Effect on other sectors

The significant decrease in the solar power costs in India has given the industry a huge boost and made it a viable option across the country. Solar contributes significantly to critical sectors like power, health, and agriculture. It also contributes generously toward sustainable development, job creation, emission reduction, and technological innovations.

Upgraded technology

Technological advancement signals a further reduction of solar power costs in India. According to a study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi, and US-based think-tank Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), the solar power generation cost is expected to drop to INR 1.9 per unit over the next decade through 2030 in India. (1)

Technical improvements are also expected to enhance the sector’s productivity. ‘Monocrystalline’ technology has already become mainstream since it promotes higher efficiency. The future is expected to witness the ‘heterojunction cell’ technology, which successfully captures more wavelengths. Improvement in power storage technologies will also help reduce the cost of storage from INR 13.6 per kWh to INR 6.34 per kWh in the next decade. The cost of standalone storage is expected to dip from around INR 29.0 kWh to INR 11.9 per kWh in the same period. (1)

India: Consolidating its position

India already enjoys the status of the lowest-cost producer of solar power – a recent analysis by The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) revealed that the costs of setting up solar PV panels had reduced by about 80% between 2010 and 2018. This boom in the industry will be a testament to the favourable policies and focused approach of the Indian government, as well as the positive responses from solar developers across the country. This lowered solar power costs in India, along with the country’s aggressive energy installation target of 175 GW by 2022, will open up enormous investment opportunities in this sector.

Nimbus Solar: Contributing to the growth story

As one of the industry’s top players, Nimbus Solar Solutions has been an active contributor to the Solar Revolution in the country and aims to reduce solar power costs in India. Keeping the customer as the fulcrum of all its activities, the company boasts an empowered workforce driven by passion and purpose. Denoting the values of trust, reliability, and tremendous experience in the sector, Nimbus Solar strives to help India become a global leader in solar energy. It is committed to delivering world-class services and products across all businesses. With strong financial relationships and in-depth knowledge regarding tax implications, Nimbus Solar ensures that every investor receives the maximum return from their solar power investment.

For more details, visit nimbussolar.in

According to the recently-published Global Market Outlook by industry body ‘Solar Power Europe’, the worldwide solar capacity is expected to touch a whopping 1,448 GW in 2024. Amid this optimism within the industry, solar power plants in India are gaining immense popularity. Let’s look at some exceptional projects worldwide that have added newer dimensions to solar power.

Benban Solar Park, Egypt –  A “big ocean” of photovoltaics

Have you heard of a solar plant that is visible from space? Welcome to the Benban Solar Park in Benban, Egypt. Currently the fourth-largest solar power plant in the world, this photovoltaic power station has a total capacity of 1650 MWp, amounting to an annual production of 3.8 TWh! This herculean initiative is targeted to influence private sector capital and expertise, in line with the country’s goal of generating 20% energy from renewable resources by 2022.

Sungrow Solar Farm, China – Floating to glory

Believe it or not, this is one of the world’s largest floating solar farms, boasting 1,66,000 panels and producing enough solar energy (40MW) to power more than 15,000 homes! What makes it more noteworthy is that it has been developed on a lake formed on top of a collapsed and flooded coal mine northwest of Anhui province’s Huainan City.

Solar Star Projects, California, U.S.A. – Powering the way

These two co-located solar installations are set up in California’s Kern and Los Angeles counties. Back in 2015, this was considered the largest solar plant in the world in terms of installed capacity. This 579-megawatt solar project employs 1.7 million monocrystalline solar panels and is spread over a monstrous 3,200 acres of land. The projects deliver enough electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 2,55,000 homes!

Tokelau Renewable Energy Project – Changing lives

The South Pacific nation of Tokelau is the first country in the world to have met all its electricity needs through solar power. The construction of this combined 1-MW of standalone PV, spread across the three atolls, was achieved way back in October 2012. A commendable achievement for one of the world’s smallest, most impoverished and isolated countries!

Canal Solar Power Project, Gujarat – A deep-rooted success

When it comes to milestones vis-à-vis solar projects, solar power plants in India are not far behind! This project, the first of its kind in the country, used the 532 km-long networks of Narmada canals across Gujarat to set up solar panels for electricity. This innovative project generates 1 MW of clean energy annually. It eliminates the requirement to acquire vast tracts of land and limits water evaporation from the canal. 

