All posts tagged: solar panels

How are Top Quality Solar Panels Made? A Factory Walkthrough

June 13, 2024 admin solar panel Manufacturer No comments

Did you know that most faults in solar panels originate during the manufacturing process? Tiny defects, unnoticed by the naked eye, can significantly impact the efficiency and longevity of the panels. Ensuring top-notch quality control during production is crucial to delivering reliable and high-performing solar panels.

One of the leading Solar PV manufacturers in India, IB Solar, has perfected the art of manufacturing high-quality solar panels by implementing rigorous quality control measures at every stage of production. Join us as we walk you through the meticulous steps taken at IB Solar’s state-of-the-art 500 MW manufacturing site in Noida to ensure each panel meets the highest standards of excellence.

1. Cell Testing for Power

The journey of a solar panel begins with rigorous cell testing. Each solar cell undergoes a detailed power output assessment using advanced testing equipment. This step ensures that only cells with optimal efficiency and performance are selected for further processing, guaranteeing the highest energy conversion rates for our panels.

2. CCD Camera for Checking Cell Visual Defects

Next, we employ high-resolution CCD cameras to inspect each cell for visual defects. This automated process detects minute imperfections such as micro-cracks, discoloration, or other anomalies that could affect the panel’s performance. This stringent quality control measure ensures that only flawless cells proceed to the next stage.

3. String Level Inspection

During string-level inspection, solar cells are interconnected to form strings. Each string is carefully inspected to verify the integrity of the interconnections and to ensure there are no defects that could impact the panel’s efficiency. This step is crucial for maintaining the consistency and reliability of the final product.

4. Pre-EL + Visual Inspection before Lamination

Before lamination, we conduct a pre-electroluminescence (Pre-EL) test along with a thorough visual inspection. The Pre-EL test uses specialized imaging technology to identify any hidden micro-cracks or defects not visible to the naked eye. This ensures that any potential issues are addressed before the critical lamination process.

5. 90-Degree Inspection Table after Lamination

Post-lamination, each panel is examined on a 90-degree inspection table. This allows our technicians to scrutinize the panel from various angles, ensuring the lamination process has been flawlessly executed. Any anomalies are rectified to maintain the high standards expected of IB Solar products.

6. Sun Simulation to Check Solar Panel Power Output

To simulate real-world conditions, we use sun simulators to test the power output of each panel. This step mimics the solar spectrum to accurately measure the panel’s efficiency and performance. Only panels that meet our stringent power output criteria move forward in the production process.

7. Hi-Pot Test to Check IR and Leakage Current

Safety and reliability are paramount. The Hi-Pot test (High Potential test) assesses the panel’s insulation resistance (IR) and checks for leakage current. This ensures that the panels can operate safely under high voltage conditions, preventing any potential electrical hazards.

8. Post Lamination EL

Finally, a post-lamination electroluminescence (EL) test is conducted. This final inspection identifies any micro-cracks or defects that may have developed during lamination. By catching and addressing these issues at this stage, we ensure the structural and functional integrity of each solar panel.

Conclusion

At IB Solar, we are dedicated to delivering top-quality solar panels through a meticulous and rigorous production process. Our commitment to quality is reflected in the multiple layers of testing and inspection that each panel undergoes. As one of the few top manufacturers in India, we take special care to ensure that our products not only meet but exceed industry standards, providing you with efficient, reliable, and long-lasting solar energy solutions.

For more information on our products and to explore how IB Solar can help you harness the power of the sun, visit our website or contact our expert team today!

IB Solar at the Forefront of Solarising Panchayati Raj Institutes

January 5, 2024 admin solar panel Manufacturer No comments

In a significant move towards sustainable energy solutions, a recent meeting chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards renewable energy. The initiative’s main objective was implementing solar energy in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), local self-government bodies in India. This step aligns with the country’s commitment to promoting clean and sustainable power sources to meet its energy needs.

