Kargil. The Ladakh region is spread over Table 1 Climatic parameters over the Ladakh region 86 904 km2 area. Months District-Leh District-Kargil Climate Ambient Relative Wind speed Ambient Relative Wind speed Ladakh lies in the rain shadow side of temperature humidity (m/s) temperature humidity (m/s) the Himalaya and experiences both (°C) (%) (°C) (%) arctic and desert climates, as a result of January -21.1 73.8 6.3 -17.6 76.0 5.5 which it is often called the ‘Cold Desert’. The main features of this cold desert are February -19.3 73.3 6.3 -15.9 76.6 5.5 wide diurnal and seasonal fluctuations in March -15.7 74.8 6.2 -12.2 78.0 5.4 temperature with -40 °C during winters April -11.3 76.1 5.4 -7.6 77.9 4.9 and +35 °C during summers. Annual May -6.0 71.2 5.3 -2.5 70.6 5.0 precipitation is just 10 cm, mainly in June 0.3 62.0 5.4 3.9 60.1 5.2 the form of snow. Here, air is very dry and relative humidity ranges from July 5.0 58.2 5.2 8.1 57.7 5.2 6%–24%. Thus, due to high altitude and August 5.0 60.3 5.1 7.8 61.7 5.2 low humidity, the radiation level is very September 0.7 56.8 5.5 3.8 57.8 5.3 high, soil is thin, sandy, and porous, and October -6.9 55.1 5.7 -2.8 54.8 5.2 the entire area is devoid of any natural vegetation. Irrigation is mainly through November -14.0 61.4 5.9 -9.8 61.6 5.3 channels from the glacier-melted snow. December -18.7 70.2 6.5 -15.3 71.5 5.7 Rainfall in the area is almost negligible Source RETScreen Database and the average snowfall is between 2–5 m in the villages. The variation in altitude variation affects the local climate. The Kargil district Kanji Nallah Valley. The Zojila and the region has more than 300 sunny days in Kargil district is situated between 30o Fotulla passes situated at heights of 3567 a year and because of a thin atmosphere, to 35 oN latitudes and 75 o to 77 oE and 4192 m above sea level, respectively, solar radiation is as high as 6–7 kWh/m2. longitudes. It is surrounded by Baramulla, are called gateways to the Kashmir Srinagar, and Doda districts in the south- Valley, Leh district, and Kargil district. The Leh district west, Leh district in the east, Himachal whole district has high rocky mountains, Leh is one of the two districts located in Pradesh in the south, and Pakistan in the and arid desert; is snow bound, Ladakh, the other being the Kargil district north-west. The district is divided into and devoid of natural vegetation. It to the west, in the state of Jammu and four, high-level natural valleys, namely occupies a unique position because of Kashmir. India is bound on the north by the Suru Valley, the Drass Valley, the Indus its high altitude—8000 to 23 000 feet the Ghanche district, a small border with Valley, and the Upper Sindh Valley of the above the sea level. The topography Xinjiang, China, via the Karakoram pass, which is part of the district. Aksai Chin and Tibet is to the east; Kargil district to the west, and Lahul and Spiti to the south. Leh, with an area of 45 110 km2, is the largest district in India in terms of area and lies between 32 o to 36 oN and 75 o to 80 oE longitude. Leh is divided into six blocks, namely Leh, Khaltse, Nyoma, Durbuk, Nobra, and Kharu. Leh’s climate Leh has a cold, arid climate with long, harsh winters from October to early March, with minimum temperatures well below the freezing point for most part of the winter. The town gets occasional snowfall during winters. The humidity level is high with a year-round availability of good solar radiation.
Figure 2 Projected increase in population
33 january 2011 Features of the region is mountainous with little or Kargil tehsil has a population of 107 138 than 150 kWh. The average per capita no vegetation. (10 657 urban and 96 481 rural); while consumption of electricity in India 12 169 people live in Zanskar. Kargil is was estimated to be 704 kWh during Kargil’s climate the most populated area of the district, 2008/09. Obviously enough, this is fairly In Kargil, the summers are warm with cool followed by Sankoo and Shargole. low when compared to similar trends nights, while winters are long and cold About 22% of the population of the in some of the developed nations such with temperatures often dropping to -40 district lives in Sankoo, 10% in Drass, 9% the US (~15 000 kWh) and fast emerging °C. During winters temperatures drop to in Shargole, 8% in Shakar-Chiktan, and economies like China (~1800 kWh). The -60 °C in Drass, which is situated at about 7% in Taisuru blocks. world average stands at about 2400 56 km from the Kargil town. The Zanskar There are 17 146 HHs (2065 urban kWh. The Ladakh region has not yet plateau is even colder, thus, making it and 15081 rural) in the Kargil district. The been connected to the central power a near-uninhabitable place for human Kargil region has 14 879 HHs, and the grid of the country and, thus, remains habitation, except for the hardy Khampas. Zanskar region has 2267 HHs. There are totally dependent on hydropower and Table 1 gives a detailed account of the 129 villages in the district, out of which diesel generators (DG). The installed climatic condition of the Ladakh region. two villages are un-inhabitated. power capacity of the Ladakh region is Demography 20.89 MW, through diesel and hydro. The House use pattern of the Ladakh present unrestricted demand for power The population of Ladakh region is 270 region 126, as per Census 2001. On the basis in Ladakh is 58.53 MW (which includes In the Leh district, 52 165 houses have of the last 50 years data, it has been 20 MW for a defence establishment). been covered in the census. In the Kargil projected that the population of Ladakh At an annual rate of increase of 7%, this district, there are 38 043 houses covered region will increase up to 414 028 by requirement is set to touch 94 MW by the in the Census. Table 2 shows trhe house 2011 and 712 771 by 2021, as given in year 2010 and 140.5 MW by 2025. use pattern in the Ladakh region. Figure 2. Energy use pattern Population of Leh district Table 2 House use pattern of the Ladakh Energy consumption in the region Leh district has a population of 1 17 232 region is divided into the following five (88 593 rural and 28 693 urban), as per categories—domestic, industrial, Category Leh Kargil Census 2001. There are 24 147 households agriculture, commercial, and (HHs) in Leh district, out of which 6580 Total 52 165 38 043 transportation. The energy consumption are urban and 17 567 are rural, and the Occupied 43 695 33 611 in the domestic sector (HHs) accounts average family size is five. The population Residential 22 059 13 304 for more than 90% of the total energy consumption of the region. Remaining growth has been observed to be 30.42%, Residence-cum-other 777 3390 10% energy is distributed to meet the from 1991 to 2001, for this district. It uses has been estimated that the population energy needs within the industrial, Shops/office 3333 2298 of Leh will increase by 206 954 in commercial, and agricultural sectors. 2011 and 352 305 by 2018, if the same Schools 401 449 The power consumption in other trend continues. Hotel/lodges 209 137 sectors remains relatively small. It has Leh district has been sub-divided in to Hospitals/dispensaries 167 151 been observed from data collected six blocks; out of which, the Leh block is from secondary sources that the energy Factory/sheds 502 300 the most populated and contains about use pattern of the Ladakh region is 53% of the total population of the district. Places of worship 544 934 predominantly oriented towards the Further, 15% of the population lives in Other non-residence 15 703 12 648 utilization of thermal applications. This is Khalsi, 15% in Nubra, 7% in Nyoma, 6% uses mainly because of the climatic conditions in Kharao, and 4% in the Durbuk blocks, of the region. In case of domestic energy supply; cooking and space heating respectively. There are 113 villages in the Energy scenario in the district, out of which 112 are inhabitated . constitute two major applications. These Ladakh region consume more than 95% of the total The energy consumption scenario of energy demand of the domestic sector. Population of Kargil district the Ladakh region indicates that the However, lighting is the most important The population of Kargil district is 119 307, per capita energy consumption of the energy requirement to connect the as per Census 2001. The projection shows region is about 8.17 kWh per day. The per people with the modern channels of that the population of Kargil district will capita energy consumption in the rural sustainable development. increase by 207 100 by 2011 and 360 515 and urban areas is equal to 7.7 kWh and by 2018. Kargil is sub-divided into two 12.85 kWh per day, respectively. However, Fuel use pattern tehsils, namely Kargil and Zanskar; which the annual electricity consumption It has been noticed that fuel wood, dung are further sub divided into seven blocks. per capita in the Ladakh region is less cakes, kerosene, and LPG are amongst
january 2011 34 the major fuels used for cooking; within energy consumption for the commercial Police (ITBP) in the region. Defence which, fuel wood and dung cakes sector of Leh is higher than that recorded establishments scattered all over the constitute almost 85% share of the fuel for Kargil, mainly because the Leh district Ladakh region require continuous used. Space heating in the rural areas is has a comparatively well developed and reliable supply of energy. The mainly done with the help of fuel wood, tourism sector. major power supply to this sector is dung cake, coke, and kerosene; however, The Leh district does not have any with the help of DG sets. The present in the urban areas it is done with the help heavy industrial users of electricity, connected load to meet the power of LPG or diesel. In contrast, the hotels in barring two clinkering units and two needs of the army is approximately this region use firewood and FO for space flour mills; while the other industries 10 MW; which is likely to increase to 20 MW heating. Domestic lighting is being met are all minor consumers. Kargil has a by 2020. through electricity, kerosene, and solar sizable industrial sector. In 2004, it had energy. There are almost 93% HHs, which 424 small-scale industries. Out of which, Electricity generation own LPG connections within the city of 256 industries are located in Kargil alone. Presently, the total installed power Leh. As against this, the number of LPG However, just about 50 industries receive generating capacity in the Leh district is connections in the Kargil district is more electricity from the Power Development 13.19 MW; out of which 5.5 MW is through than 20 000. The consumption pattern of Department (PDD). The other industrial (16 Nos.) diesel gensets and 7.7 MW LPG in the remote areas mainly varies in units have their captive generation (5 Nos.) through hydropower plants. Igo accordance with the season. capacity varying between 5–25 kW. The Marchellong (3 MW), Stakna (4 MW), There are a total of 474 hotels and average kerosene consumption for the Hunder (0.4 MW), and Bazgo (0.3 MW) are restaurants besides 382 commercial industries is estimated at about 250 the main operational SHP projects in the establishments in the Leh district, kilolitres. Leh district. The total electricity demand, while 204 hotels and restaurants and mostly for domestic lighting in the Leh 46 commercial establishments are Energy requirement in the district, has been reported as 59 MW. located in the Kargil district. Most of defence establishments The total installed power generation the commercial enterprises subscribe Being the border region, there is capacity in the Kargil district is 7.7 MW; to the power generated by the Power deployment of large platoons of Indian out of which 4.45 MW is through diesel Development Corporation (PDC). The Armed Forces and Indo Tibetan Border and 3.25 MW through hydro power. Iqbal (1.5 MW), Haftal (1 MW), and Marpachoo (0.75 MW), are the main operating SHP Table 3 Category of HHs by the fuel available for cooking in the Leh district projects in the Kargil district. There Type of fuel used Total HH Rural HH % of total Urban HH % of total are two ongoing SHP power projects HH HH in each district—Dumkhar (0.50 MW) Total 23 362 17 298 74.04 % 6064 25.96 % in Leh and Sanjak (1.26 MW) in Kargil. Firewood 4416 4342 98.3 % 74 1.7 % Hydel power has the major share (>64%) in the total installed capacity, Crop residue 321 290 90.3 % 31 9.7 % whereas 34% electricity is generated Cowdung 1195 4481 99.7 % 14 0.3 % through DG sets in the Kargil district. Kerosene 2081 1178 56.6 % 903 43.4 % The share of solar power is limited to LPG 11 903 3895 57.9 % 5008 42.1 % just about 2%. During 2003/04, the total electricity consumption in Kargil was Others (coal/electricity/ 146 112 76.7 % 34 23.3 % biogas) 127 17 thousand units. It has been observed that the domestic sector of Kargil is the major energy consumer and Table 4 Category of HHs by the fuel available for cooking in the Kargil district consumes about 66% of the electricity, Type of fuel used Total HH Rural HH % of total Urban HH % of total followed closely by the commercial HH HH sector and the defence establishment. Total 10 706 14 616 87.49% 2090 22.51% Electrification Firewood 9069 8642 95.3% 427 4.7% Out of 112 villages in the Leh district, 98 Crop residue 210 188 89.5% 22 10.5% villages have been electrified. However, Cowdung 3734 3733 100.0% 1 0.0% out of 98 electrified villages, 65 villages Kerosene 1401 815 58.2% 586 41.8% have been electrified by hydro/diesel and 33 villages by solar energy. Likewise, out LPG 2183 1140 52.2% 1043 47.8% of 127 villages in the Kargil district, 106 Others (coal/electricity/ 109 98 89.9% 11 10.1% villages and 76 hamlets were electrified biogas) till 2004. Maximum number of villages of
