Gujarat aims to position itself at the forefront of Indias Solar Power sector. Lets use this thread to track the progress on this front. :okay:

Summary of major operational plants: 597MW (based on confirmed data as at 19 Apr 2012)

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/1760/may042012.jpg

Details of projects

Ordered chronologically. For phased projects, final planned capacity shown in brackets.

Gujarat State Electricity Corp - Demo Project, PDPU, Gandhinagar
1MW
15 Cr
link (http://deshgujarat.com/2011/01/22/you-will-generate-solar-power-on-roof-govt-will-buy-itmodi-on-solar-city-gandhinagar-vision/)
21 Jan, 2011

Azure Power, Khadoda, Sabarkantha
5MW (10MW)
170Cr 40Acres
Jun 8, 2011
link (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2094038.ece)

Moser Baer Clean Energy, Ranavav, Porbandar
15MW (50MW Surendranagar)
465Cr 305Acres
Oct 12, 2011
link (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article2531831.ece)

Welspun Energy, Anjar, Kutch
15MW
Oct 2011
link (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-29/indian-banks-see-highway-toll-like-cash-in-solar-welspun-says.html)

Lanco Infratech, Charanka, Patan
30MW (5MW Bhadrada, Patan)
November 20, 2011
link (http://www.business-standard.com/results/news/lanco8217s-foray-into-solar-business/424690/)

Green Infra Ltd, Mervadar, Rajkot
10MW
130Cr
Nov 21, 2011
link (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2647343.ece)

Rasna/Chemtrolls Solar, Patdi, Surendranagar
1MW
Dec 31, 2011
link (www.chemtrolssolar.com/News.html)

Backbone Enterprises/InSolare Energy, Shivlakha, Kutch
5MW
Dec 2011
link (http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/archive/2012/february/beitrag/5-mw-thin-film-tracker-project-completed-in-india_100005803/)

Adani Power, Abdasa, Kutch
40MW (100MW)
400Cr 300Acres
Jan 5, 2012
link (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2777246.ece)

GMR Energy, Charanka, Patan
25MW
360Cr 125Acres
Jan 13, 2012
link (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2798913.ece)

Surana Telecom, Charanka, Patan
5MW
20 Acres
Jan 17, 2012
link (http://www.moneycontrol.com/stocks/stock_market/corp_notices.php?autono=513571)

Visual Percept Solar Projects, Surel, Surendranagar
25MW
330 Cr
Jan 17, 2012
link (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-17/bhanshali-s-talma-chemical-completes-india-solar-power-facility.html)

Tata Power, Mithapur, Jamnagar
25MW
25 Jan, 2012
365Cr 100Acres
link (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/energy/power/tata-power-commissions-25-mw-solar-project-in-gujarat/articleshow/11902125.cms)

Gujarat Industries Power Company Ltd, Vastan, Surat
5MW (25MW)
60 Cr
Jan 27, 2012
link (http://www.equitybulls.com/admin/news2006/news_det.asp?id=100753)

Universal Solar, Charanka, Patan
2MW
Jan 30, 2012
link (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-30/universal-solar-completes-2mw-project-in-india-s-gujarat-state.html)

Vikram Solar, Bhachau, Kutch
5MW
Feb 21, 2012
link (http://www.indiablooms.com/BusinessDetailsPage/2012/businessDetails210212k.php)

MonoSteel India, Una, Junagadh District
10MW
Mar 21, 2012
60 Acres
link (http://www.solarserver.com/solar-magazine/solar-news/current/2012/kw12/waaree-completes-10-mw-pv-plant-in-gujarat-india.html)

Gamesa Electrict, Bhuj, Kutch
1MW
Mar 23, 2012
link (http://www.constructionweekonline.in/article-7772-gamesa_installs_on_grid_solar_pv_inverter/)

Abellon Clean Energy, Bhatkota, Sabarkantha
3MW
Mar 26, 2012
17.5 Acres
link (http://www.solarserver.com/solar-magazine/solar-news/current/2012/kw13/waaree-completes-3-mw-pv-plant-in-gujarat.html)

(Announcements at Inauguration of Gujarat Solar Park)

Acme Tele Power, Vadgam, Anand
15MW
Apr 19, 2012
link (pdf) (http://www.acme.in/newsroom/EQ%20International%20-%20Nov-Dec%2011.pdf)

AES Solar, Charanka, Patan
15MW
Apr 19, 2012

Alex Astral Power, Charanka, Patan
25MW
Apr 19, 2012

Azure (Gujarat), Dhama, Surendranagar
5MW
Apr 19, 2012

EI Technologies, Charanka, Patan
1MW
Apr 19, 2012

Emami Cement Ltd, Charanka, Patan
10MW
Apr 19, 2012

EMCO Ltd, Fatehpur, Surendranagar
5MW
Apr 19, 2012

ESP Urja Ltd, Dhama, Surendranagar
5MW
Apr 19, 2012

Ganges Green Energy, Mervadar, Rajkot
10MW (25MW)
Apr 19, 2012

GHI Energy, Kutyana, Porbandar
10MW
Apr 19, 2012

GSPC Pipapav, Charanka, Patan
5MW
Apr 19, 2012

Gujarat Mineral Development Corp, Panandhro, Kutch
5MW
Apr 19, 2012

Gujarat Power Corp, Charanka, Patan
5MW
Apr 19, 2012

Gujarat State Electricity Corp - Demo Project, Narmada Canal - Chandrasan, Mehsana
1MW
Apr 19, 2012

Harsha Engineering, Tarapur, Anand
1MW
Apr 19, 2012

Integrated Coal Mining, Rapar, Kutch
9MW
Apr 19, 2012

Konark Gujarat, Shivlakha, Kutch
5MW
Apr 19, 2012

Louroux Bio Energies, Sujangadh, Surendranagar
25MW
Apr 19, 2012
link (http://powerbase.in/solar-photovoltaic-power-project-by-louroux-bio-energies-ltd/)

Millenium Synergy, Dhama, Surendranagar
9MW
Apr 19, 2012

NKG Infra, Charanka, Patan
10MW
Apr 19, 2012

Sunborn Energy, Bachau, Kutch
15MW
Apr 19, 2012

PLG Photovoltaics, Dahisar, Patan
20MW
Apr 19, 2012

Precious Energy, Gunthawada, Banaskantha
15MW
Apr 19, 2012

Rajesh Power, Patdi, Surendranagar
1MW
Apr 19, 2012

Roha Dyechem, Charanka, Patan
25MW
Apr 19, 2012

Sand Lands, Dhanera, Banaskantha
25MW
Apr 19, 2012

SunEdison Gujarat, Charanka Patan
25MW
Apr 19, 2012

Solarfield Energy (prev Kiran Energy), Charanka, Patan
20MW
Apr 19, 2012

Solitaire Energy, Gunthawada, Banaskantha
15MW
Apr 19, 2012

Sun Clean Renewable Energy, Charanka Patan
6MW (31MW)
Apr 19, 2012

Unity Power, Anjar, Kutch
5MW
Apr 19, 2012

WAA Solar, Tikar, Surendranagar
10MW
Apr 19, 2012

ZF Steering, Charanka, Patan
5MW
Apr 19, 2012

-------------------------------------
Avatar Solar, Charanka, Patan
5MW
Upcoming



** List is not exhaustive and will try to update with new projects as they come along.


Solar Radiation in India (from Wiki)
http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/368/solarresourcemapofindia.th.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/850/solarresourcemapofindia.png/)

In general, heres a good resource for Solar power installed capacity around the world, link (http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/reports_and_publications/statistical_energy_review_2011/STAGING/local_assets/spreadsheets/statistical_review_of_world_energy_full_report_2011.xls)(opens in excel)

Gujarat Solar Park
Charanka, Patan Dist

Overview (Gujarati)
DZ16DGI4v2Q

Modi Speech (Gujarati)
MsvKnn2_Eio

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/7403/20110914solarparkmodel.jpg
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7035/fo11jaindiasolar.jpg

Salient points


500 MW total capacity
4554 Acres
$ 100 million 25year soft loan from Asian Development Bank
$ 137 million overall project cost
Clinton Climate Change Initiative working in partnership with Gujarat Govt
Foundation stone laid 30 December 2010
First unit online 20 November 2011


Development plan from Asian Development Bank link (http://www.adb.org/Documents/IEES/IND/44431/44431-013-ind-iee-01.pdf) (pdf 2.00mb!)

Azure Power
Khadoda, Sabarkantha

5MW (10MW)
170Cr 40Acres
Jun 8, 2011
link (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2094038.ece)

qLrx3zfJYkA

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/2838/khadoda1.jpg

Moser Baer Clean Energy
Gunthwada, Banaskantha

30MW
465Cr 305Acres
Oct 12, 2011
link (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article2531831.ece)

MUiW6gnrKjM
*there is a really bad audio delay, sound doesnt kick in till after first min

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/7717/gunthawada1.jpg
http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/6919/gunthawada2.jpg

Today is the (extended) deadline for Solar Power projects falling under the Gujarat Governments initial Solar tariff. Original Deadline was end of December 2011, but was extended by a month. Solar tariff goes up considerably from today.

Gujarat says no to deadline extension for Solar Power companies (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2840386.ece)

Developers of solar power projects who wanted an extension of time beyond January 29 to avoid coming under a lower tariff regime (than they would have if they had completed their projects by January 29) have lost their case. The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission has ruled against them.

“We decide that the petitioners have not succeeded in making out a case for invoking the inherent power of the Commission to extend the control period determined by the Commission in its Order No. 2 of 2010 dated 29 January 2010,” the Commission said in its order dated January 27.

The list of petitioners included special purpose vehicles of Tata, GMR, Lanco, Moser Baer and Surana Telecom groups. It also included Solar Energy Association of Gujarat and also the global auto component major, ZF Steering.

The petitioners had prayed for extension of time beyond January 29, citing reasons of ‘Act of God' (flooding), land acquisition issues, change in design of sub-station by Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO), non-availability of evacuation facilities and insufficient time for completion of their projects.

All the petitioners (project developers) had signed power purchase agreements with the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd, the state utility. Under the PPA, the tariffs agreed were: Rs 15 per unit for the first 12 years and Rs 5 a unit from the 13th year to the 25th year.

In all, 84 PPAs were signed, in two phases, for 968.5 MW. They were to complete their projects by December 31, but the Gujarat government did give them more time, up to January 29, 2012. Those who do not complete their projects by January 29, would get a lower tariff. Meanwhile, following the order of the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission , which denied any extension of time to solar power project developers to complete the projects, the Gujarat government has announced the new tariffs (see table).

The Commission went into three questions: Whether it had inherent powers to extend the time as prayed for, (for which the answer was ‘yes'), whether such an extension of time was justified (the answer was ‘no'), and if an extension was justified, for what period (which became redundant).

The Commission has taken note of the fact that most of the projects have been completed, or would be completed by January 29.

According to the Government of Gujarat, 54 developers would complete their projects, with a total capacity of 587.4 MW, out of the total PPA-signed projects of 968.5 MW.

It also took cognisance of the argument put forth by the Gujarat state that prices of solar modules have fallen significantly (and the developers would suffer no loss if the tariff was revised downwards.)

“Though they have put forward a number of reasons for the relief they have sought, none of the petitioners, including the Association of Solar Power Developers, which has filed a separate petition, has indicated any ground whatsoever which is of universal application either in the State of Gujarat or a major part thereof by which all the projects are affected by such factors. Several projects have been or are likely to be commissioned during the control period itself. The reasons indicated by the petitioners appear to be in the manner of indirectly invoking the Force Majeure clause specified in the PPA, which cannot be addressed by a general order,” the Commission said.

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/163/tariff.jpg

^^ wow nice find man

Solar Cells on Narmada Canal to light up rural homes (http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_solar-power-cells-on-narmada-canal-to-light-up-rural-homes_1647046)


http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/4127/narmada.png
cc dna epaper

What was dismissed as an outlandish announcement by chief minister Narendra Modi is turning into reality. Gujarat is all set to become the first state in the country to generate solar power through panels mounted on a water body, the Narmada canal to be specific.

The Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) has undertaken the pilot project of 1 MW, under which solar panels will be installed atop the Narmada canal for generating power. The solar panels would be laid on around 1 km of the Narmada canal for generating 1 MW of solar power.

The solar panels are being installed atop the Narmada branch canal near Chandrasan village of Mehsana’s Kadi taluka, around 75 km from Ahmedabad.
“This is a unique project. Something like this has not been undertaken in the country,” state energy minister, Saurabh Patel, told DNA.

Chief minister Narendra Modi had first spoken about the plan to install solar panels atop Narmada canal at a function in Gandhinagar on October 3, but the announcement was greeted with a lot of skepticism. But, the project is now in advanced stages.

The engineering, procurement and construction contract for the project has been awarded to Sun Edison at a cost of Rs 17.71 crore. This is slightly higher than a traditional solar plant, where panels are mounted on land, which costs in the region of Rs14 — 15 crore for 1 MW.

According to state government, the project would have multiple and lasting benefits. “Installation of panels on the canal will help in doing away with the need to acquire land. Evaporation of lakhs of litres of water will be prevented since the canal will be covered. And, we will generate clean energy,” Patel said.

Another advantage of the project is that power generated will be supplied to villages alongside the canal, which will lead to lower transmission losses. Meanwhile, officials said that work on the project is progressing well.
"The project is in advanced stages of completion. We expect to complete it in the next two to three weeks, and start work on the next phase," Bhargav Mehta, director, Sun Edison, said. The second phase of the project envisages solar power generation capacity of 2 MW by installing solar panels atop the Narmada canal.


Awesome piece of thinking outside the box :cheers:

^^ Holy shit!! This is brilliant ! Just when you think you've figured out all of Modi's cleverness - he comes out with a new googly !!!

Xposting from TN renewables thread.

Sun Edison, Azure win rooftop contracts (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/article2886242.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home)

Chennai, Feb. 12:

Two US-headquartered companies, Sun Edison and Azure Power, have won the mandate for setting up rooftop solar power plant projects in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Implemented by Gujarat Energy Research Management Institute (GERMI), this rent-a-roof programme is the first-of-its-kind in India.

Sun Edison and Azure Power will each put up 2.5 MW of solar plants on the roofs of houses or office complexes that are willing to rent their roof for the purpose.

The roof owner will get a part of the revenue generated by the power plant.

The owner will not get to use the electricity to run his home or office, as has been the case in all the rooftop solar developments so far in the country.

The first phase of the ‘Gandhinagar Solar Rooftop Programme' is 5 MW, but more will follow in due course, Business Line learns from sources in Gujarat official circles.

Azure Power said it had not got an official communication from GERMI, while Sun Edison refused to comment.

Tata Power commissions 25MW solar project in Mithapur (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/energy/power/tata-power-commissions-25-mw-solar-project-in-gujarat/articleshow/11902125.cms)

Country's largest private power utility Tata Power today said it has commissioned the 25 MW Mithapur solar project in Gujarat, boosting the entity's renewable energy portfolio.

The solar photo-voltaic (PV) power project has been developed with an investment of about Rs 365 crore. The firm has signed the power purchase pact for the plant, commissioned on January 25, with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd.

"Tata Power now has a strong portfolio of over 28 MW of solar and 375 MW of wind making it the largest renewable utility player in India," the firm said in a statement.

The Mithapur project has been implemented by Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd.

"We are delighted to announce the commissioning of one of the largest solar projects in the country," Tata Power Managing Director Anil Sardana said.

The project has been funded through a debt equity mix of 70:30, comprising an equity investment of Rs 110 crore and Rupee Term Loans of Rs 255 crore.

Tata Power plans to set up 300 MW of solar power capacity by 2017.

The company has an installed capacity of about 3,682 MW.

Not a massive project, but noteworthy for the innovative technology being used

5MW thin-film tracker project completed in India (http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/archive/2012/february/beitrag/5-mw-thin-film-tracker-project-completed-in-india_100005803/)


A five megawatt (MW) thin film photovoltaic project has been completed in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is said to be the largest system globally, which combines thin film technology with a tracking system.

The project was completed and grid-connected in December. Backbone Enterprises undertook the project development, while InSolare Energy Pvt. Ltd worked as engineering, procurement and construction contractor. NexPower, meanwhile, supplied the thin film modules needed. In a statement released, NexPower said, "The solar plant is expected to produce up to 25 percent power output more than that of a standard crystalline plant without a tracking system."

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/5845/gujrat2.jpg
http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/8184/gujrat1.jpg
(From offical website link (http://www.insolare.com/projects.html))

More photos of narmada canal solar project

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/pb-120216-solar-jb-01.photoblog900.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/pb-120216-solar-jb-02.photoblog900.jpg

Source (http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/16/10427642-solar-panels-atop-a-canal-in-india-aim-to-make-power-while-preventing-evaporation)

Amazing thread.
Amazing posts.
Amazing progress.
:banana:
Feeling proud to be a Gujarati.
Great work guys for keeping this post lively!

Narendra Modi speaking about Narmada Canal Solar idea in September 2011

NJ6kUjIv83E


Land costs are an important factor for feasibility of Solar projects
Existing Narmada Canal Network in Gujarat is 100,000km long
According to technical experts, main Narmada canal and the small terminal canals are not suitable for Solar Projects
However, the network of Branch Canals can be used
1km of Branch Canal = 1MW Solar Power & can prevent 10,000,000 litres of water evaporation
Power produced to be supplied to adjacent villages to cut T&D losses
Also investigating possibility of "micro-hydro-turbines" underneath Solar Panels to generate power from flow of water in the Canal


The pic that seems to be doing the rounds on Facebook
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/420573_368018796550381_138019789550284_1477822_1127220127_n.jpg

X-posting from Renewable energy for India thread

Here is a step in the right direction, integrating roof and solar seemlessly as one... Time for new buildings to adopt the trend and for city inspection/building permits to make it de rigueur for all new buildings...

http://www.instablogsimages.com/1/2012/02/25/integrated_solar_power_tile_pkyda.jpg

Named ‘Amrita Smart,’ the integrated solar tile can both harvest and store power on sunny days. The power can be used to recharge laptops, cell phones or to light up the house during nighttime. The product weighs in at 200 grams and it will be made available on the market in two years, says Vinod Gopal.

