ROOFTOP SOLAR POWER PLANT

Solar for India

 Most parts of India
receive good solar
radiation 4- 7 kWh/sq.
m/day
 Possible to meet growing
energy demands and
cover deficit areas
 Can substantially reduce
consumption of kerosene
and diesel for lighting
and power generation
 Provide access and
empowerment at grass
root level
How much roof space do I need for a PV system?
A typical PV system requires about 100 square feet for every kilowatt installed
on a pitched roof, and up to 100 square feet per kilowatt on a flat roof. PV
systems should be installed facing south for maximum electricity production.
 How a PV System Works
 PV systems are like any other
electrical power generating systems,
just the equipment used is different
than that used for conventional
electromechanical generating
systems.
 Depending on the functional and
operational requirements of the
system, the specific components
required, and may include major
components
DC-AC power inverter, battery bank,
system and battery controller,
auxiliary energy sources
and sometimes the specified electrical
load (appliances).

 In addition, an assortment of balance

of system (BOS) hardware, Including
wiring, overcurrent, surge protection
and disconnect devices, and other
power processing equipment
 Why Are Batteries Used in Some PV Systems?

 Batteries are often used in PV

systems for the purpose of storing
energy produced by the PV array
during the day, and to supply it to
electrical loads as needed (during the
night and periods of cloudy weather).

 Other reasons batteries are used in

PV systems are to operate the PV
array near its maximum power point,
to power electrical loads at stable
voltages, and to supply surge
currents to electrical loads and
inverters.

 In most cases, a battery charge

controller is used in these systems to
protect the battery from overcharge
and over discharge.
 In many stand-alone PV systems,
batteries are used for energy storage.
Figure shows a diagram of a typical
stand-alone PV system powering DC
and AC loads
 Types of PV Systems
Photovoltaic power systems are generally
classified according to:
• functional and operational
requirements,
• component configurations,
• how the equipment is
connected to other power
sources and electrical
loads.
The two principle classifications are
grid-connected or utility-
interactive systems
stand-alone systems.

Photovoltaic systems can be designed to

provide DC and/or AC power service, can
operate interconnected with or
independent of the utility grid, and can be
connected with other energy sources and
energy storage systems.1.7.1 Grid- Diagram of grid-connected
Connected (Utility-Interactive) PV photovoltaic system
Systems.
 Photovoltaic hybrid system

Stand-alone PV systems are

designed to operate independent of
the electric utility grid, and are
generally designed and sized to
supply certain DC and/or AC
electrical loads.

These types of systems may be

powered by a PV array only, or may
use wind, an engine-generator or
utility power as an auxiliary power
source in what is called a PV-hybrid
system.
Solar System: Most systems today are Grid tied, meaning no battery back up involved.
The typical system includes the panels on the roof, which generate Direct Current from the
sun’s rays. This D/C current is carried by a conduit to an inverter, which converts the D/C
power to A/C for use in homes and business. From the inverter, the electricity flows into
the service panel, with excess power flowing back to the Grid.
Net metering is a program offered by a utility company for customers
that install renewable energy systems to generate their own electricity
that can be used to offset a portion of the electric energy provided by the
utility. Any excess energy generated by the customer during the monthly
billing cycle would be sold to the utility company and credited to the
customer.
 Some Obvious Questions about Solar
Does Solar Work in India?
India’s climate can be tough at times, but there is plenty of sunlight to support solar
energy. In fact, even cooler Northeast temperatures make solar electric cells work
efficiently. Much more important than sunlight intensity are programs to make solar cost
effective, which is why cool and cloudy for example Germany is actually the global leader
in solar generated electricity.

Are solar panels fragile?

Solar Electric systems are extremely rugged. They have no moving parts to wear out
over time. Many solar installations have been producing energy for over thirty years, and
today almost all solar panels come with a 25 year warranty. Today’s panels are designed
to withstand lightning strikes, hail storms, and 100+ mile-an-hour wind.

Do solar panels need to be cleaned?

Except in unusual circumstances where panels are in close proximity to a dusty or
heavily polluted area, solar panels do not require cleaning. In India there is enough rain
to give solar panels all the washing they need. Generally solar panels need to be water
washed once every year which is achieved in Rainy seasons. So no additional system
required for cleaning.

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Does a roof need to face south?
The ideal roof slopes towards the south, since southern exposure will maximize
the efficiency of solar panels. But even if your roof is east or west facing, you
can still get strong results. If there is a flat roof we can orient the panels to
maximize efficiency.

How much roof space is required for a solar electric system?

For every kilowatt (kW) installed, a solar system takes up about 100 square
feet, so an average solar system takes between 300 and 400 square feet.

What size solar system is needed?

The size of a solar PV system depends on how much electricity is used. When
we design an array, we start by looking at utility bills to determine the usage.
From there we assess the specifics of a client’s site, including building
orientation and roof shading to see how much energy it could generate. We
then offer the client a detailed proposal – usually with two or three optimal
system sizes - specific to their situation.
Thank you