Monthly Archives: December 2022

News & Press, Soleos

What You Need to Know About India’s Top Solar Manufacturers and Their Secrets

Posted on by admin
06
Dec

India is a global leader in solar energy, ranking among the top ten countries for its adoption of this clean and renewable source. The country has ambitious plans to install 100 GW of renewable energy by 2022, with a major focus on solar power. As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India faces the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint while meeting its growing energy demand. Solar energy offers a viable solution to this challenge, as it is abundant, affordable, and eco-friendly. India is on track to achieve its solar target, with 14 GW of capacity expected to be added in 2019, according to Bridge to India. The country has also introduced various policies and incentives to promote the development of solar energy and the top solar manufacturers in the country.

Let us look at the top 5 solar manufacturers or industries:

Adani Solar

Adani Solar in the top solar manufacturers (PV) and EPC parts of the Adani Group, India’s largest corporate conglomerate. Logistics, energy, agriculture, and related businesses are all growing.

Adani Solar is India’s first and largest vertically integrated solar company, offering a wide range of goods and services in the photovoltaics industry. India’s climate goals and aim of embracing a healthier energy mix are aided by the company’s position in the solar manufacturing sector.

  • Commissioning of projects with a capacity of more than 250 MW
  • Over 400 MW are currently being built.
  • Solar EPC company with the fastest-growing rooftop and distributed solar portfolio.

The cutting-edge technology, which includes machinery and equipment from the best-in-class providers, aims to aid with cost leadership, operational scale, and reliability requirements that meet worldwide benchmarks. Adani Solar is officially open for business.

Adani Solar has increased its yearly manufacturing capacity to 3.5 GW, placing it among the top 15 solar manufacturers in the world.

Mundra, Gujarat is home to India’s largest solar PV cell and module manufacturing, with a capacity of 1.5 GW.

Top Solar Manufacturers in India

Vikram Solar Limited

Vikram Solar Limited (previously Vikram Solar Pvt. Ltd.) is a global leader in solar energy solutions, specializing in high-efficiency PV module production (In top solar manufacturers) and turnkey EPC solutions.

  • Modules with high-efficiency 2.4 GW+ shipped all over the world
  • Complete operating and maintenance services servicing projects with a capacity of 660 GW or more
  • With a global footprint spanning six continents and a key role in developing the solar revolution. In 2017, Vikram Solar increased its rated annual pv module manufacturing capacity to 1 GW

Since 2006, Vikram Solar Limited has been building on the Vikram Group’s rich tradition and vast production experience by carrying forward the Vikram Group’s rich legacy and extensive manufacturing experience.

Vikram Solar Limited is proud of its track record of installing and commissioning solar projects totaling more than 1355 MW across India. May 2020 includes continuing (Ground mounted & Rooftop).

Top Solar Manufacturers in India

Waaree Energies

Waaree Energies Ltd., formed in 1989 and headquartered in Mumbai, India, is the flagship company of the Waaree Group. At its factories in Surat and Umbergaon, Gujarat, it has India’s greatest Solar PV Module manufacturing capacity of 2 GW (In top solar manufacturers).

Waaree Energies is a leading provider of EPC, project development, rooftop solutions, solar water pumps, and Independent Power Producer services in India. Waaree operates in more than 350 locations across the United States and 68 countries across the world.

Manufacturer of 2 GW solar panels in India. The World’s Largest Manufacturer of Solar Panels is based in India.

Waaree Energies’ plant in Gujarat has India’s largest Solar PV Module manufacturing capacity of 2 GW, allowing us to provide our customers with high-quality, low-cost solar goods. Mono and polycrystalline PV Modules ranging from 3Wp to 450Wp are available for various on-grid and off-grid applications in India and are exported worldwide.

Top Solar Manufacturers in India

TATA Power Solar

Tata Power Solar is India’s most reliable and dependable provider of rooftop solar systems. India’s premier integrated solar company, excelling across the solar value chain from cell/module and solar product manufacture to rooftop and utility-scale solar project implementation (In top solar manufacturers).

The company has been a pioneer in India’s rooftop sector for more than 30 years, having commissioned the first solar installation in 1991 and now having a rooftop system installed base of more than 425 MW.

