TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

OF
OFF-GRID
SOLAR PV POWER PLANTS

AGENCY FOR NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY (ANERT)
Department of Power, Government of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695 033;
www.anert.gov.in , [email protected]
Tel: 0471-2338077, 2334122, 2333124, 2331803
 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF OFF- GRID SOLAR

POWER PLANT

1. Scope of the Work

1.1. The scope includes guidelines and practices for the Supply, Installation, Testing and
Commissioning of On- Grid rooftop/Ground Mounted PV power plants.

1.2. Feasibility study, necessary civil work, Mounting of Module Structures, PV Module
Installation, Inverter Installation, DC/AC Cabling and interconnections, Installation of
Lightning Arresters and Earthing System as per the standards, Testing of PV Power Plant
and Commissioning under ANERT’s supervision.

2. Location

2.1. Shade-free Rooftops of Residential, Public/Private Commercial/Industrial buildings,

Local Self Government Buildings, State Government buildings.

3. Definition

3.1. Standalone solar PV power plant comprises of C-Si (Crystalline Silicon)/Thin Film Solar
PV modules with intelligent Inverter with MPPT charging technology which feeds
uninterrupted quality AC power to electrical loads. Batteries will be charged from solar
energy by charge controller integrated in the inverter or by an external charge controller
with MPPT technology. Other than PV Modules and Inverter/Inverters, the system
consists of Module Mounting Structures, appropriate DC and AC Cables, Array Junction
Boxes (AJB) / String Combiner Boxes (SCB), AC and DC Distribution Box, Vertical DB
for Load segregation, Lightning Arrester, Earthing Systems, etc.

4. Solar PV Module

4.1. The EPC Company/ Contractor shall use only the PV modules that are empanelled to the
ANERT OEM empanelment. The List of PV modules under various categories (c-Si
Mono/c-Si Poly/Mono PERC) are attached as Annexure II-F. However the specifications
for the PV Module is detailed below:

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

4.2. The PV modules must be PID compliant, salt, mist & ammonia resistant and should
withstand weather conditions for the project life cycle.

4.3. The back sheet of PV module shall be minimum of three layers with outer layer
(exposure to ambience) and shall be made of PVDF or PVF. The Back sheets for PV
Module with 2 layered or 3 layered Polyester types or the back sheets with Polyester
(PET type) at Air side material are not permitted for the empanelment; The minimum
thickness of the core layers (without adhesive and inner EVA coated) must be 300
microns. The maximum allowed water vapor transmission rate shall be less than 2 g /
m2/day and shall have a Partial Discharge > / = 1500V DC

The front glass shall meet the following specifications:

a. The facing glass must be Tempered, PV grade with Low iron and high transmission.

b. The transmission shall be > 93 %

c. Thickness shall be min 3.2 mm

d. Textured to trap more light

e. The glass shall have an Anti-reflective coating for the better transmission and light
absorption.

f. Tempered glass to meet the external load conditions

4.4. The encapsulant used for the PV modules should be UV resistant in nature. No yellowing
of the encapsulant with prolonged exposure shall occur. The sealant used for edge sealing
of PV modules shall have excellent moisture ingress Protection with good electrical
insulation and with good adhesion strength. Edge tapes for sealing are not allowed.

4.5. Anodized Aluminium module frames of sufficient thickness shall be used which are
electrically & chemically compatible with the structural material used for mounting the
modules having provision for earthing.

4.6. UV resistant junction boxes with minimum three numbers of bypass diodes and two
numbers of MC4 connectors or equivalent with appropriate length of 4 sq.mm Cu cable
shall be provided. IP67 degree of protection shall be used to avoid degradation during
Life. .

4.7. Shading correction/ bypass diode for optimizing PV out to be incorporated in each solar
module or panel level.

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

4.8. Each PV module used in any solar power project must use a RF identification tag
(RFID), which must contain the following information. The RFID can be inside or
outside the module laminate but must be able to withstand harsh environmental
conditions.

a. Name of the manufacturer of PV Module.

b. Name of the manufacturer of Solar cells.

c. Month and year of the manufacture (separately for solar cells and module).

d. Country of origin (separately for solar cell and module).

e. I-V curve for the module.

f. Peak Wattage, IM, VM and FF for the module.

g. Unique Serial No. and Model No. of the module.

h. Date and year of obtaining IEC PV module qualification certificate.

i. Name of the test lab issuing IEC certificate.

