Energy Conservation Energy Efficiency Innovative Solutions residential solar energy

Traditional Electricity Vs Solar Power in Indian Homes

February 14, 2022 No Comments
Traditional Electricity Vs Solar Power in Indian Homes

Consumers can’t differentiate between traditional electricity or solar power as far as functionality is concerned. But, the modern, aware and conscious consumer today is concerned about where their electricity is coming from. It is well known today that renewable energy, especially solar energy, is superior to coal-based electricity in terms of the impact each has on the environment.

But, how do they compete with each other on other performance parameters such as energy cost, support from government, installation cost etc. to name a few. Electricity produced by your residential rooftop solar works well for you and for the environment. While there has been a steady increase in homeowners switching to green energy, primarily solar, some are still weighing the pros and cons of it. 

The residential solar installation offers long-term benefits with little to almost no commitment from homeowners. By educating ourselves about all these benefits solar power offers, a more informed decision can be made.

Is solar power the right choice for Indian homes? Let’s deep and dive and conclude.

Comparison: Solar Power vs Traditional Electricity in Terms of Electricity Tariff (Cost per Unit)

Electricity costs, over the years, have seen major surges due to the fluctuating fuel costs (coal and natural gas), and import restrictions. On an average, per unit of cost of electricity in India is between ₹4-6  if the monthly domestic consumption is between 101–200 units. But, it varies significantly from state to state and if your consumption is higher. 

Owning a rooftop solar PV system can help protect your home against these fluctuations in electricity tariffs. This also lowers your monthly electricity bill by up to 90%*. Moreover, the average cost of a rooftop solar structure design and installation is between ₹40,000-60,000 per kWp, which drops even lower after subsidy and accelerated depreciation savings. Considering its remarkable lifespan of over 25 years, you basically get electricity free for life, once you recover your investment cost.

Subsidy Schemes

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is promoting residential solar installations by providing subsidies. A rooftop solar PV system and its installation costs approximately ₹40,000-60,000 per kWp. Another ₹25,000 per kwp will be added to this cost if you decide to use a battery storage solar hybrid system. 

The government offers a subsidy of up to 40%* (up to 3 KWp) on the benchmark cost of residential rooftop solar. Furthermore, accelerated depreciation of 80% is also available under the Income Tax Act. As a result, ₹28,000 per kWp would be the approximate cost of a typical rooftop solar PV system after adjusting for subsidy. However, remember that solar benchmark costs vary from state to state and so does the subsidy offered.

Installation Cost

For a domestic consumer, who wasn’t paying anything earlier for the installation in case of traditional electricity, they have to incur an upfront investment, which is the cost of owning a solar power system for their homes. So, definitely they are bound to find Solar power for homes capital-intensive at the onset. Homeowners have to pay a significant upfront cost of buying and installing residential solar equipment in their homes. The solar panels consume the largest share of the overall rooftop solar system. Other equipment needed for a residential solar system includes an inverter, a bi-directional meter for net-metering system, electrical cables, and module mounting structure. Depending on your preference, your solar power installer may also suggest that you buy storage batteries and a monitoring system.

However, this cost is counterbalanced as you start receiving savings in your electricity bill from day 1, and these savings will continue for the entirety of your system’s useful life, which is over 25 years. Moreover, you will also earn electricity credits if you transfer excess energy to the government grid at the end of the billing cycle.

Impact on Environment

Unlike coal-powered electricity that releases toxic visible emissions, solar power generation is a clean and green energy source which is good for the environment. India’s rapidly increasing need for energy is met mostly by coal and this has resulted in growing carbon emissions. However, as efforts are made to boost power generation activities from renewable sources, the carbon emissions will slowly but steadily decline. India has already pledged to go carbon neutral by 2070. 

By decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels, solar is contributing to a healthier environment. Every home that decides to go solar can aid in reductions of carbon emission in the country, which is as good as planting numerous trees.

Maintenance

The biggest advantage of going solar is the continuous savings in electricity bills for at least 25 years after installation. Many rooftop solar companies in India provide comprehensive annual maintenance packages for homeowners to provide regular maintenance to their solar system. As the solar system customers are the owners of their system, there is certain regular maintenance which is necessary for optimum generation of solar power from their solar systems. 

The advanced rooftop solar structure design is highly potent and durable to withstand harsh climate conditions. The day-to-day solar maintenance is almost non-existent. You are only required to do standard cleaning once a month to ensure there is no dust or debris deposited on the smooth glass surface of your solar panels which is crucial for efficient solar power generation.