Cochin International Airport – Flying high 

Here is another cap in the feather of India when it comes to generating power from the sun. The Cochin International Airport has the distinction in the history of aviation of being the first airport in the world that entirely operates on solar power. The 46,150 solar panels laid across 45 acres of land generate about 50,000–60,000 electricity per day, more than enough to perform all operational activities. Not only does this solar farm produce clean energy, it even gives back power to the electrical grid!

India – Bright Future

With the increasing number of solar power plants in India, the country is definitely on its way to becoming a global solar hub. The nation will generate many more such marvellous and inspiring solar projects in the future. Its solar installed capacity was 35,739 MW, as recorded on 31 August 2020. Industry experts have predicted that by 2040, around 49% of the total electricity will be generated by renewable energy as more efficient batteries will be used to store electricity. It will further reduce the solar energy cost (by a massive 66%) compared to the current price. Solar power plants in India are making a name for themselves and can pave the way for the world to follow. 

Reputed renewable energy companies like Nimbus Solar Solutions have significantly contributed to this solar revolution in India. They will continue to propel the country forward. For example, as a company, Nimbus always stays abreast of the needs of all businesses, whether big or small. The dedicated team has worked tirelessly to supply tailor-made solar products for all industries. In the future, the company’s thrust area will be to accelerate the process of driving India towards becoming a global superpower in solar energy. Its strong financial relationships and in-depth knowledge of tax implications will facilitate every business to receive maximum return from their investment in this futuristic, renewable, clean energy source.

Website: https://nimbussolar.in/

Here is what you could do

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in India have recently gained much importance, and companies are making it a significant part of their business policies, objectives and ideologies. Large-scale corporates & business houses consistently endeavour to contribute meaningfully to society through various social welfare, socio-economic and environmental development projects in different dimensions.

CSR activities are conceptualised to create a positive impact on society and the lives of human beings at large. Companies are willing to give back a portion of their earnings to the nation’s people by making much-needed societal contributions. Such efforts yield far more dividends when we add renewable energy to the CSR equation, especially – SOLAR!

From drinking water, irrigation, lighting, illumination and community farming, solar is the preferred choice of CSR projects in India for modern-day corporate stalwarts.

A systematic approach

Corporations taking CSR projects in India collaborate with NGOs and other charitable trusts from all over the country to fulfill their respective agendas.

• Every corporate outlines its vision and mission for its CSR policy for the year. Budget, geography, and a host of other parameters are drafted at this stage.
• Most corporates have partnerships with NGOs and technical partners such as NIMBUS to design & execute such initiatives.

Why Nimbus?

Exemplary CSR projects in India have revolved around clean and green energy, community farming, irrigation, sanitation, drinking water and other projects focused on rural development. As part of remarkable global CSR activities in the last few decades, many corporates have shown vigorous enthusiasm in utilising solar energy to materialise path-breaking social endeavours.

Today, CSR projects in India have broadened the scope of leveraging technology for optimum utilisation of solar power to provide livelihood and basic amenities to societies in rural regions of the country.

We customise solutions to maximise the effectiveness of CSR initiatives keeping in mind the client’s parameters. Nimbus is innovative and adept at executing challenging projects deep in the heart of rural India.

A few challenging CSR initiatives executed by Nimbus:

We make it transparent & viable

You will find that most people have little idea about solar technology and are quick to assume that it is complicated, expensive & unreliable. While on the contrary, solar is dependable, inexpensive and the most preferred renewable energy source!

As a solar-driven company, Nimbus has been making significant transformations in the human lifestyle by using renewable energy to provide basic living facilities at different levels of society. We have reached out to the remotest of places in India. Our endeavours have been thoroughly supported and propagated by our NGO partners countrywide, many of whom are directly funded by the World Bank. (We execute our CSR projects in India through such NGOs from across India).

Not only are we putting in relentless efforts towards a greener tomorrow, but we are also helping users with an astounding cut down on their electricity costs.

Not only are we putting in relentless efforts towards a greener tomorrow with our CSR projects in India, but we are also helping users with an astounding cut down on their electricity costs.

