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Solar Energy is now taking the world by storm. We can see this in the many advancements in technology by our Indian scientists and by the Indian Government's proactive legislatures. In 2018, the Chennai Civic Body had launched a Rs. 140 Crore venture project which plans on changing 70000 streetlights in over 15 zones, out of which 8 zones – Thiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Ambattur, Valasaravakkam, Alandur, Perungudi, and Sholinganallur are all going have 17000 redone post lamps with streetlights introduced. Estimates are that this project could bring a 45% lessening in electricity consumption.

The focus is now on more greener and efficient technologies like solar streetlights, which use solar panels and LEDs. But why must you change over to Solar Street Lights? We shall present you with 5 compelling arguments to switch over to Solar Streetlights in Chennai!.

Solar Power is the conversion of energy from sunlight to electricity. It is one of the essential sources of renewable energy. It uses radiant light and heat from the sun that is harnessed using technology devices such as solar heating and cooling systems, solar thermal, photovoltaics, concentrating solar power, and converts it into electricity. Solar power is one of the cleanest and reliable forms of renewable energy. The devices used to collect the energy are explained in simple terms below.

Photovoltaics

This is a process of converting light into electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. This effect is used commercially for electricity generation and as photosensors.

Concentrating Solar Power

These generate power by using mirrors or lenses to gather the sun's energy onto a receiver and further drive them to traditional steam turbines or engines to create electricity.

Solar Heating And Cooling Systems

Collect thermal energy from the sun to provide hot water, air conditioning, pool heating for resident or commercial usage.

Solar Inverters are a type of electrical converter which converts direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic panel into a utility frequency alternating current (AC) that can be used for electrical grids, which can be used by local, private networks. Solar Inverters use MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) to get to the maximum possible power from the photovoltaic array. The purpose of MPPT is to sample the cells' output and determine a resistance/load to obtain maximum capacity. Inverters are also referred to as the brains of the entire solar power system. One of the components includes the battery storage system. Stored batteries can be used in the times when the sun goes down during evening and night time.

Solar Inverters are divided into three different types.

• String Inverter
• Micro-Inverter
• Power/ Central Inverter

Stay tuned till the end for some detailed guidance on solar inverters and their types on Nantech.

String Inverter
A string inverter is one of the popular devices used among households. It works well with All Home appliances. It converts Direct Current from solar panels to Alternating current electricity/power. Multiple strings are connected to produce electricity.
String Inverters are also known as Sine Wave Inverters. These can be paired with power optimizers.

Solar Micro Inverter
Solar Inverters used to operate with a single PhotoVoltaic model is known as Solar micro-inverters. These micro converters convert Direct Current(DC) output to alternating currents(AC). It is used for parallel connection of various units (multiple, Independent) because of its design. Micro Inverters are small in size and are plug-in and play a kind of device. These are connected in parallel to each other and then to grids while producing grid-matching Alternate Current(AC) directly at each solar panel bank.

Central Inverter
Just as the name suggests, Central Inverters are connected to form a standard combined inverter that converts the power to an Alternating current (AC). These are usually bigger and than String Converters. Thus, they are only suitable for covering large areas and not for primary household usage. Central Inverter can handle up to 500KW per enclosure.

Solar Inverter gives the benefit of using solar energy without hefty bills of electricity from our power supply. Solar Energy is the most acceptable renewable energy solution for this world full of electronic devices that needs to be charged before use. Thus, using electricity from solar panels and solar inverters might be the best renewable solution one can ever think of.

Let's start with the fact that Solar inverters are among the most efficient machines built by man, giving up to 97% efficiency in the best inverter and under ideal weather conditions. When we say efficiency we mean, the solar inverter's capacity to convert all the energy it receives from the sunlight into the alternating current it supplies to the devices it is connected to. The amount lost is mainly due to converting the direct current received from the solar panel into the alternating current supplied.

The solar inverter can be referred to as the system's brain as it has 'Maximum power point tracking ability,' which is a feature of genius. It is basically a sensory system that can detect when the battery is connected. The inverter itself is full storage capacity and then breaks the circuit stopping any more from the photovoltaic solar panel. This is an essential protective feature of the solar inverter because it helps prevent an acute decrease in efficiency and protects from any physical mishap.

