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Josef Ceo Centrotherm and module GmbH Mitigating Project RiskHaase, and Uncertainty for cell Bankable Solar Project Assessment How to make National Solar Mission a success? Udayadittya Shome, Juwi India Biomass A Sustainable Renewable Energy Source for India
Industry feedback to NVVN II batch phase I of JNNSM Solar Pioneers in India : AIC Solarof Projects O ff-grid solar PV: Opportunities & barriers Photovoltaic Safety and Performance Standards in a Global Vagish Sharma, Indo-US Science & Tech. Forum Market: the Challenge for Backsheet Manufacturers
Meyer Burger Technology Ltd Represented in India by: Meyer Burger India Private Ltd info@meyerburger.in / www.meyerburger.com
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EDITORIAL
Dear Readers, Energetica India welcomes you to the last issue of 2011. The Indian solar industry has seen applications to Batch II of Phase I of JNNSM reaching 2500MW for a 350MW plan. The industry in the rst batch saw an average FIT of Rs.11.50; it will be interesting to see how far lower we reach in this reverse bidding. The short-listed names to initiate reverse bidding are expected to be released soon. Our last issue had an article summarizing the guidelines of Batch II of Phase I and in this issue we highlight the industry reaction to the new guidelines. We welcome our readers to share their feedback with us on the renewable energy policies so that we, together, can make the government aware of the industry requirements. We are also pleased to let you know that we have looked at the solar market in India and globally through interviews with some leading solar professionals. We are sure the solar enthusiasts will nd the analysis quite interesting. On the wind side, we recently saw Mr.Tanti, Chairman Suzlon Energy speaking on how wind turbine manufacturers are facing decreasing margins. The same was repeated by Vestas and Gamesa heads in Europe. The challenges include decreasing subsidies and growth of Chinese companies. Meanwhile on the home front, Karnataka is now an emerging hot destination for investments in wind energy space. The State has an estimated potential of ~8500MW with realisation of ~1500MW as of 2010. The reasons for the attraction to the State include favourable policies and the trouble being faced by wind investors in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, The Food and Agriculture Organization has asked the government to relook at the subsidies for biofuel. The Organization is of the opinion that the impact of diversion of traditional foods for biofuel is hurting the country. Energetica India will study the Indian biofuel policy in our next issue (Jan/Feb 2012) and we invite industry professionals for feedback and suggestions on this. On the conventional power generation side, the coal shortage problem does not seem to be resolved soon. This combined with lower merchant tariffs and rising interest rates is hurting power generating companies. Thermal power plants in the country seem to be running at a much lower PLF as compared to PLFs in 2010 and early 2011. Energetica India has covered other energy initiatives in the country such as green building and biogas. We look at continuously bringing new concepts and new industry news to our readers. Energetica India has, as always, been associated with the main renewable energy events in the country: The 2nd Annual Power Project Financing Conference in Mumbai from 2nd-4th November, International Congress on Renewable Energy (ICORE) 2011 at Assam from 2nd-4th November, Solarcon at Hyderabad from 9th-12th November, Renewtech India 2011 from 10-12th November and the 17th Technology Summit and Technology Platform for Indian & Spanish companies from 22nd-23rd November in New Delhi. Some of the upcoming events where we will be pleased to meet you are The Energy Expo 2011 from 1st-3rd December at Ahmedabad, and InterSolar from 13th-16th December in Mumbai. Wishing you a Very Happy 2012 and we look forward to receiving the same support and encouragement from our readers as always.
2011 Omnimedia SL
EDITOR EUGENIO PREZ DE LEMA eugenio@energetica-india.net DIRECTOR GISELA BHL gisela@energetica-india.net PR DIRECTOR ANDREW CALLAWAY andrew@energetica-india.net INDIA DIRECTOR SALES CHINTAN VALIA chintan.valia@energetica-india.net JOURNALIST BHARAT VASANDANI journalist@energetica-india.net CONSULTING EDITOR P . K. PATNAIK SPAIN ALVARO LPEZ ala@energetica-india.net GERMANY, AUSTRIA & SWITZERLAND ERHARDT EISENACHER info@eisenacher-medien.de USA & CANADA AVANI MEDIA, INC. LESLIE HALLANAN leslie@avanimedia.com FINANCIAL DIRECTOR CARLOS FERNNDEZ carlos.f@energetica-india.net SUBSCRIPTIONS BELA ANGELOVA administracion@grupo-omnimedia.com Layout & Design DANIEL CONEJERO contras-t.com The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. The magazine and all of the text and images contained therein are protected by copyright. If you would like to use an article from Energetica India or our website www.energetica-india.net you may obtain the rights by calling OMNIMEDIA, S.L.
CONTENTS
Editorial Take advice Energy News Products Service Guide BIOFUELS Biogas A boon for India Chandra Kumar Sharma, Design consultant & certified energy advisor, Consulting Engineers Biogas and its use as vehicle fuel Dr. Anil Kurchania, Renewable energy advisor COMPANY PROFILE Gamesa EVENTS Solarcon 2011, Hyderabad, India GREEN BUILDING Green Building - The basic principles Sandeep Goswami, COO, Fountainhead 2 Clean tech India Pvt. Ltd. INTERVIEW
Interview - Dr. Josef Ceo Centrotherm and module GmbH Mitigating Project RiskHaase, and Uncertainty for cell Bankable Solar Project Assessment How to make National Solar Mission a success? Udayadittya Shome, Juwi India Biomass A Sustainable Renewable Energy Source for India Industry feedback to NVVN II batch phase I of JNNSM Solar Pioneers in India : AIC Solarof Projects Off-grid solar PV: Opportunities & barriers Photovoltaic Safety and Performance Standards in a Global Vagish Sharma, Indo-US Science & Tech. Forum Market: the Challenge for Backsheet Manufacturers
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Dr. Josef Haase, Ceo Centrotherm cell and module GmbH Inderpreet Wadhwa, Ceo Azure Power RENEWABLE ENERGY Trade in energy and environmental goods and services: where are we heading? Anandajit Goswami, Associate fellow TERI Indias performance in renewable energy Bharat Vasandani, Energetica India SOLAR POWER How to make National Solar Mission a success? Udayadittya Shome, Vice President- Marketing Sales, Juwi India Renewable Energies Pvt. Ltd. Mitigation of risk and uncertainties in solar irradiation data associated with MW scale PV plants Cesar Hidalgo, Global head of Solar, GL Garrad Hassan Optimum system monitoring for maximum efficiency Wolfgang Hink, Fronius Strike action Tony Garlinde-Warren, Senior applications engineer, Cooper Bussmann Structured glass: more efficiency, more yield Frank Hilgenfeld, Head of communication, EMMVEE Photovoltaics GmbH Solar thermal technology and its off-grid applications Prf. S.B. Kedare, Director, Clique developments Ltd. Industry feedback to NVVN II batch of phase I of JNNSM Bharat Vasandani, Energetica India Off-grid solar PV: Opportunities & barriers Vagish Sharma, Program officer, Indo-US Science & Technology Forum
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COVER
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Solivia , Solar Inverters for India from Delta Long life. Maximum energy harvest. Easy installation. Phone: +91 (0) 80 67164777 (Extn 5284) Sales Email: sales.india@solar-inverter.com
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Sun Switch inverter and controller C. Sundar, Key account manager, The Switch 42-43 46-47 35-36 52-53 48-50 30-31 32-34
Suntech's Global Headquarters is powered by one of the world's largest solar faades.
