Top Things to Consider Before Installing Rooftop Solar Panels
Updated: Jun 30, 2020
More and more people across the world are shifting to solar power. The advantages are numerous from reducing power bill to generating green energy.
While installing a rooftop solar unit can be a fantastic decision, you need to consider the following things before moving ahead with your plans.
The first thing to check is how sturdy is the roof.
Solar panels can put some weight on your roof. Make sure the structure is sturdy. If any repairs are needed, do them before moving ahead with the installing. Solar panels last a long time, usually around 25 years. That way, you won’t need to pay extra to dismantle the panels for any roof repairs and then put it up again.
Check the area and shape of your roof.
Make sure you have adequate area on your roof for the set up. A typical requirement is of about 80-100 sq ft for 1 kW system.
Next check the shape of your roof. What side is the slope?
Solar panels require specific placement in order to generate the maximum power. The proper inclination and direction changes from place to place. You should take help from your solar EPC (Engineer, procurer and constructor) company.
Then consider what type of system you want (Off-grid or on-grid).
An off-grid system is one where you don’t connect to the gird. You supply energy directly to your house and store the excess using batteries. This type of system is typically used in remote areas with no or unstable grid supply.
An on-grid system is one that is connected to the grid and the excess electricity is given back to the grid. This system is less expensive as you don’t need to invest in battery backup.
Sizing the solar panel system
Then you need to consider what size of system you want to install. This will depend on the type of system you want.
For an off-grid system you need to look at the load that you want to run and the number of hours you want to run them. This will help you determine the size and type of batteries that you need to store the electricity and also the size of panels required to generate.
For an on-grid system you need to take a look at your electricity bill. Check your maximum monthly consumption throughout the year. Also check your sanctioned load. A rough number of kWh can be calculated by dividing the maximum monthly consumption by 120 (as a 1kWh panel can produce a max 4 units a day. 4*30=120).
Remember, you also need to check with your local power providing agency as they sometimes also put a cap on your panel size so as to not exceed by 150% of your connected load.
Then choose the right brand of panels and your solar EPC, especially if you are looking to take advantage of government subsidy/rebates. Here you need to remember that sometimes local governments have some conditions to those subsidies, like they want the panels manufactured locally and not imported from other countries.
Buy the proper equipment. Sometimes the cheapest option is not the best. Check the different warranties on products.
All these things can be quiet confusing. Not to mention the amount of paperwork associated with it. We would recommend hiring a consultant to help you navigate.
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