Grid connected 3MWp Solar PV power plant in Belgum District of Karnataka State, India

Audit Analysis

A 3 MWp grid-connected solar PV project in Karnataka, India, registered under CDM with a jurisdictional baseline and VVB-confirmed investment additionality test. The project delivered approximately 79% of its pro-rata ex-ante expectation over the first four-year monitoring period, indicating conservative crediting. However, the validation process surfaced 21 material findings spanning PDD factual errors, financial analysis weaknesses, and calibration lapses, which, while corrected, reflect a below-average documentation quality.

Project Description

Red Flags

• ⚠21 material findings raised by TÜV NORD CERT during validation, including PDD array count error (12 vs. 624), incorrect geographical coordinates, and multiple financial analysis deficiencies (PLF, O&M, depreciation, tax treatment)
• ⚠Performance loss factor assumed at 17% was questioned by the VVB as not conservative compared to the CERC-recommended 19%, and the host submitted a KREDL letter as evidence rather than independent measurement
• ⚠Calibration of the smart meter was performed twice over the monitoring period instead of annually as specified in the PDD, with a conservative MPE of ±1% applied as a mitigation
• ⚠Total verified ERR figure is not present in the extracted record, preventing independent cross-check of the 13,277 tCO₂e figure reported in the monitoring report

Credit Vintages