35 january 2011 Features this district has been electrified by hydro/ diesel. Out of the electrified areas of the Kargil district, it has been observed that Kargil is, thus, electrified—64% by hydel power, 34% by diesel, and rest 2% by solar energy Electricity distribution The generation and distribution of power continues to be one of the potential dimensions of development in Ladakh. These two vital functions are controlled by two organizations—PDC and PDD. PDC handles power generation; while the PDD oversees transmission, distribution, and maintenance of power units. The electricity supply across the district is not metered. A flat charge of about `50 per month is levied for the lowest slab of supply, with a connected load of 250 W per HH. Commercial establishments have a different tariff structure with a minimum connected load of 120 W, for Figure 3 Amount of fuel used and CO2 emitted which they pay about `70. Overall energy consumption and being reported as 3 million litres . This is 2020 scenario distribution given in Figure 3. Taking the present rate of population The energy dependence of the Ladakh growth of the Ladakh region (7.77% region is mainly on diesel, kerosene, GHG emission annual), it has been estimated that the biomass, LPG, and hydro power sources. In all, the energy dependence of the population of the region will increase by A small amount is met through solar Ladakh region is mainly on kerosene oil, 811 915. Assuming the business as usual energy as well. It is observed that the LPG, and diesel. In order to estimate the (BAU) scenario of energy use, it has been annual cumulative energy use is about associated GHG emission in the region, estimated that the kerosene consumption 174 503 thousand units; which is mainly hydro, and biomass have been considered will increase by 20 749 kilolitres, LPG within the residential sector for varied as being the key renewable energy by 16861 tonnes, and diesel by 15 752 applications like cooking, space heating, sources. Based on the data received from kilolitres by 2020 , as shown in Figure 4. lighting, and so on. Table 4 shows the fuel secondary sources, presently the GHG However, it has been estimated that the supply pattern of the Ladakh region. emissions of the region are equivalent associated per capita GHG emissions will From the hydro (7.8 MW)-and diesel to 27 729.66 tonnes; out of which 9323.2 increase by 173.3 kg/year by 2020. As (13.34 MW)-based power plants, the tonnes is contributed by kerosene oil, 10 observed, based on the present growth annual electricity generation is 23 310 087 tonnes by LPG, and 8616.2 by diesel. rate, the annual GHG emissions will 000 kWh. Out of which, 16 695 thousand On the basis of these findings, the per increase to 145 599 tonnes, annually. units were generated by hydro and 6615 capita GHG emission has been estimated thousand units by using diesel during the as 78.7 kg/year; which is very small as Solar energy over the Ladakh year 2007/08. The diesel used for power compared to the national average (that is region generation costs more than 100 million 1.9 tonnes of CO2 emission reported for Being a tropical country, most of the per annum with its annual consumption the year 2000). region in India receive good sunshine, and the number of clear sunny days in a year is also quite high. The country Table 4 Fuel supply pattern of the Ladakh region receives solar energy equivalent to more than 5,000 trillion kWh per year. The Type of fuel Kerosene oil (KL) LPG (Cylinders) Biomass (Units) daily average global radiation is about Annual consumption 3951.79 229 371 126 202 000 5.0 kWh/m2 in the north-eastern and hilly Energy consumption (kWh) 19 419 840 28 881 600 areas, about 7.0 kWh/m2 in the western Source LAREDA, Leh regions and cold desert areas, with the sunshine hours ranging between 2300
january 2011 36 Solar radiation over Kargil Kargil is located at 34° 30’ N, 76° 13’ E and lies in the ‘cold and sunny’ climatic zone of India. As the location has high visibility and low dust cover, the intensity of incident solar radiation is very high. Besides, rainfall is very less; hence, the area receives good solar radiation over the year. According to National Aeronautics Space Administration surface meteorology and solar energy data source, the pattern of solar radiation is consistent over the year and the fraction of diffuse solar radiation is low. It has been observed that the annual global solar radiation availability over Kargil is 1725 kWh/m2—direct 1150 kWh/ m2 and diffuse 575 kWh/m2 on horizontal surface (Table 6). Quite clearly, the entire Ladakh region receives good amount of solar radiation. Worldwide, the locations that receive annual direct normal insolation (DNI) of Figure 4 Estimated rise in fuel consumption more than 1800 kWk/m2 are generally recommended for housing the large- scale solar power plants. Thus, Ladakh is and 3200 per year. The Ladakh region is the direct component is very high. The also suited for large-scale concentrating located in the ‘cold and sunny’ climatic annual average global solar radiation solar power (CSP) projects; and for zone of India and receives more than over the region is about 5.90 kWh/m2. decentralized parabolic dishes to obtain 300 clear sunny days, annually. The It has been estimated that the annual process heat. frontier locations receive global solar global solar radiation availability over radiation as high as 6–7 kWh/m2, annually, Leh is 2149 kWh/m2—direct Solar technologies used in the 2 2 which also contains a small amount of 1453 kWh/m and diffuse 695 kWh/m on Ladakh region diffuse solar radiation. The energy use a horizontal surface. Table 5 depicts solar Solar energy technologies are very pattern/habits, resource availability, and radiation over Leh. important for the Ladakh region as increasing energy demand are deemed as good indicators for the Ladakh region in its increasing shift towards Table 5 Solar radiation over Leh solar energy use. Table 5 and 6 indicate Months Daily solar radiation (kWh/m2) Monthly solar radiation (kWh/m2) daily and monthly solar radiation over Global Diffuse Direct Global Diffuse Direct Leh and Kargil—the two major regions of January 3.33 1.41 1.92 103.2 43.6 59.6 Ladakh, respectively. February 4.29 1.77 2.52 120.1 49.6 70.5 Solar radiation over Leh March 5.35 2.26 3.09 165.8 70.0 95.8 Leh is located at 34.17 °N 77.58 °E. April 6.71 2.48 4.23 201.2 74.4 126.8 Its average elevation is 3500 metres and average annual rainfall is 90 mm. May 7.61 2.61 5.00 235.8 80.9 154.9 As the location has a high visibility and June 8.39 2.27 6.11 251.6 68.2 183.4 low dust cover, the intensity of incident July 7.99 2.45 5.54 247.7 76.0 171.7 solar radiation is very high. The operating August 7.17 2.46 4.71 222.4 76.3 146.1 conditions (high solar irradiance and low ambient temperature) of Leh September 6.79 1.60 5.19 203.7 47.9 155.8 are the best recommended ones for October 5.44 1.33 4.12 168.8 41.2 127.6 solar photovoltaic systems. The location November 4.26 1.00 3.26 127.8 30.0 97.8 receives very less rain and experiences December 3.25 1.20 2.05 100.8 37.2 63.6 low cloud cover. The diffuse fraction of the solar radiation is low and, hence, Source RETScreen and METEONORM
37 january 2011 Features SWH systems have been commercialized Table 6 Solar radiation over Kargil worldwide. ETC-based solar collectors Months Daily solar radiation (kWh/m2) Monthly solar radiation (kWh/m2) comprising of copper heat pipes are best Global Diffuse Beam Global Diffuse Beam suited SWH technology for the Ladakh January 2.67 0.94 1.73 82.8 29.1 53.6 region; which can tolerate the extreme weather of the region (-40 oC). A 100-litres February 3.33 1.25 2.08 93.2 35.0 58.2 capacity SWH can replace an electric March 4.17 1.67 2.50 129.3 51.8 77.5 geyser for residential use and save 1500 April 5.05 2.06 2.99 151.5 61.8 89.7 units of electricity, annually. The use of May 5.95 2.29 3.66 184.5 71.0 113.5 1000 SWHs of 100-litres capacity each can contribute to a peak load saving of June 6.81 2.24 4.57 204.3 67.2 137.1 1 MW. July 6.55 2.21 4.34 203.1 68.5 134.5 P A SWH of 100-litres capacity can August 6.04 1.97 4.07 187.2 61.1 126.2 prevent emission of 1.5 tonnes of CO2 September 5.53 1.50 4.03 165.9 45.0 120.9 per year P October 4.59 1.06 3.53 142.3 32.9 109.4 Operating life is 15–20 years P Approximate cost is `15 000–20 000 November 3.42 0.84 2.58 102.6 25.2 77.4 for a 100-litres capacity system December 2.52 0.84 1.68 78.1 26.0 52.1 P Payback period 3–4 years when electricity is replaced. electricity demand is distributed and without hazardous emissions, and are Solar cookers decentralized. At present, solar passive expected to have a long life with little Solar cookers are commercial solar houses and solar PV-based home-lighting maintenance. Solar PV-based electricity products, used in many parts of the systems, SK-14 type solar cookers, and generation is one of the most promising world. India has large solar cooking evacuated tube collector (ETC) based renewable energy technologies, which units for community cooking. There are solar water heaters are amongst the most could be useful for lighting, water various types of solar cookers; but in line adapted solar energy technologies in the pumping, refrigeration, battery charging, with the cooking habits of Ladakh region Ladakh region. Following applications and so on. the best recommended solar cooker is for commercial and domestic use, where SK-14; which is essentially a parabolic solar energy can play an important role, Solar water pumps It has been observed that groundwater solar cooker used for frying (>250 have been recognized. o is available at a depth of 150 feet, below C). Also, the concept of community Solar home lighting systems (HLS) the ground. The solar powered water cooking is very feasible for defence Solar HLS is powered by solar energy using pumps can be of a great boon for the establishments; which can directly solar cells that convert solar radiation people of Ladakh, for pumping water, replace a large amount of diesel and LPG. directly to electricity; which is stored both for drinking as well as for irrigation The community solar cooker can cook all in batteries and used for the purpose purposes. The solar water pumping types of food for about 40–50 people and of lighting whenever required. These system is a stand-alone system operating can save upto 30 LPG cylinders in a year systems are useful in non-electrified on power generated by using the solar with optimum use.Cookers with higher rural areas and as reliable emergency PV system. The power generated is used capacity may be used, depending on lighting system for important domestic for operating DC surface centrifugal the requirement. and commercial applications. The system mono-block pump set for lifting water Solar passive buildings comprises of the solar PV module, charge from bore/open well or water reservoir Passive solar buildings aim to maintain controller, battery, and lighting system. for minor irrigation and drinking water interior thermal comfort throughout The solar module is installed in the open purposes. the sun’s daily and annual cycles, whilst on roof/terrace, exposed to sunlight and reducing the requirement for active the charge controller and battery are Solar water heaters (SWH) heating and cooling systems. Passive kept inside a protected place. The most widespread application of solar thermal energy so far, has been solar building design is one part of green Large-scale grid-connected solar to heat water. The SWH technology, as building design, and does not include power plant currently available, is based on the use active systems such as mechanical SPV systems have several advantages of flat plate solar collectors, which are ventilation or PV. The scientific basis that make it suitable for rural produced indigenously. Traditionally, for passive solar building design has electrification and decentralized energy the simple flat plate solar collector is been developed from a combination supply. Solar PV modules usually do not used for the application, but nowadays of climatology, thermodynamics, and have moving parts and operate silently evacuated tubular collectors (ETC)-based human thermal comfort. There are
