SolarQuarter October Issue 2018

SPECIAL FOCUS - SOLAR INVERTER TECHNOLOGY

www.solarquarter.com

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Volume 08. l Issue 10

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October 2018

3.125MW

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10-70kW Three-Phase Solar Inverters

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INDIA NEWS

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argest Floating Solar Tender for Rihand Dam in Uttar Pradesh

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has given a seventh extension to the largest floating solar power tender in India. SECI first issued this tender in April this year, and had called on developers to place bids to set up projects at the Rihand Dam in Uttar Pradesh.

The tender called upon the project developers to submit bids to set up 150 megawatts of floating solar power projects, with blocks of 50 megawatts each. The tender has been floated by SECI, on behalf of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) which will sign the power purchase agreement with the project developers.

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oal India Limited Plans $1.6 Billion Solar Investment The world’s largest coal mining company, Coal India Limited (CIL), and India’s largest

lignite mining company, NLC India Limited (NIL), have announced a joint venture to set up 3 gigawatts of solar power capacity. Apart from the solar power capacity, the two companies will also cooperate on setting up 2 gigawatts of coal-based power capacity.

Coal India issued a press release in which the emphasis is clearly on the solar power expansion plans. CIL states that it has been mandated by the Government of India — its largest and majority shareholder — to become a Net Zero Energy company. Even before this joint venture announcement, CIL had announced aggressive plans to set up largescale solar power projects across the country.

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PUVN rooftop solar gets lowest ever tariff of Rs 1.38 per unit

Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam (MPUVN) recently announced that it has achieved historic low tariff of Rs 1.38 per unit for central government buildings in its RESCO II rooftop solar tender, an official statement said. State government medical colleges, also a beneficiary in the tender, have got a rate of Rs 1.63 per unit for the first year. The rates would increase by 3 per cent annually and would roughly double at the end of 25 years, MPUVN said. “Madhya Pradesh has discovered the lowest rate of Rs 1.38 per unit for first year in central government buildings, which is one fourth of what the consumers are presently paying,” it said in a statement. Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) sets up solar power projects and then monetises the energy produced. In comparison, a system integrator installs the project and is involved in the execution and implementation of the project for another RESCO. The RESCO - II tender issued by MPUVN attracted 9 international and domestic bidders, who oversubscribed its 8.6 MWp rooftop tender capacity by more than 630 per cent, it added.

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ndia: NTPC signed Term Loan of Rs.5000 Crore with State Bank of India

A term loan agreement for Rs. 5000 Crore was signed with State Bank of India on 28th September, 2018. This loan has a door to door tenure of 12 years and will be utilised to part finance the capital expenditure of NTPC. The loan agreement was signed by Shri Sudhir Arya, Chief Financial Officer, NTPC Ltd and Shri Neelabh Sinha, Dy General Manager, State Bank of India.

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adhya Pradesh Introduces Innovative Decentralized Solar Policy

Mr. Manu Srivastava, Principal Secretary and Commissioner, New and Renewable Energy Department, Government of Madya Pradesh, mentioned that the objective of the policy is to make renewable energy cover the entire state. Rural areas, which are still not connected to the grid or where grid supply is unreliable, can be powered through off-grid renewable energy-based solutions, while urban consumers can reduce their electricity bills by adopting a cleaner source of energy on their rooftop. This decentralized solar policy addresses the inhibitions of DISCOMs by allowing them RPO fulfilment at zero cost. On the other hand, it takes care of the capital costs incurred by rooftop solar PV consumers (residential) while installing the system. This is a fully rounded policy with all loose ends tied up for a seamless process.

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ndia’s 40 GW rooftop solar aim hit by high costs, net metering caps

Factors including the ability to reach less creditworthy clients, standardised regulatory support and a rating mechanism for developers could promote rooftop solar uptake in India. Lack of a successful model to aggregate under the OPEX model, as well as consumer awareness are among other challenges to rooftop solar growth. As planning laws keep changing constantly, residential consumers prefer to keep rooftops free for future construction. Rooftop solar is financially very attractive for business consumers, but the DISCOMs have not been supportive as it takes away some of their highest paying customers. There are many artificial caps and restrictions in net metering that discourage such consumers.

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ndia to add up to 8.5 GW of RE in FY19 India is likely to add between 8-8.5 GW of renewable energy generation capacity in the

current financial year ending March 2019, according to research and rating agency ICRA

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ndia Proposes Solar Auction Schedule The huge number of solar power auctions being issued by various agencies across India

have finally forced the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to propose a schedule for all issuing agencies. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has proposed that the Solar Energy Corporation of India, central government companies, and state agencies plan their solar power auctions in a manner that none will overlap each other. This would help participating companies to plan their auction strategy. According to the letter, SECI will hold auctions in the last month of each quarter, while public sector companies, like NTPC Limited and Indian Railways, will hold auctions in the first month of each quarter. State

Limited. In the next four years, the research and rating agency expects a 5% increase in the share of renewables in the total generation mix, from 7.7% in FY18 to 12-13% by FY22. Earlier this week, research and consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie said that India may achieve just 76% of its 175 GW renewables target by the scheduled date of 2022, as it faces myriad challenges.

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DPQ increases its stake in Azure Power, an Indian leader in solar power, to 40%

It was recently announced that CDPQ (La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec)

agencies will conduct auctions in the second month of each quarter. This clear schedule

has increased its stake in Azure Power Global Ltd. Azure Power is one of India’s largest

would enable companies to plan their cash flows in order to meet all financial requirements

independent solar power producer with a pan-Indian portfolio of more than 3 GW spread

to participate in the tender.

across 23 Indian states. CDPQ quoted that through this investment, they are reaffirming their commitment to Azure Power and our willingness to support its growth. Further it

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ndia: Renewable Energy Experts discuss the future of clean energy at Reinvest 2018

The power packed technical sessions at the 2nd Global RE-Invest India-ISA Partnership Renewable Energy Experts’ Meet & Expo (RE-Invest 2018), organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy saw industry experts, corporates and sector players discussing the opportunities and challenges held by the Renewable Energy sector at Greater Noida.

also mentioned that this transactions fits perfectly with CDPQ’s longing to contribute to a global Low-Carbon economy.

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industan Shipyard inaugurates 2-MW Rooftop solar power

The Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) here has taken a commendable initiative in setting

The technical session underlined the need for creating a conducive policy and regulatory

up a 2-MW roof-top solar power system and the other public sector units in the city. The

framework that gives impetus to domestic manufacturing, demand creation and allows

system, the largest rooftop solar plant in Andhra Pradesh at a single location, will help

integrated e-mobility requirement seamlessly.

the HSL to save Rs 48 lakh per annum in energy costs, while reducing its environmental

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aharashtra Passes Order To Push 500 MW Agriculture Solar Feeder Scheme:

The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission approved the modalities, arrangement and the rates for the two pilot projects at Ralegan Siddhi and Kolambi of 2 MW each. The order said approval would be without any trading margin.

Government Of Maharashtra (GoM) had approved the Comprehensive Solar Policy-2015 for Grid connected new and Renewable Power generation projects in the State, vide Government resolution dated 20 July, 2015. As per this policy, the targeted solar capacity addition till 2022 is 7500 MW. At that time it was decided that MSPGCL, being State Generation Company, will undertake solar capacity addition of 2500 MW, through Public

footprint. The rooftop solar plant will meet about 35 percent of the HSL’s total power consumption,with 28 lakh of units of clean solar energy being generated per annum.

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umber of solar connections in Delhi is expected to cross 2,000 by year-end.

A report by power distribution company BSES said that 1,077 rooftop solar connections with a sanctioned solar load of more than 40MW have been energised in Delhi to date.

BSES has brought more than 1,000 consumers such as Lotus Temple and Maulana Azad Medical college in rooftop solar connections’ list in the city, a company spokesperson said. The surplus electricity generated by consumers part for self consumption can be sold to the discom.

Private Partnership (PPP) method.

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WORLD NEWS

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audi Arabia, Lightsource BP eye solar projects in India Saudi Arabia is interested in partnering India to develop complementary supply chains,

and deploy funds and new technologies here in what may further bring down already low solar power tariffs in the country. Also, Lightsource BP is betting big on setting up solar power projects here through its partnership with the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund of India (NIIF). The proposal from Saudi Arabia comes at a time when India has pitched the ISA as a counterweight to Opec.

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re Solar Carports New Source of Growth for Rooftop Solar?

India crossed the milestone of 25 GW of installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity, as of August 2018. Out of the installed capacity, rooftop solar PV accounts for over 2.5 GW. Compared to large-scale solar, rooftop installations are well behind. But of late solar carports are demonstrating the potential to be a source of growth for the rooftop sector.

Carports are already there and do not need any additional land and can be an efficient use of space for solar installations. India’s largest rooftop solar carport has been developed at

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Cochin International Airport by Tata Power Solar. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) also

Solar power on 12th Oct 2018, exceeded the 100 billion kilowatt hour mark (2017: 21.11.2017),

emissions annually. The project falls under net‑metering program.

olar power increases to over 100 billion kilowatt hours in the EU

at an earlier point in the year than ever before, according to IWR, a Münster-based renewable energy institute. This emerges from data provided by European transmission system operators and analysed by IWR. In the ranking of European countries generating solar power in 2018 (as at:12.10.2018), Germany leads with 38.1 billion kWh, ahead of Italy with 15.6 billion kWh, Spain with 10.7 billion kWh and the UK with 10.2 billion kWh. France comes fifth with 8.6 billion kWh, followed by Belgium with 3.2 billion kWh and Greece with 2.9 billion kWh.

has a multi-level rooftop solar carport set up at Unity One Mall in Rohini, Delhi. The carport was commissioned in November 27, 2017 and is expected to offset 438 tons of carbon

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oadblocks in India’s efforts: World’s greatest solar energy success story

It would be hard to be more bullish than India has been on solar power. The country wants a solar power capacity of 100 GW by 2022 (India’s total peak electricity demand in 2017-18 was 164 GW and is expected to be 235 GW by 2021-22). This involves building more than four times the existing capacity in four years. If all goes according to plan, solar

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DP Renewables Enters The Brazilian Solar Energy Market The project, located in the Brazilian State of São Paulo, has a total capacity of 199 MW

and the contract is set to enter into force in 2022. With this contract EDPR enters the Brazilian solar energy market, while reinforcing and diversifying its presence in a market with a low risk profile, through the establishment of long term contracts, attractive renewable resources and with solid prospects in the medium and long term

will account for three-fourths of the planned renewable energy capacity of 175 GW by 2022. If the first wave of India’s renewable energy push this century was in wind power, a second and bigger revolution is underway in solar. But recently, gathering clouds have been threatening to rain on India’s sunny parade. The issues relate to India’s conflicting desires to procure cheap solar equipment, on the one hand, and to encourage a domestic manufacturing base through imposition of import duties, on the other. The latter means slower capacity additions and higher tariffs in the short run. The other is the expectation by power buyers, mainly state-owned utilities, that solar power will be available at dirt-

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olar Power is Europe’s Most Popular Energy A new European Social Survey on ‘European Attitudes toward Climate Change and

Energy‘ found that solar power has the highest level of support in Europe, with 89% of Germans 85% of Italians and 85% of French saying it was their preference. Aurélie Beauvais, Policy Director of SolarPower Europe said: “Solar is the energy choice of Europeans. Nine out of ten people believe that solar is the best technology to affordably address climate change and ultimately help reach the EU’s 2050 decarbonisation goal.” Kristina Thoring, Communications Director at SolarPower Europe said: “Solar power has massive appeal in Europe because of its unique capability to power all aspects of life, from your home or apartment, your food to your car. Solar is empowering millions of European citizens and communities – that is why we can say that we are all Generation Solar.”

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marenco becomes France’s number one in large-scale rooftop solar after latest tender results.

Amarenco has been awarded a total capacity of more than 100 MW across the five consecutive calls for tenders in this category, far ahead of Urbasolar (81MW) and Technique Solaire (68MW). Amarenco’s rooftop projects are distributed across two development platforms, one of which was established in partnership with TOTAL SOLAR. To carry out the projects, the company will unlock more than €120 million of investment. For the last 10 years, Amarenco France has been working in close partnership with agricultural landowners, local authorities and businesses. Its projects are particularly distinguished by their environmental requirements, their innovations, as well as their collaborative and participative approaches, which appealed to all farmers and businesses who join in this success.

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BRD Boosts Green Power Generation In Kazakhstan.

The EBRD is supporting a new solar plant with up to up to 28 MW capacity in southern

Kazakhstan, a country which leads in the field of solar power generation in Central Asia. The respective loan and project support agreements have been signed in Brussels. The financing will be provided in local currency, Kazakh tenge, for up to an equivalent of US$ 35 million on a project finance basis. The project will help to develop the country’s potential in renewables and strengthen the private sector’s involvement in the power and energy sector which has historically been dominated by state entities. The solar park project will be implemented by Nomad Solar LLP, a special purpose company incorporated in Kazakhstan and owned by the French company Total Eren SA and the United Arab Emirates company Access Infra Central Asia Ltd.

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asdar-led joint venture completes financing to develop Jordan’s largest Solar Power project.

cheap rates in all parts of the country, when the cost of generating solar power can vary vastly depending on climate. On September 10, the Supreme Court lifted an Orissa High Court stay on a so-called safeguard duty imposed by the Centre on solar cells (whether or not assembled in a solar module) imported from China and Malaysia. The government had in July imposed a 25% duty for a year from July 30, 20% for the following six months and 15% for six months after that. The idea behind the move was to encourage domestic manufacturing. India imports 90% of its solar cell and module requirements from China, Malaysia and Taiwan. But will the idea work?

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cme Solar Commissions India’s Cheapest Solar Power Plant

Just over 18 months after Acme Solar Holdings quoted India’s lowest-ever solar power tariff, the company announced that it fully operationalized the project in a remote desert area in the state of Rajasthan. Acme Solar announced that it commissioned 200 megawatts (AC) of capacity at Rajasthan Bhadla solar power park. The company had secured the rights to develop this project at a competitive auction held in February 2017. The auction saw massive oversubscription and only two companies managed to secure projects in the 500 megawatt capacity offered. In February 2017, two separate auctions for 250 megawatts and 500 megawatts were held for a new phase of development at the Bhadla solar power park.

These projects were offered by private companies in partnership with state government agencies. Solar Energy Corporation of India conducted the auction on their behalf. The first auction, of 250 megawatts, was won by three companies — Phelan Group (50 megawatts at Rs 2.62/kWh), Avaada Energy (100 megawatts at Rs 2.62/kWh), and SB Energy (100 megawatts at Rs 2.63/kWh). At that time, these tariff bids were the lowest in India.

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hallenge before the Solar Alliance The Jawahar Lal Nehru Solar Mission was started in 2010. Prime Minister Narendra

Modi has pushed it forward dramatically and set a target of generation of 100 gigawatts of solar power by 2022. That would involve increasing solar generation four times in the coming four years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken two laudable steps towards achieving this target. One, the government is proactively acquiring land required for these projects. Two, he has established the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to buy electricity from solar plants and sell to the consumers such as the State Electricity Boards. This provides security to the producers that the electricity produced will be lifted and payment will be received. These steps are laudable and will push the production of solar power in the country. It must be remembered that our reserves of coal are limited for the generation of thermal power and we have very limited availability of uranium for the generation of nuclear power.

The financing for the 200 megawatt-capacity (MW) Baynouna solar energy project, to be built 10 kilometres outside of the capital Amman, was formalised at a signing ceremony between Baynouna Solar Energy Company (BSEC) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). BSEC is a joint-venture between Masdar and Taaleri. BSEC is the Masdar-led special project vehicle developing Jordan’s largest solar PV plant on behalf of the state utility

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IN CONVERSATION

Our vision is to grow Karvy Renewable Energy into among first choice company in India & globally for solar power projects.

Mr. Moola Ramesh, Chief Executive Officer, Karvy Renewable Energy Projects Limited

Let us start with the recent developments at Karvy Renewable Energy in last one year.

Karvy Renewable Energy was incorporated in January 2015, promoted by the Karvy Group, established in 1979 and headquartered in Hyderabad, India, country’s leading financial service conglomerate. Our vision is to grow Karvy Renewable Energy into among first choice company in India & globally for solar power projects. Within few

Will we see more M&A’s in the solar sector?

A. M&A activity in solar industry remained robust especially the project acquisition, though there was a slight decline in solar demand across the globe in last quarter.

Most of the project developers were active acquirers in Q3, 2018 and in the coming time we expect more & more acquisitions in this sector. The financial returns of the

months of establishment Karvy Renewable Energy has built 20MW tracker based solar

running project is much assured and the risks and challenges involved in setting

power project at Telangana, soon we were successful in winning bids for about 90MW.

up a project within timelines, dealing local authorities for permissions / approvals,

One of our recent project was 10MW tracker based solar plant commissioned this

acquisition of land/ conversion etc and timely financial closure of the project is still a

February at Karnataka. Our strengths and the pillars of success has been the self EPC

big challenge. With M&A we also have an advantage of accessing the low cost funds.

capability with expertise in house team.

Karvy is exploring several options of acquisitions at present.

Our focus is to develop large scale solar power projects (both ground mount and

Already, lot of firms investing in the renewable energy space have raised money from

rooftop) and offer services to these projects, expand our product.

the market by issuing Green Bonds, though, it is yet to become in vogue with local

Karvy Renewable Energy has signed the very first RESCO model rooftop project with

investment community. But, going forward, with the bonds turning out to be the new

TSREDCO (State Nodal Agency – Telangana) & TSRTC (Telangana State Road Transport

green shoots in the capital market by delivering an above average return compared

Corporation) for developing 3MW Solar Rooftop project in the premises of Bus Bhavan,

to similar instruments, investment funds and high net-worth individuals (HNIs) are

Bus Stations, Workshops & Depots, spread over 69 locations in Telangana, construction

expected to lap up the Green Bonds going forward and many more renewable firms

of the project is under progress.

waiting on their wings to tap the market.

