SolarQuarter September 2018

Special Focus - PV Structures & Trackers

www.solarquarter.com



Volume 08. l Issue 9



September 2018

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email: SUSTEN@mahindra.com Solar Quarter • September 2018 2

3200+MWp Utility Scale Solar Portfolio

671 MWp International Solar Portfolio

~2 GW Asset Management Portfolio

485 +MWp MSAT100 Solar Tracker Portfolio

54 MWp Rooftop Solar EPC Portfolio

50,00,000 sq.ft Design Build Portfolio

1300+MWp Solar Monitoring Portfolio www.mahindrasusten.com email: SUSTEN@mahindra.com

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 3

Enphase

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 4

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 5

INDIA’S MOST READ SOLAR ENERGY MAGAZINE

Index

To book your space in the upcoming special issue, please contact: Meghna Sharma  m : +91 8850563096  e: sales@firstviewgroup.com

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS

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

MR. VINEET TYAGI Head Sales and Marketing, Insolation Energy

10

� MAHINDRA SUSTEN...................................28

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

TECH INSIGHTS

� Solar pv mounting systems market size for 2016 was valued over usd 6 billion and is predicted to witness growth over 6% by 2024.....................................................14 � Solar tracker market size for 2016 was valued over usd 7 billion and is set to exceed an annual installation of 70 GW by 2024....................................................16

� Four Trends Leading Ground-Mounted Solar in 2018..................................................18 � Importance of energy storage system for India............................................................22 � India installed 20 gws solar PV- a way forward approach........................................23

12

� WEST COAST..................................................27

� International News......................................08

� Measurement is the first step to managing risk................................................20

MR. MAURO SPIZZO Vice President - India & Vietnam Sapa Extrusion India Private Limited

PRODUCT FEATURE

COMPANY FEATURE

� PV system commissioning – perfection is the key!..................................30 � Delcen hv series is easy to transport and install and is an all in one for easy deployment and commissioning..............................................32

FEATURED NEWS � Suzlon and clp india’s 100mw project awarded world’s first solar project quality certification...........29 � Longi solar: top 3 most bankable PV module brand in the world......................31 � Mahindra susten mobile pv lab completes 1gw in india....................................................33 � M . aharashtra’s appellate authority sets 18% as gst on solar projects in india..............37

� We actively support the global effort to energise the world through alternate and greener sources of energy...............25

GLOBAL OUTLOOK

� Green Solar: Energy of the Future.........26

� Global trends in renewable energy investment 2018...........................................35

� Highlights in mena’s leading solar PV markets......................................................34

PUBLISHING: FIRSTVIEW MEDIA VENTURES PVT LTD EDITOR: VARUN GULATI

SUBSCRIPTION AND CIRCULATION : CHANDAN GUPTA KUNAL VERMA subscribe@firstviewgroup.com

EDITORIAL: NEHA BARANGALI | neha@firstviewgroup.com SANJANA KAMBLE | ANUSHARON NAIR publishing@firstviewgroup.com

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 6

UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY FEATURES

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 7

Indian News

I

NDIA DEFERS LARGEST GLOBAL SOLAR TENDER ON BIDDERS CONCERNS

E

State-run Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) on

MMVEE: INDIA’S TOP PV MODULE MANUFACTURING COMPANY HAS OBTAINED BIS CERTIFICATION

Thursday deferred a tender for 10,000 megawatts (MW) of

As per the new guidelines of the Indian Govt. it is now

solar power till 12 October on bidders request for extending

mandatory to install have BIS approved photovoltaic

time for securing tie-ups for domestic manufacturing and

modules in Indian market.

completing ongoing negotiations for sourcing modules at

Emmvee is fully equipped and has certified solar

better prices.

photovoltaic modules to be used in grid connected power

UPREME COURT LIFTS STAY ON SAFEGUARD DUTY ON SOLAR IMPORTS

There are five packages of 2000 MW each for the largest

plants in India and aboard.

The Supreme Court on Monday allowed the government

global solar tender. A successful bidder will have to set-up a domestic manufacturing capacity of 600 MW each for every package won. The efforts is aimed at further lowering the country’s solar power tariffs and provide a boost to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s Make in India plans.

To be sure, this is the second time the tender linked with setting up 3000 MW of domestic manufacturing capacity has been deferred.

According to a notification on SECI’s website, the last date of bid has been extended till 12 October with the technocommercial bids to be opened on 15 September. These contracts will be awarded to developers who will quote the lowest price at which they will sell electricity in the auction process for the grid-linked capacity.

C

HINESE MAJOR LAUNCHES ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SOLUTIONS IN INDIA

Chinese solar energy solutions provider Trina Solar has launched solar energy kits under the brand Trinahome to cater to the renewable energy needs of household and small and medium enterprises (SME) sector in India.

Trinahome will come in three sizes -- 3 kilowatts (KW), 5 KW and 10 KW -- and will contain all components such as the solar modules, inverter, grid box, mounting system and other accessories as part of the all-in-one product pack.

With just 1.3 giga watt (GW) installed capacity so far, rooftop or home solar energy solutions is still in its infancy in India.

G

HATKOPAR SOCIETY TAPS SOLAR POWER TO SAVE `1.9 LAKH ON POWER BILLS EVERY YEAR The Arihant Darshan Society in a Mumbai suburb installed

to implement safeguard duty on imported solar panels and modules, setting aside an order of the Orissa High Court that stayed the imposition of the levy, three people aware of the development said.

against the safeguard duty, but there will be no stay on

areas, staircases, and the elevator.

imposing it, the people said. If the high court upholds the

Solar energy is the future, and this housing socitey in

petition and rules against the safeguard duty, the amount

Mumbai is well aware of it. The Arihant Darshan Cooperative Housing Society, located in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, is saving

collected from importers will be refunded, they said.

`1.9 lakh annually, thanks to the rooftop solar system

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) had

installed on the eight-storeyed building. The 11.05-kilowatt

recommended the safeguard duty on solar panels and

peak (kWp) rooftop solar system helps light up common areas, staircases, and an elevator, and covers a whopping 80 percent of the society’s total electricity expense.

I

NDIA ALL SET TO INTRODUCE CAP ON SOLAR POWER TARIFFS

The ministry of new and renewable energy is set to cap India’s solar power tariffs at ₹ 2.5 and ₹ 2.68 per unit for developers using domestic, and imported solar cells and modules, respectively, according to an internal note reviewed by Mint. In the letter dated 24 August, Dilip Nigam,

modules imported from China and Malaysia in mid-July.

It suggested 25% for the first year, 20% for the first six months of the second year and 15% for the remaining six months.

I

SA CAN HELP INDIAN FIRMS BUILD SOLAR PROJECTS IN AFRICA: RK SINGH

Indian companies are currently working to implement the government’s plan of commissioning at least 10,000

an adviser with National Solar Mission, has suggested that

renewable energy-based micro- and mini-grid projects

the Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI) must adhere to the

with a total capacity of 500 MW by 2022.

“maximum permissible tariff, including safeguard duty, to be fixed at ₹ 2.68”.

The internal note goes on to say that if it was found that the safeguard duty on imports was not paid by the bidder, and the “pass through benefits will not be available to the

panels can cost approximately Rs 50 per watt. The total

developer”.

G

S

care of 80% of its requirement and lights up common

said it will be competitive enough. On an average, solar

UJARAT GOVERNMENT PLANS TO START PROJECTS TO STORE SOLAR ENERGY FOR USE AT NIGHT: SAURABH PATEL

initially expected.

The Orissa High Court will continue to hear a petition filed

then the bid solar power tariff will be reduced by ₹0.18,

anywhere between Rs 150,000 to Rs 300,000.

the chief minister said it was much more than what was

a rooftop solar system in May; the power generated takes

The company is yet to reveal its pricing strategy, but

cost of installation of a 3 KW unit by local players could be

his government to generate interest among entrepreneurs,

The letter also said that SECI’s future bids should be in lot

Indian companies can use their experience of setting up off-grid solar power plants in the country to emulate the same in Africa through the International Solar Alliance (ISA), power minister RK Singh said.

Speaking to FE about the first assembly of the ISA to be

sizes of 1,200 MW, with no upper cap, and the minimum

held from October 2 to 5, he said: “Many government

bid should be for 50MW, adding that the minister has

representatives from Africa have expressed their interest in

approved the changes following a discussion on 13 August.

partnering with us to use solar technology for larger energy

U

access.” The minister added that to enthuse companies to

time, energy minister Saurabh Patel said Tuesday.

TTARAKHAND RECEIVES INVESTMENT PROPOSALS WORTH WHOPPING RS 74,000 CRORE, CONFIRMS CM TRIVENDRA SINGH RAWAT

He told this to a delegation from Colorado, a western

“Destination Uttarakhand: Investors Summit 2018”, to be

least 10,000 renewable energy-based micro- and mini-

US state, which is visiting Gujarat. Patel said the state is

held here on October 7-8, will herald the beginning of a

grid projects with a total capacity of 500 MW by 2022.

planning to have four to five solar parks with an installed

new era for the state in terms of investments, he said. (IE)

Growing at a CAGR of 17%, the global micro-grid market

Investment proposals worth Rs 74,000 crore have been

is expected to be worth $17.5 billion by 2025, research

The Gujarat government is planing to start projects to store solar energy produced during the day and use it at night

capacity of 5,000 MW, of which the state has already invited “expression of interest” for installations for 1000 MW solar power.

received by the Uttarakhand government and memorandum of understanding (MoUs) to the tune of Rs 60,000 crore

participate in Africa, the World Bank has mobilised $1 billion on a common risk-mitigation mechanism for solar projects through ISA. Indian companies are currently working to implement the government’s plan of commissioning at

firms have pointed out. Villages in far-flung areas for which the costs of a grid-connected network are prohibitive, are

“Gujarat is an ideal place for solar energy as it has a wide

signed with firms ahead of an investors’ summit to be held

track of unproductive land available with it,” Patel told the

here next month, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat

setting up microgrids to meet their power needs in India.

delegation which consisted of representatives from the

said Friday. Attributing the huge volume of investments

Similar situations exist in Africa and the Indian model can

energy sector of Colorado.

coming to the state to a sustained campaign conducted by

be replicated there, Singh said.

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 8

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 9

International News

E

NEL GREEN POWER ESPAÑA STARTS CONSTRUCTION OF ITS LARGEST SOLAR FARM IN SPAIN

B

BOXX AND GE PARTNER TO PROVIDE ENERGY ACCESS IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

for clean energy and the need for clear and enabling

The 84.7 MW Totana solar farm, located in the Region of

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo, September 25,

energy, we are excited to support the RE-Source platform

Murcia, is expected to start operation in the third quarter

2018/APO Group/ --

to accelerate the growth of renewables in Europe.” – Marc

of 2019 and, once fully operational will be able to generate 150 GWh annually The new solar project will involve an overall investment of 59 million euros, and will be composed of 248,000 photovoltaic modules.

Totana is one of the seven solar projects awarded to Enel Green Power España in July 2017 following the Spanish government’s third renewable auction, in which the company was awarded a total production capacity of up to 339 MW of solar projects.

Endesa’s renewable company Enel Green Power España, has begun the construction of the 84.7 MW Totana

BBOXX (www.BBOXX.co.uk), a next generation utility,

policy frameworks.

“As the world’s largest corporate buyer of renewable

Oman, Senior Lead, Energy and Infrastructure, Google.

and GE (www.GE.com) have launched a partnership to

The RE-Source Platform aims to raise awareness and

provide energy access for small businesses, schools and

accelerate

other organisations in Goma, Democratic Republic of

renewable Power Purchase Agreements in Europe.

Congo (DRC).

Several deals have been signed in Europe in recent

A large number of businesses and organisations across the DRC are currently without sufficient energy access.

Many are paying excessive amounts for diesel and have to dedicate considerable time to solving problems caused by unreliable supply. This is hindering economic growth and acting as a barrier to improving quality of

renewable

investments

and

corporate

years, providing major corporate buyers with reliable and competitively- priced power, but the potential for more is huge. In 2017 more than 1 GW of PPA deals were signed in Europe and therefore the phenomenon is growing.

N

largest solar plant in Spain. The overall investment in the

BBOXX has deployed the first of GE’s Hybrid Distributed

construction of the facility amounts to approximately

Power (HDP) systems in the city of Goma, close to the

ARENDRA MODI, EMMANUEL MACRON SELECTED FOR UN’S HIGHEST ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD

59 million euros. “With the Totana solar PV project, the

Rwandan border, to connect up to 10 customers. The

PM Modi & French President Emmanuel Macron

Group confirms its commitment to further strengthening

first is a local school, Kivu International School. More

have

Spain’s generation mix, bringing the country closer to its

customers will be added to the “mini grid” over the

in

renewable goals,” said Antonio Cammisecra, Enel’s Head of

following weeks.

for this year’s ‘Champions of the Earth’ award.

solar photovoltaic facility, representing the company’s

life in one of the least developed nations in Africa.

“Our operations in Spain have allowed us to establish a significant presence in this important and competitive market, where we will continue to deploy our sustainable leadership.”

O

UR COMMITMENT TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE IS ROOTED IN OUR ETHOS, WHICH CONSIDERS EARTH AS MOTHER: SUSHMA SWARAJ

Sushma Swaraj was at the high level meeting on

F

INANCIAL AGGREGATION IN ROOFTOP SOLAR – THE MOST ATTRACTIVE RENEWABLE ENERGY FINANCING OPPORTUNITY IN INDIA FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS Electricity is quickly becoming the most important energy source of this century, not just due to growing demand for electricity from industrial, commercial,

climate change convened by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres during the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday. She told the UN meeting that India will reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 25 per cent over 2005 levels by 2020, and further by 33-35 per cent by 2030.

Adding that the world needs a roadmap for finance and technology, to achieve the goals set out in the

residential and institutional consumers but also due

Convention and its Paris Agreement, she mentioned

to rapid electrification of other sectors such as public,

“Climate

personal and commercial transport.

challenges,

Companies worldwide – from large multinationals to local Small and Medium Enterprises – are making commitments to buy electricity from clean energy sources such as solar and wind power, driven by falling

change

poses

significant

developmental

UN’s

their

pioneering

International

highest

Solar

environmental

work

Alliance honour.

India and France had together launched the ISA on sidelines of the UN climate conference (COP21) in Paris in 2015. The ISA is an inter-governmental body of solar rich nations whose objective is to stimulate actions

for

increasing

solar

power

footprints

in

121 potential member countries across the globe.

The ISA has a headquarter in New Delhi in India.

The UNEP while announcing the award noted Macron’s work on the Global Pact for the Environment and Modi’s “unprecedented pledge” to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.

S

UNGROW PRESENTS 1500 V PV INVERTERS AND ESS AT INTERSOLAR EUROPE 2018 Sungrow, the global leading inverter solution supplier

However, their capacity to translate commitments into

for renewables, presents 1500 V solutions with string PV

tangible results is constrained by lack of predictable,

inverters, central PV inverters, and ESS as its headline

sustained and adequate finances and technologies,”.

catching products at Intersolar Europe 2018, in Munich,

for

developing

Germany.

