Charges for open access for a utility-scale renewable energy project vary depending on location and procurement models. It should be noted that renewable power plants with a captive or group model are generally exempt from many of these costs, which vary by type. Various charges under the Open Access mechanism include the following:
Transmission charges – Charges are payable to the transmission company for using the transmission infrastructure.
Wheeling charges – Charges are payable to the distribution company for using the infrastructure.
Transmission losses and Wheeling losses– These are the electricity losses incurred during the transmission and distribution of power.
Cross-subsidy surcharge (CSS) – These are payable by commercial and industrial buyers to fund the tariff subsidy for agricultural and residential buyers.
Additional surcharge (AS)– AS is imposed to recover the cost of standard assets when corporate buyers leave the distribution company and procure power through Open Access. The utility needs to prove to the regulator that assets are stranded to impose AS.
Banking charges-Banking of power is when a developer can literally “store” the power generated by the utility if the buyer is unable to use the power at the time of generation. Methods of such electricity accounting vary from state to state, but broadly, it is either done on a time-block basis (15 minutes to a few hours or peak and non-peak hours) or on a gross monthly basis. The state regulators set banking regulations allowing utilities to charge the generator for the banking facility and define periods during which the banked power may be withdrawn.
When evaluating Open Access renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), corporate buyers should consider the following recommendations:
By following these recommendations, corporate buyers can evaluate Open Access renewable PPAs more effectively, mitigate risks, and make informed decisions that align with their sustainability and financial goals.
In India, there are primarily three types of corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) commonly used:
It’s worth noting that the specific terms and conditions of corporate PPAs can vary depending on various factors, such as the scale of the project, duration of the agreement, pricing structure (e.g., fixed or variable tariffs), and any applicable regulatory frameworks in place at the time of the agreement.
A solar power system typically consists of several main components that work together to generate electricity from sunlight. These components include:
These are the primary components of a solar power system, although there may be additional components or accessories depending on the specific configuration, requirements, and optional features of the system.
A solar power plant requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the system. Here are some common maintenance tasks associated with solar power plants:
It’s important to note that maintenance requirements may vary based on the specific design, technology, and size of the solar power plant. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines, consulting with experts, and engaging experienced maintenance personnel can help ensure the system operates efficiently and remains in good condition over its lifespan.
There are two main buying options available in the market: –
These are the primary components of a solar power system, although there may be additional components or accessories depending on the specific configuration, requirements, and optional features of the system.