by the assessed year and bioenergy will lead to 2.3 million jobs. These are most likely to be the major job creating technologies between 2015 and 2050 as the world transitions to a clean energy future, according to a study by researchers at the Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) of Finland, published in ScienceDirect Magazine.

A

A

BC World Asia and Temasek to Invest in Sunseap for Asian Solar Projects

Singapore based solar power company Sunseap Group Pte Ltd has raised $50 million from Asia-focused impact investing private equity fund ABC World Asia and global investment company Temasek, which it plans to invest in solar projects within Singapore

mazon To Power New Headquarters in Virginia With 82 MW Solar Power

and elsewhere in Asia. Both the investors are headquartered in Singapore. This is the

Global e-commerce company Amazon has made yet another investment in solar power,

Sunseap did not identify the exact geographies where it plans to invest the proceeds

this time to source clean power for its new headquarters or HQ2 in Arlington, Virginia in

apart from Singapore, but said the company has a total operating, under-construction

a bid to have it 100% renewable energy powered. It will come from a 120 MW solar farm

and development asset project capacity of 1.7 GW and a strong pipeline of projects in

in Pittsylvania County in Virginia of

China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of Southeast Asia.

first investment of ABC World Asia that counts Temasek as one of its investors.

which Amazon has contracted 82 MW. It is the company’s 10th solar project investment in Virginia.

The

expected

annual

power

production of 172,500 MWh will also be shared with the company’s other the

own

operations

Commonwealth

of

across Virginia

such as Whole Foods Markets and fulfillment centers. In all, the company said it will take about two-thirds of the renewable energy generated, the remainder will be consumed by Arlington County’s government operations.

Arlington County’s Board Chair Libby Garvey said, “It will take us a long way towards our goal of 100% use of renewable sources for all electricity used in government operations by 2025.” Both Amazon and

the

county

into

separate

have

power

entered purchase

agreements (PPA) with Dominion Energy.

H

evel Solar Commissions 10 MW Project In Altai Republic Hevel Group of Russia has reached a total installed solar PV capacity of 120 MW in Altai Republic with the commissioning of 10 MW Chemal PV Power Plant. Together all this capacity is capable of generating 154 million kWh of clean power annually, enough to cater to over 30% of the region’s consumption, it claims.

The project

Russian developer

solar and

power module

manufacturer has deployed its own heterojunction (HJT) modules for the 10 MW plant and with this, it has completed its portfolio in the

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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 13

In Conversation

“Solar Asset Management Is A Challenging Proposition” Mr. Anil Gagvani, Head - Asset Management, ReNew Power Limited

Solar Asset Management is a challenging proposition, as its performance is affected by a

What are the measures taken by the team at ReNew Power to maximize energy production, minimize downtime, and reduce operation and maintenance costs?

multitude of factors, over its entire life span. A solar asset is stationary in nature and is in

ReNew power has taken several measures to improve safety, yield and reliability of assets.

an open atmosphere, impacted by multitude of natural factors such as rains, cloud cover,

Most of these initiatives have been implemented with the help of automation. Some of the

diffused radiation, dust, cyclones, temperature etc. These factors, combined with local

measures we have taken are:

conditions greatly impact safety, reliability and yield.

1. Condition based module cleaning instead of industry practice of time-based cleaning

What are some of the challenges to solar asset management today? How has digitalisation helped manage assets efficiently?

Solar assets are usually located in remote locations, where logistics and resource deployment is a challenge. Certain operational tasks, such as module cleaning, vegetation management require safe practices that are usually performed by unskilled or semiskilled persons. Large size of the plants pose challenges in terms of logistics and resource deployment.

Speaking of industry, performance and operational standards are evolving gradually, as a significant part of the asset base is still serviced by unorganized players. Rapid evolution of technology, and high rate of obsolescence of installed equipment poses challenges of availability of skilled personnel for service, warranty management and spares availability.

As a leader and the largest player in Renewable Energy, ReNew Power has always anticipated the challenges and remained ahead of its peers by adopting newer technologies such as digitization and automations. We are of the firm view that industry will eventually follow what we are doing today. At ReNew we focus on collection of information and data from multitude of platforms / sources at a very high granularity and use it for our advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms through which has helped us build capability on resource & generation forecasting.

Digital tools have helped us develop deep understanding of different atmospheric and ambient conditions and how they impact yields, safety and reliability, plan our activities

to help conserve water while optimizing yield.

2. Drone thermography used for monitoring the overall asset health condition and early detection of failures. It also helps us to reduce the conventional module testing cost significantly. Implementation of robotic cleaning at sites to improve the yield of plants along with saving of water and subsequently the cost.

3. Developed alternatives for critical components such as tracker, actuators, inverters etc and service / repairs set up at its own facility. This has helped us to reduce turnaround time.

4. Inventory management through SAP system and BI dashboards which enables us for effective use of spares across sites and procurement of same.

5. We ran our in-house program of assessing the health of our projects through audits.

We called it “Asset Health Assurance” program. Through this we conduct periodic audits at all sites to determine and improve the health score of assets.

6. IV measurements of Strings/ Modules on a sampling basis on a periodic basis through our reliability team by reducing the uncertainty factors.

7. E-surveillance at remote sites and GPS tagging on cabs have helped to operate more efficiently and created a scope to reduce operational cost.

carried out using ERP tools (such as SAP). We are going one step further in that, we are

Should the government introduce certain frameworks for ensuring asset quality maintenance and standardise asset management practices throughout the industry?

digitizing predictive maintenance of our assets.

Government has done really well by setting the vision of 175 GW of renewable energy

better, deploy our resources optimally, and help conserve natural resources, such as water.

Traditionally, Preventive Maintenance, Performance and Inventory Management are

by 2022 and by giving it a priority. In order that quality of assets built is good and that

How do you think strategic asset management can help maximize returns on investment? Has the RoI of ReNew Power in the recent past been up to company expectations? Share with us more growth insights during the years.

ReNew Power commissioned its first solar plant of 50 MW capacity in FY16 in Sheopur District of Madhya Pradesh. Since commissioning of our first plant, we have come a long way in our asset management program. While a large part of the industry relies on conventional methods of O&M, we have tried to implement new technologies, innovative

they continue to serve for their design life, it is necessary to put in place a framework that addresses asset quality concerns, such as module quality, build quality, PV waste management, transmission constraints, re-powering the PV projects etc.

Standardizing the asset management practices is a welcome step, especially when the industry is set to grow further. ReNew is at the forefront here as well, shaking hands with premier institutes, renowned consultant & government bodies to set-up a standard on performance testing of PV modules and various other initiatives.

believe that strong asset management is a combination of competent manpower, a robust

What have been the key highlights of 2019 at the Asset Management division of ReNew Power and plans underway for growth in the team towards vision 2025?

set of processes, deployment of modern tool-set of advanced analytics, machine learning

2019 was an eventful year for ReNew power. We undertook several programs that will have

and a management focus to exploring & implementing new innovative ideas to improve

a long-term impact on our competitiveness. We entered into an alliance with a technology

health and safety, asset yield and reliability.At ReNew Power we have all the tools in place

partner who is a market leader in the segment. We set up an agile lab to better analyse

and this is evident in performance KPIs of our projects.

and assess the data at our disposal, which in turn helped us standardise more than 90

methods and gone beyond conventional beliefs.

Solar Asset management is not all about module cleaning and vegetation management. I

processes within solar asset management.

What are the latest technologies recently introduced at ReNew Power for effective and efficient renewable energy/solar asset management?

Solar asset management has a significant scope of improvisation by deploying analytics and performance monitoring tools. We have been active in this area, and have created a set of methods and systems that helps us retain our competitive edge. We began by building a robust infrastructure, processes, capabilities and implementation of Enterprise level SCADA. In FY20, we have started working on digital transformation of business by building Agile labs and creating our own IPR in the form of digital modules on Advance Analytics. At present we have a pool of 100+ innovations to explore which will help us increase safety, yield and reliability.

ReNew asset management has sourced critical components and developed alternatives for critical components for seamless operation. This is a big leap towards the sustainable O&M practices considering that the market is seeing a lack of components, obsolescence and change of technology. Once successfully implemented, these innovations will help us realize further improvement in uptime and yield.

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We also introduced an in-house program for improvement of yields and reliability improvement. Under the initiative we are managing more than 20 projects on yield and reliability improvement for our assets. Moreover, through this program we have put focus on our safety culture. Our standards of governance remain impeccable throughout and we intend to continue with the same zeal in future.

The industries association and bodies recognised our efforts and showered us with many awards for our outstanding O&M practices. Some of these recognitions came from industry peers such as the CII, who selected ReNew power as recipient of ‘Excellence in Performance award’ at the CII Performance Excellence Awards for Solar and Wind Plants-2018 and 2019 for our solar project based at Telangana and MP respectively. We were also awarded RE Assets excellence award 2019.

Going forward, we intend to sharpen our focus and adapt to newer ways in advance analytics and machine learning. With robust processes and policies in place we look to further promote safety culture and strengthen governance practices for solar projects.

We are building in-house services facilities, to de-risk obsolescence, non-availability of components and improve turnaround time, further boosting yield and reliability.

Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 14

In Conversation

“Longi Has Its Special Strength As It Owns The Full Value Chain Which Can Bring More Value To Customers” Mr. Luke Lu, Head of APAC Region and Vice President, LONGi Solar

What is the solar opportunity size in the APAC region?

Being one of the most abundantly available renewable energy resources in Asia Pacific, solar energy is witnessing tremendous growth across countries in this region. In some countries, it is becoming the mainstream source of energy, due to encouraging government policies and incentives, as well as improving solar project economics. PV equipment cost has already declined significantly in the past few years owing to technological advancements and economies of scale.

How do you plan to leverage your past experience to strengthen LONGi’s position in the APAC market?

I have been working in this industry and market region extensively. As many may know, before joining LONGi, I was with Sungrow for the past five years – most recently as President, Sungrow APAC. Having worked with all the geographies of this region, I have gained significant working and business development experience across different cultures, policy and regulatory regimes, local team building traditions and practices, consumer behavior and more. All these factors are important to drive local teams towards achieving ambitious targets.

How would you describe the opportunities and challenges in the Indian solar market? What has been LONGi’s marketing strategy to address these challenges?

My first trip to India was in the beginning of 2015 when I attended the RE-Invest conference in Delhi. It was a great honor to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inspiring speech about the renewable energy target for India. His speech and his vision fully inspired me and made me believe that I can do something to contribute to such a great ambition. That was the start of my journey in India. From then to now, the market situation is totally different. The opportunity size is huge and the market landscape has evolved and matured. Developers, EPCs, 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.

LONGi has its special strength as it owns the full value chain which can bring more value to

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customers and support them to achieve more together. As a 100 per cent believer in Mono technology, from the company’s very beginning, LONGi devoted itself to the development and promotion of mono-crystalline technology, even when no other companies believed in its advantages.

We have invested significantly in developing and enhancing this technology to an extent that the solar market today believes in our founder’s and top management’s vision. Our target is very simple and clear, that is to be number one in the world and in every major solar market, among which India is definitely one of the most important.

The best part about Indian customers is that they are very fair and they give all equipment makers a fair chance to prove their offerings. In such a fair market, LONGi can contribute a lot. 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-sales service. Most importantly, LONGi cares about its customers, no matter the size and market share.

How would you define the company’s key USP which has helped it get repeat orders and new clients in this market?

LONGi’s innovation and technology, product quality and customer service, our local team and local approach in serving our customers - all these together help us gain customer confidence and support.

What are LONGi’s plans in terms of domestic manufacturing in India?

We are in talks with serious and strong potential partners for local manufacturing. We will definitely try our best to support the Indian Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ mission and contribute more towards creating manufacturing jobs in the Indian economy as well as towards a greener country. We are very keen to make it happen.

What are the company’s targets and plans for the coming fiscal?

