Frequently Asked Questions
- Roof Top Solar Power Plant
- Roof Top Solar Water Heater
In a Rooftop Solar System, the solar panels are installed on the roof of a residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial building. A solar power plant generates electricity, while solar heaters use sunlight to produce hot water.
A 1 kW rooftop system generally requires 10 sq. metres (100 square feet) of flat, shadow-free, south-facing area. Actual sizing, however, also depends on local factors such as solar radiation, weather conditions, and the shape of the roof.
Net metering records the power fed into the grid. Net units are derived by subtracting power drawn from the grid from power fed into the grid, and billing is done on a net consumption basis. Net metering policy varies from state to state — the guidelines of the respective state should be referred to.
Gross metering is an arrangement in which a consumer is compensated at a fixed feed-in tariff for the total solar units exported to the grid. Gross metering policy varies from state to state — the guidelines of the respective state should be referred to.
The payback period typically varies between 3 to 5 years, depending on the installed capacity.
Solar systems require minimal maintenance, as they typically have no moving parts. However, routine maintenance is required to ensure the system continues to perform properly:
- Periodical cleaning with a water jet and wiping
- Checking earthing condition and continuity
- Checking cable condition and termination tightness
- Functionality check of the inverter
The most practical way to monitor the performance of a solar PV system is through the remote monitoring and data logging software provided by the inverter manufacturer. This feature does add some cost compared to a standard PV system.