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Author: Tishya
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Knowledge Center
September 21, 2021

South Africa increases embedded generation threshold limit to 100 MW: What does it mean for your business?

This move enhances the potential of private companies to support the country’s electricity demand through energy generation. The hitherto existing licensing exemption upto 1MW allowed for roof-top solar to dominate private energy generation. Due to constraints with space and #grid requirements, however, #electricity provided by rooftop solar is largely insufficient for large power consumers.

This new development allows private power producers like us to set up large #solar farms and supply power to multiple customers through the existing grid infrastructure at much lower tariffs. It will help meet the energy demand of not just large power consumers from industries like mining, food processing, agriculture, etc., but also small power consumers without adequate space within their premises for deploying solar.

Cosmic Clean Energy is developing large solar projects across South Africa. Our Solar PPA solutions are delivering cost-effective renewable energy to clients without any need for upfront investment.

Let us help your business save more through solar PPAs. Reach out to us today at info@cosmiccleanenergy.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Knowledge Center
September 17, 2021

What is Wheeling of Power?

One way of delivering renewable energy is through the deployment of a renewable energy system (PV plant) at the client location (on the roof-top or any available space within the premises). For this option, however, the availability of adequate land is a prerequisite for the installation of a system with sufficient capacity. An alternative to this is the off-site power generation option which enables a business to purchase and access power from an electricity generator that is not located at their premises, but elsewhere.
Here, electricity is transported from an energy generator (solar PV plant) to the client using the existing electricity network. This process is referred to as wheeling in the Power Industry. A wheeling agreement is typically signed between the owner of the energy generator (Solar PV plant) and the owner of the electricity network (ESKOM/ Municipality).
To understand the concept of wheeling better, take the example of a client, say, mining company in Northwest province, with a high electricity demand of more than 10 million kWh per annum. If the company does not have sufficient space on its premises to set up a solar plant capable of meeting all its electricity requirements, the wheeling mechanism would be an effective, alternative solution for it to source electricity. The company will sign a virtual PPA agreement with a solar developer company like Cosmic, which will then develop, finance and build a solar farm to meet the needs of the company in a region like Northern Cape (owing to the availability of solar in abundance) and sign a wheeling agreement with ESKOM/ Municipality in that region. The electricity produced from the solar farm will be delivered to the electricity network (managed by ESKOM/ Municipality), and the customer will subsequently receive credit to their existing electricity account (from ESKOM/ Municipality).
Wheeling enables developers like Cosmic to generate renewable energy where resources such as land and sunshine are found in abundance, and supply electricity to clients situated in diverse locations, allowing them direct access to clean, and reasonably priced energy. In doing so, it facilitates the diversification of electricity source for the client to choose its preferred electricity supplier.

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Knowledge Center
September 17, 2021

Is Distributed Power Generation the answer to the South Africa’s power crisis?

The increasing Stage2 load-shedding by #ESKOM in #SouthAfrica has been extensively covered in the news lately, with the organization receiving criticism for the same. The timing of this coincides with the publishing of a CSIR report which draws attention to South Africa’s power generation capacity that declined by almost 9% compared to 2010, leading to increased #LoadShedding.

The good news is that #RenewableEnergy‘s contribution to the country’s energy mix is more than 10% now, which could have been achieved earlier if previous bid window PPAs totalling 2.4GW capacity had been signed on time. Many energy experts believe that new generation capacity under the risk mitigation Independent Power Producer (IPP) program will not be operational before the end of 2022. It is considered to be an overly optimistic target, given the process and construction time required to build such large capacities.

However, the role of distributed #PowerGeneration capacity should not be overlooked here, as it can help bridge the current electricity gap swiftly since they take significantly less time to build. This is, however, subject to NERSA’s timely implementation of generation license exemption for over 1MW capacity, and a few other reforms that are essential for hastening the process.

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Knowledge Center
September 17, 2021

Can we envision a future without a National Grid System?

That some of the world’s biggest economies have frequent #power failures is a clarion call for us to prepare ourselves for the worst.

One futuristic solution that could pave the way is for cities to create their own #energy ecosystem by utilizing the huge untapped infrastructure for #rooftopsolar with storage and turning them into several smart #microgrids through innovative tech applications. Additional power requirements can be met by the nearest generating power station using other clean sources of energy. This will not only remove dependency on national grid, but also lay the foundation for affordable and sustainable energy crucial for the future.

