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.

Innovative Solutions Residential solar

How Solar Panels add to the valuation of Homes?

January 18, 2022 No Comments
How Solar Panels add to the valuation of Homes

There aren’t many big home transformations as much like a rooftop solar PV system that adds substantial value from day one and delivers the best ROI for many years to come. Since solar is still relatively new in the market, not many homeowners know how it can add to the valuation of their homes. 

Depending on several factors like the type of solar, location of your house and more, your solar investment will yield attractive returns in the long run. 

Let’s see how and by how much value a residential solar system adds to your house.

Types of Residential Solar Systems

When you’ve made a decision to buy a rooftop solar system, you can pick either an on-grid (also known as a grid-connected) solar system or an off-grid solar power system (solar with battery storage). Your choice will define your access to solar electricity, the equipment needed to store solar energy, the electricity billing and metering process, and what happens if the power grid fails.

With a home solar system not connected to the local utility grid, you depend only on sunlight for your energy needs. The system will also have a series of batteries to store solar power generated, so that it can be used overnight or on cloudy days when you don’t get enough sunlight for optimum generation. 

On the other hand, with a home solar system tied to the grid, you have the back up of the utility company. The grid acts as a huge battery bank for end consumer. You can even sell the surplus solar energy back to the grid as per the net metering guidelines of the state and can always get lack of electricity from the grid in case your generation lags behind your consumption. 

Location of the House

Before wondering about solar rooftop prices, it is important to know if your home is in a good geographical location for installing solar panels, especially if you live in densely populated regions of India. One pre-requisite for installing a solar system on your rooftop, is that the solar panels must get direct sunlight to produce ample electricity for your domestic needs. 

You can ask any solar installation company in Delhi or anywhere in India to inspect your property’s orientation with respect to sun, roof angle, and any shading due to trees or neighboring houses to determine if your roof receives enough direct sunshine.

The solar installation companies determine all these things after a site visit to your premises, and share the proposal with an estimate of required solar capacity system and projected solar generation based on annual irradiation. The right installation will ensure that your solar panels can generate maximum electricity, thus giving you maximum savings in the electricity bill.

Among the numerous advantages of installing a solar energy system, solar for home is also a great way to offset electricity bills for the foreseeable future. With unstable conventional energy tariffs in India, a home producing its own electricity becomes more attractive to potential buyers when put up for sale. You can easily raise the valuation by the total economical benefit that solar system is going to provide you for the residents of the house for the lifetime of the solar system. 

Installing solar panels adds significantly to your home’s resale value. For each kilowatt installed, the value can increase by lakhs. However, the rate may be higher or even lower depending on your property’s geographical location and your system’s age and output.

Life of Solar Panels and Output

The average lifespan of a solar system as per the market standard is 25 to 30 years. After this period, the system’s electricity production declines below what it initially produced. The energy generation capacity is determined by the location of your home and the size and quality of your system. A 1kWp solar system, for instance, can give an average of 1400 units per year.

Since solar panels don’t have any moving parts, they are not prone to physical damage and may continue to produce energy for many decades. Premium solar panels for homes are of sturdy build and rarely get damaged by debris, strong wind, or other external factors. Internal damage can only result from inclement weather and a poor racking setup, which is also less common.

However, if you are selling your home when the solar system is nearing or has crossed its high-efficiency age, such old solar systems might not add much value to your home.

It’s true that the initial residential solar panel installation cost is still high for homeowners. However, the high (or not so high) solar rooftop prices are offset by the system’s powerful as much as 90%* in Delhi and Gurugram, and also increase your home’s value.

Want to know the price of a rooftop solar system and the optimum size for your home?

HomeScape by Amplus Solar offers end-to-end, hassle-free solar solutions. We are among the top solar installation companies in Delhi and other states of India and have solarized more than 800+ residential homes so far. The unique designs of our transparent, dual-glass solar panels add aesthetic appeal to your roof while powering your home.

Reach out to our solar experts for a home assessment today.

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7 Reasons Why Installing Solar Panels on Your Roof Is a Good Idea

January 17, 2022 No Comments
Residential Rooftop Solar

Solar panel installation is a big commitment for homeowners. While most homeowners are aware of the benefits of switching to green energy, they often find themselves worrying about the cost of solar energy, the space required for it, its maintenance and what not. 

