India’s distribution grid can accommodate 30% solar capacity, says study

DELHI/NCR, India - Sept. 12, 2014 - PRLog -- Delhi, September 2014: A report titled “Grid integration of distributed solar PV in India: A review of technical aspects, best practices and the way forward” was released today. This research was carried out as a collaborative effort between researchers at the Prayas Energy Group, BRIDGE TO INDIA, National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and the Energy and Resources Group (ERG) at the University of California, Berkeley.

This study specifically reviewed the existing standards on solar system components, examined the effect of integrating several solar PV rooftop/land based systems with the distribution grid and also outlines safety issues involved in the integration of distributed PV with the grid. In particular, basic electrical quality parameters such as harmonics, flicker, DC injection, voltage range and frequency range of the inverter, which ensures the quality of power fed into the grid, have been considered.

Highlighting the key findings of the report, Dr. Tobias Engelmeier, Founder & Director, BRIDGE TO INDIA, said- “This is the first report that examined regulations around distributed solar PV in India and the consequence of such systems on the grid. While the distributed solar PV market in India is still nascent, it is ready for a boom in the coming years. Our findings show that there is no significant grid investment requirement up until the point when 30% of India’s power capacity comes from solar. Currently, we stand at just over 1%.”

Another aspect of this study includes the ability of the grid to handle variable and intermittent solar PV. Particular attention has been paid to grid penetration limits, which are a contentious issue worldwide. International experiences are studied and a working formula for Indian power distribution companies (DISCOMs) has been suggested. It has also outlined potential grid adaptations in scenarios of high penetration of distributed solar PV.

Talking about the genesis of the report, Ashwin Gambhir, Senior Research Associate from the Prayas Energy Group said, “The need for such a report came out of interactions with utility personnel and regulators who had valid technical concerns regarding the impact of distributed PV on the grid. The study clearly shows that the Indian distribution grid would be able to integrate distibuted PV at scale and is well placed to adopt the established and cost effective technical solutions as the PV penetration increases with time.”

The study also drew on the technical expertise of the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) based out of IIT Bombay. IIT Bombay is one of the country’s leading institutions and has significant experience in power quality issues on the grid, grid stability and also solar PV.

Talking about how this study was a natural fit to their capabilities, Prof. Anil Kulkarni said, “A study of the impact of solar PV on the grid requires diverse expertise in PV technology, power electronic grid interfaces, protection and control, distribution systems engineering and power system operation. At IIT Bombay, the interests of many faculty members are well aligned to these issues. This study has spurred new collaborative synergies within the faculty as well as with the outside world.”

The current regulations for distributed generation formulated by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) suggests incorporating advanced inverter functions namely reactive power support and low voltage ride. The regulations issued by the CEA is at par with the global standards, especially in countries that have considerable experience in distributed solar PV like Germany and USA.

The adequacy of Indian regulations on distributed PV was examined by comparing the current regulations against international standards. Speaking on bringing the international experience to this report, Ranjit Deshmukh from the University of California Berkeley, Energy and Resources Group, said, “Understanding the rationale behind international standards and regulations, especially from regions such as California and Germany that have significant experiences in distributed solar PV, and then adapting these learnings in the Indian context is crucial for both, benchmarking current Indian standards and regulations, and modifying them to ensure the best value for Indian consumers, utilities, manufacturers, and project developers.”

For a free copy of the report, please reach the contacts below or download from http://www.bridgetoindia.com/our-reports/indian-solar-decision-briefs/

For any media queries please reach out to:

Meenakshi          Ashwin Gambhir

BRIDGE TO INDIA          Prayas Energy Group

M: + 91 8376800831          M: + 91 9371501395

E: meenakshi.sarkar@bridgetoindia.com          E: ashwin@prayaspune.org

About BRIDGE TO INDIA

BRIDGE TO INDIA was founded in 2008 by Tobias Engelmeier with the objective of bringing international renewable technology and project development expertise to India. The company has grown significantly since then to become a leading consulting services and knowledge provider in the Indian renewable market. Our Consulting team has worked on numerous assignments for top-tier clients (GE, Siemens, Bosch, REC, Tata Power Solar, Greenpeace, to name a few), while the Market Intelligence business produces regular market leading research and has published several thought leadership pieces shaping the growth of the renewables sector in India. Our Projects business vision is to make locally produced clean energy a mainstream choice for large-scale commercial, industrial and institutional users.

www.bridgetoindia.com; www.facebook.com/bridgetoindia; www.indiasolarhomes.com; www.indiasolarmarket.com, LinkedIn- India Solar Future;