Frequently Asked Questions

In gross metering, when we use a Rooftop Solar system, all the electricity it makes goes straight to the power grid. The person who owns the system gets paid at predecided tariff by the electricity company for the power they share with the grid.

In net billing for Rooftop Solar (RTS), the way we connect to the power grid is like net metering. But there's a difference: at the end of each billing cycle (usually a month), any extra energy we put into the grid doesn't get saved for later, as it does in net metering. Instead, the electricity company buys that extra energy from us at predecied tariff. So, we can't save up extra energy beyond one billing cycle.

Solar energy is the power we get from the sun. The sun produces light and heat, and we can capture this energy using solar panels. These panels convert sunlight into electricity that we can use to power homes, schools, and other buildings, as well as for various devices. Solar energy is a renewable and clean, doesn't produce harmful emissions, and is a key part of efforts to use more environmentally friendly sources of power.

A solar PV system is a special setup that uses solar panels to turn sunlight into electricity. The solar panels catch the sunlight and change it into a kind of electricity. Then, a device called an inverter changes this special electricity into the type we use at home. The electricity can be used right away or stored in batteries for later. If there's extra electricity, it can even go back into the power grid, and the person who owns the system might get credit or money for it. These systems are renewable, clean and sustainable energy solutions. They're used in houses, businesses, and other places to power things like lights and appliances.

Solar PV systemscan use on rooftops of houses to make electricity for lights and gadgets. Schools and offices also use them to power computers and other stuff. Sometimes, you see solar panels in fields, and they help make electricity for entire neighborhoods. Even calculators and street lights can use these solar panels to work. In rural area, people are using solar for water pump application. Overall, solar can be used for different applications as per your use case.

Solar cells work like tiny sunlight collectors. When sunlight hits them, it gives a special boost to the materials inside, making them create electricity. This electricity can then be used to power things like lights and gadgets, turning sunlight into useful energy!

There are different types of solar cells, each with its own way of turning sunlight into electricity. Some common types include: 1. **Monocrystalline Solar Cells:** Made from single crystal structures, efficient and space-effective. 2. **Polycrystalline Solar Cells:** Have multiple crystal structures, cost-effective but slightly less efficient than monocrystalline cells. 3. **Thin-Film Solar Cells:** Flexible and lightweight, often used in places where rigid panels won't fit. 4. **Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) Solar Cells:** Flexible and commonly used in small electronic devices. Each type has its advantages and is suited for different applications, depending on factors like cost, efficiency, and space requirements.

The amount of rooftop area required to install a solar system depends on several factors, including the size and type of solar panels, the available shadow free space on your roof. In general, 1kw solar system can require around 100 square feet or 10 square meter shadow free area.

A shadow-free area refers to a space or area that is not shaded by any objects or obstacles, such as buildings, trees, or other structures, during the time of day when the solar panels are generating electricity.

A shadow free area is necessary for installing a solar PV system because shadows can significantly reduce the system's energy output. Solar PV panels work by converting sunlight into electricity, and shading even a small portion of the panel can significantly reduce its energy output. Therefore, to ensure maximum energy production from a solar PV system, it is important to install it in an area that receives consistent sunlight throughout the day, without any obstructions or shading.

Yes, installing solar system can help reduce your electricity bill. Solar panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into energy, which can be used to power your home's appliances and other electrical devices. This meanswer that you can use less electricity from the grid, which can lead to lower electricity bills. The amount of money you can save on your electricity bills will depend on various factors, including the size of your solar panel system, your energy usage habits, and the cost of electricity in your area. Additionally, some governments offer subsidies and tax credits for installing solar panels, which can further reduce the cost of the system and increase the financial benefits of going solar.

Most solar panels are designed to last for at least 25 to 30 years, with many manufacturers offering warranties for that period. The lifespan of solar panels can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the materials used, the manufacturing process, and the operating conditions. Additionally, some factors such as extreme weather conditions, shading, and physical damage can affect the performance and longevity of solar panels. Proper designing of solar array and selection of components, regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspection of the panels and their components, can help extend their lifespan.

No, solar panels don't work at night because they need sunlight to make electricity. Solar panels are like special sun catchers that turn sunlight into power, but when it's nighttime, there's no sunlight for them to use. In night, we rely on other sources of energy, like batteries or electricity from the power grid, to keep things running at night.