However, they don’t realize that solar is an economic investment, and not just spending. The financial benefits you get from having a rooftop solar power plant are way higher than its cost.

Benefits that your home will get from solar panels are as follows

1. Rooftop Solar Panel Installation Increases the Value of Your Home

Rooftop solar plants for homes are typically made of silicon solar cells and premium-quality tempered glass. The durable build makes a rooftop solar plant last for at least 25 years. During this period, your system pays off through guaranteed savings on electricity bills. Also, in some cases, it becomes an additional source of income as you can earn electricity credits which can be redeemed from your electricity bills in the future thus giving you extra liquidity.

With these advantages, your home becomes a lot more attractive to potential buyers in the housing sector. As a result, you can claim a better price of your home at any given time if you have a rooftop solar plant in your premises.

2. Solar Panels bring Energy Independence

Tired of sudden power outages or paying inflated electricity bills? A rooftop solar power plant for home combined with the  battery storage can create much-needed energy independence for you. No need to wait for electricity to power your cooling or heating units as you can use your electronics and appliances anytime you want with solar power. Such type of solar system with battery storage are called off-grid solar solutions. 

3. Zero Cost of Rooftop Solar Panel Installation

It’s no secret that the upfront cost of rooftop solar in India can go up to a lakh for a 2kWp system. However, a rooftop solar power plant for homes is a zero-cost investment in the long run. This seemingly giant amount will be offset over a period of 5-7 years, while you continue to lower your electricity bill for 20 to 25 years or more.

Moreover, generous subsidy schemes are available for solar rooftop systems for homes in several states to reduce the upfront solar costs for homeowners. Also, given the high power generation capacity and efficiency of modern solar panels, you can expect your system to give you higher generation and even quicker savings.

 

4. Low-Cost Maintenance With Longevity

The routine upkeep of your rooftop solar PV system is very little. The design of the rooftop solar structure is such that there aren’t any moving components. Hence, routine cleaning is all you need to do to keep the structure in the best functional condition. Your solar battery may need a little more attention, as regular inspection is necessary to timely address potential preventive maintenance. 

Even though your solar panels are exposed to elements of harsh climate, the rooftop solar system is designed to be highly resilient and durable. Most home solar installers will be able to provide 25 years of performance warranty on solar panels. 

5. Reduce the Pressure of Paying High Electricity Bills

The biggest reason homeowners are switching to residential solar rooftop systems is the huge potential for cost savings. As grid-electricity is getting more expensive, solar power has become a more affordable alternative for the many reasons discussed earlier. An on-grid solar system allows you to earn an additional income or electricity credits under net metering guidelines by transferring the surplus energy generated back to your local grid.

6. Government Subsidy on Solar Panels

Since the government of India aims to increase its solar capacity to meet its solar goals, subsidy schemes or Central Financial Assistance (CFA) are being offered along with additional state subsidy in many states. For example, if you are in Punjab, you can enjoy a CFA of 40% on buying a rooftop system of up to 3kW capacity. Whereas in Delhi, you can avail of a 30% subsidy on the same capacity of the solar system.

7. Environmental Benefits

It goes without saying that transitioning to renewable sources of energy like solar is a step towards saving the environment and protecting natural habitats. Unlike conventional sources of energy, which produce toxic emissions and generate even higher carbon emissions, solar is a clean source of energy with lesser carbon emissions. 

Having a rooftop solar power plant is a major advantage, and there is no doubt about it. With traditional electricity prices going up, a self-sufficient, solar-powered home can help you cut down on your utility bills without compromising on your lifestyle. 

Let HomeScape by Amplus Solar help you make the switch to green energy with our customized, built-to-last residential solar rooftop system. Backed by a 25-years of performance warranty, our system will give you huge savings on electricity bill from day 1. 

Our end-to-end solution ensures that having a solar system on your roof is hassle-free, rewarding, and convenient as possible. Whether you want to own a solar system without losing the roof space or desire a structure that adds to the beauty of your home or rooftop garden, we have a solar system to suit every home and lifestyle.

Contact our professional solar installers for a solar consultation today.