The Essence of the Meeting: The gathering underscored the need for innovative business models to support the widespread adoption of solar energy at the grassroots level. Discussions revolved around strategies to aggregate demand within Panchayats, streamlining the solar energy adoption process. By integrating solar power, PRIs can reduce their dependence on non-renewable energy sources, lower their energy bills, and contribute towards a greener India. This initiative highlights the government’s efforts to enhance the use of renewable energy and promote sustainable development across the country.

IB Solar’s Alignment with National Goals: As a participant in this crucial meeting, IB Solar stands at the forefront of this transformative journey. Our commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions aligns seamlessly with the nation’s vision of ‘Gram Urja Swaraj’, echoing the Prime Minister’s pledge at the COP 26 Summit.

Key Outcomes and Suggestions:

Shri Vivek Bharadwaj highlighted the importance of installing solar systems in Panchayats under Theme 5 ‘Clean and Green Villages’.
The meeting emphasised starting efforts in states with more ‘Clean and Green’ Panchayats.
IB Solar Representatives and various other solar energy stakeholders contributed valuable insights to the discussion.
The National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) proposed developing pilot projects in selected Panchayats to serve as benchmarks for solar energy implementation.

IB Solar’s Role and Future Plans: IB Solar is thrilled to be a part of this groundbreaking project that promises to bring about a transformational change in the country. As a solar solutions provider, we are well-prepared to offer state-of-the-art services customised to the specific requirements of Panchayats nationwide. Our scope of work goes beyond mere installation; we are committed to forging a long-lasting partnership for progress with our clients. Our goal is to ensure the sustainability and efficacy of every solar initiative at the grassroots level. We believe our expertise and our client’s vision will pave the way for a brighter and cleaner future for all.

The recent meeting is not just a discussion but a call to action for all stakeholders in the solar energy sector. As we step forward, our resolve at IB Solar is to be at the helm of this change, driving India towards a future where every village harnesses the sun’s power, contributing to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable environment. Join us in this journey towards a sustainable future. For more information on our solar solutions and how we can help your community, visit IB Solar.

Simplifying Solar Energy Terms for Home/Business Owners

December 12, 2023 admin Ib Solar No comments

Embarking on the journey of installing residential solar panels may appear daunting, given the plethora of new terms and concepts to grasp. To assist homeowners in navigating this exciting transition to renewable energy, Solar Insure has compiled a comprehensive glossary of common terms related to residential solar installation. This invaluable resource aims to clarify important solar terms, offering clear and concise definitions to make the realm of solar energy more accessible and transparent.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore solar power or ready to embrace solar ownership, this glossary serves as a convenient reference point to help you comprehend the intricacies of your solar investment.

Balance of System (BoS): All components of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, excluding solar panels. This encompasses items like mounting structures, wiring, inverters, and monitoring systems.

Battery Storage: An optional component of a solar panel system that enables homeowners to store excess solar energy for use during periods of low sunlight or power outages.

Energy Audit: An assessment of a home’s energy use to identify opportunities for improved energy efficiency.

Feed-in Tariff (FiT): A government program providing financial incentives for homeowners to generate solar electricity and sell it back to the grid.

Grid Connection: The process of connecting a solar PV system to the electrical grid, allowing homeowners to draw electricity when needed.

Ground-Mounted Solar: A solar system installed on the ground rather than a rooftop.

Inverter: A device converting direct current (DC) electricity from solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity suitable for home use.

Interconnection Agreement: An agreement between a solar system owner and the utility company, outlining terms for connecting the system to the grid.

Installer: A contractor or company responsible for solar system installation.

Kilowatt (kW): A unit of power representing the rate at which electricity is generated or consumed.

Kilowatt-hour (kWh): A unit of energy representing the total amount of electricity produced or consumed over time.

Microinverter: A small inverter installed on each solar panel, allowing independent conversion of sunlight into AC electricity.

Module-Level Power Electronics (MLPE): Devices like microinverters or power optimizers installed at the individual solar panel level to optimize performance and monitor output.

Monitoring System: A system enabling homeowners to track and monitor solar PV system performance, including energy production and consumption.