“India is a firm believer in multilateralism,” she said, adding that the International Solar Alliance (ISA) launched with France, has been already signed by 68

and an intent to reduce the carbon footprint of their

countries. The alliance aims to mobilise technology and

operations. In April 2018, Google announced

finances to lower unit costs.

holds Power Purchase Agreements to purchase 3,000 MW of renewable energy-based electricity, enabling it

is

the

for

countries.

especially

costs of generating electricity from clean energy sources

that it

selected

Championing

It

Global Renewable Energy business line, Enel Green Power.

been

L

The 6.8 MW turnkey solution for 1500 Vdc systems features block monitoring, auxiliary power supply and a Night Static Var Generator function with SG3400HV. This enables significant savings of initial investment and future operating costs. Developed for large scale utility

EADING CORPORATE BUYERS & CLEAN ENERGY SUPPLIERS JOIN FORCES TO UNLOCK HUGE UNTAPPED RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCING OPPORTUNITIES IN EUROPE

plants, SG3400HV also features a high DC/AC ratio of

The companies were announced today at the official

capacity of 125 kW. Additionally, it is proven to work

will present significant tailwinds to the Rooftop Solar

launch of the Platform during the EU Sustainable Energy

stably in full power operation without de-rating at 50

industry in India, particularly in the Commercial and

Week. These major corporate energy users and supply

degrees Celsius, maximizing the return on investment

Industrial consumer segment.

side companies were highlighting the growing demand

for project owners.

to reach its 100% renewables target. and within a few days, Apple announced

that it has also achieved its

100% renewable energy goal. Corporate buyers such as these are beginning to drive the Renewable Energy market worldwide, including India, and this perhaps

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1.5, with maximum inverter efficiency of up to 99%. For up to a 5 MW power block design, the 1500Vdc SG125HV has received UL 1741-SA certification and is the world’s most powerful 1500 Vdc string inverter, featuring a high

Solar Quarter • September 2018 10

10-70kW Three-Phase Solar Inverters

BOOST YOUR POWER&PROFIT Commercial & Industrial Solar System Solutions

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sales@goodwe.com

Solar Quarter • September 2018 11 www.goodwe.com

In Conversation WE SEE INSOLATION ENERGY AS ONE ON THE BEST SOLAR PV MODULE MANUFACTURERS IN INDIA ON WHICH CUSTOMERS CAN RELY UPON At Insolation Energy we are always at technology forefront.

the projects jointly and start a dedicated production line

We strongly believe that technological advancement led

for projects.

to superior quality products. We have recently started

Also we are committed to come up with value added

MR. VINEET TYAGI

foraying into twin peak power modules as well as glass to

Head Sales and Marketing,

products in solar industry with constant efforts to engage

glass modules. We have also started mono modules in a

in qualitative research.

INSOLATION ENERGY

big way.

getting our modules tested and calibrated through outside

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE LATEST TRENDS IN DEMAND FOR YOUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES IN INDIA? WHERE DO YOU SEE THE NEXT DEMAND GROWTH COMING FROM?

agencies to keep abreast of latest technologies.

Insolation Energy has supplied more than 22 MW of

We are also exploring mono/multi PERC modules since the future holds good for these technologies. In addition we have introduced more than 75 in-house test procedures to ensure zero defect quality products. We are routinely

LET’S BEGIN WITH A GLIMPSE OF YOUR COMPANY’S PRESENCE AND OFFERINGS IN INDIA? Insolation Energy is a dream project initiated by Mr. Vikas Jain and Mr Manish Gupta. Both of them are qualified engineers and are working together since last 20 Years.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE RECENT TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS IN YOUR SECTOR?

modules in the very first year of operation. The company expect to cross 60 MW of module supply in FY 2018- 19.

Our modules have been supplied across varied customer segments like retail/ Corporate/OEM etc. Our clients

The project was initiated, inspired by the “Make In India”

With the price gap narrowing between mono and multi

include leading project developers, system integrators,

campaign launched by our honourable Prime Minister Mr.

modules, the monocrystalline products are expected to

EPC players & OEM players. Our modules have been well

Narendra Modi.

capture significant market share. The market for PERC cell

accepted in the market and are highly appreciated for their

modules and glass to glass modules is also expected to go

quality & performance. Within a short period of time we

up based on the commercial viability of these two. Further

have been able to make our presence felt through our

with the more emphasis on the cost reduction 1500 V

brand INA. Currently our modules have been preferred

modules are also likely to gain market share in the long

in rooftop segment, however with the implementation of

term.

Safeguard Duty we see a spike in demand from ground

Ours is a diversified group having presence in various sectors like Steel Construction, Health & Fitness,. We have state of the art, Rajasthan’s first fully automatic module manufacturing plant with 60 MW of annual capacity. We manufacture highly efficient Mono/Multi modules in 72/60/36 cells. We use A grade quality raw material sourced from Tier 1 manufacturers. Our products are certified by IEC, MNRE, UL, TUV. Some of the prominent features of our module include: � Superior

Module

Efficiency

as

per

International

Benchmarks. � Positive Power Tolerance 0/+5 W. � PID free Modules with long term reliability.

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

mounted solar plants as well. Also as discussed above the demand for mono for modules is also expected to go up in near future.

We are in process of enhancing our production capacity

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD FOR OUR READERS.

and very soon it will be doubled. We are targeting at more

We sincerely wish everybody to use more of clean green

than 60 MW of module supply this financial year. We are

energy so that together we can make our planet pollution

also planning joint ventures with some developers to bid

free and more liveable for future generations.

� Glass with Anti Reflective Coating improves light transmission. � Salt mist, Ammonia, Blowing Sand and Hail Resistant Passed. � Excellent Energy generation in weak light. � Sustain Heavy Wind & Snow loads (2400 Pa & 5400 Pa).

WE HAVE STATE OF THE ART, RAJASTHAN’S FIRST FULLY AUTOMATIC MODULE MANUFACTURING PLANT WITH 60 MW OF ANNUAL CAPACITY. WE MANUFACTURE HIGHLY EFFICIENT MONO/

We see Insolation Energy as one on the best Solar PV module Manufacturers in India on which Customers can

MULTI MODULES IN 72/60/36 CELLS.

rely upon.

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AT YOUR ORGANISATION? Starting its operations in 2017 Insolation Energy is in expansion mode. From initial focus on North India we are gradually covering whole of India. We are also exploring export opportunities in African countries, mid East Asia &

WITH THE PRICE GAP NARROWING BETWEEN MONO AND MULTI MODULES, THE MONOCRYSTALLINE PRODUCTS ARE EXPECTED TO CAPTURE SIGNIFICANT MARKET SHARE. THE MARKET FOR PERC CELL MODULES AND GLASS TO GLASS

SAARC countries. We are in touch with a few of overseas players to form joint ventures to enter into new countries.

MODULES IS ALSO EXPECTED TO GO UP BASED ON THE COMMERCIAL VIABILITY OF THESE TWO.

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 12

3.125MW

Central Inverter Solution Higher yields Lower system cost Suitable for harsh environments

Sineng Electric Co., Ltd. NO.6 Hehui Road, Huishan District, Wuxi, China

Sineng Electric (India) Pvt Ltd. Plot No. 56 & 57, Bommasandra - Jigani Link Rd Industrial Area, Bangalore, Karnataka, India w w w . s o l a r q u a r t e r . c o m

Solar Quarter • September 2018 13

In Conversation WE HAVE DULY SERVICED OVER 250 MW OF ROOFTOP SOLAR PROJECTS ACROSS INDIA, ASIA AND AFRICA virgin raw materials, imported from our sister concern in Qatar, thereby ensuring uniform chemical and mechanical properties after extrusion as well. Looking at project MR. MAURO SPIZZO

life of more than 25 years, it is also prudent to use the

Vice President - India & Vietnam

correct system for a particular roof or location as well as

Sapa Extrusion India Private Limited

LET’S BEGIN WITH A GLIMPSE OF YOUR COMPANY’S PRESENCE AND OFFERINGS IN INDIA? Sapa Extrusion India Private Limited is a 100% subsidiary of Hydro Norsk AS. From cruise ships to LED lights, windows, air conditioners and hundreds of products in between, Hydro experts help design, extrude and manufacture the

understanding the necessity of anodizing the structures.

ALONG WITH UTILITY SCALE, THERE HAS BEEN A GROWTH IN ROOFTOP SOLAR SEGMENT AS WELL. WHERE DO YOU SEE THE NEXT GROWTH PHASE COMING FROM? We have seen a tremendous growth in rooftop solar segment from the past 3 years, with minor hiccups last year due to GST implementation and scarcity of modules due to possible safeguard duties. Considering the steep target of 40 GW to be achieved by 2022, we see rooftop solar segment being the dominant part of the entire solar segment. We see tremendous potential in the residential

parts that shape our world. We are the world leaders in

rooftop segment through retail which is virtually an

aluminium solutions, with 35,000 employees in more than

untouched market as of now. Currently, this segment has

40 countries and headquartered at Oslo, Norway. Sapa

only been effective in states like Delhi NCR, Haryana and

started in India with a fabrication unit in Bengaluru in 2010,

Tamil Nadu with mandates being implemented by the

post which the group acquired the current unit in Kuppam

state government. Residential rooftop segment has led

(AP) through a brownfield acquisition in 2011.

the growth of rooftop solar in countries like Germany

Since the inception in India, we have focused on supplying

and United States and is still dominant over commercial

value-added solutions to our customers rather than just

and industrial rooftop segments. We also expect growth

general extrusions. This comes from the fact that apart of

in solar plants on floating water-bodies, although tenders

from two top of the line extrusion press (annual capacity

and technical understanding is minimal as of now.

of 20,000 tons), we also have a surface treatment line with anodizing, painting and powder coating facilities and an extensive fabrication unit (now in Kuppam) with welding, bending and CNC machining operations. We have been catering to different segments in India like Building &

TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE RECENT TECHNOLOGY AND COST TRENDS IN THE SOLAR STRUCTURE ENGINEERING SECTOR

Construction, Automotive, Renewable Energy apart from

We recently launched a new product for metal sheds “T75

different industrial applications. We also provide solutions

Rail” which provides a clearance of 75 mm (Excluding

in round tubes & multiform tubes for automotive and

trough height) for the heat dissipation and also reduces

HVAC applications.

the weight of the structure on the roof. The current trend

WE USE 100 % HOMOGENIZED VIRGIN RAW MATERIALS, IMPORTED FROM OUR SISTER CONCERN IN QATAR, THEREBY ENSURING UNIFORM CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AFTER EXTRUSION AS WELL.

THE CURRENT TREND IN THE MARKET AS SEEN IS TO REDUCE BOS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO

in the market as seen is to reduce BoS as much as possible

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR VENTURE IN SUPPLYING ROOFTOP SOLAR STRUCTURES? Sapa signed an agreement with Mounting Systems Gmbh, (based out of Rangsdorf in Germany) in January 2015 to manufacture and distribute their products in the Indian Sub-continent. Since then, we have duly serviced 250 MW of rooftop solar projects across India, Asia and Africa. Our patented Click and Clamp technology provides a unique

to reduce the costs as module prices remain stagnant. One way is by using higher class of modules like 340-350 Wp, the

REDUCE THE COSTS AS

other way is by compromising on the actual requirement of the BoS. Expecting the market situation to be the same

MODULE PRICES REMAIN

or worsen, engineering is currently focused on reducing the weight of the structures without compromising on the factors like strength and longevity. With fluctuating metal

STAGNANT.

prices, there is little that even structure manufacturers can do beyond a point.

offering to the market, giving flexibility to the developers during installations on various metal as well as RCC roofs.

SOLAR PROJECT SHOULD BE DESIGNED FOR A LIFE OF 25 YEARS. WHAT QUALITY PARAMETERS SHOULD MOUNTING STRUCTURES ADHERE TO SUSTAIN OVER THIS PERIOD? Structures are the first step of any solar installation and

WE HAVE SEEN A TREMENDOUS GROWTH IN ROOFTOP SOLAR SEGMENT FROM THE PAST 3 YEARS, WITH MINOR HICCUPS LAST YEAR DUE TO GST IMPLEMENTATION AND SCARCITY OF MODULES DUE TO POSSIBLE SAFEGUARD DUTIES. CONSIDERING THE STEEP TARGET OF

most often they are considered at last while budgeting an installation, causing a ruckus during execution. The quality of any product starts with the quality of the raw material – in our case being Aluminium. We use 100 % homogenized

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40 GW TO BE ACHIEVED BY 2022, WE SEE ROOFTOP SOLAR SEGMENT BEING THE DOMINANT PART OF THE ENTIRE SOLAR SEGMENT.

Solar Quarter • September 2018 14

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 15

Industry Insights SOLAR PV MOUNTING SYSTEMS MARKET SIZE FOR 2016 WAS VALUED OVER USD 6 BILLION AND IS PREDICTED TO WITNESS GROWTH OVER 6% BY 2024 Growing adoption of sustainable energy over conventional systems will escalate the global solar PV mounting systems

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

market size. Stringent carbon capture norms coupled with ambitious renewable capacity addition target will further complement the industry growth. European Union (EU) under its 2030 climate and energy directive aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 47% from 1990 level.

Government initiatives including soft loans, tax rebates, Feed in Tariff (FiT), and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) will further fuel the solar PV mounting systems market share.

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

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

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

SOLAR PV MOUNTING SYSTEMS MARKET, BY PRODUCT Rooftop solar PV mounting systems market is predicted to witness growth over 8% owing to its compact size, ease of installation and space optimization features. Introduction of decentralized power to reduce grid dependency will further stimulate the product demand. Initiatives including

SOLAR PV MOUNTING SYSTEMS MARKET, BY REGION Increasing investment towards clean energy technologies along with growing measures towards energy security will drive the U.S. solar PV mounting systems market.

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

financial assistance and tax credit schemes would further

in Texas.

complement the business outlook.

UK solar PV mounting systems market for 2016 is set to

Ease of maintenance, higher efficiency and facility for

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

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

SOLAR PV MOUNTING SYSTEMS MARKET, BY END-USE Rising demand for reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply from urban areas will foster the residential solar PV mounting systems market. In 2016, the Government of Sweden announced 60% subsidy to cover residential energy storage system installation cost including solar systems.

Growing investment towards development of green building structures will propel the commercial solar PV mounting systems market. Europe introduced 2010/31/EU directive, with an aim to ensure all new buildings to be net zero energy buildings by 2020. In 2016, France launched new tenders for installation of photovoltaic systems on commercial and industrial buildings to achieve 20.2 GW

SOLAR PV MOUNTING SYSTEMS INDUSTRY BACKGROUND

fossil fuels dependence and long-term objectives to curb emissions up to 80% by 2050 will augment the industry outlook. The Government of UK has introduced ambitious plan to harness 30% of total electricity from renewable sources by 2020.

Growing demand for off-grid electricity coupled with measures towards adoption of clean fuel over traditional lighting source including kerosene and candles will propel Ghana solar PV mounting systems market size. In 2016, Ghana received a funding of USD 98 million from Industrial Commercial Bank of China and Stanchart Ghana for its rural electrification project. In 2016, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency granted USD 0.70 million to Ghana based Home Energy Africa (HEAfrica) limited towards the development of 100 MW PV projects with an aim to

including aluminum, stainless steel, iron, alloy, and plastic.

It provides necessary inclination & orientation to the solar panels for maximizing the annual energy yield of plant. These systems are mainly deployed by residential, commercial and utilities customers for supporting plant till its lifespan and withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Rising demand for rural electrification coupled with various government initiatives will play an important role in the industry growth roadmap.

