Volume # 9 | Issue # 3 | March 2017 | Rs.5

R.N.I. NO. MPBIL/2013/50966 | DT OF PUBLICATION: March 20 | POSTAL REGD.NO. MP/IDC/1435/2016-2018

Volume # 9 | Issue # 3 | March 2017 | Rs.5/-

UTILITY | COMMERCIAL | RESIDENTIAL

LEADING THE WORLD IN SOLAR SINCE 1997

Trina Solar is a world leader in solar modules, solutions and services. We provide clean, affordable and reliable energy to homes, businesses and power plants around the world with our high quality products and technological innovations. We have achieved more than 21GW of cumulative shipments worldwide and is ranked as one of the most bankable solar panel manufacturer.

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170206_projectad_ad.indd 1 6/2/17 12:58 PM UTILITY | COMMERCIAL | RESIDENTIAL

LEADING THE WORLD IN SOLAR SINCE 1997

> 21GW 36 > 1300 World’s Cumulative In-house Patents Most Bankable Shipments Quality Filed PV Module Worldwide Tests Manufacturer by Bloomberg New Energy Finance

www.trinasolar.com | [email protected]

170206_projectad_ad.indd 1 6/2/17 12:58 PM VOLUME 9 Issue # 3

INTERNATIONAL

OWNER : FirstSource Energy INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED PLACE OF PUBLICATION : 95-C, Sampat Farms, Bicholi Mardana Distt-Indore 452016, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA Tel. + 91 96441 22268 Tel. + 91 96441 33319 47 www.EQMagPro.com RENEWABLE EDITOR & CEO : ENERGY ANAND GUPTA [email protected] Renewable Energy Mission PUBLISHER : Needs A Robust ANAND GUPTA Grid Network

PRINTER : ANAND GUPTA

TRENDS & ANALYSIS SAUMYA BANSAL GUPTA 34 30 [email protected] PUBLISHING COMPANY DIRECTORS: ANIL GUPTA

ANITA GUPTA

CONSULTING EDITOR : GOODS & SERVICES TAX FEATURED NEWS SURENDRA BAJPAI GST to increase solar JERA Invests $200 HEAD SALES & MARKETING : tariffs, boost domestic Million in ReNew Power GOURAV GARG manufacturing and jobs [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS : ASHISH HARDIA [email protected] 63 DESIGN & GRAPHIC DIRECTOR : ANKIT PANDEY (Sahil) SOLAR ROOFTOP PRINTING PRESS : The biggest Nature Print Pvt Limited, Lifted Solar Indore (M.P.) Solution of 175KW for Deepak Disclaimer,Limitations of Liability Hospital, While every efforts has been made to ensure the high quality and accuracy

CONTENT Jalna of EQ international and all our authors research articles with the greatest of care and attention ,we make no warranty concerning its content,and the magazine is provided on an>> as is <

SOLAR PV MANUFACTURING Soon, print solar cells at the cost of a newspaper 62 44 SOLAR EXCLUSIVE ROOFTOP INTERVIEW 1st Net With Mr.Ray Metering Luiz, Country done for 100 Manager kW rooftop -Shenzhen, system in Kstar New Jalgaon Energy Co.,Ltd, India Office 64

SOLAR TRACKERS EXCLUSIVE 50 INTERVIEW The Solar Tracker BOOM EXCLUSIVE Interview Continues Despite Low INTERVIEW 58 Module Prices With Mr. Sukhwinder With Mr.Ran Pal Singh, Xu,Deputy Solar Pv General Director, Manager, Ingeteam GSOLA

51 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW With Mr.Rucas PV MANUFACTURING Wang, Regional N-Type Bifacial Cell Manager Asia Technology, A Most Pacific, Growatt 70 Efficient Electricity Cost-Effective Solution

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW With Mr. Sven Kramer, Vice President Sales 54 76 66 Solar Technology, teamtechnik Group EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW PV MANUFACTURING With Mr. Material Innovation Reduces LCOE Ivan Saha, President & Chief Technological Officer, Vikram Solar

NEWS & ANALYSIS Pg. 08-40 PRODUCT 78 Pg. 80

USA MARKET SOLAR ROOFTOP US Solar Market Grows Do Solar IPPs in India have sufficient 95% in 2016, Smashes information when selecting a vendor for 41 Records either a Fixed Tilt or a Tracker MMS? DISTRIBUTED SOLAR

Ujjain: Mahakaleshwar Temple to be lighted by solar power Mahakaleswar Temple will glitter soon with power supply from an upcoming solar power plant. Temple’s huge expenses on electricity bills will be minimised after installation of the plant. It will be the first jyotirlinga temple having a power generation plant of this kind.

or this purpose NHDC Limited, a joint venture of Union minister Piyush Goyal eases NHPC and the state government, has allotted the tender to Aegasun Energy, Pune to install a solar power installation of power plant unit worth Rs 19, 46, 940. According to information, On his arrival at the company will be responsible for supply, installation, testing and commissioning of 35KW grid con- Mahakaleshwar Temple nected to the plant at Shri Mahakaleshwar Mandir last year, priest Ashish and it is assumed that after installation, the temple’s Pujari had sought the Felectricity bills will be slashed by Rs 4 lakh. As per attention of Union energy the terms of project completion period, the period of minister Piyush Goyal with supply of the material at the temple will be completed regard to installation of a solar plant at the temple in four months reckoned from the date of issue of the Piyush Goyal order and period of installation, testing, and commis- Minister MNRE to save a big amount on sioning shall be one month after scheduled supply pe- India electricity bills. He had riod. According to terms of guarantee and warranty, said that the Union PV modules used in the plant must be warranted for government was ready to their output peak watt capacity which should not be subsidise the total cost by less than 90 per cent at the end of 10 years and 80 50 per cent. When Ashish per cent at end of 25 years. The mechanical struc- said he could contribute tures, electrical works including power conditioners, the entire fund, the inverters, charge controllers, MPPT units, distribution minister had sought a boards, digital metres, switchgears and overall work- project report from the manship of SPV power, plants, systems must be war- Temple Management ranted against any manufacturing, design, installation Committee. defects, for a minimum period of 18 months from the date of delivery at the site or 12 months from the date Source: freepressjournal of installation, whichever is earlier.

Talking to The Free Press Journal, Senior Officer of NHDC Rajeev Kumar Agrawal said 35 KW power would be generated by the power plant.

10 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com DISTRIBUTED SOLAR

Enerparc Energy announces receipt of 5.5 MWp Porwal Auto Components EPC turnkey order from Technique Solaire Ltd approves investment in

nerparc Energy Private Limited is glad to announce receipt Solar Power Plant of turnkey EPC project order from Technique Solaire for he Board of Porwal Auto setting up 5.5MWp Solar Power plant at Village Maheswari, Components Ltd has de- in Uttarakhand. Earlier Technique Solaire, a French com- cided to invest approxi- pany, through its Indian Subsidiary JLTM Energy India mately Rs. 15 Crores in Private Limited, had won the tender held in Uttarakhand, Solar Power Plant for cap- under state policy of UREDA and signed Power Purchase tive consumption with the Agreement with UPCL for power offtake. capacity of 3 megawatts E (MW) for which the Board “Looking at past track record of Enerparc in India hasT decided to avail the credit facility of ap- with its smooth, clean and on time execution, coupled proximately Rs. 10 Crores and authorised Mr. with European mind-set of quality first we decided to Surendra Jain Chairman and Whole Time Di- partner with Enerparc for execution of our very first rector, Mr. Devendra Jain Managing Director project in India.” and Mr. Shailesh Jain, Chief Financial Officer Manu Bishnoi, Director, Technique Solaire, India of the Company jointly and/ or severally to do all the acts, deeds, matters, things and post- approval formalities for the same. Shares of “With common goal of achieving completion of PORWAL AUTO COMPONENTS LTD. was project in timely manner and execution of project last trading in BSE at Rs.45 as compared to with top of class quality – It’s a great partnership the previous close of Rs. 44.15. The total num- shaping up while working together with Technique ber of shares traded during the day was 17500 Solaire”. in over 139 trades. The stock hit an intraday Amit Barve, Vice President, high of Rs. 45.9 and intraday low of 44. The Business Development, Enerparc Energy net turnover during the day was Rs. 780840. DISTRIBUTED SOLAR

Statkraft BLP Solar Solutions inaugurates 5 MW solar power plant Statkraft BLP Solar Solutions, inaugurated its 5 MW solar power plant in Karnataka on 2nd March 2017. The opening of the power plant is graced by Statkraft’s corporate management, including Stat- kraft’s CEO, Christian Rynning-Tønnesen.

At the inauguration, Christian said “This is a proud moment for Statkraft. We do believe that solar technology is going to play an important role for India and we are excited about the possibilities.”

or this capacity, Statkraft BLP has tied up off- Statkraft BLP’s COO, Pratyush take agreements with three prominent clients Thakur commented on Statkraft in Karnataka. These include a five-star hotel BLP’s vision “We are an energy in Bangalore, a subsidiary of a major German partner of choice for industries Industrial conglomerate and a subsidiary of a and commercial units, both for German automobile parts manufacturer. The operations and financing. We offer clients will be supplied solar power under the open access power, solar rooftop solutions, as well as power trading solutions in open access mechanism. cooperation with our sister company Statkraft The solar plant, which was built with Stat- Markets. This gives us the unique advantage kraft’s global quality and health and safety of providing both short-term power as well standards, is one of the few open access so- long-term solutions, open access as well as Flar projects to be commissioned successfully captive capacity.” in Karnataka. Statkraft BLP’s CEO, Tejpreet Singh Statkraft BLP Solar Solutions was incorporated as a joint Chopra commented on the commis- venture between Norwegian state-owned utility, Statkraft, and sioning: “With our reputation of execu- the established Indian renewable firm, Bharat Light and Power, tion and operation and the credentials in November 2015. The venture has since then commissioned of the parent companies, clients are rooftop projects along with its first 5 MW solar plant. recognizing us as dependable long-term partners. Additionally, the financial and Statkraft also owns about 300 MW hydel capacity in India in technical strength of partners ensures a joint venture with Bhilwara Energy. Statkraft Markets, the timely project execution.” trading arm of the global utility, provides trading solutions to clients in India. In its endeavour to provide clean energy to the He also disclosed that the company has a Royal Norwegian Embassy of India, Statkraft CEO, Christian strong pipeline of projects in multiple states Rynning-Tønnesen also signed a supply contract for International in India and several clients are in conversa- Renewable Energy Certificates from Statkraft’s joint venture tion to procure solar solutions. asset Malana Hydro Power Plant.

On the occasion, Ambassador Nils Ragnar Kamsvåg said, “We are very proud inhabitants of a greener embassy and Statkraft contributes through the guaranteed origin of clean energy in form of International Renewable Energy Certificates (IRECs)”.

12 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Aditya Birla Group, Lotus Renewables to launch $100m clean energy fund Aditya Birla Group along with Lotus Renewables is set to launch a $100 million Global Clean Energy Fund targeted at developing countries in Asia, including India, as well as Australia. “Currently we are looking Asia and Australia as a market to start with .

We have identified markets like India, Srilanka, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam etc,” K Gowri Shankar, Director, Lotus Renewables told DEALSTREETASIA

he Global Clean Energy Fund, which will be managed India, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Australia. It provides by Singapore-based Aditya Birla Sun Life Asset Man- Solar photovoltaic solutions and also owns and runs agement Company Pte Ltd, will invest in assets that mini Hydro power plants. generate clean energy. It will provide debt and equity The company will be putting an initial investment financing to small and medium-sized clean energy of $5 million, said Shankar. “We are targeting clean projects across the globe. energy assets that can generate long term consistent The fund will typically work on a pipeline of projects return. We are targeting $ return of above 8 %,” he T seeking investment pre-construction in sectors such added. With governments turning their focus to renew- as small hydro, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, enable energy, the sector has also caught the fancy of ergy storage and smart grids. It will also look at invest- investors.It was recently reported that CDC Group Plc, ing in distressed assets that suit its portfolio profile. the UK government’s development finance institution, The vehicle will have strategic partners in the re- is planning to set up its own renewable energy platform gions they are targeting. “We will appoint an indepen- focussed on east India and neighbouring countries. dent local consultants for doing due- diligence before Last year, Australia also announced the launch of our investment committee’s evaluation,” said Shankar the AU$20 million ($15 million) Clean Energy Seed The fund is expected to make its first close at $30 Fund (CESF), which will provide seed and angel fund- million in the next two months with the target of closing ing to ventures developing clean energy solutions. the $100 million fund by the end of December, he add- In India, Asset management firm IDFC Alternatives ed. Lotus Renewable Energy Group is a multinational Ltd announced in September last year to float a sepa- renewable energy company with its operations across rate platform to hold its renewable energy assets.

“As we are looking small and medium scaled project which are not concentrated by large renewable players. The fund will have an attractive return and we feel this will de-risk the portfolio by diversification,” said Shankar. Source:dealstreetasia Moody’s assign Ba3 rating to secured USD notes by Neerg Energy oody’s has assigned the stable Ba3 rating to the se- includes a slight top-up on the amount previously nior secured USD notes issued by Neerg Energy Ltd estimated for the issuance, it said. While this de- to the senior secured notes issued by Neerg Energy. creases the amount of headroom, it is manageable “We have assigned a first-time Ba3 rating to the within the Ba3 rating. The Ba3 rating is under- senior secured USD notes issued by Neerg pinned by a diverse set of long-term contracts that Energy Ltd (the Issuer). The rating outlook is provide stable cash flows, have low operating risks stable,” the rating agency said in a statement. and are comprised predominantly of wind and solar M According to the statement, the issuer’s credit energy projects, it said. The restricted group’s cash quality is closely linked to that of the seven oper- flows draw from 12 different projects spread across ating companies that together form the restricted five states in India. Neerg Energy Ltd, which is the group, which in turn is owned by Renew Power issuer of the senior secured USD notes, is held by Ventures Pvt Ltd (RPVPL, unrated) – Such linkage a trust and its ownership is not linked to RPVPL or is established because Neerg will be the holder of its subsidiaries. Using the proceeds from the USD Masala bonds that will be issued by the companies notes issuance, Neerg will subscribe to the Masala within the restricted group and supported by cash bonds issued by the specified seven operating enti- flows from the restricted group. Holders of the USD ties of RPVPL and which together form the restrict- notes that was issued by Neerg have a first ranked group. The seven restricted subsidiaries have a ing charge over the Masala bonds. On February capacity of 504 MW in wind and solar power plants 7 2017, Neerg has issued USD 475 million, which and are domiciled in India.. Source:moneycontrol

14 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com

Powering Green Future

/GSL1000/GSL1250

Stock code 002518 Powering Green Future

Shenzhen KSTAR New Energy Co., Ltd. Tel : +91 7838550852 E-mail : indiaofﬁ[email protected] 002518 Website: www.kstarpower.com Stock code

Powering Green Future Stock code 002518 Shenzhen KSTAR New Energy Co., Ltd. Tel : +91 7838550852 E-mail : indiaofﬁ[email protected] Website: www.kstarpower.com DISTRIBUTED SOLAR

BEML inaugurates 200 KW rooftop Amplus partners solar project in Mysore Snapdeal for 1 MW rooftop solar project

mplus Energy Solutions said it has signed a Rs 5-crore deal with e-com- merce firm Snapdeal to install 1 MW rooftop solar projects. Under the pact, Amplus will set up rooftop tate-run BEML announced inauguration of a 200 KW grid- solar plants warehouses of Vulcan Express, the captive logistics unit connected rooftop solar project in Mysore. “With the instal- A of Snapdeal, across various locations, it said lation and commissioning of the rooftop solar project, in statement. BEML inches towards achieving the target of utilising 100 Gurgaon based Snapdeal plans to reduce percent renewable energy for captive consumption,” the its CO2 emissions by 34,500 MT or reduce company said in a statement. As part of its renewable energy drive, BEML had set up a 5 mw windmill project in Karna- consumption of 2,55,000 barrels of crude oil taka which is generating power since 2007. In addition, it also which will be equivalent to planting 43,000 Sset up 18 mw windmill project in Koppal and Bagalkot districts trees in India with this association. Amplus is in Karnataka from which 9 MW electricity is being produced. looking to expand its geographic footprint in A 9 MW project is also under commissioning stage. With India and hire resources. It currently employs this, the total commissioned renewable energy capacity will more than 100 people with offices in 5 major be 23.2 MW which would meet the total power requirement of cities of the country. the PSU, it said. Source:PTI Now Read on Tablet & Smartphone

www.EQMagPro.com DISTRIBUTED SOLAR

Northeast region adopts ‘Delhi secretariat renewable energy to over- saves Rs 1 cr by using come power crisis solar power’

A 40 kilowatt solar power plant was recently inaugurated in Assam’s Jorhat city with an aim to utilize the energy resources. In 2015, the then government of Assam sanctioned 50 lakh rupees to encourage solar power generation in the area.

