ECOEASE BLOG

FIND ANSWERS TO WHY’s & HOW’s OF YOUR RENEWABLE ENERGY REQUIREMENTS.

[ecoguru]

Wishing all our patrons a very auspicious Diwali. Instead of bursting crackers, take a pledge to make earth pollution free. Head to our blog to know more. Also visit the website or download free Ecoease app to gift your loved ones a sustainable travel utility. Quick link in bio. #sustainableliving #ecoeaseindia #livecoease #makeinindia https://www.instagram.com/p/B4C4qaUlkjJ/?igshid=7vh9nfci5x54

[ecoguru]

Wishing all our patrons a very auspicious Diwali. Instead of bursting crackers, take a pledge to make earth pollution free. Head to our blog to know more. Also visit the website or download free Ecoease app to gift your loved ones a sustainable travel utility. Quick link in bio. #sustainableliving #ecoeaseindia #livecoease #makeinindia https://www.instagram.com/p/B4C4gVAFPg2/?igshid=tbsyjubwis2s

[ecoguru]

We encourage everyone to achieve independence from stressed natural resources. Make the shift to green power today! Connect with us on [email protected] & we shall guide on selecting the most economical options for your daily power needs. Quick link in bio. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1LmTaoFp0x/?igshid=1etkgj1tikvgk

[ecoguru]

ecoease_india Innovating distribution, executing energy! Read the recently released article from founder @utkarsh_nahar featured in the @siliconindia_official magazine. Visit link www.ecoease.in www.ecoeaseblog.com to know more https://www.instagram.com/p/B0fjBNWFPFG/?igshid=1iorm2qoedsbn

[ecoguru]

Innovating distribution, executing energy! Read the recently released article of founder @utkarsh_nahar featured in the @siliconindia_official magazine. Visit link: www.ecoease.in www.ecoeaseblog.com to know more. https://www.instagram.com/p/B0d7hEMlVRq/?igshid=dbsebcqay7sp

[ecoguru]

Ecoease is pleased to announce it's selection of INDIA'S TOP 10 CLEANTECH STARTUPS for the year 2019. We are committed to our core vision of pioneering the global green energy development & creating a sustainable clean environment for all. Big thanks to our team & supporters, we promise to keep delivering best in class products & services, along with exciting in-house innovations in the cleantech sector. A big thumbs-up to SiliconIndia for this recognition. #supplychain #innovation #sustainability #services #products #energy #development #sustainable #smartcities #renewables #global #entrepreneurship #startups #investments #renewableenergy #greenenergy #cleantech #top10 #blockchain #india #technology #solarenergy #solar #house #forbesmagazine #siliconvalley #forbesbillionaires #timemagazine https://www.instagram.com/p/B0LcCwaHh-r/?igshid=1giq7o4a9ci4l

[ecoguru]

STATE-WISE SOLAR POLICY: INDUSTRIAL SECTOR

1: MAHARASHTRA

NET METERING-

Solar Plant Size: Up to 1 MWp; with variation of 5%.

Voltage level:

230 / 240V : upto 8 kWp max.

400/ 415V (Three phase): Above 8 to 150 kWp max. in Metropolitian Area and 8 to 80 kWp in Other Areas

11 kV and Above Level : Above 150 to 1000kWp max. in Metropolitian Area and 80 to 1000 kWp in Other Areas

Conditions:

100% of your Sanctioned Load1

Cumulative capacity of all solar systems installed in your area shall not exceed 40% of distribution transformer capacity2 in your area. The solar PV installation beyond 40% of DTC rated capacity may be allowed upon consideration of detailed load study on particular DTC.

The HT consumers (11 KV and above) may install and connect Rooftop Solar PV systems at their LT bus bar System provided that, in such cases, the Net Meter shall be installed on the HT side of the Transformer

Ownership options:

Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Third party ownership (RESCO model)

Billing Mechanism:

Annual (April to March)

Any unadjusted electricity credits shall be paid as per the rates notified by MERC.

Additional Information:

MSEDCL shall, within 7 working days of the completion of the feasibility study, convey its approval for installing the Roof-top Solar PV System. The approval shall be valid for a period of 6 months from the date of approval, or such extended period as may be agreed to by the MSEDCL.

MSEDCL shall complete the testing and commissioning of the System within 10rnworking days from receipt of testing and commissioning request, and shall install the Net Metering equipment and synchronise the Roof-top Solar PV System within 10 working days thereafter.

