How to Plan Solar Panel Installation for your Home

April 18, 2022 admin No Comments

Getting rooftop solar system for your home is a smart investment to get practically free power for the system’s complete lifecycle of more than 25 years. However, there are several steps to ensuring a successful solar installation, and it starts with obtaining a broad overview of how this green energy system will work for you.

An initial site visit and technical assessment by an experienced solar company will be done where your annual electricity consumption will be assessed and location suitable for installing solar panels will be analysed for any shade. The technician will also help you consider solar system capacity, its estimated cost, and the possibility of net metering. You will also learn about the projected solar energy generation and the savings or return on investment you can expect after getting home solar plant..

The energy generation of your home solar panels largely depends on how the solar panels are installed on your rooftop.

Here is a step-by-step guide to getting solar panel installation done right.

Location of the Solar Panel (Roof or Ground)

When it comes to onsite solar installations, rooftop solar is preferred for a flat roof as installing solar is fast, easy, and convenient. Another unheard advantage of a solar structure designed for a rooftop is that the solar arrays keep your building cool in the summer by providing a physical cover against scorching heat. Solar panels can also work efficiently on slanted roofs. The decision depends on whether your roof’s size and strength is suitable to accommodate the installation. Also, check if your roof is free of shade from nearby trees and structures.

You can consider ground-mount installation for your solar panels if your roof can’t accommodate solar and you have ample space for the installation. However, to ensure the suitability of your ground location, check if the area is:

Free from obstructions and shadows cast by nearby trees and structures.
Flat as steep terrain can lead to costly installation.
Dry with good drainage to prevent standing water.

A residential solar system is usually installed inside the property. However, solar panel installations can also be done at distant locations for a group of consumers and they can in turn draw power as per their usage, this concept popular in the west is known as community solar. Parking lots are ideal for ground mount solar plants, which upgrade them into solar energy-generating assets and keep the vehicles protected in warmer months.

The Right Direction for Solar Panel

For countries in the northern hemisphere, like India, true south-facing solar panel placement is recommended to get direct sunlight during the day. It is important to understand that the true or geographic south (direction towards the South Pole) is different from the magnetic south shown by a compass.

The most optimum direction also depends on how you are installing the solar panels. A home solar panel system, for example, will be more effective if the panels have a slight rotation towards the west, away from true south. The motive for this orientation is to allow rooftop solar panels to produce more electricity in the evening when people are home using the most appliances. This might decrease the total solar energy production but will ensure solar electricity availability when needed the most.

Finding the Right Tilt and Angle

The modern solar panels allow you to adjust the angle and tilt of panels to maximise exposure to direct sunlight and boost sunlight collection efficiency. However, finding the right adjustment setting depends on the geographical latitude. Generally, you can strike an optimal annual solar energy production by setting the solar panel tilt angle the same as the geographical latitude and towards the equator.

For solar panels located closer to the equator, the panels will be facing upwards. The angle can also negatively affect the production of solar power for your home in an unfavourable climate or environment. Soiling from dust and dirt can happen more frequently on low-tilt solar panels, lowering their ability to collect sunlight.

If you are tired of paying high electricity bills, switching to solar for your home will benefit you immensely. However, getting the most out of your solar power plant in Gurgaon or anywhere in India depends on selecting the right solar options, and a trustworthy and experienced solar installation company makes it all easier for you.

With HomeScape by Amplus Solar, we go above and beyond to help you make switching to solar a rewarding experience. Our renewable energy solutions for home equip your property with high-efficiency solar panels and easy-to-maintain systems. We make a long-term commitment with our customers and accommodate their service and maintenance needs through a lifetime performance warranty of 25 years and comprehensive AMC packages.

Contact us to schedule your site visit and get a solar quote.

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Impact Of Basic Customs Duty Hike On Residential Solar

March 1, 2022 Pankaj Mohanpuria No Comments

Impact Of BCD Hike On Residential Solar Sector

In response to a long-standing demand from India’s solar manufacturing sector, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) will implement Basic Customs Duty (BCD) w.e.f. April 2022. This move will protect domestic solar manufacturers from the stiff price competition from imported solar modules. Imposing a high tax rate will work in favour of the domestic solar industry in the short term as the price gap between imported solar components and locally-produced solar components will be be bridged.

