For many home owners in Kerala, the cost of electricity is a major concern. As there has been growing interest in renewable energy, installing solar panels on the roof has become a feasible solution for households who want to cut their electricity bills and produce clean power.
A well-designed system of solar panels on the roof can help homeowners make more effective use of the space available on their roofs at the same time as reducing their need for electricity from the grid. However, before making an investment it is essential to understand the different types of systems, the costs involved, the availability of subsidies, the installation requirements, the necessary maintenance and the savings that can be expected.
The entire guide explains all the information that homeowners in Kerala should know regarding rooftop solar.
What Is Rooftop Solar?
Rooftop solar refers to a solar power system that is installed on the roof of a house or a commercial building, and the solar panels absorb the sunlight and turn it into electricity.
A typical rooftop solar system includes:
Solar panels
Solar inverter
Mounting structure
DC and AC cables
Earthing and protection equipment
Monitoring system
Metering equipment, where applicable
The electricity produced can be used in the home, and any excess electricity can be fed into the grid provided that this is allowed by the relevant metering and electricity regulations.
What is it about Kerala that makes rooftop solar so popular?
Kerala gets a great deal of sunlight all during the year, which makes solar energy a useful form of renewable energy for use in homes.
Some of the main benefits include:
1. Lower Electricity Bills
Producing electricity at your roof can cut down on the amount of power that you buy from the grid.
2. Long-Term Savings
Even though solar energy demands an initial outlay, a well-designed system is capable of producing electricity for many years and may thus result in considerable long-term savings.
3. Government Subsidy
Residential consumers who are eligible can obtain financial help through various government programmes for roof-mounted solar power, such as the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
4. Clean Energy
Solar power produces electricity without involving direct combustion when it is operating, which makes it a cleaner option compared to conventional methods of generating electricity.
5. Making more effective use of roof space
A rooftop that is not being used can be made into a productive source of renewable energy.
Types of Rooftop Solar Systems
Homeowners should, before installing the systems, understand the main types of roof-top solar systems.
On-Grid Solar System
An on-grid system is connected to the electricity grid and the home uses the solar power whilst any excess generation can be exported to the grid in accordance with the relevant regulations.
This method is usually appropriate for homeowners who wish to lower their electricity bills without having to use a big battery system.
Off-Grid Solar System
A system that is off the grid works on its own separate from the electricity grid and generally makes use of batteries to store the extra energy.
It is useful in places where electricity from the grid is not available or is unreliable, even though one has to take into account the cost of the batteries and the need for maintenance.
Hybrid Solar System
A system that is hybrid uses solar panels, is connected to the grid and includes battery storage.
While it does offer greater energy flexibility, the extra battery system usually leads to a higher initial investment.
How many solar panels are needed for a home?
The amount of panels needed will depend on the capacity of the system and the wattage of the panels you have chosen.
For instance, the number of panels that a 3 kW rooftop system uses would depend on whether the modules chosen have a capacity of 400 W, 450 W, 500 W or another capacity.
The ideal system should be determined based on:
Monthly electricity consumption
Available roof area
Solar exposure
Shading
Panel efficiency
Roof orientation
Future electricity requirements
The best method for working out the right capacity is to carry out a professional site assessment.
What does rooftop solar cost in Kerala?
The price for rooftop solar depends on the capacity of the system, the quality of the equipment, how complicated the installation is and on other requirements.
Homeowners commonly consider:
1 kW systems
2 kW systems
3 kW systems
5 kW systems
Larger residential systems
The last quotation can comprise solar panels, an inverter, the mounting structure, the cabling, protection equipment, installation and other services.
Rather than go for the lowest quotation, you should compare the full system specifications and the warranty coverage.
Solar Subsidy for Kerala Homeowners
Residential consumers who are eligible can obtain the central subsidy for rooftop solar that is provided under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
Under the standard central subsidy structure:
1 kW: ₹30,000
2 kW: ₹60,000
3 kW: ₹78,000
Above 3 kW: Maximum ₹78,000
Eligibility for subsidies and the conditions regarding applications are determined by the relevant government rules. Homeowners should check the most up-to-date requirements before beginning the project.
How Does Rooftop Solar Work?
The process is rather simple.
Sunlight → Solar Panels → Inverter → Home Appliances → Grid
Solar panels produce DC electricity using sunlight, and the inverter then converts this electricity into AC power so that it can be used by household appliances.
If the system produces more electricity than the home is using, the surplus power can be fed into the grid in accordance with the relevant metering arrangement.
If the amount of solar power produced is not enough, then the house can take electricity from the grid.
