Cost Analysis Of

Solar
Power Systems

By
Rafay Ahmad
Guide
Professor Nimish Gupta

Non-Teaching Credit Course

Cost analysis of solar power systems

17/04/2015
SUBMITTED BY
S. No

Enrollment Numbers

Names

A13567114019

Rafay Baqtiar Ahmad

Guide

Professor Nimish Gupta

MBA CE-QS 2nd SEM

SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

RICS SCHOOL OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT
AMITY UNIVERSITY, NOIDA

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the Non-teaching credit course project

work entitled Cost analysis of solar power systems
submitted to the RICS School of Built Environment, is a
record of an original work done under the guidance of Mr.
Nimish Gupta, faculty member, RICS School of Built
Environment, Amity University NCR DELHI.

ACKNOLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank our guide professor Nimish Gupta

for his support and inspiration in completing this report.
Additionally Pinju Sharia from Amity University,
responsible for setting up the roof top solar power plant at
the university complex has guided the team in
understanding the solar power system.

Table of Contents
1. Objectives..................................................................................8
3. Methodology..............................................................................8
4. Introduction...............................................................................8
5. Case Study...............................................................................12
5.1. Case Study 1....................................................................................................... 12
5.1.1. Bill of Materials......................................................................................... 21
5.1.2. Total costs.................................................................................................. 29
5.1.3. Life cycle costs.......................................................................................... 30
5.1.4. Break even analysis.................................................................................. 31
5.2. Case Study 2....................................................................................................... 32
5.2.1. Bill of materials......................................................................................... 37
5.2.2. Total costs.................................................................................................. 43
5.2.3. Life cycle costs.......................................................................................... 44
5.2.4. Break even analysis.................................................................................. 45

6. Conclusions..............................................................................46
7. Glossary and Abbreviations.......................................................47
8. References...............................................................................49

List of Figures
Figure 4.1 Components of a photovoltaic system...........................................................9
Figure 4.2 A typical roof based solar power system.....................................................10
Figure 5.1.3 Google site map of Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh......................12
Figure 5.1.4 Plan for solar panel arrangement on the rooftop of E1. Similar layout for
the terraces at F1, J1, I1............................................................................................... 15
Figure 5.1.5 Plan for solar panel arrangement on the rooftop of E2. Similar layout for
the terraces at F2, J2, I2............................................................................................... 15
Figure 5.1.6 Plan for solar panel arrangement on the rooftop of E3. Similar layout for
the terraces at F3, J3, I3............................................................................................... 16
Figure 5.1.7 Plan for solar panel arrangement on the rooftop of H5.............................16
Figure 5.1.8 Plan for solar panel arrangement on the rooftop of H6.............................17
Figure 5.1.9 Plan for solar panel arrangement on the rooftop of H7.............................17
Figure 5.110 Solar panels on the rooftop of E1 building...............................................18
Figure 5.1.11 Polycrystalline solar panels by Reno Solar (4004 in numbers total)........18
Figure 5.1.12 String inverter 30 kW at J3 building roof top...........................................19
Figure 5.1.13 ACDB panel at J3 building rooftop...........................................................19
Figure 5.1.14 Armored cable 12 mm at J3 building rooftop..........................................20
Figure 5.1.15 Team member at the roof of Amity University J3 building.......................20
Figure 5.2.16 Location of 3 solar power plants in the district located close proximity.. 32
Figure 5.2.17 Site of 1 MW power plant by Rajratna energy holdings pvt ltd (EPC
contractor).................................................................................................................... 34
Figure 5.2.18 View of the 1 MW solar power plant........................................................34
Figure 5.2.19 Transformer at the site to increase the voltage before transmission......35
Figure 5.2.20 Lt Panel, present to regulate the supply to the grid................................35
Figure 5.2.21 Team member at the site........................................................................36

List of Tables
Table 5.1.1 Brief description of the project at Amity University....................................13
Table 5.1.2 Design summary for the solar project at Amity University.........................14
Table 5.1.3 Bill of materials (DC side) for roof top solar power plant at Amity University
..................................................................................................................................... 23
Table 5.1.4 Bill of materials (AC side) for roof top solar power plant at Amity University
..................................................................................................................................... 28
Table 5.1.2.5 Miscellaneous costs for roof top solar power plant at Amity University.. .29
Table 5.1.3.6 Life cycle costs and revenue generation for rooftop solar power plant at
Amity University........................................................................................................... 30
Table 5.1.4.7 Break even time for the project at Amity University...............................31
Table 5.1.4.8 yearly return at 10 % discount rate for rooftop project at Amity University
..................................................................................................................................... 31
Table 5.2.9 Brief description of the project at Kadhri, Andhra Pradesh.........................33
Table 5.2.1.10 Bill of materials (AC side) for roof top solar power plant at Kadhri,
Andhra Pradesh............................................................................................................ 38
Table 5.2.1.11 Bill of materials (AC side) for roof top solar power plant at Kadhri,
Andhra Pradesh............................................................................................................ 42
Table 5.2.12 Miscellaneous costs for roof top solar power plant at Amity University....43
Table 5.2.3.13 Life cycle costs and revenue generation for rooftop solar power plant at
Kadhri, Andhra Pradesh................................................................................................ 44
Table 5.2.4.14 Break even time for the ground mounted project at Kadhri, Andhra
Pradesh........................................................................................................................ 45
Table 15 Yearly NPV at 10% dicount for ground mounted project at Kadhri, Andhra
Pradesh........................................................................................................................ 45

1. Objectives
To study costs involved for setting up a solar power plant.

2. Synopsis
The project involves analysis of a solar power plant based on the following
considerations:

Life cycle costs.

Costs benefit comparison to other systems.

Payback period analysis.

As a student of construction economics and quantity surveying we have

analyzed various costs involved from production to supplying the power to
end user and its possible benefits to the built environment sector.

3. Methodology

Analysis of a solar plant as a case study. 2 case studies done as part of project.
Study of comparison of historical and future cost breakdown of the plant.
Review of literature and the latest practices followed.
Interaction with people involved in solar power industry.

4. Introduction
The utilization of solar energy as an alternative energy to overcome energy crisis,
especially oil, and has picked up pace since the late 1970s. The solar ray has become
a valuable resource to the power sector. But conversion efficiency and affordability has
since been hampering its prevalent usage. Its economic viability is yet unclear.
Location of India gives it an advantage of high solar insolation. Though India is one
of the leaders in wind power electricity generation. Some large project have been
proposed in the solar sector which will make India competitive in the solar sector on
the world stage. A 35,000 km.s area in the Thar Desert has been set aside for solar
power generation, which will generate 700 to 2,100 GW of electricity. Indias ministry
for new and renewable resource in it Jawaharlal Nehru national soalr mission has
proposed to install a total of 10 GW solar power plants of which 6 GW will be under
central scheme and the rest 4 GW will fall under the state schemes. The India

Meteorological Department (IMD) maintains a nationwide network of radiation stations

which measure solar radiation and also the daily duration of sunshine. In most parts of
India, clear sunny weather is experienced 250 to 300 days a year. The annual global
radiation varies from 1600 to 2200 kWh/sq.m. Which is comparable with radiation
received in the tropical and subtropical regions. The equivalent energy potential is
about 6,000 million GWh of energy per year. The highest annual global radiation is
received in Rajasthan and northern Gujarat. Hence it is essential to understand the
costs involved in a solar power plant. BOQ of a solar plant can give valuable insights
into this process. We have considered two case studies for this purpose, one of the
roof top solar power plant and another of ground based solar power plant. This can
highlight the cost difference between the two. One represents the common building
complex based solution and another represents city level solution of the same
problem: Power.

