With the advanced solar photovoltaic solar systems, solar energy has become more than just an alternative resource to our depleting energy sources. Solar has so many untapped financial benefits for homeowners and immense potential to meet the increasing energy demand that is putting stress on the government grid.

The government of India has started to subsidise the cost of home solar systems under the Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II scheme to make this clean and green energy source accessible to even small-sized homes. In fact, the process of availing subsidy on solar panels in Rajasthan and other states has been simplified even further with the launch of the National Portal for Rooftop Solar. The new portal provides a unified platform for solar-ready homeowners from all over India to apply for subsidy aid online and dodge the hassle of visiting the local DISCOM. Under the simplified procedure, the approved subsidy aid for solar panel installation in Rajasthan will be sent directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.

Solar Panel Subsidy in Rajasthan

Are you planning to put a solar plant on your roof? Residents can claim rooftop solar subsidy in Rajasthan under the pan-India Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II scheme launched by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).

If you have been putting off your residential solar project due to the high upfront solar investment, a subsidy can make your transition to solar less financially burdensome. The national subsidy program, now strengthened with the National Portal for Rooftop Solar, makes solar less costly for residential, institutional, and social sectors. However, the program doesn’t subsidise RTS installations in industrial, commercial, and public sector undertakings.

The national simplified subsidy scheme has assigned fixed subsidy rates across different slabs representing different system capacities available for residential projects. Here is a snapshot of the Central Financial Assistance (CFA)/Central Government Subsidy amount you can apply, based on your rooftop solar system capacity. These subsidy rates are standard across all states and Union Territories in India. 

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Note: Your CFA/subsidy application is approved only when the assigned inspecting authority from the local DISCOM has issued clearance on your RTS system and the net metering mechanism, which must be set up in compliance with the specified procedure. To get your subsidy request processed according to the current subsidy scheme, make sure you submit your application online on the national portal before December 31, 2022. No applications will be processed with retrospective effect.

Calculation of CFA/ subsidy: When calculating CFA/ subsidy, the amount is decided based on the total module capacity installed or the capacity approved by the assigned DISCOM authority, whichever is lower. 

How to Avail Solar Subsidy in Rajasthan, 2022

Since the introduction of the Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II scheme, the government of India has made impressive progress in making subsidy application and disbursement easier, faster, and more transparent for the residents of India.

The recently launched National Portal for Rooftop Solar is a milestone step toward resolving obstacles that hindered the efficient distribution of solar benefits. The residents earlier had to apply for subsidy through their state-level subsidy programmes and would visit the DISCOM company to successfully submit the application.

The online portal gives more control in the hands of consumers throughout the application process for solar plant subsidy in Rajasthan and other states. This not only expedites the process but also eliminates the ambiguous and tiresome process of dealing with the local DISCOM authorities or learning about state-level active subsidy programs to get subsidy benefits.

The portal facilitates clear and transparent processing of rooftop solar subsidy in Rajasthan and all over the country by letting registered consumers closely track their application at every step. Since the platform is accessible 24/7, you can log into your account to submit the application form and initiate the subsidy process, check for updates, and receive approvals/refusals. The portal will also give you information about how to complete the installation and inspection of your RTS system and what subsidy aid you can expect for your solar plant.

The National Subsidy Program is also called a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme wherein the beneficiary gets the subsidy amount directly into their bank account. The subsidy amount is released within 30 days after the assigned inspecting authority has provided clearance on installing and commissioning your grid-interactive solar power systems.

Tips to ensure your eligibility for solar subsidy in Rajasthan, 2022: 

• Made-in-India solar panels – If you have decided to go solar and want to avail the solar system subsidy in Rajasthan or anywhere in India, make sure you get indigenously-manufactured solar PV modules as prescribed under the simplified subsidy procedure. Solar panels eligible for the subsidy must be manufactured using made-in-India solar cells. The ALMM list can help you choose the right solar panels from the Approved Models & Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules.
• On-grid solar systems – The MNRE is offering financial aid in the form of solar subsidy in Rajasthan and other states of India only on on-grid solar systems (excluding solar batteries) installed for residential use. Homeowners have the freedom to add solar batteries to unleash the true potential of solar technology. However, the cost of solar batteries will not be included in the subsidy calculation under the simplified subsidy scheme.
• Registered/empanelled solar vendors – The MNRE has issued a list of empanelled solar vendors who are vetted and authorised to commission and install subsidised residential solar projects. They must follow the minimum specifications and standards in every RTS installation project. Therefore, make sure the solar companies you are considering for your solar transition are registered with your local Distribution Utility (DISCOM) company.
• Necessary assistance to be provided by your vendor – It’s the duty of the registered/empanelled vendor you choose for your RTS project to do a thorough survey of the intended solar installation site and guide homeowners on the best possible options based on energy requirements and location. The vendor must evaluate technical and financial parameters to help the consumer decide the right type, size, and design of the solar system for their home. The vendor is also responsible for obtaining necessary permits, assisting the DISCOM authority in setting up the net metering system, and inspecting the installed solar system. Once the RTS plant is set up, the vendor will maintain the system for five years from installation.
• Subsidy rates – The recent update under the simplified process has established fixed subsidy rates for different system capacities. These rates will be standard for all households planning to get solar subsidy in Rajasthan and other states of India. Since the subsidy rates are subject to change at the start of a new calendar year, make sure you check for the current subsidy on the national portal.

