Indian Solar Power Sector

India’s Booming Solar Power Sector: Challenges and Opportunities

The Rapid Growth of India’s Solar Power Industry

India’s power sector is expanding rapidly, fueled by the increasing demand of a growing economy. At the forefront of this transformation is solar power, which has seen an extraordinary 32-fold growth in just six years. With developers launching one mega solar power project after another, India is on track to achieve its ambitious renewable energy targets. However, despite these impressive advancements, significant challenges remain.

Addressing the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Challenges in Solar Power

One of the primary obstacles to India’s solar power expansion is the lack of an efficient and reliable transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure. The solar power being injected into the grid is not matched by corresponding T&D upgrades, creating bottlenecks that could lead to system failures. If states fail to enhance their T&D capabilities, they risk facing critical grid congestion issues, similar to what has been observed in Punjab. Hartek Group emphasizes that investments in smart grid technology and infrastructure are crucial to optimizing solar energy distribution across the country.

Solar Energy

The Urgent Need for Upgrading Grid Infrastructure

India’s solar power expansion must be accompanied by a robust and modernized grid system. To minimize transmission losses and ensure efficiency, a gradual shift to higher voltage transmission lines—from 440 KV to 765 KV and eventually 1,200 KV—is necessary. Additionally, states must proactively plan their T&D networks in parallel with solar project developments, as seen in Andhra Pradesh. National Green Energy Corridors, spearheaded by the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), play a vital role in streamlining inter-state transmission, but state governments must also invest in localized grid enhancements.

Grid Connectivity Challenges for Large Solar Projects

While rooftop solar power integrates smoothly into existing networks, large-scale ground-mounted solar projects present significant challenges. Unlike conventional power plants that generate electricity consistently, solar energy is intermittent—fluctuating throughout the day. This unpredictability makes it crucial to enhance grid resilience through smart grid solutions and advanced energy storage technologies.

The Role of Energy Storage in Solar Power Optimization

A major limitation of solar power is the lack of efficient storage solutions. India must invest in advanced battery technologies to store excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours for use at night. Countries like the United States and several European nations are making significant strides in solar battery innovations, and India must follow suit to ensure uninterrupted solar energy availability.

Boosting Research and Development in Solar Technology

Reducing the cost of solar power through indigenous research and development (R&D) is imperative for long-term sustainability. India has the potential to become a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) technology by fostering industry-government collaboration and investing in outcome-driven R&D. Enhancing the efficiency of solar modules and inverters will further drive cost reductions and improve overall energy output.

Navigating Financial Challenges and Sustainable Investments in Solar Energy

While government incentives, tax concessions, and subsidies have propelled the solar industry forward, long-term sustainability requires a transition away from grant dependency. Solar developers must adopt financially viable business models to withstand potential fluctuations in policy-driven incentives. Strengthening state utilities to ensure reliable solar power procurement will be critical in maintaining growth momentum.

Keeping Pace with Rapid Technological Advancements in Solar Power

The fast-evolving nature of solar technology presents both opportunities and challenges. Innovations in solar panels, inverters, and storage solutions require continuous adaptation from developers. Companies that stay ahead of these advancements will gain a competitive edge in the global market.

India’s Path to Becoming a Global Solar Power Leader

With abundant sunshine and vast expanses of non-cultivable land, India has the potential to emerge as a solar power superpower. Favorable government policies, technological innovation, and infrastructure advancements will be key in overcoming existing challenges. By embracing these solutions, India can not only meet its ambitious renewable energy goals but also set a global benchmark in sustainable solar power utilization.

Conclusion

The Indian solar power sector is on an unprecedented growth trajectory. However, addressing transmission inefficiencies, investing in energy storage, and fostering technological innovation will be essential for sustained progress. If you are looking for expert solutions in solar power infrastructure, Hartek Group is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your renewable energy goals. With strategic planning and continued investment, India can harness its full solar power potential and lead the world in renewable energy transformation.

FAQ’s:-

1. What are the main challenges in India’s solar power sector?
India’s solar power sector faces grid congestion, transmission inefficiencies, energy storage limitations, and financial sustainability issues.

2. Why is transmission and distribution (T&D) crucial for solar power?
Without efficient T&D infrastructure, excess solar energy cannot be transmitted effectively, leading to grid instability and energy losses.

3. How can energy storage improve solar power reliability?
Advanced battery storage systems allow excess solar energy to be stored during the day and used at night, ensuring continuous power supply.

4. What role does technology play in India’s solar power expansion?
Innovations in solar panels, inverters, and smart grids help enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and integrate solar power more effectively into the grid.

