Source - http://grinity.in/

Through our series of Interesting Ways the World is using Solar, we bring you the most cutting edge application of solar in modern times. We have previously written about how technological advancements have been made in the form of solar cars, solar-powered roads, solar space-stations and even solar-powered clothes.

Which brings us to another interesting use of solar, and this week we are going to introduce you to - Solar Panel Roofed Bike Lanes.

32 km Bike Lane Shaded with Solar Panels in South Korea

There is a solar bike lane which runs 20 miles, approximately 32 kilometres, from the city of Daejeon to the city of Sejong. Running right through a regular highway between the cities, the bike lane, which is also accompanied with three lanes of traffic on either side, has been roofed with solar panels throughout the highway.

What makes the installation of these solar panels on the bike lane truly remarkable is the multifaceted benefits that it provides to the drivers on the highway. While the panels provide shade from the sun and protection from the rain to the cyclists on their 20 miles long two-way ride, the panels also generate enough electricity needed to power the lights along the highway and charging stations for electric vehicles moving on the road.

Here’s a glimpse of the bike lane and its long stretch

This bike lane in South Korea is not a singular example showcasing the innovative use of solar technology on roads. Solar roads in China and solar bike paths in the Netherlands are few other examples that have portrayed similar successful applications of solar on roadways; the energy from which is already being used to power billboards, surveillance cameras, tolls, street lights, local households and etc along the road.

MYSUN’s take

The solar panel covered bike lane is a truly wonderful use of solar technology which is a great example of the importance of a sustainable, comfortable and healthy living. It reinstates not only the need but also the auxiliary benefits that solar energy can provide to the entire human civilization which traditional energy sources cannot, i.e. monetary benefits along with ecological stability. Not to forget that the application of solar using superstructures, like in this case, ensures that the area below the structure can continue to be used. We encourage all our readers to make solar a part of their daily life and enjoy its various benefits.

Owing to COVID-19 most businesses have resorted to working from home, however, there are businesses where this possibility is very little. Take manufacturing for example. Such businesses are at a standstill. It is an understatement to make that the situation has brought upon us an economic slowdown, unlike ever. Nobody was prepared for this. Unprecedented times, call for unprecedented measures and therefore, your actions today will determine the long term future of your business.

So How Can Solar Help Businesses in This Difficult Time?

It is clear that a number of businesses are going to be impacted in the coming year due to the economic slowdown. In fact, a number of industries have already been taking extreme cost-cutting measures across the globe.

This is where solar energy can play a critical role, as solar can help businesses better manage their operational costs by saving millions every month on the electricity bills. In fact, business owners can control their costs without resorting to measures such as cutting back on work-force or sanctioning pay-cuts, which are some of the most pain-taking measures that companies and industries are being forced to consider.

Solar energy is not an inexpensive investment, and many SMEs and MSMEs in the country may not want to pay the cost of installing a large-scale rooftop solar system, especially with the current economic scenario. Therefore, MYSUN in addition to rooftop solar installation also offers unique solar financing solutions specifically catered towards SMEs/MSMEs and major industries; so as to make solar energy more affordable and accessible for growing businesses.

And while for the time being, we are all busy running our businesses from our homes, this is an opportune time to strategize and plan next steps, while assessing the potential impact solar can have on one’s business in the coming year.

We hope that this global crisis will come to an end soon, and entrepreneurs and business owners alike need to be vigilant for what comes next. And going solar is something that can very well play a beneficial role along the way.

To get an idea of the potential your business has to save with solar, run the MYSUN Solar Calculator and get your personalized solar savings to report in just 10 seconds.

The Background

In January 2020, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited(MSEDCL) had submitted a proposal to the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission(MERC), seeking to levy additional grid support charges on the rooftop solar consumers of the state. MERC has now rejected this proposal.

What were the Proposed Grid Support Charges?

As per the proposal submitted by MSEDCL, the distribution company proposed to impose additional Grid Support Changes for net-metering facilities on consumers using Rooftop Solar systems above 10 kW. The charges suggested were prodigiously up to INR 8 for both LT and HT power consumers. The charges were reasoned to be necessary by MSEDCL in order to support the infrastructure the company deploys to facilitate net-metering technology for rooftop solar consumers across the state of Maharashtra.

Why did MERC Reject the Proposal Submitted by MSEDCL?

As per the reports, the proposal was declined to help the state achieve its rooftop solar target, wherein the commission intends to impose no charges until the state installs 2000 MW of rooftop solar capacity. The secretary of MERC Mr. Abhijeet Deshpande has been quoted saying - “The idea is to boost clean energy and overall solar installations. Over the last six months, we have taken multiple actions for this, and this is one of the overarching steps strengthening that cause. Once we achieve this target, the commission will take a call on what charges can be levied.”

The Proposed Charges as Approved by the MERC

While the grid support charges have been removed, to remunerate MSEDCL, the commission has approved energy banking charges in the form of energy adjustments. The charges approved are 7.5% for consumers with high tension load and 12% for consumers with low tension load. Therefore, as per the charges, if a consumer banks 100 units of power with MSEDCL, the consumer will get compensated with only 92.5 units in case of high tension load, and 88 units in the case of a low tension load.

MYSUN's Take on the MERC Approach

At MYSUN, we believe that enhancing the commissioned solar capacity has a very crucial role to play when it comes to building a sustainable and prosperous nation. And positive solar policies become fundamental to this mission. MERC’s decision is one step towards the formulation of a positive solar policy for Maharashtra. MERC has found a sound resolution that keeps both the consumers and the distribution company happy. With an installed capacity of 426 MW, Maharashtra is some distance away from its ambitious target of 2000 MW. However, propelling and encouraging decisions like these, by MERC will definitely help roll the ball faster.