Solar panel installation is increasing rapidly among Indian households. Subsidies by the Indian government are further contributing to increased home solar system installation. If you are also interested in solar installation, here are the important things that you must check and consider.

7 Things to Consider Before Solar Panel Installation in India

You need to consider the following factors before solar panel installation for a hassle-free experience:  

1) Direction and Placement of Solar Panel

The direction of placing solar panels followed by the shading on your rooftop are essential factors determining the power output. Maximum exposure of solar panels to the sun increases the power generation. Plus, the angle of the solar panel must be in a way that it gets sunlight perpendicular for a maximum time.

You need to install solar panels avoiding shady areas on your rooftop. Shading might result due to trees, houses or lamp posts in the nearby area.

You can consult a professional installer to assess the shading of your rooftop and place solar panels avoiding shades. In addition, an expert solar system installation partner will ensure that the solar panels are in the right angle.

2) Rooftop Space and Weight-bearing Capacity

Based on the capacity of solar panels, the rooftop space required for solar system installation varies. You need to check for rooftop space adequacy before you install a home solar system. Approximately, you require 80 square feet of rooftop area to install a 1 kW solar panel. Further, for a 3 kW solar panel you require (3 x 80) square feet = 240 square feet of rooftop area.

In addition, you need to check for the weight-bearing capacity of your roof, especially if the house is old. Ensure the weight of solar panels supports the capacity of your rooftop space.

3) Choosing the Right Solar Panel

You will find different types of solar panels available in the market with varied efficiencies. A Mono PERC half-cut bifacial solar panel has an efficiency of approximately 22% to 23%. On the other hand, a TopCon solar panel has an efficiency of around 23.23%. A high efficiency ensures better power output for your home.

Further, a relatively new technology of solar panels is emerging in the market named Heterojunction solar cell technology. It has an efficiency as high as 23.84% to produce the highest solar power. You can choose a solar panel with high efficiency to generate maximum solar-powered electricity for your home.

In this regard, it is better if you get the solar installation solution after comparing solar quotations from multiple vendors. From quotations, you can clearly see which solar panels, inverters, and other equipment you will get. Das Energie Private Limited has built a platform from where you can get quotations from your local solar installers.

4) Check the Cost of Installation

The cost of solar panels differs based on the capacity and in-built technology. Further, the cost of a 1 kW solar panel without subsidy ranges between Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 1,30,000. The price range increases if you install a solar pane with a higher capacity.

A 3 kW solar panel price ranges from Rs. 1,90,000 to Rs. 2,30,000. In this regard, you must also know the detailed breakdown of 3 kW solar system cost while contacting vendors. It will help you ensure whether the selected vendor is taking the right price from you.

You can choose a solar panel capacity based on the energy requirements of your home. Further, you can select any solar panel for rooftop solar system installation within the price range based on your affordability. However, you can get government subsidies of Rs. 30,000, Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 78,000 for a solar panel capacity of 1 kW, 2 kW, 3 kW or more respectively.

The subsidised price of a 1 kW solar panel ranges between Rs. 60,000 to Rs, 1,00,000. On the other hand, the subsidised price of a 3 kW solar panel ranges between Rs. 1,60,000 to Rs. 2,00,000.

5) Determining Power Requirement

You can determine the required capacity of solar panels for your home based on the daily average power requirements. A solar panel of 1 kW generates approximately 4 units of electricity a day. It can further generate approximately 120 units per month. You can choose the capacity of home solar system installation based on the number of units your household consumes per month.

For instance, if you require 360-450 units of electricity per month, you need to install a solar panel of 3 kW. On the other hand, if you require 240 to 300 units of electricity every month, you need to install a 2 kW solar panel.

6) Subsidy Eligibility

To be eligible for the solar panel subsidy, you need to install a solar panel which is DCR (domestic content requirement) or manufactured in India.  Further, you must use ALMM-listed solar modules.

Verify if your vendor is empanelled with the distribution company or DISCOM to get subsidies conveniently. The Indian government is providing solar subsidies when you install solar panels containing solar cells made in India.

In addition, ensure that you install an on-grid solar system to avail subsidies. Integrating a net meter with your home solar system completes the solar panel installation process and helps you be eligible for subsidies.

7) After-sales Services and Maintenance

Solar panels are exposed to high temperatures and harsh weather conditions. As a result, dirt and dust frequently accumulate on the panels requiring cleaning and maintenance. Ensure you enquire about after-sales services and maintenance services with your vendor.

Vendors often offer regular cleaning services free of cost up to 1 year from the installation date. You need to further consider the frequency of cleaning solar panels after installation. Usually, you need to clean your solar panels at least once or twice a month for uninterrupted performance and power generation.

In this regard, if you apply for a solar panel installation at Das Energie, you will get quotations from your local installers along with a detailed breakdown of the total cost, including the maintenance charge.

To conclude, you need to consider factors like rooftop space, shading, direction of solar panel installation and type of solar panels before installing your home rooftop solar system. Additionally, considering factors like subsidy, eligibility, cost and maintenance services helps you in a seamless solar panel installation at your residence.