We have seen a variety of solar products that can only harvest power from sun. But, most often, for storing the power, extra battery will be required. It is here the Amrita Smart becomes unique. The invention is certainly noteworthy, because it will be inexpensive and efficient as well. In addition, it will be easy to set up given the fact that it is an integrated product.

The Amrita researchers showcased their invention at the International Conference, NANOSOLAR 2012. The solar conference was conduced by the Amrita Center for Nanosciences at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Erankulam, the industrial city of Kerala.

The integrated solar power tile is a notable invention. It can be used for home-based production of sustainable power. People can now embellish their rooftops with solar power generating-and-storing tiles. To an extent, it will bring the electricity bills down as well contribute much into the reduction of carbon footprint.

Indian researchers develop integrated solar energy storage tile (http://www.ecofriend.com/indian-researchers-develop-integrated-solar-energy-storage-tile.html)


How about they also implement this around villages that cannot have solar power due to some reason.

$100m ADB loan for Solar power transmission in Gujarat (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/02/27/100m-adb-loan-for-solar-power-transmission-in-gujarat/)

The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed an agreement for a $ 100 million ADB loan to develop a transmission system that will distribute 500 megawatts (MW) of solar power from the Charanka Solar Park in north Gujarat.

Using a public private partnership (PPP) model, the project will create job opportunities, improve social services and contribute to poverty reduction locally, an official press release said.

It will also support power distribution companies in Gujarat and other Indian power utilities to meet part of their clean energy procurement obligations through solar energy, it said.

L&Tનો સૌથી મોટો સોલર પાવર પ્લાન્ટ ગુજરાતમાં કાર્યરત

http://business.divyabhaskar.co.in/article/larsen-and-toubro-has-200-mw-solar-power-project-2960823.html

એલ એન્ડ ટીએ 200 મેગાવોટ સોલર પાવર પેદા કરવા માટે ઓર્ડર મેળવ્યા છે. એપ્રિલ સુધી કંપની 112 મેગાવોટની પ્રસ્થાપિત ક્ષમતા સુધી પહોંચવા તૈયાર છે.

એલ એન્ડ ટીએ છેલ્લા બે વર્ષમાં 10 પ્રોજેક્ટ મેળવ્યા છે. સૌથી મોટો શરૂ કરાયેલો પ્રોજેક્ટ ગુજરાતમાં ચરન્ખા ખાતે 25 મેગાવોટનો સોલર ફોટોવોલ્ટેક (પીવી) પાવર પ્લાન્ટ છે, તેમાં ટિયર-1 ક્રિસ્ટલાઇન પીવી ટેકનોલોજીનો ઉપયોગ કરાયો છે.

થીન ફિલ્મ ટેકનોલોજીનો ઉપયોગ કરતો 40 મેગાવોટનો પ્લાન્ટ હાલ રાજસ્થાનમાં પોખરણ ખાતે આકાર લઇ રહ્યો છે. આ યુનિટ અત્યાર સુધીમાં શરૂ કરાયેલા પાવર પ્લાન્ટમાંનો એક હશે, તેમ એલ એન્ડ ટીએ જણાવ્યું હતું.

ગુજરાતમાં શરૂ કરાયેલા 66 મેગાવોટના પ્રોજેક્ટોમાં કંપનીએ સુરેન્દ્રનગર જિલ્લામાં 10 મેગાવોટનો ટ્રેકર આધારિત ક્રિસ્ટલાઇન પ્લાન્ટ પ્રસ્થાપિત કર્યો હતો. આ પ્લાન્ટ ટિયર-1 ક્રિસ્ટલાઇન પીવી મોડ્યુલ્સ અને સિંગલ એક્સીસ ટ્રેકરનો ઉપયોગ કરે છે.

એલ એન્ડ ટીની ક્ષમતાઓમાં પીવી અને કોન્સનટ્રેટેડ સોલર પાવર માટે ડિઝાઇન, ફીક્સ્ડ અને ટ્રેકર સ્ટ્રક્ચર મેન્યુફેકચરિંગ અને ખર્ચ કાર્યક્ષમ પ્લાન્ટના બાંધકામનો સમાવેશ થાય છે. (http://business.divyabhaskar.co.in/article/larsen-and-toubro-has-200-mw-solar-power-project-2960823.html)

Very good that they are putting the panels on top of the canal itself to solve the land issues.
But what will happen in monsoon ? the canal needs to be naturally populated with rain water and if it is covered with the panel now, what will happen ?
I understand that the water will not evaporate but the level will be decreased if used by people/farmers.
Also how will the solar panel react to rain ?

Very good that they are putting the panels on top of the canal itself to solve the land issues.
But what will happen in monsoon ? the canal needs to be naturally populated with rain water and if it is covered with the panel now, what will happen ?
I understand that the water will not evaporate but the level will be decreased if used by people/farmers.
Also how will the solar panel react to rain ?

Well, water in the canal is sourced from the Narmada river, the area where these panels have been put up is not a high-rainfall area (thats why the canal is there!). The canal network has hundreds of dams, reservoirs so too much water is really not a problem. Its far more likely there will be times where there is low level of water in the canals, but that will also have no effect on the panels.

If you look closely at the smaller pic in post #7, you can see that the panels are angled, so that rain water can go into the canal, but as I said before, its a pretty dry part of North Gujarat.

In general, solar panels will not have any adverse reaction to rainwater, it doesnt make a difference if the panels are on a canal, in a solar park or on top of a building, solar panels are designed to cope with rain.

Its really good to see that Gujarat chief minister is taking initiative for solar roof top programme. :cheers: Its available in some countries and is a welcome move in India. If it succeeds in Gujarat, it could be replicated in other states also. Can some one please say the current status of "Gandhinagar (Solar) Photovoltaic Rooftop Programme (http://www.gpclindia.com/gpcl_rsg/index.html)". How is it being looked upon by the people of Gandhinagar? How much will they get paid as rent, approximately? :)

Nice find! Will try to x-post some of that info in the thread

Some details of the sub-projects as part of Gandhinagar Solar City scheme can be seen here (http://geda.gujarat.gov.in/project_single.php?project=17).

Unfortunately the exact finances of the "green incentive" are probably not something that has been made public. As far as I can tell, a lot of the initial uptake has been to Govt/Institutional buildings, which is understandable given they need to recoup their initial investment in the panels themselves.

In latest Gujarat budget, it was announced that similar schemes would be started in Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar and Mehsana. The need for a reliable regular metered electricity supply to property for this scheme to work, may make it difficult to replicate outside Gujarat. But these places will provide a better model for other cities than Gandhinagar.

Thanks GJ10. :)

The need for a reliable regular metered electricity supply to property for this scheme to work, may make it difficult to replicate outside Gujarat.

Could you please explain the above statement. To my knowledge, except for free electricity towards agriculture, given in some states, all are metered...

Gujarat's Power Load Despatch Centre displays a continuously varying Unit rate for power during 24 hrs, which varies between Rs 3 to Rs 6 approx.

I assume consumers will be charged as per this rate at that time of consumption. Do you have any facility to meter consumption with Time stamp like Broad Band Internet connection.

e.g. If I choose to consume power at 0300 hrs when unit rate is Say Rs 03.10, Will I be charged at this rate.?

Can sombody please ,explain the ground situation and how this is accomplished?
Thanks.

Could you please explain the above statement. To my knowledge, except for free electricity towards agriculture, given in some states, all are metered...

Illegal electricity connections and/or corruption in electricity boards (as we used to have in Gujarat) would make such schemes difficult to replicate in other places. Also, if somewhere is suffering from unreliable power, there would obviously be a temptation to siphon "free" solar energy from panels rather than spend money on running back-up generator at own expense.

Gujarat's Power Load Despatch Centre displays a continuously varying Unit rate for power during 24 hrs, which varies between Rs 3 to Rs 6 approx.

I assume consumers will be charged as per this rate at that time of consumption. Do you have any facility to meter consumption with Time stamp like Broad Band Internet connection.

e.g. If I choose to consume power at 0300 hrs when unit rate is Say Rs 03.10, Will I be charged at this rate.?

Can sombody please ,explain the ground situation and how this is accomplished?
Thanks.

Not sure why this has been asked in Solar energy thread.

You can see the electricity tariffs here (pdf) (http://www.pgvcl.com/tariff/TERIFF2011-12/Tariff%20Schedule.pdf)

If persons wish to use >90% of power at night rates, they can opt to be charged on lower rate night-tariff, but time-switch has to be installed at consumers own cost.

If you have further questions, please post in the Discussions thread rather than here. Cheers

Thanks GJ10

Cross posting from Tamil Nadu - Renewable Energy thread...


SunEdison's 100-kW unit rises on StanChart rooftop



http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article3013263.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home

^^ Its related to Tamil Nadu, but thought of sharing it here, coz I was discussing related to this here....
I thought, replicating Gujarat model in Tamil Nadu would be a nice idea. But, it has already started, with some difference... :cheers: Good to see this... :applause::cheer:

Thanks GJ10

Cross posting from Tamil Nadu - Renewable Energy thread...




^^ Its related to Tamil Nadu, but thought of sharing it here, coz I was discussing related to this here....
I thought, replicating Gujarat model in Tamil Nadu would be a nice idea. But, it has already started, with some difference... :cheers: Good to see this... :applause::cheer:

I think you have grossly missed the point here. What you posted is just an example of a private company getting 0.1MW solar power for its own use from the roof of its building. Its not even remotely comparable to the rooftop solar generation scheme in Gandhinagar.

The important step is to actually contribute into the local electricity grid. This will require either a local Solar policy as in Gujarat, or using the Central Govt solar policy as in Rajasthan. TN appears to be in the process of framing its own policy link (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=89380640&postcount=483), so we cannot expect anything comparable until that is announced.

I think you have grossly missed the point here. What you posted is just an example of a private company getting 0.1MW solar power for its own use from the roof of its building. Its not even remotely comparable to the rooftop solar generation scheme in Gandhinagar.

The important step is to actually contribute into the local electricity grid. This will require either a local Solar policy as in Gujarat, or using the Central Govt solar policy as in Rajasthan. TN appears to be in the process of framing its own policy link (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=89380640&postcount=483), so we cannot expect anything comparable until that is announced.

Yes. I knew the difference. :) What I actually meant was something good is happening in the right direction. That is why I mentioned "But, it has already started, with some difference..." :cheers: I guess Gujarat is well ahead of all other states in solar energy. All the best. :applause:

Waaree - founded in 2007, is one of India's biggest manufacturers of PV modules & solar power EPC contractor has announced the successful completion of 10 MW Solar PV Project, at Gujarat, India.

Waaree, is being awarded 10 MW ground mounted solar power project by M/s Monosteel India Pvt Ltd (MSIL), for designing, procurement, erection and commissioning. The project is located at UNA in Gujarat about 30 kms from Diu. The installation was inspected and endorsed to be completed in compliance to all standards & specifications and is ready in all respects for supply to state utilities. The seasonal tilt technology is used to enhance the performance of this 10 MW plant. The plant will generate more than 20.5 million units per year, for a greener tomorrow. Waaree make 40,000 multi-crystalline solar PV modules are used for this project which will help turn sunlight directly into clean electricity. This will replace carbon emission equivalent of around 10,754 tons, an equivalent of removing pollution caused by emission of around 11,000 cars every year.

The plant is one of the largest of its kind in that area at present. The plant spans across 60 acres of land. The plant has been built under the Gujarat State Solar Power Policy 2009 and the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The PPA is for 25 years.

This is a great step in the development of clean energy from renewable sources. Such an approach helps balance out carbon emission from the power generating plants based on fossil fuels & also simultaneously contributing towards the energy security of India. It's an initiative towards leaving a better world for the next generation.

http://itbriefing.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=269486&newlang=eng&topic=15&catid=40

Gamesa installs 1MW on grid Solar PV inverter in Bhuj (http://www.constructionweekonline.in/article-7772-gamesa_installs_on_grid_solar_pv_inverter/)

Wind energy major, Gamesa, under its brand, Gamesa Electric, has installed and commissioned its first on-grid 500kW TL Plus central inverters – 1MW containerized solution at Essar Solar Photo Voltaic Power Plant at Bhuj, in Gujarat.

Gamesa Electric has installed and commissioned more than 1500 PV Central inverters worldwide. GAMESA Electric is a leading Spanish-based R&D player in power Electronics since 1979. The 1MW photo-voltaic plant has been synchronized with the Paschim Gujarat Vij Grid. The Chairman and Managing Director of Gamesa Wind Turbines Private Limited, Ramesh Kymal, said the MNC had been making great strides as a wind energy player. And now the bandwidth of the MNC is growing leaps and bounds with Gamesa Electric contributing its share in the new and renewable energy sector. “We feel elated about the installation and commissioning of 1 MW containerized solution in the investor-friendly State of Gujarat and the commissioning acts as a morale booster for Gamesa India in particular and for the solar sector as a whole,” Mr. Kymal added.

The General Manager, Special Projects, T Vijayakumar, Gamesa Wind Turbines Private Limited, said that this is an important milestone for Gamesa Electric to enter into Indian solar PV space through its reliable and time-tested solar PV inverter. “This is a natural progression of its power electronics capability nurtured through its experience in grid tied wind turbine converter technology”, he added.

Solar Powered Desalination is something that I hope can be replicated across many coastal areas of Kutch/Saurashtra especially.

Asias largest Desalination project at Dahej (http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-03-22/news/31225162_1_desalination-largest-seawater-dahej-project)

The Gujarat government inked an MoU with consortium of Japanese and Singaporean companies for setting up the Asia's largest seawater desalination plant in Dahej.

The consortium of Japan-based Hitachi, ITOCHU Corporation and Singapore-based Hyflux Ltd signed co-developer agreement with Dahej Special Economic Zone Ltd (DSEZL), the company managing Dahej SEZ, in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Ambassador Akitaka Saiki.

The consortium has established 'Dahej Spring Desalination Private Ltd' for project implementation. The main feature of co-developer agreement is to secure the rights to supply water to industrial parks in the Dahej SEZ, a state industry department official said.

Upon completion, Dahej project will be largest seawater desalination project in Asia, according to officials.

The 300 mld desalination plant is expected to need investment of around Rs 3,000 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Modi said it is a landmark initiative for water management on World Water Day and added that project is unique as it would be run on solar power.

Speaking on the occasion, Modi said it is a landmark initiative for water management on World Water Day and added that project is unique as it would be run on solar power.

But I have read that the efficiency of solar desalination plant is very very low ... then??

But I have read that the efficiency of solar desalination plant is very very low ... then??

Not sure to be honest, but if thats true, itd certainly explain why the project needs to be very very big :lol:

Am sure more info will become available as it progresses, but good sign at this stage is that Hitachi, Hyflux and Itochu are reputed firms in the fields of Solar Desalination, reverse-osmosis technology and water management respectively.

Waaree completes 3MW PV plant in Gujarat (http://www.solarserver.com/solar-magazine/solar-news/current/2012/kw13/waaree-completes-3-mw-pv-plant-in-gujarat.html)

On March 26th, 2012 Waaree Energies Pvt Ltd. (Mumbai, India) announced that it has built a 3 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant for Abellon Clean Energy Ltd. (Ahmadabad, India) in the Indian state of Gujarat.

The company served as engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the plant, which is located in Sbarkantha District, Gujarat. Less than a week prior on March 21st, 2012 Waaree announced the completion of a 10 MW PV plant in Una, Gujarat.

"We are very happy to complete our 3 MW Solar PV project," stated Abellon President Pankaj Patel. "It is good to see that people are now moving towards solar power generation and this industry is picking up in India."

"I am confident that India will emerge as a key player at global level in this segment. We acknowledge the spirit of partnership with which Waaree Energies approached the project, making it possible for us to execute the same in a flawless manner, overcoming all constraints."

Titan Energy ties up with Spanish firm for supply of PV modules (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/titan-energy-ties-upspanish-firms-for-supplyphoto-voltaic-modules/469465/)

Hyderabad-based solar photo voltaic (PV) module manufacturer, Titan Energy Systems limited, has partnered Ortiz Energia, a subsidiary of Euro 600-million Grupo Ortiz of Spain. Under the partnership, Titan Energy will provide PV modules and other services to PIH Energy, Spain, which is planning to develop a 100Mw solar power project in Gujarat by bringing in foreign direct investment (FDI).

“We were scouting for a renowned EPC partner and a developer who could bring in both equity and debt to set up power projects. While Ortiz is interested in setting up EPC projects, PIH has experience in global sourcing and arranging finances apart from having good knowledge in project implementation,” Rao SYS Chodagam, founder and managing director of Titan Energy, said here on Thursday.

According to Juan Camilo Echeverri, spokesperson for PIH Energy, his company will initially invest in securing approvals that also require mandatory deposits with the authorities to launch solar power projects and then bring equity investors and funding agencies from countries including the US.

A solar power project with a capacity of 100 Mw is currently at an approval stage in Gujarat and it targets to bid for another 200-Mw project in India, according to him. The government permits 100 per cent FDI in solar power development.

Chodagam said apart from the national targets, the fact that some people had bid solar projects at a rate of Rs 7 per unit under the National Solar Energy Mission, as against Rs 12-Rs 13 per unit cost being incurred on a diesel generator, provides ample space for captive solar plants in the days to come.

“Foreign funding agencies will find it attractive even with 7 per cent rate of return on investment unlike domestic financial institutions. That is why we also got the backup of global players,” he said.

Solar PV module manufacturers, who were severely impacted by the recent global recession, will now be having good domestic business opportunities in the light of the changed environment for the solar sector in the country, according to him.

Under the partnership entered with the two Spanish companies, Titan will supply PV modules for a capacity of 300 Mw to the developers, apart from providing operation and maintenance services to the projects.

Titan’s manufacturing facility has a capacity to produce 100-Mw solar modules a year.

Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Private Limited will soon install the second set of photovoltaic roof top systems at ISRO Space Application Centre in Ahmadabad in the state of Gujarat under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).

Emmvee has designed 2 new grid connected PV roof top systems of 10kW each for the space centre and will be supplying all the components as well as undertaking the installation and commissioning of the PV system in April 2012. The performance of the PV system will be monitored by Emmvee under an operation and maintenance contract.

The co-operation between Emmvee and the Space Research Organization has been going since 2011, when Emmvee had installed the first two roof top systems of 10kW each with 80 monocrystalline modules of 250Wp. All 4 PV systems have a special feature called seasonal tilt technology wherein the mounting direction can be changed according to the season to reach the maximum energy output. The total output of the installations is expected to generate 60,000 units of electricity per year which will be used for the office lightings at Space Application Centre (SAC).