Benefits of Solar Panel Subsidy in Rajasthan

Homeowners aspiring to avail solar plant subsidies in Rajasthan can choose between either a simple grid-interactive framework or a hybrid solar plant that includes solar batteries. A grid-interactive solar system is ideal for homeowners looking for the most budget-friendly solar options. As you begin to recognise the financial gains of living in a solar-powered home, you can choose to upgrade your existing solar plant by adding more panels and solar batteries. 

1. Reduce or Eliminate Electricity Bills

A rooftop solar system starts delivering on its promises from the first watt/hour of solar energy generated. If your solar plant is large enough, you should be able to meet a significant ratio of your total energy demand through solar electricity supplied by your on-site solar panels. As a result, you depend less on the government grid for electricity, and your monthly electricity bill is likely to show a reduced or even near-zero charge.

A home solar system enables you to produce your own electricity and enjoy more control over how you use it in your household. In addition, an energy-independent house saves you on your monthly electricity expenses, which accumulate to become a significant amount in a year. 

As you collect these annual savings for a span of 6 to 8 years, you will realise that savings on your utility bill are enough to completely pay off your initial solar investment. After this payback period, your home will reap an appreciable amount of free electricity for the rest of the lifespan (25+ years) of solar panels. 

2. Earn Solar Credits

Under the provision of net metering regulating grid-connected solar plants, homes that add solar energy to the government grid receive solar credits. Net metering amplifies your solar power ROI. With the right capacity solar system, you will see several surplus solar power generation days, especially during summer. Instead of wasting this surplus energy, the solar system is designed to transfer unused power units (left after fulfilling your home’s power demand and recharging solar batteries, if any) to the government grid.

The net meter mechanism tracks these monthly solar power exports and rewards you with solar credits, which are recorded in your monthly electricity bills. Solar credits are a currency you can use to buy grid electricity to meet your home’s additional electricity demand beyond what your solar energy output can cover on a given day. However, grid electricity withdrawals are still possible even if you don’t have a sufficient solar credit balance. Your electricity bill will charge you for the electricity imports at prescribed net metering rates.

The utility service company swill settle this balance in cash if the year closes with a solar credit balance in your record. Hence with net metering, homeowners can see a zero charge on the monthly bill for months when no electricity is drawn from the grid or even a positive credit balance for adding surplus solar energy to the grid.

3. A Reliable Source of Electricity

For many households, frequent and prolonged power cuts are the reason behind adopting a home solar system. Solar panels harvest sunshine to generate electricity. Since the Sun is available to us in abundance, solar energy proves to be a more predictable and reliable power source, unlike grid-supplied power interrupted due to weather conditions. 

Many solar companies can help you calculate your annual solar energy production and also provide monitoring devices so that you can track your daily output. However, with solar, you won’t see major fluctuations in your plant’s annual solar production. 

Over the last decades, the world has witnessed a sharp increase in energy demands, pushing traditional energy resources on the verge of depletion. 

Price of a Solar System in Rajasthan with Subsidy

What is the actual cost of ‘going solar’? Is it worth it? A prior understanding of solar system prices in Rajasthan and the factors that influence them can help homeowners make a confident decision. 

Type, Size and Materials: To start off the calculation of solar system cost in Rajasthan for your home, the first step is to determine the right type and size of your planned solar system. Keeping the eligibility criteria for a solar subsidy, you can choose between a simple grid-connected solar system or a hybrid system (which is connected to the grid but also has solar batteries). 

Also, check the efficiency rating of different solar equipment constituting your RTS system. Components of higher functional efficiency will cost higher. If you prefer the least costly option, then the simple grid-connected solar system made up of standard-quality components is the right choice. 

On the flip side, a hybrid solar system can help you maintain a power backup and eliminate your dependence on the grid. Solar batteries allow you to keep a reserve of solar power to meet additional energy requirements, especially at night, so you don’t have to draw grid electricity even if your solar panels are inactive. Since you meet a major share of your home electricity needs from your own RTS system, you also easily avoid the inconvenience of prolonged power outages as your solar panel system immediately switches to solar batteries whenever the grid is down.

However, hybrid solar systems cost more than a simple on-grid set-up as they use more solar panels to power your home and charge the solar batteries. 

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) prescribes strict technical standards and specifications to be honoured in each RTS installation to ensure eligibility for solar panel subsidy in Rajasthan and many other states of India. Hence, ensure your chosen empanelled solar vendor works according to these guidelines and even sign an agreement assuring you of the same. For this purpose, you are advised to use the model agreement prepared by the MNRE and provide the same when initiating your solar subsidy process. 

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Design and Installation: Placing solar PV panels on your roof may appear a simple handyman’s job, but the opposite is true. Establishing the most suitable layout for your solar panel setup is essential for them to gain access to maximum sunlight. Therefore, an initial inspection by your trusted solar company can help you determine many aspects of your intended installation site. These are orientation, shading, pollution and climate condition, structural integrity, and the overall profitability of your planned solar plant. 

An expert roof assessment also assesses other aspects of your intended transition to solar. These are your home’s energy needs and your preferences as to how you want your solar structure blended into your lifestyle and aesthetic expectations. For instance, if you are worried that your roof-mounted solar panels will take away your valuable roof space, then a pergola-style can help you add solar plants attractively and recreationally.

It’s advised that you trust only an expert solar installer to provide you with the most durable solar panel mounting system as well as safely and securely mount your solar panels on them for maximum exposure to sunshine and an increased lifespan.