4.9. Other relevant information on traceability of solar cells and module as per ISO 9000
series.

a. The following details should be provided on the module

b. Name of the manufacture.

c. Month and year of manufacture.

d. Rated Power at STC.

e. VMP, IMP, VOC, Isc.

4.10. The successful bidder shall arrange an RFID reader to show the RFID details of the
modules transported to sites, to the site Engineer in charge up to their satisfaction,
which is mandatory for the site acceptance test.

4.11. Each PV module used in any solar power project must use a RF identification tag
(RFID), which must contain the following information. The RFID can be inside or
outside the module laminate but must be able to withstand harsh environmental
conditions.

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

4.12. The PV modules must qualify (enclose Test Reports/Certificates from IEC/NABL
accredited laboratory) as per relevant IEC standard. The Performance of PV Modules at
STC conditions must be tested and approved by one of the IEC/NABL Accredited
Testing Laboratories.

4.13. PV modules used in solar power plant/ systems must be warranted for 10 years for their
material, manufacturing defects, workmanship. The output peak watt capacity which
should not be less than 90% at the end of 10 years and 80% at the end of 25 years

4.14. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) Warrantee of the PV Modules shall be

submitted by the successful bidder when the materials delivered at site.

4.15. The PV Module should be under Indigenous / DCR (Domestic Content

Requirement) category (Based on the specific requirement).

4.16. The PV modules shall conform to the following standards:

a. IS 14286: Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules — design

qualification and type approval.

b. IEC 61215 / IEC 61646: c-Si (IEC 61215): Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic
(PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval Thin Film (IEC 61646):
Design, Qualification & Type Approval

c. IEC 61730-1: Photovoltaic Module safety qualification- Part 1: Requirements for

construction

d. IEC 61730-2 : Photovoltaic Module safety qualification- Part 2: Requirements for

testing

e. IEC 61701 : Salt mist corrosion testing of photovoltaic modules

f. IEC 62716 : Test Sequences useful to determine the resistance of PV Modules to

Ammonia (NH3)

4.17. The PV module should have IS14286 qualification certification for solar PV modules
(Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules — design qualification and
type approval). The exemption of this certification and other details are described, as
per MNRE’s Gazette Notification No. S.O. 3449 (E). Dated 13th July, 2018.

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

4.18. PV Module of same Make/ Model in the same series shall be considered as a single
product while making the payment as per MNRE Order No. 283/54/2018-Grid Solar
(ii) Dt. 06- Feb-2020.

5. POWER CONDITIONING UNIT

Power Conditioning Unit (inverter) comprises of charge controller with MPPT technology
that is either integrated with the inverter or as a separate unit. The EPC Company/ Contractor
shall use only the OFF-Grid inverters that are empanelled to the ANERT OEM empanelment.
The List of OFF- Grid inverters are attached as Annexure II-F. However the specifications for
the OFF-Grid inverter is detailed below:

5.1. General Specifications:

All the Inverters should contain the following clear and indelible Marking Label &
Warning Label as per IS16221 Part II, clause 5. The equipment shall, as a minimum, be
permanently marked with:

i. The name or trademark of the manufacturer or supplier.

ii. A model number, name or other means to identify the equipment.

iii. A serial number, code or other markings allowing identification of manufacturing

location and the manufacturing batch or date within a three-month time period.

iv. Input voltage, type of voltage (A.C. or D.C.), frequency, and maximum continuous
current for each input.

v. Output voltage, type of voltage (A.C. or D.C.), frequency, maximum continuous

current, and for A.C. outputs, either the power or power factor for each output.

vi. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating

5.2. Off- Grid Inverters from 1kW/1kVA to 50kW/50kVA will be empanelled.

5.3. The control system should continuously adjust the voltage of the generator to optimize
the power available. The power conditioner must automatically re-enter standby mode
when input power reduces below the standby mode threshold. Front Panel display should
provide the status and fault indication (if any)
5.4. The inverter should have IGBT/MOSFET based controlling elements and current
regulated systems
5.5. Operational Voltage Range: Suitable System Voltage according to the battery bank and

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

panel array

5.6. The inverter must have MPPT power electronics for the maximum extraction of PV
power

5.7. The inverter shall provide electronic protection against the following type of faults:

a. Overload

b. Over temperature

c. Reverse polarity

d. Short circuit (circuit breaker & electronic protection against sustained fault).

e. Over-load protection.

f. Under voltage & Over-voltage of Battery.

g. Auto/ Manual re-connects provision.

h. Reverse polarity protection both for the PV array and Battery bank (DC)

