Que: Utility-scale solar PV plants are usually built on flat, open surfaces. However, this becomes a challenge in hilly terrains like in the North-Eastern region. How do you tackle this challenge?

Ans: Designing, constructing maintaining, and operating PV Solar projects in hilly regions is challenging. Building large-scale solar plants in hilly regions requires specialised techniques like terracing, soil-specific foundations, and temporary infrastructure for access and transportation. Erosion controls, safety measures, and precision grading are implemented to minimise environmental impact. Generally, it is observed that slopes up to 7 percent are manageable for the movement of construction and maintenance equipment. Slopes of more than 7 percent are difficult to manoeuvre the equipment. Slopes of more than 7 percent require a cut-and-fill approach which is not preferred from an ecology and environment standpoint. One of our on-site projects in the state of Madhya Pradesh is a very example of how a PV Solar project can be built in a hilly terrain. At present, Amplus has installed onsite solar solutions for C&I customers in North-East India.

Que: Another challenge is the availability of large pockets of barren land that also have high solar irradiance. In many cases, the available lands have inherent design and construction-related restrictions. How do you mitigate these challenges? Please explain

Ans: Finding large tracts of barren land with high solar irradiance can be difficult, and these sites often have additional constraints like poor soil quality, high wind speeds, low solar irradiation, or environmental sensitivities. To mitigate such challenges, we conduct detailed geotechnical surveys and wind studies early in the design phase to finalise our construction approach. For example, in one of our projects, we faced high wind speeds and unstable soil. We responded by using deep-pile foundations and by deploying module mounting structures suitable for given wind speeds, ensuring both structural stability and optimal performance. By combining best engineering practices with tailored solutions, we’re able to turn challenging land concerns into viable project sites.

Que: Can Floating solar projects become a viable alternative because it minimises the land requirement? What challenges do these projects face and how do you tackle them?

Ans: Floating solar projects offer a viable alternative to ground-mounted systems, particularly in regions where land is scarce and water bodies are present. These installations minimise land use while leveraging the natural cooling effect of water to boost energy efficiency. Additionally, they conserve water by reducing evaporation and often yield higher energy output compared to traditional setups. However, floating solar projects also present unique challenges, including higher upfront costs, complex maintenance due to water-based systems, and potential environmental impacts on aquatic life.

To mitigate these issues, we conduct bathymetric and geotechnical studies and employ advanced technologies to control costs, utilise extended cables and walkways for easier maintenance access, and implement rigorous environmental monitoring to ensure minimal ecosystem disruption. With meticulous planning and innovative solutions, floating solar can emerge as an efficient and sustainable energy alternative.

Que: How beneficial AI has proven to be in the solar and wind energy segment? How are you maximising the performance of your solar projects through Hawk Ai? What are some other innovations that you have introduced?  

Ans: AI continues to transform the renewable energy sector by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and energy forecasting. At Amplus, we recognised this trend early and developed an in-house remote monitoring system to detect anomalies and resolve issues before any negative performance impact.

Recent upgrades to our remote monitoring system include AI-based inverter failure prediction, string-level monitoring for underperforming strings, and tracking for timely resolution. These advanced tools ensure high asset performance while preventing costly downtime.

Que: Over the last year and a half, the government has been actively promoting open-access projects through Green Energy Open Access Rules. What kind of impact this had on the adoption of the open-access model for the C&I segment? What more should be done

Ans: The Green Energy Open Access Rules have significantly increased the adoption of renewable energy within the C&I sector, especially among SMEs and smaller units of larger corporations. These rules have made it easier for businesses to access green power, supporting their sustainability goals and contributing to India’s renewable energy targets. 

To further enhance adoption, we believe that the government should introduce standardised metering norms for smaller-load consumers and ensure long-term regulatory clarity. This will make renewable energy projects more bankable and financially viable, encouraging greater investment and commitment to long-term renewable energy contracts.

Que: Amplus Solar plans to launch distributed green hydrogen projects by next year. What are the sectors you are targeting for this? And, what is the business model that you plan to adopt for this?

Ans: Building on the success of our Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model for rooftop solar, we are now adapting this approach for hydrogen production. Our plan involves installing electrolysers at customer sites, producing green hydrogen (GH) supported by an associated renewable energy resource, and delivering it directly to clients on-premises. This innovative approach eliminates the significant costs associated with storage and transportation, making green hydrogen a more viable option.

Our business model prioritises project development over manufacturing, enabling rapid deployment across various industries while maintaining execution excellence. By leveraging our expertise in RESCO models and renewable energy, we aim to accelerate the transition to clean energy and reduce carbon footprint. 

Que: How do you see the renewable energy EPC market shaping up in the next 5 years? What are your future plans?

Ans: The renewable energy EPC market is set for strong growth over the next five years, driven by ambitious global targets for clean energy and supportive government policies. However, to capitalise on this growth, EPC players must adopt advanced technologies that deliver both efficiency and durability, ensuring projects meet their 15- to 25-year lifespan requirements. 

At Amplus, we partner with specialised EPC firms for large-scale projects, leveraging their expertise to ensure high-quality, reliable installations. For smaller rooftop and ground-mounted projects, we maintain direct control, ensuring agility and operational efficiency. This dual approach positions us to lead in the renewable energy space while delivering impactful, sustainable solutions across different project scales. There are large to medium-sized EPC companies to execute PV Solar projects and there are hardly any reliable Wind and BESS EPC players in the Indian industry today and this is the need of the renewable industry today.