On-grid solar panel installation on your home rooftop can help you avail subsidy. This reduces your total solar installation cost making it cost-effective. However, there are also several other aspects to care for while on-grid solar panel installation. To ensure the appropriate installation of solar systems, you need to keep in mind the factors discussed below.
10 Factors to Consider During On-grid Solar Panel Installation
Here are the things you need to keep in mind during on-grid solar panel installation:
1) Space on the Rooftop
Installing home rooftop solar systems requires adequate space to install the solar modules on the mounting structure. Ensure you have adequate free space on the rooftop to install solar systems. A lack of space on your rooftop will interrupt your solar panel installation plan to generate electricity for your household.
2) Need for Roof Repair
A home solar system usually has a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. Prior to installing solar panels on the rooftop, ensure you determine if the concrete surface of your rooftop is strong enough or needs a repair. If your roof is old and has not undergone repair in the past years, consider repairing it before installing the system.
3) Slope of the Roof
The slope of the roof is an important factor that needs to be considered while installing an on-grid solar system at home. This helps determine the direction of exposure to sunlight for your solar system. Experts suggest placing solar panels facing the South for ideal and optimum solar energy generation.
Nevertheless, if the solar installer is expert and experienced, they will check several other aspects to detect the slope of your roof for rooftop solar installation in home. They will ensure your system generates optimal solar energy.
4) Weight-Bearing Capacity of the Roof
Installation of solar panels increases the weight of the roof. If your home rooftop is incapable of bearing the weight, the installation can further deteriorate the condition of the roof. This may not only damage your rooftop but also your installed solar system.
To avoid expensive repairs, it is essential for you to determine the weight-bearing capacity of your rooftop. It is recommended that you install solar systems of capacity that align with the weight-bearing capacity of your rooftop.
5) Warranties of Solar Components
Ensure you check whether your chosen solar products have standard warranties. Usually, there are two types of warranties – a product warranty of 10-15 years and a performance warranty of 25-30 years. Check for the availability of these warranties before choosing products for on-grid solar panel installation.
6) Amount of Electricity that You Can Save
Solar panel installation at home helps save energy significantly. However, the energy generation and saving ability of solar panels depend on the capacity of the solar panel system. While a 1 kW solar panel can generate approximately 4-5 units of electricity each day, a 3 kW solar panel can generate around 12-15 units of electricity each day.
Ensure you determine the solar power generation capacity of your planned solar installation. This will help you understand if the energy generated is sufficient to meet the electricity needs of your home. For instance, if you consume around 240 units per month, it will be appropriate to install a 2 kW solar system over a 1 kW or 3 kW solar system on your rooftop.
7) Time to Apply for a Net Meter
If you install an on-grid solar system, it will mandatorily need solar net metering. The net meter helps measure the exports and imports of electricity to and from the grid. As an on-grid solar system is grid-tied, a net meter installation is necessary for this type of solar system.
You need to install the net meter after completing the solar system installation. Once the solar panel and other equipment installation are completed, you will have to update the same on the National Portal for solar installation. Following this you will receive approval to install the net meter. You can connect with solar service providers like Das Energie Private Limited for detailed guidance on net meter integration.
8) Rooftop Solar System Installation Cost
Rooftop solar installation cost varies based on the capacity of solar panels, brand and model of solar products and region of installation. Comparing costs can help you avail affordable solar products at reasonable prices.
You can connect with companies like Das Energie Private Limited to get multiple free quotations from vendors in your location. For this time, here is the approximate 1 kW solar panel price for your reference.
9) Shady Region on the Roof
There can be nearby buildings, lamp posts or trees covering the exposure to the sun on your rooftop. This results in shady regions on your rooftop. However, shades result in interruptions in solar power generation.
Solar panels comprise solar cells connected with copper-coated wires. If your solar panel is installed in a shady region on your rooftop and a single cell fails to receive sunlight, the entire panel will stop functioning. To avoid such a scenario and ensure optimum solar power generation, ensure you install solar panels in regions devoid of shades.
10) Solar Installation Subsidy
The Indian Government provides subsidies on solar installation costs to boost solar power generation for households. However, the subsidy is applicable when you purchase ALMM-listed solar modules which come with warranties. Besides, you need to install an on-grid solar system.
Conclusion
On-grid solar panel installation needs to be appropriate to ensure optimum power generation for your home. You need to consider factors like avoiding a shady region, determining the slope and direction of your rooftop and weight bearing capacity of your roof before installing home rooftop solar systems.
Further, ensure you consult fast-growing solar service providers to install products that are approved for subsidies. These products come with warranties to ensure longevity and optimal performance of home rooftop solar systems. Professional solar consultants can additionally help you install solar systems of appropriate capacity to meet the energy requirements of your home.