  • Cumulative Solar Rooftop Of 425 MW++
  • The Largest Solar Carport In India (2.67 MW)

India’s largest corporations, multinational corporations, and institutions have chosen us as their green energy partner. Over 10,000 home clients have chosen the company as their preferred partner. Bridge to India has been named India’s No. 1 Solar Rooftop EPC player for the past six years.

Soleos Solar : One of the Leading Solar EPC Globally

Soleos solar is significantly one of the most potent names playing with solar energy and is amongst the leading EPC providers in PAN India. Going to history, since its inception in 2005, own its footprint from some of the major continents like Europe, Asia, and Africa. Since then, empowered in some of the most important needs i.e., Solar Rooftop, Ground Mount, and Solar PPA.

Soleos proved to be a time-tested return on investment, for every connected customer, where there is a number of options available in the sector, Soleos heed over sustainable solutions in terms of every solar need, installing best quality of solar power plants running throughout the performance parameters.

What does Soleos have for you?

  • Reliability

You don’t have to have prior knowledge and expertise for the implementation of such a complex process. The solar EPC companies in Gujarat, especially solar EPC companies in Ahmedabad are already equipped with subject matter experts and resources. You just have to entrust and select a reliable company such as Soleos and the entire process is streamlined.

  • Convenience

If you want comfortable handling of your project, you could go with a full-fledged EPC technique where everything is under one contract, leaving you with one bill to pay if you are involved with a licensed company.

  • Flexibility

If you wish to keep some stages under in-house implementation and sub-contracting other stages, solar EPC companies in Gujarat also give you the stretch.

  • On-time deployment

If you are concerned about getting your project built on time, you just need to sit back and relax while Soleos, solar EPC company in Ahmedabad delivers you the best efforts on time.

  • Finance

To provide additional affordability, only a handful of solar EPC companies in India provide financial assistance and loans for the projects.

  • Maintenance

After successfully installing the project, the Solar EPC Companies in India provide end-to-end maintenance and monitoring. So, it is a long-term investment for the company providing you with seamless support.

  • One-stop solution

The benefit of Hiring an EPC for a Solar project is that you don’t have to look for micromanagers for different solar problems. You could get a comprehensive solution from a single point of contact in a cost-effective manner. To go green and sustain that way, it is important to go for a reliable EPC with diversified operations.

  • Return on Investment

Another advantage is that since the post-installation of the project, the EPC provides maintenance and monitoring, you tend to recover the investment in less than estimated years. It saves the time, cost and effort involved.

solarize bharat top solar manufacturers

Take the next step in renewable energy by joining the Solarize Bharat pledge. Imagine your business not just as an entity benefiting from solar power but as a contributor to a nationwide movement, shaping the future of energy in our incredible nation.

Stay solar-powered and environmentally inspired!

P.S.: Share this blog with fellow solar enthusiasts to spread the word about the exciting world of solar energy!

Soleos

How Import Duty on Solar Panels Affects Their Prices and Quality in India

Posted on by admin
Import Duty on Solar Panels
06
Dec

Introduction

Solar energy has a long history in India, dating back thousands of years. The sun has always been revered in Indian culture and mythology as a powerful life-giving force. Ancient Indian architecture incorporated passive solar design, orienting buildings and streets to make optimal use of sunlight and shade. But how does import duty affect solar energy in India today? This is the question that we will explore in this article. We will look at the current and proposed import duty on solar panels, the solar price in India, and the solar industry in India. We will also examine the impact of import duty on the growth and competitiveness of solar energy in India.

In more recent times, experiments with solar technology began in the late 19th century under British rule. In 1895, the Tata Power Company set up India’s first experimental photovoltaic plant. Through the 20th century, solar research advanced in fits and starts. The 1970s oil crisis prompted greater interest in renewable energy sources like solar.

In the 1980s, India established a solar energy programme under the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources. This spurred the creation of the National Solar Energy Federation in 1980. During the 1990s and 2000s, India stepped up efforts to adopt solar technology, from solar water heating systems for homes to grid-connected solar farms.

The real solar revolution in India took off after 2010. Plummeting prices for solar panels globally made solar power cost competitive. Supportive government policies incentivized the rapid scaling of solar energy. Major investments flowed into India’s solar industry from both domestic and foreign companies. This set the stage for impressive growth in installed solar capacity over the past decade.

