Canadian Solar Acquires 47.5 MWp Portfolio in Chile

The 39MWp plant in Gebeng, Pahang, will generate enough electricity for 12,000 homes.

Daniel Gaefke, Managing Director, BayWa r.e. Solar Pte Ltd said: “Renewable energy development is very high on the agenda for the Malaysian government and we’re delighted to be helping support the country’s energy transition.”

“This is our second solar installation in Malaysia and is a sign of our continued business growth in the Asia Pacific region. We look forward to future projects and continuing to help Malaysia leverage the potential of its renewable energy sector.”

BayWa r.e. with the assistance of local partner HD Earth Sdn. Bhd. won the project in the second solar tender held by Suruhanjaya Tenaga, Malaysia’s Energy Commission in 2017. This is the first solar farm to reach commercial operation out of all the winning bidders, connected to the 132kV national transmission network.

The LSS2 auction was undertaken by the Malaysian Government to help the country achieve its objective to generate 24% of electricity from renewable sources by 2050.

“The project’s success and speed of delivery is down to BayWa r.e.’s financial and technical strength, and global logistics which allows us to deliver projects such as this, anywhere in the world, quickly and efficiently” added Daniel Gaefke.

Construction on the complex project, which comprises almost 120,000 solar panels and more than 830 inverters, began in late 2018 and was completed on schedule at the end of 2019.

BayWa r.e.’s first solar development in Malaysia was the 5.2MWp solar park on the Universiti Malaysia Pertis campus in Arau, which started generating power in March 2018.

India: Total Expands its Partnership with Adani to Renewables and Acquires 50% of a 2 GW Solar Portfolio

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7th February 2020

As part of its strategy to develop renewable energies, Total is expanding its partnership with Adani Group, India’s largest privately-owned energy and infrastructure conglomerate, in order to contribute to the growth of solar power generation in the country.

Indeed, the Indian government has a strong policy to support the renewable energy growth. The country’s capacity should increase from its 81 gigawatts (GW) in 2019 to 225 GW by 2022.

Total and Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) will create a 50/50 joint venture into which AGEL will transfer its solar assets in operation. These projects are spread over 11 Indian states and have a cumulative capacity of over 2 GW. All the projects benefit from nearly 25-year power purchase agreements (PPA) with national and regional electricity distributors, with a fixed rate.

“Total is fully engaged in the energy transition and to supporting India, a key country in the fight against climate change, in diversifying its energy mix through partnerships in natural gas and now in solar energy,” said Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman & CEO of Total. “This interest in over 2 GW of solar projects represents another big step of our investment in India’s energy sector. It will support our ambition to contribute to the deployment of 25 GW of renewable capacities by 2025. We are thrilled to extend the partnership with the Adani Group to renewable energies, which will allow us to benefit from its in-depth knowledge of the Indian electricity market.”

This transaction has a value of approximately $500 million and is in line with the Group’s objective of double-digit returns on renewable projects. It remains subject to the approval of the relevant authorities.

India’s SECI Issues 14 MW Solar + 42 MWh Storage Tender

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6th February 2020

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In sync with it’s plans to tap India’s huge solar potential in Leh & Ladakh, SECI has issued an RfS for setting up of 14 MW solar power plants with 42 MWh Battery Energy Storage Systems in Leh and Kargil.

The buying entity of the power is Power Development Department Ladakh (PDD Ladakh). PDD will sign a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the selected bidder for purchase of solar power for a period of 25 years as per the terms, conditions and provisions of the RfS. The maximum levelized tariff payable to the Project Developer is fixed at INR 2/ kWh for 25 years. This shall be inclusive of all statutory taxes, duties, levies, cess applicable as on the last date of bid submission.

The project will consist of two 7 MW / 21 MWH each at Leh and Kargil. The land for setting up of solar projects with battery storage will be facilitated and made available to the SPD by Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Agency (LREDA) and Kargil Renewable Energy Development Agency (KREDA) separately, given under “Right-to-Use” to the SPD.