Do you think more companies will now enter the market as the economics improve? Will further investments by large strategic investors and global power firms etc. will bring about change in the industry?

Yes, more companies / large corporates are likely to enter in to the sector, across the

Are you content with the progress of Indian solar industry and the new policies being introduced by both state and central government? What more would you like to expect from the government policies?

globe a decisive shift has emerged in favour of adoption of renewable energy largely because solar tariffs have been crashing even below the grid power.

The present policies are encouraging for investments in the sector, in long run the

Four years ago, companies installed roof top not only for cost reasons but for

financial health of Discom is always a concern. The policies adopted at national level

sustainability and other benefits but today the savings by themselves are substantial

are highly effective but the implementation in true spirit is lacking in some states.

enough which is driving the developer and EPC companies to focus on roof top solar.

Approval of captive and open access projects, reliefs for change in law, power

While interest, economics and resources are in place, regulatory hurdles could still be

curtailment/shutdowns of substations are few areas that the government policies

a challenge to this momentum. Regulatory issues like open access and net metering policies are holding back the boom of this segment.

should focus and provide relief to the developers.

Within the power and utilities sector, the trend for installing smaller generation plants will continue as the growing economies of scale, combined with government subsidies, support the rollout of greener technologies. The rate at which costs are coming down for these technologies will further support their growth. The energy market will change and become more fragmented than ever before. There will be implications on industry roles, investor landscape, regulatory policies, customer preferences, competitive

“Karvy Renewable Energy has signed the very first RESCO model rooftop

landscape, etc.

project with TSREDCO (State Nodal

Do you think India is an investor friendly market for this sector? Any specific states you are considering in the industry?

Agency – Telangana) & TSRTC (Telangana

In RE sector, predominantly the solar energy space has fetched the global companies in India in last couple of years mainly attributed to the national policies and guidelines of the segment. Country’s pro – renewable mind set along with 100% FDI has been one of the major incentive to attract large global companies. The local player’s ability to source low cost funding is a challenge in today’s scenario of cut throat tariffs arrived from reverse bidding. We do not differentiate state wise as every opportunity needs to be explored however several states have set their own solar power capacity installation targets in their policies, which gives an idea of the interest shown by these states in solar

State Road Transport Corporation) for developing 3MW Solar Rooftop project in the premises of Bus Bhavan, Bus Stations, Workshops & Depots, spread over 69 locations in Telangana, construction of the project is under progress.”

energy. Some states offer additional incentives other than national policy guidelines and enable easer clearances to facilitate increased participation in the sector.

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IN CONVERSATION

We overcome these challenges by very strong liasoning and on-ground team, vastly experienced and dedicated to resolve local issues.

Mr. Mudit Garg Director (Operations), Vivaan Solar

Tell us more about the major challenges you have faced in executing your projects and how you overcame those.

Current Indian solar tariffs are bit hard to justify given the instability in currency and

The major challenges we face are land acquisition, right of way for transmission lines and

We feel over the time extra exuberance of industry will subside and tariffs will return to

several government approvals. We overcome these challenges by very strong liasoning and on-ground team, vastly experienced and dedicated to resolve local issues.

How do you see the off-grid market growing in India over the next 5 years?

Off grid market has huge growth potential especially in remote villages, hills, and farms which are still not directly connected to National grid. With solar energy prices are becoming more affordable along with awareness, this should grow by 15-20% yoy for next 5 yrs considering low base.

introduction of taxes like GST and import duty from govt. more realistic levels.

Financing is still a major issue in the sector. How difficult is raising finance for solar projects?

Though Financing is always a major challenge while executing a project in India . But we should acknowledge that raising debt for government backed PPA is not that tough in recent times.

What are the challenges in maintaining operational solar projects?

What are the major policy bottlenecks that you think are stagnating the industry today and how should government address them?

When we talk about solar parks. It varies with location.

Major policy bottlenecks that are stagnating the industry are:

� Grid availability, quality and stability.

� Need of standard rooftop policies across India � Investor needs more comfort with stability of policies as solar is long term investment and introduction of new charges is killing industry.

Given the tough competition, how cost competitive is the market, in India and globally?

The solar space has become very competitive with many big investors turned up in small time duration.

� Water availability � Security

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

The biggest threat in Indian solar industry is policy stability. Opportunities lies in decentralized space, battery backed plants. We strongly feel that future will be powered by solar energy. With the ongoing innovations in battery, solar power can be supplied throughout 24 hrs of the day with stable output in near future. This can help our grids in scheduling power and reducing their dependencies on conventional energy.

We believe that our next demand source are the regional EPC players who need constant service support from the module partner for the projects they install.

Mr. Neelesh Garg, Director, Saatvik Green Energy Let’s begin with a glimpse of your company’s presence and offerings in India?

Saatvik entered the market by establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Haryana. Being the largest by capacity in the northern region, Saatvik aims to provide the best quality product and subsequent service to the developers and EPCs in the region.

In its efforts to serve clients, it has also been able to achieve high volume sales across

Micro-inverter is also a new concept, which saves the cost of DC wiring, but it is yet to be economically viable to the final consumer.

What are your growth plans for the Indian market? What are the milestones you wish to achieve by the end of this fiscal?

various geographical regions, for SGE 72P – 320/325/330Wp. 72 cell polycrystalline is

We have seen rapid growth in demand from existing customers, as well as some

the major offering of Saatvik, which has now been extended to monocrystalline SGE 72M

new customers who believe in our product and our company. This is given us a

–345/350Wp as well. Saatvik is also offering BIPV Glass-glass modules for its customers.

platform to expand our manufacturing base. For us, this comes naturally, as we already have infrastructure in place. This expansion will not only help push local

What have been some of the recent developments at your organisation?

As an organisation, we have seen continuous growth since we started, and the team wants to develop both its offerings and its client base, in order keep the thrust going.

We have recently finalized our expansion plans and the new machines are going to be

sales across all regions but also export sales.

What have been the latest trends in demand for your products & services in India? Where do you see the next demand growth coming from?

commissioned in Jan 2019, increasing the total production capacity to 500 MW. Further,

As we see it, the demand for our products is directly correlated to 2 aspects:

we have received BIS test reports, and the license acquisition is under process. We

� growth in solar PV market, in terms of increased installations as a result of higher

already have IEC across the entire range of our offerings.

Tell us a bit about the recent technology advancements in your sector?

Technology changes in solar industry have been a constant phenomenon. What takes time is their financial viability and subsequent adoption. If we specifically talk about solar panels, the major advancements have happened in the PV cell. Since the start of our manufacturing facility, we have already moved from 3BB to 5BB cells, 300Wp Poly panels to 335Wp Poly panels, and now we are ready for Poly PERC and Mono PERC. Apart from that, there are smart junction box/optimizer based JB, which helps manage

awareness. � Capture the already existing market by differentiating in the way we operate.

These 2 fundamentals have been crucial to our team, and we believe in solution providers to self-select their module partner, based on various factors that suit them. The market is becoming less sticky by the day, and the acceptance of new solar PV players in higher, which is a positive sign for us. We believe that our next demand source are the regional EPC players who need constant service support from the module partner for the projects they install.

the current and voltage in accordance with all panels in the series, when installed.

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IN CONVERSATION

Brij - The Backbone of Every Indian Solar Module, Helping India Achieve International Quality Standards Mr. Sishir Goel , Vice President- Technology & Marketing, Brij Encapsulants (India)

Let’s begin with a glimpse of your company’s presence and offerings in India.

There has been a lot of discussion about the quality of Indian made solar modules. What is your take on that?

Brij started manufacturing ‘Brij Advantage’ range of Solar EVA Encapsulants in the year 2011 in

Recently, the Indian market has responded sensitively to price leaving little space

its fully automated facility based in the state of Haryana. Backed by its 30 years of manufacturing

for technological innovations and room for compromises in either understanding,

excellence, the company has since been experiencing exponential growth in volumes owing to its

procurement of cells, F&B sheets or manufacturing processes. Since F&B sheets directly

growing base of satisfied customers, top quality manufacturing practices and strict Quality control

impact performance of solar modules, any slack in quality may prove to be detrimental

procedures in place.

not just for the solar modules and but also the corporate brand in long term. It is strongly

The company recently expanded its product portfolio by offering the new ‘Brij Protect’ range of Solar BackSheets along with ‘Brij Advatange Plus’ range of Solar module Front Sheets for the Indian module manufacturers.

What have been some of the recent developments at your organisation?

During the past one year, the R&D team has been busy developing the new solar BackSheets and improving the existing Solar Front Sheets for the Indian market. We have also segmented our product offering into two categories to cater to the general bipolar industry demand. Brij Protect and Brij Advantage range of Solar F&B sheets cater to the regular requirements of our customers and the Plus models for our performance driven customers.

recommended that manufacturers ensure proper understanding of the chosen products before settling for final BOM. Our trained team would be happy to take queries and assist buyers wherever possible.

How can some of the major prevelant module defects be prevented by right mix of F&B Sheets?

With minimalistic invesments, the right backsheets will ensure lower transmission of moisture in the module whereas quality fronsheets will ensure better integrity of the laminate for better module lifetime. These factors together have been known to lower snail trails and delamination defects during modules field operation ensuring durability, reliability and performance.

From an electrical perspective, a higher dielectic and breakdown voltage strength in Brij Backsheets and improved electrical volume resistivity in Brij FrontSheets will ensure lower leakage currents and Potential induced degredation defects in modules lifetime, again leading to better output, performance ratio and higher return on investements.

What are the Advantages Brij offers as compared to other sources?

To just list a few, due its presence in NCR, Brij offers an excellent locational advantage to its clients, being able to dispatch material pan India hassle free on time. With multiple products, our customers can now also take advantage of reduced logistics costs and better competitve pricing. Not to forget, in the past 7 years Brij has established itself as a reliabile name in this industry. Customers enjoy the benefit of using reliable products tested in field for 7+ years, a mark and quality guarantee in itself.

Brief us a little bit more about the new Brij Protect range of backsheets?

BackSheets are an obvious sync with our current frontsheet offerings. For the current market scenario, we have launched two range of products in this segment – Brij Protect and Brij Protect Plus BackSheets: i. Brij Protect: Suitable and targeted towards modules with less stringent lifetime requirements.

What is your view of the Indian market and companies growth plans for this year?

Indian market is poissed to grow at a phenominal rate in the coming few years, whether due to positive project returns from solar investements or rising demand and tariffs of electricity across the country, and all this fuelled by positive government policies and a stable investment scenario. We are already geared up to cater to rising demands with our constantly improving products, new catered and specific product launches in this fiscal, stricter manufacturing processes and even better customer service experience for our customers.

ii. Brij Protect Plus: Suitable and targeted towards modules for multi MW scale projects with stringent quality, compliance as well as performance requirements.

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Solar SolarQuarter Quarter• •October October2018 2018 1414

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 15

IN CONVERSATION

“We have always believed in overall portfolio returns and give due weightage to factors other than tariffs” Mr. Ravi Khanna, CEO, Aditya Birla Group

We have seen a very active Aditya Birla Renewables in the recent tender bidding rounds. What are key the factors behind your aggressive push in these recent bids?

We have always believed in overall portfolio returns and give due weightage to factors other than tariffs, our recent bids reflect that. Efficient financing, compression of value chain and sourcing of some of the high value items are other initiatives responsible for recent wins.

and verifiable. However we believe the enforcements of such norms will become stricter looking at the challenges faced by the banking sector.

What changes in the government policy and guidelines can be favorable for the industry?

Industry continues to be plagued by the uncertainty of GST rate for solar systems. There shall be a uniform rule across all states. Similarly, open access policies wrt to renewables

We have recently seen some cancellations of recent solar tenders. How do such cancellations affect the morale and plans of developers such as yourself?

varies from state to state. There shall be a uniform policy for open access across different

It is not conducive for the sector and has put a question mark on the project allotment by

shall be thought through before invoking them.

the competitive bidding process as they were open tenders. It creates negative sentiments in the minds of investors. In short term It does not dampen the morale of the developers as there is enough capacity to go around. However, it disrupts the planning cycle and creates wastage of pre-work. This increases the overheads of the companies.

Has Safeguard Duty affected your plans for this year and do you find it as a hurdle for Indian Solar industry to achieve its 2020 target?

Clarity of Safeguard duty is less detrimental than uncertainty on the safeguard duty. As far as current tenders are concerned, safeguard duty is not impacting them. However, the old capacity for which PPAs have been signed without the change in law protection may be impacted in the near term.

Can you talk briefly about financing PV projects in India, and the challenges that developers face?

states and rules for capacity allotment shall be well laid out. Introduction of new charges and rules mid-way shake the confidence of investors as well as developers and hence

Your company is one of the largest companies in this sector.

Please share the plans of upcoming projects with our readers.

We are straddling both government PPAs and private PPAs and will continue to follow the same strategy. Our approach has been not to have a large capacity in single state.

Also, the approach has been to decide on the capacity in each state basis strength and policies of distribution companies vis-à-vis support provided by the local governments to solar project developers.

Will we see more M&As in the solar sector? Is this something that is on your mind as well?

We believe that industry is on the path to consolidation and M&A activity may gain momentum, particularly of small and medium size assets in the range of 200-500 MW. Of late, we have won a sizeable capacity and to that extent appetite for inorganic growth

Financing is not a challenge so long as the basic parameters of the projects, such as DSCR,

is moderated, yet we are open to grow our portfolio inorganically if we come across a

credibility of developer & off-taker and basic assumptions in the financial models are realistic

good asset class which makes financial sense.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Block Chain Technology For Renewable Energy & Distributed Energy Mr. Raj Pratap Singh, Chairman, UP Electricity Regulatory Commission The biggest challenge and accomplishment for a regulator is to move towards deregulation, UP Electricity Regulatory Commission is also taking a baby step in pursuit of deregulation by conducting a workshop on “Creation of Eco System using Blockchain Technology for Renewable Energy Distributed Energy Generation & Supply”.

It was a parlance in Indian Power Sector in 1970s that power sector in India suffers from 2/3 syndrome i.e. whatever energy is generated, only 2/3rd of it is consumed; whatever energy is

the local players. It will also, to a certain extent, solve the problems associated with quick ramping up and ramping down of large generators in response to highly inverted demand curve of a gigantic grid by superimposing an efficient hyperlocal demand response curve, which is significantly efficient as it is sensitive to dynamic local based pricing and has a reduced network cost and dynamic in nature. It can open possibilities ranging from peer-to-peer exchange to creating a energy ecosystem. Decentralizing

consumed, only 2/3rd of it is billed and whatever energy is billed, only 2/3rd of it is getting

the electricity market would make distributed energy resources of large number of

paid for. Since then scenario of power sector in India has undergone significant change as

prosumers available for power trade based on blockchain technology within a peer-to-

PLFs of Indian thermal power plants have increased and efficiencies have been brought in

peer market of their mini grid. Utilities, prosumers and consumers can benefit from the

the metering, billing and revenue collection activities. Still a look at statistics reveals that

numerous advantages of the block chain including real time trustworthy transaction

even now the distribution cost is around 70% to 75% of generation cost, which is not an

records,lower transaction costs, network transparency and much more.

acceptable situation. With around 85% power procurement stranded in long term power purchase agreement and only around 4000 MW power available at exchange, there is little

mand variation.

scope for dynamic generation pricing with sensitivity for demand variation. Nevertheless,

The introduction of blockchain technology will not only bring in transparency and

under existing framework, there is little scope for further optimizing the power purchase

efficiency in the power system; it will also help the regulator in looking at real time

cost.

transactions rather than trailing accounts, which hardly help regulator in taking market

In this backdrop, efficiencies can be brought in only through dynamic location based pricing

based efficient decisions. The ability to support a globally connected network of energy

responding to market signals, wherein distributed energy sources viz small solar panels,

transfer, where smart devices will be able to securely send and receive data while

smart devices, EVs & other consumers of varying demand interact with each other and

autonomously reacting to market signals, is a reality some believe still 5-10 years away,

energy trading takes place in a localized grid through blockchain technology, which will not

but it is also my conviction that it has enormous potential and also that in order to

only enable direct consumer engagement with the decentralized grid but with the support

effectively regulate Blockchain, policy makers should rst invest in understanding it. It

of local ancillary reserves, it will attend the hyperlocal demand curve along with efficient billing and settlement amongst the peer groups connected through this local grid, while promoting the use of renewable energy and efficient transaction of RE attributes among

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is with this view, that UP Electricity Regulatory Commission has made this avant-garde attempt of conducting this workshop.

Solar Quarter • October 2018 16

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 17

COVER STORY

The

NewAge

Of Solar Inverter 2019

Mr. Sunil Badesra, Sales Head- India, Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd

With the Indian solar market growing at a healthy rate, there has been much discussion

connectivity requirements. Horizontal installation of Sungrow string inverters also make

in recent days of reducing the BoS in solar projects to win bids. With lower tariff projects

these inverters unique from others.

around the corner, an urgency has taken hold to discard the outdated technology of

In order to stay competitive and innovative in this market, our R&D team plays a crucial

making pre-engineered civil structures, smaller block sizes and lower voltage inverters in utility-scale projects and that is the reason why Sungrow redesigned the central inverter into turnkey inverter solution. These plug and play inverter solutions have provision to feed auxiliary plant loads without making additional investment and has capability of advanced troubleshooting using IV curve tracking at inputs. These solutions of Sungrow are capable to operate and feed more power even in extreme harsh climate conditions.