Our target is to become the number one player in terms of market share and be recognized as the most reputed PV brand among all customers.

Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 15

In Conversation

“O&M And Asset Management Are Key To Technical And Economic Performance Of Solar Systems” Mr. C Chaudhary, Chief Operating Officer, Amp Energy India

How robust is Amp Energy India in its solar asset management unit? What are the best solar asset management practices

Do you think a standardized process is required for an effective quality management system?

followed today?

Yes, a standardized process is key for an effective quality management system and we at

At Amp Energy India, we follow best industry practices in asset management for all our

Amp Energy India have standardised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality

projects including rooftop and ground mount. We manage our assets by following prudent

Management System (QMS).

practices in solar asset management such as: a) Central monitoring and management system or remote operation centre for all our assets across India. b) Rigorous implementation of basic plant activity such as preventive and corrective maintenance with pre-set checklist. Checking the health of our plants through PV diagnostic. c) Frequent cleaning of panels according to soiling analysis. d) We have robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and accordingly we manage our assets to outperform.

What are the steps followed by Amp Energy India to optimize and improve on solar asset management standards?

Amp Energy India has high standards in terms of system quality and efficiency and follows a systematic approach of asset management to improve system efficiency and reliability.

Central monitoring helps us in analysing equipment level performance across different geographical regions of our installations.

The SOP’s are defined for remedial action for individual breakdown. PV diagnostic is conducted on a year-on-year basis. Also, inventory management of complete assets is undertaken.

What can be done to increase performance while improving the lifecycle of the project?

Should the government introduce certain frameworks for ensuring asset quality maintenance?

Operation and Maintenance (O&M) and Asset Management are key to technical and economic performance of solar systems and plants. Having a set framework for O&M and Asset Management would help ensure that high quality assets are built which would in turn mitigate potential risks, improve the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) prices, and positively impact the return on investment (ROI). � Demonstrating transparent and responsible asset management processes that align with best practice � Undertaking maintenance programs which may include conservation, rehabilitation and renewal to prolong the life of an asset and monitor and manage the asset life cycle. � Considering the current and future needs of the community and its ability to provide infrastructure assets which contribute to meeting these needs, ensuring legislative requirements are met, ensuring resources and operational capabilities are identified and appropriately allocated are some of the ways to do it.

How have your projects performed financially and technically in the recent past? Has the RoI been up to expectations?

At Amp Energy India, we have operating rooftop and ground mount projects across India for different segments such as Manufacturing, Pharma & Healthcare, Cement & Steel, Educational institutions, FMCG etc with different technologies of inverters, modules and PLCs.

Steps that can be taken to increase performance while improving the lifecycle of the

Having said that, we monitor our projects through a central monitoring system at a single

project are:

location with a dedicated team of experts and have strong OEM partners for operation

� Preventive maintenance in a timely manner.

& maintenance of our plants. All our plants have been performing better or equal to the

� Quality check of each and every equipment as per defined schedule. � Thermographic imaging and IV curve check of modules to analyse performance and degradation. � Chemical properties of water shall be within permissible range such that it won’t affect modules.

estimated generation as committed to our customers and hence RoI has been in line with our expectation.

What are some of the key advantages of having good quality solar monitoring systems?

A solar monitoring system provides information about a PV system’s performance on

� Timely equipment compliance in terms of calibration of sensors and meters.

energy consumption and generation, optimizing energy usage, and damage to the solar

� Inventory management such that breakdown time can be minimised with readily

systems among other things.

available spares and reducing the cost of spares.

Monitoring a solar setup is important, to understand if the solar panels are operating at an

� Sufficient security for large utility projects on a day and night basis.

optimum efficiency which otherwise is difficult to figure out.

� Compliances as per the local regulation and CEA guidelines.

� Detecting problems while sending an alert when performance is nose-diving or any

Highlight some of the significant technology advancements to

� Monitoring systems often detect problems and defects with panels, and recommend

improve performance efficiencies and save on costs? Is India at par with technological breakthroughs that are happening globally?

We have been successful in increasing the efficiency of our plants by real time monitoring

others fluctuation. repairs to the setup. � Monitoring systems also offer data on historical weather-based performance, so you can know how the weather has impacted the solar production in the past, and what you might expect in the future and what action you can take to recover.

and following best practices at Amp Energy India. Online and central monitoring system

� Track how much electricity is produced.

for real-time alarm and record.

� Compute and quantify your savings on electricity.

Analytics can also play a major role for increasing plant performance and diagnosing

� Compute and measure carbon reduction or off-set.

equipment failure. Robotic/dry cleaning can improve performance and reduce overall

� Increase performance

cost. Automatic alert of activities with defined criticalities, management of plant inventory and corrective maintenance.

India is still in the process of adopting the best technology and industry practices from global partners since it involves cost and time.

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� Reporting management and invoicing � Inventory management � Security management

Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 16

In Conversation

“We Supply Solar Panels With Only Positive Tolerance Which Offers 2-3Watt Extra Per Module To Our Clients” Mr. Sushil Bansal Managing Director Novasys Greenergy Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Ramesh Bansal Executive Director Novasys Greenergy Pvt. Ltd.

Lets begin with a glimpse of your company’s presence and offerings in India?

Novasys Greenergy Pvt. Ltd. is a Solar Panel Manufacturing Company, based out of Nagpur with 100MW+ annual production capacity, which is strategically located in the centre part of India, having logistical advantage for our clients across India.

Could you tell us more about your product offerings and their specifications?

With our fully automated manufacturing line & German Stringer, we offer world class Solar PV panels from 10Wp to 390Wp in Poly-crystalline & Mono perc technology.

What trends would be seen in evolving module technology in the next 2 years?

Indian demand at present is of Poly-crystalline modules due to pending projects with old specifications. However, demand of Mono-Perc for Roof-Top project is growing fast & this demand trend shows that Mono-Perc technology will takeover Poly-Crystalline demand

Modules being the most important component of any solar project, what are the after sales service provided by your company?

First of all, we supply Solar Panels with only Positive tolerance which offers 2-3Watt extra per module to our clients. We offer 12years Construction Warranty, 12years performance warranty with minimum 90% rated output & 27years performance warranty with minimum 80% rated output. We are the only company who provides Post lamination, EL Image of each & every panel to our clients.

What are your expansion plans in India?

No. of Solar projects & Sizes of Solar Power Plants are growing every year & so the demand of Solar Panels. In view of growing demand, we are planning to expand our present capacity to 300MW+ by 2021.

With our fully automated manufacturing line & German Stringer, we offer world class Solar PV panels from 10Wp to 390Wp in Polycrystalline & Mono perc technology.

very soon.

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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 17

In Conversation

“We continue to be an opportunistic player identifying right opportunities between utility and C&I segments” Mr. Rahul Mishra, CEO, Rays Power Infra

Rays Power infra has an integrated solar portfolio, how has this has helped Rays Power in its growth?

The journey of Rays Power Infra’s solar portfolio is exactly the reason behind the growth of the organization. Started as a consulting firm, we gained our share of experience there to be able to establish ourselves as leading solar power developer and EPC Company. The bottom up growth for the company starting as consultant and eventually turning into an EPC player has led us to understand the risk mitigation strategies for us to establish ourselves as a Developer. Thus developing an integrated

region. Vietnam added 4.45 GW of new solar PV capacity from June 2018 to June 2019.

Central to the growth of the solar PV industry in Vietnam was the announcement in 2017 that projects commissioned before the end of June 2019 would qualify for a 20year FIT contract of US$0.0935/kilowatt hour (kWh), leading to a rush to get projects off the ground.

The plant consists of 150381 Mon crystalline 335 MWp modules, 13 central inverters and a fixed GI mounting structure with Ramming. This plant is one of the State of Art technology of excellence of Rays Power Infra.

solar portfolio, there is still a lot of understanding and learning involved at each step

Construction started in September 2019 and was completed in June of the same year

and that is helping us get ready for our future expansions.

even after a lot of land acquisition challenges which hindered the project for almost 2 to 3 month. The plant was officially inaugurated on 30.06.2019. It’s running successfully

Rays Power plans to set 450 MW of green energy projects in four

with 81% PR.

major states of the country. Let’s talk more about the plan?

This 450 MW plan is under the open access business of Rays Power Infra where we have planned installations in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

These projects would be commissioned and delivered starting mid 2020 going upto

The state regulatory area needs to be more

the 1st quarter of 2021 requiring investment of a little over INR 1700 Cr.

robust and in line with the industry and

What has been the highlight of Year 2019 for you? What are the

centre’s push towards making India energy

future plans for the coming year?

2019 had a major highlight where we installed and commissioned our first ever international project of 50MW in Phu Yen district of Vietnam and this marks our international business expansion. We managed to secure sanctions for installation of the above said 450 MW across four states of India and these projects are under open access model selling power to industrial and commercial consumers under by lateral PPAs. Also in an environment where project financing has been challenging due to liquidity constraints for the industry, we were able to commission and deliver 106MW of capacity in Tamil Nadu and 47MW of capacity in the state of Karnataka. All of these have put us nearing a 1GW of capacity delivered by Rays which is significant growth

requirements met through renewable sources, the financing community has had a bitter experience with state utilities not honouring the PPA’s and needs to be addressed immediately to revive lending to the sector.

for the company and the team.

We continue to be an opportunistic player identifying right opportunities between utility and C&I segments and will continue to develop assets within India. In other geographies we will continue to do EPC in select markets backing our strength and selectively will initiate development in the Asian and Australian markets.

2019 had a major highlight where we

Which area of the Solar sector needs priority attention in the

installed and commissioned our first ever

development of solar sector?

international project of 50MW in Phu

The state regulatory area needs to be more robust and in line with the industry and

Yen district of Vietnam and this marks

centre’s push towards making India energy requirements met through renewable sources, the financing community has had a bitter experience with state utilities not honouring the PPA’s and needs to be addressed immediately to revive lending to the sector.

Can you share any case study of an interesting project undertaken by Rays Power Infra?

The Europlast 50 MW Solar PV Project was one of the very first utility-scale solar PV projects in Vietnam that demonstrated the feasibility of the technology in Phu Yen

our international business expansion.

We managed to secure sanctions for installation of the above said 450 MW across four states of India and these projects are under open access model selling power to industrial and commercial consumers under by lateral PPAs.

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Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• January January 2020 2020 18

Industry Insights

Renewable Energy Investment Trends

Fig: Global renewable energy investment (excl. large hydropower), in USD billion, by region, 2004-2018

As renewables have become a compelling investment proposition, global investments in new renewable power have grown from less than USD 50 billion per year in 2004 to around USD 300 billion per year in recent years, exceeding investments in new fossil fuel power by a factor of three in 2018.

While hydropower still accounts for the largest share of the total renewable power capacity (50% of the 2018 total), solar and wind power have accounted for the largest shares of both annual capacity installations and annual investments in recent years. Solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power accounted for 90% of total renewable power investments in 2018.

A forthcoming report from IRENA and the Another defining trend of renewable energy investments has been a geographic shift towards emerging and developing markets, which have been attracting most of the renewable investments each year since 2015, accounting for 63% of 2018 renewable power investments. Besides China, which attracted 33% of total global renewable energy investments in 2018, other top emerging markets over the past decade include India, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and Chile. Nevertheless, many developing and emerging countries in Africa, the Middle East, South-East Asia and South-East Europe still have a largely untapped renewables investment potential.

In addition to the growing technological and geographical diversity, the renewable energy investment landscape is also witnessing a proliferation of new business models and investment vehicles, which can activate different investors and finance all stages of a renewable asset’s life. Examples include the rise of the green bond market, growing interest in corporate procurement of renewable power and new business models for small-scale renewables such as the pay-as-you-go model.