Credits: Global market Insights

electrify 75,000 households.

China solar PV mounting systems market was valued over USD 2 billion in 2016. Growing electricity demand

RISING DEMAND

coupled with increasing investment to diversify clean

FOR RELIABLE AND

energy portfolio will complement the business outlook.

UNINTERRUPTED

In November 2016, National Energy Administration (NEA)

photovoltaic capacity by 2023.

has set a target to add 110 GW capacity from photovoltaic

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FROM

including 60 GW from distributed photovoltaic energy

SOLAR PV MOUNTING SYSTEMS MARKET, BY TECHNOLOGY

systems by 2020.

URBAN AREAS WILL FOSTER

Tracking accounted for over 19% of global solar PV mounting systems market share in 2016. Ability to enhance the generation rate by 20% when compared with available counterparts will boost the product demand. Decline in O&M expenditure along with significant product price

COMPETITIVE MARKET SHARE Key players in solar PV mounting systems market are

THE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR PV MOUNTING SYSTEMS

Schletter, UNIRAC, K2 SYSTEMS, Quick Mount PV, RBI

MARKET. IN 2016, THE

Solar, Mounting Systems, Landpower Solar Technology,

GOVERNMENT OF SWEDEN

SolarWorld, Xiamen Grace Solar Technology, Versolsolar,

drop will further complement the industry outlook. In

Clenergy, DPW Solar, SNS Corporation, Suyash Metatech.

ANNOUNCED 60% SUBSIDY

2016, first solar installed 52.5 MW capacity Shams Ma’an

The industry is competitive in nature and has witnessed

TO COVER RESIDENTIAL

single-axis trackers PV power plant in Jordan.

several innovations as a part of strategy to increase global

Low capital cost along with limited space requirement will

presence and enhance customer portfolio. In March 2017,

positively encourage the fixed solar PV mounting systems market. Low maintenance and ability of the system to

SolarWorld introduced 350-watt module to reduce the costs of large scale projects, thereby achieving low balance

withstand harsh climatic conditions will positively impact

of system costs through durability and peak performance.

the growth.

These products are generally made up of materials

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ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM INSTALLATION COST INCLUDING SOLAR SYSTEMS.

Solar Quarter • September 2018 16

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 17

Industry Insights SOLAR TRACKER MARKET SIZE FOR 2016 WAS VALUED OVER USD 7 BILLION AND IS SET TO EXCEED AN ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF 70 GW BY 2024 Paradigm shift in line with large scale integration of renewable

NORTH AMERICA SOLAR TRACKER MARKET SIZE, BY APPLICATION, 2016 & 2024 (USD MILLION)

energy resources coupled with favorable regulatory measures towards the outspread adoption of solar technology will proliferate the global solar tracker market size. Provision of leveraging schemes, fiscal incentives, tax credits, rebates and soft loans along with consequent re-structuring of the existing electrical infrastructure will further complement the business outlook.

The solar industry in the recent years, subject to the ambitious renewable targets abided by the nations across the globe has witnessed appreciable amplification. Rapid deployment of solar systems to sustain an effective energy mix across the consummate power sector will stimulate the solar tracker market growth. In addition, rising concerns pertaining to curb emissions from conventional plants will comprehensively thrust industry size.

Declining component cost along with growing adoption of

SOLAR TRACKER INDUSTRY BACKGROUND

high efficiency systems will augment the solar tracker market share. Expeditious adoption of economies of scale favored by fall in financing costs have instigated a competitive business scenario. Thereby, falling component costs further lead to a sustainable decline in the overall tariff structure of the generating stations which in turns complement the business growth.

SOLAR TRACKER MARKET, BY PRODUCT Single axis solar tracker market share is predicted to witness growth owing to its appreciable cost effectiveness when compared with available alternatives. Although the product instigates a higher capital and operational expenditure, however delivers an effective electrical output which will further sustain the product demand.

Dual axis solar tracker market size for 2016 was valued over USD 2 billion. Product flexibility to track in both vertical and horizontal axis helps in maximum utilization of the sunlight and thereby, attains prime applicability across utility aided installations.

SOLAR TRACKER MARKET, BY TECHNOLOGY

dependence along with the favorable financial mechanism

The manufacturers are investing in R&D to maximize the

to encourage deployment of renewable technologies will

overall efficiency. For instance, in 2016, NEXTracker has

PV solar tracker market is set to witness a growth over 16%

stimulate the product penetration. Rising investments to

launched solar plus storage solution which increases product

by 2024. Ease of installation, competitive cost structure and

overlay the existing conventional plants with clean energy

energy efficiency by integrating tracker, battery, inverter, and

compact size of photovoltaic technology are few indispensable

technologies will further embellish the business landscape. In

software to provide better return on investment to plant

parameters evaluated to justify the product penetration. Rapid

2017, regulators across the U.S. have proposed reduction in

owner.

adoption of these systems across residential, commercial and

its broad tax reforms through lowering corporate taxes with

industrial establishments to cater the exponentially increasing

an aim to escalate the clean energy industry dynamics.

Trackers improves the energy output by orienting modules

energy demand will further stimulate the product demand.

toward the sun. It follows the sun movement in both horizontal

Germany solar tracker market is anticipated to witness a

and vertical direction. The product helps in minimizing the

SOLAR TRACKER MARKET, BY APPLICATION

growth over 19% by 2024. Increasing investments toward

incidence angle between incoming sunlight and solar panel,

clean energy technologies along with introduction of long-

which improves the amount of electricity produced. The

Rapid urbanization coupled with increasing infrastructural

term objectives to reduce carbon footprints will propel the

tracker helps in increasing power output by 10% to 25% as

demand of solar tracker in the country. In Germany, market

compared to stationary or fixed-tilt system depending on

premium scheme lays favorable mechanism for the ease of

tracking system geographic location.

investments will positively impact the residential solar tracker market. Favorable government norms pertaining to renewable integration including FIT, subsidies, and leveraging schemes to encourage its deployment across residential establishments will comprehensively thrust the product demand. In 2017, regulators across China revised their solar FIT mechanism for PV and distributed PV installations. The provision lays benefits worth USD 0.14/kWh, and USD 0.06/ kWh for respective installations.

Utility applications in 2016 accounted for over 80% of the global solar tracker market share. Increasing demand for grid connected electricity networks across urban areas coupled with rapid integration of smart monitoring

adoption and financial assistance to supplement renewable increasing consumer awareness in line with renewable energy

WHAT INFORMATION DOES THIS REPORT CONTAIN?

integration will further escalate the product demand.

Historical data coverage: 2013 to 2016; Growth Projections:

based installations. Hence, favorable reforms coupled with

Increasing infrastructure development along with growing electricity demand will augment the China solar tracker

Expert

market share. Rising investments to diversify clean energy

technological

portfolio coupled with stringent norms pertaining to GHG

drawbacks, SWOT.

emissions will further complement the regional business

6-7 year performance forecasts: major segments covering

growth. In 2015, China invested around USD 110.5 billion towards the expansion of renewable.

COMPETITIVE MARKET SHARE

the industry outlook.

Notable players in the solar tracker market include NEXTracker,

The U.S. solar tracker market is projected to reach over 12 GW by 2024. Regulatory measures to reduce fossil fuel

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Array

Technologies,

SunPower,

analysis:

industry,

trends;

governing,

factors

innovation

impacting

and

development;

applications, top products and geographies.

Competitive landscape reporting: market leaders and

technologies across developed regions will complement

SOLAR TRACKER MARKET, BY REGION

2017 to 2024.

Abengoa,

important players, competencies and capacities of these Mecasolar,

Powerway, GRUPO CLAVIJO, Hao solar, SOITEC, Smarttrak, Scorpius Trackers, Wuxi Hao Solar Technology, AllEarth Renewables, DEGERenergie, Grupo Clavijo, Titan Tracker

companies in terms of production as well as sustainability and prospects.

Credits: Global market Insights Original link for graph reference: https://www.gminsights.com/ industry-analysis/solar-tracker-market-report

Solar Quarter • September 2018 18

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 19

Industry Insights FOUR TRENDS LEADING GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR IN 2018 DEMAND FOR GROUND-MOUNTED PV HAS BEEN THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF GROWTH IN THE UNITED STATES

PV INSTALLATION FORECAST BY INSTALLATION TYPE - UNITED STATES

The United States has become one of the largest solar photovoltaic markets in the world, primarily driven by demand for ground-mounted systems. To put this in perspective, IHS Markit forecasts the U.S. market will deploy 37 GWdc of PV from 2016 to 2018, with ground-mounted systems accounting for over 70 percent of installed PV capacity during the period.

After the rush of development and installations in 2016 due to the late extension of the Federal investment tax credit (ITC), the U.S. PV market experienced decline in 2017 as the project development pipeline replenished and set targets

GROUND-MOUNT PV COMPONENT SHIPMENT FORECAST

BY MOUNTING TYPE - UNITED STATES

on opportunities in 2019 and beyond. Due to recent trade policy dynamics, 2018 could lead to a second year of decline for the U.S. PV market if new tariffs result in significant price increases for PV technology. IHS Markit currently assumes that a new 30 percent tariff on imported PV cells and modules will be implemented in Q1 2018 [the decision was not made at presstime], increasing the base price of PV modules in the United States and negatively impacting demand for utility-scale PV solutions during the year.

But even as the market for ground-mounted PV in the United States faces decline in the near-term, it remains a multi-gigawatt opportunity. When the market experienced its greatest demand for ground-mounted PV in 2016, leading markets included familiar states such as California, North Carolina, Utah and Nevada. Increasingly, emerging markets are accounting for more ground-mounted PV demand in the United States. IHS Markit projects that Texas, Florida, Minnesota and Virginia will also be top markets in 2017 and 2018. Primary drivers of growth in such markets include the emergence of new renewable energy policy initiatives, attractive project economics for customers and utilities, and the developing interest of traditional energy companies.

SINGLE-AXIS TRACKING HAS BECOME THE DOMINANT TECHNOLOGY CHOICE FOR THE GROUND-MOUNTED MARKET IN THE UNITED STATES, PRIMARILY DUE TO CONTINUED PRICE REDUCTIONS AND IMPROVED ENERGY YIELDS Single-axis trackers have become increasingly popular in the United States in recent years, growing steadily in market share from 2014 to 2016 to 70 percent of market share compared to fixed-tilt systemsin terms of megawatt shipments. From 2017 to 2018, IHS Markit forecasts the share of fixed-tilt systems for ground-mounted systems will remain relatively stable as demand for such solutions remains strong in markets with lower solar resource, incompatible weather patterns, less than ideal land types,

Both have a multi-gigawatt track record of shipments and

of such projects, using the fixed-tilt mounting on rougher

installations in the United States and are seeking to grow

terrain and tracker mounting on smoother terrain. This

in international markets as global demand for tracking

type of solution caters well to suppliers such as SunLink,

systems continues to increase. Notably, the two suppliers

GameChange Solar and Solar FlexRack. Suppliers solely

utilize vastly different tracker designs that are able to meet

focused on tracking systems, such as NEXTracker and Array

different needs: NEXTracker’s architecture is distributed

Technologies, continue to improve their products to allow

while Array Technologies is centralized. In basic terms,

customers to use their products on less than ideal land

a distributed system can add flexibility in layout design

types as well.

and distribute the risk of failure to smaller portions of

An interesting solution developed by NEXTracker and its

the system, while a centralized design can simplify O&M

parent company Flex involves integrating energy storage

requirements and reduce the amount of motors needed.

with the design of the PV tracking system. The company

In addition to the leading players, many other suppliers

has designed solutions around both flow and lithium ion

have also developed tracking systems. Some of the rapidly

batteries to service the needs various customers may

emerging domestic suppliers of single-axis trackers in the

have regarding their specific circumstances. The primary

United States include SunLink, GameChange Solar and

benefits energy storage can provide to PV customers

Solar FlexRack, all of which also maintain a portfolio of

include broader flexibility of the power generated by the PV

products dedicated to the fixed-tilt market. International

system to better meet the load profile of their business and

tracker suppliers such as Soltec, Arctech and Scorpius are

the ability to store energy that would otherwise be lost due

also vying to increase their market presence in the United

to clipping by the power conversion system. NEXTracker’s

States, in addition to their domestic markets of Spain,

solution goes a step further by applying the company’s in-

China and India, respectively.

house monitoring and software to optimize and manage

NEW TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROUND-MOUNTED PV EMERGE AS TECHNOLOGIES AND BUSINESS MODELS CONTINUE TO EVOLVE

the operations of the energy storage system in conjunction with the output from the single-axis tracking system.

Other suppliers are seeking to offer additional services by leveraging expertise and/or partnerships to diversify their businesses and create additional sales channels for

and when modules can be procured cheap enough to

A notable trend emerging in the United States is demand

their products. For example, SunLink offers integration,

capitalize on the denser ground coverage ratio of fixed-tilt

for hybrid mounting systems for some customers. Such

O&M, and software services for some customers and

systems.

solutions are increasing in popularity in some markets,

GameChange Solar is seeking to leverage connections with

especially those that have been very active historically,

THE COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE FOR SINGLE-AXIS TRACKERS CONTINUES TO GROW AT A RAPID PACE

financial partners to help fund the project pipelines of their

because of the lack of suitable terrain to support the

customers. Offering such services can generate additional

use of PV tracking systems due to the sensitivity of the

sales channels that provide the benefit of helping

components.

customers manage fewer vendors and streamlining project

Due to higher demand for single-axis tracking systems in

For sites that have a mix of suitable and unsuitable land

development, integration and operational experiences.

the United States, many suppliers have jumped into the

for PV trackers, some customers are benefiting from

market, but none have a greater presence than the two

working with suppliers that offer both fixed-tilt and

leading suppliers: NEXTracker and Array Technologies.

tracker mounting systems to optimize the energy output

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Credits: IHS Markit analyst Camron Barati and research manager Cormac Gilligan are experts in the key trends shaping the market for PV in the United States.

Solar Quarter • September 2018 20

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 21

Industry Insights MEASUREMENT IS THE FIRST STEP TO MANAGING RISK Arguably the most important role of a risk management

in net-metering policy and changes to renewable energy

professional is to measure and communicate risk factors to

credit incentive structures. In this context, it is important

others within their organization. There are areas that risk

for investors to get ahead of potential disruptions by,

managers are measuring to track the financial health of

at a minimum, proactively measuring their exposure to

solar investment portfolios:

potential liabilities.

OPERATIONAL RISK

Reviewing investment allocations and historic operating history may inform a warranty claim, a spare parts strategy,

Projections of future energy production drive the financial

or a modification to O&M practices. But without knowing

model and, in most circumstances, the size of the

the risk, investors cannot act.

investor’s financial exposure. Performance Guarantees may be granted to an offtaker or an investor based on these projections, and production insurance policies are underwritten to these projections.

Many investors track their exposures both at an individual investment level (e.g., a project or a fund), as well as at the entire portfolio level. Common allocation measurements include equipment type (modules, inverters, and tracker

After an investment has been made, the actual energy

manufacturers),

production can be viewed as one of the most important

offtaker credit quality, service providers, and sponsor.

indicators of risk to an investor. The ratio of the actual

While some investors may choose to proactively manage

electricity generated to the initial projection is called its

their allocations for new investments to achieve portfolio

“Production Index.” Investors need to know if the system is

diversification, others may use this information to assess

working to an acceptable standard, which is often 90-95%

their risk exposure due to a specific negative portfolio

of original projections, and if not, ensure that a plan is in

event.

place to remedy the situation.

