5 Key factors to consider while designing solar rooftop PV system

Renewable Energy – specifically solar energy has become buzzword these days as Government has set up an ambitious target of achieving 40 GW by year 2022. Government has taken initiatives and running various program to educate people about rooftop solar system. Still, as a layman it may be challenging for you to identify and choose right kind and right size of solar power solution for residential or commercial requirement.

First myth about solar rooftop system in people’s mind is that it is a product and they can buy it is as a commodity. At macro level it seems logical, but in reality, solar rooftop PV system is a solution – not a product. Because, each individual home, business, factory, institute, hospital or any entity has different power needs and consumption pattern. It is essential for you to know what factors you should keep in mind when you are getting your solar power system designed.

The idea of getting the electricity from sun is very attractive, however, there are few important factors to be considered before you initialize the installation or any kind of purchase of solar panels.

You need to know about different components of solar rooftop PV system as those should be selected according to the type of system (On-Grid, Off-Grid or Hybrid), site location (longitude-latitude, direction, shadow free area, roof size etc.) and applications (lighting load, type of equipment, number of hours, day vs night usage). The key components for solar PV system are solar PV panels, charge controller, inverter, battery designed specifically for solar charging, complimentary energy sources like DG capacity and loads (appliances).

On-Grid System or Utility Interconnected System

Off-Grid System

Hybrid System

With 88% annual growth rate in solar market – many solar companies have entered in the market and providing solar solution on CAPEX and OPEX model. In this race, customers are selecting their solar energy company based on lowest price, available brand choices and subsidy options only. As mentioned earlier, once you have identified the size and type of system while evaluating various components it is vital to know about customer’s needs, near and far shadow analysis, analysis of different losses, expected generation result based on various simulation software like PVSyst and PVSol.

It is worth to invest time to identify right system integrator or an EPC company. They can provide you right kind of solar system design best on your power needs. It will help you to get best ROI of your solar rooftop investment.

Also Read: The future of Solar Energy

The idea of getting the electricity from sun is very attractive, however, there are few important factors to be considered before you initialize the installation or any kid of purchase of solar panels.

1. Location: Understand if your house is in a suitable location for solar power? The sunlight is available on different parts of house at different times. Ideally, the solar panels need to be petitioned to get the most exposer to the sunlight most of the time. Any kind of shed from trees, other homes/buildings or any other relevant object that will grow in time is sometimes overlooked.
2. Available Roof Area: The roof size can be gained from the construction plan of your house, if that is available. However, it is advisable you get a certified solar installer to measure your roof. If you subtract from the available roof surface shadowed areas, dormers, windows, and the like, it results in the maximum mounting surface for the solar PV system.
3. The Condition of Roof: Get your roof inspected professionally before buying the solar panels. Solar panels are mostly roof mounted and average weight of each solar panel is approx. 20Kg. This will be extra weight on your roof. Some solar companies offer free roof inspection, you can take advantage of.
4. Your Energy Goals: How much energy do you use on average with your current system? This is a major factor in how large your solar power system needs to be. If you use above average, you may need a larger system. Conversely, if you use less than average, you could potentially leverage a smaller system. The output per panel and hence system output depends on panel efficiency and the solar radiation at the site.
5. Electrical Wiring & Inverter: The wiring carries the energy from the panels to the inverter; from the inverter to the electrical service panel; from the electrical service panel into the home or business. The inverter is what changes the sunlight from DC into AC, which is then delivered to the homeowner’s electrical service panel. Choose a battery with a capacity equal or more than that of the Solar Panels. A battery is not needed in case of Solar On-grid system. It is needed in case of Solar Off-grid system or Hybrid Solar system (a mix of Solar On-grid or Solar Off-grid).

Share your thoughts and feedback about this post by commenting below or write to us. We will keep your suggestion in mind for future post on solar rooftop PV topic. For more information, please visit our website www.startsolar.co.in