With sustainability becoming a top priority, rooftop solar PV is becoming a preferred choice for energy generation. It is also getting support from government initiatives. Moreover, it is becoming affordable to set up rooftop solar PV projects. Furthermore, rooftop solar PV can be installed in industrial, commercial, and residential establishments.
Businesses and individuals are turning to clean solar energy for generating electricity to reduce electricity bills and reliance on the grid. The government of India is promoting the utilization of renewable energy sources, Therefore, rooftop solar PV will play a major part in building an energy-efficient future.
Let us explore the advantages of rooftop solar PV systems and understand why it’s a wise choice for all.
What is Rooftop Solar PV?
In simple words, rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are a sustainable energy technology that helps to convert sunlight into electricity. The whole system comprises solar panels mounted on a roof, and an inverter, which can transform the DC (direct current) electricity generated by the panels into AC (alternating current).
Types Of Rooftop Solar PV Systems
The Rooftop solar PV systems are mainly of three types – grid-connected, hybrid, and off-grid.
- Grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems: This photovoltaic module uses a basic grid-tied inverter. Also, it does not require a battery to operate. Moreover, it can transform PV solar energy into AC power through the inverter and helps in reducing the overall electricity consumption.
- Hybrid solar photovoltaic systems: These are minimally modified versions of a grid-tied system and comprise a battery backup. The module is integrated with diesel generators and helps to convert energy to AC or DC voltage.
- Off-grid solar photovoltaic systems: This is a suitable system for those who cannot use grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems due to geographical constraints or costs. The stand-alone PV system works independently of the power grid. The battery stores the energy for later use.
Components Of Rooftop Solar PV System
There are six important components of a solar photovoltaic system including the following:
- Charge controller
- Solar PV array
- Battery bank
- Utility metre
- Inverter
- Electric grid
The battery bank and charge controller help to store additional solar energy for use at night or during the monsoon.
Each component of the solar photovoltaic panels has a specific role:
- Solar energy is converted into DC by the PV array.
- The battery is kept safe from overcharging by the charge controller.
- Extra energy from the sun for future or emergency use is stored by the battery.
- The DC power into AC electricity is transformed by the inverter.
- The current required for household purposes is determined by the power meter and the amount that is sent back to DC.
- During nighttime, the electricity is sent via the electricity grid.
Top Benefits of Rooftop Solar PV
Rooftop solar PV system offers several benefits that include:
- Reduced Electricity Bills:
- Energy Independence: You can reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your electricity bills by generating your electricity,
- Hedge Against Rising Costs: You are in a solid position against future increases in electricity prices, as your energy costs are more fixed by solar panels.
- Environmental Benefits:
- Reduce Carbon Footprint: You are contributing to a healthy planet as solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power, producing no harmful emissions.
- Promote Sustainability: You are supporting a sustainable future and reducing your dependence on fossil fuels.
- Increase Property Value:
- Attractive Feature: Rooftop solar PV systems make your home desirable and can command a higher resale value.
- Energy-Efficient: The energy-saving benefits of solar make your property more appealing to buyers.
- Government Incentives:
- Tax Credits and Rebates: You can enjoy financial incentives, such as tax credits or rebates.
- Net Metering: You can send excess solar-generated electricity back to the grid for credits, further reducing your electricity costs.
- Reliability and Low Maintenance:
- Durable Panels: Solar panels are long-lasting and need minimal maintenance.
- Minimal Upkeep: They simply need regular cleaning and occasional inspections.
How Does Rooftop Solar PV Work?
- Solar Panels are made up of photovoltaic cells, which are composed of semiconductor materials. When sunlight strikes the cells, they generate an electric current.
- The inverter converts the DC electricity produced by the panels into AC electricity that can be used in your home or business.
- The electricity generated by your solar system can be used directly in your home, and any excess can be sent back to the grid for credits.
Is Rooftop Solar PV Right for You?
You should consider the following factors before investing in a rooftop solar system:
- Roof Orientation and Shading: Check your roof’s orientation. Also, consider the shading it receives as it will impact the system’s efficiency.
- Energy Consumption: Calculate the energy consumption in the household to determine the appropriate system size.
- Government Incentives: Check out the incentives provided in your area.
- Financial Feasibility: Calculate upfront costs, potential savings, and payback period.
Why Rooftop Solar PV Systems are Beneficial for India
Rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are becoming popular in India due to their various benefits. Let us look at the key reasons why these systems are advantageous:
Economic Benefits
- Reduced Electricity Bills: Rooftop solar systems considerably reduce electricity bills for consumers. This leads to huge cost savings over time.
- Increased Property Values: Rooftop solar PV systems increase the property value making them considerably attractive to potential buyers.
- Job Creation: Employment opportunities are generated in the installation, maintenance, and manufacturing of solar panels in various sectors.