However, all these costs will further add to your total solar panel price in Rajasthan.

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Out-of-pocket costs: Some portion of your total solar panel system price in Haryana is settled directly from your pocket and is associated with post-installation costs. Under net-metering regulations, utility consumers with an on-site RTS system can earn solar credits by transferring unused surplus energy (usually in summers) to the grid. However, there will also come days when you will have to draw grid electricity due to insufficient or zero solar energy production. The net-metering mechanism records the exports and imports of power in your monthly electricity bills. You will be required to pay the difference if imports exceed exports unless you have enough solar credit balance to settle this difference.

Solar systems require ongoing servicing and maintenance, which might create another burden on your pocket. Fortunately, many solar equipment manufacturers can over robust product and performance warranties on different solar equipment. Solar panels come with a performance warranty of up to 25 years, whereas solar inverters and solar batteries carry a product warranty of 5-10 years. During the warranty period, all the replacements arising due to faulty components will be borne by your solar manufacturing company.

You might also want to opt for exhaustive AMC maintenance service packages, if your vendor provides one, to have professionals address your RTS system’s routine inspection, troubleshooting, and maintenance requirements.

As per the procedure prescribed under the simplified solar subsidy program, homeowners and the chosen solar vendor can mutually choose from the different types, sizes, and prices of solar panel systems in Rajasthan. However, the revised subsidy calculation method under the simplified process uses the RTS system capacity you buy or the capacity provided upon inspection, whichever is lower. You no longer have to check the latest benchmark costs for different capacity systems as was earlier issued by the MNRE to calculate subsidy.

However, remember that the subsidy calculation method doesn’t factor in the cost of net metering and solar batteries (included in hybrid solar systems).

Only a professional can help you tap into the maximum potential of your rooftop solar plant so that you enjoy the maximum financial benefits that offset and even exceed your initial solar investment. To better understand the price of a home solar panel system for your home in Rajasthan, let Homescape help you make a well-informed decision through our quick site assessment and a custom solar code.

The Complete Process for Installing Solar System in Rajasthan

With the launch of the online portal, applying for a solar subsidy on your intended installation of a grid-connected rooftop solar system has become easier than ever. Here is the complete process on how to apply for solar subsidy in Rajasthan or anywhere in India to successfully initiate the process under the solar rooftop subsidy yojana: 

• You will first have to activate your beneficiary account on the National Solar Portal https://solarrooftop.gov.in/ using the mobile number, email id, and other basic details. 
• Once the account has been created, note down the login credentials you have received and use them to log in to your account. There you can submit your application for solar system subsidy in Rajasthan online in a few easy steps. Make sure to provide the requested information and bank account details correctly. Once the application is submitted, the portal will forward your subsidy application to your local DISCOM company. The DISCOM is responsible for evaluating your intended RTS installation for technical feasibility. Based on this, it will provide approval in line with the prevailing state regulations.
• Wait for your technical feasibility approval before you install your RTS system. The said status will be updated on the portal and also notified to you via email. 
• Now you have the necessary permit to start your RTS system under the simplified subsidy scheme. The subsidy guidelines require that an empanelled vendor must complete all subsidised RTS installation projects. Once the installation is done, you can submit all the relevant documents on the online portal. Now, wait for a DISCOM authority to visit your location for physical inspection and the net meter installation.
• Upon the successful completion of the physical inspection, the DISCOM authority will submit all the details on the portal, leading to the clearance of your subsidy amount. This status will reflect on your application.
• Now you can sit back and wait to receive the approved subsidy amount in your bank account within 30 days from installation. 

FAQs

How much does a 1 kWp rooftop solar system take?

A 1kW rooftop solar system composed of standard-quality solar panels will cover 10 sq. metres of shadow-free area. However, the installation area also depends on the mounting structure design and the efficiency rating of solar panels. A high-efficiency rating means solar panels can give more watts/hour per solar cell and will, thus, reduce the number of panels needed to generate 1kW capacity.

Why must I install solar PV modules in a shade-free area?

A cast of shade on any area of your solar panels interrupts sunlight from directly incident on the solar panel’s surface. For example, suppose shadows from nearby buildings and trees cover some solar cells or a part of your solar panel. In that case, this affects the overall efficiency and the total solar energy output throughout the array as solar cells are interconnected. Hence, you must check your space for prolonged shade, affecting both the performance and lifespan of your solar panels. 

Do I get any warranties on solar components? 

Many leading solar companies like Homescape provide robust performance warranty of 25 years on solar panels that cover unexpected replacement needs. Your solar inverters and batteries may also have strong coverage of 5-10 years of product warranty. Moreover, the national subsidy programs have ensured that all subsidised RTS plants get 5 years of mandatory maintenance services from the empanelled solar vendor behind the installation.

How will I get electricity when the sunshine is weak or unavailable? 

The solar panels generate electricity by harvesting sunshine directly incidenting on its surface. Hence, your solar panels will be inactive during the dark hours and their energy generation efficiency gets compromised during cloudy or rainy weather. Thankfully, you will remain connected to the government grid to draw additional electricity as may be needed. You can also choose to add batteries to maintain a solar energy reserve for later use when solar energy generation is insufficient.

Home solar systems are widely recognised and adopted among homeowners who want to avoid paying high electricity costs. The government of India also aims to popularise this emission-free, low-cost, and renewable energy source among the residents by subsidising the cost of home solar systems.

The Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II scheme has undergone massive transformations since its launch, and the new simplified procedure intends to make this financial aid easily accessible for all. National Portal for Rooftop Solar allows consumers to initiate their subsidy application process online quickly. This subsidy procedure transfers the approved solar benefits directly into the consumer account based on the clearance of your installed Rooftop Solar (RTS) system. 

Solar Panel Subsidy in Madhya Pradesh

The MP government solar panel subsidy is available under the Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II scheme introduced by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE). Central Financial Assistance (CFA)/Solar Subsidy Support can subsidise your home’s solar cost. 

However, the national solar subsidy scheme is available only for residential property owners, institutions, and social sectors. The subsidy scheme isn’t available for industrial, commercial, and public sector undertakings for installing solar. 

The recently introduced subsidy rates under the national simplified subsidy scheme offer a fixed amount for each kW of solar system capacity. These subsidy slabs for different system capacities are standard across all states in India.

Note: Your CFA/subsidy application will only be approved upon the clearance of your RTS and net metering system by the assigned inspecting authority from your local DISCOM company. The net-metering system must be integrated into your solar power plant as per the specified procedure. All online subsidy applications received by December 31, 2022, through the national portal will be processed as per the current subsidy scheme and rates only. No applications will be processed with retrospective effect.

Calculation of CFA/ subsidy: The CFA/subsidy calculation is based on your total solar system capacity or the maximum solar system capacity approved by your local DISCOM, whichever is lower. 

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How to Avail Solar System Subsidy in MP

With the aim of achieving the 4 GW residential solar installation target by 2024, the government of India has been offering solar panel subsidies in MP and other states only on rooftop solar projects. The purpose is to encourage the adoption of solar among homeowners. Since the launch of the simplified national programme, the subsidy application and distribution process has become faster, simpler, and more transparent for consumers. 

Very recently, on July 30, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Portal for Rooftop Solar to promote a unified National Subsidy Scheme across all states. The online portal has resolved many challenges consumers face when availing their rightful subsidy benefits. 

The one-stop platform accepts applications and allows solar-ready homeowners to initiate the subsidy process online. This has replaced the old, tiresome process that required the beneficiary to make several visits to the local DISCOM company and apply only through state-level subsidy programmes (which will still run parallel to the National Subsidy Scheme). As a result, now consumers have higher control over their subsidy application at every step of the way, from form submission and documentation to inspection and disbursement of the subsidy amount. 

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The portal has all the advanced features to facilitate the transparent processing of solar rooftop subsidies in Madhya Pradesh and everywhere in India. Registered users will be able to track the status of their subsidy application online, every step of the way. You can log in at your convenience to fill up the application form, get notified upon receiving approvals (or refusals), and learn about your potential subsidy amount upon the successful installation and inspection of your rooftop solar system.

The National solar subsidy scheme is also known as a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. Consumers applying for solar subsidy through the national portal will get the approved subsidy amount directly in their bank account within 30 days of the solar installation.

Factors that decide your eligibility for MP solar subsidy: 

• Indigenously-manufactured solar panels – When designing your home solar system, the technical specifications prescribed under the simplified subsidy procedure require homeowners to buy only made-in-India PV modules that use made-in-India solar cells. You can check the ALMM list for Approved Models & Manufacturers of BIS-compliant Solar Photovoltaic Modules.
• On-grid solar systems – You can apply for solar system subsidy in MP and other states only for residential on-grid projects (excluding the battery backup). Homeowners have the liberty to attach external solar batteries to their RTS framework. However, the cost of this additional component is excluded while calculating the subsidy amount.
• Registered/empanelled solar vendors – The MNRE has issued a list of registered/empanelled solar vendors who are authorised to commission and install subsidised RTS projects. The Ministry has screened and trained these vendors to ensure that they strictly honour the minimum specifications and standards prescribed under the simplified procedure for every rooftop system installation.
• Obligations of your vendor – There are some essential duties that empanelled solar vendors are required to perform in every subsidised RTS project. To establish solar suitability, your chosen vendor must perform a site assessment aligned with relevant technical and financial parameters. The vendor will also procure all required permits for the installation and further assist the inspecting authority in the installation of the net-metering system and the inspection of the solar system. The vendor must also maintain RTS plants for a minimum of years from installation.
• Subsidy rates – The online portal will announce subsidy rates under the simplified process for every calendar year. The subsidies provisioned for different system capacities will be standard for beneficiaries from all states and Union Territories in India. The revised subsidy rates will be published duly on the national portal.

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Benefits of Solar Panel Subsidy in MP

When you are searching for a budget-friendly option in rooftop solar systems with subsidies in MP, a simple grid-interactive setup that doesn’t use batteries is the right choice for you. The financial benefits of solar start to show as soon as your solar panels start producing solar electricity, and these continue for over 25 years of the system’s lifespan. In fact, you can expect your solar panels to pay for themselves in just 6-8 years merely through the savings you enjoy on your electricity bill every month. The electricity supplied by your solar panels becomes free for your household after the payback period.

• Constant supply of power

Speaking about a reliable power source for your home, solar electricity produced by on-site solar panels is a clear choice over traditional grid power. Harsh weather conditions like rain and storms can interrupt your grid power supply for several hours and even days. On the other hand, a rooftop solar plant matches your home’s electricity demand through power generation and gives you access to grid electricity to fulfil any additional requirements. You can also add external solar batteries to store surplus energy production when the sunshine is weak or unavailable at night. This helps cut down your dependence on grid electricity. 

