1. What is a Solar PV System and how does it work?
PV, short for Photovoltaic, derives its name from the process of converting light (‘photo’) directly into electricity (‘voltaic’). Simply put, a Solar PV system is a power station that generates electricity from sunlight. The main components of a Solar PV system are:
Solar Panels or Modules: Solar panels consist of a group of small cells made from semiconductor material. When the sun’s light falls on the modules, it excites the electrons, thereby creating direct current (DC).
Solar Inverter: The DC electricity goes into an inverter that converts it into alternating current (AC). We use AC for running our household or office or factory equipment.
Meters: Solar meter to calculate the output of the system. Net-meter or bi-directional meter which is used in a grid-tied system. Net meter calculated the total unit imported from the grid.
2. What are the different types of Solar Rooftop PV system available?
In India, primarily 3 types of system are available:
1. Grid Tied System
This system works only with the electricity grid without batteries. Although, this system has no power back-up but is much cheaper and has no recurring cost. Government backed subsidies reduce the cost further. This system is ideal for cities where there is little to no power cut.
2. Off Grid System
This system works without the electricity grid and has power backup options. This is ideal for cities where there is no connection to the grid.
3. Hybrid System
As the name suggests, it is a combination of Off Grid and Grid Tied system. It works as a Grid Tied system when electricity is available and works as Off Grid in case of power cut. It has batteries to store energy. It is the most expensive of the 3 systems. It is ideal in cities where there are frequent power cuts.
3. Why should I go solar?
Moving towards Sustainable Energy will not only Substantially contribute towards energy conversation, reduced bills but will also boost up the morale in many aspects:
– Solar Is the Future; Generate your own power by Soaking the Sun.
– Say Good Bye to immensely high bills.
– Contribution towards the environment.
– A Investment with lucrative returns and Increases the value of your property
– Easy maintenance and a long-term solution.
5. What is the warranty on the product?
The panels come with 25 years warranty. 10 years for 90% performance and subsequent 15 years for 80% performance, the inverters come with a 5 year warranty which can be extended by AMC. We have AMC packages which cover upto lifetime of the product. You can purchase to safeguard your entire system.
General Questions
1. Is my rooftop right for the Solar plant?
If your roof is not having any shade from adjacent buildings, trees etc., made of RCC and its structure is not delicate then your roof is suitable for installation of a solar plant.
5. What is the maintenance required for a Solar System?
A solar system requires minimal maintenance as there are no moving parts. While panels come with 25 years warranty, individual components have different warranties. Regular cleaning of the panels, once in 15 days, is enough for optimal performance of the system.
6. How does solar plant impact my roof integrity?
Amplus uses non-penetrating structures which are mounted without any puncturing. In case any insertions are needed, we use chemical agents which guarantee waterproofing and no leakages. Thus, the integrity of the roof is maintained. The load of the entire solar plant is about 10-15 kg/square meter and can easily be taken by any roof.
7. What is net metering?
Net-metering is a principle through which your electricity units are counted by subtracting the number of units you fed back to the grid from the total number of units you consumed from the grid. Your solar system generates electricity units which, if used, reduce the electricity import from the grid thereby reducing your total count of grid units consumed, and, if not used, are fed back to the grid which reflects in your electricity bill as reduction in the number of units consumed. We have a unidirectional electricity meter installed in our homes. A net-meter is a bidirectional meter which moves according to the grid units being imported and renewable energy being exported to the grid
10. Will a Solar plant meet 100% of my power requirement?
Technically yes, a solar plant can meet your entire power requirement if it is backed by the battery energy storage system (BESS). But practically, where the power requirement is higher it would be recommended to use solar in sync with the grid. When in sync, priority is automatically given to the solar power to be consumed first.