Technology, its what drives an unlimited future. With the industry leading investment in research and development, Suntech believes the future for solar is unlimited. And today, anyone can harness the sun's unlimited power. As the world's largest producer of solar panels, Suntech has delivered more than 15,000,000 solar panels, more than 3,300MW, to thousands of partners in more than 80 countries. A green future starts today! www.suntech-power.com
2011 Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
TAKEADVICE
INTER SOLAR INDIA 2011 Date: 13-16 December 2011 Place: Mumbai, India Organiser: Messe Mnchen International, Solar Promotion International GmbH, Freiburg Management and Marketing International GmbH (FMMI) Email: brijesh.nair(at)mmi-india.in Tel: +91 22 4255 4707 Web: http://www.intersolar.in/en/ intersolar-india.html ELECRAMA 2012 Date: 18-22 January 2012 Place: Mumbai, India Organiser: Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA) Tel: +91-22-2498 4226/ 4227 E-mail: mumbai@ieema.org Web: http://www.elecrama.com/ elecrama2012/Index.aspx ENERTECH WORLD EXPO Date: 8-11 February 2012 Place: Mumbai, India Organiser: Chemtech Foundation Tel: +(91)-(22)-22874758 Email: Conferences@jasubhai.com Web: http://www.chemtechonline.com/ INTERNATIONAL POWER TRANSMISSION EXPO Date: 9-11 February 2012 Place: Mumbai, India Organiser: Virgo Communications And Exhibitions Pvt Ltd Tel: +(91)-(80)25567028/25567029 Email: info@virgo-comm.com Web: http://www.virgo-comm. com/
ENERGY TECH and ENVIRO-TECH INDIA 2012, Date: 10-12 February 2012 Place: New Delhi, India Organiser: India Trade Promotion Organization Email: info@itpo-online.com Tel: +91 11 2337 1492/93 Web: http://www.indiatradefair. com
Date: 29 February-02 March- 2012 Place: Valencia- Spain Organiser: Five Continents Exhibitions / Feria Valencia Tel: + 0034 91630 8591 E-mail: eugenio@egeticaexpoenergetica.com Web: www.egeticaexpoenergetica.com
NOVABUILD 2012 Date: 29 February-02 March2012 Place: Valencia- Spain Organiser: Five Continents Exhibitions / Feria Valencia Tel: + 0034 91630 8591 E-mail: eugenio@egeticaexpoenergetica.com Web: www.novabuild.es
India ReneWaBle Energy InvestMent SUMMit Date:8-9th December 2011 Place: Mumbai, India Organiser: Noppen Tel: + 8621 6085 1000 E-mail: nikkik@noppen.com.cn Web: http://www. indiareinvestment.com/
PoWer-Gen India and Central Asia Date:19-21 April 2012 Place:New Delhi, India Organiser: PennWell & Inter Ads Exhibitions Tel: +91 124 452 4508 E-mail: avnish-seth@interadsindia. com Web: http://www.power-genindia. com/index.html
Investor ForUM 2011 Date:12 December 2011 Place: Mumbai, India Organiser: World Resource Institute E-mail: investorforum. newventures@regainparadise.org Web: http://www. investorforumindia.org/index.html
EPC Sphere NeW Delhi Date:17-18 February 2012 Place: New Delhi, India Organiser: Cerebral Business Tel: +91 11 3190 9988 E-mail: info@cerebralbusiness.com Web: http://www. cerebralbusiness.com/index.asp
PoWer Vision Conclave 20112012 Date:16 December 2011 Place: New Delhi, India Organiser: Dainik Bhaskar Group Tel: +91 96549 70020 E-mail: vg.abhijeet@bhaskarnet. com Web: http://dbpowervision.com/ conclave_2011_2012
The CarBon CongressEPC Sphere NeW Delhi Date:19-20 December 2011 Place:New Delhi, India Organiser: Cerebral Business Tel: +91 78298 24340 E-mail: info@cinbcorp.com Web: http://www.cinbcorp.com/ carboncongress.html
World FUtUre Energy SUMMit 2012 Date:16-19 January 2012 Place:Abu Dhabi Organiser: Reed Exhibitions Tel: +91 22 67716615 E-mail: sachin.jadhav@reedexpo. co.uk Web: http://www. worldfutureenergysummit.com/ Portal/home.aspx
2nd Inverter and PV SysteM Technology ForUM Date: 23 - 24 January 2012 Place: Berlin, Germany Organizer Solarpraxis Phone +49 (0)30 72 62 96-304 Email miriam.hegner@solarpraxis.de Web. http://www.solarpraxis.de/ en/conferences/2nd-inverter-andpv-system-technology/generalinformation/
Solar EXpo PV Korea Date: 15 17 February 2012 Seoul, Korea Organizer: Inter PV Phone +82 2 718 6931 Email interexpo@infothe.com Web http://www.exposolar. org/2012/
2nd India Solar Energy SUMMit 2012 Date:23-24 February 2012 Place:New Delhi, India Organiser: Noppen Tel: + 8621 6085 1000 E-mail: nikkik@noppen.com.cn Web: http://www. indiareinvestment.com/
Energy EXpo 2011 Date:1-3 December 2012 Place:Ahmedabad, India Organiser: CII Tel: 91 22 24931790 E-mail: romaldine.ayire@cii.in Web: http://www.energyexpo.biz/
WindPro 2012 Date:5-7 February 2012 Place: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India Organiser: Indian Wind Power Assocation Tel: 044 - 4550 4036 . E-mail: acno@windpro.org Web: http://www.windpro.org/ index.htm#
World PetroCoal Congress 2012 Date:15-17 February 2012 Place: New Delhi, India Organiser: Energy and Environment Foundation Tel: : +91 9971500028 E-mail: dranilgarg2011@gmail. com Web: http://www.worldpetrocoal. com/index.html
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energtica india
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News
Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Mr Suresh Prabhu along with Key Industry Leaders celebrate ITP Groups 30th Anniversary
Leading international energy consultancy, ITP Group hosted its 30th anniversary celebrations at the British High Commissioners residence on 21st October 2011. The event featured addresses by Dr. Farooq Abdullah Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, who was the Chief Guest of the event, Sir Richard Stagg, KCMG, CMG
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British High Commissioner, Tulsi Tanti, Chairman and Managing Director, Suzlon Energy Limited, Bernard McNelis, co-founder and Joint MD of ITP Group and Chandrasekar R, Group CEO, ITP Group. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Chandrasekar R Group CEO, ITP Group, said ITP group is a pioneer in the industry with a focus on sustainable development and growth. The In-
dian ofce of ITP was started in 1997 and has worked on multiple projects in the renewable energy and climate change space. ITP India is the recipient of the prestigious Ashden Awards, also known as the Green Oscars, for a project undertaken in Uttaranchal for the enhancement of the areas watermills. Unlike other consulting rms, ITP group not only provides advice but also implements the advice on behalf of its clients ITPs celebration was co-hosted by Sir Richard Stagg KCMG, CMG - British High Commissioner, who said, It is a privilege for the UK government to have ITP celebrating their 30th anniversary in Delhi and in many ways the company has been ahead of the curve in preparing for the world in which energy became scarce and the impact of climate change became clear. Congratulating ITP Group on completing 30 years, Chief Guest, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said Many islands will disappear if we dont act quickly, Maldives will just be a name. All of us have to act, not only India, but the whole world has to act gradually and forcefully to reduce carbon emissions. In keeping with the companys 30th anniversary theme, ITP also hosted a panel discussion titled Forecast 2030: The future of renewable energy over the next two decades. The pan-
el discussion saw distinguished industry leaders from the government and corporate sector discussing the future of renewable energy and the panelists included: Mr. Chandrasekar R, Group CEO, ITP Group; Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Former Union Cabinet Minister, Dr. S. P. Gon Chaudhuri, Advisor Energy, Government of West Bengal, Mr. K Subramanya, CEO, Tata BP Solar, Mr. Sumant Sinha, Chairman and CEO, ReNew Wind Power and Mr. Owen Jenkins, Counsellor, Climate Change and Energy, British High Commission. The main purpose of the panel discussion was to address the key opportunities and challenges that faced the industry as it continues to grow and the policy framework that needs to support its growth. The panel discussion provided immense insight on how the industry will shape up in the years to come and provided incisive talking points that left many with food for thought. Mr. Chandrasekar also used this occasion to relaunch the brand of ITP Group. ITP Group, which was till now known as IT Power, has been a leader in the eld of sustainable development for the past 30 years. It is one of the oldest and the most reputed consulting rms and provides complete solutions in the eld of climate change, renewable energy and energy efciency.
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Energetica News
Not Applicable
Levelized tariff for solar thermal power plants, 29 January 2012 to 31 March, 2015. Levelized Tariff With accelerated depreciation 12.32 per kWh for 25 years Without accelerated depreciation 13.00 per kWh for 25 years Phased Tariff 14.00 per kWh 7 .00 per kWh 14.68 per kWh 7 .68 per kWh Period for rst 12 yrs for next 13 yrs for rst 12 yrs for next 13 yrs
termined within the scope of the discussion paper. No cross-subsidy surcharges would be levied in case of third-party sale by the Solar Power Projects. The Intra-state ABT order will not be applicable to solar power generation projects. Considering the nature of solar energy, all solar energy power plants will be considered as must-run facilities, and the power generated from such power plants will be kept out
from the merit order dispatch principles. In order to promote KW scale rooftop solar projects, no wheeling charges shall apply for wheeling of power generated by rooftop power projects as such projects decrease the transmission and distribution losses for the utility, and increase the efciency of the grid. The proposed new tariff will be helpful to encourage generation of solar based electricity which is of renewable
nature and will facilitate to reduce requirement of fossil fuel and also helpful on sustainable development. It will also enable distributed generation which will helpful in reduction of losses in local area and also provide job opportunities and development of personnel in the eld of solar based power generation and operation and maintenance of it. The discussion paper is available on the website of the Commission www.gercin.org
Joint Venture Agreement for setting up Nuclear Power Plants across India
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) and National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO) has entered into a Joint Venture Agreement for setting up nuclear power plants across the country. The agreement was signed by Dr. S. K. Jain, Chairman &
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Managing Director, NPCIL and Shri B. L. Bagra, Chairman cum Managing Director, NALCO, at Mumbai. NALCO is a Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Administrative control of Ministry of Mines, Government of India which has expe-
rience of more than 25 years in Mining, Alumina Rening, Power Generation and Aluminum Smelting. NALCO has a vision to become an integrated energy and metal company. NPCIL is a wholly-owned enterprise of the Government
of India under the Department of Atomic Energy for setting up nuclear power plants in India. Presently, NPCIL operates 20 nuclear reactors with a total installed capacity of 4780 MW and six reactors with 4800 MW capacity are under construction.
