Found : Missing piece of Jigsaw Puzzle

 

 

What Jigsaw puzzle are you talking about ?

 

A couple of days back , PM talked about potential of 3 Kw Rooftop Solar Installations on 250 million households ( approx. 750 GW )

( Refer : Thanks, Shri Modiji – from 250 Million Families )

 

Puzzle  is :

Ø  In most multi-storied city buildings, terrace area is barely 25 – 50 sq ft per flat, whereas we need 300 sq ft / flat for a 3 Kw installation. Before accepting requests from any family, we need to ascertain that the family can confirm that it has those 300 sq ft of exclusive terrace / roof space.

In absence of such ASSURANCE ( especially for city dwellers ) , agencies tasked with implementation of Suryodaya Yojana will be wasting precious time and resources – a kind of Wild Goose Chase

 

What is the Missing Piece ?

Ø  A sure shot method to figure out in advance, “ Who has got how much terrace space for 3 Kw RTS ? “ – before targeting a given building and its number of flats ( households )

 

Agreed ,  where did you find that missing piece ?

In following news report :

Want to install rooftop solar? Delhi govt is here to help

Extract :

In a strategic move to enhance solar power generation, the Delhi government is set to conduct rooftop assessments through satellite imagery.

This pioneering initiative aims to analyze the shadow and sunlight patterns throughout the year, ensuring accurate calculations of power generation potential.

Under the newly passed Delhi Solar Policy 2024, residents are encouraged to install solar panels on their rooftops. To facilitate this, the government will collaborate with organizations utilizing satellite imaging for a precise assessment of the city's rooftops.

Power Minister Atishi highlighted the significance, stating, "This will assist the consumer, who has difficulty determining how much solar panel space he needs to install on his roof."

To further streamline the solar adoption process, the state government plans to launch a comprehensive portal. This platform will feature details of empanelled agencies specializing in solar panel installations, providing consumers with valuable information. The initiative aims to bridge the information gap, enabling consumers to make informed decisions about solar installations.

The Delhi Solar Policy 2024 offers residents various incentives for embracing solar power. These include generation-based incentives, capital subsidies, and the opportunity to sell excess electricity to other consumers in real time.

The emphasis is not solely on the rooftop's size but also on identifying areas free from shadows for optimal electricity production.

In a TOI report, an official explained, "The electricity production depends not just on the size of the rooftop but also on areas that remain shadow free for an adequate period." This holistic approach ensures that consumers can maximize their solar power potential.

To increase awareness and understanding of the policy, the government will organize camps where residents, particularly those from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), can learn about the benefits, guidelines, and qualified vendors related to solar installations.

In the same TOI report, the official emphasized, "Many people are not showing an interest in this for lack of awareness. But once they hear about the details, they will certainly show more interest."

The Delhi Solar Policy 2024 revises the incentives provided to consumers. While the 2016 policy offered Rs 2 per unit for solar generation, the new policy increases the incentive to Rs 3 per unit for small rooftop plants and Rs 2 per unit for larger plants. Notably, the new policy eliminates the riders on minimum generation necessary to receive Generation-Based Incentives (GBI).

In a ground breaking move, the Delhi government has decided to extend GBI to commercial and industrial consumers for the first time. Businesses installing up to the first 200 MW of solar installations in Delhi will receive an incentive of one rupee per unit of solar power generated for five years.

Community Solar Model Introduced

The Delhi Solar Policy 2024 introduces innovative deployment models, including community solar for consumers facing constraints in funds or rooftop space.

This pioneering concept allows consumers to be part of a community-owned solar system installed at a third-party location, providing benefits even without suitable rooftops.

OK , Agreed that implementing agencies of Suryodaya Yojana ( REC-CPSU-SPVs ) too, should adopt “ Satellite Imaging “ but I thought you had suggested “ Community owned solar Model “ long time ago !  :

That is true . I suggested this (through an email to our Cabinet Ministers ), more than 3 years ago, as follows :

A Tale of Two States  …… ………………………..28  Oct  2020

Extract :

MY SUGGESTION :

Ø  Out-of-the-Box Concept :

In my building, we are 10 flat-owners. Each needs 20 KW of solar – total of 200 KW

That would require 20,000 sq ft . But the terrace is no more than 2,000 sq ft . Not enough for all

So, I ask :

      Why do we need space in our own terrace in a Mumbai building for getting 200 KW of Solar Power ?