Get in touch with us at info@cosmiccleanenergy.com or visit www.cosmiccleanenergy.com to know how you can go green by accessing affordable solar power solutions.

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Knowledge Center
September 17, 2021

Renewable energy sector mature enough to sustain w/o sec 12J of SA’s IT act!

Sec. 12J of #SouthAfrica’s Income Tax Act undoubtedly encourages local investments in the country and increases fund availability in the market. The Treasury, however, has expressed concerns during the country’s 2021 national budget over its extension. But we believe that investments in technology such as #SolarPower not just help in generating #CleanEnergy and creating new jobs, but also make ultimate financial sense.

How?

At present, the average #electricity tariff for corporate and industrial consumers in South Africa starts from R1.20 and goes up to R2.50/unit, whereas #PVsolar is able to generate electricity at a much-reduced cost, in some cases up to 60% less. Thus, solar projects are gradually proving to be financially beneficial and are sure to fetch good Internal Rates of Return (IRRs) even w/o Sec. 12J.

Cosmic can be your partner to help you reap these substantial cost benefits! Contact us today at info@cosmiccleanenergy.com or visit us at www.cosmiccleanenergy.com.

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Knowledge Center
September 17, 2021

Does solar work during loadshedding?

𝐌ðēð­ðĄ: If you have a grid-tied #SolarPanelSystem, you will continue to receive #power even if the grid goes down.

𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭: If the grid goes down, the solar panel system is also shut off, because it is unsafe to push #electricity back into the wires when workers may be trying to fix the issue. This is referred to as anti-islanding. To rectify this issue, we offer cost-effective comprehensive renewable energy solutions that allow you to manage your energy needs during #LoadShedding.

We can help create a plan customized to suit your requirements, with no upfront investment, and guaranteed savings. To know more, visit us at www.cosmiccleanenergy.com or write to us at info@cosmiccleanenergy.com.

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Knowledge Center
September 17, 2021

Solar is the New Coal

India, just over a decade ago, took to #coal at full throttle, allocating huge capacities to several private companies. All the eager players, however, had to rely on the imports of coal, which resulted in the balance sheets provoking less excitement than one may have expected.

On the other hand, in just 10 years, #RenewableEnergy installed capacity jumped from 9.7% (2010) to 24.5% (2021). The same companies who bet big on coal – private and public, moved to clean energy. Even #CoalIndia, the world’s largest coal company, is shifting to #solar with a staggering $1.73 bn in investment.

At one point, many called India’s 100GW solar target impractical, but now the country readies itself to meet its renewable energy capacity target of 500GW by 2030.

India’s story can help us gain significant insight into South Africa’s immediate future. With its clean energy resources outdoing coal reserves by a 6.5 to 1 ratio, massive land availability, and the government preparing the stage for renewablesâ€Ķ the future appears clear.

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Knowledge Center
September 17, 2021

Overcoming PPA Challenges

For companies who wish to choose a #CleanEnergy alternative without investing in the construction of a #SolarPlant, Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) are an excellent solution offering reasonable flexibility. Companies have the option of purchasing #electricity, instead of an entire plant, saving considerably on costs.

Here is a fantastic analysis by Energy Monitor on the global PPA scenario: https://lnkd.in/eKqKTaq.

The article raises a common concern about long-term commitment, the solution to which we capabilities to offer through the enhanced flexibility our customized PPA models provide, by catering to specific client needs.

With Cosmic, clients can opt for a short tenure (10 years). Although this changes the #EnergyPricing, the net effect is always enormous savings. Additionally, the term can also be extended mid-way if required. From a long-term perspective, however, a 20- to 25- year term would make #FinancialSense to companies that set goals exceeding 20 years, given that energy-use never ceases.

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Knowledge Center
September 17, 2021

Enjoy greater flexibility with virtual PPA’s

While PPAs have ushered in an era of flexible clean energy alternatives, VPPAs (Virtual Power Purchase Agreements) have taken the flexibility to the next level. Essentially, a VPPA is like a regular PPA – a futures contract that helps the buyer #hedge against rising prices of a commodity or currency, without making any direct purchase of the generated electricity.

The developer can install a #SolarPlant at any feasible location and enter into a VPPA with the said company. The developer then sells the power to the #grid or power exchange, and passes on the benefits such as RECs (Renewable Energy Credits) to the company.

