India Solar Energy
Introduction
India is in the sunny regions of the world with most parts of the country receiving 4-7wh (kilowatt-hour) of solar radiation per square meter per day 250-300 sunny days in a year. Rajasthan receives the highest annual solar radiation and North-eastern parts of the country receive the least. This solar energy can be made use of in two ways the Thermal route i.e. using heat for drying, heating cooking or generation of electricity or through thePhotovoltaic route which converts light in solar energy in to electricity which can be used for a myriad purposes such as lighting, communication, pumping and generation of electricity. With its pollution free nature, virtually inexhaustible supply and global distribution makes solar energy very attractive.
Technology
Solar Photovoltaic’s
Solar photovoltaic’s (SPV) are in the process of converting solar radiation (sunlight) into electricity using a device called solar cell. A solar cell is a semi-conducting device made of silicon or other materials, which, when exposed to sunlight, generates electricity. The magnitude of the electric current generated depends on the intensity of the solar radiation, exposed area of the solar cell, the type of material used in fabricating the solar cell, and ambient temperature. Solar cells are connected in series and parallel combinations to form modules that provide the required power.
SPV Technology
- Crystalline solar cells
- Thin-film solar cells
- PV module
Solar Thermal
Solar Thermal Power systems, also known as Concentrating Solar Power systems, use concentrated solar radiation as a high temperature energy source to produce electricity using thermal route.
In the basic process of conversion of solar into heat energy, an incident solar irradiance is collected and concentrated by concentrating solar collectors or mirrors, and generated heat is used to heat the thermic fluids such as heat transfer oils, air or water/steam, depending on the plant design, acts as heat carrier and/or as storage media. The hot thermic fluid is used to generated steam or hot gases, which are then used to operate a heat engine. In these systems, the efficiency of the collector reduces marginally as its operating temperature increases, whereas the efficiency of the heat engine increases with the increase in its operating temperature.
Concentrating solar collectors
- Parabolic trough system: at the receiver can reach 400° C and produce steam for generating electricity.
- Power tower system: The reflected rays of the sun are always aimed at the receiver, where temperatures well above 1000° C can be reached.
- Parabolic dish systems: Parabolic dish systems can reach 1000° C at the receiver, and achieve the highest efficiencies for converting solar energy to electricity.
Government Policies
Recent policy and planning announcements by the Government of India suggest a clear recognition that PV is likely to play an increasingly dominant role in India’s energy strategy, in the future. India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (2008) articulates a Central Role for Solar Power. The Government of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change released in mid-2008, by the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change identifies eight critical missions, one of which is the National Solar Mission
National Solar Mission
National Solar Mission Guidelines for Off-Grid and Decentralized Solar Applications & Rooftop and Other Small Solar Power Plants (announced on June 16th, 2010)
The following guidelines were issued in mid-June, 2010. The guidelines are for both solar PV and solar thermal based energy.
Summary of JNNSM Guidelines for off-grid (captive, Rooftop etc.) solar systems:
- The National Solar Mission aims to provide an enabling environment for solar technology penetration in India.
- For financial assistance, the government has declared that in projects availing this scheme, in the debt and equity mixture, the promoters’ equity contribution must be at least 20%.
- Incentives announced:
| Solar PV | |||
| Condition | Subsidy | Capital Subsidy | Special Regions |
| Grid connected projects at least 100 kW and up to 2 MW, connected to HT level [below 33 kV] of distribution network | A GBI is payable to the project developer. Its value is the difference between the tariff determined by the CERC (17.9 for solar PV and Rs 15.4 for solar thermal) and the base rate, which is equal to Rs 5.5 per kWh for the financial year of 2010 to 2011, and escalates @ 3% every year. | ||
| For off-grid / rooftop solar PV installations of a maximum capacity of 100 Wp per site, and for mini-grids for remote electrification with a maximum capacity of up to 250 kW: | Subsidy, which is calculated on the basis of a cost benchmarked by MNRE, is notionally equal to 30% of benchmarked cost of solar power systems. For 2010 it is fixed at Rs. 90 per Wp with battery storage, and at around Rs. 70 per Wp without battery storage. | Solar PV plants in micro-grid mode/local distribution network, to meet unmet community need for power in unelectrified rural areas, will be provided a capital subsidy of Rs 150/ Wp | In special category states, viz. NE, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, a capital subsidy of up to 90% of installation cost can potentially be availed. Moreover, in difficult-to-reach areas such as Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and districts on India’s borders, the subsidy availed will also be 90% |
| In addition to the above, the debt portion of investment can be financed by a soft loan at 5% interest rate, to be availed from the IREDA. | |||
| Solar CSPS | |||
| Off-grid solar CSP installations of a maximum capacity of 100 Wp per site, and for mini-grids for remote electrification with a maximum capacity of up to 250 kW | Subsidy, which is calculated on the basis of a cost benchmarked by MNRE, is notionally equal to 30% of benchmarked cost of solar power systems. For 2010 it is fixed at Rs. 90 per Wp with battery storage, and at around Rs. 70 per Wp without battery storage. | In difficult-to-reach areas such as Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and districts on India’s borders, the capital subsidy availed will be 60% of benchmarked costs for solar thermal installations. | |
| Subsidies on costs of CSP equipment: Rs. 3000 per sq. meter for Evacuated Tube collectors, 3300 for Flat plate collectors with liquid as the working fluid, 2400 for Flat plate collectors with air as the working fluid, 3600 for Solar collector system for direct heating application, 2100 for Concentrator with manual tracking, 3600 for non-imaging concentrators, 5400 for Concentrator with single axis tracking, and Rs 6000 per sq. meter for Concentrator with double axis tracking. | |||
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- The benchmarked costs (of standard solar systems) will be changed every year.
