What includes Operation and Maintenance for Large Scale Solar Power Plants?

 

It is very important to identify the steps involved in the maintenance of a solar power plant as it ensures its smooth operation and functioning. 

How is this maintenance done?

Who are the people involved?

And how can one ensure maximum output from a said large-scale solar power plant? 

To put it simply, the maintenance of a solar plant is majorly handled by the solar developer to ensure that the equipment’s life is maximized. In general, solar power plants do not require high maintenance as they do not have any moving parts, however, preventative maintenance is of utmost importance.

Below, in this article, we take a look at how –

Maintenance of a Large Scale Solar Power Plant

The primary maintenance activity performed for any solar power plant is to keep the surface or the glass dust free. For this, regular inspections and checks need to be performed. 

Cleaning: Panels need to be washed with soft water to keep them dust-free. If they collect too much thick dirt or grime or bird droppings, cold water can be used along with a cleaning sponge to clean the surface. One may also use soft detergents along with water to ensure easy and efficient cleaning. Metal brushes should be avoided at all costs, as they lead to early wearing off of the panel surface. 

Checking for defects: Solar panels need periodic visual inspections to look for any cracks, chips, delamination, water leaks, and discolouration. Whenever a defect is identified, it is noted down in the logbook so that it can be checked for how it is affecting the generation output of the system. If it is detected that the performance of the module is lower than the rated value, then it should be replaced or repaired. 

Structural stability: The mounting frames for the solar module need to be examined to make sure that they are firmly secure and that the mounting bolts are rust-free and sustainable. The junction boxes of the solar panels also require regular inspections to ensure that the wires are not chewed or destroyed by any rodents or insects.

Inverter controller: A dry cloth is used to clean any dust that has been accumulated on the component. After this, a visual inspection is done to ensure that all the LED light indicators are working and the wires leading to and from the device are not loose. Regular self-checks would ensure that the charge controller indicates the system is charging when the sun is shining. 

Wirings: Wire installations need to be checked for any cracks or breaks in the insulation. Panel boxes need to be scrutinized to prevent rodents and insects from making it their home. They should also be checked for any type of corrosion or burning. 

All of the above maintenance checks ensure that you preserve the life of your solar panel.

Sterling and Wilson Solar have experience of 7+ years in O&M Solar Panel Maintenance. SWSL meticulously caring for the useful life of assets, maximizing their profitability, streamlining their performance and availability, and minimizing their consumption and operating costs.

Why invest in Hadapsar, Pune?

 

Hadapsar, located in the eastern suburbs of Pune, is quickly becoming a prime location for those looking to invest. This is mainly due to the emergence of major IT companies and well-developed infrastructure in the area, making it a great investment opportunity for homebuyers. There are more reasons why Hadapsar presents itself as a good investment opportunity for those doing house hunting.

Let us take a look at why to invest in Hadapsar in this article. 

What makes Hadapsar a good investment opportunity?

There are many reasons that make Hadapsar great for homebuyers. Below we take a look at some of the major reasons why!

Commercial Zone

Hadapsar is a growing commercial hub of Pune. It is the home to three important economic zones, namely – Phursungi IT Park, Magarpatta City, and Amanora Parktown. It is also the place where a lot of big businesses have their offices, such as TCS, ADP, IBM, Sybase, Mphasis, SAS, Amdocs, John Deere, Option One, Accenture, Aruman and Patni. 

With this rapid growth in industries in the area, Hadapsar is a good investment location for home seekers and for commercial users too.

Accessibility

Hadapsar is located near the Pune-Solapur Road, also known as Mumbai-Hyderabad National Highway, making it an easily accessible option for a lot of people who have to travel frequently. The area also has an efficient bus service network with the Hadapsar bus stand Pune Swargate bus depot nearby. It lies just 5 kilometers from Magarpatta and is well connected to Solapur and Nagar Road. 

Cheaper Real Estate

Real estate in Hadapsar is far more affordable when compared to its nearby areas such as Magarpatta, Fatimanagar and Camp, with properties available between the range of Rs. 5,000 – 6,000 per square feet. 

Good Social Infrastructure

Hadapsar is home to some of the best schools, colleges and hospitals in the city – from City International School to Delhi Public School and Amanora school to hospitals like Columbia Asia Hospital, Sahyadri Specialty Hospital and Sanjeevani Nursing Home. All of these make it a good investment location for homebuyers who would like to be within close proximity of well-developed social infrastructure. 