Net Metering: A billing arrangement allowing homeowners to receive credits for excess electricity generated by their solar panels and fed back into the grid.

Off-Grid System: A standalone solar PV system not connected to the electrical grid, often used in remote areas.

O&M (Operation and Maintenance): Ongoing tasks to keep a solar system functioning optimally, including cleaning, inspections, and repairs.

Performance-Based Incentive (PBI): Financial incentives based on solar system performance over time.

Performance Ratio (PR): A measure of actual solar system output compared to its potential output under ideal conditions.

Photovoltaic (PV) System: A system converting sunlight into electricity using solar panels.

Photovoltaic Cell (PV Cell): The basic unit of a solar panel, converting sunlight into electricity.

Power Optimizer: A device installed on each solar panel to maximize power generation by adjusting output to current light conditions.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): An agreement where a solar company owns and maintains solar panels on a homeowner’s roof, selling the electricity to the homeowner.

Racking System: The structure used to mount solar panels to a roof or the ground.

Roof Orientation: The direction a roof faces, affecting the amount of sunlight received by solar panels.

Single-Line Diagram (SLD): A simplified diagram of an electrical system, including solar panels, inverters, and grid connection.

Site Assessment: An evaluation by solar professionals to determine the suitability of a location for solar panel installation.

Soiling: Dust, dirt, or substances accumulating on solar panels, reducing their efficiency.

Solar Array: A group of solar panels wired together to create a unified system generating electricity from sunlight.

Solar Canopy: A structure providing shade while housing solar panels.

Solar Efficiency: The percentage of sunlight converted into electricity by solar panels.

Solar Incentives: Financial incentives, like tax credits or rebates, provided by governments or utility companies to encourage solar energy adoption.

Solar Insolation: The amount of solar radiation received per unit area over a specific time period.

Solar Shading: Obstacles like trees or buildings that block sunlight, reducing solar panel efficiency.

String Inverter: An inverter converting DC electricity from a string of solar panels into AC electricity.

Tilt Angle: The angle at which solar panels are installed on the roof, optimized for capturing maximum sunlight.

Warranty: A guarantee from the manufacturer or installer covering defects, performance, and durability of solar panels and related components.

Solar Insure’s Glossary of Terms:

30-Year Monitoring and Warranty: A Solar Insure product offering monitoring and warranty coverage for solar products and installation.

20-Year Battery Monitoring and Warranty: A Solar Insure product offering monitoring and warranty for battery coverage, including replacement if capacity drops below 30% between years 11-20.

Certificate to Product Warranty Registration Form: A document received 2 to 4 weeks after system installation, marking the beginning of Solar Insure monitoring and warranty.

Contractor’s Liability Insurance: Insurance covering potential damages to the home during solar installation.

Understanding these terms will help empower homeowners to make informed decisions about going solar. From the search and design process to installation, monitoring, and warranty, each phase involves specific terminology that helps to illuminate the process. With this glossary as your guide, navigating the world of solar energy can become a more manageable and rewarding journey.

COP28: Where does india stand in its Transition to Renewable Energy

December 11, 2023 admin Ib Solar No comments

India’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and fulfilling half of its electricity needs through renewable sources by 2030 marks a crucial stride in the global battle against climate change. The nation’s rapid economic expansion, predominantly fueled by coal and oil, has granted millions access to modern energy services. However, this growth has come at the cost of India now having the third-highest annual CO2 emissions globally, even though its per capita emissions remain comparatively low.

To realize the ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2070, India has adopted strategies focused on meeting a significant portion of its energy demand with low-carbon energy sources. The country stands as one of the most promising markets for renewable energy, boasting abundant solar and wind resources. With a burgeoning energy demand, India has the potential to emerge as a global leader in the transition to clean energy.

