The Independent Power Producer (IPP) business unit was conceptualized in 2014. We started our journey with winning a 10 MW capacity project in November 2014 under tariff based competitive bidding conducted by the Southern Power Distribution Company of A.P Limited (APSPDCL).
The Solar IPP division of Mahindra Susten is involved in strategic and rational investment in solar power production, and development of renewable energy assets in India.
As an Independent Power Producer, Mahindra Susten develops, builds, owns and operates utility scale solar projects in India and across the globe, with the strategic focus on Steady Annual Returns, Enabler to the EPC business, Enhanced Brand Value and creating a Sustainable Portfolio. Our Development Mantra is, ‘Lowest Levelized cost of Electricity’. To achieve this, we deploy a combination of the highest quality components from Tier- 1 suppliers and advanced technology such as the Single Axis Trackers, etc.
We are powering solar power production in India using the latest solar engineering methods to push India towards a greener future. Being a solar IPP, we build and operate solar photovoltaic plants, thus contributing to India’s target of 100GW (solar) by 2022. When solar power is produced at a fraction of the cost, it directly impacts the end user since they get the power from a non-exhausting, clean source of energy which creates true sustainability for the planet.
PORTFOLIO
Our IPP portfolio stands at 1569+MWp in terms of DC Capacity, with recent wins of 250 MW project under the 1200 MW SECI ISTS Tranche – IV tender and 200 MW under 750 MW SECI Rajasthan Tranche – II Tender.
1665+ MWp Total Projects
350MWp Projects Under Execution
1315MWp Operational Projects
USPs

Prudent bidding strategy in terms of bid selection, tariff, etc.

Ability to raise low cost debt at healthy leverage levels.

Competence in development activities such as land acquisition, permits and approvals, etc.

Asset Management capabilities to optimize generation revenue from the assets.

In-house EPC as well as O&M Team.
PROJECTS
Our projects tell the story of Mahindra Susten’s solar engineering
efficiency and commitment to excellence.
FAQs
PV (Photovoltaic), derives its name from the process of converting light (‘photo’) directly into electricity (‘voltaic’). A Solar PV system is a power station that generates electricity from sunlight. The major components of a Solar PV system are Solar panel, Inverters & Battery.
- Photovoltaic solar systems use cells, consisting of one or two layers of semi-conducting material, to convert solar radiation into electricity. The semi-conducting material is generally silicon, which is the second most abundant element on earth after oxygen.
- Light shines on the cell creating an electric field across the layers.
- This causes electrons to flow creating electricity.
- On its own each cell only creates a tiny bit of electricity, but connected together to form panels, which are linked together to form a system, they create useful amounts.
- Panels are mounted on a frame.
- An inverter converts the direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC – or mains equivalent) electricity which is suitable for running appliances.
- Grid connected systems can export electricity they don’t use to the grid, and import it from the grid when there is not enough sunlight.
- The best use of solar energy is to consume it while it is being generated. If the requirement is to store this power and consume it in the non-sunny hours, then solar energy can be stored in batteries for later consumption.
It’s typically 4-5 acres of land for each MW. However, it depends upon various factors such as module technology, structure configuration, shape of land, terrain etc.
Open Access is a concept that enables industrial & commercial users with more than 1 MW connected load to buy power directly from the generator or from the open market. Customers can choose from a number of competitive power companies, rather than being forced to buy power from the local utility monopoly. It not only helps in ensuring regular electricity supply at competitive rates but also enhances the business of power markets. Open access helps consumers meet their Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO) as well.
BESS is an electrical energy storage system which can provide power as and when required. When paired with PV Systems, it can offer various functionalities like DG Mitigation, Peak Shaving, thereby, increasing the potential savings of the clients. In addition to this, it enhances the flexibility of the client’s power supply, especially for critical facilities which commonly face grid outages.
Independent Power Producer
- Falling module prices and maturing technology
- Aggressive competition
- Economy of scale considering large capacity projects
- Increased focus of foreign investment in Indian solar industry
- Easy access to debt financing
- Supportive Govt policies & Incentives
Appx 5-6 Crs per MW. However, it depends upon various factors such as capacity, project configuration, site characteristics etc.
Solar power is much cheaper than the power from grid and diesel generators. Today average cost of power from solar is Rs. 4.5-5 per kWh (For commercial and Industrial segments) while the average cost of power from the grid is Rs. 7 per kWh and Rs 16 per kWh from a diesel generator. (A litre of diesel generates around 3-4 kWh).
Appx 40-50% of the total amount on yearly basis. Utility-scale is cheaper owing to economies of scale.
Following factors should be kept in mind:-
- Location and layout of the solar plant.
- Orientation and shade-free area.
- Quality of equipment
- Design of the solar plant.
- Maintenance of the plant.
Approx 15.0 to 16.0 lacs units (kWh) per annum depending upon the technology, solar radiation & weather condition at site.
Since Solar PV works based on the amount of sunlight it receives, it starts generating the output at around 6 am in the morning and stops at about 7 pm in the evening depending on the plant location. The generation increases gradually and peaks at noon and then gradually decreases as the Sun goes down.
For installations greater than 1 MW in size, typically, central inverters are used, and these will be set up in a separate room, called the control room. For smaller installations, string inverters are used, and these are erected on the floor.
The electricity generation of the plant suffers during rainy and cloudy days especially during the monsoon season.
DevCo is an abbreviation of “Development Company”. As the name suggests, we conceptualize project right from its inception and operate the plant for 25 years including execution of PPA, financing and sale of generation to the Grid and other entities
It is a mutually agreed tariff between the customer & Mahindra Susten. We can structure the tenure of PPA and tariff as per requirement of the customer. The solar tariff can be flat over the tenure of the PPA or escalating or a combination of flat & escalating, or any other customized tariff.
Post acquisition of land, construction of solar projects normally takes 9 to 12 months.
Yes, some of the States have the provision of using agriculture land for solar projects without any need of conversion. Generally Solar plants are located at wastelands and areas with low agricultural base which help in utilization of land and generate employment at remote locations. This USP of Solar energy has helped in fast deployment of solar in India.
In case of Solar Park Tender, land along with some associated infrastructure such as power evacuation, approach roads etc. shall be provided by the Solar Park Authority.