SAC is one of the major centres of ISRO and it is a host institution for training programmes, such as Satellite Communication, Satellite Meteorology and global change under the Centre for Space Science & Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (CSSTEAP) affiliated to the United Nations (UN).

Speaking about this significant project, Mr. D.V. Manjunatha, founder and Managing Director of Emmvee, expressed that the company’s key focus on quality of the modules and reliability of the services is the foundation of trust from quality sensitive organisations like ISRO. ISRO is extremely satisfied with the performance of the first two roof top systems installed last year and hence has selected Emmvee for the installations of two additional PV Systems.

http://www.energynext.in/isro-in-ahmadabad-will-get-its-second-set-of-photovoltaic-roof-top-systems-from-emmvee/

AMC to set up 400 KW Solar plant this year, LEDs to replace tubelights (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/04/07/amc-to-set-up-400-kw-solar-plant-this-year-leds-to-replace-tubelights/)

By end of this year, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation(AMC) will be having in-total 400 KW solar power capacity at its various facilities.

“To conserve energy through solar power, the AMC has initiated procedure to set up a 100 kw solar plant at MEMCO sports complex for lighting system with the help of Gujarat Energy Development Agency(GEDA),” Shri Guruprasad Mohapatra, Commissioner of AMC said today adding that the MEMCO solar plant will be functional by the end of August 2012.

“Similarly a 100 KW solar plant by GEDA at Sardar Patel stadium will be functional before November 2012,” Commissioner added.

“AMC headquarter at Danapith will have 100 kw solar plant for ‘C’ block under the guidence of GEDA, installation work of the plant will be completed by the end of August 2012. Kotarpur water treatment plant will have another 100 kw solar plant which will be functional after July 2012,” he further added.

According to a statement issued by Municipal Commissioner, in a bid to save 50% electricity, around 10,000 sodium fittings on main roads of western zone of the city will be replaced with modern low watt LED fittings. This task will be completed by 31st July 2012.

In society areas of western Ahmedabad, around 25000 street lights that use 36 watt tube light will be replaced with energy efficient T-5 tube lights of 28 watts. In first phase, 5000 such streetlights will be changed. The task will be completed before 15 June.

Similarly the AMC will replace 81000 conventional 36 watt tube lights in all zonal and other offices. In first phase western and south zone offices will get 5,000 latest LED lights of 18 watt as replacement to save 55% power cost. The task will be completed by 30th May 2012.

The AMC in first phase has started saving Rs 3900 daily in 59 sections through alternate streetlight switching. Such saving practice will be effective in all sections by the end of June 2012.

650MW Solar Power projects to be inaugurated in Gujarat: Modi (http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/650-mw-solar-power-projects-to-be-inaugurated-in-guj-modi/984441.html)

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi today said 15 solar projects with a capacity to produce 650MW power will be dedicated to the nation at Charanka solar park in north Gujarat on April 19.

Talking to a group of Solar Power Developers Forum, Modi said all these 15 projects have been completed in a record time of 16 months. Modi said Gujarat is poised to become the world's solar energy capital.

^^ Adding to the same article

Besides other initiatives, he said that Gujarat Government would soon come out with a ‘Rooftop Solar Policy’. Gujarat has already sent a letter to the Prime Minister to develop a system along the 1,500-km India-Pakistan international border to not only produce power but also put in place a solar-powered defence mechanism.

Mr. Modi said that Gujarat is capable of accepting the challenges of Global Warming and Climate Change and taking the lead in India to provide succor to the humanity. It is not just a matter of pride but showing direction to the nation.

The Solar Park Developers Forum praised the Gujarat Government’s proactive energy policy for early completion of the projects in 16 months which speak volumes.

Principal Energy Secretary D.J. Pandian was also present during the meeting.

source (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/04/09/narendra-modi-to-dedicate-650-mw-charnka-solar-park-to-nation-on-april-19th/)


Imagine the whole border fence-line covered with solar panels! A very good idea

Charanka solar park - Copyright Getty Images

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- note the windmill on the back left

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Some more pics from DG article.

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600 MW of Solar Power Projects will be dedicated to the nation at a ceremony to be held at the India’s first Solar Park at Charanka village, Randhanpur taluka, Patan district in Gujarat on 19th April, 2012 by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Solar Power Project developed at Anand, Banaskantha, Jamnangar, Junagadh, Kutch, Porbandar, Rajkot, Surat, and Surendranagar will also be dedicated on during this occasion. The Ceremony will be attended by the large community of International Delegates including representatives from Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Hongkong, Singapore UK and United State of America will attend this ceremony.

‘Gujarat Solar Park’ has an aggregated capacity of 214 MW Solar Projects commissioned at a single location. ‘Gujarat Solar Park’ is an innovative concept of Government of Gujarat to promote solar installations within the state for with ease of operation. The State Government has allocated developed land to the Project Developers with the entire infrastructure including power evacuation, roads and water for commissioning of the Power Project on fast track.

The State signed 968.5 MW of solar power projects under its Solar Power Policy and also took an initiative to launch ‘Gujarat Solar Park’ with a vision to build it as the world’s largest solar power park. The foundation stone of the Solar Park was laid in December, 2010.

“This 600 MW Solar Power Project Dedication Ceremony will be followed by the India Solar Investment and Technology Summit and Exhibition to be held at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar on 20 and 21 April, 2012. The Summit will have large number of Indian and Foreign Speakers and Delegates” stated Mr. D J Pandian, Principal Secretary, Energy & Petrochemicals Dept, Govt. of Gujarat.

The Summit will have sessions and discussions on global solar market, investment opportunities in India, financing of solar industry, use of technology, infrastructure and innovation for successful projects, potential for solar R&D and technology development, and the future of Indian solar sector. The Programme for the Solar Investment and Technology Summit and Exhibition is enclosed.

Source (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/04/15/in-photos-preparations-in-full-swing-for-opening-of-gujarat-solar-park/)

Lanco Solar completes 56MW solar PV plants to the grid in Gujarat (http://www.energynext.in/lanco-solar-completes-56mw-solar-pv-plants-to-the-grid-in-gujarat/)

Lanco Solar, a fully owned subsidiary of Lanco Infratech Limited, announced that it has completed a total of 56MW Grid connected solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants in Gujarat. This includes three plants of 35 MW owned by Lanco Infratech Ltd and additional 21 MW built as turnkey EPC for other developers – the Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd (5MW), GSPC Pipavav Power Company Ltd (5MW), GHI Energy Pvt Ltd (10 MW) and Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd (1MW).

These Power Plants will generate up to 90 million units of green electricity annually resulting in reduction of CO2 emissions by 85757 tonnes annually. “We came to Gujarat in 2009 to explore the possibility of setting up our solar business here. The visionary approach of the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the attitude of Government of Gujarat have been very positive for promotion of solar energy,” said Mr. V. Saibaba, CEO Lanco Solar.

Mr. Saibaba added that Gujarat was at the forefront of solar development in the country today, with its excellent solar radiation, progressive solar policies and conducive business environment, and his company was looking forward to continued growth over its existing 56 MW in the state.

GPCL partnered with Lanco for its 5 MW PV Project in Solar Park. The project was set up in record time, fully meets our expectations. Lanco also happens to be the first developer to deliver a 5MW solar project in Gujarat and has been consistent in delivering projects within timelines in Gujarat. “We would be happy to see more solar players like Lanco flourishing in Gujarat, going forward,” said Mr. D. J Pandian – Gujarat Principal Secretary for Energy.

Gujarat Solar Park is Asia’s largest solar park in Gujarat being dedicated bythe Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mr. Narendra Modi, to the nation on April 19, 2012. The Park is the “first of its kind in the world, being the largest, multi-developer, multi-facility park to encourage investment in the sector. Lanco is happy to be part of this prestigious solar park community in Gujarat,” said Mr. Madhusudhan Rao, Chairman, Lanco Group.

deleted

Delegates from 11 countries, Consul General of America and Singapore to attend the Gujarat solar park event (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/04/18/delegates-from-11-countries-consul-general-of-america-and-singapore-to-attend-the-gujarat-solar-park-event/)

600 MW Solar power project dedication Ceremony on 19th of April, 2012 will be followed by the India Solar Investment and Technology Summit and Exhibition to be held at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar on 2O and 21 April, 2012. The Summit will have large number of Indian and Foreign Speakers and Delegates.

The Summit will have sessions and discussions on global solar market, investment opportunities in India, financing of solar industry, use of technology, infrastructure and innovation for successful projects, potential for solar R&D and technology development, and the future of Indian solar sector.

Meanwhile, according to the state officials, the ceremony of dedication of 600 MW solar power projects will be attended by the large community of international delegates including Peter Haas ,Counsel General of United State to India, Mr. Dana Younger , Chief Renewable Energy Specialist, International Finance Corporation (lFC),Wor|d Bank Group, USA, Mr. Peter Ballinger, Director, Clean Energy Finance, Renewable Overseas Finance investment Corporation (OPIC), USA, and Mr. Naoki Sakai, Sr. Climate Change Specialist, Asian Development Bank and Counsel General of Singapore to India, to name a few.

The Delegates from Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Hongkong, Singapore, UK and United State of America will attend this ceremony.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/374118_358492604196498_182832568429170_987120_451111382_n.jpg

Charanka based solar park
cc DG
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Ajay Devgn announces completion of his Solar plant in Gujarat (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/04/18/ajay-devgn-announces-completion-of-his-solar-plant-in-gujarat/)

Mr. Ramakant J. Tibrewala of the Roha Group, Mr. Ajay Devgn and Mr. Kumar Mangat announced the completion of a 25MW Solar Plant during a press conference held yesterday at Chandigarh, India.

The triumvirate panel congratulated the Honorable Chief Minister, Shri. Narendraji Modi for achieving the herculean task of completing the State of Art Solar Park and also for ensuring the installation of 600MW of Solar Power Plants.

The Solar Project, located in Charanaka, Patan District, Gujarat, is a Joint Venture between the Roha Group, Mr. Ajay Devgn and Mr. Kumar Mangat. The Charanaka Solar Project was installed and started operating on 31st December, 2011, in a record time of 8 months (4 weeks before the deadline of January 28, 2012). The state-of-the-art plant is unique in its own way and has been built using the most advanced technologies.

The Roha Group has long been known for its pre-disposition to quality and attention to detail in every industry it enters. Established in the year 1972 at ROHA, India, The Roha Group is a big player in investments & wealth management, food distribution, paints, fertilisers, filtration machine manufacture, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals colours market. Today, the Group’s turnover exceeds US$200 million. Sixteen Offices and dedicated production lines, along with application labs that provide cutting edge technical support across 5 continents (120 countries) have made Roha a byword in the colour industry.

Now, the Group is expanding into infrastructure and is doing so in accordance with one of the core values, “To care for and safe guard the environment”. The first major step in conserving natural resources was taken by installing 7.5 MW wind mills in Sangli, Maharashtra, in CY 2007.

Another huge step in this direction has been the completion of a 25 MW Solar Power Plant using Thin Film Technology, located at Patan, Gujarat.

The Charanaka Solar Park will be formally inaugurated by Honorable Chief Minister Shri Narendraji Modi in Gujarat on April 19, 2012, the first day of the 2-day Indian Solar Summit 2012, further strengthening Gujarat’s position as a global solar power hub.

The much-awaited announcement of Gujarat Phase III Solar Policy during the summit will unveil the state’s plans for making the state an international solar hub not only for generation but also for manufacturing solar power equipment and solar energy-related research and development.

Already, the Govt. of Gujarat has done much to make the state a global Solar power hub. An innovative and pro-industry approach under the strong leadership of Hon. Chief Minister, Shri Narendraji Modi, a clearly spelled out Solar Policy, excellent grid infrastructure for evacuation of power, fast track clearances and helpful Govt. Depts., along with excellent infrastructure.

The Indian Solar Summit 2012 (ISIT 2012) will see the presence of senior government officials, leading solar cell manufacturers, module manufacturers, equipment suppliers and solar developers from all over the world. The main focus of the summit will be the latest industrial policies, progress of India’s major solar projects and advanced technological solutions & equipment selection. The strategic points to be discussed during the conference will be investment opportunities, potential in Indian market for technology providers & manufacturers of solar equipments and identification of the most suitable areas for solar projects in India.

All the participants of the summit will visit Charanaka on April 19 to take part in the inaugural function of the solar park, which has an installed capacity of 200 MW with the scope for further expansion of 300 MW.

Asias largest Solar Park functional in Gujarat (http://zeenews.india.com/news/technology/asia-s-largest-solar-park-functional-in-gujarat_770729.html)

A 600 MW solar power park, touted as Asia's first and largest, was Thursday dedicated to the nation by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the state's Patan district, in a boost to India's efforts towards low carbon growth.

The solar power park with a power generation capacity of 600 MW, covering approximately 3,000 acres of wasteland bordering the Rann of Kutch, will generate two-thirds of India's total 900 MW of solar power production.

"Gujarat dedicates 600 MW of solar power to the nation today (Thursday). We are celebrating the launch of Agni V & dedication of 600 MW solar power park in Gujarat," Modi said on micro blogging site twitter.

According to the Gujarat government, the solar project will lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions to the tune of eight million tonnes and save 900,000 tonnes of natural gas annually.

Under its Solar Power Policy, the state government had signed memorandums of understanding for generation of 968.5 MW of solar power by the end of this year.

Other projects will be developed at Anand, Banaskantha, Jamnangar, Junagadh, Kutch, Porbandar, Rajkot, Surat and Surendranagar.

The Gujarat Solar Park is an innovative concept of the state government to promote solar installations in which it allocated developed land to the project developers with the entire infrastructure, including power evacuation, roads and water for commissioning of the power project put on fast track.

Gujarat will also host the 'India Solar Summit 2012: Investment and Technology Expo' in Gandhinagar April 20 and 21.

Gujarat has attracted Rs 8000Cr investment in Solar Energy (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/features/article3332652.ece)

Over the last decade, Gujarat has emerged a power-surplus State and carried electricity to nearly all of its 18,000 villages through the Jyotigram Yojana.

Most of its areas now have a round-the-clock electricity supply. Its biggest cities such as Ahmedabad and Surat are lighted by the private sector and its state electricity board had come out of the red in 2006. Clearly, electricity availability and reforms in power sector have gone a long way in making the Gujarat miracle.

Mr D.J. Pandian, Principal Secretary (Energy), has been one of the architects of this phenomenon. Known in the business circles as Gujarat's “Energy Czar”, he is the man behind the State's energy projects. He also nursed the Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, when he headed the GSPC Group.

Here, he speaks to Business Line on how solar energy has arrived in Gujarat. Excerpts:


What are the installed capacity and current production of thermal energy in Gujarat?


We have an installed capacity of 13,500 MW and now produce 11,000 MW.


How does the per megawatt installation costs differ in solar and thermal energy?


Our installed solar energy capacity is 604.8 MW, that includes 214 MW at the Solar Park in Patan and 390 MW in other districts. While thermal power plants come at Rs 3.5 crore (gas-based) to Rs 5 crore (coal-based) per mw, solar plants are installed at Rs 10-11 crore per MW of capital cost. But the solar plants have no variable costs as they require to bear no fuel costs thereafter. Also, we can now sell both gas-based and solar-based power at Rs 7-8 per unit, but the latter is free of the uncertainties of gas-availability and, in the long term, more dependable and cheaper.


How much investment has Gujarat, which now produces two-thirds of solar power in India, attracted in the development of solar power?


Nearly Rs 8,000 crore. And we hope to do more with further development of solar power in the Patan complex and elsewhere.


What is the USP of this park?


We have so far acquired 3,000 acres of government land for the development of 214 MW of solar power by different companies, which were allotted 250 MW capacity in 2008. The solar power capacity at Patan is estimated at 500 MW. We are now trying to acquire some private land as well to achieve this capacity.


In view of the availability of mainly wasteland, is Gujarat planning to add another solar power park in the near future?


Yes, we have identified some land in Banaskantha district as well and, hopefully, we would soon take a decision.

Great effort by DG for recording this TV9 broadcast, havent watched it all (over 1hr!) but looks like they list out all the companies that have set up in Charanka, so the first post of this thread will be updated with that info!

Charanka Solar Park opening function: video (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/04/19/charanka-solar-park-opening-function-in-video/)


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Presented above is video recording of live telecast of Charanka solar park opening function. The video begins with minister of state for Energy, Gujarat Shri Saurabh Patel’s speech. Next is the Chief Minister presenting certificates of completion of projects to representatives of various companies. Later couple of company owners speak on their experience with Gujarat. This is followed by the speeches of foreign dignitaries including an ADB representative and Consul General of America Mr. Peter Haas. Finally there’s a speech of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, first in English, and later part in Hindi. Total video is 1.21 hour long.:nuts:


Ahmedabad, 19 April, 2012

In what can be called as Gujarat’s quantum leap in the field of solar power generation the Chief Minister Narendra Modi dedicated 600 MW solar power projects to the nation today. These projects include solar power plants at the Asia’s largest solar park at Charnka village as well as solar units at ten other places in Gujarat.

Spread in 3000 acre land the ‘Gujarat Solar Park’ at Charnka has been set up in line with the vision of Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The foundation of the park was laid by Mr. Modi in December 2010. Around 21 national and international companies have invested in the park. The 500 MW solar park has been made functional in a record time of just one year.

The Chief Minister took a panoramic view of the entire solar park from a huge tower. He greeted the US Consul General Mr. Peter Hesh and the office bearers of ADB and IFC and congratulated the owners of the developer companies for being part of this historic project.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister said, when the entire world is engulfed by the problem of climate change, it is Gujarat’s dream to demonstrate before the world an example of climate justice. “This achievement is not merely a step in the direction of power conservation but it provides the world with a vision that how the power needs of the future generations can be solved in an environment-friendly manner”, he said.

When Gujarat was ready with its own solar energy policy for the first time in the country, Mr. Modi said, the Central government was mulling the nation’s solar policy just on a primary level. “Due to the efforts made by the Gujarat government, the cost of solar power has come down to Rs.8.50 per unit from Rs.15 per unit”, he said. He exuded faith this cost will further go down to rupees four per unit in future once the supply of solar power gets increase.