All of these factors make Hadapsar a good investment opportunity for you or anyone who wants to live close to a booming economy. As of now, the prices of properties in this area are not as high as some other areas, but they are rapidly rising due to the number of projects being developed here. 

Joyville Hadapsar Annexe is one of the best investment options in Pune. It is a perfect location for anyone looking to live in well-designed homes with several diverse lifestyle amenities. Joyville Hadapsar Annexe offering 1, 2 and 3 BHK flat in Hadapsar, Pune, starting at Rs.37.5 lakh* (all incl.).To know more about click here. 

The complete home inspection checklist for buyers

 

Picking a home for your future is an important decision that requires a considerable amount of research and thorough contemplation. Once a buyer has found the right home, the decision-making journey doesn’t end there. That home needs to be vetted and checked for any inconsistencies or faults that may have been missed out earlier. This is the inspection stage of the home buying process.

So, how does a buyer go about it? Here’s a detailed checklist. 

1. Find the right professional home inspector.

Although a buyer must be responsible to check out the house themselves, it also requires an inspection from a seasoned and experienced professional. When choosing which professional home inspectors to hire, the buyer must make sure they know how much experience they have, whether they are certified, whether they have insurance against errors or omissions, and what type of report will be issued – written, oral, or both.

2. Confirm what is included in the professional home inspection.

It should be a thorough job including the inspection of structure and foundation, general construction, plumbing, electrical, windows and doors, kitchen and bathroom, appliances, interior walls and ceiling, ventilation and drainage, and more.

3. Contact the property owner to finalize the date, time, and duration of the inspection.

The home inspection should occur either 7 days before the contract is accepted or within 14 days after and it is recommended to be scheduled within daylight hours. It will ideally take an estimated 2 to 2 and a half hours to be completed, giving enough time for a thorough check.

4. Provide the buyer’s contact details to the home inspector.

Ensure that there is a formal agreement with the home inspector while providing them necessary information such as full name, current address, and phone number.

5. Provide property details to the inspector and arrange access to the home.

Ensure that the home inspector has the property address, specific directions, and full access to the home including lock box, garage, closets, attics, etc.

6. Inform the owner that all appliances, systems and equipment will be inspected. 

The owner must be advised to turn on all utilities including gas, electric, hot water heater, and refrigerator while also removing all items that may block access to any electric panels or amenities and appliances.

7. Accompany the home inspector and ensure all utilities are active.

This will allow the buyer to be completely informed throughout the inspection process. It is encouraged to ask questions and pay attention to minor details that might not be included in the inspection report.

8. Conduct personal inspections to rule out obvious deficiencies.

The buyer should also take time out the conduct their own basic inspection noting any obvious cracks in the foundation, leakages, electrical malfunctions, conditions of the appliances, painting and repairs required.

9. Payment to the professional home inspector is done upon completion of the inspection.

The price of the inspection varies according to the property location, the inspector, the size of the home and the scope of the inspection and reporting. The best way to pick the right prices is to get estimates and compare between different inspectors to get the best value for money.

10.  Ensure that the charges for the home inspection are fair and accurate.

A home inspection in India costs between Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 20,000 depending on charges that may vary according to the size of the home.

Offering homes in major locations all across the country, Joyville Homes have experts that will help you inspect the home you choose. This home inspection can now be done face to face on-site or via an online video call to accommodate the current changing times.

So, go ahead and complete this checklist before you settle down in the home of your dreams!

Mi Vida – Thika Superhighway and Its Effect on Real Estate Development in Nairobi

 

Image Source – Wikipedia

A partnership between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Kenya to promote sustainable development and economic growth has led to the construction of an eight-lane ultra-modern expressway, also affectionately known as ‘Nairobi-Thika Superhighway’.

The project that was estimated at around US $360 million was approved by the AfDb in November 2007 and was provided with a financial package of US $175 million for civil works and consultancy services and a US $5 million for feasibility study and a detailed design of a mass rapid-transit system. The Kenyan government, in addition, contributed US $80 million and the Exim Bank of China contributed US $100 million to the project for which the work started in 2009 and was completed in 2012.

Effects of Thika Superhighway on Real Estate Development in Nairobi

Thika Superhighway has turned out to be a driving force for the country’s economic development. It has helped integrate Africa and improve the living conditions of Africans. It has improved the accessibility, affordability, and reliability of the transport infrastructure of the country. The advantages of the superhighway have attracted various businesses from supermarkets, car dealerships to hotels and real estate. 