5.8. Auto resetting electronic over current protection

5.9. The inverter must have a RS485/RS232 interface
5.10. The inverter shall conform to IEC 61683/ IS 61683 for efficiency measurement, and IEC
60068-2 (1,2,14,30) or equivalent BIS standard for environmental testing.
5.11. Operational Voltage Range: Suitable System Voltage according to the battery bank and
panel array
5.12. Type: Self commuted, current regulated, IGBT/ MOSFET based.
5.13. Output voltage: Output voltage 230V/415V
5.14. Output frequency :50 Hz
5.15. THD: Less than (<) 5%
5.16. Efficiency: 90% or above at full load.
5.17. Ambient temperature: 5 to 55°C
5.18. Protections:
a. Short circuit (circuit breaker & electronic protection against sustained fault)
b. Over-load protection
c. Under voltage & Over-voltage of Battery
d. Auto/Manual re-connect provision
e. Reverse polarity protection both for the PV array and Battery bank (DC)

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

f. Ingress Protections: IP20/ IP 21 or above

5.19. Other Features:
a. Surge Protection: 150% of the rated capacity for a period of 10 seconds
b. Acoustic Noise Level ≤ 50 dB
5.20. Recommended Indicators / Displays / Alarms
a. Digital Display(s) of input DC SPV voltage & current, along with Energy Meter
b. Digital Display (s) AC output voltage, frequency, power and current
c. Digital Display of output AC kWh meter (Daily/ Cumulative)
d. Overload Alarm / cut-off
e. System Cut-off Indicator
f. System Reset Button.
g. Battery voltage and current.
h. SPV charging.
i. Battery Charge Level LED Indicator (s) – Low, Medium, High, Full.
j. Battery Low indicator and Alarm/ cut-off.

6. BATTERY BANK

6.1. The battery bank can be LMLA, VRLA (Smf or Gel) or Lithium Ferro Phosphate. . The
EPC Company/ Contractor shall use only the Batteries that are empanelled to the ANERT
OEM empanelment. The List of Batteries are attached as Annexure II-F. However the
specifications for the Batteries are detailed below:

6.2. Technical Requirements

Sl No: Parameters

1. Nominal Capacity (Ah) shall be rated @C10

2. Minimum Nominal Cell voltage (V): 2V / Lithium ferro phosphate: 3.2V

3, Self-discharge (less than 3% per month at 30°C)

4 A 6 hour backup of MNRE requirement is estimated as 7200Wh

6.3. General Specifications:

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

a. Test certificate submitted should qualify the minimum requirements as per above
standards for capacity test, ampere-hour efficiency test, watt-hour efficiency test, self-
discharge test.

b. Battery (Lead Acid LMLA/Lead Acid –VRLA or SMF/Lead Acid GEL) shall have a
warrantee of minimum 5 years and Lithium Ferro Phosphate Battery shall have a
warrantee of minimum 10years

c. Battery capacity is rated C/10 at 27°C

d. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) Warrantee of Battery shall be submitted

e. There should be a separate Battery Management System if the Lithium Ferro

Phosphate Battery is used for the PV Power Plant.

6.4. Standards and Certifications

Major IS/IEC Certification for LMLA/VRLA / Lithium Ferro Phosphate batteries are listed
below:
Standard Description
IEC 61427 IEC 61427 – This series gives general information relating to the
requirements for the secondary batteries used in photovoltaic energy
systems (PVES) and to the typical methods of test used for the
verification of battery performances.

This part of IEC 60896 applies to all stationary lead-acid cells and
Monobloc batteries of the valve regulated type for float charge
applications, (i.e. permanently connected to a load and to a d.c.
power supply), in a static location (i.e. not generally intended to be
IEC 60896
moved from place to place) and incorporated into stationary
equipment or installed in battery rooms for use in telecom,
uninterruptible power supply (UPS), utility switching, emergency
power or similar applications.

This standard specifies Ah capacities, voltage, overall dimensions,

IS 13369:1992 performance requirements and tests for stationary lead-acid units in
Monobloc container.

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

This standard specifies rated Ah capacities, overall dimensions,

IS 1651:2013 performance requirements and tests for Stationary Lead Acid Cells
and Batteries using Tubular Positive Plates

This standard specifies capacities and performance requirements and

IS 15549:2005 corresponding test methods for all types of high integrity series
stationary Valve regulated lead acid batteries.

Defines requirements and tests for the safe operation of portable

IS 16046 : 2015 / IEC 62133 : sealed secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-
2012** acid electrolyte , under intended use and reasonably foreseeable
misuse.