Speaking about the State government’s future moves in the solar sector the Chief Minister said the government has planned to come up with roof-top solar power policy. This will enable a common man to generate solar power by putting solar panel on the roof of his house and sell the power to the State government. “Gujarat contributes 66% of the nation’s total solar power generation. Though the State has already become power surplus, a budget of Rs.2000 crore has been allocated for the developments in the field of renewable energy”, said the Chief Minister.

Mr. Modi recalled that the nation had launched its first space shuttle ‘Soyuz-1’ and the first satellite ‘Aryabhatt’ on April 19. “Today is the day of pride for India as the nation launched Agni-5 today and the Asia’s largest power plant has also been dedicated to the nation today”, he said.

This desert area, facing the borders of Pakistan, has seen a socio-economic turnaround with the development in solar sector. This, otherwise an arid region, has emerged as a top power producer in the country, he said.

In coming time the world will have to face scarcity of conventional energy resources like coal and gas. At such times, Gujarat has opened up a door of prosperity for future generation by focusing on solar and wind power generation. “The state has taken a giant leap and achieved a goal of 18,000 MW of power generation just in a decade, against the 4000 MW of power generation of the past”, Mr. Modi said.

The Chief Minister expressed faith that the State government’s initiatives in solar sector will influence the global energy market also. “The Gujarat government desires to set up solar power equipment manufacturing units on big scale, which will give employment to around thirty thousand youths”, he said.

Mr. Modi said the State government is committed to encourage innovations in the field of renewable energy. For accelerating the research in this field, he said, the Pandit Dindayal Petroleum University has started ‘School of Solar Energy’. With a view to create a skilled manpower in this field the State government has also started solar energy courses in ITIs, he added.

India can establish its stronghold in the world by harnessing solar energy for development, Mr. Modi said. He recalled that he suggested the Prime Minister to initiate and lead ‘Sun Son Movement’, in which, all the country that have high solar radiation will participate. “But this requires a strong political will. It is unfortunate that the present rulers of government of India do not desire to realize this dream”, he said.

US Consul General Mr. Peter Hesh said that the developed nations are also eager to invest and partner Gujarat in various fields including solar energy, which is a proof of Gujarat’s global recognition.

Radhanpur MLA Shankar Chaudhary, GEDA Chairman I.M.Bhavsar, Senior Climate Change Specialist of Asian Development Bank Mr. Naoki Sakai, Mr. Dana Yangar of International Finance Corporation, Principal Secretary to Energy Mr. Pandiyan, government officials, owners of solar energy firms, local leaders and villagers were present on the occasion.

Truly a landmark day for Gujarat,

To put into perspective against the historic performance of leading Solar nations, Gujarats current Solar capacity of 604MW was reached by:

Japan in 2001
Germany in 2003
USA in 2006
Spain in 2006
Italy in 2008
China in 2009
France in 2009
Greece in 2009
Belgium in 2010
Czech Rep in 2010
South Korea in 2011
Australia in 2011

Largest Solar Park in the world currently is a 354MW one in California, USA.

x posting from India renewable energy thread

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Indian workers give the finishing touches to India's first 1MW canal-top solar power plant at Chandrasan village of Mehsana district, some 45 kms from Ahmedabad on World Earth Day, April 22, 2012. This solar power plant on a 750 metre stretch of the Sanand Branch Canal of Sardar Sarovar Project will generate some 1.6 million units of clean electricity per year and will also prevent evaporation of some 90 lakh litres of water per year from the canal. The project has been developed by the Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) and is scheduled to be dedicated by Gujarat state Chief Minister, Narendra Modi on April 24, 2012.

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this is a great idea.

Gujarat eyes 10,000 MW solar power generation; State is expected to create 50% of the total capacity of 20,000 MW targeted by Centre (http://indianpowersector.com/2012/04/gujarat-eyes-10000-mw-solar-power-generation-state-expected-create-50-total-capacity-20000-mw-targeted-centre/)

Gujarat would have to achieve around 10,000 MW of solar power generation capacity if the country was to achieve its target of 20,000-MW capacity by 2022, a senior official said on Friday.
“The Centre has set a target of 20,000 MW of solar power capacity by 2022. Being a leading state, Gujarat is expected to create 50% of this capacity. Gujarat’s main focus now is on solar energy,” DJ Pandian, principal secretary, energy & petrochemicals department, said.
Pandian was speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day ‘Indian Solar Investment & Technology Summit’, being held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. He also stressed on the need to bring down the cost of solar power.
Addressing the summit, former power minister Suresh Prabhu, said that tapping renewable energy is important to achieve energy security for the country.
“Gujarat has made a significant achievement with 600 MW of solar power generation capacity in a very short span. India has enormous potential for renewable energy and there is certainly a need to tap this,” Prabhu said.
The former minister also said that this could help in solving the problem of huge current account deficit, as the energy import bill constitutes a major chunk of the country’s overall import bill.
A report on ‘Integrated Renewable Resource Atlas for Gujarat’, prepared by TERI, was also released during the session.
Unveiling the report, Dr Leena Shrivastava, vice-chancellor, TERI, said that Gujarat has a potential of generating 750 giga-watt of power from renewable energy sources.
At the summit, attended by solar energy players from several countries, experts also emphasised on the need for transparent regulatory norms, particularly effective tariff policy, liberal financing norms, and extensive R&D for growth of the solar energy sector. :cheers:

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Gujarat begins research on generating power from flowing canal water with micro turbines – Narendra Modi (http://www.narendramodi.in/gujarat-begins-research-on-generating-power-from-flowing-canal-water-with-micro-turbines/)

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today dedicated world’s first-of-its-kind ‘Canal Top Solar Power’ Pilot Project to generate electricity from solar panels placed on Narmada Main Canal (NMC) at a function near Chandrasan in Kadi taluka in Mehsana district.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that one-km long panel would generate about one megawatt of power or 16 lakh units of electricity annually. Plan is to set up series of such solar panels along the entire length of the 458-km long NMC, starting from Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) dam on the Narmada near Madhya Pradesh border to Rajasthan border.

He said that solar panels fitted on canals are known to generate 16% more electricity. This pilot project would also save acquiring land at the rate of six acres to generate one MW of electricity. It is expected to cost about Rs.8 to Rs.8.50 per unit.

In a confluence of solar and hydro powers, Mr. Modi said that research has begun on generating hydroelectricity from flowing canal water by installing micro turbines on the surface of the water.

While the world searching for an answer to the specter of global warming, he said, Gujarat Government has found the answer through a generating green energy from renewable sources of energy. The world will have to take note of it.

Mr. Modi said that Gujarat has earlier implemented ‘Jyoti Gram Yojna’ through 24×7 hours 3-phase electricity supply across the state in a span of 1,000 days. He said that 600 MW solar power park project inaugurated earlier at Charanka would save about 7.5-lakh tones of coal worth Rs. 125-crore at current prices, and another Rs.135-crore on freight, which in 25 years total up to Rs.6,500-crore.

Urban Development Minister Nitin Patel said Kadi and Sanand talukas would get lion share in this canal top solar power project.

Minister of State for Energy Saurabh Patel said that Gujarat Government provides about 70 crore units of electricity to farmers in the state every day and bears a subsidy of about Rs.3,000-crore subsidy annually. About one lakh new electricity connection would be provided during the year, he said.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Revenue and Mehsana District Guardian Minister Anandiben Patel, State Planning Board Chairman Bhupendrasinh Chudasma, MP Natuji Takor, MLAs and officials, SSNNL Director Vasant Raval, Energy and Petroleum Secretary B.J. Pandianand SSNNL Managing Director Jagdeesan.

Azure Power to develop to develop 2.5 MW rooftop solar power project in Gujarat (http://www.energynext.in/azure-power-to-develop-to-develop-2-5-mw-rooftop-solar-power-project-in-gujarat/)

http://www.energynext.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Rooftop-photovoltaic_array_2.jpg

Azure Power, a Delhi-based independent solar power producer, has bagged a contract to develop India’s first mega watt-scale rooftop solar power project in Gujarat with an investment of Rs 30 crore.

Azure Power was selected for this project through a competitive bidding process conducted by Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI). To be set up under the Gandhinagar Photovoltaic Rooftop Program (GPRP), the project will include a mix of government and private rooftops in Gandhinagar accounting to around 60 buildings.

According to Inderpreet Wadhwa, CEO at Azure Power, this will be the first-of-its-kind project in India where the energy from aggregated roof¬top portfolio is sold to one off-taker. It has an attractive angle for the rooftop owners through a revenue sharing arrangement for 25 years. The state utilities having PPAs with the state government will off-take solar power at Rs 11 per unit and pay Rs 3 per unit to rooftop owners who install solar equipment.

Speaking about government’s inititiative in the roofrop power generation prgramme, Mr. D J Pandian, Principal Secretary (Energy), Gujarat government said that the GPRP is expected to revolutionise solar power generation on rooftops in Gandhinagar and then in the State. He said that under this model of power generation, 80 per cent of government buildings and 20 per cent of residential premises would be covered.

^^ We have already discussed this project. But, this article has info on PPA.

IFC to help Gujarat replicate rooftop solar project in 5 more cities

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank, will support Gujarat in the replication in five cities of the rooftop solar project, completed last month in Gandhinagar, in order to improve access to power and reduce air pollution from the burning of wood and fossil fuels.

The two pilot projects of 2.5 MW each demonstrated the viability of generating solar power through a grid-interactive system on rooftops, and will serve as a model for roll-out in the cities of Bhavnagar, Mehsana, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara.

IFC is also developing a policy framework for the replication of the rooftop solar concept based on the experience gained in Gandhinagar, said Ms Anita M. George, IFC Director for Infrastructure in Asia, in a statement on Wednesday.

This programme is the first of its kind in India and aims to be a benchmark for green energy generation at the household level. The two pilot projects will produce nearly nine million units of clean energy and help to avoid 6,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year. The project will also help to mobilise private sector investment of around $12-14 million.

Gujarat is pioneering the adoption and promotion of clean energy by installing rooftop solar plants in the State, she said, adding the project will provide economic opportunities to the local residents, whose rooftops would be used for the installation of solar panels.

Mr D. Jagatheesa Pandian, Principal Secretary in the state Energy and Petrochemicals Department, said that IFC’s support will help Gujarat implement the rooftop solar power generation project and make it the preferred destination for solar projects in India. Successful implementation of the business model for the rooftop solar project in Gujarat would encourage similar models to be adopted in India and elsewhere in the region, he added.

Couple of vids with SunEdison MD (south asia) talking about the Narmada Canal project

English
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Hindi
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Another interesting feature he mentions is that canal water will reduce the temperature of the Solar Panals (compared to ground mounted solar installations), which will help to increase efficiency of the panels as well.

Despite falling cost of solar power generation, it will survive on subsidies (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/comments-analysis/despite-falling-cost-of-solar-power-generation-it-will-survive-on-subsidies/articleshow/12989764.cms?curpg=1)
The April 28, 2012, issue of The Economist has a story on India's solar power and mentions Charanka village in Patan district, Gujarat. Solar energy can be converted into electricity, using photovoltaics, or can be converted into heat. (There are other technologies too, but those aren't important yet.)

So far, solar thermal, or heating, in India has essentially meant solar cookers and water heaters, though it needn't stay that way. Using concentrating solar power (CSP) technology, there are large solar thermal power plants in US and Spain, and Rajasthan (if not Haryana ) might have some soon.

Since January 2010, we have had a Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). It is a separate matter that this is under the ministry of new and renewable energy, which is an incremental silo, not quite integrated into the ministry of power. All new and renewable energy initiatives have, until recently, been cosmetic. There are missions because you want to be seen doing something for the environment, not because you are particularly serious. (This has changed a bit, but more on that later.)

JNNSM has a target of 20,000 mw of grid-connected solar power by 2022, compared to around 1,000 mw now. That grid-connected qualification is important. There are at least 50,000, if not more, villages that can never be connected through grids. It isn't viable. Population sizes are small. Terrain is difficult and remote.

For those, there are community-level or household-level off-grid solutions like stand-alone power plants, water-pumping and solar lighting. It doesn't work quite that way in developed countries, where stuff is generally through the grid. Off-grid also means you need to figure out what to do with surplus power, since it can't be pumped out and storage isn't easy.

Eventually, with development and urbanisation, these backward areas will be integrated and mainstreamed. But till then, solar power drive is no different from other inclusion packages, including financial inclusion. We can't give everyone access to banks, so let us try and work through business correspondents.

On-grid requires conversion from DC to AC since solar cells produce DC power, and separate metering (say, if solar power is drawn from a roof top). There are also the Electricity Act (2003), National Electricity Policy (2005), Tariff Policy, Indian Electricity Grid Code (2010), National Action Plan of Climate Change (2008) and recommendations of CEC and SEC. Consequently, there is a renewable purchase obligation. This isn't only for solar energy and there are state-wise variations.

For instance, Tamil Nadu has a high level of renewable purchase obligation. Mandating something serves no purpose, unless it makes economic sense. That's what has changed. When was solar power talked about first? Not now, but in 1860s, when people thought coal would run out. Coal didn't run out and there was petroleum. So, we forgot about it till 1970s. As India, we have begun to talk about it again now, because there is a balance of payments issue, power shortages are constraining growth, coal shortages are pervasive, imported coal is expensive and there is no natural gas.
With growth and economic development and resultant demand, the price of conventional power has increased and will continue to do so. For solar power, there can be large fixed costs. Let's forget those and look at costs of generating power.

JNNSM has three phases: Phase I (till 2012-13), Phase II (2013-17 ) and Phase III (2017-22 ). In Phase I, independent power producers were invited to bid and sign power purchase agreements through reverse auctions. In first round of bidding under Phase I, regardless of whether one is talking about solar photovoltaics or solar thermal, prices were a shade over Rs 10 per kWh. With conventional power costs increasing to Rs 6 per kWh, we were headed towards grid parity - where prices of conventional and renewable power are identical - but weren't there yet. We would get there by 2022, if not earlier.

The second round of bidding under Phase II changed the timeline. Solar power was down to Rs 7.49 per kWh and we are already approaching grid parity. Scepticism is understandable. Is this - anything below Rs 10 per kWh - real and sustainable? Is it just a market entry device, driven by excess capacity abroad? Is it a scam?

The Gujarat model is different. Gujarat Power Corporation has been the nodal agency for solar power since 2009. In addition to individual initiatives, since 2010, there has been the Charanka solar park. Charanka has a capacity of 214 mw, and if one adds non-Charanka, Gujarat has solar projects with a total capacity of 968.50 mw. This is capacity.

It doesn't mean that projects have been commissioned yet. A little over 300 mw has been commissioned. A little less than 300 mw is ready and awaits transmission lines. But the key difference lies elsewhere, and not just in fast-track clearances in Gujarat. Grid-based solar power will be paid Rs 15 per kWh for the first 12 years and Rs 5 per kWh for subsequent 13 years, with a total span of 25 years. There are separate tariffs for delayed projects, but that isn't pertinent.

In other words, unlike JNNSM bidding, there is a subsidy and this makes solar projects viable. What does this do to finances of the state utility and where does subsidy come from? These are related and, essentially, there is a green cess on generation of non-renewable energy. So, we come back to the basic question: how important will solar power ever be - it will probably taper off at around 7% of total energy - and will it ever be viable without a subsidy?

^^ Good effort by NM in Gujarat. :applause: But, I have a question. When central government is able to purchase power from producers for 7.44 and 10 per KWH, why Gujarat government is purchasing power for 15/KWH for the first 12 years. Also, I read somewhere that in some states, it is ~7/KWH. Can some one explain the logic in this difference in Gujarat, in spite of the Gujarat government doing lots for power project developers in infrastructure like roads, transmission, easy clearance of projects, etc... Technically Gujarat should quote a lower price than JNNSM. :shocked:

Well, as is highlighted in that post, that original tariff was Rs 15 for 12 years followed by 13yrs of just Rs5, so in total works out to at Rs 9.8 over a 25yr period. This was a special tariff for projects completed before 1st Jan 2012 (later the deadline got extended to 1st Feb 2012) Logic of this is to encourage companies to go for Gujarat rather than Central Scheme, as companies can recover more of their start-up costs faster in Gujarat compared to elsewhere.

As was posted earlier, any new solar plant in Gujarat will get a considerably lower tariff (link) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=88010285&postcount=5)

Intro Tariff to Mar 2012 = Rs 15 x 12yrs and Rs 5 for 13 yrs = Average Rs 9.8
Mar 2012 to 31 Mar 2013 = Rs 9.28 x 12yrs and Rs 7 for 13 yrs = Average Rs 8.09
Apr 2013 to 31 Mar 2014 = Rs 8.63 x 12yrs and Rs 7 for 13 yrs = Average Rs 7.78
Apr 2014 to 31 Mar 2015 = Rs 8.03 x 12yrs and Rs 7 for 13 yrs = Average Rs 7.49

So there is not as much difference now between the tariffs of Gujarat and the Central Govt scheme. 600MW may not sound like much when we on SSCI are used to reading about 4000MW UMPPs etc, but for Solar Power, 600MW is really quite significant on a global scale. The aim will surely be that by now the global Solar industry has taken notice and put Gujarat firmly on its radar.

^^ Thanks GJ10. :cheers:

Good to see that it is not as high as I initially thought. Still I feel NM can quote a lower price, coz, there is good infra and a good investment climate. At least from now onwards, coz, now Gujarat is on the world solar map. :cheers:

The reason Gujarat and Rajasthan are hubs of solar power is mostly because of state policies. There are a lot of doubts if the projects under National Solar Mission will be completed as they have quoted very low prices , hoping that in "future" technology will make Solar Power generation Cheaper. If that does not happen according to their plan most of the projects won't be completed.

It is one of the reasons why the biggest private sector power company Tata Power did not bid for these projects.

Let's see what happens in future but state govt. incentives are important now !!

The reason Gujarat and Rajasthan are hubs of solar power is mostly because of state policies. There are a lot of doubts if the projects under National Solar Mission will be completed as they have quoted very low prices , hoping that in "future" technology will make Solar Power generation Cheaper. If that does not happen according to their plan most of the projects won't be completed.

It is one of the reasons why the biggest private sector power company Tata Power did not bid for these projects.

Let's see what happens in future but state govt. incentives are important now !!

