Solar Today September-October 2016

www.SolarToday.co.in

market share and look for a big 30 MW of projects. I expect the

opportunity at a low cost. We Indian market to grow by leaps

are commiƩed to the Indian and bounds over the next three-

market. We are clear and know five years. It is going to be

that currently, India is the third exponenƟal. The uƟlity market

largest market in the world, may conƟnue to give 5-7 GW of

which nobody can ignore. pipeline every year for the next

three-four years. Out of the

Tell us about your 30 MW that we have bagged,

manufacturing facility in almost 15 MW is dedicated

Norway. Are you limited just to to rooŌop.

manufacturing, or do you offer

turnkey soluƟons too? How about your distribuƟon

At present, we have two channels across India?

manufacturing units — in When we launched our

Norway and Singapore. In partner programme in India last

Norway, we manufacture November, and had around

modules, which is around 1 GW 10-12 partners across India

and we are seƫng up a wafer and Sri Lanka. Currently, the

manufacturing plant with a numbers have increased

capacity around 950 MW. to 25-30.

Our module manufacturing In India itself we have at

is basically due to our ‘Designing our products beyong IEC requirements has least 20 partners, and we

acquisiƟon of LKM Solar in lowered their warranty claim rates’. expect to add a few more. Our

2014. LKM’s modules have a big strategy is clear, we do not

advantage in terms of performance at world, at least the top five have a want many partners in one region

high temperatures. We have done a manufacturing base of 4 GW to 6.5 which will create compeƟƟon and

few studies for two markets — India GW, respecƟvely. However, being a hamper our boƩom line. For example,

and Australia — where we found out global player, our capacity is a mere if we are looking at the Odisha region

that using LKM’s product IPPs can 1.3 GW with 100 MW of installed to expand our base, I would rather go

gain higher yield as compared to capacity in India. Our main challenge in for just two partners for the enƟre

tradiƟonal products developed in India is to convince the players to state, instead of appoinƟng 20. Our

by REC. pay premium rate for our products strategy to include partners is based

Our Singapore facility was the first Ɵme, that will give them a on geographical need and industry-

established in 2010, and manufacture beƩer IRR in the long run. specific spread. Eventually, the enƟre

wafers, cells and modules. In value chain has to make money. It

Singapore, we have about 1 GW However, there is a cost factor… cannot be that it’s only my company

of wafer blocks, 800 MW of cell Correct! There is a cost factor to it, which is making money.

manufacturing and 1.3 GW of module but we use block material. We have

manufacturing, with an investment of stringent processes when we What is your customer base?

$2 billion. manufacture cells, modules or wafers. We have around 40-50 capƟve

We use SPC, a staƟsƟcal process customers that includes DBS Group,

How about your plans to start a control, believed to be used by Turbo Energy, RK Marbles, Ramoji

manufacturing facility in India? few manufacturers in the world. In Group and Clover Group. Our first

For us, ‘Make in India’ came a liƩle design, we go well beyond IEC customer is an individual who has

bit late. By the Ɵme the current standards, as we believe they are not installed 3.5 MW of solar plant and

government started talking about this good enough, as they were amended will be adding another 2 MW.

iniƟaƟve, we had actually ventured a long Ɵme back, when Europe was The amount of money he is puƫng

more into the Southeast Asia region. the biggest market. into solar, we expect, five years down

Singapore will conƟnue to be our the line, it will give him twice the

main base. So, at the moment, we do How many projects are returns as compared to what we get.

not want to compete on scaling up you looking out for in this He will get more than twice the

our capacity and bringing our cost financial year? returns due to his secured 25-year

down. That is not something which When we began this year, we had PPA with the government.

we want to do. If you study the about 70 MW of installaƟons in India. - RAHUL KAMAT
capacity of the top 10 players in the In addiƟon, we have bagged

49September-October 2016 SOLAR

interview REI Expo 2016

Cost of finance is a worry

factor in India

Vinay Shetty, Managing Director, Canadian Solar Energy is of the opinion that India’s
solar success story is dependent on the cost of finance. Once interest rates are lowered,
there will be a more positive approach towards the solar sector.

