Solar Power industry in India is gaining more and more prominence with each passing day. The domestic/off-grid industry is picking up speed too. Owing to the queries we are receiving regarding the various issues pertaining to Solar Power Plant setup, we thought it would be a great idea to put together a bunch of questions and answer the same. We shall keeping adding to the list as we keep receiving more queries. So, here are the most Frequently Asked Questions and our answers for the same. Do let us know in case you would like us to answer any more questions. Also, kindly point out any inaccuracies/mistakes that you may find here so that we can correct the same for the benefit of everyone. We have tried our best to provide the best and most accurate information. However, inputs or responses to questions from other industry experts are encouraged and extremely appreciated.
[Update - 31-08-2014: The FAQs page has been updated. CERC Benchmark Cost and related details have been updated from 2013-14 figures to those of 2014-15.]
How much land is required to setup a 1MW solar power generation Unit?
The land required for a 1 MW power plant setup is around 4.5-5 acres for Crystalline technology and around 6.5-7.5 acres for Thin-Film technology. This is only a rough benchmark and may vary based on technology and efficiency of panels.
What is the life-time of a typical Solar Power plant?
The useful life of a typical Solar Power plant is considered to be 25 years. This is the duration for which long-term PPAs are signed and financial models are built. However, Solar Power plants can run beyond 25 years while producing a lower output. Many Solar Panel manufacturers guarantee an output of 90% at the end of 10 years and 80% at the end of 25 years.
What is the annual energy generated from a 1 MW Solar Power plant?
The usual benchmark for energy generated from a 1 MW Solar Power plant is considered as 1.5 Million units. This is only a benchmark and should not be considered as the actual output for a given location. The amount of actual energy generated from a Solar Power Plant in an year depends on both internal and external factors. External factors which are beyond the control of a Solar developer can include the following:
The output also depends on the following internal factors all of which are within the control of a Solar Developer:
What are the various modes under which we can setup a Solar Power plant?
The various modes under which a Solar Power plant can be setup depends on the specific requirement. All the following are valid modes and the costs for each kind of system varies based on various factors:
What is the cost of setting up a Rooftop Solar Power plant for domestic or commercial use?
Rooftop Solar Power plants can be broadly categorized into Battery-based and Non-Battery based systems. The benchmark cost set by MNRE for the year 2013-14 for these systems are Rs.90-100 per W for Non-Battery based systems and Rs.170-210 per W for Battery-based systems. More details can be accessed on the following MNRE webpage: http://mnre.gov.in/file-manager/UserFiles/amendmends-benchmarkcost-aa-jnnsm-2013-14.pdf
What size Solar Power plant is required for domestic or commercial use?
Identifying the Solar Power plant size for your domestic or commercial premises depends on the following factors:
Based on these factors, the power plant sizing can be accordingly done at your end.
What permissions/clearances are required to setup a Solar PV Plant?
A certain set of permissions need to be obtained and documents need to be submitted in order to setup a Solar PV plant. While these may vary from state-to-state, in order to get a Solar PV Project Accredited by AP State Load Dispatch Center (AP SLDC) for REC mechanism, the following are the statutory clearances and environmental clearances to be furnished:
Also, all necessary approvals/agreements before start of Solar PV project construction are to be furnished as and when necessary. These include the following:
While these are the documents that AP SLDC requires for REC project accreditation, these are typically the clearances/documents required in general for a Solar PV project.
Can Solar Power developers avail loans from banks for Solar Power plant setup? What is the loan % and what criteria does a bank/lending institution look for?
