Essential Questions To Ask Yourself Before Investing In A Residential Solar System

Energy is the most valuable aspect of the development and evolution of mankind. Without energy, no innovation is possible and mankind will have to compromise with the dearth of advancement. However, the traditional sources of energy that are used by mankind, like petroleum, coal, etc. are coming to an end.

In the coming few years, the earth will be devoid of these fuels. That will mark an end to any kind of energy production. But, the energy requirement is only constantly growing, with no chances of any drop in the demand and need. However, it takes only a few years to exhaust the resources; whereas, it will take millions of years for the production of these natural energy sources.

That's the reason; the world needs to turn to alternative sources of energy. And we all know that 'Sun' is the primary source of energy, providing energy to the entire animal or plant kingdom. Using solar energy is the most reliable way to combat this problem.

In case you are a homeowner, you might have already assessed the advantages of going solar. Being a costly investment decision that you will have to deal with for 25-years, it is judicious to do careful research before making any move. With this blog post, we will draw your attention to 11 important questions which you must ask yourself before investing in solar panels on your private property. We are certain that these answers will help in making your solar journey easy.

Would you be able to meet 100% of your domestic power demand with Solar Energy?
Absolutely yes! With a well-engineered residential solar system, you can produce enough electricity needed to meet the comprehensive power requirement of your home. However, several factors like your sanctioned load, your open shadow-free roof area, your energy consumption, and the state solar policy, may impact your energy generation potential otherwise.

How much can you save on your residential electricity bills by going solar?
For residential power customers, the monthly profits from solar can be as high as around 80% and in some instances even more. However, try determining your savings in certain values by as much as feasible before you order a solar rooftop system for your home. The main reason being - the savings from solar rooftop system for home is relative to the individual energy profile of your home.

Is your house fit for availing of net metering?
Net-metering is a significant functionality that boosts savings from solar if you decide to go solar with a hybrid or on-grid solar system. It will help you export the extra surplus electricity generated by your solar panel system to the grid in trade for compensation.

Currently, this facility is open for homeowners across all the states in India. However, the advantages of it may vary depending on the tariffs set down by the individual states.

You can easily apply for net metering anytime, both before and after the installation of your solar PV system. However, for ease, we recommend you apply for net-metering before the installation of the system.

How much will it cost to fit your residential rooftop solar system?
The cost of rooftop solar systems has fallen drastically over the past decade. For instance, a standard Solar system of 1 KW, which was available for around INR 145/Wp in the year 2000, is now available for around INR 35/Wp. However, the final cost differs depending upon the quality of parts, the expertise of the solar system installer, and the scale of the project. As residential solar systems are tinier in size, the per KW price tends to be costlier as compared to commercial or industrial solar systems, taking into account the lower scale of operations. The solution here is to not negotiate on the quality of the parts and the expertise of your PV system installer. Advantages from solar systems are reaped in 25 years, and you won't want to have any obnoxious experience for some short-term gain.

How shortly will your PV solar system break even?
With a perfectly configured residential solar system, you can presume your break-even point to arrive within 3-4 years. The breakeven time is however depends upon the size of the system, and the DISCOM tariff charge of your state. The point to remark here is that, as the returns from the solar system are in the form of savings, the profits are assured.

Is your home rooftop a suitable candidate for fixing solar panels?
Examining the stability of your rooftop is extremely essential. Your rooftop should be well-equipped to resist the load of the panels and the mounting structures. In case your rooftop is not firm, don’t think of going solar until you have fixed it well. Also, as most Indian houses are built too close to each other, it is important to verify that your rooftop is clear from any shadows being formed by nearby buildings/objects.

Can you displace your residential solar system to another location?
Yes, you can anytime uninstall and reinstall your PV solar system in a new location. But, make sure to be careful while attempting to do so to avoid causing any damages.

How can you make sure the good well-being of your residential solar system for 25 years?
Ensuring timely service and maintenance is the key to keep your residential solar system healthy for 25 years. Residential solar systems are smaller in size as compared to commercial ones and can therefore be maintained by oneself. However, it is recommended to opt for a package of service and maintenance as it reduces the risk associated with the job and guarantees timely action. A few other ways to make sure the good health of your residential solar system are to pick for the modules of premium quality as they are more long-lasting than the regular ones and to go for solar insurance as it protects your system against events like theft, fire, and burglary.

So, now is the right time to switch to PV solar systems for your homes for the generation of power. It is the best eco-friendly alternative, and the world seriously needs this switch. Save your funds along with saving the planet. Prepare yourself for a world that has to turn towards solar power soon.