Y our thoughts about India’s installed capacity of around 6 GW. seven cents higher than China.
manufacturing policy? However, despite our global posiƟon, Hence, the quesƟon is: who will buy a
The ‘Make in India’ we find it very difficult to make product 15 per cent more expensive?
concept for solar in inroads in the Indian subconƟnent. Is the local market stable? This will
parƟcular is very aƩracƟve. That can be substanƟated with our all be visible in another one year;
Unfortunately, there are a few conƟnuous efforts to set up a however, the solar business does not
instances which have gone against manufacturing unit in India for the run on one-year predicƟons. As a
India, making us worry on account of last three years. That does not mean private player, we need visibility for at
a couple of points. Canadian Solar is we are blaming the policy. It’s all least five years, guaranteeing at least
second in the world with a total good, with talks about single-window 1 GW, which when required, can be
clearances, etc. The first reason to ramped up at the rate of 20-25 per
opt out of invesƟng in India is lack of cent on a year-on-year basis.
infrastructure for availability of
resources due to strict environment What is the way forward?
norms. And, as a private player, we We must invite the top five
have to abide by the laws. The second
reason is financing. In India, cost of module manufacturers from China,
financing is 10-12 per cent, which is who know how to handle cost,
too high. The interest level should be equipment and the process. The best
reduced to 3-4 per cent. But looking way to break the jinx is to form JV
at the present market scenario, we partnership with major Chinese
don’t think this will happen players, where they take up finance,
immediately. So although India has a raw materials, technology and the
Indian partners take up domesƟc issues.
good manufacturing policy, to
make this a success, other Will ISA bring down cost of finance?
elements must be supporƟve. India, being part of ISA, brings a

So even with US-Exim huge advantage to the Indian market.
backing India, the situaƟon However, in terms of hedging cost, it
is difficult? will be equivalent to what Indian
banks offer. ISA alone cannot bring
It’s difficult. Here too, I down the cost of financing in India.
will substanƟate with an For that, GoI must change approach
example. We did an and declare this sector as a priority
lending sector. Today, Indian banks do
analysis for a 500 MW not have confidence in the technology
manufacturing facility a solar manufacturer uses. It is important
in India, and found that ISA plays a role in bringing
out that the cost of technological experƟse along with R&D.
producƟon is high due
to duƟes imposed on (For full interview, log on to www.
required raw materials by SolarToday.co.in)
the government. Our
analysis suggested that the - RAHUL KAMAT
manufacturing cost here is

50 SOLAR JSuelpyt-eAmugbuesrt-O2c0t1o6ber 2016

www.SolarToday.co.in

Kynar backsheet can withstand any

weathering condition

Sachin Upadhye, Marketing Manager-Kynar, Arkema India speaks on Kynar, a three-
layered film backsheet, and how it is most suitable for consistent solar PV performance.
Edited excerpts:

Tell us about the Kynar This technology makes it possible to witness a drop within the first
backsheet developed by take full advantage of the excellent five-seven years, from 18 per cent to
Arkema in terms of how it weatherability of Kynar PVDF, without 15 per cent, and subsequently, can
funcƟons and how it any compromise. further drop below the 15 per cent
enhances the capacity and level. However, with the use of Kynar
performance of solar panels… In chemistry, the carbon-fluorine three-layer films, a module can
bond is known as one of the strongest perform consistently at 18 per cent,
KPK is an Arkema registered brand bonds, e.g., it cannot be broken by for up to 25 years.
for backsheets. It comes with the ultraviolet light. As a consequence,
structure of Kynar film with the ‘K the weatherability of fluorinated Can it withstand extreme weather
layer’, which means that the product polymer is directly linked to its condiƟons like that experienced in
is a Kynar Polyvinylidene Fluoride efficient fluorine content. Compared Rajasthan or Leh-Ladakh?
(PVDF) three-layer film. The Kynar to polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) resin
three-layer films present a unique — which contains 41 per cent fluorine Kynar PVDF material is known to
sandwich structure based on pure — Kynar PVDF contains 51 per cent give very good sand-aggregaƟon
PVDF skins and a pigmented Kynar fluorine, and therefore presents the based systems. So when a solar PV
core layer. best-in-class weathering manufacturer applies Kynar
performance. That said, the surface backsheet, it actually helps the
layer of Kynar PVDF allows the Kynar developer, prohibiƟng the erosion of
three-film layer to provide key the backsheet from the rear-side, in
properƟes like mould and mildew case of sandstorms. If you check the
resistance, salt spray resistance, fire solar map of India, most of the
resistance, absence of chalking under installaƟons have happened in the
water, thermal stability and the western regions. Considering the high
best-in-class barrier properƟes. The temperatures in the dayƟme for
middle pigmented Kynar layer with deserts, thermal stability and heat
reflecƟon are important parameters
high level of PVDF provides to evaluate performance of backsheet
permanent IV opacity and low material. The Kynar three-film PVDF
heat build-up property. has a record of excellent property
retenƟon over a high thermal ageing.
Could you be specific as far as This is due to good oxidaƟve
performance is concerned? resistance of PVDF skins of the film.
If a developer uses The other parameter, parƟcularly of
inferior material, the desert installaƟons, is the heat. The
performance rate of a efficiency of the cell is directly related
solar module can to heat (the cooler the beƩer); the
choice of a backsheet with high level
of reflecƟon is recommended.