The Delhi government has saved over Rs 1 crore in the last one year by running the Delhi secretariat on solar power, a senior official said.

he 1 megawatt facility at the Indraprastha is covering 20 per cent of the Players Build- ing where the headquarters of Delhi government is housed. “We are planning to increase the capacity to 3 TMW’s which will power the entire he North-east region produces surplus power as compare to building,” the official said. the demand. However, the surplus energy will be distributed to other parts of the country. Many solar power plant projects in the northeast are in pipeline, targeting to reach almost every household in the region. The Central government has been promoting clean energy under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission. It targets deploying 20,000 MW of T grid connected solar power by 2022 and is aimed at reducing the cost of solar power generation in the country. In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with French President Francois Hollande launched an International Solar Alliance on the sidelines of the Climate Summit held in Paris.

In January 2016, PM Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande laid the foundation stone for the headquar- “Solar panels at IP power ters of the International Solar Alliance station which provide 1 MW- in Gwal Pahari in Haryana. As India is solar power to Delhi Secre heading towards renewable based en- tariat, the first Secretariat in ergy, more emphasis is now being given India to run on solar power.” on solar, wind and other clear energy - Nagendar Sharma, sources. The Northeastern states will Spokesperson, Delhi government play a major role in the production of (He said this In a Tweet) clean energy in the country.

Source:ANI Source:PTI

18 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com BUSINESS & FINANCE

Petron Group & PLG Clean Energy Announce Strategic Partnership to Fund $165 Million Into Solar Projects in South Asia etron Group LLP., a leading private equity firm specializing in renewable energy, and a South Asian developer, and owner of solar parks, recently announced a new strategic partnership to fund solar projects in South Asia with a total capital commitment from Petron Group of 215 Million dollars.As part of this partnership, Petron will invest $165 million in the construction of approximately 170 megawatts P AC of solar projects in South India.Petron has allocated an additional $50 million for secondary market opportunities in Nigeria and Cameroon, subject to due diligence and other necessary approvals. Beyond this capital commitment, both parties have agreed in principle to collaborate on identifying and acquiring suitable renewable Energy assets.

“We are delighted to be working with a leading specialized private equity fund that has in depth experience in the renewable submarket,” said Kiran Patil, MD of PLG (BS Group Company) “We believe PLG will benefit from Petron’s long tenure as an investor in the renewable energy sector and unmatched industry experience in this strategic partnership.”

“We are excited about our partnership with PLG, a company with deep power development expertise throughout South Asia,” said Isaac Udotong, Managing Partner of Petron Group. “They have developed a portfolio of high-quality assets in India, and we expect to see tremendous growth in this region over the next couple years, So this is an excellent addition to our portfolios.” www.EQMagPro.com BUSINESS & FINANCE

Sebi to finalise norms for Green Bonds post MNRE comments

Capital markets regulator Sebi will soon finalise its guidelines for listing of Green Bonds, which would facilitate raising of funds for investment in renewable energy space, after incorporating comments from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). ver a year ago, Sebi’s board had approved detailed decisions and bring in uniformity in the disclosure draft norms for issuance and listing of Green Bonds requirements, Sebi had said in a statement in Janu- in the stock market to help meet the huge financ- ary last year after its board approved the proposal ing requirements worth USD 2.5 trillion for climate in this regard. Financing needs of renewable energy change actions in India by 2030. However, the final space in the country requires new channels to be guidelines are hanging in balance since then for explored, which can also help in reducing the cost want of certain inputs from the government side, a of the capital. senior official said. Green bonds can be key to help Sebi had decided on the new norms after tak- meet an ambitious target India has of building 175 ing into account public comments to a draft paper gigawatt of renewable energy capacity by 2022, issued by the regulator in this regard in December O which will require a massive estimated funding of 2015. Issuance and listing of green bonds will be USD 200 billion. governed by the Sebi regulations for debt securities but the issuer of green bonds will have to make in- “Sebi had sent a draft of the proposed cremental disclosures. These norms would also pro- guidelines to Ministry of Finance for vide for requirement of independent third party re- their comments. After discussion with viewer, certifier or validator for reviewing, certifying concerned departments, the Finance and validating the pre-issuance and post-issuance process, including project evaluation and selection Ministry had forwarded comments of criteria. However, this has been kept optional. the Ministry of Environment, Forest and The issuer will have to provide the details of sys- Climate Change to the markets regula- tems and procedures to be employed for tracking the tor. “However, Sebi was informed that proceeds, the investments made and earmarked for the MNRE’s comments were still awaited eligible projects. The same would need to be verified and would be forwarded to the markets by external auditors. A green bond is like any other regulator immediately upon receipt of bond where a debt instrument is issued by an entity for raising funds from investors. However, what dif- the same,” the official said. ferentiates a green bond from other bonds is that the proceeds of a Green Bond offering are ‘ear-marked’ Subsequently, Sebi also sent reminders to MNRE for use towards financing green projects. As of now, for their comments on the matter, he said, while add- there are no standard norms for green bonds. Ac- ing that there now appears to be some progress on cording to Sebi, green bonds can help enhance an this front and the regulator would finalise the guide- issuer’s reputation and attract a wider investor base, lines for green bonds soon. The new norms would while benefiting the issuers in terms of better pricing also help the investors take informed investment of their bonds compared to a regular bond.

Source:PTI

20 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com If things never change, what would happened to the world?

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Hon’ble President of India Inaugurates Jakson Solar Power Plant at Rashtrapati Bhawan

Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee “Jakson is amongst the top two inaugurated a 508 kWp rooftop solar power plant at players in the solar rooftop Rashtrapati Bhawan, installed and commissioned by EPC segment in India. In Jakson Group. the past few years we have delivered some of the most challenging and innovative solar his rooftop solar power plant will rooftop EPC solutions in the country that help generate approximately 7.41 include rooftop solar powered coaches for lakh units of green electricity ev- the Indian Railways and non-evasive solar ery year and provide power for rooftop plant at the Yamuna Sports Complex the electricity needs of the Presi- in Delhi amongst others. The Rashtrapati dent’s Estate. The installed solar Bhawan project is another feather in our plant will incorporate net meter- cap” said Sundeep Gupta, Vice-Chairman & ing system for exporting surplus Managing Director, Jakson Group. power generated by the plant. A T total of 1614 solar panels of 315 Wp, manufactured by Jakson at its state-of-the-art solar module “We are proud to be associ- manufacturing plant in Greater ated with such a prestigious Noida power have been installed project. With our expertise and at the project site to generate engineering capabilities in so- the requisite power. In addition lar EPC projects, we were able to turnkey engineering, procure- to complete this project in record ment and construction services time. It reaffirms our expertise in delivering for the project, Jakson will also complex solar EPC projects on time,” added provide annual operations and Mr. Sameer Gupta, Chairman & Managing maintenance service to the plant Director, Jakson Group. for 5 years.

IFC will invest up to $15 million in compulsorily convertible debentures, IFC Makes Rs 100 Crores said the World Bank’s investment arm. “An IFC investment would act as a stamp of approval for future fund raises. IFC is expected to mobilise (US$15 Mn) Investment in co-investment from other investors,” said IFC. T is a renewable energy service company providing solar CleanMax Solar solutions for commercial and industrial customers in India International Finance Corporation (IFC) is planning to in- through both on-site and off-site facilities. Clean Max plans vest $15 million in Clean Max Equity. The fund infusion will on commissioning more than 250 MW of solar projects support company’s plan to set up solar projects of upto over the next three years.The proceeds of the IFC invest- 250 MW capacity over the next three years. The proposed ment will be used to fund the construction of the proposed transaction is a quasi-equity investment in solar projects. The proceeds of the IFC investment will be Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions (CMES). used to fund the construction of green field solar projects across India.The company will setup new renewable en- I ergy based generation capacity to meet the increasing demand for power in the country and in the process will help reduce GHG emission intensity. The project will help early stage renewable energy company to develop its business and thereby have a signalling effect on the market for other businesses, according to company’s disclosure.

22 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com

FEATURED NEWS

JERA Invests $200 Million in ReNew Power ReNew Power Ventures Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading renewable energy independent power producer, recently announced an equity fund raise of $200 million for a 10 percent stake in the company through the subscription of newly issued shares by JERA Co., Inc. (“JERA”), a leading Japanese power company with a global presence. Following the company’s founding six years ago, this latest investment round now values ReNew Power at $2 billion. JERA is a joint venture between two of Japan’s largest utilities companies, Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. and Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.

s one of the world’s leading energy Sumant Sinha, Chairman and CEO of firms its capabilities expand across in ReNew Power said, “We are delighted the entire energy supply chain, from that JERA has chosen to enter the participation in LNG and other fuel re- Indian renewable energy sector by source projects and fuel procurement, investing in our ever-expanding and through fuel transportation to power fast-growing company. Their belief and generation. JERA currently operates investment in us further reinforces our approximately 6 GW of energy assets capabilities and commitment towards globally across North America, the changing the future of India through Middle East and SE Asia. This invest- transforming our country’s energy A ment in ReNew Power, marks its first landscape. ReNew Power will continue entry into India’s energy sector. to focus on developing sustainable and innovative solar and wind energy solutions and investing in high-quality projects to create positive returns for Yuji Kakimi, President of JERA, said, “As our stakeholders.” a ReNew Power shareholder, we will seek to contribute to the company by making available technical, operation- Ankur Sahu, co-Head of private equity al, project development, and man- in Asia at Goldman Sachs, said, “An agement experience gained through investment from a preeminent organization like JERA is an important corpo- our global power businesses. We look rate milestone. From our first round of forward to strengthening our relation- ship with ReNew Power and making a funding to found the company just six - positive contribution to India’s econom- years ago, ReNew Power has success ic growth and environmental sustain- fully grown to become one of the larg- ability by leveraging and augmenting est, fastest-growing and well-funded ReNew Power’s success in developing renewable energy companies in India. its renewable energy capacity.” As the company embarks on its next phase of growth, on behalf of all existing shareholders, we welcome JERA as Founded in 2011 by Sumant Sinha and funded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE: our latest strategic partner.” GS), who remains the majority shareholder, ReNew Power is committed to leading a change in the country’s current energy portfolio by deliver- In April 2016, ReNew Power became the first company in India to achieve ing cleaner and smarter energy choices and thereby reducing India’s 1 GW of commissioned wind and solar energy capacity. In November carbon footprint. The company as an independent power producer cre- 2016, the company was mandated to install 5 MW of renewable energy ates value through reliable and efficient generation of non-conventional capacity across India for state-owned Indian Railways and emerged as power through innovation in solar and wind power solutions. Prior the largest winner of the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s roof top to this investment by JERA, in addition to Goldman Sachs, existing auction, where 10 percent of the total capacity of 500 MW was won. world-class investors include the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Asian Today, ReNew Power has a commissioned capacity of 1.5 GW with an Development Bank and Global Environmental Fund. additional 1.8 GW of assets under construction across India.

32 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com FEATURED NEWS

JinkoSolar and Marubeni Corporation Enter Into Power Purchase Agreement for Sweihan Photovoltaic Independent Power Project in Abu Dhabi JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., a global leader in the photovoltaic (“PV”) industry, recently announced that a consortium consisting of JinkoSolar and Marubeni Corporation (“Marubeni”) have entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”) with the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company (“ADWEC”) for the Solar PV Independent Power Project (the “Project”) located at Sweihan, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

special purpose company jointly owned by JinkoSolar, Marubeni, and the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (“ADWEA”) will construct, “We are excited to be a operate and maintain the PV plant for part of the significant milestone the duration of the 25-year PPA. The project to co-develop with ADWEC project will be located in the Eastern and Marubeni. The execution of the Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, PPA demonstrates our strong technical approximately 120 km east of the skills, reliable high-efficiency products city of Abu Dhabi in Sweihan and will and development capabilities,” A have the capacity of 1,177 MW (DC). commented Mr. Xiande Li, Chairman All power generated will be sold to of JinkoSolar. “We are proud of ADWEC, a wholly owned entity of making a significant contribution the ADWEA. The Project’s financial to the development of the agreements are expected to close in solar industry in the Emir- April 2017 with commercial operation ate of Abu Dhabi.” expected to begin in 2019.

“Today’s important milestone is a highly significant event for both the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and also for the global Solar PV market. Not only will the Project, once constructed, be the world’s largest single utility scale solar PV plant, but the price of net electrical energy that we have agreed to today is one of the most competitive prices seen to date in the Solar PV industry,” commented H.E Abdullah Ali Musleh Al Ahbabi, Chairman of ADWEA. PV MANUFACTURING

Soon, print solar cells at the Monocrystal introduces new cost of a newspaper PERC aluminum Printing solar cells may soon be as easy and inexpen- sive as printing a newspaper, thanks to researchers paste specially who have cleared a critical manufacturing hurdle in the development of a new class of solar devices. designated for a This alternative solar technology could lead to dot laser pattern low-cost, printable solar panels capable of turning nearly any surface into a power generator, researchers said. onocrystal, a leading global supplier of PV metallization pastes “Economies of scale have greatly reduced Mand synthetic sap- the cost of silicon manufacturing. Perovskite phire, recently announced the solar cells can enable us to use techniques launch of its new EFX-9X series already established in the printing indus- aluminum metallization paste for try to produce solar cells at very low cost. Passivated Emitter Rear Contact Potentially, perovskites and silicon cells can (PERC) solar cells, specially be married to improve efficiency further, designed for a dot laser pattern. but only with advances in low-temperature New optimized paste content processes,” said Ted Sargent from University does not damage a passivation of Toronto in Canada. layer, and brings up to 17% higher local contact efficiency, compared to our previous EFX-series pastes. This results in overall cell oday, virtually all commercial solar efficiency gain up to 0.1%. Fur- cells are made from thin slices of “The most effective materi- thermore, the new product pro- crystalline silicon which must be pro- als for making ESLs start vides 30% lower consumption as cessed to a very high purity. as a powder and have to compared to the market average, It is an energy-intensive process, while maintaining high conductiv- requiring temperatures higher than be baked at high tempera- ity of an aluminum layer. EFX-9X 1,000 degrees Celsius and large tures, above 500 degrees series is an advanced solution for Tamounts of hazardous solvents. Celsius. You can not put a dot laser pattern delivering our In contrast, perovskite solar cells that on top of a sheet of customers an excellent PERC depend on a layer of tiny crystals – flexible plastic or on a fully solar cell performance. each about 1,000 times smaller than fabricated silicon cell – it the width of a human hair – made of will just melt,” Tan said. low-cost, light-sensitive materials. Since the perovskite raw materials can be mixed into a liquid to form Tan and his colleagues devel- a kind of solar ink, they could be oped a new chemical reaction than “In the light of current market printed onto glass, plastic or other enables them to grow an ESL made trends and the growing demand for materials using a simple inkjet print- of nanoparticles in solution, directly high-efficiency solar products we ing process. on top of the electrode. While heat are striving to provide our customers However, until now, there has is still required, the process always with high-end solutions, such as a been a catch – in order to generate stays below 150 degrees Celsius, dot laser pattern for PERC solar cells. electricity, electrons excited by solar much lower than the melting point of We are continuously upgrading our energy must be extracted from the many plastics. EFX-series metallization PERC-pack- crystals so they can flow through a The new nanoparticles are coated age in order to allow our customers circuit. That extraction happens in a with a layer of chlorine atoms, which maximize their product efficiency special layer called the electron se- helps them bind to the perovskite and production yields”, commented lective layer (ESL). layer on top – this strong binding al- Vyacheslav Golovin, CTO of The difficulty of manufacturing a lows for efficient extraction of elec- Monocrystal Pastes Division. good ESL has been one of the key trons. Researchers reported the ef- challenges holding back the develop- ficiency of solar cells made using the ment of perovskite solar cell devices. new method at 20.1 per cent.

Source:PTI

34 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com

GOODS & SERVICES TAX

GST to increase solar tariffs, boost “With the annual solar power capacity addition expected to be more domestic manufacturing and jobs than 12 GW in 2017-18, it is vital that solar sector could see tariffs rise by nearly 10% if current tax major hurdles for deployment, such as the potential impact of GST on exemptions were curtailed in the roll out of the Goods and Services the sector, be ironed out as early Tax (GST), according to a study released by the Council on Energy, as possible. GST offers many long Environment and Water (CEEW). term benefits, but the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy ultiple GST rates and their uncertain applicability to (MNRE), Solar Energy Corporation different equipments and services for solar projects of India Limited (SECI) and other is a growing concern from solar project developers related agencies must provide clear and investors. GST could also impact the pace of the guidelines regarding the applicable second phase of solar park development for additional GST slab for upcoming solar power 20,000 MW capacity announced in the recent Budget. projects and introduce government The key contributors to the increase in solar tariffs, mechanisms to offset the short term as a result of GST, would include increase in opera- negative impacts of GST. If current M tions and maintenance cost, panel costs, and financ- tax exemptions are curtailed, the ing costs. The increase in solar tariffs would also vary impact of the increase in solar tariffs across states; higher for states such as Rajasthan could be partially offset by policy where VAT and Entry Tax exemptions are currently instruments, such as Accelerated provided for solar equipment, as opposed to Andhra Depreciation benefits or Viability Pradesh and Gujarat where VAT and Entry Tax ex- Gap Funding for projects incurring emptions are not provided. increased capital investments.” The CEEW study also finds that GST will give a boost to the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, - Dr. Arunabha Ghosh, improving competitiveness of Indian manufacturers of CEO, CEEW solar cells, panels and modules eliminate the cascad- ing effect of the existing tax structure and introduce an input tax credit. Increased competitiveness of domestic solar manufacturers could create an additional 37000 new jobs in the solar manufacturing sector by The recent Budget has already benefitted 2022. domestic solar manufacturers with the Even as India celebrates record low solar tariffs, the CEEW study finds reduction of basic customs duty to nil for that GST could possibly increase capital cost of a solar project by INR tempered glass used in the manufacture 4.5 million per megawatt if current tax exemptions were curtailed, of solar cells, panels and modules and the setting back the sector in terms of cost competitiveness by about reduction of countervailing duty from 12.5 eighteen months. percent to 6 percent for parts used in the manufacture of tempered glass which is Solar project developers have approached the government with used in solar PV cells, modules, etc. requests to ensure that the current tax exemptions applicable to the sector continue so as to not negatively impact the efforts to achieve Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced last month that grid parity. The government currently collects less than 0.1% of its total the GST may be implemented indirect tax collection from the solar sector. on 1 July 2017.