Despite generally positive investment trends, however, far more needs to be invested in renewables in order to meet sustainable development and climate goals and to realise the many benefits of the energy transformation. IRENA has estimated that investment in the energy system that puts the world on the path to limit global temperature increase to below 1.5 degrees Celsius (the “Energy Transformation” path) would focus on renewables, energy efficiency and associated energy infrastructure, and needs to reach a cumulative USD 110 trillion for the 2016-2050 period.

Of this amount, around 20%, or USD 22.5 trillion, will be needed for new renewable power capacity generation alone in the 2016-2050 period. This implies an annual renewable power investment of around USD 662 billion, i.e., at least a doubling of annual renewable power investment compared to the current annual level.

Source: RENEWABLE ENERGY FINANCE BRIEF 02

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SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 19 Solar

Industry Insights

India’s Renewable Energy Making Rapid Strides 2019 - Outlook 2020 Installed Re Capacity Crosses 84GW; Nearly 1o GW Re Capacity Added in 2019 In line with the objective of expanding the renewable energy sector, several important initiatives were taken by the government during the year 2019.

Renewable Energy capacity is rising rapidly and the status of projects as on 17.12.19 is given below:

(iii). Quantum of Compensation for back-down has been increased from 50 % to 100% with provision for recognition of only written instructions of back-down and payment of back-down compensation. (iv). Corresponding Time Extension in date for achievement of financial closure and scheduled commissioning date, in case there is a delay in adoption of tariff by the concerned Electricity Regulatory Commission beyond a period of 60 days from the filing of such application.

Sector

Installed capacity (GW)

Under Implementation (GW)

Tendered (GW)

Total Installed/ Pipeline (GW)

Solar Power

32.53

25.05

25.78

83.36

Wind Power

37.28

9.64

2.20

49.12

Bio Energy

9.94

0.00

0.00

9.94

Small Hydro

4.65

0.55

0.00

5.20

Wind Solar Hybrid

0

1.44

0.00

1.44

Round the Clock (RTC) Power

0

0.00

1.60

1.60

Total

84.40

36.68

29.58

150.66

Similar relaxations were also made for wind power bidding guidelines.

Development of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPPs) This Ministry has undertaken a scheme to develop Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPPs) under the existing Solar Park Scheme. The objective of the UMREPP is to provide land upfront to the project developer and facilitate transmission infrastructure for developing Renewable Energy (RE) based UMPPs with solar/wind/hybrid and also with storage system, if required.

Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar (RTS) Programme Phase II of the Grid connected rooftop solar programme was approved with a target for achieving cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from Rooftop Solar (RTS) Projects by the year 2022 in February 2019. In the Phase-II Programme, Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for the residential sector has been restructured. Important features of the Phase-II of RTS are as under: � Power Distributing companies (DISCOMs) will be the implementing agencies

MAJOR INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN DURING THE YEAR 2019 Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) In a major initiative towards making Annadata also a Urjadata PM-KUSUM scheme was approved on 8th March 2019 and implementation guidelines were issued on 22.7.2019.

State-wise allocation of capacities for the first year was made on 13.8.2019. The scheme covers grid-connected RE power plants (0.5 – 2 MW)/ Solar water pumps/ grid connected agriculture pumps and has following three components: Component A: Installation of 10,000 MW of Decentralized Ground Mounted Grid Connected Renewable Energy Power Plants by farmers of 500 kW to 2 MW capacity within 5 km distance from substation primarily on barren/uncultivable land. The DISCOMs will purchase power at pre-fixed tariff for which they will get PBI of Rs. 0.40 per unit up to Rs. 33 lakh per MW in a span of five years.

Component B: Installation of 17.50 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps for which Government of India will provide financial support up to 30% of the cost of solar pump and States to also provide at least 30% of the cost of solar pump, balance cost to be shared by the beneficiary farmer. (For NE and hilly States/UTs the Central support would be up to 50% of the cost of solar pump) Component C: Solarisation of 10 Lakh existing Grid-connected Agriculture Pumps for which Government of India will provide financial support up to 30% of the cost of solarisation and States to also provide at least 30% of the cost of solarisation, balance cost to be shared by the beneficiary farmer. (For NE and hilly States/UTs the Central support would be up to 50% of the cost of solarisation) Targets: Setting up of 25,750 MW additional solar capacity by 2022.

Standard bidding guidelines The Ministry has issued Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar & Wind Power Projects with an objective to provide a framework for procurement of solar & wind power through a transparent process of bidding including standardisation of the process and defining of roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders.

In order to strengthen the contractual provision in the Contract (Power Purchase Agreement) between the solar power generators and the Procurers, and to facilitate setting up of solar power projects, the Government, vide notification dated 22.10.2019 from Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, has made following major amendments to the ‘Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from

� Subsidy/CFA will be available for the residential sector only � CFA under residential category will be provided for 4000 MW capacity and the same will be provided on the basis of benchmark cost or tender cost, whichever is lower. � For RTS systems up to 3 kW, CFA is 40%; for capacity above 3 kW and up to 10 kW, CFA is 40% for first 3 kW and 20% for balance quantity; for capacity above 10 kW, CFA is 40% for first 3 kW and 20% for next 7 kW. No subsidy beyond 10 kW capacity. � For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA), CFA will be limited to 20% for RTS plants for supply of power to common facilities; however, the capacity eligible for CFA for GHS/RWA will be limited to 10 kW per house with maximum total capacity up to 500 kWp. � Residential Consumers/Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations have to pay only balance amount after deducting the CFA to the empanelled vendor for installation of the RTS project � For availing the benefit of CFA, indigenously manufactured PV Modules and Cells are to be used. � Performance based incentives will be provided to DISCOMs based on RTS capacity achieved in a financial year (i.e. 1st April to 31st March every year till the duration of the scheme) over and above the base capacity i.e. cumulative capacity achieved at the end of previous financial year.

Solar PV manufacturing Government Producer Scheme for setting up Solar PV Power plants using domestically manufactured SPV cells & modules Government have approved a Scheme [CPSU Scheme Phase-II (Government Producer Scheme)] for setting up of solar PV power plants by Government Producers [Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs)/ State Public Sector Undertakings (SPSUs)/ Government Organisations, etc.], as per extant Guidelines, in a World Trade Organization (WTO) compliant manner, using domestically manufactured solar PV cells and modules to encourage ‘Make in India’ in Solar PV Manufacturing sector.

Solar PV Manufacturing linked PPAs for Solar Power Plant Tenders for setting up Solar PV Manufacturing Capacities in India linked with assured off take in the form of PPAs for Solar Power Plant has been finalized. SECI has already concluded a bid for one such tender under which 2-3 GW of Solar PV Cells &Modules manufacturing capacity linked with 8-12 GW of Solar PV Power plants capacity is likely to

Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects:

come up.

(i). Solar Power Generators have been allowed to submit documents/Lease Agreement to

Wind-Solar Hybrid

establish possession/right to use 100% (hundred per cent) of the required land in the name of the Solar Power Generator for a period not less than the complete term of the PPA, on or before the Scheduled Commissioning Date (SCD).

The main objective of the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy is to provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV hybrid system for optimal and efficient utilization of wind and solar resources, transmission infrastructure and land. The wind -

(ii). Clear and elaborate provisions for time extension and compensation to affected party

solar PV hybrid systems will help in reducing the variability in renewable power generation

in the event of natural and non-Natural Force Majeure events with specific provisions

and achieving better grid stability. The policy also aims to encourage new technologies,

regarding termination due to natural and non-natural Force Majeure events have been

methods and way-outs involving combined operation of wind and solar PV plants.

included.

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Solar Quarter Quarter •• January January 2020 2020 20 Solar 20

Industry Insights Offshore Wind Power in India

for solar street lights and solar study lamps sanction has been issued to States; EESL has

The National Offshore wind energy policy was notified in October 2015 with an objective

completed centralised tendering for solar street lights and solar study lamps.

to develop the offshore wind energy in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) along the Indian coastline of 7600 km. eight zones are identified each in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu having cumulative offshore wind energy potential of 70 GW.

Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) Phase-II (66.5 GW REZ) Potential renewable energy zones (66.5 GW – Solar 50 GW and Wind 16.5 GW) have been identified in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh and a comprehensive transmission scheme was evolved integrating these renewable energy zones.

The scheme is being implemented in phases by way of either Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) or through Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM) by PGCIL. The TBCB bids are being carried out by PFC and REC. The allotment of works in TBCB or RTM is done by established committees of transmission constituted by the Ministry of Power.

Of this, Phase-I projects (for evacuation of 12.4 GW) have been bid out, awarded and are under implementation. Phase-II projects (for evacuation of approx. 15 GW) have been allotted by Ministry of Power in October/November 2019 and the bids have been issued

by PGCIL/PFC. The Phase-III (approx. 39 GW) projects are under approval of the National Committee on Transmission.

Payment Comfort Opening of LCs by all DISCOMs/ distribution licensees for all producers Ministry of Power has issued an order regarding opening and maintaining of adequate Letter of Credit (LC) as Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) under Power Purchase

Provision has been made for financial support up to 90% of the benchmark cost of the system for NE States, Hilly States/UTs and Island UTs; up to 30% of the benchmark cost of the system for other States. Solar study lamps for students will be provided in NE States and LWE affected areas with 85% financial support from the Central Government.

Targets: 118 MW of off-grid solar power systems during 2018-20.

Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) Phase-II Applications covered: Solar Street Lights.

Financial support: 75% of the cost by MNRE and balance 25% through MPLAD. Targets: A total of 3,04,500 Solar Street Lights (SSLs) will be installed in the following states/ regions: i. States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam, which were covered in Phase-I of the Scheme as there is additional demand in these States. ii. Hilly States/UTs of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. iii. North Eastern States including Sikkim. iv. Islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep. v. Parliamentary constituencies covering 48 aspirational districts of States other than those covered in (i) to (iii) above.

Agreements (PPAs) by Distribution Licensees (DISCOMs).

Current Status: Ph-II of the Scheme is under implementation. Consent letters for installation

Further, the Ministry of Power has instructed Power System Operation Corporation Ltd.

of 1,31,586 SSLs have been received from 120 Hon’ble MPs against which sanction from

(POSOCO) that according to the Procedure for Scheduling of power to Distribution Company, Power will be scheduled for dispatch only after a written intimation is given to the appropriate Load Despatch Centre (LDC) i.e. NLDC/RLDC/SLDC that Letter of Credit (LC) for the desired quantum of power w.r.t the generating stations has been opened.

DMs has been received for 31,426 numbers of SSLs and 13,583 SSLS have been reported installed.

Source: News Feeds

Term loans to DISCOMs for clearing outstanding payments of RE generators The Ministry has requested PFC/REC/IREDA to extend short term loan to DISCOMs for the purpose of making payments to renewable energy generators.

Energy Storage SECI have floated two tenders which include battery storage systems: 1. 1200 MW tender with requirement of supplying power during evening/morning (six hours) peak, with battery storage system.

2. 400 MW round the clock renewable, this will also come with battery storage system.

Second Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) The Ministry hosted the second assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA) on 30th and 31st October 2019 New Delhi. On 30th October 2019, coordination and consultation meetings on different aspects of ISA programmes and initiatives were held.

The Assembly met on 31st October 2019 & was presided over by Shri R.K. Singh, Hon’ble Minister & ex-Officio President of ISA. Delegations from 78 countries participated in the Assembly including 29 Ministerial delegations of which 25 are from ISA member countries, two from signatory countries, and two from prospective member countries. The Assembly deliberated upon ISA’s activities and new proposals for accelerating development and deployment of solar energy in ISA member countries and approved Rules and Procedure of the Assembly, Manual of Regulations of ISA, and Work Programme and Budget for the year 2020.

Global Solar Event for commemorating 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi The Ministry in association with IIT Bombay organised the Global Student Solar Assembly to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to promote the Gandhian idea of sustainable living. Over 6,800 students from the National Capital Region created Guinness world record by lighting the largest number of solar lamps together at Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, New Delhi.