Figure 4.1 Components of a photovoltaic system

The above diagram explains the hierarchy of the PV system. Solar cell unit
constitutes the building block of the pv system. These cells come together to form the
solar module. This module could produce from the range of 100-500 watts per hour.
Usually they produce around 240 watts per hour. These panels have and efficiency of
15-21%. That is that they convert 15-21% of solar insolation.
To understand the working of solar power plant the diagram below is of use. The
load in a system is the usage, i.e. the buildings consumption. The roof panels produce
the planned capacity of electricity and are connected to each other in string or parallel
connection. These panels are together connected to a junction box. This current
produced is in (DC), it is converted by string inverter of the capacity equal to the

electricity produced. This alternate current is now ready to be supplied through the LT
panel. This LT panel can provide electricity to the existing building load or can be
connected to the grid.

Figure 4.2 A typical roof based solar power system

So a typical building complex has these components for working. The ground
based system differs to rooftop based system in terms of the inverter type and an
additional transformer is present in ground based pv systems which adds substantially
to the cost. Transformers are used to stabilize the voltage coming from the inverter.
Here are few considerations important before setting up a solar power plant:
1. Location of the site:
This criteria helps understanding the total solar insolation per day and annually.
Solar insolation is the amount of solar radiation in a given area. This data is
extremely important to estimate the total yearly production of electricity.
2. Mounting type
The PV system could be ground mounted or roof mounted. They could be mounted
on a new buildings roof or be retrofitted in an existing building. Significant cost
difference can occur between the two systems based on choice of equipment.
Costs such as transformers and civil costs are extra on a ground mounted solar
system.

3. Tilt angles required for the panels

This criterion helps in deciding the type of panel. Parabolic shaped solar panels can
be used to concentrate the solar insolation at the center of the panel system.
Rotation of the panel, automatic or manual nature of the panel can be decided.

4. Inverter type
An inverter can be with transformer or without. Multiple inverters are used in case
of roof mounted solar system. Ground based solar system usually 1 or 2 inverters
for 1MW plant suffice.

5. Wattage of solar modules

A range from 100 watts 520 watts can be found for sale. These panels would be
more expensive when consumed by retail consumers and comparatively lesser
when consume by wholesale contractors such as the one in ground mounted solar
PV systems will be less expensive compared to the rooftop based solar PV systems.
From 100 watts to 240 watts panels can be procured in the range of 7,000 rupees
to 15,000 rupees.

6. Solar module type

The most popular solar modules are poly crystalline module and mono crystalline
module. Mono crystalline cells are cut from a single silicon crystal. It has a smooth
texture and has visible thickness, they are rigid and they must be mounted on a
rigid framework. Polycrystalline cells are cut from a large blocks of silicon crystals.
They have a speckled appearance. They are less expensive than mono crystalline
cells, but the usage efficiency remain almost same, with polycrystalline cells having
maximum peak conversion efficiency of around 20%. The third type is the
amorphous type of panel, these cells are manufactured by placing a thin film of
amorphous (non-crystalline) silicon onto a wide choice of surfaces. These are least
efficient in comparison. Due to their amorphous nature they are very flexible for
installation. Their efficiency stabilizes after few months of usage. And the capacity
should be judged only after this few months of stabilizing.

5. Case Study
Roof top mounted solar power system and ground mounted solar power system are
the two types of cases studied in the project. Both being of 1 MW production capacity.
One being located in Uttar Pradesh and the other being located in Andhra Pradesh
both with high solar insolation of about 300 days a year.

5.1. Case Study 1

The roof top mounted project is located in the Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
complex that is also the University of the Students conducting this research. Total 15
nos building roof have been identified for 1001 KWp solar PV system. These buildings
present in Amity University are further divided into blocks and terraces are selected as
per their terrace layouts. So the buildings considered for the solar power system are
hostel 5,6,7 educational buildings E1, E2, E3, J1, J2, J3, F1, F2, F3, I1, I2, I3. Hostel
building 1, 2, 3 and A,B,C and D block building are not considered for the system.

Figure 5.1.3 Google site map of Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

The project located in Amity University, Noida is based on a 65 acre campus

adjacent to the Delhi Noida flyway. The plan for roof top solar power system is
appropriate for the university in a long term investment perspective as the
consumption of the majorly centrally air conditioned campus is at around peak 7MW
per hour. This power plant will ease the total consumption by 1 MW bringing it down
and resulting in potential savings for the university. The panels designed are fixed flat
panels. These days rotating parabolic panels are available which give maximum
efficiency. The array capacity has been designed based upon the shadow free area
availability on the roof and minimum connected load at the college campus.

Nos

Description

Details

Name of the company

IL & FS

Name of the consultants

Harsha Abakus

Solar
3

Project Location

Amity University,

Noida
4

District Name

Ghaziabad

State

Uttar Pradesh

Power plant capacity

1001 kWp

Irradiation details considered

NASA

Average solar insolation

5.78 kWh/m2/day

Distance between power plant

and load

avg 100 mtr

10

Distance between power plant

and grid common connection

100 mtr

point
11

Type of module to be supplied

Polycrystalline

12

No of modules to be used

4004 nos

13

Inverter nominal rating

30kWp/20kWp/15k
Wp

14

Total number of inverters to be

as per design

used
Table 5.1.1 Brief description of the project at Amity University

The 7 crore project located in Amity University, Noida is aimed at making the
campus green. And reduce the consumption loads. As major expenditure for the school
lies in power. Harsh Abakus is a joint venture between the two companies and they
have designed the system and specifications. The contract has been picked up by the
energy and power wing of IL & FS. The consultants designed the project aptly based on
the roof top surface area available and the shade being cast on the roof due to
adjacent structures were considered. The contracting was done by In house project
management team. The procurement, design and consultancy was outsourced. The
project was completed in span of 5 months from November 2014 to March 2015. AT
present stands completed, pending inauguration. Currently the projects is under
testing.

Serial
No

Building
Identification

Nos of
250 wp
modules

No of
inverter
and
capacity

Total
capcity
in kWp

Produced
Energy
MWh/yea
r

Building no E1

279

2 nos of 30
kW

69.75

109.6

Building no E2

64

1 no of 15
kW

16

25.3

Building no E3

576

4 nos of 30
kW

144

227.4

Building no F1

288

1 no of 15
kW

72

113.1

Building no F2

52

2 nos of 30
kW

13

20.6

Building no F3

279

2 nos of 30
kW

69.75

109.6

Building no H5

160

2 nos of 20
kW

40

62.7

Building no H6

288

2 nos of 30
kW

72

113.1

Building no H7

160

2 nos of 20
kW

40

62.7

10

Building no J1

420

3 nos of 30
kW

105

166.4

11

Building no J2

50

1 no of 15
kW

12.5

19.8

12

Building no J3

650

4 Nos of 30
kW & 1 No
of 20 kW

162.5

256.4

13

Building no I1

288

2 nos of 30
kW

72

113.1

14

Building no I2

60

1 no of 15
kW

15

23.8

15

Building no I3

390

3 nos of 30
kW

97.5

154.3

Total

4004

1001

1577.9

Table 5.1.2 Design summary for the solar project at Amity University

Figure 5.1.4 Plan for solar panel arrangement on the rooftop of E1. Similar layout for the
terraces at F1, J1, I1.

Figure 5.1.5 Plan for solar panel arrangement on the rooftop of E2. Similar layout for the
terraces at F2, J2, I2.

Figure 5.1.6 Plan for solar panel arrangement on the rooftop of E3. Similar layout for the
terraces at F3, J3, I3.

Figure 5.1.7 Plan for solar panel arrangement on the rooftop of H5.

Figure 5.1.8 Plan for solar panel arrangement on the rooftop of H6.

Figure 5.1.9 Plan for solar panel arrangement on the rooftop of H7.

Figure 5.110 Solar panels on the rooftop of E1 building.

