Viz-A-Viz with Sushil Bansal, Founder & Managing Director, Novasys Greenergy Pvt Ltd

Q. As initially, Novasys Greenergy was established for coal trading purpose. How the idea of diversifying into solar space came into existence?

Our coal trading activity over past quarter of a century has been conducted under the aegis of Sangita group, which is operational in coal. Being engaged in Energy business as above, we realized how the detrimental spread of greenhouse gases and emission of carbon has been damaging our ecology. We, as a responsible Corporate group, have, over the past decade, felt a genuine concern for protecting the global environment and doing our own bit to reduce global warming. Thus an urgent need to switch over to greener sources of energy, was realized.

We took steps to explore best possible ways to remodel our business program by looking into renewable sources of energy which are viable and widely acceptable across the country.

We studied the spectrum of Hydel, Biomass and Wind energy, which are associated with their unique features, both positive and regressive. In our view, we found the SUN TO BE THE BEST AND MOST RELIABLE SOURCE OF ENERGY.

We truly realized that “Every Day is a SUN day”.

We therefore established NOVASYS GREENERGY to enter into the manufacturing sector within the field of Solar Energy; however, our modus operandi was selected carefully with an entry into Solar EPC business over the past two years. Our aim is also to offer valuable services to clients in O&M and “Complete Solar Assets Management”.

Q. Could you give us a brief overview of your company’s contribution towards clean and green energy?

As mentioned, our Solar Energy business commenced with entry into Solar EPC work. We have done several EPC projects in the government and private sectors across the country. Our projects deliver energy to the grids, thus we are committed to improve Solar Energy component within the grid’s energy mix.

We have now set up a 100 MW capacity manufacturing unit for Solar modules at Nagpur, which will go on stream from December 2018. We are thus contributing our might to India’s ongoing Solar revolution within the Government’s committed goals.

Q. Being the solar modules maker how you see the imposition of safeguard duty on import of solar equipments from China. Will the safeguard duty for two years ‘safeguard’ the interests of domestic manufacturers?

Except for the dilemma being faced by manufacturing units within SEZs, the reducing safeguard duty over 2 years period is expected to assist manufacturing units stabilize their operations to meet growing needs of India’s Solar sector. The capital cost of solar power plants has reduced substantially in last three years. It is evident from the consistency of PPA rates in most of the reverse biddings held recently.

I believe that there is ample space for absorption of safeguard duty. The rise in module prices due to safeguard would eventually set off with the nosedive in the cost of imported solar modules and cells. The imposition of safeguard duty has definitely created an opportunity for domestic solar industry to flourish. They need to capitalize this opportunity by investing in Research & Development of new technologies and vertically integrating backwards up to production of wafers and polysilicon.

Q. What parameters do you see to ensure the quality of raw materials you used?

We use industry standard & IEC/UL certified raw materials. We have set benchmarks for selection of raw material. We do pre-sampling as well as post-sampling quality inspection & tests in our laboratory as per sampling plan. We have our in house laboratory which is well equipped with latest testing equipment for quality assurance of each and every raw material entering our premises.

We also engage external auditors to inspect and ensure quality and manufacturing process at the approved vendor’s premises.

Q. How do you see the future of rooftop solar especially in India?

Rooftop solar is set to be the next driving force for the Indian solar industry. There is huge potential for its growth in the country. However, currently there are certain sets of challenges, which must be addressed by the policy makers. Once, those challenges are identified and mitigated, rooftop solar will play a vital role in meeting country’s substantial power requirement.

With growing awareness about cost benefits as well as possible economic upliftment in rural areas which are deficient in electricity, Solar Rooftop sector is likely to grow rapidly over time. In additon, Solar Rooftop is now recognized as an important resource in areas affected by natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, etc.

Q. Please tell our readers something about the products & services Novasys Greenergy offers?

We at Novasys provide one stop solution for all solar requirements of customers. Our solar modules are manufactured on the latest technology machine line from the best in class raw materials. Our machines are capable of producing Bifacial, PERC, BIPV modules apart from conventional Poly/Monocrystalline modules.

We have developed a team of industry’s veterans for providing EPC work of solar power plants to our customers. We have a range of solar products in our kitty which have already proven themselves in terms of performance and reliability.

Q. What do you think should else be done to promote rooftop solar in cities such as Delhi/ NCR where there is scarcity of land?

Creation of awareness through social media, print and IT media will serve in propagation of Rooftop Solar in large cities. Simplicity in roll out of Government backed schemes to assist DISCOMS adapt Solar Rooftop projects, must be given more importance. Another technology, where space is limited, needs to be adopted, the Solar Tree method of harnessing maximum solar energy from heights available in the vertical direction. Gross metering policies and Open access policies must be reframed to make them attractive for the investors and off-takers/users.