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10kW Solar System Price And Details For Home In India

October 17, 2022 No Comments
10kW Solar System Price And Details For Home In India

A 10kW solar system can generate approximately 10 kilowatts of power- suitable for houses in urban setups. If you are paying tens of thousands in utility bills and consume about 40 units per day, this size of solar system can be an excellent option for your home. 

The power generated by 10kW solar plant can run 2-3 air conditioners in addition to the standard load of fans, lights, TV, washing machine and other appliances, thus removing your grid dependence significantly. One can also choose to use solar energy in non-Sun hours by adding solar batteries to this system.

Price of a 10kW Solar System in India

Before investing, it is essential to have extensive knowledge of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology and modern home solar systems. The price of a 10kW solar system in India is often a principal question that bothers most homeowners. 

Giving an exact number is not possible in most cases, as several metrics determine the price of a 10kW solar plant for your home. For example, the location of your property, the type and size of your home solar system, the efficiency rating of solar panels and the quality of all other components making up your solar system – all require serious consideration to finalize the cost of the solar system.

The government of India has also introduced financial aid in the form of solar subsidies to encourage solar plant installations amongst homeowners. A trusted solar vendor can help you ascertain the net worth of your 10kW home solar. 

Types of a 10kW Solar System for Home

There are three types of solar systems available at the dispense of homeowners. If you are thinking of purchasing a 10 kilowatt solar panel system, you can choose one of the three options — grid-tied, off-grid or hybrid solar system.

Each of these three types of 10000-watt solar systems in India is priced differently. They also vary in their functioning and the benefits that they offer. Although a solar power system will always include solar panels, a solar inverter and basic wiring, the key variations concern additional components responsible for their best output.

As you consider the suitability of each type of solar system for your home, making the right choice will depend on your budget, electricity needs and preference for the unique benefits each setup can offer your home.

On-Grid 10kW Solar System

The on-grid setup of a 10kW solar system is often a preferred choice for homeowners as it is the most affordable home solar option. The cost-effectiveness of on-grid solar is because it only requires a solar inverter and solar panels to put together a grid-connected solar system. Also called a grid-tied or grid-fed solar system, this type of solar framework is connected to the government grid and is billed as per the net metering regulations. 

During the day, your 10kW solar plant supplies solar electricity to your home. When solar energy production exceeds your home’s electricity requirements, the energy units you don’t consume are transferred to the grid for solar credits at net metering tariffs. Likewise, you also have the flexibility of drawing grid electricity when solar power is inadequate to meet your demand, like at night or in unfavourable weather conditions.

With a 10kW on-grid solar system, you will continue to receive monthly utility bills generated under net metering. The meter will record both the export and import of power between the grid and your home solar system. If there is no electricity withdrawal from the grid in a month or exports exceed imports, the bill will reflect a zero charge or a positive solar credit balance. 

Off-Grid 10kW Solar System

If your property is located in a far-off location where the grid connection is not available or too costly because of the distance, an off-grid solar system could be just the solution you need to achieve energy independence. The price of a 10kW off-grid solar system in India also includes the cost of solar batteries, which makes it costlier than an on-grid framework of the same capacity. Nonetheless, the advantages you enjoy with a solar-powered home can offset the initial solar investment in 6-8 years. You will generate your electricity and have ample reserve of solar energy to keep your home powered when solar panels are inactive, like at night. 

Since you are no longer connected to the grid, unpredictable outages will not affect your home. Also, the environmental benefits are significant as your home runs entirely on clean solar energy, a definite sustainable choice of living. 

Hybrid 10kW Solar System

If you desire both the flexibility of a grid-connected solar system and the elimination of uncomfortable power outages, a hybrid 10kW solar system is the right choice. A hybrid setup consists of solar batteries and a meter to facilitate the transfer of electricity between your solar system and the government grid. Hence, this type of 10kW solar system is priced the highest due to the higher number of components.

A 10kW solar panel system generates enough electricity to fulfil your home’s energy demand and charges solar batteries. Moreover, grid connectivity can efficiently manage the power surplus and shortfalls. As a result, you enjoy 24-hour power availability without the discomfort of sudden, prolonged outages.