Dispute Resolution Mechanism During the period MNRE set up a Dispute Resolution Mechanism for wind/solar projects to consider the unforeseen disputes between solar/wind power developers and SECI/NTPC, beyond contractual agreement. This mechanism will help in smooth implementation of solar/wind energy projects in India, by expeditiously resolving, unforeseen disputes that may arise beyond the scope of Contractual Agreements.

Off-Grid Solar PV Applications Programme Phase III Government is implementing Phase-3 of the Off-Grid Solar PV Applications Programme for Solar Street Lights, Solar Study Lamps and Solar Power Packs. Based on the demand

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SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 21 Solar

Perspective

BUDGET 2020: WHAT DOES THE INDIAN SOLAR INDUSTRY EXPECT? As the industries, businesses and financial sector set high hopes from the upcoming budget, we at SolarQuarter are keen on understanding what the solar industry really wants.

The overall industry sentiments call for standardisation of captive renewable energy policy across states to promote open access purchase of power, need for increase in fund allocation to MNRE and SECI to facilitate growth of rooftop solar; reduction in GST rates as there is no input credit that can be claimed by power companies, need to rectify absence of netmetering systems across states, rationalisation of indirect taxes, addressing the credit squeeze to bring back liquidity into the system, clarity on provisions pertaining to the recovery of dues by National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), exemptions on surcharges and duties, and lot more. In a nutshell, the industry demands stability of policies by addressing regulatory uncertainties that impact investor confidence from pumping in fresh investments to promote solar sector growth in India.

Let’s hear what the industry has to say.

Mr. Sanjeev Aggarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Amplus Solar “The last year has been full of challenges for the solar industry and we hope that this year’s budget will provide the much-needed impetus to the solar industry. We believe that higher investments should be dedicated to improving and modernising the transmission networks so that power from renewable sources can be evacuated on a real-time basis across the country. We should provide open access to all industries so that they procure the lowest cost of electricity including from renewable sources that will improve their competitiveness in manufacturing.”

There is also a need for a standardised uniform captive renewable energy policy at the national level, to promote open access purchase of power across states, unlike the current scenario where every state has a different policy. This would enable the transmission of power from states with higher renewable energy potential to those with lower, facilitating C&I consumers to have access to low-cost renewable energy. The government should also make sure that the confusion regarding GST goes away and the GST is notified at 5% as was the original intent during the GST roll-out phase.

Subsidies and incentives should be extended in the newer technology areas like battery storage and e-mobility. Along with greater focus on electric vehicles, the government should also address related feasibility issues for a substantial roll-out, like increasing the number of charging stations and making them more accessible.

The rooftop solar market continues to grow but there are several challenges including regulatory uncertainty that still pose a threat. Restrictive policies, like absence of net metering should be rectified across the states. To compensate the state distribution companies, there should be an increase in fund allocation to MNRE and SECI to facilitate the growth of rooftop solar.

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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 22

Perspective Mr. Animesh Damani, Partner, Artha Energy Resources The power sector has set high expectations from this year’s

agenda towards renewables and stance of Discoms on anti-renewable needs to be

budget and are hopeful of seeing power being included in the

addressed.”

15 per cent tax bracket. It has been a long-standing demand

There is a need for captive renewable energy policy as consumers, who are supporting

of the industry for reduction in GST rates as there is no input

the government’s agenda on renewables are facing resistance from Discoms. Recently,

credit that can be claimed by power companies.

Maharashtra proposed adding grid-support charges for net-metered consumers

“I strongly believe that subsidies for the residential sector need to be tweaked as

ranging from Rs 4 to Rs 8 per unit. As a result, such charges are refraining consumers

they are not giving desired results. A bigger focus on incentivizing commercial and

from following the government’s agenda and dithering new consumers from installing

industrial users is the need of the hour. We are hopeful of seeing a new version of Ujwal

projects.

DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) in this budget with a greater focus on compliance

There is a lack of clarity on various charges, a process for setting up captive open

from Discoms towards timely payment to generators and reduction in their own losses.

access plants amongst other issues that need to be addressed. Visibility for a 10-year

A move to shift subsides from discoms to the state budget will be a much-appreciated

horizon on applicable charges is extremely important as such projects involve high

move.”

capital expenditure.

Animesh Damani is of the view that the budget alone cannot propel the growth of the

Damani vouches for exemptions from cross-subsidy and transmission charges, as it

solar industry and it needs sector specific reforms to resolve issues the way SERCs,

makes projects viable and consumers do not have to bear the burden of additional

CERCs and utilities work. “The gap in the implementation of central government’s

charges.

Mr. Rohit Chandak, Chief Financial Officer, Ayana Power Our key expectation from the budget is as follows: 1. Revive bank loan market: Renewable Energy (RE) sector needs steady support of banks. Whether by including renewable energy in the priority sector or other incentives, banks must be encouraged to provide long-term debt to RE projects. Unless the banks actively participate in funding of these projects, it will not be possible to achieve the ambitious target for RE in India. The non-availability of bank finance for under construction RE projects is already reflecting in poor subscription for various on-going tenders.

2. Focus on DISCOM health: Poor health of state DISCOM is a key concern for the entire power sector. No business can survive if a Government-owned counter party doesn’t pay for undisputed invoices for more than a year. A well thought plan to improve health on a long term basis, rather than temporary liquidity support is needed for the hour. While there have various initiatives like UDAY in this regard, the structural issue of negative unit economics (revenue realization being lesser than average cost of supply) is the key to solving this issue on a sustainable basis.

3. Sanctity of Contract: Infrastructure business derive their value from the expectation

A well thought plan to improve health on a long term basis, rather than temporary liquidity support is needed for the hour.

While there have various initiatives like UDAY in this regard, the structural issue of negative unit economics (revenue realization being lesser than average cost of supply) is the key to solving this issue on a sustainable basis.

that the Government-owned counter parties will honour the contract in letter and spirit over 20-30 years life span. Any attempt, action or display of an intention to not honour signed contracts can impact foreign investment significantly. Adequate laws or legal protection must be provided against the same.

4. Corporate Tax: Provide express clarification that renewable energy projects are eligible for 15% tax rate as provided for manufacturing.

6. Cash Trap: Mostly infrastructure businesses are housed in different SPVs and suffer from cash trap once the projects start generating operating cash flows. Adequate relaxation from deemed dividend and interest disallowance provisions to allow movement of surplus cash as inter-company deposits must be allowed.

5. GST Off-set: There is heavy accumulated GST input-credit for renewable energy

There is a significant number of foreign investors willing to invest in the renewable energy

projects that goes completely unutilised by the project SPVs as power sale is exempt

sector in India. However, some of the fundamental issues need immediate attention and

from GST. Renewable SPVs shall either be allowed to procure at nil GST or be allowed

we hope that Budget 2020 will address many of the highlighted issues.

to claim refund under inverted duty refund structure.

Ms. Vibhuti Garg, Energy Economist, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) Technology is shaping the future of energy mix and to meet its

Government should provide financial support to new technologies like off-shore wind etc.

climate commitment as part of the Paris agreement, the budget

and also exploit the potential of solar rooftop and other decentralized renewable energy

needs to give a strong push to clean fuels. While renewable

like solar pumps for agriculture by waiver of transmission charges, cross-subsidy surcharge

energy has become price competitive with conventional fuels,

on such consumers.

policy certainty to be ensured and negative impact on the price

Given the increasing issue of air pollution, it becomes imperative for the Government

of renewable energy by imposition of duties and charges to be avoided.

to provide support for meeting the environmental norms by thermal power plants.

To boost more renewable energy deployment, industry will like to see waiver of custom

Government should also propose innovative financial ways of phasing out of old and

duties and safeguard duties on renewable energy equipment imports till the time domestic

stranded thermal power assets.

manufacturing picks up. Further, more support needs to be provided to electric vehicles and storage technologies than can help in achieving clean, efficient and sustainable mobility.

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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 23

Perspective

Mr. Saif Dhorajiwala, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Fourth Partner Energy Our expectations from the upcoming budget announcement by the Finance Minister is focused on reviving demand and

Policymakers, DISCOM/utility companies,

consumption, especially rural demand – as this will directly help in boosting the economy. Therefore, rationalisation of indirect taxes

financiers,

is expected. Measures to bring liquidity back into the system and address the credit squeeze will need to be announced. Also normalisation of the credit

developers,

clients,

tax

authorities and all other stakeholders

cycle is essential to boost business sentiment.

work in tandem, will result in unstoppable

Fresh capital infusion or recapitalisation of PSBs is not something the market is expecting, but commentary around the same is awaited. Clarity on provisions pertaining to the

growth of the Indian solar sector – the

recovery of dues by National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is likely to be announced.

Recovery from resolution of pending NCLT and non-NCLT cases will be crucial to secure

outlook for 2020 is positive, but stable

and revive the financial health of lenders this calendar year.

regulatory policy and availability of debt

India’s target is 100 GW Solar power by 2022, the market is ripe for utility scale players, distributed solar developers and EPC contractors to contribute to this significantly. Recent

will be the crucial drivers of growth.

sectoral research indicates over 300 solar firms are operational in the country. India is undoubtedly amongst the better-performing countries globally in terms of adopting solar power, but the rate of growth is not nearly enough to achieve the 40 GWp rooftop target for 2022.

Policymakers, DISCOM/utility companies, financiers, developers, clients, tax authorities and all other stakeholders work in tandem. This will result in unstoppable growth of the

keeping in mind incentives to Discoms to ensure their financial health does not become a concern.

Indian solar sector – the outlook for 2020 is positive, but stable regulatory policy and

Exemptions on surcharges and duties will always help accelerate the growth of any

availability of debt will be the crucial drivers of growth.

industry. However, one has to remember that Power is a concurrent subject - which means

Stable, long-term policy, ease in CEiG and net-metering approval and open access norms to facilitate migration by C&I consumers will boost the solar story. This has to be done,

apart from the Centre’s vision, states have to act in accordance to enable exponential growth of India’s renewable energy industry.

Mr. Bharat Bhut, Director, Goldi Solar Pvt. Ltd. In this year’s budget, the expectation from the government is to

While the government has made major policy and regulatory interventions in order to

formulate incentives for promotion of domestic manufacturing in

promote solar power development, what is expected in this budget is the stability of

the heavily import dependent solar industry. Local manufacturers

policies. The various regulatory uncertainties that are impacting investor confidence

need to be safeguarded through duties on imported products, so

need to be addressed urgently. In addition, we expect the government to ensure better

as to make domestic products more cost-effective. It is our hope

synchronisation between the discoms and solar companies to ensure a win-win situation

that this will give a significant boost to the “Make in India” vision of the government.

for all stakeholders.

Mr. Vikas Jain, Director, Insolation Energy Pvt. Ltd

Solar manufacturing has been struggling hard since its

Budget announcements made during the last three years have seen no significant steps

inception in india. There are a lot of expectations from the

to propel growth of the solar industry, except introduction of schemes which have not

budget, in specifics about import duty levied on imported solar

been implemented yet at the state-government level due to lack of funds.

modules. There is a need to create a level-playing field for solar

There is also an urgent need that all states have a revised captive renewable energy

manufacturers located within SEZ and those in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) to ensure

policy. Currently there are many rules and regulations that captive has become no longer

manufacturers pay duty on raw materials imported irrespective of their units located

viable. Considering this is a state-wise subject there is a lot of pressure on Discoms to

within SEZ or in the DTA.

keep this policy in abate. Also exemptions from transmission charges fully or partially

Currently, the manufacturers within SEZ are exempted from paying duty on raw material imports, this needs to be changed. Also timely refund of GST on inputs, duty free import of equipment should be made available to support solar manufacturing in India, as we are 100% dependent on imports for plant and machinery, scrap ADD on glass from China and Malaysia.