january 2011 38 numerous technologies based on Potential of solar technologies Solar lantern solar passive architecture. Three most in the Ladakh region A total of 9000 solar lanterns have been important solar passive technologies distributed by the state nodal agencies On the basis of the secondary data, for the Ladakh region are 1) direct gain (SNAs), through various schemes of literature review, and interaction with 2) trombe wall 3) attached greenhouse; MNRE. A survey may be conducted for NGOs active in this region, it has been which have already been adopted by analysing the problems and barriers of observed that for cooking, space maximum HHs in urban areas. this particular technology adaptation. heating, and electrification, solar energy Direct gain attempts to control Battery replacement after every 3–4 technologies can be used. Hence, sizable the amount of direct solar radiation years is deemed as a major issue with potential of solar thermal and solar PV reaching the living space. Trombe wall unobstructed use of SPV technologies. technologies exist in this region. is a sun-facing wall essentially built from Hence, a suitable mechanism might be material that can act as thermal mass Solar PV technologies identified for replacing the batteries by (such as stone, metal, concrete, adobe The potential assessment of the offering some incentives. or water tanks), combined with an air following solar PV technologies has Solar water pumps space, insulated glazing, and vents to been carried out, keeping in mind the For harnessing groundwater for form a large solar thermal collector. electricity requirement of the people of domestic and agricultural purposes, solar With the help of these features, heat is the Ladakh region. collected during the day, and it migrates water pumps have proven their worth in by conduction through the wall and is Solar home lighting (HLS) systems the region. So far, 22 solar pumps have released during night. Ideally, each household in the Ladakh been installed in various parts of the region is a potential user of solar HLS. region (mainly in the Leh district). Based Solar greenhouses In the present scenario, the electricity on the secondary data, about 500 solar All greenhouses collect solar energy. availability is only for four hours per day, water pumps are still required to satisfy Solar greenhouses are designed not only mainly for lighting. The electricity supply the water pumping requirements of to collect solar energy during sunny days, condition in urban areas is more reliable the region. but also to store heat for use at night or as compared to the rural areas. Thus, Off-grid PV power plant during periods when it is cloudy. They in the Ladakh region, 50% of the rural Solar energy-based power generation is can either stand alone or be attached HHs has been taken as a potential case proposed only in those villages, where to houses or barns. A solar greenhouse for use of solar HLS. A total number of there are no hydro reservoirs. Further, may be an underground pit, a shed- 20 000 HLS has been identified for the there are topographical difficulties to type structure, or a hoop house. Large- Ladakh region. scale producers use free-standing solar connect with the existing/proposed greenhouses, while attached structures are primarily used by home-scale growers. Passive solar greenhouses are often good choices for small growers because they are a cost-efficient way for farmers to extend the growing season. Solar dryers Solar dryers are used in agriculture for food and crop drying for industrial drying process. From the energy conservation point of view, dryers can prove to be the most useful device. Dryers not only save energy, but also save lot of time, occupy less area, improve quality of the product, make the process more efficient, and protect the environment. Solar dryers circumvent some of the major disadvantages of classical drying. Solar drying can be used for the entire drying process or for supplementing artificial drying systems, thus, reducing the total amount of fuel energy required. Figure 5 Number of solar thermal systems installed
39 january 2011 Features power grid. The cumulative potential for 4 million LPD has been calculated for the Solar dryers off-grid projects has been observed to Ladakh region excluding the defence In order to improve the quality of locally exceed 5 MW (40–50 kW single units). establishments. grown cash crops, dry fruits, medicinal plants/produces, and preservation of the Large-scale grid-connected solar Solar cooking agro produces for long periods of time, PV power plant Based on the census 2001 data, about solar drying is the best suited approach. In terms of resources and climate, the 51% HHs in Leh and 13% HHs in Based on the study of ongoing practices Ladakh region is best suited for large- Kargil have been provided with LPG and information taken from NGOs and scale solar PV system use. Grid connected connections. Leaving aside these HHs, SNA, the potential number has been solar power generation could be an solar cooking can well be adopted almost worked out as 6000 solar dryers in the optimum solution for the region. It can in all other HHs. There are two design Ladakh region. The best suited drying effectively replace diesel as an existing configurations, which are commercially technology might be simple cabinet type fuel for power generation. The Leh valley available, namely SK-14 and steam and convective cabinet type solar dryers. comprises of enough land and already cooking systems for community cooking has a transmission and distribution (T&D) application. Keeping in view the family Solarification of the Ladakh network. To begin with, a 20-MW capacity size of about 4–5 members per HH, solar PV project could be implemented to SK-14 can be used in the rural areas. A region: the scenario satisfy the electricity requirement of the cumulative number of about 20 000 SK- The region has been accorded sufficient district. Further, similar kind of projects 14 solar cookers have been estimated for importance by the Government of could be implemented in various parts of possible use in this region. In addition, India vis-a-vis rural electrification and this region. The MNRE expects that Jammu about 50 steam cooking systems could decentralized energy supply. However, and Kashmir will generate about 20 000 be set up in the urban areas and places of because of the increasing energy MW from solar energy by 2020, mostly worship besides defence establishments. demand, typical topography, extreme concentrated in Ladakh region of the state. climatic conditions, and technological Solar passive buildings limitation, the success stories have Solar thermal technologies Noticeably, the practices of applying been limited so far. Hence, a lot more The potential of solar thermal principles of solar passive heating are needs to be done for rural electrification technologies in the region has been quite prevalent in the region. However, and decentralized energy supply. The identified on the basis of the secondary these practices have to percolate to the following are some of the initiatives pro-data and e-information. lowest level as well. Theoretically, all the taken by the Government of India. HHs have the potential for adopting Solar water heating systems these features. A cumulative number of Solar rural electrification Four types of buildings have the 35 000 houses (22 000 houses in Leh programme potential for applying solar water heating and 13 000 house in Kargil) have been The MNRE, in coordination with the systems in the region, namely residential, identified as having the potential. This Planning Commission, had sanctioned a hotels/lodges, hospitals/dispensaries, is based on the study of the housing major project entitled, “Solar Electrification and places of worship. Such systems pattern of the region. In addition, of Villages and Hamlets in Ladakh” in require water supply from an overhead retrofitting of the existing houses might 2001. This programme got implemented cold water tank and sunlit space for be a potential area. through two nodal agencies, namely the installation of solar collectors. Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Keeping these requirements in view Solar greenhouses Agency (LREDA) for the Leh district and and irregular bathing habits of the There could be some requirement the District Development Commissioner people of this region, 50% of the total of commercial green houses for (DDC), Kargil, for the Kargil district. Under HHs are considered for the use of SWHs. growing vegetables in winter and of this scheme, 10 000 solar home lighting The per HH capacity of these systems solar dryers for drying of fruits and systems and 6000 solar lanterns were could be 100-LPD. On an average, vegetables. Based on the relevant inputs, installed/distributed in 39 un-electrified 1000 LPD systems have been considered some NGOs have worked out the villages in the Leh district and in 18 un- for hotels and lodges, to meet the hot available potential. A cumulative electrified villages and 27 un-electrified water requirements. The hot water number of 8000 solar greenhouses (size hamlets within the Kargil district. As of demand for hospitals is assumed to be 50 of 16 feet x 32 feet) has been identified now, 7000 HLS are installed in the Leh LPD per bed. There appears to be a large as potential for the domestic sector. For district along with 5000 SPV lanterns. variation in the occupancy of places of community purposes, the total potential During 2002/03, MNRE had targeted worship and, therefore, average capacity have been assessed as 2000 (size 18 4000 HLS and 2400 solar lanterns. Under of systems is taken to be 200 LPD. Taking feet x 100 feet). Presently, few NGOs are this programme, 4000 SPV HLS (3600 into account these considerations, installing such kinds of greenhouses in single module, 400 double modules) a cumulative capacity of about the region. have been distributed across 73 villages
january 2011 40 plants of smaller capacities for captive power consumption. Solar cooking The Ladakh region has enough potential for domestic and community cooking. Gadhia Solar Ltd has installed a solar steam cooking system with a capacity to make 1000 meals a day. This suffices the requirement of about 500 soldiers in a unit of the Indian Army in Leh. Prior to this, the army kitchen, at this base, was consuming nearly 50 kg of LPG and 70 litre of diesel daily for cooking. LEDeG distributed more than 300 SK-14 solar cookers in the Leh district alone during 2007/08. Solar water pumping Leh has the cumulative installed solar water heating capacity of more than 5000
of the Kargil district comprising 442 at Tangtse, Leh. Out of hamlets. In addition, so far, about 2400 which, 40 kWp comes from solar lanterns have also been distributed SPV and the rest of the 10 in 2400 bunkers. kW from wind resource. This plant supplies power Off-grid solar PV to a population of 600 The first solar PV-based power plant of 40- inhabitants living in about kWp capacity came into being at Nyoma 400 barracks. In addition, in 1999 through the Ladakh Autonomous few academic institutions Hill Development Council (LAHDC). and NGOs have installed This plant was supplying electricity to solar PV-based power two villages having more than 450 HHs. However, the load requirement shot up beyond the capacity of the power plant, due to which, it is now supplying power only to a hospital and a residential school. In 2007, Ladakh Ecology Development Group (LEDeG); a prominent NGO based in Leh, commissioned a SPV power plant at Tangtse, with active support from the India Canada Environment Facility (ICEF), MNRE, and LAHDC. The power plant supplies electricity to 350 HHs and 29 commercial units, for five hours a day. Thus, it has completely replaced the existing 250-KVA diesel generator of the power development department. The diesel generator, besides polluting the otherwise pristine and highly fragile environment, consumed an average of 48 200 litres of fuel, annually. SunTechnics has installed a PV and wind hybrid system of 50-kWp capacity
41 january 2011 Features roof), and Trombe Wall. This technology is being promoted by the MNRE and few international funding organizations like European Commission and implemented through various NGOs, mainly GERES, LEDeG, LEHO, and so on. A Group of NGOs led by GERES (a French NGO) is engaged in the Ladakh region to train local rural people (masons and carpenters) to built houses using solar passive concepts. These include a process of insulating the walls and roof besides constructing attached sun-spaces.