(For full interview, log on to www.
SolarToday.co.in)

- RAHUL KAMAT

51 SOLAR September-October 2016 51September-October 2016 SOLAR

photo feature REI Expo 2016

Team REC at the pavilion at REI Expo.

Picture Perfect!

Vikram Solar showcased its products at REI Expo. Team KRYFS at the pavilion.

52 SOLAR September-October 2016

www.SolarToday.co.in

Schneider shows its full strength at REI Expo 2016.

The SOLAR TODAY team captures various elements of REI Expo through its lens, for readers
to see the best and the brightest...

Sunfuel Technologies team members at REI Expo 2016.

53September-October 2016 SOLAR

photo feature REI Expo 2016 www.SolarToday.co.in

A packed Rays Power Infra stall at REI Expo 2016. Bigger the better - The L&T team’s full presence at the REI Expo 2016.

Standing tall - CleanMax Solar at REI. Mahindra Susten Team at REI Expo 2016.

Business as usual - Neosol Technologies at the REI Expo 2016. DuPont stall at REI 2016.

54 SOLAR September-October 2016

www.SolarToday.co.in

Team Madhav Corp at REI.

Inso Solar’s participation at REI Expo 2016. PRETTL India Pvt Ltd officials at the recently concluded REI Expo 2016 .

UTL showcases its product Sungrow Power Supply at REI Expo 2016, Noida.
portfolio at REI Expo 2016. ST

55September-October 2016 SOLAR

special report solar bicycle

Biking to
Glory

An IIT Bombay alumnus from
the Energy Science Department,
Sushil Reddy rode a solar
powered electric bicycle for
7,513 km in 79 days, across nine
states in northwestern India to
raise awareness about solar
power in the country.

Beginning the journey from IIT The bicycle was chosen to show people the practical application of solar energy.
Bombay on May 8, 2016, over
the next 79 days, Reddy rode
across Gujarat, Rajasthan,
Punjab, Himachal Pradesh,
UƩarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, UƩar
Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to raise
solar awareness; ending his trip, back
at IIT Bombay on July 25, 2016.

Reddy got the idea for this trip
while working with kWaƩ SoluƟons
Pvt. Ltd., a solar energy start-up in IIT
Bombay. “I believe that in a sector like
solar energy, educaƟng people about
it is the key for them to appreciate its
benefits in the long run. Solar energy
is sƟll new to many people in India
and many of them have a lot of
doubts/misconcepƟons regarding its
working and benefits. Young minds are
the most inquisiƟve ones. Hence I
thought of targeƟng schools, colleges,

56 SOLAR September-October 2016

feature challenges www.SolarToday.co.in

City SEMINARS CONDUCTED

Surat Venue
Baroda
Ahmedabad Jeevan Bharti School
Jamnagar Parul University
Rajkot NID students’ interaction
Jodhpur Army Cantonment
Bathinda VVP college, KVKV school
Jalandhar MBM college
Haryana Electricity Board
Delhi NIT Jalandhar
Jaipur NGF Engineering College
Sikar BSNL office
Udaipur The WiredHub co-working space
Bhartiya Public School, Tagore International School
Kota IIM Udaipur, Seva Mandir NGO
Aklank Public School, Bansal Public School, Gurukul Residential
Campus, Resonance coaching centre