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Energetica News
CREDAI Joins Hands with ADaRSH to Promote Green Buildings in India under the GRIHA Rating System
In an endeavor to strengthen the green building movement in India and promotion of GRIHA with the members and associates of CREDAI, the Association for Development and Research on Sustainable Habitats (ADaRSH) and Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India (CREDAI) signed a memorandum of understanding in New Delhi declaring that both shall cross-market & facilitate wherever appropriate, each others services to promote and accept the GRIHA Rating system as the reference standard for determining incentives, educating and promoting green buildings in India. Both CREDAI and ADaRSH would jointly approach municipal bodies to come up with incentives for green buildings and accept GRIHA as the reference standard for determining the incentives. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has already set an example by announcing mandatory compliance of their future government projects with GRIHA, and soon other municipal bodies are also expected to join the movement. GRIHA - (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) is Indias national rating system for sustainable habitats. It is an indigenous system designed and developed by the MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) in collaboration with TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute). ADaRSH has trained over 10,000 professionals, students, and government ofcials in various capacities on green habitats in the Indian context. ADaRSH rmly believes in equipping professionals and the real estate industry with the requisite skills to design and build sustainable habitats, such that dependency on a handful of green building professionals is minimized. ADaRSH- (Association for Development and Research of Sustainable Habitats) is an independent society, registered under the Societies Act, 1860 for the interaction on scientic and administrative issues related to sustainable habitats in the Indian context. It was founded jointly by MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India) and TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi) along with a handful of experts in the elds related to sustainability of built environment from across the country. ADaRSH promotes GRIHA The National Rating System (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) as a design and evaluation tool for green buildings and habitats.
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Energetica News Freudenberg Group enters the Indian wind energy market
The Freudenberg Group, a 5.4 billion Euros family company offering its customers technically challenging product solutions and services enters the fast growing Indian wind energy market with high-tech solutions from across the various operating companies in the group. The Indian wind energy sectors current installed capacity is over 14,150 MW (as on March 31, 2011) which makes it the 5th largest market in the world. With on-shore utilization of wind energy for electricity generation estimated at 65,000 MW, India is clearly the market of the future. The Group plans to leverage its global leadership in the space where nearly every second wind turbine in the world features a seal product from Freudenberg. Suzlon Energy, the 5th largest wind turbine manufacturer globally and operator of the largest wind park in the world (of 584 MW in the Western Ghats of the state of Tamil Nadu) already is a customer of Freudenberg. Companies like Simrit and Klber offer tailor-made seal and specialty lubricant solutions under the Lube & Seal brand. This combination gives us a clear competitive edge. We have the competence needed for harmonized solutions within the Freudenberg Group, said Michael Littig, Director- Sales, Simrit Energy Europe. Introduction of Ventoguard: The adverse environmental conditions hinder the capacity of the seal and lubricant in the long run. In order to overcome this impediment, materials scientists at Freudenberg Seals and Vibration Control Technology have developed a high performance material Venenergetica india
toguard that features greater temperature and ozone resistance, ensuring a longer service life. Ventoguard materials lower the minimum temperature from minus 30 to minus 40 degrees, signicantly extending the range of applications, especially with respect to different locations and extreme temperature conditions. Another advantage is that the relaxation behavior of the material has been signicantly improved which is important for effective sealing in the long term and in turn offers cost benets. Introduction of a new series of release agents: Besides tailor made seals and lubricants from Simrit and Klber, Chem-Trend, part of the Freudenberg Group, has developed a new series of release agents that offer outstanding performance when removing rotor blades from the mold. Wind turbine rotor blades play a signicant role in energy efciency. The design and shape of the blades have been optimized to meet steadily growing requirements for improved aerodynamics and the highest possible energy yields. Rotor blades are molded from a wide range of composite materials. With special release agents from Chem-Trend, it is easier to release the blades from the mold without damaging them, which was a cause of concern with regard to energy efciency. Furthermore products from Freudenberg Nonwovens are used for composites (FRP) which are suited for surface protection and as core material in products such as pipes, tanks, container boards, facade panels, skis, surfboards, boats and even rotor blades for wind power stations.
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SUNGEN, one of the leading manufacturers of amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin lm solar panel, has announced increase in production capacity from current 150MW to 1GW by 2013. By 2012, SUNGEN will offer tandem modules with a-Si as a top cell and c-Si as a bottom cell which can produce up to 160W per module. The a-Si top cell converts the visible lights into electricity while the bottom cell converts the infra red component of the solar spectrum into electricity. SUNGENs solar panels have been installed in Eu-
rope (e.g. Germany, Spain, Italy), Australia (e.g. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) and the United States of America etc. All SUNGEN solar panels are produced under strictly-controlled procedures to ensure the highest level of quality, and full compliance with the international standards. SUNGEN solar panels are certied according to the EN/ IEC61646, EN/IEC61215, EN/IEC61730 and UL 1703 standards through TV Rheinland, TV InterCert and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. You can nd them at booth 1968.
Spanish EPC Maetel redoubles interest to enter in the Indian PV Market, visit them at Intersolar India booth 2032
Maetel the industrial division of ACS Group is looking for 5MW photovoltaic projects and higher. Eugenio Perez de Lema, CEO of Omnimedia and owner of Energetica India represents Maetel in India. The business development division within Spanish Omnimedia Group has extended an agreement with Maetel, a major Spanish EPC/O&M company and industrial division of the ACS Group, for its representation in India. Applying Omnimedias expertise as professionals and generating synergies through its market knowledge, Omnimedia is scouting the Indian market for EPC contracts in the photovoltaic solar sector.Mr Eugenio Perez de Lema, head of Omnimedia and representative for Maetel in India, conrmed that the Spanish EPC company is looking for solar projects in an advanced stage in the Indian market with a minimum of 5 MW.
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Energetica News
tor that complements our existing portfolio, the demand for electricity in India is estimated to grow at an annual rate of 8%, driving heavy investment on developing renewable energy. We see an excellent opportunity to leverage our international network to drive more international visitors and exhibitors to the event The annually held series of Renewable Energy India Expos have received global industry recognition and are Asias largest and premium event on the renewable sector. With a modest beginning of 600 sqm in 2007, the show is expected to touch exponential height of over 12,500 sqm net display space during the forthcoming edition. We are happy to transfer this exposition to UBM India. When they approached us, we were fully aware of their track record in delivering excellent experiences for both exhibitors and visitors at their exhibitions in India and across the globe. We knew we could trust them to maintain the quality of the event our team has worked so hard to build said Mr Prem Behl, Chairman, Exhibitions India Pvt Ltd. With the event, the core team led by Rajneesh Khattar, the new Project Director will also join the UBM India group. Upbeat about the association of Renewable Energy India Expos with the UBM India, the team foresees manifold growth of the event and hopes to bring more value addition to the participants.
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Energetica News
REpower to supply 140 MW for its rst wind farm in Pennsylvania, USA
REpower Systems SE whollyowned subsidiary of Suzlon Group has concluded a contract with EverPower for the delivery of a total of 68 wind turbines. REpower MM92 type turbines are destined for the Twin Ridges wind project in Somerset County, north of the Maryland-Pennsylvania border. It will be REpowers rst project in Pennsylvania. After its completion, the wind farm will generate a total output of nearly 140 megawatts (MW). REpowers MM92 turbines have a rated power of 2.05 megawatts (MW) and a hub height of either 80 or 100 metres each. The project will be a mixture of both hub heights. When complete, it will provide enough clean, renewable energy to power more than 38,000 homes and bring signicant economic benets to the region. Tulsi R Tanti, founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Suzlon Group said: This order underscores the Groups strong presence in the North American wind market. It also conrms the Groups ability to meet diverse market needs with a comprehensive product portfolio. I am very pleased with the partnership and am certain this will result in a successful project. We are very pleased to partner once again, said Jim Spencer, president and CEO of EverPower Wind Holdings, Inc. We are impressed with the efciency and potential production the MM 92 turbines will provide. They are ideal for the wind resources found in the region. Twin Ridges is the second project between EverPower and REpower. The companies are nalizing their rst project together at the 25 turbine Howard wind farm in New York State. Andreas Nauen, Chief Executive Ofcer (CEO) of REpower Systems SE, points out: Regarding the number of turbines this is one of the largest single orders for REpower. We appreciate the condence our US customers place in us, and we are delighted after only just signing our rst Alaskan contract to be now also delivering turbines to Pennsylvania. Commissioning of the wind farm is scheduled for FY13.