The projects will be developed at Leh and Kargil as 7 MW/ 21 MWh projects each under the Prime Minister Development Package (PMDP).

The proposals have been invited for setting up the solar projects on a “Build Own Operate” basis. The SPD shall be given a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) by SECI. The upper limit for VGF to be quoted by a bidder is kept at INR 13 Crore for 1 MW Solar PV Power Project with Battery Storage of 3 MWh.

LONGi Takes Actions in Fight Against Novel Coronavirus to Guarantee Employees’ Wellbeing

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6th February 2020

China is facing the fight against the novel coronavirus (2019-nCov), believed to have originated from Wuhan, head-on. With President Xi Jinping calling the epidemic “a major test of China’s system and capacity for governance”, China has spared no efforts and resources in this “invisible war”. Since the outbreak, measures like the extension of the Chinese New Year holidays and restrictions to traffic and movement were mandated in many parts of China. This has certain impact on procurement, logistics and the transportation of materials.

As the world’s leading solar technology company with a broad logistics chain, LONGi, inevitably will be affected. The company has activated contingent plans to minimize impact to production capacity and order fulfillment. LONGi Kuching production facility in Malaysia is currently running at full capacity. Factories located in China have taken steps to resume production and then ramp up volume. We believe these actions will mitigate impact to operations, capacity and deliveries.

LONGi attaches great importance to the health, well-being and safety of every employee and staff. To control the spread of the coronavirus, LONGi has established a comprehensive prevention and control system. Specialist teams have been set up to continuously monitor the situation for fast actions as needed. During this period, the company has asked employees to be subjected to health monitoring every day. Checkpoints have been set up at entrances of all factories, offices and workplaces. Cleaning staff will ensure that all offices and production areas are disinfected. At this time, there has been no confirmed nor suspected cases among the more than 30,000 of LONGi employees.

As a socially responsible company, LONGi also actively participate in the nation’s public welfare activities. On January 25^th, the first day of Chinese New Year, the company, through the LONGi One Percent Foundation, announced a special fund to support the medical staff of Shaanxi Province in Wuhan.

In the meantime, LONGi extends our heartfelt thanks to our partners and customers who has sent greetings and concerns. We also thank the many friends that have us in their hearts and mind in this challenging time. We stand in solidarity with all Chinese people and those around the world to win this fight against the novel coronavirus.

Peimar Opens a New Branch in Poland

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6th February 2020

“I am delighted to be joining the company with the mission of launching Peimar products into the Polish market through a selected network of distribution partners” said Maria Kaczmarczyk, Sales Manager Poland at Peimar.

International expansion

In the last 5 years, Peimar has increased its international presence and has now 12 fully operational branches across the world. With its latest opening in the city of Plock, Poland, Peimar will be servicing the residential and commercial solar market by supplying its industry leading products to electrical and solar distributors.

“Over the last few months we have experienced increasing demand for our products from Polish solar companies, therefore we are optimistic that offering local support to our distribution partners will have a positive impact on solar deployment in the region.” said Juan Romera-Wade, Business Development Director for Europe.

True Green Capital Management Closes $84 Million in Debt and Tax Equity Financing for 70 MW New York Community Solar Portfolio

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6th February 2020

True Green Capital Management (TGC), a specialized energy infrastructure asset management firm, today announced that its has closed on $42.8 million in debt financing and $41.1 million in tax equity financing supporting NY Solar Farms, a 70 megawatt community solar portfolio located in central and northeastern New York State.

The solar portfolio – one of the largest of its type comprising 10 projects across six different sites – is owned by TGC’s 3^rd fund. Combined, TGC’s funds have approximately 400 megawatts of solar projects operating and over 200 megawatts under construction or development, including an additional 80 megawatts of NY community solar projects.

“Community solar projects are an important pillar of New York’s clean energy strategy,” said Chris Kirkman, head of project finance at TGC. “The NY Solar Farms portfolio is another example of how solar projects can support local economies and power homes and businesses while reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.”