However, this is just one side of how this hike in basic import duty will impact India’s solar sector. The price of home solar systems is expected to rise as material costs across the supply chain become costlier. A home solar system comprises of solar panels, inverter, cables and mounting structure.

Rise in the cost of solar modules is bound to increase the price of a home solar system as module price comprises more than 50% share of the price of the whole solar system. But in order to estimate how much the price is likely to increase, read more.

Upcoming Changes in Solar Equipment Prices

India is chasing an ambitious goal of 280 GW of installed solar energy capacity by 2030. However, the country has been heavily dependent on imports so far. This has worked against the domestic solar manufacturers as several are on the verge of shutting down. China alone accounts for 80% of the total solar imports, while the rest consists of imports from Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy recognizes the urgency to protect domestic solar component manufacturers against stiff price competition from imported ones and reduce the dominance of low-cost imports in the Indian solar markets.

The Basic Customs Duty is a move that will help boost domestic manufacturing of solar components. As per the proposed duty structure, a basic customs duty of 40% on solar modules and 25% on solar cells will come into force on all solar imports starting April 1st, 2022. This tax imposition is expected to be a gamechanger for India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. It will do away with the cost advantage that has allowed imported solar components so far to dominate Indian markets, providing Indian manufacturers a level playing field and the confidence to scale their capacity and performance.

This has come after the BCD for imported solar inverters was raised from 5% to 20% effective from February 2nd, 2021.

Impact of BCD Price Changes on Solar Industry

Long after the expiry of Safeguard Duty in July 2021, BCD is set to take effect from April 1st, 2022, though the intent of this change was already shared by MNRE in early 2021. As a result, the industry will see a slight increase in solar power tariffs being offered to Commercial & Industrial customers due to expensive solar components.

As per ICRA, the capital cost of a solar power plant project will increase by 23-24%. The official notification from MNRE also clarifies that there is no provision for exempting projects already auctioned. This is no brainer that the same price rise will happen for homeowners as well looking to purchase home solar plants for their house.

Apart from the low cost, the higher efficiency of imported rooftop solar panels is also another major factor why some of the developers and power producers prefer imported solar panels. But this is set to change as domestic solar manufacturers are also working on efficiency and ramping up their production capacities. Also, this hike in solar plant cost is anticipated to be a short-term disruption until local manufacturing achieves economies of scale and becomes even more efficient than the imported solar modules.

To that end, BCD will create a supportive ecosystem for the domestic solar industry by providing relief against the competitive environment created by low-cost foreign imports, especially China. We should also note that import barriers can only be temporary measures. Eventually, domestic solar manufacturing will succeed only if we are able to compete in the global marketplace – in terms of price, technology, and scale.

Why Get Solar for your Home Now ?

The basic customs duty on solar components will be implemented from April 1st, 2022, meaning the current solar prices are still affordable. Hence, if you are planning to solarize your home in the near future, purchases made during this time will still come at old prices.

Moreover, there is the added benefit of the simplified rooftop solar subsidy scheme recently introduced by MNRE. This updated subsidy scheme allows homeowners to get solar from any developer of their choice and avail subsidy through a simple online application process. The solar subsidy can further bring down the cost of rooftop solar for your home by up to 40%.

Harness the energy of the sun to power your gadgets, air conditioning and heating systems, and your entire home with our custom residential rooftop solar systems from HomeScape by Amplus Solar. Our end-to-end home solar power solutions help reduce your energy costs by up to 90%. Designed for luxury and engineered for durability, our rooftop installations come with a 25 years warranty and the investment practically pays for itself in as less as 5 years.

Our renewable energy solutions for homes also include add-ons like high-quality battery backups and a smart solar performance monitoring system to help you keep your solar plant’s health in check. If you want to learn about current solar panel prices, partner with HomeScape – one of the leading residential solar companies in India.

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How does the Simplified Rooftop Scheme by MNRE impact you?

February 18, 2022 admin No Comments

Switching to Solar has become simpler with the new rooftop solar installation scheme update by MNRE.