- GBI = Generation based Incentives
Highlights of Selection Guidelines for Grid Connected Solar Under JNNSM (July 25, 2010)
MNRE announced the selection guidelines for grid connected solar power plants – both solar PV and thermal – on July 25 2010. EAI provides you the highlights of the guidelines in this document.
Separate guidelines have been provided for PV and thermal, and we have provided the highlights for each of these.
Guidelines for selection of new grid connected solar pv power projects
- The total capacity of Solar PV projects to be selected in first batch i.e., in FY 2010-11 shall be limited to 150MW. The Projects for remaining capacity for Solar PV Projects (i.e. 500MW – 150MW Capacity of Migrated Projects) will be selected in second batch i.e., in FY 2011-12.
- The Project capacity shall be 5MW±5% in case of Solar PV Projects. The Project Developer shall submit the Request for Selection (RfS) within 30 days of the invitation by NVVN. The Project Developer shall submit a letter from the State Transmission Utility (STU), along with the RfS, confirming technical feasibility of the connectivity of the plant to the grid substation.
- The “Net Worth” of the company should be equal to or greater than the value calculated at the rate of Rs. 3 Crores or equivalent US$ per MW of the project capacity.
- In the case of Solar PV Projects to be selected in first batch during FY 2010-11, it will be mandatory for Projects based on crystalline silicon technology to use the modules manufactured in India. For Solar PV Projects to be selected in second batch during FY 2011-12, it will be mandatory for all the Projects to use cells and modules manufactured in India.
- Applicants can propose tariff discounts
Selection of Projects in First batch based on Discount in Tariff
- The Short-listed Projects would be asked by NVVN to submit Request for Proposal (RfP) bid indicating the discount in Rs/kWh on CERC Approved Applicable Tariff.
- The RfP containing format and detailed mechanism for Discount in Tariff will be issued by NVVN after short-listing of the Projects.
- The Projects offering the maximum discount in Rs/kWh on the CERC Approved Applicable Tariff would be selected first and so on.
- In order to discourage adventurous bids, Bid Bond on graded scale would need to be furnished along with the RfP bid in the manner detailed hereunder:.
| Discount offered on CERC Approved Tariff | Amount of Bid Bond applicable for every paise of discount on CERC Approved Tariff (per MW) |
| Upto 10% or 10% | Rs. 10,000/- |
| More than 10% & Upto 15% | Rs. 20,000/- |
| More than 15% & Upto 20% | Rs. 30,000/- |
| More than 20% & Upto 25% | Rs. 40,000/- |
| More than 25% | Rs. 50,000/- |
Time Schedule for Solar PV Projects
| S. No | Event | Date |
| 1 | Notice for request for selection | Zero date |
| 2 | Submission of applications with documents for registration | Zero date+30 days |
| 3 | Short-listing of projects based on Rfs received and decision of proposals by short-listed developers | Zero date+75 days |
| 4 | Tariff discounting process and submission of proposals by short-listed developers. | Zero date+90 days |
| 5 | Evaluation of Tariff discounting proposals | Within 30 days from submission of tariff discounting proposals (zero date+120 days) |
| 6 | Issue of letter of intent | Within 15 days from evaluation of tariff discounting proposals(zero date+135 days) |
| 7 | PPA signing | Within 30 days from the date of issue of letter of intent (LOI date+30 days) |
| 8 | Financial closure of the project | 180 days from the date of signing of PPA |
| 9 | Commissioning of the project | 12 months from the date of signing of PPA |
Guidelines for selection of solar thermal projects
- The minimum capacity of the Solar Thermal Project shall be 5MW and the maximum capacity of the Project shall be 100MW.
