The tremendous increase in solar power generation in India has spurred significant demand for generation and transmission-related technology, equipment and products, notes Anurag Agarwal.
Energy is vital for the economic growth of nations. With the ever-increasing demand for energy and the rising environmental costs of depending on fossil fuels, there is now a strong focus on renewable and sustainable power sources like solar, wind, hydro-electric and biofuels to meet the growing energy requirements of the world. Of these, solar energy is probably the most advanced and widely adopted with the solar power sector growing rapidly across the Globe. India recently achieved the fourth position globally for overall installed renewable energy capacity increasing by 286 per cent in the last 7.5 years from 2.6 GW to more than 46 GW. The National Institute of Solar Energy has assessed the country’s solar potential to be about 748 GW assuming 3 per cent of India’s waste lands are covered by solar photovoltaic modules. The government of India has also provided additional impetus with solar energy taking a central place in India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change with the National Solar Mission as one of the key programs.
The tremendous increase in solar power generation in India has spurred significant demand for generation and transmission-related technology, equipment and products. Solar power companies require high-quality components like solar panels, inverters, harnesses and photovoltaic solar connectors as well as reliable wire and cable systems that connect all the components together while ensuring maximum transmission efficiency, durability, safety and longevity.
A leader expands its presence
Polycab India, a leader in the electrical industry with a track record spanning over 40 years, is well positioned to cater to the increasing demand for high-quality solutions for the burgeoning solar power industry. Polycab ventured into solar in 2015 with the manufacturing of Solar DC cables. Since then, it has successfully supplied Solar DC as well as AC cables to large EPC players and clients all over the world spreading from US to Australia. Polycab also extended its presence with other components such as panels, cable, DC MCBs, harnesses and On Grid, Offgrid & Hybrid inverters. It now has a complete range of products used in solar photovoltaic plants and aims to become the one-stop shop for all requirements for solar power system integrators.
Solar Panels
The first link in a solar power system, Polycab solar panels are manufactured using top-of-the-line raw materials acquired from highly reputed international suppliers and adhere to stringent levels of quality control. Solar panels are available in monocrystalline and polycrystalline arrangements, with wattage ranging from 400-550 Wp for the former and 315-345 Wp for the latter both with imported cells as well as domestic cells to meet DCR requirement. Both kinds are capable of energy generation even in low-light conditions such as during sunrise or sunset and come with a 25-year linear performance warranty. Solar panels are, perhaps, the most important part of any solar power project, making up nearly 70 per cent of the total cost. Polycab has supplied approximately 100 MW worth of solar panels across India so far.
Solar DC Cables
Polycab has introduced to the market the environmentally friendly E-Beam Technology that meets the growing demand for sustainable products, in line with worldwide market trends and rising ecological awareness. Polycab Solar DC cables have received international accreditation from TUV Rheinland, and are accredited for EN 50618 and IEC 62930 for sizes 1.5 sq. mm to 400 sq. mm
Polycab’s Solar DC Cables are available in single core copper or aluminium cables, ranging from 2.5 sqmm to 400 sqmm, capable of handling up to 3.3 kV each for positive and negative applications. These cables are suitable for outdoor use under varied climatic conditions and can withstand ambient temperatures from -40°C to +90°C and maximum conductor temperature of 120°C. The cables are cross-linked using an electron beam process. They have a nominal voltage of 1500V DC, are flame-retardant and low-smoke, and have a service life of 25 plus years. Polycab is capable of producing 25,000 km of Solar DC Cables in a month.
Solar Inverters
Polycab’s Solar Grid Tie Inverters, which convert DC to AC, are available in single phase and three phase, which use a high frequency switching technology. The low start up voltage and wide MPPT range allow for maximum power generation. Available in power bands ranging from 1 kW to 255 kW to meet inverter applications for residential, commercial & industrial, and utility solar projects. Polycab solar inverters offer protection at multiple levels and are designed to last over 20 years. Polycab has supplied 500 MW+ in capacity and 50000+ inverters in quantity across India, and is one of the few Indian solar companies that is having manufacturing facility for Grid Tied Inverters meeting “MAKE IN INDIA” criteria and well certified with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification.
Solar AC Cables
Solar AC Cables carry power from the inverter to the transformer and are the last leg of circulation in a Solar Power project. Polycab’s single core cables with tree retardant cross-linked polyethylene insulation are precision designed for photovoltaic installations. These cables are intended for use in wet or dry locations for distribution of single or three phase medium-voltage power, and may be installed in ducts or direct buried.
Solar DC MCBs
Polycab’s Solar Miniature Circuit Breakers are designed for easy installation, low maintenance, ease of use and high reliability. They are tested according to Indian Safety Standards and are suitable for both industrial and residential use.
Comprehensive portfolio
Taken together, Polycab’s comprehensive product portfolio can meet all the project needs of any solar power customer. This applies across the range of parameters from power generation, conductivity and insulation, to ease of installation and safeguarding against electrical failure. Polycab’s central quality and testing laboratory is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited as per ISO 17025. The products are also certified compliant with national and international quality standards including BIS, British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Underwriter Laboratories(US), AS/NZ standards and so on.
Besides the assurance of class-leading quality, with Polycab, customers enjoy the confidence of working with a partner they can rely on. The company’s leadership position is built on solid business fundamentals that include multi-location manufacturing, deep backward integration, cutting-edge research and development, a comprehensive product portfolio, an extensive distribution network, and assured pre- and post-sales support. With 25 manufacturing facilities across India, and an unparalleled network of 29 warehouses, 4,600 dealers and distributors, and 200,000 plus retailers across India.
Polycab Solar has a comprehensive Nationwide service team which us always available for customer support for providing installation/commissioning support, troubleshooting and repairs and also offer Annual maintenance contracts for sustained performance of solar system. Polycab also provides complete training and support for all customer needs including training videos and manuals to provide the right guidance and best practices for cable laying and installation, as well as a dedicated person on-site for large projects when required.
Polycab believes that it is not just the product that customers buy, but the whole customer experience. It is committed to delivering this promise to all solar power customers and driving this renewable and environmentally – friendly energy sector to reach its full potential in India and across the world.
About the author: Anurag Agarwal is Executive President-Strategic Initiatives & International Businesses at Polycab India Ltd
