The Wind Potential in India was first estimated to be 49 GW by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) at 50m hub height. According to a new study by NIWE, at 100m height, the potential is re-estimated at 302GW.

The most significant advantage of wind energy is that the fuel is free, and also it doesn’t produce CO2 emissions. Other benefits include its inherent strength to support rural employment and uplift the rural economy. Further, unlike all other sources of power, wind energy does not consume any water-which in itself is becoming scarce. Wind / Solar energy is very cost-effective as compared to other conventional power projects.

The cost of wind or solar projects depends on various factors like capacity of the project, type of land available, location/state being installed, etc.

5% GST is applicable on wind turbines (parts) & solar panels. Also, 18% GST is payable on the civil work & other related services carried out on these projects. However, GST does not apply to the power produced/sold.

Yes, GST credit is available for the captive consumer’s segment - Since energy is considered as an input cost. However, if the output services are exempted from GST credit - they will not be refunded.

The power generation from wind/solar projects depends on the location and type of the machine [technology used]. Generation from a wind turbine depends on the wind speed available at the site, and solar generation is proportional to the solar illumination (‘lux’) levels at the site. The recent technological advancements have helped larger wind machines achieve >35% PLF, whereas solar power is over 17%.

The states with an excellent captive policy are – TN, Karnataka, Gujarat, & MP.

The average gestation period [from order to commissioning] for a small project [less than 5 mw] is 4 to 6 months.

Wind turbines are considered to be maintenance -free or less maintenance pro machines. Generally, turbines are run un-manned & remotely controlled, through SCADA system.

Moreover, in India, the turbine suppliers themselves offer long term comprehensive ‘Operation & maintenance’ contracts for the turbines. The services include operation, maintenance, supply of spares, consumables, grid management, joint meter reading etc.

The wind/solar generator is installed within the premises in conventional captive plants, and power is directly fed to the factory when the grid fails. However, in the virtual captive model, the project is installed in a remote location and is connected to the grid in that location. Power generated from the plant is exported to the grid, and the monthly reading is recorded. The power exported from the plant is given credit to the consuming point in the monthly billing. This process is called banking & wheeling. The energy is accounted similar to banking practice of credit & debit. And the power is generated remotely and taken or wheeled to the consuming point.

The concept of net metering is to allow utility customers to generate & consume their electricity from renewable resources installed in their premises and sell balance energy to ESCOMs. The net energy consumed or exported is calculated at the end of the billing period, and settlement is done. In effect, net metering allows the interconnected customer to use the electrical grid as a storage battery. This helps customers get higher value for more of their self-generated electricity.

As per current policy, a virtual captive plant must be installed in the same consumption state. Interstate wheeling is not allowed.

Yes, wind turbines are equipped to generate power 24*7, subject to wind availability. Generally, months from June to Sept in India are considered a high wind period wherein we see maximum generation.

The area that is swept (covered) during one revolution of the blade. Calculated using formula – (Π x D2) / 4 [where D is the Rotor diameter].

The currently installed wind turbines have a life period of 25 years.

After the useful life of a wind/solar project, it is generally repowered with new turbines or panels. The land and power evacuation facility are salvaged. The wind turbine is scrapped & sold on the scrap value of steel & copper. A 1 MW capacity turbine weighs more than 100 T of steel!

Solar panels are made from silicon and cannot be salvaged but disposed of safely or recycled. Some countries charge an eco-tax to fund the panel disposing of & recycling.

Yes, operational wind/solar projects can be sold off, if the need arises. There is good demand for running projects in second-hand/used projects.

In a Wind Solar Hybrid project, Wind Turbine Generators and Solar PV systems will be configured to operate at the same grid connection point.

The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system gives a detailed report about the Machine Performance, which is used to improve automation, system flexibility, and minimize the Machine Downtime with increased production during Wind Season. Web SCADA assures you the most advanced, reliable, and proven technology.

Yes, wind projects are feasible on a small scale and can be customized according to customer requirements. Currently, wind turbines are available starting from 250kW up to 3.6 MW.