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An Architect’s Guide to Photovoltaics

May 21, 2021 No Comments
solar system for home

Photovoltaics (PV) is the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect, like a solar power plant, a series of glass panels that are usually attached on rooftops, creating sustainable, clean solar energy. The new inter-discipline of environmentally conscious architecture has been booming, in the corporate world, and on a personal scale, growing the need for aesthetically pleasing solar system options for the home. Already the architecture and photovoltaic solar inter-discipline has created interesting, beautiful, and functional systems, including:

  1. Shade Canopies

Photovoltaic solar power shade canopies are a raised extension of the solar panels that provide shade to anybody below, while also themselves receiving direct sunshine, creating powerful PV solar energy. Functionally, this has been used for creating a shaded patio, seating area, or even general rest stops. By adding greenery and elegant seating under it, the PV solar system used as a shade canopy can act as an interesting eyepiece while also being doubly functional.  

  1. Rooftop Solar Systems

The most common form that PV solar systems for homes come in, rooftop arrangements are the most convenient as they ensure direct sunlight. However, the roof’s existing architecture needs to be heavily considered – from its current available space, weight capacity, and construction health, to ensure that they can structurally take the heavy PV solar system.  

  1. Backsheets

A backsheet is the deepest colour layer of the PV solar system. While most are white, with blue coloured solar cells, black backsheets are available as well. This tints the whole structure and creates a sleeker, darker solar system that may match the aesthetic of the building or brand identity. The best part is that changing the colour of the backsheet does not affect the production of PV solar energy!  

  1. Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline cells

Changing the appearance of solar cells can have an aesthetic impact on the whole PV solar system, although certain colour changes in the monocrystalline cells do result in a lower production of solar energy. The biggest difference is that monocrystalline cells appear matte, dark, and thus give a more subdued visual while polycrystalline cells look brighter, shinier, and give off a powerful and eye-catching glint.  

  1. Building Requirements

The biggest factor that affects the architecture of a PV solar system is the functional demand of the client. If the electrical demand is smaller and caters to a solar system for the home, then the aesthetic approach will be different as well. Conversely, if the PV solar energy demand is high, the bulkiness of the solar plant will affect the design approach.   With the growing interest in photovoltaic solar, from a consumer and supplier view, new changes are being made every day to enhance the solar energy produced and to allow for greater customisation. HomeScape provides three such options to clients, two of which are shade canopies – the Atrium and the Aerial, while the Terra is the simplest design.

  • The Atrium is a pergola that mounts solar panels in a wooden structure, creating a luxurious design that is perfect for providing necessary shade under which barbecues and parties can be hosted, or simple leisurely time can be spent admiring the unobstructed view.
  • The Aerial is a canopy style solar system that uses iron to provide a sleeker and glossier look, making for a more modern aesthetic while providing the same level of functionality.
  • The Terra is a low elevated iron-mounted solar panel structure that can be placed on the edge of a rooftop, making the most of limited space and allowing for easier cleaning.

 Each of these HomeScape products makes productive use of limited space, provide high performance, and add aesthetic appeal to any area. To know more about HomeScape by Amplus Solar, click here.

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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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Improve Home Aesthetics using Solar Panels at Home

November 10, 2020 5 Comments
homescape atrium solar pergola

Having solar panels in the house says a lot about the lifestyle of the residents. It indicates that they are not only conscious of the environment but also about their wallets. Solar panels are now one of the most aesthetical and environmentally friendly solutions for every sustainable home.  At the same time, the current climate crisis has made us realized the importance of renewable sources of energy. Solar technology has proven to be the best option both in terms of economic & commercial viability. Solar energy is an environmentally viable option, it uses naturally occurring renewable resources like sunlight, unlike conventional energy-generating resources that use coal. They are entirely self-dependent devices. It is also pocket-friendly for a household to generate solar energy and if the generation exceeds consumption, you can give back to the electrical grid (in case of a net-metered connection) and earn credits, which can be used/ redeemed in subsequent months.  Unfortunately, many people find solar panels bulky and less appealing for a house. But with the advent of technology, this is changing. The innovations in designs have brought up a range of aesthetically beautiful solar panels. This has increased the demand for these aesthetic solar plants. 