Mounting structures are given a foundation of .3 x .3 x .25 (h). This are casted on site
and the mounting structures are bolted to these foundations. The height of mounting
structure is dependent on the distance of panels which is 2 meters apart. The
mounting structure carries a total of 10 panels. Mounting structures are cross braced
for structural stability. The panel rests on interlocked metal sections.

Figure 5.1.11 Polycrystalline solar panels by Reno Solar (4004 in numbers total)

Polycrystalline solar panels manufactured by Reno solar are used in this project.
Polycrystalline modules are of perfect rectangular appearance and have a variable
color shade compared to mono crystalline modules which have a black shade and a

polygonal profile. The modules here are of 240 watts that is each such panel is
capable of producing 240 watts per hour. They have cost 7,000 rupees to the project.
These occupy the bulk of the costs for such a project and hence the company behind
the production of these is of utmost importance. As the usage efficiency or the
conversion percentage of the solar insolation depends on this efficiency.

Figure 5.1.12 String inverter 30 kW at J3 building roof top

4 inverters of 30Kw capacity from delta energy solutions are connected to a

junction box here in the picture above at J3 rooftop. Each such inverter costs around
75,000 rupees. These inverters convert the solar direct current to alternating current.
This electricity is then forwarded to LT panels or as in this case the ABDB (distribution
boards). A total of 650 nos of 240 watts each is installed on the J3 roof that is a total of
148.8 kW of power.

Figure 5.1.13 ACDB panel at J3 building rooftop.

Figure 5.1.14 Armored cable 12 mm at J3 building rooftop

ACDB board is the connection of the produced electricity in AC form to the grid
or to the consumption load. In this case the panel connect the electricity to the
existing load of the building. These panels cost around 20,000 rupees and 14 such
panels are used in the system. ACDB stands for alternate current distribution board.
Based on the system it is connected to ot can be LT or an HT panel system. Lt being
for low tension panel system and HT standing for high tension panel system. HT are
used for higher production capacities and LT for lower production capabilities. So ACDB
panels could receive electricity from a transformer, an inverter or a generator such as
a diesel generator.

Armored cables as seen in the image above is a hard wearing power cable used
to supply electricity to the mains. Armored cable is armed with layers of materials.
These materials would be as follows conductor, insulator, bedding, armor and pvc
sheath. A ferrule connects the inverter to the armored cable which in this case is 12
mm armored cable.

Figure 5.1.15 Team member at the roof of Amity University J3 building

5.1.1.

Bill of Materials

The bill of materials of for all the rooftop solar systems are as follows
Sr.
No
.

Descriptio
n

Uni
t

Quanti
ty

Rat
e

Amoun
t

Specification

Make

Remarks

250
Wp
POLY
crystalline Module
shall
have
PID
Certificate & shall
confirm to
IEC
61215 2nd Edison &
with Junction box
on the Top with
1000 mm Module
cable ( for each
+ve & -ve).

Renesola
or
Equivale
nt

Please provide
1.5 % extra for
O&M
activities.

DC PLANT SIDE
1

SOLAR PV
MODULES ,
250Wp

Nos

4,065

7,000

2,80,42,00
0

String Inverter

30
KW
String
Inverter with Max.
recommended
PV
power = 38 kWp, It
shall confirm to IEC
60068-2
(environmental
)
standards, It shall
be safety rated as
per IEC 62109, EN
50178 or equivalent
DIN or UL standard,

Delta or
Equivale
nt

All inverters shall

be
IEC
61000
compliant
for
electromagnetic
compatibility,
harmonics, etc.
2.1

30 kW, String
Inverter

No's

24

74,35
0

17,84,400

2.2

20 kW, String
Inverter

No's

60,00
0

3,00,000

2.3

15 kW, String
Inverter

No's

52,50
0

2,10,000

2.4

Wall Mounting
assembly for
String Inverter
with require
nut-bolt &
fabrication

Set

16

5200

83,200

Sr.
No
.

Descriptio
n

Uni
t

Quanti
ty

Rat
e

Amount

Mounting
structure (ms
hot dip
galvanized with
appropriate
analysis for
load / wind
speed)

Watts

1000000

3.1

MMS material

3.2

Nut & bolt for

assemble MMS

3.3

Middle clamp &

end clamp for
module

50,00,000

Mounting assembly
1 set for 2 Nos of
String Inverter &
ACDB with require
nut-bolt &
fabrication.

standard

Specificati
on

Make

To suit flat roof

top for 279 Nos
of Modules

NeuvoSol or
Equivale
nt

Remarks

mounting
3.4

Middle Clamp
for Module
Mounting

3.5

End Clamp for

Module
Mounting

DC Cable[ from
string to
Inverter]

4.1

1C x 4 Sq. mm
DC cable

Mtr

Male DC Cable
Connector

Nos.

Female DC
Cable
connector

Nos

2" UV
resistance
flexible
conduits

Mtrs

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

Cable tie UV
Protected

4.6.
1

450 mm

Sr.
No
.

Descriptio
n

4.6

Cable tie UV
Protected

4.6.
1

450 mm

20000

115

4 Sq. mm Solar
grade, UV
resistant 1.1 kV
Cables
confirming to
IEC IEC 60754-1
& IEC 60754-2,
IEC 60332-1,
IEC 60332-324., IEC
61034 ,
Temperature
range -40 to
+90 C

Leoni /
Polycab /
Prysmian
/
Gemsca
b

65,380

MC4 Male
connectors with
suitable lugs for
4 Sq mm Cable

Multi
Contact
or MC4
Compati
ble

37,360

MC4 Female
connectors with
suitable lugs for
4 Sq mm Cable

Multi
Contact
or MC4
Compati
ble

2" UV resistance
flexible conduits

Reputed
Make

450 mm UV
stabilized nylon
flexible cable tie
. Assuming that
each packet has
200 no's

Reputed
Make

Specificati
on

Make

450 mm UV
stabilized
nylon flexible
cable tie .
Assuming that

Repute
d Make

23,00,000

934

934

690

70

40

115
79,350

Pkt

105

260
27,300

Uni
t

Quanti
ty

Rat
e

Pkt

105

260

Amount

27,3
00

Remarks

each packet
has 200 no's
4.6.
2

200 mm

4.6.
3

100 mm

Pkt

44

200

8,8
00

Pkt

48

150

7,2
00

Total cost
on DC SIDE

200 mm UV
stabilized
nylon flexible
cable tie
100 mm UV
stabilized
nylon flexible
cable tie

Repute
d Make
Repute
d Make

3,79,44,9
90

Table 5.1.3 Bill of materials (DC side) for roof top solar power plant at Amity University

Sr
.N
o

Descripti
on

AC SIDE

Unit
s

Quanti
ty

Rate

Amoun
t

Specificati
on

Make

Remark

4Cx10 Sq.mm,
Cu , XLPE,
unarmored
( from Inverter
to ACDB)

meter

500

354

177000

1.1 KV Grade,
4Cx10 Sq.mm,
Cu, Stranded,
XLPE,
unarmored

Lapp /
Polycab /
Prysmian
/
Gemscab
/CCI/Torre
nt

1.1

Providing
suitable PVC
gland for
above cable

No's

26

78

reputed
make

1.2

Pin type Cu
Lug

No's

125

1000

PVC gland for

4Cx10 Sq. mm,
1.1 KV Grade,
LT XLPE
Insulated, 4
Core Cu
unarmored
cable
10 Sq. mm pin
type Cu lug