FIG. 1: SAMPLE REASSIGNMENT STATISTICS FROM A RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPER’S EARNINGS CALL

state

or

geographic

region,

utility,

Proactively managing allocations--and quantifying the

From a risk management standpoint, the Performance

resultant risk--then informs various mitigation strategies

Index is important for the following reasons:

that investors may elect to pursue. For example, significant

� Under-production presents cash flow risk in situations

exposure to a solar developer may inform a modification to the approach of asset management, such as outsourcing

REPAYMENT RISK

place with the offtaker, since the cash flows are a direct

asset management to third parties or procuring back-up

Ensuring that cash flows meet an investment vehicle’s

function of electricity production. However, even when

services from independent parties. Large exposure to

obligations is a core requirement for any asset-backed

the offtaker has signed a lease or a loan, production

volatile geographies or equipment types may inform the

investment vehicle. Tracking actual cash flows against

guarantees may still be in place that must be paid out if

investor’s approach to production insurance procurement.

projected cash flows, as well as the resultant coverage

performance dips below certain thresholds.

Similar credit risks that reside in many different investments

ratios, is critical to satisfying credit and compliance

(for example, funds with credit exposure to the same

obligations in all investments, including solar.

corporate entity offtakers) may need to be aggregated for

There may be differences between pure credit risk, as defined

where there is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in

� In situations where a direct lease or loan is provided to the energy consumer, the production is an important driver of credit risk, since it is commonly believed that end users are less likely to make timely lease or loan

reporting and tracking at an institutional level.

above, and the ability for an investment vehicle to fulfill its payment obligations. These contributing factors include

payments if the asset is malfunctioning or materially

OFFTAKER CREDIT RISK

underperforming. This is relevant in the residential and

A key component of measuring credit risk is the financial

quality (such as the inability to send a timely invoice).

commercial segments of the market.

health of those obligated to pay the bills. This is approached

Tracking cash flows enables a risk manager to measure the

differently in residential vs. non-residential portfolios, but

extent of the various risk factors within a transaction.

investors are reliant for myriad reasons. For example, a

the end goal is the same.

lender may look to the collateral as a secondary source

This is often more difficult than tracking a Performance

In non-residential portfolios, traditional measures of

Index. Depending on the financing structure, there may be

credit health are typically used to monitor credit risk. This

upwards of five bank accounts per project (such as revenue

includes traditional financial analysis or, when available,

accounts, reserve accounts, and sweep accounts). For

independent credit ratings from a rating agency such as

investors that are tracking cash flows closely, and receiving

Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s. This task may be managed

copies of the bank or servicing reports, it’s important to

by specialized credit groups or within a risk management

work with the solar asset managers to label transactions

team directly, and is frequently complemented with

consistently within the ledger so that the transactions can

monitoring of public news releases. If a solar plant is located

be audited at a later date. Cash flows may be categorized

Investors also calculate and track a Weather-Adjusted

atop a facility that is closing, for example, the investor

in the following types and subtypes:

Performance Index, which adjusts the Performance Index to

can proactively work with the asset manager to devise a

reflect how the project or portfolio performed, independent

mitigation approach or scope the potential impact on the

of the impact of weather. This is important for assets of all

cash flows from the portfolio. A real property analysis is

sizes, including residential portfolios, in order to separate

sometimes performed to scope potential recoveries if a

short-term, non-controllable variances from longer-term,

facility were to be vacated.

systemic failures that need to be proactively resolved by

For residential portfolios, metrics of financial health are

� Production informs the underlying asset’s value, on which

of repayment, a mini-perm lender is reliant on an operating asset to support a future refinancing, and a tax-equity investor may need a quality asset to justify booked residual values. The production also drives the resale value for an equity investor in the asset. � In projects with production insurance, actual production values are necessary to support the claims process.

the solar asset manager. Third party service providers can calculate and/or insure against these risks for investors.

This has the dual benefit of enabling investors to quickly access this information for risk management purposes, as well as improving relationships with investment customers by identifying underperforming assets from poor weather without continually asking for explanations from their asset management counterparts.

REGULATORY AND COUNTERPARTY CREDIT RISK

only now beginning to emerge. Whereas in other asset

TRANSACTION TYPE

Revenue Lease Revenue SREC Revenue Prepayments

Revenue

Rebates Fees

nonpayment, the solar industry is only now identifying the relevant metrics for residential portfolios. Many investors are tracking contracts with 90+ days of nonpayment as materially delinquent, even if an official contractual default has not been called. However, historically, there

Contract buyouts

(Negative cash flows that are not expenses) Refunds

renegotiations or write-offs, as well as resolution statistics,

large portfolio to date has seen the insolvency of a key

to determine the impact on cash flow. A big challenge

vendor or sponsor. The regulatory environment also

facing investors is normalizing these metrics across

continues to evolve, with examples of retroactive changes

portfolios, and many are turning to specialized technology solutions to support this process.

Performance Guarantee Payments Referral credits Operations and Maintenance Expense Asset Management Expense Insurance Expense

on their payments after material non-payment occurs, investors are separately measuring contract reassignments,

Reimbursements Refunds

Contra-revenue

is a higher probability of consumers becoming current which is much less common in other industries. As such,

TRANSACTION SUBTYPE Electricity

classes a ‘default’ is clearly defined as 90+ or 120+ days of

Unfortunately, solar is a volatile market– nearly every

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increased expenses, operational issues, and poor servicing

Expenses

Property Tax Site Lease Other Expense Transfer to another

Other

account Transfer from another account

Solar Quarter • September 2018 22

Industry Insights

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For transactions that include debt, or for sale leaseback

Risk managers should be knowledgeable of the tax equity

stakeholders, discussion of collateral or residual value,

transactions, cash flows and debt service coverage ratios

structure and how changes in the realized tax benefits

updates of the relationship with each of the third parties,

are critical to determining covenant compliance. In these

impact return or flow through the project finance model.

any changes in the broader market, a discussion of third

transactions, there are often compliance obligations

Typically both need to work in unison for all investors to

parties supporting the risk management function, and

whereby a portfolio that generates fewer cash flows than

achieve their target return. The key tax metrics to track

other topics as may be pertinent to the portfolio.

expected must deposit cash into a new reserve account

are the projected and realized tax benefits, which are

Senior credit managers don’t like surprises, so keeping

for the benefit of the lenders until the cash flows recover.

themselves a function of the fair market value of the assets,

them informed as issues arise is critical to the success of

Independently reviewing the financials ensures satisfactory

any tax recapture, and the prevailing tax rate.

any portfolio manager.

compliance with these obligations.

Some structures, particularly in the debt market, are structured to have a balloon payment at a date certain in the future. In order for their debt to be repaid, they are typically relying on a developer to refinance their loan. To evaluate this risk, some lenders also look at how successful solar companies are at recycling or accessing capital in the market, and running sensitivities based on projected interest rates.

REGULAR RISK REPORTING Investors

who

are

most

focused

on

compliance

management and keeping senior management and credit teams up-to-date on their portfolio generally have a Monthly-Quarterly-Annual review cadence: monthly production look-backs, quarterly portfolio summaries, and annual portfolio reviews.

Monthly look-backs are often focused on production metrics and the Performance Index of a portfolio, with a

TAX RISK Investors at all levels of the capital stack typically have some sort of exposure to tax credits – whether in the form of basis indemnities, tax recapture insurance, cash sweeps, or extended flip dates. Tax equity investors typically track

particular emphasis on identifying underperforming assets and working with asset managers to resolve any problems in the field. Best practice is to report results for both a Performance Index and Weather Adjusted Performance Index.

this exposure closely, and it is best practice for lenders and

Quarterly reports may include additional data points such

others involved in the transaction to watch it closely as well.

as cash distributions to the investor, a refreshed allocations

In highly structured, tax- motivated investments, if cash is

analysis, or a discussion of material credit events within the

king, then tax equity may be considered the queen - they

portfolio.

form a partnership wherein both have to work together in

Annual reports are often more fulsome in nature and

order for everything to function properly.

include a refreshed credit underwriting of the important

RISK MANAGERS SHOULD BE KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THE TAX EQUITY STRUCTURE AND HOW CHANGES IN THE REALIZED TAX BENEFITS IMPACT RETURN OR FLOW THROUGH THE PROJECT FINANCE MODEL. TYPICALLY BOTH NEED TO WORK IN UNISON FOR ALL INVESTORS TO ACHIEVE THEIR TARGET RETURN.

Credits: Solar Energy Industries Association

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 23

Industry Insights IMPORTANCE OF ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM FOR INDIA Indian

power

system

is

undergoing

a

phase

of

transformation with the vision of the GOI for integration

TYPES OF ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES

of 175 GW of renewables by 2022. Renewable energy is characterized by inherent issues like variability, intermittency & fast ramping etc. Thus, commensurate amount of flexible power reserves are necessary to take care of such variations in demand in coming years. Hence, reliable operation of the synchronous all India Grid in the envisaged RErich scenario calls for availability of adequate reserves & flexibility services in the form of conventional storage system like pumped storage hydro plants and nonconventional energy storage system viz. battery storage etc.

OVERVIEW AND TYPES OF ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES Energy storage is emerging as a viable solution to ensure sustainable grid operations, especially due to the technology improvements Energy storage is the key component for creating sustainable energy systems. Current technologies, such as solar photovoltaic and wind turbines etc. can generate energy in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner; yet their intermittent nature poses issues in power quality, dependability and grid stability. The increase in renewable energy generation can cause several issues in power grid.

First, in power grid operation, the fluctuation in the output of renewable generation makes system frequency control

Source: SBC Energy Institute and Deloitte Centre for Energy Solutions

difficult, and if the frequency deviation becomes too wide system operation can deteriorate. Secondly, renewable energy output is undependable since it is affected by

COST COMPARISON OF VARIOUS STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES

weather conditions. Energy storage technologies have the potential to offset the intermittency problem of renewable energy sources by storing the generated intermittent energy and then making it accessible upon demand.

A widely-used approach for classifying EES systems is the determination according to the form of energy used.

The figure below compares several storage technologies as per their commercial maturity. Pumped hydro and compressed air energy storage are the most advanced electricity storage technologies (in terms of commercial and technical maturity and deployment); others bring cost and risk premium due to their lower levels of commercial maturity. As technologies move from demonstration and deployment stage to commercialization, the cost of the technology reduces and the technical characteristics are often enhanced. For example, in certain technologies such as Batteries, technical progress to date has seen the overall improvements in efficiency and lifetime of the storage

Source: IRENA, Battery University and BNEF

system. The time in which technologies mature is driven by many factors such as market incentives, installation volumes,

technical

constraints

and

geographical

restrictions.

At present, world over around 1643 energy storage projects have been installed with an accumulated capacity of 193 GW9 . The vast majority ~ 94% of this capacity is based on pumped storage technology. Others include electrochemical, electro mechanical, thermal storage etc.

There are approximately 1000 electro–chemical (batteries) storage projects that have been installed world over with an overall capacity of 3.4 GW10. This is mainly due to falling cost of batteries and improving technology, batteries as a means to store energy is likely to scale up significantly.

ECONOMICS OF ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES …and due to expected improvements in economics of the storage solutions over the next few years.

Technological improvements are one of the major drivers of falling costs of energy storage system world over.

The figure below compares the cost of energy storage across major energy storage technologies – Pumped Storage, Compressed Storage, Lead Acid Batteries, Lithium Ion Batteries, High temperature batteries, Redox flow batteries and Flywheel. The cost of most of the energy storage solutions in today’s context is considered expensive. However, for several storage technologies,

In India ~ 16 energy storage projects, using different

there is reason to believe that costs will fall as production

technological solutions, have been installed of which ~9

volumes increase. This belief is supported by historical cost

are pumped storage projects with an installed capacity of

developments such as the one for Lithium-ion batteries.

4.7 GW11. Others include electro-chemical which includes

The prices of lithium ion batteries have fallen by 73%13

7 projects12 with an overall capacity of. 125 GW.

between 2010 and 2016 driven mostly by demand form electrical vehicles and improving technology, and are likely

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to fall by another 72% by 2030, bringing the overall cost of lithium ion batteries down to USD 73-74/KWh14. This correlation, between cost and volume of production can be attributed to economies of scale, as well as manufacturing and engineering improvements that are likely to emerge by 2030. Given this trend, the prices of energy storage technologies are likely to fall between 30-60% range 15, depending upon technology under consideration.

Thus, the falling cost of storage and improving technology in terms of life and range clearly can enable greater penetration of wind and solar in the grid, especially for India. However, policy and regulatory mechanisms will be required to facilitate integration of energy storage in the Indian Power System. A debate is required around how to incentivize capacity market for grid balancing in the interim period, while continuously promoting Energy Storage as a long term solution for Grid Integration.

Credits: Deloitte Report - Variable Renewable Energy Sources Integration_Feb 2018

Solar Quarter • September 2018 24

Industry Insights INDIA INSTALLED 20 GWS SOLAR PV- A WAY FORWARD APPROACH 1.6 GW in rooftop solar, quoted by Mercom India Research.

power projects and aim to go for 100% on renewables.

mounted Micro-inverters are under research and will

I am remembering a quote by Sir Edison when he said :

Value additions in policy framework can be linked with

enter into market very soon. High efficiency and durable

“I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a

subsequent reduction in wheeling and transmission

modules with lower cost will make a game change, not

source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and

charges and other open access charges with defined time

only in rooftops but utility scale projects as well, thereby

coal run out before we tackle that”.

frame. Banking rules can be eased, Availability of Land

securing maximum returns with comparative costs.

and single window clearances will also boost the morale

Research centers and institutes in India including NISE and

of such potential investors. This will help corporates and

NCPRE-IIT Bombay are doing fantastic work in domain.

industries meet their RPO targets, capacity will be added to

Their learnings, research and publications are boon to not

the 100 GW goal and carbon emission reduction will take

only developers in India but the developing countries as

India towards top of the world in terms of climate change

well. They can develop a force of PV System analysts which

leadership.

will safeguard the investments.

in renewable energy and specifically in Solar PV Sector in

As solar PV with storage system is the need of time, further

As every drop makes the ocean, so is every watt of power,

India. However there is still enough scope at central and

encouragement of manufacturing Batteries and solar PV

it makes people’s life easier. The inaccessible and remote

state level in shaping policies specifically which relates to

panels in India will give a great boost to renewable linked

part of the country can be powered easily with solar PV.

open access. In this course of time India have witnessed

domestic economy.

Let’s keep adding the wattage!!

lowest tariff at INR 2.44 which boosted government’s

Now with this capacity addition, there is an urgent need

India has great potential and is full of natural resources, at

vision towards 100 GW goal, however it could only became

for setting up skill centers for people to learn operations

the same time we have a young force to act as catalyst in

possible with proper and specific ingredients of the

and maintenance beyond the conventional approaches.

this growth journey. Being a renewable energy evangelist

respective investment strategy.

