Archive for Category Domestic Solar Power

1. Home Solar Power Systems - Advantages

Without doubt pollution control is one of the greatest advantages of using Home Solar Power Systems. One does not have to be an ecologist to realize the severity of the environmental problems that affect our planet. The inter-related issues of fossil fuels, pollution and climate change- all affect us one way or the other. The advantages of Home Solar Power Systems are not limited to environmental effects, although they are very relevant. There are many other benefits of using solar PV energy in terms of costs, maintenance or energy independence. Whether you are interested in this energy source because of a profound environmental concern, or you are more attracted to the idea of low-cost energy and money saving, going solar can prove to be a remarkably smart idea.

Environment

Over-exploitation of the Earth's non-renewable resources ( fossil fuels ) will eventually lead to their paucity, and consequently, higher costs, not to mention the issue of extreme pollution. Turning to a renewable source of energy thus becomes imperative.

Solar energy is renewable

Solar Energy is a renewable source of energy - we can count on for the sun to keep shining for billions of years. Using Solar Energy will not diminish it.

Solar energy is clean

Unlike fossil fuels, energy derived from the sun is not polluting. There are no gas emissions- it is totally clean. It contributes to reduction of the greenhouse effect. Solar energy is one of the best way to protect the environment and reduce the negative effects of fossil fuels on the environment.

Low costs

Solar energy is almost free. Once you install a Home solar power system, you can enjoy free energy as long as the Sun is up in the sky. Yes, the cost of installing such technologies can prove to be a substantial investment, but in time, you will save a lot of money on energy. If you think long-term, the benefits are considerable. Abandoning fossil fuel energy in favor of a low-cost type of energy is common sense. Relying on solar energy, which is free, will lower electricity bills to an affordable level. In case you choose to produce all the energy your house needs using the power of the sun, you will save serious money on bills.

Low maintenance costs

The maintenance of a solar system is easy and cheap. After the initial investment in installing the solar system, the chances of spending money on it will be quite limited.

2. Domestic Solar Power and Diesel Generator Electricity Cost Evaluation

Domestic Solar Power generation using BIPV ( Building Integrated Photo Voltaic) Products, e.g. Roof top Solar systems etc. have slowly become mainstream products, with falling costs of PV panels and ever increasing costs of fossil fuels. Energy is an essential requirement for survival. May it be heat, light or any form of mechanics- everything needs energy. The remote villages in India are still deprived of electrical supply from the conventional grid source. The Diesel Generator (DG) sets are being used for power but its operation is limited due to high cost of fuel and high maintenance.

Silent Features

  • The projections are on CURRENT PRICE TRENDS. Diesel prices are BOUND TO RISE and PV PANEL PRICES predicted to fall IN FUTURE.
  • Even if you include the interest cost in the first 5 years, the DOMESTIC SOLAR POWER GENERATOR is way cheaper than the Gen-set option.
  • Cost of production of electricity by Domestic Solar Power Generator, is currently at par with the grid tariff . It is bound to fall in future, thereby making it EVEN CHEAPER THAN THE GRID IN FUTURE.

3. Roof Top Solar Power Systems for Rural Homes

Roof top Solar Power Systems, on individual homes, using Photo Voltaic Technology are the answer to power outages in the rural Uttar Pradesh, where the dark ages still prevail literally. Electricity for homes is said to be an essential commodity. Essential, because our development, be it, individual, family, or social, depends on it. All electrical devices, which facilitate our tasks require electricity. Be it the household chores or else, commercial, life without electricity is not imaginable.

Unfortunately, in India, we are still struggling to be power-sufficient. Transmission is faulty. Power theft is rampant. Oil Prices are rising. Coal is getting expensive. The net result is power shortage and consequent power cuts, more in the rural areas than in urban. The scapegoats are the far flung villages in the outback, where power cuts can be for a couple of days.

Off Grid Solar Power using Home Solar Power Systems is an excellent method to facilitate rural electrification, specially for the villages in the outback. Not only it can generate cheaper electricity, –it is also pollution free. Over the last few years, Solar PV technology has seen a revolution in terms of quality and cost. Prices have fallen about 60%-70% in the last 4 to 6 years. Efficiency of Solar PV Panels has increased. The Battery technology has evolved, so storage of electricity for backup has become simpler.

So, what is a Roof Top Solar Power System ?

When the PV Panels ( or solar tiles) are spread on the roof-top to generate electricity by harnessing SOLAR LIGHT ENERGY the system so constituted is called a ROOF TOP SOLAR SYSTEM. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India is promoting off-grid solar PV systems (when not connected to the grid, also called OFF GRID SOLAR POWER SYSTEM) under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission.

Does it really make sense to install a solar PV system ?

Yes, of course. Solar Power is absolutely free, after the initial pay-back period. The only re-occurring cost is that of batteries, which is negligible, when compared to the cost levied by the power corporation, or else the diesel fuel cost (used in Diesel generators). With Solar Power, you also help to save the environment, because the power so generated is totally pollution free- NO SMOKE, NO SOUND. NO CARBON EMISSIONS.

What should be the size of my solar power system ?

Sizing a solar power system is an important exercise. It will depend on the load requirements. The connected load of your setup, the peak load etc. will help determine the size of system. Next, the load carrying capacity of the roof needs to be ascertained (where the solar panels are to be installed). Solar Panel structure typically weight 18 to 22 kg per sq meter and the roof should be able to handle the load.