Amplus Unveils 4.096 MWp Floating Solar in Maharashtra

• Harnessing the power of innovation, Ciel et Terre India's floating solar project for Amplus Solar sets a new standard in renewable energy at UltraTech Cement.

Ciel et Terre India has successfully completed a 4.096 MWp floating solar installation for Amplus Solar at UltraTech Cement Limited in Awarpur, Maharashtra. The project, which took four months to complete, features 10,856 Air Optim Hydrelio floats equipped with Jinko 550 Wp PV panels. The panels are arranged in a 4-in-a-row configuration and tilted at 5 degrees, covering 6.3 acres of a 10.8-acre water area. The installation, designed for captive consumption, utilizes non-polluted water from the Wahegaon River and sets a benchmark in renewable energy innovation.

The project faced several challenges, including limited space for anchor positioning due to proximity of barricading, pipes near the reservoir fencing, rocky terrain in Reservoir 2, and hard, non-penetrable surfaces. The team employed advanced anchoring techniques, specialized methods, and chemical anchors to overcome these obstacles. Additionally, RCC piles were used in areas with hard soil conditions to provide a stable foundation for the floats. This innovative approach highlights the technical advancements and problem-solving capabilities required for successful floating solar installations.

How did Ciel et Terre India overcome challenges in their 4.096 MWp floating solar project?

Ciel et Terre India’s achievement in successfully completing the 4.096 MWp floating solar project at UltraTech Cement Limited is a testament to their innovative problem-solving strategies and technical expertise. Here are some of the key challenges they faced and the solutions they implemented:

• Limited Space for Anchoring:The project site had restricted areas for positioning anchors due to the closeness of existing barricades and reservoir fencing.
• To address this, precise planning and strategic layout adjustments ensured optimal anchor locations while maintaining necessary safety distances.
• Proximity to Existing Infrastructure:There were pipes located near the reservoir's fencing, creating additional difficulty in securely anchoring the floating solar platforms
• The team conducted thorough site assessments and collaborated with infrastructure stakeholders to reroute certain pipelines and utilize innovative anchoring solutions that effectively navigated existing constructions.
• Challenging Terrain Conditions:The presence of rocky terrain in Reservoir 2 posed significant complications in deploying traditional anchoring methods.
• Ciel et Terre employed advanced anchoring techniques that included the use of chemical anchors which are specially designed to provide hold in challenging geological conditions.
• Hard, Non-Penetrable Surfaces:Certain areas of the reservoir exhibited hard soil that was non-penetrable, making it difficult to secure floats in the conventional manner.
• The project utilized Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) piles in these hard areas. This approach ensured a stable foundation capable of supporting the floating solar arrays regardless of the unforgiving soil conditions.
• Innovative Engineering and Design:The project showcased a unique design configuration with floats arranged in a 4-in-a-row formation, complemented by a tilt of 5 degrees, optimizing solar efficiency while adhering to structural integrity under various weather conditions.
• Collaborating with engineers, the team optimized the layout to enhance both energy capture and resilience against potential environmental stresses.
• Environmental Considerations:The commitment to using non-polluted water from the Wahegaon River emphasized their focus on sustainability, minimizing ecological disruption while optimizing resource use.
• The project aimed to strike a balance between harnessing renewable energy and protecting local ecosystems, which involved qualification assessments to ensure compliance with local environmental regulations.
• Time Management and Coordination:Completing the installation in just four months required meticulous project management and coordination with various stakeholders, including local authorities and suppliers.

By strategically addressing these challenges, Ciel et Terre India not only completed the floating solar project successfully but also established a benchmark in the renewable energy sector, demonstrating that innovative solutions can lead to sustainable advancements in solar technology.