LPD. ETC-based solar water heaters with been adopted by the residents and heat pipes are the best recommended communities for the production of technology for this region. In order to lift/ vegetable and other cash crops. pump the water, presently 22 SPV pumps have been installed at various locations Solar passive buildings of the Leh district. As space heating forms a large part of energy use; solar passive technologies Solar greenhouses are widely accepted in the Ladakh region. Apart from the above solar technologies Presently, in the urban areas, almost all and applications, solar greenhouses new houses are being constructed with for agro-production and solar dryers solar passive features. Three main solar for fruit processing are finding enough passive technologies are in use in the acceptance in the Leh area. Two types region—direct gain, insulation (wall and of solar greenhouse models have
Recent initiatives Based on the detailed studies undertaken in the Ladakh region and after consultations with all the stakeholders, the Ladakh councils in Leh and Kargil, district officials, and NGOs, the MNRE has prepared a plan for the large-scale use of renewable energy with a total financial requirement of `4730 million. The plan envisages the build-up of 30 small/micro hydel projects aggregating to 23.5-MW capacity, setting up of about 300 SPV power plants of 5–100-KW capacity, 2000 SPV home lighting systems, and about 40 000 solar thermal systems. The solar greenhouses proposed to be set up in
january 2011 42 the region would help in increasing the of the issues, which may be considered of the recently initiated Jawaharlal production of green vegetables during towards fixing the subsidy or financial Nehru National Solar Mission. the winters. The implementation was to support for dissemination of solar P The issues and barriers facing the begin from June 2010, to be completed systems in this region/subsidies on solar Nyoma and Tangste solar power in December 2013. The renewable products/technologies, similar to the projects could be studied and an energy projects are expected to result north-eastern region of the country. exact sizing of the solar power plants, in the saving of about 2000 million litres P Solar home lighting systems are within the 40–50 villages, carried out. of diesel per year. Ministry of Power, essential for the villages far away P Keeping in view the low income levels Government of India, is presently setting from the grid, with discontinuous in the rural areas of Ladakh, a special up two large capacity hydroelectricity electricity supply. The single module package could be developed to projects in both the districts. HLS can be given to the rural HHs and provide up to 90% support for various P The 44-MW Chutak Hydroelectric the double module HLS model might solar thermal systems, mainly solar project of National Hydroelectric be given to the urban and defence water heaters, solar cookers, solar Power Corporation Ltd (NHPC) is a establishments, depending upon the greenhouses, and solar dryers. run-of-river hydro project located in purchasing power of an end-user. the Kargil district. P Solar lanterns have the maximum Acknowledgements P 45-MW hydro-electric project on the possible potential in the bunkers/ This article evolved as a result of Indus at Alchi, (70 km from Leh) remote villages and in defence involvement of people and authors who establishments. The cumulative have already worked in various projects In addition, MNRE is also funding estimated potential could be in the Ladakh region. The author is small off-grid projects through various targeted by 2012; as the technology is extremely grateful for inputs received schemes with Ladakh Renewable Energy well demonstrated and proven in from Dr Ashvini Kumar, Director, MNRE; Development Agency (LREDA). the region. Amit Kumar, Director, TERI; M Hasnain, P Solar water pumps are quite suitable Director, LEDeG; Mr Jigmat Takpa, Major recommendations for the urban areas of the region. Director, LREDA; P S Chaturvedi, CEO, TRA The Ladakh region is totally isolated Given that the demonstration International; and Ms Lydia Adelin-Mehta, from the modern world. A prestine land, projects have been successful here, GERES. The reported data is mainly drawn it is accustomed to following traditional the sectors/areas can be identified for from secondary sources and information methods and life is characterized by installation of these systems. collected during the MNRE workshop, intense spirituality. Typical geography, P Large-scale solar PV technology based ‘Solar Energy Master Plan for Ladakh’, in income levels, and improvement of solar power projects of 20-MW capacity association with LREDA, TERI, and LEDeG human development index are some might be targeted under the first phase held on 2 September 2009 at Leh.
43 january 2011 Features
Solar Portable Lighting in India and the Potential for Partnership
Edward Chin, Visiting Researcher, TERI
january 2011 44 Background he Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) launched a campaign— T“Light a Billion Lives” (LaBL)—on 7 February 2008. Solar charging stations have since been built in villages across India to offer non-polluting, portable lighting units, commonly known as solar lanterns for night-time illumination. LaBL’s goal is to transform the lives of those without any access to reliable electrical lighting. There are 1.6 billion people worldwide, who lack access to electricity, 25% of whom are located in India alone. Of the 76 million Indian rural households that have no access to electricity, 65 million presently rely on kerosene lighting. LaBL has the twin objectives of taking solar lanterns to the poor rural households that lack the basic access to conventional electricity, and making this service self-sustainable. To achieve these two objectives, LaBL works with several partners to design, develop, and install solar lantern services in the rural areas. It conducts studies to identify suitable villages in which these lanterns should be distributed and collaborates with local implementation partners that carry out the groundwork. These partners essentially link TERI with the local entrepreneur in the village, who operates the charging station and leases the solar lanterns on a day-to-day basis. LaBL has adopted a “fee-for-service” business model, where revenue from the lease of solar lanterns is used to sustain the service. Although LaBL takes responsibility for establishing the charging station and all other related activities, the on-going operations are expected to be self-sustaining and supported by the fees charged for renting a lantern. Furthermore, villagers or local NGOs are expected to contribute towards the upfront costs of setting up the charging station wherever possible, which ultimately helps to create a sense of ownership and value for the service. Courtesy: LaBL, TERI This is determined during TERI’s scoping study with due diligence process.
45 january 2011 Features Common goal of improving lives to set-up a lantern service or to purchase been encouraging innovation in product a lantern act as a significant barrier to a development and consumer financing, with solar lighting widespread adoption of solar lighting. which is resulting in better lanterns and Alongside TERI, other companies such as Also, the cost of technology remains very more options for villagers to buy them. One Million Lights (non-profit), d.light, high, as do the various cost components They also provide strong after-sales and SELCO (both for-profit) have been of getting the lantern from a factory service, increasing the sustainability of actively promoting solar lighting across to the consumer, such as marketing their products and encouraging satisfied rural and suburban India. It is clear and distribution. customers to recommend their products, that there is much common ground LaBL financially supports the adoption which results in future growth in sales. in the goal of replacing polluting and of solar lanterns by subsidizing the The market for solar lighting in India dangerous kerosene lamps with cleaner upfront costs required to establish is vast and many regions still remain and more cost-efficient solar lanterns. a solar lantern service, which would unreached; competition for customers For example, d.light’s mission otherwise be economically unviable for is currently a minor issue compared with statement is to “enable households many villages. To ascertain whether the the challenges from distribution costs without reliable electricity to attain service would be valued and sustained, and overall economic viability. Therefore, the same quality of life as those with due diligences are carried out at villages a partnership between LaBL and other electricity. We will begin by replacing before the charging stations are built, solar lighting distributors could allow every kerosene lamp with clean, safe, and which involves considerable time and bright light”. Similarly, One Million Lights expense. As and where the villagers can has a mission to “improve the daily lives afford, they contribute a proportion of of children and adults by providing clean the upfront fees, primarily to ensure that and healthy lighting… distributing solar there is a sense of value for the service lights… [to] replace environmentally being rendered to them. toxic kerosene lamps.” Ultimately, LaBL is interested in finding the most efficient means of making The strong potential for solar lighting widespread and partnership sustainable, whether directly through A partnership between LaBL and other its own campaign or indirectly through ventures, particularly an increasing other ventures. number of for-profit companies focusing on India, could benefit all parties. Where A challenging business case for agreed, LaBL’s expertise and assets could all players be used to extend the outreach and Kerosene lighting is an undoubtedly efficiency of for-profit companies. LaBL unhealthy solution and a switch to solar has developed a detailed understanding would have clear benefits for both the of regions in India, where studies have environment and the consumers. A been conducted and solar recharging solar lantern with a lifespan of 10 years stations have been installed. In these is able to displace about 500–600 litres regions, it has also worked to inform of kerosene, thus mitigating about villagers of the various benefits of Courtesy: LaBL, TERI 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide. With using solar lanterns, which is a vital solar lanterns, there are also no risks of and expensive process in increasing burning and health problems afflicted their widespread adoption. It also has a combined expertise and strategic focus from the burning of kerosene. In terms of valuable distribution network in place to help improve upon product quality, light quality, even low-end-specification through local NGO partners and already- while also continuing to bring down the solar lanterns produce brighter light developed solar recharging stations technology related costs. Furthermore, than a kerosene lamp. In the long-term, a across India. it could help to increase marketing, solar lamp is also cheaper than a Moving forward, for-profit companies widen distribution networks, and kerosene lamp. will most likely have a strong influence on enhance after sales services, all in a more However, despite clear long-term the pace and extent to which LaBL will be cost-efficient manner. advantages to the consumers, the able to achieve its goal of widespread and LaBL has commissioned 28 997 solar complete business case for adopting or sustainable solar lighting. In particular, lanterns across 281 villages spread over switching over to solar lanterns remains they are well positioned to address the 15 Indian state. However, to increase the economically unviable for a significant commercial issues, which currently act momentum towards its ultimate goal of proportion of the market. Cash flow is the as major barriers to the adoption of lighting a billion lives, a further catalyst is key issue here. The upfront costs required solar lanterns. For example, they have required. This catalyst could come from
january 2011 46 partnerships with for-profit companies decade. Another player, the Solar Electric practical challenges. In Bangladesh, who are also working to increase the Light Company (SELCO), was founded women used microfinance loans to buy adoption of solar lighting in India, albeit in 1995 to provide sustainable energy mobile phones, selling access (call-time) with a different business model. Through solutions and has since sold, serviced, to the fellow villagers. This immediate collaboration, one can reach more and financed 100 000 solar systems. source of income is then used to repay number of people in lesser time and with However, despite these initial the loan. However, an investment made greater efficiency. Such a partnership successes, for-profit companies face in a solar lantern takes more time to pay- would also have clear benefits for the significant challenges ahead. Three off, even while considering the savings for-profit companies, which otherwise barriers to their future growth have been made from not having to purchase continue to face considerable challenges identified. kerosene. Furthermore, there is often no in this difficult market. actual income from the lamp. Affordability: providing upfront While analysing the suitability of the investment for energy schemes microfinance model for solar lanterns, Social ventures: successes till (currently most schemes funded by two types of use should be considered: date and challenges ahead angel investors, foundations, social VC first, household use that generates no Exciting social ventures have been funds, and donations) additional income from lantern use and launched to sell solar lanterns to second, commercial use that enhances populations without reliable electrical Distribution: developing and maintaining necessary distribution productivity and generates additional systems and infrastructure to enable income. For the former, the high price them to reach sufficient scale of lanterns still prohibits majority of the market to purchase a lantern. The primary Solar awareness: educating rural problem of cash flow is well summarized populations about the improvements in an interview with SELCO CEO Harish made in solar technology and Hande, “some people could promise to accompanying benefits from switching put away `10 a day… but not `300 a to solar lighting month.” Required upfront deposits of 15%–25%, required by the regulations