^^ Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission: Status report (http://www.energynext.in/jawaharlal-nehru-national-solar-mission-status-report/)

The first phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) is scheduled to be completed by 2013 only. However, as per progress available so far all the application segments of the Mission are going on as scheduled and on target, according to the Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

Projects sanctioned under the Phase-I of the JNNSM:

Projects under Migration Scheme (84 MW-Solar PV – 54MW, Solar Thermal – 30 MW)
Projects under New Project Scheme (Batch-I) (Solar PV- 150 MW, Solar Thermal- 470 MW)
Projects under New Projects Scheme (Batch-II) (Solar PV- 350 MW)
Projects under Roof top PV and Small Solar Power Generation Programme (RPSSGP) – 98.05 MW
Out of the above, PPA’s were signed with 21 selected bidders for 27 Solar Power projects (340 MW) by 27th January, 2012.
Projects under Roof top PV and Small Solar Power Generation Programme (RPSSGP) – 98.05 MW

Projects under Batch-II, Phase-I:

Solar PV Projects (340 MW) scheduled to be commissioned in 13 months from the date of signing of PPA (i.e. Feb, 2013)
Out of total 78 sanctioned Projects 11 Projects are to be commissioned by June, 2012.
The guidelines that deal with the import of solar modules for Phase-I are specified as under:
Batch-I: For Solar PV Projects, it is mandatory for Projects based on crystalline silicon technology to use the modules manufactured in India.

Batch-II: For Solar PV Projects to be selected in second batch, it will be mandatory for all the projects to use cells and modules manufactured in India. PV Modules made from thin film technologies or concentrator PV cells may be sourced from any country, provided the technical qualification criterion is fully met.

All the Developers using Crystalline Silicon technology have confirmed compliance of domestic content clause.

Following allegations in a section of the media about violation of guidelines by some companies, the Ministry has set up an inquiry committee. The committee comprises representatives from the Ministries of New & Renewable Energy, Power and Corporate Affairs. The inquiry committee is yet to submit its final report.

^^ Crossposting this not to undermine Gujarat's contribution. But to say that JNNSM is also progressing well. :)

What are the areas coming under Cambay Graben (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricity_sector_in_India#Geothermal_energy). Is the Gujarat govt taking any steps in this regard. There is lot of scope for Gujarat in this sector. Can someone please give some info?

Since there is no separate renewable energy thread for Gujarat, posting it here.

ReNew Power commissions 25 MW wind power project in Gujarat (http://www.energynext.in/renew-power-commissions-25-mw-wind-power-project-in-gujarat/)

In keeping with its commitment to become one of the leading renewable energy producers in India, ReNew Wind Power Pvt. Ltd., an independent power producer, has commissioned its first wind farm project at Jasdan, Rajkot district, Gujarat. The 25.2 MW facility was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mr. Narendra Modi.

Construction of the project began in October 2011 and was completed in March 2012. This facility comprises of 12 units of Suzlon S88 wind turbines with 2.1 MW capacity each. The project is selling its output under a under long-term PPA contract to Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (23.1 MW), and the remaining output to Philips India (2.1 MW).

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Modi said, “It gives me immense pleasure to welcome ReNew Power to Gujarat, our state has been a dominant player in the wind energy market and we look forward to have more and more projects and investments in the state to help build sustainable power source for energy starved India.”

The project demonstrates ReNew Power’s vision in recognizing the challenge of climate change, and its responsibility to combat it. “It gives us great pride to partner with the Government of Gujarat with its far reaching vision for wind potential in the state. We thank Mr. Modi for extending his support to ReNew Power and encouraging us by gracing today’s occasion,” Mr. Sumant Sinha, Founder Chairman and CEO, ReNew Power said.

Mr. Sinha added that in September 2011, global major, Goldman Sachs, had infused Rs 1,000 crore as equity. ReNew Wind Power bought 12 turbines of 2.1 MW each for the project from Suzlon Energy. The PTC India Financial Services Ltd (PFC) financed the wind power project in a 70:30 debt-equity ratio.

Mr. Tulsi Tanti, Chairman, Suzlon Group, said that ReNew’s growth is a clear marker of the evolution of the Indian wind sector and its emergence as the world’s third largest market. “We are pleased to partner with ReNew, and look forward to building a long term partnership. We are confident that ReNew Power will play a leading role in shaping the wind sector of tomorrow,” he said.

Since there is no separate renewable energy thread for Gujarat, posting it here.

Yea I was thinking about that too. I will see if the mods can transfer all the solar material and the wind material to this thread.. Link (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1511839)... Or we want to keep a separate solar thread and have a separate renewable thread?

Yea I was thinking about that too. I will see if the mods can transfer all the solar material and the wind material to this thread.. Link (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1511839)... Or we want to keep a separate solar thread and have a separate renewable thread?

^^ Good idea. We can transfer all solar material to renewable energy thread. :cheers:

^^ Good idea. We can transfer all solar material to renewable energy thread. :cheers:

Yea I think we will keep the solar energy thread as it is due to lot more activity ongoing in the solar sector compared to other renewables. The separate thread can cater to wind, tidal, geothermal etc.

Update on Power Generation during March 2012 by Gujarat Solar Power Projects (http://www.powerind.in/2012/05/update-on-power-generation-during-march.html)

Power India found that around 32 Solar Power Project Developers of Gujarat have started producing the sola energy and feeding the same to the Gujarat Grid.

Further, the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) of Gujarat have in its month Energy Accounts of March 2012 captured the generation from these solar plants.

As estimated by Gujarat SLDC,
Total Export: 71181.35 MWhs
Total Import: 919.63 MWhs
Net Solar Energy Generation: 70261.73 MWhs

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FM5PLCAqGTY/T6tlGTAX1TI/AAAAAAAAAG4/IbMry5-y0iI/s576/Pic_1198.gif

:applause::applause::applause:

^^ Wow nice find man! Great numbers. Now to increase projects in other renewable energy sectors such as geothermal and wind and tidal.

SOLAR POWER ROUTE to clean energy in Gujarat (http://www.power-eng.com/news/2012/05/11/solar-power-route-to-clean-energy-in-gujarat.html)

The initiatives taken by the Gujarat government in the field of solar power generation are expected to help the state reduce carbon emissions by a staggering 8 lakh tonnes every year. Officials say this is a small but a definite step in the battle against global warming and climate change.
According to officials, a coal-based thermal power plant of 600 MW capacity consumes around 7.5 lakh tonnes of coal in a year.
"We will need to burn less coal because of this solar power generation capacity. This would result in significant reduction of 8 lakh tonnes of carbon emissions in a year," DJ Pandian, principal secretary, energy & petrochemicals department, says.
Also, at current costs, the state would save around Rs250 crore a year in terms of coal costs and freight charges because of the solar power capacity. Over the next 25 years, this would result into savings of a whopping Rs6,500 crore.
Officials concede that the government would pay significantly more for solar power when compared with power generated using coal or gas, but say that this is a small price to pay in the battle against climate change.
The 600 MW solar power generation capacity, including 214 MW at the Charanka Solar Park, has come up at an estimated investment of Rs9,000 crore. This capacity would enable generation of an estimated 1,000 million units of clean electricity every year at no additional cost.
Officials say that the state government also plans to replicate the 1 MW Chandrasan canal-top solar project, at other places.
"The Narmada canal network runs into thousands of kilometres. There is great potential for setting up solar panels on the canal to generate clean and green power. Installation of panels on the canal would eliminate the need to acquire huge tracts of land. It would also prevent evaporation of crores of litres of canal water," Pandian says.

Does anyone know of thermoelectric projects at all?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIhHy8X0kCg

Bollywood hero Ajay Devgan meets Gujarat Chief Minister Modi, discusses solar projects (http://panchabuta.com/2012/05/16/bollywood-hero-ajay-devgan-meets-gujarat-chief-minister-modi-discusses-solar-projects/)

According to reports, Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan on Tuesday met Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and showed keenness to enhance participation in the solar power generation projects in the state, official sources said.

After setting up a 25 MW solar power plant through a joint venture in Gujarat’s solar park at Charanka, the actor evinced interest to partner in the state’s canal-based solar power generation project.

Devgan thanked Modi for the government’s cooperation for his solar energy venture, an official statement said.

Modi told Devgan about the success of pilot project for generating solar power by installing panels on Narmada canal, as well as research on generating power by putting micro hydro turbines in the flowing water.

Devgan expressed desire to partner in this project, the statement said.

Farooq praises BJP-ruled Gujarat for use of solar power (http://www.business-standard.com/generalnews/news/farooq-praises-bjp-ruled-gujarat-for-usesolar-power/11533/)

In a rare compliment from a UPA Minister for the BJP government in Gujarat, New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah today said the solar power plant atop a water canal in the state has shown the nation the way and it will be replicated by Damodar Valley Corporation.

"Gujarat has shown the way" with the commissioning of the world's first 1 MW canal-top solar power plant in Mehsana district, he said during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha.

The Gujarat project virtually eliminates the requirement to acquire vast tract of land and limits evaporation of water from the 750 meter long canal.

Abdullah said DVC has over 2000 km of canal network on which it wants to mount solar panels that can generated up to 1,000 MW electricity.
"States like Gujarat and Rajasthan have done commendable work in solar power," he said adding his ministry is eager to help states irrespective of which party was in power.

His statement drew loud thumping of desks from Opposition benches with Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) congratulating the minister for speaking frankly about the contribution made by states.

"We want to help state governments. We don't discriminate ....Hum sab Hindustani hai...Hindustan bachega to hum bachenge (We all are Indians, if India survives, then only we will survive)," he said, adding, "We want to strengthen the nation."

Abdullah also lauded Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for the vast network of renewable energy sources including solar and wind power set up in the state.

He said over 979 MW of solar power capacity has been set up in the country, of which 654.8 MW is in Gujarat, 197.5 MW in Rajasthan and 20 MW in Maharashtra.

The tariff has come down from Rs 18 per unit to about Rs 7 a unit, he said adding it will further come down when the second phase of projects come up.

:applause::applause::applause:

Video on BBC NEWS about Gujarat Solar Park



It might be logical that solar power is a natural fir for India. After all, it's a large country with plenty of sunshine.

But in the past, solar energy has always been seen as a more expensive option.

The BBC's Adrienne Murray reports from Gujarat in India where a solar power facility may be starting to get the formula right.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18320330

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation goes green, taps solar power for electricity needs (http://panchabuta.com/2012/06/05/ahmedabad-municipal-corporation-goes-green-taps-solar-power-for-electricity-needs/)

According to reports, pushing its endeavour to become an environment-friendly civic body, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has floated tender to install solar power electrical system at Sardar Patel Building – AMC’s main building at Danapith. This development promises to shave a major portion of AMC’s electricity bills.

Earlier, civic body had recruited energy engineers and has already switched on its energy efficient street lights.

The tender, as declared by the municipal corporation, entails commission, installation, supply and maintenance of the solar power system at their Danapith office. The facility is rated at 25 KW photovoltaic capacity.

“We are shifting to a green sourceof energy to curtail our electricity bills. All electrical appliances will be run by solar power except air-conditioners,” said municipal commissioner Guruprasad Mohapatra.

Four other major electrical conversions are being planned on the same lines. “We want to switch to solar power in all of AMC’s main buildings,” said Mohapatra.

“Solar power at Danapith and west zone office of AMC at Usmanpura will be installed by AMC. The other two – Memco Sports Complex and Sardar Patel Stadium – will be converted by Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA),” he added.

As per officials of state electricity department, tenders for solar-powered Memco Sports Complex are already granted while the same for Danapith were recently invited. Tenders for ‘solar-ification’ of AMC’s Usmanpura office will be floated in two days’ time with Sardar Patel Stadium following soon after.

Danapith office of AMC, at present, utilises 1.25 lakh units electricity per month raking up a bill of Rs10.25 lakh, said officials of electricity department.

“With installation of solar power, we will be able to save around 4,000 units of electricity every month. A total of 25 KW solar energy will be generated and utilised. We will be able to save Rs1,500 of the electricity bill on a daily basis,” said officials.

The project will take around six months to complete. “June 20 is last date for interested parties to apply for Danapith’s tender.

Considering scrutiny, finalising, allotment of work and implementation, it will be six months before AMC’s Danapith office will run on solar power,” said officials.

Asian Development Bank gives Rs 5 billion loan for Gujarat solar power supply grid (http://panchabuta.com/2012/06/10/asian-development-bank-gives-rs-5-billion-loan-for-solar-power-supply-grid/)

Earlier this year, speaking at the inauguration of the Gujarat Solar Park,Senior Climate Change Specialist of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Naoki Sakai said the bank has already invested US$100 million in Gujarat’s solar designs, and proposed US$ 500 million more on concessional terms for four main purposes — smart grid development for efficiency, building a second solar park within the state, expansion with solar smart transmission which will help stabilise erratic solar power supply, and vocational training with Gandhinagar-based Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU).

According to reports, the Asian Development Bank has sanctioned a low-interest loan of Rs 500 crore loan for the construction of a Solar and Renewable Power transmission grid, a first in the country. The construction of the power grid will be undertaken by the Gujarat Energy Transmission Company Ltd.

Sardar Patel University develops unique solar tracker system (http://www.energynext.in/sardar-patel-university-develops-unique-solar-tracker-system/)

Solar power plants can harness 45 per cent more if the automated dual axis solar tracker system, developed by researchers at Sardar Patel University (SPU) in Gujarat state of India that works on sunflower motion – follows the sun as it moves.

It is the first indigenously designed solar tracker system in India and currently installed at the terrace of SPU’s Department of Physics. It generates up to 1.5 KWh of electricity through 20 multi-crystalline solar panels of 75 watt each.

India receives ample solar radiation in most parts with around 300 to 330 sunny days a year. The tracker system has been designed to provide rotation angles as per the rotation path of sun for the entire year for various regions of the country, said Shreelal Jha, Director (Technical) of the self-financed R&D and consultancy centre for impaired. He along with Dr Jayesh Gandhi, director (operations) of SFRCI developed this system.

The system is designed in a way so the batteries connected in the circuit stores excess power that can be later utilized in absence of solar light like early mornings, late evenings or at nights. The stored power helps in monsoon when solar radiation is uneven or unavailable. The unique auto grid changeover device in the system, takes care of uninterrupted power of 230 volt alternating current (AC) load. The device has a special feature whereby the tracker starts automatically at 5:45 am and shuts down automatically at 6:45 pm.

This system has been designed on sensor-based technology so as to avoid manual programming. It is capable for 3,400 horizontal rotations and 700 vertical rotation movements. The entire structure has been designed to survive wind speed of 60 metre per second during cyclonic conditions. Special funds were sanctioned by SPU vice-chancellor Dr Harish Pad and SFRCI chairman Dr A R Jani for this solar power plant which presently supplies power to the head of department’s office, the administrative office and the laboratory of physics department.

Gujarat is doing wonders in solar energy exploitation. I wish Gujarat will set some more examples like these ones in solar architecture also.

Solar Powered Office Building
http://agreenliving.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/bcd94b90deworlds-largest-solar-building_1_8s8cM_69-500x318.jpg
AGreenLiving (http://agreenliving.org/tag/solar-building/)

100% solar stadium
http://metaefficient.zippykidcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/solar-stadium-world-games.jpg
MetaEfficient (http://www.metaefficient.com/architecture-and-building/worlds-100-solar-powered-stadium.html)

India harnesses solar power to meet demand
By James Fontanella-Khan in Charanka, Gujarat

High quality global journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut & paste the article.

Two years ago, the dusty plains of Charanka were just desert wasteland that could barely sustain life, let alone create energy.
Today, the isolated area in the western state of Gujarat, about 30km from the border with Pakistan, is at the forefront of India’s solar power boom, boasting Asia’s largest solar energy park by output.

High quality global journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut & paste the article.

The recently inaugurated Gujarat Solar Park was developed in less than two years with the co-operation of 21 international companies. Surpassing China’s Golmud park in terms of its potential output, the $600m project marks India’s rise as a key market for global solar power developers and manufacturers.
Laurence Mulliez, chief executive of Eoxis, a solar investment fund focused on southern Europe, says India is the new frontier for solar energy. “The potential is huge,” she said on a recent visit to Gujarat.
Plagued by power shortages, India desperately needs energy. More than 400m people still lack access to electricity, and the International Energy Agency estimates that India’s consumption demands are likely to double by 2035.
Although conventional fossil fuels will fill the bulk of that demand, renewable energy is playing an ever greater role. New Delhi has directed companies to source 15 per cent of their energy needs from green resources by 2022, although sceptics doubt this measure will be enforced.
“They say they want us to use more green energy, but then they will have to deal with whatever we can get,” says one executive at a large conglomerate. “It’s not certain that we will have enough solar and wind ... to comply.”
India has a poor record when it comes to implementing reforms. However, some investors think the government has no option in this case but to proceed, given the country’s urgent power needs.
“India’s government is often criticised for not pushing through reforms that the country needs to keep growing,” says Alan Rosling, founder of solar developer Kiran Energy, whose investors include Bessemer Venture Partners, an early backer of Skype. “Solar is the one sector where the government has been forward thinking and progressive.”
India decided just two years ago to increase the capacity of solar power from virtually zero to 20,000 megawatts by 2022. That was part of a broader effort to boost the total capacity of renewable energy to 72,400MW out of the 455,000MW the country hopes to generate from all sources of energy within the next 10 years.
The new Gujarat park, for example, is capable of producing as much as 214MW.
These national targets are attractive for developers, because the government has agreed to buy the power they produce at subsidised rates, while demand from the private sector is expected to boom once companies are forced to buy green energy.
Those set to benefit include equipment suppliers in developed markets, such as Japan’s Sharp and America’s First Solar, as well as emerging market companies such as India’s Reliance Infra and China’s Trina Solar, a manufacturer of solar panels.
Early figures are encouraging. Indian investment in the solar energy sector rose to $4.2bn last year from almost nothing in 2010, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. This has spurred the generation of just less than 1,000MW in less than two years.
Developers will be under pressure to keep rates low, however, as India’s auction system – under which companies must bid to offer solar energy as cheaply as possible – forces energy providers to compete on prices.
In the second national auction last December the average tariff for a kilowatt-hour was Rs8.78 (17 US cents), about 30 per cent lower than the average tariff at the first auction two years earlier.
Although solar power is far from being on cost parity with more traditional sources of energy, the gap is shrinking rapidly. For example, imported coal sells at about Rs5 a KW-hour. Analysts believe that within five years the costs of solar could also be bought down to about Rs5.
Nevertheless, the sector still faces challenges. New Delhi has introduced barriers to the entry of foreign modules and cells used to produce panels as it seeks to nurture a domestic manufacturing sector that it hopes can compete with China. Developers say these obstacles could hurt investment and set back efforts to boost production of cheap and domestically generated power.
The central government’s sourcing rules are prompting many developers to set up shop in Gujarat, which has its own solar energy policy and has made a strategic decision not to impose any barriers on equipment origin.
“We think it’s better to leave the sector open,” says DJ Pandian, Gujarat’s energy policy chief. “That way it can develop faster ... [and] at a later stage manufacturing will also emerge. We don’t want to scare developers.”


http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/55e544ac-903d-11e1-8cdc-00144feab49a.html#axzz1yI57YQNX

Solar power developers in legal tangle with Gujarat Govt (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article3568656.ece)


Three solar power companies are in a legal tangle with the Gujarat Government over the issue of ownership of the companies that are putting up the projects. All the three – Azure Power (Gujarat), Millennium Synergy and ESP Urja – are wholly owned by American solar power developer SunEdison.