1.3

Boot lace
ferrules CU
Lug for 10 Sq
mm Cable

No's

125

875

ACDB , IP 65
Outdoor Type,
wall mounted
(Suitable for
terminating
1R, 3.5 C X 70
Sq mm Al.
Cable on
output side)
shall conform
to IEC 62208,
along with the
following:
- 2 Nos. of 63
A, 4 Pole,
RCCB, 300 mA

set

14

10200

142800

reputed
make

Boot lace
ferrules CU Lug
for 10 Sq mm
Cable
standard

ABB/hav
ells/Schn
eider/Leg
rand

- 2 Nos. of 63
A, 4 Pole,
Isolator

- 1 No. of 160
A, 4 Pole,
MCCB with S/C
and O/L
protection

ABB/hav
ells/Schn
eider/Leg
rand

- 1 No. of 32
A, 4 Pole, MCB
for auxillary
supply
- Indication
Lamps for
phases

Sr
.N

Descripti

Unit

Quanti

Rat

Amoun

Specificatio

Make

Remark

on

ty

1.1 kV LT
XLPE, 3.5Cx70
Sq. mm Al.
Armored Cable
( ACDB to LT
Panel)

meter

940

282

265080

1.1 kV LT XLPE,
3.5Cx70 Sq. mm
Al. Armored Cable

3.1

70 Sq mm
Aluminum
Ring type lugs

No's

124

248

70 Sq mm
Aluminum Ring
type lugs

3.2

300 Sq mm
Aluminum
Ring type lugs

No's

12

60

300 Sq mm
Aluminum Ring
type lugs

Dowells

3.3

240 Sq mm
Aluminum
Ring type lugs

No's

12

48

240 Sq mm
Aluminum Ring
type lugs

Dowells

3.4

150 Sq mm
Aluminum
Ring type lugs

No's

76

3.5

266

150 Sq mm
Aluminum Ring
type lugs

Dowells

3.5

120 Sq mm
Aluminum
Ring type lugs

No's

24

120 Sq mm
Aluminum Ring
type lugs

Dowells

3.6

35 Sq mm
Aluminum
Ring type lugs

No's

24

0.7

16.8

35 Sq mm
Aluminum Ring
type lugs

Dowells

3.7

16 Sq mm
Aluminum
Ring type lugs

No's

56

0.5

28

3.8

Providing
suitable
Double
compression
Metal gland
for above
cable
LT Panel,
indoor type
wall mounted
(Suitable for
terminating
1R, 3.5C X 70
Sq mm Al.
Cable on input
side & 1R,
3.5C X 70 Sq
mm Al. Cable
on output
side) shall
conform to IEC
62208, along
with the
following:
- 1 Nos of 160
A ,4P SFU

No's

46

150

6900

Set

15

3250
0

487500

Lapp /
Polycab /
Prysmian
/
Gemscab
/CCI/Torre
nt
Dowells

Dowells

Metal gland for

3.5C x 70 Sq.
mm, 1.1 KV
Grade, LT XLPE
Insulated armored
cable

Reputed
Make

Sr
.N
o

Descripti
on

Unit
s

Quanti
ty

Rat
e

Amoun
t

Specificatio
n

Make

Set

57

5200

296400

As per IS 3043
specifications,
Chemical Treated
earth pits 50 mm
dia, 3 mm Thick
and 3M long GI
pipe
earth
electrode, along
with accessories
like
GI
Cover
Hinged
to
GI
Frame,
Funnel
with
Precast
earthig
Chamber( 1 ft x 1
ft)

Ashlok /
equivale
nt
Reputed

meter

750

62

46500

1C x 10 Sq mm
CU Flexible
Earthing cableGreen

No's

750

10

7500

10 Sq mm, hole 8
mm dia.

- 150/5A, 7.5
VA CT with
Energy Meter ,
0.5S class
Accuracy -2
Set
- 415V, Class
1.0 Surge
Arrestor - 1
Set
- Indication
lamp for
phases- 1 Set
( 1 Set = 1 No
of ACDB)
5

5.1

5.2

Earthing
systems

Chemical
Treated earth
pits 50 mm
dia, 3 mm
Thick and 3M
long GI pipe
earth lectrode,
along with
accessories
like GI Cover
Hinged to GI
Frame, Funnel
with Wire
Mesh with
Precast
earthing
Chamber ( 1 ft
x 1 ft).
1 C x 10 Sq
mm CU
Earthing
cable- Green

5.3

Ring type
copper Lug

5.4

25 x 6 mm, GI
Earthing strip

meter

3050

93

283650

25 x 6 mm, GI
Earthing strip

5.4.
1

CONE TYPE
Insulator with
Stud

No's

800

500

400000

CONE TYPE
Insulator with
stud , M8 / M10

Ashmor
or
Equivale
nt

Remark

Sr.
No

Descriptio
n

Lightning
Protection
system

6.1

Early Streamer
Emission type
Lightning Spike
with GI mast of
5 Mtrs along
with all
mounting
structures for
mounting on
Wall or Flat
roof..

6.2

6.3

1.Protection
Level-3
2.Protection
radius--107mtrs
1 C x 50 Sq.
mm PVC
Insulated
Copper Cable
for the
lightning down
conductor
Chemical
Treated earth
pits

Unit
s

Quanti
ty

No's

Rat
e

Amoun
t

Jeftechno
/Erico/
Indelec
or
Equivale
nt

1.Protection
Level-3
2.Protection
radius--107mtrs
1C x 50 Sq. mm
PVC Insulated
Multi stranded
Copper Cable

155

23250

No's

10

1100
0

110000

Chemical
Treated earth
pits 50 mm dia,
3 mm Thick and
3M long GI pipe
earth electrode,
along with
accessories like
GI Cover Hinged
to GI Frame,
Funnel with Wire
Mesh & Precast
earthing
Chamber( 1 ft x
1 ft)

Jeftechno
or
Equivale
nt

400

220000

GI perforated
Cable tray, 50 x
25 x 2 mm with
cover, coupler
plates & Nutbolt
Standoff/
Mounting
brackets for
holding cable
tray
Cable tray cover
holding clamps

Reputed
make

M6 x 15 mm, GI
Nut-bolt with 2
Nos of plain
Washer

Reputed
make

7.1

GI perforated
Cable tray, 150
x 25 x 2 mm
with cover,
coupler plates
& Nut-bolt
Standoff/
Mounting
brackets for
holding cable
tray
Cable tray
cover holding
clamps

meter

550

No's

550

No's

1100

M6 x 15 mm, GI
Nut-bolt with 2
Nos of plain
Washer

No's

550

7.1.
4

Early Streamer
Emission type
Lightning Spike
with GI mast of
5 Mtrs along
with all
mounting
structures for
mounting on
Wall or Flat
roof..

150

Miscellaneous

7.1.
3

Make

meter

7.1.
2

Specificati
on

2200

Reputed
make

Reputed
make

Remark

7.1.
5

M6 x 75 mm, GI
Nut-bolt with 2
Nos of plain
Washer
M6 x 75 mm,
Anchor
Fastener

No's

1100

M6 x 75 mm, GI
Nut-bolt with 2
Nos of plain
Washer
M6 x 75 mm,
Anchor Fastener

Reputed
make

No's

300

Sr.
No

Descriptio
n

Unit
s

Quanti
ty

Rat
e

Amoun
t

Specificati
on

Make

7.2

Insulation Tape
roll (100 Nos
each for red,
yellow, blue,
black and
green)
HDPE flexible
pipe, OD- 40
mm

No's

450

10

4500

Insulation Tape
roll

Standard

No's

7583

170

1289110

HDPE flexible
pipe, OD- 40
mm, PN 4

7.4

Elbow, ID- 40
mm

No's

2960

125

370000

Elbow, ID- 40
mm UPVC

Standard

7.5

T Connectors,
ID-40 mm

No's

804

150

120600

T Connectors,
ID-40 mm UPVC

Standard

7.6

Coupler, ID-40
mm

No's

2330

70

163100

Coupler, ID-40
mm UPVC

Standard

7.7

Ferrules(A-F;16;Plus sign and

minus sign) for
10 Sq mm

lot

300

300

Standard

Reputed
make

7.8

Insulation Tape
roll (100 Nos
each for red,
yellow, blue,
black and
green)
Aluminum Tag
for 3.5 C Al
Armored Cable

set

1100

1100

Standard

Reputed
maker

Lot

250

250

Standard

Reputed
maker

7.16

7.3

7.9

Total cost
on AC
SIDE

5500

Reputed
make

Remark

HDPE
flexible pipe
which
available in
1000 Mtr
Role

It is common
for whole
Project. And
we shall give
the scope of
supply to the
contractor

44258
84

Table 5.1.4 Bill of materials (AC side) for roof top solar power plant at Amity University

Total cost of materials for roof top solar plant (AC and DC side materials) is
(3,79,44,990 + 44,25,884) = 4,23,80,874 (4.23 crore)

5.1.2.