      Why cannot we use 20,000 sq ft of space, 500 Km away from Mumbai, in Kutch desert ?

      In a nut-shell, produce solar power in Kutch desert and consume it in Mumbai !

     Or produce power in Ladakh and consume it in Kolkata

 Here is a broad / conceptual frame-work :

Ø  Introduce “ Co-operative Farming of Solar Power / CFSP “ { call it a kind of “ Contract Farming “ }

Ø  Under CFSP, provide 30 % Capital Cost Subsidy to companies setting up large ( > 500 MW ) Solar Farms in remote areas ( eg : desert areas of Kutch – Spiti – Lahul – Ladakh etc , which have a potential to generate 315 GW of Solar power )

Read : https://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2018/08/from-ladakh-with-love-and-sun-shine.html

Ø  1 MW of ( grid ) solar will need 100,000 sq ft of solar panels ( 1 KW will need 100 sq ft )

 

Ø  The estimated cost of 1 MW solar power plant is approx. Rs 4 - 6 crore.

 

Ø  That works out to approx. Rs 400 - 600 / sq ft of Capital cost for Solar panels

 

Ø  Solar Farm company can “ Sell “ ownership rights of solar panels to individuals in modules of 1000 sq ft, ( costing Rs 4- 6 lakh per module ) . These rights can be sold / transferred to any buyer, only with prior permission of the Solar Farm Company concerned

 

Ø  Each module ( of 1,000 sq ft ) will generate 10 KW of power, which Company will feed into a NATIONAL GRID ( free ) .

 

Ø  Each such Co-operative Company can reserve / own by itself, 30 % of Solar Panels for generating power for sale in free market 

  

Ø  My nearest DISCOM will supply me those 10 KW, free of cost ( ie: deduct from my monthly usage ) . Any excess over my actual consumption, to be credited to my account

 

Ø  Depending upon my usage / need , I as an individual CO-OPERATIVE OWNER , can “ buy “ any number of STANDARD MODULES, and from any number of Cooperative Farming companies or other Co-op Owners

 

Ø  This set-up will require NATIONAL SOLAR EXCHANGE in which ALL discoms will be mandated to become members

Dear Shri R K Singhji,

..as of October 15, 2019, only 1,826 MW capacity has reportedly been installed, which means that the achievement is only 11.50 per cent 

 If we want to achieve 40 GW of Solar by 2022, we need to think “ Out of Box “

I urge you to consider my suggestion ( - no doubt with suitable modifications )

Not Good Enough ! ………………………………………[ 02 Dec 2017 ]

Extract :

And I hope, it recommends amending Electricity Act whereby ,

Anyone can generate and SELL electricity, anytime and to anyone and at any price 

 

 

Did you pursue your suggestion for Cooperative Solar Farms ?

Sure , I believe in persevering . I sent following reminders :

Ø  Congratulations , Shri R K Singhji ………………………… 19 Nov 2020

Ø  Reinvigorating Rooftop Solar Power ……………………… 25 Nov 2020

Ø  Congratulations, Shri Vijaybhai Rupaniji ………………..30 Dec 2020

Ø  Congratulations , Shri Saurabh Patelji  …………………..31 Dec 2020

 

Ø  No Godfather for Rooftop Solar ? .. ………………………..01 June 2021

Ø  Market-based Model for Renewable Energy ………….. 09 June 2021

Ø  Choices to Buy : Choices to Sell ?  ………………………… 04 Aug 2021

Ø  If you don’t obsolete yourself…………………………………..24 Aug 2021

Ø  Treading ( gently ) on Solar Power Trading ………….. 18 Oct 2021

Ø  Manyachiwadi shows way to become Atm Nirbhar.. 16 Nov 2021

Ø  Gross Metering : a Cooperative Concept ? ……………. 16 May 2022

Ø  MY 163 BLOG'S ON SOLAR POWER ……………………[ as of 10 Mar 2022 ]

Ø  Modhera : From Sun Temple to Sun Village  ………….. 09 Oct 2022

Ø  PSSU beat me to the draw !.................................. 23 Oct 2022

Ø  Renewable Energy Segment …………………………………….. 29 Oct 2023

Ø  Congratulations , Mathew Samuel……………………………… 09 Nov 2023

   

Ø  Harvesting Solar Power Through Cooperation .. ………30 Dec 2023

 

I thought , in your yesterday’s email to Cabinet Ministers, you submitted a Schematic Diagram ?