SOLAR POWERED ELECTRIC BICYCLE

• 240 W solar panels were situated on a detached trailer attached to the bicycle.
• 250 W rear hub motor, 48 V lithium-ion battery were part of the system.
• Average speed of the bicycle on flat surface: 20 km/hour
• The bicycle was manufactured by Hulikkal Electro India Pvt. Ltd.

universiƟes and other organisaƟons to and its benefits. Nothing could be IIT Bombay, currently in his fourth
talk about solar energy and give them more eco-friendlier than a cycle and year, agreed to come on board the
a basic idea of the situaƟon in India,” solar power to spread this message,” project as a support crew member.
he says. explains Reddy. Tailor is a Masters in Sustainable
Energy from RMIT University, Australia
Reddy believes that since the youth On this front, he designed a solar — he helped deliver lectures and
will be the most affected in the future, electric bicycle which uses a baƩery seminars on the solar system design;
it is important for them to understand charged through solar energy. An Himanshu Singh, an ex-decathlon
the importance of solar energy and electric bicycle reduces your physical player, helped plan the route and was
apply it in their lives. “Summer effort by up to 50 per cent. By using the mechanic on the ride.
months are the best Ɵmes to spread solar energy to charge the baƩery, you
this message and hence I planned for reduce your expenses and help reduce INDIA SCENARIO
the awareness ride in May and June,” the carbon footprint. The Government of India launched
he adds.
“AŌer designing the bicycle, I the Jawaharlal Nehru NaƟonal Solar
WHY SOLAR BICYCLE? started approaching companies to Mission (JNNSM) under which the
“When you see something support my ride aŌer explaining to target is now to generate 100 GW of
them the cause and the need. I was solar power in India. Besides this, the
pracƟcally working on solar energy, lucky to get support from some Ministry of New and Renewable
your level of trust increases and you companies, both financially and Energy (MNRE) has envisioned this
tend to appreciate the idea and the otherwise,” he says. target to be achieved by 2022.
cause more. Hence I decided to ride a Presently in 2016, the installed solar
solar-powered electric bicycle to show Forming a team was the next step. capacity in India is approximately
people an applicaƟon of solar energy Krunal Tailor, Reddy’s colleague, and
Rajendra Bhaskar, Sushil’s junior from

57September-October 2016 SOLAR

special report solar bicycle

5 GW and in order to achieve this ride. While explaining about the soluƟons currently available in which
ambiƟous target, there is a lot of bicycle, Reddy also made people they need not pay anything upfront
requirement of skilled manpower in aware about the other applicaƟons of and can conƟnue the monthly
the solar energy sector. solar energy, like its use in powering electricity bill even aŌer installing
one’s home and basic solar energy solar power. I also enlightened people
“There is an esƟmated facts such as 1 kW of solar power about net metering — wherein they
requirement of 300,000 skilled solar gives an average 4 units/day of can sell power by feeding excess solar
professionals comprising mulƟple skill electricity and the types of solar energy back in to the grid,” he says.
sets ranging from research, design, energy systems (on-grid and off-grid).
engineering, installaƟon, operaƟon & Many people also had concerns about He also discussed the ‘Build–
maintenance and sales & markeƟng. the land area the solar panels occupy Operate-Transfer’ financial model,
The current number of skilled solar — which to give a rough idea, is which encourages people to go for
technicians in India is approximately 100 sq Ō of shadow-free area for a solar since it involves paying the
40,000. There is an urgent need to 1 kW solar energy system. monthly electricity bill at a cost lesser
empower people with solar. Hence than grid electricity when one opts
there is a need of making people CREATING AWARENESS for solar with a three-party
aware about the opportuniƟes The journey took Reddy through agreement. Furthermore, Tailor
available in the upcoming solar explained the procedure to design a
energy sector. And hence,
basic solar awareness is the The solar bicycle team at India Gate, New Delhi.
key,” feels Reddy.
many towns, ciƟes and villages solar system for a household using a
THE JOURNEY and cleared many myths about case study with approximate cosƟng.
“I started my journey on solar power which people had in
their minds, especially about how the On the employment front,
May 8, 2016, from IIT system works and its cost. The most more than 1 million job opportuniƟes
Bombay on the solar electric common doubt in people’s minds will be created in the solar energy
bicycle. The idea was to was the expense. Since many sector in India in the next
make people curious people in India do not have the seven-eight years owing to the
throughout the journey, purchasing power which is required Centre’s ambiƟous plan.
which was a success. Many upfront in solar, this was the most
people stopped and asked common quesƟon. Sharing some experiences, Reddy
about the solar panels, recalls how in coastal Gujarat, many
how it works, the benefits, “I told people about many financial people in small villages had never
and cost of the bicycle. seen a solar panel before and
People on the road used to
gather around the bicycle
and get curious. The solar
bicycle was a great
conversaƟon starter
wherever I stopped for food
or breaks,” says Reddy.