Debt financing for the portfolio was provided by CIT Group Inc.’s Power and Energy Unit and NY Green Bank, a state-sponsored financial entity working to increase investments into New York’s clean energy markets. U.S. Bank, through its subsidiary U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation, provided tax equity financing for the portfolio. Both of these financings are believed to be the largest such investments in NY community solar to date. TGC anticipates expanding or replicating these facilities to partially finance its ongoing expansion of its NY community solar portfolio.

“CIT is one of the leading banks financing renewable energy projects,” said Mike Lorusso, managing director and group head for CIT’s Power and Energy unit. “We are excited to be working in this vital industry and pleased to assist True Green Capital with a financing package that supports the growth of community solar power in New York.”

“In any developing market such as this, U.S. Bank puts elevated focus on working with best-in-class sponsors and developers,” said Dan Siegel, senior vice president for U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. “True Green Capital Management has proven themselves time and time again to be excellent partners and we are excited to be working with them on these job-creating projects that will provide solar access to a wide range of customers.”

Alfred Griffin, NY Green Bank President said, “To date, NY Green Bank has committed over $200 million in financing for community distributed generation and is pleased to be able to add financing towards True Green Capital’s 70 megawatt portfolio to our capital commitments. Their commitment to advancing infrastructure solutions with a focus on the sub-utility scale solar power segment will continue to play an important role in supporting New York’s nation-leading climate and clean energy goals under Governor Cuomo’s leadership.”

150MW Hungarian Solar Power Plant Project Obtains $125M Investment Proposal from Capital Corp Merchant Banking

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6th February 2020

With the EU raising the price of lignite in an effort to reduce greenhouse gases and fight against climate change, the Hungarian government has decided to turn toward renewable energy as a source of power. With a view to increasing solar panels from 500MW to 30,000MW by 2022, Hungary is seeking to step away from coal and other fossil fuels towards more sustainable energy sources.

The 150MW (megawatt) project will be split into three groundmounted 50MW solar plants in targeted areas of the country using the best available solar PV technology on the market. These solar plants will then feed into the national grid as energy security and diversification of sources has become a priority issue within the country, and the EU at large.

This solar project is a perfect fit in Capital Corp’s ongoing Green Energy Initiative, which has been active for well over a decade.

Mr Gilles Herard, Jr, Capital Corp Merchant Banking’s Managing Director, structured the funding proposal for this project. Mr Herard is a seasoned Merchant Banker and has been in the banking industry for 38 years. He worked early in his career at the Toronto Dominion Bank (Canada) and later on joined Manufacturer Hanover (MH) of New York as Senior Credit Analyst. He eventually created his own Firm, Capital Corp Merchant Banking, where he syndicates and structures funding for top companies worldwide, all the while investing his own firm’s funds into the projects. As the head of Capital Corp Merchant Banking, Mr Herard has become a leading figure in international middle-market project financing and engineers all funding structures for projects at Capital Corp. Mr Herard has received numerous awards for his work and other contributions including being appointed to the Presidential Business Commission, Honorary Co-Chairman of the Business Advisory Council, nominated as Executive of the Year by the internationally acclaimed National Register’s Who’s Who, and having received the Senatorial Medal of Freedom, among many others.

Azure Gets Relief From CERC In 800 MW Module Safeguard Duty Case

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5th February 2020

Azure Power, one of India’s largest solar IPP, had requested for relief after the imposition of the safegaurd duty on solar modules.

Azure had requested CERC to declare the imposition of Safeguard Duty on the import of solar panels/modules as a ‘Change in Law’ event. Azure had also petitioned that SECI reimburse the additional cost of safeguard duty imposed on the project cost on lumpsum basis.

India had introduced safeguard duty under the SGD Notification to be imposed on the import of solar cells whether or not assembled in modules or panels when the import is from certain specific countries, namely, China PR, Malaysia and certain other developed countries. The safeguard duty had not been imposed on the import of solar cells from other developing countries.