The point under dispute is whether or not these three companies are in breach of a covenant of the power purchase agreement which stipulates that the “power producer shall continue to hold at least 51 per cent of equity from the date of signing of this agreement”.

Azure Power (Gujarat) and ESP Urja have a 5 MW plant each, while Millennium runs a 10 MW plant.

Gujarat’s nodal agency Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd had issued notices terminating the power purchase agreement for Azure Power (Gujarat) and had stopped making payments for the purchased power for the other two companies.

Azure Power (Gujarat) was initially promoted by Azure Power India, a company whose various projects have been funded by the German development finance agency, DEG, the US Exim Bank and IFC (Washington).

The three companies have petitioned the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission. The Commission, in its orders passed recently, has stayed the operation of the termination notice served on Azure Power and has directed GUVNL to make the due payments to Millennium and ESP Urja.

“It is unfair and unjust that the generator is not paid for the power supplied by him to the distribution licensees,” the order says.

In the case of Millennium and ESP Urja, GUVNL had raised the issue of compensation to be paid by the project developers for any violation of the PPA covenants. But the Commission dismissed it saying that was “not a subject matter of the present petition.

”The IFC-funded SunEdison’s contention, as spelt out in the order relating to the Azure Power case, is that it signed the shareholder agreement – for taking over the ownership of the developer – prior to the signing of the PPA.

The question as to whether or not there is a breach of the PPA with respect to the covenant relating to the shareholding pattern is yet to be decided by the Commission.

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to use rooftop solar power (http://panchabuta.com/2012/07/02/ahmedabad-municipal-corporation-to-use-rooftop-solar-power/)

According to reports, three public buildings in the city will use solar power to meet their daily energy needs by the end of the year.

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will have its south zone office in Maninagar, Memco sports complex and west zone office in Usmanpura using rooftop solar power. The purpose is to show Amdavadis that with high electricity prices, solar systems ensure handsome savings in the long run.

The pay off period – time to recover investment in the power unit — can be less than two years, claim AMC officials.
Memco sports complex will have a 200KVA solar power plant, at Usmanpura west zone office it will be a a 15 kWhr plant and the south zone office in Maninagar will have a 20 kWhr solar power unit.

Cross posting.

Modi’s residence produces 80 units of electricity everyday…!!

LINK (http://www.narendramodi.in/modi%E2%80%99s-residence-produces-80-units-of-electricity-everyday%E2%80%A6/)

The residences allotted to the Ministers and MLAs, Government quarters and secretariat buildings are lit up with solar power street lights. Solar photovoltaic panels are fixed on the CM’s residence’s roof top which is now regularly generating 80 units of electricity every day. The rooftop has two plants of capacity 10 Kilowatts. Counting at Rs. 15 per unit, it produces 4.38 lacs rupees of electricity with 29.200 units per year.Hon’ble CM conveyed a statement while inaugurating 1 Megawatt solar plant project near PDPU last January that Gandhinagar, Surat, Vadodara and other cities can soon produce electricity and earn by selling it to the Government.

Sources from JEDA confirmed that, if any household, businessman or industrial firm produces more than 10 kilowatts of electricity within their premises then government would purchase it and convert it into main grid. The State has fixed 15 Rs per unit according to ‘JERK’. JEDA has issued a tender for 10, 15, 20 and 25 Kilowatt projects. Aid standards and subsidies for rooftop system will be declared soon.

Solar Electricity in Gandhinagar

140 Kilowatt on the terrace of block no. 14 in the New Secretariat building.

20 Kilowatt on the terrace of CM’s residence.

80 Kilowatt on the GPCB building terrace.

75 photovoltaic street lights in 6 gardens of Gandhinagar.

155 street lights with 1 Kilowatt system on each Government houses.

1 Megawatt plant in PDPU campus.

150 Megawatt target in Ahmedabad

Government is announcing an incentive package for producing solar electricity privately, which will attract people greatly. Government has set the target of 150 megawatt in Ahmedabad city to produce electricity on the house terraces. Citizens can earn 2.25 Lacs/ year

15 Sq.mtrs of space is needed to set up a 1 Kilowatt solar plant; which will primarily cost 1.50 Lacs. JEDA has suggested setting minimum 10 Kilowatt plant to make it in grids which will need 150 sq.meter space costing Rs. 18 lacs. The seller can earn 2.25 lacs/year with 15 Rs/unit.Gandhinagar to become solar city by 2014

JEDA is planning the implementation of Solar City concept suggested by Shri Narendra Modi. “Gandhinagar will be a full-fledged Solar City by 2014. With the cooperation of people; big cities like Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar will be given chance to produce electricity privately”– Saurabh Patel, Power & Energy Minister.(This story is the translated version of Gujarati news published in Divya Bhaskar. Pictures and video are added to provide further information)

?v=7MVQH3QYygI

Now, an ultra mega solar power project in state (http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=12883&boxid=55557&ed_date=2012-07-31&ed_code=1310005&ed_page=5)

With renewable energy the in thing nowadays, the state government is exploring the possibility of setting up a 1,000 MW solar power project. The government has initiated talks with International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank arm, seeking its support for the project.
“The project is still in the conceptual stage. We have initiated talks with the IFC to seek its support for the project. We will go ahead with it depending on their response,” said DJ Pandian, principal secretary, energy & petrochemicals department.
At the current costs of Rs8 to 9 crore per MW, the 1,000 MW project could cost anywhere between Rs8,000 to 9,000 crore.
The scale of the project can be gauged from the fact that total solar power generation capacity in the country presently stands at around 1,000 MW, including more than 600 MW in Gujarat alone. The Centre is eyeing solar power generation capacity of 20,000 MW by 2022 under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission. While solar power is the cleanest form of energy, it is also the most expensive, costing four to five times the conventional power. This is solar energy’s biggest drawback, but the state government believes that the price can be brought down to the level of conventional energy.
“We have already managed to bring down cost of solar power from Rs15 per unit to less than Rs10 per unit. With better technologies, there is no reason why prices should not fall further. Our idea is to bring down solar power price at par with the grid, i.e. around Rs3 per unit,” Pandian said further.
The IFC, which is an arm of the World Bank, has said that it is keen to support such a project.
“We have funded quite a few projects in Gujarat, including solar power projects. We are keen to extend the partnership with Gujarat, and are in talks with the government to see how IFC can help in the 1,000 MW solar power project,” Anita George, regional industry director, Asia, infrastructure and natural resources, IFC, told DNA. The IFC official said that the funding agency could tie up with developers to provide funding to them.
“We could also be involved in development of infrastructure and other necessary framework for such a project,” she added.

Waaree to build 5MW Solar pv plant in Gujarat (http://www.solarserver.com/solar-magazine/solar-news/current/2012/kw34/waaree-to-build-5-mw-pv-plant-in-gujarat.html)

Avatar Solar Inc. (Simi Valley, California, U.S.) has awarded Waaree Energies Pvt Ltd. (Mumbai, India) with a turnkey project order for a 5 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant to be built in the Charanka Solar Park in the Indian state of Gujarat.

The Charanka Solar Park includes at least 20 individual solar plants built by different developers, 17 of which were commissioned as of January 2012 for a total capacity of 213 MW. The park is located in Charanka, in Gujarat's Patan district.

"It gives us immense pleasure to award EPC contract of 5MW Solar PV project to WAAREE Energies Pvt. Ltd.," states Avatar Solar Director Falgun Dave. "The experience of Waaree in timely & efficiently executing the MWp projects shall be an added advantage to us."

Electricity produced by the plant will be sold to Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (Vadodara, India). Avatar Solar states that the plant will help to catalyze growth and sustainability in the region.

FB

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/563140_428039020566306_437775410_n.jpg
Solar Street Lighting System in Gujarat..

Which place?? And a 3 lane road? Or is it a split road way?

Anyway looks marvelous :happy: !!

It was uploaded on fb. It looks like in North Gujarat may be on way to Charankha?

beautiful road.
might as well add small wind turbines on each pole and connect to grid.

FB

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/563140_428039020566306_437775410_n.jpg
Solar Street Lighting System in Gujarat..

Fantastic! :banana:
I have also seen such street lights in Gandhinagar. But they are in very less numbers.

If they could add these streetlights on the model roads in Amdavad it would be fantastic...

Cross posting from "Tamil Nadu - Renewable Energy"

Grid-connected rooftop solar PV pilot projects commissioned at Auroville, Tamil Nadu (http://panchabuta.com/2012/09/02/grid-connected-rooftop-solar-pv-pilot-projects-commissioned-at-auroville-tamil-nadu/)

Two grid connected rooftop solar PV installations of 2 kW (on the roof of Ilaignarkal Education Centre, Auroville) and of 1.7 kW (on the roof of a residential building) were commissioned today in Auroville (Villupuram District). Both installations form part of a pilot program in which the performance of a total of four grid-connected rooftop solar PV installations will be studied. In addition to a total of three pilots in Auroville there is a pilot installation of 4kW on the roof of the TEDA office in Chennai.

The pilot projects are a collaborative effort of State Planning Commission, TEDA, TANGEDCO and Auroville to demonstrate the technical viability of grid-interactive rooftop solar systems. The grid-connected rooftop solar has no land requirement, can be connected to the existing electrical infrastructure of the building – no requirement of new dedicated evacuation lines, avoids distribution losses as most of the energy generated by the solar panels on the roof will be consumed within the building, among other advantages.

http://panchabuta.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/120902-commisisoning-of-grid-connected-spv-in-02sep12-1.jpg?w=450&h=302
Commisisoning of grid-connected Solar PV Auroville, Tamil Nadu

http://panchabuta.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/120902-commisisoning-of-grid-connected-spv-in-02sep12-41.jpg?w=441&h=296
Net Metering Room at Auroville Solar Plant

Auroville in Villupuram District has been active in the field of sustainable development in general and renewable energy in particular since more than 30 years and is therefore an ideal place to carry out these pilot studies. The funding for the pilot projects in Auroville has been provided by Auroville.

TANGEDCO provides grid access through the existing low tension service connections of the buildings where the rooftop solar systems are located. An additional meter has been provided by TANGEDCO to record the energy that is exported to the grid for study purposes. At a later stage during the pilot study the separate import and export meters will be replaced with a single bidirectional energy meter that can measure both the import and export of energy. The sizes of the two solar systems have been selected such that most of the energy will be absorbed in the two buildings. The primary purpose of the pilot installations is to demonstrate the technical viability of grid connected rooftop solar PV.

The two systems were commissioned in the presence of Mr. N. Bala Baskar IAS (retd.), Secretary, Auroville Foundation, Mr. Sudeep Jain IAS, Chairman and Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) , Mr Toine van Megen, Co-Founder, Auroville Consulting, Mr. R. Srinivasan, Executive Engineer (O&M), TANGEDCO, other senior officers of TANGEDCO, Mr. Vineeth Vijayaraghavan, Panchabuta, participants of the just concluded Auroville Green Practices seminar, staff and students of Auroville’s Ilaignarkal Education Centre, residents of Auroville and many others who were keen to witness this unique event.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Toine van Megen, Co-Founder of Auroville Consulting said: “We are very happy to do these pilot projects in Auroville in collaboration with the State Planning Commission, TEDA and TANGEDCO. We feel confident that these pilots will contribute to large scale implementation of grid-interactive rooftop solar PV in Tamil Nadu. With grid-interactive rooftop solar, the consumer can become a producer who contributes to a sustainable energy future.”

^^ Good initiative by the government.

Model solar salt farm to come up in Gujarat (http://zeenews.india.com/business/news/technology/model-solar-salt-farm-to-come-up-in-gujarat_59959.html)


Ahmedabad: A model solar farm will be established in Gujarat based on the internationally patented technology of Central Salt Marine & Chemical Research Institute (CSMCRI) to manufacture export-grade high purity salt.

"A model farm will be set up in cooperation with the Gujarat government on 10-20 acres of land having a scientific design and layout suitable for a solar salt works," Dr Pushpito Ghosh, Director CSMCRI, told PTI.

"Our internationally patented technology will be used at this farm to manufacture over 99 percent NaCl (Sodium Chloride) purity salt," he said.

The cost effective farm model shall be a boon for small salt producers, who cannot afford research. It would demonstrate how effectively high purity salt can be obtained, with virtually no environmental hazard, and would help facilitate salt cluster development, Ghosh said.

A proposal for setting up a model solar salt farm has been sent to Gujarat government. The farm is expected to come up by March next year.

It is essential to tell industry about effective brine management practices and way on how to produce high purity export grade salt both from sea and underground water without compromising on yield, Dr V P Mohandas, Sr Principal Scientist CSMCRI, said.

The proposed model farm would aptly demonstrate it, he said.

Perfecting brine chemistry to obtain high purity salt through solar evaporation, shall be technological highlight of this farm, he said.

Gujarat annually produces around 15 million tonnes of salt. Amongst the largest salt producing states in India, it accounts for 73 percent of total India's salt production.

The technology used at farm was internationally patented
as a cost effective process for making high purity solar salt, Mohandas said.

"We also plan to explore the possibilities to introduce mechanisation for salt harvesting in such model farms as labour problems have hit the industry," he said.

The high purity product offered from this farm to industry (Chlor Alkali industry) can potentially reduce the brine purification cost by half for them and it shall have very minimal levels of impurity, Mohandas claimed.

The salt for industrial purposes is largely prepared through solar evaporation technique, but the drawback is that it has a large quantum flux (impurities) detrimental for environment.

India produces close to 21 MT of salt annually, out of which nearly 60 percent goes for industrial applications, industry experts said.

Around 2-3 percent of India's total salt production is presently being exported, they said

"If we have to export salt to countries like Japan then its purity and quality levels has to be of very high standards," Mohandas said.

Solar water heaters must in all Surat buildings (http://panchabuta.com/2012/09/18/solar-water-heaters-must-in-all-surat-buildings/)

According to reports, Surat could well become the first city in India to make solar water heating in all buildings, residential and commercial, mandatory.

Earlier, this year, the Union urban development ministry had made it mandatory that civic bodies of all 58 cities identified to be made “solar cities” change their construction bylaws to make solar energy compulsory for water heating systems.

The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) will make the necessary changes in the bylaws of construction within a month. There are 10.2 lakh houses and nearly 65,000 commercial buildings in the city, which will have to switch over to solar water heating.

“We are ready with draft master plan with a detailed mechanism for solar water heating,” said Jatin Shah, city engineer SMC.

However, solar water heating is just one of the steps being taken to make Surat a ‘solar city’. The civic body plans to undertake photovoltaic roof top programme, installing solar panels atop all its vital installations and replacing regular street lights with CFLs and tube lights with T5 lights.

“We are aiming to bring down the conventional energy usage by at 10-15 per cent in the next two years,” he added. In the next five years, it aims to use at least 30 per cent solar power in place of electricity.

SMC has also scheduled a meeting with Pune-based World Institute of Sustainable energy (WISE), which was appointed as consultant in advisory capacity by the Centre, to chalk out the implementation plan for solar water heating systems.

Dr Omkar Jani, principal research scientist at Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI ) said, “We will replicate the Gandhinagar’s solar city model in Surat too.”

Power Crisis: Solar water heaters must in new homes in Bangalore (http://truthdive.com/2012/01/27/power-crisis-solar-water-heaters-must-in-new-homes-in-bangalore.html)
Solar heaters a must for Kolkata highrises (http://panchabuta.com/2012/09/17/solar-heaters-a-must-for-kolkata-highrises/)

Google updated imagery around Charanka, unfortunately not all of the old imagery has been retained for the NW section.


Apr 2012
http://imageshack.us/a/img827/7712/charanka27apr2012.jpg

Dec 2009
http://imageshack.us/a/img196/5570/charanka5dec2009.jpg

oh man amazing so much changed in just 3 years :cheers: also is that an artificial water body? cant see it in 2009 pic as my screen won't load the top left part of it :(

oh man amazing so much changed in just 3 years :cheers: also is that an artificial water body? cant see it in 2009 pic as my screen won't load the top left part of it :(

Google have deleted old imagery for that section (its not your computer), so I cant say for certain, but it def looks like a natural lake and stream have been reinforced with walls.

Anyway, pleased to report on some more recognition for the project :cheers:

Gujarat Solar Park project bags most prestigious national award in project management field (http://deshgujarat.com/2012/10/01/gujarat-solar-park-project-bags-most-prestigious-national-award-in-the-project-management-field/)

Project Management Institute (PMI), is the world’s largest Project Management member Association, representing more than 6,00,000 Project Management practitioners and having existence in more than 185 countries. As a global thought leader and knowledge provider, PMI supports organizations in achieving their project goals by educating project management practitioners through its global standards and credentials, collaborative chapters and virtual communities and academic research.

PMI had organized their fourth Project Management National Conference 2012 at Chennai on Sept 28th – 30th, 2012. The event was attended by over 1200 delegates across the globe. The theme of this conference was “Project Management for Sustainable Competitive Advantage”.