Apart from the solar
bicycle, many people had
quesƟons about how the
whole solar energy system
works — on how the energy flows
from the solar panels to the load, and
what components are there in a solar
energy system. “Some of the best
memories on the road were the
interacƟons with people who were
stopping me, clearing their doubts
about solar energy and taking selfies
later,” he says.

Thus, clearing people’s doubts as
to how baƩeries and inverters play a
role in the system was a part of the

58 SOLAR September-October 2016

www.SolarToday.co.in

explaining the same to them was an powered using solar-charging Pathankot-Shimla-Dharamshala-
interesƟng experience, especially staƟons. This is going to be the future Roorkee-Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Sikar-
when they thought it was magic to of transportaƟon,” says Reddy. Udaipur-Kota-Indore-Nagpur-Nashik-
get electricity out of the sun. Thane-IIT Bombay, where it ended.
He also met Upendra Tripathy,
“During the many solar awareness Secretary, MNRE and some scienƟsts The route was chosen and planned
seminars throughout my route, I in Delhi during the ride and discussed considering maximum sunshine,
talked about the energy scenario with them a few ideas about favourable terrain, weather and
in India, staƟng the increasing sustainable transportaƟon using safety for cyclists.
gap between producƟon and electric vehicles and staƟonary
consumpƟon of oil in the coming solar charging staƟons, which he KEY TAKEAWAYS
years and how renewable energy is planning on implemenƟng in
now accounts for approximately the future. • There is some basic level awareness
4-5 per cent of the overall energy mix
in India,” states Reddy. “Personally, this ride has taught among people about solar since
me a lot of things aŌer interacƟng
He also spoke about the with so many people. First, people in people have been seeing solar
importance and the immense India have many ideas in their minds
potenƟal of solar energy staƟng that but lack a direcƟon to implement panels in their vicinity, but people

are sƟll curious and want to know

more in detail about how the

whole system works. Many people

currently have half-knowledge

about solar power in India.

• They do not know how the solar

system works and what are the

other components of the system

for example the baƩery, inverter

etc. Also many people feel that

solar energy is costly.

• There were many places

throughout the ride where the

local authoriƟes have installed

solar streetlights and lamps, but

maintenance is the key issue.

• ProtecƟon from theŌ is another

major issue which many people

shared. They said the baƩeries in

the solar streetlights are removed

and used for other applicaƟons by

Lay people were very curious about the mechanics and possibilities of solar energy. people, rendering them useless.

• There is a need to have a

naƟonwide fixed curriculum in the

India receives 5-7 kWh/m2/day of them. There were many people giving educaƟon system introducing solar
solar radiaƟon. The solar bicycle was us suggesƟons on the design of the
a great example to showcase the bicycle itself, which was quite energy to students, right from the
applicaƟon and potenƟal of solar interesƟng. Second, people are quite
energy throughout the ride, and the welcoming and supporƟve if one puts school level, both in theory and
ride itself is aimed to unite and in effort for a good cause. Third, the
educate people over a cause which whole experience has strengthened pracƟce, so that they know the
will dominate future energy needs. my focus, determinaƟon, paƟence
and perseverance — both physically importance and become aware of
“At these seminars, we and mentally,” concludes Reddy.
demonstrated the working of the the impending future energy crisis
solar electric bicycle as an applicaƟon MAP: ROUTE FOR RIDE
of solar energy. Students were most The planned route was as follows: which is going to affect future
fascinated. Also we told people on the
way that electric vehicles are the StarƟng at IIT-Bombay-Surat-Baroda- generaƟons.
future since they do not emit toxic Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar-Somnath-
gases, help keep the environment Porbandar-Jamnagar-Rajkot-Mt. • CreaƟng skilled manpower in the
clean and economically viable in the Abu-Jodhpur-Bikaner-BhaƟnda-
long run, and these vehicles can be Amritsar-Jalandhar-Chandigarh- solar energy sector in India is the