The 800 MW capacity consisted of 200 MW project under the NSM Guidelines for selection of 5000 MW Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects under PhaseII Batch IV, held in Dec 2017 and a 600 MW under the reverse auction under in held in July 2018.

CERC has directed that SECI may recover the above compensation amount from the DISCOMs with whom the Power Supply Agreement (PSA) has been signed.

The amount will be decided based on actual SGD paid upon submission of all relevant documents exhibiting clear and upon establishing a one to one correlation between the projects and the supply of imported goods, duly supported by relevant invoices and Auditor’s Certificate.

The payment to be made by SECI is not conditional upon the payment to be made by the Discoms to SECI. The claims have to be settled within sixty days of the date of the Order or from the date of submission of claims, whichever is later, failing which it will attract late payment surcharge as provided under PPAs/PSAs.

NEXTracker Releases NX Navigator Control System for Utility-Scale Solar Power Plants

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5th February 2020

NEXTracker NX Navigator — NEXTracker commissioning field expert using NX Navigator control and monitoring software on solar power plant.

NEXTracker commissioning field expert using NX Navigator control and monitoring software on solar power plant.

NEXTracker™, a Flex company, has released NX Navigator™, a next-generation software and smart control system that enables power plant operators to efficiently monitor and securely control their solar assets for increased production and reliable operation across a wide range of weather conditions. With an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI), NX Navigator builds on the company’s proven TrueCapture sytem with new monitoring data, maintenance controls and instant risk avoidance tools.

For monitoring, plant operators are provided timely information for key parameters at the site, subfield, and individual tracker levels, including precise array and angular values. For control, NX Navigator allows authorized PV plant operators to schedule maintenance operations such as cleaning and mowing, and instantly command the tracker for extreme weather events such as hail, hurricanes, and heavy snow.

In the case of hail, a single operator command will rapidly put the entire solar power array to a safe 60 degree stow angle. This action will have the benefit of up to tripling the hail resistance module toughness and dramatically reducing damage potential. In the case of snow shed, an authorized operator can preschedule two snow shed operations in a single day, which increases production by reducing snow cover on solar panels.

“NX Navigator is the latest innovation by NEXTracker that we have implemented as a way to add value to several of our solar power plants,” said Chris Clevenger, COO of D.E Shaw Renewable Investments. “Previously, we deployed NEXTracker’s TrueCapture system on many of our projects; as with TrueCapture, we are pleased to be an early adopter of these NX Navigator features.”

“We are committed to further driving PV plant performance for our customers,” said Dan Shugar, CEO at NEXTracker. “NX Navigator provides additional intelligence and operator control that results in higher production yield, lower operations and maintenance costs, and enables solar panels to handle increasingly prevalent extreme weather. NX Navigator compliments our TrueCapture control system, featuring rapid response, individual tracker row architecture and high rotation speed trackers.”

“Using our calibrated hail cannon, RETC empirically validated that NX Navigator’s hail stow feature tripled the mechanical impact durability of solar panels,” said Cherif Kedir, President and CEO of RETC (Renewable Energy Test Center). “Smart advanced control systems such as those pioneered by NEXTracker will be increasingly important to mitigate the growing occurrence of extreme weather events.”

New Energy Equity to Install Solar Panels for New Jersey Public Schools

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5th February 2020

Top solar contractors New Energy Equity (NEE) announced that it has recently energized two new solar projects for the Elizabeth Public School Board of Education in Elizabeth, New Jersey. NEE acquired this project from New York developer, HESP Solar, during construction and will own and operate the systems for the next 15 years.

The system is composed of several roof-mounted systems atop Elizabeth High School and William F. Halloran School. The total system size between the two sites is approximately 1,470 kW, with Elizabeth High School hosting a 1,157 kW system and Halloran hosting a 313 kW system. The arrays are expected to produce over 1,800,000 kWh in year 1 – which is equivalent to serving 222 homes with electricity for one year.

