According to the Ground Report, thermal power plants accounted for approximately 63% of the total installed capacity in India in February 2023. These power plants generate electricity from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass power plants accounted for a smaller but growing share of India’s electricity generation mix, at approximately 38%. As electricity demand rises, the use of renewable resources grows at a slower rate. Still, the majority of electricity in India is generated by thermal plants, which are not only harmful to the environment but also have a limited ability to provide us with energy. With the growing needs of emerging businesses and a growing population, any country must switch to renewable energy resources that nature provides in abundance. Solar energy is one of India’s most important and well-suited energy sources.
See also: Can you install rooftop solar panels in your apartment?
What is solar energy?
Solar energy is a renewable resource derived from sunlight or its radiation. The sun’s rays are converted into energy using a variety of technologies that have evolved, and the cost of conversion has decreased as well. The sun is an abundant and sustainable source of energy, making solar power a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels. There are two main methods for harnessing solar energy: Photovoltaic (PV) technology uses photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells, which are made of semiconductor materials such as silicon. When sunlight strikes these cells, it excites the electrons, resulting in an electric current.Â
The other option is Solar Thermal Technology, which uses sunlight to generate heat that can then be converted into electricity or used directly for a variety of applications such as solar water heaters. The Earth intercepts approximately 173 thousand terawatts of solar power. That’s ten thousand times more power than the world’s population consumes. So, have you ever considered why we are unable to generate fully from it?Â
What are solar panels?
Solar panels use photovoltaic (PV) cells to do conversion of sunlight into electricity. Solar panels are made of smaller units known as solar cells. Silicon, the world’s second most abundant semiconductor, is used to make the majority of solar cells. A solar cell contains crystalline silicon sandwiched between conductive layers. Four strong bonds connect each silicon atom to its neighbours, keeping the electrons in place and preventing current from flowing. The electricity flows through a circuit, producing direct current (DC) electricity that can be used to power tools or stored in batteries.Â
India in terms of solar panels
India has long been actively promoting and investing in solar energy to increase the country’s renewable energy share. To reduce its reliance on coal, India wants to focus on renewable resources because they are less expensive and the coal used here can be reused in other areas because it is a limited resource. India has promoted solar panels by providing various subsidies and incentives for installation, as installing any solar panel requires a good cost and a large enough area. People in India find it difficult to take such initiatives for a variety of reasons.Â
According to the reports, India installed 1.7 GW of solar capacity, representing a 58% decrease year on year 1. The Indian rooftop solar market is expected to be 14,845 MW by the end of 2023, rising to 41,778 MW by 2028, representing a CAGR of more than 22.99% over the forecast period.
Importance of solar panels at home
It is estimated that sunlight will reach the Earth in 1.5 hours. It means that even if solar panels are installed in a small area, they can meet global requirements. India’s peak electricity demand as of 9th June 2022, was at a record high at 210,793 MW. Given such high demand, it is clear that India requires support for renewable energy sources.Â
Save electricity bills
Although installing solar power is an expensive procedure, by producing your electricity and lowering your dependency on the grid, solar panels can help you save money on your electricity bills over time.
Reduce carbon-footprints
These resources are among the greenest and least harmful to the environment. You can lessen your carbon footprint and help the environment by using solar panels to generate electricity without emitting any greenhouse gases. According to a solar.com report, rooftop solar energy has lifetime emissions that are 12 times lower than those of gas plants and 20 times lower than those of coal.
Government incentives and tax credits
The tax credits and incentives are primarily provided to promote the use of solar energy. The initial expenses of installing solar panels may be partially offset by these financial incentives, lowering the cost of solar panel installation for homeowners. The Indian government provides subsidies of up to ₹94,000 for installing solar panels in your home.
Contributing to sustainability
When homeowners choose solar energy, they actively contribute to the global move to sustainable and renewable energy sources. In this way, households can help India achieve a sustainable future.
Increase home value
Solar panels can be a great investment for homeowners because they increase the value of homes generally.
How do solar panels at home benefit India?
If solar panels can meet such high demand, they can be used on a large scale. However, in this model, a country may face a variety of issues related to cost, geopolitics, distribution, and so on.Â
Perhaps the most significant solution that we can see is to stop imagining massive solar power plants and instead imagine solar energy on an individual basis. Most of the problems we face on a large scale are irrelevant on an individual level. Geopolitics will become irrelevant if people begin to install solar panels in their homes. Maintenance will be simple at the individual level. The solar panel company will perform maintenance. Energy distribution will not be an issue. Because people will use electricity in their homes first and then consider disrupting the surplus.Â
In terms of cost, it will benefit all. Rooftop solar electricity is currently the most cost-effective alternative. It makes no difference which state you live in; if you have enough space on your rooftop to install solar panels, you will benefit greatly.
Types of individual solar systems for home
On-Grid
When a solar system is installed at your house, it is said to be on-grid because it is linked to the grid. You can use the net metering feature there. In other words, during the day, the energy generated by your solar panels will power your home first, and any extra will be sent to the grid. for others to utilise it. You use the grid to get electricity at night since the solar panels aren’t producing any. The electricity you transmit to the grid will be paid for, and you will be charged for the electricity you use from the grid. Your electricity bill will be the net of the two. We call this net metering.
