In this post I would like to present to you the myths and facts pertaining to owning a solar electric energy system. This is just an attempt to offset some of the expectaions of consumers and give them a realistic understanding. Being a solar energy system integrator I have come across questions like how fast can a solar energy system payback or what is the ROI or how much savings can be achieved by going solar. It is these questions that prompted me to write this post and let the many potential buyers know the real cost involved in owning a solar electric energy system.
To begin with let us first see how much electricity will a solar energy system produce.
How much electricity will a solar energy system produce?
A 1 kW solar power system will produce 5 kW hours per day, on average over the year . This equates to approximately 1,800 kilowatt hours (kWh – Units) per year in Indian region. This also depends on a number of factors, such as orientation, partial shading, temperature of the panels etc. An average 3 bedroom home uses 15 – 20kWh (units) per day, but this will be different for everyone. Have a look at your most recent electricity bill. You will find an indication of average usage; this average can be used to find your consumption per day average.
If for example a 3 bedroom home uses 15 KW (15 units) a day then for one month it uses 450 units. And for two months the usage is 900 units, as per Tamilnadu electricity tariff, for usage above 600 units the per unit cost is Rs.5.25.
When you invest in a 1 KW solar energy system you can get 5 units a day. In Tamilnadu according to new tariff, for usage above 600 units the charge per unit is Rs.5.25. So for 5 units you get from your 1KW system, 5 x 5,25=Rs.26.25 savings per day. On average we get about 300 sunny days a year, so 300 x 26.25=Rs.7875 savings per year.
Now, a 1 KW solar energy system cost around Rs.2,20,000 to Rs.2,35,000.
This system will have xx number of solar panels of capacity 1000 watts or little above, with warranty.
One charge controller reputed brand with warranty.
A battery bank of minimum 400 AH to store solar power.
A 1500 to 2000 watts sinewave inverter.
Balance of system – connectors, cables, fixtures etc.
Installation and commissioning charges will be extra.
This above system will produce 5 units of 230v AC current a day and so a saving of 5 units per day.
Benefits of Solar Electric Energy System
Personal Benefits
1) You get electric energy almost all the time with out interruption.
2) With a right solar energy system from a knowledgeable supplier you can run all the AC and DC electrical gadgets at your home for life long without damage to your gadgets.
3) It is a non polluting, silent, renewable power source. As long as the sun shines you get power supply which can be stored for one or two days backup with a properly sized storage battery bank.
4) According to the amount of energy (in units) produced the proportionate amount of money (tariff per unit) will be reduced from your electricity bill.
IMPORTANT NOTE : But this is not a gain the reason for which I will let you know towards the end of this post.
Environmental Benefits
1) It is clean, renewable, silent and non-polluting.
2) When you use solar electric energy system your contribution on co2 emission is less. Since you are not using generators you are not using fossil fuels and so no co2 emission.
These days everyone talks about saving our planet, environment protection, green energy, clean energy, silent power et al. But in practice it looks like no one is concerned about it. Because in case they are really worried about the planet, the slightly higher investment involved in geting a solar energy system will not deter them from going solar.
The solar energy system you plan to own is just like buying a car according to your choice and affordability – an economy car or a luxury car or a limousine. You buy this for your need and comfort. There is no savings in it.
You buy air-conditioner, home-theatre, washing machine and N number of gadgets. You spend for all these things for your comfort. You even buy a gen set, diesel gen sets 50KV or 100KV. You invest money on the gen set and when there is a power cut you switch it on and you start your contribution of co2 emission to the environment, in addition to using and paying for diesel. But the point to be noted here is that you are not really indifferent towards the environment but you want uninterrupted power supply.
What is in it for you
Solar electric energy is really the best power source in the world. It is silent, eco friendly, green power. But still, this too, you need to buy for your need and comfort only. And not for profit or saving money.
Anyone interested in clean environment, silent continuous power supply and comfort in his lifestyle and can afford to own can go for solar energy system.
When you invest in a 1 KW solar energy system you can get 5 units a day. In Tamilnadu according to new tariff, for usage above 600 units the charge per unit is Rs.5.25. So for 5 units you get from your 1KW system, 5 x 5,25=Rs.26.25 savings per day. On average we get about 300 sunny days a year, so 300 x 26.25=Rs.7875 savings per year. This money you save in 5 years time from the solar energy system need to be spent for replacing the batteries. (There are EXIDE and few other batteries available with 5 years and more life). Your investment for 1KW system is approximately Rs.2,20,000 to Rs.2,35,000. From this you save, in five years, approx. Rs.40,000. But once in 5 years you need to replace batteries by spending about Rs.40,000 for 4 batteries of 150AH.
So do not dream on saving big with a solar energy system. You should buy the solar energy system for your comfort only. It is similar to owning a car or a home theatre system or any other lifestyle equipment at home. But only the owners of the solar energy system can feel and experience the comfort and additional benefits it provides like how their equipments are safe from surge, spike, line interference, lightning and a very quiet operating conditions. While using a solar energy system you are more comfortable and environmentally friendly at the same time. And it is your part in saving the planet.
Incentive
Of course you will get an incentive from state government and central government TEDA. But to get this you first need to buy and install a solar energy system. Then after inspection from the government agency you will be eligible to receive incentive.