Independence in Case of Off-grid (solar plus battery solution)

If you don’t connect your residential rooftop solar system to the grid (also called an off-grid solar system), your house won’t be impacted by power outages. You’ll likely have to get a higher generation capacity system suitable for your maximum consumption that can power your home and still produce a surplus to be stored as backup on your battery storage. This will be used during night hours or on days when energy production is not optimum due to weather conditions.

Is solar power cheaper than grid electricity?

Solar equipment prices have declined sharply over the last 2 decades. The installation of rooftop solar PV systems in India is increasing as government subsidies make solar more affordable for many homeowners. 

From a homeowner’s perspective, solar PV is considered competitive when the per-unit cost of solar electricity generated is less than or equal to the per-unit tariff of grid electricity. This is called grid parity. With governments support, both off-grid and rooftop segments are expected to become an economically viable alternative as they achieve price parity with traditional electricity tariffs.

Expert residential rooftop solar providers can answer all your doubts related to solar. HomeScape is one of the top rooftop solar companies in India and has enabled many homeowners to switch to solar. We specialise in on-grid and off-grid solar power systems and provide our customers, an end-to-end solar solution. 

Our residential rooftop solar systems are safe, aesthetically pleasing and built to last for more than 25 years. We further ensure complete protection by offering 25 years of performance warranty of your solar system. We also help you monitor the health of your entire solar plant by offering a smart remote monitoring system through a customer app. It gives you a real time solar energy generation, energy used, and money saved, as well as show your environmental contribution. 

Contact us for a solar consultation today.

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How to Prepare Your Rooftop Solar Panel for Winters

January 5, 2022 No Comments
Rooftop solar panel during winters

Your home solar panel system can work efficiently even in cold and harsh winters. All it needs is a little adjustment and maintenance. 

As winter sets in, the days get shorter and sunshine becomes scarce. This change in season also means that it’s time to prepare your rooftop solar system for the chilled and icy weather. Though it is known today that the prevalent solar panels are built to withstand all elements of weather and don’t suffer damages due to storms, rain, and even snow. With some routine solar panel maintenance, you can expect maximum output during winter season with no unexpected failures. Here’s how you can do it:

Monitor Your Energy Consumption

Although the amount of sunlight your home solar panel system gets is reduced during winter, it is still more than enough in many regions of our country for optimum solar generation. Start conserving energy by cutting down on your home’s excess electricity usage. This may be done in many ways.

Turn off your indoor and outdoor lighting if you don’t need it, and always use energy-efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs. Cover windows and doors with insulated drapes and curtains when using heating devices indoors to reduce heat loss.

Also, check your battery discharge levels as it’s recommended to not exceed the 80% discharge level. You can aim for a 50% level with lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries. For areas experiencing harsher weather, you can even consider getting a backup generator to sustain on days when energy consumption is high.

Look after the Batteries

Deep cycle batteries often accompany your solar panels that require proper upkeep. Use antifreeze distilled water to keep your batteries alive, especially if you’re not connected to the grid, i.e. if you are using off-grid solar solution.

Also, regular battery service by a professional helps you stay ahead of sudden repairs. For lead-acid solar batteries for homes, keep an eye on voltage to ensure that any irregularities get timely attention. Also, periodically check battery temperature, which should be within the recommended range for efficient electricity storage and use.

Solar experts recommend having your solar batteries installed and stored indoors. It’s important not to let harsh weather affect the performance and lifespan of your lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries. When you don’t need batteries in winter, you can disconnect and store your lead-acid batteries at 100% capacity. Keep your lithium-ion battery in a well-insulated area at a 40% discharge level.

Adjust the tilt and angle 

Due to the earth’s rotation and revolution, the sun in winter is at a lower angle. As a result, your solar panels don’t receive as much sunshine as they get in summer. To make the best of what little sunlight you get every day, you can use an adjustable rack to modify the angle of solar panels and tilt them a bit to absorb maximum sunlight during this period.

If this is your first experience of dealing with a residential solar system during winters, it is recommended that you reach out to your solar installer for information on your solar panels’ angular facing during the winter months.

Keep the Solar Panels Clean

Although solar systems don’t need much cleaning effort, it pays to periodically clean your panels during winter. If your region receives snowfall during the cooler months, ensure that you clear the snow covering your panels first thing in the morning so valuable sunlight isn’t lost in melting the snow away. You might also want to clean your panels weekly or fortnightly if your region has high dust and pollution levels. 

Use a soft brush for snowy days and a soft rag/mop on other days. Be careful not to damage your panels, and don’t use abrasive cleaning tools and products. You can again contact your solar installer for a demo of how to clean your solar system on your own without any professional help.