Is rooftop solar suitable for every home?
It isn’t the case that all roofs are equally suitable for having solar panels installed.
Before installation, consider:
Roof Area
There should be sufficient usable space for the necessary number of panels.
Shading
The solar panels may experience a reduction in power production if trees, neighbouring buildings, water tanks and other structures cast shade on them.
Roof Condition
The roof must be structurally appropriate for the mounting system that is proposed.
Orientation
The way the roof is oriented and the position of the panels influence the quantity of sunlight that is received.
Electricity Consumption
Your system must be the right size depending on your electricity usage.
Rooftop Solar and Kerala’s Monsoon
A frequent concern amongst homeowners in Kerala is whether or not solar panels function during the monsoon period.
Solar panels are still able to produce electricity on days when it is cloudy, though the amount produced is usually less than on sunny days.
Rain can as well remove dust and dirt from the surface of the panel. Yet, if there is heavy rainfall, cloud cover and less sunlight, energy production will be temporarily reduced.
A system which has been installed correctly must be capable of enduring the local weather conditions.
How to Choose a Solar Installation Company
One of the most important decisions to make when investing in rooftop solar is to choose the right installer.
Look for a company that offers:
Quality solar panels
Reliable inverters
Proper mounting structures
Professional electrical installation
Clear warranties
Transparent pricing
Government subsidy guidance
Monitoring solutions
After-sales service
You shouldn’t judge companies solely on the basis of price, since a system of slightly higher quality with professional installation and reliable service might provide better value over the long term.
What concern is there regarding solar rooftop panels near Coimbatore?
This guide is primarily about Kerala, but people who are homeowners or run businesses in nearby areas might also be looking into solar rooftop panels in Coimbatore.
The same basic factors apply when selecting a rooftop solar system, namely electricity consumption, the size of the roof, the amount of sunlight available, the quality of the panels, the efficiency of the inverter, the installation standards and the after-sales support.
If you’re looking at solar options for your property, for more information about Zeesonic’s solar services please visit https://zeesonic.com/.
Rooftop Solar Maintenance
Solar panels usually need only a small amount of maintenance, but it is useful to carry out periodic inspections in order to keep the system performing well.
Homeowners should:
Keep panels reasonably clean
Check for visible damage
Monitor system generation
Inspect cables and connections periodically
Ensure surrounding trees do not create excessive shade
Contact a professional if the inverter shows an error
How often the cleaning is carried out will depend on the local environmental conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing a System Without Checking Electricity Usage
A system which is too small might not achieve the anticipated savings, whereas a system that is unnecessarily large could result in a higher investment.
Ignoring Shading
Even a partial shade will have an effect on the amount of solar power generated.
Selecting Panels Based Only on Price
The quality of the panels, the warranty and the efficiency are all important factors.
Not Checking the Inverter
The inverter is a vital component of the system and its specifications together with the warranty ought to be clearly stated in the quotation.
Ignoring After-Sales Support
Since it is a long-term investment, reliable service is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should rooftop solar be worthwhile in Kerala?
Rooftop solar is often a worthwhile long-term investment for many home owners since it helps to reduce the amount of electricity drawn from the grid and supplies clean energy.
What amount of roof space is needed?
The size of area needed will vary according to the capacity of the system, the dimensions of the panels and the way the roof is arranged. A professional site assessment can establish the usable area.
Can solar panels function when it is raining?
Yes, solar panels are able to produce electricity under cloudy and rainy conditions, but the amount of electricity produced is generally lower since the intensity of the sunlight is decreased.
What residential solar system size is the most popular?
The size of the system is determined by the amount of electricity it uses. While a number of houseowners look at systems with a capacity of 2 kW, 3 kW or 5 kW, the correct capacity should still be chosen according to individual needs.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels of good quality are made with long-term use in mind, usually coming with performance guarantees that last for many years. The real length of time they last will vary according to the quality of the product, the environmental conditions, and the extent of any maintenance carried out.
Final Thoughts
Roof-mounted solar panels can be a wonderful means for homeowners in Kerala to produce clean electricity and cut down on their reliance on power from the grid. Since there is government financial help available for eligible residential installations, the first cost can be made more affordable.
The success of a solar project is determined by proper system sizing, the use of quality components, professional installation, and reliable after-sales service.
If you are researching rooftop solar in Kerala or if you are looking for solar rooftop panels near Coimbatore, be sure to compare the different options and select a reliable solar supplier.
If you’re looking for reliable solar solutions and professional advice, why not check out Zeesonic and take the next step on your way to a cleaner and more cost-effective energy future.