“New Energy Equity is excited to support the Elizabeth school system in the installation of renewable energy sources that will achieve lower and predictable energy costs for years to come,” says Matthew Hankey, President & CEO of New Energy Equity. “Not only will this initiative save funds that can instead be focused on education, but this initiative will also serve as a teaching model for students when it comes to environmental consciousness.”

The project is a tremendous opportunity for the Elizabeth School System as it strives to reduce its carbon footprint in alliance with the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program initiatives and increase student and community engagement.

“On behalf of the Elizabeth Board of Education, I would like to thank New Energy Equity, HESP Solar and the Board’s professionals from DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP and Gabel Associates for their dedication and outstanding efforts in making this energy savings project a reality for Elizabeth Public Schools,” said Board of Education President Stephanie G. Pestana.

“The anticipated energy savings created by the installed solar panels will allow us to reallocate funds typically earmarked for energy costs to other important areas of need, including classroom instruction and maintenance of facilities. This project is a win-win for the students and families of our schools as well as for Elizabeth residents whose contributions to our schools are highly valued and appreciated.”

Greengate Power and Copenhagen Infrastructure Announce Investment Agreement for Canada’s Largest Solar Energy Project

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5th February 2020

Greengate Power Corporation (Greengate) and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) announce that they have entered into an agreement with the intention to fund the further development and construction of the Travers Solar project. Subject to the achievement of certain remaining milestones, construction of the project is anticipated to commence in mid-2020, with full commercial operations targeted for the end of 2021.

Located in Vulcan County, Alberta, Travers Solar is expected to be Canada’s largest operating solar energy project, with an estimated capital cost of approximately C$500 million. With a total generating capacity of 400 MWac, Travers Solar is anticipated to provide a renewable source of electricity for more than 100,000 Alberta homes during its thirty or more years of operation.

As part of the agreement, CIP is anticipated to provide funding for the development, construction and operation of Travers Solar and Greengate will retain an ongoing economic interest and provide management services throughout the life of the project.

The investment in Travers Solar is expected to provide substantial economic and environmental benefits to Alberta while demonstrating investor confidence in the province’s deregulated power market and its Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program. It is anticipated that more than 500 full-time jobs will be created during construction, and once built, Travers Solar is expected to be one of Alberta’s largest producers of environmental attributes for compliance by large emitters under TIER.

“Greengate is excited to be working with CIP, the world’s largest renewable energy focused infrastructure fund, to bring this world-class project through to completion,” said Dan Balaban, President and CEO of Greengate. “This continues Greengate’s successful track record of developing and securing investment for renewable energy projects of unprecedented scale that deliver strong investor returns, and we are proud to be part of creating subsidy-free, market-based solutions that significantly improve Alberta’s environmental performance.”

“CIP is pleased to continue growing its North American renewable energy portfolio through our investment in Travers Solar, CIP’s first investment in Canada,” said Senior Partner Christian Skakkebaek of CIP. “Alberta is an attractive market for investment, and we look forward to working with Greengate, one of Canada’s leading renewable energy developers, to bring Travers Solar online.”

CIBC Capital Markets acted as Greengate’s exclusive financial advisor on the transaction and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP acted as legal advisor. FIH Partners acted as CIP’s exclusive financial advisor and Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP acted as legal advisor.

ZPower Releases Breakthrough Solar Panel That Works at Night

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5th February 2020

ZPower Corporation unveiled a new solar technology that produces electricity constantly, both day and night. This technology also demonstrates a 2.5 times greater output than comparable solar panels, the equivalent to 77% conversion efficiency (the best solar panels are at 22%).

* A new Solar Panel by ZPower produces constant electricity – day and night.
* These ZPower Panels produce 2.5 times greater electricity than same-size solar panels.
* The first Product using this technology is in development – a 1 Megawatt Power Plant – to power 500 homes by your electric utility.