5. Can India become a global leader in solar power?
Yes, with strategic investments in infrastructure, R&D, and policy support, India can set global benchmarks in renewable energy and solar power adoption.

Nov 2018 | Hartek Power Bags 400-KV Power Grid Order

The project would spread over three states encompassing Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan

Chandigarh, November 28, 2018: Hartek Power, the engineering procurement construction (EPC) arm of the Chandigarh-based Hartek Group, has bagged a 400-kilovolt (KV) substation project from Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL).

The project would spread over three states encompassing Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. It will cater to a population of about seven crore and is scheduled for completion by February 2020, the company said.

The scope of work of the project entails complete execution of the substation package involving the conversion of fixed-line reactors into switchable line reactors with the purpose of curtailing outages.

Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) is heavily investing in upgrading low- and high-voltage substations to extra-high-voltage substations to ease pressure on transmission lines caused by rapid surges in electricity flow.

Sep 2018 | Hartek Solar Bags Rooftop Solar Projects in Chandigarh

“Hartek Group has secured most of the orders from owners of kanal houses, which have started opting for rooftop solar projects since the UT administration made solar systems mandatory for all buildings with an area of 500 sq yd and above,” Hartek Group CEO & Executive Director, Simarpreet Singh said in a release here.

Chandigarh, September 13, 2018: Hartek Group said Thursday it has bagged orders for more than 100-kWp rooftop solar projects from about 25 households in the city.

“Hartek Group has secured most of the orders from owners of kanal houses, which have started opting for rooftop solar since the UT administration made solar systems mandatory for all buildings with an area of 500 sq yd and above,” Hartek Group, CEO & Executive Director, Simarpreet Singh said in a release here.

“While owners of kanal houses are required to install only 1-kWp systems, most of the rooftop plants being installed by us in kanal houses are in the 5-kWp range, which is an encouraging sign pointing towards the greater acceptance of rooftop solar among residents in recent months,” he further said.

With the November 17 deadline set by the UT administration for installing rooftop plants in kanal houses still two months away, the company expects more orders to come, he said.

Hartek Group Chairman and Managing Director Hartek Singh said Hartek Group would be targeting at least 100 Rooftop Solar Project installations in the city alone in the next six months, covering the residential, commercial and industrial categories.

July 2018 | Hartek Power Bags Substation Order From HSIIDC

While the deadline for the Kundli project is November 30, the project at Rai is stipulated for completion by February 28 next year.

Chandigarh, July 10, 2018: Chandigarh-based Hartek Group has bagged an order from Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) for executing a 132-KV substation project at Kundli and Rai in Sonipat district of Haryana.

To be commissioned at a cost of Rs 9.17 crore, this HSIIDC project will involve designing, manufacturing, supply, erection, testing and commissioning of 16/20-MVA and 132/11-KV Transformer Bay Extension at the existing 132-KV substation in Rai and Kundli on turnkey basis, a company statement said.

While the deadline for the Kundli project is November 30, the project at Rai is stipulated for completion by February 28 next year.

Hartek Group‘s CEO & Executive Director, Simarpreet Singh said, “Electricity being a backbone of the industrial sector, this substation will play an important role by catering to 80 per cent of the industry in Rai and Kundli in Haryana.” The company, which also provides complete solar EPC solutions, has connected 1,143 MW of solar power to the grid for leading independent power producers., it added.

May 2018 | Hartek Solar Launches Customized Rooftop Solar Kits

Hartek Solar’s rooftop solar kits come with an option of a unique remote sensing technology tailor-made for small-scale solar plants.

Chandigarh, May 19, 2018: Solar power solutions provider Hartek Solar on Friday launched customised 5-10 kWp plug-and-play rooftop solar kits suitable for kanal houses, housing societies, nursing homes, small commercial establishments, hotels and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Founder-director Simarpreet Singh said the company plans to install at least 100 units in residential, commercial and industrial areas over the next six months, targeting the Tricity as well as industrial clusters in Ludhiana.

Hartek Solar’s rooftop solar kits come with an option of a unique remote sensing technology tailor-made for small-scale solar plants. The launch comes at a time when the Chandigarh administration has decided not to extend the deadline for installing solar plants in houses, commercial and industrial units beyond May 18, 2018.

The administration had made installation of rooftop solar power plants mandatory for houses and commercial and industrial units measuring 500 sq yards and above. “Around 1,000 applications have been received for solar rooftop installation against a capacity of 7,500 such building structures,” Santosh Kumar, director, environment, science and technology and renewable energy of the Chandigarh administration, said. “Those who have not sought installation of solar rooftop plants in Chandigarh now face action for violation of building bylaws.”