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is long awaited demand from the solar industry. Levying hefty charges on wheeling, transmission, and minimum guarantee has ultimately made renewable captive power plants unviable. Owing to lack of captive policies under the State Government purview, setting up of captive plants is an industry-wide challenge thus far.

Overall, the industry looks forward to a promising budget that will aid continued growth of the solar sector in 2020 and beyond.

Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 24

Perspective

HOW IS AUTOMATION TRANSFORMING Solar Asset Management?

Automation can help save on productive time, manpower, investments, costs, reduce scope for errors and thus allow asset managers more time on hand to focus on productive functions such as analysing data and necessitate profitable business decisions. Also automation helps predict risks, and diagnose errors in the performing asset. Businesses can then be assured of stable RoIs. Let’s hear from a few experts, their views on why automation is no longer a “good-to-have” but a “must-have” element for seamless operation and maintenance of the solar plant.

Mr. Shashi Shekhar, Vice Chairman, ACME Solar With an increasing share of solar in the energy sector, automated

It can hence be said that Asset management is a true amalgamation of knowledge,

asset management has become very important as manual

technology and experience, and when renewable energy plants are coupled with effective

examining of entire plants is becoming inefficient for it requires

asset management system, it leads to a reliable and sustainable system.

more resources (manpower, time and money). Use of an automation system in its full force helps identify and diagnose the under performing asset in the system which minimizes the potential risks and ensures that the expected returns are met.

Additionally it also aids in bringing transparency into the system and monitors KPIs like performance ratio (PR), time between faults, types of tickets raised, variance between expected and actual values, etc. The system indirectly helps to identify the efficiency and capability of all the assets (man & material) and also acts as a single window for the entire portfolio.

It is observed that in the energy sector, asset management is at times considered limited to only monitoring. However, solar asset management covers technical, commercial and financial aspects as well, which therefore not only affect the performance parameters like PR, CUF, PA etc., but also tracks costs, warranties, and ensures regulatory compliances are met. An asset management group works every day to develop and recommend strategies to increase the project’s operational performance that renders positive returns. It is of key importance for an organization, as failure to proactively oversee the health of a system results in a significant loss of capital.

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Additionally it also aids in bringing transparency into the system and monitors KPIs like performance ratio (PR), time between faults, types of tickets raised, variance between expected and actual values, etc. The system indirectly helps to identify the efficiency and capability of all the assets (man & material) and also acts as a single window for the entire portfolio.

Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• January January 2020 2020 25

Perspective Mr. Manoj Gupta, Vice President - Solar, Fortum As the world is realising the magnitude of the threats of climate change, the focus on renewable energy generation is at an alltime high. Talking specifically about solar energy, the overall energy consumption of people around the globe annually is less

Handling data manually can always lead to some errors from time-to-time that can

than what Earth receives from the Sun in 2 hours, so there is an

cause loss of time and money. Automation

enormous potential to be tapped in this space, especially in a country like India where

will ensure accuracy in mapping, assessing

we receive abundant sunlight throughout the year. We, at Fortum India are making our presence stronger in this segment and are extensively adopting newer technologies to

and presentation of data from solar assets.

improve the quality of our operations.

Also, by automating the processes of asset

One of the most essential aspects of carrying out solar energy operations smoothly is

management, data becomes more centralised

the management of assets across solar plants. Making sure that these assets are well-

and is easily accessible to its stakeholders.

maintained and produce the desired results is a space that can further be revolutionised with rampant advancements in the world of automation technology. The solar energy sector is an asset intensive industry and it will strongly benefit through such technological

The reduction in costs and lesser dependence on manpower will certainly provide cost

advancements in the times to come.

savings, help in making solar power more accessible and competitive with traditional

Handling data manually can always lead to some errors from time-to-time that can

methods of producing energy.

cause loss of time and money. Automation will ensure accuracy in mapping, assessing

Automating asset management will also help in visualizing data automatically by

and presentation of data from solar assets. Also, by automating the processes of asset

displaying essential KPIs specific to the requirements. All of these aspects will result in

management, data becomes more centralised and is easily accessible to its stakeholders.

saving administrative time and harness conservation to a great extent in the coming years.

Mr. Simarpreet Singh, Director and CEO, Hartek Solar Pvt Ltd Enabling you to have a comprehensible and accurate data in

The adoption of automation processes can also help reduce operational costs and running

real time right at your fingertips, automation can drive efficiency

expenses. This has become imperative to maintain a steady flow of profits by offsetting the

by speeding up your work and freeing up more time for your employees for other productive tasks. Tracking down a crucial contract, for instance, cannot get easier than this. Automating

constant drop in prices through automated solutions. The operation and maintenance of solar projects, for example, can become much more cost-effective with advanced analytics

a lengthy process like Solar PPA invoicing while doing away with any scope for error can

and a customised software by improving the efficiency of site tasks like mowing and

save a lot of time and effort, giving you more time to analyse data and take considered

module washing.

decisions.

Digital platforms for solar asset management can also help minimise corrective repairs

The integration of solar energy asset management with software will ensure that all your important business data and processes are managed and updated at one centrally accessible place. You can even customise your asset management process to suit your

through proactive maintenance. Syncing solar projects with a monitoring system, a performance assessment mechanism and diagnostic tools which offers solutions in real

business needs, thus saving both time and resources with the streamlining of workflow

time, can go a long way in reducing costs, enhancing efficiencies and improving profit

through compliance reminders.

margins.

Mr. Suraj Vernekar, Co-founder & CEO, Aegeus Technologies Pvt. Ltd. As we know that the most expensive asset in a solar project is the Solar panel, which if not maintained properly will result in efficiency drop approximately upto 50% due to dust accumulation,

We strive to provide solutions to increase

bird drop, etc. on the panels and it’ll highly impact the power

the energy efficiency of our client’s

generation. To avoid this loss usually manpower is used for cleaning solar panels. This again

solar projects by studying the layout

uses a lot of water and nylon brushes that harm the module surface. Further, it also adds on to the manpower cost. So automation and robotics can help maintain the efficiency of

of the project and suggesting the right

the modules and protect them. Using a Waterless Module Cleaning technology can help

amount to be invested on procurement

save a lot of water as well.

We strive to provide solutions to increase the energy efficiency of our client’s solar projects

of robots for cleaning, depending on the

by studying the layout of the project and suggesting the right amount to be invested on

geography, size of the project, current

procurement of robots for cleaning, depending on the geography, size of the project,

cost incurred for cleaning, and lot of other

current cost incurred for cleaning, and lot of other factors are considered to understand the requirements well. We then offer the right investment and procurement plan for an

factors are considered to understand the

automated robotic cleaning solution which will deliver businesses an ROI within the next

requirements well.

6 to 18 months.

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Solar Solar Quarter Quarter •• January January 2020 2020 26

Industry Insights

End-Of Life Management Of Solar PV

Despite the growth of solar PV and its bright future, the sun sets on even the best panels. As

to better output quality, and could also increase the recovery of valuable constituents.

the global PV market increases, so will the need to prevent the degradation of panels and

Recycling technologies for PV panels have already been researched for the past 15 years

manage the volume of decommissioned PVpanels. The sections below explore innovative

and now the main challenge is to keep abreast of ongoing cell and panel innovations to

and alternative ways to reduce material use and module degradation, and opportunities

obtain the best possible results at acceptable costs.

to reuse and recycle PV panels at the end of their lifetime. The framework of a circular

Given the estimated growth of PV panel waste volumes, the management of end-of-life PV

economy and the classic waste reduction principles (reduce, reuse and recycle) can also be applied to PV panels.

REDUCE: MATERIAL SAVINGS IN PV PANELS The best option is to increase the efficiency of panels by reducing the amount of material used. Whilst the mix of materials has not changed significantly, efficient mass production, material substitutions and higher-efficiency technologies are already happening thanks to strong market growth, scarcity of raw materials and reduction of PV panel prices. Research is progressing towards reducing the amount of hazardous materials, as well as minimising the amount of material per panel to save costs. PV material availability is not a major concern in the near term, although critical materials might impose limitations in the long term. In addition, higher prices will improve the economics of recycling activities and drive investment for more efficient mining processes, such as extraction of metals used in the PV manufacturing process (i.e. silver, aluminium, copper and tin). R&D for PV is focusing on reducing or substituting different components used for solar PV panels, namely: c-Si panels (glass, silicon, etc.), CIGS panels (glass, polymer, aluminium, etc.) and CdTe panels (glass, polymer, nickel, etc.)

REUSE: REPAIRING PV PANELS.

panels is worth examining, along with the associated socioeconomic and environmental benefits.

The value creation stemming from end-of-life PV management involves: � Unlocking raw materials and their value: The extraction of secondary raw materials from end of-life PV panels could create important value for the industry. PV panels have an average lifetime of 30 years, and they build up a large stock of embodied raw materials that will not become available for recovery for some time. As such, recovered raw material can be injected back into the economy and serve to produce new PV panels or other products, thus increasing the security of future PV supply. Rapidly growing panel waste volumes over time will stimulate a market for secondary raw materials originating from end-of-life PV panels. � Creating new industries and jobs in the PV sector: The acceptance of future PV panel waste management systems depends on co-operation among the different players across industry, such as waste management companies, utilities, governments, producers, etc. End-of-life PV panel management holds the potential to develop new pathways for industry growth and offers employment opportunities for different stakeholders. Similarly, the PV recycling industry will necessitate trained staff with specific skills and knowledge, education and training programmes.

Most PV systems were installed in the last six years. A six-year-old panel today has aged by an equivalent of 20% of its expected average lifetime of 30 years. If flaws and imperfections are discovered during the early phase of a PV panel’s life, customers can claim guarantees for repair or replacement and insurance companies may be involved to compensate for some or all of the repair/replacement costs. When replacement happens, quality tests to check electrical safety and power output – such as flash test characterisation and a wet leakage test – can be undertaken to recover some value from a returned panel through resale. Repaired PV panels can also be resold as replacements or as used panels at a reduced market price of approximately 70% of the original sales price, and partly repaired

The best option is to increase the efficiency of panels by reducing the amount of material used. Whilst the mix of materials has not changed significantly, efficient mass

panels or components might be sold on the second-hand market.

production, material substitutions and higher-

RECYCLE: DECOMMISSIONING AND TREATMENT OF PV PANELS

efficiency technologies are already happening

Future waste management of installed PV systems largely depends on their type and size. For example, whilst the small and highly dispersed nature of rooftop PV systems can add significant costs to dismantling, collection and transport of expired PV panels, waste management of large utility-scale PV applications is logistically easier. Currently

thanks to strong market growth, scarcity of raw materials and reduction of PV panel prices.

PV waste quantities are very moderate, which reduces the economic incentive to create dedicated PV panel recycling plants. End-of-life PV panels are therefore typically processed in existing general recycling plants. However, in the long run constructing dedicated PV panel recycling plants could increase treatment capacity and maximise revenues thanks

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Source: Future of Solar Photovoltaic

SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 27 Solar

Perspective

Factors That Will Further Aid Solar Rooftop Installation In Punjab & Haryana Rooftop solar is mainly installed for captive consumption and the installation starts from 1kWp and can go up to 1MW. Generally, most of the installed capacity is between 1 kWp and 20 kWp. While rooftop solar installation and generating power might have caught the fancy of micro and small units, offices, schools, hospitals and households in the states of Punjab and Haryana, with solar rooftop power generation from these two states has touched 245 MW last year, according to a news media report.

The rooftop solar installations are much smaller in terms of generation capacity, in comparison to the ground-mounted projects. In Haryana, the solar power is dominated by rooftop plants of 145 MW (on residential and commercial buildings). The total installed capacity of solar power in the state is 225 MW, including ground-mounted installations. However, in the neighbouring state of Punjab, the rooftop capacity is 100 MW.

Since the cost of generating solar power has fallen sharply over the years, it has led to wider adoption and installation of rooftop solar in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.

