India is home to numerous homes and commercial buildings in both rural and urban areas that receive abundant sunlight throughout the day. These regions with high solar exposure can significantly benefit from installing solar panels to generate electricity. Utilizing solar power not only helps save money but also minimizes pollution. As global awareness grows about dwindling energy resources and increasing environmental pollution, humanity is increasingly turning to solar power for its electricity needs. Solar power generation involves the use of solar panels containing photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
Let's explore essential details about solar rooftop systems, which you should be aware of.
What is a Solar Rooftop System?
As you know, energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another. When photons present in sunlight strike photovoltaic cells in solar panels, they are converted into electrons generating direct current (DC). This DC current flows through wires to reach an inverter, where it is converted into alternating current (AC). We then use this electricity as a source of power for our needs. Solar rooftop systems involve installing solar panels on residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. There are two main types of solar rooftop systems used for installation: (i) grid-connected systems with battery storage facilities and (ii) standalone grid-tied systems.
Here we will learn about different types of solar rooftop systems:
1. On-grid Solar Rooftop System:
The on-grid solar rooftop system converts DC current into AC current using an inverter and sends the generated electricity to the grid. The primary advantage of this system is that if more electricity is produced than required, you can send the excess back to the grid and later use those units free of charge when needed. This saves both energy and money.
2. Off-grid Solar Rooftop System:
In an off-grid solar rooftop system, solar panels are connected to an inverter and batteries. During the day, these batteries get charged using solar energy, allowing electricity usage even at night. In areas with limited access to main grid supply, off-grid solar panels prove very beneficial due to their battery storage capability.
Main Components of a Solar Rooftop System
A solar rooftop system primarily requires solar panels, an inverter, bidirectional meters, and balance-of-system components. For better understanding, let’s delve deeper into each component.
Solar Panels/Photovoltaic Modules/Electric Panels:
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. They consist of silicon cells, glass, polymers, and aluminum. Solar panels come in various sizes, colors, types, and forms depending on requirements. 12V or 24V rated solar panels are typically used for off-grid systems. 36, 60, and 72-cell solar panels are used for grid-connected rooftop systems.
Solar Inverter:
The solar inverter receives DC current from batteries and converts it into AC current so we can use it as electricity.
Balance of System (BOS):
Apart from the above-mentioned equipment, other tools like wiring, junction boxes, meters, fuses, circuit breakers, etc., used in solar systems are collectively referred to as BOS. These components ensure all parts of the solar system are properly connected for smooth operation.
What is Net Metering?
Energy shortages are not new in India, nor are rising utility costs. To address these issues, net metering has been introduced. Under this scheme, any additional electricity generated by your solar panels can be sent back to the grid. For instance, if you produce 20 units of electricity but consume only 10 units, you can return the extra 10 units to the grid. With net metering, you only need to invest once and can enjoy bill-free electricity forever.
To expand solar power usage, central and state governments have initiated various projects. These projects aim to maximize electricity production, strengthen the economy, and create new employment opportunities in rural areas. Farmers often face electricity shortages during irrigation, prompting the government to launch the KUSUM scheme. By 2022, three crore irrigation pumps will replace diesel or electric motors with solar-powered ones. Farmers can utilize their unproductive land by installing solar equipment for better utilization. Additionally, the government has launched a solar subsidy program where a certain percentage of the total cost for setting up solar power will be subsidized. Among these initiatives is the National Solar Mission, aiming to establish 20,000 MW of solar grid capacity and develop policies for operating 2,000 MW of non-grid solar systems by 2022. The overall goal of these projects is to position India as a leader in solar power globally.
Some Related Posts You Might Find Interesting:
- How to Increase Solar Panel Efficiency?
- Is There an Ideal Time to Install Solar Panels?
- How to Save Money with Solar Panels? Read More.
- SolarGlide - Modern Power Solutions for Your Home.
This post aims to provide comprehensive information about solar power systems while encouraging sustainable practices for future generations.
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