Should You Go Solar & Sell Your Power to the Grid?
Given the recent increase in awareness of our carbon footprint, many people are searching for ways to live more responsibly.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
01 How many solar panels do I need for my home?
Based on your existing monthly electricity bill, we assess the capacity of solar installation necessary to offset the monthly consumption of energy. Currently, solar panel capacities vary from 540W – 600W each. The number of solar panels required to meet the required capacity defines the quantity of solar panels needed.
We have to assess both capacity needed and the shadow free roof area available to decide the number of solar panels
02 What are the major components of a solar power system?
The following are the major components:
- Solar Panels: Solar panels consist of a group of small cells made from semiconductor material. When the sunlight falls on the modules, it excites the electrons, thereby creating direct current (DC).
- Solar Inverter: The DC electricity generated from solar panels goes into an inverter that converts it into alternating current (AC). We use AC for running our household or office or factory equipment.
- Solar Batteries (Optional): For applications with lack of continuous grid power, we can store the solar power generated from solar panels and utilise as back-up power. Solar batteries are used to store the energy.
03 Can I connect my solar water heater to the solar power plant?
The solar energy falling onto our earth through the sunlight has two forms; ‘light’ and ‘heat’. A Solar PV system uses the ‘light’ and converts it into electricity, which can then be used to run electrical equipment or charge batteries. A Solar Water Heating system uses the ‘heat’ energy of the sun where a solar collector captures this heat or thermal energy and uses it to heat water or air.
Solar Water Heaters are made up of copper pipes whereas solar panels are made of silicon wafers, hence the technologies are different. Hence they cannot be connected together.
04 How much can I save by switching to Solar?
Solar Power Plants in India on an average generate 4 units per day per installed kW. While designing solar plant for a home or office or industry, we assess the solar capacity needed to offset the existing units consumption.
Based on the designed capacity, with Net-metering, the consumption from grid is offset and hence we avoid paying high tariffs for grid power.
For detailed assessment of solar capacity and savings potential, kindly reach out to us for a FREE report.
05 What is the installation timeline for a solar power project?
- Residential systems with net-metering need around 2-3 days for site work and 1 week for synchronization, subject to all documentation clearance.
- Small commercial installations take between 2 – 4 weeks.
- Larger Industrial and Commercial installations take 4 weeks – 12 weeks.
However, the actual construction time at the site is much lower since almost half of the time is spent on off-site activities such as design, engineering, procurement, etc. In certain cases, there may be variations to these timelines on account of access to the site, rains, etc.
06 Does Solar Power Plant work during Power Outages?
Grid-tied solar power systems are dependent on reference voltage from the grid and have no storage possibility, hence do not work under power outages. Typically we recommend grid-tied systems with Net-metering benefit for consumers who have minimal power outages.
Off-grid systems / Hybrid Systems have storage designed as a part of the system and hence can also provide power during power outages. For usage in Farm Houses, high grid outage areas we recommend to install Hybrid / Offgrid system to support sufficient back-up during power outages.
07 How do I calculate payback period of investment on solar power plant?
The payback period is calculated through solar power units generated and the prevailing tariff the DISCOM is charging monthly. The generated solar units offset the consumption from the grid and hence avoid the cost to be paid to DISCOM. These monthly savings when compared against initial investment, derives the monthly/years to payback.
08 What is OPEX Model and how does it work?
Opex Model refers to installation of solar power plant at consumers premises with minimal to zero investment. The upfront investment shall be done by investors/Zeovolt. For Industrial and Commercial consumers, Zeovolt assess the energy requirements and offers solar energy through Opex Model subject evaluation of associated financial and legal conditions of the engagement.
The typical period of engagement varies from 12 years to 25 years. This helps consumers to adopt solar energy without major capex requirements.
Under OPEX model, solar power plants can be co-located within the premises or can also be wheeled from solar plants set up anywhere within the state.
09 Does Solar Power Plant need regular maintenance and do I need to monitor it?
Typically solar power plants need regular cleaning of solar panels and preventive maintenance of system components. Solar panels can be cleaned at an interval of 2 weeks – 3 weeks depending on the dust levels around the installation. Regular preventive maintenance helps to ensure smooth functioning of the system and prevents down times.
For residential systems under PM Suryaghar subsidy scheme, Zeovolt offers quarterly maintenance for a period of 5 years from the date of installation.
For commercial and industrial customers, Zeovolt offers AMC packages to enable consumers maintain the systems trouble free.
For monitoring and regular tracking of solar units generated, all installations are equipped with remote monitoring devices that provided updates through a mobile app.
10 How long do solar panels last?
Crystalline Silicon Solar Panels are warranted for 27-30 years of performance warranty and 10-12 years of product warranty. The solar panels are warranted to generate >75% of rated output after 30 years. The warranties vary with solar panel manufacturers and OEMs.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
01 How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels can last 30 years or more with proper care and maintenance. Their efficiency may gradually decrease over time but will continue producing energy.
02 How many solar panels do I need?
The number of panels depends on your power consumption, climate, and roof’s sunlight exposure. Our team provides a free consultation to assess your needs.
03 How much can I save by switching to solar?
Savings vary based on your energy usage and local incentives. Our experts can provide a detailed savings estimate.
04 Do solar panels require maintenance?
Minimal maintenance is needed. Zeovolt offers free preventive maintenance visits for 5 years to keep your system running at peak efficiency.
05 Are financing options available?
Yes! We provide flexible financing options to make solar more accessible for homeowners and businesses.
01 How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels can last 30 years or more with proper care and maintenance. Their efficiency may gradually decrease over time but will continue producing energy.
02 How many solar panels do I need?
The number of panels depends on your power consumption, climate, and roof’s sunlight exposure. Our team provides a free consultation to assess your needs.
03 How much can I save by switching to solar?
Savings vary based on your energy usage and local incentives. Our experts can provide a detailed savings estimate.
04 Do solar panels require maintenance?
Minimal maintenance is needed. Zeovolt offers free preventive maintenance visits for 5 years to keep your system running at peak efficiency.
05 Are financing options available?
Yes! We provide flexible financing options to make solar more accessible for homeowners and businesses.