Digitized O&M based on artificial intelligence, IoT and

I am highly optimistic to see India meeting 100 GW target

With a target ahead of adding another 80 GW by 2022,

machine learning will prove to be a boon for investors.

very soon.

there is a strong need for government to push for policy

Performance data analysts and Researchers must be roped

certainty and long term vision. I will also like to add my

into the field to ensure that these power plants keep

views on some of the aspects which can allow handsome

generating expected energy. Innovative methods needs to

flow of investments in the sector through industries

be roped to boost the PV system performances. Technology

and corporates. A separate policy can come which help

is evolving every next day, per say string inverters in utility

industries and business houses to set up captive solar

scale projects are already making their place. Module

What a speed with which we achieved this figure, in fact Solar was the prime source of capacity additions in 2017, adding 9.6 GW which was 46% of total capacity additions.

This happened for the first time ever in India. Government has been very supportive in bringing reforms in policies that could attract investors from round the globe to invest

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Author: Mr. Rakesh Bohra, Manager | Solar PV Expert | Analytical Approach | Bankability | Renewables & Sustainability | Green Infrastructures Disclaimer: All views are my own and it does not relates to any professional organization I work with.

Solar Quarter • September 2018 25

Infographics

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 26

Company Feature WE ACTIVELY SUPPORT THE GLOBAL EFFORT TO ENERGISE THE WORLD THROUGH ALTERNATE AND GREENER SOURCES OF ENERGY Saatvik is a part of a bigger business group with diversified business activities with major interests in edible oil and oleo chemicals. The group has multiple manufacturing facilities for extraction and refining of edible oil, refining non-edible oil and manufacturing of soap. The group has over 25 years of experience serving the highest quality products to FMCG giants in India. With the interests of the group lying in renewable energy, it forayed into solar panel manufacturing, hence setting up Saatvik Green Energy, in 2016.

Saatvik Green Energy is a new age solar technology company, involved in the manufacturing of high quality solar modules. The current product portfolio includes solar modules of all ranges starting from 40Wp up to 350Wp in both 4BB and 5BB. Saatvik uses both poly-crystalline and mono-crystalline cells to assemble these solar modules, coupled with multiple rounds of testing during and after the manufacturing process, ensuring the highest quality product for its esteemed customers. All module ranges have been certified to highest global quality standards.

VISION STATEMENT

BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS

TEAM & MANAGEMENT

Price competitiveness is the foremost issue faced by solar equipment manufacturers. As a fact, India still imports 8890% of its total solar panel requirement. This gives a very limited breathing space to plethora of solar PV manufacturers in India. The inability to compete with imported equipment in terms of price, ultimately leads to fierce competition within the Indian manufacturers for limited number of avenues using Indian made solar PV equipment.

Saatvik, being a young company, managed by people in 20’s and early 30’s, has very dynamical horizontal organizational structure. Saatvik believes in smaller team and greater efficiency. This way, every person working for Saatvik feels a sense of ownership.

Quality Policy Of The Company: ISO ratings, standards & specifications etc.

Not only does Saatvik comply with ISO, but it has also implemented SAP H4 HANA which helps in automating a lot of manual processes, for superior records and quality implementation. If your people and processes are sorted, precision comes naturally, and we are a very quality conscious company, hence precision plays a very important role. To assist our people and processes, we have all necessary quality control/inspection equipment both in-line and in the laboratory, to ensure precision in our production for highest quality products.

CUSTOMERS & PROJECTS Saatvik has been able to make a good portfolio of customers already, including India’s leading IPPs and solar developers, apart from regional and national EPC companies. Saatvik solar modules have been successfully installed at various government buildings, government utilities, railway stations, hotels and universities, such as Delhi Jal Board, DMRC, Western Railways, Ambala Airforce Station etc.

Saatvik’s constant strive towards quality, delivery and commitment has made its products lucrative to many clients, and will continue to do so in future.

At Saatvik Green Energy, we actively support the global effort to energise the world through alternate and greener sources of energy, by manufacturing and distributing world class solar photovoltaic modules, globally. We seek to attain and establish our position as the most reputed, customer centric, significant solar module provider to Solar Industry.

MISSION STATEMENT Saatvik’s mission is to lead the global transition to renewable energy in India.

Our part to play in that transition is to deliver cost effective utility scale solar energy solutions to customers and governments through the set of cohesive company principles. These principles are the foundation of everything we do at Saatvik: Integrity. Safety. Innovation.

Sustainability.

Teamwork.

Strategy.

Respect.

HARNESSING THE POWER OF THE SUN EVEN FURTHER, 2018 WILL SEE SAATVIK GO FROM 200MW TO 500MW

BUSINESS GOALS & OBJECTIVES: As a business, we continuously seek to improve our products and services, to deliver the best quality to our clients.

Given the vast amount of options in the industry, only a satisfied client leads to repeat purchases. We want to become a consumer centric company, by not only providing high quality products, but also research and innovate to make solar industry in India integrated and greener.

BUSINESS STRATEGY: Saatvik wants to be a one stop solution for solar technology and services, and it is moving towards the ambitious goal, step by step. 2018 will see Saatvik expand from 200MW to 500MW annually, as it has made a mark as a rising star in solar module manufacturing.

At present, when we view the industry holistically, there is an oversupply of solar companies throughout the value supply chain. Two valuables that are missing is quality and innovation. Rather than integrating vertically, we have strategically partnered with regional engineering companies to provide services to our customers.

BUSINESS CONCEPT The current product portfolio includes solar modules of all ranges starting from 40Wp up to 350Wp in both 4BB and 5BB. Saatvik uses both poly-crystalline and mono-crystalline cells to assemble these solar modules, coupled with multiple rounds of testing during and after the manufacturing process, ensuring the highest quality product for its esteemed customers. All module ranges have been certified to highest global quality standards, through a global certification body, TUV Rheinland.

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Withstanding harsh environment

World class mono efficiency

High module conversion efficiency

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.

Toll Free No. : 1800-1801051 | Email: info@saatvikgroup.com | Website: www.saatvikgroup.com

Solar Quarter • September 2018 27

Company Feature GREEN SOLAR: ENERGY OF THE FUTURE Matri Shree Techno Industries (MSTI), a part of the 17 years old Matri Shree Group, foray its journey in the renewable energy space in India in Feb 2018 with a strong focus on innovation while customizing the cost effective product as per customer need. Dr G. N. Gupta, Founder & MD, MSTI, who has a dynamic career, tells us how he brings his rich experience into renewable energy sector.

MSTI is promoted by Matri Shree Group, who is also founder of conglomerate, Matri Shree Powertronics Pvt. Ltd., Varanasi (UP), India.

Inspire from make in India campaign, MSTI has been formed by the combined efforts of the Mr. Prashant Gupta (Director) and Mr. Rajeev Gupta (Director) having retail and service experience of more than 17 years in electrical segment (Servo Stabilizer, APFC Panel, Batteries, UPS, Inverter and Energy Storage Devices). Now they become solar power, produce business and their aim to provide clean & green electricity at affordable price to one and all.

MSTI commenced operations in Feb 2018 with a 15MW manual production capacity in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), India; we followed best practices in manufacturing and positioned our brand as a top quality provider in the PV Module market.

MSTI is a premium PV Module manufacturing and EPC company. We manufacture PV modules using poly and mono crystalline solar cells, up to the range of 330Wp, in a semi automatic and ISO 9001:2015 & BIS certified standards.

Having established ourselves as premium PV module suppliers, we are also emerging as a fast growing EPC company delivering best performance with efficiency in short time period.

With the rapidly rising demand for our modules, we will be switched over to a fully automatic and robotic plant and shortly increased our capacity.

PRODUCT INFORMATION: MSTI, an ISO 9001: 2015 certified, NSIC approved and MNRE channel partner Company has state-of-the-art semi automatic manufacturing facility in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) India of 15 MW per annum for premium PV Modules in the range of 40Wp to 330Wp using poly and mono crystalline cells. Modules are also certified from BIS, it’s up to 17.3 % module efficiency & PID free. Multiple EL testing for defect free Modules and high conversion efficiency due to ARC coated glass. Some of our most popular modules are GS Series 72 poly crystalline and GS Series 60 poly crystalline.

We also offer customized OEM solutions.

committed to come up with value added products in solar industry with constant efforts to find in qualitative research.

We also are focusing at the leading EPC companies along with channel distribution partner who can cater MSGS (Matri Shree Green Solar) across the country.

BUSINESS GOALS & OBJECTIVE: We also aim to cater to complete end to end solutions related to solar energy by introducing new products, storage devices etc. Besides we plan to continuously incorporate new technologies in our product and manufacturing processes which will help us to stay ahead of the technology curve and maintain our goodwill amongst our clients.

SERVICE PLEDGE: Our Modules have undergone all quality tests as BIS standard along with being certified PID resistance.

All these efforts, backed by zero tolerance for any compromise on quality, help us maintain & deliver excellence in our products and manufacturing.

BUSINESS CONCEPT: MSTI manufactures premium PV modules with unmatched quality using Poly and Mono Solar Cells. We manufacture PV Modules in the range upto 330Wp, have introduced our series of modules with 5BB cells.

Our primary goal being supported the GOI in converting India into a solar energy hub by targeting users to adopt

TECHNOLOGY SPECIFICATION: � Positive power tolerance upto 3Wp to reduce current mismatch loss in single sting for ensuring better ROI. � 5BB Multi Crystalline technology high efficiency cell improved module efficiency up to 17.3%. � Excellent low light and long wavelength response (>1100V) � Highest area efficiency in its class.

solar energy at the micro level, we have been very active in residential roof top installations, having competed no of projects in Varanasi city itself and having many other important projects in the pipeline. Being focused on delivering only the best quality, we also undertake OEM. Our many years of consistency, perseverance dedication to quality and obsession with excellence have been recognized be the clients / industry. Matri Shree Group remains committed to all customer /dealer / channel

� Unique frame design with high mechanical strength.

partners.

� 100% EL tested pre & post lamination higher reliability.

Energy & mobility will drive the future and we are

� Compact design efficient shipping, easy handling

committed for this.

We are constant focus on increasing of technology efficiency, evaluating technologies to improve the product quality and start to all testing in-house.

TARGETED CUSTOMER SEGMENT:

DR. G. N. GUPTA

Due to consistent quality & committed delivery schedules

Founder & Managing Director

MSTI has become one of the emerging key player amongst

MATRI SHREE TECHNO INDUSTRIES (MSTI)

Photovoltaic Modules across North India. Also we are

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Solar SolarQuarter Bazaar • September 2018 28

Product Feature OUR BIGGEST STRENGTH LIES IN INNOVATION, ENGINEERING AND DESIGN WEST COAST ENGINEERING WORKS PVT. LTD is a leading

requirement due to our profound knowledge; sometimes

2. Press Locked – Press-Locked grating uses hydraulic

Engineering

a fundamental design change and can save costs to the

pressure to permanently lock perpendicular notched

established in 1974.

customer as well as product can turn out aesthetically

bars together. It is a clean, smooth grate that provides

WE WERE THE PIONEERS TO BEGIN MANUFACTURING

appealing. Innovation is paramount for growth and we

Manufacturing

&

Exporting

company

GRATINGS IN INDIA. In those days, all international contractors were importing gratings from their own country to complete the project. At that time, we got the opportunity and with the help of international contractors we started manufacturing gratings in India. Consequently, we started supplying the same to Indian projects thus we tried to make it import substitute.

In a period of time we were the first company to export gratings in 1978 to the Gulf market. Consequently we have exported to several countries and are now exporting worldwide. Hence over the years our customer base has

WHY ALUMINUM GRATING & NOT FRP/ MILD STEEL GRATINGS?

We take prestige in stating that we have been awarded STAR PERFORMER: 2007-2008 Domestic Appliances and

functional reasons.

steel gratings rust and need to be changed every 3 years.

4. Customized – Aluminum Customized grating, due to

4. FRP Gratings disintegrates therefore its not good for

their light weight, high strength, corrosion resistance, rust proof and non-sparking properties, are ideally suited for corrosive environments.

ALUMINUM BAR GRATING TYPES

lighter weight and lower-cost grate than rectangular

GIVE OUR SALES TEAM A CHANCE TO HELP YOU WITH PERFECT OPTION.

bar grating.

in

Aluminium

TM

Gratings/Walkways for Rooftop Solar Projects. We take prestige to state that we have supplied 36 km of Aluminium Walkway System for RSSB Project (Radha Saomi Satsang Beas ) in Beas, We

applications requiring narrow spacing for aesthetic or

3. Aluminium gratings have a life span is 25 years whereas

Export Promotion Council of India.

Punjab.

spacing of the bearing bars. These are suitable for

and install than steel grating.

reduces the open spaces of the grating, yielding a

manufacturing

press-locked grating, close mesh grating uses closer

2. It is lighter in weight and is therefore easier to handle

Aluminum and Articles (Medium Enterprise) by Engineering lies

3. Close Mesh – Manufactured in a similar manner to

strength-to-weight ratio of aluminum grating .

1. I-bulb Grating– Using I-Bar With Bulb bearing bars

strength

rolling loads.

1. The unique metallargical properties gives a higher

Parts (Small Enterprise) & STAR PERFORMER: 2008-2009

core

dividers and screens. This type is not recommended for

longer span

been divided into Domestic and Exports.

Our

excellent lateral support. It is used for architectural grills,

fully understand that.

have

supplied

SOLAR ROOFTOP WALKWAY SOLUTIONS

through M/s Tata Power Solar Ltd. and M/s Larsen and Toubro Ltd. This site is the World’s largest single Solar Rooftop Project.

PRODUCT PROFILE: 1. Complete Rooftop Walkway System including supporting structure.

2. Aluminium Gratings, Platform Solid Gratings. (ALUGRATE).

3. Aluminium Hand Rails/Road Fencing. (ALURAIL).

4. Aluminium

Ladders.

(ALULAD).

5. Aluminium

Access

Covers.

PRIMARY COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: 1) ENGINEERING AND DESIGN 2) PIONEER

IN

INDUSTRY,

EXPERIENCE OF OVER 40 YEARS 3) INNOVATION AND USING LATEST TECHNOLOGIES. Our in

biggest

strength

Innovation,

lies

Engineering

and Design. Every product is technically

and

aesthetically

sound. For instance, Gratings have

applications

industries;

in

various

therefore

even

though it is a standard item it needs alternations in design.

Our competitive edge is that we are capable of offering superior design based on customer’s

Leading Manufacturers and Exporters of Aluminium Walkways and Handrails .

ALUMINIUM GRATINGS West Coast Engg. Works Pvt. Ltd. Expertise in Solar Rooftop Solutions

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G-10, Udyog Mandir No. 2, Mogul Lane, Mahim, Mumbai - 400 016. India.

E-mail: info@westcoastengworks.com Mob: +91 98206 75767 Web: www.westcoastaluminiumgratings.com

Solar Quarter • September 2018 29

Product Feature MAHINDRA SUSTEN OFFERS DIVERSIFIED SERVICES WITHIN THE CLEANTECH SPACE Mahindra Susten is a portfolio company of Mahindra Partners, the USD 1 Billion private equity division of the USD 20.7 Bn Mahindra and Mahindra Group. Mahindra Susten offers diversified services within the Cleantech space. A leading player in the Renewable Energy sector, with 3200 MWp Solar projects at various stages of execution. Mahindra Susten’s services spans turnkey

SAFETY AND PACKAGING ;

DATA ACCURACY � >99.5% accuracy • Better Soiling predictions • Precise monitoring of module degradation � Plan cleaning schedules better • Most accurate plant

DESIGN FEATURES

rooftop solar, MSAT 100 single axis tracker, solar DG hybrid

� Best in class components • Comes equipped with MC4

telecom tower solarization, solar PV O&M and analytics, engineering services and sustainable design build solutions for industrial construction.

