Ishver Dholakiya
Power has been a major concern for manufacturing & process industries such as food processing, textiles, ceramics, chemicals, automobiles, cable manufacturing, bottling plants, pharmaceuticals and cement.
On an average, a spinning mill can run up a monthly power bill of Rs. 30-60 lakh depending on the electricity prices in each state. Much has already been spoken about the textile industry’s power intensive operations and how switching to solar energy will significantly slash operational costs. Solar power is a more sustainable and dependable energy source as compared to wind. Wind is seasonal and relies heavily on banking, while solar can help generate power through the entire year.
Solar power can be used at the spinning mills section – ring frame and open-end spinning machines, knitting units, sizing mills, cording machines, etc. It is in the interest of spinning mill owners to make investments to protect themselves from escalating costs of conventional grid power in the long run.
Own and run or allow Goldi Solar to invest and run the asset for you
Capex projects are the most common models that are followed with 100 percent investment borne by the customer. The company owns the asset and the capital is repaid through the electricity that the system generates. You will need to pay separately for Operations and Maintenance.
For companies who want to use solar power but are not interested in making cape investments, they can opt for the opex model. They have to sign a Power Purchase Agreement for installing solar power on their rooftops. Goldi Solar will build and run the asset for the company. Note that Accelerated Depreciation or tax benefits cannot be claimed from the government if you opt for the opex model.
Some more advantages of going solar include Accelerated Depreciation (AD) of fixed assets associated with a solar power plant In India, the current rate of acceleration which can be claimed in a year is 60 percent in the first year and 40 percent from the second year onwards. When you combine AD and rooftop space for captive consumption and consider the cost of power displacement from the grid, your investment will pay for it in five to six years, and you will be able to use free electricity.
With net neutrality and sustainability becoming the buzz, opting for solar can help build a green brand image Not only is solar personally rewarding, but it also gives the brand a “green” image that can be proudly displayed. This will improve the company’s good perception (or brand mind share) among its stakeholders. Claims like “carbon neutral” or “climate positive” might help attract customers. Surveys have shown that consumers now are buying sustainably promoted items, not simply claiming they want them.
Government push for renewable Both the federal and State Governments are optimistic about meeting their renewable energy objectives, and they often announce incentives and schemes for individuals who use solar power. For a market that is cost conscious, this reduces the initial financial outlay.
Close to zero maintenance cost of solar energy modules
Panels are quiet and designed to withstand wind, rain, hail, and snow, as well as just about any other weather-related issues. Cleaning the panels at regular intervals can help tremendously and goes a long way in maintenance.
The 7-step process of going solar
• Deciding whether to put up a rooftop or on-ground solution is the first step in the solarisation process. Be it ground-mounted or rooftop solution, rooftop space and land availability will have to be evaluated before proceeding to the next step
• Step two is to consider load availability and grid availability depending on the energy needs of the company
• By measuring the average amount of energy that is being consumed, an educated choice on the number of solar panels required to be installed can be arrived. One can also decide the volume of your energy consumption that can be generated from the system
• Post this the company needs to approach the discom for approval
• Once you have decided to go solar, the most important thing is to select the best solar module and the right installer. This is further explained in the next section of the article
• Chief Electrical Inspector’s approval and the final inspection safety report needs to
be procured
• Once the project is completed, you can start to get the benefits from your solar system
Choosing Solar Module and Installer
It is necessary to also pay attention to the quality of modules, and opt for branded ones. While both branded and local modules initially show the same performance, with degradation, you will find that reputed quality solar panels provide better output and are more efficient.
Once you’ve educated yourself on the aforementioned themes, it’s time to choose a reputable installer for your industrial solar installation who will follow all safety precautions and provide you with accurate information on the newest technologies and equipment. Don’t cut corners as the installation will also make a difference in extracting maximum benefits from your solar system.
Decide whether you want a battery or not
Last but not least, it’s important to remember that the period when the most power is generated, in the middle of the day for does not always correspond to the time when the most electricity is spent. Most factories run 24×7 and need energy through the day and night. As a result, it is rational to store energy throughout the day using a battery that can be used in the evening, both financially and environmentally. Batteries, on the other hand, might be costly when compared to the potential savings. Before selecting the batteries, one must conduct a cost-benefit analysis. Solar systems that are on-grid, meaning connected to the grid connected system will not function during a power breakdown. For that, you will need an off-grid solar system with storage.
Goldi Solar is a leading panel manufacturer and EPC player providing solar solutions for any conceivable need for power. Goldi Solar can offer complete solar solutions as a PMC (Project Management Consultant). The manufacturer has been working closely with the textile industry providing tailor-made solutions based on customer requirements. LS Mills, KKP Cotton Mills, KSV Cotton Mills, Gomuki Mills etc. are only some of the companies that Goldi has partnered with on their solarisation journey.