India and British Columbia to extend cooperation in the eld of renewable energy
Ms. Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia, Canada met recently Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy in New Delhi and held detailed discussions on Cooperation between India and British Columbia in the eld of Renewable Energy. Both the Ministers were accompanied by High Level Delegations. Dr. Farooq Abdullah gave an overview of the progress made by India in different elds of Renewable Energy. It was observed that India has already signed an Umbrella Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Canada in the eld of Energy including Renewable Energy and it was agreed the two sides would explore Cooperation between Institutions of repute of India and British Columbia in identied elds. Fuel Cells, Storage batteries, Bio-Energy and Small Hydro Programs were identied as possible areas of Cooperation. British Columbia side informed that they are holding a Global Conference in Energy on 12-15 March, 2012 and requested India to depute a delegation to this Con-
ference where Renewable Energy will be one of the focus areas of Cooperation. India agreed to explore the
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Energetica News
Green Infra Ltd commissions its rst 10MW solar photovoltaic power plant in Gujarats Rajkot District
Green Infra Limited (GIL), a leading renewable energy-focused power generation company sponsored by IDFC Private Equity, has commissioned its rst 10 MW solar photovoltaic power plant in Gujarats Rajkot district. This is the rst and the fastest solar plant to be commissioned under the second phase of Gujarats solar policy. Speaking on this event, Shiv Nimbargi, MD & CEO of Green Infra, said: The commissioning of our solar plant ahead of schedule underscores Green Infras exceptional execution capabilities. This solar PV plant is expected to generate 16 million units of energy annually, supplying electricity to over 4,000 homes and saving 12,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. We are delighted to launch our rst solar project in the state of Gujarat where farsighted policies on renewable energy are making projects such as ours extremely compelling. On this important occasion, we wish to extend our special thanks to the Gujarat government, equipment suppliers and nanciers who have made this project possible. With the commissioning of this plant, Green Infras operating capacity now stands at 174 MW. The company is on track to implement an additional 150 MW by the end of this nancial year, with a longer term plan to reach total generating capacity of 3,000 MW by 2015 across several renewable energy sectors.
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Energetica News
800 kV line. This technology will make it possible to evacuate large amount of electric power from distant generating stations to load centers by interconnecting regional
grids. The new 1200 kV system will need less than half the space used by the existing 800 kV system with fewer numbers of lines for transmitting the same power, thus
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Energetica News Emmvee (booth 1528) heads for Mumbais Intersolar with two new product ranges
Emmvee is all set to participate in the last trade show for this year; the Intersolar India 2011. The show will be held from 1416th December at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. The company will present its two pillars of production: photovoltaic modules and solar thermal systems. Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Private Limited will display its new photovoltaic modules Black Pearl, Diamond (mono), Diamond (poly), Sapphire with structured glass. Structured glass allows an increased light input into the module and an additional light trap, resulting in an increase in yield of at least by 3% per year. Emmvee was the rst company to use this kind of front glass. Emmvee will also display Crystal, Custom and its OffGrid range in the event. Emmvee Solar Systems Private Limited will display Solarizer Supreme which is equipped with a glass enamelled tank. EMMVEE is the only manufacturer of glass enamel coated tanks of sizes varying from 100 to 3000 litres for solar water heating systems in India. The life time of a glass enamelled tank is simply higher when compared to stainless steel tanks. The additional layer of glass enamel on the steel layer increases the strength of the tank, the resistivity against corrosion and guarantees a highly hygienic water quality for a long time. Emmvee Solar Systems recently opened a new ofce in Pune in Maharashtra. The Pune ofce will primarily focus on the sales in the western region. In its new ofce, Emmvee will put all solar systems on display. The latest
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success story of Emmvee Solar comes from the Temple City of Indiawhere they have installed a unit of renewable hybrid, a combination of solar and wind power to boost the BTS Sites of BSNL. Emmvee won a tender with an ingenious solution, combining the best of two worlds: solar power and wind energy. The combination of both energy sources guarantees power even if one source is temporarily not available, for example at night time, when there is no sun. There are some 40 Emmvee modules, with a capacity of 10 kWp with an additional wind generated 5.1 kW. That is ample power to run the applications of the telecom provider. The plant was commissioned on 29th September 2011and is operating successfully. The installation runs AEG inverters. It is another step to a reliable, yet environmentally friendly energy policy of the State of Orissa. The remarkable feature of the installed modules is the usage of structured glass. The so called Albarino P catches more light and utilizes a light trap, thus increasing the yield by at least three per cent. The company with headquarters in Bengaluru was the rst to use this kind of glass. A number of MW installations all over the world shows: it pays off. Emmvee also relies on German components in order to ensure long lasting maximum efciency and yield. In a photovoltaic module every detail counts. We have always relied on components from renowned companies with a track record of quality, says D. V. Manjunatha, founder and managing director of Emmvee.
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Energetica News
UK Climate Change minister visits Suzlon One Earth targeting future Offshore Cooperation
During his Indian visit Gregory Barker MP, UK Minister of State for Climate Change, on Wednesday visited One Earth, headquarters of the Suzlon Group and the greenest facility of its kind in the world. The visit is part of his India tour focusing on low carbon growth, which seems to be very successful. After his prior meeting with Dr Farooq Abdullah where both leaders agreed to set up a partnership fund for Pro-poor Renewables. In the Suzlon headquarters Minister Gregory Barker said: David Cameron pledged we would be Britains Greenest Government ever, I can assure you that we will deliver on that pledge. And what is more the transformation of our energy sector is at the centre of our plans. UK and India are working closely together on the connected issues of securing the new energy supplies we need for the future and tackling climate change. Businesses like Suzlon, which are at the very forefront of the battle against dangerous man-made climate change, understand that depleting fossil fuel resources and exponentially growing demand for energy is driving a brand new market. Not just here in India but around the world. This site is a fantastic example, of global best practice in corporate environmental responsibility; here at Suzlon you are building a greener future already. Mr. Tulsi R Tanti, founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Suzlon Group, welcoming Minister Barker added: Greg Barker has brought insight and focus to the climate change debate on the international stage, and back at home in the UK, he has been driving progressive policy development and helping to build a low carbon economy. We are fortunate to have such a capable and energetic minister leading this critical policy area in the British Government. I believe that there are many opportunities for India and the UK to collaborate effectively when it comes to renewable energy and, as we approach COP17 in Durban next month, the Ministers third visit to India in two years is extremely welcome. As Energetica India could conrm in conversations with Suzlon, the Indian windturbine manufacturer is considering UK a target market for future wind offshore developments due to the UK governments emphasis on this source of power generation. If offshore contracts would come in Suzlon considers the erecting of a new manufacturing plant in this country only for this purpose. Suzlon Groups global headquarter One Earth sets new standards in sustainability. Certied to the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Platinum and the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) 5 Star standards, the facility is one of the greenest of its type anywhere in the world. Developed on an area of 443,000 square feet (10.70 acres) with a capacity to house 2,300 people, the facility sets new benchmarks in energy efciency in all aspects of engineering and construction. The facility was awarded the highest ratings for its wholebuilding approach to sustainability by focusing on key areas like human and environmental health, sustainable site development, efcient water, energy and waste methods, materials and resource selection, indoor environmental quality and innovation. One Earth, named as a tribute to earths unique existence as a self-replenishing ecosystem, is powered 100 per cent by renewable energy through a mix of onsite solar and wind, as well as offsite wind energy, and generates zero waste.
AND ALSO...
New Consulting Editor at Energetica India. Energetica India is pleased to announce the joining of our new member Mr.P.K.Patnaik as a consulting editor. Mr.Patnaik will be working from New Delhi. Mr. PK Patnaik has an extensive knowledge and work experience in the power sector space in different roles including business development, strategy and EPC management. He was the Vice President at Parsons Brinckerhoff / Merz & McLellan Ltd and Country Advisor to Kennedy & Donkin Ltd. More recently Mr.Patnaik was Senior Vice President at Jindal Group based at New Delhi. He is a columnist, commentator and consultant to power and energy sector and currently he is an Advisor assisting some power companies in India. Contribution of Solar and Wind Energy, but still no geothermal Projects. Dr Farooq Abdullah pointed out that during last three years, electricity generated from wind and solar power projects is estimated at about 50.3 billion units. This corresponds to about 2.14% of the total electricity production of 2346 BU during this period. Until today no geothermal power
project has been set up in India. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has stepped up Research & Development efforts in all renewable energy technologies specially in solar energy. These efforts are proposed to be further strengthened during the 12th Plan, by substantially enhancing R&D outlay and developing Centre of Excellence for advanced research. 12,000 MW saving projected during 12th Plan through Energy Efciency Programmes. A saving of 12,000 MW has been projected during the 12th Plan period by implementing energy efciency programmes in the country including the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) programme. This was stated by the Minister of State for Power, Shri K.C. Venugopal at a function organised to launch a energy conservation programme in Thiruvananthapuram. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor of Kerala, Shri M.O.H. Farook emphasised on implementation of energy conservation programme in the state. A mass run was also organised on the occasion which was joined by famous athlete Smt. P.T. Usha and other sports persons and lm stars. The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) programme was launched by the Bureau of Energy Efciency as a cap-and-trade scheme.
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INTERVIEW
We Could Demonstrate our Capability by Developing Something that has not Been Done Before
The trend to quote low prices just to nd projects is very common but the temptation to do this is high when cost becomes the only criteria for project allocation. Given the scale that solar can acquire there is a huge potential for cost economies to move forward
How does it feel to be called the Father of Indian solar industry? I am not the Father of Indias solar industry. A lot of good work in solar in India was started in the 1970s. My contribution to the Indian solar industry is in the concept of distributed generation at the tail-end of the grid that not only strengthens the grid, but also provides reliable peak power to several communities in rural India. Owing to an extremely short gestation period and exibility of scale and size, we can help solve rural Indias energy security needs in a timely manner. These projects also provide for education for the next generation on concepts of clean energy and source of livelihoods in adjacent communities. This is a great way to bring rural India to the forefront of the inclusive economic growth that has been the goal of our Honourable Prime Minister and President. I entered the sector knowing fully well that solar as a sector didnt exist in India before that. We were happy to go through the difculties because we knew that solar power had potential and more importantly, solar had to succeed in India for the sake of millions of Indians who have no access to electricity. As a rst mover we could demonstrate our capability by developing something that has not been done before. The fact that we had a project running in Punjab was helpful in getting contracts in states like Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The second movers always get to learn from the mistakes of the rst mover.
