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What IS A SOLAR PV CELL(PHOTOVOLTAIC)?

A solar PV cell is the zero level of a PV system. It is made from a semiconductor material that absorbs the sunlight and generates electricity by ‘photoelectric effect’ with a certain level of wavelength. However, it can generate electricity on a cloudy day but is not as effective as a clear sunny day.

A single PV cell harvests a tiny amount of electricity, multiple of them are connected to form a Solar PV module which can generate 545 W and even more as per the design. More PV modules need to be connected in an array to produce more energy.

What IS ROOFTOP SOLAR?

It is a miniature power plant mounted on the rooftop of a building. It fulfills the purpose by converting solar energy into electricity to meet the power requirement of the building moreover, it also feeds the generated surplus power into the grid. It ranges from residential to industrial plants, including commercial as well.

The capacity and size of the plant depend on various factors like; availability of space, electricity consumption, and the enthusiasm of the owner to invest the required capital. Theoretical, 1 kW plant can generate around 4.5 units of electricity on a sunny day, sufficient to supply power for 2 – 3 fans, 6 – 7 tube lights, and other light loads for 4 – 5 hours (approx.).

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

It is accepted as a reliable alternative source of electricity to that provided by the grid. The major pros include environmental, as it lowers the need for fossil-fuel-generated electricity. It also empowers the remote location where grid power is a bit challenging to reach. Some of the well-considered benefits are:

  • To utilize the roof surface for the most fruitful application.
  • Zero energy generation cost, as it uses nothing consumable other than the ample energy of the Sun.
  • It doesn’t produce most of the disturbing pollutions like; Noise, Air, Water or any kind of waste products.
  • Considerable return on investment for all types of customers.
  • The losses in the transmission and distribution networks reduces, as the distribution network is used as a source of storage through net metering. Co-located generation and consumption.
  • End to end voltages improves in the grid, and reduce system congestion.
  • The most critical, PEAK loads can be managed efficiently by DISCOSM.
  • The system reliability improves as solar feeds the grid in times of the total blackout or voltage dips.
  • Lowers global carbon footprint. It’s an overall WIN-WIN for everyone.

WHY OPT FOR SOLAR ROOFTOP SYSTEMS?

It is accepted as a reliable alternative source of electricity to that provided by the grid. The major pros include environmental, as it lowers the need for fossil-fuel-generated electricity. It also empowers the remote location where grid power is a bit challenging to reach. Some of the well-considered benefits are:

  • Most important factor for smart and conscious customers would be Economical. Currently, the government of India has a fixed tariff for solar generation at 2.20/kWh for 25 years. Moreover, the installation cost has reduced drastically from the last decade.
  • Once you have invested in the solar plant, your system will harvest the power of the sun and generate electricity for around 25 years for its lifecycle. If for some reason, it doesn’t produce 100% of the consumption, it will still reduce your utility bill for a very considerable amount and save a lot of money.
  • The masses are aware of solar technology and these days it is considered as a lifestyle and adds value to one’s property.
  • The return on investment can be expected from 25% to 40% for residential applications.
  • Aside from being reliable and affordable, it is nearly maintenance less and fuel-free as well.
  • The installation process is simple and component interconnections are easy.
  • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India provides a 30% subsidy for the domestic sector and non-profit organizations.

Type of Modules (Poly, Mono and Bi-facial)

Polycrystalline Module Fragments of silicone are melted together to produce Polycrystalline cells. Then these cells are connected to make a Polycrystalline module.
Monocrystalline Module Fragments of silicone are melted and molded in the shape of a bar and cut into wafers, which turn into monocrystalline cells. Then these cells are connected to make a Monocrystalline module
Bi-facial Module As the name suggests, it is designed to capture the direct and reflected sunlight to generate more electricity, from the front and backside as well.

Type of Structure

RCC Roof Structure
Shed Roof Structure
Super Structure
Ground Mounted

ON-GRID ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS

There are two methods in which an ON-grid Rooftop system can be designed:

  • The system is connected to the grid only.
  • The system is connected to the grid with additional power sources like batteries. It is also known as Hybrid Solar PV System.

Hybrid Solar PV System

When the solar PV system is combined with other power generating sources, it is called a Hybrid Solar PV system. The most frequently used hybrid system is Solar PV is with DG and Grid electricity

A battery bank can also be included, which can be used when solar is not generating enough power. Solar PV hybrid system with battery backup is the most suitable option for remote locations such as rural areas, mining sector, and islands, as the grid supply is either poor or not available.

OFF-GRID ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEM

An OFF-grid Solar system is a battery-backed system and does not need to be connected to the electrical grid. This system is commonly used for backup power which may be used for running the loads during inadequate lighting hours, or in remote locations where the grid networks are not developed.

Some of the examples are powering traffic signals and streetlights, billboards, backup power for houses, pumps, etc. in cities and remote rural locations that have either fluctuating grid connectivity or do not have access to grid electricity.