Grid-connected solar inverters are large scale solar systems where All the panels supply DC to the grid where the main inverter structure would convert all the DC into AC and supply residential and office buildings. Though a little pricey to install, this system will give huge returns in the long term due to its high efficiency and eco-friendly nature. These solar power plants can last for more than 40 years, after which some machinery might need to be replaced. This becomes important when you know that 'One hour of total sunlight hitting the earth is equivalent to one year's worth of energy for the planet.' It is the cheapest energy source as there are no costs to obtain the raw material. For example, you need coal mines to dig up coal.

Many people are under the impression that Solar energy is not a viable source because it is weather dependent, i.e., it will be useless on cloudy days or winter. As a matter of fact, 'Solar energy does not need direct sunlight but only the warm temperature generated by sunlight.' You do not particularly feel cold on cloudy days, you can take cloudy days in the summer as well, but the solar inverter will work just as well.

For you enthusiastic and nature-loving homeowners, here are a few facts helping the cause of solar energy:

• According to surveys done in the USA, most homeowners have found positive returns on investment within 10 years of installation.
• Solar panels are fast and easy to set up.
• In 30 years, your home's typical isolated solar system can reduce CO2 levels by 100 tons.
• The average solar panel has a 25- year warranty, and the attached solar inverter has at least 2 years of warranty.
• Solar energy is cheaper than fossil fuels.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and buy a solar inverter to save both your money and the environment!
Happy shopping!

Today, fossil fuels and their by-products are being scrutinized by the world, and the focus is more on greener and environmentally friendly sources of energy. Solar Energy, mainly the use of Solar panels, has gained much traction in this field, It uses Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Cells to capture sunlight and convert that to electricity.

However one must remember that solar panels usually provide Direct Current (DC) energy. Most of our household electrical appliances use Alternating Current (AC) energy. Thus, we need to convert DC to AC, and this is where we use a solar inverter. This device converts the output current from the solar panels to AC energy, which can be used in your house.

There are many advantages to using a solar inverter:

• It reduces Greenhouse impacts since solar energy is being used.
• It is very financially practical and reduces electricity bills to a great extent.
• They are easier to set up and operate as compared to traditional generators and inverters.
• Ease of maintenance and repairing
• A reliable source of conversion from DC to AC
• Helps reduce the energy needs of households and businesses to a great extent
• Many gadgets can make effective use of the inverter's current, for example – solar cookers, solar heaters, etc.
• It also allows for better control for homeowners and businesses in monitoring their energy usage.
• Usually, these systems have a long life (up to 25 years)

Also Read: Aspects To Consider While Purchasing A Solar Inverter

Today, there are three types of Solar Inverter technologies that one can choose from:

String Inverters (a centralized inverters)

In a PV system with a string inverter, the panels are wired together with 'strings,' Each panel's output can be sent back to the central inverter via this 'string.' This allows for a low-cost inverter operation and is durable and easy to maintain. These are best suited for houses with simple roofs that get sun throughout the day and for people looking for an economical and low-cost PV system.

Microinverters (individual panel inverters)

These are different from the string inverter system, and here, the solar panels each have a small inverter installed. Therefore, the conversion from DC to AC occurs right on the roof. The advantage of this system is that for systems that experience shading or have more complex designs, one can use this instead of a string system to mitigate the problems. Furthermore, it allows for panel-level monitoring since each microinverter is connected to the solar panels. These are usually high-cost, high-performance inverters, and hence one must use them for complicated roof constructions.

Power Optimizers

These fall in between microinverters and string inverters. These are interfaces located near (or on) the solar panels, which 'condition' the DC output and send it back to a centralized inverter. The advantage is that it helps monitor individual panels, mitigate the impact of shading, optimize the efficiency of inverters, and cost less than microinverters. These are best suited for houses or buildings with less ideal solar panel locations and whose owners are willing to pay a little extra for a better system but don't want microinverters.

Nantech Power Systems Pvt. Ltd provides the best inverters to buy in India, with its excellent product line-up, efficient services, and timely after-sales support. Check it out!

What better time than now to invest in environmentally conscious and economically sound power supply machinery? So, an inverter's basic function is to save electricity when power is available and, on the occasion of a power cut, supply power to run at least the basic machinery and appliances like fans and lights to help the user. Solar inverters like the ones made by Nantech are created using solar power as the inverter's primary power supply.