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India showed the world that we could do quality work at low cost with the mobile telephone boom where India enjoys good network at among the lowest prices in the world. Do we see something similar happening in the solar industry? The feed-in-tariffs which India is currently experiencing seem to be among the lowest in the world. Absolutely. There are a lot of similarities between the growth of mobile telephony in India and what we see as the potential for distributed solar power generation in India. There are several parallels: both meet the core need of people; they can also both be scaled very quickly; and nally, they can also both be built in any location. In fact, you can power all your telecom towers with solar panels. Solar power generation is a very capital intensive sector. The value of solar is in the long term, not in the short term. Today, compared to other sources of power generation the cost of solar power is high in the retail market. However, we believe that in the long term the costs will come down. The trend to quote low prices just to nd projects is very common but the temptation to do this is high when cost becomes the only criteria for project allocation. Given the scale that solar can acquire there is a huge potential for cost economies to move forward. Power producers still need to be wary of quoting too low and compromising viability of the projects.
Most of the Indian State Governments are following the NVVNs reverse auction policy instead of Gujarats xed tariffs. What according to you is the right way of moving ahead for Indias solar industry; keeping in account the fact that NVVNs reverse auction resulted in bankers not being very comfortable with the project feasibility? There is no one right way. There are things to be said in favour of both methods. However, any methodology should take into account important considerations like technical capabilities, fund raising capabilities and have weightage for on ground experience. Why is that many solar on-grid projects are nding it difcult to achieve nancial closure? Is the reverse bidding making projects nancially unattractive or is it another part of industry learning? We have not had any issues. India has suddenly seen mushrooming of many players branding themselves as solar EPC players. With new inexperienced professionals and low feed-in-tariffs, will India face quality issues on the upcoming solar projects? Within a matter of two years we have gone from 20 companies to 400 companies in solar power generation. Like any other new sector there is always a lot of
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INTERVIEW
excitement in the beginning and then things settle down to only serious players. Going forward, I would expect 40-50 good players in the market. So, like in any new sector, the industry will also see its movers and shakers. The Indian off-grid market is dependent on diesel abatement policy and on government buildings. We still have not seen common people accepting solar installation? What kind of push is needed to bring this potential on the ground? There is a need for solar power generation to be viewed from a developmental perspective. We at Azure Power believe that solar power is ideally suited for the distributed power model which can then help get power to areas that most need it. The distributed model will also mean smaller projects, smaller gestation periods, less demand on land, and therefore better acceptance by the communities. More importantly power generation at the point of consumption makes most economical sense and also avoids high T & D losses. Energy security and rural electrication will get a huge shot in the arm from solar power projects that can come up across the country as part of the NSM policy drive. What can also help are community-based awareness programs on solar power. In fact a planned solar power plant for every 10-20 villages has the potential to create a rural revolution. Renewable Energy Certicates (REC) concept was introduced to take away a considerable incentive burden away from the government and make this a market based product? What do you think of the solar REC concept in its present form? Will this work? What are the suggestions/changes that you expect from the government? For any nancing instrument to work the institution that lends for such products must endorse such instruments. It is too early to comment on the success of the solar RECs. Do you see the solar/renewable energy developers playing a role of IPP in the Indian off-grid market? Currently the cost of solar is very high so it cannot
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compete with grid rates but can certainly be a competitor to the cost of units generated through diesel. Today solar energy could be looked at as a complimentary source of power but we strongly believe that when it comes to harnessing solar power, Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) is the worlds fastest growing energy technology and holds tremendous potential for India. Solar Photovoltaic Systems (SPV) are experiencing considerable decline in prices year after year due to intense research, commercialization of utility projects and increase in polysilicon production. This source of power could be used during peak demand times, like opportunities where there is a need for energy requirement during the day, like schools and hospitals. Lot of agriculture is also done during day time and not at night time. India has almost 50,000 Megawatt of standby Diesel Genset capacity and this source of power is denitely an answer to replace diesel-based power. Even though it is still expensive in contrast to conventional sources of power in tangible costs but as observed the cost of solar power has shown signicant reduction year over year and with increase in production, a downward trend is expected to continue. It is likely that solar power will become grid competitive in costs around the year 2017. The National Solar Mission (NSM) promises rapid growth of utility scale SPV power projects in the country. At present it is a solution where you have high cost of power or there is no power but it would be safe to say that in the near future energy developers would play the role of IPPs in the Indian off-grid market as well and competing the grid. What are the challenges that you have faced while implementing the projects on the ground? The industry is currently too involved in PPAs and nancial closure that we have seemed not to take into account the problems being faced on-ground during implementation. Typically, the projects have to be constructed within 6-8 months. Some of the clearances required for energy projects do not take into account the short gestation period of solar plants, but initiatives like
solar power parks are mitigating some of these challenges. On ground solar installation data from similar solar plants, is also necessary for independent assessment. This is also being addressed by agencies like C-WET. Most of these are teething issues of a new industry and will be addressed over time. Which are the current projects of Azure Power and the how does the pipeline look? Azure Power has a project under every Solar Policy in the country and has 12 MW capacity in operation. In addition to the 2 MW Solar power plant set up in Punjab, 10MW in Gujarat and 5MW to be commissioned this December 2011 in Rajasthan, Azure Power is also in talks with State Governments in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Rajasthan for additional projects. Azure Power expects to get to 100MW in the next 2 years with cumulative investment of over $300 million. Does Azure have any plans of backward integration-into manufacturing of modules or cells or wafers? No, we do not. The industry is also reeling under lack of trained man power. How is Azure Power tackling this issue? What is/ should the industry be doing on this front? With solar industry being at a very nascent stage yet, there is not much trained talent available. We however recruit talent who have basic qualication like Engineering/Diploma for technical jobs and Management graduates for non-technical jobs and then train them for their positions. There is a need for more Indian institutions to pick up the trend and train Indian graduates too in the same eld so that we can bridge the gap between the requirement and talent pool. Any advice/suggestion to entrepreneurs in India trying to follow your footsteps in the solar industry? Hard work, focus and diligence always pays. Build business on solid fundamentals and sound ethics. You will be successful regardless of what you do.
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INTERVIEW
The nancial and technological well-equipped companies will survive and win the race
What are the current trends in solar PV industry on a global scale? The current global trends include over-capacity in the market where the demand is not keeping pace with the increasing supply, focus and efforts are being put to move towards higher efciency and an expected period of consolidation in the global markets. The demand across the globe has slowed down but the supply is constant or increasing with new companies looking at capacity addition. This has led to decrease in module prices globally. The industry is looking at means to increase cell and module efciency. The higher efciency focus is expected to bring in results soon but we do not expect this to bring any price increase. The market will look at higher efciency at stable prices thanks to innovation and new technologies. Meanwhile, Feed-in-Tariffs (FITs) are continuing their downward trend putting pressure on suppliers and industry margins. FITs are linked to the module prices. Over the last couple of years, we have seen a decrease in module prices leading to a cut in FITs across the world. Where do you see the trend going in the race between Thin Film and Crystalline Modules? I will not look at this as a question of choosing a module but more as a question of cost and power generation when there are no limitations. The module which gives better & reliable power generation at lower
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Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG is the worlds leading technology and equipment provider for the photovoltaics sector with more than 30 years of experience. In a chat with Bharat Vasandani, Energetica India, Dr.Haase analyses the solar industry trends and talks about new technology initiatives from Centrotherm.
cost should be the choice of a solar developer. By limitations, I mean government policies or on-ground situation. For example under Indias JNNSM scheme, thin lm modules can be imported but crystalline Si cell and modules need to be from India itself. From a nancial angle, an investor is looking at reliable (bankable) power generation and minimum cost and not necessary at the technology- lowest cost/kWh on reliable technology is the driving factor. Crystalline modules offer bankable power generation at minimum cost. With the price gap between crystalline and thin lm narrowing further, an investor is sure of bankable power supply at minimum cost from crystalline modules. Solar modules prices are dropping globally? Where do you see the price stability coming in? How is Centrotherm reacting to this in terms of technology and price?
