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/

Benefits of solar power

Companies that have already shifted to solar systems in India are reaping its multiple benefits. Some of the highlights are as follows:

Reduced Operating Costs: Installing a solar system is the equivalent of pre-paying for 40 years of energy at just a fraction of what you are currently paying for power consumption. The cost per unit of your current electricity bill is much higher than what you would spend for solar energy, which ensures savings for your business.

Good Return on Investment: Government incentives and the decrease in solar equipment costs makes solar systems in India a sound investment and an excellent financial decision for businesses. Investment in solar power entails long-term savings and quick payback.

Easy Maintenance: A solar system requires little or no maintenance once installed. This further enables you to save on business expenses.

Environmental benefits: Solar power reduces fuel consumption, thus decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Resorting to this alternative energy source aids combat the issues posed by global warming.

Job creations: Solar companies are helping the youth and the country by creating new jobs. With the increasing demand for solar systems in India, companies are looking for professionals to install and maintain these systems and educate people about the same.

Energy reaches everywhere: Many regions in the country still face an issue with power supply. Installing more solar systems in India will help these regions immensely.

Help achieve the goal of an energy-independent nation: Increased solar systems in India are helping the country fulfill its vision of becoming energy-independent which in turn will help its overall economy.

A Case Study

With ample industry knowledge, top solar companies like Nimbus Solar always encourage businesses to join the solar revolution and enjoy the advantages of this futuristic move.

A case-in-point is Sundeep Traders, a company involved in the manufacturing of plastic pellets, which initially installed a 20KW solar-powered system from Nimbus Solar to control their escalating power costs as well as to do their bit for the environment. The benefits they gained from the solar systems were huge, leading them to install another system of 40KW. Currently employing 60KW of solar power, the company estimates its savings to be approximately Rs 50,000 per month. The company is looking at an ROI within 3.5 years with the tax benefits under government incentives. Further, utilizing the net-metering system, the company is also getting compensated for power generated on Sundays by sending the power back to the grid.

Nimbus Solar – The Way Forward

Currently, major renewable energy companies are focusing on installing more solar systems in India and partnering with other businesses to produce cleaner, greener, and cheaper energy. This vision aims to drive India to become a global leader in solar energy and create a better future for generations.

Nimbus Solar is the solar division of Nimbus, a renowned player in irrigation. With a pan-India presence, the company is a one-stop solution to ensure the best transition to solar energy from conventional sources. It is trusted for its sound industry knowledge, including the various tax exemptions, capital subsidies, and incentives offered by the government. It stands for going green and unleashing the true power of solar energy.

For more details, kindly visit our website www.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

Reasons India is facing quality issues

Due to low prices, the trend that has prevailed in the country is that of importing PV modules from China, Malaysia, or Taiwan. But low prices come with low quality, which considerably hinders the solar industry in India. With PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign, India is working towards developing a dynamic manufacturing market in the solar sector. But the real question we face today is whether the quality of the locally manufactured products meets the required standards. Unfortunately, the answer is not in the affirmative.

This can predominantly be attributed to the inherent attitude amongst Indians to seek the lowest prices rather than the best quality. The bidding process in solar tenders introduced by the Indian government favours the lowest bidders. This has made solar EPC companies work at shoestring margins. They are finding avenues to cut costs to increase their profitability, thereby providing low-quality products. China’s Top Runner policy that prioritizes new technology and efficiency over price should set a solid example for the solar industry in India, which is too focused on low tariffs.

The drive towards cutting costs has also led to EPC companies not offering adequate maintenance of the systems installed by them. In addition, the panel structures provided are of low quality and, more often than not, designed inefficiently. This has led to the systems’ inability to withstand the harsh weather conditions in India.

The solar industry in India has lured many individuals and companies toward the business, but providing quality service is next to impossible without adequate knowledge and technical know-how. Some key factors essential to properly installing solar panels that are mostly missed by EPC providers/installers include – near and far shadow analysis, access to solar radiation, the height of the building, terrain, weather conditions, etc. Several parameters are likely to be variable from one site to another, even in the same geographical area. Therefore it is crucial to plan a solar PV project to suit the site parameters, the knowledge of which can only come through experience and technical excellence, which most of the EPC providers in India lack.

The Government of India has set a target for 40 GW of solar power from rooftop installations by 2022. (1) However, as reported by MNRE, a cumulative capacity of only 1.35GW has been achieved until 31st December 2018. (2) In this desperate attempt to meet targets, along with factors such as price pressure, lack of awareness about the sector and its risks, extreme climatic conditions, and lowest bidder requirements from the government, the quality of the solar industry in India has taken a significant hit.

Nimbus Solar – Focusing on quality

We at Nimbus strive toward providing quality solar systems and transforming the solar industry in India. Our well-trained technicians not only install the panels and the system at your place but also educate you on how to maintain the same. Further, we employ cutting-edge optical technology in renewable and sustainable energy in an original and novel way to deliver autonomous electrical charging systems solutions.

We hope that the highest quality will hold a higher place in India’s future than the lowest bidder.

Website: https://nimbussolar.in/

Reference:

1. https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1539238#:~:text=A%20target%20of%20installing%20175,year%202022%20has%20been%20set&text=The%20Government%20has%20set%20a,(NCR)%20by%20year%202022.
2. https://taiyangnews.info/markets/india-25-gw-total-pv-capacity-end-of-2018/

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/

To generate electricity, solar panels require a reference voltage. This reference voltage can be obtained from 2 sources.

1. Grid electricity
2. Battery

The most feasible option, from a monetary perspective, is the use of grid electricity as a reference. This means that when grid electricity is available the solar panels will generate solar power. However, during power cuts, due to the absence of a reference voltage, the generation of solar power will cease as well.

So if you are looking to use solar power during power cuts, you will require batteries, which might turn out to be an expensive affair. However, if your electricity requirements are not very high, then we can work out the feasibility of the use of batteries.

For those of you who are using diesel generators as a backup power source during power cuts, here’s some perspective on the cost-per-unit difference when compared to solar power in India.

One litre of diesel costs Rs. 67, which provides 3 units of electricity. Therefore, 1 unit of electricity through diesel costs Rs. 22.33. Rooftop solar power in India, on the other hand, is much cheaper at approximately Rs. 4-5/unit. Although the initial investment for solar power in India is considerably high, within two to three years it will actually pay for itself. Moreover, let’s not forget the continuous increase in fuel costs over the years. If the price were to increase by 10% a year (which has been the trend), diesel would cost about Rs. 83/litre in 2020 and the cost of power from diesel would be close to Rs. 25/unit!

Learn how to install solar power in India without spending a fortune – Solar PPA

So, everything considered, a generator can be seen as a temporary solution to overcome the inconveniences and effects of load shedding. Installing solar power in India will be a more permanent solution.

Website: https://nimbussolar.in/