Facts and Benefits Related to a 10 Kilowatt Solar Panel System 

Getting your facts right is an essential first step towards your solarized future. Here’s what you need to know about a 10-kilowatt solar panel system:

Energy output: If you wonder how many units are generated by 10kw solar panels, it’s 14400 units in a year. This is based on the per-day average generation capacity, which is estimated to be 40 units per day. Knowing the average energy output will enable you to figure out the right system size to pick for your home’s energy requirements.

Area required: 60 square meters of shade-free space is befitting the area requirements of a 10kW home solar plant. In addition, with high-efficiency solar panels, you will need fewer panels to generate 10-kilowatt power capacity and thus, less space is needed for their installation.

Warranty: Most solar manufacturers provide a 25-year performance warranty on solar panels. Other components such as the solar inverter and solar battery come with a product warranty of anywhere between 5-10 years depending on the manufacturer.

Subsidy: The price of a 10kW solar panel system in India significantly decreases with offered subsidies. However, the solar subsidy is only available for grid-connected solar systems (excluding the cost of solar batteries). Homeowners getting an off-grid solar system are not eligible for subsidies.

A 10kW solar system is a great way to control your home’s energy consumption and reduce your dependency on traditional electricity sources and suppliers. In addition, solar is good for the environment, and it offers significant financial and economic benefits.

Reduce Your Electricity Cost

With a 10kW solar system, you will start saving on electricity from the first day of installation. With a home solar plant, most of your energy requirements are fulfilled from solar energy produced by the panels. As a result, the need for drawing electricity from the local grid is vastly reduced, thus helping you save a lot of money annually. 

Earn Solar Credits

If the net metering facility is available and you are connected to the local grid, your solar system will be designed to send surplus solar energy units to the grid. This export of power happens when there is excess production by your 10kW solar panels that are not used at home or required for charging solar batteries. Depending on the net metering regulations of your location, you will earn solar credit for every solar energy unit contributed to the government grid. These solar credits can be used to purchase grid electricity when your solar energy production is insufficient, or you can receive cash payment against the solar credits at the end of the year.

Long-term Financial Advantages

The long-term financial gains of solar energy can overweigh the upfront price of 10kW solar panels in India. Depending on your payment method and your location’s annual solar energy output, you can expect your solar system to pay you back on the upfront solar investment in 6 to 8 years. Since home solar panels continue to generate electricity for 25+ years, solar energy generated after the initial years is absolutely free for your home. Hence, modern solar systems are an incredible investment into a lifetime of financial gains.

10kW Solar Panel System Installation Cost in India

If you are going solar with an experienced solar company, the installation is already factored into the total price of a 10kW solar system for your home. However, proper installation is crucial for ensuring that your 10kW solar panels give maximum output throughout the year. 

Setting up solar panels on your roof requires a robust and secure module mounting structure (MMS) to keep the solar panels positioned at the right angle for maximum sunshine absorption. These structures also come in different design options, allowing homeowners to achieve many aesthetic needs. However, depending on the complexity and size of the structure, the installation work can take hours or even days.

If you are confident about completing the installation yourself, you can buy a low-priced 10kw solar system kit. However, it is always recommended to get the installation done by a professional solar technician to ensure that your system is set up correctly.

10kW Solar System Subsidy in India

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced exciting subsidies to make domestic solar installations more affordable and rewarding for homeowners. Depending on the type and size of your solar system, you can be eligible to apply for the solar subsidy and reduce your total solar 10kW price. 

For home solar plants of up to 10kW capacity, there is a 20% subsidy available. The subsidy will be calculated on the benchmark cost of grid-connected solar systems (excluding the price of batteries).

FAQs

How many units per day can a 10kW solar panel system give?

With a 10kW solar panel system, you can squeeze out 40kWh of power per day. Of course, this will vary based on location-specific factors like weather, hours of sunshine received, obstructions, etc.

Is a 10kW solar system the right size for my home?

For a better understanding of system sizing, you would want to start by evaluating your past year’s monthly electricity bills. A 10kW solar system is often a great choice for homes with heavy electricity spending. Solar energy production will be enough to reduce your electricity bills by a heavy margin.

How long before my 10kW solar panel system pays for itself?

The payback will depend on self-consumption, your system’s average energy output annually and the net metering regulations. However, it’s reasonable to presume that a 10kW solar system will pay for itself in 6 to 8 years in favourable circumstances. After this period, the electricity is free for the rest of the system’s lifespan of 25+ years. Aside from small maintenance costs spent annually and replacement requirements that often arise every 12 – 15 years, there is no major cost involved in maintaining your home solar system.