In the recent announcement, The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has simplified solar transition for residential consumers with a revamped solar subsidy scheme. So far, households could only take advantage of subsidy schemes for rooftop solar in India, when the system was installed by MNRE-authorized vendors.

However, the new simplified procedure will give residential solar consumers the liberty to put up their rooftop solar plant by themselves or through any solar expert of their choice and directly receive subsidy credit in their accounts in just a month. This positive development is expected to spur growth in rooftop solar adoption, as more and more household customers realize improved financial viability and affordability of solar under this program.

MNRE: The New Simplified Rooftop Scheme

The MNRE’s new simplified rooftop scheme will make solar more accessible, as the government rolls out conducive policies and regulatory frameworks. Individual solar buyers will have the freedom to select equipment like solar panels and inverters from the list of manufacturers. You won’t need to seek approval for your home solar system from the empaneled partners and can choose any rooftop solar company in India to install your solar system unit. This will give a level playing field to all the solar providers, as customers would choose providers based on their credibility.

After installing solar panels, the beneficiary just needs to notify their local DISCOM (distribution company) about the installation, to initiate the subsidy disbursement process. Another significant change is that the buyer will directly receive the subsidy payout within 30 days from installation in their own accounts rather than the installers’, which was the case earlier.

How to Claim Rooftop Solar Subsidy in India

The new simplified procedure will require the beneficiaries to register themselves on the national portal, which is expected to be launched within 6-8 weeks. The same portal will be used for the online tracking and approval of these applications. The ministry also plans to have a similar portal to operate at the DISCOM level and be linked to the national portal.

Under this revised mechanism, a household beneficiary who wishes to switch to solar electricity will apply on the national portal. The beneficiary will provide relevant information about the intended rooftop solar plant installation and bank account details to receive the subsidy amount.

The completed application will be pushed to the concerned local DISCOM and shown on the respective DISCOM portal. The DISCOM will evaluate the technical feasibility of the solar installation and issue approval within 15 working days.

After approval, you can select the rooftop solar panel installation vendor of your choice. However, you must select solar PV modules that meet the DCR (domestic content requirement), and the manufacturers should be enlisted under ALMM (approved list of models and manufacturers). Likewise, go for a J3IS-certified inverter.

The approved application also sets a deadline by which the installation must be completed, or the application will be cancelled. Consumers will then have to re-apply via the same process.

After the installation, the beneficiary applies for net metering via the national portal. The concerned DISCOM handling your application ensures the installation of net metering wherein the liability of procuring the net meter will befall upon the DISCOM company or the beneficiary himself. The related announcements will also be updated on the portal.

Lastly, the DISCOM officer will prepare a commission and inspection report, visible on both portals. A positive report will allow the transfer of the subsidy amount to your account.

The Right Time to Get Rooftop Solar

The MNRE aims to ensure solar efficiency, quality, and ongoing post-installation service for all consumers adopting solar under the new program. To that end, a set of standards and specifications will regulate rooftop solar panel systems for homes. The program will also define the format of agreement binding upon the beneficiary and the vendor. It will outline provisions, among other terms and conditions, to ensure that the rooftop solar (RTS) plant installed ticks off all safety and performance standards and mandates the solar installation companies to maintain the installed system for at least 5 years or more as specified in the agreement.

The ministry will also ensure stringent application process monitoring and define a grievance redressal mechanism to resolve customer complaints.

Under the new rooftop solar program, the government is subsidizing solar and also ensuring that you get the best value for the investment that you are going to make. Trust HomeScape by Amplus Solar to help you get the full benefit of the simplified rooftop solar scheme. As a leading residential rooftop solar company in India, we have the best rooftop solution composed of top-quality panels bi-facial solar modules, invertors, and other components.

Contact us for a consultation today.

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Traditional Electricity Vs Solar Power in Indian Homes

February 14, 2022 admin No Comments

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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Top 5 Myths about residential rooftop Solar Busted

February 7, 2022 admin No Comments

The first solar panel was built in 1881 by Charles Fritts. It has been centuries since its inception but the technology is still evolving. While this technology was initially built for commercial users, its benefits and ease of installation has made it possible for homeowners to reap the benefits. In the last one decade, solar has grown in terms of people opting for it, and solar capacity installed immensely.