IEC 61056-1:2012 specifies the general requirements, functional

IEC 61056* characteristics and methods of test for all general-purpose lead-acid
cells and batteries of the valve-regulated type
IS 16220 defines the general requirements, functional characteristics
IS 16220* and methods of test for all general-purpose lead- acid cells and
batteries of the valve- regulated type.
IEC 62133 requirements and tests for the safe operation of portable
IEC 62133-2: 2017** sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries containing non-acid
electrolyte, under intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse.
IEC 62620 defines marking, tests and requirements for lithium
IEC 62620:2014** secondary cells and batteries used in industrial applications including
stationary applications.
* Recommended
** Applies for Lithium Ferro phosphate batteries

7. MODULE MOUNTING STRUCTURE

 Photovoltaic arrays must be mounted on a stable, durable structure that can support the
array and withstand wind, rain, and other adverse conditions. The modules will be fixed on
structures with fixed arrangement.
 The module mounting structures shall have adequate strength and appropriate design
suitable to the locations, which can withstand the load and high wind velocities. Stationary
structures shall support PV modules at a given orientation, absorb and transfer the

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

mechanical loads to the surface properly.

 Each structure with fixed tilt should have a tilt angle as per the site conditions to take
maximum insolation which will be approximately equal to the latitude of the location
facing true South with a North – South orientation. The tilt angle can vary from 9 degree
to 12 degree based on the location’s latitude in Kerala
 The PV module mounting structure shall have a capacity to withstand a wind velocity of
150 km/hr.
 Suitable fastening arrangement such as grouting and calming should be provided to secure
the installation against the specific wind speed. The PV array structure design shall be
appropriate with a factor of safety of min 1.5. The STAAD / Equivalent structural design
report must be attached along with the technical bid as Annexure II-K.
 The materials used for structures shall be Hot dip Galvanized Mild Steel conformed to IS
2062:1992 or aluminium of suitable grade minimum alloy 6063 or better.
 The minimum thickness of galvanization for hot dip Galvanized Mild Steel should be at
least 80 microns as per IS 4759.
 The Bolts, Nuts, fasteners, and clamps used for panel mounting shall be of Stainless Steel
SS 304.
 No Welding is allowed on the mounting structure
 Aluminium structures used shall be protected against rusting either by coating or
anodization.
 Aluminium frames should be avoided for installations in coastal areas.
 The structure shall be designed to withstand operating environmental conditions for a
period of minimum 25 years. And shall be free from corrosion while installation.
 Screw fasteners shall use existing mounting holes provided by module manufacturer. No
additional holes shall be drilled on module frames
 The total load of the structure (when installed with PV modules) on the terrace should be
less than 60 kg/m2 .
 Minimum distance between the lower level of PV Module and the ground shall be 0.6m
from the ground level.
 The PV Panel area shall be accessible for cleaning and for any repair work.
 Sufficient gap need to be provided between the rows to avoid falling of shadow of one row
on the next row. Seismic factors for the site will be considered while making the design of
the foundation.

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

 Adequate spacing shall be provided between any two modules secured on PV panel for
improved wind resistance.
 Installation of structure for solar PV mounting should not tamper with the water proofing
of the roofs.
 The Structural Drawing of the Module Mounting Structure is as per Annexure II-H
 The above drawing is specific for RCC flat roofs and may vary for slope roofs. However,
the drawings shall be approved by concerned Technical Officer before installing the plant

8. SOLAR METER and NETMETER

Solar Meter:

A separate Energy Meter called Solar Meter shall be provided at the output of PCU to record
the energy generation from the Solar System. (This energy meter should not be integrated
with PCU). Solar energy meter means a unidirectional meter to be installed at the delivery
point of the solar energy system to measure the solar electricity generated.

The solar energy meters shall be provided with necessary ports like RS485 for
communications.

9. EARTHING

The Solar PV Plant should have a dedicated earthing system. The Earthing for array and LT
power shall be made as per the provisions of IS:3043-2018 “Code of practice for earthing
(Second Revision),” that governs the earthing practices of a PV system and IS 732:2019
“Code of practice for electrical wiring installations (Fourth Revision)

9.1. Earthing System shall connect all non –current carrying metal receptacles, electrical
boxes, appliance frames, chassis and PV module mounting structures in one long run.
The earth strips should not be bolted. Earthing GI strips shall be interconnected by
proper welding.