Sungrow complete range of products available today has been developed on the basis of customer feedback. Today our string inverters have been designed with 5 level topology which has made the inverters more compact and compatible to meet stringent grid

role as it continuously collects data from the market in order to make improvements to the product. The major challenge R&D team faces in a competitive market such as India is offering the inverters with best of performance in adverse conditions at a lowcost. In order to do so, engineers will keep on doing continuous process and design improvements.

Sungrow will keep focusing on giving new innovative products to market and serving our customers in more effective way. Our current Bangalore factory can produce 3 GW solar inverters per annum, we also have plan to establish local R&D in India further to develop the product in line to Indian customer requirements.

Mr. Brijesh Prajapati, Managing Director- India, SOFAR SOLAR

SOFARSOLAR has focused on PV string inverter developing for more than five years.

Engineers are not start from zero. They are experienced engineers from other famous companies, such as Smail Power, SMA, Delta. They have their own view for the string

QA: 1. PCB: three-proof design; long life time.

inverter technologies.

2. Key components: Fluid dispensing for fixing key components.

Now SOFARSOLAR engineers are working on 2nd generation of 36kW to 70kW inverters,

3. Environment protection: all manufacturer process is satisfied with environment

as well as three phase hybrid inverters. They believe design and QA are most important for solar inverter manufacturers:

R&D Design:

protection requirements.

4. Testing: single board testing, high-pot testing, aging testing, function testing, gastightness testing, etc.

1. Certifications: We have done seven types of IEC certifications for Indian market.

Special Technology:

2. Components selection: We chose first-class brands components from US, Japan and

1. IV curve scanning for monitoring

Germany to make sure long life time of our inverters.

3. Heat radiation: All aluminum structure, distributed layout and thermal paste is used on

2. SD card for local data storage 3. Fuse free design on DC side

key heat sause.

4. Protection: Type-III SPD as standard components for all inverters; type-II SPD as standard components for 50kW to 70kW inverters. PCB based type-II SPD will be used for some inverters in future.

Engineers believes more and more string inverters will be used for ground projects. So they are working on 1500V technology and PLC communication for string inverters. In future, more advanced technologies will be used in inverters in Indian market.

5. Cases: All aluminum structure for IP65.

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 18

COVER STORY

Mayank Mishra, Regional Sales Director, Huawei FusionSolar Smart PV Solution

Huawei innovatively integrates digital information technologies such as AI, IoT, big data,

the system can detect faults in a timely manner. By analyzing databases, the system can

and cloud computing, with PV technology, to promote industry-leading Smart PV Solution

accurately locate a specific faulty device and propose handling suggestions based on

for both commercial and industrial rooftop scenarios. Huawei FusionSolar provides free

preset measures and O&M experience.

Cloud platform, enable the customers to monitor and manage all their PV plants in one

By optimizing and innovating the entire process from power plant design and construction

system. Derived from the design concept of being easy installation, smart management and reliable operation, latest 4G Dongle solution simplifies the communication method on rooftop, saving time and cost on commissioning and management.

to O&M, Huawei realizes its core value of “Higher Yields, Smart O&M, Safe and Reliable”, in which greatly optimizes initial investments, improves O&M efficiency, raises energy yield, and increases ROI (Return on Investment) of the PV plant. Huawei Smart PV Solutions bring

Huawei cutting-edge Smart I-V Curve Diagnosis locates problematic PV strings and

digitalization to every PV plant and renewable energy enterprise, enabling our customers

analyzes the root cause almost instantly by using Huawei big data technologies such

and partners to lead in the intelligent world.

as data mining and pattern recognition, reducing testing costs compared to traditional methods. Based on the high-precision string-level detection of the smart PV controller,

Mr. James Hou, Sales Head-South & East Asia, GoodWe Power Supply Technology Co., Ltd.

1. 1500Vdc String Inverter for Utility

3. Energy storage technologies

Higher-voltage systems enable longer strings, which allow for fewer combiner boxes,

Energy storage technologies are a game changer for energy market, offering the

less wiring and trenching, and therefore less labor. 1500V solar systems are expected to

prospects of greatly increased flexibility, reliability and efficiency in the delivery of power

dramatically reduce installation and balance of system costs for utility-scale PV systems.

to consumers. With the development of relevant technologies and the price declining

According to GTM’s research, installing 1,500 Vdc systems in place of now-standard 1,000

of batteries, energy storage will complement the accelerated deployment of renewable

Vdc can lower costs by as much as $0.05 per watt. GoodWe is working on its string inverter

energy in its various forms.

rated at 1500Vdc. The residential energy storage solutions from GoodWe give customers control of their

2. Higher Power 415Vac String Inverter for Rooftop In order to maximize the ROI for decentralized rooftop applications, selecting the largest available string inverters seems to be the most economical solution because inverters’ price per kW usually drops as the power output increases. It also allows less cables, transport costs, installation costs and O&M costs which can reduce LCOE (Levelized Cost of Electricity) for commercial and industrial PV power plants. GoodWe MT Series string inverters (50-60kW) are most popular for Indian C&I solar market, which installed by some of the most reputed EPCs/Developers on many large-scale C&I projects, ranging from 5MW to 20MW. Higher rating 415Vac string inverter is expectable from GoodWe in 2019.

power. The GoodWe ES & EM series bi-directional energy storage inverters can be used for both on-grid and off-grid PV systems, while the BP Series DC coupling and SBP Series AC coupling retrofit solution can work alongside any grid-tied string inverter for both single and three-phase energy storage systems. In 2019, GoodWe ET Series three-phase high voltage energy storage inverter will be available for global markets, which is ranging from 5kW to 10kW for both households and commercial applications. The series is the most compact and lightweight inverter in the market with maximum efficiency of 98.3%, equipped with Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), backup overloading, AC charging functions and open-protocol EMS communication system. Furthermore, GoodWe 50kW AC-coupling energy storage solution is expectable for C&I markets in 2019.

Mr. Idrish Khan, Chief Technical Officer, Ginlong Technologies Co. Ltd.

Established in 2005, Ginlong Solis is one of the oldest and largest global string inverter

warehoused in Mumbai, offers SOLIS training programs and live, local technical support

specialists, that manufactures string inverters for converting DC to AC power and

nationwide.

interacting with utility grid, which help reduce the carbon footprint of human society.

Residential, commercial and utility scale solar market include home owners, business owners, utilities, solar developers and investors benefit from a complete product line of ultra-reliable, bankable, cost effective and innovative string inverter technologies, selling under Ginlong Solis brands. These products are installed globally, optimzied for local markets and serviced by local experienced teams, to deliver significant long-term return

Ginlong won the prestige EUPD Top Brand PV Inverter Brand award in 2016&2017&2018. and also Rank 5 at Global single-phase string inverter market shares(MWac) in 2016&2017 -GTM Research and Rank 4 at Global Three-phase string inverter market shares(MWac) in 2017 -GTM Research; Ginlong Solis inverters are installed at Eiffel Tower in Paris.

on investment for stakeholders and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.

To satisfy the customer’s thirst for knowledge, Ginlong Solis will organize the 18th global Ginlong Solis inverter is listed on Approved Vendor Lists of leading banks and financing

training in Chandigarh , which a knowledge feast specially provided for customers

institutes. Third party inverter qualification testing was completed by DNVGL. Ginlong

engaged in the photovoltaic industry in India and the vast number of photovoltaic users.

Solis inverter products have an outstanding field record in the India, since introducing

We are always ready for you. As the saying goes, you can’t go wrong with the direction of

the product line to the India in 2016. Ginlong Solis India is headquartered in Mumbai,

your heart. Well, come and join us. For details, please contact sweety.arya@ginlong.com.

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 19 Solar Quarter • October 2018 19

PRODUCT FEATURE

Energy Storage Systems: Its role today will guide the future tomorrow!

Energy Storage System (ESS) has been known to

compensates of spikes and sags so that the generation

with expected confidence limits. This sets the path of

mankind since few years now. However in the decade,

remains within the scheduled range.

ESS which would be of prime importance once these

a considerable amount of money has been spent in upgrading existing and/or developing new systems. This

PEAK SHAVING

is partly because of the fact that such systems are poised

India has had a typical power consumption curve with

to double six times only in the next 15 years i.e. from 2016

a peak consumption (which is normally much higher

to 2030 reaching almost up to 125GW/305GWh (Figure

than base demand) almost between 8 am to 12 pm

1). ESS is simple terms means any system/technology

and from 6 pm to 10 pm. This means that the grid

which is capable of storing excess energy and releasing

operators/ generators need to produce extra power to

it when required. The types of ESS available in the

keep the demand within limits. While few (generating)

market are of electrical, mechanical, thermal, chemical,

plants can provide such extra power (like hydro power)

etc. in nature. The storage type today with maximum

instantaneously, other plants need adequate time to

market penetration are batteries. While we informed you

start their extra generating assets. Few plants also have

on the technicalities of battery storage in our previous

spinning reserves up running continuously to provide

blog “Importance & Reliability of storage”, we thought it

extra power as and when needed. Renewable plants now

was important to educate our readers on what actually

in order to supply (almost) constant source of power

would be the role of ESS (and how would they help

have (generally) battery or any other form of ESS. This

such plants) with reference to renewable energy power

helps renewable energy plants to mitigate the extra load.

plants. Additionally with various Indian states drafting

Known as Peak Shaving, it also helps the end consumer

the Deviation settlement mechanism regulation this

meet its demand from the ESS while curbing the need

year, it can be easily assumed that ESS would be of prime

of purchasing energy at higher tariffs. This enables that

importance to all the renewable energy generators for

the customers who install on-site generating and ESS

various reasons. This blog hence aims to educate its

equipment receive power at reduced rates year round.

readers on role of ESS and its importance to the national grid.

ESS as we mentioned above is of great importance to

regulation are in full effect across the country.

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

FIGURE 1: CAPACITY OF GLOBAL CUMULATIVE STORAGE INSTALLATIONS

(Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance)

FIGURE 2: RAMP RATE CONTROL WITH USE OF STORAGE (Source: SAFT)

FREQUENCY AND POWER-FACTOR REGULATION

both Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Wind energy generating

Both frequency and power factor are important grid

plants. A main reason that is attributed to this is that

indicator. While frequency indicates the exact match

both these generating sources are intermittent in nature.

between demand and supply, power factor indicates

ESS thus helps such sources in following ways:

the quality of power flowing through the grid. ESS ensures stability in grid by dispatching or absorbing

RAMP RATE CONTROL & OUTPUT

active power as and when required. This ensures that

SMOOTHENING

the share of renewable energy in the entire energy mix

A ramp may be defined as an event in which there is

of country is increased to a substantial amount. The

a change in power in a fixed time frame. If the change

operation of ESS however here are dependent on the

in power is positive, this event is known as ramp-up

number and frequency of variations in the grid power.

event. Similarly if the change in power is negative, it is

These variations are typically of short duration which

known as ramp-down event. The rate at which this ramp

ensures ESS regulates the grid power by maintaining it

event occurs is known as ramp rate, which is usually

within permissible limits.

considered for a minute and hence its unit MW/minute.

With almost major power consumer and renewable

The conventional power producers (due to their ability

energy producer states (like Maharashtra, Gujarat,

to control input fuel) have a considerable control over

Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu) drafted out the Deviation

their ramp rates. However the renewable energy sources

settlement mechanism for renewable energy generators,

due to uncontrollable factor such as cloud cover, sudden

the usage of ESS has become mandate. This regulation

change in weather conditions may have significant effect

shall applicable to both existing and upcoming plants

on its power output. It is seen that close to 30 – 80% of

within these state. In these regulations, the generator

power output in a minute may be lost in such cases.

has to give a day ahead and three days ahead schedule

Ramp rate are usually of prime interest to grid operators,

each day. Such forecast could only be changed 8 times

as they are the ones who ensure that the demand and

& 16 times (For Gujarat – number may vary state-wise)

Marketing

supply ratio is maintained at almost all the times. In case

for solar & wind energy generators in 96 time blocks

of sudden spike or surge in power, congestion in electric

(15 minutes each) per day. Above such revisions and/

WAAREE ENERGIES LTD

conductors may damage the grid. The ESS in such case

or if a generator generates more/less energy than they

can release or absorb energy thus reducing the speed of

have forecasted, they would be charged with a fixed

variation at the injection point. Also as evident Figure 2,

penalty. While there are software’s and models available

the ESS also helps to smoothen the power output i.e. it

which could predict the expected generation but not

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FIGURE 3: PEAK SHAVING

(Source: Google images)

MR. SUNIL RATHI Director- Sales and

Solar Quarter • October 2018 20

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Solar Quarter • March 2018 21

Solar Quarter • October 2018 21

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Solar PV Investments-Redefining the Project Bankability Notion United Nations in its latest report released by UNEP says that the world is backing solar

Vs. expected performance and

power installations like never before. The report says that global investment in solar rose

yield.

18% to $160.8 billion, most of which coming from developing countries like China and India.

Last year the world added more solar capacity then then coal, gas and nuclear combined.

Though there are many factors but lets take an example of

Globally Solar power made up 57% of last year’s total for all renewables (discounting large

soiling loss effecting the annual

hydro) of $279.8 billion. New Development Bank (BRICS Bank), recently came into existence

revenue *Unit tariff considered

have also declared 60% of its investment to go into renewables and most of it in solar PV

as Rs.5/kWh ; Source: Pvsys V6.72

sector. Many global hedge funds are also planning huge investments in this sector.

;Weather data: Meteonorm*

In India, utility solar capacity grew by a massive 72% in 2017-18 over the previous year,

There

with country’s cumulative solar capacity reaching the 24.4 GWs. In last few years solar PV

of

has been progressive from niche to a significant source of future electricity generation.

considering the radiation levels

The continuously falling tariffs is considered as a ray of hope for moving towards energy

in simulations and on ground

transition from brown to green sources.

actual

With all attractive investment figures, the question is to what extent these investments

days the delta in actual radiation data to assumed one is widening pertaining to the

are defined as bankable. India has become the huge potential market for renewable

are

wrong

great

chances

assumptions

measurements.

in Source:UNEP Report 2018

These

global climate change phenomenon. Timely cleaning and calibration of the radiation

energy specifically solar PV investments. As the capacity of solar PV installation is keep on

sensors can help analyzing actual radiation Vs. actual yield curves.

increasing, so is the requirement of understanding and redefining the bankability notion

The point here is we need to redefine the bankability notion of solar PV projects. Technical

of these new power project additions to our federal electricity infrastructures. There is an

Risks Due to Poor Assumptions in Financial Modeling may lead to PV System failure and

urgent need to mitigate the risks associated with these projects and reframe the investment

ultimate financial loss in long course of time. You may not get the performance which

equations while taking into account the technical, executional, operational and financial

you expected and referred for calculation of investment returns.

sides.

The stakeholders including developers/investors, the financing parties and the insurer,

The LCOE sensitivity analysis, tariffs, ROI, and cash flow planning must be carefully

and the regulatory bodies wholly needs to work extensively on the aspects like technical

looked in the contexts of technical risks as well. Investors and most importantly the big

feasibility, legal obligations and the economic analysis. In project execution a clear idea

financial institutes must also invests in the technical resources and due diligence for better

of proper land selection, geographically suitable PV system design dynamics and the

understanding of risk management and risk mitigation strategies.

installation workmanship plays a major role in ensuring bankability.

Mostly the expected parameters are referred by simulation software and tools which takes

The most important part of the PV project is selection of components like PV modules,

predefined or manual input. The business models should not just reflect the figure which

inverters and balance of systems, and the selection of integration partners. A clear RFP

fits budgetary restrictions but it must reflect the technically assured durability for proposed

must be articulated for the same. There is a clear threat of inducing the tradition of

project life. The assumed realization in balance sheet referring wrong assumptions in

putting cheap and low quality solar panels along with the over optimized mounting

simulations can prove to be a certain catastrophe on technical grounds in terms of actual

structures designs so as to win the bids and ensure favorable LCOEs.

STAKE HOLDERS

PROJECT EVALUATORS

PROJECT CYCLE

VENDORS

LEGAL CONTRACTORS

ÂÂ PV Panels ÂÂ Investor

ÂÂ Legal

ÂÂ Planning & Research

ÂÂ Land Owner

ÂÂ Inverters

ÂÂ Financial Institute

ÂÂ Technical

ÂÂ Conceptualizing &

ÂÂ Developer

ÂÂ Mounting

ÂÂ Insurer

ÂÂ Commercial

ÂÂ EPC

ÂÂ Structures

ÂÂ Execution

ÂÂ O&M

ÂÂ Balance of System

ÂÂ O&M

ÂÂ External Certification

ÂÂ Monitoring Software

ÂÂ Regulatory/Govt.

Design

ÂÂ Others

ANNUAL REVENUE DELTA FOR 5% SOILING LOSS WRT CONVENTIONALLY ASSUMED 3% SOILING LOSS Location

1 MW Capacity

50 MW Capacity

(INR)

% Energy yield delta

(INR)

% Energy yield delta

Bap

156,500

1.81%

7,365,000

1.71%

Chennai

146,500

1.84%

6,980,000

1.76%

Delhi

162,500

1.80%

7,815,000

1.74%

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 22

NEW Solar inverter launched

· Max 98.6% Efficiency

20000TL/25000TL/30000TL/33000TL-G2

· Smart Monitoring

Perfect match for

commercial rooftops and utility projects

M: +91 9998390936

· 7 years Warranty · Local Service

Web: www.sofarsolar.com

Email: info@sofarsolar.com

Solar Panels are heart of a solar project and constitute of the total investment. Recently in a

Proper understanding of associated risks, classifying them on time, analyzing them

survey conducted by Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) and the

thoroughly with experts, managing them by either transferring or bearing the same

National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), New Delhi, they identified the tailbacks that could

and then controlling the residual risks; Only helps you make the project bankable.

prevent a country like India from reaching its ambitious solar energy target. Survey is indicating

Risks can be defined in two sub categories: Technical and Financial. There is a close

significant module degradation curves then expected with increased number of defects. It says

interdependence of financial risks on technical parameters.