While there is enough literature on solar power for homes and the rooftop solar for commercial sector on the web, there are still many myths that need to be busted. Let’s debunk the 5 most common misconceptions about solar to help you hop on the solar wagon.

Top 5 Home Solar Myths

There Won’t Be Any Power Outages With Solar

A grid-tied rooftop solar system for home enables you to take advantage of net metering – a system where you get credit for contributing excess power to the utility grid and draw power from the grid when in need. However, a downside to this grid-tied solar system is that you continue to be impacted by power outages. When the electricity goes out from your local distribution company due to an overload, routine maintenance, or lightning and other natural disasters, your rooftop solar panel will also stop.

This is because the grid acts like a huge battery bank, which stores all your generated energy, and disburses for your consumption. Your energy exchange happens via grid, so obviously when the grid stops distributing electricity, you stop getting consumption electricity from the grid as well.

However, integrating a solar battery backup into your residential rooftop solar setup will help you create a power reserve to keep the lights on when your neighbours’ are out due to a power outage.

There Won’t Be Any Electricity Bills

The biggest motivation for adopting solar among homeowners is to reduce the cost of electricity, possibly bring it to zero, and increase energy savings. However, eliminating the electricity bill entirely throughout the solar lifespan of the solar system is a myth.

With an on-grid residential rooftop solar system, you will continue to receive monthly bills. It will reflect the import or units of electricity drawn from the grid, the export or units of excess solar electricity added to the grid, net units (difference between import and export) and banked units (when export is higher) to be carried forward to the next bill cycle. This billing mechanism is called net metering.

No Sunshine at Night Equals No Electricity at Night

Solar panels give maximum solar energy output on bright sunny days, whereas no energy is generated during night hours when the sun isn’t shining. However, when the sun doesn’t shine due to cloudy or rainy weather, solar panels still generate power from the little sunlight reaching the earth. In fact, the solar efficiency level is higher in slightly cold and sunny climates. The reason is that excessive heat interferes with the panels’ ability to convert sunlight (photons) into electricity.

Solar panels need constant sunlight, however dim it may be, but that does not mean that you can’t receive electricity at night. By connecting your solar panel to a battery backup or net metering (connection to the grid), you can enjoy electricity 24/7.

Rooftop or Terrace Gets Compromised With Solar

A prominent concern of homeowners is that a rooftop solar structure will consume their roofs or alter the aesthetics of their property. Well, this was the case thus far, but this has not been the case nowadays. There are solar plants with elevated height that even enhances the utility of your roofs while enjoying the benefits of a solar plant.

With the latest technological advancements in industry, residential rooftop solar has transformed. For example, the elevated rooftop solar plant by HomeScape is designed to suit your home and lifestyle. The pergola-inspired solar design works wonderfully both as a rooftop and ground solar setup and is installed by in-house trained technicians to ensure no damaged roof.

Its transparent glass solar ceiling lets in sunlight, creating a space for your winter sunbathing or morning yoga sessions.

Rooftop Solar is not suitable for small houses

Homeowners can benefit tremendously from solar and expect great returns. Since small houses are likely to have lesser load requirements, you will only need a few solar panels to generate enough electricity for your needs. Remember the thumb rule, for every 1 kilowatt of solar panels, you will need at most 100 sq. ft. of shade free area.

As a result, the price of solar systems for your home will also be as per the solar capacity you go for. Also, a home running on solar power will be valued higher should you decide to sell your home. Buyers will be willing to pay more for a home running on renewable energy.

Renewable energy is beneficial for us and the environment. If you are interested in exploring the various types of home solar systems, HomeScape is India’s leading rooftop solar installer and is here to help you make an informed decision. Our home solar systems are efficient, beautiful, and practically last forever.

Our team creates customized solar solutions to suit everyone’s needs with high-quality components, an advanced remote monitoring system, and higher efficiency solar panels.

Contact us for an in-person consultation today

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How Cost-effective is it to install solar at home the Long Run?