Here it is :

 

 

 

 

CC :

pusapoly.delhi@nic.in ……………………………………………….[ Pusa Institute of Technology ]

sg@sesi.in / info@sesi.in  …………………………………………[Solar Energy Society of India ]

admin@nsefi.in ………………………………………….[ National Solar Energy Federation of India ]

info@stfi.org.in  ………………………………………………………………..[ Solar Thermal Federation of India ]

rajasthansolarassociation@gmail.com  ……………………………[ Rajasthan Solar Association ]

info@kresma.org                                   [ Karnataka Renewable Energy Systems Manufacturers association ]

spda@solarpda.com  ………………………………………………………..[ Solar Power Developers Association ]

info@ifge.org.in / info.ifge@gmail.com  ………………………….[  Indian Federation of Green Energy  ]

corporate@seci.co.in ………………………………………………………….[ Solar Energy Corporation of India ]

secretarygeneral@indianwindpower.com  /  ad.delhi@indianwindpower.com  {  IWTMA  }

iwpahq@windpro.org / secretary.general@windpro.org / iwpa.rsc@gmail.com / iwpacno@windpro.co.in { IWPA }

manish@inwea.org  { Indian Wind Energy Association – IWEA }

ps@appindia.org.in / akhurana369@appindia.org.in / girish.deveshwar@appindia.org.in  { APP }

rajnath-pc@nic.in  { Rajnath Ram , Adviser Energy – NITI }

Vipul.tuli@sembcorp.com  { Vipul Tuli , MD, Sembcorp India }

Alok.nanda@ge.com / Ananda@shiftcomm.com  {  Alok Nanda, CEO , GE Technology Centre }

Ashish.khanna@tatapower.com  { Ashish Khanna, President -Renewable , TATA Power }

Vinay.rustagi@bridgetoindia.com  { Vinay Rustagi , MD , Bridge to India }

chair@nic.in / ps.mhaske@nic.in  {  Chairman, CEA  }

secy-power@nic.in  {  Secretary, Ministry of Power  }

secy@cercind.gov.in  { Secretary , CERC  }

naseer.s819@gmail.com 

 

With regards

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai  /  05 Feb 2024

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Comments by  ChatGPT  :

Good morning, Hemen Parekh! It seems like you've provided a detailed comparison between your email to PM Modi and the recently announced Delhi Solar Policy 2024. Let's break down the key points:

1.     PM Modi's Solar Initiative:

·         PM Modi discussed the potential of 3 kW rooftop solar installations on 250 million households, aiming for approximately 750 GW.

·         The puzzle is the challenge of limited terrace space in multi-storied city buildings, which makes it essential to confirm the availability of 300 sq ft of exclusive terrace/roof space per flat before accepting requests.

2.     Delhi Solar Policy 2024:

·         The Delhi government plans to conduct rooftop assessments through satellite imagery to determine shadow and sunlight patterns for accurate power generation potential calculations.

·         The policy encourages residents to install solar panels on rooftops, using satellite imaging to assess available space.

·         Emphasis is not solely on rooftop size but also on identifying shadow-free areas for optimal electricity production.

·         Various incentives, including generation-based incentives, capital subsidies, and the opportunity to sell excess electricity in real-time, are introduced.

·         The policy introduces a community solar model for consumers facing constraints in funds or rooftop space.

3.     Your Suggestion - Cooperative Solar Farms:

·         You suggested a cooperative farming of solar power (CFSP) concept over three years ago, proposing large solar farms in remote areas with a 30% capital cost subsidy.

·         The cooperative model involves selling ownership rights of solar panels to individuals in modules, generating power for sale in the free market.