There are 2 kinds of Financing mechanisms that are usually discussed – Recourse Financing and Non-Recourse Financing. Recourse Financing requires collaterals and other extensive guarantees from the Solar developer who wishes to avail loan. Non-Recourse Financing, on the other hand, does not require any additional collateral as the Asset or Power Plant itself is the collateral in this case. Recourse Financing is the prevalent mechanism in India currently owing to lack of confidence of banks in the Power and Solar Power sector. The typical Debt-Equity Ratio (Loan to Investment Ratio) for Solar Power plants is 70:30. And the typical collaterals required for a 70% project cost loan could be in the range of 40-60% project cost. This, however, varies from bank to bank as each bank has its own risk perception/mitigation strategy, exposure targets to various sectors and Non-Performing Asset (NPA) limits.
What would be the total project cost excluding the cost of land?
Total project cost per MW would be in the range of Rs.6.5 Crores-Rs.8 Crores depending on the kind of technology you are using, whether or not you are using tracking systems, the kind of EPC Contractor you choose for power plant system etc. CERC recently announced the benchmark tariff for setup of Solar PV and Thermal Plants in India. Here are the links to the documents containing more details: http://www.cercind.gov.in/2014/orders/SO353.pdf and http://www.cercind.gov.in/2014/orders/SO354.pdf
The table below indicates CERC determined benchmark cost for Financial Year 2014-15.
What would be the O & M cost?
Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) benchmark costs for O&M is Rs.12.3 lakhs/year/MW for 2014-15 with a 5.72% increase every year. This varies from project to project based on the number of people you employ for maintenance, frequency of cleaning of panels, onsite-engineer availability etc.
What would be the per unit expected sale price?
This depends on the mode of sale of power and the consumer of power.
It is to be kept in mind that several additional charges such as Wheeling Charges, Distribution Charges, Open-Access Charges, Cross-Subsidy Charges are applicable in the case of sale of power to 3rd party. These charges vary from State-to-State and DISCOM-to-DISCOM and even based on voltage levels.
Which kinds of Solar Power plants are eligible for REC benefits?
Solar Power Plants need to be Grid-Connected on order to avail REC benefits. Though there have been recommendations on multiple occasions that Off-Grid Solar Power plants be made eligible for RECs, the proposal is still under discussion. Solar Power plants setup under the following 3 modes are eligible for REC benefits:
Captive Power Plants are eligible for RECs subject to the condition that Concessional/Promotional Transmission or Wheeling Tariffs and/or banking facility benefit are not availed. Also, Solar Power plants setup under Preferential Tariff schemes are not eligible for RECs. Check out more information on RECs on our REC page here – http://efficientcarbon.com/services/energy/renewable-energy-certificates
Is there a minimum size for Solar Power plants to be eligible for RECs?
As per the Second Amendment of REC Principal Regulations – 2013, there is no lower limit for Solar Power plants to be eligible for RECs. Though it previously stated that 250 KW is the minimum size for Solar Power plants to be eligible for RECs, the same has been removed as part of the above stated amendment.
Can CDM benefits (Carbon Credits) be availed for a Solar Power plant?
Yes. REC Mechanism and CDM are mutually exclusive and hence a power developer can claim CDM benefits (Carbon Credits) also. However, it is to be noted that the current trading prices of Carbon Credits or Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) at the European ETS system is less than 0.7 Euro which are pretty low compared to the 15-20 Euro trading prices a few years back. At these prices, getting a Solar project registered under CDM mechanism does not make any sense as the payback for the expenses in the process itself takes several years. Unless the Solar Power Plant is of size 10 MW or more it does not make financial sense to go for Carbon Credits (CERs).
What kind of Central/State benefits are available for Solar Power plant setup?
Solar plants can be categorized into 2 broad categories – Grid Connected and Off-Grid plants. The usual Govt. support available for an Off-Grid plant is a Capital Subsidy of 30% on the project cost upto a maximum size of 500 KW. This can be claimed by the Manufacturer/Supplier/EPC Contractor (should be an MNRE accredited supplier) on behalf of the customer. The list of MNRE accredited suppliers (all across India) can be downloaded from http://mnre.gov.in/file-manager/UserFiles/list_channelpartners_sp_jnnsm.pdf
Subsidy is not available for Grid Connected plants that engage in sale of power either to the local DISCOM or a 3rd party. Following are the benefits a Solar Power Developer involved in Sale of Power Generated can avail:
Can Accelerated Depreciation benefits be claimed by Solar Power Developers?