Is it worth purchasing a 10kW solar system for my home?

A 10kW solar system is a smart investment that can cover most of your energy needs. Even if the energy generated only offsets your monthly electricity bills, you will pay less for electricity and can start seeing immediate savings after the installation. Plus, you’ll continue to use low-cost electricity once the solar panels are paid off.

Will a 10kW solar system keep me powered at night and during blackouts?

Yes. Home solar systems can be customized to include enough batteries that will provide several hours of power backup to keep your home powered at night and other hours of zero solar energy production. Also, the solar system leans onto solar batteries whenever the grid is down, so you can avoid uncomfortable outages.

Does maintaining a 10kW solar system require a lot of money or effort?

Modern home solar systems are designed to be self-sufficient structures that require minimal maintenance to keep working at their peak level. Since solar panels or their mounting structure doesn’t involve any moving parts, they are the easiest to maintain and only require basic cleaning. Also, solar companies can offer solar AMC maintenance packages to answer your solar system’s inspection, servicing, or any repair needs.

Will a 10kW solar system eliminate my monthly utility bills?

Only if you are off the grid! A 10kW solar system that is connected to the government grid is still regulated by the utility company under net metering. The meter is connected to your solar framework to monitor the flow of electricity between the government grid and the solar panels. However, the monthly bill generated will show a reduced charge or even a positive credit balance whenever your solar system contributes excess solar energy to the grid.

Are 10kW solar systems expandable?

Although a 10kW solar system is often sufficient for most large homes, you can still expand your solar system should you need it in the future. Also, the price of a 10kW solar system in India with subsidy is more affordable than higher capacity systems. 

On-grid vs off-grid – how do I decide?

For a budget-friendly solar option, a 10kW on-grid solar system will surely be a better choice. It doesn’t include solar batteries and lets you enjoy the flexibility of net metering. On the other hand, an off-grid framework is a clear choice if you can’t connect to the government grid. The system will have enough batteries to keep your home powered at all times.

Is my roof suitable for installing 10kW solar panels?

If your roof has at least 60 square meters of the area free of any shadow cast by neighbouring buildings or trees, you can get your solar panels set up for the maximum solar output. As the panels will be adding more weight to your roof for the next 25+ years, it’s important to check the structural integrity of the roof. Better yet, you can have your solar company do a quick roof inspection to confirm the suitability of solar installation.

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Solar Subsidy for the Residential Sector in Punjab 2022 | HomeScape

August 26, 2022 2 Comments
Solar Subsidy in Punjab

The Government of India is promoting the goal of a “solar-powered green city” in every state, and it notes that the idea is in line with the global solar energy trends. Solar panel subsidy in Punjab is an initiative to make clean and green energy affordable and accessible.

Like the use of solar energy in commercial settings, it is ideal for installing solar in residential neighbourhoods, thanks to the progress in home solar systems. Now the residents of Punjab have an opportunity to increase their savings by reducing high electricity bills and their dependence on the government grid.

Solar System Price in Punjab with Subsidy

The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) offers subsidy support for grid-connected rooftop solar systems of capacity ranging from 1 kW to 10 kW. The subsidy is expected to make solar panel prices in Punjab more affordable for the residential sector consumers.

The subsidy/ Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for a rooftop PV solar system will depend on the capacity of your solar system and its benchmarked cost or on the cost calculated through a competitive process, if lower.

  • For up to 3kW capacity of RTS system, the CFA applicable is 40% of the benchmark cost.
  • For systems of capacity ranging from 3kW to 10kW, the user will be eligible for a CFA of 40% for the first 3kW capacity. The additional 20% CFA will apply to the rest of the capacity above 3kW (i.e. up to 10kW). Capacities exceeding 10kW will not receive any subsidy.
  • The GHS (Group Housing Societies) / RWA (Residential Welfare Association) are eligible for availing 20% subsidy on benchmark cost, given that certain criteria are met. A single house can avail subsidy worth maximum 10kWp capacity of a rooftop solar plant. The total for the entire society should not exceed 500kWp.

It is important to note that power distribution companies (DISCOMs) are responsible for implementing the solar panel subsidy scheme in Punjab and other states. To be eligible for the above subsidies, your rooftop solar system must be installed by the vendors empanelled by PSEB.