“Overall, young modules show a higher degradation rate than old modules (>5 years old). The results also suggest that newer installations have poorer quality of modules and/or installation practices, and also possibly over-rating of modules supplied in recent years.” Report also states “It is felt that some of the quality issues seen especially in the young modules are the result of aggressive pricing and timelines and improper handling/installation. “

Proper documentation is important in ensuring the obligatory prepositions during project phase and operations. Project RFPs, DPRs, EPC and O&M Legal Contracts, Construction and Project management SOPs, O&M SOPs, Method statements, Quality Checks and Quality Control Audit SOPs, Statutory approvals, plant performance documents and defined set of methods. Project design, installation commissioning and

Even Global firms like DNV-GL has also quoted in their PV Modules score card 2017 Report

O&M documentation must follow the relevant global compliances like IEC TS 62738 &

: Most modules tested maintain performance after reliability testing. However, the bottom

IEC62446.

quartile of most tests exhibit degradation levels that could put systems at financial risk.

Specific Bill of Materials (BOMs), factories, and manufacturer do matter: the same module type with different BOMs or manufacturing location often perform quite differently.

Solar PV projects with growing financial risks and limited technical understanding of component selection, system integration, project execution and performance modelling will be catastrophic in longer terms. The need of redefining bankability notions of

The design qualification tests specified for PV panels under the International Electro technical

solar project is therefore highly essential for government and investors to ensure the

Commission standard numbered IEC 61215 (for crystalline modules), can only check the

bankable returns in this sector.

premature failures and are primarily meant for infant mortality part of reliability curve.

Bankability of modules can be assured a little by thorough factory audits (raw material, manufacturing, rejection rate, transportation SOPs etc), batch testing and accelerated testing.

While it is encouraging to see the accelerated growth in solar PV sector, it is also imperative to ensure the momentum continues with assured investment returns.

Investors can not overlook the technical feasibility of projects in today’s scenario. While

Alongside of PV modules, Inverters and BOS and an excellent weather station are also very

the cost of developing solar farms along with tariff is falling drastically, it should be

critical while assuring a high quality solar project.

complemented with proper technical and financial bankability notions.

When it comes to understand the bankability of a solar project, digital monitoring system plays a major role to address the long-term performance. This software not only helps in proper O&M but it also enables higher production and improved ROI. Ignoring the investment in good monitoring solution is like putting the project at huge risk. The software must be

Data References: UNEP and European Union report Author: Mr. Rakesh Bohra- Manager Solar PV Expert | Analytical Approach | Bankability Renewables & Sustainability | Green Infrastructures

equipped with artificial intelligence and IoT based self-diagnostic tools. It must meet the requirements of recently revised IEC61724-1 for performance monitoring. Defining a robust architecture for Centralized Monitoring facility will add great value in safeguarding project

Disclaimer: All views are of the author’s and it does not relate to any professional organization that author works with.

bankability.

Time to time performance evaluation and audits of the operating plant with advanced technologies like thermal image/EL camera equipped drones surveys, IV Curves based performance analysis etc. is highly essential to certify the track of return on investment is coming as per the balance sheet projections. Judiciously addressing the faults observed during audits can boost the energy yield.

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 2323 Solar Quarter • October 2018

MARKET TRENDS

Solar Inverters / PV Inverters Market to Surpass USD 25.86 billion by 2026

Global Solar Inverters / PV Inverters Market is expected to grow from USD 5.32 billion in 2017

expected to generate substantial demand. European nations such as Germany, France,

to USD 25.86 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 16.1% during the forecast period, according to a

UK and Italy are anticipated to be some of the leading nations to generate substantial

study published by Polaris Market Research.

demand by 2026 in the region. North America is yet another potential industry in terms

The energy demand globally is snowballing progressively over the last few decades with new

of production as well as consumption of solar inverters.

methods of energy sources are continually discovered to meet the energy demand of the future. Natural and conventional energy sources such as coal is continually depleting thus

Some of leading industry participants include-

renewable sources are explores constantly. Solar energy is one form of renewable energy

Huawei, Sungrow Power Supply, SMA Solar Technology AG, ABB Ltd., Sineng, TBEA,

source where sunlight is converted into electricity. Solar inverters are basically used along

TMEIC, Schneider Electric, SolarEdge Technologies, Power Electronics, KACO New

with solar or photovoltaic cells to convert direct current (DC) into alternative current (AC).

Energy Inc., Fronius, Wuxi Sineng, SunPower Corporation, Delta Electronics, Inc., Hitachi

The inverter industry has been going under a concentrated phase of procedural innovation.

Hi-Rel Power Electronics Pvt. Ltd. and Siemens AG among others.

For project developers, investors as well as regulators, inverters form an integral part. Solar power to support utility grids has gained traction owing to rising demand for power. However,

Market Segment Outlook

not much solar power plants are placed into grids owing to higher cost associated in setting

Type

up of solar power systems as compared to coal, wind and nuclear power generation systems.

For installing solar power generation systems into a utility grid, solid state inverters are considered to be the benchmark.

To Explore More | Get PDF sample report - www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/ solar-inv...

Inverter technologies is constantly going under technological upgradations thus promising better grid support and sophisticated system optimization, the market is expected to reach its zenith during the forecast period. Solar inverters are generally selected on the basis of

� Micro Inverter � String Inverter � Central Inverter

Deployment Type � Off-Grid � On-Grid

End-User Type � Industrial � Commercial � Utility

array size and AC grid inter-tie. Countless modifications regarding design such as grid-tie inverters, stand alone inverters and backup inverters are designed upon their application.

The residential and commercial construction activities are recovering globally, this end-user segment is expected to hold vital considerations for the growth of the solar inverters market.

The report provides an extensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market trends and growth prospects of the Global Solar Inverters Market, 2018-2026. This report comprises a detailed geographic distribution of the market across North America, Europe, APAC and South America, and MEA. North America is further segmented into U.S., Canada. Europe is divided into Germany, UK, Italy, and Rest of Europe. Asia-Pacific is bifurcated into China, India, Japan, and Rest of Asia-Pacific.

Competitive Landscape and Key Vendors The global solar inverters market is a concentrated market with the presence of limited multinationals and national players. Asia Pacific market generated the highest demand in 2017. This was primarily due to the increasing demand renewable energy sources in China as well as growing number of photovoltaic solar plants in the country. Additionally, depleting natural energy sources as well as deteriorating air quality has forced the government to take actions and curb emission of harmful gasses. Apart from China, Japan and South Korea,

“The global solar inverters market is a concentrated market with the presence of limited multinationals and national players. Asia Pacific market generated the highest demand in 2017. This was primarily due to the increasing demand renewable energy sources in China as well as growing number of photovoltaic solar plants in the country.”

Indian which is rapidly becoming a major consumer of solar inverters in the region is also

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 24

PRODUCT FEATURE

Sanelite Solar is a manufacturer of high-quality PV modules of capacity 40Wp to 335Wp “Sanelite Solar, a green initiative from Sanelite Group, is a pivotal company in the area of renewable energy providing end-to-end solar PV solutions from manufacturing solar PV modules to solar EPC installations” Sanelite Solar, a green initiative from Sanelite Group, is a pivotal company in the area of renewable energy providing end-to-end solar PV solutions from manufacturing solar PV modules to solar EPC installations. The company carries with it many years of experience in solar industry and a strong financial background from Sanelite Group.

The company also offers end-to-end solar EPC solutions, grid-connected solar PV systems, off-grid solar PV systems, solar power plants, rooftop solar PV systems as well as integrated PV systems.

Our Company “Sanelite Solar Pvt Ltd”, is pioneer in Engineered Green Energy Solutions such as � Manufacturer of High-quality A grade Solar PV Modules � Supplier of all major products related to solar rooftop projects (Solar PV Modules, Solar PV inverters, Cables, Junction Boxes, Remote Monitoring Solutions, Earthings) � All in one box –DIY Solar Kits – for small rooftop solar projects � Provide Turnkey EPC for Solar Rooftop projects

FEATURED PRODUCTS Sanelite Solar is a manufacturer of high-quality PV modules of capacity 40Wp to 335Wp. The state-of-the art production line is carefully designed ultra-modern line with high efficiency automatic laminator and auto-tabber & stringer machines. We have an in-house research and development facility that keeps the company’s technological edge sharp.

For our recent technological advancements, we have started manufacturing Mono-PERC Modules and Half-Cut Cell Modules. Along with these technological innovations, we also have developed an innovative product combination – the solar DIY Kits.

In this technological era, that combines rear wafer surface passivation and local rear contacts to maximize light capture, mono PERC solar modules are paving the way for dramatically increased PV system efficiency. Exceeding all trade standards and certifications, our mono-crystalline PERC star panels square measure out there in white (higher power) and all-black (sleeker aesthetic) PV back sheet variants.

Half-Cut Cell Modules have a fresh layout with better performance under the sun and when there is no or little sun. These modules are made from half-cut cells increase the modules efficiency by reducing resistance through the module, exposing more cell area to sunlight and increasing the amount of light absorbed. We actually tested similar product earlier last year for some of our solar pump installations where there was a need for higher voltage, and it had received a very good response.

Solar may be popular trend in 2018 and lots of adventurous entrepreneurs’ square measure shall start to marvel at DIY Solar Kits – the construct of building a solar power system by yourself. As the demand for residential sector grows, there are many new entrepreneurs & freelancers who wish to tap on the opportunity. From extensive experience of solar installations and strong franchisee/dealer network feedback, we have crafted out this plug and play solution for small-scale rooftop systems. The kit is an all-in-one solution which carries all required components of a smallscale solar rooftop system.

HALF-CUT CELL MODULES

DIY SOLAR KITS

Dealersh ip Inquiry +91-7226995509/10

PV MODULES SKY Series 60 cells

SPACE Series 72 cells

250W -265W

300W-330W

16.30% (Efficiency)

16.65% (Efficiency)

Sanelite Solar is a preferred manufacturer of high-quality PV modules ranging from 40Wp to 330Wp.The produccon line is carefully designed ultra-modern line with high efficiency automaac laminator and auto-tabber & stringer machines.The PV modules are engineers with highest grade raw material to get oppmum performance and high efficiency.The end produccon is an aestheecally superior absorber of sunlight - the Sanelite Solar PV Modules.

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 25

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

The Pros & Cons of “Green” Bonds

It is a smart idea. A growing number of investors wish to make profits and do good at the

investors will be able to pick and choose what part of the fiscal budget they finance. Schools,

same time. They want their portfolios, or part of their portfolios, to be “ESG”—that is, to support

hospitals, and road maintenance may be popular. But, who will want to fund tax collection,

environmental, social, and governance causes. Why not promising them that, if they buy your

regulation, and prisons? Shouldn’t those less desirable bonds pay a higher return? Not clear.

bonds, the money will be used to, for example, install solar panels? Why not showing that their investment will have a positive “impact” on, say, the climate? This should expand the pool of buyers interested in the bond, make borrowing cheaper, and burnish the reputation of everyone involved. That, in essence, is the insight behind “green bonds”. Or “social bonds”, to help the poor.

Or “blue bonds”, to protect coral reefs. The possibilities for these thematic bonds are endless. By some estimates, $200 billion of them were issued just last year. But, does it all pan out in practice?

Well, there are pros and cons, and there is evolution.

So, if price, fungibility, austerity, identification, and ear-marking are such a problem, why bother with thematic bonds? Two words: signaling and diversification. When a public official or a private CEO goes through the trouble of committing to a certain additional expenditure, they are telling the world how much they care about it, and how ready they are to make it a priority. They are also speaking of budget stability: this one item will not be cut during rainy days. And they are implicitly accepting scrutiny in everything else they do—transparency spills over. All this is usually part of a broader strategy—protecting the environment in the

Start with the downsides. First, green bonds are actually not cheaper—you do not save by

case of green bonds. It is an effective way of using finance to drive policy.

promising to use the proceeds in a certain way. Why? Because investors look at how likely you are to pay back—your “credit rating”—to tell you what interest rate they will charge you. Whether you spend on solar panels or oil drills does not change your creditworthiness, at least not in the short-term.

Note that the signal of commitment helps mobilize others to the cause. Multilateral organizations like the World Bank find this quite useful. Their very existence is based on a “theme”—ending poverty through sustainable development, in the case of the Bank. Their internal systems are set up for evaluation and public accountability. When they issue bonds,

Second, money is fungible. You may think that you are financing the purchase of solar panels

the proceeds can easily be associated with thematic results. This gives investors a ready-

but, if the borrowin government or corporation already has the money to pay for those panels,

made supplier of impact.

you would be freeing its own resources to do something else. Green bonds may in fact finance national monuments or company cars. Hopefully, they won’t. But you cannot rule it out if you do not see the entire expenditure plan of the borrower, before and after you lend. This comprehensive reporting can be time-consuming and pricey.

Which brings us to diversification. As more and more bond buyers vie to be—or to be seen as—ESG friendly, they become an alternative source of funding for borrowers able to act on the ESG agenda. It is not a small alternative: since the creation of the United Nationssponsored “Principles for Responsible Investment” in 2006, the number of global financial institutions who are signatories has grown twenty-fold, to over 2,000. They have some $80

Third, the combination of promises to bond buyers and fiscal austerity may have ugly unintended

trillion in assets under management.

consequences. A government may commit to larger spending on a worthy item, like cleaning up polluted beaches. But, if it also has a ceiling on its budget deficit—which it may need to keep the economy in order—, forcing more expenditure on beaches could come at the cost of cutting down on, say, sanitation. Whether that trade-off is right or wrong is better decided by parliamentarians, not financiers.

With those pros and cons in mind, are these bonds something you would recommend for the average government, company, or institution? Yes, with three provisos: keep them to a small proportion of your total financing, use them only for things that are really important to you, and be alert to the evolution of this market. The cost-benefit analysis of tapping

Fourth, it is not easy to identify “impact”. Even when the proceeds of a bond can be shown

this type of finance will progressively tilt in its favor. From design to disclosure, common

to increase a particular expenditure (bonuses for exceptional teachers, for instance), proving

standards will arise and investors will feel more comfortable with them. Some functions

that the extra spending has a desired impact (better test scores among students) is complex.

will be taken over by specialists—one day, credit rating agencies may issue “green ratings”.

You need experiments and control groups. Proper evaluations take time and money, and the

Valuable track-records and brands will be built. Better to stay tuned.

results may be disappointing or may not be available before the bonds come due. Will investors then feel let down and close their checkbooks next time around or, worse, sue? This writer has found no record of bond-holders taking a country or a firm to court for defaulting on spending pledges. But it is technically possible.

Author: Marcelo Giugale, Director- Financial Advisory Fifth, over time, linking bond proceeds to specific public expenditures—a.k.a. “ear-marking”—can

and Banking, World Bank

lead to more expensive funding, or even under-funding. If purpose-specific bonds proliferate,

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 26

PRODUCT FEATURE

Data Monitoring – A must for PV Plant Reliability With cumulative installed capacity in India crossing 22.8

information on the health and performance of the PV

GW at the end of Q1 2018, the Solar PV industry continues

plant. Equipment to be controlled are typically Inverters

to make headlines with all-time low bids, varying state

and Breakers.

policies, safeguard duties & so on.

All you need is an IOT platform. EagleSun SCADATM from Avi

There is one question thrown to panelists at most of the

solar is one such simple, low cost, effective monitoring and

Solar PV conferences. What capacity of PV plants in India

control system designed specifically for Solar PV plants.

will have to be refurbished within 10 years of its life?

If you are using a PLC-Based SCADA its time to switch to

Well, No one has an answer, but everyone thinks that the

Ultra low-cost IOT based platforms like EagleSun SCADA.

good answer is “Most of them”.

Access your plant data at your convenience remotely.

PV Panels degrading, MMS fasteners rusting, Cable

Choose the SCADA, not by its looks, choose the one that

terminations giving away – it’s all happening there, faster

really helps you find the fault! Monitoring your Solar PV

than expected!

plant Remotely can unearth several “Power Leakage”

Monitoring all the parameters at the site and engaging

points, which your site engineers may not figure out at all.

with the right O&M service provider, having the accurate

String level monitoring will save you a fortune in long run.

data collection tool i.e the Plant SCADA might save your

One of the issues we see is that Developers & EPCs have

plant from catastrophe.

been trying out variety of SCADAs and finally are ending

SCADA

stands

for

Supervisory

Control

And

Data

Acquisition; it is a computer-based control system used to gather and analyse the real-time data in industries. Purpose

up logging in to different portals to monitor their plants.

Having one common dashboard which can gather data from third party SCADA’s will help you get a snapshot on

is to monitor and control of process and equipment.

critical issues at site.

First generation Solar PV Plants in India have used

Avisolar’s fleet of 150+ trained O&M Engineers &

traditional PLC based SCADA comprised of rugged hardware called PLCs which connected to various sensors and collected data in digital format for further processing.

A Solar PV Power Plant needs mostly monitoring with few elements of controlling. Hence you do not need a complex PLC based SCADA system. There are thousands of panels, kms of cables, tons of connectors which if monitored gives

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Technicians have seen over 800MWs of the plant across India and we have understood the failure patterns in PV plants. Based on this experience we developed EagleSun SCADA and host of other tools like generation forecast (Sunny Cast) and O&M asset management tool (SPIDAR).

If you want your plant to generate consistently for 25 years, start monitoring now.