Solar Growth Mission of India

The Indian government launched the National Solar Mission in 2010 with the goal of establishing India as a global leader in solar energy. The mission aims to install 100 gigawatts (GW) of grid-connected solar power capacity in India by 2022.

The target of 100 GW by 2022 is in line with India’s commitment in its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) to the Paris Agreement, where India pledged that 40% of its installed electricity capacity would be from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. The Solar Mission is a major part of achieving this clean energy target.

The 100 GW solar target consists of 40 GW rooftop solar and 60 GW large and medium-scale grid-connected solar power projects. The ambitious capacity addition is aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels like coal and petroleum to meet the country’s rapidly increasing electricity demand. It will also support India’s aim to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.

Overall, the Solar Mission signifies India’s commitment to meeting its rising energy needs through renewable sources and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The success of the mission will be key for India to meet its climate goals and establish its position as a global solar power leader.

Current Import Duty on Solar Panels

India currently imposes a 15% safeguard import duty on solar panels and modules imported from China and Malaysia. This safeguard duty was imposed in July 2018 to protect the domestic solar manufacturing industry from a surge in imports.

The safeguard duty was initially imposed for 1 year and has been extended multiple times since then. The current 15% duty is effective until July 2022.

The safeguard duty only applies to imports from China and Malaysia, which account for the bulk of module imports to India. Other countries exporting modules to India do not face this duty currently.

The 15% safeguard duty is levied on the total import value of cells and modules. It increases the cost of imported solar equipment and was intended to create a more level playing field for Indian manufacturers.

However, even with the safeguard duty in place, solar developers in India continue to largely source their modules from China due to lower costs. Domestic manufacturing has not yet been able to match the scale and pricing prevalent in China.

New Import Duty Changes

From April 1, 2022, the Indian government will impose a 40% basic customs duty (BCD) on imported solar modules and a 25% BCD on imported solar cells. This will significantly increase the import costs for these key solar components.

Previously, imported solar modules and cells did not attract any import duty. The new rates will come into effect from April 1, 2022 as per a recent notification from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

The notification stated that the Ministry of Finance has recommended the customs notification to be issued at the appropriate time. The customs duty will replace the existing 15% safeguard duty on solar equipment from China and Malaysia, which was set to expire on July 29, 2022.

The key highlights of the new import duty changes are:

  • 40% BCD to be levied on imported solar modules from April 1, 2022
  • 25% BCD to be levied on imported solar cells from April 1, 2022
  • The new import duty will replace the existing 15% safeguard duty
  • No grandfathering for solar projects already auctioned before April 1, 2022

The import duty hike aims to encourage domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports. It is in line with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to boost local production. However, it will also increase solar project costs, at least in the short term, until domestic manufacturing scales up.

Impact on Prices

The increase in import duties will directly impact the prices of imported solar panels and cells. Developers who rely on importing solar components will face higher costs.

Some key impacts on pricing include:

  • The 40% basic customs duty on modules and 25% on cells will make the landed cost of imports significantly more expensive. Analysts estimate this could increase costs by 18-20%.
  • For developers and EPC contractors who have to import components, their project costs will rise proportionately. This may impact bid tariffs and the ultimate price at which solar power is sold.
  • The price increase applies uniformly to all projects under development, regardless of when they were bid out or planned. There is no grandfathering based on past timelines.
  • Domestic manufacturers may not immediately have the capacity or cost efficiency to match cheaper imports. So sourcing locally may also lead to higher prices, at least in the short term.
  • Higher import costs will impact the entire supply chain, increasing the working capital requirements for developers. This too may raise financing costs indirectly.
  • While the government aims to spur domestic manufacturing eventually, the short-term impact is definitively a cost increase for solar projects reliant on imports.

Overall, the import duty changes will clearly raise the costs for developers and EPC contractors who have to import solar components. This may impact bid tariffs and tariffs for end consumers unless domestic manufacturing is simultaneously incentivized. The government hopes growing local solar manufacturing will offset the price impact over time.

