FAQs

Installing a solar energy system allows you to generate your own electricity, which lessens your reliance on the utility company and can occasionally result in eliminated monthly power payments.

In certain regions, a practice called net metering allows utility companies to compensate you for excess electricity that your system returns to the grid. Depending on where you live, you can also be eligible for solar incentives like tax breaks and government rebates. For most houses, solar power is a wise and economical investment, even though savings vary depending on variables like electricity pricing and energy consumption.

The photovoltaic effect is the method by which solar cells, which make up solar panels, generate direct current (DC) energy when exposed to sunlight. An inverter transforms the DC power into usable AC electricity because most home  appliances run on alternating current (AC). Your home is then powered by this electricity, which powers everything from appliances and lights to electronics. Any excess energy produced is either stored in a battery system, if one is available, or sent back into the grid via net metering.

A 1 kW rooftop solar system normally needs about 10 square meters of space that isn't shaded. However, the precise location could change depending on the solar panels' arrangement, installation style, and efficiency.

For solar panels to produce the most electricity, they need constant, unhindered sunlight. A panel's output can be drastically decreased by even partial shadowing, which results in underutilization of the system's capacity. 

Furthermore, over time, frequent or extended shadowing might harm certain cells or modules, reduce their longevity and ultimately lead to their failure well before the more than 25-year service life that is anticipated.

If the roof has the load-bearing capability to support the system, rooftop solar PV systems can be put on any kind of roof.

A 1 kWp solar power plant can normally generate 4 to 5.5 units of electricity on a sunny day.

No, an RTS system's daily energy output fluctuates based on several variables, including temperature, weather, and  sunlight intensity. Natural fluctuations in energy generation will occur when these parameters alter throughout the course of the year.

This is likely in rare instances. You can still be required to pay minimum fees, like fixed or service fees, even if all the electricity you use is produced by yourself. However, with the right system design and upkeep, the energy consumption costs that make up most of your bill can be eliminated. The entire monthly payment may practically drop to nothing in certain states where utilities compensate for excess electricity delivered into the grid.

Electricity is only produced by solar photovoltaic systems during the day. Any excess energy is exported to the as it becomes available after the power generated is first used to fulfil your own consumption needs in a net-metered system. Electricity is taken from the grid when solar power is insufficient, such as at night or in weather. At the conclusion of the billing cycle, a bi-directional (net) meter determines the net consumption monitoring energy flow in both directions. Only the net amount of electricity used is billed to you.

CAPEX Model: In this model, the consumer owns the solar system and bears the full cost of installation.

RESCO Model: Under this model, the entire system is owned by a third-party project developer. The consumer simply pays for the electricity generated at a pre-agreed tariff, as per the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The developer is also responsible for operating and maintaining the system throughout its lifetime, typically around 25 years.

Through the internet portals of their respective DISCOMs, residential customers and Group Housing Societies can apply for rooftop solar installation. For convenience, a link to the application portal is included 

https://solarrooftop.pmsuryaghar.gov.in/grid_others/discomPortalLink 

After receiving the necessary approvals from the relevant DISCOMs, interested beneficiaries can work with authorized project developers, system integrators, or manufacturers to install a rooftop solar system. The installation must adhere to the capacity restrictions set by the relevant State or Union Territory's State Electricity, Regulatory Commission (SERC) or Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC).

Housing societies have a lot of potential to use rooftop PV systems to generate solar energy because they have several shared rooftops available. Common-area energy requirements like lighting, elevators, water pumps, and  other shared utilities are usually met by the electricity generated. The Cooperative Group Housing Society (CGHS) can now enjoy lower monthly power expenses thanks to the installation of a net meter against its Single Point Delivery (SPD) common meter.

Since solar panels are composed of tempered or hardened glass, they are extremely resilient to harm from falling objects or monkeys. Usually, they only shatter when intentionally hit with force, like when stones are thrown. 

Although covering the panels with wire mesh can help keep monkeys away, it is usually not advised because the mesh can produce consistent shadowing, which lowers energy consumption.

Net metering rules for every State and Union Territory have been announced by the Electricity Regulatory  Commissions. The official websites of the relevant State Electricity Regulatory Commissions or Joint Electricity , Regulatory Commissions provide information on any revisions or modifications.