The substantial sustainability benefits of smart meters
Power generated by renewable sources and corresponding action taken by business layers is not predictable. So it’s imperative that the latest controls are leveraged in the service of smart grids.
Solar parks get off to a good start in India, but challenges remain
Large-scale solar parks will be key to India’s transition to clean and green energy. Such parks are already being built or planned in States like Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. However, there is still scope for forward-looking and well-aligned policies across States to make the most of this global phenomenon.
The impact of electricity rules amendment on rooftop solar sector
The amendment to Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 provides multiple options in addition to net metering, which will balance out the concerns of all the stakeholders.
Local solar will lead the energy transformation over the next five years
The adoption of local, community-based energy solutions like rooftop solar and batteries can help make the energy grid more flexible and reliable. Home solar and batteries will enable the growth of ‘prosumers’ who produce and share energy, as well as consume it.
Revisiting the net metering cap for rooftop solar
The Ministry of Power has issued a draft amendment to Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, which allows net metering for rooftop solar systems of loads up to 500 kW or up to the sanctioned load, whichever is lower and net billing (gross metering) or net feed-in for above 500 kW.
One Nation, One Grid, One Price
The Indian power sector is set for a revolution with the proposed market-based economic dispatch (MBED) mechanism. MBED aims to establish a uniform pricing framework that prioritizes the least cost and most efficient generators while backing down more expensive ones, thereby creating a national merit order.
No excuses, India must ramp up solar manufacturing to reduce reliance on imports
Through various initiatives and schemes, the Indian government has created a conducive environment for industry stakeholders to expand domestic manufacturing. The industry should seize the opportunity to ramp up capacity and manufacture emerging technologies such as monocrystalline (mono-Si), bifacial and half-cut cells, micro-inverters, and tracking equipment, all of which promise further solar efficiency gains over the coming years.
Where the ALMM listing requirement went wrong for India’s solar mission
The idea behind introducing the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) was to have a quality benchmark for solar modules. However, in its current form, it is more of a non-tariff barrier for foreign manufacturers and limits solar developers in terms of the choice of module wattage and make.
Solar photovoltaic quality control and waste management in India
As PV waste is set to rise rapidly in the coming decades, India needs to invest in efficient recycling technologies and devise a clear-cut policy for the safe disposal of PV waste. Guidelines for stringent quality checks and validation for both imported and locally produced solar panels are also needed to avoid early-loss solar waste.
PLI Scheme will help India emerge as clean-tech factory of the world
The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in batteries and solar will help India graduate from a passive recipient to an active driver in the global clean-tech story.