- The “Net Worth” of the company should be equal to or greater than the value calculated at the rate of Rs. 3 Crores or equivalent US$ per MW of the project capacity up to 20 MW. For every MW additional capacity, beyond 20 MW, additional net worth of Rs. 2 crores would need to be demonstrated.
- The Project Developer shall submit a letter from the State Transmission Utility (STU), along with the RfS, confirming technical feasibility of the connectivity of the plant to the grid substation.
- Water availability - The Project developer should have made arrangements for water required for the project. The Project developer shall submit the documentary evidence in the form of approval from the State/local authority for the quantity of water required for the plant, along with the application in response to the RfS.
- Domestic content - It would be mandatory for Project developers to ensure 30% of local content in all plants/installations under solar thermal technology. Land is excluded.
- Applicants can propose tariff discounts - Similar to solar PV, applicants can propose tariff discounts in their applications. Bid bonds are applicable for this as well.
| Discount offered on CERC Approved Tariff | Amount of Bid Bond applicable for every paise of discount on CERC Approved Tariff |
| Up to 10% or 10% | Rs.10,000/- |
| More than 10% & up to 15% | Rs.20,000/- |
| More than 15% &up to 20% | Rs.30,000/- |
| More than 20% &up to 25% | Rs.40,000/- |
| More than 25% | Rs.50,000/- |
The Project shall achieve Financial Closure within 180 days from the date of signing Power Purchase Agreement.
The project should be commissioned within 28 months from the date of signing of PPA. Any of the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology, such as, Parabolic Trough Collectors, Solar Dish Stirling (or any other prime mover), Linear Fresnel Reflector, Central Tower with heliostats, or their any other combination could be used.
Guidelines for Selection of New Grid Connected Solar Power Projects
Barriers
- Solar energy can be derived only during sunlight hours; it doesn’t work at night; can be unreliable unless you're in a very sunny climate.
- Very expensive to build solar power stations.
- Solar cells cost a great deal compared to the amount of electricity they'll produce in their lifetime.
- High capital cost.
- The costs are however, coming down rapidly and is expected to be competitive by 2012.
Solar Research Centers
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
TERI was formally established in 1974 with the purpose of tackling and dealing with the immense and acute problems that mankind is likely to be faced with in the years ahead. on account of the gradual depletion of the earth’s finite energy resources which are largely non-renewable.
The Solar Energy Centre (SEC), established in 1982, is a dedicated unit of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India for development of solar energy technologies and to promote its applications through product development.
Centre for Renewable Energy and Environment Development (CREED)
The objectives of the centre are to
(i) Conceive, develop, and implement renewable energy application and environment protection projects
(ii) Develop courses and organize awareness creation programs
(iii) Collaborate with national and international organizations and institutions in the areas of renewable energy education, training and technology development.
The centre is presently collaborating with MNES, IREDA, REDA, ARTES Institute, of Flensburg University, Germany, and CEER of SPIC Science Foundation, Chennai.
The centre is actively involved in setting up performance evaluation of
- Parabolic Solar Cookers
- Solar Hot Water System
- Solar Still and Fuel Cells
- Setting up of an Energy Park.
The Solar Energy of India (SESI)
The Solar Energy of India (SESI), established in 1976, and having its Secretariat in New Delhi, is the Indian section of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES). Its interests cover all aspects of renewable energy, including characteristics, effects and methods of use, and it provides a common ground to all those concerned with the nature and utilization of this renewable non-polluting resource.
Auroville Centre for Scientific Research (CSR)
Auroville Centre for Scientific Research (CSR) is an international voluntary organization working towards a sustainable future in the field of renewable energy systems (wind, solar, biomass), appropriate architecture & building technologies, waste water recycling and sanitation, and the transfer of these technologies through training programs. CSR receives grants and donations for its programmes and research projects from Indian and foreign governmental and non-governmental agencies, and from well-wishers worldwide.
Apex bodies
Solar Energy Society of India
A-14, Mohan Cooperative
Industrial Estate
Mathura Road
New Delhi – 110044
Tel. : +91.11.65649864, 26959759
Tele fax : +91.11.26959759
India Semiconductor Association
UNI Building, 4th Floor,
Millers Tank Bund Road,
Bangalore - 560 052
Telephone: +91-80-4147 3250
Facsimile: +91-80-4122 1866
[i] http://mnes.nic.in/booklets/Book4-e.pdf
[ii] http://mnes.nic.in/booklets/Book4-e.pdf
[iii] aprekh.org/files/SolarThermalPowergeneration_Final.pdf
[iv] http://mnes.nic.in/booklets/Book4-e.pdf
[v] http://mnes.nic.in/booklets/Book4-e.pdf
[vi] http://mnes.nic.in/annualreport/2002_2003_English/ch5_pg10.htm
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