PMI desired to distinguish achievements by organizations in the project management field and announced PMI Awards 2012. These awards recognize and honor projects that have delivered superior results through exemplary application of project management principles. The Awards for Best project of the year were presented in three categories i.e. Short Term (Less than 1 year), Medium Term (1 to 3 years) and Long Term (More than 3 years). Gujarat Power Corporation Limited for its project “Gujarat Solar Park”, one of the best art works of Govt. of Gujarat, was awarded as the “Best Project of the Year – Medium Term Duration”.

A total of 77 nominations from all over India were received, which were put through an elaborate evaluation criteria consisting of best practices in project management, Innovation, Value creation, sustainability and customer endorsement. This evaluation was done by expert panelists drawn across diverse industries in the country. Through this stringent screening process, Gujarat Solar Park was adjudged as the winner. Today, Gujarat Solar Park has successfully accomplished more than 214 MW Solar Power Projects in a single location at Charanka Village, Dist Patan, Gujarat.

Mr. Raj Kalady, MD PMI (India) viewed that PMI panelists were amazed by the development happened in Gujarat through the implementation of Multi Technology, Multi Facility, Multi Developer and Multi Beneficiary in Gujarat Solar Park project within an unbelievable short duration. He also added that this can happen only in Gujarat, under the strong leadership of Hon. CM, Shri Narendra Modi and his involvement must definitely be acknowledged, appreciated and saluted. Solar Park project has really emerged out as a Role Model for Solar Industry.

Still there is so much more empty land in and around that solar park. Real potential might be 2000-3000MW if that much area occupied by panels is producing around 300MW? Or am I estimating too much?

Some pics I found on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/soumik/8070353271/in/photostream/

Anybody know how often they wash the panels? I hope its not too often?

Some pics I found on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/soumik/8070353271/in/photostream/

Anybody know how often they wash the panels? I hope its not too often?

Why? I bet they must be washing the panels with water from the canal only. So no water is wasted...

No, I am saying this in regrads to the electrical components... But Im sure they wont be damaged...

The project demonstrates ReNew Power’s vision in recognizing the challenge of climate change, and its responsibility to combat it. “It gives us great pride to partner with the Government of Gujarat with its far reaching vision for wind potential in the state.

solar energy residential (http://www.solarenergy.com/residential.aspx)

Veer Energy plans Rs 3 billion solar projects (http://panchabuta.com/2012/11/15/veer-energy-plans-rs-3-billion-solar-projects/) :cheers:

According to reports, Veer Energy and Infrastructure, a Mumbai-based wind power developer, plans to invest Rs 300 crore into solar energy projects in Gujarat.

The company has acquired 200 acres at Shivlakha village of Kutch, Gujarat, to set up 25 MW solar energy project. The project site is about 1.5 km away from its sub-station at Chandrodi village. Veer Energy has collaborated with Astom AG Swiss, an expert in solar energy technologies.

The company also plans to set up a rooftop solar project in the Sanand district of Gujarat. It will install 400 thin-film panels of 58.5 watts each for a rooftop project in joint venture with US-based New Millennium Solar Equipment Corporation. The unit has already imported thin film panels from NMSEC for the project.

“With the successful completion of our pilot solar project, the company would then focus on developing big league solar projects,” said Jigar Shah, CFO, Veer Energy.

The company has already completed wind farm project 200 MW and another 115 MW is in the pipeline, he said.

Gujarat has enormous potential for wind power generation. The average velocity of wind in the State is just less than seven metres per second, said Shah.

Besides this, Gujarat has an investor-friendly policy. It has the longest coast-line in the country and a desert in Kutch. This makes land availability for the wind power projects, he said.

Gujarat Solar Park at Charanka village awarded for contributing to energy sector (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/energy/power/gujarat-solar-park-at-charanka-village-awarded-for-contributing-to-energy-sector/articleshow/17306188.cms)

DVC Plans 1,000 MW Canal-Top Solar Power Plant (http://news.efytimes.com/e1/95355/DVC-Plans--MW-CanalTop-Solar-Power-Plant)

Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has proposed to set up solar power plant on the 2,494 kilometres of canals, which can generate up to 1,000 MW solar power. Earlier this year, the state had commissioned world’s first one MW canal top solar power plant in Mehsana district over 750-metres stretch of canal and taking cue from the project, DVC is looking to work on a similar path.

The biggest benefit of setting up solar power plant over water canal is that the need for land gets eliminated and water evaporation from the canal, which is quite high in India with sunshine for nearly 300 days in a year. DVC had told to build a 15 MW capacity canal top solar photovoltaic plant at DVC canal, Burdwan in West Bengal. “Detailed project report has already been prepared by global consultant price water house cooper,” a power ministry official said.

It is estimated that over 10 per cent of the 19,000 km-long Narmada canal network in Gujarat has the potential to generate 2,200 MW of canal top solar power, which saves 11,000 acres of land that and prevent Rs 20 billion worth of water from evaporation annually.

Also, canal-top solar power equipment produced 15 per cent more power than the plant set up on land as the water flowing underneath keeps the solar panels relatively cool.

The one MW plant, set up over 750 meter-long stretch of the canal will generate 16 lakh units of clean electricity and prevent evaporation of 90 lakh litres of water from the canal annually.

The length of the Narmada main canal, constructed under the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP), is 458 km. The Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam has so far constructed about 19,000 km long canal network, out of the 75,000 km planned for the entire project.

Gujarat solar power policy: The most successful so far


Among all the policies framed by states so far to encourage solar power generation, the Gujarat solar power policy stands out as the most successful, according to the India Solar Handbook (November 2012 edition) by Bridge to India.

Gujarat introduced a solar power policy way back in 2009, even before the launch of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission. Initially, the policy set a target of 500 MW. However, anticipating that part of the allocated capacity would not be able to reach completion because of hurdles such as land acquisition, delays in financial closure and lack of grid infrastructure, the state ended up allocating 958.5 MW of solar power projects. Only 14 percent of the allocated capacity could be commissioned by the completion deadline of December 31, 2011. A total of 708.81 MW was commissioned under the state’s solar power policy till October 30, 2012. The current solar power policy will be in operation till 2014. Capacity addition in Gujarat is completely driven by its solar power policy.

The India Solar Handbook points out that the Gujarat solar power policy has been the only one in the country with a fixed tariff. Also, it did not follow the reverse bidding mechanism. The tariffs were revised in January 2012. The revised tariffs are lower than those under the previous phases of the policy.

Phase III of the Gujarat solar power policy is expected to be released in 2013. Currently power surplus, the state has already fulfilled its Renewable Purchase Obligation. As per state government officials, new projects under the solar power policy would be led by the Renewable Energy Certificate mechanism.

The India Solar Handbook opines that the REC mechanism, as it currently stands with its short term price visibility, may not be the most viable option for Gujarat which is looking at solar power from a long-term perspective.

Bridge to India is of the view that allocations under Phase III of the state’s solar power policy would take place only after some amendments in RPO enforcement and REC mechanism.

The India Solar Handbook states that projects under the Gujarat solar power policy and JNNSM accounted for 80 percent of the country’s 1,050 MW grid connected solar photovoltaic installed capacity till October 2012. Projects under the migration scheme, Rooftop PV and Small Solar Power Generation programme, demo projects in some states and some RPO/REC driven projects resulted in the remaining capacity addition.

Bridge to India is a strategic solar consulting company based in New Delhi as well as Hamburg and Munich.

http://www.projectsmonitor.com/ELECTRICITY/gujarat-solar-power-policy-the-most-successful-so-far

Gujarat govt ropes in Mumbai firm for 1,000 MW canal-based solar power project (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Gujarat-govt-ropes-in-Mumbai-firm-for-1000-MW-canal-based-solar-power-project/articleshow/17961872.cms)

GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat government has roped in a Mumbai-based company to tap the maximum potential of canal-based solar power generation. The company aims to save on the cost of land for laying solar panels, while simultaneously preventing water evaporation and theft.

The state government is all set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Eastern Powers and Systems Pvt Ltd for a 1,000 MW canal-based solar power project at the Vibrant Gujarat summit which gets underway on Friday.

Gujarat government claims to have been encouraged by the successful launch of the 1 MW canal-based solar power plant in April last year. The project was launched on a pilot basis on the Narmada main canal near Kadi in Mehsana district by Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) with support from Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL).

A senior government official said, "The company will sign the proposed MoU with the state energy and petrochemicals department and SSNNL. The present per MW cost of installation for a canal-based solar power plant comes to between Rs 17 crore and Rs 26 crore, but it is expected to come down drastically as the scale increases. This happened in the Charanka Solar Park also. Neither land acquisition costs nor long land acquisition times are required for canal based power projects. So the project is expected to kick off soon."

Sources said that chief minister Narendra Modi is keen on promoting solar power plants. In April, while inaugurating the pilot project, Modi had said that if even 10% of the 19,000 km long Narmada canal network in Gujarat is used to set up canal-top solar panels, 2,200 MW of solar power could be produced.

Sources further said the Gujarat government has also lined up a first-of-its-kind 600 MW offshore wind power generation project which will be developed by Bangalore-based Greenshore Energy Pvt. Ltd. This is a company promoted by former bureaucrats. Officials said the state government is planning to formulate an offshore wind power generation policy.

Gujarat govt ropes in Mumbai firm for 1,000 MW canal-based solar power project (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Gujarat-govt-ropes-in-Mumbai-firm-for-1000-MW-canal-based-solar-power-project/articleshow/17961872.cms)

GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat government has roped in a Mumbai-based company to tap the maximum potential of canal-based solar power generation. The company aims to save on the cost of land for laying solar panels, while simultaneously preventing water evaporation and theft.

The state government is all set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Eastern Powers and Systems Pvt Ltd for a 1,000 MW canal-based solar power project at the Vibrant Gujarat summit which gets underway on Friday.

Gujarat government claims to have been encouraged by the successful launch of the 1 MW canal-based solar power plant in April last year. The project was launched on a pilot basis on the Narmada main canal near Kadi in Mehsana district by Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) with support from Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL).

A senior government official said, "The company will sign the proposed MoU with the state energy and petrochemicals department and SSNNL. The present per MW cost of installation for a canal-based solar power plant comes to between Rs 17 crore and Rs 26 crore, but it is expected to come down drastically as the scale increases. This happened in the Charanka Solar Park also. Neither land acquisition costs nor long land acquisition times are required for canal based power projects. So the project is expected to kick off soon."

Sources said that chief minister Narendra Modi is keen on promoting solar power plants. In April, while inaugurating the pilot project, Modi had said that if even 10% of the 19,000 km long Narmada canal network in Gujarat is used to set up canal-top solar panels, 2,200 MW of solar power could be produced.

Sources further said the Gujarat government has also lined up a first-of-its-kind 600 MW offshore wind power generation project which will be developed by Bangalore-based Greenshore Energy Pvt. Ltd. This is a company promoted by former bureaucrats. Officials said the state government is planning to formulate an offshore wind power generation policy.


Good news. Was expecting this for a long time :cheers:

Is it really 17 - 26 crore / megawatt or a spelling mistake by TOI... Coz, last time when I saw, it was 7.5 - 8 crore / megawatt (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/new-solar-policy-offers-rs-21000-cr-biz-opportunity/article4111777.ece) on land... If the infra required on a canal is different and would cost more, that would get compensated by the price we pay for land purchase... Even after that, if the infra cost is more, I am not sure how it would cost 9.5 - 18.5 crore extra per MW... Can someone please clarify...

Not a spelling mistake but lack of understanding or poor use of English by the journalist. The existing canal-top solar installation was a one-off, custom-made prototype model. It was really just an experiment into whether such an idea was technically feasible, it wasn't ever meant to be something the economic viability should be judged on.

Yup exactly what GJ10 said and also at the moment solar power generation in India is just picking up so you will see the prices go down slowly. I am hoping we see some at home developments which would decrease the price even further. Need to pump in more money into RnD.

Thanks GJ10 and aks_sky.

But, still I feel 17 - 26 crore / megawatt is very costly, even if it was a custom-made prototype model. I think, it was less than 10-11 crore / megawatt (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/government-and-policy/article3346191.ece?homepage=true).

Surat municipal corporation to inaugurate rooftop solar plant (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/Surat-municipal-corporation-to-inaugurate-rooftop-solar-plant/articleshow/17937203.cms)

With the installation of the rooftop solar power plant at the Science Centre in City Light nearing completion, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) is planning to inaugurate during the upcoming visit of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the city next week.

Official sources said the civic body has installed rooftop solar power plant at the cost of Rs 91.80 lakh at the Science Centre for generating 100 kilowatts solar energy. A private agency has been hired for the installation of the first the solar power plant.

The civic body plans to meeting at least 15-30 per cent of its energy requirement from renewable which including solar and wind. It is already having a 3MW wind plant installed at Porbander and has decided to extend it by calling tenders for 8.4MW wind power station at the cost of Rs 63 crore.

Sources said the power produced will be sold to Torrent Power and that the sum generated will be credit to its power bills.

Initially, the civic body was planning for 50 and 25 KW rooftop solar plants, but since it was to be connected to grid, hence 100KW single plant was found more viable. It was concluded that with the increasing heat levels, solar panels will prove to be beneficial deal for the civic body in the long run. om the last one year the civic body has been mooting the installation of Solar panels for its vital and important buildings.

"The solar power plant atop Science Centre is expected to generate about 1.14 lakh kilowatts solar power per annum worth Rs 17.03 lakh. The solar power will be transferred in the grid and that the sum generated will be credited to the civic body's annual power bill" said Jatin Shah, city engineer.

Firms eye rooftops for solar power in Gujarat (http://panchabuta.com/2013/01/16/firms-eye-rooftops-for-solar-power-in-gujarat/)

According to reports, One of the questions that reverbated the most frequently at the session on “solar energy” at the Vibrant Gujarat summit Friday was on the use of industries’ rooftops to generate energy for their own use and for commercialisation.

S K Mehrotra from Borosil, for example, said during a question and answer round that his company has rooftop space to generate up to 1 MW and asked if he could set up panels there and use it and sell whatever surplus is generated.

Alan Rosling from Kiran Energy, who was a panelist in one of the sessions, said his company is in “serious talks” with “hundreds” of companies who are willing to set up captive rooftop solar facilities.

Answering a question on how many years it may take for rooftop solar to be viable without government subsidies, the International Finance Corporation’s Isabel Chatterton said in fact there are some special projects that are already running viably without subsidies, and that it may be so on a large scale in less than a decade.

T-Solar Sets Up Solar Power Plant In Gujarat (http://www.efytimes.com/e1/fullnews.asp?edid=99974)

The T-Solar Group, Spain-based photovoltaic solar energy producer, has installed its second PV power plant in India. By setting up this new plant in Gujarat, the company is in the process of establishing itself as one of major participant in the Indian solar energy sector.

The new plant has been set-up in Nayaka, Gujarat, which has capacity of 12.3 Mwp and the plant will generate 19.4 GWh a year. The company is looking to aid country's national grid to meet its electricity demand and thereby resorting to clean resources like solar, in order to retain rapidly utilised traditional resources. The power plant consists of 96,885 panels installed over a 36.4 hectare site.

Apart from this plant, T-Solar also has another 5 MWp photo-voltaic power plant in Osiyan, Rajasthan which was installed in October 2011. This plant is said to generate 8.5 GWh power a year to the electricity grid of the state. It was the first photo-electric power plant to be connected to the Indian grid by a Spanish company and one of the first to come on line under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).

The total investment in these two photo-voltaic projects amounts to $51 million. T-Solar is one of many companies looking to utilise India's chronic power situation to develop their own solar power hub by joining hands with various domestic solar manufacturers and states.

X Posting

7,320 crore solar city master plan gets SMC nod (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-22/surat/37241383_1_green-energy-new-and-renewable-energy-mnre)
Himansshu Bhatt, TNN Feb 22, 2013, 11.11PM IST

SURAT: The standing committee of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Friday passed the Rs 7,320 croreSurat solar city master plan. This is the first concrete step towards making Surat country's first solar city. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) had in 2011 given its in principle nod for the development of Surat as solar city.

The proposal envisages raising Rs 1,952 crore through subsidies for which the SMC will be making presentations before Central and state government departments on energy conservation and for the installation of non-conventional sources of energy production. It will also take up the issue of making necessary amendments in the building bye-laws to increase the usage of solar water heating systems.

The city plans to reduce use of electricity by 10 per cent by 2015-16 from its present consumption of 1699.17 million units. This would also bring down green house emissions, which was 40 per cent of the total emission from the city. The lignite-based industry and LPG-based automobiles contribute 50 per cent of the total emission. SMC at present meets 30 per cent of its total energy requirement from green sources. The production of energy through different non-conventional sources could reach 80 per cent by 2015-16, sources said.

"Industries should produce green energy. This would help sustain the city's solar drive" said Jatin Shah, city engineer.

"Green energy is a good concept. However, the question is will the small unit owners be able to afford this?" said South Gujarat Textiles Processors Association president Jitu Vakharia.

Usage of different energy sources in city

Electricity (GWH) - 8974.02 - 42.03 per cent

Coal ( tonnes ) - 7707.19 - 38.10 per cent

PNG (tonnes ) - 2564.37 - 12.01 per cent

LPG ( tonnes ) -1652.89 - 7.74 per cent

Kerosene (KL) - 452.16 - 2.12 per cent

Sector

Projected energy use (GWH)

Energy saving /Non-conventional sources of energy (GWH)

Total expected

Expenses

(Rs Crore )

Total Expected subsidies

(Rs Crore

Expenses for user

(Rs crore )

Municipal

179.70

173.97

463.85

36.13

427.72

Commercial

2132.07

137.91

386.28

99.82

286.46

Residential

3865.69

442.41

1348.23

440.64

907.59

Industrial

15173.18

1382.08

5121.85

1375.66

3746.19

Total

21, 350.63

2136.38

7320.21

1952.25

5367.96

Great news!

Senthil, you are almost single-handed-ly giving updates for the thread. Nice!

So are you officially involved in solar energy or are you just an admirer?

Thanks Gandhi Rushabh. :)

I am an admirer of Solar energy and Modi. :) Recently I went for a 3KW solar plant (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=99519590#post99519590).

Gujarats sprawling Solar fields outpower rest of India, China (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Gujarats-sprawling-solar-fields-outpower-rest-of-India-China/articleshow/18899314.cms)

There is a dazzling field of mirrors that you can find near the vast saltpans of the Little Rann. It is like a sparkling oasis in the desert — much like a gleaming silver screen covering the vast desolate white sand around.