The industry is experiencing over-capacity and a dip in module prices. If we assume worldwide installations of solar power plants in 2012 similar to 2011, the module prices will not see an upsurge; unless demand is created from unexpected quarters. So we expect prices to remain at the same level. As I just told we are in a challenging period of consolidation. Few companies may nd it difcult to survive and this may lead to dumping of modules at much lower prices; leading to price war and pressure on margins. The nancial and technological wellequipped companies will survive and win the race. Centrotherm as an equipment supplier is aware of the trend in the global PV. The last few years have seen a reduction of ~ 50% in capital equipment cost /per watt leaving the industry at much lower costs today. One also needs to be aware that though module prices have decreased, the major focus is still on efcient processes and equipment because labour, power and accessory costs have, infact, increased. There are a lot of innovative ideas being worked on equipment, and the processes. We are on the way to 20 percent cell efciencies in industrial production. We have already reached this magic threshold in the laboratory. This peak value was achieved on the basis of centaurus rear side technology developed by Centrotherm Photovoltaics. We will be working at out on transferring these excellent gures to mass production. We deliver upgrade packages to install selecenergetica india
INTERVIEW
tive emitter and centaurus rear side upgrade technologies improving costs and boosting efciency. Another example: A 0.5 GW manufacturing plant produces 18000 wafers every hour; will need very robust processes and equipment to achieve a balance between yield and efciency where the end result looked at is lower cost per watt and return on investment and not only yield or efciency. How do you see the progress of solar policies and on-ground implementation of solar power plants in India? India comes with a lot of ambition but uncertainty also. There seems to be a lack of clear perspectivewith not clear answers on domestic content, quality of domestic content w.r.t global content, Feed-in-Tariffs, benet for investors, etc. This uncertainty scenario may lead to lesser number of solar power plants, and not many module & cell manufacturing companies. To develop a solar industry, one needs to have local content and generate jobs. India seems to be on the right path. If this path is not taken, India will see huge import where the industry is more mature with GW sizes, economy of scale and more favourable government initiatives. Another challenge in India is that the industry is not thinking big. Indian companies need to look at bigger projects in India. Bigger projects enable economies of scale, and investments in the industry. Indias SMEs are also looking at smaller module production lines; thereby increasing production costs. An example: average module lines globally are of 70-75MW. In todays solar business environment, this gives the manufacturer a chance to be competitive, enable economies of scale (to an extent), and plan capacity expansion for future without incurring same costs again. This also gives the manufacturer bargaining power to purchase raw materials which form the highest % in production costs. But in India we see module lines starting with 10-20MW lines. The Indian manufacturer is then looking at adding more lines; and adding more costs; resulting in higher price/watt in the market. What are Centrotherms market expectations from India in terms of growth?
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India has huge potential and we are very interested to do outstanding work in India. But the slow progress is not encouraging. We have been speaking to several Indian companies since the last 2-3 years and we can say that the decision making could be faster. It takes 2-3 years for a company to make a decision to enter the market. The slow decision making could be a result of the environment created in India due to the policies. But in these 2-3 years, leading China and Taiwan manufacturer have added 20-30 GW additional capacity. Meanwhile the Indian manufacturing space is also facing quality challenges. Some manufacturers are not functioning as expected because their products do not have the efciency to compete in the global market. We would like to assist Indian companies in choosing the right technology which can help them compete on global scale and not only in India. India s reverse bidding saw Feed-inTariff (FIT) reach an average of $ 0.25 in Batch I Phaseof National Solar Mission; when everyone at that time was speaking about FIT in the range of $0.35$0.40. How did the industry react to this? Most of the reaction we saw was from India. Many Indian companies that we were looking to build power plants or manufacturing businesses slowed their efforts. The government needs to take measures and assure solar developers, bankers and investors of their intent and give a clear picture of the FIT for the next 20 or 25 years. Unless that clarity comes, investments may slow down or global investors may avoid Indias solar program. This can certainly slow the progress of solar in India by 2-3 years. During this time, Taiwan and China will reach far ahead of India in installations and manufacturing business; thereby making it cheaper and easier for Indian solar developers to import rather than manufacture internally. This could kill the Indian manufacturing industry completely and that would be a horrible and not desirable picture and outlook. This can lead to disastrous effects for the Indian solar industry. Already a few cell & module manufacturers in India are running with less than 50% capacity output. This is due to uncertainty in the market. An Indian company may take a year to think
and work on a module line expansion plans compared to China where the module line will be expanded by 1GW in one year. So India may nd the global industry moving faster than India, making it more difcult for Indian companies to compete. The Indian companies do not have much dearth of talent but the conditions do not seem favourable. Lower FITs have lead to some uncertainty which has also made it difcult to achieve nancial closure because banks do not see certain viability. With this scenario, I do not see a big future for manufacturing unless appropriate policy initiatives are taken though there will be a better outlook for installations because India needs all the power it can produce. Most of the Indian solar module manufacturers are under pressure due to decrease in market size of their biggest market-Europe and the very slow progress in India. How do you see this situation progressing from here? Well if the uncertain policies continue, then no investor will put in money for module manufacturing. Indian solar manufacturers are focusing more on exports and this may not work in the mid-term. The reason being Europe, the biggest solar market, is going through a current weakness and then companies across the world are trying to sell modules there, so the market is very competitive. In the mid-term, we do not see any huge growth in Europe. The local market for Indian manufacturers is slow and not moving as quickly as expected. They also have competition from Chinese manufacturers who can supply at a better price and in quick time. The slow Indian market is killing the module manufacturers in India. At the same time, Chinese companies are pushing hard to be the solar hub of the world. Chinese are thinking long term and do not mind losing some money initially but are building a base for solar manufacturing that India will nd difcult to compete with. For example one Chinese customer alone is adding another 500MW to be operational early next year. For this quantity to be added to India, it will take another one year or more in this uncertain scenario. So Indian policies need to be clear and quick; otherwise each month of delay adds to the task to take on the global module supenergetica india
INTERVIEW
plier. The opportunity for solar Indian manufacturers were great 3 years ago, now its good but further delay can as well kill the industry because competition is growing faster than India. How do you see the growth of cell manufacturing in India? We have a couple of big players such as IndoSolar, and Moser Baer with the Yash Birla Group joining in recently. But overall the main focus in India seems to be solar power plant installation and EPC. I think it is a question of what India wants to do. Cell manufacturing in India is quite difcult because of lack of infrastructure. It may not be that easy to obtain quality raw materials such as chemicals, gas and other parts. In India, most of the manufacturing plants are located away from the main cities in a rural setting to avail of subsidies and low cost labour. I think for solar manufacturing, one needs to look at cluster development which can help bring down operational expenses otherwise the Indian companies may again face challenges of supply & service in additional to higher operating expenses. For example in China, you will nd the raw materials easily available within a short distance thus encouraging more development. The cell manufacturing is also now competing on cost per watt compared to the earlier years where there was some premium. So Indian companies, joining the party late, will need to compete with global companies on cost. This will put pressure on margins. Inenergetica india
dia should also look at integrated approach in solar manufacturing to balance margins. Many European companies are involved in cell & module manufacturing and also EPC in addition to solar farm investment. In other words, if you are only a cell or module manufacturer, then you need to play on lower margins and high volume. How many installations has Centrotherm achieved in India? Some of our Indian clients include Websol Energy systems, Tata BP, Jupiter Solar and BHEL for cell manufacturing and Shan solar for module manufacturing. We are talking to other companies also and have been in talks with a few of them for more than 2 years. Our customers are not certain about the solar market and then the investors are not being encouraged by the government policies. What is needed is a certain outlook encouraged by favourable policies to push investment in this industry. We believe in solar business for long term and we anticipate that the solar market will continue to report sustainable growth despite its current weakness. But in the current scenario not many are sure as to what trend the industry will take for the next 6-12 months. Centrotherm has recently announced expected drop in cost by ~20% in Centrotherms PV systems by 2013. What are the steps being taken by Centrotherm to achieve this? The 20% reduction in equipment prices is
the minimum that Centrotherm is looking to do but we are looking to achieve more. This will be a slow and steady progress. The ways of achieving this are by working on capacity, processes and technology. The industry should note that it is not easy to cut costs beyond a certain point because quality also needs to be looked at. We are not looking at dropping 30% straight away by using low cost equipment that does not give long term quality output. What are the expected technology progress/changes the industry can expect from Centrotherm in the near future? Centrotherm is working on a roadmap to achieve higher efciency of 0.5% more every year. Our efforts with focus on innovative solutions include selective emitter, centaurus rear side, new metallization, and interface optimization. We have been progressing well. For example the guarantee on modules in 2005 was around 13% and now it has reached around 17.5% and we are working to increase this by 0.5% every year for the next 3-4 years. And as I just said, we are on the way to 20% cell efciency. It may be slightly difcult to obtain more efciency on the product and material side but we are working on the interface area to optimize processes and technology and reach higher efciency. Not many companies are working in this direction but we think we will be able to achieve our goals to make a difference in the industry. In the end, the result looked at in solar is always Cost/kWh generated.
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SOLARPOWER
Energetica India published the guidelines of NVVNs 2nd Batch of Phase I under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in September/October 2011 issue. As a follow-up, we speak to Industry experts and stakeholders to understand their reaction to the new policy and their suggestions to the government to help grow the industry in India.