The majority of target consumers for of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), are solar lanterns have a very low income unaffordable to most. On few occasions, and limited savings, which makes the for-profit companies have received financing of new lanterns a major barrier grants or charitable donations to pay for to its widespread adoption. Most for- the deposits. However, for those who do profit companies sell (rather than rent) not benefit from this, the percentage of solar lanterns and they are increasingly the total household expenditure on light collaborating with the microfinance would increase, even if, only in the short- institutions to support those who are term. This would be unfeasible or at least unable to self-finance the purchase. unattractive for the consumers. However, the cost of replacing For the households that are able to kerosene lamps with solar lanterns generate additional income from the still remains prohibitively high for purchase of a solar lantern, microfinance most of the market, despite admirable could be a possible solution. This innovations in the microfinance support. additional income could be used to pay power supply. They have achieved some Microfinance institutions are overcoming an on-going cost of the loan (interest notable successes so far. For example, initial obstacles, such as high cost per and loan repayment). Also, depending d.light has attracted awards and headlines transaction, lack of assets for collateral on the size of the additional income, across the globe for its work, which amongst the debtors, and fear of high the increased productivity could pay focuses on the Indian market. Founded in rates of loan defaults. Nevertheless, in for the entire on-going microfinance 2008, it reached 100 000 people in eight most of the cases, the cost of deposit for payment. For-profit companies using the countries in its first year of operations micro-financing loans is still too high; microfinance model have often targeted itself. In 2009, its reach quintupled to 500 restricted cash-flow and lack of savings this specific segment of the market. For 000 people in 28 countries. It estimates prohibit the purchase of solar lanterns. example, SELCO states, “we begin with that nearly a million people now uses Although there are successful the precept that the solution must not d.light solar lanterns and claims to be microfinance case studies (for example, be paid for from the existing income of profitable within the next two years. It the “telephone lady” pioneered in the person. It must extend it.” Even so, has ambitions to sell 10 million lanterns Bangladesh), the microfinance case the lamps required to sufficiently extend by 2010 and 100 million within the next for solar lanterns present some new the productivity and income of its users
47 january 2011 Features are of higher-specifications and are more ventures works towards the ultimate expensive. Solar lanterns can replace target of a billion lives. It is, therefore, in kerosene lamps as a source of light that LaBL’s interest to develop partnerships enables shops to stay open after sunset. that support other solar lighting ventures However, even the top-end commercial in extending their reach and expanding lanterns are not yet luminous enough to the market. Benefits gained from these allow detailed production activity such partnerships, for example, through as weaving to continue. improved efficiencies, would be passed- The high distribution cost is also on to the consumers. a major hindrance for the for-profit LaBL continues to have a highly companies that are working to extend important role to play, in its own right, their outreach. The highest demand for alongside for-profit companies. At solar lighting comes from the dispersed least the short-to-medium term, for- rural populations living in small villages profit companies will focus entirely on across an entire sub-continent. In this commercially viable populations with market, distribution channels for any an ability to pay; owing to which, this consumer product are scarce and target market will be limited in size. The expensive to develop. Furthermore, International Finance Corporation (IFC) these costs of distribution are necessarily suggests that prices must fall below passed on to the consumers in a for- $5 before lanterns become universally profit business model. This effectively affordable, but the cheapest solar lamps limits the size of the market that for- currently in the market are from $10 profit companies can viably address. onwards. Furthermore, populations Therefore, the reduction of distribution in the remote villages may simply be costs is a major concern for the for-profit beyond the economically viable range Courtesy: LaBL, TERI companies looking to extend their reach of the for-profit companies. Outside and achieve greater growth. the commercially viable market, there Finally, the awareness of the new solar still lie numerous poorer villages with Improve awareness amongst the rural lighting products needs to be raised high kerosene consumption, thereby populations: enhancing the reputation amongst the rural population. Solar indicating considerable demand for of solar lighting products and, thereby technology products have been present the solar lantern. There are benefits in helping to increase the demand. in India for the last several decades. supporting such populations to make TERI, and by association LaBL, has a However, in the beginning, these the much needed transition from strong reputation, particularly given products suffered a poor reputation of kerosene lamps to solar lanterns. LaBL’s its established relationship with the having high cost and low quality. The current programme works to provide this Indian government. Rural populations reality today has changed dramatically support and should continue to do so. can be relatively confident that LaBL and robust lighting products are now In the meantime, LaBL can also support will have a long-term presence with available at lower prices. Potentially for-profit companies in overcoming quality assurances for its products. TERI skeptical rural populations need to be major challenges. The following steps could help to educate the villagers made aware of this progress, but for- can be taken. across India about the benefits of solar profit companies often lack the resources lighting. Furthermore, for-profit partners and, in many cases, the established Lower distribution costs: leading who sell their solar lanterns through the reputation required to carry out this task. to lower costs of operations for for- LaBL stations could potentially gain the To encourage a higher growth rate in the profit companies, which would be endorsement of TERI. solar lighting market, it will be important able to pass on savings to consumers Improve economies of scale: lowering to increase awareness regarding the through inexpensive solar lanterns. the unit costs of lanterns. This could be product quality and provide clear In a partnership, LaBL could make its supported through LaBL’s continued explanations of the benefits (financial distribution channels (currently in work in the field, subsidizing the costs and others) of switching to solar lighting. 281 villages) available to the for-profit of setting up the solar lantern services companies for selling their solar lanterns. through grants and charitable donations, The specific benefits of For-profit companies would gain access even where populations lack the ability partnership to an existing charging station and a to pay for the up-front costs. The LaBL LaBL’s mission to light a billion lives is population that would already be well- campaign would, therefore, continue unconstrained by restrictions on product informed of the benefits of solar lighting. to increase solar lantern demand from vendor types and specific business Consumers would then have a choice manufacturers and, thus, improve the models. Every lantern sold by for-profit between renting or purchasing a lamp. economies of scale.
january 2011 48 :
limited to servicing of approximately 50 of distribution costs that for-profit lanterns, each. companies would otherwise have to pay. Introducing the option to purchase Therefore, both sides would still gain lanterns, alongside TERI’s rental model, from a partnership; LaBL from the greater is likely to be appealing for some reach of solar lighting and a new regular consumers. The strong aspiration to revenue source to further develop its ownership suggests that as and when campaign, and for-profit companies from villagers can afford to, they would replace an extended market reach and lower their rented lantern with a purchased distribution costs. LaBL could use the one. This aspiration is likely to exist not fund to subsidize more villages where just for the success-status reasons, but the demand is high but ability to pay is also for convenience. By purchasing a currently low. With possible economic lantern and solar panel, consumers could development in these villages, these avoid making time-consuming visits to subsidized charging stations will in time the solar charging station. If, LaBL lantern provide new distribution points for the users increasingly purchase lanterns, for-profit companies, when purchasing more rental lanterns could be freed-up the lanterns becomes feasible. for the use of those, who do not have adequate financial provision to acquire a Improving business, quality of lantern. The sale of lanterns on the LaBL life and the environment sites (primarily solar recharging stations) Partnership between LaBL and for-profit should, therefore, increase the usage of companies could, therefore, act as a solar lighting. catalyst to accelerate the adoption of solar lanterns in more number of villages Managing a partnership across India. By improving efficiencies Details of partnership arrangements and lowering costs for for-profit Improve research and development need to be carefully conceived and companies, the addressable market for efficiency: leading to better products managed. LaBL’s local entrepreneurs solar lantern purchases will grow. In the at lower prices. Although LaBL does not need to be thoroughly trained and meantime, LaBL will continue to extend manufacture lanterns directly, it performs must understand both the short-term its campaign to more villages, with the valuable tests in-field and gathers data, and long-term strategies in renting and help of the financial support from for- which often supports manufacturers selling solar lanterns. There could be profit partners through commission to design product specifications. A a temptation to focus on selling high- based payments. In this vast market partnership could support for-profit priced lanterns, which achieve larger with considerable growth opportunities companies to focus on their research and profits per lantern sold, but the number of alongside significant challenges present, development and efficiently develop new people who can afford this will be limited. collaboration through partnerships will products at lower prices. Furthermore, It is, thus, essential to grow the market for benefit all players, the consumers, and LaBL could potentially lead the way in solar lighting for a long-term success. ultimately the environment. developing and reviewing government- This growth will most likely be achieved approved standards for solar lanterns, primarily through a rental service, which Sources seems to be more affordable to the rural http://www.dlightdesign.com/about_who_we_are. which ensure that products meet a php certain level of quality while remaining populations. Therefore, partnerships will http://www.onemillionlights.org/aboutus.html affordable for the rural population. have to be carefully managed to ensure A rural family in Chikanpada uses an average of five litres of kerosene per month, or $1 worth at $0.20/ The sharing of LaBL’s distribution that LaBL’s goals are achieved alongside litre after government subsidy in India (Source channels should benefit all the concerned those of the potential for-profit partners. Wall Street Journal); To further support the growth of d.light’s Kiran lamp costs $10 for over 200 months of parties. It would, thus, increase the total use (assuming 50 000 hours life of LED, eight hours number of solar lanterns actually deployed the solar lighting market, for-profit use per day, 30 days per month), which is just $0.05 in the field and help LaBL towards companies could be asked to pay a per month or 5% cost of a kerosene lamp. http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/news/bmag/sbsm1005/ realizing its long-term goal of lighting a commission on lanterns as sold through feature-dlight.html billion lives. Although there is a theoretical the LaBL distribution channels. This http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/ africaandindianocean/ 6365124/10-solar-powered- possibility that for-profit companies will would be contributed towards the fund lamp-to-help-the-poor.html www.selco-india.com cannibalize the LaBL solar lantern market, used for expanding the LaBL campaign http://www.economist.com/node/ 16909923?story_ id=16909923& fsrc=rss CNN
49 january 2011 Features Mapping Solar for Techno-Economic Feasibility
Rajesh Kumar, Scientist, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research,
Routing the renewables Renewable energy sources are the key to a sustainable energy supply infrastructure, since these are both inexhaustible and non-polluting. Renewable energy technologies, relevant to the Indian continent, are now commercially available, the most notable being wind power, PV, solar thermal systems, biomass, and various forms of hydraulic power. These technologies provide cost- effective solutions as efficient sources are Figure 1 Indian solar map integrated within the plant schematics. So Source MNRE, India
51 january 2011 Features support the development of renewable energy. This is to reform the energy infrastructure and make it cleaner and greener in the long run. The model, based on parallel planning method for power systems, requires a large region to be partitioned into multiple sub-regions. Each sub-region is modelled as two optimization models. P One is an hour-level model with the objective to minimize the power price volatility caused by imbalance in the
demand and supply of power and CO2 emission at an hourly basis. P Second is a year-level model with the objective to minimize the investment cost of transmission, operation, and fossil/clean power capacity expansion Courtesy: DOE/NREL at an annual level.