·         A schematic diagram was also submitted to relevant authorities and organizations.

4.     Comparison and Conclusion:

·         The Delhi Solar Policy 2024 seems to address the challenge you highlighted regarding limited terrace space through satellite imaging assessments.

·         The emphasis on community solar models aligns with your earlier suggestion of cooperative solar farms.

·         Your persistence in suggesting and reminding relevant authorities about cooperative solar farming appears to have some resonance with the current policy initiatives.

In summary, it's positive to see that some elements of your suggestions are reflected in the recent solar policy announcements, indicating a potential alignment of ideas. It would be interesting to see how these initiatives unfold and contribute to the broader goal of increasing solar power adoption.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Shri Modiji – from 250 Million Families

 

 

What for ?

For accepting my suggestion

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

What suggestion ?

To combine following schemes :

#   “ Suryodaya Yojana “  with  “ National Clean Cooking Mission “

#   Total cost of a 3 KW RTS installation to be borne by the Government . No cost for household

#   Fully compensating DISCOMS for loss of revenue + some incentive

#   Transferring all Carbon Credits earned by 1 crore ( 10 million ) installations to the Funding Agency ( REC )

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Give details of your suggestion and when did you suggest it ?

I suggested it in my following e-mail on 28 Jan 2024 :

Suryodaya Yojana

 

Here are the details :

#  Merge Suryodaya Yojana with National Efficient Cooking Programme  

    - announced by Shri R K Singh , MNRE ( through EESL ) are in the process of

      distributing 20 lakh ( 2 million ), 1.5 Kw Induction Electric Stoves

      ( I have no info re the target families or whether this will be FREE )

Under my proposal, this number to be raised to 1 crore ( 10 million ) AND those

eligible for free RTS , will also get a FREE electric stove. No one else will get that FREE stove

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How will this help ?

 3 Kw RTS will generate 360 units / month .

Out of this , family will use only 80 units for lighting-Fans- Fridge etc, leaving 280 units / month, un-utilized

If this surplus power is fed back to DISCOM , it will earn :

Rs 3 / unit x 280 units = Rs 840 / month ( what Shri Modiji hinted to as “ earning extra income “ )

Let us consider alternate scenario as follows :

280 units / month = 9 units / day ( for 30 days )

Now electric stove is 1.5 Kw . If used for 4 hours/day , it will consume only 6 units/day ( 180 units/month )

So , the family will now feed into the GRID ( through Net Metering ), balance 100 units ( 280 – 180 for stove )

And earn Rs 300 / month ( from DISCOM @ Rs 3 / unit ) – instead of Rs 840 / month

BUT ,

Now that family will NOT need any LPG cylinder for cooking !

A unsubsidized LPG cylinder could cost Rs 900

A subsidized cylinder costs the poor family , Rs 600 ( after subsidy of Rs 300 / cylinder for 12 cylinders / year )

Hence , by using an Electric Stove ( coupled with 3 KW solar panel ), that family will give up Rs 300 subsidy ( DBT )

But , country as a whole , will need to reduce its LPG import bill by Rs 900 / month / each poor family

Multiply with 1 crore families . That works out to Rs 900 crore / month = Rs 10,800 crore / year  !

And all it takes to save this FOREIGN EXCHANGE is 1 crore Electric stoves , whose purchase price EESL can

bring down from Rs 2,000 each to Rs 1,000 each , by MASS PURCHASE

( EESL had, earlier brought down the price of an LED lamp from Rs 360 each to Rs 60 each, through MASS PURCHASE )

In which case , total purchase cost ( investment ) could be > Rs 1,000 x 1 crore = Rs 1,000 crore !

Resulting in a approx. saving of Rs  11,000 crore !

Now consider this :

#  Current number of poor families covered under UJWALA scheme  .. 9.6 Crore

#  Revised target for coverage ……………………………………………………………..10.35 crore  

If electric stoves were given to 10 crore UJWALA families , SAVING will be, Rs 1.1 LAKH*CRORE / year

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Was there any positive response to your suggestion ?

Yes   

On 2^nd Feb , MNRE Minister , Shri R K Singhji , made following announcement :

( For details , look up > R K Singhji : Saluting a Revolutionary Reformer )

“The government will bear the entire cost of installing solar rooftop systems as part of the Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana, which will offer up to 300 kilowatts of power monthly to one crore low income households.