Total costs

Sr.N
o

Description

Quantit
y

Units

Rate

Amount

Civil Cost

1.1

Cost of concrete for

mounting structure

cum

39.886

5700

227350.2

1.2

Cost of installation

mw

17,00,000

1700000

Total civil cost

2
2.1.1
2.1.2

1927350.2

Insurance cost
Approval and
permissions

per mw

per mw

12,71,12
6.21
2,50,00
0.00

250000
1521126.214

Sr. Engineer

No's

2.2.2

Technical Engineer

No's

2.2.3

Supervisor

No's

2.2.5

Total labour charges

Total salaries during
construction

No's

15

4.1

1271126.214

Salaries

2.2.1

Concrete of
M20 grade

Prelims and Supervision Cost

Total cost of prelims

2.2

Remarks

35,000
2
0,000
1
2,000
300
2.5

35000
20,000
24,000
1,35,000

daily wages

5,35,000

Monthly Expenditure
Telephone bills and other
expenses

month

20000

20,000

Total other expenses

month

2.5

20000

50,000

Total cost of construction, P&S, other costs

Cost of material for solar power plant(DC+AC Side)

40,33,476
4,23,70,874

Total cost of 1 Mega Watt SOLAR PLANT on roof top

4,64,04,35
0

From BOM

Table 5.1.2.5 Miscellaneous costs for roof top solar power plant at Amity University.

5.1.3.

Life cycle costs

Sr.N
o

Description

Units

Quantit
y

Rate

Amount

Remarks

Annual Expenditure
1
1.1

Salaries
Technical
Engineer

no's

20,000

1.2

Supervisor

no's

11,000

Total
Annual salaries
cost

no's

2
2.1

3.1
3.2

2
0,000
2
2,000
4
2,000
5,04
,000

12

Other Expenses
Telephone bills
and other
expenses
Total other
expenses cost

1
5,000
1,80
,000

month

15000

month

12

15000

month

20000

20,000

month

12

20000

2,40,000

Maintenance
AMC for PV
modules vacuum
cleaning, modules
& cables repair &
maintenance/mon
th
Annual
maintenance cost

Total Annual
Expenditure
Total Annual
Expense

9,24,0
00

Rs

Annual Revenue
1

Revenue

1.1

Production/hour

units/hour

1000

1000

1.2

Daily production

units/day

1000

8000

1.3

Yearly production

units/year

8000

300

24,00,00
0.00

per hour
production
In 1day 8hrs are
considered as
productive hours
In an year 300
day are considered
as productive days
& 8 hrs/day as
productive hours

Total Annual
Revenue(before
expenses)

rupees/unit

24,00,000

1,68,00,0
00.00

7 per unit sale

price

1,58,76,000.
00

Total gross income (After expenses)

Table 5.1.3.6 Life cycle costs and revenue generation for rooftop solar power plant at Amity
University

5.1.4.

Break even analysis

Sr.No

Description

Unit

Quantity

Amount

Break Even Analysis

1

Total investment

per mw

4,64,04,350.21

Total gross income

per mw
1 1,58,76,000.00
Breakeven point (10% discount
3 years 9
3 rate)
years
months
Table 5.1.4.7 Break even time for the project at Amity University

Time
Period

Initial
Investment

Net Cash
Inflow

Yearly NPV at
10%

-4,64,04,350.21

1,58,76,000.00

-2,90,65,111.76

1,58,76,000.00

-1,71,37,237.99

1,58,76,000.00

-62,93,716.37

1,58,76,000.00

35,64,030.56

1,58,76,000.00

1,25,25,618.67

1,58,76,000.00

2,06,72,516.96

1,58,76,000.00

2,80,78,788.12

1,58,76,000.00

3,48,11,761.91

1,58,76,000.00

4,09,32,647.18

10

1,58,76,000.00

4,64,97,088.32

11

1,58,76,000.00

5,15,55,671.19

12

1,58,76,000.00

5,61,54,382.88

13

1,58,76,000.00

6,03,35,029.87

14

1,58,76,000.00

6,41,35,618.05

15
1,58,76,000.00
6,75,90,698.21
Table 5.1.4.8 yearly return at 10 % discount rate for rooftop project at Amity University

5.2. Case Study 2

A total of 3 solar plants are located within 2 kms distance of each other being done
by three different EPC contractors. Two plants are of 1MW and one plant is of 5 MW. We
have studied the 1MW power plant for ease of comparison and availability to the case
study. Amrit jal solar power plant is a 1 megawatt (mw) plant located near by the
Kadiri town and is a part in Anantapure district in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Being
the first project for the companies it was built under the mission of Jawaharlal Nehru
national solar. The Jawaharlal Nehru national solar mission was launched on the 11th
January, 2010 by our former prime minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. The grid mission
has set the ambitious target pf deploying 20000 mw of grid connected solar power by
2022 and aims at reducing the cost of solar power generation in the country through:
(1) Long term policy.
(2) Large scale deployment goals.
(3) Aggressive R&D and
(4) Domestic production of critical raw materials, components and products.
It has been envisaged to achieve grid tariff parity by 2022. The 2 more solar
projects established in Anantapure district near by the Kadiri town are Sri Power solar
plant and Rithiwik solar power plant. We have visited the Amrit Jal solar power plant.
The project was started in March 9 2012. The engineering and procurement
construction (EPC) Works done by Raja Rathna holdings. And the design and
engineering works of plant have been by AIC projects, Germany. Rithwik power
projects is setting up of 5 mw solar power plant in the same district. Sri Power solar
plant has set up a capacity of 1 mw. Both project located in same vicinity.

Figure 5.2.16 Location of 3 solar power plants in the district located close proximity.

Anantapur (D) known for arid weather conditions as one which receives solar
radiation 5.2 6 kWh / m2.per day. It gains significance as the district is one of the few
places across the India which receives heat radiation of such strength. Most part of
Andhra Pradesh are endowed with vast solar Energy potential with about 300 sunny
days a year. The daily solar energy incidence is between 5.5 6 kwh/m2 these are
different parts in Andhra Pradesh. Anantapur and other districts are feasible for solar
power projects. Anantapur which is approximately 200 km north of Bangalore city. The
location is 1359.276N, 77 16.848E with an Elevation of 662 670 m.
Solar radiation data from metronome weather data and NASA satellite data for
resource assessment has been considered for feasibility of these projects. A study of
climatic parameters heat and humidity prevailing wind. The annual solar Radiation has
been established to be 1941.8 kwh/m2 plant site. The defuse Radiation has been
observed 886.5 kwh/m2 of horizontal surface. It has approximately 2057.2kwh/m2 the
annual global solar radiation. The angle of solar panels is 15degrees based on the
incident sunlight rays.

