FAQs

Empowering Your Solar Ambitions

Making the transition to a new energy source is exciting and intimidating in equal measure. Every technological advancement comes with its share of questions. Fortunately, solar energy has a proven track record of helping home and business owners save money and reduce their carbon footprint. 

At Tata Power Solar, we’ve made it our mission to simplify green energy concepts that may seem complex at first. From the basics of solar to how solar is Subsidized in  Karnataka, our FAQ is a comprehensive collection of going solar need-to-knows.

Shining Light On Your Solar Questions

“Twenty years ago, the idea of accessing solar energy systems seemed like a distant dream. Today, solar power has become the leading renewable energy choice. Our expert team simplifies the complexities of solar technology, guiding you through its workings and the substantial savings it brings. Learn more about solar energy, how it functions, and why it’s a smart home upgrade.”

 

The Basics of Solar

What Are Solar Panels and How Do They Work?

Solar panels harness the power of the sun to generate renewable energy. Panels contain photovoltaic cells, which absorb photons from sunlight as energy. These cells are commonly built from semiconductor materials such as silicon. Electrical equipment called an inverter is then used to change the raw direct current (DC) energy into usable alternating current (AC) electricity

Solar is a clean, renewable form of energy. That means the energy you use generated from solar creates no CO2 emissions. Using solar energy to power your home or business substantially reduces your carbon footprint.  Additionally, solar energy brings other environmental benefits. Because there are no emissions, solar adoption can reduce air and waterway pollution, creating a healthier environment for us all.

Solar panels are built to last for decades. Most solar panels continue producing energy for up to 25-30 years after installation. Different factors can impact the lifespan of your solar system, including proper maintenance and care, and the severity of weather conditions in your area.

Going Solar

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

Solar, like any home improvement project, can vary quite a bit in cost. The national average price for a 3kW on-grid solar system in India typically ranges from ₹2,15,000 to ₹2,50,000. However, prices can vary based on factors such as location, quality of components, and installation specifics. For instance, in Karnataka, the cost ranges between ₹2,55,000 and ₹2,68,000.

To promote solar adoption, the Indian government offers subsidies for residential on-grid solar systems. For a 3kW system, the subsidy can be approximately ₹78,000, effectively reducing the overall cost. This subsidy is typically credited to the consumer’s bank account within 30 to 60 days after installation and net metering setup.

It’s important to note that these prices are indicative and can vary based on specific requirements and market conditions. For precise and up-to-date pricing, it’s advisable to consult with Tata solar installers or suppliers.

Absolutely! Along with its environmental benefits, going solar can lead to substantial savings over time. For instance, in India, the average lifetime energy cost savings from installing a solar rooftop system can range between ₹5,00,000 to ₹25,00,000, depending on factors like system size, location, and electricity rates. Your exact savings will vary based on the size of your solar installation, local site conditions, and prevailing utility costs in your region. Solar not only reduces your monthly energy bills but also protects you from rising electricity tariffs, making it a smart financial investment.

The number of solar panels that fit your roof will depend on the amount of energy you need, as well as the size, design, make-up (includes dormers, skylights, vents, chimneys, etc) and slope of your roof. Our team performs a thorough survey and design to determine how space can best be utilized.

If you’d like to lease your solar panels, you can enter into a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (Solar PPA). A PPA is a contract with a solar installation company. They will install panels on your property free of charge, and bill you for the reduced-cost energy you use from the solar system.

Installing solar panels is considered a home improvement project in most regions. Each state may have its approval requirements when conducting home improvement projects. Our team works to facilitate all necessary approvals so you can proceed without getting bogged down in paperwork.

Yes, you can install solar panels on your property even if it falls under a Resident Welfare Association (RWA). The Indian government actively promotes rooftop solar installations through initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which offers subsidies to homeowners and RWAs

Solar panels are exceptionally resilient. However, like any piece of your home, they do need upkeep to ensure they can maintain optimal output throughout time. It’s important to regularly clean your panels to ensure dirt and grime don’t prevent contact between the sun and the PV cells. Solar maintenance companies will help you maintain your solar system over the years, protecting wiring from pests and your cells from efficiency loss. 

