The long read: Drones for solar – how useful are they?
Drones have already established themselves in industries as disparate as warfare, wedding photography, and burrito delivery, and increasingly the solar sector is taking the high road, too. Combined with thermal imaging, drones have the potential to obviate expensive maintenance costs for large-scale solar plants, as well as C&I and growing niches like floating PV. But how useful are they, and what role does AI play in making the most of a bird’s eye view?
An open letter to power minister on Draft Electricity Rules, 2021
The current proposed draft policy has the potential to act as a game-changer for the renewable energy industry. However, the government needs to relook at certain elements.
Orsted’s transition shows the way for Indian utilities and renewable energy companies
Orsted transitioned from a coal-intensive utility to a global renewable energy leader creating immense shareholder wealth. A new report looks at what strategic decisions led to this transition and learning for Indian companies to look forward to the future energy transition.
Solaria unveils 430 W pure black residential solar panel
The new residential module of the U.S.-based manufacturer has a power conversion efficiency of 20.40%, a size of 1,076×1,957x35mm, and a weight of 21.3kg. The product is claimed to be compatible with next-generation, module-level power electronics.
Pondicherry University gets a 2.4 MW solar plant
The rooftop solar plant, commissioned by Amp Energy India, will supply about 40% of the university’s energy requirement and help offset around 2,900 tons of carbon emissions every year.
BHEL commissions India’s largest floating solar plant
The state-owned engineer and solar EPC has commissioned a 25 MW project at NTPC’s Simhadri thermal power station, in Andhra Pradesh.
Proposed power market reforms could reduce renewable energy costs further
A new IEEFA note discusses the impact of the proposed market-based economic dispatch mechanism for procuring bulk power, and regulations for frequency control ancillary services.
Agrivoltaics to protect crops from heavy rainfall
BayWa r.e. and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have built a 258 kW agrivoltaic system that hosts apple cultivation under four different crop protection systems. The system utilizes agrivoltaic technology with permanent, light-permeable PV modules that block rain, and tracking PV module tech that blocks rain only if necessary.
SECI extends bidding for 100 MW solar in Chhattisgarh
Bidders now have until September 24 to lodge their interest in engineering, procurement, and construction of a 100 MW solar project. The responsibility for the land arrangement lies with the installer.
NHPC tenders 45 MW solar EPC in Uttar Pradesh
Bidders have until October 22 to lodge their interest to set up the 45 MW grid-connected solar project in the Mirzapur Jagir village of the Jalaun district.