“ZPower has a revolutionary technology with the potential to significantly boost energy output.” said Prof Jan Capjon, Professor Emeritus, Dr Ing. University of South-Eastern Norway

“The ZPower technology can generate constant electricity anywhere, even underground. The world needs a technology like this to overcome current energy problems,” says Jason Kim, Research Scientist and Lab Manager

The electric utility industry is experiencing dramatic changes, installing clean energy generators (solar and wind) that are intermittent, requiring expensive storage batteries to provide continuous power. The ZPower solar technology provides an around-the-clock energy solution, making current solar panels obsolete, disrupting a $2 trillion market.

ZPower panels produce electricity 24 hours/day (versus solar panels at 6 hours/day) showing a 400% improvement. Also, these new panels also produce 50 watts per ft², compared to the best solar panels at 20 watts per ft², showing an additional 250% improvement.

To summarize ZPower’s new solar technology:
– Clean power from the sun (no fuel consumption or toxic emissions)
– Constant electricity produced (24-7 non-stop energy)
– Affordable electricity (wholesale rates less than 2¢ per kWh)
– Solid-State (no moving parts with a projected life of 30 years)
– Compact Size (ZPower 1 Megawatt Power Plant needs 2.5% of 1 acre. But 1 Megawatt of solar panels require 2.5 acres)
– Location Flexible (can be placed indoors or outdoors, don’t require sunlight, but receive other non-light energy from the sun)

ZPower has proven its technology to dozens of engineers, government officials, and businessmen. The company is developing its first product for 2020 release, a 1 MW power plant, large enough to power 500 homes, the size of a 20-foot container. A $340 million contract for ZPower’s Power Plants is available from an Asian government.

Vikram Solar Appoints Renewable Energy Veteran Saibaba Vutukuri as new CEO

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5th February 2020

Saibaba Vutukuri, Chief Executive Officer, Vikram Solar

Vikram Solar, one of India’s leading module manufacturers and a prominent EPC and rooftop solar solutions provider,today announced the appointment of renewable energy sector veteran, Saibaba Vutukuri as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company. This announcement comes in at an important juncture, marking the next phase of growth at Vikram Solar.

Gyanesh Chaudhary will retain his position as the Managing Director of the company. With Vutukuri’s appointment, Chaudhary will take on a more strategic role involving portfolio diversification, key strategic initiatives and future ventures.

Vutukuri, a post-graduate in International Business (MBA) from Copenhagen Business School, has over 3 decades of industry experience, with more than two decades spent in the wind and solar sector. Besides serving as the President and CEO, diversification of the BSE listed Inox Wind Ltd in his last assignment, Vutukuri has previously held leadership positions in several organizationsincluding Business Head/Chief Executive, India Business (South andEast) and South East Asia markets at Suzlon Energy Ltd among other leadership roles.

Speaking about Vutukuri’s appointment, Gyanesh Chaudhary, Managing Director, Vikram Solar said, “Sai’s knowledge and experience will be an extremely valuable asset to Vikram Solar. His wide experience in solar manufacturing, corporate affairs and international markets will help us to further strengthen our leadership position in the renewable sector.I will be supporting Sai in the transition process during the first half of the year to ensure a seamless experience for all our internal and external stakeholders.”

The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Vikram Solar, Saibaba Vutukuri shared, “I’m delighted to be joining Vikram Solar as the CEO at an exciting time for the business. It is a remarkable company with a long history of outperformance, creating innovative products. I’m looking forward to working with an exceptional group of leaders over the coming years to continue to transform Vikram Solar.”

He further added, “It is important to state that we, at Vikram Solar, are going to stay true to our DNA and will continue to make the best products in the industry that delight our customers and make our employees incredibly proud of what they do.”

Under the leadership of Gyanesh Chaudhary, Vikram Solar has become one of the largest solar module manufacturers in India in the last 14 years. Continuing as the Managing Director of Vikram Solar, his focus will be on future expansion, new business opportunities and growth plans including investments and major CAPEX decisions among key business areas.

