Harshid Sridhar

This work proposes a method which can provide a rational area estimate of a PV plant factoring sizing considerations from electrical, maintenance, and shading aspects.

The potential benefits on various fronts—from fiscal to health and employment—could be game-changing.

Access to electricity can bring about a transformative change in the economic conditions and growth of any country. Decentralised solar energy solutions like solar lanterns, solar home lighting systems, rooftop Photovoltaic (PV) systems, and solar micro-grids and mini-grids have been in use for quite some time. In this study, for select sites considered in Karnataka, we analysed the feasibility of Solar PV Micro Grids (SPVMGs), considering its potential as a promising solution for electrifying rural homes and villages.

With increasing contribution of solar PV based systems in our energy mix, it is crucial to understand their vulnerabilities. Various factors can affect the performance of PV systems. In this context, CSTEP explores questions such as: What is the effect of standard module degradation on plant techno-economics, for locations spread across different climate zones? What is the permissible rate of annual module degradation such that the plant remains financially viable? What is the effect of the cleaning cycle on plant techno-economics (via soiling losses)?

In 2017, Karnataka became the first Indian state to announce an EV Policy. In this project, CSTEP identified key barriers in large-scale EV penetration, towards preparing a long-term implementation plan for public electric bus (e-bus) transportation for Bengaluru.

Large-scale penetration of EV comes with a plethora of sectoral planning challenges and will require coordinated planning between the transport, urban planning and power sectors. This report examines the charging energy requirement in order to transition to an all electric transportation sector (4-wheelers and buses), by 2030.