9.2. The earthing conductor should be rated for 1.56 times the maximum short circuit
current of the PV array. The factor 1.56 considers 25 percent as a safety factor and 25
percent as albedo factor to protect from any unaccounted external reflection onto the
PV modules increasing its current.

9.3. In any case, the cross-section area or the earthing conductor for PV equipment should
not be less than 6 mm2 if copper, 10 mm2 if aluminium or 70 mm2 if hot-dipped

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

galvanized iron. For the earthing of lightning arrestor, cross-section of the earthing
conductor should not be less than 16 mm2 of copper or 70 mm2 if hot-dipped
galvanized iron. The complete Earthing system shall be mechanically & electrically
connected to provide independent return to earth.

9.4. Masonry enclosure with the earth pit of size not less than 400mm X 400 mm(depth)
complete with cemented brick work (1:6) of minimum 150mm width duly plastered
with cement mortar (inside)shall be provided. Hinged inspection covers of size not less
than 300mm X 300mm with locking arrangement shall be provided. Suitable handle
shall be provided on the cover by means of welding a rod on top of the cover for future
maintenance.

9.5. Minimum four (04) numbers of interconnected earth pit needs to be provided in each
location. Minimum required gap shall be provided in between earth pits as per relevant
standard. Body earthing shall be provided in inverter, each panel frame, module
mounting structure, kiosk and in any other item as required.

9.6. Earth pit shall be constructed as per IS: 3043-2018. Electrodes shall be embedded
below permanent moisture level.. Earth pits shall be treated with salt and charcoal if
average resistance of soil is more than 20 ohm meter.

9.7. Earth resistance shall not be more than 5 ohms. Earthing system must be interconnected
through GI strip to arrive equipotential bonding. The size of the GI earth strip must be
minimum 25mm X 6mm.

9.8. In compliance to Rule 11& 61 Of Indian Electricity Rules,1956(as amended up to date),

all non-current carrying metal parts shall be Earthing with two separate and distinct
earth continuity conductors to an efficient earth electrode.

9.9. The equipment grounding wire shall be connected to earth strip by proper fixing
arrangement. Each strip shall be continued up to at least 500mm from the equipment.

9.10. Necessary provisions shall be made for bolted isolating joints of each earthing pit for
periodic checking of earth resistance.

9.11. For each earth pit, a necessary test point shall be provided.

9.12. Total no of Earth pits for solar plants:

AC-01, DC-02, LA-01

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

9.1. The bidder shall submit the detailed specification and drawings for the Earthing
arrangements as per Annexure II-H

10. LIGHTNING PROTECTION

The SPV power plant should be provided with lightning and over voltage protection. The
source of over voltage can be lightning or other atmospheric disturbance. The lightning
conductors shall be made as per applicable Indian Standards in order to protect the entire
array yard from lightning stroke.
The design and specification shall conform to IS/IEC 62305, “Protection against lightning”
govern all lightning protection-related practices of a PV system.
10.1. The entire space occupying SPV array shall be suitably protected against lightning by
deploying required number of lightning arresters. Lightning protection should be
provided as per IS/ IEC 62305.

10.2. Lightning system shall comprise of air terminations, down conductors, test links, earth
electrode etc. as per approved drawings.

10.3. The protection against induced high voltages shall be provided by the use of surge
protection devices (SPDs) and the earthing terminal of the SPD shall be connected to
the earth through the earthing system.

10.4. The EPC Contractor / Company shall submit the drawings and detailed specifications
of the PV array lightning protection equipment to Employer for approval before
installation of system.

11. ARRAY JUNCTION BOX (AJB)/ STRING COMBINER BOX (SCB)

AJB shall be provided as per the design requirement of the Inverter, if required. AJB
comprises of an enclosure, copper busbars, Fuses, Surge Protection Device (SPD) and
Isolator. DC generated by the solar modules is transmitted through the appropriate cables
from Array Yard to Control facility. AJB bus & panel shall be provided for the incoming DC
supply from array yard.

AJB, if required, should be equipped with an adequate capacity indoor DC circuit breaker
along with control circuit, protection relays, fuses, etc.

AJB, if required, shall have sheet from enclosure of dust and vermin proof, the bus bar /
cables are to be made of copper of desired size.

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

The Array Junction Boxes are to be provided in the PV array for termination of connecting
cables. The Array Junction Boxes shall be made of GRP/FRP/with full dust, water& vermin
proof arrangement. All wires/cables must be terminated through cable lugs. The JBs shall be
such that input & output termination can be made through suitable cable glands.

