Uma Gupta
Integrating agriculture and solar energy production
A study by Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems has evaluated the feasibility of horticulture PV at the site of Paras in Akola district of Maharashtra, where the state utility Maharashtra State Power Generation Co. Ltd (Mahagenco) is considering to install a ground-mounted solar system on more than 100 hectare (ha) of arable land.
Rs 900-billion package not a solution to Discoms’ woes, but offers respite
For long-term stability, Discoms need to address operational issues like low billing and collection efficiency and high aggregate technical and commercial losses.
Germany to help India evaluate optimal power balancing with renewables
German development agency GIZ has hired DNV GL to study control reserve requirements of India’s southern states. The study—part of the Indo-German Energy Programme—will help ensure efficient and cost-effective integration of large-scale renewable energy supplies in the region.
Innovation promises cheaper solar cell glass manufacturing
Indian scientists have developed a hybrid production method combining metal mesh and a metal-oxide layer over a glass substrate which they say brings down production cost by 80% compared to the tin-doped, indium oxide-based technology currently in use.
NTPC, ONGC sign MoU to set up renewable energy JV
As per the MoU, the state-owned power producer along with the oil and gas producer shall explore setting up of renewable energy projects in India and overseas, and sustainability, storage, e-mobility and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) compliant projects.
China’s JinkoSolar the biggest module supplier to India in first quarter
All the JinkoSolar PV modules shipped to India during January to March period of 2020 are based on mono PERC technology, comprising full-cell and half-cell modules.
Solar tariffs below Rs 2.55/kWh financially unviable now, says Ieefa
To earn reasonable returns on solar projects, developers must factor in the various risks and correctly estimate the cost of every component before bidding.
India’s new solar capacity addition to fall by 23% in 2020
Capacity additions will, however, rebound in 2021 to exceed 2019 levels as the majority of delayed solar projects come online.
Globally, electric vehicles show more resilience than conventional cars during Covid-19 shock
EV sales are set to be 1.7 million off because of the economic fallout of the Covid-19 crisis, however analyst BloombergNEF predicts that will be less of a hit than the anticipated fall in sales of conventional cars, increasing the penetration of electric models into the overall market.
Odisha’s Konark sun temple and town to go 100% solar
The central government plans setting up of a 10 MW grid-connected solar project and various off-grid applications like solar trees and solar drinking water kiosks to meet all the energy requirements of Konark town.
