Meaning of Utility-scale Solar

 

Utility-scale Solar is a popular phrase in the discussion of renewable energy. However, determining the precise definition of the phenomenon can be tricky. A simple approach will state that Utility-scale Solar is the large solar power projects or plants that produce electricity directly for the utility grid. The utility grid then generates the electricity to end customers through power purchase agreements. We must consider the size, location, state policy, voltage, interconnection type, and purchase details of solar power to get a more comprehensive definition.

Different Definitions of Utility-Scale Solar

Solar power is one of the top renewable energy sources. Given its many advantages, a large number of projects are currently operating all over the globe. The continuously reducing solar cost, coupled with the vast solar-plus-storage, will further the development of solar projects to a large extent.

Let’s have a look at the different definitions of Utility-scale Solar and try to build an overall understanding of the same.

Defining Utility-scale Solar Based on Size

Utility-Scale Solar projects are often termed in-front-of-the-meter systems, while Distributed Generation is called a behind-the-meter system. The latter is joined with the energy load of a facility and generates the power directly to the facility. Community Solar can create a challenge in accepting this definition. Although Community Solar links to in-front-of-the-meter and is bigger than a Distributed Generation system, it is not a Utility-Scale Solar. Utility-Scale Solar has been defined variously based on the size of the solar projects. A leading trade group of the US solar industry, The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) considers solar projects generating more than 1 MW of solar energy to be Utility-Scale Solar. On the other hand, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) US has labelled solar projects with 5 MW as Utility-scale Solar. The threshold ranges between 2 MT to 25 MW in some markets.

Defining Utility-scale Solar Based on Wholesale Power Markets

The market design is an essential factor in defining Utility-scale Solar. In regulated power markets, utilities retain and manage all the mediators involved in delivering electricity to homes and businesses from power plants. The utilities and Public Service Commission are responsible for setting deciding markers for Utility-scale Solar. Deregulated power markets treat electricity as any other commodity. These markets are comparatively organised and competitive.

Defining Utility-scale Solar Based on Power Purchase Agreements

Utility-scale Solar power projects require funding that comes from Power Purchase Agreements. The solar project developers come into agreements with utility, industrial, commercial, and institutional customers. The Power Purchase Agreements over the pre-decided period generate the funding. The agreements can span from 12 to 20 years. Power purchasers sign the financial contract in Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPA) and are subject to the differences in the pre-fixed price of solar energy. If the market price at which solar power is finally sold is higher than the pre-fixed price of the VPPA, the power purchasers receive the differences. In case the market price is lower than the VPPA price, the power purchasers pay off the difference.

Types of Utility-scale Solar

Utility-scale Solar is of two types.

• Solar Photovoltaics or Panels: The power plant is built by installing many solar panels.
• Concentrated Solar Power or Thermal: Thousands of helioscopes reflect sunlight onto a central collector.

Solar power is one of the top renewable energy sources. Given its many advantages, a large number of projects are currently operating all over the globe. The continuously reducing solar cost, coupled with the vast solar-plus-storage, will further the development of solar projects to a large extent.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on December 21, 2022.

Dwarka Expressway Vs Noida Expressway

 

Dwarka Expressway and Noida Expressway are two prominent expressways in the National Capital Region (NCR). These thoroughfares adjoin many popular cities and offer excellent connectivity. A residential property owner can enjoy excellent infrastructure in these zones. You can also expect high returns on investment. As a result, many real estate investment opportunities lie in these micro-markets.

Investment in the Dwarka and Noida expressways will be a profitable financial move. While both expressways come with various advantages, one outperforms the other in certain aspects, which this article will discuss below.

Advantage of location

Noida Expressway is a six-lane highway linking Noida and Greater Noida. It features a rapidly growing residential market, a dynamic social infrastructure and some prominent commercial hubs. The popularity of the area has increased after the Jewar International Airport and Aqua Metro Line of the Delhi Metro were proposed.

The eight-lane highway connecting Delhi to Gurgaon is known as Dwarka Expressway. Its key attraction remains its proximity to the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The newly proposed metro corridor between Sector 23 and Huda City will further enhance the connectivity. The only drawback is its 15–20 km distance from commercial hubs.

Civic facilities

The entire construction of the Noida Expressway is complete, and the civic infrastructure is fully developed. The facilities here have been designed as per the developed markets. On the contrary, Dwarka Expressway is still under construction, and it may not be completely available for public use in the next few years.

The key reason behind the varying condition of these two expressways is the order of development. Noida’s civic infrastructure is laid down first and then the land is allotted for commercial and residential development. In Dwarka, builders avail land rights before the establishment of civic infrastructure. This causes uneven development. This could also be the primary reason for sewage issues and clogging.

Social facilities

Noida and Dwarka Expressways house multiple medical centres, educational institutions and entertainment facilities. Companies like HCL, Infoedge, and Oracle have offices in Noida. Indiabulls and L&T reside in Dwarka.

Inventory provision

With its 206 residential projects, Noida Expressway is slightly ahead of the Dwarka expressway and its 200 residential projects. However, 40% of housing projects in Noida are RERA-registered, whereas 46% of Dwaraka’s projects have Rera registration.

