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: So Read more...
2. Does a Solar PV system produce same energy output throughout the day?
Since Solar PV works on the basis of the intensity of sunlight it gets,
your solar system typically wakes up at around 6am in the morning and goes to
sleep at about 6 or 7pm in the evening. The energy output increases gradually
and peaks at around noon and then gradually decreases as the Sun starts setting.
But since the solar energy produced integrates either with your existing
electrical connection or with your batteries, the running of your electrical
equipment is not impacted. Moreover, if your Solar PV system is designed well,
all your electrical equipment is totally safe.
What happens on cloudy days?
Solar PV system needs light to generate electricity. If Sunlight is low,
as on a cloudy day, the solar system still generates electricity but the
generation is lower. This reduced generation, however, may not create any
disruptions for you. If you have a grid-connected Solar PV system, electricity
will be automatically sourced from the grid in case Solar PV generates less.
In case of an off-grid system with battery backup, energy will be sourced
from the storage battery.
What if I am not at home?
When you are not at home, your solar system continues to work and run any
equipment that may be switched on such as refrigerators, security systems,
etc. In case your energy consumption is less than the solar system’s
generation, the excess energy will be fed to the grid. To avail this feature,
you should opt for Net Metering.
3. What factors are important to consider when planning to go solar?
When planning to go solar, it is important to consider:
How much of your energy needs can you meet with solar?
How much can you save by going solar?
Do you have enough shadow-free space (land or roof)?
How much do you want to invest in your solar PV system?
Every Solar PV system is customized based on your site conditions.
Therefore, you need a fair assessment of your energy requirements,
site conditions and the solar energy generation potential at your site
which would directly impact your savings.
How much space is required for Solar PV system?
How much space is required for Solar PV system?
A 1 kW rooftop system generally requires 10 to 12 sq. meters
(110 to 130 square feet). Based on the space available, you can fulfil your
entire electricity requirement through solar.
Solar systems are modular in nature and you can increase your system size
anytime if your energy needs go up.
How much energy can be generated from my solar system?
Solar Power generation depends upon several factors like location, orientation of roof/ land,
shadowing objects, ambient temperature, solar system quality, etc.
Considering all of the above factors, typically, in a sunny area, a 1 kW system generates
4.0 to 4.5 units (kWh) which can run 4 lights (4*20W), 2 fans (2*75W), 1 TV (80W) and 1
refrigerator (150W) for 10 hours.
Based on your installed capacity, you can easily calculate the generation of your solar system.
4. What is the life and reliability of a Solar PV System?
Solar PV is a highly proven and reliable technology and have been in use since 1950s.
A PV system that is designed, installed, and maintained well will operate for 25 years or even more
than 25 years. The Inverters, which are an integral part of a Solar PV system, may need a replacement
once in the 25 years lifetime of the system. Moreover, since there are no moving parts (unless you are
using tracking devices to move modules tilt with the movement of the Sun), there is practically
negligible wear and tear.
Do I get any guarantees or warranties?
The Solar PV modules are backed by suppliers’ guarantee of 25 years or more.
In fact, the modules have been known to generate electricity even up to 40
years.
Do Solar PV panels degrade in performance with time?
Solar panels age with you, though at a much lower pace. It is usual to see a very
small degradation in energy output with time which is due to the very nature of the
solar module technology. Generally, annual degradation of modules is in the range
of 0.3% to 0.5%. However, in the first year of your installation, this degradation
may be higher.