Impact on Manufacturing

The increase in import duties is expected to provide a strong incentive for domestic manufacturing of solar cells and modules in India. Here are some of the key impacts on manufacturing:

  • The higher cost of imported cells and modules will make locally produced ones more price-competitive. This should encourage domestic producers to scale up their production capacities.
  • The government aims to have an installed solar equipment manufacturing capacity of 10,000 MW per annum within the next two years under the PLI scheme. The import duty hike makes this target more viable.
  • Companies like Adani, Reliance, Tata Power, and state-owned BHEL are expected to benefit and establish new solar equipment factories. Production-linked incentives under the PLI scheme will also assist them.
  • Foreign companies may look to set up local manufacturing plants in India to serve the domestic market and maintain their market share.
  • The import duty differential of 20% between cells and modules may encourage production of cells in India to be integrated into module making.
  • More employment opportunities will arise in solar manufacturing as capacity scales up over the next few years.
  • With large-scale manufacturing, Indian companies can build expertise in the latest solar technologies and improve productivity over time.
  • In the longer run, India can become an exporter of solar cells and modules if sufficient economies of scale are achieved.

Impact on Quality

The higher import duties on solar cells and modules could potentially lead to lower quality solar products in India. With imported products becoming more expensive, some developers may resort to using cheaper, low-quality components from unknown manufacturers to cut costs.

While established foreign brands are held to certain quality standards, new local producers entering the market may not have the same rigorous quality control and testing measures in place. There is a risk that the focus on rapidly scaling up local manufacturing could come at the expense of quality.

Cheap, poor quality solar modules degrade faster, have lower conversion efficiencies, and are more prone to defects. This not only impacts the performance of individual solar projects but could also damage public perception and trust in solar technology.

The government has announced quality control orders for solar modules and has emphasized the need for high quality indigenous manufacturing. However, oversight and enforcement remain a concern. Proper testing facilities, standards, and certifications need to be established to prevent subpar products from entering the market.

The PLI scheme offers incentives for highefficiency modules, which should encourage quality. But developers may still be tempted to use uncertified products to maximize profits in the absence of strict monitoring. While local manufacturing is important, quality considerations should not be overlooked in the push for self-reliance.

Alternatives for Developers

With the new tariffs making imported solar panels more expensive, developers in India have some alternatives they can consider:

Domestic Solar Panels

  • One option is to source panels from domestic manufacturers in India. The government hopes the new import duties will spur growth in local production. This could create opportunities for developers to partner with Indian companies producing solar panels.
  • There are some high quality solar panel producers already operating in India, like Waaree Energies and Adani Solar. Partnering with these companies could provide a steady supply of cost-effective solar panels.
  • New manufacturing facilities are also expected to be built in India with the support of the PLI scheme announced by the government. Over time, this could significantly expand the availability of domestic panels.

Other Renewables

  • Developers could explore supplementing solar power with other renewable sources, like wind energy. India has strong wind resources in certain states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
  • Wind power generation costs have also been falling steadily, making it an economical option. Combining solar and wind can provide a well-rounded renewable energy portfolio.
  • Other technologies like biomass, small hydropower, etc. could also be considered where appropriate based on the location and application.
  • Diversifying across renewables can mitigate risk from policy changes affecting one particular energy source.

Global Context

The solar industry is growing rapidly around the world. Major solar markets include:

  • China – China is the world’s largest producer of solar panels and has heavily invested in solar manufacturing. However, China cut subsidies in 2018 which led to a slowdown in the domestic market. China still exports large numbers of solar panels globally.
  • United States – The US has over 100GW of solar capacity installed, behind only China and Europe. Tax credits and incentives have helped spur adoption. However, import tariffs on foreign panels have also impacted prices.
  • Japan – Japan has over 56GW of solar capacity and is the third largest global market. Generous feed-in tariffs helped drive early growth. The market has slowed recently due to policy shifts and saturation.
  • Germany – Germany once dominated the global solar industry but domestic growth has slowed. Germany still has over 45GW in cumulative capacity. But rate cuts and rising prices have stalled the market.
  • Australia – Australia has over 20GW of solar capacity. High electricity prices and abundant sunshine have made it an attractive market. Low module costs have enabled utility-scale and rooftop solar expansion.
  • Emerging Markets – Nations like Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Vietnam and others are seeing rapid growth from low bases. Supportive policies, lower costs and abundant resources are driving adoption. Long-term potential is significant.