Nos
1
2
3
4
5

Description

Details

Name of the company

Name of the contractor
Project Location
District Name
State

Amrit Jal ventury

AIC
Kadhri
Anandpur
Uttar Pradesh

6
7
8
9

Power plant capacity

Irradiation details considered
Average solar insolation
Distance between power plant and
load

1 MWp
NASA
5.78 kWh/m2/day
avg 100 mtr

10

Distance between solar panel

structures

11
12

Type of module to be supplied

No of modules to be used

13

Inverter nominal rating

2 mtr
Polycrystalline
thinflim
4004 nos
500 cp (SMA 500
watts)

14

Total number of inverters to be used

2 nos

Table 5.2.9 Brief description of the project at Kadhri, Andhra Pradesh

Figure 5.2.17 Site of 1 MW power plant by Rajratna energy holdings pvt ltd (EPC contractor)

Figure 5.2.18 View of the 1 MW solar power plant

The site is divided into multiple parcels of land which have different
geographical elevations. The pv modules are arranged as per these geographical
constraints. It has a centrally located r.c.c structure which houses the LT panels and
space for the supervisors and engineers. Adjacent to which lie the transformer and
the inverters.

Figure 5.2.19 Transformer at the site to increase the voltage before transmission.

A transformer is an electrical device that transfers energy between two or more

circuits through electromagnetic induction. In other words it is utilized to convert AC

voltage from one volt to another within power networks. Two transformers of 50Mva
each are used at the site.

Figure 5.2.20 Lt Panel, present to regulate the supply to the grid.

HT panels connects the grid to the power generated. The voltage received is stepped
up by the transformer. The whole circuit is connected to the control panel which
regulates the working of the system.

Figure 5.2.21 Team member at the site

Team member has visited the site and collected data as per the group understanding
and questions prepared as part of the exercise. The site visits added valuable insights
to the various components and workings of a solar power plant. The site supervisors
were helpful and they were the reason for a clear picture in our minds for the workings
of a solar power plant.

5.2.1.
Sr.
N
o.

Bill of materials
Descriptio
n

Uni
t

Quanti
ty

Rate

Amount

Specification

Make

Nos

10,150

5,000

2,00,30,000

100 W polycrystalline
Module shall have PID
Certificate & shall confirm to
IEC 61215 2nd Edison.

Renesola or
Equivalent

DC PLANT SIDE
1

SOLAR PV
MODULES ,
250Wp

String Inverter

Nos

95,00,0
00

Mounting
structure (ms
hot dip
galvanized with
appropriate
analysis for load
/ wind speed)

Lot

20

5000

3.1

MMS material

3.2

Nut & bolt for

assemble MMS

3.3

Middle clamp &

end clamp for
module
mounting
Middle Clamp
for Module
Mounting

3.4

3.5
4

4.1

1,90,00,000

1,00,000

500 cp String Inverter with

Max. recommended PV
power = 38 kWp, It shall
confirm to IEC 60068-2
(environmental ) standards,
It shall be safety rated as
per IEC 62109, EN 50178 or
equivalent DIN or UL
standard,
All inverters shall be IEC
61000 compliant for
electromagnetic
compatibility, harmonics,
etc.
To suit flat surface structures
for 10150 Nos of Modules

Delta or
Equivalent

1.5 Sq. mm Solar grade, UV

resistant 1.1 kV Cables
confirming to IEC IEC 607541 & IEC 60754-2, IEC 603321, IEC 60332-3-24., IEC
61034 , Temperature range
-40 to +90 C

Leoni /
Polycab /
Prysmian /
Gemscab

Neuvo-Sol
or
Equivalent

End Clamp for

Module
Mounting
DC Cable[ from
string to
Inverter]
1C x 4 Sq. mm
DC cable

Mtr

74000

115

Sr.
N
o.

Descriptio
n

Uni
t

Quanti
ty

Rate

4.3

Male DC Cable
Connector

Nos.

10150

70

7,10,500

MC4 Male connectors with

suitable lugs for 2Sq mm
Cable

Multi
Contact or
MC4
Compatible

4.4

Female DC
Cable connector

Nos

10150

40

4,06,000

MC4 Female connectors

with suitable lugs for 2Sq
mm Cable

Multi
Contact or
MC4
Compatible

85,10,000

Amount

Specification

Make

4.5

2" UV resistance
flexible conduits

Mtrs

1100

115

1,26,500

2" UV resistance flexible

conduits

Reputed
Make

4.6

Cable tie UV
Protected

4.6.
1

450 mm

Pkt

1800

260

4,68,000

Reputed
Make

4.6.
2

200 mm

Pkt

1400

200

2,80,000

450 mm UV stabilized
nylon flexible cable tie .
Assuming that each packet
has 200 no's
200 mm UV stabilized
nylon flexible cable tie

4.6.
3

100 mm

Pkt

900

150

1,35,000

100 mm UV stabilized
nylon flexible cable tie

Reputed
Make

Total cost
on DC
SIDE

Reputed
Make

4,97,66,0
00

Table 5.2.1.10 Bill of materials (AC side) for roof top solar power plant at Kadhri, Andhra
Pradesh

Sr.
N
o.

Descriptio
n

Uni
t

Quanti
ty

Rate

Amount

metre

900

354

318600

Specification

Make

1.1 KV Grade, 4Cx10 Sq.mm,

Cu, Stranded, XLPE,
unarmored

Lapp /
Polycab /
Prysmian /
Gemscab
/CCI/Torrent

AC SIDE
1

4Cx10 Sq.mm,
Cu , XLPE,
unarmored
( from Inverter
to ACDB)

1.1

Providing
suitable PVC
gland for above
cable

No's

18

PVC gland for 4Cx10 Sq.

mm, 1.1 KV Grade, LT XLPE
Insulated, 4 Core Cu
unarmoured cable

reputed
make

1.2

Pin type Cu Lug

No's

12

96

2.5 Sq. mm pin type Cu lug

reputed
make

1.3

Boot lace
ferrules CU Lug
for 10 Sq mm
Cable

No's

20

140

Boot lace ferrules CU Lug for

2.5Sq mm Cable

ACDB , IP 65
Outdoor Type,
wall mounted
(Suitable for
terminating 1R,
3.5 C X 70 Sq
mm Al. Cable on
output side)
shall conform to
IEC 62208,
along with the
following:
1.1 kV HT XLPE,
3.5Cx70 Sq.
mm Al.
Armoured Cable
( ACDB to HT
Panel)

set

10200

20400

metre

170

282

47940

1.1 kV HT XLPE, 3.5Cx70 Sq.

mm Al. Armoured Cable

Lapp /
Polycab /
Prysmian /
Gemscab
/CCI/Torrent

standard

3.1

70 Sq mm
Aluminium Ring
type lugs

No's

22

44

70 Sq mm Aluminium Ring
type lugs

Dowells

3.2

300 Sq mm
Aluminium Ring
type lugs

No's

45

300 Sq mm Aluminium Ring

type lugs

Dowells

3.3

240 Sq mm
Aluminium Ring
type lugs

No's

12

48

240 Sq mm Aluminium Ring

type lugs

Dowells

3.4

150 Sq mm
Aluminium Ring
type lugs

No's

22

3.5

77

150 Sq mm Aluminium Ring

type lugs

Dowells

3.5

120 Sq mm
Aluminium Ring
type lugs

No's

220

660

120 Sq mm Aluminium Ring

type lugs

Dowells

Sr.
N
o.