If you want to benefit from clean energy without worrying about investment or space, VPPA or PPA is the perfect solution for you. Cosmic Clean Energy specializes in both top-quality solar plants and reliable VPPAs. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

#solarsunday #renewableenergy

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Knowledge Center
September 17, 2021

The 3 Crucial Rs of PV Panels – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Despite solar being among the most environmentally #sustainable and commercially viable clean energy solution, conversations around the potential #solarwaste (60 M tonnes by 2050) in the absence of #recycling mechanisms have bolstered efforts to find ways to make it a truly sustainable renewable energy alternative.
Currently, over 90% of PV panel components – consisting of glass (75%), polymer (10%), aluminium (8%), silicon (5%), copper (1%), small amounts of silver, tin, lead, and other components – can be extracted and reused. Extracting hazardous materials like lead from the panel is critical as disposing it off in the landfill can be catastrophic for the environment.

The solar and battery industry has been making rapid progress and creating positive ripples in the energy sector in the last decade. The significant investments being made in R&D for designing high-value integrated recycling systems and repurposing solar panels are sure to soon find sustainable solutions for recycling and solar waste disposal that are also commercially viable for the industry.

About Shubham Singh

Technical Lead

Shubham has over 10 years of international experience in solar power plant design & engineering. He has augmented the designs for 750+ MW of utility & commercial scale solar plants to achieve lowest LCOEs for projects including floating solar in South Africa and Asia. Proficient in using software like ETAP, PVsyst, Helioscope, DIALux, Sketchup, AUTOCAD, he utilizes his skills and experience to develop innovative designs to optimize solar power solutions at Cosmic.

With a B.Tech. in Electrical and Electronic, Shubham likes exploring new places and experiencing their culture and cuisine.

About Mansi Chugh

Design & Innovation Engineer

Mansi has over eight years of experience working in the USA, India, Canada, and New Zealand. She has enabled several blue-chip corporations to improve their bottom line and business processes through re-engineering and innovation.

At Cosmic, she evaluates new technologies, and leverages her design innovation and automation expertise to achieve the lowest LCOE, and improve the quality of solar plants and business processes.

Mansi, with Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Data Science, is an avid reader.

About Gary Fortuin

Project Developer & Design Engineer

Gary has over eight years of Design Engineering experience specializing in Solar PV Systems, Overhead Line and Substation Power Plants. He has worked on more than 36MW solar projects in South Africa.

Skilled in Solar PV design software, MicroStation, CAD software, Revit, Retic Master, Relux, and Python, Gary takes care of the value engineering on Solar PV designs, project development of large ground-mounted sites, and client liaison.

With a B.E. in Electrical and Electronic, Gary enjoys football and occasionally working on DIY projects.

About Taryn Lee Vos

Legal Counsel

Taryn has over 10 years of experience in Renewable Energy, Fund Raising, Mergers and Acquisitions, Administrative Law, Real Estate, and Litigation.

She has worked on South Africa’s Renewable Energy IPP Procurement Program; large-scale international tenders; project development in emerging markets; project financing; and project-related agreements. She has supported the execution of over 1.2GW solar projects in South Africa, and internationally.

She is a practicing attorney in South Africa, a member of the Cape Law Society, and holds a B.Com. LLB.

About Tishya Swami

Co-founder and Head of Operations

Tishya comes with over 13 years of experience in Solar Energy Project Development, Power Trading, Market Research, Operations Management, and Procurement. Previously, at First Solar, she managed their global module sales and operations planning. She developed a US$ 5 million power trading business from scratch, achieved over 1 GW modules sales and generated over US$ 250 million in revenues.

She uses her exceptional skills to cultivate and maintain long-lasting business relations with our clients and suppliers globally.

Tishya holds an M.Sc. in Energy, and has a keen interest in organising and managing events.

About Tumul Dwivedi

Founder, CEO & Head of Business Development

Tumul has over 15 years of experience in developing, financing, and investing in more than 800 MW solar power projects and raising over US$ 400 million in finance for various solar IPPs across Africa and Asia.

He achieved India’s lowest solar tariff of US$ 3.8 cents/kWh in 2017, subsequently replicating the success in South Africa and the Middle East. He is committed to creating unique business models to deliver the lowest LCOE and make solar power affordable for businesses.

With an MBA in Energy and Finance, Tumul has a keen interest in international politics, and enjoys traveling.