Future Outlook

The Indian solar industry is projected to see massive growth in the coming years, driven by strong government support, declining costs, and increased energy demand.

  • India aims to have 100GW of solar power capacity by 2022 as part of its National Solar Mission. This target is expected to be achieved.
  • Consultancy Bridge to India predicts India will reach 130GW of solar capacity by 2024. This would make India the third largest solar market globally behind China and the United States.
  • India is expected to account for 8-10% of global solar panel demand over the next 5 years as new capacity is added.Panel manufacturers are looking to expand production to meet this demand.
  • The government aims for non-fossil sources to make up 40% of installed power capacity by 2030. Solar is expected to contribute over 25% of this target.
  • Declining solar tariffs, driven by cheaper panels and improved efficiency, will accelerate adoption across industrial, commercial and residential sectors.
  • The rooftop solar segment is projected for faster growth compared to large-scale projects, as costs become more viable for households and businesses.
  • Make in India incentives and import duty changes should boost domestic panel manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports over the long-term.
  • To sustain growth, grid integration challenges, land availability, project delays and funding access need resolution through policy reforms.
solarize bharat top solar manufacturers

Take the next step in renewable energy by joining the Solarize Bharat pledge. Imagine your business not just as an entity benefiting from solar power but as a contributor to a nationwide movement, shaping the future of energy in our incredible nation.

Stay solar-powered and environmentally inspired!

P.S.: Share this blog with fellow solar enthusiasts to spread the word about the exciting world of solar energy!

News & Press, Soleos

Everything you need to know before installing a solar rooftop system

Posted on by admin
solar rooftop system
06
Dec

It is not necessary to be a “greenie” to recognise that coal is not the way of the future (sorry Mr. Abbott). So, if you’re reading this, chances are you’re thinking about getting solar. Which of these is a positive step? So let’s get this party started. What are the five things you should know before going solar? During the day, millions of homes and business buildings in India, both urban and rural, have rooftops that receive abundant sunshine. These are perfect for capturing and turning the sun’s energy into electricity. This can be accomplished by installing an inverter, which converts the DC power provided by the solar rooftop panels to AC power, which is required by most appliances and electronics.

Although rooftops can be utilized to generate rooftop energy, there are several aspects to consider before installing solar panels on a rooftop.

  • On-grid system

One of these is the on-grid system, which connects the rooftop solar system to the main grid. When the rooftop solar system is unable to provide the required electricity, this method permits power to be drawn from the grid. As a result, a well-designed rooftop system may efficiently supply power without relying on grid power, saving money that would otherwise be spent on grid power. Because any extra electricity generated can be sent into the grid and compensated by DISCOMs via ‘net metering,’ this system can create cash.

  • Off-grid system

The off-grid system is one in which the rooftop solar system is not connected to the main grid. This system is self-contained and has its own battery. The battery is charged by the solar energy generated by the rooftop solar system, which is then used to power numerous applications. When there is no grid supply or when the supply is exceedingly irregular with frequent breakdowns, this technique comes in handy

  • Hybrid System

The third option is a hybrid system, which combines on-grid and off-grid power sources. Although a battery is utilized in this type of system, the advantage is that after the battery has been fully charged, the extra power generated is fed into the grid, generating additional cash for the consumer.

Possibility of using rooftops to generate electricity

The nature of the roof is critical in determining the practicality of house solar rooftop systems. The following are some of the aspects to consider:

The amount of sunshine accessible throughout the year, as well as the area available on the rooftop, are essential factors in calculating the amount of power that can be generated. By capturing one hour of direct sunshine, a typical residential solar panel may create roughly 290 watts. If the sun shines for 8 hours, the solar panel can generate 2320 watts of electricity.

The rooftop’s orientation in relation to the sun is critical. The panel should be oriented towards the south. If the roof is flat, solar panels should be installed at an angle pointing south to get the most sunshine. Furthermore, high-rise buildings should not obstruct the solar panels’ exposure to sunlight.

The cost of a solar rooftop system is influenced by the type of system that is chosen. Each variety has its own set of components; therefore, prices may vary.

How much of the rooftop should be used?

The maximum power that can be generated can be calculated based on the amount of sunshine available and the amount of space available on the rooftop. Furthermore, depending on the type of system – on-grid, off-grid, or hybrid – the homeowner can choose how much area on the rooftop will be used to generate electricity.