Descriptio
n

Uni
t

Quanti
ty

Rate

Amount

3.6

35 Sq mm
Aluminium Ring
type lugs

No's

130

0.7

91

Specification

35 Sq mm Aluminium Ring
type lugs

Make

Dowells

3.7

16 Sq mm
Aluminium Ring
type lugs

No's

200

0.5

100

3.8

Providing
suitable Double
compression
Metal gland for
above cable

No's

800

150

120000

HT Panel,
indoor type wall
mounted
(Suitable for
terminating 1R,
3.5C X 70 Sq
mm Al. Cable on
input side & 1R,
3.5C X 70 Sq
mm Al. Cable on
output side)
shall conform to
IEC 62208,
along with the
following:
TRANSFORMERS

Set

32500

130000

Nos

Rs.
1,30,00
,000.00

Set

5200

20800

As per IS 3043
specifications,
Chemical Treated earth pits
50 mm dia, 3 mm Thick and
3M long GI pipe earth
electrode, along with
accessories like GI Cover
Hinged to GI Frame, Funnel
with Precast earthig
Chamber( 1 ft x 1 ft)

metre

100

62

6200

1C x 10 Sq mm CU Flexible
Earthing cable- Green

No's

100

10

1000

10 Sq mm, hole 8 mm dia.

Uni
t

Quanti
ty

Rate

Amount

6.1

6.2

2,60,00
,000

Dowells

Metal gland for 3.5C x 70 Sq.

mm, 1.1 KV Grade, LT XLPE
Insulated armoured cable

Capacity 50Mva. Step up

transformer

Reputed
Make

Vijay
electrical

EARTHING
SYSTEM

Chemical
Treated earth
pits 50 mm dia,
3 mm Thick and
3M long GI pipe
earth electrode,
along with
accessories like
GI Cover Hinged
to GI Frame,
Funnel with
Wire Mesh with
Precast earthig
Chamber (1 ft x
1 ft).
1 C x 10 Sq mm
CU Earthing
cable- Green

6.3

Ring type
copper Lug

Sr.
N
o.

Descriptio
n

Specification

Ashlok /
equivalent
Reputed

Make

6.1

6.2

Chemical
Treated earth
pits 50 mm dia,
3 mm Thick and
3M long GI pipe
earth electrode,
along with
accessories like
GI Cover Hinged
to GI Frame,
Funnel with
Wire mesh with
Precast earthig
Chamber (1 ft x
1 ft).
1 C x 10 Sq mm
CU Earthing
cable- Green

Set

5200

20800

As per IS 3043
specifications,
Chemical Treated earth pits
50 mm dia, 3 mm Thick and
3M long GI pipe earth
electrode, along with
accessories like GI Cover
Hinged to GI Frame, Funnel
with Precast earthig
Chamber( 1 ft x 1 ft)

metre

100

62

6200

1C x 10 Sq mm CU Flexible
Earthing cable- Green

No's

100

10

1000

10 Sq mm, hole 8 mm dia.

6.3

Ring type
copper Lug

6.4

25 x 6 mm, GI
Earthing strip

metre

300

93

27900

25 x 6 mm, GI Earthing strip

6.4.
1

CONE TYPE
Insulator with
Stud

No's

100

500

50000

CONE TYPE Insulator with

stud , M8 / M10

No's

10

7.1

7.2

7.3

Ashlok /
equivalent
Reputed

Ashmor or
Equivalent

Lightning
Protection
system
Early Streamer
Emission type
Lightning Spike
with GI mast of
5 Mtrs along
with all
mounting
structures for
mounting on
Wall or Flat
roof..
1.Protection
Level-3
2.Protection
radius--107mtrs
1 C x 50 Sq.
mm PVC
Insulated
Copper Cable
for the lightning
down conductor
Chemical
Treated earth
pits

Early Streamer Emission

type Lightning Spike with GI
mast of 5 Mtrs along with all
mounting structures for
mounting on Wall or Flat
roof..

Jeftechno/Er
ico/ Indelec
or
Equivalent

1.Protection Level-3
2.Protection radius--107mtrs

metre

No's

100

155

15500

11000

1C x 50 Sq. mm PVC
Insulated Multi stranded
Copper Cable

Chemical Treated earth pits

50 mm dia, 3 mm Thick and
3M long GI pipe earth
electrode, along with
accessories like GI Cover
Hinged to GI Frame, Funnel
with Wire Mesh & Precast
earthig Chamber( 1 ft x 1 ft)

Jeftechno or
Equivalent

Sr.
N
o.

Descriptio
n

Uni
t

Quanti
ty

Rate

MISCELLANEOU
S

8.1

GI perforated
Cable tray, 150
x 25 x 2 mm
with cover,
coupler plates &
Nut-bolt
Standoff/
Mounting
brackets for
holding cable
tray
Cable tray cover
holding clamps

metre

120

400

No's

120

No's

240

8.1.
4

M6 x 25 mm, GI
Nut-bolt with 2
Nos of plain
Washer

No's

120

8.1.
5

M6 x 55 mm, GI
Nut-bolt with 2
Nos of plain
Washer
M6 x 55 mm,
Anchor Fastener

No's

200

Insulation Tape
roll (100 Nos
each for red,
yellow, blue,
black and
green)
HDPE flexible
pipe, OD- 40
mm

No's

720

10

7200

No's

180

170

30600

HDPE flexible pipe, OD- 40

mm, PN 4

8.4

Elbow, ID- 40
mm

No's

200

125

25000

Elbow, ID- 40 mm UPVC

Standard

8.5

T Connectors,
ID-40 mm

No's

60

150

9000

T Connectors, ID-40 mm
UPVC

Standard

8.6

Ferrules(A-F;16;Plus sign and

minus sign) for
10 Sq mm
Insulation Tape
roll (100 Nos
each for red,
yellow, blue,
black and
green)
Aluminium Tag
for 3.5 C Al
Armoured Cable

lot

300

300

Standard

Reputed
make

set

1100

1100

Standard

Reputed
maker

Lot

250

250

Standard

Reputed
maker

No's

450000

900000

8.1.
2

8.1.
3

8.1
6
8.2

8.3

8.7

8.8

8.9

Diesel
Generator 50
KAV

Total cost
on AC
SIDE

No's

Amount

48000

Specification

Make

GI perforated Cable tray,

50 x 25 x 2 mm with cover,
coupler plates & Nut-bolt

Reputed
make

Standoff/ Mounting
brackets for holding cable
tray

Reputed
make

Cable tray cover holding

clamps

Reputed
make

480

M6 x 25 mm, GI Nut-bolt
with 2 Nos of plain Washer

Reputed
make

1000

M6 x 55 mm, GI Nut-bolt
with 2 Nos of plain Washer

Reputed
make

M6 x 55 mm, Anchor
Fastener

Reputed
make

2,77,82
,589

Insulation Tape roll

Standard

Table 5.2.1.11 Bill of materials (AC side) for roof top solar power plant at Kadhri, Andhra
Pradesh

Total cost of materials for roof top solar plant (AC and DC side materials) is
(4,97,66,000 + 2,77,82,589) = 7,75,48,589 (7.75 crore)

5.2.2.

Total costs

Sr.N
o
1

Description

Unit
s

Quanti
ty

Rate

Amount

Civil Cost

1.1

Land Cost

acre

10

500000

5000000

1.2

Cost of excavation for mounting

structures

cum

70

170

11900

1.3

Land levelling

cum

6000

48000

1.4

Cost of concrete for mounting

structure

cum

20

5700

114000

1.5

Cost of foundation for transformer

cum

20000

20000

1.6

Cost of site office

No's

100000

100000

1.7

Gate

No's

20000

20000

1.8

Cost of installation

mw

17,00,000

1700000

Total civil cost

Insurance cost

2.2

Approval and permissions

per
mw
per
mw

2326457.67
250000
2576457.67

Supervision

3.1

Sr. Engineer

no's

35,000

3.2

Technical Engineer

no's

20,000

20,000

3.3

Supervisor

no's

12,000

24,000

3.4

Office assistant

no's

3.5

Total labour charges

no's

15

6,500
30
0

Total salaries during construction

4.1

Concrete
of M20
grade

5313900

Total cost of prelims

nonagricultura
l land

Prelims

2.1

Remark
s

2.5

35000

13,000
1
,35,000
5
,67,500

Monthly Expenditure
Telephone bills and other expenses

mont
h

20,000

20,000

daily
wages

mont
hs

Total other expenses

2.5

20,000

50,000

8
5,07,858
7,75,48,58
9

Total cost of construction, P&S, other costs

Cost of material for solar power plant(DC+AC Side)

From
BOM

8,60,56,4
47

Total cost 1 Mega Watt solar power plant on Land

Table 5.2.12 Miscellaneous costs for roof top solar power plant at Amity University.

