Solar Minigrids In UP Set To Expand, Opine Experts 

Solar Minigrids In UP Set To Expand, Opine Experts 

Leading solar energy companies from Uttar Pradesh claimed that distributed renewable energy (DRE) sources like solar mini grids are set to expand its reach in rural UP and other areas in the coming days. Several mini grid companies operating in UP and industry experts put forth their opinions before a large audience in the recently concluded Solar Trailblazers event in Lucknow. The event was organised by Saur Energy. 

A desiccated panel discussion with focus on mini-grid and UP saw the participation of Anubha Shukla (Chief Commercial Officer-Husk Power), A E A Jameel (CEO-UP Operations-OMC Power) and Sanchit Garg, Founder of the UP Solar Energy Development Association (UPSEDA). The event was moderated by Prasanna Singh, Group Editor of Saur Energy.

Shukla while talking about the journey of Husk Power in rural UP said that the MSME sector in the state offers great opportunity for the mini grid and off grid solar players which can offer them energy security. 

“UP has a population of around 17 crore. It has around 90 lakh MSMEs. They need power to propel their growth. They are bound to pay the commercial tariffs for power which is anywhere close to Rs 8 per unit. This is in addition to their extra financial burden on alternative sources of power like DG sets and others for smooth running of their businesses. So their landed cost of power is quite high. Solar power from mini-grids offer new avenues for them where they can get reliable power at a competitive price,” Shukla said. 

She also added that due to the land-locked status of UP which hampers the growth of large utility-scale solar projects, mini grids and DRE offer a solution. “So instead of having large projects, UP can surely see several tiny DREs which not only propel the growth of solar in the state but can also give reliable power to the industries and C&I consumers who need power as a major source to grow their business,” she said. 

Jameel said that OMC Power had worked with several rural communities and served the small households by lighting them with small bulbs with solar power to engaging with the C&I consumers and catering to their power demands with the help of mini-grids.

He also said that in the coming days with storage becoming more viable, the adoption and popularity of mini grids are slated to escalate. “We are now seeing more innovations and with this we are hopeful of getting a strong energy storage support which can expedite the growth of mini grids in UP,” he said. 

Garg meanwhile lauded the works done by Husk Power and OMC Power for brining solar power in the rural areas of UP and making it popular. He also said that awareness around solar power has also increased. 

“We don’t think now we need to sell solar to MSME. PM Narendra Modi has already marketed it well and made it popular. It is the need now. What Husk and OMC are doing in rural India is commendable. A lot of people in rural India still need power for their livelihood and solar power through mini grids are now aiding it,” he said.

He also said that storage can solve several problems of the C&I consumers in rural and urban areas. “These C&I consumers are bound to pay higher tariff at evening peak hours from 5pm to 8pm. If we get more storage support for solar power, we can minimize their cost on power. With the Li-ion cost coming down, increased efficiency of batteries and other favourable conditions we are hopeful of having better days for solar solutions ahead,” he said.