Mi Vida Homes

One such meticulous construction along the Thika superhighway is Mi Vida, a new residential development project that is a joint venture between Actis and Shapoorji Pallonji Group. Launched in July 2019 to address the shortage of middle-income families, Mi Vida Homes promises to offer 3000 middle-income housing units over the next 5 years. Mi Vida Garden City Nairobi is the perfect combination of innovative design, modern engineering, trusted construction, and an on-time delivery record. 

What does the research say?

As per research, urban sprawl has followed the construction of the Thika superhighway of the Nairobi metropolis in Kenya. It suggests that with the improvement in infrastructure and less travel time, the city of Nairobi has also expanded in a direction where people want to settle in areas that are in close proximity to the roads for accessibility benefits. 

The areas around Thika superhighway enjoy high returns, several times over areas such as Kitengela, Mlolongo and Rongai. 

Due to the rising prices of residential properties in the Kenyan city of Nairobi, the real estate industry has been booming. This is mainly attributed to the development of the Thika superhighway that has improved transport networks, social amenities, industries, educational institutions and commercial centres. 

In other words, the construction of Thika Superhighway has in all ways helped the real estate industry grow and expand in a sustainable way.

Commercial Office Spaces by Shapoorji Pallonji

 

Having open and creative spaces to work in a dynamic and constantly evolving environment, is an ever-persisting demand and Shapoorji Pallonji has it covered. With modern aesthetics, intelligent design and a strong structural foundation to support it all, Shapoorji Pallonji has been delivering projects for decades. 

Some of the landmark projects delivered by Shapporji Palllonji include the Bank of India building, World Trade Center, HSBC building in South Mumbai, LIC building in New Delhi and the RBI building.

Let’s take a detailed look at some of these commercial office spaces by Shapporji Pallonji below. 

HSBC Office Building, Mumbai – Completed in April 1950, the office building of HSBC stands its ground even 70 years later. 

HCL Technologies, Bengaluru – Located in the Jigani Industrial Area, Bengaluru, this project was completed in December 2014.

International Exhibition Center, Bengaluru – Shapoorji Pallonji did the civil, structural and architectural finishes for this project. Completed in April 2007, it spreads around 40,000 square meters. 

ONGC Office Building, Dehradun – Completed in July 2013, this project covered architectural, structural, civil, MEP, E and TC in terms of work done. 

Peninsula Business Park, Mumbai – Based in Lower Parel, Mumbai, this project covered civil, structural and MEO works. It includes a basement, 5 levels of podium, and 2 towers of 20 stories. Completed in March 2013. 

RBI New Building, Mumbai – Civil and structural works for the 27 storied RBI building, with two basements. Completed in November 1980.

RBI Old Building, Mumbai – Civil and structural works for the old building of RBI, the work for which was completed in May 1950. 

Vallabh Bhawan Extension, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh – A state-of-the-art secretariat complex in the capital city of Bhopal, accommodates the offices of the Honorable Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Ministers, Chief Secretary, Principal Secretaries and other officers and employees of various government departments. Completed in 2018. 

Al-Reziza Commercial Tower, Al Khobar, KSA – Construction of the 25-storeyed Al-Reziza Commercial Tower, completed in 2017.

Landmark group office building, TECOM, Dubai, UAE – Construction of 27 storeyed office building with basement car park, external works, and external services. Completed in 2016. 

Le Boulevard Commercial Bank, Al Sadd Street, Doha in Qatar – Construction of 9-storeyed ‘Le Boulevard’ Commercial Bank Building, completed in 2018.

AKH Tower commercial tower, AL Kashlaa, Dammam, KSA – Construction of 36 storeyed ‘AKH Tower’ Commercial Tower, completed in 2019.

SECO New Headquarters Building Complex, Riyadh, KSA – Construction of SECO new headquarters building complex comprising of basements, 4 typical office towers (G+4), central common podium (G+2), restaurant and recreational building (G), 2 service buildings, 2 community buildings, car parking, 6 guard houses, including all facilities. Completed in 2019. 

MBR Dubai Hills Estate Business Park, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Al Khail Road, Dubai – UAE – Design and construction of Dubai Hills Estate Business Park consisting of 4 office buildings, 1 multi-storey car park including the basement and retail areas together with associated works, external services and hard and soft landscaping. Completed in 2019. 