Off-Grid
The second option is an off-grid system. Instead of connecting your solar system to the grid, connect it to a battery. When there is no solar energy at night, the energy stored in the battery is used to meet electricity requirements. The problem is that batteries are frequently extremely expensive.
Which is better? On-Grid or Off-Grid
The problem with off-grid systems is that the batteries are often very expensive.
 That is why an on-grid solar system is more advantageous.
Investment in solar panels at home
A solar system has an average life cycle of 25 years. Individuals see it as a one-time investment with returns that span the next 25 years in the form of free electricity. And, at some point, there will be the point of break-even for the investment, which could be anywhere between 3 and 5 years. You must invest for the first 3-5 years, after which you will begin to receive returns, and from the fifth to the twenty-fifth year, you will receive pure profit.
Several factors, including the type of solar panel, the size of the system, and the available incentives, can affect the cost of installing solar panels at home. The maximum investment amount is approximately Rs. 1700000, with a minimum of Rs. 75000. The Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, an initiative by the Indian government, offers rooftop solar panels to households. Through solar rooftop installations, the program seeks to power homes while also giving households extra money for their excess electricity production.
Considerations Before Installing Solar Panels
Find your energy need
Consider your family’s needs to determine whether solar panels are truly necessary to meet your demands. Sometimes the cost of installing the panel exceeds the actual cost of the traditional system.Â
Know your roof structure
Take into account the orientation, surrounding shade, and roof structure. A minimum of 200 square feet of clear space should be available on the roof, free of skylights, pipes, and chimneys. Roofs facing south, southeast, and southwest are excellent choices for solar panel installation.
Determine available space
If the energy demand is high, the home will need more space to install larger panels. So it is a major factor that is directly proportional to the amount of energy required.
Financial considerations
The majority of Indian families are middle-class, and installation can be costly for these families. Before making such an investment, one must consider the return in terms of money saved by replacing electricity.
Know more about technologies and types
The market offers a variety of solar panel types, including thin-film, polycrystalline, and monocrystalline solar panels. Every variety has benefits and drawbacks of its own.
Research about companies
There are many companies out there that can provide you with many enticing offers to install solar panels, but you must research all of them and their records, as well as the market cost of installing solar panels.Â
Read also: Top 9 solar companies in Delhi
Disadvantages of Solar Panels
People believe that when it is cloudy or cold outside, solar energy will not work as well. This is a myth. Though there is a minor difference in energy production due to weather, it is not significant. Because the concept of photovoltaic is dependent on light. It will continue to function as long as there is enough light surrounding it, regardless of rain or cloud cover.
The actual disadvantages of solar panels differ.
First, consider carbon emissions. This is because the majority of solar cells are made of silicone, semiconductors, and glass. Furthermore, metals like silver, copper, indium, and pillerium are used. These materials must be extracted to make solar panels, which have a significant environmental impact. The metal used in this has to be mined. Mining pollutes soil, water, and air. The greenhouse gas emissions are increasing. And the entire process of manufacturing solar panels in factories generates its own set of carbon emissions. Solar energy is a superior alternative to fossil fuels such as coal, gas, and oil. However, it is not true that solar energy has no environmental impact. Solar energy and solar panels are estimated to emit 20 times less carbon than coal.
The second greatest disadvantage is the life cycle of solar panels. When the life of these solar panels is nearing an end, it is time to replace them. Recycling solar panels isn’t very profitable today.
FAQs
Each year, the cost of producing solar panels decreases. New technologies and innovations are observed. The efficiency of solar panels is improving. Since 2010, the price of solar power has dropped by more than 80%, increasing its chances of widespread adoption.
Yes, one of the most recent examples of this is found in Kerala's floating solar power plants. Boats and aeroplanes have also been introduced in the transportation section. One example of a boat is the SUN21 solar boat, which holds the Guinness World Record for crossing the Atlantic Ocean in the shortest time using only solar energy.
It is normally around 25 years.
On average, homeowners receive a return on investment within 5 to 10 years. However, it may vary depending on a variety of factors.
You can install solar panels yourself, but it is usually best to hire a professional installer. Professional installers have years of experience and understand how to avoid common issues like faulty wiring or a panel that is too large for your roof.
Yes, it is possible to relocate solar panels from one home to another. However, the process is difficult and costly. You will need to consider the cost of separating, transporting, and reconstructing the solar panels.
Electricity is produced from solar energy using all kinds of solar panels. Each panel is made up of several independent solar cells. Most often used solar panels have 72 cells, measuring 2 metres by 1 metre, and 60 cells, measuring 1.6 metres by 1 metre. Will the cost of a solar panel at home decrease?
Is it possible to install solar panels on water bodies such as ships and boats?
What is the average lifespan of solar panels?
What is the typical payback period for a residential solar panel system?
Can I install solar panels myself, or do I need a professional installer?
Can I take my solar panel system with me if I move to a new home?
What is the mechanism of solar panels?
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