Solar Quarter • October 2018 27

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

A

D

lta Devices Breaks Solar Energy Efficiency Record

epartment of Energy Announces $46 Million to Improve Resiliency of Solar Generation

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $46 million in research

Alta Devices has today announced that its most recent single junction solar cell has been

funding to advance holistic solutions that provide grid operators the situational awareness

certified by NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) as being 28.9% efficient. This

and mitigation strategies against cyber and physical threats. With more and more solar

certification confirms that Alta has set a new record and continues to hold the world record

generation coming online every day, grid operators need the tools and technologies

efficiency for this type of solar cell. This breakthrough, combined with the unique thinness

to ensure that the electric grid is resilient and energy services are delivered to critical

and flexibility of Alta’s cells, redefines how solar technology can be used to empower

infrastructure. These projects will develop and validate control strategies, real-time system

autonomy in many applications. “Alta Devices goal is to continue to lead the industry in

monitoring, robust communications and other technologies to make solar power at the

solar technology and to enable a broad range of autonomous systems. We believe this is

bulk power and distribution levels more resilient.

the best way to support the innovations of our customers,” said Jian Ding, Alta Devices CEO.

A resilient and reliable electricity grid is essential not only to the security of the infrastructure

Autonomous systems are predicted to become a part of daily life – often operating without

powering our economy, but also to the everyday lives of all Americans. DOE is committed

human intervention. However, every time an autonomous system or vehicle has to stop

to improving the affordability of energy technologies and strengthening the nation’s

to refuel or recharge, it requires intervention and is no longer truly autonomous. Alta

ability to withstand disruptions, including cyber threats and natural disasters. Solar power can play a vital role in this regard. Improving situational awareness in strategic locations associated with critical infrastructure can significantly improve the reliability and continuity of service of solar-generated electricity.

Approximately, 10 projects, varying from $2 to $10 million in size, will be funded over 3 years. Applicants are encouraged to work with critical infrastructure owners and operators, including state, local, tribal, and territories to take proactive steps to manage cyber and physical threats to improve the resiliency of solar generated electricity.

focuses on developing the world’s best solar technology specifically for autonomous power, allowing vehicles to seamlessly recharge while in motion. Alta Devices has held continuous world records for solar efficiency for most of the last decade. Alta Devices Founders, Professor Harry Atwater of Caltech and Professor Eli Yablonovitch of the University of California Berkeley explained the significance of this record: Prof. Atwater said, “Achieving a new record for this class of devices is a landmark because a 1-sun, 1-junction cell is the archetypal solar cell. The fact that Alta is breaking its own record is also significant since many other teams have been actively attempting to break this record.”

P

owering the Blockchain Revolution: Solar Alliance to Develop Solar-Powered Cryptocurrency Mining Facilities

N

ew solar cells offer you the chance to print out solar panels and stick them on your roof

Australia’s first commercial installation of printed solar cells, made using specialised semiconducting inks and printed using a conventional reel-to-reel printer, has been installed on a factory roof in Newcastle.

Solar Alliance Energy is pleased to announce that it has acquired a 165,000 square foot warehouse facility in Murphysboro, Illinois for a nominal cost as part of the “Renewing the Murphysboro Community Through Green Energy Jobs” initiative Solar Alliance has

The 200 square metre array was installed in just one day by a team of five people. No other

undertaken with the City of Murphysboro. The Company is also pleased to announce it has

energy solution is as lightweight, as quick to manufacture, or as easy to install on this scale.

signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with a top tier solar panel manufacturer

Our research team manufactured the solar modules using standard printing techniques; in fact, the machine that we use typically makes wine labels. Each solar cell consists of several individual layers printed on top of each other, which are then connected in series to form a bank of cells. These cells are then connected in parallel to form a solar module.

Since 1996, we have progressed from making tiny, millimetre-sized solar cells to the first commercial installation. In the latest installation each module is ten metres long and sandwiched between two layers of recyclable plastic.

for the development of multiple solar powered facilities designed to host cryptocurrency mining operations, including the Murphysboro project. Solar Alliance’s Murphysboro mining facility has access to low cost grid supplied power that will be complemented with a behind the meter 3 megawatt (“MW”) solar array. Once the facility is operational, the Company expects to benefit from a recurring revenue stream from cryptocurrency mining tenants. Solar Alliance Spokesperson and renewable energy advocate William Shatner is excited about the potential for solar energy to support the growing cryptocurrency industry.

“I am proud to be a part of the group that is powering the digital currency revolution,” said

At the core of the technology are the specialised semiconducting polymer-based inks that

Mr. Shatner. “Blockchain technologies, and cryptocurrencies specifically, are at the cutting

we have developed. This group of materials has fundamentally altered our ability to build

edge of a new distributed technology infrastructure. As an advocate for solar energy I

electronic devices; replacing hard, rigid, glass-like materials such as silicon with flexible

was intrigued by the potential for it to power cryptocurrency mining operations. They are

inks and paints that can be printed or coated over vast areas at extremely low cost.

energy intensive and utilizing solar arrays to power them makes social and economic sense.

As a result, these modules cost less than A$10 per square metre when manufactured at

Cryptocurrencies can help prevent fraud, speed payment settlement, reduce identity theft

scale. This means it would take only 2-3 years to become cost-competitive with other

and provide global access to capital. The combination of solar and cryptocurrency mining

technologies, even at efficiencies of only 2-3%. These printed solar modules could

facilities represents meaningful change,” said Mr. Shatner.

conceivably be installed onto any roof or structure using simple adhesive tape and

The MOU with the major panel manufacturer outlines the steps the two companies will take

connected to wires using simple press-studs. The new installation at Newcastle is an important milestone on the path towards commercialisation of the technology – we will spend the next six months testing its performance and durability before removing and recycling the materials.

to execute a final Joint Development Agreement (“JDA”). The JDA may include provisions for preferred panel pricing, sponsor equity provision and a credit facility for development funding for cryptocurrency mining projects. As a global leader in solar panel production and project development, the top tier manufacturer is an ideal partner to help accelerate the

Ultimately, we imagine that these solar cells could even benefit those people who don’t

adoption and expansion of solar power cryptocurrency mining facilities. The partner will be

own or have access to roof space. People who live in apartment complexes, for example,

identified once the JDA has been executed.

could potentially sign up to a plan that lets them pay to access the power generated by cells installed by the building’s owner or body corporate, and need never necessarily “own” the infrastructure outright. But in a fractured and uncertain energy policy landscape, this new technology is a clear illustration of the value of taking power into one’s own hands.

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 2828 Solar Quarter • October 2018

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

P

B

rinted solar cell set to transform electronics manufacturing

reakthrough perovskite thin film solar cell patents granted by the US Patent Office to Solar-Tectic LLC

The emerging field of organic electronics is already altering the way we use technology.

The patents, US 9,978,532 “Maximizing the Power Conversion Efficiency of a Tin Perovskite/

From light emitting diode displays used in televisions, computers and mobile phones,

Silicon Thin-Film Tandem Solar Cell” and US ser. 15/157,539 “Methods of Growing

to panels that convert sunlight into electricity, research institutes and companies are

Heteroepitaxial Single Crystal or Large Grained Semiconductor Films and Devices Thereon”

increasingly focusing on the potential of these applications. Enter SmartLine and

are part of a “Tandem Series” of high efficiency and cost effective solar cell technologies by

CORNET, the EU-funded projects tackling the issue of manufacturing in this sector.

Solar-Tectic LLC with the potential to surpass the efficiencies of current thin-film solar cell

As explained in an Organic Electronic Technologies (OET) press release, a research and

technologies such as CdTe, CIGS, and a-Si, as well as the silicon technology which dominates

development team supported by SmartLine has reported an efficiency of 7.4 % for

the global market today based on poly and monocrystalline wafers. Solar-Tectic LLC (“ST”)

a “fully Roll-to-Roll (R2R) printed polymer-based single junction Organic Photovoltaic

announced today that two patent applications for perovskite thin film solar cells have been

(OPV) cell.” The team of ΟΕΤ, one of the partners in SmartLine, hopes to achieve 9

allowed by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). One patent covers all kinds of

% efficiency in OPV cells by 2021. Quoted in the same press release, the company’s

perovskites. The inventors are Ashok Chaudhari, Founding Manager of Solar-Tectic, and the

CEO says the “new result supports efforts for OPV panels mass production [of] up to

late Dr. Praveen Chaudhari, renowned materials physicist. Recently perovskite materials have

1.000.000 m2 annually, targeting various pilot demonstration projects in 2021.”

gained much attention as a promising solution to the long-standing problem of solar cell

Flexibility and cost efficiency: Although OPVs aren’t currently as efficient at generating

efficiency, which is of primary importance in today’s solar panel market. And while there

electricity as silicon-based solar cells, their performance has improved in recent years.

have been numerous reports of perovskite/silicon (wafer) tandem solar cells (and extensive

The fact that they can be made rapidly on thin plastic sheets using established printing

intellectual property) remarkably there has been none on a perovskite/crystalline silicon

processes makes them attractive due to reduced manufacturing costs. It’s also possible

thin-film tandem solar cell, until Solar-Tectic LLC’s breakthrough publication. Wafer sized

to stick them to virtually any surface or object for a ready-made source of power.

bottom poly- and monocrystalline silicon layers in PERC, PERL, HIT, HJ, or perovskite/silicon

Therefore, the implementation of OPVs could be expanded into existing and new

tandem cells are typically 200-280 microns thick, whereas ST’s thin-film crystalline inorganic

consumer products in a wide range of areas. These include “Energy, Lighting, Displays

bottom layers can be as thin as 20-30 microns with the same or similar efficiency; moreover,

and Surfaces, Electronic Circuits, all (Bio) Sensors, Wearables, ICT [and] IoT,” according to the press release. However, the market acceptance of organic/large area electronics (OLAEs) is delayed due to several challenges.

they can be processed at much lower temperatures thereby lowering costs of production significantly. The top perovskite layer is less than only 1 micron – an ultra-thin film -- and a thin film crystalline silicon (CSiTF) bottom layer decouples the need for a silicon wafer. If the price of polysilicon rises less silicon material use will be an additional cost savings.

PIONEERING INDIA’S SOLAR REVOLUTION GLASS GLASS MODULE 72 CELL

17.3%

320-340W

0~+5W

MULTICRYSTALLINE MODULE POWER OUTPUT RANGE

MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY POSITIVE POWER TOLERANCE

Harnessing the power of the sun even further, 2018 will see Saatvik go from 200MW to 500MW Saatvik manufactures solar panels of high module conversion efficiency that provide outstanding power performance even at low irradiance. With 25-year linear power performance warranty and 10-years workmanship warranty, Saatvik extends the mission to lead India in to a future that is sustainable and flourishing in energy and environment.

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 29

COMPANY NEWS

E

R

eneSola and Nautilus Solar Energy Announce the Acquisition of a Second 13.3MW Community Solar Portfolio

DP supports energy access with investment in Mozambique in SolarWorks!

The purchase of a stake in SolarWorks!, a company selling decentralized solar energy

The Acquisition Doubles Nautilus’s Commitment to Minnesota Community Solar

solutions, marks the beginning of a new strategy in this area.

ReneSola Ltd (NYSE: SOL) (“ReneSola”), a leading fully-integrated solar project developer

EDP has just purchased a stake in SolarWorks!, a company engaged in the marketing of

and provider of energy-efficient products, and Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC (“Nautilus”), a

decentralized solar energy solutions for off-grid domestic and business customers in

leading national solar project acquisition, development and asset management company,

Mozambique. The acquisition of this €2 million minority stake is an important step in the

announced Nautilus’s acquisition of a second 13.3 MW community solar portfolio developed

group’s strategy for universal access to sustainable energy (A2E). The investment is the result

by ReneSola. Similar to the initial acquisition announced last year between the parties, this

of a round of financing led by EDP Renováveis (an EDP Group subsidiary) in partnership with

community solar portfolio also qualified under Xcel Energy’s rapidly expanding community

venture building firm Persistent Energy Capital LLC, following a capital increase at SolarWorks!.

solar program in Minnesota. The portfolio is expected to be built through the remainder of

The investment will boost the international expansion of SolarWorks! in Southern Africa,

2018, coming online during Q1 2019.

where the company has operated a pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) business since 2016. Currently

Nautilus, through its full-service platform, provided early-stage development capital and

employing about 180 workers, SolarWorks! operates in Mozambique and is currently

will be responsible for long-term asset management services and maintenance for the

preparing its entry into the Malawian market. “Over the last decade, EDP has become the

projects. The projects will be owned by an affiliate of Virgo Investment Group, which is

world leader in renewable energy and has been actively engaged in developing solutions in

also a minority shareholder of Nautilus Solar Energy. The energy provided by the portfolio

this area for emerging economies, where a significant part of the rural population still lacks

directly benefits local community off-takers located offsite by providing energy cost savings

access to electricity. Since 2009, the Group has invested about €5 million in A2E projects,

while also advancing subscriber’s sustainability goals.

directly impacting more than 20,000 people. This commitment is also an opportunity for

“This successful transaction further demonstrates the strong project development and

the Group’s internationalization strategy. SolarWorks! is a very promising company with a

subscription sales capabilities of our Minneapolis-based community solar team,” remarked

differentiated business model, an experienced management team, and a solid shareholder

Hal Galvin, General Manager, U.S. Midwest Region of ReneSola Power Holdings, the U.S.

structure”, says António Mexia, CEO of EDP. Arnoud de Vroomen, CEO and co-founder of

project development arm of ReneSola. “Our prior successful experience transacting with

SolarWorks! states that “The potential in the off-grid energy market in Africa is enormous.

the Nautilus team gave us confidence in their transaction execution capabilities and their

So far Persistent has proven to be the ideal partner for an early stage company in this

expertise in community solar,” added Doran Hole, CEO, North America and Group VP –

sector. EDPR is one of the biggest players in the world in renewable energy and we consider

Strategy of ReneSola.

ourselves fortunate to welcome them as a partner to achieve our next phase of growth.”

S

C

amsung Electronics to Expand Use of Renewable Energy

iel & Terre Delivers First California Public Floating Solar System for Lake County Special Districts – Kelseyville County Waterworks, Dist.

The Ciel & Terre Hydrelio Floating Solar Power System installed at the Kelseyville

Samsung aims to source 100% renewable energy for its energy used in the United

County Waterworks

States, Europe and China

International Innovator in “Floatovoltaic” Technology Enables 252kW Clean Energy Project

Samsung Electronics announced today its commitment to build on its strong progress of

by Floating 720 Solar Panels on Kelseyville Wastewater Treatment Pond. Ciel & Terre USA,

energy efficiency and operational emissions reductions to expand the use of renewable

innovators in floating solar power systems, today announced completion of a new 252

energy in its operations. Samsung Electronics’ renewable energy goals are part of its ongoing

kW floating photovoltaic power system for the Lake County Special Districts on behalf of

efforts to demonstrate its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Kelseyville County Waterworks Dist. #3 in partnership with local contractor North Coast Solar. Financed by a municipal lease, the Ciel & Terre® Hydrelio solar power system is being floated on a man-made wastewater treatment pond in Kelseyville and is expected to produce up to 1,650 kWh in its first year.

This is the first public floating solar power system installed in California. The installation itself consists of 720 floating solar panels mounted together and delivering electrical power safely to shore using solar optimizers provided by SolarEdge to maximize inverter output.

The municipal lease for the installation gives the county positive cash flow starting the

Samsung Electronics is making a concerted effort in the United States, Europe and China – markets that are well-equipped with infrastructure for the development and transmission of renewable energy – to increase its use of renewable energy. As part of this effort, Samsung plans to source renewable energy for 100% of the energy used for all of its factories, office buildings, and operational facilities in the United States, Europe and China by 2020. In the medium to long-term, the company will seek to further increase its use of renewable energy around the world.

first year, so no cash investment was required to pay for the system. Once the Kelseyville

In line with this commitment, Samsung Electronics has joined the World Wildlife Fund’s

solar installation proves successful, the Lake County Special District is considering installing

(WWF’s) Renewable Energy Buyers’ Principles and the Rocky Mountain Institute’s Business

additional floating solar power systems around the county. “We are excited to be able to take

Renewables Center.

advantage of clean energy using Ciel & Terre’s floating solar systems,” said Jan Coppinger, Special Districts Administrator for Lake County. “We didn’t have available land or rooftop space suitable for this project, but our wastewater treatment pond had enough surface area

In Korea, Samsung Electronics fully supports the government’s national strategic plan to increase the country’s renewable energy use by 20% by 2030. Beginning this year, as

to accommodate a sizable solar system. Floating is a great way to control algae growth in

an initial commitment, Samsung will additionally install approximately 42,000m2 of solar

the pond at the same time we generate virtually free energy. All costs to provide utilities

panels in Samsung Digital City, its headquarters in Suwon. The company will continue to

continue to increase, which forces Special Districts to seek out and implement any means

add approximately 21,000m2 of solar arrays and geothermal power generation facilities

possible to reduce future costs. This floating solar system will result in significant savings in

beginning 2019 in its Pyeongtaek campus and 2020 in its Hwaseong campus.

future years.”

Floating solar is an ideal solution for any utility district since it generates clean energy at the same time it provides other water conservation benefits. Floating a solar array on manmade bodies of water improves energy production by keeping the solar system cooler. At the same time it reduces evaporation, controls algae growth, and reduces water movement

With these efforts in place, Samsung Electronics is positioned to increase its use of renewable energy globally to match the equivalent amount of energy created by an average 3.1GW solar power plant by 2020. This amount of electricity is comparable to the annual energy consumption of about 115,000 four-person Korean households.

to minimize bank erosion. It also makes optimal use of pond surfaces, providing clean solar energy without committing expensive real estate or requiring rooftop installations.