To know more about Shapoorji Pallonji’s commercial office spaces, click here. 

Why Should You Invest in Parkwest 2.0 Bangalore?

 

When you picture a home, how do you see it? If it is lush green spaces blended with an ultra-modern lifestyle, then Shapoorji Pallonji’s Parkwest 2.0 is the answer! 

Parkwest 2.0 is one of the largest residential developments in Central Bengaluru that comes with functionality combined with a brilliant design and a number of amenities that will cater to all your needs.

Let’s dive in deeper and take a look at the things that make Parkwest 2.0, Bangalore, a good investment opportunity!

Parkwest 2.0, Bangalore – Amenities Offered

Parkwest 2.0 is spread out to an area of approximately 46 acres or 1,86,155 square meters, out of which 75 percent of the area is just open spaces, expanses of greenery that not only soothe your eyes but your soul too. 

It comes with the promise of a secured community, where design meets modern amenities for all of its residents to enjoy.

There are various amenities provided within the residential landscape, including –

Leisure – If you just want to take a stroll, sit peacefully surrounded by nature or read a book, then Parkwest 2.0 offers you a treehouse, park, dog park, hanging gardens, indoor game rooms, library, and tree retention courtyard. 

Sports – Parkwest 2.0 comes with a cricket pitch, multipurpose sports court, skating rink, half basketball court, pool and more – to keep you and your family occupied and healthy.

Health and Community – There are plenty of opportunities within this residential development for your kids and you to play or just exercise and stay healthy. Parkwest 2.0 comes with a clubhouse, kinetic playground, multi-purpose hall, gymnasium, dedicated ladies pool, walking trail and yoga and meditation centre. 

Specifications

Let’s take a look at the specifications of towers 9 and 10 of Shapoorji Pallonji’s Parkwest 2.0 in Bangalore to give you all the more reason to invest in it. 

Structure – The structure of the building is earthquake resistant, with 2 basements, ground, and 32 stories. The basements are for car parking.

Plastering and painting – Comes with gypsum plaster on internal walls that ensure smoothness. The internal walls are painted with acrylic emulsion paint, which is humidity-resistant and does not crack or fade in sunlight. 

Telephone and intercom facility – Parkwest 2.0 has an intercom facility between the main lobby of each tower, the main entry point to the complex and within individual apartments, ensuring maximum security. Each apartment also comes with broadband and provisions for telephone points in the living room and master bedroom. 

Each apartment in Parkwest 2.0 is fitted with an efficient fire alarm sprinkler system and fire detection system, TV points in the living room and all the bedrooms branded modular switches, occupancy sensor in all toilets, and backup DG power for 1 light and 1 fan in each bedroom and living area, 1 refrigerator and 1 light in the kitchen.

So, invest in Parkwest 2.0 and step into a luxurious new life with all the amenities and comforts that you can hope for in a home. For more details, click here to book Luxury 2 & 3 BHK apartments at Binnypet, Central Bengaluru starting at Rs.1.25 Cr.* and Rs.1.85 Cr.* respectively.

Cross off this checklist before buying an apartment house in Nairobi

The capital and the largest city in Kenya, Nairobi is a hotspot for real estate opportunities and boasts high demand from homebuyers. So, how can you ensure that buying an affordable house in Nairobi prime location is the best decision for you?

Follow our thoughtful and thorough process to find the ideal apartment in Nairobi.

• Search for a home only as per your specific need – a home for your family or an investment opportunity.
• Make sure that it is the ideal home in terms of location, amenities, and nearby infrastructure. 
• Seize the right opportunity at the right time – don’t rush and don’t prolong your purchase if you have found the best valuation.
• Evaluate your financial situation and plan the costs as per what you can afford which includes picking the right return value and the right mortgage tenure.
• Ensure that there are no red flags regarding the availability of the property or the reliability of the developer.
• Get a competent lawyer to carry out the legal due diligence with thorough and credible paperwork.
• Ensure you have all the copies of the paperwork including the title deed, lease title, or lease documents. 
• It is advisable to have insurance cover for your home, an important financial factor that is often ignored by homebuyers.

Once you have found the home that you want to buy apartments in Nairobi, make sure that your deal is sealed with the sale agreement signed by both parties. This will ensure that the deal is legally binding and enforceable under the law of contract.