February 2, 2022 admin No Comments

A residential solar energy system is a smart investment that comes with the promise of guaranteed long-term savings. Despite the high upfront cost, the expenditure or you may call it an investment is offset in just the initial few years through sizable energy output, significant net cost savings, and a hassle-free maintenance experience. In addition to being a clean, renewable source of energy that eliminates carbon footprint, solar energy is actually getting more affordable and rewarding than you think.

Cost of Installing a Solar Panel at Home

The average cost of a residential solar panel installation varies from state to state in India. Several state governments are offering financial support and subsidy schemes to make the cost of rooftop solar installation affordable for as many homeowners as possible. Here is a sample of the subsidy structure by IPGCL (Delhi DISCOM) for their last tender (May 2020) for residential rooftop solar systems.

SOLAR SYSTEM SIZE (KW)	SUBSIDY	BENCHMARK COST (BM)
1-3	40% of BM cost	Rs: 37000/ kWp
3-10	20% of BM cost	Rs: 32,400/ kWp
10+	Subsidy for first 10KW only	Rs: 32,400/ kWp

In earlier times, a small capacity solar PV system used to be enough to power a home. In the current times, India’s domestic energy consumption per capita is increasing and we use a lot more units of electricity today than in the past. Apart from the usual home appliances that we use, we use a lot more heating and cooling devices, smart devices, electric vehicles than before. Hence, a 3 kWp solar system generating 12 to 15 units per day is the minimum you would need to run your home efficiently. For a bungalow with 4-5 ACs or a big farmhouse, a 5KWp system or above would be a better choice.

Maintenance of Rooftop Home Solar Panel

Routine maintenance of your solar batteries and the solar PV system will allow timely detection of potential repairs, security concerns, and signs of damage. Have your solar installer inspect the system’s wiring and electricals at least once a year. The preventive maintenance would involve inspecting fittings, electrical conduits, visible electrical hardware, and ground conductors as well. You will also need to keep your glass PV solar modules clean of any dust, debris, or bird feces that may accumulate over time. Make sure to clean your PV modules with a wet cloth once a month or every fortnight if you live in dusty areas for optimum generation. Note that the solar system should be on switch off mode when you attempt self cleaning.

Your rooftop solar system uses a kind of mild steel rack system to be mounted. Cleaning and checking the racking for signs of damage, loose hardware, and debris accumulation should be performed once every year to prevent any uprooting of solar panels from the racking during an event of extreme weather like a storm or heavy rains.

Your solar batteries also need professional maintenance to ensure efficiency and extend their life. In addition, a little upkeep done routinely will keep your batteries in good condition. During winter, your lead-acid batteries will also need a refill of distilled water every 2 to 4 weeks. Also, monitor the battery charge, and if found flooded, apply an equalization every 90 days.

Energy Output of Solar Panel

Power output is a key factor in selecting the right residential solar panel system. Also, when installing a solar system in your home in India, the price you pay is based on the proposed solar system capacity per kilowatts.

Calculating the accurate electricity generated by a rooftop solar PV system can be a complex math exercise, but you can estimate it yourself for your home if you know your monthly electricity bill through various solar calculators. In the Indian scenario, for every 1 KWp of solar system, an average of 4 kWh (units) will be generated per day, accumulating to 1,400 to 1,600 kWh in a year. This estimate may differ from the actual generation as meteorological conditions affect solar power generation capacity. Many other factors like the home’s location, the orientation of the roof, solar panel efficiency, and ambient temperature affect solar energy production, which is taken into account by the solar installers when they give you the first proposal after the technical assessment or a site visit.

Net Savings in the Long Run

The overwhelming 6-figure cost of a residential solar panel installation keeps most homeowners on the fence. Investing in rooftop solar installation also brings attractive returns and eventually the system pays for itself with the huge cost savings in the electricity bill. With a grid-connected solar system, you will not only do away with fluctuating electricity prices but can also earn electricity unit credits via net metering by sending any excess power generated back to the grid. The DISCOM will then charge you only for the net units consumed in a particular month thus reducing your electricity bill by a great extent.

Thanks to the little maintenance and a life expectancy of 25-30 years, you can expect a payback period of just 5-7 years on most solar PV systems available in the market. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR), expressed as the percentage of return on investment (ROI), represents the rate of returns you expect to receive on your solar panel installation cost.

