Question 1

How is solar power generated?

Accepted Answer

Solar energy is generated by converting solar sunlight into electricity. It is the cleanest and the most reliable source of energy available.

Question 2

Where can a Solar Power Plant be installed?

Accepted Answer

A Solar Power Plant can be installed in a shadow free area either in open ground or on the roof top.

Question 3

How much space is required for installation of the Solar Power Plant?

Accepted Answer

For installation of Solar Power Plant, a shadow free area of about 9-10 square meter (90 – 100 sq.ft.) per kWp area is required.

Question 4

How much electricity can be generated from a Solar Power Plant daily?

Accepted Answer

For every kWp power installed on a South facing rooftop, the system will generate around 1200 to 1600 units in a year depending on radiation levels of the region. This reduces by around 20% for an East or West facing roof.

Question 5

For how many hours can electricity be generated from a Solar Power Plant?

Accepted Answer

On clear sunny days, a Solar Power Plant can generate electricity for 8-9 hours daily.

Question 6

Can power be available during night from a Solar Power Plant?

Accepted Answer

Electric power may be available from the solar power plant if battery bank is installed.

Question 7

How much time will it take for installation of Solar Power Plant?

Accepted Answer

Once material is supplied on site, Solar Power Plant can be installed within 30 days depending on the size of the plant.

Question 8

Solar panels of a Solar Power Plant are to be installed on roof. How are these safe from wind and hailstorms?

Accepted Answer

These are safe from wind for a wind velocity of about 150 KM per hour and also safe from hailstorms to a great extent, if installed properly, as per specifications of MNRE.

Question 9

What are the types of solar cells / technology?

Accepted Answer

Mainly the solar cells are of three types: (i) Mono-crystalline; (ii) Polycrystalline and (iii) Thin film/amorphous.

Question 10

What is the difference between mono-crystalline, polycrystalline and thin film PV panels?         "

Accepted Answer

Mono-crystalline solar panels tend to be slightly more expensive than polycrystalline panels, however mono-crystalline panels are regarded as having a higher efficiency than others. The degradation level is more in case of Thin film/amorphous solar cells.

Question 11

What are the different kinds of solar power plants available?

Accepted Answer

There are 2 main types of solar power plants.
On grid (Recommended)
Off Grid
 
On Grid Solar Power Solutions: An on grid solution generates power only when it is connected to the grid. Excess energy generated from solar panels is fed back to the electrical grid or utility power service provider which can be used later. This is ideal at places with ample electrical supply as well as sunlight.
 
Simplest and most cost effective to install
Excess energy is fed back to the grid which can be used later
These systems pay for themselves by offsetting utility bills in 1-4 years
Very low maintenance and cost makes this a profitable solution
In places where there is rare power outage, this solution is ideal as it eliminates requirement of batteries & reduces cost of the system
High ROI over a period of time
Robust design to sustain rigorous environment
Easy to service and maintain
 
Off Grid Solar Power Solutions: These solutions allow you to store solar power in batteries in case of power outage. This also offsets the grid power in case of ample sunlight, thereby sending excess power to the grid for credit for later use. This can be rooftop or Ground standing solution depending on the site.
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Provides power in case of power outages and at night from the energy stored in batteries, hence it acts as back up power
Independence from grid power
Recommended for Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns which experience frequent power outage
Flexible & scalable for future expansions
Quick turnaround time on installations
Easy to service and maintain

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