36 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com PV MANUFACTURING

Strong demand for MB PERC Jolywood’s 2.1GW upgrade cell technology continues N-Type Mono-Si Bifacial Meyer Burger awarded first order for about CHF 24 million for MB PERC Cell Factory to Start upgrade cell technology from an existing PV customer in China as part of an overall framework contract Production olywood held an opening ceremony trong demand for MB announced that it has successfully in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province for its PERC upgrade cell concluded an important framework 2.1GW production site of N-type technology contin- contract for the MAiA 2.1 technology J mono-Si bifacial solar cells which cost ues: Meyer Burger platform with an existing Chinese RMB 1.65 billion. The company will start to awarded first order for customer. This contract further con- run the production lines in September 2017. about CHF 24 million firms the clear shift in demand within An opening ceremony that includes more for MB PERC upgrade the upgrade market from standard than 30 major projects with investment each cell technology from cell technologies to high-efficiency reaching above RMB 100 million was held S in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province on February an existing PV customer in China cell technologies like PERC. With as part of an overall framework con- its industrialized MAiA 2.1 system 12th. Jolywood’s project is one of them. The tract. The positive trend in demand platform and its MB PERC technol- company is starting to run the second-phase for Meyer Burger’s high-efficiency ogy, which is suitable for mass pro- production for its 2.1GW N-type mono-Si MB PERC cell technology in the PV duction, Meyer Burger is the market bifacial solar cells. upgrade business continues. A lead- leader in the field of PERC and sup- Jolywood’s N-type mono-Si bifacial cell ing Chinese solar manufacturer has ports its customers with innovative factory officially started the first-phase awarded Meyer Burger a significant high-performance equipment which construction in May 2016 and will begin to order for the delivery and installation increases their production volume of produce cells in September this year. The of the MAiA 2.1 technology platform high-quality solar cells. This first or- factory includes 14 cell production lines and with the industry leading MB PERC der from the framework contract has a high-efficiency cell R&D center with invest- upgrade cell technology. The con- a volume of about CHF 24 million. ment of RMB 100 million. Once the produc- tract volume is about CHF 24 million. The delivery and commisssioning of tion starts to run, it’s estimated to create an Meyer Burger Technology Ltd the equipment is scheduled for the annual output value of RMB 5 billion and (SIX Swiss Exchange: MBTN) today second quarter of 2017. thousands of job opportunities. Source: pv.energytrend Multicrystalline Silicon Solar Cell with 21.9 Percent Efficiency: Fraunhofer ISE Again Holds World Record The potential of photovoltaics (PV) has not yet been exhausted. Both industry and research continue to work intensively on increasing the efficiency and reducing the costs of solar cells, the basic component of every PV power plant. Now researchers at Fraunhofer ISE have produced a multicrystalline silicon solar cell with 21.9 percent efficiency, successfully bringing the world record back to Freiburg.

igher efficiencies and optimized processing steps are decisive for decreasing the cost of solar electricity even further. Both of these are an integral part of the photovoltaic research at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. With its newest efficiency value, the Freiburg researchers have once again broken a world re- H cord: A multicrystalline silicon solar cell converts 21.9 percent of the incident sunlight into electricity. industrial production today uses multicrystalline As in the years from 2004 to 2015, Fraunhofer ISE p-type silicon material with average solar cell effi- again holds the world’s record for multicrystalline ciencies of about 19 percent. The new material and silicon. The record solar cell consists of n-type high technology approaches applied by Fraunhofer ISE performance multicrystalline silicon, or HP mc-Si. for the record cell have the potential to improve the Compared to p-type silicon, this material shows a efficiency of multicrystalline silicon even further in higher tolerance to impurities, especially iron. The the near future.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 37 PV MANUFACTURING

Multi-Si to Challenge Mono-Si’s Market Share as Black Silicon Technology Matures Ever since PERC technology is getting popular, mono-Si products continue to threaten the market share of multi-Si products. Therefore, multi-Si manufacturers start to pay close attention to black silicon technology, hoping to improve the lower cell conversion efficiency problem caused by diamond-wire cut wafers and find new market opportunities for large multi-Si capacities.

ompared with traditional slurry-wire cut, diamond-wire cut is faster and can come up with more-stable-quality wafers. Wafer cost can be reduced to US$ 6-10 cents/piece too using diamond-wire cut. However, since the surface of multi-Si wafer using diamond-wire cut is too smooth, sunlight can easily be reflected and cannot be absorbed by the cell, which leads to lower conversion efficiency. Because of this, surface etching must be performed. One of the technologies with high visibility is called black silicon. Two types, three production processes C Black silicon is an existing technology that comes back with the diamond-wire cut wafers. In 2016, quite a few manufacturers have begun to conduct research into black silicon, including Canadian Solar, JA Solar, Jinko Solar, BYD, Kyoc- era, and some Taiwanese makers. Black silicon is mainly divided into two types – dry and wet etching, with a variety of classification. There are three major categories in the current market for black silicon technology – dry etching, wet etching, and additive. Additive is a type of wet etching but without the silver nitrate solvent used in standard wet etching process. The three types of production processes are listed below:

We can see this from manufacturers’ expansion and high market demand of mono-Si PERC cells. Analyst of EnergyTrend Taking current technology development and equipment cost into account, Analyst of forecasted that the EnergyTrend believes that black silicon technology focuses more on additive produc- black silicon tech- tion process in 2017, while dry etching is still developing. Yet, how wet etching uses the silver nitrate solvent has environmental concerns and is relatively unfavorable. nology will be clear In addition, wet etching is less competitive than dry etching in terms of efficiency in 1H17 and enter increase and less competitive than additive in terms of cost reduction. As a result, the mass produc- wet etching’s competitiveness remains to be seen. tion stage in 2H17. The market re- Main competitor is conventional mono-Si sponse to the black If black silicon multi-Si cell works with PERC technology, the conversion ef- silicon multi-Si cell ficiency can reach 19-20%, plus the cost reduced by using diamond-wire will determine the cut, its C/P ratio will directly challenge the position of conventional mono-Si cell. Meanwhile, mono-Si wafer capacity is not as sufficient as multi-Si wafer, future development which is difficult to win over the market share of multi-Si wafer and thus open of black silicon. a new market for black silicon multi-Si cell. Mono-Si PERC cell will enter the mainstream high-efficiency market in 2017 as the technology matures. Source:energytrend

38 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com PV MANUFACTURING

INDEOtec SA wins a new order for a combined Heraeus enables OCTOPUS II – PECVD/PVD significant higher efficiency deposition system for High-efficiency and gains with three new heterojunction cell metallization pastes development from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia

NDEOtec SA (Switzerland) announces another order intake released by the KAUST Solar I Center (KSC) of King Abdullah University of Science and Technol- ogy in Saudi Arabia. The equipment Heraeus Photovoltaics, the worldwide leading supplier of metallization solu- package consists of the key thin film tions to the PV industry, introduces at the World Smart Energy Week in Tokyo deposition processes PECVD and a new generation of highly efficient metallization pastes. Whilst SOL9641B en- PVD combined in one system, which enables the generation of hetero- ables higher efficiencies gains, the other two metallizations pastes 9641Ax/ junction and high-efficiency PV cell Bx and SOL570 pave the way for emerging solar screen technologies. devices with significantly reduced handling steps and vacuum interruptions. Substantial efficiency boost with SOL9641B “At KAUST we have been specifically looking for a deposition system offer- On mono- and multi-crystalline ULDE and PERC cells Heraeus’brand new SOL9641B ing high flexibility, proven reliability and series with improved finger geometry helps boosting efficiencies significantly by up very low maintenance requirements, to 0.2%. Better contact formation and less shading enable this efficiency boost. The all of which we can find at INDEOtec’s metallization paste demonstrates superior contact behavior on demanding emitters OCTOPUS II platform.”, states Prof. such as ultra-low doped emitters (ULDE). In addition, the organic vehicle system for Stefaan De Wolf, Associate Professor ultra-fine line printing has been improved. A unique glass frit developed by Heraeus at KAUST. Photovoltaics enables a wider firing window toward lower temperature side. It is tai- This order underlines the strong lored to the low temperature processing needs of PERC solar cells and can be paired confidence in the platform concept for with the award winning SOL326 PERC backside paste to realize higher efficiencies a broad range of investigations at high- and mass production yield. performance PV cell architectures as well as the ever increasing institutional SOL9641AX/BX – made for emerging printing technologies recognition of INDEOtec’s technolo- The new SOL9641AX/BX series is designed to realize the full advantages of zero gies for thin-film coating solutions in degree mesh printing screens, also known as knotless screens. This emerging an international scale. Meanwhile, technology gives the paste more room to pass through. It features a unique paste comprehensive and various test series rheology, enabling much better aspect ratio on ultra-fine-line fingers compared to have successfully demonstrated the conventional paste. An outstanding 0.1% efficiency gain can be achieved and the design of the OCTOPUS platform pastes are perfectly suited also for black silicon texturing. The aspect ratio achieved including the PECVD Mirror Reactor by SOL9641Ax/Bx on knotless screen is 0.6-0.64, compared to the aspect ratio on concept for the top and the bottom conventional screen of 0.48. deposition of passivation and junction layers for heterojunction cell archi- Enhancing heterojunction and organic solar cells with SOL570 tectures. Also, the suppression of the critical issue of potential cross con- For emerging solar cell architectures such as heterojunction (HJT) or organic solar tamination has been proven by field cells (OPV) Heraeus introduces the new SOL570 series as low temperature paste. test series. INDEOtec’s OCTOPUS III, The improved paste chemistry combines the latest breakthrough silver powder de- which is the next-generation PECVD velopment and organic design, allowing improved sintering of the silver at low curing system for mass production, and which temperatures. The SOL570 is perfectly tailored for fine-line printability for screen is based on the same design prin- printing. It features an outstanding conductivity and improved adhesion on HJT cells ciples, is taking full advantage of the with an efficiency gain of up to 0.05% excellent results. www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 39 PV MANUFACTURING

Higher yield of solar wafers and enhanced solar cell efficiency with new HeraGlaze© coating by Heraeus Heraeus Photovoltaics, the 4% and cell efficiency is improved by This can be done directly at the produc- worldwide leading supplier of 0.1%. Assumed an annual wafer pro- tion site of the customer and allows to duction of 50GW today, HeraGlaze will retrofit or upgrade existing crucibles. metallization solutions to the PV be able to deliver close to additional As a result, the solution is very cost- industry, introduced HeraGlaze, a 2GW per year without increasing wafer efficientas no additional expenditures high-purity SiO2 diffusion barrier production capacity. on new crucibles are required. coating for enhanced crucible HeraGlaze is used in the very first A NEW CHAPTER AS step of the of the solar cell manufactur- performance in wafer production. ing process, when poly-crystalline sili- TECHNOLOGY LEADER con blocks are melted into a single sili- HERAGLAZE acts as a barrier and pre- t is the first product of Heraeus con ingot. This early process is crucial vents thctsthermally induced impurities Photovoltaics beyond metalliza- for the quality of the ingots and thus for such as iron are transferred from the cru- tion pastes and a leap in quality the quality of the final product – the so- cible into the silicon ingot during the melt- and yield for integrated PV-man- lar wafers. The new product of Herae- ing and crystallization of silicon.The higher ufacturers. With HeraGlaze the us comes as a slurry, which is applied wafer yield is achieved by increasing the I wafer yield is increased by up to on the porous surface of the crucibles. usable section of a silicon ingot.

“HeraGlaze opens a new chapter in our roadmap as a technology leader and provides our customers with more added value. It’s our first product beyond solar cell metallization and another R&D landmark, which enables our customers to realize further efficiency gains,” says Andreas Liebheit, President of Heraeus Photovoltaics”. SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES Awarded a Major Contract with a Customer for the Supply of Production Equipment for CIGS Solar Modules INGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG (SINGULUS TECH- NOLOGIES) has signed a contract for the delivery of VIS- TARIS vacuum sputtering systems as well as systems for wet chemical buffer layer deposition with the brand name TENUIS II with the subsidiary of a major public energy company and producer of solar modules from China. SThese machines are central components for the manufacturing of CIGS thin-film modules. The order volume exceeds € 20 million. The order is still subject to the ap- SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES focuses on CIS/CIGS proval of the relevant boards. The outstanding payment technology and offers machines for all of the relevant for the order is expected soon. For thin-film solar cells processing steps.

40 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com PV MANUFACTURING

DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions Introduces New Solamet® Metallization Pastes for Advanced Screen Printing at 2017 Tokyo PV Expo As the industry leader in solar solutions that delivers proven power and lasting value for customers around the world, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions introduced new innovations for its DuPont™ Solamet® photovoltaic metallization paste to enable advanced screen printing at the 2017 International Photovoltaic Power Generation Expo in Tokyo, Japan.

pecially designed for double printing, Solamet® PVD1x and PVD2x comprise an integrated two-layer solution with excellent compatibility to maximize cell performance. The first layer demonstrates super low contact resistance and excellent fine line printing, while the second layer delivers better electrical con- ductance and good solderability for high adhesion. This leading solution for double printing enables Smore than 0.1 percent efficiency gain. DuPont also introduced Solamet® PVM1x to support the new development of the Mesh-Cross- Free (MCF) screen. Solamet® PVM1x has excellent matchability with various MCF parameters, outstanding printability and yield to both multi and mono wafers with 0.1 percent efficiency gain.

“DuPont is proud to be a leader in the photovoltaic industry by pioneering more than 130 innovations in Solamet® uPont experts discussed the company’s that consistently enable our customers rigorous Module Accelerated Sequen- to improve power output and reduce Dtial Testing (MAST) procedure, which total system installation costs,” said better determines the long-term performance Daniel LeCloux, global technology man- of systems by simulating real-world conditions ager, DuPont Photovoltaic & Advanced and by combining and repeating multiple aging Materials. “We continuously develop stresses. DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DPVS) is the metallization materials to enable novel leading supplier of specialty materials to the cell technologies.” solar energy industry. Since 1975 more than half At the Expo, DuPont is collaborating with Taiwan Solar Energy Company (TSEC) of the world’s 900 million installed solar panels to demonstrate the increased efficiency and power output that DuPont™ contain DuPont materials. The DPVS portfolio, Solamet® technology can provide. TSEC, which specializes in manufacturing including Solamet® photovoltaic metallization high performance, top quality mono- and polycrystalline silicon solar cells and pastes and DuPont™ Tedlar® polyvinyl fluo- modules, has observed 21.15 percent cell efficiency and module power output ride films, is the established benchmark of the as high as 305 Watts (60 pcs) in its mono PERC modules. industry, delivering lifelong value through proven performance, reliability, efficiency, and best “DuPont continues to deliver technology advancements return on investment. that enable module manufacturers to improve their product offerings,” said C.J. Hung, president of Taiwan Solar Energy DuPont has been bringing world-class Company. “We have come to count on the ability of DuPont to science and engineering to the global constantly push the boundaries of photovoltaic materials that marketplace in the form of innovative enable solar products to be more efficient, reliable and offer a products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by col- higher return on investment.” laborating with customers, governments, In addition to spotlighting DuPont™ Solamet® front side silver pastes, the NGOs, and thought leaders we can help DuPont booth at PV Expo 2017, located at E43-9, will feature DuPont™ Tedlar® find solutions to such global challenges as PVF film, the only backsheet material vigorously tested in the field for more providing enough healthy food for people than 30 years to improve lifelong performance and reliability. DuPont™ everywhere, decreasing dependence Xavan® weed control fabric for ground mounted systems, which helps make on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the system operation and maintenance safer and easier, and DuPont high- environment. performance polymers that enable lighter-weight system installations also will be featured. www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 41 TRADE WARS

“RelyOn Launches Single Axis Tracker”

Solar Energy has become the leading source of renewable energy in India in terms of new photovoltaic plant installations with government driving an ambitious 100GW target. Solar tariffs have been dropping over the last three years with each successive tender.

his dramatic fall in solar tariffs has come from The Product Launch event was economies of scale in procurement of solar chaired by Mr Deepak Amitabh modules, inverters and in manufacturing of CMD of PTC India. At the launch mounting structures and reduction in cost Dr Gundu Sabde – MD RelyOn of financing with global investors investing Solar promised that this tracker low cost funds into these projects. Compa- will be a disruptive innovation nies are now beginning to look at innovative for the solar utility market. means to increase the energy yield of their solar installations to generate better returns Mr. Amitabh congratulated from their projects and prepare themselves RelyOn Solar on their “Make T for further drop in prices in next round of bid- in India” spirit and the ability ding as the economies of scale taper off. The to bringing world class solar viability of solar PV sector is now going to be equipment to market. After the driven by innovation. product launch, there was a RelyOn Solar is a pioneer in the in- very engaging panel discussion novation race. It has continually strived to amongst the esteemed invited compete in the market by bringing new prod- panelist on “Sustainability ucts like Solar DG grid controllers, off grid of Renewables” where they inverters and DC pumps. RelyOn Solar did debated on the challenges and a grand launch of their Single Axis Tracker at Leela Ambience Hotel is Gurgaon. It is solutions for making the renew- a completely indigenous state of art single able energy projects, particu- axis tracker solution developed specifically larly the solar energy projects for Indian conditions. It is a robust, mainte- viable. The panel discussion nance free system, which is easy to install was followed by an active Q&A in most geographical terrains across the session between invited guests country with minimal ground preparation. from across the industry and It is targeted at major Independent Power the panelists. The event closed Producers (IPPs Project developers and with a dinner and promise by EPC installers for the large utility scale proj- the industry that they will adopt ects. So far most of the components of large innovation as the mantra to PV plants are imported into India and this continuously excel. indigenous tracker by RelyOn Solar is a bold statement from a small company that- “We can compete with the biggest and best”.