5.2.3.

Life cycle costs

Sr.N
o

Description

Units

Quantit
y

Rate

Amount

Remarks

Annual Expenditure
1

Salaries

1.1

Sr. Engineer

No's

30,000

1.2

Technical Engineer

No's

20,000

20,000

1.3

Supervisor

No's

11,000

22,000

1.4

Office Assistant

No's

7,000

14,000

1.5

Total

No's

86,000

12

10,32,000

Annual Salaries Cost

2
2.1

Other Expenses
Telephone bills and
other expenses

15,000

Other Expenses cost

3

3.1

30000

Maintenance
AMC for PV modules
vacuum cleaning,
modules & cables
repair &
maintenance/month
Annual Maintenance
cost
Total Annual
Expenditure

1,80,000

12

20,000
month

Total Annual Expense

12

2,40,000
14,
52,000

Rs

Annual Revenue
1

Revenue

1.1

Production/hour

units/hour

1000

1000

1.2

Daily production

units/day

1000

8000

per hour
production
In a day 8hrs
are considered
as productive
hours

1.3

Yearly production
Total Annual
Revenue(before
expenses)

units/hours
rupees/unit

8000

300

2
4,00,000.00

1,68
,00,000.00

24,00,000

In an year
300 day are
considered as
productive
days & 8
hrs/day as
productive
hours
7 per unit
sale price

1,53,48,00
0

Total gross income (after expenses)

Table 5.2.3.13 Life cycle costs and revenue generation for rooftop solar power plant at Kadhri,
Andhra Pradesh.

5.2.4.

Break even analysis

Sr.No

Description

Units

Quantity

Rate

Amount

Break Even Analysis

1

Total investment

per mw

8,60,56,446.
67

8,60,56,446.67

Total gross income

per mw

1,53,48,000.
00

1,53,48,000.00

3 Breakeven point
years
8.6
Table 5.2.4.14 Break even time for the ground mounted project at Kadhri, Andhra Pradesh

Time
Period
1

Initial
Investment
-8,60,56,446.67

Net Cash
Inflow

Yearly NPV
at 10%

1,53,48,000.00

-6,55,48,835.82

1,53,48,000.00

-5,40,17,656.25

1,53,48,000.00

-4,35,34,765.74

1,53,48,000.00

-3,40,04,865.27

1,53,48,000.00

-2,53,41,319.39

1,53,48,000.00

-1,74,65,368.60

1,53,48,000.00

-1,03,05,413.32

1,53,48,000.00

-37,96,363.08

1,53,48,000.00

21,20,955.33

10

1,53,48,000.00

75,00,335.70

11

1,53,48,000.00

1,23,90,681.49

12

1,53,48,000.00

1,68,36,450.39

13

1,53,48,000.00

2,08,78,058.48

14

1,53,48,000.00

2,45,52,247.65

15
1,53,48,000.00
2,78,92,419.63
Table 15 Yearly NPV at 10% discount for ground mounted project at Kadhri, Andhra Pradesh

6. Conclusions
These two projects have given us a considerable idea, and we hope will also give
the readers a clear idea of which kind of solar plant should be set up and the various
costs of the components involved.
Our understanding of the case study shows a clear advantage in setting up a roof
top solar system in comparison to a ground mounted solar systems. The two systems
differ based on few components such as the land component, Inverter and transformer
component. The ground mounted project requires investment in the land, but further
the land cannot be used for any other purposes other than the plant. It will be best
suited for deserts and barren lands outside city limits. For city based land is required
for construction and amenities. Further the land based solar system requires
transformer to increase the total voltage of the circuit, such cost is not necessary in
direct consumption based roof top solar power system. Further the inverter in a
system is of comparative less cost can be depending on the roof load of the design
String inverters on roof top are brought only for the specific load that the roof caters to
and hence does not require heavy and expensive machinery.
Hence from an investment perspective a roof top project break even before and
ground mounted project. For our roof top project the breakeven is around 4 years but
for ground mounted project the break even stands at more than 8 years time. These
values are considered at a discount rate of 10%. Considering a roof top solar power

plant is much more beneficial especially in city limits where roof top are not adding
any value to the building systems. Hence this report recommends that institutional,
offices and large complexes should consider the idea of roof top solar power plant and
reduce their consumption load on the grid and save money for their projects.

7. Glossary and Abbreviations

Photovoltaic
PV cell
PV module

The physical effect of direct Conversion of light (sunlight) to

electrical energy
The smallest photovoltaic (PV) element that generates
electricity from light.
A collection of interconnected PV cells, encapsulated between
protective materials such as glass and back sheet (Poly Vinyl
Fluoride) or glass and glass, and mounted in an aluminium
frame. This is a hermetically sealed unit.

String

Multiple PV modules connected in series electrically.

Array

Several strings of modules with the same orientation and tilt

angle, located together.

Inverter

An electronic device that converts direct current electricity into

alternating current electricity suitable for feeding directly to the
electrical grid or to normal AC loads.

Insolation

It is a measure of solar radiation energy received on a given

surface area in a given time. It is commonly expressed as
average irradiance in watts per square meter (W/m) or
kilowatt-hours per square meter per day (kWh/ (mday)) (or
hours/day).

Solar Irradiation

The total electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Sun.

STC

Standard Test Conditions - Incident Solar Irradiance of 1000

Watts/m2, at a spectral density of AM1.5 and cell temperature
of 25C.

Mounting
structure

Device used to hold modules in place, at desired angle &

direction.

Power
evacuation

Power generated from Solar PV Power Plant is transmitted to a

point (substation) where it is distributed for consumer use.

Sub-Station

The place where the generated power from solar is

synchronized with utility grid and metered.

Control room

A room housing control equipment

Cable

A conductor with one or more strands bound together, used for

transmitting electrical power.

Efficiency

The ratio of the output to the input of any system.

Junction Boxes

Inputs of several strings are connected to this box and taken as

single output.
A flow of electricity through a conductor measured in Amps.

Current
Voltage

It is the difference of electrical potential between two points of

an electrical or electronic circuit, expressed in volts. It is the
measurement of the potential for an electric field to cause an
electric current in an electrical conductor.

Lightning
Arrestor

Device used to protect all the components from lightning

strikes.

Earthing

Described as a system of electrical connections to the general

mass of earth.
A system of high/low tension cables by which electrical power is
distributed throughout a region.

Grid
AB

Air breaker

ACB

Air circuit breaker

AC

Alternate current

BOS

Balance of the system

CT

Current transformer

DAS

Data acquisition system

DC

Direct current

DP

Double pole

DPR

Detailed project report

HT

High tension

LT

Low tension

LV

Low voltage

MNRE

Ministry of new and renewable energy

kWh

Kilo watt per hour

MCB

Miniature circuit breaker / Main combiner box

MFM

Multi-function box

PPA

Power purchase agreement

PT

Power transformer

VCB

Vacuum circuit breaker

XLPE

Cross linked polyethylene

8. References
[1] Amrit, Mandal. (Sep 2013); Detailed project report for 1MW SPV.
[2] Robert Margolis, and Garvin Heath (June 2013); Land-Use Requirements for Solar Power
Plants in the United States.
[3] Spec solar solutions.
[4] Avijit Nayak, (Feb 2012); Cost economics of solar kWh; India: National productivity council,
Kolkata.
[5] Dr. BD Sharma, (Feb 2011); Performance of solar power plants in India; India: Central
Electricity Regulatory Commission, New Delhi.