Talk to an Expert when needed

Solar batteries for homes require very little maintenance, which can go a long way towards getting the most value from your solar investment. Your solar company in Gurgaon or Delhi NCR should be able to offer more personalized tips to ensure optimum solar maintenance and performance of your home solar panel system. 

The best time to have your panel looked at by your solar company is right before winter. There can be debris or hidden anomalies that your solar expert will identify and remedy during a solar inspection. To keep your solar panels and batteries in excellent condition, you should get a routine inspection done at least twice a year.

Are you looking for experienced solar power companies in Delhi, NCR, or Gurgaon to solarize your home? Save on electricity from day one with our customized, no-hassle solar solution HomeScape by Amplus Solar. Backed by 25-years of performance warranty and a smart convenient customer app for remote monitoring and management, our rooftop solar panel system is designed for excellent aesthetic appeal and more efficient electricity generation.

Reach out to schedule a consultation today.

Energy Conservation Energy Efficiency

Tips for Maximising Efficiency and Reducing the Impact of Shade

June 7, 2021 No Comments
home solar system in india

Solar panels function by transforming photons into usable electricity, acting as a solar power plant for your home. Due to its functionality being entirely dependent on the duration of direct sunlight received each day, and the angle at which it hits the solar rooftop system, shade can pose a big problem. However, there are methods to reduce the negative impact that shade may have, along with other ways to increase the efficiency of the solar energy system for your home.

  1. Correct Installation

The best way to avoid facing the brunt of shadows and reducing the inefficiency of your solar rooftop system is to ensure that during the installation process, existing shadows, as well as prospective shadows, are measured. For example, even though your current rooftop may be getting enough direct sunlight to power a solar energy system for your home, if you live next to an empty plot or a construction site that might have some kind of high-rise structure, you need to plan for it.  

  1. Getting the Right Tilt

All solar panels are tilted to get the best possible access to direct sunlight, but at times, tilting in a certain direction can increase the efficiency of your solar rooftop system while also avoiding shade. The optimum solar panel tilt can be calculated by adding 15 degrees to the latitude of your location. Suppose you live in Gurgaon, the center of which has a latitude of 28 degrees, the best tilt angle would be 28+15= 43 degrees.  

  1. Bypass Diodes

If one portion of your solar power plant is obstructed by shade, you can stop this from affecting the output of the whole system by using a bypass diode. This helps the solar energy system to bypass the single cells under the shade without disturbing the rest of the panel that is under sunshine.  

  1. Micro Inverters & Power Optimizers

A Micro Inverter is a plug-and-play device for your home solar power plant that converts direct currents to alternating currents but differs from regular inverters because of their superior performance. By boosting the overall performance of your solar rooftop system, you can make up for the energy lost because of shade obstructions.  

  1. Invest in CPV Cells

CPV stands for highly concentrated photovoltaic cells that hyperfocus the sunlight hitting the solar panel cells to boost efficiency, at times even doubling it! While they do cost more to install, if your home solar energy system is suffering because of shade, these would be a good investment.   Thus, with just a few alterations, the shade that once posed a big problem to your solar energy output is now fixable. Ultimately, if you take care in the installation and planning process of your solar rooftop system, having to upgrade for efficiency will not be necessary. HomeScape by Amplus Solar provides luxury alternatives to common shade problems in the form of rooftop pergola solutions, with great height and width to reduce the possibility of low functioning and to add glamour to rooftops and open spaces. To see a variety of HomeScape variants, click here.

Energy Conservation Innovative Solutions residential solar energy residential solar systems solar for home

Innovations in solar energy for personal use

February 24, 2021 No Comments
Solar powered gadgets

Did you know that there are T-Shirts that activate in sunlight? Although they don’t have any solar-related components, just a special dye and treatment displays the design only in the sun.

Such innovations have always created a buzz and sometimes even helped the product succeed in the market. Solar energy for individual use has also witnessed multiple innovations across product categories.

Solar powered gadgets

Solar-powered calculators and watches are among the first handheld consumer devices to run on solar power. Since then, we have witnessed that almost all appliances used at home can be powered by solar. Everyday gadgets such as solar-powered power banks, security cameras, security locks, laptop keyboards, speakers, garden lights, and many more gradually started appearing in the market.

On the other hand, the use of solar energy in the residential segment has undergone a stark shift from the early days of solar cookers and solar water heaters to the present day where solar energy can be used to power an entire house.

