Important things to consider before you install solar panels.

For reducing environmental impact, monthly electricity bill and earning from idle roof or any open space, i nstallation of solar panels is the best option. Even government is stressing much on utilizing solar power to reduce dependency on conventional energy, carbon foot-prints and for more sustainability. More emphasis has been given to residential roof top spaces to give benefits to individuals and also to execute a decentralized model. In recent years, it has been observed that people are now more aware about solar technology and looking for installing panels. Before you finally choose, take following points into consideration.

Important things to consider before you install solar panels.

For reducing environmental impact, monthly electricity bill and earning from idle roof or any open space, i

nstallation of solar panels is the best option. Even government is stressing much on utilizing solar power to reduce dependency on conventional energy, carbon foot-prints and for more sustainability. More emphasis has been given to residential roof top spaces to give benefits to individuals and also to execute a decentralized model. In recent years, it has been observed that people are now more aware about solar technology and looking for installing panels. Before you finally choose, take following points into consideration.

⦁ Do you have a roof or open space that can support solar panel?

Not all roofs are solar friendly. If you have a roof that remains shady throughout the day, it is not advisable to install solar panels there. Keep in mind, it’s not the solar panel but sunlight is prime source of energy generation. Also, in case you are living in a multi-unit apartments or rented house, instead of installing personal solar power system, you should opt for community instalment to get a cut off from your monthly society expenses. If you have a broken roof or any repair or maintenance is required, do it before as generally solar panels come with a large life span of 20-25 years. You can try for energy audit or consultancy before making forward. You can calculate your total saving by clicking here.

⦁ Types of Solar System: 

Solar power system can be broadly categorize into two system

On Grid/ Grid Tied

⦁ Consider everything for increasing efficiency:

The amount of solar energy production depends on your consumption behaviour. So before installing solar panels and preparing blue prints, you must opt for an energy audit for knowing your consumption behaviour and adopt necessary measures to enhance the efficiency. Also, keep future forecasting in mind and then plan for the solar power system e.g. if currently you are not having an AC at your home and you are planning to purchase one in near future, it is recommended to install solar power system considering an AC too.

OFF Grid or Grid alone system

In On Grid or Grid tied system, solar power system is connected to local main electricity grid. During optimum production of solar electricity, your load can run on solar power. In case of any deficit, electricity will be drawn off from local electricity grid. In case of excess solar electricity production, it can be either stored in batteries or can be provided to local electric feed while OFF Grid or Grid alone system are favourable in case of unavailability of any grid feed. Choose the best suiting one as per availability of resources and convenience.

⦁ Types of solar panels: 

Dominantly there are two type of solar panels – the first type consist of array of photovoltaic cells that convert solar energy into electricity while second type convert solar energy into thermal energy. If you use any home heating system throughout the year or looking for solutions for hot water, second option is more favourable. You can even purchase solar water heater for meeting your needs of hot water while if you are looking for alternatives of conventional electricity, you can opt for the first category of PV module Solar panels.

⦁ Types of Metering system: 

If you are looking for providing the excess solar power to local grid, you need to keep it tracked. Also metering is required to monitor the performance of your selected system. There is basically two of metering system available –

Gross Metering: In this, entire energy generated form solar power system is feed to the utility grid and amount is measured. On basis of amount proportionate feed-incentives can be taken.

Net Metering: In this, the energy difference of energy drawn off and feed in to local grid is taken in account. In case of excessive feeding, monetary benefits can be achieved.

For availing more benefits, residential consumer should choose net metering system as it doesn’t require solar batteries as well solve the problem of power deficit.

⦁ How do you connect to Grid?

It totally depends on your location, regulatory authorities and prevailed rules & regulations. You must check for norms, eligibility criteria and involved logistic as well. It requires paying fixed fee for availing this facility that varies with location. Also check how the electricity board will pay you and in what time period. People of Uttar Pradesh can check here.

⦁ Manufacturer’s warranty: 

It is critical point that requires your attention to check the quality of the product and associated warranty with them. If the manufacturer is trusted and verified, he must give a warranty of substantial time period of atleast 10 years. Extended warranty itself tells about the credibility of the manufacturer. However, for any warranty to be honoured it requires the company to be operable. So, trust of company matters a lot. Also check of additional awards and recognization.

⦁ Solar Panel Certification:

It applies to all kind of solar product, especially if you are looking for government rebate and subsidies. Certification says about the type of tests product has gone for quality check. Prefer to check ISO and other relevant certificates. Mostly, companies provide a lot of self-assessed certificated that solely depends on company’s honesty level. So, it is advisable to check certification and recognization by government regulatory authorities or other third-party neutral quality checkers.

⦁ Solar Panel Mounting: 

Your solar panels will be mounted on certain mounting structures. It may be roof mounting, rail mounting etc. Mounting structures must be properly designed to meet the requirement of location. Suppose you are living in a cyclone prone area and you haven’t consider that while designing of mounting structure. Your whole investment will get flushed with wind. Better is to check all the parameters, factors, required strength and design of mounting structures.

⦁ Efficiency of Solar inverter: 

An inverter in the solar power system is directly attached to the panels and load. It converts DC current from the solar panels to AC current for your appliances. So, efficiency of inverter impacts the overall performance of the solar power system. Also an efficient inverter takes less conversion time, have a good effective life-span and less loss of energy in form of heat. Carefully browse through various available brands and check their specifications too while choosing inverter. For brands, check here.

⦁ Methods to meet the capital demand: 

Now-a-days due to regular decrease in price of solar technology, increased government interference and market competition practises, there are various methods to meet the need of capital investment. You can opt for OPEX model, No interest EMI or capex model as per your requirement.

⦁ More information: 

For more detailed information, please visit green4lifeenergy.

Green 4 Life Energy is an Indian venture of Green 4 Life Oz – an Australian company with an experience of more than 15 years in Roof top solar. With headquarter at Jhansi, in Uttar Pradesh, Green 4 Life Energy Pvt. Ltd. has pioneered the concept of harnessing valuable sunlight for energy production by its innovative, affordable and international standardized solar solutions, specializing in high efficiency PV module and comprehensive EPC solutions. We are at fore-front of developing and deploying technological tools to organize and aggregate the roof-top solar industry. Our partnerships with globally renowned and leading solar equipment manufacturers ensure of peerless high quality products and services. With our international presence and firm customer base, we are active contributor in framing the solar revolution in the largest democracy of the world, India.