Yes. Accelerated Depreciation benefits can be claimed by Off-Grid and Grid-Connected Solar Power Developers in order to offset taxes on profits from their connected businesses. Typically, 90% depreciation is allowed with 80% allowed in the first year.
Can Capital Subsidy be claimed for a 1 MW Solar Power plant (or greater size)?
No. Capital Subsidy cannot be claimed for plants beyond 500 KW size. Also, capital subsidy is made available only to Off-Grid and Decentralized Solar Power applications and not Grid Connected Plants that are in the business of selling the generated power.
Is there any subsidy available for Solar Power plant setup?
Capital Subsidy of 30% is applicable only for captive power plants up to 100 KW. Subsidy will not be applicable in case of sale of power.
We would like to setup a Solar power plant in Andhra Pradesh but we have not participated in AP solar bidding. What are the other options?
Since you have not participated in AP Solar Bidding, one other way would be the REC route. You can sell the generated power to APTRANSCO or third party consumer. Through this route, you sell power to APTRANSCO/third party and also claim RECs for the same. This way, you will be able to get a base tariff (APPC) from APTRANSCO and then additional revenue can be generated through sale of Solar RECs. However, it is to be kept in mind that the following additional benefits may be availed for a Solar PV Project commissioned before June 2014 subject to the condition that REC benefits are not availed (in case of Captive Generating Plants and Plants setup under Preferential Tariff basis):
However, it has to be kept in mind that REC revenue is market driven and can fluctuate as both demand and supply are pretty low on Solar front right now. Kindly refer to our monthly newsletter – REChronicles (http://efficientcarbon.com/services/energy/renewable-energy-certificates) – for more and up-to-date information on the REC market.
Download documents relevant to Andhra Pradesh Solar Policy here –http://nedcap.gov.in/PDFs/2012ENY_MS39.pdf
http://nedcap.gov.in/PDFs/Amendment_to_AP_Solar_power_policy.pdf
I have land and some company posted that they are looking for people having land and ready to invest about Rs.10 lakhs. Can I go ahead with this investment?
It is difficult to comment much without more information about the company. However, it is advised to check the company’s track record to understand the company’s previous projects and the revenues/returns from such projects. A couple of things that you might have already understood from the info on this FAQs page is that a typical good quality Solar PV Power plant required Rs.6.5-8 Crores for setup. In line with this, the investment of Rs.10 lakhs you have been asked to make comes to around 1.5% of total project cost which is not much. If your land also has certain value, that can be factored into your equity contribution to the project. While we am not sure about the promise made by the company to you in terms of returns, kindly make sure that your investment has been duly considered in project equity and the associated returns. Also, it is possible that there are several other investors such as you who might be investing in the project. You might ask the company details regarding the same. Following are a few more things you can ask the company to provide:
As an investor, you have every right to know the answers to these questions. Kindly evaluate all scenarios and clarify all you queries before making such an investment.
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Plz contact me
Instol a plant
7778996869
My name is Harish from Hospet ,katakana. I have 2 ace land I want instal a solar power plant how much investment requires plz tell me
Respected sir I have 30 acres of land in Madhya Pradesh dist. Shoypur . I want to build a solar power plant there but I have no capital so is there any other way
I am having a plot of land and I would like to start a solar plant over there with a proposal in which I would provide my land and the interested individuals would build their solar project on my land and the profit would be distributed equally . Can you suggest the individuals or companies interested in my proposal.
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Dear Sir / Madam
I want to install solar power in Latur district so please give me project detail regarding to this project.
Cost details also of the project.