� Improved Bus Bar Design • Teethed Bus Bar instead of wired harness • 260% more copper utilization • Better Heat Dissipation characteristics • Overvoltage and Overcurrent protection with Type 2 or Type 1+2 Surge

Susten, provide end to end solutions for enabling a smarter

protection and 30A Fuses • Available in both 1000VDC

industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).We offer a complete

and 1500VDC • Optional mounting accessories available

range of products from industrial grade data acquisition

for ease of installation

SolarPulse™ is our flagship offering and is a comprehensive solar PV asset monitoring and management application, developed for both utility scale and distributed solar PV plants, with options of both remote (cloud based) and local scada monitoring , other being string combiner box product called StringMax. StringMax is 1000V & 1500V ready combiner box with option for wireless string monitoring.

StringMax, the string combiner box, is designed and developed by our in-house team, which has over 1.5GW of Solar Installation experience. StringMax has a function to combine multiple PV module strings to provide single output to the Inverter in a PV plant. While it does its basic function of combining DC strings, it also provides protection from overvoltage and overcurrent events occurring in the system. StringMax is designed to make optimum use of resources with reduction in electrical losses and material/ labor cost. StringMax 1500M comes equipped with an in-house developed string monitoring board with best in class accuracy (>99.5%) and wireless communication (XBee based). Wireless communication helps user to do away with all issues related to cable laying, and helps them save on both time and cost for the project. While providing the option to monitor wirelessly, it also ensure data quality and reliability .Mahindra Susten has designed, StringMax, the combiner Box product to be customizable to suit the needs of the client.

• QUICKER INSTALLATION • FUTURE READY • EASE OF MAINTENANCE • REDUCED CABLING COSTS

Monitoring Board

STRING MONITORING BOARD DATA ACCURACY FEATURES

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

Acrylic Sheet with labels

On Field

Wooden

SCADA

To summarize, solar power generation is a function of m ,efficient O&M , involves many interconnects and as bei the spread of the utility plants .Thus Soiling getting predictions the string w > 99.5% accuracy  Better � Self-Powered • Design Life of 25 years • Accuracy >99.5% modules easily , reducing the man-hours and time spen  Plan cleaning schedules better Most accurate plant performance levels for complete range of voltage and 3-30A current range

DESIGN FEATURES Few calculations to ponder: 2*(20 modules *305 Wp) m  Best in class components Comes equipped with MC4 connectors for quicker fieldthus installations combiner box can connect 2*20*16 = 640 modules • Wireless XBEE communication • Better Temperature  Improved Bus Bar Design Teethed Bus Bar instead of wired harness  260% more copper utilization  would need ~ 3300 modules boxes, Acrylic Sheet with labels Wooden Palleting and ~5-6 combiner Packaging Management for higher current flow • Din Rail/Wall Better Heat Dissipation characteristics  Overcurrent Overvoltage protection and with Typedifficult 2 or Type 1+2 and identify th would have been a quite to seek Mount Options • Shunt Type Monitoring • Faster time Surge protection and 30A Fuses Availabl using the string monitoring as it benchmarks one string to commission and of lessinstallation cost per MW . and environmental conditions , thus identifying for quic available for ease BOARD FEATURES TheSTRING variantsMONITORING available on the product for 1000V, 1500V The combiner box stands at the weather, core of any utility solar To summarize, solarofpower ageing/cleanin  Self -Powered  years Design Life 25 generation is a function of many including-30A  Accuracy current >99.5% for systems are as follows: save on O&M costs by identifying low generation strings ,efficient O&M , involves many interconnects and as being static, the problem identification range  Rated for up claim tois1 underperforming / degraded modules via warranty � StringMax 1500,1000M – Stringthe Combiner with plants .Thus getting the string wise generation can help identify the no spread ofBox the utility Temperature Management for higher current flow  e Monitoring Din Rail/ Wall Mount O important toproblem plant performance and, with Mah modules and timefunction spent for identification Monitoring – Option for 12, 14, 16 inputs easily , reducing the man-hours Faster time to commission and less cost per MW . the plant operation can be ensured for increased uptim The variants available– on the product forBox 1000V, areincreased as follows: � StringMax 1500,1000 String Combiner without Few calculations to1500V ponder:systems 2*(20 modules *305 renewable Wp) make generation a string withfor Y connector , a 16 cha a sustainable & brig ● StringMax 1500,1000M – Stringbox Combiner with Monitoring – Option for, where 12, 14,640*305wp 16 inputs =195.2 KWp , thu combiner can thusBox connect 2*20*16 = 640 modules Monitoring – Option for 12, 14, 16 inputs ● StringMax 1500,1000 –would Stringneed Combiner without – Option for 12, 14, inputs ~ 3300 Box modules and Monitoring ~5-6 combiner boxes, similarly for16 a 10 MW plant ~ 33000 mo Acrylic Sheet with labels Wooden Palleting Packaging List would have been a quite difficult to seek and identify the lower performing modules .But this c • Rated for up to 1500V DC and upto 30A per input

KITTING OPTIONS INCLUDE : Kitting Options include :

using the string monitoring as it benchmarks one string performance with the other in the sam and environmental conditions , thus identifying for quick gap analysis , making easier for all sta

The combiner box stands at the core of any utility solar plant installation and with string monit To summarize, solar power generation is a function of many including weather, ageing/cleaning of modules save on O&M costs by identifying low generation strings, cleaning cycle’s schedules and replac ,efficient O&M , involves many interconnects and as being static, the problem identification is difficult, seeing underperforming / degraded modules via warranty claim management. A reliable and rugged the spread of the utility plants .Thus getting the string wise generation can help identify the non performing important function to plant performance and with Mahindra Susten, a proven name in the Sol modules easily , reducing the man-hours and time spent for problem identification , the plant operation can be ensured for increased uptime and generation hours thus revenue. P increased renewable generation for aYsustainable future.

Few calculations to ponder: 2*(20 modules *305 Wp) make a string with connector ,&a brighter 16 channel i/p combiner box can thus connect 2*20*16 = 640 modules , where 640*305wp =195.2 KWp , thus for 1 MW plant H –Frame wouldBineed ~ 3300Lugs modules and ~5-6 combiner boxes, similarly for a 10 MW plant ~ 33000Cam modules and thus Locks Metallic would have been a quite difficult to seek and identify the lower performing modules .But this can be eased by using the string monitoring as it benchmarks one string performance with thesolar other in the same geography To summarize, power generation is a function of many Safety and Packaging ; and environmental conditions , thus identifying for quick gap analysis , making easier for all stakeholders . including weather, ageing/cleaning of modules ,efficient

Acrylic sheet is provided for protection of human safety .Indicating labels are given so that any unknown

many interconnects and as being static, the Theperson combiner box about stands every at the thing core of any utility solarthe plant and with string monitoring one can knows installed inside CBinstallation .O&M , involves problem identification is difficult, seeingofthe spread of the save on O&M costs by identifying low generation strings, cleaning cycle’s schedules and replacement utility plants .Thus getting the string wise generation can underperforming / degraded modules via warranty claim management. A reliable and rugged product is an help identify the non performing modules easily important function to plant performance and with Mahindra Susten, a proven name in the Solar PV industry, , reducing the man-hours and time spent for problem the plant operation can be ensured for increased uptime and generation hours thus revenue.

Pledging foridentification , Few calculations to ponder: 2*(20 modules *305 Wp) make increased renewable generation for a sustainable & brighter future. a string with Y connector , a 16 channel i/p combiner box can thus connect 2*20*16 = 640 modules , where 640*305wp =195.2 KWp , thus for 1 MW plant would need ~ 3300 modules and ~5-6 combiner boxes, similarly for a 10 MW plant ~ 33000 modules and thus would have been a quite difficult to seek and identify the lower performing modules .But this can be eased by using the string monitoring as it benchmarks one string performance with the other in the same geography and environmental conditions , thus identifying for quick gap analysis , making easier for all stakeholders .

MONITORING BOARD

ON FIELD

knows about every thing installed inside the CB .

connectors for quicker field installations

MachinePulseTM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra

devices to a robust and scalable cloud platform, Where

.Indicating labels are given so that any unknown person

performance levels

solar EPC services, including both utility scale solar and solutions, solar products, solar car charging stations,

Acrylic sheet is provided for protection of human safety

SCADA

The combiner box stands at the core of any utility solar plant installation and with string monitoring one can save on O&M costs by identifying low generation strings, cleaning cycle’s schedules and replacement of underperforming / degraded modules via warranty claim management. A reliable and rugged product is an important function to plant performance and with Mahindra Susten, a proven name in the Solar PV industry, the plant operation can be ensured for increased uptime and generation hours thus revenue. Pledging for increased renewable generation for a sustainable & brighter future.

Solar Quarter • September 2018 30

Featured News SUZLON AND CLP INDIA’S 100MW PROJECT AWARDED WORLD’S FIRST SOLAR PROJECT QUALITY CERTIFICATION Suzlon Energy announced that the world’s first solar project quality certificate for photovoltaic (PV) power plants has been awarded to the Veltoor Solar Power Project in Telangana, owned by SE Solar Ltd. Suzlon’s SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) with CLP India.

The certificate was conferred by DNV GL, the global quality assurance and risk management company. The certification was carried out according to the service specification ‘DNVGL-SE-0078’ Project certification of photovoltaic power plants. It is the world’s first, and currently only, global guideline for certifying solar PV projects.Suzlon Energy, one of the leading renewable energy solutions provider announced that the world s first solar project quality certificate for photovoltaic (PV) power plants has been awarded to the Veltoor Solar Power Project in Telangana, owned by SE Solar Ltd. Suzlon s SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) with CLP India. The certificate was conferred by DNV GL, the global quality assurance and risk management company. The certification was carried out according to the service specification ‘DNVGLSE-0078’ Project certification of photovoltaic power plants.

It is the world’s first, and currently only, global guideline for certifying solar PV projects.

The certification by DNV GL awarded to the Veltoor Solar Power Project conforms to all relevant safety features required of a solar park, and demonstrates technical compliance of the project with the globally recognized standards. The certification process encompassed an overall evaluation of the asset with an in-depth review of the design basis, design, grid code compliance, manufacturing process, transport and installation, commissioning and optionally in-service phases.

“The comprehensive requirements of DNV GL s certification provided a clear roadmap for us to ensure the highest quality as we designed and built Veltoor, said

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

Rajiv Mishra, Managing Director of CLP India. Operational excellence is part of our DNA and CLP maintains the highest-quality standards across all facets of our work.

As the only certification body that provided complete guidelines for PV projects, DNV GL has worked hand-inhand with us to help the Veltoor project meet our quality objectives.”

J P Chalasani, Group CEO, Suzlon said, “The Indian renewable energy industry is poised for exponential growth and we are rightfully placed to capture the same. The certification from DNV GL is testament to our commitment to high quality projects and we are glad to have clear guidelines from DNV GL for the same. It gives us the confidence that we are on the right path as we expand our renewable energy footprint to deliver value to

our stakeholders. Suzlon has now demonstrated turnkey capabilities in both wind and solar, giving us a strong competitive edge in India. With such capabilities we aim to harness the emerging opportunities in Wind-Solar Hybrid, which is gaining traction in India with around 5 GW of bid pipeline already sanctioned.”

CLP India, one of the largest foreign investors in the Indian power sector, and Suzlon Group, one of the leading renewable energy solutions providers in the world, announced their joint venture for a 100 MW solar project at Veltoor in Telangana in 2016. The solar project by CLP India was developed by SE Solar Ltd., a special purpose vehicle (SPV) of Suzlon Energy Ltd and CLP India. This joint venture marked Suzlon s and CLP India s entry into the solar energy sector.

Solar Quarter • September 2018 31

Tech-Insights PV SYSTEM COMMISSIONING – PERFECTION IS THE KEY! Effective management of a solar PV plant could be divided

FIGURE 1: CHECKING OF STRUCTURE (ON LEFT) & A ROOFTOP PLANT (ON RIGHT) COMMISSIONED BY WAAREE

into 3 distinctive steps i.e. Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC), Commissioning and Operations & Management (O&M). EPC deals with the pre-construction and construction activities of the PV power plant.

Commissioning is the process that starts along with the construction of plants and proceeds through PV system acceptance. It also deals with the necessary documentation processes required for system acceptance. O&M deals with processes and/or actions required for maintaining and operating the power plant to its maximum capacity. While a lot is known and talked about EPC & O&M, a little is known about commissioning, which is a mandatory and significant process. For a novice in the solar field, it is important for him to know what the important process/checks while commissioning

are.

Additionally

commissioning

also

de-energized (energizing refers to condition when plant is

ensures that the plant performs as expected/planned which

generating power and is connected to the grid), the testing

in-turn drives its ROI. This article aims to educate its readers

of inverter is a little different. After checking and testing

on basics of commissioning along with few important tips.

all the AC & DC interconnections in addition to testing

VERIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF INSTALLATION Amongst the first of the steps would be to verify the entire installation and ensure that it is complete and matching with the power plant which was initially designed without any deviations. This includes checking of any bends or dents in structure which may reduce its strength. It also includes checking the module alignment which should look perfect in-line with other modules (as shown in Figure 1). This would ensure that the installation is robust and aesthetically

conductors and modules, the inverter is energized. However, a day before energizing the inverter the grid side/AC side transformer is energized while the inverter and module remain isolated (i.e. AC breaker of inverter is kept open) (top side of Figure 4). This is to ensure that the transformer generates ingress current (which is the current generated via magnetic coupling) in a way that there is no problem during its further operations. On the next day, the entire plant is energized and its output voltage, current and frequency are monitored. In case of inverter tripping, ground faults in the plants are checked for. Further both DC and AC power are

acceptable.

monitored.

While important to match the ideal characteristics/design

PERFORMANCE CHECK

of the power plant, there are always certain deviations from it. Not only is it important to exactly locate such deviations (at micro level) but it is also important note such deviations for a power plant. One of the best solutions is to document the entire plant along with the deviations or document asbuild conditions. This document shall preliminarily help the O&M team to closely monitor the deviations for any potential problems. In the longer run it would help the team to understand any fault if arising due to such deviations and

FIGURE 2: ONGOING INSULATION RESISTANCE TEST (SOURCE: GOOGLE IMAGES)

The final check of commissioning is to gauge the performance of the plant. After the energizing of the plant is success, a

FIGURE 3: VOLTAGE AND CURRENT MEASUREMENT OF PV STRING (SOURCE: GOOGLE IMAGES)

bright clear & sunny day with moderate temperature and appropriate time is selected. At appropriate time of day, both DC and AC power is monitored. The performance ratio (PR) of the power plant is calculated. The practically obtained data on field is compared to the expected performance which was calculated while designing the

rectify it.

plant. Such monitoring may be undertaken from mere few

TESTING

for any erroneous behavior of power plant which may cause

hours to as long as few weeks. Such monitoring also checks

After doing the initial inspections and documentation

FIGURE 4: ENERGIZING OF TRANSFORMER (TOP) AND INVERTER (IN BOTTOM)

of plant, testing is the next most important step in commissioning. The testing includes but not limited to PV module, earthing, inverter, wiring, etc. One of the first tests performed is to check the insulation resistance of conductors. This test measures insulation of conductors ensuring that there is no leakage current via conductor (shown in Figure 2). With the plant being expected to last for 25 years, the conductors shall be exposed continuously to altering weather conditions. Such alterations could lead to degradation of insulation which in the long term could compromise the safety of power plant. Thus recording the resistance value at the beginning and tracking it over the course of plant’s life would give significant information over conductor’s deterioration and hence its quality.