Suppose you make an investment in buying solar for your home. This investment would not only pay for itself but you get your electricity for free after the payback period is over. With advancements in technology, PV modules of higher efficiency are being developed which gives even more savings and generation through your residential solar panel systems.

Are you searching for the best solar plant installation company in Delhi or Gurgaon to start your solar journey? Check out HomeScape by Amplus Solar to get the most out of your residential solar panel installation cost. We are empaneled by DISCOM for solar subsidy in many states which will further reduce the upfront investment for you and increase your savings.

Our well-designed solar system produces optimum output throughout the whole year. With us, you get an end-to-end hassle free solar solution with warranty-backed components and a safe module mounting structure with branded wiring and cables for your rooftop solar panel system.

Get your solar journey started today with a quick technical assessment and a customized solar quote from our industry experts.

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How to Prepare Your Rooftop Solar Panel for Winters

January 5, 2022 admin No Comments

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.

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Offset Solar Panel Cost of Your Home Within 5 Years | HomeScape

December 1, 2021 admin No Comments

Offset Solar Panel Cost of Your Home Within 5 Years r

residential solar energy Rooftop Solar Solar power generation

Best Practices To Get Maximum Power Generation From Your Home Solar Plant

October 8, 2021 HomeScape Team No Comments

Energy Efficiency residential solar energy solar for home

The Lifespan of a Solar Plant

July 12, 2021 admin No Comments

When you are considering investing in solar electricity for your home, wondering how long solar panels last is a question that inevitably pops up. Studies have proven solar panels can last anywhere between 25 to 30 years — or sometimes more. HomeScape offers a 25-year warranty on all solar systems. However, this does not mean that the panels on your roof will stop producing electricity after a couple of decades. It just means their energy production will decrease by what solar panel manufacturers consider optimal to meet the average Indian family’s energy needs.

Solar panels produce less electricity as they age. This process is called degradation. Solar power plant degradation rates vary depending on the brand, as well as the climate where they are installed.

On average, solar panels degrade at a rate of 1% each year, which guarantees 90% production in the first ten years and 80% by year 25 or 30. However, a study conducted by The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shows a more accurate picture of solar panel degradation. This study found that monocrystalline panels made after the year 2000 degraded at a rate of just 0.4%. This means, if you get superior quality monocrystalline panels, the panels suffer only 0.4% degradation a year, resulting in 88% operation of their original capacity after 25 to 30 years.

Just like a car that only runs for a certain number of kilometers or a piece of equipment that starts to lose its efficiency after some years, solar panel degradation is bound to happen. There are many ways you can extend the life of your solar power plant.

Tip #1: Team Up with a Trustworthy Solar Provider

The smartest way to ensure your solar panels work long-term is to partner with a well-respected solar installer that offers solid customer service. You want to be sure that you are working with certified industry experts that are going to install your system for the long run and with the utmost care, using high-quality panels and parts. This will go a long way for keeping the production of your solar electricity for home high throughout – and even beyond – the system’s life expectancy. HomeScape by Amplus Solar offers high-quality home solar plants, customized to fit the needs of your household.

Tip #2: Keep Your Panels Clear of Debris and Other Damaging Materials

When your home solar plant is free from leaves, dirt, pollen, dust, bird droppings and falling branches, it generates electricity at maximum efficiency. Another factor you and your solar installer should consider when you’re designing your solar energy system is choosing a proper location. Try to avoid placing the panels near things that can cause physical damage, like the trees and bushes, which may speed up degradation. HomeScape by Amplus’ Site Management Team considers all your requirements and resources to help you make the correct decision when installing a solar power plant for home.

Tip #3: Make Sure Your Panels Are Regularly Monitored and Maintained

Though solar electricity for home is a relatively care-free investment, periodic maintenance checks and cleaning can also help extend the lifespan of the solar panels. It is imperative that you work with products and companies that practice proper methods for cleaning and maintenance. Doing routine maintenance checks will help keep your solar system’s panel performance, meters and other parts running at maximum efficiency. HomeScape by Amplus offers On-Site Visits and Maintenance for all its residential solar plants.

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