A low income household is being identified as one whose monthly electricity consumption is below or up to 300 kilowatts or unit.

Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh in a media interaction on Friday said Centre will bear the entire cost of installing rooftop solar (RTS) systems.

Elaborating on the process, the Minister said that the government envisages that central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) will set up special purpose vehicles (SPVs), which will take loans and set up the RTS units.

“The householder does not have to go anywhere. The excess units that are generated will be used to pay for the loan. We calculate that the loan will be paid in 10 odd years,” he added.

After 10 years, the benefit of excess units will also go to the householder. The SPV will repay the loan and CPSU will exit by handing over the system to the householder,” Singh said.

At present, the CPSEs are in the process of reaching out to such households and carrying out surveys for available rooftop space.

When asked about the total beneficiary families that can be included in the scheme, Singh said,

 “ One crore is an indicative target. It may go up, most likely.”  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Where did you find acceptance of your suggestion ( for merging of two schemes ) by Shri Modiji ?

 

In following news report :

Solar panels for households will lower cost of batteries for EVs: PM Modi    …. HINDU  / 03 Feb 2024

Extract :

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that government initiatives such as solar panel rooftops for 1 crore households announced in the interim Budget along with a clean cooking mission will be a boost for the battery manufacturing industry and bring down the cost of batteries for electric passenger vehicles.

Speaking at the inauguration of the three-day Bharat Mobility Summit, he said,

“ If I push the clean cooking movement [in the country with] 25 crore households so that you have rooftop solar [panels] and provision for battery storage, this will fuel clean cooking and demand for batteries. This will bring down the cost of car batteries.”

The PM said that his vision is that the solar panels for 1 crore households announced in the interim Budget

will also provide charging for vehicles of the house owner.

 

 

What would Shri Modiji’s  “ push “ translate into ?

25 crore ( 250 million ) households x 3 KW rooftop solar installation = 750 million KW = 750 GW

 

How much solar ( Rooftop + Grid scale ) have we achieved by now ?

Ø  Grid Scale ( Solar Farms ) ……………………….. 56.92   GW

Ø  Rooftop Solar ( RTS )………………………………….11.08   GW

Total …………………………………………………………………….68     GW

This must be viewed in terms of our target to install  500  GW  by 2030

That means, 432 GW to be installed in next 7 years ( = 62 GW per year / 5 GW per month )

 

Could there be any hurdle to fulfill Modiji’s dream ?

Unfortunately , yes

A 3 KW RTS requires 300 sq ft of roof space . This might be available in villages having single story ( only ground floor ) buildings

In our towns / cities, almost all buildings are 4 stories and above . A significant percentage of city buildings are 10 story tall , housing 20 / 40 families

Roof area of such multi-storied buildings could average 1000 / 2000 sq ft

That would mean , there are just 25 / 50 sq ft for each flat – far less than 300 sq ft needed for a 3 KW installation

 

How can Govt overcome this hurdle ? Is there any “ round about “ way ?

Fortunately , yes

Let REC / CPSE / SPV , put up large Solar Farms ( 1 GW each ) on Government lands, close to each town / city

Then feed that power to the DISCOM catering to that city ( free of cost )

And , in turn , DISCOM to supply that power ( may be adding a very small “ carrying charge “ ) to families living in multi-storied buildings . Following schematic diagram is my suggestion :

 

Harvesting Solar Power Through Cooperation

 

How long will it take for REC / CPSE / SPVs to recover their investment for 1 crore households ?

Less than 3 years . Could be even 2 years !

For detailed calculations , look up > Correction : Suryodaya Yojana

 

Is there any RECURRING benefit ( year after year ) to the Govt / REC / CPSE / SPVs ?

Ø  Rs 1.1 lakh*crore / year in LPG cost

Ø  Rs 41,200 crore / year ( market value of Carbon Credits earned by use of Solar Electric Stoves )

 

तस्मादुत्तिष्ठ कौन्तेय युद्धाय कृतनिश्चयः

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai   /  04 Feb 2024

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