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

Solar Quarter • October 2018 30

COMPANY NEWS

H

J

igh Efficiency SunPower® Solar Project Now Operating at Bose Corporation’s Global Headquarters in Massachusetts

inkoSolar Partners With Edisun Microgrids To Develop Eagle PowerTrack™ Bundle For C&I Rooftop Solar Projects

JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (“JinkoSolar”), one of the world’s largest solar module

The 1.7-Megawatt Solar Installation is Expected to Reduce Bose’s Traditional Grid

manufacturers, and Edisun Microgrids, Inc. (Edisun), a solar technology company

Electricity Consumption for Next 20 Years

that develops patented, distributed solar and energy storage technologies, today

Nearly 4,000 high-quality SunPower® solar panels are expected to generate 2.4 million

announced a partnership to develop the Eagle PowerTrack, a performance bundle

kilowatt hours of energy annually, bringing enough electricity onto the grid to supply a

for commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftops.

substantial portion of the Bose campus through a 20-year power purchase agreement.

The new performance bundle will feature JinkoSolar’s high-efficiency Eagle G2 modules in combination with Edisun’s PV Booster (“PV Booster”) breakthrough rooftop tracking technology. The new performance bundle will be available for sale during the fourth

“Corporate renewable energy programs are growing, especially in Massachusetts where Bose is headquartered,” said Nam Nguyen, SunPower executive vice president, commercial solar. “We’re proud to be working with Bose to further advance solar development in the Commonwealth, and to support the company’s commitment to long-term sustainability as

quarter of 2018.

a leading global brand.”

By integrating JinkoSolar’s Eagle G2 modules with Edisun’s PV Booster rooftop tracker,

SunPower, the No. 1 commercial solar provider in America with the most megawatts installed

solar contractors will be able to unlock the enormous market opportunity in commercial

according to Wood Mackenzie (formerly GTM Research), has a footprint across the U.S.

and industrial rooftop installations. The performance bundle leverages JinkoSolar’s

including Massachusetts and New England. Learn more here about how SunPower is helping

Eagle G2 modules which feature the company’s new Diamond cell technology, a brand new high-efficiency mono PERC cell that allows 72-cell Eagle G2 modules to reach up to 400 watts. Edisun’s PV Booster rooftop tracker offers contractors a flexible system design, more energy harvested per panel, and real-time data for predictive operations and maintenance. When combined, the Eagle PowerTrack performance bundle yields 30 percent more energy per panel, resulting in notably lower levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and significantly increases return on investment over traditional C&I systems. In

corporate customers in the area drive down electricity costs while generating reliable energy over the long term.

Nearly 4,000 high-quality SunPower® solar panels are expected to generate 2.4 million kilowatt hours of energy annually, bringing enough electricity onto the grid to supply a substantial portion of the Bose campus through a 20-year power purchase agreement.

“Corporate renewable energy programs are growing, especially in Massachusetts where Bose is headquartered,” said Nam Nguyen, SunPower executive vice president, commercial solar. “We’re proud to be working with Bose to further advance solar development in the

addition, the Eagle PowerTrack’s simplicity, high levels of energy generation, and improved

Commonwealth, and to support the company’s commitment to long-term sustainability as

economics will enable solar contractors to bid and win more business.

a leading global brand.”

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 31

PRODUCT FEATURE

Compact and Powerful: GoodWe ET Series Delivers Independence and Non-Stop Energy!

GoodWe has launched its brand-new ET Series three-

When installing ET Series, battery will not be damaged by

phase high voltage energy storage inverter for both

accidental swap of the positive and negative polarity which

households and small commercial applications. The

help to ensures safety battery installation. Not only that,

series is the most compact and lightweight inverter in the market with maximum efficiency of 98.3%, equipped with Uninterruptible Power Supply Function (UPS), backup overloading, AC charging functions and open-protocol EMS communication system.

GoodWe ET allows backup overloading up to 100%, which allows quick restart for inductive load such as A/C while it will not cause harm to any electrical appliances. The inverter is also in-built with open-protocol EMS communication system as it ensures interconnections between grid

PROBLEM

companies and batteries to dispatch electricity freely.

With the growing demand for storage solutions in both

Besides, new GoodWe ET series storage inverter is

domestic and small commercial properties, a three-phase high voltage energy storage inverter is necessary to power high-power electrical appliances and devices which enables enhanced energy independence and maximizes self-consumption through export limit feature and time

manufactured to be very compact with dimensions of 415*516*160 mm and lightweight (25kg) which makes it easier for installation and maintenance both indoors and outdoors. Thanks to its cooling technology design using

of use shifts for reduced electric bills. Furthermore, when

natural convection, the inverter runs reliably with quiet

comparing with existing EPS function (Emergency Power

operation (<30dB) and a long-life span. It is also equipped

Supply) on the market, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply

with AC charging function whereas alternative current is

Function) is much favorable to inductive loads such as air

able to charge the battery even when the inverter has not

conditioners or refrigerators with an automatic switchover time of less than 10 milliseconds, providing security when

met its maximum performance.

it is down or compromised.

APPLICATIONS

SOLUTION

Both households and small commercial applications

Covering a power range of 5 kW, 8 kW and 10 kW, the ET Series allows 30% DC oversizing to fully maximize yield

PLATFORM

during extreme hot and cold weather and features a wide

The brand new GoodWe ET Series is a three-phase high

battery voltage range of 180 – 550 V to ensure customers

voltage energy storage inverter that provides enhanced

flexibility choices and compatibility with different type of

energy independence and maximizes self-consumption

lithium battery. Furthermore, it features UPS to inductive loads such as air conditioners or refrigerators with an automatic switchover time of less than 10 milliseconds, providing grid-tied savings when the grid is up and off-grid independence and security when it is down or compromised.

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

through export limit feature and time of use shifts for reduced electric bills.

AVAILABILITY

“The series is the most compact and lightweight inverter in the market with maximum efficiency of 98.3%, equipped with Uninterruptible Power Supply Function (UPS), backup overloading, AC charging functions and open-protocol EMS communication system”

November 2018

Solar Quarter • October 2018 32

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

The Force of the Sun: Madagascar Embarks on Renewable Energy Production “JIRAMA: until when?” “JIRAMA: it’s been 2 hours!” “JIRAMA: you’re destroying our equipment!”

It is 11 a.m. Numerous complaints against the national water and electricity company, JIRAMA, are posted on social media by Internet users. The electricity supply has been cut in several

neighborhoods in Antananarivo. Cue the familiar sounds of power generators in offices and a number of stores. The scene is nothing new. Over the past decade, JIRAMA’s customers, both household and industrial alike, have experienced repeated power outages.

several pressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. It supports the transition to the energy mix for electricity and lighting, which will include 80% of renewable resources. To achieve our goal of providing electricity to 70% of the population, we will have to produce 7,900 GWh by 2030, as opposed to the 1,500 GWh currently produced,” explains Lantoniaina Rasoloelison, Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons. An ambitious project, particularly if it is entirely dependent on public financing.

An Innovative Financing Mechanism to Support the State

A Crucial Resource for Economic and Social Development In Madagascar, only 15% of the population has access to electricity. In 2017, the country had just 570 MW of mainly thermal (60%) and hydroelectric (40%) installed production capacity.

Furthermore, only 60% of this energy is truly available owing to poor maintenance of power plants. Apart from the fact that these challenges in the energy sector undermine the quality of citizens’ daily lives, they also represent one of the major obstacles to the country’s development and to private sector expansion. In the World Bank Group’s Doing Business 2018 report that assesses the business climate, Madagascar ranks 184 out of 190 countries for access to electricity. Keenly aware of this challenge, in 2014, the Government of Madagascar decided to embark on intensive reforms to transform the sector. In March 2016, the country was granted $65 million in financial support from the World Bank through the Electricity Sector Operations and Governance Improvement Project (ESOGIP) and in June 2018, $40 million in additional financing. The objective: increase production capacity and reduce energy loss, while helping the Government improve governance of the sector and JIRAMA’s operational performance. The ESOGIP also aims to expedite progress on renewable energies in order to provide a reliable, more affordable alternative to expensive and environmentally unfriendly diesel generators.

To supplement public funds in order to finance large-scale construction of solar plants by promoting private investment, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, is helping the Government set up a public-private partnership (PPP). Through the Scaling Solar initiative, in March 2016, IFC signed an agreement with the Malagasy Government to construct a plant of approximately 25 MW, connected to the Antananarivo network, through a transparent international competitive bidding process.

Madagascar is currently the fifth country in Africa in which a Scaling Solar tender process was launched, after two tender processes in Zambia, one in Senegal, and another in Ethiopia. It is also the first Scaling Solar project to include solar energy storage requirements by pairing solar with batteries. The process began with feasibility studies conducted by IFC experts to determine the solar capacity that could be added to the existing network and to select a suitable location. In October 2017, the Government of Madagascar invited private investors to participate in a prequalification process, based on strict eligibility criteria, to select potential candidates with the necessary experience, expertise, and financial resources to complete the project as expeditiously as possible.

Betting on Solar Energy

Expertise of the Various World Bank Group Institutions

With all regions of Madagascar enjoying over 2,800 hours of sunlight per year, the Grande Île

Over 100 companies from 28 countries expressed their interest. In February 2018, six

is the perfect location for development of solar power, with a potential capacity of 2,000 kWh/

companies and groups were selected to participate in the tender process and will be able to

m²/year. The Government is counting on this potential to fulfill its objective of providing energy

make use of the feasibility studies provided by IFC to prepare their technical bids and identify

access to 70% of Malagasy households by 2030.“Our energy policy for 2015-2030 addresses

financial partners.

AARVI ENCON LIMITED ISO 9001-2015 Company

ENGINEERING

MANPOWER

+

30

Years

OUTSOURCING

Deputation of Technical Manpower · Project Management · Construction Supervision · Inspection · Testing and Commissioning · Operation & Maintenance

Aarvi Encon Limited

Formerly known as Aarvi Encon Private Limited B1-603, Innova, Marathon NextGen, G.K.Road, Opp. Peninsula Park, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai - 400013. INDIA Tel.: 022-4049 9999, Fax: 022-4049 9998 E Mail: info@aarviencon.com, WWW. aarviencon.com Contact person: Mr. Mahesh Repal, Mobile No. : 9757024238. Email ID: mahesh@aarviencon.com w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • October 2018 33

Product PRODUCT Feature FEATURE

Sineng’s outdoor EP-3125-HA-UD is designed for higher reliability, higher durability and lower cost Sineng Electric Co., Ltd. is a leading solar inverter manufacturer in the world. According to the GTM Research 2017 Report, Sineng Electric is the world’s fifth largest solar inverter manufacturer. In 2014, following integration with a Fortune 500 company’s PV business, the company became

FAN

a leader in terms of R&D, management and marketing in the

FAN

global PV market. Currently, Sineng Electric has completed the establishment of its local sales and service system for the Indian market. The Indian company’s annual solar inverter production capacity is expected to reach 2GW.

Two phase heat dissipation

IGBT module

Sineng Electric is capable of meeting the diversified needs of its customers with the widest portfolios of solar inverters ranging from single and three-phase string inverters up to megawatt-sized central inverters and central distributed

Reactor

inverters. This extensive range of solar inverters is suitable for the smallest residential photovoltaic systems right up to multi-megawatt PV plants.

2- FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF EP-3125-HA-UD a. Product Introduction In the context of increasingly large photovoltaic power station monomer, the traditional 1000V system is losing its advantage in reducing system cost. Compared with 1000V system, 1500V system’s advantages are as follows: Enhance the dielectric strength level of components,

c. Technology Advancements

inverters, cables, combiner boxes and other equipments;

� Low system cost

1500V system has high dielectric strength level, thus

Adopts advanced three-level technology, the highest DC

more modules can be series-connected in one string, then it can save the investment of cable, combiner boxes, transformers and other equipments; Reduce ac-dc side loss and transformer low-voltage side loss.

Consider the above advantages, Sineng developed the EP-3125-HA-UD series inverter. It is a compact all-in-one

bus voltage 1500V, the maximum conversion efficiency of 99%. Maximum DC/AC ratio can be up to 1.5. Highest power density in all centralized inverters above 3MW. With single capacity of 3.125 MW, the EP-3125-HAUD is flexible in 6.25MW or 12.5 MW block design. The

outdoor device which eliminates the need of traditional

6.25MW block solution uses two inverters to access three

inverter containers. Compared with the same power

winding transformer. The 12.5 MW block solution uses four

inverter, the EP-3125-HA-UD has smallest size, highest

inverters to access five winding transformer. It will greatly

power density and highest cost performance.

reduce the cost of transformers and high-voltage RMUs

b. Technology Specifications

that is suitable for utility plant such as large flat surface

Electrical Data

EP-3125-HA-UD

and water surface photovoltaic power stations over 25MW.

Max. input voltage

1500V

� Convenient for O&M

Max. input current

4106A

Outdoor design without container. It is designed for easy

MPPT voltage range

893~1300V

and fast installation. With all the key components such as

No. of MPPTs

1

IGBT models are in front space and modular design that is

Rated output power

3125kW

convenient for O&M.

Max. output AC power

3594kW

� High reliability & durability

Rated grid voltage

630V

As shown in figure, the cold air enters through the filter

Optional Grid voltage range

536~693V

follow the heat dissipation channel. The cold air is guided

Rated output current

2864A

from top to bottom by the cooling fans to reduce the heat

Max. output current

3294A

produced by the inverter. The key components are sealed

Rated grid frequency

50Hz/60Hz

Adjustable displacement factor

0.8(lagging) ~ 0.8(leading)

Max. / European efficiency

99.00% / 98.70%

Standby consumption

<200W

Dimensions(W × H × D)

and contact the external duct through the radiator. This isolation design improves the adaptability of the inverter to different environments, protects the key components,

“Sineng Electric is capable of meeting the diversified needs of its customers with the widest portfolios of solar inverters ranging from single and

and ensures the long-term stable operation of the system.

three-phase string inverters up to

2350x2153x1200mm

BENEFITTED CUSTOMER SEGMENT

megawatt-sized central inverters and

Weight

2500kg

As a leader in the industry, Sineng is committed to

central distributed inverters.”

Operating temperature range

-30~60° C

maximizing customer benefits. The EP-3125-HA-UD is

Cooling concept

Temperature controlled air-cooling

most suitable for large scale projects, so that they can

Degree of protection

IP54

Max. permissible value for relative humidity

0~95%, non -condensing

Max. altitude

4500m (derating> 3000m)

Communication port/protocols

Standard: RS485, Ethernet

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

maximize their solar generation. With the advanced aircooled design, it can work without derating at 50 °C, which is very suitable for the hot climate in India. High protection performance for outdoor use, IP54 protection level of inverter and IP65 protection level of key components are suitable for all kinds of harsh environments.

Solar Quarter • October 2018 34

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Solar PV With Storage This section looks at some of the largest projects incorporating solar and battery storage.

An important driver of this trend is the massive deflation evident in battery costs, with

The world’s largest lithium-ion battery facility to date is the Tesla-Neoen Hornsdale Power

total lithium-ion battery pack prices falling by more than 20% in 2017 and a similar rate

Reserve facility of 100 MW/129 MWh in South Australia, commissioned in December 2017.

of decline expected for 2018. BNEF’s price forecast to 2030 is illustrated in Figure 1 below

However, this facility has no associated solar, and neither does the 150-MW lithium-ion

Figure 1 : BNEF

facility proposed in South Korea by Hyundai Electric & Energy Systems Co., scheduled for

Forecasts Lithium

commissioning in the first half of 2018.167 But the development of battery storage with

Ion Battery Price

renewables is becoming increasingly standard as variable renewable energy takes an ever

Deflation Still to

greater share of electricity generation.

Come

A 2018 report by a research firm IHS Markit found that the total pipeline of announced energy storage projects globally has reached 10.4 GW at the end of Q1 2018 from 7.5 GW at the end of 2017. Of this, 40% of this total capacity pipeline is to be co-located with solar projects as a key step to helping address the intermittency of solar power, and maximise its’ value in the electricity generation sector. Similar to the advantages achieved by combining floating solar with pumped hydro storage, renewable energy projects can be enhanced by pairing them with batteries. Among the benefits of such projects is the resulting ability to time-shift solar supply into more valuable peak demand periods, increase behindthe-meter self-consumption (also known as self-supply, a strategy that allows for on-site

Table 1 below lists 15 of the largest solar-with-storage infrastructure investment projects globally either in operation or under development.

storage of solar generation) reduce curtailment losses, reduce transmission congestion and enhance grid stability. In stark contrast to the rest of Australia’s energy policy chaos, Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg clearly endorses solar with storage as a value-enhancing proposition, stating.

“They will not only allow currently unused renewable energy to be stored instead of wasted, but also inject electricity into the grid at times of peak demand in an area known for transmission congestion. Together, they will help lower power prices and stabilise the grid.”

An example of the potential of linking variable renewables and storage is evident in the partnership between Bay State Wind (a joint U.S. venture of Ørsted of Denmark and New England-based Eversource) and NEC Energy Solutions to incorporate 55 MW/110 MWh of storage in the 800 MW offshore wind farm under development off Martha’s Vineyard, a

Table 1 : Sixteen of the World’s Largest Solar-With-Storage Projects

project announced in March 2018.170 This strategy suggests a key way forward in balancing demand and supply, providing grid stability and frequency control, and maximising value by enabling delivery during peak electricity demand periods.

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

Credits: Solar Is Driving A Global Shift In Electicity Market, IEEF Report, May 2018

Solar Quarter • October 2018 35

PRODUCT FEATURE

Huawei Ranks No.1 in the Top PV Inverter Suppliers in the Indian Market Recently,

Bridge

to

India,

an

Indian

authoritative

consultancy, released the India RE Map 2018 September.