Solar inverters for residential use are of the following types:

Off-Grid stand-alone inverters: These are isolated inverter systems usually supplying only a single home or office building.

Grid-connected inverters without battery back-up: Here, all the converted solar energy is stored in a central grid system supplying multiple buildings and acts as a back-up for all these buildings when there is a power- cut. There are no batteries, and these inverters have PowerPoint tracker systems for systemic power generation.

Grid type inverters with battery back-up: An amalgamation of the above two types of inverters.

Offred grid inverters are mostly used for residential users and are capable of supplying enough power for essential needs. However, it is of paramount importance that a customer knows what he is buying to avoid any kind of mishap, whether financial or physical. So here is a list of few things you should keep in mind while buying a solar inverter:

Battery Voltage range: The voltage that can be fed into the battery from sunlight.

DC current: Maximum current which it can handle.

Voltage range: The voltage that can be fed into the inverter by sunlight.

Continuous power output: The maximum time the inverter can produce continuous power at said temperature.

Output voltage: So that it is compatible with your household requirement, which is generally 210-220V.

Frequency: For India is 50 Hz.

Efficiency: The amount of actual solar energy received by the panels converted to electrical energy supplied to our homes. No Machine 100% efficient. We recommend solar inverters with galvanic insolation having an efficiency of 94% and 97% for without galvanic isolation.

No-load power consumption: The amount of energy that the inverter itself uses up without supplying to a load. It is important to determine efficiency.

Surge Power: some machines, like motors, require more power to start than the rest of its run time. We recommend surge value between 3- 6.

Output waveform: We recommend a pure sine wave property for high efficiency.

Maximum power point tracking ability: This system prevents overcharging and under-charging of the inverter.

Output voltage: So that it is compatible with your household requirement, which is generally 210-220V.

Ambient weather conditions: To preferably include your room temperature range and average humidity.

Grid frequency synchronization range: 3 Hz

Ingress protection rating: It is a protection rating, and its minimum value should be IP65.

Power factor: Greater than 0.9.

Data logging software: For user information and convenience.

Inverter warranties: Should have at least a 1-year warranty.

Also Read: A Basic understanding : Solar inverters

It is very important to consider these aspects while making a purchase. Check out Nantech’sline of the solar inverter as their products satisfy the above-mentioned features.

~Happy shopping!

Servo Voltage Stabilizers are important electrical components for the electrical wiring of the complex. It protects electrical equipment and machines by stabilizing the voltage input and protecting it from voltage fluctuations (both over and under supplies) and other voltage floods. Hence, this is also known as an Automatic Voltage Regulator(AVR). These work with many electromechanical transfers to give a suitable yield voltage, which is usually in an ideal range.
These come either in single-phase or three-phase units, depending on the use and the connection to limit the Kilovolt-Ampere (KVA) necessary. Three-phase units further come in two different types: Balanced Loadand Unbalanced Load models.
Furthermore, they are either for a piece of particular equipment or a spot or a major stabilizer unit for a group of apparatuses (E.g., an entire house). Also, they come in computerized or as simple stabilizer units.

There Are 3 Main Types Of Servo Voltage Stabilizers

Relay type Voltage Stabilizers

Apart from the transformer circuits, a rectifier circuit, controller unit, and other parts are used for bucking operations. These are relatively easy to use and have less weight, and are commonplace in households and businesses.

Instabilities are ±15% with yield exactness between ±5-10%.

Advantages:

• Economical
• Easy to use

Disadvantages:

• Relatively poor construction
• Less dependable
• Poor reaction to voltage vacillation

Servo Controlled Voltage Stabilizers

They use servo engines to control voltage influx and hence are also called Servo Stabilizers. These have closed-circle frameworks and are basically used for high-precision voltage returns (typically around ±1%). These come in 3 types:

• Single Phase Servo Based Voltage Stabilizers
• Three Phase Balanced Type Servo Based Voltage Stabilizers
• Three Phase Unbalanced Type Servo Based Voltage Stabilizers

Advantages:

• Quickly reacts to changes in voltage.
• High Precision in voltage stabilization
• Firm construction and circuital housing
• Ability to withstand high voltage floods

Disadvantages:

• These stabilizers need intermittent upkeep and maintenance because of the moving parts.
• The servo engine must be pre-validated to avoid problems, and the plan of servo motors needs a skilled worker.