ROOFTOP SPACE:

As per India RE Navigator, residential solar currently accounts for 14% of the total rooftop solar installations in India, which is dominated by Commercial and Industrial segments. With solar for home requiring rooftop space which is not abundantly available, considering the high-rise in urban cities, it is thus necessary to innovate to address this issue. In the U.S, Tesla has come up with a solar-roof, an alternative to the traditional tiled-roofs serving a dual purpose of the roof as well as getting the benefits of solar without the need for additional space. Although this is best suited for individual homes, it addressed the concern of allocating some additional shade-free space.

WINDOW SOLAR CHARGER:

Another interesting innovation is by a startup named Grouphug Solar, which has come up with a modified version of mobile chargers. Their window solar charger can just be hung on any window with incident sunlight and used to charge their mobile phones. Although it won’t power the entire house, it is a way to bring solar to people who otherwise cannot access it. In order to serve the commercial segment, they even launched custom solar panels  where they have installed quirky designs suited to the vibe of the place. One such design is what they call as the SOLARCAT. 

Solarcat

FUTURE OF SOLAR:

With Design Thinking principles encouraging the adoption of Human-Centered approach to problem-solving, the world has seen multiple innovations supported by ingenious designs. It is now the time for solar to reach every individual in one manner or the other with the help of such schools of thought. It helps people make a conscious effort to contribute positively to the environment and at the same time benefit out of it, which allows them to understand the discourse on sustainability and its power to influence their livelihoods. This ideology is based on Julian B. Rotter’s 1954 concept of Locus of Control which mentions how a high Internal Locus of Control (the belief that the action that I take as an individual affects the society) can help solve a lot of problems in the world. Solar is here to stay and only needs nudges to be adopted by the larger population.

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Can you run a house completely on Solar Power?

February 20, 2021 No Comments
Residential Solar panel

An answer to the question, whether you can run a house completely on solar power is yes! Especially in a country like India where we receive abundant sunshine throughout the year, it is convenient and beneficial to have residential solar systems.

Going completely solar you can reap good benefits but there can also be some potential drawbacks which are inadvertently attached to it. The best part about generating electricity through solar power is that it is completely free! The initial investment involves setting up the solar system can be a bit high depending upon your requirement. Solar power is quite efficient and is also free of pollution. But you must also consider the chances of foul weather that might cause a problem to your plans.

TYPES OF SOLAR SYSTEM:

There are two types of solar systems namely off-grid solar system and on-grid solar systems.

Off-grid solar systems:

Off-grid solar systems are the ones that work independently off the grid and have batteries which can store the solar power generated by the system. The system consists of batteries, solar panels, grid box, charge controller, mounting structures, and balance of the system. But there is always a chance of an extended bad weather condition might cause problems for your electricity supply.

On-grid solar system:

In On-grid solar system, if your system produces more power than is required, then the surplus can be fed back into the main electrical grid with the help of solar net metering and you can get credited for the same. Similarly, you can also use the traditional grid provided power during the situations when your system is not producing enough power.

UNDERSTANDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE:

While planning to run your house completely on the solar power, you need to also understand the financial and mental investment required. The infrastructure and working of a solar system are slightly complicated and hence the calculations involved should be precise. With the help of careful routing of a home’s plumbing, you can get hot water heated by the sun and since it is pumped through the house, the heat dissipated can be used to control the temperature of the house. The heat generated in this manner would also not add up to the home’s electric consumption. Although it might be a challenge to execute, in the year 2007, a successful experiment had shown how to heat and cool the house using a solar radiant heat system!

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

Before finalizing to go completely solar, the first point to be considered is whether your house gets enough sunlight throughout the year to produce enough electricity. If your requirement is to run an 800-watt load for your home or less than 800-watt then 1kW solar panel is perfect for you. The solar panel installation requires 100 square feet of shade free roof space and to run the load, the first priority would be given to the solar system and second priority would be the grid or batteries. 1kW solar panel price in India for home depends upon the type of solar system.

The different types of 1kW solar systems include:

1. On-Grid Solar System:

Also known as grid-tied system as it connects with the grid electricity system. The solar system with 1kW capacity produces 4-6 units per day on an average. Solar net-metering is installed which reads how much electricity you are using and the balance which can be exported to the grid. All the adjustments are made in your upcoming bills by the government.

2. Off-Grid Solar System:

Off-grid solar system or stand-alone power system is also known as a solar battery-based system. This system has a battery as a backup which helps you store the solar power which can be used during power cuts when the sunlight is not available.

3. Hybrid Solar System:

Hybrid solar system is designed to have the functions of both the off-grid solar system and on-grid solar system. Basically, a hybrid solar system has three sources to run its load – solar energy, battery storage, and grid electricity. The best part about a hybrid solar system is that it stays connected with the government electricity grid and has batteries as a backup. It is most suitable for people living in areas that witness more power cuts, due to frequent rainfalls. The approximate cost of 1kW solar panel with battery storage in India ranges anywhere between Rs.80,000 to Rs. 1,50,000, including installation. While calculating the price also check whether you are eligible for the government subsidy ranging from 10% to 40%.