My mobile number 9730738785
I’m from vijayapur district Karnataka, I have 40 acres of land and I wanted to install a solar system in my land ,so can you please tell me how much cost it takes to install the palnt n profit
kindly connect with us on 9728888974 for more information
WE CAN ARRANGE SOLAR PROJECT FOR YOU WITH AUSTRIA COMPANY ALLIANCE.PLEASE REVERT BACK sirsa97@rediffmail.com
I want to start solar power plant. kindly suggest.
I have a land of approx 5 acres in solapur district, i want to setup solar park at the land, what options will be available and how to implement the solar park
regards
sandeep
9850278090
Contact us for solar power plant project DPR and I&C for solar power plants.
Contact us at 9915882578
Consultant for Installation of Solar Panel from concept to commissioning .
Dear sir,
My name is Kiran. I have 7 acr land at village near bhupalpally dist Telangana. Am interested to put solar plant. What is the estimate cost and I need 3rd party to install plant.
dear Kiran, you can contact me on my no. 9737240373 for any solar installation .
I have 5 acre of land in Aligarh district just 80 kms from Greater Noida. I am interested in setting up solar power plant to sell the power to the UP Government. Please guide me regarding all the aspects.
Dear all,
Prevent yourself from getting misguide from big big fancy commitments of comments. First get educate regarding the matter then decide.
For any query can mail us at ndubey11@yahoo.com
Hello…
I have a land of aprrox 100bigas… am intrested to implant a big project.. will you please send some information regarding this…. and send full esstimate to plant a 10mw plant
If interested then can mail LOI (letter of interest) or initial mail to ndubey11@yahoo.com
Hi
If interested then can mail LOI (letter of interest) or initial mail to ndubey11@yahoo.com
My land is about 65 acres. Location is in ratnagiri district. Land is own by self and all title is clear about the land. I want to know that is it will be worth setting up a solar power plant in konkan region. Rply with estimate cost for the project upto 20 Mw production
It is worth setting up project rest for more query drop a mail to ndubey11@yahoo.com
Sir I have 1.5 acres and 2 acres land both
amalner .
Dist. JALGOAN
State. Maharashtra
So give proper information of solar plant and cost of it
9403518698
Sir regarding more information you need to mail us at ndubey11@yahoo.com
You can have solar PV plant till 700-800kW capacity.
Kindly connect with us
Pioneer Solar
7718803062
कितला येळा ते दीड एकर न तुणतुणे वाजाडशी गड्या भो।
आठे 1000 एकर ले कोणी एचारी नई राह्यन
Sir, we got a offer frm solar plant installation compny, bt I we don’t know labour charges how much I ask for plate Angle fitting, polls installing, concrete fiiling, we hv labour for civil works. Pl give me rates r advise tq sir.
Hi Sir,
Pl send your project details I’ll guide you to get the exact Price for your solar project installation including, MMS pile , MMS installation module & DC, A.c. works.
8888346546
ramaiahseetharaman@gmail.com
Rs. 3 per watt plus expenses is our price for installation of solar power plant.
No material included.
I want to setup a solar plant.
I just need the specific details and procedures required to set up a solar plant in raigarh district of chhattishgarh india.
Details such as
Applying
Paper work
Loan
Govt. Advisers
I request to drop a mail mentioning your query at ndubey11@yahoo.com
Respected Sir
I have land in up banda distt with touch in highway and Less than 1 km far from medical college
I want to setup a solar plants and totaly unknown about this plant
Kindly explain me everything like
1-Land rrquired
2-Value of projects
3-benifit
4-and manpower required
Thanks&Regards
Arbind Mishra
+919157251349
+917984808870
MR.Mishra depends upon your consumption company decides watts to put up plant of, hence for same company analysis your electrical consumption .
Kindly drop mail at ndubey11@yahoo.com accordingly we can guide you further
Dear Sir,
I have 5 Acr land in my village comes in Uttar Pradesh and, I wish to install solar power plant and generating power sale to DISCOM or 3rd Party.
So please give me proper information and procedure and cost of the solar plant.