At module level, random or all (in case of small rooftop

unexpected loss of power and hence its revenue. Before final

plants) strings are selected and open circuit voltage (Voc)

handing over of plant to the end consumer, it is expected

of each of these strings is measured (as shown in Figure 3).

that the plant is performing at an optimum level with the

For plants with smaller string inverters, Voc measurement

power losses below the threshold level.

happens at line side of DC disconnect whereas for larger inverters, such measurements happens at line side of combiner box with its fuse open. Obtaining a similar voltage in all the strings means that all the strings have similar number of modules with correct polarity. A similar exercise to measure the maximum current of string (Imp) is carried out by a DC clamp meter. The output for different strings if within range of ± 0.1A signifies that the orientation and tilt of the strings is same.

While the above testing happens when the plant is

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

Thus commissioning is one of the significant steps to ensure that the solar PV plant operate smoothly. Waaree has an experience of executing and commissioning more than 500 MWs of EPC projects. We ensure to follow all the safety standards and necessary guidelines in order to erect a power plant. An expertise like such enables end customer to be assured that their plant would be up and running for 25 years.

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

MR. SUNIL RATHI Director- Sales and Marketing

WAAREE ENERGIES LTD Solar Quarter • September 2018 32

Featured News LONGI SOLAR: TOP 3 MOST BANKABLE PV MODULE BRAND IN THE WORLD In the latest “2018 PV Module Brand Bankability Report”,

THE “2018 PV MODULE BRAND

Bloomberg New Energy Finance ranks LONGi Solar the top 3 most bankable PV module brand with 1,025MW of loan-

BANKABILITY REPORT”, BNEF

financed PV projects in the past two years. LONGi Solar’s

ALSO PROVIDED ALTMAN-Z

ranking rose four places from the last year.

The

ranking

demonstrates

LONGi

strengthening

SCORES OF THE WORLD’S

bankability as more banks provide non-recourse loans

LARGEST PV MODULE MAKERS

for the PV projects specified with the company’s modules.

IN 2018-Q1. LONGI SOLAR

Solar project developers now have the ability and favorable conditions to finance their solar projects with LONGi Solar

RANKS AHEAD OF ITS RIVALS

high efficiency modules.

BNEF’s ranking is based on its database containing 25,455

IN THE MANUFACTURER

PV financing projects, involving 57 PV module brands

CREDIT RATINGS.

worldwide.

IN THE SAME REPORT, BNEF

The “2018 PV Module Brand Bankability Report”, BNEF also provided Altman-Z scores of the world’s largest PV module

HAS ALSO FEATURED THE

makers in 2018-Q1. LONGi Solar ranks ahead of its rivals in

“PV MODULE RELIABILITY

the manufacturer credit ratings.

SCORECARD” RELEASED

In the same report, BNEF has also featured the “PV Module Reliability Scorecard” released by the authoritative

BY THE AUTHORITATIVE

certification institution DNV GL. LONGi Solar is recognized

CERTIFICATION INSTITUTION

as a “TOP PERFORMER” module maker by DNV GL for two

DNV GL. LONGI SOLAR IS

consecutive years.

Mr. Wenxue Li, President of LONGi Solar, added, “Strong

RECOGNIZED AS A “TOP

financials and bankability that are independently verified

PERFORMER” MODULE

by Bloomberg NEF is one of many validations of LONGi as a reliable company with reliable products. Our strength in

MAKER BY DNV GL FOR TWO

product, technology and financial health provides the best

CONSECUTIVE YEARS.

guarantee for our customers.”

AARVI ENCON LIMITED ISO9001-2008 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

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

Solar Quarter • September 2018 33

Tech-Insights DELCEN HV SERIES IS EASY TO TRANSPORT AND INSTALL AND IS AN ALL IN ONE FOR EASY DEPLOYMENT AND COMMISSIONING The continuous evolution of Solar panel technology to higher DC Voltages up to 1500V has helped to lower the Balance of system costs, higher output power capability leading to reduction in Energy production costs. Delta’s commitment to be on par and adapt with this latest technology developments of other interactive systems has led to the deployment of DelCEN HV series which is 2.5MW/2.75MW; 1500Vdc Grid tied Solar Central Outdoor Inverter. With this product portfolio in Delta’s family of inverters it is assured to have yet another Customer centric and bankability solutions leading to uncompromised customer benefits through high degree of reliability, efficiency and productivity which is very vital in today’s High performance multi megawatt Solar power generation business. DelCEN HV series is a Delta’s 3 Level NPC-1 technology augmented with state of the art high performance controller Electronics and protection features.

In order to ensure a long life to withstand harsh Indian Climatic conditions, DelCEN HV series is designed to have high structural stability, weather resistant, termite proof and water proof. With diligently following the preventive maintenance and scheduled parts replacement, DelCEN HV series is designed to have operating life of 25 years delivering maximum feed in revenues and Return of investment to the customer, thanks to its low maintenance costs and host of life cycle services offered by Delta’s extensive regional service network.

DelCEN HV series is easy to transport and install and is an all in one for easy deployment and commissioning.

There is no need of any external arrangement for Auxiliary power, UPS and any sort of cooling arrangements thus reducing installation over heads costs to the EPC Company.

DelCEN HV series is plug and play design which requires just connecting DC and AC power cables enables quicker installation and commissioning which is a key in today’s EPC practices.

DelCEN HV series is fully compatible with both Thin Film and Crystalline PV panels. The DC terminals could be floating or either polarity grounded. The built in passive Anti PID relay logic feature reduces the PID effects on the panels to some extent. The numbers of input strings are user configurable to address the complex PVarray configurations with each string, fuse protected with monitoring apart from other standard protection features like insulation monitoring, DC Over voltage protection etc.

The DC panels are completely isolated during night time reactive power processing through a motorized DC switch disconnector rated for DC21B networks.

DelCEN HV series is equipped with its proprietary 1.25MW IGBT based 4 quadrant stack modules to achieve maximum of 98.7% efficiency including the filter losses and Auxiliary power consumption at full power. DelCEN

HV series has design reserves of 900Vdc and 0% FIT rate of Semiconductors due to cosmic radiations at higher

inverter. DelCEN HV series includes all the advanced and

altitudes. Thanks to its optimized maintenance free hybrid

latest grid support functions likePQ control, LVRT/HVRT

cooling technology, DelCEN HV series is able to achieve

and Grid frequency regulations which can be parametrically

absolutely no power De-rating up to 55°C.

set based on the local utility requirements.

DelCEN HV series is having modular architecture with 2

DelCEN HV series are available in 2 variants namely DelCEN

blocks of 1.25MW which ensures no loss of generation

2500HV and DelCEN 2750HV of rating 2.5MW@ 600Vac

in case of 1 block under maintenance. The System Power

and 2.75MW @ 660Vac.

Allocation Algorithm ensures that all modules have same operational duty at any point of time. The state of the art

The Delta Advantage

hardware and software protection features implemented

� No power derating until 55°C.

ensures high reliability of the power core components.

� Night time reactive power up to 1.25MVAR.

DelCEN HV series is capable of reactive power processing

� Relay logic for passive anti PID for extended panel life.

during night time up to 1.25MVAR. The reactive power

� No need of external Auxiliary and UPS power required.

limitation can be preset remotely, hard programmed in HMI or by regulating the Grid voltage (Dynamic Reactive power control). During non-operation, DelCEN HV series features a relay logic to implement passive Anti PID to

� No need of any additional external cooling arrangement. � HMI with remote access, Generation data logging and cloud compliant.

reduce the PID effects on the ungrounded

� Web logging with user interactive data access.

PV Panels. DelCEN HV series facilitates easy integration

� Highest power density smallest foot print in this class

of external SCADA systems using MODBUS TCP/IP

and ease of handling.

communication protocols. DelCEN HV series has a built

� Plug and play design.

in additional Analog and digital input ports for weather station integrations and other sensors like wind, irradiance etc and relay status monitoring which does not call for additional data logging investments to the end user.

DelCEN HV series has built in energy data logger, error log with time stamp, remote and cloud access capability with 8GB storage. The user friendly HMI with touch screen gives full control for the user to access the data and control the

� Additional Analog and digital inputs for external modules interface like weather stations, sensors, VCB and Grid transformer monitoring relays. � Built in climate protection including humidity. � IP 65 (Electronics section)/IP54 � Outdoor unit, no need of inverter room or expensive containers.

IN ORDER TO ENSURE A LONG LIFE TO WITHSTAND HARSH INDIAN CLIMATIC CONDITIONS, DELCEN HV SERIES IS DESIGNED TO HAVE HIGH STRUCTURAL STABILITY, WEATHER RESISTANT, TERMITE PROOF AND WATER PROOF. WITH DILIGENTLY FOLLOWING THE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AND SCHEDULED PARTS REPLACEMENT, DELCEN HV SERIES IS DESIGNED TO HAVE OPERATING LIFE OF 25 YEARS DELIVERING MAXIMUM FEED IN REVENUES AND RETURN OF INVESTMENT TO THE CUSTOMER, THANKS TO ITS LOW MAINTENANCE COSTS AND HOST OF LIFE CYCLE SERVICES OFFERED BY DELTA’S EXTENSIVE REGIONAL SERVICE NETWORK.

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

Solar Solar Quarter Bazaar • September • August 2018 2018 34 34

Featured News MAHINDRA SUSTEN MOBILE PV LAB COMPLETES 1GW IN INDIA India’s first mobile solar photovoltaic (PV) testing lab,

even just to ensure the health and proper functioning of

EL Test: This test gives results similar to X-Ray reports,

designed and developed by Mahindra Susten recently

the PV equipment.

without the use of any radiation. It is used to highlight

completed a milestone 1 GWp of plant testing. Mahindra

The lab, since its launch at the REI Expo 2017, has completed

cell-level faults and micro cracks within the module. The

Susten is part of the $20.7 billion Mahindra Group and

over 1 GWp (1000 MWp) of testing, travelling over 21,000

working principle is that of photo-emission measured by an

one of the largest renewable energy companies in India

kms till date. It is capable of performing all the testing

infrared light-sensitive camera. Infrared Imaging: This is a

with a growing global presence.India’s first mobile solar

required on the Solar PV module at the site. This provides

common but very effective tool, which measures abnormal

photovoltaic (PV) testing lab, designed and developed by

customers with complete peace of mind, no risk of breakage,

thermal behaviour of modules during DC parameter

Mahindra Susten recently completed a milestone 1 GWp of

immediate reports and value for money. Key tests that can

measurements. It is used to find hotspots in modules.

plant testing. Mahindra Susten is part of the $20.7 billion

be performed by this mobile lab include - Flash Tests: Used

The same Thermal Imager can also be used to identify

Mahindra Group and one of the largest renewable energy

to measure the I-V characteristics of PV Module in STC

any loose connections and abnormal behaviour in other

companies in India with a growing global presence.

(Standard Test Conditions) to bring out the degradation

equipment like Combiner Boxes, Inverters, Transformers

The Mobile PV Lab offers revolutionary technology which

results.

and Panels which constitute the Solar PV plant.

is unique in Asia. It is a onestop mobile solution, which allows performance analysis of Solar PV modules, which constitute nearly 70% of the investment for a new Solar PV plant, at the site itself.

The testing procedure used in the lab ensures reliability and repeatability in line with standard procedures, leading to similar or better results than any stationary laboratory.

The lab has been accredited with

ISO/IEC

certification

from

National Board

the

Accreditation for

Testing

Calibration an

17025:2005

and

Laboratories,

autonomous

society

providing recognition for technical during

competence testing

calibration

work.

Mutual

and It

has

Recognition

Arrangements with several organizations

including

the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC), Recognition

Mutual Arrangement

(MRA), and the International Laboratory

Accreditation

Cooperation (ILAC).

The reports generated from the NABL accredited PV labs are at par with the ILAC and

APLAC

certifications

and are accepted in 73 countries.

Results

from

the tests conducted in the Mahindra Susten lab are useful to all stakeholders, be

they

developers,

lenders, manufacturers, EPC companies or even O&M companies, since the results are an important decisionmaking tool in case of warranty claims against PV module manufacturers or

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

Solar Quarter • September 2018 35

Global Outlook HIGHLIGHTS IN MENA’S LEADING SOLAR PV MARKETS This overview provides an outline of the biggest solar markets in the Middle East in 2018. Countries are presented in alphabetical order while the projects listed are focused on the larger-scale deals without intention of being fully exhaustive.

was revised, decreasing the tariff rates while addressing international arbitration. Numerous other solar projects have been approved and will begin development over the next couple of years. � The following are updates to projects being developed

4.1.1 AFGHANISTAN

in the 1.8 GW Benban complex: electrification

1. US$660 million has been approved by the International

rates, Afghanistan relies on energy

Finance Corporation (IFC) for the development of 11

imports. The country is taking

solar plants with a cumulative capacity of 500 MW.

steps to make use of its abundant

2. The European Bank for Reconstruction & Development

� Despite

solar

low

irradiation

to

develop

projects over the coming years.

The country’s renewable-energy policy is targeting 4 to 5 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

POWER PLANT IN THE

� The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC)

be covered by the contractor. Operation of the plant is

issued a 600 MW tender under the new auction scheme,

expected to commence from August 2018 after Afghan

the first tender outside the FiT scheme. Selected projects

national electric utility Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat

will be built under build, own and operate (BOO) policy.

(DABS) and Dynasty signed a 15-year power purchase � Due to Jordan’s heavy reliance on

in capital Kabul’s Surobi district. The project is expected

government’s national energy

to be completed in 18 months after its construction

strategy

contract is signed.

percent of its energy needs from

Afghanistan approved construction of a 30 MW solar PV power plant in the province of Kandahar. Around US$39 million will be invested in developing the project, which is expected to take around two years to complete. � During the latter half of 2017, Afghanistan’s National Procurement Authority issued three tenders for the construction of three hybrid solar-power plants totaling 55.5 MW. The closing date for all three tenders was in October 2017.

As

part

of

its

National

Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP), Bahrain plans to bring 255 MW of PV capacity online by 2025 and 700 MW of PV capacity by 2030. �

Bahrain plans to tender a 100

MW solar-power plant in the first quarter of 2018, using the IPP model. The tender process is expected to be launched in February 2018 while the power plant is expected to be completed in 2019. � Bahrain’s first solar-panel manufacturing and production facility was inaugurated at the start of 2017. The plant is located in the South Alba Industrial Area and has a manufacturing capacity of 60,000 panels per annum, which is equivalent to 15 MW of power.