Here are some of the ways with which you can aesthetically improve your open spaces of your home using solar panels: – 

1. Unused roofs/ Flat roofs

 Roofs play an important role in Indian households, but many times they are often left unused and unoccupied. With a growing space crunch in the city life, there is a need to utilize every part of our homes into usable spaces. Why only dry clothes on roofs when you can install solar panels and instead generate green electricity to power your home.  Terra is a conventional Homescape standard rooftop solar power system that is about 3 feet high. It can be installed over roof objects like water tanks, AC vents, etc. This way rooftop solar panels at home can make your unutilized roof space into a space of worth which is also powering your home.

For people who want more than solar, if they want to transform their open spaces into terrace gardens, sit-outs, etc.  they can go for Atrium – The Flagship Solar pergola.  Atrium is a pergola styled solar plant by HomeScape. This elegantly designed solar power system can run the entire home on green energy. With a beautiful wooden finish exterior, steel-reinforced for strength and durability, this solar pergola acts as a perfect solution for people looking to beautify their homes with solar. The structure made to last for 25 years, can also withstand harsh weather conditions.   

2. Parking Spaces/ Canopies

We often spend a hefty amount on covered parking areas or benched areas and driveways. These dormant spaces can be turned into monetizing units by adopting Aerial by HomeScape. It is an elevated canopy style rooftop solar power system that is about 9 feet high. It is a powder-coated and corrosion-resistant structure that gives it a long life. This makes our dormant spaces usable throughout the day.

3. Porches/ Outdoor seating/ Backyards

These spaces are linked to the indoor spaces nearby. In summers, these spaces can be used as active spaces to hang out throughout the day. But in areas where the sun is harsh, using them throughout is not a feasible option. In such scenarios, one opts for a Gazebo or some form of an enclosure.   These enclosures are dormant elements that add only aesthetics to your outdoors. On the contrary, the Atrium by Homescape can be an ideal option to make these enclosures both aesthetical and functional in a sustainable manner. 

You can set up space as

Dining areas –  

  • For a dining space design, a sleek table along with required chairs or stools can solve the seating requirements. Care should be taken that these furniture elements are weather and termite-proof like the Atrium Solar pergola by Homescape, as they would be semi-exposed.  
  • For making the space more usable during barbeques and family dinners, a deck with a separate zone for a barbeque or cooking purpose can give the space an appealing look. 
  • Adequate storage elements like low raised cupboards for storing kitchenware and cleaning products give more usability. 
  • For making the space more aesthetic, landscaping and, gardening can be done. The column reinforcements of the Atrium are distanced such that they give a floaty look to the design and make it aesthetically feasible to plants hanging pots and climbers all over it. This makes your home aesthetic as well as sustainable. 
  • For lighting purposes, pendant lights are an ideal option to illuminate the space during evenings. For the dining table, a chandelier can also be installed to give a proper hierarchy to the ceiling. Stairs or levels can be lined with LED strip lights to add a dynamic touch.

Recreational zone/ Leisure space –  

Many houses use their porches or outdoor areas for recreational purposes. The purpose could be for exercising or rejuvenation. 

  • For the recreational zone with a Solar Pergola, space can be designed as per the activity. Rooftop solar panels at home act as a hybrid of indoor+outdoor spaces.
  • For exercise, space can be kept with minimal furnishing and more green factors like plants. Plants on the ground & hanging pots on the pergola can give a calm feel to the space. 
  • For reading and rejuvenation, space can have more furnishings and seating spaces. Furniture needs to be such that it is comfortable to sit or lie down and read. For rejuvenation, sculptures and artworks can be an active part of the space decor.
  • Lighting plays an important role in recreational spaces, for reading spaces, downlights, and pendant lights can be used. For rejuvenation, mild shades of downlights can add a sense of calm and visibility.

Solar designs have now reached a new era where there is a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The customization of Solar energy through HomeScape has given us more options to explore and make our homes into beautiful eco-homes.

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10 steps to installing solar on your rooftop

October 6, 2020 2 Comments
patio

If you have been wondering about installing solar panels, then there’s no better time than now to do so. The price of solar panels, and hence solar PV systems has significantly decreased. Getting solar panels for house nowadays is a lot economical and convenient than before. 

How can you install a solar plant on your rooftop?

Here are ten simple steps for the installation of a solar photovoltaic system on your rooftop: 

1) Evaluate your options 

There are a few points to remember and take account of before installing solar panels on homes. 