Solar Subsidy Scheme in Punjab

The solar subsidy by Punjab is available for the state residents who wish to switch to solar electricity.

For the domestic sectors, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will provide a maximum of 40% subsidy on benchmarked costs for installing rooftop solar power under net metering. Net metering doubles the benefits of going solar by saving you money and enabling you to earn more of it. Homeowners will first use the electricity generated through a rooftop solar system as per their requirement, and PSPCL will adjust your generated power from the total consumption. The net metering rules, however, are subject to change.

The PSPCL also notes that the solar rooftop subsidy scheme is only available for residential homeowners, registered societies, multi-story apartment buildings, and cooperative group housing societies. Non-residential sectors like educational, PSUs, private commercial, social, or industrial sectors are not eligible to benefit from the solar subsidy for homes in Punjab.

How to apply for Solar Subsidy in Punjab?

Early this year, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued a new simplified rooftop scheme to make the solar subsidy process easier for homeowners. Although the power Distribution companies (DISCOMs) will still be the point of contact for availing solar subsidies in Punjab, the homeowners will now have lot more options to choose their solar developer of their choice from the list of MNRE-authorised vendors on the National Portal.

You can select any solar energy company which is registered on the National Portal for Rooftop Solar to design and install your home solar system. Once you have finalised the solar system for your home in Punjab, you can approach the local DISCOM to apply for the subsidy. All the processes are now happening online through the National Portal.

You will be able to notify the DISCOM company about your solar system installation through the same online portal. The subsidy disbursement process will start once your application and the requested document are submitted. The greatest advantage for homeowners in this process is that they will directly get the settled subsidy payout in their own bank accounts within 30 days from installing their solar setup.

What is Net Metering?

When purchasing a rooftop solar panel system for your home, you will have the option to connect your system to the grid. If you have opted for a net-metered solar system, you will be eligible to apply for the government solar subsidy scheme and enjoy the benefits of net metering. 

Net metering is a billing mechanism regulating grid-connected home solar systems. It allows homes that produce their own solar electricity to export unused power units to the government grid and earn solar credits which can be settled in the next billing cycle.

The grid also makes up for your solar electricity shortfalls, particularly at night or on a cloudy/rainy day when your solar panels don’t receive ample sunshine. The provision of net metering will ensure that your energy demand is met through grid electricity when solar energy production is insufficient. The imported units can be counted against the credits you’ve banked during the month.

Your monthly electricity bill can show a charge or even a positive credit balance based on the net of your energy contribution to the grid and the energy withdrawals from the grid. Hence, the name “net metering”. At the end of the year, if your annual billing shows a positive solar credit balance, the same will be paid out to you in cash as per the rate specified in the net metering provision.

Net metering doubles the benefits of going solar by saving you money and enabling you to earn more of it. Homeowners will first use the electricity generated through a rooftop solar system as per their requirement, and PSPCL will adjust your generated power from the total consumption. The net metering rules, however, are subject to change.

Benefits of Net Metering

Most solar experts advise favouring a grid-connected solar system as it increases the advantages of living in a solar-powered home. These benefits of net metering are:

Additional financial credit and savings

On days when your solar PV panels generate more energy than the daily electricity consumption needs, then the surplus units are sold to the grid for extra solar credits, translating to greater flexibility and more revenue for you.

Eliminates the need for battery storage and backup generator

Unlike off-grid solar systems, a grid-connected framework doesn’t require battery backup to store solar electricity, as any surplus production is fed to the utility grid under net metering. This makes your solar setup simpler and less expensive. Moreover, you can avoid paying for costly generators since the grid serves as a backup generator for your home.  

Affordable and easy to maintain

Home solar systems don’t demand a lot of maintenance efforts. Solar panels installed on your rooftop are covered with 25 years of performance warranty and are easy to maintain. Battery and generator require routine maintenance and replacements, but you can eliminate these components by opting for net metering. As a result, you can bring down the total cost of your home solar PV system and also reduce its maintenance requirements.

The Complete Process for installing Solar System in Punjab

To apply under the simplified rooftop solar scheme, you must first register on the national portal. This online portal can be accessed to keep up with the progress of your subsidy disbursement process, from the initial application to its tracking and approval. The Ministry also intends to set up separate portals for different regional DISCOMs, each linked to the national portal.

