Solar FAQs

01

What is a Solar PV System and how does it work?

PV, short for Photovoltaic, derives its name from the process of converting light (‘photo’) directly into electricity (‘voltaic’). Simply put, a Solar PV system is a power station that generates electricity from sunlight. The main components of a Solar PV system are: Solar Panels or Modules: So Read more...

02

Does a Solar PV system produce same energy output throughout the day?

Since Solar PV works on the basis of the intensity of sunlight it gets, your solar system typically wakes up at around 6am in the morning and goes to sleep at about 6 or 7pm in the evening. The energy output increases gradually and peaks at around noon and then gradually decreases as the Sun starts setting. B Read more...

03

What factors are important to consider when planning to go solar?

When planning to go solar, it is important to consider: How much of your energy needs can you meet with solar? How much can you save by going solar? Do you have enough shadow-free space (land or roof)? How much do you want to invest in your solar PV system? Every Solar PV system is customiz Read more...

04

Can solar be my sole energy source?

Technically speaking, yes, if batteries are used. But practically, if grid power is available, then it is recommended to use solar in combination with grid. Solar PV can be integrated with your existing power sources (like grid power, inverter, diesel generator, etc.) in such a manner that the first priority Read more...

05

What is the life and reliability of a Solar PV System?

Solar PV is a highly proven and reliable technology and have been in use since 1950s. A PV system that is designed, installed, and maintained well will operate for 25 years or even more than 25 years. The Inverters, which are an integral part of a Solar PV system, may need a replacement once in the 25 years l Read more...

01

What is the CAPEX and OPEX / RESCO/ PPA model of Solar?

The CPEX, OPEX(RESCO) and PPA are two models of buying solar energy. Here are what they mean and how they are different from each other: CAPEX: CAPEX stands for Capital Expenditure. If you go solar under the CAPEX model, you are required to pay the total cost of the solar system upfront. This allows you to Read more...

02

Which is the best model of buying solar – CAPEX, Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA) or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?

From the cost perspective, the CAPEX model of going solar is considered the best model of buying solar followed by DPA and PPA. The reason behind this consideration is that since the cost solar PV system is paid upfront under CAPEX, the cost of solar energy is lower in CAPEX than in DPA and PPA. Under DPA, th Read more...

03

What is the Feed-in tariff?

A Feed-in tariff is the rate/cost at which you sell the electricity generated by your solar system to your discom either via net-metering or gross metering. This tariff rate varies from state to state depending upon the solar policy of the state. The tariff also differs across consumer categories. This tariff Read more...

04

What is Solar tariff?

Solar tariff is the rate/cost at which you purchase the electricity from the installer/owner of a solar system under a Power Purchase Agreement(PPA). The rate is agreed upon for a certain period of time as per the clause of the agreement. This insulates you from any tariff hike in the near future. However, th Read more...

05

What is Gross-metering?

Gross metering is a mechanism in which the entire energy generated by your solar system is exported to the grid at a certain rate. In this case, the energy generated from your system is not consumed by you in any capacity. Once the energy is generated from your solar system it is transferred to the grid, and Read more...

06

How does solar power compare with diesel generator (DG) and Home Inverter?

Diesel Generators (DG) are not just a highly expensive means of power generation but are also extremely damaging to the environment. And contrary to popular belief, the cost of energy from home inverters is also very high. The cost of power from a typical DG in a housing society is Rs. 17 – 18/ unit (kWh), Read more...

07

What are my solar buying and financing options?

There are broadly five solar buying and solar financing options that you can opt for while going solar: Buying a Solar PV system under CAPEX Model: You purchase the Solar PV system and pay the 100% cost of the solar system upfront. This allows you to get the best deal as you would be saving any additi Read more...

08

What is net metering?

Net metering is a billing mechanism which allows you to sell excess (unconsumed) solar power generated by your solar system to the DISCOM. For example, if on a given day you generated 20 units from your solar system and consumed only 18 units, the balance 2 units will be sold to the DSICOM at a set tariff. Read more...

09

How much does a Solar PV system cost?

Solar PV system costs vary depending on the size of the system. On an average, an on-grid system of a size up to 10kWp costs Rs. 50-74/Wp, between 10 – 100 kWp costs Rs. 35-50/Wp and above 100KWp costs Rs. 34-36/Wp systems. For utility-scale solar projects, costs can be even lower than Rs. 30/Wp. However, Read more...

10

Do I need to buy Insurance for my Solar PV system?

Solar PV systems are highly reliable if designed well. Moreover, the key components of a Solar PV system are backed by guarantees & warranties . However, since solar is like any other asset that you own, it is generally advisable to buy an insurance cover. Read more...

11

Is solar power cheaper than grid power?

Yes, solar power today is cheaper than grid power for a lot of consumer categories across most states. Moreover, solar is a one time investment while grid tariff keeps increasing every year. Therefore, by choosing to go solar today, you are locking in a fixed energy price for the next 25 years. Illustration Read more...