Plus, the government’s decision to increase subsidy from 30% to 40% on rooftop solar plants (up to 3 kWp capacity) will further give fillip to new installations. The subsidy amount has been fixed at 20% for 4 kWp to 10 kWp solar plants. In view of the current industry scenario, there are few hiccups to solar rooftop installation in the states of Punjab and Haryana.

We understand from experts on the next steps to implement that will aid the future growth of the India solar story and promote rooftop solar installations in the states leading up North.

Mr. Kunal Munshi, Founder, Sunrator Technologies LLP

With 34% of our solar power targets being met of the 100GW

industrial or commercial power consumers. Institute for Energy Economics & Financial

to be achieved by 2022, the Indian solar story is at its climax!

Analysis (IEEFA) estimates that for the next three years, the rooftop solar installation will

Mind it the 34GW is 170% higher than the original target of

grow at a CAGR of 50%, suggesting a cumulative 13 GW of installed capacity by FY22,

20GW to be achieved in the same time pre-2014. Majority of

which still falls short of 27GW or 67% of the target.

these installations are ground mount utility scale, over 90% to

Though the country’s total solar installed capacity has reached 33.73 GW as of December

be precise. Despite significant progress in rooftop solar installations, the 100GW target

31, 2019. 25GW are under the Implementation/ construction stages and another 25GW is

was originally subdivided into 40GW for rooftop and the remaining for ground mount.

tendered for future implementation, thus making the sector poised to achieve its ground

Reaching the target of 40 GW rooftop installations by 2022 will not only be challenging

mount targets in the next 2 Years.

but seems impossible by most optimistic forecasting, even though India might install somewhere close to the overall set targets.

Rooftop solar power accounts for 2.3 GW out of the 34 GW installation of Solar Power in the country which is mere 6% of the total installations, of which 70% is on the roofs of

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Factors that would catalyze growth are:

Stable and Uniform Net Metering Policy Across the Country Although 27 states and union territories have issued net metering policies or regulations

Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 28

Perspective since the issue of the model net metering regulations in 2013, only a few states have

lot of sense if a new sub category can be placed in the existing home loans to install solar

begun actual implementation of the policy on the ground. The slow or patchy progress

power in already constructed houses at the same interest rate, without having the need

in the net-metering policy can be attributed primarily to issues like lack of clear policy

to hypothecate the whole house instead just the installed solar power system. The finance

frameworks, passive opposition from DISCOMs and insufficient awareness cum training

would be easier to access and the banks can do the local due vigilance on the consumer’s

at the local utility level.

credit history instead of a central rating requirement.

There needs to be uniformity at the policy level to catalyze the adaptation of rooftop

Consumer perception of risks and performance

solar for consumers, uncertainty in regulations is slowing the pace of rooftop installation

Even after a decade of proliferation, solar power is still perceived as a relatively new

by C&I consumers. Taking cues from the Maharashtra net metering fiasco, where the

technology especially amongst the retail consumers and therefore there is a perception

DISCOM wanted to revert the net metering to gross metering, thus putting the whole

that it may not perform as expected over its lifetime. Also, there are trust issues as several

rooftop market in jeopardy,

entrepreneurs in the rooftop solar market are comparatively new with a little track record

it is time that the central government steps in and helps

various DISCOMs create a policy environment across the country around net-metering,

and maintenance of quality and customer service is always uncertain.

thus making stable and uniform laws that won’t be subject to whims and fancies of

Few policy level steps that the agencies involved can take to reduce the confusion about

individual state distribution companies. This will help build investor confidence and attract

the retail are:

investments in the sector.

� The involvement of too many agencies like MNRE, IREDA, SNA, and electricity board and electricity regulatory commission makes the development of solar PV projects difficult.

Though it is easier said than done as it would dismantle the equilibrium created by the cross-subsidies that becomes a taboo even to talk about.

� Generation-based incentives should be offered rather than subsidy. This data can be easily available in electricity bills, this would make the financing of the plant also easier.

Access to Finance

� The net metering procedure should be time-bound with online single window process

Limited access to debt finance due to perceived high risks and suspicion about performance

on ground and not on papers as it is now, and the net meter should be fitted within one

for this relatively new sector within the financial community is a deterrent to growth in

month from the date of application.

solar. Banks and FIs are reluctant to lend to solar rooftop projects and borrowing costs can

Even though India has the lowest capital cost per MW globally to install solar power plants

be as high as 12% or more when they do lend.

and the current installation have grown exponentially in the past half-decade, yet solar only

Due to the smaller size of the projects in the rooftop solar sector, developers do not

accounts for 3% of the total power consumed in the country, and about 10% of the total

approach banks for loans because of the proportionately higher transactional cost per

installed power capacity of India. This on a positive note leaves the sector accessible for

unit of the project cost. Here the small retail consumer has to go through the personal

growth in the coming decade.

loan route if incase he desires to finance his rooftop solar power plant. It would make a

Mr. Sushil Sarawgi, Director, Kor Energy India Pvt Ltd Better awareness about the benefits of rooftop solar needs to

Haryana face a lot of problems in getting adjustment of exported units in the electricity

be created for residential, commercial and industrial sectors

bills. This leads to bad word of mouth publicity about Net Metering benefits from the

by government, social and industrial bodies as well as solar

existing users of rooftop solar energy.

industry. Good projects should be showcased to consumers and

Delay in disbursement of subsidy is one major reason why residential customers were

live existing projects will help them get better understanding

not going for rooftop solar. Now with new policy of upfront subsidy there should be

and develop confidence in technology.

better adoption of rooftop solar energy by them.

Bottlenecks related to net metering approval needs to be taken care of, and the process

There is a subsidy for cold storages from Horticulture Board for adoption of Rooftop

has to be made much more consumer-friendly. Many customers are apprehensive of

Solar by them up to 35 percent of project cost. As there are a good number of cold

the problems that they might have to face to get those approval and because of this,

storages in both Punjab and Haryana. If this subsidy benefit is properly marketed, it

they delay decisions for going solar. Post net metering also, customers especially in

will result in better adoption of rooftop solar by cold storage facilities in the states.

Mr. Brhamesh Alipuria, Director and Founder, Direct Watts SET Pvt. Ltd. Net Metering process clarity and time bound approvals There has to be clarity within the DISCOMs (PSPCL in Punjab) (UHBVN and DHBVN in Haryana) about the Net metering process and the required documentation. The documents for submissions must be clearly defined. Approval must be time bound. There are going to be fundamentally 4 stages: 1. In principal approval required for setting up of net metering and solar connection as per regulation of the state.

2. Electrical Inspection / CEIG required once the solar plant is installed by the consumer.

Defined checklists should be there on the basis of objections may be raised.

3. Meter checking and changing also known as plant commissioning as the maximum benefit of net metering can only be achieved, once the Net Meter has been replaced.

4. Net Metering Agreement often ignored and unaware, the net metering agreement is not done with the user, where the benefit of time can be challenged for the user. Many clarifications are required on validity of such agreement and benefits to the consumer.

Futile Empanelment Process Once the above process is streamlined, the requirements for vendor empanelment would not be there. This is the process in which governments are wasting a lot of their

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time and money. It is also confusing the consumers. The rates being discovered are only bringing the quality of the system down and are often not practical.

No Need for Awareness Programs or Subsidy In my experience, if the government focuses only on the first step and executes it properly, the advantages of solar power along with the various industries associated with it, will automatically be promoted among the masses. Further, with the current prices, the system is affordable to most who understand the benefits of it and there is no need for subsidy. Subsidy process might be hampering the growth of solar at this time.

Financing and Tax Benefits Instead of subsidy, the government should instruct banks to develop products for solar financing like vehicles and homes. Further, the GST on solar should be reduced and Individual Tax Benefits could be provided to encourage quick adoption of solar.

Growing Demand The power demand is expected to grow rapidly with the introduction of Electric Vehicles (EVs). Further, industry boosts would lead to growth in demand.

In view of the current scenario, lack of awareness amongst

Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 29

Perspective

CHALLENGES TO EFFECTIVE COST MANAGEMENT IN SOLAR O&M In light of narrowing developer margins owing to falling solar power tariffs, how do you optimise costs and ensure better savings? This is one tough question for the solar power operations and maintenance (O&M) segment. In order to reduce unplanned downtime, and improve revenues through better generation, more efficient O&M practices are required.

Today, developers and plant operators are being compelled to reduce operational expenses and optimise generation to increase the dwindling profit margins. Besides, the recent imposition of safeguard duties, and goods and services tax (GST) offers little relief from the pressure already built up.

While large asset owners will continue to achieve economies of scale because most of their O&M activities are managed in-house. However, mid- and small-size asset owners will continue to face cost and profit margin pressures, leading to outsourcing of O&M activities. Manpower and module cleaning account for the largest share of O&M expenses at a solar power plant.

O&M costs can be optimised by recalibrating some specific parameters of the plant which include module cleaning that considers soiling rates, cleaning costs and manpower optimisation through centralisation and technology substitution. In view of the current scenario, it is important for cost management strategies in solar O&M to evolve with the changing times.

Let’s understand some expert views on efficient cost management practices in solar O&M below:

According to Vector Green Energy, “It is time that the

key challenge given the fact that solar PV modules are expected to degrade, and operating

industry starts approaching O&M costs from an holistic

costs are expected to go up on account of wear and tear, as well as inflation.

perspective and the traditional O&M setup moves

Growth Strategies to Stay in Sync with Market Demand, While Promoting

towards a comprehensive Asset Management service. For any measures taken to improve cost efficiencies, which are being realized through any optimization exercise, should be looked at critically on the basis of its potential to minimize the risks for the asset, as well

Cost Efficiency Adopting a holistic asset management practice with focus on integration of best practices in the portfolio and standardization of O&M practices, reporting and contract KPIs will drive

as ability of such measures to ensure that the optimizations lasts for a significant period

cost efficiencies as well as optimal portfolio performance in a rapidly scaled up portfolio.

of project life.”

The industry also needs to graduate from regular break down / preventive maintenance

The industry also needs to avoid the temptation to demonstrate cost efficiencies either

to predictive maintenance, to be able to identify the areas that require advance attention

by ignoring regular plant health analysis in early days, or by failing to timely address the

to promote cost efficiencies. Continual and effective utilization of data analytics helps in

expected wear and tear, to create shareholder wealth for the project life.

identifying the areas where cost efficiencies can be brought in.

Challenges to effective cost management in Solar O&M A sustained growth phase adds to heterogeneity in the portfolio where multiple OEMs, with different contract structure and varied performance standards becomes a key challenge to manage costs effectively. Also sustaining cost efficiency measures for a longer period is a

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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 30

Perspective Mr. Majesh Nayak, Director & COO, Oorjan Cleantech Pvt. Ltd. The fast-growing Indian solar market and the narrowing profit margins due to lowering solar tariffs has made the operations

O&M of solar plants involves difficulty

and maintenance (O&M) of solar plants an important business segment. Managing O&M costs (comprising about 1-1.5%

since these plants may either be spread on

p.a. of the plant capex) and ensuring better quality is key to ensuring improved solar generation and profitability to considerable extent (about

large acres of land or may be granular but

30%). The major components of the O&M costs comprise of module cleaning, manpower and security (over 40%) followed by capital expenses, tools and spares,

distributed across roofs. The unavailability

etc. O&M activities could range from supervision and monitoring, to maintenance, to general plant administration.

of skilled labour is another major issue

O&M of solar plants involves difficulty since these plants may either be spread on large acres of land or may be granular, but distributed across roofs. The unavailability

faced by the O&M industry.

of skilled labour is another major issue faced by the O&M industry. Other challenges include transportation of men, machines and spares across sites, the evolving laws and regulations, etc.

Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the service quality and costs is important

Mix of technology and effective resource planning will help solve the above challenges

here. Using various budgeting and financial models like cost linked budgeting and

and optimize costs while improving quality of the services. Using remote monitoring

use of latest technologies such as drone technology and robotic cleaning will optimize

technology and easy web-based comprehensive dashboard, like the ones developed

costs to great extents, while ensuring better quality service.

by us at Oorjan, helps efficient operations as well as save on costs by reducing

Thus, effective planning and budgeting of resources coupled with technology adoption

underutilisation of resources. Further, resource planning is the key. Say, should the

and centralisation of decision making will help achieve cost optimisation with quality

cleaning activity be done manually or should it be automated, etc. setting the Key

services.

Mr. Sandeep Jadhav, COO, Mahindra TEQO Challenges to effective cost management in Solar

Hi-Tech, Optimized and Local

O&M

Focus Areas

Solutions

Solar Operations & Maintenance (O&M) is a labour-intensive

Plant Security

Electronic Detection Fences ● Electric Fence

industry which accounts for huge operational cost. The key O&M activities that impact operational costs are security, vegetation removal and module cleaning.

● Video Analytics Module Cleaning

● Mounted on Rails

A) Security: Solar PV plants are usually constructed in remote locations which need proper surveillance considering theft, dacoity and possible detriment. Given the 5x to

Dry Robot Cleaning

● Mounted on Modules Technical Manpower

Site based skilled manpower

10x growth of solar plants in the recent past, managing the security activities of these

● Skill Upgradation

power plants through conventional methods has created one of the major challenges

● Training & Standardisation

for the industry.

B) Module Cleaning: Solar module cleaning is the most important scheduled maintenance

● Near Manless Plant Data Analytics

Data Analytics ● Power Forecasting

activity which contributes up to 40 percent of the overall O&M revenue. With many

● Auto Trending and Alarms

solar power plants located in drought-prone and desert-like areas, non-availability of water for cleaning modules is going to pose a huge challenge in the future.

C) Lack of skilled manpower: Operators spend a large amount of time and resources on training local technicians for good O&M practices and finding trained manpower, plus

Overall, module cleaning and manpower costs together constitute the bulk of solar plant O&M costs which can be significantly reduced with automation and digitization such as robotic cleaning solutions, AI/ML based predictive system, Agro PV Model and aerial drones for site inspection.

retention is a hard task.

D) Vegetation Removal: Uncontrolled vegetation disrupts maintenance and causes shadows on PV arrays, leading to hot spots and generation loss. Dry vegetation

Solar module cleaning is the most important

collected leads to a higher risk of fire. Thus, weed removal is a cost and resource

scheduled

maintenance

activity

which

burden to any solar project.

contributes even up to 40 percentage of

Growth Strategies to Stay in Sync with Market Demand, While Promoting

the overall O&M revenue. With many solar

Cost Efficiency

power plants located in drought-prone and

Innovation has a central role at Mahindra Teqo in developing the growth strategies for local

desert-like areas, non-availability of water

and global markets. The main purpose of our work is to build O&M of the future – “HighTech, High-Value, High-Quality” with focus on decreasing the Operational Expenditure per MW and increase the production efficiency by infusing the innovative solutions powered

for cleaning modules is going to pose a huge challenge in the future.

by technology to drive operational and cost efficiency through various ways like:

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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 31

Company Feature

The Transition From Lead Acid Battery To Lithium Ion Battery: Why Is The Shift Necessary? – Part 1 The gross development of any country is directly measured by its per capita energy consumption. Now with almost each nation trying to fall under the gamut of developing and further developed nation, the energy demand of the world is poised to increase.

Estimates from the major research organization suggest that the world energy demand shall increase by more than 100% in the next 15~20 years (refer Figure 1). This means that the energy generation need to be ramped up in a similar fashion. However with the world focussing on renewables as a potential generation source and with the every altering energy requirements, both generation and consumption patterns around the world are changing at an imprecise rate. This directly means that the local and/or federal grid(s) may not always be able to accommodate such changes and the utilities need to source/dump additional energy to bridge the generation and demand gap. Additionally with various government(s) around the world focussing on secure and reliable supply of electricity 24x7x365, the stage is set for energy storage (batteries to be more appropriate).

Figure 1: Growing energy requirement of the world (Source: International Energy Agency)

3. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM): In this type, the separator in the lead acid battery was replaced by a glass fibre mat. This mat while allowed for electrical inter-connection also enabled the battery to easily transport gases during over-charging, instead of losing it to atmosphere.

4. Gel type battery: Here, the liquid electrolyte was completely replaced by a semi solid gel type electrolyte. This allowed the battery to be applicable in extreme conditions as the gel had lower freezing and higher boiling point. The gel type battery however were not capable of providing surge currents and were used most commonly in energy storage applications like off-grid systems.

5. Valve Regulated Lead Acid battery (VRLA): Any of the above mentioned battery when they utilized valve for letting the excess gas out during charging were known as VRLA batteries. VRLA were utilized in power applications like off grid supplies, portable electrical devices and applications that require affordable large-scale power storage (like in conventional and nuclear submarines).

While the applications of the lead acid battery were ubiquitous, the ever increasing need of energy in the late 19th century required the amount of storage to increase exponentially.

The batteries while cheap had various shortfalls which led the world to explore alternative technologies: 1. Heavy in weight: Probably one of the first limitations of the lead acid battery is its weight, which could be directly related to its specific energy density (refer to Figure 2).

The lower specific energy density directly means that the battery would require more material if it needs to deliver same amount of energy.

2. Inefficient charging/ discharging: Charging/ Discharging a lead acid battery needs more amount of energy and this is simply because it’s charging/ discharging efficiency is only around 85%. The (commercially used) newer battery technologies have charging efficiencies around 95%.

3. Longer charging time: Another issue with charging a lead acid battery is its charging time. Typically charging a lead acid battery may follow a 20-80 rule, meaning charging

A battery in the simple terms could be defined as a device which stores and delivers electrical energy when required. It basically comprises a positive and a negative electrode separated by an electrolyte (a liquid/semi-solid medium). The electrodes are usually two dissimilar metal (or metal polymer) where chemical reaction takes place when the battery is in use. During discharging, the electrode with the high electron affinity will release electron (which is known as anode) and the electrode with the low electron affinity will gain electron (which is known as cathode). This electron would travel through the load and thus allowing the battery to supply energy (refer Figure 2). Since the discovery and initial development of battery in the 18th century, various chemicals have been utilized to create batteries, which indirectly led to various compositions. Out of all those variants, use of lead acid and lithium ion battery have been prominent. While lead acid have been dominant, the energy storage market is now observing a significant shift to lithium ion battery. For a novice, it is hence necessary to understand the basics of both the battery technology and their implied advantages. Further it is also necessary to have a complete understanding about the indicators which led such shift.

Figure 2: Typical working of a battery (Source: Google) Invented in early 1859 and put to commercial use in the early 19th century, Lead acid battery utilizes lead as a base material with the anode and cathode made up of lead & lead oxide respectively and mixture of sulphuric acid & water as an electrolyte. The battery utilizes chemical reaction between electrolyte and the cathode & anode to generate electricity.

The amount of charge stored in/delivered by the battery depends on the concentration of the electrolyte and the area of the plate. While this was the basic chemistry, there were lot of variants of lead acid battery as mentioned below: 1. Flooded battery: These are the traditional batteries which allowed the end user to access each and every battery cell. Such access allowed the end users to refill distilled water if the battery dried out. These batteries were used mostly in automobiles (due to its ability to provide surge currents) and for emergency power backups.

2. Sealed battery: The sealed battery is similar to flooded battery with only difference that the entire battery is sealed and the user does not have access to battery. This battery was popular amongst engine starting and limited deep cycle applications (i.e. applications requiring enhanced use of battery thus discharging at a deeper level).

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the last 20% of the battery capacity may take 80% of the time.

4. Limited life time: Cycle life or more commonly the life of the Lead acid battery technology is relatively shorter. A typical battery discharged to 50% of its capacity (from fully charged state) lasts for around 400 cycles. However, if these batteries were not fully charged (a case as mentioned above) and the cycle life reduces to below 350. Further increasing the DOD of lead acid battery would lower its life exponentially.

This means that the applications like off – grid, UPS may need a battery replacement between every 2/3 years, thus increasing the OPEX of the project.

5. Limited communication capability: Applications like off-grid, grid energy storage and power plant storage in addition to deep discharging would also need the battery to communicate its typical characteristics like individual cell voltage, temperature, current, etc. during charging and/or discharging. The lead acid battery is not capable of providing such communication firstly and any efforts to develop the same would overshoot the cost of such instrument over the cost of the battery.

6. Toxic in nature: Lead is highly toxic metal and once the battery becomes inoperative, it is necessary to ensure its proper collection and eco-friendly recycling. If disposed without suitable measures, both lead and acid could produce a range of adverse health effects affecting the entire ecosystem around such disposal area.

Figure 3: Typical limitations of lead acid battery While this article dealt with Lead acid batteries, its types, applications and their advantages, the next article would focus on lithium ion battery explaining its variants & advantages over lead acid battery which has enabled a steep shift towards the technology.

Further it would also give readers an overview of the market scenario for lithium ion battery and its applicability in Indian scenario. Keep looking at this space for our next article.

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

RAHE ROSHAN HAMARA NATION

MR. SUNIL RATHI Director- Sales & Marketing Waaree Energies ltd

SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 32 Solar

Product Feature

The World’s Most Powerful 1500V String Inverter — SG250HX-IN Currently, solar power generation faces significant growth due to global awareness and favorable government policies. At the same time the PPA price for solar continues to decrease, which is already lower than traditional power generation in some countries.

One example is a 500MW solar plant in Qinghai province, China. Therefore, solar plant investors pay more attention to the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE).

The application of new technologies such as tracker system and bifacial module will reduce the LCOE. But a question remains: How to match the new technologies and deep integration with the solar plant? Due to lack of flat land, solar plant are now installed over complex environmental conditions like hilly areas, coastal areas and desert regions.

In this context, Sungrow introduces the world’s most powerful 1500V string inverter in 2019 — SG250HX-IN, which is a global product in compliance with both IEC and UL standards.

Fig.1 SG250HX-IN

Fig.3 System Diagram The SG250HX-IN and communication device supports PLC (Power Line Communication), which decrease communication cable cost. Detailed CAPEX study indicates that SG250HXIN will save 0.2~0.3 USD cent/Wp compared with competitor.

Adapt to Harsh Environments In recent years, more solar plants are installed in coastal areas and desert areas which pose challenges to inverters. With smart forced air-cooling technology, the SG250HX-IN can work stably in scorching heat. On account of lower internal temperature than the temperature in natural cooling method, the lifetime of the SG250HX-IN will be longer.

Due to separate electrical/cooling chamber design, SG250HX-IN provides an ingress protection rating of IP66 for all chambers and anti-corrosion design with C5 protection degree, making it ideal for applications in coastal areas, chemical industrial region and other typical harsh conditions.

12 MPPTs Compatible with Bifacial Module and Tracker System, High Yield

Smart Monitoring Makes Fault Diagnostics Easy Sungrow

can

provide

a

International Solar Energy Research Center Konstanz indicates that the lowest LCOE of

complete monitoring solution

1c/kWh is expected in 2021/2022 and the leading technologies to achieve this goal will

for

be bifacial module plus tracker system. The single axis or multi axis tracker system plus

includes

bifacial module will require higher full-load operation capacity and pose more challenges

SG250HX-IN COM100

which (Smart

Communication Box), Insight

for the inverters. Sungrow’s SG250HX-IN can run at full load for a long time attributing to

(Local

reliable and robust components selection with advanced design. Additionally, SG250HX-

SCADA),

iSolarCloud

IN is embedded with 12 MPPTs to adapt complex terrain and enables 26A input current

(Remote SCADA), PPC (Power

per string, perfectly matching the bifacial modules. SG250HX-IN also provides reserved

Plant Controller). Sungrow’s

power supply and communication interface to tracker system. SG250HX-IN has 0.3~0.5%

monitoring solution supports

higher yield compared with its competitor through PVsyst simulation, which will bring a

I-V

higher performance.

curve

scanning

and

diagnosis which can finish a

Fig.2 SG250HX-IN compatible with Bifacial Module & Tracker System

full-scale plant diagnosis in 15 minutes with an accuracy less than 0.5%. It makes easy to locate faults caused by dust shielding, glass panel cracking, dirt

Fig.4 High protection rating and low internal temperature

shielding,

diode

short

circuit, gate line disconnect and PID attenuation in order to reduce power generation loss.