42 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com USA MARKET

US Solar Market Grows 95% in 2016, Smashes Records - By Mike Munsell , Marketing Manager at Greentech Media / GTM Research

GTM Research and SEIA present data from the upcoming U.S. Solar Market Insight report.

Photo Illustration: Ankit Pandey

www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 43 USA MARKET

In its biggest year to date, the United States solar market nearly doubled its annual record, topping out at 14,626 megawatts of solar PV installed in 2016. This represents a 95 percent increase over the previous record of 7,493 MW’s installed in 2015.

FIGURE: U.S. Solar PV Installations, 2010-2016

Source: GTM Research / SEIA U.S. Solar Market Insight report

For the first time ever, U.S. solar ranked as the No. 1 source of new electric generating capacity additions on an annual basis. In total, solar accounted for 39 percent of new capacity additions across all fuel types in 2016.

“What these numbers tell you is that the solar industry is a force to be reckoned with,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA’s president and CEO. “Solar’s economically winning hand is generating strong growth across all market segments nationwide, leading to more than 260,000 Americans now employed in solar.”

44 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com USA MARKET

FIGURE: Share of Capacity Additions by Generation Source

Source: GTM Research / SEIA U.S. Solar Market Insight report Success this year was driven largely by the utility-scale segment, which was bolstered by a pipeline of projects initially hedging against the extension of the federal Investment Tax Credit. Not only did it represent the most megawatts installed, but the utility-scale segment also featured the highest growth rate of any segment, growing 145 percent from 2015.

“In a banner year for U.S. solar, a record 22 states each added more than 100 megawatts,” said Cory Honeyman, GTM Research’s associate director of U.S. solar. “While U.S. solar grew across all segments, what stands out is the double-digit-gigawatt boom in utility-scale solar, primarily due to solar’s cost-competitiveness with natural-gas alternatives.”

he non-residential market also exceeded solar growth, which posted a still-impressive 2,583 expectations, with two major growth drivers megawatts. While growth in California’s residential in the segment. The first is community solar, market has begun to level out, strong growth in addingT a record total of more than 200 megawatts, markets like Maryland, New Jersey and a handful led by Minnesota and Massachusetts. Second, rate of emerging states where solar has achieved grid design and net energy metering fueled a rush in parity, helped the residential segment to grow 19 project development and installation growth across percent year-over-year. As a result of a remarkable a number of major state markets, most notably 2016, the U.S. is now home to more than 1.3 million in California. For the first time since 2011, non- solar PV installations, with a cumulative capacity of residential installation growth surpassed residential over 40 gigawatts. www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 45 INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH Mr.RAY LUIZ

- COUNTRY MANAGER - SHENZHEN KSTAR NEW ENERGY CO.,LTD, INDIA OFFICE

EQ: Kindly enlighten our readers on the performance of your Inverters in India in various geographic locations, customer feedback. RL: KSTAR has lunched

inverters all over in India,

good generation. With all good quality, will get more order from old clients.

100 GW photovoltaic program has attracted the attention from all over the world, also ignited India into the new energy revolution prelude. It will not only change India’s energy structure, and can make up India’s power supply gap. Given to the past 4 years, it has made the remarkable achievements already.

s a China’s new energy equipment suppliers, we believe that the new energy will be the future of the energy sector. Using several decades to drag the solar power from the lab to the grid for large-scale generation, another 10 years to install them in Europe, US, China, etc, now is the best time to serve India. Providing efficient, reliable, low-cost new energy equipment is our mission. Shenzhen KSTAR Technology Co., Ltd. established in 1993, is committed to providing new energy solutions and photovoltaic power generation products. In the field of inverter, with 7GW inverter installation experience KSTAR, we will provide the most suitable products in the Indian market; each product will undergo a rigorous inspection process, high temperature test. Each R & D engineer, production worker, and after-sales service engineer will ensure that our inverters are safe and stable in India’s photovoltaic power plants. 46 EQ March 2017 A www.EQMagPro.com INTERVIEW

EQ: How much Inverters have UPS,DATA Center, solar inverters and you supplied to India till now, VCS. More than 2500 stuff including 350 what is the target/expectation RD engineers. Products has been used in in 2016-17 96 different countries, international market is taking more and more marketing shares. RL: Till now, 50MW. Expectation in 2017 is 200MW. EQ: What are your plans for India, your view on the GOI EQ: The recent aggressive target of 100GW Solar Power by bidding by various developers 2022 . keeping Solar Tariffs in the price range of Rs.3.32 – Rs.4.34 RL: Ambitioned plan, far-sighted, challenge per kWh in various Solar is there of course. Tenders…Whats your view on EQ: What are your plans the viability, Costs & timeline for Manufacturing set up in pressures, Resource Challenges India, the opportunities and (Materials, ManPower, challenges in manufacturing in Execution, Grid Connection, India. Land Possession) etc… RL: We had many internal meetings of RL: Green, environmental protection is setting up factory and invest in India, will the characteristic of photovoltaic (pv); arrange a delegation in the coming future Reliable generation and high benefit is to evaluate, may choose a location. India the only way of sustainable development market has given us the confidences to is the future. The aggressive bidding and invest. the low tariffs is the only result of market, EQ: Briefly describe the various makes it reasonable and only acceptable. technologies and its suitable As the solar player in this market, we are obligated to make the solar power more applications such as Central competitive. Inverter, String, Micro Inverter, 1500V, Outdoor, Container EQ: Present some noteworthy solutions etc. projects, case studies of solar plants built using your solar RL: Different inverters suits different Inverters. applications. Solar now is not a new technology, its already has been World Largest RL: 50KW inverter used in Natco solar working for a longtime in another many Floating Project plant, is one of the best inverters from different market. Frankly speaking, KSTAR. central inverters is more suitable for 300 MW in huge ground solar plant, string inverters Zhejiang Province. EQ: Please describe in brief gives better performance for rooftop, its about your company, directors, very hard to say who is better. promoters, investors, its vision & mission RL: KSTAR is a listed company found in 1993 by M.D Mr. Liu Chenyu, now is the TOP1 of UPS supplier in China, top 3 in Inverters field. Company mission is to be a world-class power supply enterprise with global industry influence in power electronics industry. EQ: What is the size of your company in terms of manufacturing capacities, growth chart, future expansion plans, revenues, shipments, ASP’s, financial figures RL: KSTAR is located in Shenzhen, has 4 industry park, products range is covering

www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 47 INTERVIEW

EQ: How much is your R&D option of the power supply in the remote budget as % of your sales / area. Only with the power storage, the EQ: Do you also bring profits new energy and replace the traditional financing solutions for energy such as coal, kids can enjoy blue your customers? RL: In last finical year, KSTAR has invested sky again. 200Million on R&D process, has build and RL: KSTAR is keen to provide associated more than 36 academic lab. EQ: Explain various guarantees, reliable products, and will warrantees, insurance, EQ: What are the top 5 markets do the best to help clients to certifications, test results, save the budget on projects for your company in the past, performance report of your constructions. present and future inverters. EQ: Please share RL: China, Europe , America, Asia pacific RL: The quality of inverters is mainly information of some new & India. about three parts: orders in hand. EQ: Technology road map in Great design, High-quality components suppliers and Strict factory tests. All RL: We are now has good terms of 1500V ,micro inverters, cooperation with JAKSON, upcoming game changes KSTAR inverters are through the factory before deliver to market, and we guarantee Powerone, they are giving us technologies to response all the faulty during the regular order. RL: We have 1500V inverters ready in lab warrantees’ time. EQ: Whats your as well as micro inverters, just waiting for EQ: Kindly highlight your commitment towards the the market to be ready. product, technology & company solar sector in India EQ: Kindly comment of Energy USP’s, distinctive advantages RL: KSTAR has set 3 Storage as a game changer, its etc… service center one storage technology, cost trends…etc… RL: More than 3GW production capacity in India, and will have more. SOLAR,UPS,POWER RL: Energy Storage is NOT a game and 7GW installation of KSTAR inverters STORAGE, KSTAR is gonna changer, it is the future of the game. gives us confidence on products quality powering the new India. It gives the better quality of the power and the efficiency been proved better condition(power grid), and it gives more than many competitor in the market. RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewable Energy Mission Needs A By Mr. Manoj Kohli, Executive Chairman, Robust Grid Network SoftBank Energy A successful power transmission network for India will require a robust and flexible grid infrastructure within India and with neighbouring countries

Accelerating planning and completion of the power grid will enable the country to better manage power problems through efficient transmission system. Photo: Bloomberg

What is the Problem? ir pollution in Delhi and metropolitan cities of India in Tamil Nadu, solar energy is being curtailed for the first has dominated much of the recent conversation in time, sometimes over 50% during peak generation periods. Athe judiciary, government and media. Half of the Utilities have the discretion to decline buying power in the world’s 20 most polluted cities, according to World Health name of stabilizing the grid or preserving the grid balance. Organization, are in India and these cities are immensely Grid curtailment is one of the biggest operating risks for the contributing to climate change. On 2 October 2016, India future of the solar sector given India’s transmission capacity ratified the Paris climate agreement, officially emphasizing is already overburdened. The curtailment threat is highest its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. in Jharkhand, where the average daytime power demand Nonetheless, just two years after embarking on the grand is less than 1 GW but the state has already tendered 1.2 campaign to scale up country’s renewable energy capacity GW of solar projects. As India aspires to lead the world in to 175 gigawatt (GW) by 2022, India is facing a serious renewables, will the grid be an obstruction or a catalyst problem. While wind power has faced curtailment in the past for renewable energy development? www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 49 RENEWABLE ENERGY

Causes of the problem RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT he problem is largely a technical one. Solar and wind power are not as easy to How can India learn from the experience of other countries and control as traditional fossil fuel plants, so T rapidly scale up renewables without any wastage or curtailment? power grids need to become flexible enough to handle frequent changes in power generation. Execution of green corridor Additionally, distance is an issue. In India, six states in the western and southern regions 1 he variability of solar and wind energy can be mitigated account for 80% of all of the country’s currently to a large extent through transmission interconnections, installed solar capacity, but only 38% of power Tthus, the first priority for India is to complete the demand. For grid operators used to being able transmission infrastructure through its $3.5 billion green to turn fossil fuel plants on and off at will, these energy corridor program so that renewable power can be changes are easier. If new measures are not transmitted where it is needed. Further transmission systems urgently put into place to accommodate variable need to be built ahead of renewable energy generation as renewable energy sources, a situation can arise transmission projects typically take up to five years to become where the grid operator will be unable to use operational whereas solar projects become operational within solar and wind power when it becomes available. 12-18 months. There are significant power surpluses in some states and power deficits in others. New investment in inter- state and intra-state transmission systems will help balance Experience of other countries out such disparities. ther countries have already dealt with this problem with varying degrees of success. Strengthening the national grid Germany and the US have relatively 2 O ccelerating planning and completion of the power high levels of solar and wind penetration and grid will enable the country to better manage power low curtailment rates, while China has major problems through efficient transmission system. curtailment as the share of wind and solar in the A The objective of “One Nation-One Grid-One Frequency” is energy mix increases. Germany achieved low necessary to get full utilization of the nearly 175 GW of solar curtailment rates with high renewable energy and wind capacity that will be installed by 2022. penetrations through improved grid planning and Besides the National Power Grid, transmission lines within changes to the power market structure. In another states need to be completed and modernized. This will also case, the state of Texas implemented smaller enable India to take advantage of the vast amounts of solar changes to how the grid is operated and it made energy available from Ladakh, a cold desert and Jaisalmer, all the difference. For example, the Texas grid part of the Great Indian Thar desert, to power future energy operator ERCOT shifted from 15-minute dispatch needs of heavy consumption areas. intervals on the intra-day market to 5-minute intervals, allowing for superior planning around Emerging role of electricity storage variable wind and solar power plants. (India 3 lectricity storage will play an important role in reducing currently uses 15-minute dispatch intervals.). curtailment. Electricity storage is unique in the Indian Econtext where more than 300 million people still have no access to power. The cost of storage is still a major barrier Although China has been able to to mass adoption, but prices are dropping rapidly. As the build out renewable energy capacity price of energy storage drops, it will become an increasingly swiftly over the past decade, it has compelling complement to variable renewable energy. India taken much longer to develop the stands a unique chance of leading the world in electricity transmission infrastructure and make the storage. institutional changes required to utilize all To facilitate this, the government should encourage battery of this new power. Grid curtailment issues manufacturing under the “Make in India” programme, as continue to impact the export of power import of grid-scale batteries due to their extreme weight not only leads to high transportation costs but also creates other from solar projects and some provinces logistical challenges. In this regard, the government can co- such as Gansu and Xinjiang (31% and locate battery manufacturing with top solar regions in India, 26% of curtailment respectively) have which are attractive to storage companies. been hit severely.

50 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com RENEWABLE ENERGY

Creation of South 4 Asian grid lexible generating resources (quick start, swift ramp-up or Framp-down) such as hydro and gas plants along with active distribution management system would go a long way to improve the stability & reliability of the grid. It may be added here that India’s neighbouring countries— Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal have large hydro, gas & renewable resources and transmission interconnection with these countries would further deliver diversity to mitigate variability of the grid. India is already interconnected with Bhutan and Nepal, and has plans to interconnect with other countries. In this regard, India should envisage creation of a South Asian Grid connecting Malaysia and Singapore via Thailand similar to the synchronous grid of Continental Europe. Though, the Asian super grid project linking the enhanced electric power systems of China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia and perhaps Russia has been proposed by SoftBank, this new South Asian Grid will add efforts to cultivate extensive economic and strategic relations with High renewables and robust grid the nations of South Asia. India’s hree events are set to transform the electricity sector in India in the NITI Aayog has created a framework next decade: 300 million people who have no access to electricity for public-private partnerships for today will have sufficient power; an unprecedented GDP growth transmission investment, but land T of ~8% per annum will drive the electricity consumption further; and the acquisition and permitting are share of wind and solar will rise to levels of ~20% in the India’s energy mix. still major roadblocks for private developers hoping to complete a project on schedule. Reducing the time and cost of land acquisition will A successful energy transition for India be essential to making infrastructure projects attractive to developers and will require a robust and flexible grid unlocking the private capital needed to finance transmission lines. infrastructure within India and with neighbouring countries.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 51 INTERVIEW

EQ: Please describe in brief modules. The application of PERC , about your company, directors, HIT and other high capacitance or high promoters, investors, its vision efficiency solar cells also is increasing. & mission Gsola machine has Many add-ons and retrofit options, as the PV technologies RX: As technology leader GSOLAR developing, Gsola machine could be supplies world- leading level equipment upgraded to meet the novel testing for PV industry. We are committed to PV requirements. testing technologies and equipment for more than 16 years. Gsolar is a high-tech EQ: Tecnhology Obsolesence : enterprise integrating research, design, What solution you offer to your production, sales and service. Gsolar customers against possible holds the principle of “Integrity operation, future technology obsolescence Leading technology, Keep improving, Win- when they buy your equipment Win cooperation” is serving for more than RX: Thanks to the modular principle, Gsola 1300 solar module manufacturers, labs, machine in general can easily be extended universities as well as third metrology and updated to the latest state-of-the-art. authorities across the world. EQ: Please present some EQ: Solar Trade Wars : What examples of your equipment are the benefits to Indian & technologies in India manufacturers and worldwide and their RX: Gsolar tester could help solar module performance manufacturers to control solar module RX: GSOLA has already provided nearly quality and improve production process 1 GW automation in India. EMMVEE in to maximize the overall production yield Banglore is using Gsola 400MW automatic and max bring commercial benefits for line + 200MW automation, HHV in Banglore solar module manufacturers. is using Gsola 75MW automation, one extra EQ: What are the trends in new 100MW automation will be set up in Apr manufacturing technology 2016. Gsola already provided 67 sets of equipment, materials, solar simulator and 39 sets of EL Detector processes, innovations etc… for Indian solar module manufacturers. RX: Long pulse duration, full spectrum EQ: What is the future of solar wavelength will be the trends of solar manufacturing technologies simulator. RX: High capacitance and high efficiency. Exclusive EQ: Whats is your market share EQ: India currently has around in the solar pv manufacturing 1.2 GW Cell Manufacturing and market 5GW of Module Manufacturing. Interview RX: Gsolar is serving more than 1300 what is the opportunities, solar module manufacturers across challenges in manufacturing in the world, has NO 1 market share, top India 10 solar module manufacturers all are With RX: In the next 2-3 years, Indian market using Gsola products, such as Trina needs will be huge, therefore, it is good Solar, JINKO Solar, GCL, HT SOLAR, chance for solar module manufacturers. LERRI solar, Hanergy and ect. In India How to reduce the production costs and area, Gsola is serving more than 46 Mr. Ran Xu how to quality control will be the biggest customers, high reputation solar module challenges manufactures, such as EMMVEE, - Deputy General Manager, ALPEX, TATA Power, HHV, GOLDI EQ: Why India doesn’t have any GSOLA GREEN, BHEL, NAVITAS…all are using wafer or polysilicon or ingots Gsola machine. manufacturing EQ: What are the various RX: Mainly for technologies reason. technologies available for EQ: What is the key competitive manufacturing and what’s the advantages for your customers advantage & disadvantage in who choose to buy your the tech or equipment you equipment and technology offer ? RX: Modular principle, Gsola machine RX: Now, most of the solar modules in in general can easily be extended and the market are still poly or mono crystalline updated to the latest state-of-the-art.