Energy Conservation Solar Energy

10 Smart Energy Saving Tips For Your Home

August 6, 2020 No Comments
home solar system

It’s no wonder that we would have heard of so many ways to reduce household energy usage by some simple steps like switching off the fan and lights whenever not in use or looking for the energy saver logo whenever purchasing new electronic appliances. There are many ways, ranging from small habitual changes in your routine to extensive home improvements that can considerably reduce the overall energy consumption of your home.

Top 10 Smart Energy Conserving Tips to Reduce Energy Consumption at Home

Listed below are 10 smart energy saving tips that range from the simplest to the most intensive ways:

  1. Everyday behavioral changes:

A simple step of switching off the tube lights and fans when not in use will help in energy consumption. Another important step is by trying to perform simple household tasks like washing the dishes manually instead of using the dishwasher, hanging the wet clothes to dry in the sun instead of the dryer, etc. which will limit the usage of energy-intensive appliances.  

  1. Replace your existing light bulbs with energy-efficient lights:

The recently developed compact fluorescent lights (CFL), halogen incandescent bulbs, and light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) use less electricity as compared to the traditional incandescent light bulbs. The average energy consumption by the CFL and LEDs is 25 – 80% less as compared to the traditional lights which makes it a much wiser choice.  

  1. Purchase a solar power system for your home:

Before implementing solar energy for a home, it is recommended to assess the potential solar energy that can be generated at your place. The amount of solar energy generated depends upon how much sunlight is received and the size of the unit. While calculating the solar panel for a home price, you can check with the local and state authorities for any incentives or solar subsidy which can be applicable for home consumption. Many companies also offer free solar panels for home use which causes zero up-front cost and only pay for the electricity generated and used by you. In case, your home can generate excess energy than required then the installer will recommend that you go for a grid-tied system, for it allows you to sell excess electricity and get credit for the same.  

  1. Go for installation of energy-efficient windows:

Energy-efficient windows are getting extremely popular these days. If you are located in colder regions then gas-filled windows with ‘Low-E’ coatings will help reduce your heating expenses considerably. Additionally, installing interior or exterior storm windows will reduce heat loss by 10 to 20%. Storm windows are highly recommended in case your region experiences harsh weather conditions.  

  1. Go for home insulation:

Home insulation plays a vital role in reducing the home utility bills by lowering the heat from your house during summers and retaining heat during the winters. The level of heat resistance also known as R-value for the insulation will solely depend upon the place where you live. The R-value for buildings located in warmer regions is much lower as compared to the R-value of the building located in colder regions.

  1. Home weatherization:

Home weatherization or sealing of the air leaks of your home can reduce the heating and cooling expenses of your home considerably. Caulk can be used to seal the air leaks between non-moving objects like windows, and door frames. For major cracks between operational windows and moving objects like doors, weather stripping can be applied.  

  1. Upgradation of an HVAC system:

The HVAX system comprises of air conditioning, heating, and ventilation of your home. Upgrading to an energy star certified appliance will reduce the overall heating bill considerably. Similarly, switching to the energy star rating central air conditioning system will be approximately 8 – 10% energy efficient as compared to the conventional modes. Upgrading the ventilation system of the HVAC system will also improve energy efficiency. This can be done by properly sealing and insulating the ducts that distribute hot and cold air throughout the home.

  1. Smart power strips:

Smart power strips or advanced power strips eliminate the issue of phantom loads which is a major source of energy wastage. They are useful by automatically shutting off the supply of power to the electronics when they are not in use.  

  1. Installation of a programmable or smart thermostat:

You can choose to install a programmable or smart thermostat to eliminate energy wastage at home without actually upgrading your HVAC system. A programmable or smart thermostat automatically turns off or reduces the heating and cooling during the time when you are away or not using it. It also indicates when to change the air filters which also improves the efficiency of heating and cooling of the system.  

  1. Reduction in the overall water heating expenses:

Water heating is the major contributor to total energy consumption at home. To reduce water heating expenses, you can simply reduce the usage of hot water or insulate the water heater and also the first six feet of hot and cold-water pipes. Alternatively, you may also turn down the thermostat on your water heater. If considering the replacement of your water heater, then you can purchase an energy-efficient water heater to reduce the overall expenses.   Energy conservation is not only necessary but also beneficial for many other reasons. It helps you save money, enhance the property value, and also protect the environment! 

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