12

What is the return on investment (ROI) and payback period of solar PV?

The payback period for your solar PV system stands for the amount of time it takes for your initial investment in the solar system to be recovered from the savings it yields. The Return on Investment (ROI) refers to the effective returns that your investment would generate throughout the life of the solar sys Read more...

01

How much time does it take to install a solar PV system?

It takes about 2-4 weeks to install a smaller system and about 4-8 weeks for larger systems. 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 variation Read more...

02

What factors are important to consider during Solar PV system installation?

Good solar installers follow standard procedures and quality standards. So once you've chosen the right installer, you don't have to worry about supervision. However, it may be a good practice to: Ask for layout drawing and bill of material. Ensure that the delivered material is as per the bill of mater Read more...

03

What would be the annual maintenance cost for a solar PV system?

The annual maintenance and recurring costs are almost negligible, since there are no moving parts and the input fuel (sunlight) is free. For optimum performance, the system only requires cleaning of modules and basic preventive and corrective maintenance. However, for off-grid systems where batteries are used Read more...

04

What permits & approvals do I need to install a solar PV system?

No permits would be needed, if you are going to install off grid Solar PV system or grid connected system for captive (self) consumption. For net metering and gross metering system, certain permits and approvals are required. For Net & Gross Metering: 1. Approval from DISCOM for grid connectivity. 2. C Read more...

05

What steps should I take to buy a Solar PV system?

Run the MYSUN Calculator and check your potential savings Register Your Rooftop with MYSUN Get your site visit done and start receiving quotes from pre-qualified installers Compare quotes and select your installer Finalize the terms (pricing, guarantees, etc.) and the order with the selecte Read more...

01

Which Solar PV system is suitable for me?

Depending on your energy consumption pattern (consumption during day vs night), power outage pattern, availability of policies like Net Metering and access to grid power (for rural areas), you can choose between an on-grid and an off-grid Solar PV system. On grid systems are the most commonly used systems and Read more...

02

How do I know that my system is working efficiently?

To keep a regular check on your system performance, it is recommended that you install a data logger (data monitoring device) along with your Solar PV system. This device will allow you to compare the actual with the estimated performance on a daily, monthly and annual basis. Read more...

03

What is the unit of electricity?

Electricity is measured in kWh (Kilo Watt Hour). It is the amount of electricity consumed by an appliance in a specified period. For example, 100W bulb * running for 1 hour = 100Wh which is equal to 0.1 kWh (unit). Your electricity bill mentions the kWh (Units) consumed by you in your billing cycle. Read more...

04

What are the key factors that affect solar power generation?

To ensure that the generation from your Solar PV system is maximized, the following should be kept in mind: Location (Solar Irradiation/ weather conditions) Plant layout Shading and roof orientation System design Equipment quality Operations and maintenance Read more...

05

Will my roof be able to bear the weight of a Solar PV system?

A Solar PV system generally weighs 15 to 20 Kg per square meter. This weight can be easily borne by most roofs. Since the life of a Solar PV system is about 25 years or more, do ensure that your roof is in good condition to bear the system's load over its lifetime. Read more...

Frequently Asked Question Related To Solar

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SOLAR FAQs

Frequently Asked Question Related To Solar

01

What is a Solar PV System and how does it work?

02

Does a Solar PV system produce same energy output throughout the day?

03

What factors are important to consider when planning to go solar?

04

Can solar be my sole energy source?

05

What is the life and reliability of a Solar PV System?

RELATED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

COMMERCIAL

INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

TECHNOLOGY

01

What is the CAPEX and OPEX / RESCO/ PPA model of Solar?

02

Which is the best model of buying solar – CAPEX, Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA) or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?

03

What is the Feed-in tariff?

04

What is Solar tariff?

05

What is Gross-metering?

06

How does solar power compare with diesel generator (DG) and Home Inverter?

07

What are my solar buying and financing options?

08

What is net metering?

09

How much does a Solar PV system cost?

10

Do I need to buy Insurance for my Solar PV system?

11

Is solar power cheaper than grid power?

12

What is the return on investment (ROI) and payback period of solar PV?

RELATED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

COMMERCIAL

INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

TECHNOLOGY

01

How much time does it take to install a solar PV system?

02

What factors are important to consider during Solar PV system installation?

03

What would be the annual maintenance cost for a solar PV system?

04

What permits & approvals do I need to install a solar PV system?

05

What steps should I take to buy a Solar PV system?

RELATED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

COMMERCIAL

INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

TECHNOLOGY

01

Which Solar PV system is suitable for me?

02

How do I know that my system is working efficiently?

03

What is the unit of electricity?

04

What are the key factors that affect solar power generation?

05

Will my roof be able to bear the weight of a Solar PV system?

RELATED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

COMMERCIAL

INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

TECHNOLOGY