52 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com INTERVIEW

Exclusive Interview With Mr.Rucas Wang

- Regional Manager Asia Pacific, Growatt

EQ: How much Inverters RW: Growatt40000TL3-NS inverters have you supplied to India have been applied in Galanze 52MW EQ: Please describe in till now, what is the target/ Rooftop PV power plant successfully brief about your company, expectation in 2016-17 in China. Maximum efficiency of the inverters is up to 99%, and the MPPT directors, promoters, RW: Growatt has supplied over 30MW efficiency is up to 99.5%. investors, its vision & mission inverters in India, covering residential Growatt40000TL3-NS integrates RW: Growatt was founded in as well as commercial scenarios, in Anti-PID protection, AFCI protection, May,2010, over 5GW installation 2017 we are aiming at penetrating the and Type II DC/AC surge protection, worldwide, a fast-growing and utility grade power plant market, we can and that will enable the whole system professional company, focusing on provide flexible solution including large more stable and reliable. In addition, photovoltaic inverters and storage capacity string inverter up to 50kW thin-film capacitor on main Bus circuit solution, famous as a world leading and central inverter up to 2.52MW, guarantees inverter lifetime, and new manufacturer and provider of cost- indoor and outdoor, with proven good smart cooling design reduces the effective photovoltaic inverters with performance in Thailand, our inverters temperature rise of key components high efficiency. Growatt cooperates are very suitable for tropical climates. so as to improve inverter lifetime. with Sequoia capital, the only one PV EQ: Kindly enlighten our Growatt has supplied CP2000 enterprise getting Sequoia capital readers on the performance Station-S compact central inverters investment. The directors are R&D of your Inverters in India to a recently completed 20MW project background and have more than 10 in various geographic in Thailand developed by Jetion Solar. years experience in solar energy. locations, customer The plant consists of 4 sub-plants of Growatt offers a full range of solar 5MW, three of which use Growatt inverters from 1kW to 2.52MW, and feedback,. outdoor central inverters which have energy storage solutions for on-grid RW: We have installed our inverters a 2MW capacity in a 10ft container and off-grid applications, as well as all cross India, with proven good size with IP54 ingress protection, smart home energy management performance customers are satisfied and thermal performance that can solution. Growatt’s solar inverters has with our products and services, but still handle 50C degree heat, while fully exported to more than 100 countries we are planning to expand our local operational. Another sub-plant used in Europe, North America ,Australia, service team to meet the increasing Growatt’s 20000TL3-HE string Asia, Africa and Latin America, and service requirement coming along with inverter, which had been applied get much appreciation from global the booming Indian market. in a 90MW ground power plant in clients. Growatt keeps the leading EQ: Present some noteworthy Phitsanulok, Thailand, which had Chinese inverter manufacturer and projects, case studies of solar already demonstrated high efficiency fights for the largest residential plants built using your solar of up to 99% with its fanless design intelligent energy solution provider. Inverters since deployed a year ago.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 53 INTERVIEW

EQ: Briefly describe the various technologies and its suitable applications such as Central Inverter, String, Micro Inverter, 1500V, Outdoor, Container solutions etc...

hree-phase solar inverter series Growatt 8K-11KTL3-S are designed with maximum Tefficiency of 98.4% and MPPT efficiency 99.5%, as well as a wide DC voltage range of 160-1000VDC. The new inverter series provides a maximum DC/AC ratio of up to 1.2, and the 1.1 overload enables the system to be more flexible and maximizes the energy harvest. Growatt 8K-11K TL3-S series features in high power density design, lighter weight and smaller size, easy for installation. Growatt 8K-11KTL3-S are applicable for Residential PV systems as well as with smaller-scale industrial and commercial PV systems.

mart inverters Growatt 5500MTL-Sare dual MPPT S & single phase, maximum efficiency of 97.9%, natural cooling, as well as compact design with high power density, which leads to lighter weight and smaller size, easier for installation. The inverters are applicable for residential and small commercial roof solar power plants.

he new SPF3000/5000 off-grid inverters have two built- in MPPT for higher yields and are compatible with lead- Tacid and lithium-ion battery technology that supports utility grid and generator voltage input. Source priority to charge batteries and power loads are also programmable. Thanks to its design, SPF3000/5000 is scalable and can be wired in parallel up to 6 units, that enables flexibility for a wide variety of applications and is suitable for single phase and three phase systems. Charging power can be increased by adding an expansion charge controller unit.

54 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com INTERVIEW

EQ: What is the size RW: We are planning on launching high power density, which leads of your company in 1500V, 1MW inverter in 2017, with to lighter weight and smaller size, terms of manufacturing components in different sections easier for installation. Growatt capacities, growth chart, of PV plant getting more and more 5500MTL-S sells quite well as mature, the inverters with 1500V the most cost-effective inverters future expansion plans, DC input will be more and more since 2011 in the global market. revenues, shipments, commonly used. SPF5000 storage system is perfect ASP’s, financial figures EQ: Kindly comment of for off-grid, backup power and self- RW: The factory’s max producing Energy Storage as a game consumption applications. capacity is over 3GW annually, Growatt40000TL3-NSis Growatt has been growing very fast changer, its technology, cost trends…etc… designed for use in commercial since 2010, in total we have shipped application with Max.efficiency of over 5 GW inverters globally. RW: As the government subsidy is 99%, wide input voltage range 200- EQ: What are your plans getting lower and lower, it’s more 1000V and leading IPM (intelligent economic for solar plant owners power module). for India, your view on the to increase self-consumption level The above products have passed GOI target of 100GW Solar of solar energy, storage system is TUV, CE test. Power by 2022 thus necessary. regarding existing RW: The target may be a little bit PV plant facing low FIT, Growatt EQ: Whats your aggressive, but surely the Indian provide DC coupled charge commitment towards the solar market is and will be booming controller SP1000-3000 series, it solar sector in India in the next several years, We plan can cooperate with inverters from RW: Indian market is very to maintain and develop the solar any supplier, very convenient for important for Growatt, we are market in India with heart and soul PV system upgrading dedicated to provide inverter now and the future. EQ: Explain various with excellent performance and EQ: How much is your guarantees, warrantees, also comprehensive services, R&D budget as % of your insurance, certifications, currently we have set up office in sales / profits test results, performance Chennai, and also service center report of your inverters in Hyderabad, with local engineers RW: 12% is our R&D budget as our we are able to provide our indian sales/profits. RW: Growatt provide a full range of customer with fast and prompt EQ: What are the top 5 inverter in Indian market covering services. markets for your company 1kW to 40kW for string inverters, and 500kW, 630kW, and 850kW EQ: What will be the cost, in the past, present and technology trends in solar future for central inverters, the certificates includes IEC61727/62116, inverters RW: Growatt first started business in IEC62109, IEC61000, RW: For utility grade power plant Australia, currently China, Australia, IEC60068/61683, IEC60529 etc, central inverter still take the major UK, Italy and Thailand are the top 5 fully certified for Indian market. proportion, but as string inverters markets for our company, we also are getting bigger and bigger in are targeting at India , America and EQ: Kindly highlight your product, technology & capacity, it’s getting more and Europe to expand our business in more popular to use string inverters the future. company USP’s, distinctive in utility grade application, string EQ: Technology road map advantages etc… inverters are easier for installation in terms of 1500V , micro RW: Growatt 5500MTL-S are dual and maintenance, and also has inverters, upcoming game MPPT & single phase, maximum more MPP trackers, it’s good to changes technologies efficiency of 97.9%, natural cooling, handle string inconsistency in some as well as compact design with hillside PV array.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 55 INTERViEWINTERVIEW

Exclusive Interview with Ivan Saha

EQ: How much modules have you supplied imports. However, we acknowledge and appreciate to India till now, what is the target/ Government’s efforts of helping domestic manufacturers expectation in 2016-17 by bringing NTPC, Railway and other Government units as the power purchaser to provide security for the project IS: Till 2015-16 we had shipped 500 MW in India. We will bidders. However, Indian Government still needs to focus touch ~ 900 MW this year. on skill development, investment in R&D, unregulated EQ: The recent aggressive bidding by module imports, and easy land procurement for domestic various developers keeping Solar Tariffs solar companies to make a brighter future. in the price range of Rs.3.32 – Rs.4.34 per EQ: Kindly enlighten our readers on the kWh in various Solar Tenders…Whats your performance of your modules in India in view on the viability, Costs & timeline various geographic locations, customer pressures, Resource Challenges (Materials, feedback. ManPower, Execution, Grid Connection, IS: Our module range starts from 10 Wp and stretches to Land Possession) etc... 345 Wp. This huge range of offering has enabled us to IS: 2017 witnessed a record decline in Indian solar energy serve industrial, commercial, residential and utility scale tariff, standing at INR 2.97 per unit per unit (in a bid for development projects. three 250 MW units of Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa Solar To satisfy the requirements of different sectors, we Power Plant). Falling tariff indicates Government’s effort to follow unique strategies. Making sure that our strategies make the power sector value chain more efficient to deliver always maintain operational integrity and customer uninterrupted energy support (electricity). However, the preferences. Our innovative plans have seen successful mismatch between project cost and ROI with low tariffs is installation of 100 kW capacity rooftop solar power plant clearly visible. There have been consistent drop in solar at Cochin International Airport, Kerala, India.It was the module and other component prices, yet that alone does world’s first fully solarized airport, and our contribution in not substantiate 20-30% (and more) drop in bids. Low the project was integral. tariff bids also bring for the issue of project sustainability. Our 40 MW capacity solar PV power plant for IL&FS Additionally, there is another issue of influx of low quality Energy Development Company Ltd., India, is the perfect modules in the Indian solar industry. India needs to put example of innovative ground mounted solar plant more focus on developing and better asset quality control projects. Seasonal shift based challenges and man-power in solar development, to avoid putting lifespan of solar unavailability generally slow down our solar installation plants in question. projects. However, we have secured best results in There are many challenges for domestic manufacturers every project by meticulous planning and depending on as we have to compete with 10 per cent cheaper foreign upgraded technology.

56 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com INTERVIEWINTERViEW

President & Chief Technological Officer, Vikram Solar

EQ: Present some noteworthy projects, case revenue generation, which stood at 623.14 crores. Our studies of solar plants built using your solar net worth is 233.01 crores, which is a 47.41% increase modules from last financial year’s growth. And our profit after tax in FY 2015-16 was 54.97 crores, a 42.15% increase from IS: • We installed 80 kW capacity Rooftop Solar Power the last year. Plant at Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Uttarakhand, India. EQ: What are your plans for India, your view on the GOI target of 100GW Solar • We have also successfully installed 5 MW capacity solar PV power plant for Konark Gujarat PV Power Pvt. Power by 2022 Ltd., Gujarat, India. IS: We are planning towards achieving 2 GW capacity • Our 40 MW capacity solar PV power plant for NVVN, by 2020. We have also invested INR 100 Million of our Rajasthan, India has enhanced utility scale energy reserves in R&D to upgrade the technology for better requirement of Rajasthan. energy generation. We are committed to contribute • We gave world its first fully solarized airport by installing in achieving the 100 GW capacity by 2022. And with 100 kW capacity rooftop solar power plant at Cochin increasing number of tenders, auctions, declining cost International Airport, Kerala, India. of investment, lowering cost of electricity generation, and support to build industrial infrastructure, we are hopeful • We have offered India its first Installation of 10 kW to succeed in doing so. floating solar power plant in West Bengal, India. EQ: What are your plans for Manufacturing • Our 2.25 MW capacity solar PV power plant for Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board, Chhattisgarh, India set up in India, the opportunities and is a quality example of ground mounted solar project. challenges in manufacturing in India EQ: What is the size of your company in IS: The increasing energy deficit in India and unique terms of manufacturing capacities, growth geo-graphical position of the countryhas supported solar chart, future expansion plans, revenues, manufacturing growth. And manufacturing infrastructure in India is witnessing growth with support of Government shipments, ASP’s, financial figures initiatives. However, there are still a few challenges that IS: Our module range starts from 10 Wp and stretches to needs tobe addressedby the Government. Namely- delays 345 Wp. This huge range of offering has enabled us to in land acquisition, no import duties on foreign solar serve industrial, commercial, residential and utility scale equipment, lack of clarity in policy, lack of quality control development projects. Our annual module production regulation, and lack of skilled resources. Focusing on capacity reached 500 MW in 2015-16, and we are working these issues and making a greater effort in supporting our way towards achieving 2 GW capacity by 2020. domestic manufacturing can see Indian solar industry Vikram Solar has reported 910.69 crores revenue in FY flourish breaking through challenges. 2015-16, which is a 49.91% increase from FY 2014-15

www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 57 INTERVIEW

EQ: Please describe in brief about your company, directors, promoters, investors, its vision & mission IS: Being a leading PV module have international presence in manufacturer and EPC solution 5 continents and 32 countries provider, Vikram Solar has always worldwide, contributing in shaping focused on providing quality with the solar revolution across performance consistency. And continents. that is how we have claimed Our annual module production Tier 1 PV module manufacturer capacity reached 500 MW in 2015- title from Bloomberg New 16.We have further plans to reach EQ: Solar Trade Wars : Energy Finance ranking. We 2 GW capacity by FY 2020.

What are the benefits to Shri H.K. Chaudhary Vikram Swarup is our Indian manufacturers is the Chairman Additional Independent of Vikram Group. Director. Mr. Swarup is IS: Aggressive equipment And a well acknowledged globally as dumping on foreign industries celebrated Indian an authority on thermal (below the market price) businessman, Philanthropist design of cooling towers and has and a Humanitarian.His vision authored several technical papers. marked the beginning of global and business acumen has led solar trade wars. Canada, USA, Vikram Group to immense Ms. Mamta Binani is our and India raised voice against success. His venture into the Independent Director. solar equipment dumping. renewable energy sector, Ms. Binani has over 15 To counter this issue, India Vikram Solar Pvt. Ltd., has years of experience in brought in Domestic Content today emerged as one of corporate consultation Requirement (DCR) to help India’s leading solar power & advisory covering Due Diligence, domestic manufacturers by companies with global acclaim. Secretarial & Legal functions, creating demand. However, Formation of Joint Ventures, Drafting World Trade Organization of SPA & Corporate Governance. labeled it as ‘preferential Mr. Anil Chaudhary is the Vice Chairman treatment’. Indian Government Joy Saxena is our of Vikram Solar. Executive Director of is still implementing DCR He possesses Finance. Mr. Saxena clause on a smaller scale experience of over has over 30-year rich (sticking to Government 2 decades in engineering expertise in strategy projects), a better outcome projects and tea manufacturing formulation, planning, fund raising would have achieved with and presently heading Vikram (debt, QIP, IPO, PE deals and full-scale implementation. Group’s textile division in Surat, FCCBs), business development, Since trade wars did not allow Gujarat. He is also a Board corporate accounting, indirect & India to create a better market member of other companies international taxations, corporate under the Vikram Group. for domestic manufacturers, governance, financial discipline, domestic as well as international JV India needs to take other negotiations, investor’s relations and measures to help its in-house Gyanesh Chaudhary implementing three ERPs. module manufacturing process. is our Managing Putting control or restrictions Director & CEO. Mr. Anupam Dhiman is onimporting solar modules He is a dynamic our Executive Director from China and other countries business leader. He of EPC. He has over 35 would be a great start in the has been acknowledged as years of experience in right direction. a “Promising Entrepreneur” Infrastructure Business by The Economic Times. And and Marketing, has spent close to he is the key driving force of 25 years in the field of Infrastructure Vikram Solar. Development & handled several prestigious infra projects with leading groups in the country.