• Cost Savings on Electricity Bills

Solar energy is a free power source available in abundance around the year. Since sunrise is promised to us every day without any impediments, switching to a home solar power plant will be a one-time investment that will bring you savings and much higher returns throughout its lifespan of 25 years. 

As solar power makes up most of your home’s total energy consumption, you don’t have to worry about load shedding or high electricity bills. Solar will lower your monthly electricity expenses. Plus, solar also becomes an additional source of earning for your home when your solar panels generate surplus electricity, which can be sent to the local grid in exchange for solar credits. These small portions of financial gains can add up to become significant annual energy savings for your home.

• Generate your electricity

An electrical grid uses a vast network of power lines to deliver electricity to households. However, an appreciable percentage of electricity is lost during this process of transmitting and distributing power. A subsidised solar plant in MP empowers your home to generate its electricity, thereby giving you more control over the electricity supply and the freedom to use as you see fit without depending on unpredictable grid supply. 

Selecting the right capacity RTS system based on your home’s monthly electricity requirements will enable you to cut down on your grid withdrawals. In addition, the advanced solar panels with a high energy-efficiency rating, also help in a higher yield of solar electricity against the sunshine harvested by each solar cell. As a result, your system will need fewer panels to design a suitable RTS system to match your electricity demand.

Price of a Solar System in Madhya Pradesh with Subsidy

Calculating the cost of a solar panel system in Madhya Pradesh is complicated by several factors:

Quality and Number of Solar Panels: When sizing your home solar system, the goal is to choose a plant capacity that generates ample power to cancel out a bigger share of your power bill, thereby reducing grid dependency. However, a more extensive RTS system will require more solar panels to generate the promised capacity, meaning increased costs.

To reduce the cost, you might be tempted to buy a lower-capacity solar system than required to meet your home’s current electricity usage. Or you may want to go for cheap, lower-efficiency solar panels, but that increases the number of panels required to produce the promised capacity.

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Buying solar panels isn’t just a costly one-time event but rather an investment in the next 25 years. Better quality solar panels can offer a much higher long-term value in terms of efficiency/power yield, reliability, performance, warranty conditions, and manufacturers’ services. So even though they cost more upfront, they amount to much higher savings for more years.

If you want to avail subsidy on solar panels in MP and other states, ensure all the solar components in your RTS plant conform to the technical standards and specifications specified by the MNRE. The empanelled solar vendor commissioning and installing your on-grid solar system is also obligated by the MNRE to strictly follow the prescribed technical standards and specifications as well as sign an agreement with the consumer to promise compliance. For this reason, a model agreement has been prepared by the MNRE, which the consumer can submit duly filled in and signed at the time of initiating the subsidy process on the online portal.

Ease of Installation: Several factors like the number of panels involved in your RTS plant, type of roof, and challenging angles, can complicate the installation process and thus add to the total solar cost. Your rooftop solar panels must be placed in a way that give them maximum Sun hours and facilitates efficient performance across all seasons. 

A professional solar installer evaluates your rooftop space for orientation, shading, structural integrity and overall solar profitability to determine the most suitable layout and mounting structure. A comprehensive site survey will also ascertain your home’s energy requirements and design-related preferences.

For instance, your solar vendor might recommend an elevated mounting structure if you don’t wish to lose your valuable rooftop space to solar panels. A pergola-style RTS system not only adds to your home’s structural beauty but also allows you to recreate an exciting rooftop space.

Out-of-pocket costs: Some out-of-pocket costs are involved in owning and maintaining a home solar system. The net metering regulations govern a grid-interactive system wherein your system transfers excess solar energy units (that your home doesn’t use) to the government grid in exchange for solar credits. Your net meter also records and charges you for drawing grid electricity to meet additional electricity requirements. In addition, your home solar system may automatically switch to grid electricity during the night hours and on inclement weather days when solar production is reduced.

The utility bill generated every month will outline your total imports and exports and the available solar credit balance. If imports are higher than exports and your solar credits aren’t enough to pay for the withdrawals, you’ll have to settle the difference out of your pocket. 

All types and sizes of home solar systems require some upkeep. Hence, make sure you prepare for post-installation system maintenance costs. The good news is that performance and equipment warranties cover key solar components (25 years on solar panels; 5-10 years on the solar inverter and solar batteries) and can take the financial burden of replacements off your shoulders. In addition, during the warranty period, the manufacturers cover replacements arising from defective or failed parts.

The MP government solar panel subsidy scheme requires all empanelled vendors to maintain rooftop solar systems for at least five years after installation. However, you can opt for a complete AMC maintenance service package offered by many solar vendors and get routine inspection, troubleshooting, and maintenance services throughout your system’s life.

Under the simplified solar subsidy application procedure, you are free to decide upon the right size, type and style of the solar system for your home’s energy needs and budget. The empanelled solar vendor can offer assistance to help you make an informed and confident decision. However, the subsidy calculation involves ensuring that you meet the eligibility criteria to receive the solar subsidy in MP. The revised subsidy calculation approach uses your RTS system capacity (approved after the inspection by an authorised DISCOM official), unlike the former method of using benchmark costs for different sizes of solar systems issued by the MNRE. Also, the revised subsidy calculation method excludes costs related to net metering and solar batteries.

If you are planning to put solar panels on your home, an experienced solar company can help you get the maximum value out of your solar investment. Now there is only one easy way to know the exact cost of a solar power system in Madhya Pradesh – get an actual quote from Homescape.