Environmental Benefits
Reduced Carbon Footprint: By utilizing renewable Solar energy, we will be helping to reduce India’s carbon emissions and mitigate climate change.
Energy Independence: Less reliance on traditional fossil fuels can help us become more energy independent. Therefore, we can be free of global energy price fluctuations.
Improved Air Quality: Solar energy is clean and therefore, does not produce harmful emissions. Consequently, leading to improved air quality and better public health.
Social Benefits
Empowerment of Communities: Rooftop solar systems can empower communities by providing them with a reliable and affordable source of electricity, especially in remote areas.
Educational Opportunities: Solar projects can be used to educate students about renewable energy and promote environmental awareness.
Government Policies and Incentives
The Indian government has implemented various policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of rooftop solar systems, including:
Subsidies and Tax Benefits: Financial support is provided to individuals and businesses to offset the initial cost of installation.
Net Metering: This policy allows consumers to feed excess solar power back into the grid and receive credits for it.
Top Reasons to Install a Rooftop Solar PV System
You are not short of reasons to install solar photovoltaic electricity. Among the reasons are less carbon footprint, reduced electricity bills, lesser impact of increasing energy costs and generating a tax-free income for two decades. Moreover, it is super easy to install Solar PV panels systems that are guaranteed to last and require little maintenance.
Cut Your Carbon Footprint
The eco-friendly solar photovoltaic systems utilize sunlight to produce zero-carbon electricity. Moreover, they do not release any harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) or other pollutants. Also, Rooftop Solar PV panels are made of silicon from sand. Did you know that it is one of the earth’s most plentiful natural resources?
You could be generating half of your annual electrical needs from renewable energy. That will let you save between 700kg and 1 tonne of CO2 per year with a 2kWp system.
Reduce Your Energy Bills
Imagine the joy of not having to pay for the electricity generated by your system. Also, the solar PV system produces around 50% of the electricity a household uses annually. Moreover, the electricity is totally free and you will only need to pay for any electricity that you use when the panels do not generate power. Alternatively, you can store excess electricity in batteries for use when you need it.
Tax-Free Income for 20 Years
Recently government-backed initiatives for encouraging investment in solar PV let you receive a guaranteed, inflation-linked tax-free income for the next 20 years. Moreover, you can sell the electricity to others and you are also entitled to an additional payment for every kWh of electricity that you do not use and supply back into the national grid.
The system can generate an ROI of approximately 10%, and you can pay back your initial investment in 10 years. Thus, you can enjoy pure profit despite the rise in electricity prices as your return on investment will improve even further.
Reduce Reliance on Electricity Suppliers
Today, nearly everyone is feeling the pinch of the price of energy. Moreover, the diminishing supply of natural fossil fuels and the growing energy demand are set to increase. only Therefore, rooftop solar PV systems can reduce dependency on grid-supplied electricity and private power suppliers. Also, this will minimise the impact of rising energy prices in the future.
Long System Life and Minimum Maintenance
Rooftop solar PV systems are reliable, need little maintenance and the panels come with a cell warranty of 20-25 years. Therefore, coupled with the long lifetime of the solar PV system, your installation will provide you with free energy for the next 25 years.
Advantages of Rooftop Solar PV System
Since the PV system eco-friendly utility, it is environmentally- friendly saving us from the side effects of using fossil fuels.
Advantages of the solar photovoltaic system:
- Solar energy is a renewable energy source and it will never deplete.
- You can access it from any location due to its availability.
- It is free and you do not need to purchase energy from sunlight. However, you have to invest in a solar photovoltaic system to draw the power from the sun,
- It is suitable for distributed power generation and intelligent energy networks.
- It has a minimal maintenance cost.
- It does not have sound pollution as it has noiseless operation.
Disadvantages Of The Rooftop Solar PV System
A Solar PV panel system has some drawbacks:
- The system cannot recharge during the nighttime due to the unavailability of solar power.
- You need an inverter to convert the sunlight into usable electricity.
- You need an open area to install the photovoltaic solar panels and considerable space for setup.
- Regular checkups and minimal cleaning are necessary or the module may be damaged.
Conclusion
Rooftop solar PV offers a sustainable and cost-effective way to generate electricity. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can reduce your reliance on the grid, lower your electricity bills, and contribute to a healthier planet. Solar energy is essential as it delivers benefits on the ground level for house and company owners, and the environment.
Today, most home appliances operate through PV cells, an efficient energy supply source. If you would like to find out how solar PV could work for you, call us at 91-7099030047.
Ready to take control of your energy future? Solar Prabha offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution: rooftop solar PV systems. Contact us today to get a quote and learn how we can tailor a solar solution to your specific needs. Let’s make the switch to solar together!