  • Do you have space for installing solar panels on your rooftop? How much is it? 
  • Will the sun shine bright on your space during hours of daylight? 
  • Is your roof structurally strong enough to support solar panels and their structure weight?  
  • How much of the area is covered by shade? 
  • What type of solar panel for the house you would like to install (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, bifacial, PERC)? 

2) Load calculation and energy audit 

How much energy does your home consume? 

Now that you’ve weighed your choices, the next move is to determine how much electricity you would require after installing a solar plant at your home. Calculate the following with the help of our simple DIY calculation guide: 

  1. Solar System Capacity 
  2. Area requirement for Your Solar System 
  3. Payback Period for Your Solar System

Estimate how much electricity the solar panel for house needs to generate with the help of an energy audit. Energy audits, in general, helps you to: 

  • Reduce your monthly energy bill by doing away with excessive use 
  • Decide how much solar energy you require 
  • Meet a crucial condition for some tax credits, rebates, and loans

3) Grid-Connected vs Off-Grid vs Hybrid 

A grid-connected system is a type of installation where solar panels are linked to the electrical grid. Solar energy thus produced is used. If your solar plant does not produce enough electricity to satisfy the consumption requirements, the difference will be automatically sourced from the grid.  An off-grid system is not linked to the power grid. Hence, battery storage is necessary. A hybrid system integrates solar and battery storage in one, and are now accessible in various setups and forms. 

4) Estimate your budget 

After calculating and determining what kind of solution suits your optimal rooftop solar design specifications, you can quickly estimate how much the process of installing a solar panel at the house would cost you with the help of solar calculators available on the MNRE website. Make sure to consider maintenance costs, warranty, and the lifetime of the system. 

5) Choose your solar developer 

Once you have your budget fixed, it is time to identify a trustworthy solar company. We would advise you to do your research for the solar company you want to get a solar plant from because it is a product for a lifetime, and you would not want to run everywhere in case of a breakdown. Do check product warranties. HomeScape by Amplus is a trusted brand from the house of the PETRONAS group brought to you by a creative group of solar designers and experts. HomeScape provides you 25 years performance warranty* along with the product insurance to protect you from any anomaly in the plant in the future.

6) Site Survey 

The site survey is required for a solar developer to evaluate: 

  • Best photovoltaic location 
  • Obstacles (if any shading)  
  • Size of the central electrical panel inside the household 
  • Places suitable for installation of the electrical elements 
  • State of the Rooftop (structurally sound or not) 
  • Square footage suitable for positioning module

To assess your home, the executives from a solar company will take a note of the following points: 

  • Overall roof size 
  • Slope angle  
  • Chimney and vents 
  • Compass orientation of the rooftop slope 
  • Roof thickness 
  • Strong trees or other blockages in or around the residential property

7) Receive your proposal  

After finishing your site survey and measuring the average kilowatt-hour consumption of the building, you will receive a proposal from your solar company. Evaluate and pick a solar plant that suits your requirements, both technically and economically.

8) Documentation and permits 

Like every significant financial move, there is a lot of documentation involved with rooftop solar panels for the house. For on-grid networks, permits are needed, when you would like to opt for net metering or gross metering. Typically, permits differ from state to state and depend on the form and scale of construction of solar panels. HomeScape takes care of all the documentation processes making it hassle-free for customers. Regardless, it is still a smart thing to know and understand what is happening with your solar power plant.

9) Installation 

Solar Panels: The solar developer will begin by preparing the rooftop. It would make sure that the panels are fixed correctly. Electrical Wiring: The solar company then installs electrical wiring, which would connect to your electrical panel and main power system.

1 kW solar system

10) Warranty and maintenance 

Generally, solar plant for houses come with a twenty-five years warranty. The company would offer ten years for 90 percent and the following fifteen years for 80 percent performance. The inverters usually come with a five-year warranty which can be extended by AMC, if required.

our solar plant does not require that much upkeep but taking care of a few aspects is necessary. Cleaning the photovoltaic panels is crucial for an efficient generation. Periodic cleaning of the modules (once in fifteen days) with wet cloth or wiper stick is sufficient for the best performance of the system. In conclusion, when you are familiar with the steps of installing a solar photovoltaic system, the whole process becomes much easier. The installation of the solar panels for houses is not very difficult, nor is it incredibly costly.

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