Our CSR project

One of our recent CSR projects in India ventures with a corporate client was installing a solar-run filtration unit. A series of installations followed, along with eight toilets and a water ATM providing clean drinking water to over 500 individuals in that area. Needless to say, the project garnered high commendations from both the client and the people.

For innovative ideas for your next solar-based CSR project, get in touch with Nimbus solar, your CSR partner, for a brighter future!

Contact us for your company’s CSR Solar project

To quote George Curzon, “The central position of India, its magnificent resources, its teeming multitude of men, its great trading harbours, its reserve of military strength – all these are assets of precious value.”

India has the world’s second-largest population, with about 50% below the age group of 24. It provides the nation with a great pool of manpower, helping in its growth. We are also a nation gifted with abundant land and water resources, which most of its population is heavily dependent on. So why has India not made it to the list that includes countries like the United States, Britain and Russia?

The energy crisis could be one of its main concerns among the several factors curbing its development. The government of India promised to electrify all villages in India. However, extending power lines to remote villages is costly, and paying for conventional electricity is something the villagers cannot afford.

With the government failing in this endeavour, we cannot hope to propel development at the pace we desire. In addition, accelerated urbanization and industrial development have put our environment at risk. Our greenhouse gas emissions are increasing by the day. With the per capita population at a record high, this number will only increase if there is no conscious human intervention.

Moreover, India is the country most affected by climate change as this phenomenon directly impacts natural resources. So what can we, individuals of this beautiful country, do to help India reach its development goals?

Adopting solar energy in India is a sensible, simple, and feasible solution to this problem. Solar energy is the most promising, affordable, and reachable of the various sources of renewable energy.

The sun provides enough energy in one minute to supply the world’s energy needs for one year!

Solar energy is non-polluting, requires little maintenance and supervision, and has a life of 20-30 years with low running costs. It is incredibly unique because no large-scale installation is required. Credit must be given to the Indian government for identifying the value of solar energy in India and thus implementing several schemes to promote its use in India’s remotest villages. It has also provided several tax benefits and incentives for adopting solar energy in India. As a recent addition to its plan, the government has taken on a mission to solarize street lights all over the country.

Solar energy in India is now adopted by individual urban homeowners to power their homes. Corporations are now giving impetus to solar energy in their CSR agenda. Most industries that pay lakhs per month on their electricity bills are now leaning towards solar power to ease this incredible burden on their pockets.

India being a tropical country, will for eternity enjoy the benefit of having the sun shine on it abundantly. With the government of India and its citizens identifying this valuable asset, there is a fast yet steady shift in the trend toward using solar energy in India. That said, I, for one, am anticipating a future wherein the satellite image of India will show a country studded with solar panels. The future of solar energy in India is indeed bright.

Website: https://nimbussolar.in/

DATA – INFOGRAPHICS BY ROCKEFELLERFOUNDATION.ORG

As per the data in infographics, India has been considered to have the largest un-electrified population in the world. On 29th April 2018, the Modi government announced 100% electrification of all inhabited villages in India. However, electrification of villages does not translate into electrification of households. According to the definition by the Union Power Ministry, a village is said to be electrified if at least 10% of the households in it have power connections. Hence, in spite of this landmark announcement made by the government, data show that there are still 31 million households without electricity.

Can something be done about it?

Absolutely! Solar projects in India are the answer to bringing about this much-needed change in our society. And through Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR), solar energy can now reach every nook and cranny of India. Let me explain why solar projects in India have become the most sought-after CSR activity among leading companies. One might assume that solar power projects come under the Environmental sector alone. To clear this misconception, here are some examples of solar projects in India carried out by us under the various thematic areas mentioned in the figure

• Education: Electricity can support education initiatives. In rural areas where electricity is scarce, children often are unable to study after sunset. Through our solar projects in India, we have provided rural households with solar home lighting kits, with the help of which kids can now study after school hours as well. In addition, we have also installed solar rooftop systems in rural schools, providing them with an uninterrupted power supply.
• Healthcare: Globally, India has the largest number of people still defecating in the open—more than 595 million individuals, including women and children. Therefore there is a very high risk for microbial contamination of water, which is the main cause of diarrhea in children. Our drinking water and sanitation projects have provided safe and pure drinking water to millions of people. The benefits of this project include safe water, better sanitation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharging, biogas generation, and solid waste management. In addition, our solar lights have helped reduce the use of kerosene lamps for lighting purposes in rural households, hence preventing the inhalation of harmful fumes emitted by burning kerosene.

