Challenges in solarizing telecom towers in India

Student name: Ms Yashvi Malhotra
Guide: Dr Naqui Anwer
Year of completion: 2019
Host Organisation: cKinetics Consulting Services Ltd., New Delhi
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Upendra Bhatt

---

Abstract:

In this work, the business case of solarizing a telecom tower is discussed with focus on the technical, political, economic and social challenges.

A methodology for techno-commercial assessment of towers is devised and validated for a case study using actual site data collected from site investigation conducted in Uttar Pradesh, India. The methodology is used to analyze the business viability for telcos to transition to solar power. Two options of solarization are proposed wherein one replaces grid and the other complements grid supply. The cost of unit energy using each option is calculated for a duration of a month and design of the solar photo voltaic system is validated using the software PVSyst. The CO2 offset provided by each option is also included in the analysis.

Lastly recommendations for tackling the road-blocks towards solarization are proposed.

Keywords-  Solar, PVSyst, Energy Optimization, Battery Sizing, Energy Modeling, Telecom Towers