Things to know before installing solar plant [2024]

Defination of Solar :

Solar in simple terms relates to sun. Solar rays are used as source to generate electricity, powering various application from domestic usage to industrial scale and much more.

What is solar power plant ?

A solar power plant is a facility dedicated to harness solar energy and convert it into electricity with help of solar panels providing clean energy.

Types of solar system

• Ongrid or grid tied : An Ongrid solar system means your solar system is tied to your local electricity board/grid. It means that if you are producing excess energy that required for consuming, than the excess energy is sent to your board/grid company. In this system you dont have to buy expensive battery backups as you wont be storing any electricity.

• Off grid : In Off grid system your system is not connected to any grid, What you produce is what you consume. We use battery backups to store excess power and use as and when required.This is also an 100% self-sustaining system.

• Hybrid system : This system uses combination of both and is connected to grid using net metering and also contains battery backup to store excess electricity.The most important benefit of a hybrid solar system is the power backup facility. It means you can continue using electricity without disruptions even during power outages.

Uses of solar system : A solar system can be used in fulfiling smallest energy requirements like lighting of single bulbs to powering entire house at domestic level, At industrial level solar system can be used to generate electricity by creating huge solar farms and selling that electricity directly to local electricity boards.

Solar power in India :

India has made significant strides in harnessing solar power, emerging as a global leader in renewable energy. The country has set ambitious targets to increase its solar capacity, aiming to achieve 70,000MW of solar power by 2023. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance showcase India's commitment to global cooperation for sustainable energy solutions. Government incentives, favorable weather conditions, and declining solar panel costs have contributed to the rapid growth of solar installations across the nation. As India continues to prioritize clean energy, solar power plays a pivotal role in addressing the country's growing energy demands while reducing carbon emissions.

Choose right system according to requirements

Types of panels:

Components of Solar System

Solar Panels : Capture sunlight and convert it into electricity or heat. Inverters : Convert direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) for use in the electrical grid. Mounting and Tracking Systems : Ensure that solar panels or collectors are properly positioned to maximize sunlight exposure. Batteries for Storage : Batteries or other storage technologies are used to store excess energy generated during sunny periods for use during cloudy days or at night. Transmission Infrastructure : Net metering monitor in case of Ongrid system to Connect the solar power plant to the electrical grid for distribution of electricity.

Cost and maintenance

Cost for installing can vary depending mainly on types of solar panel you choose, the type of inverter in case of battery backup for Off grid system.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels: With a high-efficiency rating of 17% to 22%, monocrystalline solar panels come with a heavy price tag. The average cost of this solar panel type is Rs. 43 to Rs. 63 per watt. Outfitting a solar energy system with mono panels costs higher and promises increased energy output per square foot area.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Polycrystalline-based PV panels have a low per-panel manufacturing cost, making them the most affordable option for consumers. Although less efficient (15% to 17%) than mono panels, poly panels cost Rs. 30 to Rs. 36 per watt. Outfitting a solar energy system using poly solar panels is a budget-friendly option for consumers.

Bifacial Solar Panels: If you want maximum energy output from your solar panel installation, consider bifacial solar panels. A bifacial solar panel has solar cells on both its front and back sides, enabling it to generate high amounts of solar electricity. With an efficiency rating of 20% and higher, bifacial solar panels cost Rs. 37 to Rs. 52 per watt.

To Ensure optimal performance of your solar panels with regular maintenance, including cleaning, inspections, and monitoring. A well-maintained solar system not only maximizes energy production but also extends the lifespan of your investment

Subsidy on rooftop solar system :

Usually Government of India has various schemes to enable adoption of rooftop solar plant by providing various Subsidies and provide 300 units of free electricity per house.

Special category States/UTs - North Eastern States including Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, UTs of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Applicability: The above-mentioned subsidy would be applicable for all subsidy claims submitted on the National Portal on or after 05.01.2024.

Mandatory Conditions: Only indigenously manufactured solar panels/modules (both solar cells and modules shall be made in India) shall be used for installation of the rooftop solar plant. Consumer shall obtain a certification in this regard from the vendor.

Calculation of CFA/subsidy: The CFA/subsidy would be calculated on the basis of total solar module capacity/solar inverter capacity/capacity approved by DISCOM, whichever is lower.

Disclaimer: Mere submission of claims on the National Portal would not entitle an applicant to receive CFA/subsidy. The compliance of complete process/guidelines issued by MNRE is mandatory to avail CFA subsidy.

Resource & reference - https://solarrooftop.gov.in/