We at Vikram Solar have always believed that the global solar industry is destined for disruptive growth in the world’s energy mix, and we have patiently and responsibly worked towards aligning our range of products with the diverse and evolving needs of customers across geographies. Reducing carbon footprint and providing a viable and sustainable future to our world is Vikram Solar’s motto.

58 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com INTERVIEW

EQ: How much is your R&D management system. We have Higher efficiency modules using PERC, budget as % of your sales / also received ISO 18001:2007 for PERT and HJT technologies will be the profits maintaining a safe work environment. main stay for the future. Our modules are quality checked by EQ: As a module IS: We have invested about INR 100 highest rated internationally recognized manufacturer provided Million of our reserves in R&D and agencies and to maintain a quality product certifications, till date. 25 years warranties. Is it standard, we have in-house testing backed up by warranties by EQ: What are the top 5 processes that surpass IEC certification cell manufacturer, materials markets for your company in requirements with ease. manufacturers? the past, present and future EQ: Kindly highlight your IS: At the present, top five markets product, technology & IS: No, as we use import quality cells for Vikram Solar are- Europe, Asia, company USP’s, distinctive from Asian solar entities, we do not North America, South America, India. advantages etc… get any warranties from our sources. In near future we believe to penetrate However, we offer 12 years of product more conservative energy markets, IS: We offer solar PV modules warranty and 27 years of linear power expanding Vikram Solar’s reach. ranging from 10 Wp to 345 Wp. Our output warranty to the buyers. We took modules are – this decision because we trust our EQ: Technology road map • Eldora Grand Ultima Silver product quality and we believe this is in terms of 1500V , Double the best way to convince buyers about • Eldora Grand Glass, BiFacial Cells, PERC/ solar shift and speed up solar progress PERT Technologies, upcoming • Eldora Ultima Silver in India. game changes technologies • Eldora Ultima All Black EQ: What is your commitment • Eldora Prime towards the solar sector in IS: We expect the Glass-Glass (Bi- facial) modules to be about 10% of our • Eldora neo Silver India product mix in 2017. The driver for this • Eldora Micro IS: Vikram Solar has made important would obviously be customer demands, We use advanced and state-of- contributions in Indian solar industry has especially for installation of ground art manufacturing equipment from received commendations throughout mount systems in deserts or flat roofs, internationally recognized equipment the world. We have offered India’s where there is a high percentage of suppliers, and we coupled it with robust first floating solar plant successfully reflected light from the ground (albedo). in-house processes to manufacture installing 10 Kw capacity solar plant We are in the process of adopting: high-efficiency mono and polycrystalline in West Bengal. We contributed in • Bifacial cells – in 2017 silicon PV modules. developing World’s first fully solarized Our product USP’s are- airport in Kerala. Our R&D investment • PERC Mono cells – in 2017 has reached INR 100 Million to make • Excellent low-light and long wave • N-type cells – in 2018 technology upgrade easy and quick. length response (>1100nm) Multi PERC cells are already in We identified that although Indian PV production • Highest area efficiency in the class market is still growing and will take • Resistant to PID (85 Degrees time to mature, it has huge potentialin EQ: Explain various Centigrade, 85% Relative Humidity, transforming into 4th largest solar guarantees, warrantees, 168 Hours @ - 1000V) market. To support this growth, we have insurance, certifications, test • Up to 12 years of product warranty focused on our capacity enhancement results, performance report of reaching 500 MW in 2015-16, and your modules • Up to 27 years of linear power output further pursuing 2 GW within 2020. warranty IS: Vikram Solar used to offer a 25- EQ: Please share information year performance guarantee with of some new orders in hand. its modules. But, we have recently EQ: What will be the increased that guarantee period to 27 IS: Currently we are working with CIL, cost, technology trends in years, assuring buyers of performance SECI, NTPC, GIPCL, Jindal, West solar PV modules and consistency. Bengal State Electricity Development Company Ltd, Denso, Anmol, PPPL, IS: LCOE is expected to shrink around We have IEC 61215, IEC 61730, 2.5% by 2030. To assure high throughput, IEC 62716, IEC 61701 and IEC 62804 AllanaInv & Trdg Co Pvt. Ltd. Projects amounting to approximately 500 MW better EL tests, hot spot tests, and improved certifications. We are also UL 1703 quality assurance models may develop. Ad- capacity. certified, MNRE certified and CEC vanced aging simulation is also another tech- listed (60 & 72 cell modules), JETPVm EQ: What are the trends nology that can flourish in the future, allowing certified (Japan) and CAN/CSA certified in new manufacturing us to better understand module degradation (Canada). We have a certified EPC technology equipment, and prevent it. Silicone may take place projects division - ISO 9001:2008. as the main component of EVA sheet. materials, processes, Continued technological growth will We have received ISO 9001:2008 for innovations etc… maintaining high quality management surely make Solar panels better and allow us to enjoy an system. And ISO 14001:2004 IS: Crystalline Silicon continues to be energy rich future. certification for a safe environmental material of choice for the next ten years.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 59 SOLAR TRACKERS

The Solar Tracker BOOM Continues Despite Low Module Prices by Scorpius Trackers

Over the last decade, Solar PV technologies and economics have come of age, with several solar plants being installed for industrial, commercial and residential use. Competitive tariffs create a need to examine technology solutions for superior generation, to boost returns.

olar tracking is the only proven dia and an exponentially increas- and bankable technology which ing global footprint. increases the power generation With the rapid decrease in of a plant by 18-25%, thereby modules prices in the last year lowering the cost per unit of pow- from $0.45 per Watt peak to er generation (LCoE). around $0.33 per Watt peak to- Scorpius Trackers, estab- day and with a forecast of a price lished by 2 technocrats with more below $0.29 in the coming year, than 20 years’ experience in in- the thought which crosses the novation, is a pure play tracker mind of a IPP/EPC is “With falling technology company and a one module prices, will Tracker eco- stop shop of an end-to-end World nomics work out?” class tracking solution, that com- To answer the above question, prises hardware, tracker control- we reviewed the two most recent ler and structure designs. solar tenders concluded in India Scorpius aims to be the in light of whether tracking solu- world’s premier solar tracking tion will improve the economic re- solutions provider, with a unique turns. One tender was for an EPC mechanical and software track- and the other one for a DEVEL- ing solution, which enables users OPER. Both saw very aggressive Sto achieve the LOWEST COST bidding. OF POWER (LCoE) Since com- Both case studies take into mencing commercial operations account the below listed assump- in 2014, Scorpius has now sup- tions and both PROVE A CLEAR plied more than 250 MW in India, CASE FOR TRACKERS, even Middle East, Africa, Far East and in a scenario of very low module USA and has a clear visibility for prices (decreasing from $0.33/ FY18 of more than 500MW in In- Wp to $0.25/Wp)

60 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com SOLAR TRACKERS

www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 61 SOLAR TRACKERS

This is an interesting analysis which shows that there is a tracker benefit in all situations down to a Module price of 23 cents. In a scenario when the project irr is lower than the industry norm (or expectation), an increase in irr By 150 basis points by use of a mature tracker technology makes for a winning economic case.

Both these illustrations and case studies will be workable only if technology selection is done after rigorous due diligence so that the projected financials transform into reality, considering a 25 year plant life and investment horizon.

A Tracker Technology Must Comply To The Below 5 Main Points For It To Be Selected.

l Zero Mechanical O&M Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Scorpius Provides Tracking l Thoroughly Tested For Dura- l Bankability Certifications And Solutions Which Comply bility And Reliability, 25+ Years Third Party Due Diligence To All The Above Require- l MMS Designed Based On l Established Track Record ments, And More.

Tested In Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Facility, Static, Dynamic, Torsion & Aero Elastic

62 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com

SOLAR ROOFTOP

NAME OF THE PROJECT: 100 kW Rooftop system with Net Metering at Jalgaon, Maharashtra PLANT OWNER: HD Fire Protect Pvt. Ltd, MIDC, Jalgaon DISCOM: MSEDCL, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. 1st Net Metering done Mr. Janvir said they want more and more people to avail the facility of for 100 kW rooftop Net metering for their residences and businesses, so that they can export the surplus power to the system in Jalgaon grid, in such case they don’t have to invest their money in Battery On March 10, 2017, Mr. Brijpal Singh Janvir, Chief storage. Further he mentioned that Engineer MSEDCL inaugurated the first Net Metering industries to utilize the benefits of Solar power to help to clean the Solar system for a commercial establishment in Jalgaon environment and save mother earth District in Maharashtra. The system of 100 kW capacity in addition to the financial benefits is installed at the factory roof of HD Fire Protect they get. company in MIDC area. Mr. Sudhir Patil, production head of HD Fire said that he system is designed and Installed by M/s Erigeron En- ergy Pvt. Ltd.a Gurgaon based company. Mr. Suresh Ku- the system is producing mar Managing Director of the company who was also pres- 400-500 units of power ent at this function appreciated the cooperation given by and shall reduce their MSEDCL team in clearing the NET metering within 15 days electricity bill to 1/3rd and of application. He also said online application procedure is very effective and fast in Maharashtra. Further he said they will be keen to further that solar systems need little maintenance as it does not increase the capacity so T use any moving parts. The cleaning of solar modules is that they can become the main work of maintenance, in case modules are not the first plant in Jalgaon to cleaned periodically then one can lose energy up to 15%. Mr. Kumar also informed that for commercial installations, completely run on clean Govt. of India is giving 80% accelerated depreciation in energy. They also want the first year itself, which gives a considerable saving in to use solar lights in their Income tax and makes a very good sense for business complex. houses to go for solar.

64 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com SOLAR ROOFTOP The biggest Lifted Solar Solution of 175KW for Deepak Hospital, Jalna By Karan Chopra, Chirayu Power Pvt. Ltd

Chirayu Power is executing 175 KW solar solution for a esteemed hospital named Deepak Healthcare Ltd, Jalna, Maharashtra.

he whole solar system is lifted 9 feet above the roof so that hospital can utilize the roof for multiple purpose. Out of this 175 KW solar solution, we have installed 35kw solar system as a NON- PERCOLATING SOLAR ROOF. This is a state-of-the-art technology which will allow the client to start a canteen below the solar T roof. Its a roof which not only a shade but a electricity generating roof. The whole system is designed to bear the wind velocity of 160 km/hr. The best engineering concepts are being used for this particular project. Second solution is for KHAMGAON URBAN BANK, MAIN BRANCH, KHAMGAON, DIST. BULDHANA (MH), the whole system is lifted 6 feet above the roof.

We have done many solutions and are about to reach 1 MW mark. In our 2 years of journey, we are blessed with most difficult and challenging solar executions.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 65 INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH Mr.SUKHWINDER PAL SINGH - SOLAR PV DIRECTOR, INGETEAM

EQ: How many With our focus on R&D we are optimizing http://www.acciona-energia.com/areas-of- Inverters have you our product portfolio by offering outdoor activity/photovoltaic/major-projects/sishen- supplied to India till now, solutions, paralleling options, etc. which photovoltaic-plant/ helps reducing the levelised cost of energy what is the target/ expectation South Africa: 95MWDC Jasper PV plant: (LCOE).Solar power is now the cheapest in 2016-17. http://www.solarreserve.com/en/global- energy source in many countries of the projects/pv/jasper SPS: Ingeteam enjoys a very good world and that is a big strength for our installation base for both central & industry. Australia: 56MWAC Moree Solar Farm: string inverters in India and our glob- http://www.moreesolarfarm.com.au/ al strength presents us as a major EQ: Kindly enlighten our supplier in the coming years.Till announcements/frv-announces-moree- readers on the performance solar-farm-opening-and-confirms-future- now we are maintaining around of your Inverters in India in 950MW of solar PV plants in for-solar-in-australia India including Bonfigli- various geographic locations, customer feedback. EQ: Please describe in brief oli’s equipment. about your company, directors, SPS: Our inverters have been performing promoters, investors, its vision globally in all kinds of climatic conditions & mission and in India we don’t see any challenge in already installed inverters where SPS: Ingeteam is a global company EQ: The recent aggressive customers are seeing our advantages specialized in the design of power and bidding by various developers like less maintenance, higher efficiency control electronics (frequency converters, keeping Solar Tariffs in the and prompt O&M services. process automation and control systems), price range of Rs.3.32 – Rs.4.34 electrical machines (generators and EQ: Present some noteworthy motors), electricalengineering and per kWh in various Solar projects, case studies of solar generating plants. To date, Ingeteam has Tenders…What is your view on plants built using your solar supplied 44 GW in power converters for the viability, Costs & timeline Inverters renewable energy plants and is amongst pressures, Resource Challenges the TOP 10 companies dedicated to the (Materials, ManPower, SPS: These are some of our main operation and maintenance of renewable Execution, Grid Connection, references worldwide: plants, with a portfolio of more than 10 GW. Land Possession) etc. Chile: 100MWAC Amanecer Solar CAP PV The company operates on all continents, project: http://eng.cap.cl/news/amanecer- and has a headcount of around 3,700 SPS: It is true that the solar power industry solar-cap-the-largest-photovoltaic-plant- employees around the world. has experienced a strong price decline in-latin-america-is-now-a-reality/ that has changed the business landscape EQ: What is the size of and the strategies of the different players Italy: 70MWAC San Bellino PV plant: http:// your company in terms of that are active in the game. For inverter www.renewable-technology.com/projects/ sunedison-san-bellino-photovoltaic- manufacturing capacities, manufacturers, the price decline has growth chart, future expansion forced them to make a bigger effort in power-plant/ order to optimize supply, production costs. plans, revenues, shipments, South Africa: 94.3MWDCSishenPV plant: ASP’s, financial figures, etc.

66 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com INTERVIEW

SPS: Ingeteam features three different EQ: Explain various factories (in Spain, USA and Brazil) guarantees, warranties, EQ: How much is your R&D dedicated to the production of factory- insurance, certifications, test budget as % of your sales / tested and totally bankable power results, performance report of converters for the PV, wind and storage your inverters. SPS: Ingeteam invests 5% of its annual sectors. Ingeteam is present in 22 turnover in R&D, which is the backbone of countries and is planning to continue its SPS: Ingeteam’s PV inverters feature a the company’s business activity. expansion across new markets. standard 5-year warranty and comply EQ: What are your plans for with all the main applicable international EQ: What are the top 5 standards as well as the markings, India, your view on the GOI guidelines, grid codes and local standards. markets for your company in target of 100GW Solar Power Realms of security, electromagnetic the past, present and future by 2022 compatibility and grid functionalities and SPS: In 2016: Jordan, Chile, Mexico, SPS: We see this as an opportunity to requirements are covered. provide our clients with the latest technology Certification is the essential tool USA, India inverters with grid support features, top that Ingeteam uses to provide trust on In 2017 (estimated): Australia, India, Chile, class services and maintenance since its equipment. It involves type testing, Mexico, USA these would be critical features as the analyzing the models that can cover capacity enhancement happens. this type of tests and auditing that all the equipment produced meets the same EQ: Technology road map EQ: Briefly describe the various quality standards as the type tested in terms of 1500V , micro technologies and its suitable sample. inverters, upcoming game applications such as Central Ingeteam’s inverters are certified by Inverter, String, Micro Inverter, Accredited Certification Bodies and type changes technologies 1500V, Outdoor, Container tested by Accredited Laboratories. This SPS: In 2017, 1,500V inverters will experi- solutions etc. fact ensures the independence of the ence market consolidation at utility scale. organization that emits the certificates We are currently supplying several projects SPS: Ingeteam offers a wide range of PV and the proficiency to do it right. Every with our 1,500V central inverters. The invertersand storage inverters for both certification body that takes part certifying solar market will also see how the main PV indoor and outdoor use. At string inverter Ingeteam’s inverters has been accredited inverter manufacturers will launch a 1,500V scale, Ingeteam offers single-phase and by a full member of the International string inverter along 2017 and 2018. three-phase string inverters (2.5 kW – Accreditation Forum (IAF) under the ISO/ 100 kW) for residential, commercial and IEC 17065 standard. industrial application. At utility scale, EQ: Kindly highlight your EQ: What will be the cost, Ingeteam offers 1,000 V and 1,500 V central inverters. These central inverters product, technology & company technology trends in solar are one of the most light and compact USP’s, distinctive advantages, inverters equipment, conceived to optimise their etc... integration into medium voltage power SPS: In 2017, price pressure and technol- SPS: Ingeteam’s B Series 1,500V central ogy inovation will continue to be a main stations of any kind. Moreover, the 1,500 inverters feature the solar market’s highest V inverter series is proudly famous for market trend globally.Because of that, power density: 326kW/m3. Thanks to this 1,500V technology will experience market featuring the photovoltaic market’s highest inverter and to the ability of connecting up 3 consolidation at utility scale in 2017 and power density: 326kW/m . to four inverters to the same transformer, the following years. Ingeteam is cur- Ingeteam is able to offer a MV solution of up EQ: Kindly comment of Energy rently supplying several projects with its B to 6.55 MW that integrates the PV inverters, Storage as a game changer, its Series1,500V central inverters. The solar MV transformer, MV switchgear, LV cubicle technology, cost trends, etc. market will also see the main PV inverter and auxiliary services transformer. Also, SPS: Energy storage will keep experiencing Ingeteam has recently developed the most manufacturers launching 1,500V string a cost decline, especially within the powerful string inverter in the solar market, inverters along 2017 and 2018. different battery technologies, and thanks as it is able to provide up to 110 kW in a to this cost reduction the installations of single 75 kg unit. energy storage systems will progressively EQ: What is your commitment be more and more attractive and it will be towards the solar sector in India more frequent to find large battery systems coupled to generating power plants at SPS: We see India as one of the largest utility scale. But the energy storage and most successful markets of the world market may still need some more time in the coming years. of cost decline in order to become much That is the reason why we decided to more attractive, especially for residential take over Bonfiglioli’s solar division. They users.We have already installed +30MWh had a widebase in India and that is helping storage capacity globally meeting the most us to have a stronger sales and service stringent grid support requirements. network across the country. www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 67 INTERViEWINTERVIEW