key to achieve the targets. A lot of

work sƟll needs to be done in the

solar energy sector in India and it

needs the support and co-

operaƟon of many people and

the ministry. ST

- JOCELYN FERNANDES

59September-October 2016 SOLAR

project sphere solar www.SolarToday.co.in

Sno. Company Name Project Title / Details Location Budget Contacts
(`Crore)

1 West Bengal Setting up of solar PV Bankura district, 60.85 Chief Engineer, Planning
State Electricity based power unit at Mejia West Bengal Investigation & Design
Distribution in Bankura district. The Department, Vidyut Bhavan
Company Ltd contract was awarded on (5th Floor, Block-B), Bidhannagar,
(WBSEDCL) August 16, 2016. Block DJ, Sector-II, Kolkata-700091,
West Bengal. Tel: 033-23586828
2 Welspun The company has recently Bhatinda, Punjab NA Amrita Pai, Deputy General
Renewables commissioned a 34 MW Manager (Corp Comm), 4th Floor
solar power project spread 406, Hub Town Solarsys, NC
over 140 acres in Bhatinda Phadke Marg, Andheri (E)
district of Punjab. Mumbai - 4000619, Maharashtra.
Tel: 022-61408000
3 Chandigarh Setting up 300 kWp grid Chandigarh (UT) 2.25 Ujwal Kumar, Project Manager,
Paryavaran Bhawan, First Floor
Renewal Energy connected rooftop solar Sec-19B, Madhya Marg,
Chandigarh, Punjab.
and Science & PVsystem (SPV) power Tel: 0172-2771919

Technology plant with high power Deepak Shastri, Airport Director,
Chennai International Airport,
Promotion evacuation on HT side Chennai-600027, Tamil Nadu.
Tel: 044-22561122
Society at Water Works-II,
Sanjay Tyagi, Dy CME
Manimarja Chandigarh. (Production), Kharagpur
Workshop-721301, West Bengal.
Uneecops Technologies Tel: 03222-257375,
M: 9002081708
Ltd is the contractor for
CB Shrivastav, Deputy Director,
this project. The work is Deep Bhavan, Market Rd, Gandhi
Nagar, Kadavanthra, Kochi,
yet to start and would take Kerala - 682020,
Tel: 0484-2204228
5 months to complete.
Suku R, CE (Renewable Energy and
4 Airports Relyon Solar Pvt. Ltd has Chennai, NA Energy Savings), Vydyuthi
Bhavanam, Pattom,
Authority of installed a new 1.5 MW Tamil Nadu Thiruvananthapuram-695004,
Kerala. Tel: 0471-2447404
India (AAI) roof top solar power plant

at the integrated

international cargo

complex of the

Chennai airport.

6 South Eastern Plans to assign harnessing Kharagpur, 12

Railway of solar energy on West Bengal

rooftop of railway

buildings and shops by

implementation of 1.5

MWp roof top SPV in

Kharagpur Railway

workshop, Kharagpur.

7 Directorate Plans to set up 40 kWp Kochi, Kerala NA

General of grid connected solar

Lighthouses and power plant at Deep

Lightships Bhavan, Directorate of

Lighthouses and

Lightships, Kochi.

8 Kerala State Setting up 650 kW solar Kozhikode, Kerala 4.68

Electricity Board power plant at

(KSEB) Thalakkulathur under its

Renewable Purchase

Obligation (RPO) project.

The completion is targeted

by October, 2016.

