Study of the pre-construction phase in solar PV project development from a techno-financial perspective
Student name: Mr Aaron Richy M
Guide: Mr N S Prasad
Year of completion: 2015
Host Organisation: Sindicatum Sustainable Resources, New Delhi
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Devin Narang
Abstract: India has the fifth largest power generation portfolio worldwide with a power generation
capacity of 245 GW. Good economic growth, increasing prosperity, growing (rate of)
urbanization and rising per capita energy consumption - in the country, have rapidly
scaled up the extent of energy access. Current renewable energy contribution stands at
31.70 GW of the total installed capacity of 245 GW in the country as on 31.03.2014 – of
which Solar is close to reaching a 3GW mark. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar
Mission aims to generate 20,000 MW (now revised to 100 GW) of solar power by 2022,
thereby creating a positive environment among investors keen to tap into India’s
potential. Therefore, the country offers unlimited growth potential for the solar
photovoltaic industry while promising good returns on investments made in the sector.
Given such an encouraging environment for business through development of Solar PV
project, it is critical for a solar PV developer to be prepared on the technological and
financial front. Such preparedness requires a thorough study of articles, whitepapers,
case studies and research papers to get a realistic and accurate idea of the conditions on
the field. The following report is an attempt at the study and compilation of necessary
information –mainly technological, to be known by Solar PV developers in order to be
equipped to take up Solar PV projects in India.
The project report herewith, begins with an introduction to the Indian Solar power
potential and Solar PV business potential. This is followed by an introduction to project
development and Solar PV project development – which is a unique endeavour in itself.
It then proceeds to explain the objectives taken up under each of the goals set as part of
the project – their need, methodology of achievement, and results in suitable chapters.
The last word on the report discusses the prospect of further research and study on the
subject. It is expected that this report would be of basic assistance, in the technological
aspect to the project development team.