MR.RAJESH BHAT, PRESIDENT JUWI INDIA Under the revised guidelines, the maximum capacity of PV power projects has been increased from 5 MW to 50 MW, which will encourage more serious Project developers/ IPPs to invest in solar power. With the aim to achieve grid parity, this could bring in cost competitiveness in large scale deployment of solar power projects because of the economy of scale. In addition to the excellent work done by MNRE & MOP, MOF the Government has also to encourage and mandate the Banks on increasing their contribution to solar power project portfolio for both debt at low interest rates so that the solar power generation becomes sizable percentage of the total power generated in the country. For the investing community to be less risk averse, they have to ensure that Quality EPC companies are awarded the contracts. In future this can be tool for evaluating low risk projects. With the government making it mandatory for developers to use locallysourced crystalline cells & Modules for the implementation of solar projects proposed to be auctioned under the second round of JNNSM programme, domestic manufacturing for photovoltaic cells and modules will get a major boost. The manufacturing industry needs to look at how they can compete with top tier Chinese manufacturerswith the same level of quality who are aggressively priced in this area. With the intent of achieving grid parity, solar modules manufactured in India have to become globally competitive. It would be
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apt if the industry along with the government can evaluate a way forward manufacturing wafers /cells competitively within the country. Since the investment in wafer manufacturing is very high, the mechanism of answering a market size is a must. In view of achieving 20,000 MWp solar generation capacity by 2022, we need to look at wafer manufacturing in the capacity of 1-2 GW so that the modules available locally are competitive. As the government intends to attract large-scale investments in solar power projects there shouldnt be forcible equity holding pattern. The growth of solar PV industry globally, could be attributed to fact that the funds are relatively easily available at low interest rates to promising investors, projects are executed in time with high generation & availability. MR. NARENDRA SURANA, MANAGING DIRECTOR SURANA VENTURES LImITED The increase in capacity from 5MW to 50MW per bidder is not very favourable for smaller and medium sized players. The cap of 5MW would have encouraged more players to participate. The increase in time limit for nancial closure is a good step as funding seems difcult with higher interest rates and poor viability of projects. The mandatory use of Indian manufactured cells and modules is a very good move but needs to be strictly implemented to encourage indigenous manufacturers. Also thin lm application should have been restricted to certain percentage of the overall requirement.
MR.JASmIN PATEl, DIRECTOR JJ PV SOlAR Bidder capacity increase from 5MW to 50MW is good, as it will bring genuine big players into the game of Solar Energy, and also they would wield power to inuence FDI into such projects in a big way. These would be very serious project promoters. There is really no need to increase time limit for nancial closure, as serious bidders will know they have to get their nancial act together before bidding. Only serious minded bidders will come in. However, to support project and this guideline, Govt. should create infrastructure for availability of nance in lower interest at least around 10 - 11%. Currently banks are asking upto 14 -15% interest with 100% collateral security (which is main reason for delay or no nancial closure). Its a good move to make use of Indian modules and cells mandatory. Why should Indian manufacturers have to face competition to cheap Chinese panels that are mostly equally horrible in quality? Should Indian manufacturers invest in their plants and create jobs only to shut down later and create un employment due to cheaper quality imports? Here the stress is on Quality that the Chinese are ooding into the Indian market making it practically their dumping ground. The government is not taking notice of the fact that there could be a chance of massive defunct and unoperational Chinese panels IPP projects in the future. Besides, its important to impart huge projects split between MNRE and local
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state level. There is huge scope for solar industry to grow enormously in the years to come. Good motivation for attracting Investment for local manufacturing, However currently Cell manufacturing is just started and so not so many manufacturers available ( out of them few cannot supply technically acceptable quality). Hence keeping cells also as domestic contain is a bit early. Further, platform to attract balance of material like EVA, Back sheet, Ribbon etc also need to be created so as to motivate 100%indigenous Modules. MR. PEDDIRAJU BHUpATHIRAJU, MANAGING DIRECTOR AKSHAYA SOlAR POWER (INDIA) PvT LTD The increase in capacity from 5MW to 50MW per bidder does not leave any space for small players. The increase is time limit for nancial closure is justied but banks need to be
directed to come forward to nance the projects and give clearance within the stipulated time period. The mandatory use of Indian modules is a good move but then we do not have sufcient cell manufacturing capacity in India and government will need to consider import of cells. MR. DIlEEp DESHpANDE, DIRECTOR PHOTONIX SOlAR PvT LTD The clauses seem to suggest that the policy is really intended to support the big players and not conducive to smaller player wanting to enter solar power generation business. Smaller limit per bidder encourages more bidders and existence of multiple players in an industry is essential for the robust growth of any industry. The government has announced a solar policy and a certain time frame. If India does not achieve this in a given timeframe we as a society/economy will be
left behind as rest of the world is moving rather swiftly in the solar eld. The government has been reasonable in giving the time limits. It now needs to be rather stern and push the programme hard. Instead of giving more time the Govt. may do well to remove the impediments being faced by the project developers such as the difculties being encountered in raising debt funds. The government has safeguarded interest of Indian PVmodule manufacturers who have invested large funds in setting up facilities in India. Now if the foreign players are allowed to sell freely in India it would completely disturb the apple cart and the development made in solar PV industry will get reversed. This is not in the long term interest of the country and the Indian consumers. Most of the regimes around the world have given additional benets/sops to encourage local manufacturers.
PV Module Manufacturers from 3Wp to 300wp The Technology Provided By Spire Corporation USA
PHONE : 91-33-22902771/72 - FAX: 91-33-40063804 / info@sovasolar.com - sales@sovasolar.com SOVA POWER LIMITED A-16,4th Floor, "FMC FORTUNA" 234/3A, A.J.C Bose Road, Kolkata-700 020 www.sovasolar.com / www.sovapower.net
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PV was developed in the most industrialized and technologically advanced nations; however, most of the potential customers of off-grid PV are not in the developed nations. This technology has an enormous and eager potential customer base in the developing world where nearly 1.5 billion people, representing 22% of the earths population, do not have access to electricity.
Off-grid PV in the developed nations: PV was developed in the most industrialized and technologically advanced nations, so it should not be surprising that the rst applications of off-grid PV were primarily in these nations, including the United States. With its hyper-individualistic culture, part of the allure of PV for customers in the United States has always been the ability to generate electricity for personal use without being tied to the large and unaccountable structures of utility companies and the electric grid. However, though such psychological motivations may be strong, practical considerations are often more important. In the US state of California, off-grid PV was pioneered by an unlikely industry: indoor marijuana farmers. These black market agriculturalists had two distinct needs: one, to generate power for lights to grow their illicit crops, and two, to do so without attracting attention from law enforcement. Indoor marijuana cultivation prospered in remote areas of Northern California, away from prying neighbours and often in areas not served by the power grid. Even for those who did have access to electricity, it was also important not to show a spike in an electricity bill that would tip off the power company that something was amiss, who might then pass such information on to police and federal agencies. Potential customers populations not served by the grid However, most of the potential customers of off-grid PV are not in the developed nations, and these technologies have an enormous and eager potential customer base in the developing world. 1.5 billion persons globally, representing 22% of the
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earths population, do not have access to electricity. These persons reside mostly in rural areas in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, but can also be found in South America, Central Asia, and Central America, as well as in urban areas in less-developed nations. Many of these areas have good to excellent solar potential, much better than many locations in the developed world. As a potential market, these individuals are not going away. Global access to electricity over the last few decades has remained remarkably static. World Bank ofcials have stated that the number of persons who do not have access to electricity may actually increase in the next few decades unless more effective policies are put in place to speed off-grid electrication and the expansion of existing utility grids into unserved areas. Potential uses of off-grid solar in developing areas: The benets of electrication to rural communities and thus the potential uses of off-grid photovoltaics (PV) are many. Lighting is often the rst need that is met, followed by radios and televisions, and later appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators. Access to electricity assists with incomegenerating activities, including agriculture. Rural electrication in India in the previous decade has largely focused on irrigation, which has moved the nation from a net food importer to a net food exporter. Other income-generation uses include in sheries, processing of agricultural goods, and small-scale industry such as welding shops. Electricity is also important for the function of schools and hospitals, and
many demonstration and private philanthropy projects are designed to meet these needs. The signicance of power for lighting should not be underestimated; studies of rural electrication indicate that supplying lights, which allow students to study into the evening hours, creates a greater potential income gain for families than uses that generate income directly. In Bangladesh, incomes increased up to 30% following electrication, mostly due to higher educational attainment. Off-grid PV technologies Between 500,000 and 1 million persons in the developing world are currently using off-grid PV technologies. These many people use a wide range of products, where a solar system connects to various DC appliances. Companies offer products from home lighting systems and water puriers to street lights and lighting/fan systems using modules that supply from 3.3 - 250 watts of electricity. Batteries are an essential component of all such systems. Construction of micro-grids is another way to meet the needs of rural communities, which often consist of a number of homes and businesses clustered closely together. Such micro-grids can potentially be powered by any technology, and for small villages in areas with rich sunlight, PV and more often PV/diesel generator hybrid systems are often practical solutions. In such instances, the PV installations are typically much larger than those used in solar home systems, and when combined with diesel generators, do not require batteries. Economics of off-grid PV For off-grid locations in developing nations, extension of the grid or the use of
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diesel generators are the two competing solutions for electrication. In many places, installing off-grid PV can be more cost-effective than either of these options; though such calculations vary according to the location, the quality of the PV resource, the cost of diesel fuel, the type of system, and other factors. In Ethiopia, researchers discovered that off-grid SHS systems were considerably more protable than installing on-grid PV in more developed nations; though the smaller size of the systems means that more individual systems must be sold to realize similar revenue. However while costs over time are often lower, the up-front costs of installing PV systems is higher than diesel generators, whose primary cost is fuel. This means that education on cost savings and nancing options for buyers in the developing world are important considerations. Not only can PV be cheaper over time than diesel generation or grid extension, but it is often a nancial improvement for rural families in the developing world than substitute energy costs, such as kerosene and dry cell batteries. Such expenses are typically USD$5-10 per month for enough kerosene and batteries to run a few lamps and a radio, a considerable portion of a many family budgets. Furthermore, purchasing kerosene and batteries can often mean lengthy shopping trips and long waits to replenish supplies, and even then, there can be issues with availability. There are other advantages to off-grid PV for families in rural developing nations which can be harder to put a dollar value on. PV systems do not create air pollution like diesel generators, nor do they carry the re risk of kerosene lamps.
