Rooftop solar is a cost-effective alternative to transmission lines, distribution networks

Kunj Shah, CMD, Zodiac Energy Limited talks about the main challenges that solar energy players face, and the innovations that the company is introducing in the solar panel segment. He also discusses the various benefits of rooftop solar.

What are the challenges being faced by solar energy companies?
The major challenges faced by solar companies are as under:

• Frequent changes in policies by governments and regulatory authorities:
  • Net metering/gross metering (Maharashtra)
  • Interpretation of GST
  • Imposition of SGD
  • Renegotiating the PPAs (AP), etc.
• Allowing unexperienced companies to bid for tenders as start-ups, who then spoil the market by quoting absurdly low rates and making it very difficult for other serious players to work in the market.
• Resistance of DISCOMs to accept solar power from developers.

How do you think can rooftop solar play a significant role in expanding electricity for all?
Rooftop solar is a classic example of distributed energy and the energy consumed at the place where it is generated. It significantly reduces the T&D losses. Also, rooftop solar can reduce the huge capital expenses involved in creating transmission lines and distribution networks.

Rooftop solar also reduces the requirement of land as it is installed on the roofs of the buildings which normally do not have any use. With the installation of rooftop solar, one can have energy security by one-time capital investment in rooftop solar and having almost free electricity for 25 years, insulating oneself from price shocks.

What kind of R&D is your company doing in the solar energy segment?
Zodiac Energy Limited is actively working in partnership with Solaxess of Switzerland to develop the “White Solar” BIPV panels in different colours, which look like aluminium composite panels but generate electricity.

“White Solar” is solar panels coated with a unique decorative film during the manufacturing stage and looks the same as aluminium composite panels. The uniqueness of the film is its nanotechnology-based production process, which gives reflectivity to visible light and refractivity to infrared light. It enables it to give a decorative look to the human eyes and at the same time generate electrical power from the solar rays heating its surface. It replaces glazed glass or aluminium composite panels, thereby the photovoltaic panels truly integrate with building construction material to create “Active Facades” which can generate electricity with the help of solar energy and make the word “Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)” true in letter and spirit.

With the installation of rooftop solar, one can have energy security by one-time capital investment in rooftop solar and having almost free electricity for 25 years, insulating oneself from price shocks.
Kunj Shah, CMD, Zodiac Energy Limited