Hartek Group is looking at the potential for growth in the rooftop market in the country. Hartek Singh said these plug-and-play kits, which will cater to both gross metering and net metering consumers, promise to be a game changer in driving the demand for rooftop solar owing to the advantages they offer. Not only do these solar kits offer lower labour and costs to maintenance for rooftop solar systems on account of the optimised design, their non-invasive structure with roof protection pads also rules out any damage to reinforced cement concrete (RCC) roofs, he said. Moreover, the per unit generation cost from
solar works out to be less than half as compared with diesel gensets.

Best suited for 1-kanal houses, a typical 5-kWp solar kit can produce 20 units of electricity every day, which is enough to run 10 fans, three laptops, three television sets, one air-conditioner, one refrigerator, 10 CFL and 10 LED bulbs and even a microwave oven and a 1-Hp water pump.

Hartek Group chairman Hartek Singh said, “We are going all out to tap the small-scale solar market by adopting a cluster-based approach to reach out to end consumers. Besides approaching commercial establishments and medical, hotel and restaurant associations, we will also be conducting door-to-door campaigns to draw on the residential category.”

There are 1.75 lakh electricity consumers in the domestic category in Chandigarh. While shortage of space in the city is a major constraint, the adoption of the residential rooftop solar category can make all the difference, he said.

Feb 2018 | Hartek Solar Executes Remote Monitoring-Based 10-kWp Rooftop Solar Project in City

Ø The 10-kWp plant comprising 320 Wp modules will generate 13,500 units of electricity annually, which will offset 15 Tonnes of carbon dioxide

Ø Its hi-tech remote monitoring system will give regular updates on plant performance through web interfaces and smart phones, have quicker fault detection tools to optimise generation

Chandigarh, February 28, 2018: Marking the commissioning of its second rooftop solar project in the city, Hartek Solar Pvt Ltd, the rooftop solar arm of the Chandigarh-based Hartek Group, has successfully executed a 10- kWp project at Sanatan Dharam Mandir, Sector 32, Chandigarh. Based on state-of-the-art remote monitoring system, the project was inaugurated by Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher today.

The 10-kWp system comprising 320 Wp modules will generate 13,500 units of electricity annually, which will offset 15 Tonnes of carbon dioxide. Equipped with a 10-KVA inverter, the 10-kWp plant will have a hi-tech remote monitoring system which will give regular updates through web interfaces and smartphones on the performance of the plant, aid lower downtimes and have quicker fault detection tools aimed at optimising generation.

Known for its unmatched product design and high-quality standards, the company has set up a special non-invasive structure to ensure more robust working of the plant.

Hailing the achievement, Hartek Group Chairman and Managing Director Hartek Singh said, “The seamless execution of this project is a result of great teamwork. We are striving to emerge as a formidable rooftop player by focusing on operation and maintenance.”

Hartek Solar has installed 13.75-MW solar PV projects so far. It had successfully executed the city’s very first solar project in the commercial category, a 436-kWp plant at Chandigarh Technology Park in May 2016.

Feb 2018 | Hartek Power Surpasses 1-GW Installed Solar Capacity

Punjab-based solar power solutions provider Hartek Group today said its power system business surpassed the 1,000-MW solar capacity milestone in solar installations across the country.

Chandigarh, February 13, 2018: Punjab-based solar power solutions provider Hartek Group today said its power system business surpassed the 1,000-MW solar capacity milestone in solar installations across the country. “From 598 MW solar capacity as of March 2017, solar power system EPC projects executed by Hartek Group have now gone up to 1,143 mw, registering nearly a twofold growth,” company said in a statement.

Involving 15 substations of up to 220 KV, the 545 mw projects executed in the current financial year include a 100 -mw project in Telangana, 50- mw project in MP, 25 mw project in Punjab, six projects totaling 180-mw in Karnataka, two projects of 140-mw in Rajasthan and four projects of 50-mw in Uttar Pradesh. “With other 285 mw projects under execution, we are expected to reach the 1,500 mw-mark by March 2018,” chairman and managing director Hartek Singh said.

With presence in 18 states, it ventured into the solar power systems domain just six years ago and is focusing on the Southern markets and new geographies like Jharkhand and Bihar to consolidate its position now, he said. “At the same time, we are strengthening our hold in Punjab, Rajasthan and UP where we’ve traditionally been doing well,” Singh added.