Exclusive Interview with Sven Kramer

EQ: Please describe in brief about your base in India. company, directors, promoters, investors, EQ: What are the trends in new its vision & mission manufacturing technology equipment, Kramer: A spirit of innovation and a clever mix of materials, processes, innovations etc… industries have taken the German-based family business Kramer: High speed, perfect string quality together with to become a global leader in system production. Today, high production reliability 24 hours a day are the key teamtechnik is Germany’s largest owner-managed factors in the market to be competitive. This is the trend. company in the field of assembly and test equipment. The industry has shifted from 3 busbars to 4 busbars. We are independent and therefore highly flexible. The Now we see at our customers the interest in processing companyhas been developing and building innovative 5 busbar cells. Further more we see cells with a higher automation solutions for 40 years.We concentrate our efficiency such as mono PERC cells or even bi-facial efforts on three sectors: Solar, Automotive and Medtech. cells. Also half cut cells are becoming more widespread A key new business area is also assembly and test lines since the power output of a module with half cells can for e-mobility solutions and batteries. Today the company be increased by up to 15 Watts compared to a full cell employs 900 people around the world. teamtechnik module. In addition we see new materials to increase Group has 5 production sites in Germany, Poland, China the power output like light trapping ribbons (e.g. LHS and the USA. ribbons) which can increase the power output of a module In 2004 the Group entered into the solar technology by 2.5 to 2.8%. segment with the development of the stringer systems Overall there are many ways to increase the power for the interconnection of solar cells. teamtechnik gained output of a solar module. The good thing is that quickly a clear competitive advantage with its fast-cycling teamtechnik stringers are prepared and can be upgraded production systems as well as its outstanding product for these new materials. We support our customers on quality and became the uncontested technology leader. an individual basis by developing new soldering recipes EQ: Solar Trade Wars : What are the and the soldering parameters required for their specific benefits to Indian manufacturers materials. Kramer: Nobody will win with a trade war. Protection EQ: What is your market share in the solar is required if unfair competition is in the market. Unfair pv manufacturing market is for example if the selling price of solar modules are Kramer: teamtechnik has more than 700 stringer below the costs of materials. But there is an economy systems in the market and more than 22 GWp of solar of scale. It will be difficult for a small manufacturer to modules are produced every year on teamtechnik stringer compete with a big GW manufacturer which might be systems.So far we have supplied more than 2 GW of even vertically integrated. So certain protection and stringer production capacity to India in the last 15 months. support is required to establish a solar manufacturing

68 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com INTERVIEWINTERViEW

Vice President Sales Solar Technology, teamtechnik Group

EQ: teamtechnik is well known for our layup system. For customers who decide to order our delivering high-end stringer systems and layup system, this means total connectivity for an output we would like to know all about the newest of 130 MWp. The complete system consists of proven and Stringer TT4200 GIGA. tested modules, stringer, robot and positioning station. Everything perfectly matched. Rapid installation times Kramer: The Stringer TT4200 GIGA is our latest and and a perfect production launch are further benefits for most powerful system. It requires only 15 m² of floor our customers. The integrated 6-axis robot allows the space and produces up to 130 MWp per year ¬– a world system to be adapted quickly to different applications or record. With the TT4200 GIGA we have two soldering cell and glass sizes. tracks combined in one machine. The system has one centralized cell feeding with a cycle time of 0.85 seconds EQ: Technology Obsolesence : What solution or 4200 cycles per hour. After the cell feeding, fluxing and do you offer to your customers against cell inspection, the cells are placed alternately on the left possible future technology obsolescence or the right soldering track. The soldering track is identical when they buy your equipment. to the stringer system TT2100. For the soldering, the cycle Kramer: Our current systems are highly flexible and can time is 1.7 seconds. The proven system produces solar cell easily be upgraded to 6 busbars and a wide range of new strings with a constantly high string geometry quality and a cell and ribbon types. Also stringer systems which have very impressive and precise ribbon positioning accuracy. been supplied several years ago, such as the TT1200HS, Contactless IR light soldering guarantees breakage TT1600 or TT1800 can be upgraded to 5 busbars. The rates of less than 0.2 percent. Our stringers preheat stringer system was designed for the processing of 2, 3 the solar cells uniformly, solder them, and then the cells or 4 busbar cells. Our engineers found a way to upgrade are gradually cooled in a post-heating section. These them to 5 busbars so that our customers can process processes are very gentle. The cells do not undergo any these cells as well on our stringer systems. With the higher abrupt temperature shock so we can also avoid micro number of busbars the ribbons are getting narrower. Our cracks. latest stringer generations TT4200GIGA and TT2100 can handle ribbons with a width of only 0.6 mm. EQ: Layup systems to match the As another item I would like to add that our stringer teamtechnik stringers. What are the systems can be upgraded to process light trapping ribbons advantages to module manufacturers of this (LTR). These ribbons have a special structure embossed total solution? to increase the reflection of the sunlight hitting the ribbons in order to increase the power output of the solar module. We can supply our stringer system with or without Kramer: This also enables our customers to increase the power our layup system. Depending on the module line integrator, output by 2.5 to 2.8%. Overall I have to say that customers we can either ensure that the stringer will work with the using teamtechnik stringers are ready for the future and integrator layup system or we can supply our stringer plus can rely on our technology. www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 69 INTERViEWINTERVIEW

New STRINGER TT4200 GIGA with high production capacity of 130 MWp and a footprint of only 15 m²

EQ: What are the various technologies during the solar cell manufacturing process). If you use a available for manufacturing and what’s the bi-facial cell, then of course you have a double-glass design. advantage & disadvantage in the tech or One important item so far not many people paid attention equipment you offer? to is the ribbon position on the back side of the cell. Since we use our patented hold-down devices in combination Kramer: We offer our Stringer System TT4200 GIGA and with our vacuum transport system on our stringers we TT2100. In addition we can provide our Layup System can achieve a very precise ribbon positioning, not only on matching the capacity of the Stringer Systems. The TT4200 the front side but also on the back side of the cell. With GIGA is designed for customers with a production capacity a double-glass module you will see of course also the with more than 500 MW. It is a compact system with a high ribbon on the back side which is, with a conventional glass- production capacity. The soldering process itself is the backsheet module, normally covered up by the backsheet. same with the TT4200 GIGA and the TT2100. At the end of The interesting question will be, how will solar module the day our customers have to decide which solution they manufacturer measure the efficiency of the backside of the prefer, depending on available space, production capacity module with a bi-facial module. You can achieve approx. 10 and required redundancy. % higher power output. But of course it depends on where For high efficient Hetero-Junction Solar Cells (HJT) we the module will be installed and how much sun light will be also have our TT1400ECA in our product portfolio. With this reflected onto the backside. technology we connect the solar cells with a light trapping Our customers are using more and more PERC and PERT ribbon (LCR) and an Electrical Conductive Adhesive (ECA). cells. Our Stringers are design to process them without any This allows us to process cells at a lower temperature of issues. Also 5 and 6 busbars can be processed. approx. 150 ºC or 160 ºC. With the soldering process a We do not think that the number of busbars will increase temperature around 190 ºC to 210 ºC is required. Since above 6. We have performed a research study together HJT cells are more sensitive for the temperature and some with the SERIS institute of the University in Singapore. cells will reduce their power output at higher soldering Simulations showed that the power increase from 6 to 7 temperatures we can provide a solution to customers who busbars is minimal and it does not account for the higher are interested in producing the next generation of solar cost of the materials and for having one additional ribbon modules. within the module. EQ: Technology road map in terms of 1500V In regards to the HJT technology we have to see if and , Double Glass, BiFacial Cells, PERC/PERT when more manufacture will invest in the technology. We Technologies, Hetero Junction, 5-6 Busbars have developed a tool which can interconnect the cells, upcoming game changes technologies etc… our TT1400ECA, but so far there are not a high number of Kramer: All of the above can be processed with teamtechnik available HJT cells in the market. In my opinion this is due to equipment. All of our Stringers can process bi-facial cells the higher efficiency of the PERC and PERT cells and that (if they can be soldered which depends on the paste used existing lines can be retrofitted for the PERC technology.

70 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com INTERVIEWINTERViEW

EQ: What is the efficiency, costs, roadmap of EQ: India currently has around 1.2 solar pv modules/cells GW Cell Manufacturing and 5GW of Kramer: This a question for the solar cell and solar module Module Manufacturing…..what are the manufacturer. opportunities, challenges in manufacturing EQ: Please present some examples of your in India equipment & technologies in India and Kramer: India is expanding their manufacturing base. It is worldwide and their performance. the correct decision of the government in India to support local manufacturing. Only with a local manufacturing base Kramer: One example, Vikram Solar, Indian manufacturer of the solar energy can be more widespread in India because photovoltaic systems, has decided to work with teamtechnik more and more people are supporting it. Our customers to expand its production to manufacture enough solar are facing several challenges. One is the availability of raw modules to generate 2 GW, up from 500 MW. teamtechnik materials and local manufactured solar cells. In addition has been given the job of developing and constructing financing the equipment is a challenge. production lines for producing these solar modules.For Vikram Solar, teamtechnik’s worldwide service network EQ: India is currently ramping up was a decisive factor in choosing the company, alongside manufacturing capacities…how much the technical benefits of teamtechnik’s stringer and layup capacity addition do you forecast ? solutions. Kramer: Forecasting is always difficult. But personally I see At Vikram, for example, it was important to integrate the a big potential in India. Solar Energy can be installed within relatively novel, but highly effective PERC cells and bifacial a short period of time. The costs for solar modules have cells in the production process. It was no problem for us. been reduced over the last few years a lot and therefore EQ: What is the future of solar solar energy is competitive with fossil fuels. India is one manufacturing technologies of the fastest growing economies and a lot of additional energy will be required in the next few years. Solar will Kramer: We are currently seeing a trend towards 5 busbars. be able to provide clean energy to the big cities in India By increasing the number of busbars the resistance losses as well as to rural areas. So I personally hope that more can be reduced. Based on our research and development solar energy will be added in order to keep the air clean work with the SERIS Institute at the University in Singapore or cleaner in India. The existing companies in India will we know that the maximum number of busbars will be 6. You expand their manufacturing capacities and new players can of course increase the number of busbars further, but will enter the market. On the solar module manufacturing based on the simulation performed by the SERIS Institute side I see a potential of 10 GW to 15 GW of production the power gain achieved after 6 busbars is only minimal. capacity within the next few years in India.

STRINGER TT4200 GIGA: STRINGER TT4200 GIGA: Smooth and gentle soldering with IR light and closed Precise cell and ribbon handling loop control.

Series production of stringer systems : Factory building for stringer production at teamtechnik´s headquarters in Germany www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 71 PV MANUFACTURING N-Type Bifacial Cell Technology, A Most Efficient Electricity Cost-Effective Solution

Introduction N-type bifacial cell technology ith the increase in the proportion of distributed PV igure 1a shows the architecture of typical system in the PV market and the promotion of high n-type bifacial solar cell in the market. The P+ Wefficiency single crystalline solar cell technology, Femitter layer and N+ back surface filed (BSF) more and more institution and enterprises focus on the bifacial layer were form on the front side and rear side of structure based on N-type silicon substrate. N-type bifacial textured n-type substrate, respectively. Passivation cell and module show excellent performance in the regions layer and anti-reflection layer were form outside of highly reflective ground, vertical installation, space station, both emitter and BSF layer. Silver paste was print photovoltaic building integration, parking shed, noise walls, on both side and co-firing to form metal electrodes snow, desert and other regions because it’s both side power to collect current. Typically, the wafer thickness generation characteristics. Therefore N-type bifacial cell is around 170-200μm and a wafer resistivity of has gradually sought after by the market. According to SEMI 1-7Ω•cm is preferred[2,3]. This structure can reach international photovoltaic technology roadmap forecast [1], an efficiency of 24.5%[4, 5] in laboratory. Infurther N-type cell market share will be more than 20% to 2019, while development, the efficiency can reach up to 24.7% it is more than 30% to 2025. by N-PERL and IBC structure [5, 6, 7].

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1) Texture

2) Boron diffusion

3) Isolation

4) Implantation & Annealing

5) Passivation & AR Coating

6) Metallization

Figure 1, a scheme of n-type bifacial cell structure (left top, 1a), Jolywood’s bifacial cell process flow (right, 1b) and bifacial cells with 4 busbars (left bottom, 1c)

here are several different processes to (STC) in average and 19% at rear side (STC). As shown manufacture such an n-type bifacial cell, such as in Fig. 1b, the N-type bifacial cell can be implemented by Tpanda technology from Yingli solar, spin coating the shown process sequence using an ion implantation based technology from PVGS and so on. Jolywood technique. This process flow has the advantages developed a bifacial cell technology based on ion of simple process, high yield and high conversion implantation with the efficiency up to 21.5% at front side efficiency.

Figure 2, a typical IV cure for front and rear (left, 2a) and a cell efficiency distribution from mass production line with more than 50k cells(right,2b) www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 73 PV MANUFACTURING

typical IV curve for both front and rear was and high yield. Because of the advantages of simple shown in figure2a, which shows a bifaciality process, high yield, high conversion efficiency, good Aup to 90%. Figure 2b shows a distribution from reliability, easy to upgrade technology, etc., it’s believed mass production result with more than 50k cells, in the future N-type market this bifacial technology will demonstrating an average efficiency higher than 21.3% be much favored by the market.

Analysis of levelized cost of electricity ue to the price decrease of the module and structure, respectively; The transmittance of transparent material, the module price plays a much smaller backsheet is close to 90%, slightly lower than glass. Drole in the PV system cost than several years But it has a very light weight Vs. glass. The two kinds ago. Thus, levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) analysis of modules can absorb irradiation from both side to is important for end users. generate electrical power, shown in figure 3. Here a N-type bifacial cells can be assembled in a PR (performance ratio) factor was used to evaluate the double glass module or glass-transparent backsheet power generation from the backside, which was defined module according to glass/encapsulate/bifacial cell/ in the following equal (equation 1). This PR factor encapsulate/glass structure and glass/encapsulate/ indicates the ratio of the actual power generation to the bifacial cell/encapsulate/transparent backsheet theoretical power generation of the nominal power.

PVGS Japan have test power generation grass(system B, low reflectivity ground) as shown in performance with different double glass module on figure3a and 3b. The measured PR data was shown in different reflection ground [8]. In the test, two small table 1. It can be seen that bifacial system has better systems with same watt-peak were installed on ground power generation ration, which is up to 18.7% higher with white shell (system A, high reflection ground) and than conventional mono facial system.

Figure 3, glass-glass(or glass-transparent backsheet) module structure(left, 3) and bifacial module test systems(3a: on ground with white shell, 3b: on grass)

74 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com PV MANUFACTURING

For the typical south faced PV system with 30° tilt, the electricity generation increase rate can reach up to 26% in sunny days. It can be even high in cloudy days, which can reach up to 38.6%. Detail data was shown in Figure4.

Figure 4,electricity generation increase rate compare with multi system on cement floor (all system is south faced, 30- degree tilt)

Here a rear benefit of 20% was used for calculation. Table 2 shows the different cost per watt by different module based on 100MW PV plant exclude module cost. This indicates that n-type bifacial plant cost exclude module is 25% cheaper than p-type multi plant and 20% lower than p-type mono plant if rear benefit was 20%.

www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 75 PV MANUFACTURING

For different installation, different benefit from rear side also been calculated, list in table 3. This indicates that the n-type system with high power is one of the most cost-effective solution. The system cost will significantly decrease when the system get more benefit from rear side of bifacial modules.