Barriers to adoption of off-grid PV There are multiple barriers that must be overcome for the development of a healthy off-grid PV business. The rst is in the minds of PV manufacturers and integrators, most of whom are in the more afuent nations of the developed world, and who are used to marketing their products to wealthier customers in the developed world. Likewise, potential customers in the developing world are often not familiar with photovoltaics and their advantages. For off-grid PV as a business to be successful in the developing world, manufacturers, integrators, and distributors must understand the unique challenges and opportunities of this market. Lack of nancing options can be a signicant barrier, and researchers with the International Energy Agency suggest that nancing carry over the lifetime of the system. However, other researchers indicate that such concerns are often overestimated, and in Bangladesh, one of the success stories for small-scale PV adoption, most customers buy their systems with cash even where nancing is available. Availability of DC appliances must also be considered. Most of the PV systems designed for off-grid applications in developing nations do not include inverters, which drive up system costs. While many solar home systems come with DC appliances, such appliances are not always readily available on the market. For off-grid PV to be successful, there is also a need for customer support, particularly in system maintenance and repair. The low levels of education in many areas of the developing world must be considered; in some cases PV systems may be abandoned after malfunctioning because the owner cannot
read the manual. Even in places where PV systems are visible, consumers in the developing world must be educated about the benets of these systems. In some areas, there is a tendency to think of electricity from PV as second-class or not real electricity compared to that which is delivered from the central grid, and such attitudes must be overcome. In other areas where the government has supplied large numbers of PV systems to rural areas, there is a tendency to view the systems as a gift from the government. However, even in areas where the perception of PV as a state gift is widespread, there is still a tendency to use these systems for income-generating activities, to keep PV as backup power after grid-connection, and to invest in larger systems, indicating social acceptance of this technology. Conclusion: Off grid Solar PV: A market holder of developing world Off-grid PV remains a small if signicant market in certain areas of the developed world; however the greatest market for off-grid PV is in rural areas of India and developing world. With the right combination of policies, business models and technologies these areas can develop into thriving markets for PV and related technologies. The economic advantages of solar for rural populations in developing nations can potentially create a cycle that drives demand for larger systems. In India and China, rural electrication has led to greater use of appliances such as televisions, washing machines and refrigerators, which are currently out of the reach of many in developing nations, just as they were in China in previous decades. However, before this can happen, barriers need to be overcome by both governments and businesses seeking to expand into these potential markets. Consumer education will be as or more important in the developing world as it is in the developed world, with additional barriers of language and literacy. Likewise there is a need to educate government ofcials in these nations as to the advantages of PV, and to introduce policies that bring PV not as an aid product, but as a thriving industry, with strong local involvement ad sense of ownership.
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Strike Action
TONY GARLINgE-WARREN, SENIOR APPLICAtIONS ENgINEER, COOPER BUSSMANN
Protecting PV system components, in particular inverters, from the damaging effects of overvoltage surges is both crucial and necessary - what measures should be considered?
n a world seemingly obsessed by risk assessment and analysis, it is ironic that the topic of surge or overvoltage protection seems to be underplayed and, at times, misunderstood. Yet the need for such protection is largely self-evident as industry and commerce relies more and more on devices that are hugely sensitive to overvoltage events such as surges and lightning currents. Indeed the protection of critical system components vital to the production, conversion and distribution of electricity, such as inverters, needs to be addressed. It is imperative that protection of these systems is considered during the design stage for effectively managing the damaging effects of the overvoltage events.. The major causes for surges in PV systems are over voltages induced onto the system by inductive or capacitive means deriving from lightning discharges as well as lightning surges. Lightning surges in the PV system can damage PV modules and inverters.
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This can have serious consequences for the operation of the system. First, high repair costs, for example, those of the inverter, can be incurred, and, second, the system failure can result in considerable loss of revenue for the operator of the plant due to downtime. The effects of a lightning strike can induce surges onto electrical systems as far as 2km away from the point of impact. Hence the cause of many system failures is often unknown giving more reason than ever to t surge protective devices (SPD). SPDs are installed in parallel to the load and they act as pressure relieve valve by taking access voltage and shunting it to ground thus maintaining healthy stream of system voltage to the application. Obviously coordinating the types of surge protection devices employed is key to combating the damaging and disruptive effects of overvoltages. Typically this involves the following classications of device; Class 1 SPD aka Lightning Arresters:
this device has the largest impulse current discharge capacity. It is designed to handle the damaging effects on the electrical system from a direct lightning strike to the lightning conducting rod. They are used where lightning currents or fractions of currents are not only diverted via the external lightning protection system but also induced into the electrical cables. This is likely if the plant to be protected is directly connected to the external lightning protection system or, for example, the separation distance between DC cables and external lightning protection is not far enough. Common when an entire roof is covered in PV panels and the mounting frame is equi-potentially bonded to the lightning protection system. In this instance it is a requirement of IEC62305-3 that the DC conductors be protected with class I surge protective devices. A direct lightning strike to the lightning protection system would, in such a system, induce the damaging overvoltage and voltage spikes onto the DC cables, PV
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panels and input to the system inverter. The cost of repairs would be signicant without the protection of the correct surge protective device. A class I device capable of handling a current discharge capability of 50kA (10-350S) would prevent the need for costly repairs. Class II SPD aka Surge Arresters: these surge protective devices have a lower impulse current discharge capacity and protect from the indirect effects of lightning. In the event of lightning striking in the vicinity of the building, but not directly onto the external lightning protection system, electro-magnetic elds develop that may induce dangerously high voltages onto electric circuits. However, peak values of the current resulting from indirect lightning strike surges are far lower than the corresponding direct lightning strike current. The duration of the pulse and therefore the energy introduced is lower. Class II SPD are used to protect from this type of surge. Typically these devices can handle surge pulses of 8-20S and a discharge current of 12.5kA. Class III SPD aka Surge Arresters: these devices have the lowest impulse current discharge capacity. They protect sensitive electronic devices from impact by lightning striking far away or more commonly localised switching surges. Typically they are installed as a supplement to Class II devices and are designed to reduce the overvoltage at the terminals of sensitive equipment. Their current discharge capacity is very limited. As a consequence they should not be used alone.
It is important to understand that a Class I device will provide protection against the high surge voltages and currents induced by direct lightning strikes, but will not protect against the smaller surges of indirect strikes or switching surges. Attention should be paid to the voltage protection level of the device being used as this is the point at which the device will start to protect as the surge rises in amplitude. e.g. in Class I SPD, the protection level is mostly higher than the dielectric strength of the device to be protected. In such cases an Class II SPD and possibly an Class III SPD must be connected downstream to reduce the protection level to a value suitable for the device. In terms of inverter protection there are several important points to take into account. For instance in inverters with maximum power point tracking (MPPT), PV strings are combined upstream of the inverter and the SPD(s) is/are connected to the linkage point. In inverters with several MPPTs, each input must have an SPD or an SPD combination. Another important point to consider when selecting a Class II SPD is that most Class II SPD devices use a thermal disconnects which in DC applications can generate a DC arc. Once the DC arc is generated it is hard to extinguish thus creating more damage than protection. In this case the ideal solution is using the SPDs that in addition to MOVs also use a fast acting DC fuse to extinguish the arc and safely disconnect the SPD. This combination of MOV with fast acting fuse is often time referred to as Short Circuit Technology (SCI).
Due to the nature of the PV installation which can be in remote locations, it is advisable to use SPDs with remote contacts which can alert the user should a SPD sustains a strike and goes ofine. Along with SPDs used on the DC side, SPDs are also required on the AC side due to differences in potential and earthing of the system beyond this point. Unlike on the DC side, several inverters can be protected by one SPD because they are connected to the same (mains) voltage. On the AC output side of the inverter it is important that the SPD device being used is rated according to the system conguration. It is advisable to consult the relevant IEC standard for the possible system types. When using string circuit protectors and SPDs, the SPD must be installed at the linkage point (combiner box) of the PV strings downstream of the fuses. If the SPD was only to be connected to one PV string between string output and string fuse, the remaining PV strings would be unprotected if the fuse operated. In addition there would be no protection to the inverter if the surge occurs on the remaining live PV strings. In this event, there would be no protection to the input of the inverter from the remaining strings. Hence it is imperative that the DC SPD devices are positioned in the correct circuit position to provide secure system protection. It is often said that prevention is better then cure and given the big investments necessary for PV system build and operation, it seems prudent to invest what is a relatively small amount of money in SPDs to achieve system safety and security.
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