ST

60 SOLAR September-October 2016

market snapshot solar www.SolarToday.co.in

Spot power market sees record trade of
3.63 BUs in October, priced at Rs 2.43 per unit

T he IEX Day-Ahead Market The Market Clearing Price constraints on the inter-state
traded 3,630 MUs in (MCP) for the month was very transmission network. The
September, the highest ever compeƟƟve at `2.43 per unit even Northern import was congested
monthly trade since the though overall demand for power about 40 per cent of the Ɵme and
incepƟon of IEX in 2008. On a daily was high. On 8th September, Southern import was congested
average basis, 121 MUs were traded, the highest ever peak demand of 10 per cent of the Ɵme during
a 9 per cent increase over the 111 156 GW was recorded in the the month.
MUs traded last month. The open country. The average Area Clearing
access consumers accounted for Prices (ACP) on the Exchange The market cleared at single-price
about 60 per cent of volume traded varied from `2.35 to `2.73 per unit on four days — 1st, 3rd, 4th
while the rest was on account of across regions. and 12th September, achieving
distribuƟon companies. the One NaƟon, One Grid
Overall, about 3 MUs were and One Price aspiraƟon of
With average daily sell bids at lost due to congesƟon on a daily the Government.
8,719 MW and purchase bids at average basis. Import of power,
6,109 MW, the market remained especially in the Northern 1 REC = 1MWh
buyer friendly. Region remained affected due to *Simple Average traded months only

Aaverage daily buy-sell at regional level for September’16 vis-à-vis August’16

Average Daily Buy (MW) Average Daily Sell (MW) Net

Region Sept '16 Aug '16 Change (%) Sept '16 Aug '16 Change (%) SELL
SELL
North East 96.84 117.64 -18 246.86 212.51 14 BUY
East 737.07 523.85 41 761.39 750.56 1 SELL
North 1,817.67 1,316.27 38 1,393.59 1,521.26 -8 BUY
West 1,401.35 1,570.10 -11 2,177.90 1,632.49 33
South 989.21 1,102.69 -10 466.40 519.71 -9

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61September-October 2016 SOLAR

people management solar www.SolarToday.co.in

Financial Strategist

Vivid Technologies has named Freddie Achom as its new Non-ExecuƟve
Chairman, as part of the company’s plans to expand into the Middle East
telecoms sector and other developing markets. Achom has been brought
on to advise Founder Omer Khan and the Vivid board. The appointment
follows a recent joint venture exclusive agency distribuƟon agreement
between the company and Kuwait-based Media Phone Plus that will serve
the Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq region of the Middle East. Freddie Achom
comes with a wealth of experience within the venture investment and
financial services sector. He is the CEO and Founder of Rosemont Group
Capital Partners, which last year invested in the company alongside
Sunbridge Ventures, Telefonica and Conrad Labs. CommenƟng on the
development Achom said, “I am pleased to join the board and keen to
assist in road-mapping and implemenƟng the growth strategies within
the region.”

Vivid Technologies appointed Freddie
Achom as Non-ExecuƟve Chairman

Experienced Leader

American Solar Direct (ASD), a residenƟal solar energy provider in
California, has appointed Kevin Bauer as CEO. Having served as ASD’s
president since 2013, Bauer has over 25 years of experience across the
renewable energy, private equity and investment banking industries. “I’m
proud of the company we have built and confident we will conƟnue to build
upon its strong history of success as we move forward and bring the ‘ASD
movement’ to communiƟes that value energy independence through home
solar ownership,” said Bauer.

Kevin Bauer
appointed as CEO of ASD

Chetan Tolia appointed as CEO & Stable Bulwark
ExecuƟve Director of WREPL
Following compleƟon of its acquisiƟon of 100 per cent share purchase
in Welspun Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd (WREPL) and its subsidiaries, Tata
Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL), an arm of Tata Power announced
that Chetan Tolia has been appointed CEO & ExecuƟve Director of
WREPL. Tolia was Chief Human Resources Officer of Tata Power prior to
this appointment. CommenƟng on the acquisiƟon, Tolia said “WREPL will
now embark upon a consolidaƟon plan to stabilise and also opƟmise the
returns on the assets to make the acquisiƟon a success.”

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62 SOLAR September-October 2016