4.1.3 EGYPT � As

electricity

is

to

imports, generate

the 10

renewable energy sources by 2020. A number of projects were announced in 2017,

prices

are

country is spearheading the development of 1.4 GW of total generation capacity as part of the second round of its FiT scheme. The second round of the FiT program

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

WILL BE INVESTED IN

WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE AROUND TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.

moving toward its clean-energy targets. � In late March 2017, ACWA Power signed a PPA for a 61 MW solar plant in eastern Jordan. The PPA was signed with Jordan’s local utility called National Electric Power Company at a tariff of 5.9 US$ cents per kWh, one of the

BAHRAIN PLANS TO

lowest in the country. � In December 2017, Wärtsilä signed a contract to provide

TENDER A 100 MW SOLAR-

owned via a joint venture between AES Jordan PSC and Mitsui & Co. Construction and is expected to begin in June 2018 and come online in July 2019. � Baynouna, located east of Amman, is a 200 MW solarenergy project that is being developed by Masdar and

POWER PLANT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2018,

Jordan’s National Electric Power Company. The US$260 million project funded by the IFC is expected to be operational in 2019 after its construction began in late

USING THE IPP MODEL.

2017. � Mafraq I and Mafraq II are two independent solar PV plants that will be developed by Fotowatio.

Renewable Ventures (FRV) in Jordan’s Mafraq region. With a combined investment of US$180 million and a total generation capacity of 133.4 MW, the two projects are expected to reach completion by mid-2018. The rates for electric unit generated by Mafraq I and Mafraq II have been declared to be 6.9 and 7.6 US$ cents per kWh respectively, which falls below the average rate of electricity for Jordan. � The Quweira solar power plant, which is a 103 MW

expected to rise in Egypt, the

AROUND US$39 MILLION

showing positive signs that the country is steadily

the EPC services for a 52 MW solar PV plant. The plant is

4.1.2 BAHRAIN �

fossil-fuel

PROVINCE OF KANDAHAR.

DEVELOPING THE PROJECT,

4.1.4 JORDAN

million for the development of a 20 MW solar PV project

� In January 2018, the High Economic Council (HEC) of

APPROVED CONSTRUCTION

3. The African Development Bank (AFDB) also approved a loan of US$55 million for 3 independent solar projects.

US$10 million funding by USAID. The remaining cost will

� Asian Development Bank approved a grant of US$44.76

(HEC) OF AFGHANISTAN

OF A 30 MW SOLAR PV

located at Kandahar by Dynasty Oil & Gas of India, with

agreement (PPA) at a tariff of 7.3 US$ cents per kWh.

HIGH ECONOMIC COUNCIL

(EBRD) approved US$500 million for 13 independent solar plants.

4. Norway´s Scatec Solar signed up the largest number of PPAs for 6 solar projects with a combined capacity of 400 MW at the complex.

� Construction began on a 10 MW solar-power project

IN JANUARY 2018, THE

facility located in the south of Jordan near Aqaba, was constructed by TSK & Enviromena and started injecting power into the grid at the beginning of 2017.

THE TENDER PROCESS IS EXPECTED TO BE LAUNCHED IN FEBRUARY 2018 WHILE THE POWER PLANT IS EXPECTED TO BE

� The Green Corridor project, which is meant to upgrade the electricity grid, is expected to enter service by the end of 2018.

COMPLETED IN 2019.

Credits: MIDDLE EAST SOLAR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION- Solar Outlook Report 2018

Solar Quarter • September 2018 36

Global Outlook GLOBAL TRENDS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT 2018 KEY FINDINGS

photovoltaic project2 dropped to $86 per megawatt-

� A record 157 gigawatts of renewable power1 were commissioned in 2017, up from 143GW in 2016 and far out-stripping the 70GW of net fossil fuel generating

hour, down 15% on a year earlier and 72% since 2009.

Some of this was due to a fall in capital costs, some to improvements in efficiency.

capacity added last year. Solar alone accounted for

� Renewable energy auctions around the world once again

98GW, or 38% of the net new power capacity coming

produced record-low figures for the resulting tariffs. In

on stream during 2017.

Mexico in November, solar contracts were agreed at

� The proportion of world electricity generated by wind, solar, biomass and waste-to-energy, geothermal, marine and small hydro rose from 11% in 2016 to 12.1% in 2017. This corresponds to approximately 1.8 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions avoided.

an average of $20.80 per MWh, and onshore wind at an average of $18.60. A U.K. auction in September saw offshore wind projects for commissioning in 2022-23 win through with bids 50% below the 2015 auction. � Clean energy share prices rose in 2017, by about 28%

� Global investment in renewable energy edged up 2%

on the WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation Index,

in 2017 to $279.8 billion, taking cumulative investment

or NEX. However, this has so far not produced a jump

since 2010 to $2.2 trillion, and since 2004 to $2.9 trillion.

in equity issues by specialist companies. Instead, public

The latest rise in capital outlays took place in a context

markets investment in renewable energy dipped 6% to

of further falls in the costs of wind and solar that made it

$5.7 billion, a five-year low. Venture capital and private

possible to buy megawatts of equipment more cheaply

equity (VC/PE) investment was also weak, fading 33% to

than ever before.

$1.8 billion, the lowest figure since 2005.

� The leading location by far for renewable energy

� One way of interpreting the modest public markets and

investment in 2017 was China, which accounted for

VC/PE activity, and also a record high of $87.2 billion

$126.6 billion, its highest figure ever and no less than

for asset acquisitions and refinancings in 2017, up 14%,

45% of the global total. There was an extraordinary

is that renewable energy has become a mature sector

solar boom in that country in 2017, with some 53GW

increasingly dominated by big industrial players, utilities

installed (more than the whole world market as recently

and institutional investors.

as 2014), and solar investment of $86.5 billion, up 58%. � Renewable energy investment in the U.S. was far below China, at $40.5 billion, down 6%. It was relatively resilient in the face of policy uncertainties, although changing business strategies affected small-scale solar. � Europe suffered a bigger decline, of 36% to $40.9 billion.

� One uncertainty ahead for renewable energy is how investors will take to the coming period in which project revenues have no government price support, and instead depend on private sector power purchase

to $7.6 billion, reflecting an end to subsidies for onshore

Investment).

a drop in investment, of 35% to $10.4 billion, on lower costs per MW for offshore wind, and uncertainty over a shift to auctions for onshore wind. The latter change was also one reason, along with grid connection issues, for a fall in Japanese outlays of 28% to $13.4 billion. � There were sharp increases in renewable energy investment in Australia, of 147% to $8.5 billion, in Mexico, of 810% to $6 billion, and in Sweden, of 127% to $3.7 billion. Just outside the world top 10, investment in Egypt leapt nearly sixfold to $2.6 billion, and that in the United Arab Emirates 29-fold to $2.2 billion. � Developing economies (including China, Brazil and India) committed $177 billion to renewables last year,

MARKETS AND VC/PE ACTIVITY, AND ALSO A RECORD HIGH OF $87.2 BILLION FOR ASSET ACQUISITIONS AND REFINANCINGS IN 2017, UP 14%, IS THAT RENEWABLE ENERGY HAS BECOME A MATURE SECTOR INCREASINGLY DOMINATED

BY BIG INDUSTRIAL PLAYERS, UTILITIES AND INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS.

issue is highlighted in the Executive Summary and in Chapter

auctions for offshore wind projects. Germany also saw

THE MODEST PUBLIC

agreements or even just merchant power prices. This

The biggest reason was a fall of 65% in U.K. Investment wind and utility-scale solar, and a big gap between

ONE WAY OF INTERPRETING

3

(Delivering

� Another potential issue for the sector in the years ahead could be rising interest rates. The recordlow rates of recent years have helped to reduce overall costs per MW, and also attracted new capital from institutional investors

into

the

financing of projects.

Credits: Frankfurt SchoolUNEP Centre/BNEF. 2018.

Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2018,

up 20%, compared to $103 billion for developed countries, down 19%. This was the largest tilt in favor of developing countries yet seen. It was only in 2015 that the developing world first invested more in green energy than developed economies. � In 2017, costs continued to fall for solar, in particular. The benchmark levelized cost of electricity for a utility-scale

1. Excluding large hydro. All renewable energy investment totals in this report also exclude large hydro.

2. Without a tracking system to follow the sun. Systems with tracking have seen similarsized cost reductions.

THE PROPORTION OF WORLD ELECTRICITY GENERATED

BY WIND, SOLAR, BIOMASS AND WASTE-TO-ENERGY, GEOTHERMAL, MARINE AND SMALL HYDRO ROSE FROM 11% IN 2016 TO 12.1% IN 2017. THIS CORRESPONDS TO APPROXIMATELY 1.8 GIGATONNES OF CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS AVOIDED.

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 37

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 38

Featured News MAHARASHTRA’S APPELLATE AUTHORITY SETS 18% AS GST ON SOLAR PROJECTS IN INDIA The Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling ( AAAR )

For the total offered capacity of 500 megawatts, GUVNL had

Maharashtra, on September, upheld the order of the

received bids from 13 project developers willing to develop

AAR that in the case of separate contracts for supply of

over 1,900 megawatts of capacity — an oversubscription of

goods and services for solar power plant, there would be a

nearly four times the tender. Some of the major developers

cumulative consideration as ‘works contract’ and hence the

that have submitted bids include Orange Renewables,

rate of tax would be 18% under IGST and an aggregate of

Eden Renewables, Aditya Birla Renewables, Canadian Solar,

18% of CGST and SGST.

Azure Power, Adani Green Energy, and Tata Power. Some

With electricity kept out of GST, the higher tax rate on solar projects becomes a cost for the producers, inflating the final price of solar power. The safeguard duty on imported solar panels to support domestic industry has added to the

of the major omissions from this list were Acme Solar and largest and most competitive bidders in national level solar

cost of solar projects, are taxed at 5% GST.

from just 30 megawatts to a full bid of 500 megawatts,

Solar panels, which constitute 60-70% of the cost of solar projects, are taxed at 5% GST. Maharashtra’s appellate authority for advance ruling (AAAR) on 5 September set 18% as GST on solar projects, endorsing an earlier ruling by the state-level authority for advance ruling (AAR) and dismissing solar developers’ demand to be taxed at a lower 5%. Previously, the AAR in Rajasthan too had declared 18% as the GST rate for solar projects.

RESULTS: ADITYA BIRLA, GIRIRAJ RENEWABLES LOWEST BIDDERS IN 500MW GUJARAT TENDER AT 2.44 PER UNIT For the total offered capacity of 500 megawatts, GUVNL had received bids from 13 project developers willing to develop over 1,900 megawatts of capacity — an oversubscription of nearly four times the tender. Some of the major developers that have submitted bids include Orange Renewables, Eden Renewables, Aditya Birla Renewables, Canadian Solar, Azure Power, Adani Green Energy, and Tata Power. Some of the major omissions from this list were Acme Solar and SB Energy — both these companies have been among the largest and most competitive bidders in national level solar power tenders.

The initial offers to set up capacity under this tender varied from just 30 megawatts to a full bid of 500 megawatts,

by Azure Power.Against the total offered capacity of 500 megawatts, GUVNL had received bids from 13 project developers willing to develop over 1,900 megawatts of capacity — an oversubscription of nearly four times the tender. Some of the major developers that have submitted

by Azure Power.Against the total offered capacity of 500 megawatts, GUVNL had received bids from 13 project developers willing to develop over 1,900 megawatts of capacity — an oversubscription of nearly four times the bids include Orange Renewables, Eden Renewables, Aditya Green Energy, and Tata Power.

300

Azure Power India Pvt Ltd

2.45

500

Adani Green Energy Ltd

2.49

200

UPC Solar India Pvt Ltd

2.55

50

Fortum Solar Plus Pvt Ltd

2.63

100

Feynman Solarfarms

2.79

250

Tata Power Renewable Energy

2.85

50

Kalthia Engg & Construction Ltd

2.88

50

Reserve Price

2.7

been among the largest and most competitive bidders

in

national

level

solar

power

tenders.

The

initial offers to set up capacity under

this

tender

varied

from

just

30

megawatts to a full bid of 500 megawatts,

by

Azure Power.

It is interesting to

note

that

GUVNL has retendered

this

capacity

after

first completing an

auction

of

Some of the major omissions from this list were Acme Solar

cancelling

and SB Energy — both these companies have been among

same.

the largest and most competitive bidders in national level

GUVNL

solar power tenders. The initial offers to set up capacity

not specify any

under this tender varied from just 30 megawatts to a full

reasons for the

bid of 500 megawatts, by Azure Power.

cancellation

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2.44

companies have

year, and then

bids quoted by developers to be too high.

Giriraj Renewables Pvt Ltd

— both these

in February this

the auction, it is widely believed GUVNL found the tariff

100

and SB Energy

Green Energy, and Tata Power.

GUVNL did not specify any reasons for the cancellation of

2.44

Some of the major omissions from this list were Acme Solar

500 megawatts

in February this year, and then cancelling the same. While

Aditya Birla Renewables Pvt Ltd

Birla Renewables, Canadian Solar, Azure Power, Adani

Birla Renewables, Canadian Solar, Azure Power, Adani

capacity after first completing an auction of 500 megawatts

MW

tender. Some of the major developers that have submitted

bids include Orange Renewables, Eden Renewables, Aditya

It is interesting to note that GUVNL has re-tendered this

kWh

power tenders.

The initial offers to set up capacity under this tender varied

support domestic industry has added to the uncertainty.

INR/

SB Energy — both these companies have been among the

uncertainty. Solar panels, which constitute 60-70% of the

Also, the safeguard duty on imported solar panels to

Company Name

the While did

of

the auction, it is widely believed GUVNL

found

the tariff bids quoted

by

developers

to

be too high.

Solar Quarter • September 2018 39

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 40

Infographics

IDENTIFY SOLAR PROBLEMS THERMALLY

FLIR thermal camera helps to: • Prevent failure before it happens • Increase revenue • Increase lifetime & functionality of solar panels The FLIR T640 thermal imaging camera is the perfect tool for solar panel inspections.

This hot spot within one solar cell indicates physical damage within the cell.

With thermal imaging complete panels can be inspected in one view. Anomalies in the solar panels clearly show up in these thermal images

Images for illustrative purposes only.

Quality assurance and failure-free operation of the solar panels is a prerequisite for efficient power generation, long life, and a high return on the investment. To ensure this failure free operation, FLIR offers a fast, simple and reliable method to evaluate a solar panel’s performance during the production process and after the panel installation. FLIR thermal imaging cameras help scanning solar panels during normal operation and detect anomalies quickly within a short time frame.

For more details, please call us on: +91-11-4560 3555 or write to us at flirindia@flir.com.hk FLIR Systems India Pvt. Ltd. 1111, D Mall, Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura, New Delhi – 110034 | Fax: +91-11-4721 2006

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08/08/18 5:51 PM

Solar Quarter • September 2018 41

Infographics

A Hi -Tech Business Platform For Indian / Nepal Solar - LED & Battery Industry

Solar Electric Manufacturers` Association Nepal

Event Management Partner

.in

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DN Event

Solar Quarter • September 2018 42

Infographics

Hybrid Solar PV String Inverters

Three ways of charging by Grid, SOLAR, Grid + SOLAR at the same time

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.

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> 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.

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MPPT solar charge controller & AC Charger

Configurable for Grid or Solar priority output.

Soft-start function reduces sparks at battery terminals.

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Performance monitoring - 4.3” Coloured LCD display.

In-Built protection functions.

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 43

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 44

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Solar Quarter • September 2018 45