Subsidy Details for RWAs/GHS:

  • Subsidy Amount: ₹18,000 per kW
  • Maximum Capacity Eligible: Up to 500 kW
  • Allocation Basis: Calculated at 3 kW per house.
  • The 3 kW per house metric determines the maximum capacity eligible for subsidy based on the number of houses in the RWA/GHS.

    Example:

    • An RWA with 100 houses can receive a subsidy for a solar system up to 300 kW (100 houses × 3 kW per house).
    • The total subsidy would be ₹54,00,000 (300 kW × ₹18,000 per kW).

Your roof is integral to both the structure of your home and your solar system. Before completing a solar installation, we’ll assess the state of your roof. Your roof will need to be in good condition to support a solar system. If your roof is significantly aged or damaged, it will need repairs or replacement prior to solar panels being installed.

Keeping track of your solar production is easy thanks to digital monitoring apps. After installation, we’ll ensure you’re set up to monitor your production over time.

Yes! Solar panels are highly desirable for home buyers. As such, property values increase by 4.1% on average after making the switch to solar.

Solar batteries are used to store excess power generated by your system instead of sending it back to the grid. Solar batteries are an optional add-on and are never required. We can help you determine if battery storage would be the right choice for you.

Solar Subsidies

What Are Solar Subsidies under PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is an initiative by the Government of India to promote the adoption of solar energy by providing subsidies for rooftop solar installations. Launched on February 15, 2024, the scheme aims to benefit one crore households across the country, making renewable energy more affordable and accessible.

Subsidy Details:

  • For Individual Households:

    • Up to 2 kW: ₹30,000 per kW
    • Additional Capacity (up to 3 kW): ₹18,000 per kW
    • Maximum Subsidy: ₹78,000 for systems larger than 3 kW
    •  
    • For Group Housing Societies (GHS) and Resident Welfare Associations (RWA): Common Facilities (including EV charging): ₹18,000 per kW capacity Limit: Up to 500 kW, calculated at 3 kW per house

To apply, visit the official DISCOM portal or the MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) website. Register with your details, upload the required documents, and select an empaneled vendor for installation. The subsidy will be disbursed directly to the vendor, reducing the overall cost of installation.

Yes, the Karnataka state government offers property tax exemptions for residential and commercial properties with solar installations. Additionally, solar projects are eligible for accelerated depreciation of up to 40%, which can significantly reduce tax liability for businesses.

Net metering are energy savings you receive by generating excess electricity. When you generate more energy than you use, the excess energy is sent back to the grid. When this happens, your utility company will give you net metering credits. These can be used to receive discounted energy costs from the utility company during periods when your system may generate less energy than you need. 

Your solar bill is calculated based on your system’s energy generation, consumption, export to the grid, fixed charges, and taxes. Here’s how it works:

  1. Solar Generation: The energy generated by your solar system depends on its capacity. For instance, a 3 kW system producing 4 units per kW per day generates 12 units/day or 360 units/month (30 days).

  2. Energy Consumption vs. Export: If your household consumes 280 units/month, the remaining 80 units (360 – 280) are exported to the grid. This surplus is credited to your account through net metering.

  3. Fixed Charges: These are based on your sanctioned load. For a 3 kW system with a fixed charge of ₹120 per kW, the total fixed charge is ₹360/month (3 kW × ₹120).

  4. Energy Charges: You are charged for energy imported from the grid. If your consumption exceeds the solar energy generated, you pay for the extra units at the grid’s tariff. In this example, if your consumption is fully covered by solar, energy charges will be ₹0.

  5. Taxes: Taxes are applied at 9% on energy charges. If there are no energy charges, no taxes are applicable.

Example of Final Bill:

  • Solar Energy Generated: 360 units
  • Energy Consumed: 280 units
  • Surplus Exported: 80 units
  • Fixed Charges: ₹360
  • Energy Charges: ₹0 (no grid import)
  • Taxes: ₹0

Total Payable Amount: ₹360 (fixed charges only).

On cloudy or rainy days, when solar generation is low, any extra energy required is imported from the grid, and you will be charged for those imported units. Net metering ensures that any surplus energy exported to the grid is credited to your future bills, reducing your costs.

For a more in-depth look at how solar works and to learn if its a good fit for you and your home download our FREE Going Solar FAQ!

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