Solar Feasibility

A captive solar study, also known as a feasibility study for captive solar power, is a comprehensive assessment conducted to determine the viability of installing a solar power plant specifically to meet the energy needs of a single consumer or group of consumers (captive user) rather than feeding power into the grid. It’s a crucial step before investing in a captive solar project.

Key Objectives of a Captive Solar Study:

Technical Feasibility: Evaluating the technical aspects of the proposed solar plant, including site assessment, system sizing, technology selection, and grid integration (if applicable).
Economic Viability: Analyzing the financial aspects of the project, including capital costs, operating costs, payback period, return on investment (ROI), and tariff analysis.
Regulatory Compliance: Assessing the regulatory requirements and approvals needed for the project, including permits, licenses, and compliance with local regulations.
Environmental Impact: Evaluating the potential environmental impacts of the project and identifying mitigation measures.

Key Components of a Captive Solar Study:

Site Assessment: Analyzing the solar resource (solar irradiance, shading), land availability, roof suitability (for rooftop systems), and other site-specific factors.
System Sizing: Determining the optimal size of the solar plant based on the captive user’s energy demand, available space, and budget.
Technology Selection: Choosing the appropriate solar technology (e.g., crystalline silicon, thin-film), considering factors like efficiency, cost, and suitability for the site.
Grid Integration (if applicable): Assessing the requirements for connecting the solar plant to the grid, including interconnection studies and grid stability analysis. Many captive projects are “behind-the-meter” and don’t involve grid connection.
Financial Analysis: Calculating the project’s costs and benefits, including capital costs (modules, inverters, installation), operating costs (maintenance, insurance), and potential revenue from selling excess power (if applicable). This includes calculating metrics like Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and payback period.
Regulatory Analysis: Identifying and analyzing the regulatory requirements and approvals needed for the project, including permits, licenses, and compliance with local and national regulations.
Environmental Assessment: Evaluating the potential environmental impacts of the project, such as land use, water use, and waste generation.

Benefits of Conducting a Captive Solar Study:

Informed Decision-Making: Provides the necessary information to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with a captive solar project.
Risk Mitigation: Identifies potential risks and challenges associated with the project, allowing for mitigation strategies to be developed.
Optimized Project Design: Ensures that the solar plant is designed and sized optimally to meet the captive user’s needs.
Financial Viability: Determines the financial viability of the project and identifies potential funding sources.
Regulatory Compliance: Helps ensure that the project complies with all applicable regulations.