FAQ |
“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” John F. Kennedy |
Why should I use solar power in the first place? |
Solar Energy received in one hour, on the illuminated hemispherical Earth’s surface at any given time is 255.6 Trillion KWh and Annual Energy Requirement for the world is only 18.5 Trillion KWh. Since solar energy is one of the cleanest sources of energy that is virtually free and the fossil fuels are depleting at a rapid rate, it’s time every citizen thinks of shifting to this source.
Solar energy can be generated in two forms, namely electricity and heat. Solar cells or “photo voltaic” are used to convert solar radiation into electricity. |
Why is it more relevant to use solar energy in India? |
- India is blessed with one of the highest solar irradiations (kwh/m2/day) in the world. (Germany–2.7, Italy-3.3, Spain-3.7, Canada-3.1, South Africa-5.2, India-5.5).
- Less than 5% of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan can provide enough solar energy to meet all of India's energy needs.
- More than 400 mn people do not have access to grid connected electricity in India
- Solar peak production coincides with India's maximum demands (Mar, Apr, and May) during the year and during the day (11 am to 3 pm).
- Solar Power can save over 30 percent of India’s coal imports, thereby contributing to energy security. This translates to a saving of US $ 5.5 bn in imports per year.
- A solution that replaces just 10% of diesel usage for backup power by the Indian industry could save a whopping 2000 crores per annum.
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What are the Benefits of Solar Energy? |
Economic PV Solar Energy Advantages:
- Can be permitted and installed faster than other traditional or renewable power plants.
- Produces local, on-site energy, which reduces the need for extensive high-voltage transmission lines or a complex infrastructure.
- Reliable over the long term. With no moving parts, fixed photovoltaic systems last longer than other energy sources.
- Depending on the cost of power, the payback period of solar system is between 4 to 7 years.
Environmental PV Solar Energy Advantages:
- Clean, quiet and visually unobtrusive in nature. Solar energy plants do not have any polluting emissions, do not make any sound, and are not considered to be an "eyesore."
- Uses little to no water in the production of zero-emission electricity.
- Has a predictable energy curve and is most efficient when utility rates are at their highest.
- Can be placed in virtually every geographical region because the sun is available everywhere.
- Offsets the need for polluting, expensive and inefficient power plants designed exclusively to meet peak demand.
Social Solar Energy Advantages:
- Creates clean, renewable energy that will sustain and support the health of future generations.
- Is a distributed generation ("DG") energy source that can mitigate national security concerns about energy disruption.
- Supports national energy independence because solar electricity is used where it is generated.
- Creates good, local jobs for the new energy economy. In fact, solar energy creates more jobs per megawatt hour than any other energy type.
Solar Energy is a social revolution that has the power to elevate India and its people in a way that no technology has before. It does so by addressing the basis of decent living...electricity and water.
Until now, solar power was expensive compared with conventional power and that is what held it back from rapid scalability. The solar cost curves are declining rapidly due to technological innovation and economies of scale. At the same time, conventional power costs are expected to rise at between 4-5 percent per year over the next decade. The convergence between the cost of solar power and the conventional power cost, commonly referred to as grid parity is likely to happen during the period 2015-2017. |
What are the possible applications of Solar Energy? |
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How much space is needed to install a solar roof top system? |
1 KWp system will need 100 – 120 Sq feet of Shadow free rooftop space. The panels face South direction in Northern Hemisphere. If the roof is not aligned to South, the orientation of the panels is managed using additional super structures. |
What is the life of the solar modules? |
Solar panels are expected to last beyond 25 years. Their performance is warranted as per IEC 61215 / IS14286 specifications. PV modules used in solar power plants/ systems are warranted for their output peak watt Capacity, which should not be less than 90% at the end of 10 years and 80% at the end of 25 years. |
How do the Solar Photo Voltaic Cells work ? |
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How Solar Energy PV systems Works? |
Photovoltaic (PV) literally means “light” and “electric.” Photovoltaic technologies are used to generate electricity by using solar photovoltaic cells arranged in a module.