Adani Solar Partners with ‘EVERVOLT’ to Strengthen its Retail Distribution of Solar Panels in Karnataka

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5th February 2020

The Adani Group’s solar manufacturing arm, Adani Solar announced the launch of their retail distribution business in Karnataka with EVERVOLT Green Energy Pvt. Ltd. as official channel partner for the South region. With this expansion, Adani Solar has reached 700 towns for solar panels distribution in India and continues to contribute actively to the Indian renewable energy sector.

The intent of this expansion is to rapidly capitalize and penetrate the South Indian renewable energy market. This will be a step towards facilitating consumers or commercial establishments, to switch to sustainable solar power solutions at an economical rate. Since there is a positive shift in the energy sector, Adani has previously announced the retail channel partners in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh where Adani Solar has been speedily expanding its retail presence across the country.

Manufacturing of Solar panels in India, Adani continues to be a market leader in the segment and is the only manufacturer with IEC 2016 certification in all SKUs. With solar power being the fastest growing source of electricity generation, the government is increasingly introducing clean energy targets.

For consumers, installing off-grid Adani solar panels will help them to mitigate power-cut challenges and on-grid will assist in reducing overall electricity costs. The government of Karnataka has been promoting the solar rooftop system in the region and intends to make use of the positive environment in solar market. They are constantly pushing for substantially harnessing the solar potential in the state of Karnataka. The state government has envisioned a capacity of 5 GW for solar capacity by 2022 in Karnataka.

Ramesh Nair, Chief Executive Officer, Adani Solar, said, “We are extremely delighted to
partner with EVERVOLT in the retail distribution space. The Indian renewable energy sector has
witnessed a tremendous success on the installation and supply of solar power. With India being a growing economy with remarkable development, we will be able to offer power facilities via solar panel distribution to customers at competitive rates for applications in the South markets.

• Adani Solar aims to strengthen its retail space for solar panels beyond their B2B business
across markets in India
• Adani Solar will target an aggressive market share in the South region
• Adani Solar eyes massive growth and aims to accelerate the solar business in more than 700
towns in the country for Solar power installation as a region has enormous investment opportunities in renewable energy. With EVERVOLT as the authorized channel partner of Adani Solar will be responsible for all the retail requirements in the region

Adding further, Nair said on the retail front, “Adani Solar will target a 50% market share. We look forward to achieve a higher reach and visibility to our product in the country by increasing power consumption through alternate forms of energy like Solar energy.”

Bangladesh Government Likely to Set Up a 10MW Floating Solar Power Plant at Mongla

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5th February 2020

According to official sources, the Bangladesh Power Division has initiated to implement a 10MW floating solar power plant at Mongla. Mohammad Alauddin, additional secretary to the Power Division was quoted by a news media stating that a technical committee is now evaluating a proposal of an Indo-Bangla consortium in this regard.

If the committee finds the proposal technically and financially viable, then the government will proceed to sign a contract with them to implement the project. The Mongla Municipality will be an equity partner of the consortium by giving its water-body (a 60-acre land in Bagerhat district to run its water treatment plant from which it supplies water to its residents) for the project

The Power Division expression of Interest for the project was recently approved by the consortium of Indian and Bangladeshi companies. According to the terms of the proposal, the municipality will provide the water-body for setting up of the floating solar project, while the two companies will invest money to set up the project as an independent power producer (IPP).

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), on behalf of the government, will purchase electricity from the project for about 20 years. A technical committee of the government is now scrutinising the technical and financial aspects of the proposal. The government is considering the project positively as the consortium claimed that they have the capability to implement it very quickly — even within the next 6 months, according to a news media report.

If the project is implemented successfully, it will be the country’s first private floating solar power plant. The government plans to generate 10 per cent or 2000 MW electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020, which is currently 405MW. The country’s current capacity for power generation is about 22,000MW and it has a target of generating 24,000MW of electricity by 2021, 40,000MW by 2030, and 60,000MW by 2041, a news media report stated.