hydropower and geothermal sources. ionospheric scientific community. The Specific model-based In the plains, it focuses on estimating ionosphere displays variations on a wide understanding biomass production from plantations range of temporal and spatial scales. The The year-level model also needs to satisfy and agricultural waste. In the coastal global data sets and analytical tools at the the RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standard) region, the potential of wind and solar National Renewable Energy Laboratory requirements, because it is a yearly policy. are the main energy sources to be (NREL) and, specifically for India, at the We use an energy storage system to store explored. This mapping is, supposedly, Centre for Wind Energy Technology any surplus clean power, for example, capable of furnishing accurate data (C-WET) permit modelling and wind wind power, and this helps solve the about renewable energy diversification resource predictions that do not need to fluctuation problem of wind energy. distribution all over the province. rely on country-supplied data. In many The stored energy is allowed to be Solar energy maps that indicate regions of the world, reliable surface traded amongst the neighbouring sub the wide-ranging spatial distribution wind data is sparse and, thus, often not regions. All models are linear or mixed of solar irradiation are required by the available for pursuing the desired areas linear programming models and, thus, researchers of solar power systems. of interest. However, the use of upper-air need to satisfy conditions of fossil/clean However, the irradiation measurement (weather balloon) and satellite-derived power capacity expansion and available networks at the ground level are wind data in an advanced computer clean energy. often not enough to obtain reliable mapping system enables the NREL The goal is to foster rational thinking information of solar energy distribution to produce wind resource maps with in complex decision-making situations in the world. On the other hand, valuable information, even if high-quality related to environmental problems, by Geostationary Meteorological Satellites surface wind data may not be available. studying the physical laws underlying (GMS) may provide the images of cloud The reliable surface wind data is useful environmental phenomena. This fields over the whole surface of the earth. in providing ground validation of the work provides a background for an The main cause of an irregular change in model predictions. engineering researcher to learn and the irradiation at the ground level is due achieve a scientific understanding to the clouds; therefore, the methods for Model distributive generation of important environmental issues estimating the irradiation by using the system (DGS) concerning pollution and mitigation. GMS images may be very useful. To solve the two impending energy There is an urgent need to comprehend The ionosphere plays an important investment-related planning problems— not only the physical and chemical role in the earth’s environment, because transmission and fluctuation—of principles underlying a process, but it controls, limits, and often threatens renewable energy development, also to translate this understanding the performance of terrestrial and we propose a long-term investment into a mathematical formula, solve the space-based radio systems. Adequate planning model. It can help analysts, resulting equations, and interpret/apply understanding of the variability of investors, and policy-makers to find the results towards process improvement ionospheric electron density has out how to make full use of both the with requisite engineering interventions. witnessed long-standing efforts of the existing and emerging technologies to The field of mathematical modelling
january 2011 52 has made significant progress, both in terms of techniques of modelling and the ability to handle complex models. Thus, today, it is possible to reduce the actual experimentation to minimum and obtain the required information through numerical experimentation on the mathematical model. Figure 2 shows an integrated energy model. In tune with virtually all fields of engineering design today, the trend is towards more digital prototyping and computer-based evaluation-cum- testing, before a commitment is made to time-consuming and expensive Figure 2 Intergrated energy model production of either scale models or full-size physical prototypes of software for modelling, simulation, and components or systems. Nevertheless, Citizen’s SAFE methodology, which uses control functions. For example, National a point comes when physical tests a combination of aerial imagery and 3D Instruments Labview and the Labview -become necessary, so the emphasis modelling with an emphasis on sun and Control Design and Simulation Module today is on using digital technologies shade and obstructions to determine can be used to simulate a full wind turbine to streamline the testing, in order to a building’s solar potential. The other system, including the turbine, mechanical minimize the time required for testing information is pulled up from various drive train, generator, power grid, and and subsequent data analysis. cities, state and federal websites, and controller. The Control Design and databases. It is essentially an aggregated Simulation Module provides a numerical The end-use realization form of incentive-based information that simulation environment that enables the is uploaded into the technology. The The available models have been designed users to test the model. The Control Design mapping makes it easier for people to to target the following requirements of and Simulation Module can be used to understand the technologies, costs, and the DGS. analyse the interactions between hybrid available incentives by providing this P Analyse the situation, decide the data mechanical-electrical systems. The quality one-stop resource. collection strategy, and enunciate of existing models can be improved and methodology on new and renewable other control strategies investigated by energy sources. Summary simulating deep-bar induction generators The 14.5% hike in rate is the projected P Collect and collate the relevant data and more complex models of drive trains. required for modelling. hike resulting from the report’s “high distributed generation” scenario. It relies P Apply conceptual modelling for Mapping the potential the design of integrated systems mainly on smaller solar projects so as The maps, many of which are partially like input on energy sources for the to meet the 33% mandate instead of financed by the MNRE programme, have design of hybrid power plant to larger projects and other technologies, simplified the process of mapping the exploit maximum renewable energy such as wind and geothermal power. solar potential. After entering an address, sources at a reasonable price. These happen to be cheaper than solar. users are presented with a bird’s-eye P Either apply proposed models view of the location or develop mathematical models for and a box with simulating environmental impact. tailored information, P Generate different scenarios so as to including roof size arrive at an effective-environment and solar potential of management plan with a view to the home or business. support the decision-makers. Cost and energy savings also pop up, The company outlook with a list of installers One of the companies at the forefront of and incentives. digital modelling and testing is National San Francisco, Instruments. Having progressed from USA, developed the its roots in virtual instrumentation, first solar map with this company now has a powerful Figure 3 Cost variation of SPV over time
53 january 2011 Features The 33% “reference case” infers that a 7.2% hike in rate would result from this scenario. More importantly, the report assumes no reduction in renewable energy costs by 2020. This has already been proven wrong because costs for wind turbines and solar panels have dropped in the last couple of years. Solar panel costs, in particular, have plummeted and are projected to fall even further in the coming years. This is mainly because this industry has finally reached a point where global production has increased and the market has become saturated. This is a good outcome for the consumers, but not so good for solar producers competing to achieve the lowest possible prices. The planet may ultimately win in this price battle. Figure 3 depicts the solar buzz analysis of falling module prices, since 2001. The impact of different instruments to support the market diffusion of renewable Figure 4 Renewable energy model with load behaviour energy sources in the electricity sector, in the backdrop of some key policy Feed-in tariff a relatively lesser amount by 2020. objectives, has been analysed. Based on the Feed-in tariffs have been successful for Simultaneously though, the state will see historical evolution of renewable energy triggering substantial capacity expansion a significant job growth in the renewable sources in the electricity sector (RES-E) in most of the countries where they have energy industry, reduced greenhouse in India and Europe, the effectiveness been introduced. A guaranteed tariff is gas emissions, more efficient homes and and efficiency of RES-E support have effective, flexible, fast, and easy to install, vehicles, and probably the largest benefit been assessed. The effectiveness of besides having low administration costs. of ensuring that we continue to take various RES-E support schemes Quota obligation based on TGCs advantage of the boom in renewable largely depends on the maturity and energy around the globe. More and more the credibility of the system. Stable (TGC system) investors and leaders are recognizing The ability of quota systems to lead to planning is important to create a that renewable energy is the next big significant extensions in RES-E generation sound investment climate and to lower thing to roll in. capacity remains to be proven. Today, the social costs, as a result of a lower risk The application related to the low level of investor security is the main premium. Administrative barriers can commercial methodology for acquisition problem with respect to quota systems, have a significant impact on the success of energy, stemming from the distributed with its impact on the effectiveness as of an instrument and, thus, hamper generation mode, enables us to undertake well as on the efficiency of support. One the effectiveness of, in principle, very studies and analysis of the sites mapped important advantage of a quota obligation powerful policy schemes. It has to be out. It allows the definition of each site is that the target can be exactly reached mentioned that the different instruments surveyed, the potential for generation by putting in place enough incentives. are characterized by a different level of and co-generation, with fuels obtained Thus, in contrast to a feed-in tariff scheme maturity, and policy schemes in some in-house or acquired from external or a tender procedure, no adjustment is countries. For instance, quota obligation sources, such as waste products and/or necessary to fulfil the targets. systems, in particular, are still in a hot process gases, calculate the current transitional phase. existing surplus on the site, highlighting Summing up the possible any data provided by clients and the The big policy impacts outreach result of calculations based on this For the two main policy instruments To conclude, it can be said that even if we information for calculating the potential currently applied in Europe and India, achieve 33% renewable energy-based surplus. These would be enabled which are feed-in systems and quota deployment by 2020, the renewable through an active implementation of obligations, the main conclusions read energy mandate, mostly in-state solar cogeneration or generation units driven as follows. PV generation, may cost ratepayers by waste products or hot process gases.
