Astonfield, Solesa tie up in Indian, E Africa solar initiative

Jun 24, 2014 - Indian solar power producer Astonfield Renewables on Tuesday unveiled a partnership with Italy-based solar project manager Solesa to provide customised solar solutions in India and Eastern Africa.

The collaboration aims to save fuel costs, cut power outages and lift the cost competitiveness of industrial businesses in the said regions, Astonfield explained.

The two firm have set up Astonfield Solesa Solar, which has developed a solar-diesel hybrid system called the Hybrid Power Controller. The facility can be used in industrial rooftop photovoltaic (PV) projects, ground-mounted solar and off-grid plants. In its first 90 days of operation the entity has received orders for systems of between 100 kW and 10 MW. The first 100-kW solar hybrid plant has been put on stream in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu for iron maker Indo Shell Cast Pvt Ltd. Also, it has commenced construction of power generation systems in Eastern Africa for industrial rooftops.

According to Navigant Research, the market for industrial and large rooftop solar projects in India is to reach 27 GW by 2018. In turn, the global annual market for diesel gensets of 15 kW-6 MW for residential, commercial and industrial facilities is seen to expand to 82 GW by that time.

Astonfield owns 20 MW of solar parks in India and has 17 MW under construction and 270 MW of projects in advanced development. The company is also active in Oman, Mauritius, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Its partner Solesa has developed 150 MW of solar schemes and provides operations and maintenance (O&M) services to 30 MW of capacity.

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