Capital Value

Noida Expressway offers a better infrastructure and development pace than Dwaraka Expressway. However, the latter has increased capital prices. The average home cost of INR 6,400 per sq ft on the Noida Expressway is lower than INR 7,300 per sq ft on the Dwarka Expressway.

Dwarka Expressway has lower rents than Noida Expressway. Noida Expressway observes a rent of INR 9,000–10,000 for 1 BHK, INR 14,000–16,000 for 2 BHK, and INR 17,000–25,000 for 3 BHK. On the other hand, in Dwarka Expressway, the rent is INR 5,700–7,000, INR 8,000–10,200, and INR 21,000–21,800 for 1 BHK, 2 BHK, and 3 BHK, respectively.

Final words

Noida Expressway is a more developed area than Dwarka Expressway. Hence, the first can offer a better life. Noida is also a better option for a family since it is a better-connected and safer area. Its greater vicinity to commercial hubs than the Dwarka expressway is good news for working professionals commuting daily and those looking for employment.

If you want to invest in Dwarka Expressway, check out Joyville Gurugram. The thoughtfully designed spacious homes here will provide you with the utmost convenience, maximum comfort and top-class amenities.

Joyville Gurugram →

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on December 21, 2022.

5 Best Locations for NRI Investment in Pune

 

Being one of India’s largest educational and industrial hubs, Pune attracts great attention. Many step foot in the city for educational and employment purposes. Another sector that has seen a promising opportunity in Pune is the group of investors. Recently, NRI investments in Pune have also been rising. That is because NRIs have taken an interest in the impressive number of real estate projects in the city.

The growing rental and returns of properties ensure a stable source of income and wealth-development opportunities. Any seasoned investor will take this opportunity to gain massive returns on investment.

Now, the question rises, where to invest in Pune?

This article will discuss the 5 best locations in Pune that are best suited for NRI investment.

Hinjewadi

Hinjewadi is a popular IT hub. Large MNCs like Wipro, Infosys and Cognizant have corporate offices in this area. So, there is no scarcity of employment opportunities here. The overall infrastructure of the place is quite developed, and the social life is exciting as well. Furthermore, its strategic location on the northeast corner of Pune makes it well connected to Baner, Wakad, Balewadi, Tathawade, and other prominent areas. Hinjewadi is a dynamic place in terms of location, connectivity and infrastructure, which makes it a profitable investment spot for NRIs.

If Hinjewadi has made an impression on you, check out Joyville Sensorium in Hinjawadi near Phase l, resting on the banks of the Mula river. It is a grand tower in the lap of nature, offering a refined taste of wellness. Spread over 10.5 acres of area, this housing society represents spacious living. Each 2bhk and 3bhk home here has all the luxurious amenities you can expect. The infinity pool and the river-facing clubhouse are just the final touches you need.

Baner

In close proximity to Hinjewadi, Baner rests in the northeast of Pune. The IT hubs of Hinjewadi and popular areas like Balewadi and Aundh surround Baner. Many IT professionals working in Hinjewadi prefer to rent or buy homes nearby, and Baner provides the ideal place. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is close by, which enhances connectivity. The well-developed social and physical infrastructure adds to Banner’s features. Everything considered, Baner is an investment hotspot.

Hadapsar

With good connectivity, developed social infrastructure, and an array of recreational facilities, Hadapsar offers it all. The location already houses the offices of renowned companies like TCS, IBM, and SAS. These alluring features have also helped the real estate industry here. The location is dotted with residential and commercial projects, creating several investment opportunities.

If you like to invest in Hadapsar, then do consider Joyville Hadpasar Annexe which offers 1, 2, and 3 BHK flats starting at Rs.42.9 Lakh on Pune Solapur Highway.

Kharadi

Kharadi was once a barren land, but it became a commercial and residential project hub. Multiple aspects helped speed up Kharadi’s development. This area is located in east Pune, within a short distance from the airport. Famous spots like Cyber City, Koregaon Park, and Kalyani Nagar are easily accessible from Kharadi. The social infrastructure here is also a huge advantage.

Wakad is considered an ideal investment location for NRIs for its many advantages. The connectivity here is excellent, and the daily commute is convenient. Including the many hospitals, schools, malls, fast-food chains and restaurants, the social infrastructure is impressive. Additionally, IT hubs surround Wakad. All these features have led to the development of multiple real estate projects.

To sum up

Pune’s development has been impressive, and it will continue to grow. This growth has opened beneficial investment opportunities. NRI investments have thus increased to a great extent. The 5 locations discussed here are all lucrative options. You can invest in any of these locations and expect good returns on residential and commercial properties.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on December 21, 2022.

What do we have to do to install a solar plant?

 

Solar panels convert solar energy into generating usable electricity. Photovoltaic panels capture sunlight to generate energy and are generally mounted on roofs. They provide energy for both residential and industrial uses. Installing a solar plant may seem daunting at first, but the more information you gather, the easier it will seem.