january 2011 54 MAXIMIZING THE OPERATIONAL LIFE OF A GRID-CONNECTED PV SYSTEM Jonathan O Okoronkwo, Sindicatum Climate Change Foundation Scholar, TERI University
Background 3 The optimal values of the photovoltaic (PV) module installation details ost of the grid connected photovoltaic systems (GCPVS) have not been able to achieve the required Mplant load factor (PLF). This is mainly due to the fact Introduction that these are not appropriately designed to realize their optimal The decision variables to be included in an optimization process operating capacities. In most of the cases under consideration, it should mainly include, but not be limited, to the following. has been observed that some salient technical details have not 1 The optimal number been put in place. And, wherever they have been incorporated, 2 Type of the PV modules the principles were not monitored as required for an optimal 3 The DC/AC inverters efficiency realization. 4 The PV modules optimal tilt angle However, maximizing the total net economic benefit 5 The optimal arrangement of the PV modules within the achieved during the operational lifetime period of a GCPVS can available installation area be achieved by the following. 6 The optimal distribution of the PV modules among the DC/ 1 The optimal number AC inverters 2 Type of system devices
55 january 2011 Features The economic viability of the resulting GCPVS configuration 2 To evaluate whether the optimization procedure maximizes must be evaluated by considering the following. the GCPVS total net profits, as achieved during the active life 1 Net present value of a PV system . 2 The discounted payback period 3 The internal rate of return method The gcpvs modelling Assumptions The main target of any GCPVS design will be to maximize the 1 Energy produced by the GCPVS modules is supplied to the total economic benefit achieved by selling the PV generated electric grid and it is calculated on an hourly basis, for a year. energy to the locally available electric grid. 2 The calculated annual GCPVS energy production is constant during the full life span of a PV system. Decision factor An important factor that needs to be considered for optimizing the GCPVS is the optimal value of its sizing ratio, which is the ratio of the nominal power capability to the DC/AC inverter nominal power rating. Important components The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) operation is used in order to extract the maximum available power from the PV power source. The optimal GCPVS sizing ratio value minimizing the total system cost will be affected by the following. 1 Site specific solar irradiation 2 The DC/AC inverter efficiency
Methodology for the Gcpvs optimal sizing Figure 1 PV module current-voltage and power-voltage characteristics The best way to merge the technical and the economic goals is to employ a strategic technical approach relating to the voltage stability and ruggedness of the grid, into which the PV Arrangement of modules generated power will be fed. This is because of an unpredicted The arrangement of the module is very important to effectively and unstable nature of the energy production, which largely utilize the available solar energy radiation available at a given depends on the availability of the solar energy. site. The maximum power and fill factor of the modules are Also, in the existing scheme of things, the revenues accrued equally critical to understand the variations that exist within the from the sale of the produced energy to the system network, panels, when subjected to the same environmental conditions. along with the maintenance and cost of the feeder power, is The fill factor is also very important to consider, as it happens of importance. to be different for crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, and few other cell production technologies. In order words, these Operational cost of the GCPVS design method values are practical values, which can be determined easily and The operational and economical differences amongst the verified with the PV manufacturers. various PV module and DC/AC inverter types are related to the The following are the other important parameters. following few parameters. 1 Open circuit voltage characteristics 1 The PV module tilt angle 2 Short circuit current characteristics 2 The cost of the land required to install the GCPVS 3 Maximum voltage 3 The cost of the mounting structures for modules 4 Maximum current 4 The maintenance cost 5 Maximum power 6 Air mass spectrum The proposed methodology 7 Efficiency of the DC/AC inverter The following are the methods to evaluate whether the total The above conditions are summarized in the following number of the GCPVS modules and the PV module installation equations. details are satisfactory or not. 1 The available installation area dimension limitations ... (1) guarantees the feasible allocation of the available PV modules among the DC/AC inverters, according to the technical constraints imposed by the PV modules and the ... (2) DC/AC inverters specifications
january 2011 56 ... (3) The value of Ns should be set equal to Nsmax in order to reduce the power loss in the cables that connects the PV module to the DC/AC inverter. ... (4) Where,
PMmax (W) is the maximum possible PV module output power ISC (t,) = PV module short current (A) level at the MPP, according to the incident solar irradiation Voc (t) = Open circuit voltage (V) and ambient temperature conditions prevailing at the GCPVS Isc (t) = PV module short-circuit current under STC (A) G(t,β) = Global irradiance (W/m2) incident on the PV module installation site. placed at tilt angle β
KI = Short-circuit current temperature coefficient (A/ºC) Modules and inverter arrangement VOC, STC = Open-circuit voltage under STC (V), The maximum number of the PV module related parallel K = Open-circuit voltage temperature coefficient (V/ºC) V branches connected to each of the DC/AC inverter, Npmax, TA(t) = Ambient temperature (ºC) depends on the PV modules and the DC/AC inverter nominal NCOT = Nominal cell operating temperature (ºC) as provided power ratings, and it is calculated using the following equation. by the PV module manufacturer FF(t,β) = Fill factor ... (8)
In order to fully exploit the power capability of each DC/AC ... (5) inverter, thus reducing the total number DC/AC inverters required are minimized alongside the maximum possible number of PV modules. ... (6)
Where Applied equations and conditions of optimized
1 Vimin and Vimax are the minimum and the maximum permissible model of the mounting structure DC/AC inverter input voltage levels (V) specified by the DC/ The required distance between the adjacent rows of the AC inverter manufacturer GCPVS installation should be kept constant, according to the
2 Vocmax and VM,min are the maximum open-circuit voltage (V) designed specification, under all conditions. The dimensions of and the minimum voltage (V) at the maximum power point the actual installation area, which is practically used to install (MPP), respectively. the target GCPVS can be calculated, according to the total area requirements of each row and the spacing between the adjacent rows. Cable specification However, the dimensions of the total available installation area impose an upper limit on the values of each row and their ... (7) spacing as described above.
Optimized model of the mounting structure The PV modules mounting structure should be constructed using metallic rods or based on any strong structure that can withstand the strong wind effect, so that the tilt angle does not vary during such occasions. Further, the estimation of the corresponding cost is based on the calculation of the total length of the metallic rods, as required for the installation of the target GCPVS. The mounting structures used to install the GCPVS PV modules are comprised of multiple, identical mounting structures. Also, the intermediate vertical rods should be installed at all those points where the row vertical height has been increased by 2 m. The PV modules metallic mounting frames, however, may be installed on concrete foundation
57 january 2011 Features bases. The total length of the metallic rods can be calculated and used to optimize an overall system gain.
The total manufacturing and installation cost of the GCPVS mounting structures
... (9)
Where
cS (`/m) = per unit length cost of the metallic rods 3 cB (`/m ) = per unit volume cost of the concrete foundation bases B = total length of the metallic rods required for the installation of the entire GCPVS
BB = total volume of the concrete foundation bases required to support the GCPVS module metallic mounting frames
The value of cS depends on the following. 1 Required thickness 2 Type of the construction material of the metallic rods
It is usually specified by the system designer at the beginning of the GCPVS optimal sizing procedure according to the following. 1 The weight of the PV modules supported 2 The typical environmental conditions, for example, humidity, air moisture salinity, and so on, possibly cause corrosion on metallic substrates as prevailing at the GCPVS installation site. The total net profit achieved during the GCPVS operational lifetime period GCPVS net profit maximization using GAS It depends on the following. The decision variables used during the GA optimal sizing 1 The amount of energy generated by the GCPVS modules procedure are the following. 2 The price at which the energy produced by the GCPVS is sold 1 The total number of GCPVS modules to the electric grid 2 The number of PV modules lines comprising each GCPVS row However, it does not depend on the following. 3 The PV modules tilt angle 1 The price at which the electric grid customers purchase the 4 The optimal total number of the GCPVS DC/AC inverters electric energy 5 The optimal allocation of the available PV modules among 2 Grid operator in order to fulfil their energy requirements the DC/AC inverters 3 The corresponding load profile
The objective function that is maximized during the Total capital cost optimization procedure The total capital cost Cc(x), is calculated as follows. The GCPVS total net profit function J(x), which is equal to the difference between the following. ... (11) 1 The present value of the total profits achieved from selling the produced energy to the electric grid during the system Where, operational lifetime period—PE(x) 1 s(%) is the capital subsidization rate as provided by the MNRE 2 The sum of the total capital—Cc(x) 2 CPV and CINV are the capital costs of each PV module DC/AC 3 Maintenance cost—Cm(x) inverter, respectively
3 CL is the cost of purchasing the required installation land ... (10) area
4 CB is the manufacturing and installation cost of the PV Where, modules mounting structures x is the vector of the decision variables listed above.
january 2011 58 2 A potential solution of the optimization problem
3 Constraints (N1, N2, β)
4 N1 = GCPVS total number of PV modules
5 N2 = number of lines per row 6 β is the tilt angle 7 Optimal solution of the problem 8 Generation from the available solar radiations
The constraints of the optimization procedure are the following. 1 0 ≤β≥ 90°
2 Constraints (N1, N2, β) = Satisfied
Where,
Constraints (N1, N2,β) are the set of the GCPVS design constraints
Economic analysis The following are the profitability evaluations of each optimally sized GCPVS. 1 NPV = net present value 2 The discounted payback period 3 The internal rate of return methods
The NPV of an investment is the sum of the present values of all cash inflows and outflows related to the investment. 1 NPV must be positive 2 NPV is equal to the total net profits function, J (x)
The cost of the required installation area The discounted payback period is defined as the time period that sets the system NPV to zero The cost of the required installation area, C , is calculated as L 1 NPV =J (x) for 0 for n = n* follows. This contributes towards the fulfillment of the continuously ... (12) increasing electric energy demands and reduction in the pollution caused by the thermal and electric energy generating units. Where, 2 c1 is the cost of the installation land per unit area (`/m ) S is the southern dimension of the actual installation area Optimal sizing and economic analysis results W is the western dimension of the actual installation area 1 The installation of GCPVSs by private investors is supported in India by subsidizing the corresponding investment capital The present value of the total cost of repairing the DC/AC cost. inverters can be calculated by reducing the future value of each 2 In this case, the main target of the GCPVS design is the of the DC/AC inverter repair cost to the corresponding present maximization of the total economic benefit achieved by value. selling the PV-generated energy to the electric grid. The number of repairs, which must be performed on the DC/
AC inverters during the lifetime of the GCPVS will be given as Nr Conclusion The advantage of the design aspects of the GCPVS is that it can Where influence the total economic benefit as achieved by performing this type of investment analysis, such as the operational and ... (13) economical differences between various PV modules and DC/ AC inverter types, the PV modules tilt angle, the cost of the land Where, required to install the GCPVS, and the cost of the PV modules 1 MTBF is the mean time between failures of the DC/AC mounting structures. Additionally, it also involves the ability to inverters as specified by the manufacturer. calculate the global optimal solution, in the case of complicated problems with non-linear programming methods. Utilizing full- The constraints for the optimization procedure require the scale procedures like these are bound to result in an optimal following. value of a GCPVS in more than one way.