Cost-benefit

The homeowner can conduct a cost analysis and determine the amount of electricity required to be profitable. This could encompass both the quantity of power that can be sent to the grid to produce more cash and satisfy the homeowner’s power needs.

Rooftop solar systems are becoming increasingly popular as a source of electric power since they are renewable and abundant during the day. Implementing an appropriate rooftop solar system with careful planning can result in an endless supply of electric power with low recurrent costs.

Is solar energy a good fit for your home?

This is unquestionably the most important item to understand before installing solar panels. So, how can you know if your home is solar-ready? Here’s a list of “indicators” to look for when determining whether your home is solar-ready:

Solar panels don’t perform well in the shade, thus there should be very little of it. It’s best if there’s a lot of direct sunshine. So, if your property is in the shadow of a skyscraper or was built next to a colosseum, you might want to consider moving before going solar!

How much would you save on your electricity bill if you go solar? Solar doesn’t always work out well for everyone. You should have a power bill of at least $300 every quarter and utilise at least half of your energy during daylight hours to get the most out of your solar panels. This is more of a guideline than anything else. In general, the higher your electricity expense, the more benefit solar panels will provide.

The direction of the roof isn’t important right now. It is, nonetheless, critical. You should have a large North-facing roof to get the most out of solar panels (if you live in Australia). East-West cooperation is also possible. Especially for setups with an overloaded inverter.

Which Solar Panels and Inverters Should You Purchase?

There are numerous brands of solar panels and inverters to choose from. When selecting a solar panel or inverter, keep the following guidelines in mind:

Panels of solar energy:

Choose a business that has been in operation for a long time.
Avoid panels that try to pass themselves off as European or have special qualities.
Get a few quotations and choose a reasonable price and an excellent product rather than paying top dollar.

Inverter:

If you plan on staying in the house for a long time, pay top dollar for a high-quality product.
If you’re buying for a rental property or won’t be staying long, go for a low-cost panel.

What should your contract contain?

The contract you sign should include all the financial, ownership, and performance requirements. Because these systems can contain web-enabled equipment, you should also check to see if someone is collecting data on your home’s energy production and consumption, and who has access to it.

Conclusion

Going solar is a major step. Everything changes when you become aware of how much energy you consume. Your attitude toward energy usage shifts. Not only does it make you feel good about not having to pay those dictator power corporations wads of cash every quarter, but it also makes you feel good about doing something nice for the environment.

solarize bharat top solar manufacturers

Take the next step in renewable energy by joining the Solarize Bharat pledge. Imagine your business not just as an entity benefiting from solar power but as a contributor to a nationwide movement, shaping the future of energy in our incredible nation.

Stay solar-powered and environmentally inspired!

P.S.: Share this blog with fellow solar enthusiasts to spread the word about the exciting world of solar energy!

News & Press, Soleos

How Gujarat’s New Net Metering Policy Boosts Rooftop Solar Adoption

Posted on by admin
05
Dec

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has revised the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (Net Metering Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive Systems) Regulations, 2016. According to the new Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (Net Metering Rooftop Solar PV Grid Interactive Systems) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2022, net metering will be permitted for rooftop solar systems with capacities ranging from 1 kW to 1 MW. Rooftop solar systems with capacities ranging from 10 kW to 1 MW will be eligible for gross metering.

Residential rooftop solar projects will be permitted under the new regulations, regardless of the sanctioned load. Consumers can take advantage of the program’s incentives. For captive consumers and projects set up under third-party sale within the permissible limit, there will be no capacity restrictions up to the sanctioned load demand. If a rooftop project set up under the gross metering mechanism by a residential or government consumer is located on their property, the DISCOM will purchase ownership or legal possession of the property under the Policy for Development of Small Scale Distributed Solar
Projects, 2019.

Solar project installation will be permitted up to the sanctioned load for projects established under the renewable energy certificate (REC) the mechanism for captive use or third-party sale. The capacity of solar projects built to meet renewable purchase obligation (RPO) requirements will be permitted regardless of their sanctioned load.

