Best Solar Panels for Home and Their Multiple Usages

What is Solar Energy?

The natural sources of energy being at the verge of depletion, renewable sources of energy form a great alternative to supplement the huge demands of energy resources on earth.  Being an abundant source of sustainable energy, solar energy comes out to be the most formidable choice since it would not be exhausted as fossil fuel such as coal- a non sustainable source of energy. It does not cause pollution and is extremely beneficial to the health of earth as well as that of human beings.

What is Solar Panel?

Solar Panel is the common name for Photo Voltaic (PV) Module. The French Scientist Edmond Becquere discovered the Photo Voltaic Module for capturing sunlight to produce electricity in 1839. In a Photo Voltaic Module photo voltaic cells are mounted in a framework, covered with glass in order to capture sunlight and convert it to energy by means of producing direct current electricity. A group of PV Module is called a panel which supplies solar electricity to electrical equipments. Electricity thus produced is eco- friendly and cost effective. It is used commercially as well as in residential establishments.

Types of Solar Panels Available in India

Basically, two types of solar panels are available in the country. They are: Mono Crystalline Solar Panel and Poly Crystalline Solar Panel.

Mono Crystalline Solar Panel– made of pure crystalline silicon cells (c-Si), this solar panel generates higher watts of power. The single crystalline silicon provides the electrons more space to move to produce high efficiency electricity. The Mono Perc Cell of size 156mm and 156 mm with black colour is used to produce 90% of solar panel across the globe. Mono Crystalline Solar Panels are known as high efficiency solar panels.

Poly Crystalline Solar Panel- this solar panel is also known as ‘multi- crystalline’ or ‘many crystalline silicon’. Made from multiple fragments of silicon, this panel provides lesser scope for electron movements and has lower efficiency ratings compared to Mono Crystalline Solar Panel. Poly Crystalline Solar panel produces a bluish hue.

Basic Differences between Mono Crystalline Solar Panel and Poly Crystalline Solar Panel  

Despite being produced from crystalline silicon, there are certain differences between these two types of solar panels. In the table below, we have tried to point out the basic differences-

Features of Solar Panel

• Solar Panels have aluminium frames connected with tapes to the silicon. These aluminium frames increase the strength of the solar panel and help in installation. The aluminium frames of the solar panels have 30mm-45 mm thickness.
• Fitted with unbreakable glass the solar panels assure of its durability. The folded solar panels have folded unbreakable glass.
• A system of solar panel is called Array. An ‘array’ is designed either in series or in parallel alignment. A solar panel must have 1 meter wire and IP 68 Junction box to protect it from dust and water.
• Sun simulator is used to measure the power generated by solar panel. Sun simulator helps in producing specific light condition that measures the highest power generated by the particular solar panel.
• Thin-films with 2 micron thickness are used in solar panel.
• Poly Crystalline Solar panels are cost effective thereby pocket friendly but are less efficient in generating power.
• Mono Crystalline Solar Panels or high efficiency solar panels require smaller space and are highly effective in generating electricity.
• A solar panel must be connected with the grid PV system by means of an inverter and battery which is needed to store power. The inverter converts the DC current produced by the solar panel into AC current.

Prices of Solar Panel in India

The prices of solar panel are measured in terms of watt of power it generates per unit. There are two types of solar systems: 1) on grid solar systems 2) off grid solar systems. The factors that determine the price of solar system are its capacity of generating electricity per watt, its size and the location where it is installed. The price of solar panel varies from Rs. 25- Rs. 75 depending upon its efficiency, the brand and the warranty promised by the particular brand. In case of bulk purchase the prices of solar panels become pocket friendly. Solar panels for home cost around Rs. 95,000 for 1KW solar panels, which produces 5000watt electricity. It illumines 2/3 BHK flats or house for 7-8 hours. Solar panel for home cost includes battery, inverter and installation charge.

People also prefer 24V solar panels which produce 375 watt electricity. It is Mono Crystalline Solar panel with 20% higher efficiency. 24V solar panels require less space for installation and are priced around Rs. 38,000.

Installation of solar Panels 

Installation of solar panels requires expert and experienced hands. A minor mistake in installation will land you in loss of power generation and lesser efficiency of solar panels. Only a professional installer can fit it perfectly measuring the location in terms of sqft area. The installation cost varies between Rs. 10 and Rs. 15 per watt depending upon the location, distance between the panel and inverter, on grid solar system and off grid solar system. We at AREWEY are known for our expertise in solar panel installation. With utmost care and impeccable mastery our professionals install the solar panels at the designated area and have earned satisfaction of several happy customers.

Solar Panel Maintenance

Solar panels are known for its less maintenance and care. Nevertheless, to retain its life and strength, it is mandatory to keep it clean and free from dust. It is found that a cleaner solar panel generates 25% more power. The users have to shell out only a few hundred rupees annually for its maintenance. Here are certain guidelines for maintenance of solar panel:

• Solar Panel must be kept out of shade
• Special care must be taken while cleaning the glass that it must not get scratched
• To clean the solar panel soft clothes, shampoo or mild soap should be used.

Solar Panel Manufacturing Units in India

India is the third rank holder in the globe in matters of manufacturing solar panels. There are about 150 companies that manufacture solar panels in the country. India has acquired 10 GW manufacturing capacity and is Home to nearly 35 GW installation of solar panels in 2020. The best solar panels are judged by the solar system, build quality, serviceability, power generation output and per watt price etc.

Government Subsidy scheme on Solar Panel

MNRE- Ministry of New and Renewal Energy, Government of India offers 30% subsidy on ‘on grid solar systems’. The Government of India has granted 4GW (4000MW) capacity of grid connected solar system for rooftop solar sector in 2020. This would encourage the industries to install solar panels in the factories and workshops and move ahead of making a greener India.