NEWS

The Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), recently conducted a pilot project on the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) corporate office premises to demonstrate the use of clean energy to power EVs. It has said Solar-powered EV charging reduces carbon footprint.

DETAILS

• Electric vehicles (EVs) are being deemed as a key player in helping decarbonise the transport sector
• Solar rooftop photovoltaic (SRTPV) systems –
  • Offer a number of advantages in EV charging.
  • Easy to install because of their modular design
  • Cost-effective alternative to charging from the grid
  • Help reduce the detrimental effects of a surge in EV charging demand on the grid
• The levelised cost of energy generated by the solar plus storage power plant is strongly influenced by the utilisation of the battery storage. Higher utilisation of battery storage increased the cost of energy from the power plant
• EVs are picking up at a fast pace, especially two-wheelers. Adoption of EVs in the light and heavy commercial vehicle segment and personal car segment might take a little longer. Wider deployment of charging infrastructure, especially fast-charging and ultra-fast-charging points, can really unlock the value of EVs and accelerate adoption
• Report acknowledged that both these technologies have upfront cost barriers that hinder their adoption.

SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGY

• Solar Photovoltaic: Solar photovoltaic (SPV) cells convert solar radiation (sunlight) into electricity. A solar cell is a semi-conducting device made of silicon and/or other materials, which, when exposed to sunlight, generates electricity.
• Solar thermal: Solar Thermal Power systems, also known as Concentrating Solar Power systems, use concentrated solar radiation as a high temperature energy source to produce electricity using thermal route.

ROOFTOP SOLAR SCHEME

• Aims to achieve a cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from Rooftop Solar Projects by the year 2022.
• In a grid-connected rooftop or small Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) system wherein the DC power generated from the SPV panel is converted to AC power using the power conditioning unit and is fed to the grid.
• Implemented in the state by distribution companies (DISCOMs).
• Ministry is providing a 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20% subsidy beyond 3 kW and upto 10 kW of solar panel capacity.
• The residential consumer has to pay the cost of rooftop solar plant by reducing the subsidy amount given by the Ministry as per the prescribed rate to the vendor