The Complete Process for Installing Solar System in Madhya Pradesh

The launch of the online portal has eased the process of availing solar panel subsidies in MP and other states. Here we have outlined key steps to quickly initiate your subsidy process online under the solar rooftop subsidy yojana:

• The first step is to activate your beneficiary account on https://solarrooftop.gov.in/ using your mobile number and email id.
• Once your account is set up, you will have the login credentials to log into your account at any time to fill up the subsidy form with the intended installation of your solar power plant and bank account details. Your application will be assigned to your local DISCOM authority to evaluate the technical feasibility of your intended RTS plant and send approval based on your state’s prevailing regulations.
• Once the DISCOM issues the technical feasibility approval, the same status will also be updated on your online application. You will also receive an email notification for the same. 
• Now you have the necessary approval to proceed with your RTS system installation. You are recommended only to choose an empanelled vendor and send all the related documents online to ensure that you maintain your eligibility for subsidy benefits. The next step to RTS system installation involves a physical inspection of your solar panel site and the newly-installed net meter.
• Once your residential solar plant is set up, the assigned DISCOM official will come to survey your location and the installed RTS system. Along with the inspection, the official will also install and integrate the net metering system.
• The DISCOM will update all relevant details based on the inspection on the online portal. A successful report will lead to the clearance of your rightful subsidy amount, which will now appear on your online subsidy application.
• You can expect to receive the approved subsidy amount directly in your bank account in the next 30 days post installation. The subsidy rate for the ongoing calendar year will apply to all RTS installations across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much rooftop space will a 1 kWp rooftop system take?

A rooftop solar system with the standard number of solar panels will take up 10 sq. metres of no-shadow area. However, a more accurate estimation depends on factors like the type and size of the mounting structure and the quality of solar panels. The higher the efficiency of your solar panels, the lesser the number of panels will be required to produce a 1kW capacity.

How can I benefit from the net metering facility?

It’s advised that if the net metering option is available for you, you must opt for it, especially for availing solar subsidy in MP. The option of net metering gives homeowners the assurance of grid support when solar electricity generation declines below the standard. Furthermore, your grid-interactive solar system is designed to send any unused/surplus solar energy to the grid and earn solar credits. You can use solar credits to buy grid electricity for additional power demands. If you still have solar credits by the end of the year, they are settled in cash and bring an additional extra income.

Do power outages affect my solar system?

The simple grid-connected solar system without batteries will shut down every time there is a blackout in your location. As your solar system also interacts with the grid and sends/receives electricity, this can create a risk of electrocution for the line men working on the grid. However, you can avoid power cuts by adding solar batteries to your home solar system. Such a system immediately switches to solar batteries during a blackout and saves you from having to live in the dark.

Can I power my home solely through solar electricity?

Although you have to stay connected to the grid to be eligible for a solar subsidy, you can still achieve absolute energy independence. Simply add solar batteries to your home solar PV plant so that your home becomes self-sufficient and draws power from the reserve instead of from the government grid. Your home solar system is connected with the net meter in a way that solar energy produced by your solar panels is the default source of power for your home. 

During the dark hours when solar production is zero, then your home automatically draws power from available solar battery reserves. Your home only draws grid electricity from both of these primary power options when solar fails to meet your electricity requirements.

Solar is a great alternative energy resource as it’s available in abundance. Plus, the solar panels work tirelessly every day to capture maximum sunshine to generate electricity for your home. 

Bifacial solar panels are the most advanced option that captures the incident light on the panels and the reflected light in the atmosphere. Undoubtedly, the more sunshine they capture, the higher the energy produced to keep your home powered. What are bifacial solar panels? – you ask. Here we uncover everything you need to know about its working and irresistible advantages of using bifacial solar modules to make an informed choice.

What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?

A bifacial solar panel is capable of producing electricity from both sides of the panels. They differ from mono-facial solar panels, which absorb the incident sun rays from only one side. Unlike the monofacial solar cells, both, the top and rear sides of a bifacial solar panel have solar cells. Often monocrystalline cells are used. However, polycrystalline cells can also be used.

The slim structure of bifacial solar panels makes them look similar to thin-film panels and are usually frameless. The solar-equipped side of the solar module has a layer of protective glass, while the flip side may have a glass covering or a clear back sheet. Conventional solar panels, however, are covered in opaque backings.

What does bifacial mean in solar modules? A bifacial solar array is mounted using unique hardware that ensures minimal shading. Hence, very narrow support rails and vertical supports are on the corners. Also, the junction box on the back side, the electronic guts, and the system’s brain are smaller than in traditional arrays. As a result, a bifacial solar array system requires less space and gets less shade on the solar cells on the rear side. 

How Do Bifacial Solar Panels Work?

The top sun-facing side of a bifacial solar panel has a series of solar cells that directly capture incident sun rays, similar to how the solar cells on standard solar panels work. The bottom solar cells catch the light reflected off the nearby objects and the ground. This phenomenon is called the albedo effect, which is characteristic of the working of bifacial solar panels.

It’s a known fact that light-coloured surfaces are more conducive to albedo light than dark colours. Painting the surface of the roof or driveway under the panels in white or silver gives the same effect. Studies show that white areas can reflect over 80% of albedo light.