Application of N-type bifacial cell and module -type bifacial cell and module show excellent parabolic electricity generation during the day, with the peak performance in the regions of highly reflective ground, generation at 12 o’clock, east-west bifacial vertical installation Nvertical installation, space station, photovoltaic system has two peaks at 9:00 am and 15:00 pm, respectively. building integration, parking shed, noise walls, snow, desert The power generation equals 90% of the optimal installation and other regions because it’s both side power generation and 130% of the south face vertical installation of mono- characteristics. This characteristics greatly expanded the facial modules with same watt-peak, shown in figure 5a. application of N-type bifacial cells and modules[8,9,10]. Because of the unique advantages of the vertically installed One of the most important application is vertical bifacial system, it is ideal for used in soundproof walls on installation system. The amount of electricity generated has both sides of highways and train stations. Fig 5b shows the no correlation with the orientation of the vertical installation. first PV soundproof walls installed on the edge of the freeway The north-south bifacial vertical installation system shows a overpass at Zurich, Switzerland [10].

Figure 5, Left: electricity generation comparison of south-north vertical installation (bifacial: S-N/90°), east-west vertical installation (bifacial: E-W/90°) and optimal south face installation.; Right: the first PV soundproof walls installed on the edge of the freeway overpass at Zurich, Switzerland

76 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com PV MANUFACTURING

The integration of photovoltaic buildings is an important trend in the future development [9,10].In Japan, an architect must take into account the photovoltaic power generation system in the housing design. Double glass modules are undoubtedly the most powerful competitors in this trend. Its characteristics such as double-sided power generation, vertical installation, adjustable light transmittance, good heat dissipation and so on, can been fully exerted in BIPV system. Figure 6 show some examples of photovoltaic building integration system.

Figure 6, examples of photovoltaic building integration

s infrared light cannot be absorbed by silicon, based glass modules [10]. For the crystalline silicon cell system, on bifacial cell structure, most of the infrared light can the power coefficient is about -0.42% per degree, therefore, Ago through the cell. Furthermore, materials used in in the desert and other high temperature areas, using bifacial module such as glass, encapsulate and so on do not bifacial system has an obvious advantage. Similarly, in absorb the infrared light neither. Thus, the heat of the bifacial the International Space Station, due to the absence of module is relatively small. The data shows that the glass- the atmosphere, the heat generated cannot be effectively glass PV modules have a 5 to 9 lower working temperature distributed, resulting in high module operating temperature. under normal working condition than conventional single- Bifacial modules can effectively alleviate this problem.

With the popularity of N-type solar cell and large-scale applications, there will be more and more researchers and enterprises continue to expand its application areas according to N-type bifacial solar cell’s characteristics. www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 77 PV MANUFACTURING

Material Innovation Reduces LCOE

n current PV industry, crystalline silicon is the main dard of 25 years of the PV modules in outer field. product since its high transform light to electricity On the early stage of PV industry’s development, rate, matured producing process, and rich sourc- backsheet PET is mainly protected (Both side) by es of raw materials and so on. Crystalline silicon Tedlar film, which is produced by Dopont, it is also is applicable through crystalline silicon cells and an exclusive PR product , the structure of this kind encapsulates combined PV module, which in the of backsheet is Tedlar//PET//Tedlar, also known end will be able to generate electricity. Current PV as TPT backsheet. Tedlar film is PVF film, enjoys module encapsulates structure is fallen into pat- great performance of anti-UV, anti-high Tempera- tern in eighties, 20thcentury, shown as Pic.1 be- ture, anti-corrosion. PVF film is also a material in low, the module is consisted by glass, EVA, cells, market till today that has a 30 year field application backsheet, etc. Among these materials, back- material PVF Film is by Biaxial stretching process, sheet is the outer layer of modules on the back- strengthened on both TD and MD, mechanism is side of module which directly facing the outer envi- balanced, and with good anti-aging performance ronment, protecting the inner materials of module it can endure humid heat, UV, TC and other harsh and sustain them. The backsheet should perform conditions. Though Tedlar film has above excellent the function of insulation, weather resistance and functions and on site proof, due to this unique in water vapor barrier. So the performance of back- manufacturing process, the surface of PVF film is sheet will determine the life time and efficiency easy for appearance of pinhole, in actual extreme of PV modules, thus lead to the difference of PV climatic conditions, vacuum zone cannot protect generation cost. At the same time, backsheet PET ina proper way, thus lead to regional perfor- can increase the reflection via the interval space mance degradation in backsheet area, backsheet between the cells, thus help increase the power is easy to get destroyed, then influence the protec- of module and decrease the PV generation cost. tion of cells by backsheet, shorten the lifetime of The higher reflection rate of backsheet inter layer, PV modules. On the other hand, the reflection rate the higher power the module would obtain, and so of Tedalar film is quite low, it can’t help increase I more contribution to lower the generation cost. It’s the power gain in PV modules, this makes Ted- the reason that reflection rate of backsheet inter lar film at a disadvantage in generation cost down layer is also important factor for PV generating process. Also due to its unique manufacturing cost down. The backhseet is a multi-lay structure process, the cost of it is too high, cannot fulfill the with the PET is middle layer, which is the main development demand of PV industry. Under the composite of backsheet, also called base mate- above factors, another protection film called Kynar rial. The PET film has good performance of insu- was developed in market, this film is produced with lation, mechanism and Water vapor barrier. But PVDF film by France’s Arkema. This Kynar film is PET’s weather resistance is not very good, which also approved on site by Arkema more than 20 needs to be protected for fulfill the lifetime stan- years, highly recognized by end users.

But PVDF film is week in MD and TD’s stretching or even with no stretching, easy to lead imbalance of mechanism, a big amount of acrylic when making film leads to inherent brittleness. All these factors lead to break or crack of PVDF film in outer site field under combined stress in different conditions. Besides, Technical threshold of PVDF is low, currently there are too many manufacturer with different standard of quality and performance. Anti-aging function of PVDF film varies from one another. Some of the low quality PVDF film is easy to break under accelerated aging test in Pic.1- Crystalline silicon PV module diagrammatic sketch laboratory, shown as Pic.2, this also indicates the risk of this model on site.

78 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com PV MANUFACTURING

o matter T or K film, all are laminated on PET surface by adhesive, this Nmodel is called laminating backsheet. There is a film making process and PET lamination process by both T and K film, this material lead to poor weather resistance, under light damp heat condition, it is easy to get Pic5 - Jolywood FFC coating hydrolyzed, degradation aging, this leads at- based backsheet tenuation of adhesive property, PVF/ PVDF innovative backsheet, coating tetra fluorine film will be delaminating with PET layer, this solar module backsheet named FFC back- is an unavoidable weakness of laminating sheet.This model successfully solved the backsheet. problem caused by TPT/KPK’s laminating To lower the cost of backsheet and solve model’ high cost and adhesive’s weakness, the above problems, some of the backsheet poor performance of Anti-aging, at a very manufacture developed the extrusion none- low price, FFC still guarantee 25 years out- fluorine backsheet like PA, PET based back- door installationrequirement, it is of high cost sheet. But coextrusion structure PA or PET performance, lower the generation cost. backsheet though inner layers are enhance- FFC backsheet is an integrated film back- ment property based PA or PET material, sheet based on casting tangent roll coating Pic2 - due to its own performance deficiency of technology and plasma technology. The Low quality PVDF raw material, the weather resistance is very backsheet structure is shown as Pic.5, still lamination backsheet poor, especially in harsh condition area. based on PET as base material, but PET by lab accelerated aging Within 3 years, the backsheet even appear FFC is protected effectively by tetra fluorine test, crack appear on cracks by PA backsheet, thus lead to deg- coated layer. This on line film-membrane the surface of back- radation and power decrease of modules. sheet. Integration technology highly reduced the Show is Pic.3, coextrusion based PET manufacturing cost, also since no usage backsheet is also easy to get yellowing or of poor performance of anti-aging Polyure- cracked. Thus, this coextrusion based none thane adhesive, the risk of peeling off be- fluorine backsheet will sooner be knocked tween base material and protection film has out in the market. To sum up, TPT/KPK lami- been avoided. On line film making’s main nating backsheet’s cost is high, also weak material, FFC coating layers from Daikin Ja- performance in some function; PET and PA pan’s FEVE. backsheet’s cost is low, but very poor perfor- Daikin is world’s famous FEVE resin mance, these models cannot guarantee 25 manufacturer, the fluorine-carbon coat- years lifetime of PV modules in outer field, ing material has been widely used in on the contrary lead to generation cost high- bridges, constructions, and port ma- Pic3 - Cracks after 3 er. Co-developed with Key Lab of Organsili- chineries’ out layer protection part, this years outdoor using con Chemistry and Materials for years, Joly- material has 25 years plus outdoor by coextrusion based wood successfully developed a subversive application history. PA backsheet Compared with traditional TPT and KPK backhsheet, FFC has the same excellent performance norm. 1. Weather resistance: Via high-low temperature EVA>80N/cm, strong > 80N/cm reduce the risk of 600 circulate, DH accelerated ageing 3000H, HF backsheet bubble, peeling off , etc. 30 circulate test (3 times of IEC standard); UV+ 3. Water vapor barrier: Water vapor barrier rate Aging (UV+DH) 130kw/m2\ QUVB aging test 4000H , <2.0g/m2.d, high water vapor barrier guarantee the Yellowing index Δ<5, this can make sure modules will adhesion with EVA, reduce the speed of cell’s corro- meet 25 year lifetime. sion by water vapor, increase the lifetime of modules 2. Strong bonding strength: bonding strength with at same time reduce the generating cost.

Compared With Tpt, Ffc Enjoys Higher Reflection Rate. Show As Pic. 6, By Same Power Range Of Solar Cells, The Modules With Ffc Backsheet Got 2 Watt More Power Than Tpt. This Also Help Reduce The Generating Cost.

Pic4 - Yellowing , cracks by coextrusion based PET backsheet after 3 years using Pic6 - TPT, KPK, FFC backsheet reflection rate comparasion Above all, FFC backsheet reduces the generating cost by raw material cost down, module power improvement and longer life time in outdoor application. www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 79 SOLAR ROOFTOP

By Nimish Prabhukhanolkar, Partner/founder, AGAMI ENGINEERING

Do Solar IPPs in India have sufficient information when selecting a vendor for either a Fixed Tilt or a Tracker MMS? THE ANSWER IS SURPRISINGLY - MORE OFTEN THAN NOT , THEY DO NOT!

80 EQ March 2017 www.EQMagPro.com SOLAR ROOFTOP

t is the modern day Gold Rush. Everyone wants to win a solar project. They bid aggressively. The only way to win this bidding war is with low costs. “Cost is king and everything else be dammed!” Once the bid has been won, almost always at very low bids, the pressure Iis on everyone to deliver. Aggressive bidding by developers to win projects has meant that very low project costs are in- evitable and they are then thrust on to the suppliers. Technology selection of Mod- ules and Inverters is much easier to do as compared to BOS, specially Structures. Currently MMS designs are done using wind loads derived using IS 875- III:1987/2015/ ASCE7-05/10 / EURO wind codesand structures are designed LAYER WIND TUNNEL and not a theo- more than 50 years, incurring no O&M as per IS 800:1984/2007 / IS 801:1975. retical calculation or any other type of costs – but does test data validate this Very often, MMS vendors DO NOT take Wind Tunnel. assumption? into account the “eccentric” moment Incorrect assumptions in surveying The electronic component is rarely as- induced in the structure due to flow of and levelling add more to the delays and sessed. However, the gain delivered by wind. This is because this particular project cost. Inadequate knowledge and the tracker by efficiently tracking, stow- clause appears as a footnote and is of- testing of soil strengths add to hindranc- ing, shadow handling and backtracking ten missed. Very thin, cold formed mem- es in execution. Let’s look at Solar Track- depends entirely on the electronics and bers are designed using IS 800 and IS ers in particular. the algorithms. 801 only. It is well-known a lot of mem- The General view is that Solar Track- The decision, more often than not, is bers design in tracker MMS is governed ers are a relatively simple technology to based solely on MMS Weight and thereby torsion considerations, and using IS implement - make a pivot, get a screw fore total cost ONLY. 800/IS 801 LRFD misses the torsion de- jack or gear, fit a motor, get a controller For example, Supplier Xquotes MMS sign entirely. to move it and sort of copy an existing weight of 50 tons. Another established This leads to the structures being MMS design – and a single axis tracker supplier Yprovides 60 ton MMS. Now, Y extremely under-designed as Solar PV is launched! has already installed plants, has a solid MMS designs are predominantly gov- Margins seem nice, business is as- track record and has a bankable tracker erned by torsional instabilities-both wind sured, so why not make one. solution. induced and strength deformations and Unfortunately, it is not that simple! So what doesXknow that Y does not, need to be designed by using the AISC The fact is that ALL the leading Track- which allows a >15% reduction in MMS 360-10 / AISIS100-96/16 codes. er brands across the world, including in weight from supplier X? NOTHING! Additionally, the existing codes do not India, are PURE PLAY Tracker technolo- The truth is - It is not possible to re- help with the dynamic effects and aero- gy companies. All these companies have duce the weight of the MMS beyond a elastic instabilities – which in real life sit- a very strong technology and product de- certain point without compromising on uations leads to the imposition of much velopment ETHOS. the design integrity higher loads than the calculated static With all new technologies, there are Add to this an equally important fac- loads on the structure. The memory of a always a bunch of ‘cheaper’ and ‘me tor in selecting a tracker – not related to recent thunderstorm’s devastating effect too’ options available in the first couple Technology and design – but to Delivery on a fixed tilt solar plant in North India of years. These companies sell a lot, but time and installation effort. Installation would be fresh in the industry’s mind. their offerings break down a lot. After the time required at site and O&M costs also Wind tunnel testing at a reputed dust has settled, the best engineered need to be considered in depth, but are company with a scaled model of MMS technologies remain.This is a classic often ignored. is essential to deal with these kinds of TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT Cycle. Both these have a direct impact on the uncertainties. It’s worth noting here how The success of a Tracker solution de- ‘GO LIVE’ date of the project. Even a de- historically improper MMS have faced pends on its (a) Mechanical components lay of a month means significant losses in partial or full failures as a result of ignor- and (b) Electronic control components. generation income. More often than not, ing realistic wind influences. Wind loads The Mechanicalcomponents mainly even though a ‘cheap’ technology is se- and pressures on a structure can only comprises of the bearings, the MMS and lected, the saving in CAPEX gets wiped be derived from an actual BOUNDARY the fasteners. out in construction delays (and related It is assumed that bearings will last for generation loss).

So, what needs to be addressed before And since the above points are subjective, based on very preliminary selecting a Tracker supplier is: assessments, some tangible indicators for buyers could be - Is the technology reliable? Does the company have an IE bankability report? Is the technology durable? Does the company have a proven track record?

www.EQMagPro.com EQ March 2017 81 Panasonic’s Photovoltaic Module HITTM Adopted for Toyota Motor’s New Prius PHV

Panasonic Corporation today announced that it has recently developed the “HITTM Photovoltaic Module for Automobile”, which was adopted for the new Prius PHV released in February 2017 by Toyota Motor Corporation (hereafter Toyota Motor). In addition, Panasonic’s automotive prismatic lithium-ion batteries were adopted for the drive batteries, as with the Prius PHV that was released in 2012.

anasonic Corporation has worked on the development of output (approx.180 W) in a limited area on a car’s roof, en- new applications of solar cells through the effective use abling the charging of the drive lithium-ion batteries as well of high performance and high reliability technologies and as 12 V batteries, resulting in a possible extension of an P know-how that have been accumulated through the devel- EV’s travel distance and increased in fuel economy. opment, manufacture, and sales of photovoltaic modules Furthermore, Panasonic has developed technologies to for residential, public and industrial use. laminate three-dimensional curved glass to match the new Panasonic’s solar cells have a unique structure that com- Prius PHV’s elegant body design, achieving the installation bines a crystalline silicon substrate and an amorphous sili- of modules on the roof without impairing the advanced de- con film, and feature high conversion efficiency and excel- sign. This will eventually contribute to the improvement of lent temperature characteristics. Conventional automotive the vehicle’s environmental performance. Panasonic will solar cells can output up to several tens of watts and have make efforts to expand the use of the “HITTM Photovoltaic been used only for the auxiliary charging of 12 V batteries Module for Automobile” and contribute to the achievement and ventilation power sources for parked cars; however, the of an environmentally friendly society in the automotive as use of the features of Panasonic’s solar cells allow a high well as the housing and industrial fields. Sungrow Presented New String Inverter SG33K3J at the 7th Int’l Smart Grid Expo in Tokyo

ungrow, the world’s leading PV inverter manufacturer, launched a new product for Japan’s solar market with the reveal of its new string inverter, S the SG33K3J, at the 7th Annual Int’l Smart Grid Expo in Tokyo. (Booth W10-20, Tokyo Big Sight, Mar. 1-3) As an important supplement to the string inverter pipeline led by the SG49K5J, Sun- grow’s flagship product in Japan, the SG33K3J expands possibilities for solar customers. The SG33K3J and the SG49K5J are both designed for higher power generation with DC/AC ratio of the SG33K3J reaching up to 2.0. “Sungrow is committed to technical innovation. Central inverters were also featured at the We continue to bring new products and solutions Tokyo show. Sungrow showcased the SG2000, to better meet ever-changing demands from recently employed in the BCM’s (Blue Capital Management Co., Ltd) 200MW power plant. customers in Japan,” said Renxian Cao, president Source:prnewswire of Sungrow.

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