Static Voltage Stabilizers

These stabilizers have static parts and hence no moving parts as compared to a servo voltage stabilizer. These stabilizers are extremely accurate and have an exactness of voltage adjustment range of just ±1%. These static voltage stabilizers contain 'Buck & Boost' Transformers, Microcontrollers, Microprocessors, and other important components.

Advantages:

• Small Size
• Rapid reaction to voltage vacillations
• Remarkably high exactness of voltage adjustments
• Breakneck correction speeds of 20kHz
• Auto Bypass
• Silent operation
• No moving parts; hence, it is nearly upkeep free.
• Very dependable units
• High productivity

These stabilizers have static parts and hence no moving parts as compared to a servo voltage stabilizer. These stabilizers are extremely accurate and have an exactness of voltage adjustment range of just ±1%. These static voltage stabilizers contain 'Buck & Boost' Transformers, Microcontrollers, Microprocessors, and other important components.

Advantages:

• Small Size
• Rapid reaction to voltage vacillations
• Remarkably high exactness of voltage adjustments
• Breakneck correction speeds of 20kHz
• Auto Bypass
• Silent operation
• No moving parts; hence, it is nearly upkeep free.
• Very dependable units
• High productivity

In conclusion, each unit has its own advantages and disadvantages, and one must carefully choose their unit according to their needs and specifications. Today, many companies are flooding the market with different types of products, and companies like Nantech Power Systems are at the top with high customer reliability and product line-up.

Have you ever wondered, when someone by mistake inserts their finger into an electric socket, they get electrocuted, and the finger burns? But when the same finger touches the net of those electric rackets for mosquito killing, you feel nothing more than a small shock wave with no physical effect? So it is quite evident that, based on the current, more accurately, the voltage flowing through a conductor, damage, or magnitude of use of the machine is proportionate. Just like us, even devices have a specific limit of voltage that they can handle without damaging themselves.

Generally, power lines from the power plant operate at super high voltages ranging from 155,00V to 765,000V. If that amount of voltage were to directly reach our homes and factories, all our machinery would burn down. Therefore, along the way, with the help of step- down transformers, voltage is reduced to about 120-220V till it reaches our homes. Unfortunately, this system is not properly developed in all parts of our country. There is usually an undesirable fluctuation of voltage and sound production due to interference and spikes in current, which may damage sensitive machinery in homes and factories. To guarantee the machinery's safety, 'The ultra- isolation transformer’ was created and manufactured on a large scale by various companies, including Nantech. The Ultra isolation transformer works on the basic principle that makes strong insulation amongst its primary and secondary coil, capable of withstanding surges in voltage. This essentially creates a barrier between the source of power and the machine or load, ensuring the machine's safety and any hazards that might arise from the unstable power supply.

Another important use of the isolation transformer is that it reduces electrical noise and enables good electromechanical compatibility. Suppose we pay attention to its internal structure. In that case, we observe that the number of windings in both the primary and secondary coils is the same and is often used to protect other connected circuits and individuals from shock. There is a capacitive coupling between the two coils with a faraday shield to enable the transfer of energy but reduce common-mode noise.

PROS OF ULTRA ISOLATION TRANSFORMERS:

• Enable safety
• Reduce noise interference- both standard mode and differential mode.
• Increase efficiency by blocking DC currents
• Used in various sectors like Power industry, Aviation industry (Austin Transformer), Pulse circuits, and general appliances like computers, medical devices, factory machinery.
• A significant part of electronic testing

Cons of Ultra Isolation Transformers:

• Cost is the only significant issue as it is advisable to have an ultra- isolation transformer, but customers may not buy it or underestimate its use.

Nowadays, due to its wide range of applications, Ultra isolation transformers come built-in with high-risk devices and are indeed a marvel of human innovation. Working on a simple principle helps entire humanity avoid harm from the lifeline of society that is electricity.

The type of electrical converter that can convert the variable direct current output of a photovoltaic solar panel into a utility frequency alternating current fed into a commercial electrical grid is known as Solar Inverters. Unlike the regular invertors, the solar panel charges the battery using solar power along with the electricity. For supreme efficiency of these solar inverters, systematic and consistent maintenance ensuring their efficacy is required for the long run of the machine.