So, here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process you should follow for the easy installation of your solar plant.

The solar panel mounting brackets are first positioned in place. Flush mounts or roof-ground mounts are to be installed on the roof. Mounts should be installed carefully with precision as they are structures that support and stabilise the solar panels.

It is also vital that you understand the optimum direction towards which the PV panels should be positioned to gain the most amount of sunlight. In the Northern Hemisphere, the South is the best direction as it receives the maximum sunlight, while panels installed in countries of the Southern Hemisphere should ideally face north.

The mounting framework must be tilted at an angle of 18 to 36 degrees to receive maximum sunlight. You can also use a solar tracker for higher efficiency.

Next, the solar panels are secured to the mount with nuts and bolts to ensure the structure stays intact and is long-lasting and durable.

A universal connector like MC4 is compatible with all types of solar panels. You can use the sequences given below to establish the connection:

Series Connection: The positive (+) wire of one PV module is linked to the negative (-) wiring of the next module in a series connection. This type of wiring helps the voltage match with that of the battery bank.

Parallel Connection: Connect positive (+) wires to positive (+) wires and negative wires (-) to negative (-). The voltage on each panel’s wiring remains the same.

Connect the positive wire from the solar panel to the inverter’s positive terminal and the negative wire to the inverter’s negative terminal.

The next step is to link the solar inverter to the solar battery. Again, the positive terminal of the inverter is connected to the positive terminal of the solar battery, and the negative terminal of the inverter to the negative terminal of the solar battery. Solar energy storage is needed to store surplus electricity for backup in an off-grid system.

A standard plug can connect the inverter’s main power switchboard to the power grid. An output wire is linked to the electric board that delivers electricity.

Finally, turn the inverter on when all the wires are in place and connections have been established. The solar inverter has a digital display showing statistics regarding the solar panel’s power generation and use. Hoorah, you have now completed the installation of the solar panel.

Conclusion

Yes, installing a solar panel is that easy. It is a one-time investment that generates electricity for free and it is one of the best “green” choices you can make. Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Limited is a large-scale solar EPC contractor offering green energy solutions such as the complete installation and maintenance of the solar plant.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on November 23, 2022.

What are the Types of Civil Engineering?

 

Civil engineering is a vast field of specialisation. Information on the five major categories of civil engineering is presented here.

• Infrastructure Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Transportation Engineering

Infrastructure Engineering

Infrastructure engineering involves building roads, bridges, and railroads and providing utilities such as drainage and electricity. The main goal of infrastructure engineering is to build fundamental frameworks and mechanisms that enable society to function in the most effective, secure, long-lasting, and ecologically acceptable manner.

Structural Engineering

Structural engineers contribute to constructing all kinds of structures, including skyscrapers, towers, bridges, residences, and public utilities.

They work with other engineers, builders, and architects to analyse and design these structures considering such factors as safety, sustainability, economic feasibility, and aesthetics. Similar to infrastructure engineering, structural engineering involves the complete study of physics and maths involved in the project. For instance, a complex calculation is necessary to ensure the resulting structures are stable with enough durability to withstand loads for long service life.

Structural engineering is the most important component for project design and material selection.

Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering covers fields of study such as soil science, engineering, biology, and chemistry.

Using their theoretical knowledge, environmental engineers undertake in-depth assessments of various environmental problems and develop the best possible solutions. They work to achieve recycling, waste management, air and water pollution reduction, and public health improvements. For example, they invent novel energy-saving methods to reduce pollution, thereby improving the ecosystem.

Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineering aims to comprehend how a project interfaces with the ground.

The main task of this type of engineering is to support project design and construction by conducting multiple on-site tests to determine the risk to people and the environment. These tests will reveal potential risk factors such as rock falls, avalanches, sinkholes, and earthquakes, among other natural disasters.

Geotechnical engineers work on various construction projects, including highways, canals, dams, and bridges.

No two geotechnical engineering projects are the same, as each project is affected by the nature of the ground substrate under testing such as rock, sand, and other natural materials.

Transportation Engineering

The goal of transport engineering is the improvement and upkeep of transportation infrastructure.

A transport engineer uses technology and scientific principles to plan, design, operate, and manage transportation facilities and systems. Their main responsibility is to identify secure, eco-friendly options for all transportation operations of the general public to be carried out in a safe and smooth manner.

Today, we have various transportation options, including boats, trains, highways, bicycle lanes, and planes. The responsibility of a transport engineer is to ensure that each of these modes of transportation complies with a designated set of requirements.

Sustainability and the concept of green energy have become pivotal global issues. More now than ever, transportation engineers are working hard to lower emissions, decrease energy consumption, and improve the environment.

About Shapoorji Pallonji

Shapoorji Pallonji Engineering and Construction offers civil and structural engineering services under the Shapoorji Pallonji brand. Civil and structural engineers employ effective engineering principles, technology, and other resources, as well as comply with pre-approved standards of health, safety and environmental practices to build the various structures we see around us. Civil engineering is one of the significant reasons our society has reached the level of development it enjoys today.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on November 23, 2022.