Andhra Pradesh has a sunny climate perfect for solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, yet the sector is still in its early stages. While the state government is aggressively developing EV charging infrastructure, solar-powered options are not currently on their agenda. This was confirmed by Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar.
The state's sunny weather and rising interest in electric vehicles present a golden opportunity for solar-powered EV charging. These stations could utilize rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels to cut down reliance on the conventional grid. Incorporating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) would help manage power fluctuations and only draw from the grid when absolutely necessary. This could potentially lower costs for charging point operators (CPOs) and users alike.
Convergence Energy Services Ltd. (CESL), a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. under the Union Ministry of Power, has led the charge in integrated solar-powered charging stations across India. However, CESL has yet to install a public charger in Andhra Pradesh. CESL CEO Akhilesh Kumar Dixit mentioned that talks with state agencies to set up new EV chargers are ongoing.
At the same time, Tata Power has been expanding its fast-charging network in Andhra Pradesh. Despite their success with solar carports in other states, Tata Power has not yet launched solar-powered units in Andhra Pradesh. Tata Power EV Charging Business Head Virendra Goyal cited space constraints and high costs as significant barriers.
To set up solar-powered fast-charging hubs, you need a strong grid connection, a lot of electrical equipment, and maybe a BESS. These requirements pose challenges for CPOs, who face high costs for land, maintenance, software, grid connectivity, and financing. The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) estimates that investment in public charging infrastructure from 2020 to 2025 accounted for only 9.6% of the ₹20,600-crore needed by 2030.
In areas where land costs are high, like those rich in agriculture, solar-powered charging stations are seen as less feasible. Amara Raja Power Systems Ltd. (ARPSL) Chief Marketing Officer Pacha Lakshmi Narayana noted that a solar-powered fast-charging hub would need 2-3 acres of land. Despite ARPSL's wide range of DC fast chargers, no CPOs have approached them for solar-powered solutions.
Some CPOs are entering tripartite agreements with solar energy producers and local power distribution companies (DISCOMs), but transmission costs remain a major obstacle. The state government continues to evaluate how to overcome these challenges. Minister Kumar emphasized the importance of considering farmers' interests as they explore solar-powered options.