  • RESIDENTIAL AND GOVERNMENT PROJECTS:

Rooftop solar projects installed on residential consumers’ rooftops will be permitted, regardless of the sanctioned load. A developer can also set up a solar project on the rooftop of a residential customer to generate and sell power to another consumer on the same premises under a third-party sale. In this case, the developer and consumer must enter into a lease or power sale agreement.

DISCOM must purchase power at 2.25 ($0.029)/kWh for the first five years from the project’s commissioning in the case of self-owned systems and SURYA Gujarat project consumers. Following that, they should purchase it at 75% of the simple average of the tariff discovered and contracted under GUVNL’s competitive bidding process for non-park-based solar projects in the preceding six months from the project’s commercial operation.

For projects set up for third-party sale, DISCOM must purchase the power at 75 percent of the simple average tariff discovered and contracted under GUVNL’s competitive bidding process for non-park-based solar projects in the six months preceding the project’s commercial operation.
The same must be fixed for the duration of the contract. GUVNL will declare such rates on a six-monthly basis, and they will be applicable under the agreement that Soleos will execute with the consumer. Residential consumers will not be charged any bank fees for using solar power.

  • CAPTIVE PROJECTS:

There will be no capacity restrictions in this category. The captive consumer must make use of the energy produced by such a project. Annual documentation must be submitted to prove ownership of the captive solar-generating project and its annual energy consumption.

In the case of solar projects set up for captive use by HT or EHV consumers, energy set-off will be permitted between 7.00 and 18.00 hours on the same day. After the specified period, the surplus energy should be purchased by the respective DISCOM.

The energy set-off period for solar projects set up by LT demand-based consumers for captive use will be between 7.00 and 18.00 hours. The surplus energy not consumed by the customer during the period after set-off should be compensated by the respective DISCOMs using the surplus injection compensation (SIC) rates.

Surplus injection compensation rates for projects established by micro, small, and medium (MSM) manufacturing enterprises will be 2.25 ($0.029)/kWh for the first five years following project commissioning. They must later purchase it at 75% of the simple average tariff discovered by GUVNL for non-park-based solar projects in the six months preceding the project’s commercial operation. The tariff will be in effect for the duration of the agreement.

For projects set by non-MSMEs, the surplus injection compensation rate will be 75% of the simple average tariff discovered and contracted under GUVNL’s competitive bidding process for non-park-based solar projects in the six months preceding the project’s commercial operation. The same will apply for the duration of the agreement.

Solar energy consumed by demand-based consumers will be subject to banking charges of 1.50 ($0.019)/kWh. Banking charges of 1.10 ($0.014)/kWh will apply to MSME manufacturing units and other than demand-based consumers. Government buildings will not be levied with banking fees.

  • THIRD-PARTY SALE OF PROJECTS:

The sale of electricity to third-party consumers by the owner of a solar power project will be considered a third-party sale. Developers can also install projects on consumers’ rooftops to generate and sell power through a lease or power purchase agreement.
Energy set-off will be permitted between 7:00 and 18:00 hours of the same day for solar rooftop projects set up by HT/EHV consumers and LT demand-based consumers. After the specified period, DISCOMs should purchase any surplus energy.

DISCOMs must compensate the consumer for any excess energy not consumed during the set-off period at 75% of the simple average of the tariff discovered by GUVNL for non-park-based solar projects in the six months preceding the project’s commercial operation. The same will remain constant for the duration of the contract.

Solar energy consumed by demand-based consumers will incur banking charges of 1.50 ($0.019)/kWh. A banking charge of $1.10 ($0.014)/kWh will be applied to MSME units other than LT demand-based consumers. Government buildings will not be subject to banking fees.

Rooftop solar projects under the REC mechanism can be established in accordance with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission’s administrative procedures for registration and accreditation (CERC).

The energy accounting for projects established under the REC mechanism should be done in 15-minute time blocks.

Surplus energy after being set off on a 15-minute time block basis should be compensated by DISCOMs at 65 percent of the simple average of the tariff discovered by GUVNL for non-park-based solar projects in the preceding six months from the project’s commercial operation in the case of projects set up for captive or third-party sale under the REC mechanism. The tariff will be in effect for the duration of the agreement.

A tariff of 65 percent of the simple average tariff for solar projects located outside of solar parks in the six months preceding the signing of the PPA will apply to DISCOMs agreeing to purchase electricity under the REC mechanism. The tariff will be in place for the duration of the agreement.