Summary Up to 9.6 MW Block, Cost Saving As a recent study shows that the global market for large-scale PV installations is shifting to bigger block design to reduce LCOE. Based on the cost comparison of different capacity

The SG250HX-IN is the most powerful 1500V inverter in the market to date and is equipped with the latest solar technology to withstand new challenges and suitable for utility-scale solar plants. It will undoubtedly bring higher yield and lower CAPEX. IP66

block, 6~9.6MW block enables lowest cost. Sungrow’s SG250HX-IN is suitable for any

protection and C5 anti-corrosion capability make it easy to adapt to harsh environments.

block size between 3MW to 9.6MW. The SG250HX-IN typical system diagram is shown as

The smart monitoring solution can accurately locate faults to ensure power generation

figure 3.

benefits of solar plants.

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SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 33 Solar

Technology News

D

N

-HVPE Technological Breakthrough Will Reduce the Time to Make a Solar Cell

EOM 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

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

February and is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

table—are commonly used in space applications. Notable for high efficiency, these types

At an estimated $0.34/m3, the cost of producing water via “solar dome” technology

of cells are too expensive for terrestrial use, but researchers are developing techniques to

will be significantly lower than desalination plants using reverse osmosis methods. The technology will also significantly reduce the impact on the environment by producing

reduce those costs.

more concentrated brine, a potentially harmful byproduct of the water extraction process.

One method pioneered at NREL relies on a new growth technique called dynamic hydride

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

vapor phase epitaxy, or D-HVPE. Traditional HVPE, which for decades was considered

in seawater desalination. The process sees seawater pumped into a hydrological “solar

the best technique for production of light-emitting diodes and photodetectors for the

dome” made from glass and steel, before it is superheated, evaporated and eventually precipitated as fresh water.

telecommunications industry, fell out of favour in the 1980s with the emergence of MOVPE.

The “solar dome” desalination process, which can also operate at night due to the stored

Both processes involve depositing chemical vapors onto a substrate, but the advantage

solar energy generated throughout the day will reduce the total amount of brine that is

belonged to MOVPE because of its ability to form abrupt heterointerfaces between two

created during the water extraction process. Typically, the high salt concentration in brine makes it more difficult and expensive to process. The solar dome process helps prevent any damage to marine life as no brine is discharged into the sea.

With over one billion people around the world lacking access to clean water every day, NEOM’s solar desalination project will serve as a test case for other water scarce countries

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

that are struggling to generate environmentally safe and sustainable sources of fresh water.

substrate, which was then removed. The growth chemistry was then swapped for another,

NEOM, the flagship project of Saudi Arabia’s post-oil diversification plan, is being built on

and the substrate returned to the chamber for the next chemical application. D-HVPE

a 26,500 km2 area in northwestern Saudi Arabia. It offers unique investment opportunities in economic sectors and real-estate development.

relies on a multi-chamber reactor. The substrate moves back and forth between chambers, greatly reducing the time to make a solar cell. A single-junction solar cell that takes an hour

C

ovestro’s Insqin Technology Granted Solar Impulse’s Label

or two to make using MOVPE can potentially be produced in under a minute by D-HVPE. Despite these advances, MOVPE still held another advantage: the ability to deposit wide band gap aluminum-containing materials that enable the highest solar cell efficiencies.

HVPE has long struggled with the growth of these materials due to difficulties with the chemical nature of the usual aluminum-containing precursor, aluminum monochloride.

The researchers always planned on introducing aluminum into D-HVPE, but first focused their efforts on validating the growth technique. The scientists used an aluminum trichloride generator, which was heated to 400 degrees celsius to generate an aluminum

Covestro’s waterborne technology called Insqin for sustainable textile coating has been

trichloride from solid aluminum and hydrogen chloride gas. Aluminum trichloride is much

granted the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions Label by the Solar Impulse Foundation. The

more stable in the HVPE reactor environment than the monochloride form. The other

label signifies its credibility and a guarantee of quality for those looking for clean solutions.

components—gallium chloride and indium chloride—were vaporized at 800 degrees

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.

Celsius. The three elements were combined and deposited on a substrate at 650 degrees Celsius.

Using D-HVPE, NREL scientists previously were able to make solar cells from gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium indium phosphide (GaInP). In these cells, the GaInP is used

Using Insqin, the production of coated fabrics also requires up to 95 per cent less water

as the “window layer,” which passivates the front surface and permits sunlight to reach

and 50 per cent less energy.

the GaAs absorber layer below where the photons are converted to electricity. This layer

The solar greenhouse dryer is an efficient, decentralised, cost-effective and sustainable

must be as transparent as possible, but GaInP is not as transparent as the aluminum

solution for reduction of post-harvest losses in agricultural products. The high efficiency of

indium phosphide (AlInP) used in MOVPE-grown solar cells. The current world efficiency

the dryer is achieved through the use of polycarbonate for construction of a parabolically

record for MOVPE-grown GaAs solar cells that incorporate AlInP window layers is 29.1%.

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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With only GaInP, the maximum efficiency for HVPE-grown solar cells is estimated to be only 27%.

Now that aluminum has been added to the mix of D-HVPE, the scientists said they should be able to reach parity with solar cells made via MOVPE. The HVPE process is a cheaper process, showing a for a cheaper technique.

Solar SolarQuarter Quarter••January January2020 2020 34 34

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Solar Quarter • January 2020 35

Company News

H

J

artek Solar Bags 1-MW rooftop solar projects in Daman

Hartek Solar, the rooftop solar division of the Hartek Group with operations in more than 10 states, has marked its presence in the newly merged union territories of Dadra & Nagar

inkoSolar Leads as a Top Module Supplier In 2019

With solar panel shipments worth 14 GW in 2019, China’s JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. held on to its top position in PV InfoLink’s Top 10 Global Module Shipment Ranking for 2019.

Haveli and Daman & Diu by bagging around 40 rooftop solar projects to the tune of 1

In 2018, JinkoSolar shipped more than 11 GW. JinkoSolar started the year 2019 with a

MW in the industrial category in Daman. Grabbing the opportunities presented by the

forecast of 14 GW to 15 GW during the year, it later on reduced the forecast to between 14

solar policy of the recently merged UTs, that makes it mandatory for industrial units to install rooftop solar plants, Hartek Solar, which develops and provides complete rooftop

GW to 14.2 GW. Yet, the 14 GW figure for JinkoSolar is way higher than the second highest volume of over 10 GW that fellow Chinese companies JA Solar and Trina Solar shipped in 2019, as per PV InfoLink analysts. Overall, shipments by all the top 10 suppliers added up

solutions, right from installation of solar panels and inverters to supply, design, engineering

to nearly 80 GW, which equals a 65.4% market share out of 121.4 GW shipped globally

and commissioning, has bagged these substantial orders by riding on its expertise in the

last year.

rooftop solar domain and track record of keeping up high project execution standards.

If ranked by export numbers, the top five module manufacturers – JinkoSolar, JA Solar, Canadian Solar, Trina Solar and Risen Energy – together exported 33 GW to 34 GW of modules in 2019.

A

dani and Azure Bag ManufacturingLinked Solar Tender Floated by the Solar Energy Corporation of India for 7 GW

M

icrosoft Pledges To Go Carbon Negative By 2030

Adani Green Energy and Azure Power have won the first of its kind manufacturing-linked solar tender floated by the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s (SECI) for 7 GW of solar capacity. Adani and Azure won the bids for developing 2,000 MW of projects with 500 MW of manufacturing capacity. The winning tariff quoted by both the companies was ₹2.92 (~$0.04)/kWh. The ceiling tariff for this tender was fixed at ₹2.93 ($0.041)/kWh. The tender also elevated an option for greenshoe where the companies could opt for an additional capacity to both develop and manufacture. Adani, under the greenshoe option, has offered an additional capacity of 1,500 MW solar cell and module manufacturing and 6 GW generation. The total capacity allocated for Adani now becomes 2,000 MW of solar cell and module manufacturing and 8 GW of generation capacity.

The global IT giant has pledged to go carbon negative by the year 2030, which means it will remove more carbon than it emits each year. By 2050, it will remove from the environment all the carbon it had emitted either directly or by electrical consumption since it was founded in 1975.

The bold announcement comes with a detailed, sort of, plan as to how the management will go about meeting the target. Microsoft says it will shift to 100% renewable energy supply by 2025 by way of signing power purchase agreements (PPA) for green energy contracted for 100% of carbon emitting electricity consumed by its data centers, buildings and campuses, something it has been doing for quite some time now.

T

ata, Waaree, Inkel Win Bids For Kerala’s 46.5 MW Rooftop Solar Auction

C

hange in ReneSola Revenue Guidance For 2019

The KSEBL (Kerala State Electricity Board Limited) has given the tender of its 46.5 MW Rooftop Solar Auction to Tata Power, Waaree Group, and Inkel. As per the sources, Tata

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listed solar power project developer ReneSola Ltd. has

power has won a total capacity of 35 MW, in all categories which includes projects less

changed its revenue guidance for the last quarter of 2019 and the full year itself owing

than 10 kW, 11-100 kW, or more than 100 kW. Waaree Group, has won a total capacity of

to delay in recognizing revenue from the sale of a solar project in Canada. It will expect

6.5 MW, and Inkel which is a Kochi-based developer has bagged a capacity of 5 MW. It was mentioned by the source that out of the five bidders only three were selected for this project as the other two didn’t match the financial and experience criteria according to the tender document.

to complete the project sale and recognize the revenue in Q1/2020. As per preliminary unaudited results, it now expects Q4/2019 revenues to be in the range of $20 million to $25 million, bringing it down from $45 million to $50 million shared previously. Expected gross margin for the period will now be in the range of 27% to 31%, as opposed to 10% to 15% guided earlier. While sharing its third quarter results for 2019, ReneSola guided for

T

rina Solar Commence Manufacturing New Multibusbar Modules With 210mm Wafer

Trina Solar has officially started manufacturing its first large-size module using silicon wafers with 210 mm side length. The new multi-busbar product uses an innovative 1/3cut design, said the Chinese vertically integrated PV module producer. Trina claims this will pave the way for compatibility and integration of large-size, high-power modules and downstream systems. The move will greatly accelerate time-to-market for large-size modules. Large-sized wafers are said to help the modules generate more power thus enabling an overall reduction in costs. Tier-I manufacturers are increasingly introducing larger wafers for their cell/module products.

full year 2019 revenues to be between $130 million to $140 million with a gross margin of 20% to 25%. Now it has been reduced to $115 million to $120 million as revenues and gross margin is anticipated to be within 25% to 30%.

E

ngie To Divestment 74%Stake In Indian Solar Assets

French energy company Engie is giving up a 74% stake in its 12 solar assets in India representing 813 MW of operating capacity to Edelweiss Infrastructure Yield Plus (EIYP) and a portfolio company of the latter called Sekura Energy Limited. EIYP is an infrastructure focused fund managed by Edelweiss Group’s Edelweiss Alternative Asset Advisors Limited.

The move will help the company reduce its net debt by more than €400 million ($443.7 million) and is part of the company’s business model to develop-build-share-operate (DBSO) under which it partially sells off interest in its EPC projects post commissioning.

Engie said it will collaborate further with EIYP under an ‘ambitious strategic partnership’ to expand a growing solar platform with the French company continuing to look after development, construction and operation of present and future solar plants.

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