Utilities of Solar Inverters

• • Eco-friendly approach

Solar power installation provides for the benefit of the environment as this process requires no fuel burning and no radiation from energy production. Since it is pollution-free, most of the population will tend to purchase it as protecting the environment is considered the main motto of all individuals who are very well aware of the haphazardness of filthy surroundings.

• Solar Heating for home appliances

The electricity generated from the solar panel can be used for smooth functioning of all electronic appliances in the home. The exorbitant current bill, which is unaffordable to middle-class people, has become more conducive to a solar heating panel. Sudden reduction in electricity bill makes everyone purchase this solar inverter as it reduces the cost of living and provides enough money for savings. It is the main heating mechanism of all homes, especially in foreign countries. Most housewives find cooking in solar energy less tiresome and an enjoyable pastime making the work less monotonous. Solar power cars are already in the market, which invariably reduces the fuel cost.

Also Read: How Much Do You Know About Solar Power Systems?

Advantages of Solar Inverters

• • Solar energies are a renewable source of energy

Since the sun is visible throughout the year, solar energy is a continuous process, and we cannot be in shortage of it at any point of time.

• Solar power reduces electricity bills

The electricity bill of houses reduces to a considerable extent after installing solar panels, which makes it more reliable and to gain more future buyers.

• • Solar energy is pollution-free

Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, which cause pollution, are not caused by solar energy, making it eco-friendly.

• It’s capacity to store power

We can store solar energy by increasing the number of batteries, which can be later used on a cloudy or a rainy day.

• It reduces maintenance cost

Once the solar power installation is done, it easily lasts for more than twenty-five years, reducing the maintenance cost.

Disadvantages of Solar Inverters

• • Solar energy is dependent on weather

It is extremely difficult to collect solar energy on a rainy or cloudy day as its efficiency decreases to such a low level during these days even though the energy can be stored through batteries.

• Installing a Solar panel requires a lot of space

To fit many solar panels, ample space is required in the roof area of the house. The place where the solar panel is kept should be accessible to exposure to direct sunlight. Hence solar inverters should be fixed only in places congenial for this.

• Maximum efficiency is unattainable

Since solar inverters can't convert all their available energy into power, 100% efficiency is not arrived at by the constant use of these solar panels.

To put it in a nutshell, solar energy, which is gaining popularity through its technological development, will take some more years to reach the peak of its utility and to improve the quality of our life. By 2050, we can expect every single house to have a solar panel installed on its roof, which makes it an essential set up not an option.

If you are interested in purchase to check out Nantech’s ON-GRID, OFF-GRID and solar street light inverters.

Installing a solar power system has become a fascination, a luxury and a necessity. Why waste the energy of the sun when you have it in abundance? When it comes to investing in solar power systems, the first and foremost thing is to understand everything about the solar power system- how it works, its components, its types, the various systems, etc.

This knowledge is crucial in making a choice between the Off-Grid and On-Grid solar power systems, which is quite often the big dilemma. So, what is the solar power system and how does it work?

Generated by the sun, solar power is sustainable, clean and usable energy. Irrespective of where they are used, all solar systems work on the same basic principles. The solar panel is the primary component of the solar power system. The solar panels convert direct sunlight into Direct Current using the Photovoltaic effect. The DC power is either stored in a battery or converted into AC power and used to run appliances. This is just the entire process in a nutshell!

Components of a solar power system that harness the power of the sun!

There are four main components of the system that are common to all the types of solar panels available today:

• The solar panels

Modern solar panels are made of PV cells or Photovoltaic cells, which are crucial to initiate the process of electricity generation. Solar panels or solar modules are connected in strings to form a “Solar Array”. To maximize the use of your solar panels, consider its orientation, tilt angles, and efficiency. Solar panels require uninhibited sunlight to fall directly on the panel. Panels require daily maintenance, and proper installation to work without a hitch.

• The solar inverter

The solar inverter plays a critical role in converting the Direct Current to grid-compatible Alternating Current which is what you use in your homes and commercial establishments. From a reliability perspective, the inverters are vulnerable, because they are the weak link in this system. Hence is it vital to choose a good quality inverter.