The revised mechanism requires the beneficiary planning to get a home solar system first to submit an application for the same on the national portal. You will have to furnish relevant details and documents about the intended rooftop solar plant (RTS) installation along with the bank account details for the subsidy payout.

The completed application will be assigned to the local DISCOM, and the status of your application can be tracked from the DISCOM portal. The approval is likely to be issued within the next 15 working days once the DISCOM ascertains the technical viability of your rooftop solar installation.

Once you have the approval, your chosen vendor can start the rooftop solar panel installation process. However, be mindful when selecting solar energy company for the installation and ensure that the solar modules fulfil the DCR conditions, and the company is registered on National Portal. Also, the manufacturers must be listed on the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) issued by the MNRE. Likewise, make sure your solar inverter is J3IS-certified.

The approved application will also specify a limited timeframe for the beneficiary to install the rooftop solar plant, after which the application will be ineffective. If consumers fail to get their solar system set up by the prescribed date, they can re-apply via the same process.

Once the solar setup is ready, the next step is to apply for net metering through the same national portal. The local DISCOM managing your application will arrange for net metering, wherein either the DISCOM or the beneficiary will be liable for procuring the net meter. All announcements throughout the process will be published on the portal.

Lastly, the officer assigned by the DISCOM company will prepare a commissioning and inspection report, which the beneficiary can view on both the DISCOM and national portals. A positive report will approve your eligibility to receive the subsidy amount in your account.

Conclusion:

Financial support for the country’s renewable sector is key to its goal for the clean energy transition. Hence, we can expect subsidy programs for the residential sector to continue for the foreseeable future.

Although the uptake of rooftop solar installations in the residential sector has been slow, partly due to a lack of awareness about solar power and the subsidies available, the situation is expected to improve. As the state government strengthens its subsidy disbursement process, more houses will be solarized in the future.

Now is a great time to take advantage of the solar subsidy schemes for homes in Punjab. At HomeScape by Amplus Solar, we have years of expertise installing aesthetically appealing, highly durable, grid-connected rooftop solar solutions customized to each homeowner’s needs. If you need help determining subsidized solar panel prices in Punjab for your residential space, we encourage you to book a consultation with us today.

FAQs

What is the cost of solar panels in Punjab?

To understand how much a solar panel costs in Punjab for you, you need to factor in the type of solar plant and number of solar panels that make your rooftop solar PV system. An easy way to figure out the solar panel price for your home is to discuss your solar needs with an experienced solar installer near you, like HomeScape by Amplus Solar.

Is there a subsidy for solar panels in Punjab?

The solar subsidy in Punjab is available for the state residents who wish to switch to solar electricity for their domestic needs. The PSPCL notes that the solar rooftop subsidy scheme is only available for residential homeowners, registered societies, multi-story apartment buildings, and cooperative group housing societies. Non-residential sectors like educational, PSUs, private commercial, social, or industrial sectors are not eligible to benefit from the solar subsidy for homes in Punjab.

How much subsidy is available on solar panels?

For the domestic sectors, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will provide a maximum of 40% subsidy on benchmarked costs for installing rooftop solar power plants of up to 3kW capacity under net metering. If you pick a system of 3kW to 10kW capacity for your home, you can avail 40% for the first 3kW capacity and an additional 20% subsidy for the rest (up to 10kW).

How can I get a solar subsidy in Punjab?

Thanks to the MNRE simplifying the rooftop solar subsidy scheme for homeowners intending to get solar for their homes, you can select a home solar installer you see fit for your needs and later apply for subsidy online. For personalised guidance, HomeScape welcomes you for a one-on-one consultation to see how solar can be beneficial for meeting your energy needs.

Which type of solar system is eligible for the subsidy?

A solar subsidy is only applicable on grid-connected home solar plants (excluding the battery system, if any is opted for). The subsidy will be calculated based on the benchmark cost issued by the MNRE for different system capacities.

How much time will it take to release the subsidy?

You can expect to receive the subsidy amount in your account within 30 days from the day of solar system installation, considering that your online application has been duly approved.

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Impact Of Basic Customs Duty Hike On Residential Solar

March 1, 2022 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 No Comments
How does the Simplified Rooftop Scheme by MNRE impact you

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.