With regards,
vibhor
Vibhor
once you install solar power plant then you may be also going to utilize the generated power then left over units would be transfer in grid.
request to drop mail at ndubey11@yahoo.com to discuss further
Dear Sir,
I have land 5 Acr in my village comes in Uttar Pradesh and, I wish to install solar power plant and generating power sale to DISCOM or 3rd Party.
So please give me proper information and procedure and cost of the solar plant.
With regards,
Vibhor
Dear Sir
You can send your requirement on my email id- sales_bd@kirtisolar.com.
We at Kirti Solar Ltd has over a decade of experience of setting up of Solar Power Plants and has numerous installation of solar water pumping projects across eastern and central India. Currently we installed 1MW Solar Power Plant at a very prestigious Institution at UP, in Greater Noida hence setting up the largest Solar Power Plant across UP, Delhi NCR Institutions.
For your 5 acres of land you can easily setup a 2MW of Solar Power Plant under PPA scheme. Please send your details to my above mentioned email id.
Thanking you
Arunabha Sarkar
We are solar developer as well as, doing EPC large scale solar projects in Odisha.
If any body interested than contact with us.
Sricharan
7440009206.
We have 300 acres of land in Karnataka state, we want to set up solar power plant with anybody collaboration . Any party interested with proper finance and technical support please contact.
only serious people on vasuwadi@gmail.com or +919398669938
country: INDIA
I have my personal land of 65 acres @ Dindugul district. Willing to sell or partner for solar. Interested can call @ 9962294547 or reach @ mmpreeb4u@gmail.com
I’m Solar power plant labours sub contractor
Par
Per day one labour payment what
Main contractor pay sub contractors payment what
i am having land of 5 acres in Orissa, i want to setup solar power plant . Can any one guide on this . What is the procedure ,loan,subsidy …etc
depends on state govt.what subsidy they are giving generally 30% govt.give. rest can mail us ndubey11@yahoo.com
I have land 2 Acr in my village comes in Telangana and i wish to install solar power plant and generating power sale to DISCOM or 3rd Party.
So please given me proper information and procedure and costing of solar plant.
Thanking you,
Give me your contact details
I have a land of 5 acres in Andhra pradesh. I am interested to set up a solar project in my land. Plz provide information about the project.
DEAR SIRS/MADAMS
We have a funder who can finance your projects ranging from:
solar power ,thermal power, gas power, wind power
building roads
building railways
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the funder can either build the project or issue a loan
we are looking for projects worth 300million united states dollars and over.
we will finance projects that have a commercial guarantee or in case of power
we shall finance power projects which have a power purchase agreement with the government ,
an individual or a company ,we can also do a joint venture with any corporate institute or organization or government.
If the project is less than a 300million united states dollars then it has to be 2 or three projects but in the same place with 300million united states dollars as the total figure.
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We are broker agency having following land available for mega project in Maharashtra state
All lands more than 300 to 1200 acts with 132 kv Sub stations @ 5 to 10 km apart for connectivity and good evacuation
1 jalgaon
A. 300
B 1200
2 Aurangabad
A 500
B 300
3 Akola
A 300
B 400
4 Bulana
A 250
B 300
5 Yawatmal
A 1200
B 300
C 400
D 300
Also available in
Dhule, Hingoli, washim , Jalna
Pl mail if interested
Dhanraj
dltulaskar@gmail.com
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It is simple survey filling. Even 10 bucks per survey (ten minutes duration).
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Dear Sir,
I have land 2 Acr in my village comes in Telangana and i wish to install solar power plant and generating power sale to DISCOM or 3rd Party.
So please given me proper information and procedure and costing of solar plant.
Thanking you,
Nagesh
We are one of the leading Solar EPC Company in India. We have international experienced Solar engineers and solar experts with more than 20 years of experience in Solar. contact us, our expert are available to serve you.
from raichur distrrict karnataka i have 8 acre land already wind solar, plants are instaling are there any body ready to install