Antiquity speaks

The human race has worshipped the sun as a life-giver to our planet since time immemorial. They used sunlight to light fires with magnifying glass materials as early as 7th century BC! Ancient Egyptians were the first race to worship the sun God Ra and use sunlight to heat their homes on a large scale. This trend was followed by the ancient Greeks, Romans, Native Americans and even the Chinese.

The initial discoveries

As time progressed and we crept towards modernity; energy innovators were faced with the problem of how to “collect” the heat of the sun and use it later, especially at night in the absence of sunlight. This glitch was solved by the discovery of the ‘Photovoltaic Effect’ in 1839 by a French physicist Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel. It was indeed a game-changer in the history of solar energy since it was the first step towards realizing that light could induce the generation of electricity when two metal electrodes were placed into a conducting solution.

The year 1873 proved to be another milestone year: an English electrical engineer named Willoughby Smith discovered the photo-conductivity of an element called selenium. This led to the invention of photoelectric cells, including those used in early television systems. In 1876, William Grylls Adams and Richard Evans Day unearthed that solidified selenium could generate electricity when exposed to sunlight, which underlined the potential of solar power.

The crucial invention of the solar power cell

Now that electricity could be generated out of sunlight, the next big move was to create a device that could do the important job of storing as well as generating energy. In came the solar cell – Charles Fritts, an American inventor, has been attributed for creating the first-ever solar cell in 1883 by layering selenium with a very thin layer of gold. He installed the world’s first rooftop solar array in New York in 1884.

The next big breakthrough was achieved by German physicist Heinrich Hertz in 1887, he investigated ultraviolet light photoconductivity and emerged with the crucial discovery of the photoelectric effect. Following more research in the field, a Russian scientist named Aleksandr Stoletov invented the first-ever solar cell and estimated the response time of the photoelectric current.

Becoming commercially viable

The true invention of solar cells is attributed to Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson when they introduced the simple silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell at the Bell Laboratory in the U.S.A. in 1954. This cell could convert sunlight at only 4% efficiency, less than a quarter of what modern cells are capable of. Therefore the cost involved was too high to adopt on a wider scale.

It was around the beginning of the 21st century that people started viewing solar as an option for their homes. In fact, in the next decades, the federal government got increasingly involved with solar energy research and development. It even offered grants and discounts to those who endorsed this renewable power. Of course, in the present context, installing solar power is far more affordable, with installation costs have dropped by a whopping 70% over the last decade or so.

Technological advancement and future direction

Currently, companies are striving towards better looking and advanced solar technology, such as building-applied photovoltaic (BAPV). This new solar cell can be integrated into existing roof tiles or ceramic and glass facades of buildings.

Technology roadmaps for the future will include research and development to achieving full competitiveness of concentrating solar power (CSP) with conventional power generation technologies. R&D in the realm of photovoltaics will strive to develop newer materials, cell designs and novel approaches to product development. In the future, solar energy is expected to be used for jobs such as electrolyzing water and producing hydrogen for fuel cells connected with transportation and buildings.

Advantage India

India has become increasingly aggressive in pursuing alternative energy sources, especially solar power. The Rural Electrification Programme in 2006 was the first step by the Indian government in recognizing the importance of solar power.

The website of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy reveals that of about 5,000 trillion kWh per year of energy is incident over our country’s land area, with most parts receiving 4-7 kWh per sq. m. per day. As on 30th June 2020, our country’s solar installed capacity was a staggering 35,122 MW. India has the lowest capital cost per MW globally with regard to installing solar power plants.

Powering the future

Nimbus Solar, along with many other companies, has been pioneering the Solar Revolution in our country. Believing in constant technological innovation and state-of-the-art manufacturing, the experienced and reliable team at Nimbus leaves no stones unturned when it comes to seamless and hassle-free project execution across the country.

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/

However, the high cost of solar energy in India has restrained people from adopting them. Keeping this issue in mind, we have devised the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA or Opex Model).

Characteristics of PPA:

PPA is a financial agreement that makes solar energy in India more accessible and economical. It awards several benefits to the user:

• The system will be installed at your home or workplace at zero investment cost.
• You only have to pay monthly for the solar units consumed at a predetermined unit rate.
• We care for everything, including system design, paperwork, permissions, and post-installation services.
• If your location provides net metering, you will get compensation for any extra electricity the system produces.
• Option of a buyout anytime as per pre-set clauses.

There are primarily 3 players in the complete implementation of the idea –

1.     The Consumer:

The benefits of solar power systems are not only personal but also environmental:

Personal advantages:

• Up to 30% of energy savings
• Your income won’t be affected by electricity price hikes
• Increase in property value

Environmental advantages:

• Reduces dependence on fossil fuels
• Decreases water usage to generate electricity
• Mitigates air pollution
• Helps slow down climate change

2.     The Investor:

• After approximately 3 to 4 years, the investor recovers the cost. The consecutive monthly payment, hereafter, by the customer is just profit.
• Benefits from the tax-saving policies provided by the government for using a renewable energy source.

3.     The Developers:

• The developers add to their business as they source the equipment for installation from the investor.
• Establishes a long-term relationship with the customer.
• Provides long-term revenue certainty.

Overall, the growth of solar energy in India with the help of PPA will enable you to reap the benefits of renewable energy without heavy investment. This will save you a lot not only on power but also on your electricity bills.

Nimbus Solar: A step towards sustainability!

People have realized that investing in solar energy in India not only protects the environment but effectively contributes to ROI.

As one of the reputed and long-standing players in the industry, Nimbus Solar Solutions has been an active contributor right from the stage of ideation to actual realization vis-a-vis the solar aspirations of its end consumers. It has played a significant role in the Solar Revolution in the country. As a brand that evokes trust, reliability and tremendous experience in the sector, the group is committed to delivering world-class services and products to its clientele.

Contact us here, and we will guide you with details for your solar setup and other PPA formalities.