• The batteries

There are two kinds of batteries used for solar energy storage:

• Lead Acid batteries
• Lithium-ion batteries.
• Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and available in a number of shapes and sizes that can be configured in any way. While there are other options like AGM, Gel, redox-flow batteries and sodium-ion batteries, lithium-ion seems to be the top favourite.

• The electric switchboard

The electric switchboard is a handy component that collects the AC energy from the inverter and disperses it through various circuits to power your home appliances. Any excess electricity is sent back to the grid through an energy meter or stored in a battery for later use. This is commonly known as Net Metering.

But that’s not all! Apart from the above-mentioned components, there are so many more basic parts that combine to make the entire solar power system. They are:

• Racking and mounting components
• Junction boxes
• Circuit breakers
• Load centres
• Surge devices
• Wiring
• Charge controllers

Also Read: Are We An Electricity-Surplus Nation?

Off-grid VS On-grid: What’s the real deal?

Ever since its invention, the solar power system has evolved into three types:

• The On-Grid or the grid-feed solar system
• The Off-Grid or SAPS (Stand Alone Power System)
• The Hybrid or grid-connected solar system with battery storage

To arrive at a proper conclusion to the dilemma of choosing between the three types, you actually have to gain a clear understanding of what they actually mean.

The On-Grid System

When your solar power system is connected to the common utility power grid, it is an On-Grid system. Most solar power systems in India are on-grid systems, mainly because they are easy to install and very economical. Solar systems that power residences are often connected to the common utility grid. Any excess electricity that your on-grid system produces can be sent to the grid, allowing you to build enough credit that you can cash out at the end of the year or month. This is an effective process called Net Metering which is very conducive for solar power owners who are looking to generate ROI.

The Off-Grid System

An Off-Grid system empowers you to be 100% self-sustained because yours is a stand-alone system that is not connected to any grid. This system allows you to store excess electricity that will come in handy at critical times. However, there is a downside to the off-grid system. It calls for heavy investment because of the complex installation that uses expensive, bulky batteries. The expenses itself can be a hurdle to gaining the actual amount of electricity you require.

The Hybrid System

The hybrid system is a clever combination of the off-grid and on-grid systems that offer an easy “plug and play” solution. With the use of special hybrid inverters, the excess energy is stored for later use. The hybrid system is quite similar to your UPS system since it serves the same purpose of providing stored energy in case of a blackout.

The Yin And Yang Of Off-Grid And On-Grid Systems

Take a look at just a few of the stark differences of the off-grid and on-grid solar systems:

Power Supply

You are completely safe with the on-grid system because you can be assured of a consistent power supply. But the off-grid system is not so promising. With limited battery backup, the off-grid system relies entirely on the power of the sun to generate electricity. You wouldn’t want to encounter such a dilemma on a rainy day, would you?

Excess Electricity Storage

The on-grid system not only allows you to draw stored energy from the grid when you need it but also generates an income with Net Metering where you are credited for the amount of electricity your system generates. With off-grid systems, you do not have the advantage of net metering and you need to invest in plenty of batteries to store the excess energy.

Outage Power Supply

Power supply during an outage
This is where the off-grid system has the upper hand because it is completely independent. The on-grid system will work during a power outage only if it has a battery backup.

Your Electricity Bill

Yes, there will be a few changes in your electricity bill even if you own an On-grid system. The off-grid system is not tied to a grid, so there are no bills. However, the cost of installation can go through the roof because of the equipment.

What’s the verdict?

In India, the implementation of Net Metering and open access has boosted the adoption of On-grid solar power systems. However, the Off-grid system is a better choice for usage in remote areas where the utility grid is unavailable or inaccessible.

Nantech Power Systems Pvt Ltd, the leading inverter dealers in Chennai, give you expert guidance in choosing the right solar power system for your home or commercial building. Our reliable solar power systems are exceptional in quality and backed by warranty. Waste no time! Call us today @ +91 99623 98222 to harness the power of the sun!

Reducing carbon emissions is going to be one of the major focuses of the government. To strengthen the effort, the Government of India has taken initiatives to increase the possibility of E-Mobility. Companies are now focusing on developing electric vehicles and the development of charging stations plays a major role in the widespread growth of EVs. As per a study, India will have around 8 million public charging facilities and 79 million electric vehicles plying on the roads by 2030. As the leading EV charging solutions in Chennai, Nantech Power Systems commits to producing sustainable and reliable premium, public, commercial, and residential comprehensive EV charging stations.