11.1. Suitable markings shall be provided on the bus bar for easy identification and the cable
ferrules must be fitted at the cable termination points for identification.
11.2. Copper bus bars/terminal blocks housed in the junction box with suitable termination
threads conforming to IP 65 standard to prevent water entry, Single/ double
compression cable glands, provision of earthing. It should be placed at a height suitable
for ease of accessibility.
11.3. Each Junction Box shall have high quality Suitable capacity Metal Oxide Varistors
(MOVs)/ SPDs. The Surge Protective Device shall be of Type 2 as per IEC 60364-5-53
11.4. The junction Boxes shall have suitable arrangement for the followings (typical):-
Combine groups of modules into independent charging sub-arrays that will be wired
into the controller. The Junction Boxes shall have arrangements for disconnection for
each groups and attest point for sub-group for fault location. AJB/SCB shall be wired
with optical fibre cables for enabling data collection for PV Plants from 100kWp
onwards.
11.5. The current carrying ratings of the string combiner box/ junction box shall be suitable
with adequate safety factor, to inter connect the Solar PV array.
11.6. All fuses shall have DIN rail mountable fuse holders and shall be housed in
thermoplastic IP65 enclosures with transparent covers.
11.7. Fuse for both positive and negative inputs of each strings, Isolator of MCB, SPD of
type 2 shall be provided.
11.8. The surge arresters shall be type 2 (with reference to IEC 61643-1) rated at a
continuous operating voltage of at least 125 percentage of the open-circuit voltage of
the PV string, and a flash current of more than 5A.
11.9. Not more than two strings can be connected in parallel to a single input of SCB/AJB.
One spare input terminal along with connector shall be provided for each SCB/AJB.
11.10. Every SCB/AJB input shall be provided with fuses on both positive and negative side.
11.11. DC switch disconnector of suitable rating shall be provided at AJB/SCB output to
disconnect both positive and negative side simultaneously.

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

12. AC DISTRIBUTION BOARD

AC Distribution Board (ACDB) shall control the AC power from inverter and should have
necessary surge arrestors.

It shall have MCB/MCCB/ACB or circuit breaker of suitable rating for connection and
disconnection.

12.1 The ACDB enclosure shall be of good protection and suitable for mounting on the
trenches / on wall.

12.2 All the 415 V AC or 230 V AC devices/equipment like bus support insulators, circuit
breakers, SFU isolators (if applicable), SPD, etc. mounted inside the switch gear shall
be suitable for continuous operation

12.3 Switches/ circuit breakers/ connectors meeting general requirements and safety
measurements as per IS 60947 Part I, II, III and IEC 60947 part I, II and III.

12.4 Junction boxes, enclosures, panels for inverters/ Controllers shall meet IP 54 (for
outdoor)/ IP 65 (for indoor) as per IEC 529.

13. AC/DC CABLING

Cabling is required for wiring from AC output of inverter/PCU to the Grid Interconnection
point. It includes the DC cabling from Solar Array to AJB and from AJB to inverter input.

13.1. All cables of appropriate size to be used in the system shall have the following
characteristic:
a. Shall conform to IEC 60227 / IS 694 & IEC 60502 / IS 1554 standards.
b. Temperature Range: -10 degree Celsius to +80 degree Celsius
c. Voltage rating: 660/1000V
d. Excellent resistance to heat, cold, water, oil, abrasion, UV radiation
e. Flexible
13.2. Sizes of cables between any array interconnections, array to junction boxes, junction
boxes to inverter etc. shall be so selected to keep the voltage drop (power loss) of the
entire solar system to the minimum (2%).
13.3. For the DC cabling, XLPE or XLPO insulated and sheathed, UV stabilized single core
flexible copper cables shall be used; Multi-core cables shall not be used.

