Opinion & Analysis

While the adoption of large-format wafers has driven a wave of capacity expansion for PERC, existing manufacturers and new entrants continue to evaluate TOPCon and HJT. An increasing number of HJT pilot lines and gigawatt-scale capacity expansion projects are appearing, as manufacturers see the advantages of fewer process steps, higher efficiency ratings, and better yield rates. The localization of equipment is also a driving factor. PV InfoLink’s Derek Zhao offers an update on the latest developments and process routes for HJT.

Data analytics and digital process support in solar plant operation and maintenance delivers unmatched improvement in efficiency, while modern technology drives down development costs. It also helps service providers in ensuring sustained energy generation, long-term performance, and plant’s return on investment.

Solar, like wind, has evolved into a more viable bilateral arrangement business model as prices have decreased and favorable legislation has emerged. Due to significant technical advancements, the solar industry has overtaken wind and has emerged as the favored option.

We all should envisage a society in which everyone, including individuals and businesses, operate carbon neutrally, i.e., all entities reduce their carbon footprint by adopting sustainable practices.

To achieve the government’s ambitious renewable energy targets, and integrate the two growing sectors of infrastructure and construction and renewable energy, the existing policies and codes for green buildings need to be further enhanced. Most of these rules need to include specific details about energy generation. Right now, these are more to do with energy efficiency. 

Foreign direct investment’s role in bringing in finance, superior technology and other resources is undoubtedly a critical one. The Indian government has tried to create a conducive environment for enabling flow of foreign investments into the solar energy sector in the country, but the norms need to be eased further to really push the industry to its maximum growth potential.

India needs to install an average of 25 GW solar capacity every year to reach its renewable energy target of ‘450 GW by 2030’ with over 60% (280 GW) from solar. The nation must build enough manufacturing capacity back home to be ready on the supply side to support the new installations. 

Parity in the total cost of ownership already exists for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers (with subsidy) vis-à-vis their internal combustion engine counterparts. Policy impetus, coupled with the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for batteries and auto components (exclusively covering EVs), is likely to further reduce costs and accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The transition will also open up the market for new-age companies and innovators across the value chain.

A robust distributed renewable energy ecosystem with a strong domestic industry will help provide good-quality, reliable electricity to rural households and enterprises and thus turbocharge green entrepreneurship—paving the way for a self-reliant India.

The information and communication technology (ICT) and telecom industry is now equipped with a sophisticated range of solutions to meet the enhanced demand for high-speed data and digital services in a green and energy-efficient manner.