Yes, solar panels can still work in monsoon and winter, but their efficiency may be affected. During the monsoon, the cloudy and rainy weather reduces the amount of sunlight, making the panels less effective. In winter, the panels may produce a bit less electricity compared to sunny days. However, they continue to generate power, helping us even during these seasons, although it might be a bit less than during sunny days.

Yup, it's important! When installing solar panels, we need to think about the wind. We make sure the foundation is super strong, so the panels can handle storms, bad weather and sustain even in harsh weather conditions. Safety is a top priority to ensure our solar system stays secure and reliable.

On a clear sunny day, a 1 kW solar system can generate around 4 to 5.5 units of electricity, especially when the sun is shining bright. Generation varies throughout the year as per amount of sun light and weather patterns.

Nope, not exactly the same, but pretty close! Solar panels might make a bit less electricity each year for 25 years. When they're out in the sunlight and weather, they lose a tiny bit of their power-generation ability over time, and that's called degradation. But don't worry, they still do a great job for a really long time!

The amount of sunshine, the cleanliness of the solar panels, and if anything blocks the sunlight can affect generation of solar. More sun and clean panels mean more power, but if something blocks the sun, like clouds or dirt on the panels, it can make less electricity. Also, the angle and direction of the panels, the time of year, and even the temperature can play a important role.

Currently in market, there are several types of solar cells. Some prominent are poly-crystalline cells, mono-crystalline cells, mono-PERC, bifacial solar cells, etc.

Mono-crystalline and polycrystalline are two different types of solar cells used in solar panel manufacturing. Mono-crystalline cells are made from a single crystal of silicon, which have a uniform black color. They are the most efficient and expensive type of solar cell Polycrystalline cells are made from multiple crystals of silicon, which are melted together and have a blueish. Polycrystalline solar panels are less efficient and less expensive than mono-crystalline panels, but they are still widely used due to their lower cost per watt.

A solar panel, also known as a photovoltaic panel, is an electronic device that converts sunlight into electricity. Solar panels are made up of multiple photovoltaic cells that are connected together to form a solar module. When sunlight falls the surface of a solar panel, panels generate an electricity. This electricity is in the form of direct current (DC), which can be used to power electrical devices directly, stored in batteries for later use, or converted to alternating current (AC) to power homes and businesses.

On-grid and off-grid solar systems refer to two types of solar power systems that are designed for different applications. An on-grid solar system, also known as a grid-tied system, is connected to the utility grid. The electricity produced by the solar panels is used to power the home or business, and any excess energy that is generated can be fed back into the grid. An off-grid solar system, also known as a battery-based system, is not connected to the utility grid and relies on batteries to store the excess energy produced during the day for use at night or during cloudy days. This type of system is typically used in remote locations where there is no access to the utility grid or in situations where grid power is unreliable or too expensive.

The choice between an on-grid and off-grid solar system depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you live in an area with reliable grid power and want to reduce your electricity bill, an on-grid solar system may be a good option for you. On the other hand, if you live in a remote area with no access to the grid or want to have backup power in case of a grid outage, an off-grid solar system may be a better choice.

It depends on several factors, including the cost of electricity in your area, the cost of solar panels, the available incentives, and the amount of sunlight your location receives. In general, installing solar panels can be a good investment, as it can help to reduce your electricity bills and provide long-term savings.

The cost of solar power has been declining in recent years, and in many regions, it has become competitive with grid power. In some areas, solar power is even cheaper than grid power.

In a society with shared rooftops, we can tap power of the sun using rooftop solar panels. The electricity produced helps cover the energy needs of the entire society, such as common area lightings, lifts, and pumps. By adding a Net Meter to the Cooperative Group Housing Society's common electricity meter, they saves money on monthly bills.

Yes, you can install rooftop solar panels, whether it's a net or gross metering system. If you're the one paying the electricity bills and have the landlord's permission to use the roof for solar installation, it's possible."

Manufacturer of solar panels in solar power plants/systems provide warranty that panels will produce at least 90% of their peak capacity after 12 years and 80% after 25 years. The various parts of the solar system, like the structures and electrical components like inverter, charge controllers, DBs, batteries, get warranty against defects in manufacturing, design, or installation for at least 5 years.