This is Charanka village in Patan, where over 2,965 acres, rows of photovoltaic cells or solar panels have been laid out to harness the sun. They are generating 214 MW of electricity every day—more than China's 200 MW Golmund Solar park.

The Gujarat government claims that nearly 17 private and state companies have pumped Rs 9,000 crore as investments in this park. Not surprisingly, land prices here have shot up. Former Charanka village sarpanch Barubhai Ahir says that till December 2009, when the project took off, land prices here were Rs 25,000 per acre. "Today just because of the solar park, a 1.5 kilometer periphery around the Charanka solar project would cost Rs 6 lakh per acre."

Apart from Charanka, solar parks are present across 13 sun-kissed districts and spread over 2,375 acres, most of which is vast stretches of non-arable land. Almost 84 developers have joined hands to construct solar power plants of one to 40 MW capacities in these places.

The impact of these projects seems to be showing. "The main solar drivers in India have been the Gujarat solar policy and the National Solar Mission (NSM). Projects under these two policies account for 80 per cent of India's installed capacity until October 2011," claims Tobias Engelmeier, managing director of Bridge to India (BTI) which brings out the annual India Solar Handbook.

The handbook also says that Gujarat's predominance is primarily because it introduced a solar power policy in the state in 2009, even before the introduction of the National Solar Mission (NSM). Also the state's solar policy has been the only policy in the country which had a fixed tariff, and did not follow the reverse bidding mechanism.

Although the numbers may look good at present, many feel that the state may have rushed to attract solar units by offering a high Rs 15 per unit without looking into the future scenario. Solar plants were established for Rs 12 crore per MW at a time when in just one year — 2011 — the cost of putting a solar power plant came down by 30 per cent. The government established its own solar power plants at an even higher Rs 16 crore to produce just one MW at the state-run Pandit Deendalayal Petroleum University, and at Rs 17.5 crore atop the Narmada canal. The developers, both national and international, agreed to install power units at such high costs as they knew they would be able to recover the capital in less than eight years. For four years, they would get Rs 15 per unit, all of it nothing but profit. Then, for the next 13 years, they would be paid Rs 5 per unit — at a time when the actual cost of producing solar power comes to just about 15 paise per unit after recovering the capital cost.

Surely not good economics as far as the state is concerned.


Gujarat has undoubtedly been the most successful Solar Policy, but is it fair to brand it as "bad economics" without looking at the other Solar Policies in India? Comparing one-off things like the Canal-top prototype or the Rooftop system at PDPU to MW-grade large scale Solar Plants is just stupid reporting.

Recap of Gujarat Solar Tariffs: link (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=88010285&postcount=5), Fixed rates for projects commissioned in each year.
Intro Tariff to Mar 2012 = Rs 15 x 12yrs and Rs 5 for 13 yrs = Average Rs 9.8
Mar 2012 to 31 Mar 2013 = Rs 9.28 x 12yrs and Rs 7 for 13 yrs = Average Rs 8.09
Apr 2013 to 31 Mar 2014 = Rs 8.63 x 12yrs and Rs 7 for 13 yrs = Average Rs 7.78
Apr 2014 to 31 Mar 2015 = Rs 8.03 x 12yrs and Rs 7 for 13 yrs = Average Rs 7.49


Central Govts Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission doesnt have a fixed tariff system, but by now, the average tariff of winning bids is knownlink (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/article2848175.ece)

JNNSM Phase 1 Batch 1 (projects to be commissioned Jan 2011) = Rs 12.16
JNNSM Phase 1 Batch 2 (projects to be commissioned Mar 2013) = Rs 8.78


So even the highest introductory Gujarat tariff, was lower than the JNNSM Phase 1 batch 1. And the corresponding Gujarat tariff to JNNSM Phase 1 batch 2 is also lower.

Most recently there was the Tamil Nadu Solar Policy for projects to be commissioned in 13-14, which had an unusual system of a 5% increase for 10yrs followed by being fixed to the highest amount for the next 10yrs. Doesnt really make much sense for Solar where start-up costs are high, but in any case, to end up paying less than a Solar Project in Gujarat, the TN initial price would need to be:


Commissioned between April 2013 and 31 Mar 2014: Rs 5.54 (ave Rs 7.78)
Commissioned between April 2014 and 31 Mar 2015: Rs 5.33 (ave Rs 7.49)


The best they could get was Rs 5.97 (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/energy/power/tamil-nadu-solar-tender-gets-lowest-financial-bid-at-rs-5-97/kwh/articleshow/18259763.cms), which averages out to Rs 8.39 over the entire term, meaning that even the lowest winning bid was higher than the Gujarat tariff for 12-13, let alone 13-14.

Out of 500MW, 200MW was bid at Rs7-8, and 141MW between Rs8-10. Add 5% each year for 10yrs to that you're looking at a disaster.

So really, is it bad economics in Gujarat or yet more bad research/journalism?

Thanks Gandhi Rushabh. :)

I am an admirer of Solar energy and Modi. :) Recently I went for a 3KW solar plant (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=99519590#post99519590).

Interesting.Wish you the best of luck in your business operations.:okay:
I only hope that the babu log don't interfere in the activities of enterpreneurial people like you.

Most recently there was the Tamil Nadu Solar Policy for projects to be commissioned in 13-14, which had an unusual system of a 5% increase for 10yrs followed by being fixed to the highest amount for the next 10yrs. Doesnt really make much sense for Solar where start-up costs are high, but in any case, to end up paying less than a Solar Project in Gujarat, the TN initial price would need to be:

Quote:
Commissioned between April 2013 and 31 Mar 2014: Rs 5.54 (ave Rs 7.78)
Commissioned between April 2014 and 31 Mar 2015: Rs 5.33 (ave Rs 7.49)
The best they could get was Rs 5.97, which averages out to Rs 8.39 over the entire term, meaning that even the lowest winning bid was higher than the Gujarat tariff for 12-13, let alone 13-14.

Out of 500MW, 200MW was bid at Rs7-8, and 141MW between Rs8-10. Add 5% each year for 10yrs to that you're looking at a disaster.


7, 8, 10 and so on was quoted. Government accepted only Rs. 6.48 per unit (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=101054133&postcount=1425). Average price for 20years might be higher(1.5 rupees) than Gujarat. But, I think, its not a disaster. :)

I'm not saying its a disaster, but ppl like us who are following Solar sector know that Gujarat is undeniably paying less than others (inc Centre and TN) for its Solar Power.

But the typical Indian media reporting such as the article I posted, consistently makes out as if Gujarat is paying through the roof and all other states and Centre have worked better deals. It's a complete load of BS as the truth is the exact opposite.

Hi..

Just looked at the discussions here. My points:

First of all, GJ10, looks like u did a slight mistake in the tariffs of Guj solar policy. Here is the correct tariff: Source: (http://www.gercin.org/renewablepdf/Solar%20Tariff%20Order%201%20of%202012.pdf) Pg 26.

http://headwaysolar.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/tariff.bmp

You took the levelized tariff for 25 years as the tariff for the first 12 years and hence the confusion.

And looking at the figures in that table, GERC arrives at the levelized tariff in a different manner and not by simply taking average for 25 years like u did. ( P.S: I am lost too.. :dunno: GERC says they arrived at the figure considering many technical and financial parameters -> Pg. 24 in the report. They are considering something called Return on Equity @ 14% annually).


Second, in your analysis, while comparing TN and Guj policies, one small problem in averaging arises coz. TN policy period is for 20 years while Guj's is for 25 years. So, straight-to-straight comparison doesn't work out. U can take the values for Guj upto 20 years and then compare.

And finally, given that nearly 600 MW (approx) of Guj's solar installation came under the introductory tariff where the levelized tariff comes out to be Rs. 12.54 ( Pg. 4 in the report), it is actually a bit costly.

CMIIW.

Ah crap, I blame the hin-DUH (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=88010285&postcount=5) (not as catchy as TOIlet, but def applicable here!) Shouldve known not to rely on media to report accurately.

"Levelized Tariff", is basically the normal average plus the estimated inflation at whatever rate the Gujarat Govt calculated at the time (prob on the high side to make potential tariffs seem more attractive to developers), the reality of what ends up being paid may be more or less than what is quoted as "Levelized Tariff". Its in the Govts best interest to keep the fixed tariff as low as possible, but estimate the Levelized Tariff as high as possible. Return on equity/Debt coverage ratio are what they use to decide how much to pay in the initial higher phase of the tariff to make it attractive for developers as recovery of capital cost is practically the only major cost for Solar.

So what we know for certain about intro tariff is that ex-inflation, it averages to 10.2, which only applied to projects commissioned by end of January 2012, which actually was only 200MW worth of projects (see commissioning dates in first post). Vast majority of initial Solar plants ended up a couple of months late, therefore were shifted onto the Rs 8.54 tariff to March 2013.

So to recap, the actual tariffs (all ex-inflation) come out to be:

Gujarat Solar Policy
Intro Tariff to Jan 2012 = Rs 15 x 12yrs and Rs 5 for 13 yrs = Average Rs 10.2
Jan 2012 to 31 Mar 2013 = Rs 9.98 x 12yrs and Rs 7 for 13 yrs = Average Rs 8.55
Apr 2013 to 31 Mar 2014 = Rs 9.13 x 12yrs and Rs 7 for 13 yrs = Average Rs 8.11
Apr 2014 to 31 Mar 2015 = Rs 8.35 x 12yrs and Rs 7 for 13 yrs = Average Rs 7.70

Central Govts Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission link (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/article2848175.ece)

JNNSM Phase 1 Batch 1 (projects to be commissioned Jan 2011) = average Rs 12.16
JNNSM Phase 1 Batch 2 (projects to be commissioned Mar 2013) = average Rs 8.78


TN Solar Policy (proposed for projects to be commissioned in 13-14)
Rs 6.48 +5% for 10yrs, then fixed for 10yrs = average 9.10

So Gujarat average costs are still lower than others for the same time periods as well as having far more Solar installed capacity than others.

I get what you are saying about TN contract being 20yrs rather than 25, and fair enough, it may well be the saving grace from a TN Govt pov as they will get to the stage of renegotiating PPAs sooner, but at the same time, if the developers are not keen on that (which they arent), and if TN ends up with only a small number of MWs overall, then its not really such a clever move.

Remember that of the tendered 1000MW in TN, bids only came in for about half of that, of which only 56MW were originally bid at below Rs 7. link (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=99895211&postcount=1338). Theres still a very real possibility of it being a major flop if they dont reach 200-250MW.

Out of 500MW, 200MW was bid at Rs7-8, and 141MW between Rs8-10. Add 5% each year for 10yrs to that you're looking at a disaster.


7, 8, 10 and so on was quoted. Government accepted only Rs. 6.48 per unit (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=101054133&postcount=1425). Average price for 20years might be higher(1.5 rupees) than Gujarat. But, I think, its not a disaster. :)

I'm not saying its a disaster, but ppl like us who are following Solar sector know that Gujarat is undeniably paying less than others (inc Centre and TN) for its Solar Power.

:)

Most of the governments are trying to do something good regarding improving power situation. Then why these statements. :dunno: :) There will always be one government quoting less than the other... Everybody knows Gujarat is progressing well in solar. So why.... :cheers:

My first comment was before the final TN Govt agreed Solar tariff was announced, if the developers got what they wanted (between Rs 7-10) then it would have been a disaster

I admit that Rs 6.48 even with the escalation is not a bad quote financially (although undeniably more expensive than in Gujarat), but the other side of the equation is how many MW actually sign up for it.

If the aim is to get 1000MW but ends up being <200MW, then it doesn't make a difference if the tariff is fair, the whole exercise has to go down as a failure.

We all know TN is in a more acute need of the energy than Gujarat is. IMO the way the escalating tariff has been devised is more a reflection of how tight TANGEDCOs budget is at the moment rather than something which is well designed for the high capex/low opex Solar industry.

The original article I posted and a few others i have read lately all try to explain that Gujarat is only progressing well in Solar because we are paying more for Solar Power than anyone else, which is completely inaccurate...

My first comment was before the final TN Govt agreed Solar tariff was announced, if the developers got what they wanted (between Rs 7-10) then it would have been a disaster
Final TN Govt agreed solar tariff was announced before your first comment. :)

If the aim is to get 1000MW but ends up being <200MW, then it doesn't make a difference if the tariff is fair, the whole exercise has to go down as a failure.

Even if TN gets 100MW, it would not be a failure, because the power deficit is more, whatever it gets is going to help it, and this is the first tender. :cheers:

If it was already announced, then I genuinely wasn't aware of it, it's never been my style to intentionally put out of date or inaccurate information, that's exactly what I am always criticising the media for.

I get how every MW is desperately needed in TN, which is a fair point. But at the same time, if Gujarat Govt had announced a target of 1000MW and ended up with 200MW, there's no doubt what the media reaction would be. The slow-drip of misinformation about Gujarat paying over the odds is just a small part of that, and ties in with the wider "crony-capitalism" stereotype that is always used. This is something that goes on with all aspects in Gujarat, not just in Solar.

Gujarat Solar Park in Charanka, near Patan.

Asia's biggest. World's 2nd biggest after Agua Caliente Solar Project, USA.

The solar park is expected to save around 8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere and save around 900,000 tonnes of natural gas per year.

It covers an area of roughly 25 sq kms and the distance between 2 of its end points is 5.3 kms!!

A Satellite image:

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/3360/charankasolarpark.png

Some snaps of the plant:

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQFpsZUTPmLWUiTgxjA7HuYsupQDSSgR23xj_0fD-KdCSY1AzeiC5cjFCw


http://www.gcet.ac.in/past_events/2012-13/EE/IMG_0784.jpg


http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Environment/Pix/columnists/2012/5/1/1335893988837/Big-Picture--The-Gujarat--005.jpg


http://www.downtoearth.org.in/dte/userfiles/images/28-1_20120815.jpg


http://img.deusm.com/ubmfuturecities/2012/12/523977/110934_369189.png

Roof over roads to tap solar power (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Roof-over-roads-to-tap-solar-power/articleshow/19313484.cms)

India's major roads may double up as solar highways, if an innovative proposal by some scientists gets the government's approval. The proposal is the brainchild of scientists at the Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) in the state capital.

In a paper just published in the International Journal of Energy, Environment and Engineering, the scientists say highways can be used to generate solar power, if a roof of solar panels was laid over them, across the length of the roads.

The photovoltaic (PV) panels that convert sunlight into electricity is normally spread out on land. "While the price of PV panels is falling day by day, the price of land and its availability are constraints in the development of solar power, especially in India," says Tirumalachetty Harinarayana, director of GERMI and one of the authors of the paper.

"Our proposal overcomes this obstacle by using the space over the highways for placing the PV panels," Harinarayana told this agency. "This space can contribute to energy generation without extra land costs."

The proposal by Harinarayana and co-worker Pragya Sharma is based on case studies they carried out on two highways passing through Gujarat, using computer simulation.

From their computations, they estimate that a PV roof cover over the four-lane 205-km-long Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway can generate 104 mw of power while the Ahmedabad-Vadodara national highway, 93-km-long, can generate 61 mw of electricity.

"We can suggest that the same concept can be extended for use on the 52,584-kilometre-long national and state highways in India with four lanes or more," the scientists said.

The four-lane 5,839-km-long Golden Quadrilateral Highway, for example, connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, can potentially generate 4,418 mw of power while the North-South-East-West Corridor highway of 7,300 km connecting Srinagar, Kanyakumari, Porbandar and Silchar has 5,524 mw capacity of power generation.

"If having solar panel roof over the national highways proves successful, one can think of using all our rail network as well for solar energy generation," Harinarayana said. IANS

The GERMI scientists claim that apart from producing power, the solar highway concept, if implemented, can generate jobs for both skilled and unskilled people.

"Additionally, the shade provided by the over-head solar panels would result in improved vehicle efficiency and longer tyre life, besides reduction in road maintenance costs," Harinarayana said.

"Another benefit of having a roof over the highways is rainwater harvesting at selected locations," he said.

The scientists point out that the Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission (JNSM) launched by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Jan 2010 could not reach its target of 1,200 mw electricity by March 2013 due to various problems.

"Again, there is no roadmap or clear plan to reach its 20 GW target by 2022," said Harinarayana. He said the solar highway concept has the potential for large-scale generation of electricity with grid connectivity in short time.

"This requires one-time investment for constructing a simple elevated structure covering the national highways," he said.

According to Harinarayana, Gujarat state is ideally suited to take a lead in implementing the proposal. The state, he said, has already made great strides in harnessing sunlight by establishing a large solar park near Charanka in the Kutch region, launching the 5 mw solar roof-top programme in Gandhinagar, and also erection of solar panels on a water canal.

He said GERMI would be ready to demonstrate the feasibility of the solar highway through a 1-mw pilot scale project once the government gives approval.

That will be really cool, 'if' implemented.

Emmvee installs solar off-grid plant in Gujarat SEZ (http://www.energynext.in/emmvee-installs-solar-off-grid-plant-in-gujarat-sez/)

Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Pvt Ltd has commissioned two 100 kWp solar photovoltaic off-grid plants besides 1000 24-watt LED-based solar powered street lighting systems for National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) at Kandla Special Economic Zone (SEZ), in Kutch, Gujarat.

The project was commissioned under the civil infrastructure for the power sector. The Off-grid solar PV plants are installed on the roof of the administration buildings of the SEZ area. The electricity generated will be used for lighting, running computers, fan at the buildings. Each of the 100 kWp plants has 360 PV modules of 280 Wp.

The 24 Watt LED-based solar PV powered stand-alone street lights are installed in the campus of the SEZ. “Emmvee has always proven its versatile expertise whether it is MW scale projects or off-grid systems. The project is a good initiative by NBCC and it was an honour to associate with them”, D V Manjunatha, Founder and Managing director of Emmvee Group, said.

Realtime Generation of Solar Plants in Gujarat (http://www.sldcguj.com/realtimedata/gujsolar.asp)

^^ Probably more useful/interesting info from the same site: Gujarat Solar Historical Data (http://www.sldcguj.com/RealTimeData/GujSolar_Trend.asp)

Lets you see the daily trends, rather than just a snapshot at one time of day.

Looking at the total installed capacity, def seems to be a lot of Solar projects that have gone on-line without much publicity, will try to update the first page as best I can.