According to the statistics of the projects commissioned from October 2017 to September 2018, Bridge to India released the top PV modules, inverters, and EPC enterprises in the Indian market.

Among the top PV inverter suppliers, Huawei smart PV inverter surpasses many world-renowned ones with a share of 16.3%, rising to the top of the list.

Based on reports released by global consultancies IHS Markit and GTM Research, Huawei ranked No.1 globally in terms of inverter shipments for three consecutive years from 2015 to 2017. The cutting edge of Huawei’s inverter will be more obvious this year with a greater overseas market share. In the Indian PV market, the utility-scale PV plant projects dominate the market share, accounting for 90%. In recent years, smart string inverters have become the mainstream among the utility-scale PV plants with the advantages of a high energy yield, high reliability, and low maintenance cost. Huawei has established more

100 MW PV PLANT IN TELANGANA

than 3GW of PV plants since it has deeply developed the India market for more than three years. Ranked 72nd on the Fortune Global 500 companies, Huawei innovatively integrates digital information technologies such as AI, IoT, big data, and cloud computing, with PV technology, to promote industry-leading smart PV solutions for both utility-scale and commercial scenarios. Huawei Smart PV Solutions bring digitalization to every PV plant and renewable energy enterprise, enabling our customers and partners to lead in the intelligent world.

Derived from the design concept of being Simple, FullyDigital, and Smart O&M, Huawei FusionSolar Smart PV Solution provides industry-leading solutions for both utility-scale and commercial scenarios. By optimizing and innovating the entire process from power plant design and construction to O&M, Huawei realizes its core value of “Higher Yields, Smart O&M, Safe and Reliable”, in which greatly optimizes initial investments, improves O&M efficiency, raises energy yield, and increases ROI (Return on Investment) of the PV plant.

Typical cases of Huawei smart PV plant in India:

100 MW PV PLANT IN KAKKIRENI

TOP inverter suppliers in the Indian market (source: Bridge to India)

50 MW PV PLANT IN KHANDWA DESHGAON

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 36

COMPANY FEATURE

“OORJA POINTS”, will be one stop shop for customers “Oorja on MoveTM” HQ at Gurgaon, India is leading Engineered Green Energy & Automation Solution provider for Indian infrastructure & Smart Cities, having strong credentials build by ahead of time solutions, innovations and new business dimensions in the domain of Power, Energy, Infrastructure, Telecom, Metal & mine, Banking, Smart city, Defense, Railways, Surveillance etc.

Smart city sector.

reliable, flexible, continuous Energy output silently with big

In renewable, it has capabilities of Grid storage solutions (Li-I batteries), Solar PV inverters (On-Grid, Off-Grid, Hybrid), street lights, All-in-One Box-Solar Kits and it provide one stop Solution to most Solar PV needs as supplier of all major products for rooftop projects in addition to EPC & I&C activities.

clear pictorial display of instantaneous value and directions

It is shortlisted in the list of “20 most promising smart city solution provider 2018” by CIO Review considering their technology understanding on Power (Generation / T&D / Storage), Energy Efficiency, Automation, Communication, Security & Surveillance etc.

The One-Box Solution for domestic rooftop system requirements facilitates small system integrators to get properly selected all required Solar PV project components at one place at affordable cost, one stop solution with technical support.

2 and 3 wheelers using renewable energy, Battery swap

It is providing Turnkey EPC solutions for manufacturing of E-Vehicles, Storage & Charging infrastructure. Its solution trials on e-rickshaw’s demonstrated >30% extra running kms per charge, upto 3 times life of the storage and payback within 2 years.

The less Noisy, lightweight Grid-tied String Inverters (370kW) has negligible auxiliary losses, higher MPPT voltage range facilitating lower DC wiring cost and losses thus better efficiency output.

Company is expanding their reach in most Indian cities

In utility scale Energy Storage (ESS), It has 1 MWh equivalent Li-I based energy storage (ESS) deployed in telecom, banking,

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

The unique performance, state of the art Hardware and software of Uninterrupted Energy solutions i.e. Efficient Home UPS & Hybrid Solar PV inverters (2-10kW) offers

of power flow from different sources (Grid, Solar, Battery and combination) in optimized, economical & affordable cost.

It is bringing new solutions like EV charging stations for stations for Smart city, Zero waste RO system to provide clean water, Waste to Energy solutions for domestic and community level. by adding network partners/ Sales & Service Centers i.e.

“OORJA POINTS”, will be one stop shop for customers.

Company is also exploring and welcome business enquiries, new opportunities for international collaboration or growing together.

Solar Quarter • October 2018 37

COMPANY FEATURE

We develop India’s best utility scale solar PV Module Insolation Energy a state of the art manufacturing facility

� IEC 61730-Ed.1 and IEC 61730-Ed.2

specializing in manufacturing of high efficiency PV Module

� IEC : 61701

located in Jaipur. We develop India’s best utility scale solar PV Module. Insolation Energy has been formed by

� PID Testing IEC TS 62804-1

the combined efforts of senior industrialists Mr. Manish

� MNRE Approved

Gupta and Mr. Vikas Jain having experience of more than

We have more than 30 in-house quality tests for quality

20 years in various sectors like Steel, Industrial Solutions,

assurance. The prominent ones are :

Real Estates, health & fitness and Independent Solar

� Pre lamination inline EL tester

Power Producer Business etc. Insolation Energy is having Rajasthan’s first fully automatic plant with 60 MW of annual

� Post lamination inline EL tester

manufacturing capacity. We strive to provide one of the

� Inline Testing- Hipot ,Sun Simulator Post EL

best solutions for sustainable solar electric power. Our aim

� Inline automatic visual inspection

is to provide clean and green electricity at affordable price

� Wet leakage current test

to one and all

STRATEGY Vision Statement To manufacture Solar PV Modules with high quality, long lasting, reliable and prudent practices under “Make in India” Campaign. Strive & leverage the solar energy technology for greener, sustainable and better future.

Mission Statement

TEAM & MANAGEMENT The company promoters are qualified engineers with more than 20 years of experience across various fields. The company is run by highly qualified professionals with rich expertise in solar field.

CUSTOMERS & PROJECTS Our modules have been well accepted & appreciated across various customer segments like retail/ rooftop/ utility scale.

We at Insolation Energy aim to achieve the goal of clean,

Some of our clients include reputed Developers/System

environmental friendly, cost effective and easily available

Integrators/EPC Players & OEM players.

energy to each and every citizen of the country. Our aim is to provide clean and green electricity at affordable price to one and all. We provide flexible & customized high-tech PV solutions and reliable support to fit your specific needs

Business Goals, Objectives & Strategies We are in process of enhancing our production capacity and very soon our production capacity will be doubled. We are also planning joint ventures with some developers to bid the projects jointly and start a dedicated production line for projects.

We have also started focussing on exports and have identified few overseas markets where we will be launching our modules shortly. We are participating in international trade shows and also exploring tie ups with overseas players to go global.

BUSINESS CONCEPT a. At Insolation Energy we manufacture highly efficient Mono/Multi modules in 72/60/36 cells with A grade quality raw material. Our products are certified by IEC, MNRE, UL, TUV. Some of the salient features of our modules are � Positive Power Sorting, 0 to +3 Watt. � UV anti-glare Resistance and All Weather Load Resistance Glass. � 25 year Linear Performance Warranty. � Higher Reliability. � Best Quality Raw Material. � Manufactured on Fully Automatic Production Line. � Comprehensive Product Range. � PID Free Module Round 3 as per MNRE . � 5BB Cell, Improved Module Efficiency and Power. � Improved Low Light Irradiance Performance . � Compact Design, Efficient Shipping, Easy Handling. � Manufacturing facility from 40 Wp to 350 Wp . b. Quality Policy of The Company: Our Company is

“We at Insolation Energy aim to achieve the goal of clean, environmental friendly, cost effective and easily available energy to each and every citizen of the country. Our aim is to provide clean and green electricity at affordable price to one and all. We provide flexible & customized high-tech PV solutions and reliable support to fit your specific needs.”

certified for ISO 9001: 2015 for Quality Management System. Our modules are tested and approved by the reputed international & national laboratories. Our modules are certified for. � IEC 61215:2015 -2nd Edition

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 38

COMPANY FEATURE

SOFARSOLAR growing in India market with quality products & prompt service Support availability SOFARSOLAR (est 2012) is one of the subsidiaries of SOFAR Group in China and specializes in R&D, production, sales and service of grid-tied inverters ranging from 1kW to 6kW (residential), 4kW to 70kW (commercial) and energy storage inverters (3kW-5kW), hybrid inverters from 3kW to 6kW. SOFARSOLAR, with 400 employees, has a very strong and experienced R&D team who have improved inverter technology, both software and hardware.

SOFARSOLAR is a top 5 Grid tied string inverters manufacturer for rooftop and utility projects. SOFARSOLAR inverters have been installed in 40+ countries (e.g.

India, Australia, the UK, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Netherland, France, China, Russia, Poland, Brazil, etc.) with currently own subsidiaries in India, Australia, Wuxi, Beijing, Shenzhen and Henan.

Vision Statement: SOFARSOLAR planning investment in India. In a next year company manufacturing setup will be start. Local Salesservice stock availability, PAN India & Middle East market development. Focus on new upgrade technology, Product availability as per market response. Market strategy on HYBRID & STORAGE Inverter & Coming with our new technology products AUTOMOBILE ECO-CHARGER. To develop market with reliability, Product quality, prompt service response.

Mission Statement: SOFARSOLAR growing in India market with quality products & prompt service Support availability. We are developing Customization products as per client requirement with Best technical features. OEM Work flexibility with mutually understanding on Techno-commercial terms.

Storage inverters & Hybrid inverters.

Company local stock, Local Sales-Service availability

Business Competitiveness 1. Complete product series of string inverters.

2. Choose high quality components, such as higher voltage thin-film capacitor.

3. Well-designed inverter cases: die-casting housings go through anti-corrosion and anti-rust protection processes 4. 4-inch diamond white-bright screen.

5. Support RS485/WiFi/GPRS/Ethernet for data upload.

6. Built-in SD card with 25 years data storage capacity for

From day one our company has put quality as the most important criteria in our design, production and daily operations. Our international R&D team designed the product from bottom up. We hand-picked each component and we have drew every bit of the circuitry. Therefore we understand exactly how the device shall perform in every situation. We sourced all our electronic materials from U.S., Germany and Japan, such as Fairchild, Infineon, Texas instruments, Panasonic, Nichicon, Tamura, Microsemi, Amphenol, Sanyo. We are certainly not the cheapest inverters you can find in China. But if you consider quality is important, you will not regret to work with us.

Business Goals & Objectives

Our range of grid tied inverters include 1KW to 6KW in single and 4KW to 70KW in three phases. We also have 3-5kW power storage inverters and 3-6kW hybrid inverters.

� SOFAR COMMUNICATION ( GPS Sector )

*7 years warranty in Indian Market

� NEW ENERGY AUTOMOBILE ( Supercharger )

Service Pledge:

*Local sales, Local Service, Local Support.

� SOFAR SOLAR ( Inverter ) 1KW to 6KW -single and 4KW to 70KW -Three phases.

Prompt service support available onsite & offsite. Planning to develop toll free number service very soon.

*Inverter replacement during 7 Years Warranty Period.

SOFARSOLAR wants to develop in India every region sales-service setup, oriented business policy with Dealers, Business partners, EPC, Solar developers. Focus to work on Government sector projects with largest quantity.

Business Strategy: In future planning to business in NEW ENERGY AUTOMOBILE ( Supercharger ) products & string inverter development.

List Company’s Products & Services � SOFAR TRADING ( Electronics Trading ) � SOFAR PROPERTY ( Industry Park ) � SOFAR HOTEL

three phase inverters.

7. Support web portal for online monitoring and APP for mobile phones.

8. Support zero export solution and PID solution.

9. Local technical support for whole India market.

10. SOFAR SOLAR Inverters and distributors are insured by US CHUBB Insurance corporation company.

Quality Policy Of The Company Available all IEC Certificates as per required in INDIA Market.

EES’s Rooftop Division is Making a Direct Impact onto Customers & the Masses Excelsior Engineering Solutions is India`s leading solar technical service provider.

EES has successfully worked alongside several Indian and Global IPP`s, EPC’s, System Integrators as well as End Customers. Having completed giving services to over 1200 MW`s of utility scale ground mount and rooftop solar projects exceeding 100 projects across 13 states of India, it has given us the dexterity to assist our clients effectively in the shortest span on time. With a spectrum of service like Design & Engineering, Project Management Consultancy, Owner`s Engineering, 3rd Party Validation and Bid Assistance; it has enabled EES to develop a vast and varied client base that consistently relies on it for accurate and effective results.

EES has completed several iconic projects in Mumbai, enabling the end customer to maximize the benefits from their net metered rooftop solar system. From the 820kWp project on Cricket Club of India, making it the largest solar powered cricket stadium in the world to 100kW project on Metro Theatre, Mumbai-the first entertainment house to power its screen purely through clean and renewable solar power. EES`s rooftop team has now become the go to name for rooftop solar solutions in the Maharashtra region.

Actual Site Images: Manas Mandir – 100kW IWSA – 21kW

Being a technology neutral solar service provider helps EES to provide its clientele with the best in class, state of the art technology based on the latest market intelligence. Having a highly skilled engineering team from backgrounds of Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Structural Engineering that work alongside leading EPC`s, Independent Power Producers, Lending Institutions and End Customers lets us ensure that we always deliver a quality product.

EES`s pre-design engineering and site assessment helps several organizations, institutions, industrial and commercial spaces maximize the use of shadow free area and minimize electrical losses.

Projects installed at areas of public interest such as Manas Mandir (100kW) and IWSA (21kW), creates a wide spread awareness on the benefits of going solar and gives the masses an ability to witness first-hand the working and operations of a solar power plant. The Mandir alone is witness to over 6 lakh devotees from various backgrounds round the year. At EES we approach each individual solar project with the purview of building power plants that help our customers adopt and implement an ethos of renewable, sustainable and affordable lifestyle.

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Actual Site Images: Cricket Club of India – 820kW Metro Theatre Mumbai – 100kW

Solar Quarter • October 2018 39

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

India: Vast Potential in Solar-Powered Irrigation

Summary

While replacing conventional irrigation pumps with solar-powered ones has the clear advantage of lowering costs, the pace of their deployment across India has been slow.

A significant up-scaling of solar-power irrigation would provide multiple benefits to India in terms of: � providing distributed/end-of-grid generation; � reducing the need for heavily subsidised electricity to the agricultural sector, helping to alleviate financial distress at distribution companies (DISCOMs); � creating a positive alignment of solar generation with water irrigation time of use; � replacing the use of subsidised, imported diesel with the associated foreign exchange and reduced current account drain; � significantly enhancing India’s 100GW-solar-by-2022 mission; � lessening environmental impact; � expanding and diversifying farmer incomes; and

Fig 1: Policies Supporting SolarPowered Irrigation in India

� providing a sustained domestic and perhaps even an export opportunity for system manufacturing under the government’s “Make in India” campaign.

All that said, recent initiatives by way of the central government’s Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahaabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme and the Gujarat state government’s Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY) scheme are steps in the right direction.

Demand for Sustainable Irrigation Far Exceeds Capacity

Table 1: Irrigation Pumps in India Fig 2: Distribution of Wells

As India’s economy has diversified in recent years, agriculture’s contribution as a proportion of GDP has dropped to about 10%1. Yet about 70% of India’s rural households still depend primarily on agriculture for their livelihood, and 82% of farms are considered “small and marginal. Successful farming in India typically requires irrigation. Only 48% of the country’s “net sown area” is irrigated, however, the rest is dependent on the vagaries of nature. Of the country’s total net amount of irrigated land, 62% is watered either by relatively deep tube wells or other, more shallow types of wells. Most of these wells are reliant on electric or diesel pumps.

In June 2018, the Gujarat government introduced the Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY), a pilot project to enable 12,400 farmers in 33 districts of the state to generate solar power— and to use part of that power for irrigation while selling the surplus to the grid for INR 7 (US$0.10) per unit for seven years and INR 3.50 (US$0.05) per unit for the remaining years.

Under the initiative, farmers will contribute 40% of installation costs, while central and state governments will subsidize 60% of costs.

This program will enable more farmers access to better power supply for more hours of the day while increasing their agricultural productivity and their overall income. This model and could well adopted by other states and expanded nationally to drive the growth of solar-powered irrigation across India.

Clearly, it makes sense to replace existing electric and diesel pump sets with solar pumps.

Some of the many benefits of replacing the current fleet of electric (21 million) and diesel (8.8 million) pump sets are summarised in the table 2.

Demand for Sustainable Irrigation Far Exceeds Capacity; Solar Can Fill the Void.

Table 2: Benefits of Replacing Conventional Pumps with Solar-Powered Pumps The KUSUM scheme aims to deploy 2.75 million solar pumps as part of the first phase of implementation that will produce an additional 4 GW of installed solar power, thereby providing a material boost to India’s renewable energy deployments.

An additional advantage of solar irrigation pumps worth noting: The distributed generation aspect of such systems provides significant grid network strengthening while avoiding over-reliance on land intensive utility scale solar projects, an especially sensitive issue in a country as densely populated as India.

Policywise, savings from fuel costs, electricity subsidies and foreign exchange costs present a significant incentive for an appropriately structured subsidy for upfront cost

The government of India could achieve 38% of its renewable electricity-generation target

to accelerate deployment of solar pumps. Moving to solar irrigation can save as well on

just by shifting from conventional pumps to solar irrigation pumps. Demand for Sustainable

deadweight subsidies that keeps DISCOMs in financial disarray.

Irrigation Far Exceeds Capacity; Solar Can Fill the Void.