There will be no banking fees. Cross subsidy surcharges and additional surcharges, as determined by the Commission, will be applied to projects set up for third-party sale. Transmission and wheeling charges and losses will be assessed based on the project’s location and point of consumption.

PROJECTS SET FOR RPO COMPLIANCE:

Customers will be able to create projects to meet their RPO requirements regardless of contracted demand. Energy accounting for such projects must be done in 15-minute increments.

DISCOM will consider purchasing surplus solar energy from captive or third-party solar projects to fulfil its RPO. The DISCOM will compensate the excess energy injected into the grid at 75% of the simple average of the tariff discovered and contracted through a competitive bidding process conducted by GUVNL for non-park-based solar projects, and this compensation will be valid for the duration of the agreement. There will be no banking fees to pay.

When power wheeling or transmission for captive consumption is permitted with open access permission, the transmission charges and losses, wheeling charges, and unit losses that apply to regular open access consumers will be applied.

CROSS SUBSIDY SURCHARGE AND ADDITIONAL SURCHARGE:

Cross subsidy surcharges and additional surcharges will not apply to captive projects. The cross subsidy surcharge and additional surcharge will be the same for projects set up for third-party sale as they are for regular open access consumers.

GERC reiterated in February that DISCOMs procuring surplus energy from rooftop solar projects must use the state’s average power purchase cost of 4 ($0.053)/kWh as the ceiling for the fiscal years 2020–21.

Cost-benefit

The homeowner can conduct a cost analysis and determine the amount of electricity required to be profitable. This could encompass both the quantity of power that can be sent to the grid to produce more cash and satisfy the homeowner’s power needs.

Rooftop solar systems are becoming increasingly popular as a source of electric power since they are renewable and abundant during the day. Implementing an appropriate rooftop solar system with careful planning can result in an endless supply of electric power with low recurrent costs.

Is solar energy a good fit for your home?

This is unquestionably the most important item to understand before installing solar panels. So, how can you know if your home is solar-ready? Here’s a list of “indicators” to look for when determining whether your home is solar-ready:

Solar panels don’t perform well in the shade, thus there should be very little of it. It’s best if there’s a lot of direct sunshine. So, if your property is in the shadow of a skyscraper or was built next to a colosseum, you might want to consider moving before going solar!

How much would you save on your electricity bill if you go solar? Solar doesn’t always work out well for everyone. You should have a power bill of at least $300 every quarter and utilise at least half of your energy during daylight hours to get the most out of your solar panels. This is more of a guideline than anything else. In general, the higher your electricity expense, the more benefit solar panels will provide.

The direction of the roof isn’t important right now. It is, nonetheless, critical. You should have a large North-facing roof to get the most out of solar panels (if you live in Australia). East-West cooperation is also possible. Especially for setups with an overloaded inverter.

Which Solar Panels and Inverters Should You Purchase?

There are numerous brands of solar panels and inverters to choose from. When selecting a solar panel or inverter, keep the following guidelines in mind:

Panels of solar energy:

Choose a business that has been in operation for a long time.
Avoid panels that try to pass themselves off as European or have special qualities.
Get a few quotations and choose a reasonable price and an excellent product rather than paying top dollar.

Inverter:

If you plan on staying in the house for a long time, pay top dollar for a high-quality product.
If you’re buying for a rental property or won’t be staying long, go for a low-cost panel.

What should your contract contain?

The contract you sign should include all the financial, ownership, and performance requirements. Because these systems can contain web-enabled equipment, you should also check to see if someone is collecting data on your home’s energy production and consumption and who has access to it.

Conclusion

Going solar is a major step. Everything changes when you become aware of how much energy you consume. Your attitude towards energy usage shifts. Not only does it make you feel good about not having to pay those dictator power corporations wads of cash every quarter, but it also makes you feel good about doing something nice for the environment.

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Take the next step in renewable energy by joining the Solarize Bharat pledge. Imagine your business not just as an entity benefiting from solar power but as a contributor to a nationwide movement, shaping the future of energy in our incredible nation.

Stay solar-powered and environmentally inspired!

P.S.: Share this blog with fellow solar enthusiasts to spread the word about the exciting world of solar energy!