59 january 2011 Features The need students on its roll. Today, the school dependent on kerosene for lighting, due has expanded to include grades up to to the lack of access to the local grid or lectricity is the fundamental the 12th standard. During a visit in 2003, partial electrification. Ambassadors raise necessity to further sustainable Anna realized how simple technological funds for the programme through novel development for rural households, E advancements, such as solar lighting, means, such as grants, social networking which are living at the base of the pyramid. could further rural education and, thus, sites, or familial donations, and then Lack of clean and reliable illumination, began her illuminating journey towards personally distribute the lights during once the sun sets, limits the productivity of One Million Lights. their travel abroad. millions of people worldwide. It is a huge impediment to initiating development opportunities in key sectors such as The global impact Global ambassador— health, education, and infrastructure. One Million Lights has benefited 77 Karishma International collaborations between communities in 18 countries around the “It was an incredible, life-changing the civil society, government, and private world. The organization has distributed experience visiting a village school to sector have been working to address the over 18 000 solar lights to communities in distribute the solar lamps. Not only did need for safe and clean solar lighting for need, illuminating the lives of more then I become more socially aware of the a quarter of the world’s population. One 125 000 people globally. Distribution of problems in our society, and the little Million Lights, a non-profit organization, these solar lights to rural communities things I can do to help, but it was a self- based in California, has a unique and happens through several means, including learning process as well,” said Karishma innovative approach that is furthering partnerships with grassroot NGOs, the Popli, a fourth generation American of Lighting up One Million Lights Sadaf Hanif Minapara, Visiting Researcher, LaBL, TERI and Princeton in Asia Fellow
solar lighting to rural communities with a One Million Lights School Programme, Indian descent, who distributed lights personal touch. and the Global Ambassador Programme. in August 2010 to a rural school with a The domestic programmes in the US have strength of 350 students in Rajasthan, India. Origin of the ‘One Million Lights’ touched the lives of more than 50 000 Her underlying story for the distribution of programme people, including many students. lights to this particular school was nearly Founded in 2008 by Anna Sidana, the similar to Anna’s inspiration for One Million One Million Lights’ mission is “to improve Highlighting a recent model Lights. Karishma’s great grandfather had the medical, education, and economic The One Million Lights Global converted their ancestral home into a well-being of the rural neighbourhoods Ambassador Programme, launched school for the underprivileged students by providing solar lighting as a safe and in January 2010, has a “donor-meets- in grades 1-12 prior to immigrating clean alternative to harmful kerosene, recipient” model that allows individuals permanently to the US. It was during a both for individuals and communities a hands-on approach in contributing previous visit in 2006, Karishma realized throughout the developing world.” to the cause of solar lighting for the the lack of energy access here and thought Anna’s inspiration for founding the rural poor. Ambassadors work with the that, and “alternative energy sources, such organization can be traced back to a One Million Lights team to identify a as solar lamps would improve the quality rural school in Rajasthan, India. Anna’s community in need of solar lighting, of life of the students tremendously.” father had built this school 45 years ago such as a rural health clinic, village Karishma’s grant proposal to her school, as an elementary school with only five school or households that are otherwise Thomas Jefferson High School for Science
january 2011 60 and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia, was includes a picture, information about the solar technology is something I will to provide solar lamps to underprivileged loan, its use, and how much fund has never forget.” students at a village school in Rajasthan. been raised. As loans are repaid over a This was to enable them to effectively period of time, Kiva lenders can withdraw An innovative programme for study at night. Equipped with the Grant their principal or re-loan their funds to schools award money along with a matching another entrepreneur, thus, furthering One Million Lights Schools Programme grant from the One Million Lights Global economic growth in the developing is working alongside the Ambassador Ambassador Programme, Karishma was regions of the world. Programme to encourage environmental able to successfully distribute solar lights Almost a quarter million loans have awareness within schools in the US. to the children at Haveli School. “This is a been made through Kiva, most of Integrated into the classroom environment, practical, low-cost, and efficient way to which have been advanced to women students learn about developing regions bring rural school children out of darkness entrepreneurs. As on December 2010, the of the world, conserving energy, fighting and into a bright future with the help of total value of loans made through Kiva poverty, solar energy, and what it means solar light and technology!” Karishma is a was $178 million dollars with a lender to serve others in need. The school-wide classic example of the new type of donor base in more than 200 countries. Kiva learning experience partnered with a base that is emerging. Simply donating also has stories of how some of these fundraiser, challenges students to work money to an organization that is doing lenders have travelled to other countries together to benefit the unprivileged aid work is not sufficient for this active to meet entrepreneurs whom they have students living in another region of the group. People want to personally see given funds. world without adequate and safe light. They learn as to how lighting facilitates Anna Sidana, founder of One Million Lights, during a education with additional study hours for solar light distribution programme in Africa children, reduces indoor air pollution, and
mitigates CO2 from the atmosphere by saving kerosene. Students at the Eisenhower Elementary School in Santa Clara, California, raised $3000 to donate to One Million Lights. These funds helped in providing more than a hundred solar lights for students in Northern Tamil Nadu (India). Students have an opportunity to distribute the lights themselves during their travel or through One Million Lights’ channels. It is an Solar lighting: facilitating student experience that instills environmental education in rural areas awareness and teamwork to bring about a positive social change. the end results. They want to know how The Global Ambassador Programme the money is being utilized and how it is was essentially designed to take the Visible change benefiting the recipients in their day-to- relationship between donor (fundraiser) Beyond the organization’s international day lives. Programmes like Kiva have been and recipients further by providing focus and goal of distributing one million successful because they connect with the means for personal contact and solar lights as a safe and clean alternative the people. interaction. It is an opportunity for those to kerosene lamps is a personal element. passionate about a cause and get actively It is this aspect of the organization that The emerging new donor base involved in the process of helping rural makes it stand apart from businesses Kiva is a non-profit organization communities. and other programmes in the field of headquartered in San Francisco, It also promotes environmental solar lighting. One Million Lights give California that allows individuals to lend awareness and facilitates the growth a face to those in need of illumination money via the Internet to microfinance of a generation of young adults and the individuals who dedicate time institutes in developing countries around socially conscious of the hardships to help those communities. One Million the world. Lenders have an opportunity faced by communities at the base of Lights is an opportunity for people to to view profiles of different entrepreneurs the pyramid. For Karishma, “seeing all connect face-to-face, to help others in in need of capital to start and sustain a 350 students, gathered in the school need through solar lighting, and be a small business through the help of Kiva’s courtyard, eager to receive a solar lamp part of the change they wish to see in Field Partners. Each entrepreneur’s profile as well as learn about the benefits of this world.
61 january 2011 interview Building a robust solar energy market in India
Sathya Prasad as the President of SEMI, India, is responsible for all SEMI activities in India. He also oversees the development of the association’s programmes, committees, products, and services in the region. Sathya brings with him over 18 years of experience, spread across the US and India. Prior to joining SEMI, he was the Director of Strategic Planning at Cadence Design Systems, in India. Earlier, he spent 13 years at Intel Corporation (the US and India) in various engineering, marketing, and strategic planning roles and played a key role in setting up the server microprocessor development facility in Bengaluru, India. Sathya holds a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics and Communications from the Bangalore University. In an interview with Arani Sinha, Sathya Prasad talks about SEMI’s role, its challenges and objectives towards building a strong and robust solar energy market in India.
Q1. SEMI, as we know, happens to be a global industry association serving the manufacturing supply chains for the microelectronic, display, and photovoltaic industries. To what extent is the common industrial knowledge base put to use across different geographical regions? Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) was launched 40 years ago to address the various challenges faced by the semiconductor industry and also to promote the interest of the member companies. It has been part of the semiconductor revolution that has transformed our lives permanently and remains a key aspect of the industry landscape. In these four decades, the industry has matured and many of the member companies have diversified into several new and adjacent technologies/ industries, which are expanding rapidly. To represent these new industries, SEMI has set up interest groups in photovoltaics (PV), microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and emerging technologies.
january 2011 62 SEMI is engaged in developing solar/PV manufacturing-related standards, promoting EHS, growing the market, and delivering value to its industry members... a key goal is to help create a robust market for solar/PV in India and to this end, SEMI, India, has successfully built an industry platform for exchange of ideas, opportunities, and meeting challenges...
SEMI has tapped the global industry Q3. SEMI, India, made a noticeable much support has been forthcoming knowledge across geographical beginning by disseminating its widely from the Indian PV industry in this boundaries in successfully formulating read background white paper on specific direction so far? global standards, which have played “Solar PV Landscape in India” in April The PV industry has been very supportive a tremendous role in lowering cost, 2009. Have your activities moved of our efforts. In fact, the agenda for ensuring increased flexibility, and faster further on this front and what are the SEMI is set up by the SEMI India PVAC time to market in semiconductors, market impacts? consisting of top executives from the FPD(flat panel displays), and solar/PV. The very first activity that SEMI, India, leading PV industries. In fact, the PVAC SEMI is probably the only global industry took up after its formation was to make helped with guidance on the first association in the area of semiconductors a thorough study of the status of the industry landscape white paper, policy and is fully engaged in activities that Indian PV sector. After six months of inputs, and many other related items. leverage the global nature of this hard work, a white paper was released. It Several new companies have industry to advance the technology was widely read and commented upon been established since the launch of mandates of its globally dispersed by many in India and abroad. All those Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission members. The global nature also allows companies, which were planning to enter (JNNSM). Many of these are new to the member companies to explore new the Indian market and entrepreneurs industry and need support on several markets across the globe with SEMI who wanted to make a foray, found key fronts. SEMI, India, has found itself playing a supportive role. the white paper very informative and in a favourable position to be at the helped them understand the Indian right place at the right time to serve Q2. SEMI, India has been in existence market. SEMI intends to publish several the interests of the new companies, in for about two years now. Could you such white papers on topics of growing addition to the existing ones. kindly tell us about its strategic areas relevance and significance. SEMI has also Since its establishment in 2009, SEMI of focus on a long-term basis? addressed a long-standing need of India has achieved reasonable success in SEMI, India is part of the SEMI and PV solar/PV industry by publishing the first implementing its agenda. In the coming Group and its mandate is to help the such directory in July 2010. years, SEMI will focus on expanding its growth of the Indian PV industry, bring activities in all the four regions of India, various stakeholders to help build a Q4. SEMI PV Group has a wide range conducting more industry oriented robust solar/PV markets, and ecosystem of activities from development of PV seminars, network meetings, and other in India. SEMI, India’s activities are guided industry standards, on one hand, to B2B interactions that would benefit the by the SEMI, India PV Advisory Committee networking on the other hand. How PV industry at large. (PVAC), whose members are drawn from the leading PV companies. SEMI is actively engaged in developing solar/PV manufacturing-related standards, promote EHS (environment, health, and safety), growing the market, and delivering value to its industry members. It goes without saying that a key goal is to help create a robust market for solar/ PV in India and to this end, SEMI, India, has successfully built an industry platform for exchange of ideas, opportunities, and meeting challenges in technology, finance, policies, and so on, in addition to showcasing industry products in the form of SOLARCON® India.
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The long life and field performance reliability of PV modules is taken for granted. However, this can be ensured only if high quality materials are procured and quality standards are followed at each stage of manufacturing.
Q5. Could you please familiarize us SEMI is actively engaged in contributing in addressing these challenges and with your views on the existing and to the successful rollout of the JNNSM. ultimately contributing to the successful desired orientation of the Indian Early this year, SEMI jointly organized implementation of the mission. PV programme, mainly from the an Industry–MNRE meet to deliberate viewpoint of quality standards that on the implementation of the solar Q7. Would you please like to convey are being maintained, both within mission. SEMI, along with other industry any special message to the readers of the industry environment and field associations, interacted with Central The Solar Quarterly magazine? operating conditions? Electricity Regulatory Committee (CERC) India is just one amongst the few The long life and field performance during the process of fixing the feed-in countries that realized the potential reliability of PV modules is taken for tariff. SEMI also strongly advocated that of solar energy long before terms like granted. However, this can be ensured a larger proportion of the installation climate change and Carbon Emission only if high quality materials are targets be assigned to PV. Reduction (CER) gained popularity. With procured and quality standards are The annual industry promotion event the launch of JNNSM, India has taken a followed at each stage of manufacturing. “SOLARCON India”, organized by SEMI this big step forward to realize the potential Any compromise, therein, would result year, had its conference theme woven of PV in the context of addressing its in module performance deteriorating around an active implementation of the future energy needs and energy security. prematurely, which in turn, would lead JNNSM. The topics covered and discussed To implement the ambitious targets of to a lower energy yield and revenue included policies, technology, project the mission over the three phases, several loss. Also with new technologies coming management, financing, and standards. known and unknown, anticipated and in, there is a dire need to evolve new As JNNSM goes through the initial unanticipated hurdles have to be crossed. standards and adopt them. steps towards implementing Phase I of Knowledge, sharing of experiences/ The industry is also concerned that the programme, it is natural that a number learnings, and critical analysis with different government agencies have set of challenges will be encountered feedback from all the stakeholders is up different standards, thus, resulting and key inferences and lessons learnt. key to finding solutions and realizing in a need for multiple certification. This However, as and when these challenges the goals of the mission. The role and can be a costly affair, both in terms of are addressed, it would lead to a contribution of a professional magazine time and money. SEMI will work with the smoother rollout of the future phases like, The Solar Quarterly is very important, industry and other stakeholders to arrive of JNNSM. SEMI endeavours to engage and SEMI would indeed be happy to join at an optimal set of certifications that can with industry and other stakeholders and contribute in this effort. help alleviate this problem. On the Bureau of Standards (BOS) front, there is a need to evolve a lot many standards for various components and systems much in tune with the local needs and operating conditions. SEMI would soon be setting up a standards committee to work with the industry and key national and international agencies to evolve the standards.
Q6. SEMI, India, is expected to build up strong initiatives in solar capacity building, especially under the ambit of the recently initiated JNNSM. Have you drawn up any such plans with an active support of various interested groups/individuals so far?
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