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

13.4. For the AC cabling, PVC or XLPE insulated and PVC sheathed single or, multi-core
flexible copper cables shall be used. However, for above 25kWp systems, XLPE
insulated Aluminium cable of suitable area of cross section can be used in the AC side
subject to a minimum area of cross section of 10 sq.mm. Outdoor AC cables shall have
a UV –stabilized outer sheath IS/IEC 69947.
13.5. All LT XLPE cables shall conform to IS:7098 part I&II.
13.6. The total voltage drop on the cable segments from the solar PV modules to the inverter
shall not exceed 2.0%
13.7. The total voltage drop on the cable segments from the solar grid inverter to the building
distribution board shall not exceed 2.0%
13.8. The DC cables from the SPV module array shall run through a UV-stabilized PVC
conduit pipe of adequate diameter with a minimum wall thickness of 1.5mm
13.9. Cables and wires used for the interconnection of solar PV modules shall be provided
with solar PV connectors (MC4) and couplers
13.10. All cables and conduit pipes shall be clamped to the rooftop, walls and ceilings with
16hermos-plastic clamps at intervals not exceeding 50cm; the minimum DC cables
size shall be 4.0mm2 copper; the minimum AC cable size shall be 4.0mm2 copper. In
three phase systems, the size of the neutral wire size shall be equal to the size of the
phase wires.
13.11. Cable Marking: All cable/wires are to be marked in proper manner by good quality
ferule or by other means so that the cable can be easily identified. The following
colour code shall be used for cable wires
a. DC positive: red (the outer PVC sheath can be black with a red line marking
b. DC negative: black
c. AC single phase: Phase: red; Neutral: black
d. AC three phase: phases: red, yellow, blue; neutral: black
e. Earth wires: green
13.12. Cables and conduits that have to pass through walls or ceilings shall be taken through
PVC pipe sleeve.
13.13. Cable conductors shall be terminated with tinned copper end ferrules to prevent
fraying and breaking of individual wire strands. The termination of the DC and AC
cables shall be done as per instructions of the manufacturer, which in most cases will
include the use of special connectors.

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

13.14. All cables and connectors used for installation of solar field must be of solar grade
which can withstand harsh environment conditions including high temperatures, UV
radiation, rain, humidity, dirt, salt, burial and attack by moss and microbes’ for 25
years and voltages as per latest IEC standards. DC cables used from solar modules to
array junction box shall solar grade copper (Cu) with XLPO insulation and rated for
1.1 kV as per relevant standards only.
13.15. Bending radii for cables shall be as per manufactures recommendations and IS: 1255.
13.16. For laying/termination of cables latest BIS/IEC Codes/ standards shall be followed.

14. CIVIL WORKS

Existing shade-free roof-top space shall be used to install Solar PV array. While installing
solar power pants on rooftops, the physical condition of the rooftop, chances of shading,
chances water level rise in the rooftop during raining due improper drainage in the roof-top
should be taken in to consideration.
14.1. PV array shall be installed in the terrace space free from any obstruction and/or
shadow and to minimize effects of shadows due to adjacent PV panel rows.

14.2. PV array shall be oriented in the south direction in order to maximize annual energy
yield of the plant.

14.3. The solar PV array must be installed on the rooftop in such a way that there is
sufficient space on the rooftop for maintenance etc.

14.4. There should not be any damage what so ever to the rooftop due to setting up of the
solar power plant so that on a later day there is leakage of rainwater, etc. from the
rooftop.

14.5. Some civil works are inevitable for erecting the footings for the module mounting
structure as discussed in Module Mounting Structure section. The roof top may be
given a suitable grading plaster with suitable leak proof compound so as to render the
roof entirely leak proof.

14.6. Ample clearance shall be provided in the layout of the inverter and DC/AC
distribution boxes for adequate cooling and ease of maintenance.

14.7. While cabling the array, care must be taken such that no loose cables lie on the
rooftops.

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

14.8. The roof top should look clean and tidy after installation of the array.

14.9. Neatness, tidiness and aesthetics must be observed while installing the systems.

14.10. RCC Works – All RCC works shall be as per IS 456 and the materials used viz.
Cement reinforcement, steel etc. shall be as per relevant IS standards. Reinforcement
shall be high strength TMT Fe 415 or Fe 500 conforming to IS: 1786-1985.

14.11. Brick Works (If any) – All brick works shall be using 1st class bricks of approved
quality as per IS 3102.

14.12. Plastering – Plastering in cement mortar 1:5, 1:6 and 1:3 shall be applied to all.

14.13. Display of mandatory items- Single Line Diagram and layout diagram of modules and
interconnection at installation site shall be provided near the inverter for greater than
10 kWp systems.

14.14. For painting on concrete, masonry and plastered surface IS:2395 shall be followed.
For distempering IS 427 shall be followed referred. For synthetic enamel painting IS
428 shall be followed. For cement painting IS 5410 shall be followed.

14.15. All Civil works required for the installation of the PV Plant and other civil wherever
necessary, shall be within the scope of the bidder

14.16. The layout of Inverter accommodation shall be designed to enable adequate heat
dissipation and availability. Mount within the existing infrastructure available in
consultation with the Site in charge.

14.17. The Inverter and Battery should be place as near as possible in the near vicinity of PV
array to avoid voltage drop.