The most important components of a PV cell are the layers of semiconductor material. When sunlight beam strikes the PV cell, the solar energy excites electrons that generate an electric voltage and current. Extremely thin wires running along the top layer of the PV cell carry these electrons to an electrical-circuit. A photovoltaic module is made of an assembly of photovoltaic cells wired in series to produce a desired voltage and current. The PV Cells are encapsulated within glass and/or plastic to provide protection from the weather. Photovoltaic modules are connected together to form an array. The array is connected to an inverter which converts the Direct Current (DC) of the PV modules to Alternating Current (AC). The photovoltaic systems can be interconnected to the electric grid, so that customers can get energy from their utility when the PV system isn’t providing all of their facility’s electricity needs. |
What are key components of a Solar PV System? |
Solar Panels:
Solar panels are installed on shadow free rooftop. These panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight into DC power. 1 KWp panels need approximately 100-120 sq feet of shadow free rooftop space.
Inverter:
The DC power from the solar panels is sent to an inverter, where it is converted into AC power, or standard electrical current used to power your facility.
Electrical Panel:
AC power travels from the inverter to the electrical cabinet, often called a ACDB (AC Distribution Board). This power is then available to service all of your electrical needs.
Batteries:
The DC electricity generated by the Solar Panels can be stored in Batteries for later use. These are normally Deep Discharge Lead Acid batteries. New generation batteries with long life and negligible maintenance are now available. Utility Grid:
Your business remains connected to the utility grid to supply you with electricity when you need more power than your system has produced, such as at night.
Utility Meter / Net meter:
The utility meter continually measures your electrical supply; when your solar system produces more power than you need, the meter literally spins backwards, accumulating credits with the utility company that will offset your next bill. This concept of net metering is yet to be implemented in India. |
How Does a Grid Connected System work? |
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How Does a Battery backup System work? |
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How Arka operate in the Rooftop Solar space (for B2B customers). |
Arka Solutions as Channel partners of major brands manages everything you need to power your organization with solar energy, from system design to installation and ongoing system monitoring. Below are the steps we follow. |
Step 1: Energy Consultation
Every business is unique, so we start by talking with you about your energy needs and project goals. We will review your historical electrical usage patterns and visit your site to evaluate your roof structure and solar exposure. We will provide an initial project estimate to show you how generating your own solar power can lower your operating costs.
Step 2: Proposal
Arka Solutions will prepare a financial analysis of your solar project, including annual cost savings and payback calculations. We will identify the government subsidies, tax credits and depreciation that can dramatically improve your financial investment.
Step 3: System Design
High quality starts with good design. Arka Solutions represents the highest quality solar panel manufacturers focused towards the latest technology to design high performance solar systems. Our competent engineering team will custom design your solar power system based on your facility's architecture and electrical needs.
Step 4: Installation
Our professional installation teams have extensive experience and will build your system to high standards. Commercial installation times depend on system size and complexity. We will work closely with you ensure minimal disruption to your business.
Step 5: Ongoing System Monitoring
Arka Solutions can provide support towards monitoring your system performance to ensure it is running smoothly and efficiently.
Step 6: Government Interface
We liaison with the Ministry to New and Renewable Energy to help you avail government subsidies and other benefits. |
What are the incentives and subsidies from Government towards Solar systems: |
- Capital Subsidy up to Rs 30,000/-
- Interest Subsidy
- Accelerated depreciation. 80% in year 1.
- Industries can meet their Renewable Purchase Obligations.
- Net metering (implemented in only some states).
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Is the battery used in ‘solar battery backup system’ same used in automotive vehicles also? |
Solar batteries are different than automotive batteries.
- A car's battery is designed to provide a very large amount of current for a short period of time. This surge of current is needed to turn the engine over during starting. Once the engine starts, the alternator provides all the power that the car needs, so a car battery may go through its entire life without ever being drained more than 20 percent of its total capacity. Used in this way, a car battery can last a number of years. To achieve a large amount of current, a car battery uses thin plates in order to increase its surface area.
- A deep cycle battery is designed to provide a steady amount of current over a long period of time. A deep cycle battery can provide a surge when needed, but nothing like the surge a car battery can. A deep cycle battery is also designed to be deeply discharged over and over again (something that would ruin a car battery very quickly). To accomplish this, a deep cycle battery uses thicker tubular plates.
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What is life of Solar batteries? |
Typical life of batteries (@ 27 Deg C) used in solar applications are as follows:
Battery |
80% DoD |
20% DoD |
Valve Regulated Lead Acid ( VRLA) |
1200 Cycles |
4000 Cycles |
Low Maintenance Lead Acid (LMLA) |
1500 Cycles |
5000 Cycles |
Tubular Gel |
1800 Cycles |
5200 Cycles |
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