Monocrystalline cells composed of superior silicon are a better choice for the optimised working of underside solar cells in bifacial solar panels. However, there is a key difference between mono facial (mono perc) and bifacial solar modules in their arrangement. The former is that they are set up parallel to rooftop or ground surfaces, whereas bifacial solar panels work more efficiently when angled off a surface at suitable degrees.

Tilted installation of bifacial solar panels allows solar cells to get the maximum amount of albedo light. This is because sunlight gets reflected off all surfaces at different angles, and bifacial solar panels are built to catch most of the albedo light. This makes bifacial solar panels highly productive even on cloudy days when their monofacial counterparts are at a disadvantage.

In terms of durability, bifacial solar panels perform better thanks to protective glass layers covering both sides. As a result, you will likely get a higher warranty of 30+ years versus 20–25 years for mono facial solar panel systems.

Are Bifacial Solar Panels Better? – Discussing the Advantages

Using bifacial solar modules has its advantages. Compared to its conventional single-sided panels, bifacial solar panels are a great option when you can’t spare much space for installation. Solar electricity output is higher for each solar panel of the same size, though for a slightly higher installation cost.

The bifacial solar panels are raised above the ground so that ample sunlight reaches both sides, facilitating airflow for cooling. In addition, bifacial solar panels often last longer due to the glass covering resisting UV damage.

A great advantage of frameless bifacial solar modules is multiple configuration options. For example, you can put them using raised roof mounts, raised ground mounts, or have them tilted at varying angles for maximum exposure of solar cells to sunshine. This advantage of using bifacial solar modules makes them suitable for both residential and commercial installations.

Moreover, the transparent and slim bifacial structure of bifacial solar panels can be integrated into aesthetic and architectural elements like pergolas, canopies, and sun breakers.

The Efficiency of Bifacial Solar Modules in Comparison to Monofacial Counterparts

By definition, efficiency represents the measure of the solar cell performance in converting the total amount of incident sunlight into electrical energy. You may assume that bifacial solar cells are twice more efficient than monofacial solar cells as the solar cell surface area is doubled in bifacial solar cells – but this is yet to be true.

A 2018 study by LONGi Solar shows that the efficiency of bifacial solar modules increases only by 11% over that of conventional solar modules.

However, the efficiency of bifacial solar cells can be optimised by integrating a solar tracking system in the solar panel mount structure. This system tracks the sun’s trajectory across the sky and continuously tilts the solar panels to maintain a perpendicular orientation for maximum exposure. Through this step, the efficiency may increase up to 27%. 

Thanks to higher efficiency, only a few solar panels are needed to give you the same amount of solar power you obtain with a standard mono facial solar panel system. Considering the increasingly competitive bifacial solar panel price against mono facial solar panel prices, consumers with space constraints can go for bifacial solar panels that allow them to achieve maximum efficiency and energy with fewer panels.

The below table represents a summary of different solar cell efficiencies among the many solar panel options available in the market.

Disadvantages of Using Bifacial Solar Modules

• Initial Costs 

The complex manufacturing process adds to the market price of bifacial solar panels, making them expensive by nearly 10% of their monofacial counterparts.

• Installation Costs

Thanks to the angle and tilt specifications and double-glazing, bifacial solar modules are heavier and require specialised mounting structures and equipment. This increases the labour and material cost.

• Less Flexible

To facilitate the working of double-sided solar cells, bifacial solar panels require to be set up at least 4 metres from the surface. In the case of roof mounts, a raised platform is important to allow the rear solar cells to collect reflected sunlight. 

“Can we use bifacial solar modules?” you might wonder as this type of installation is not suitable in several residential settings. Hence, bifacial solar panels are often a more convenient option for solar farms or off-grid systems. Fortunately, all hope isn’t lost as residential properties can still use bifacial solar panels by integrating them in an awning or lean-to roof. 

Solar Energy Companies Installing Bifacial Solar Modules

Do you need a different solar panel location for installing a bifacial solar module? Consider building a beautiful, functional shade structure integrated with a solar energy system. This can be a solar pergola (also known as a solar patio cover or solar canopy).

Homescape is among the reputed solar energy companies installing bifacial solar modules across India. Our flagship solar pergola, Atrium, is a stylish, functional, and highly durable solar ceiling to create a powerful outdoor living space for you. The key features that make Atrium an attractive and rewarding investment for homeowners include:

• Bifacial, dual-glass panels that can provide 25% higher output than traditional solar panels.
• 30 years of performance warranty
• Ability to generate electricity in all seasons, including monsoons and winters
• A durable, sturdy structure that can stand with you forever and is backed by 5 years warranty

Learn all about the advantages and key features of Atrium here.

FAQs

Can I use bifacial solar panels for my home?

Bifacial solar panels are already a popular choice for commercial applications. Yet residential rooftops are often not designed to have a bifacial solar module system. However, this is fast changing as solar energy companies are installing bifacial solar modules more innovatively.

Are bifacial solar panels expensive?

Because of the unique working of bifacial solar panels and the complex installation, they cost more than standard solar panels. However, higher efficiency and other advantages of using bifacial solar modules make it a smart investment for residential applications despite the cost.

What is the one major difference between bifacial and monofacial solar panels?

Both sides of a bifacial solar panel have solar cells to absorb sunshine and produce more electricity. On the other hand, only one side of monofacial solar panels can produce solar electricity.

How do I get my solar installation project started?

If you are planning to purchase a home solar system, many factors will determine the right choice for your home. For example, your budget, electricity requirements, location, and weather conditions must be considered. Hence, it’s best to get professional help from an award-winning solar company like Homescape in India.