14.18. The shall be enough ventilation for the battery room

15. GENARAL PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING PROJECTS

The following procedures are required regarding the installation of Off-Grid PV Plants under
ANERT.

There are different schemes by ANERT governed by respective guidelines of different

programmes initiated by ANERT from time to time. The programmes may or may not have
financial support or subsidy support from either State Government or Central Ministry
(MNRE). Also there will be specific provisions of procurement, installation, commissioning,

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

inspection, warrantee and operation & maintenance of PV Plants procured through online
portal of ANERT (buymysun.com) and the details are given in Annexure II-I.

Projects under Deposit Works Scheme, Technical Consultancy Scheme, RESCO projects
tendered by ANERT or any other specific programme implemented by ANERT will be
governed by the guidelines of that particular scheme. Only Empanelled EPC companies of
ANERT can participate in the tenders coming under the above schemes/programmes. They
can also participate in the tenders by Local Self Governments for the installation &
commissioning of Solar Power Plants. However, all the PV power plants (On-Grid/Off-
Grid/Hybrid) installed by the EPC contractors shall be as per the technical specifications of
this Empanelment Document.

16. WARRANTY

1. 5 years system warranty should be provided by the EPC contractor for the equipment and
the components installed.

2. The successful bidder should submit the copies of the Warrantee Certificates for the on-site
warrantee provided by the OEM for the important components like PV Modules, Inverters,
Junction Boxes, Batteries etc.

3. The warrantee/CMC modalities is between the customer and the EPC company.

17. OPERATION MANUAL

An Operation, Instruction and Maintenance Manual, should be provided with the system. The
following minimum details must be provided in the manual:

 About solar power plant – its components and expected performance.

 DO’s and DON’T’s

 Cleaning of Solar PV Modules in regular intervals

 Clear instructions on regular maintenance and troubleshooting of solar power plant.

 As built drawings for the installation

 Five Year System Warrantee/CMC Certificate

 OEM Warrantee Certificates of Inverters, PV Modules, Batteries etc.

 Specification of PV Power Plant

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

 Data Sheets of Major Equipment like PV Module/Inverter etc.

 Name and address of the E.P.C Contractor and the contract person in case of non-
functionality of the solar power plant.

18. BILL OF MATERIALS

Once Empanelled and when a project is awarded the EPC Contractor should provide the bill
of material mentioning the quantity of each of the item consisting in the system, for the
projects they are undertaking.

The format for the Bill of Materials is given below:

Sl. Item Make Model & Quantity Rating/Capacity

No. Individual
(if any) (Nos)
Capacity

(If any)

1. PV Module

2. PCU/Inverter

3. Battery

4. DC Cables

5. AC Cables

6. AJB/SCB

7. Module Mounting
Structure (MMS)

8. DCDB

9. ACDB

10. Lightning Arrester

11. Earthing System Details

and No. of Earth pits

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 Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

19. SITE INSPECTION

Once Empanelled and when a project is awarded the EPC Contractor should visit site / sites
for the checking the feasibility before proceeding. The load proposed to be segregated and
connected to the Off-Grid PV Plant should match with the connected load.

20. DRAWINGS AND DOCUMENTS

Once Empanelled and when a project is awarded the EPC contractor must submit
drawings/documents required by statutory authorities and obtain the approval before the
installation.

i) Schematic drawing showing the PV panels, Power conditioning Unit(s)/Inverter, Array

Junction Boxes (AJBs)/String Combiner Boxes (SJB), AC and DC Distribution Box,
Battery bank etc.

ii) Layout of solar PV Array

iii) Single Line Diagram (SLD) with specification of all components.

iv) Design document for Module Mounting Structure (MMS) including certificate showing
wind speed withstanding capacity of the structure (STAAD/Equivalent).

v) Module Mounting Structure (MMS) drawing along with foundation details for the
structure.

vi) Sizes and specification of cables for PV Module interconnections, PV Array to Array
Junction Boxes, Array Junction Boxes to Inverter, Inverter to ACDB etc. shall be
furnished.

All PV plant design should contain the following details which should be approved by the
concerned officer before installation.
i) Design of string including the number of PV modules in series and number strings

ii) AC Protection (Circuit Breaker, Switches, Fuses, SPD)

iii) DC Protection (Switches, Fuses, SPD)

iv) AJB/ Junction Box details

v) DC Cable size and length from point to point

vi) AC Cable size and length from point to point

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Tech Specs of Off-Grid PV Power Plants

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