• Environment: Of course, with solar projects in India we are helping preserve the environment for future generations. As it currently stands, the solar capacity installed by Nimbus alone can be expected to offset over 1000 metric tons of CO_2. To put things into perspective, this is equivalent to the amount of CO₂ absorbed by 122 acres of trees (approx. 85,400 trees) per year.
• Livelihood: Our solar projects in India have provided several employment opportunities among the rural poor and urban poor classes of our society. In addition, we have impacted the livelihoods of farmers by increasing their income from around Rs.30,000 to over Rs.1,00,000 through our irrigation and community farming projects
• Rural Development: With projects such as community farming, community water taps, solar microgrids, solar lift irrigation, drinking water projects, etc, we have worked extensively towards rural development.

In other words, whatever your main focus of interest for your next CSR venture, we have a project just for you. Just contact us and our team of experts can customise a project to suit your needs.  

With climate change at a touching distance from us, environmental protection is the need of the hour. Together, we can achieve this goal with the right CSR initiatives to initiate solar projects in India.

Website: https://nimbussolar.in/

What do domestic solar kits in India mean?

India has the largest population that does not have access to electricity or an interrupted power supply. The number is roughly 304 million, constituting 6% of the urban and 33% of the rural population.

What’s the cost of having no electricity?

Lack of electricity has enormous implications – families forego entrepreneurial endeavours, children cannot study after dark, and health and women are burdened with time-consuming chores such as pounding grain or hauling water, leaving them with less time to engage in income-generating activities. If organizations take the initiative through CSR to energize the household with electricity, it will undoubtedly affect the whole community. Energy will bring more income to the household and the scope of education, leading to higher productivity and development for individuals in the community.

The implementation part is straightforward.

The solar power will charge the battery through an inverter, which will power the household electric appliances. The system will power daily household equipment and irrigation system for a particular number of hours in the day and after sunset.

The system – 

Domestic solar kits in India are comprised of the following components –

• Solar source
• Inverter
• Battery
• Fan
• CFL bulbs
• Pump
• Storage tank
• A small drip irrigation system and
• A water filter

Power stored in the battery will pass through an inverter, and it will run a fan, CFL bulbs, and a pump. The pump will feed water into a storage tank from the nearby lake or groundwater. Water in the storage tank will be used for drip irrigation, drinking water, and other household chores.

What can be the impact of this project –

These kinds of projects broadly impact individuals, families, and the community. These projects encourage education, empower households, provide better earning opportunities, and have a healthy life.

To add to the impact list, here are some pointers –

1. Reliable access to energy will make their summers more comfortable; increase their productivity hours, thereby increasing the per capita income and standard of living.
2. Encourages sustainable development & food security and helps empower rural households by providing them means to indulge in backyard farming. The product can then be sold at the local market or used for self-consumption.
3. Women burdened with time-consuming chores are relieved, giving them a chance for better livelihood, income opportunities, self-sufficiency, and independence.
4. Solar run bulbs will replace kerosene, which produces toxic fumes and black carbon, and increase the risk of burns.
5. Providing a better study environment and opportunities for children improves school enrollment.
6. The system helps to reduce carbon footprint and wastage of water and enhance green technology.
7. The project will give the families fundamental rights for a better life, such as electricity and running water.
8. This project combines energy conservation, water management, agricultural revolution, educational impetus, and women empowerment.

Project Viability:-

Domestic solar kits in India will have a significant impact on the lives of the people. Each household’s system will give them a sense of belonging and contribute towards its up-keeping. The warranties and guarantees on the products will ensure that suppliers deal with any issue swiftly and efficiently.

After 5 years of supportive system service, the pump, battery, and inverter cost relatively less, and the households can buy this from sales of products and savings from alternate fuels. Every person in a household can do the maintenance and cleaning, and the panels need to be cleaned weekly.

Website: https://nimbussolar.in/