Considering the declining trend in prices of solar modules combined with economies of scale, IEEFA sees the all-in cost of solar-powered irrigation as a strong argument for

The government of India could achieve 38% of its renewable electricity-generation target

reducing reliance on the current expensive government-subsidized model. The strategy

just by shifting from conventional pumps to solar irrigation pumps. Deployment of 5.5-

stands also to give a strong push to the government’s “Make in India” program as domestic

HP solar pumps, on the other hand, would enable the government to achieve 70% of

manufacturing will grow on demand for solar pumps.

its overall renewable energy target while exceeding its solar energy goal of 100 GW of capacity, as also noted in a recent study by IWMI-TATA, Greenpeace India and GERMI. The upfront cost of solar pumps, the current heavily subsidised supply of electricity to the rural sector, poor after-installation maintenance support and lack of awareness of the benefits of solar have combined to prevent most Indian farmers from shifting from less efficient, unsustainable modes of irrigation. Nonetheless, solar-powered irrigation offers huge economic and environmental benefits, and the recent KUSUM schemes by the central government and the SKY scheme by the Gujarat state government suggest that attitudes are changing.

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“This program will enable more farmers access to better power supply for more hours of the day while increasing their agricultural productivity and their overall income. This model and could well adopted by other states and expanded nationally to drive the growth of solar-powered irrigation across India.”

Credits: India: Vast Potential in Solar-Powered Irrigation, IEEF Report, August 2018

SolarQuarter Quarter• October • August 2018 2018 40 40 Solar

TECH INSIGHTS

Micro Inverter Market By Type & By Connection - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014 - 2022

Micro inverter market is expected to garner $2.7 billion by 2022. In 2014, North America dominated the market and contributed about 45% share of the overall market revenue, followed by Europe. The presence of key market players in the U.S. and rising micro inverter installation activities, primarily in residential sector, have fueled the market growth.

Micro inverter is an emerging solar inverter technology used to convert direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity. The rise in micro inverters market share in the overall photovoltaic (PV) inverter market can be attributed to improved efficiency and higher power output. Micro inverter is a type of Module Level Power Electronic (MLPE) technology that has separate inverters for each solar cell. Presently, the world micro inverter market is driven by its various benefits for smaller (less than 6kW) size photovoltaic systems in addition to being more cost effective, which is further supported by the enhanced safety. Fast growing residential market and government subsidies and economic incentives have further supported the growth of micro inverter market. Micro inverters are highly efficient as compared to other inverters such as string and central inverters. However, high installation and tough maintenance techniques could limit the market growth. Technological advancements in the field of micro inverters to increase efficiency and rise in government spending on renewable energy projects are expected to provide greater opportunities in the market.

Segment Overview: The world micro inverter market is segmented on the basis of type, connection, end user, and geography. The type segment is dominated by single-phase micro inverters due to its wider application in residential end-user segment as compared to three-phase micro inverters. Among various connection types, grid-connected micro inverters dominate the global market due to higher energy conversion rate and flexibility.

� Geographically, the market is analyzed based on four regions namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA � Analysis of value chain is conducted for better understanding of the role of intermediaries Micro Inverter Market Segmentation:

By Type

By Connection

By End-User

� Single-phase

� Stand Alone

Residential

� Three-phase

� Grid Connected

Commercial

By Geography � North America - U.S., Mexico, Canada � Europe- UK,Germany, France, Rest of Europe � Asia-Pacific- India, China, Japan, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific � LAMEA- Latin America, Middle East, Africa

Credits: Micro Inverter Market- Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014 - 2022, Allied Market Research

Higher output and cost-efficiency Micro inverters are recognized to produce more energy as compared to other solar inverters such as central inverters and string inverters. Micro inverters operate individually as each panel is connected to a single micro inverter, so that each panel can performs to its fullest and any shaded or infected panel would not have effect on the rest of the system.

Hence, the average conversion efficiency of an individual micro-inverter is in range of 93 to 98%, which is somewhat superior to conventional central and string inverters that offers average efficiency of 92%. Hence, in long run micro inverter brings in a lot savings for end-users.

High Installation cost Micro inverter installation is more expensive than central and string inverter installation as it requires more components such as interconnecting cables, sealing caps and terminators.

In addition, monitoring systems also add to the overall installation cost of the micro inverter technology. However, this cost can be accepted in some cases when installation challenges are present and partial or full shading can deteriorate the overall performance of solar system.

Japan Is Expected To Be The Most Lucrative Market For Micro Inverters In Asia-Pacific, micro inverter market is expected to have the fastest growth in Japan during the forecast period. On a global scale, Japan is not the biggest market but it’s in the top three, with strong governmental support, and its huge solar energy industry. However, in spite of representing a major residential market potential, it has been facing limited micro inverter shipments. It is expected that the penetration rate of micro inverters into Japanese market would increase drastically to 7% of total installations by 2018. Another factor for catalyzing the market in Japan could be micro inverter suppliers obtaining Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories (JET) certification.

Competitive Landscape The report provides a comprehensive analysis of major market players such as Enphase Energy Inc., ABB Group, SunPower Corporation, SMA Solar Technology AG, Delta Energy Systems GmbH, SolarEdge Technologies, Inc., ReneSola, Siemens AG, P&P Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and Involar. Further, the prominent strategies adopted by the leading players are analyzed to highlight the top winning strategies.

Top Winning Strategies Presently, growth strategies such as acquisition, product launch, partnership, agreement and expansion are adopted by key market players. Micro inverter market is largely driven by product launch and acquisition. Companies such as Enphase Energy Inc., and ABB Group have acquired local inverter manufacturer companies to enhance their global outreach and increase their market share.

Key Benefits of Micro Inverter Market � The study provides an in-depth analysis of the world micro inverter market to elucidate the prominent investment pockets in the market.

Current and future trends are outlined to determine the overall market scenario and to single out profitable trends to gain a stronger foothold in the market. � The report provides information regarding key drivers, restraints, and opportunities with impact analysis

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 41

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

India’s Largest Utility-Scale Solar Projects Under Development

India has launched an aggressive program to accelerate deployment of renewable energy across the country, setting an ambitious target of 275 GW of renewable

energy, representing 40% of India’s total targeted installed generation capacity, by 2027 (see Figure 1.). Solar will play the dominant role, with upward of 165 GW across utility-scale projects, rooftop installations, floating solar, hybrid wind-solar and concentrated solar power (CSP). The announcement in April 2018 of a 5 GW solar

park in Gujarat highlights the size of the effort, which is motivated in large part by escalating pollution pressures and steep price declines in renewable energy tariffs, particularly solar, in the past several years. These price declines have topped 50% since the start of 2016, turning renewable energy into the lowest-cost source of new capacity, with pricing up to 20% below the average power tariff of existing, domestic thermal power plants.

In terms of exploring various models of new technology application in India, solarwind-battery hybrid systems have now entered the Indian electricity sector. In April 2018, Hero Future Energies co-located a 50 MW wind farm with a 29 MW solar project to best leverage the 50 MW grid connection investment and start the process of addressing how the grid will increasingly accommodate higher variable renewable

Fig 1: India’s National Electricity Plan to 2027

energy generation. This model also employs better land use and takes advantage of existing regulatory approvals.

Following this, in the same month, Andhra Pradesh government announced a tender for 2 GW of solar and wind to be co-installed with existing operational 2 GW of solar and wind projects in the Ananthapur district of the state. This emergence of a hybrid model in India stems from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) draft wind-solar-battery hybrid policy which targets 10 GW by 2022.

India has pioneered the concept of the ultra mega power plant (UMPP) in a single solar Industrial park, and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) initially set a target for 40 industrial solar parks with a combined capacity of 20 GW, but in 2017 doubled this target to 40 GW by 2022.

Fig 2: Twelve of the Largest Indian Utility Solar Projects in Development

The UMPP concept involves a state government or local distribution company facilitating a single

The first 500 MW was awarded to Sun Edison at Rs4.63/kWh in January 2016, and

central grid connection and taking on the procurement and time-delay risks relating to land

350 MW was awarded to SBG Cleantech at Rs4.63/kWh, 100 MW to Azure Power

acquisition. This approach has been instrumental in driving economies of scale and procuring

of India at Rs5.12/kWh and 50 MW to Adani Green at Rs5.13/kWh. Just a year later,

global capital flows into India over the last two years, with an immediate boon in the form of a

solar tariffs were up to 50% lower,64 highlighting the price deflation sweeping

halving of solar tariffs to a record low of Rs2.44/kWh (US$39/MWh) achieved in mid-2017.

through the Indian market.

Over 2016/17, India commissioned two of the four largest solar projects in the world, one each

Adani Kamuthi Solar Plant, 648 MW, Tamil Nadu

in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, two of the best solar radiation sites in the country. What will be the largest operational solar project in the world, at 2,225 MW, is due for commissioning in 2019 at Bhadla in the desert of Rajasthan, with a 2,000-MW facility at Pavagada in Karnataka due online at the same time. A renewable energy grid transformation in India is under way, driving deflation, improved energy security, reduced reliance on fossil fuel imports and providing some relief from pollution pressures as well.

Adani Green Power’s Kamuthi facility in Ramanathapuram district was the world’s largest solar plant when it was commissioned in September 2016. The plant was planned and built in two years with an investment of US$679m and covers 2,500 acres.

It was built without securing the necessary water licences for module maintenance and washing, forcing developers to look for other solutions. They solved this issue by incorporating a new self-charging, remotely operated, waterless robotic cleaning

Figure 2 outlines 12 of the largest industrial solar parks in India to date. We have listed them by

system developed by Israel’s Ecoppia and manufactured in India, a cost-effective

size, grouped by those already operational, then those partly operational and grid connected,

and efficient technique that optimises the cleaning process, guaranteeing long-

then those understood to be under construction. Finally, we detail several plants that have been

term high performance.

announced but are not yet under construction.

Bhadla Industrial Solar Park, 2,225 MW, Rajasthan

Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, 1,000 MW, Andhra Pradesh The Bhadla facility in Rajasthan will have a total capacity of 2,225 MW when The 1,000 MW Kurnool solar facility is India’s largest operational solar project. The project, located

completed in 2019. The first 680 MW was commissioned in August 2017. The facility

in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district. epitomises the UMPP model, which relies on attracting

is being developed by Adani Renewable Energy Parks Rajasthan Ltd., a joint venture

international capital from firms such as Greenko, backed by sovereign wealth funds of Abu Dhabi

of the government of Rajasthan and Adani Green Power.

and Singapore, SoftBank of Japan in partnership with Foxconn of Taiwan and BHEL (trading as

Various developers are involved in the park, including ACME, SBG Rising Sun,

SBG Cleantech), as well as Indian investors such as Adani Green Power and Azure Power.

Rattan India, Fortum of Sweden, Azure Power, Avaada Power and ENGIE of France.

In March 2018 SBG Cleantech confirmed it was on-track to commission 600 MW of

Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation (APSPCL) led the development effort, first by acquiring nine square miles of land for the project and then working to secure funding of Rs500,000 ($7,700) per MW to improve roads, drinking water and training facilities in surrounding villages.

new solar at Bhadla this coming year as part of its US$20bn commitment to Indian solar development.68 The full 2,225 MW is due for completion by April 2019.69 The Bhadla plant also features the Ecoppia module cleaning system.

Local skilled and semi-skilled workers also were given preference for job opportunities in the solar park.

Pavagada Solar Park (Shakti Sthala), 2,000 MW, Karnataka

Under the UMPP scheme, the national government provided a subsidy of Rs200,000 (US$3,000)

The Pavagada solar park in Karnataka is the second largest industrial solar park

per MW to APSPCL to develop the solar park.

globally currently under construction. This facility illustrates how quickly renewable

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Solar Quarter • October 2018 42 Solar Quarter • August 2018 42

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

energy infrastructure can be planned, financed and built when a suitable energy policy

In Madhya Pradesh, the 1,050-MW Agar-Shajapur-Rajgarh facility has been proposed by

framework is in place.71 As of January 2018, 600 MW was already operational (priced back

Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd. This follow the 750 MW Rewa project noted above, with a third,

in 2016 at Rs4.79/kWh, or US$73/MWh). March 2018 saw a further 550 MW successfully

the 700 MW Neemuch-Mandsaur solar park to follow. Madhya Pradesh plans to bring 2.5

tendered by the state government-owned Karnataka Renewable Energy Development

GW of industrial solar online by 2020.

Limited (KREDL) at prices of Rs2.91-2.93/kWh (US$45/MWh)—39% lower than the first tender two years earlier.72 This section should be operational no later than 2019. Leading Indian domestic renewable energy developers to win this round were Renew Power (300 MW), Avaada Energy (150 MW) and Azure Energy (100 MW). An additional 650 MW tender for Pavagada has been deferred due to regulatory uncertainties relating to the threat of a 70% solar module import duty combined with the 25% rise in the price of Chinese modules in India since the middle of 2017.

Ramanathapuram Solar Plant, 500 MW, Tamil Nadu The state’s distribution company (TANGEDCO) won the right in December 2017 to convert a 1,500 acre site in Kadaladi originally procured for the development of a now stranded import-coal-fired power plant. TANGEDCO is now proposing to use the site for a 500-MW industrial solar park, taking advantage of the area’s high solar radiation. Completion is due in 2019. Given that there are upward of 50 GW of stranded, partly-built thermal power

Ananthapuramu - I Solar Park, 1,500 MW, Andhra Pradesh

plants across India, and an additional 48 GW of end-of-life thermal power plants slated for closure by 2027, land rezoning for solar reuse is a major opportunity in the country.

Ananthapuramu – I Solar Park is the largest under construction in Andhra Pradesh; it is spread across two villages in the district of Ananthapuramu and Kadapa. The 1,500 MW project will be the largest PV facility to be built from domestically manufactured solar cells and modules, aligning with Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ program. NTPC Ltd, India’s state owned utility, is planning to develop 1,000 MW of the 1,500 MW total. The first phase of 250 MW was commissioned by NTPC in 2015 with a PPA with the Andhra Pradesh state-owned electricity distribution company at Rs5.96/kWh (US$91/MWh).74 In May 2018 NTPC completed a tender for the remaining 750 MW at Rs2.71-2.72/kWh, just 45% of the tariff pricing of just three years ago. Ananthapuramu – II, totalling 500 MW, will be built near four villages of the same district.

“India has pioneered the concept of the ultra mega power plant (UMPP) in a single solar Industrial park, and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) initially set a target for 40 industrial solar parks with a combined capacity of 20 GW, but in 2017 doubled this target to 40 GW by 2022.”

Kadapa Solar Park, 1,000 MW, Andhra Pradesh Credits: Solar Is Driving A Global Shift In Electicity Market, IEEF Report, May 2018 The 5,928 acre, 1,000 MW Kadapa facility is being developed by the Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation (a joint venture of the government of Andhra Pradesh and the government of India). The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) awarded the bulk of the facility’s capacity, 750 MW in April 2017 at what was then a competitive price of Rs3.15/kWh result.76 But with the continuing, sharp price deflation that characterised 2017 that saw solar tariffs drop to a record low of Rs2.44/kWh, the distribution companies involved refused to honour the proposed contracts. While clearly an issue for the solar sector, this price deflation is a much graver threat for the country’s already financially troubled thermal power generators, raising serious concerns about massive stranded asset risks in the sector. The remaining 250 MW was won by ENGIE of France’s SolaireDirect under a bundling strategy (tying at-the-time more expensive solar with lower-cost coal-fired power that can be supplied when solar electricity is not being generated).

Rewa Solar Park, 750 MW, Madhya Pradesh This 750 MW facility in Madhya Pradesh is being developed by Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd., a joint venture between SECI and the Madhya Pradesh distribution company (MPUVNL). Three developers—Mahindra Renewables, ACME Solar and Solenergi Power Ltd.—have each won the right to develop a 250-MW solar project at the competitive tariff of Rs2.97/kWh (US$44/MWh), with commissioning scheduled for December 2018. An interesting feature of this solar park is that 24% of its generated electricity will be sold to the Delhi Metro, providing 90% of its daytime electricity requirements; the balance will be purchased by MPUVNL.

Gulf of Khambhat Solar, 5,000 MW, Gujarat

Vijay Rupani, chief minister of Gujarat, announced plans in April 2018 for a 5,000 MW solar park covering 11,000 ha along the Gulf of Khambhat at an estimated cost of US$4bn. The development would create 20,000 jobs during construction.

Fatehgarh Solar Park, 1,500 MW, Rajasthan

The Adani Renewable Energy Park Rajasthan Ltd (AREPRL) in the Jaisalmer district

Whether you are a residential, commercial or utility scale PV operator, Seaward have a range of solar PV testers to suit your commissioning, maintenance and operational requirements.

PV200 Kit:

Solar Utility Pro:

> Run a sequence of tests in the blink of an eye with the ‘auto’ function. > Holds up to 999 test records. > Instantly view detailed I-V curves in the field using the Android PVMobile App. > Records irradiance wirelessly. > All in one commissioning tests and I-V curve tracing.

> Test up to 1500V/40A systems – ideal for today’s more modern powerful PV installations. > Highest rated PV tester on the market. > Record up to 999 full sets of string data. > Rugged case design – giving more protection while being transported around large utility scale sites.

of Rajasthan is a proposed joint venture between Adani Green Power Ltd. and the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd. A transmission agreement covering 1,000 MW has been signed between AREPRL and PGCIL. Beyond the agreement, however, there is little evidence of progress or tendering activity within the park.

Agar-Shajapur-Rajgarh Solar, 1,050 MW, Madhya Pradesh

Isothermal Technology Private Limited 410, 4th Floor, K M Trade Tower, Radisson Hotel building, Sector -14, Kaushambi, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh – 201010, India Email: solar@isotech.co.in | Website: www.itplindia.co.in Phone: +919810339072 / +919810134932

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