Expanding Target Segments
Leverage its current premium customer base and cross sell other
services to them.
Alternative growth opportunities such as exploring grid scale PV or
the EPC route for rooftop solar?
Market segments like electric vehicles charging stations, REC trading,
demand response and carbon trading?
Expanding Target Segments
Pros:
Buyers could be motivated to adopt rooftop solar systems due to
increasing electricity rates. Solar installations could drastically reduce
or eliminate electricity bills.
Adopting buying or leasing option of solar PV is not only
environmentally friendly but economically viable option.
It is a low risk investment with major returns and cheapest option for
clean and renewable energy
Cons:
While looking into the the target segment, it is important to take into
account different characteristics groups, based on demography,
geography, psychography and behavioral characteristics.
Solar panels doesn’t work for every type of roof.
Rooftop installation is easy for peohome-owners as opposed to those
who dwell on rental spaces.
It is possible that people are not ready to adopt the system because
of lack of awareness, knowledge or understanding regarding the
innovative technology.
Explaining a consumer the potential gain sign a 20 year solar
contract with scope and credibility of company can be stressful, also
finding quality local solar installer and easily comparing quotes can
be difficult.
Leverage its current premium customer base and cross sell other
services to them.
Alternative growth opportunities such as exploring grid scale PV or
the EPC route for rooftop solar?
PROS:
Grid-tied systems tend to be the less expensive option, due to not
needing batteries and other equipment
This type of system is great for those who don’t have the room or
financing to install a solar system big enough to cover 100% of their
energy usage. You can continue to pull electricity from the grid if
needed
Net Metering allows the electricity generated by a solar system to
offset the electricity used from the grid during the night or cloudy
days
The grid becomes your cost-effective, reliable storage solution.
CONS:
Grid-tied system is that it cannot function when the grid experiences
a power outage. If the grid goes down your system will shut off,
leaving you without power. This is required to prevent energy from
back feeding into the grid to keep utility workers safe. Your grid-tied
system will automatically shut off when the grid goes down, and will
also automatically turn back on when power is restored. You’re not
completely independent from the grid.
If you live in a particularly rural area it can be very costly to install
power lines that connect your system to the grid.
The EPC lump sum contracting strategy often suffers from latent
errors if all the aspects of the project are not captured. Hence unless
there is a good control over the scope of engagement at the outset
of the project, there is a huge possibility that new, uncovered areas
would be determined only during implementation, leading to cost
overrun.
Only price of the land is not the issue, land holdings in India are often
divided among several family members, requiring a mutual consent
to acquire the land, which eats up more time and delays the
construction plan. There are regulatory bottlenecks such as acquiring
farmland which puts road blocks in the path to smooth solar EPC
operations.
The lack of local skilled labor can be a challenge for EPCs. Most often,
EPCs find it convenient to employ local people as O&M personnel for
the plant. But, training them takes time as well as money.
Market segments like electric vehicles charging stations, REC
trading, demand response and carbon trading?
Pros :
Solar-powered vehicles have zero emission level, these cars are
quieter than the vehicles powered by conventional fuels, which don't
cause noise pollution as well. Unlike the conventionally fueled
vehicles, solar vehicles have no fuel costs and a low cost of
maintenance. Solar cars derive their power from the sun, indirectly,
that always shines and provides endless energy. The efficient solar
panels can produce and store more horsepower for the vehicle.
Cons:
Storing solar energy is relatively expensive. The photovoltaic cells or
solar panels can convert 15-30% of sunlight into electricity, depends
on the material used, which is quite limited. Solar energy is directly
dependent on the weather condition. The efficient solar panels and
batteries and their replacement are way too expensive that need to
be changed so often. This is what makes the solar vehicles a costly
affair.