The Indian government has set lofty targets for renewable energy, aiming to achieve 500 GW of installed capacity by 2030 – a threefold increase from the current 172 GW as of March 2023, according to R.K. Singh, Minister of New & Renewable Energy. The growth trajectory of Indian renewable energy has been remarkable, with a 396% increase in non-fossil fuel capacity over the past 8.5 years, standing at 176.49 GW as of July 2023. The country witnessed the highest Year on Year growth in renewable energy additions, reaching 9.83% in 2022. Solar energy capacity alone has surged 30 times in the last 9 years, reaching 70.10 GW by July 2023.

The Solar Benchmarks:

India’s push for domestic manufacturing of solar modules and related components plays a pivotal role in meeting sustainability goals. This move not only reduces India’s reliance on imported solar equipment but also contributes to job creation within the country. The Indian government has implemented policies, including financial incentives and preferential procurement requirements, to promote domestic manufacturing of solar equipment.

The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme in High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules is a significant initiative supporting renewable energy and domestic manufacturing. Tranche 1 had an outlay of INR 4500 crores, and Tranche 2, launched in September 2022 with an outlay of INR 19,500 crores, aims to build 65 GW of fully/partially integrated manufacturing capacity. This move aligns with the global shift away from Chinese solar modules, presenting India with an opportunity to enhance its manufacturing capacity and exports.

Challenges and Opportunities:

Despite the progress, challenges persist in India’s transition to renewable energy. Massive investments in grid infrastructure are needed to accommodate the growth of renewable energy. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), approximately 1500 GW of renewable energy projects globally await approval for grid connection.

Energy storage solutions are another challenge to address the intermittency of renewable sources. The Central Electricity Authority notes that India requires 41.65 GW/208.25 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) by 2029-2030. However, amidst these challenges, India has opportunities to accelerate its transition to renewable energy, such as the declining costs of solar and wind power and the rising demand for energy in the country.

In a Nutshell:

India’s strides in transitioning to renewable energy are substantial, backed by ambitious targets and progress in domestic manufacturing. While challenges like grid infrastructure and energy storage must be addressed, India possesses opportunities to expedite this transition. By capitalizing on decreasing costs and meeting rising energy demand with renewables, India has the potential to lead the global shift towards clean energy.

News Source: Indiatimes

Global survey shows two-thirds of population favour solar power

October 3, 2023 admin Ib Solar News, Ib Solar Products, Solar Panel No comments

More than two-thirds of the world’s population favours solar energy, five times more than public support for fossil fuels, a global poll has found.

The survey, conducted by Glocalities in collaboration with advocacy groups Global Citizen and The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, was based on interviews with more than 21,000 people in 21 countries between January and June.

The countries included Australia, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey and the United States.

With 68% support, solar power was the most popular energy source, trailed by wind (54%), hydropower (35%) and nuclear (24%), with only 14% of respondents saying they favoured fossil fuels, the survey found.

The Glocalities poll reinforced other surveys showing robust support for renewables in Europe and the United States. The EU’s latest Eurobarometer from May-June found 85% of Europeans support “investing massively” in renewable energies, such as wind and solar power.

A Pew Research Center poll from early 2022, which pre-dated a global spike in energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, showed 69% of U.S. adults prioritised developing alternative energy sources such as wind and solar over expanding the production of oil, coal and natural gas, down from 79% two years earlier.

Fossil fuels, however, still accounted for 77% of global energy consumption in 2022, said Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact and Government Affairs Officer at Global Citizen.

“This ‘production gap’ highlights a concerning paradox: despite strong public support for renewable energy, fossil fuel production remains prevalent,” he said.

“Regardless of demographic or political affiliation, Democrat or Republican, solar power emerges as the world’s preferred energy source…(which) indicates that there exists a common ground where political agendas can align with the clear demands of citizens,” he added.

Global energy demand rose 1% last year and record renewables growth did nothing to shift the dominance of fossil fuels, the most recent Statistical Review of World Energy report said.

Scientists say the world needs to cut greenhouse gas emissions by around 43% by 2030 from 2019 levels to have any hope of meeting the international Paris Agreement goal of keeping warming well below 2C above pre-industrial levels.

Source – Economictimes