The size of your solar plant depends on several factors, including the size of your house. Once determined, home solar experts like HomeScape then decide on the number of solar panels that will constitute your solar structure before actual installations. 

As mentioned, a home solar company with experience and expertise as vast as HomeScape’s, plays a crucial role in correct assessments. They offer guidance on how many kW solar plants are required to power your house and customise the right-fit home solar PV system for your energy requirements. However, you can also decide to do the calculation yourself.

Find Out How Many Solar Panels You Require For Your House

There is a basic formula for determining the size of a home solar plant. However, the math behind answering “How many solar panels are needed to make that plant?” isn’t a challenge because the details required to put into the formula are often readily available. The three factors considered in this formula are:

Annual Electricity Usage

Start by determining your current average electricity consumption for at least one year. You can find this information in your monthly electricity bills, and its measurement should be in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Solar Panel Wattage

Remember that different types of solar panels generate varying watts of power, regardless of their similar look and working. Therefore, panel wattage tells you the electricity production capacity you can expect from a single panel in a solar array. 

Typically, panel wattage can be anywhere between 250 to 400 watts. Depending on your home solar requirements and budget constraints, you can go for higher or lower than the average 300 watts.

Production Ratio

Your home solar plant’s production ratio shows a correlation between the energy output (expressed in kWh) and its actual size (expressed in W). A solar system doesn’t always produce electricity equal to its total capacity. The ratio varies widely depending on hours of sunshine received, weather conditions, and pollution levels in the region, thus influencing the solar panel system requirements for a home.

A 10kW system, for example, may give 16kWh of electricity annually. So the production ratio here will be 1.6.

Time to Place It All Into the Formula

With the three aspects of the equation sorted out, use the following formula to calculate the number Of solar panels needed to run your home:

Number of panels = system size / production ratio / panel wattage

Lets take the following figures for the sake of calculation:

The number of panels = 6,000 kWh / 1.6 / 300 W

This finally solves the puzzle and gives an average of 10 to 15 solar panels. They can generate enough solar electricity to power a medium-sized house. 

Now you are ready to do your maths to determine how many kW solar plant is required to power your house.

An Alternative Method for Calculating Estimated Solar Use

Need an easier calculation to find out the number of solar panels required? Upon determining your annual electricity demand through your monthly utility bills, you can multiply it by the total hours of peak sunlight that your designated solar installation area will get. Divide this figure by the panel wattage to get your number of panels.

A peak Sun hour is when you get 1,000 watts/square metre of sunlight. Peak sun hours differ from your ‘total sunlight hours. For example, in several regions of India, you get 6-8 hours of daylight, out of which peak Sun hours are typically around 4.

How to Calculate the Area Required for Solar Panels for Home

It is quite easy to calculate the area required for your home solar. Here is the easy formula to find out what area of rooftop space you need for installing your number of solar panels.

The average size of solar panels over 300 wattage is 2m x 1m (6.5 ft. x 3.25 ft.), giving us an average area of 2 sq.m or 21.50 sq. ft. 

Area required for solar panels = total number of panels ✖ area occupied by one panel.

The above calculation of 15 panels gives the installation area requirement of 15 x 21.50 = 322.5 sq. ft.

However, in a real installation scenario, the installer will ensure some space and create multiple rows and columns of solar panels, especially for high-capacity systems. This is necessary to ensure ease of accessibility for performing solar cleaning and maintenance. Hence, you can assume a little over the area you get through this formula.

Factors Increasing Solar Panel System Requirements for Your Home

Even highly efficient solar panels require the right conditions and correct installation to work at their full potential. Your answer to “What kW solar plant is required to power a house” also depends on the following factors:

• Shadow: Your neighbourhood buildings, trees, and poles can cast a shadow on your solar panels. Shade on even a small part of a single solar panel can reduce the total energy generated by your entire solar array. Ensure placing your solar panels at a shadow-free location where they capture maximum sunlight.
• Orientation: Solar panels should face the sun, thus their orientation must be set towards the equator. By this understanding, solar panels should be south-facing in countries in the northern hemisphere, like India.
• Angle of inclination: The Sun’s position varies from summer to winter. Thus, the right angle of inclination from the surface (on which the panels are installed) is important to ensure maximum power generation of a solar system in all seasons.
• Dust and snow: A layer of snow or dust covering your solar panels prevents the sun rays from falling on the solar cells. Routine cleaning is necessary for optimum solar electricity production.

FAQs

Does the type of solar system affect the number of solar panels?

You can expect the number of solar panels to vary among the three home solar options – on-grid, off-grid and hybrid. On-grid systems may need the least number of solar panels to power your home, thanks to grid availability and zero battery requirements. Stand-alone, off-grid and hybrid systems will have more solar panels to ensure 24/7 power availability.

Can I Live Off Solar Power Alone?

A solar panel system can alone entirely run your home in an off-grid and even a hybrid solar framework. The availability of solar batteries is a great advantage with these types of solar systems. However, more solar panels are needed to generate ample power to power your home during sun hours and also charge batteries to create a power reserve for later use.

Is solar panel maintenance costly?

Your solar panels only need routine cleaning and periodic maintenance to stay in top shape. Also, a significant failure is unlikely as solar panels have no working parts.

Is there any warranty on solar panels?

Most solar companies can provide 25 years of warranty on solar panels. This covers you against panel replacements in case they suffer damage due to environmental conditions.