Chennai Metro Rail Invites Bids from Power Generators in Tamil Nadu under Group Captive Mode

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5th February 2020

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) seeks to procure 90 million units/annum of solar or solar-wind hybrid power, or 72 million units/annum of wind power through tariff-based competitive bidding. Tariff ceiling is fixed at Rs 3.50/KWh for 25 years. The last date for submission of bids is February 13, 2020.

CMRL has invited bids from power generators with plants in Tamil Nadu for supply of power under group captive mode. The project will be awarded through a tariff-based competitive bidding process. CMRL will enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the successful bidder for a period of 25 years, with maximum tariff payable fixed at Rs 3.50/KWh for 25 years.

Developers must bid for the entire capacity of the chosen generation source, according to a news report. They can choose to supply the entire quantum from more than one location provided they quote a single tariff for the entire capacity.

Eligible bidders should have a net worth of minimum Rs 500 million as on the last date of FY 2018-19. In case of bids submitted for different generation sources, the bidder must meet net worth requirement for the total capacity being offered. Further, it should have a minimum annual turnover of Rs 250 million of the quoted capacity during FY 2018-19.

The developer should have a minimum three years of experience in solar or wind power generation and should have built, owned and operated a minimum 100 MW of grid-connected solar and/or wind power plant capacity, connected at 11 KV or above. The project must be commissioned within six months from the date of signing of PPA.

The declared annual capacity utilization factor (CUF) should be minimum 19% for solar PV projects and 29% for wind projects. The developers must maintain generation so as to achieve annual CUF within + 10% and -10% of the declared value till the end of PPA for 25 years.

MSMA Demands No Grid Support Charges on Power Generated from Solar Rooftops for Captive Consumption

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5th February 2020

Maharashtra Solar Manufacturers Association (MSMA) has demanded for no grid support charges on power generated from solar rooftops for captive consumption. The association comprising of approximately 450m members has stated that the banked solar power units may be charged at nominal rates of upto Rs. 1 per unit, according to a news media report.

In its argument MSMA stated that if grid support charges are levied on total units of power generated from solar rooftop, then the cost of solar rooftop unit will be higher than the cost of electricity supplied by MSEDCL. In a memorandum submitted to the competent authorities, MSMA expressed concern that no one will install solar rooftops if grid support charges are levied on power generated from solar rooftop.

According to a news report, the association further highlighted that no state electricity regulatory commission has approved for such grid support charges for net metering systems anywhere in India, and if this charge is approved in Maharashtra then it is against the spirit of natural justice.

Also solar manufacturers brought to light many on-ground realities to support their stance, saying that the consumer uses their rooftop for installation of solar rooftop systems and invests his own personal finance and enters into an annual maintenance contract with the company who have installed the rooftop by making a sizable payment. Also the association alleged that the provision of the grid support charges not part of the draft regulation released by Maharashtra Energy Regulatory Commission (MERC).

The announcement of these charges in final regulation is surprising for solar manufacturers and hence they had no choice but to raise their voice in protest of the policy decision made by the energy regulatory body.

SECI Issues Request for Selection of Developers for 1200 MW ISTS-Connected Solar PV Power Projects

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5th February 2020

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) issues request for selection (RfS) of developers for setting up of 1200 MW ISTS-Connected Solar PV Power projects in India under tariff-based competitive bidding ((ISTS-VIII).

Procurement of land, connectivity and long term open access shall be under the scope of the solar power developer. A document fee of Rs 29,500/- inclusive of GST has to be paid in favour of SECI and document processing fee of Rs. 5 Lakh +18% GST for each project from 50 MW upto 90 MW capacity is applicable. For projects from 100 MW and above capacity, Rs. 15 Lakh + 18% GST is to be submitted to SECI either through NEFT/RTGS transfer.

An Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of Rs 4,00,000/- per MW per project has to be submitted in the form of Bank Guarantee along with the Response to RfS. The performance bank guarantee is applicable. The last date for submission of bids is February 10, 2020.

Soltage and Basalt Enter Oregon Market with 40MW Solar Portfolio for Portland General Electric

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5th February 2020