Solar panels are neither new nor experimental energy harnessing systems but the confidence in technology grows only with widespread acceptance of it. And while solar energy has been the primary energy harnessing component in space for long (for artificial satellites since 1950), but its only been a decade since solar panels have started receiving a global push. Also, digging holes in the ground to extract energy seems quite primitive, while also posing environmental and health risks and also a threat to our own existence.
DID YOU KNOW? Solar panels can decrease your household’s carbon footprint by an average of 15957 kg per year.
Latest policies and incentives from central and state governments along with advancement in technology have made solar a lucrative option. But if you are still trapped by all the techno-speak and searching for answers, this introduction should help. As you choosing solar shouldn’t be an uninformed decision. Here are few important things to consider before making an investment in solar.
1. Trim down your usage to improve efficiency
The amount of solar energy you need directly depends on your energy consumption, so the very first thing you need to ensure before making any investment into solar would be to replace some old technology around your house (For instance, you may still be using some old fluorescent bulbs which could easily be replaced with LEDs) helping to cut down your energy consumption without actually much spending. It is essential because inefficient home appliances would not just mean a few extra watts of solar but they are also adding up into your electricity costs, which means you are inadvertently paying double.
Efficiencies cost the most and so before starting to draw blueprints consider energy efficient upgrades for inexpensive home equipment like lights and fans. You may start with a basic energy audit and look for efficiency upgrades. Usually a 2/3BHK household using electric oven will need about 15 units of energy every day. You can book a free solar site assessment or get on call with our advisors and seek assistance if you need.
2. Cost of Going Green
Solar power will undoubtedly cut down your electricity bill, but it requires initial investment and installation costs. It is important to figure out how much your pocket allows you to spend on solar and then plan on it accordingly. On an average, photovoltaic modules cost anywhere between INR 20 and INR 30 per watt of power generated. However, inverter and batteries will cost you extra. Generally, installing a typical solar system on a rooftop could be a considerable amount for many, but fortunately, the government is offering easy financing through various public sector banks at lower interest rates to install grid connected rooftop solar system. Find out what suits you best in the long run and weigh in your options.
3. Check if your roof can support solar panels
If a roof is covered in shade throughout the year, then investing in solar might not get you the desired results. That’s something you’ll have to evaluate before moving forward. If you can’t decide whether you should go solar or not because you rent your apartment or live in a housing society, don’t just give up. You can always look for shared or community solar instead of installing your own solar panels that would require you to share your thoughts on going green with your neighbours and help others have a stake in a solar installation and receive credits on their electricity/maintenance bills.
If you have a roof with proper sunlight, make sure that it’s in good shape structurally. Solar panels come with warranties of 25 years these days. So, if your roof may require renovation a few years down the line, it’ll be easier to take care of that before the installation. This would help you save extra time and money to disconnect your panels during the roof renovation and put them up again afterwards. However, if your roof has the structural capability to support panels (on average panels weigh 15 kgs per sq. meter), and has un-interrupted access to the sun, you can call professionals for installation. And remember, the ideal orientation for solar panels to collect maximum sun light is towards south.
4. Focus On Warranties and Maintenance
Buying modules from trusted brands can get you up to 25 years of performance warranty on the product. It is important that your installer offers you operation and maintenance facilities post-installation. Inverters typically come with 2 to 5 years warranty and can be extended up to 10 years. The other important parts of your installation will be the supporting structures or the rails and the wiring. It’s necessary for you to discuss all of these with your installer before the work is scheduled to begin.
An informed step is all that is required to be able to get the best out of the sun’s immense potential, for powering our essential day to day requirements. Some good research and finding the right professionals can be a simple way to become a part of the global energy revolution.
Figure out your customised savings plan. Contact our Solar Advisors to book a consultation call absolutely free.
