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.

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/

Why should you consider the Solar Drinking Water Solution project as your next CSR initiative?

1. India’s water sources are prone to contamination. According to statistics, almost 77 million people across India lack access to safe drinking water.
2. India ranked 120th in a survey of 123 nations on the safe water index by UNDP. This is because people in urban and rural areas are affected by water-borne diseases, primarily children.
3. According to World Bank reports, 21% of communicable diseases in India are due to unsafe water.
4. The death toll due to diarrhoea is 1600 per day.

The data on water and the related challenges will be clear with these visual data.

The map below illustrates competition between companies, farms and people for surface water in rivers, lakes, streams, and shallow groundwater. (http://www.wri.org/blog/2015/02/3-maps-explain-india’s-growing-water-risks)

The IWT 2.0 measures water quality with an Indian-government standard called the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Surface and groundwater are both below par in many areas. (http://www.wri.org/blog/2015/02/3-maps-explain-india’s-growing-water-risks)

Solar drinking water solution initiative

This project deals with an integrated community-based intervention on water issues in urban and rural areas. It provides a low-maintenance and low-cost solar drinking water solution using a solar-powered pump that draws water from nearby lakes or groundwater into a storage tank. This water is then added to a filtration unit, which does not require power but uses water pressure to operate. The filtered water is collected in a collection tank connected to community taps where people can collect drinking water. The plant runs entirely on green energy without the support of grid electricity.

This project will have a widespread impact. We have listed a few of the benefits –

1. The filtration unit is easy to clean and maintain. Once the solar drinking water solution project is initiated, the community can be taught how to operate it. Installation and handover processes are easy. Unlike conventional filters that require energy, this one is easy to run. Turning a few knobs is all it takes to clean the filter.
2. In villages where we have implemented the solar drinking water solution project, there has been a decrease in diseases, especially water-borne diseases, skin diseases and infections, thereby improving the personal hygiene and per capita income of the community.
3. The children in these communities are healthier, enabling them to attend school regularly.
4. The women in the community do not have to travel far to collect water; hence, they can save time for other activities.
5. This project is based on a low-carbon initiative. It reduces emission footprints and promotes the use of renewable energy through community-based intervention.

We have executed similar solar drinking water solution projects across the country. Let’s see the viability of the project –

A long-term solution – Apart from the initial investment on this project, no further costs are incurred, as the maintenance costs are negligible, making it a long-term solution to many problems in the community.

Easy maintenance – The filtration unit requires cleaning and servicing every 14-30 days to ensure it is in continuous operation. This can be taught to anyone from the beneficiary community and is easy to operate.

Self-sustainable – The project is self-sustainable and is handed over to the villagers to manage. Once we help them divide the responsibilities amongst themselves to ensure the proper functioning of the system, within two months, we leave the village.

Abundant supply – The filtration unit delivers up to 10,000 litres of clean water daily, depending on the water contamination levels. The units are designed for a minimum of 5 years, with an expected service life of up to 10 years.

Highly efficient – This system can filter muddy water, groundwater etc., and filtered water has a ppm level that is permissible as per WHO standards.

Check out our current functional sites located in villages of western Maharashtra. – Solar Drinking water for School, Nimbus

Please give us your feedback on this idea.

You can contact us by filling out the form below or contacting us directly.

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.

In order to pay you for your services and motivate more people to do so, the government has introduced “Net metering”.

You can now send the extra electricity that you are producing back to the grid and earn energy reversals on the electricity consumed from your contemporary electricity connection. This is called net metering. A specialised meter is installed which turns backwards every time you send your energy to the grid. This reverses the units of electricity you have consumed from your electricity provider.

As a consumer how does net metering help you?

A straightforward benefit is that you get compensated for the power sent to the grid. In addition, it also helps you compensate for the cost that is incurred during the installation of a solar system.

For high consumers of electricity, net metering can help take some pressure off on peak hours. And needless to say, it contributes to the cleanliness of the environment as well.

Is net metering a motivating factor to adapt to solar power?

Yes.

India’s roof-top solar capacity is about 740 MW. Currently, we are utilising a very small fraction of that power. Experts have analysed that adaptation to solar power can increase by 60% if net metering is implemented effectively.

This makes net metering a very important aspect for energy policy makers.

If net metering is available, then why are consumers not shifting to this cleaner substitute and earning back energy reversal?

Let us answer this with the assumption that consumers have the funds to set up solar panel systems.

The consumers who have solar panels in place receive compensation for the electricity being sent back to the grid. So if you consume 5 units of electricity and you give 5 units to the grid, you earn 5 units through reversal. This seems to be a fair deal.

However, in actual scenarios, the cost of electricity is not constant everywhere. It is artificially kept low with subsidy. The cost of electricity with subsidy can cost Rs 3 to Rs 6 per unit.

The cost of producing electricity through solar power comes to Rs 10 per unit in the beginning. However, this cost reduces significantly in the long run. Now when solar electricity is provided back to the grid, the value earned is low.

Let’s look at it with an example.

Producing 5 units of solar energy costs Rs. 50, assuming that the cost of producing solar energy is Rs. 10 per unit.

If 5 units of solar energy is fed to the grid and 5 units of energy reversal is earned, then assuming that the subsidised cost of electricity is Rs. 5, the value earned is 5 x Rs. 5 = Rs. 25. Here you incur a cost of Rs. 50 and get back electricity worth Rs. 25. This is not a profitable deal.

But the situation is different in areas where the electricity is not subsidised. If the cost per unit of grid electricity is more than the per unit cost of solar, net metering becomes a value add for consumers.

The DISCOMs also face the heat of power subsidy. They have to recover their profits by charging the commercial and industrial segment. For net metering to be a viable solution it has to be a win-win situations for both consumers and DISCOMs.

If, policy-wise, the government can come up with something innovative that is beneficial to DISCOMs and consumers alike, can net metering be implemented immediately?

The answer is no.

Let us understand why. Power grids can have problems. When this happens workers are sent to the location to rectify it. It is ensured that the power source is cut off at the power grid so that no power flows out of the grid till the workers are on site. But a solar house, which is unaffected by the power cut-off at the grid, produces power and, through net metering, sends power to the grid. This poses a threat to the workers working on the grid. Hence the inverter in the solar panel system must shut itself down in case it senses a problem in the grid. This is called anti-islanding protection. This implies that the home running on solar power cannot use electricity because of anti-islanding protection. This will also lead to wastage of power generated through solar PV.

In addition to this, most of the regions in India suffer from frequent power outages. So net metering becomes very ineffective and is a key reason why consumers do not opt for it.

Anti-islanding is very essential and cannot be done away with. This is where innovation is required. If a system is developed that would allow users to use solar-generated electricity when power source to the grid is cut off due to problems at the grid, the use of net metering would become feasible.

Geographical regions in India that are working on net metering implementation

Based on industry discussions, it seems that only a handful of states and union territories, such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab, Delhi, Chandigarh and Karnataka, have begun actual implementation of net metering. Some other states such as Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan are also showing interest; however, there is a lot of work that needs to be done to ensure effective implementation.

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/