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How Bundling Scheme is Going to Impact Solar Companies in India

February 28, 2020 No Comments
grid connected

The Bundling Scheme is a plan to sell renewable energy (RE) and thermal power in a bundle so that end users can get uninterrupted supply of power. Bundling solar power was first introduced by the government in the first phase of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), in the year 2010.

What is bundled solar energy?

Bundled solar energy means combining solar power with the power from the government’s unallocated quota, generated at National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) coal-based stations, which was comparatively cheaper. Solar power would be purchased by NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited from developers, which would then be combined with cheaper coal-based power. The price of this was set by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and then sold at the reduced price to distribution companies. Reduction in the price of solar directly results in cheaper power, reducing the impact on them. At the same time this will also benefit the developers, since they would receive higher tariffs.

How does it work?

In the first phase, the cost of bundled solar power was successfully lessened to INR 5/kWh. The ratio of coal to solar power was kept at 4:1. A total capacity of 718 MW was commissioned under Phase 1. However, bundling faced a hurdle due to India’s coal production being extremely slow and unallocated coal not being available in abundance. Selecting solar power projects under various central schemes was proposed in the second phase. This is where the Viability Gap Funding Scheme was introduced, which is being implemented through the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). This scheme specifically aimed to solve interruption in power supply and low capacity utilisation of solar power plants and make them appealing for state-owned power DISCOMS.

In this scheme, at least 51% of the annual energy supplied has to be Renewable Energy. The balance would then be drawn from thermal power sources.The generator, which will have the option of selecting the type of RE and mix and decide upon the usage of Energy Storage System (ESS). The tariffs for RE will be quoted by bidders as a composite single tariff for bundled energy. The scheme is the need of the hour for state-owned DISCOMS because they are drowning in debt. They are delaying payments to renewable energy companies. MNRE has said that the scheme will enable them to purchase power at competitive rates to meet their deficits. 

What is the grid-tied solar system?

The impact of the bundling scheme cannot be viewed alone but in conjunction with other schemes. The bundling scheme was introduced to facilitate grid-connected solar power generation. A grid-tied solar electrical system is a network of power lines connecting users of electrical energy and producers of electrical energy. The home solar panel system is linked to the local power utility company’s electrical grid. Grid-connected projects could be ground-mounted PV or rooftop PV.

India aims to increase solar usage up to 100 GW by 2022. It is essential to take important steps to achieve this. There is a huge need to convert solar and bundle into usable electricity through panels. The infrastructure requirements for solar parks and the transmission of this power into the national grid must be met.

Manufacturing of solar panel systems is also extremely poor in India. In 2018, the government made a significant policy to impose the Safeguard Duty of 25% on Solar Imports for two years, after which it would be phased down. This was meant to encourage Indian companies of solar energy involved in manufacturing. But it was not as effective as hoped. Imports did drop due to slower capacity building in India, but not because of a rise in domestic sales. Indigenously made solar panels and cells constitute just 15% of Indian solar projects. A manufacturing solar company in Delhi, or elsewhere faces stiff competition from Chinese and Malaysian manufacturers despite the safeguard duty. Therefore, even though bundling has attempted to push the usage of solar while diminishing the need for expensive thermal, the Indian solar companies still have to bear the brunt of expensive machinery. 

Solar partnering by DISCOMS is a part of solar push by the government. Rooftop owners are licensed, and developers are chosen through a competitive bidding process that is done by DISCOMS. For usage of their rooftop, solar panel system owners are given a monthly rent or credit on their electricity bill. A three-way agreement between DISCOMS, rooftop owners and solar developers are made for a period of 20-25 years. The developers would own and operate the solar panel system while roof owners will to host the solar panels. The DISCOM agrees to buy the power at a fixed rate. All owners have to do is to calculate the estimate of the power generated using a solar rooftop calculator.

The solar partnering model is good for consumers who want roofless solar or have to subscribe for a monthly fee. They get part of their electricity at the predetermined solar tariff. The government has also announced a capital subsidy on rooftop solar installations. This means that the solar system for home price would be considerably reduced. This is already applicable for many solar home systems in Haryana. 

Conclusion

A policy where users can feed the electricity back into the grid will make solar penetrate at the grassroots levels. It would also be a positive move for the solar companies listed in India. Greater accessibility of solar would mean an increase in demand. Bundling would solve the issues of irregularity, since solar is not always reliable, and yet solar companies will be making a profit from this hybrid scheme since the push for solar has only just begun and will continue to grow. 

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