Also Read: The EV Revolution: Is Chennai Ready For It?

The transport sector accounts for 40% of total fuel consumption and in this, 90% is used for road transport. The state and central governments are now adopting slow regulations and policies to promote the use of EVs. Lack of public charging facilities is a major hurdle the EV industry faces while convincing prospective buyers. Most of the charging takes place either at work or at home. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure or EVCI needs to be increased as getting stranded with empty batteries. Successful transition to e-mobility requires affordable, accessible, and reliable EVCI.

The government has followed international standards in developing an Indian specific standard called Bharat Charging. For the successful adoption of E-Mobility, the government has been adopting new regulations, incentives, and taxation policies. They must also take care of consumer education measures. Such initiatives are required to boost consumer confidence and increase partnership in developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Developing charging stations is a major challenge which the government will be taking initiative along with major players in the field.

Infrastructure Development And Partnership

There are different types of charging infrastructure which is renewable charging hubs, charging stations in communities and charging stations in office sites. Developing such a charging infrastructure is indispensable to eliminate barriers in adopting EVs. EV solution providers can set up charging infrastructure on a company's campus for its employees or they can tie up with real estate developers to set up charging stations within their properties. The Government of India has drafted a plan to set up 2636 EV charging stations in 62 cities, including Chennai, across all states and union territories by 2023. The decision has inspired many private and state-owned power utilities industries to enter the business of improving charging infrastructure.

Agreements are being signed with battery manufacturing companies and swapping companies to initiate infrastructure development. There is a need to maintain a balance between demand and supply and innovative and meaningful collaboration with key stakeholders will help in a long way. A demand aggregation model is devised to create a boom in the market to increase mobility services and charging infrastructure. The different demand aggregation models are led by the private sector, discom, and public sector. Battery swapping will bring down the initial cost of EV to half its price.

Initiatives are undertaken to have solutions to enable battery swapping affordable and done in less time. For four-wheelers, fast DC charging is the best option available. Four-wheel electric vehicles are not designed for implementing battery swapping. Indian automakers need to develop electric four-wheelers that are compliant with battery swapping. Post-COVID era will see a shift from public transportation to 2 wheelers and 3 wheelers and the battery swapping segment will find a good market as they enable electric two and three-wheelers. India has developed two standards for AC and DC charging, namely, Bharat EV Charger DC-001 and Bharat EV Charger AC-001.

The standards have recommendations and specifications for charging electric vehicles. It is expected that AC vehicles will continue for around 5 to 8 years as we kick start the electric vehicle industry. The electric two and three-wheelers manufactured in India have AC charging. Some electric cars also have AC charging fitted. In a cost-driven economy like India AC chargers are a huge advantage as they are much cheaper and manageable when compared to DC charging. DC charging is expected to gain momentum in the second half of the decade. DC chargers will be able to service multiple vehicles and will be a cost-effective option even if one unit sells at a higher price. With new technology, the price of DC is dropping and will soon outweigh the advantages of AC technology.

Future Of E-Mobility

As technology evolves in the power sector, the government is expected to promote the use of renewable sources of energy in charging electric vehicles. The future of E‐Mobility depends on combining renewable sources with charging and battery storage. Setting up a solar power plant for DC fast charger of 25kw to 100kw batteries at public charging stations will be a huge challenge as it will involve huge amounts of expenditure. A solar plant requires huge space and it could be a challenge for setting charging stations in the city. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India or FAME 2 will also focus extensively on electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

E-mobility services will initially take off in rental services or ride-hailing services in the Indian cities, especially Chennai. With the current circumstances, this will help Indian cities to skip combustion-powered private vehicle ownership. This will help educate people on EVs and also create awareness amongst the general public. The electric vehicle industry should be able to convince people that their product is as reliable as combustion-powered vehicles.

People need to be convinced that they won’t be left stranded without battery power in the middle of nowhere. A real-time, transparent solution needs to be developed to allay fears of the consumers. There should be a platform where car owners can check the status of the battery, record data and view the nearest EV charging station. The government should also take effort to reduce GST on charging components and swapping services the same way as they did on electric vehicles. It will reduce cost and benefit consumers.