 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-

40% Accelerated Depreciation

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

2.GUJARAT

NET METERING-

Capacity Size: Min 1 kWp / Max 1 MWp

Upto 6 kW, 230V- single phase

Above 6 kW and upto 100 kW, 415 V-Three phase

Above 100 kW, 11 kV-Three phase (HT)

= 50% of your Sanctioned Load1

Cumulative capacity of all solar systems installed in your area shall not exceed 30% of distribution transformer capacity2 in your area.

Ownership option: Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Billing Mechanism:

Annual (April to March)

Any unadjusted electricity credits shall be paid as per the rates notified by GERC.

Additional Information:

Exempted from Transmission Charge, Transmission Loss, Wheeling Charge, Cross Subsidy Surcharge, Electricity Duty

Exempted from 50% Demand cut of installed solar capacity.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-

40% Accelerated Depreciation

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

3.RAJASTHAN

NET METERING-

Capacity Size: Min 1 kWp / Max 1 MWp

240(Single phase) : upto 5 kWp max.

415V (Three phase): 5- 50 kWp max.

HT/EHT Level : 50kWp max.

<=80% of your Sanctioned Load

Cumulative capacity of all solar systems installed in your area shall not exceed 30% of Local Distribution transformer capacity in your area.

Ownership options:

Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Third party ownership (RESCO model)

Billing Mechanism:

Annual (April to March)

Any unadjusted electricity credits shall be paid as per the rates notified by RERC from time to time.

Additional Info:

Exemption from banking, wheeling & cross subsidy charges

The CDM benefits arising from solar energy generation from the roof top PV facility shall be retained by Distribution Licensee; provided that the entire CDM benefits obtained by the Distribution Licensee shall be fully passed on to the consumers through ARR.

Check meters shall be mandatory for rooftop solar systems having capacity more than 250 kW

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-

40% Accelerated Depreciation

Custom Duty concessions and Excise Duty Exemptions on solar equipment

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

4.HARYANA

NET METERING-

Capacity Size <=1 MWp

<=100% of your Sanctioned Load

Cumulative capacity of all solar systems installed in your area shall not exceed 30% (LT connection) & 15% (HT connection) of Local Distribution transformer capacity in your area.

Ownership options: Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Billing Mechanism: Annual settlement

Additional info:

Mandatory for all Commercial complexes, Offices, Malls, etc. (existing as well as new buildings) having Connected Load of 50 kW and above to install 3% to 5% capacity of their Connected Load of solar.

No permission is required from the building plan sanctioning authority for setting up of rooftop solar power plants.

Electricity taxes, cess, electricity duty, wheeling charges, cross subsidy charges, transmission and distribution charges: totally waived off for Rooftop Solar Projects.

Exemption from External Development Charges, Scrutiny Fee and Infrastructure Development Charges for the time during which the solar power plant is operational

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

40% Accelerated Depreciation

Custom Duty concessions and Excise Duty Exemptions on solar equipment

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

5.DELHI

NET METER-

Capacity Size: Min 1 kWp / Max 1 MWp

230V(Single phase) or 415 V (Three phase) : upto 10 kWp max.

415V (Three phase): 10-100 kWp max.

HT/EHT Level : 100Wp max.

=100% of your Sanctioned Load

Cumulative capacity of all solar systems installed in your area shall not exceed 15% of Local Distribution transformer capacity in your area.

Ownership options:

Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Third party ownership (RESCO model)

Billing Mechanism:

Annual settlement

Any net electricity injected in the grid shall be paid at rates decided by DERC.

Any excess generation (above 90 per cent) at the end of the financial year would be considered as free energy and not offset against the consumers consumption. There shall be no carry forward to next financial year.

Additional Info:

Exempted from wheeling, banking, transmission charges & electricity tax if applicable

No approval will be required from concerned Municipal Corporation or other Urban Development Bodies like the DDA for putting up solar plants including any additional system for monitoring the performance of solar plant in existing or new buildings.

Solar system up to 200 KWp is exempted from certification by the Electrical inspector.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-

40% Accelerated Depreciation

Custom Duty concessions and Excise Duty Exemptions on solar equipment

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

6.UTTAR PRADESH

NET METER-

Capacity Size: Min 1 kWp / Max 1 MWp

Low Voltage(Single phase) : upto 5 kWp max.

415V (Three phase): 5- 50 kWp max.

6.6/11 kV: 50-2000 kW/kVA

11/33/66 kV Level : 2 MW to 5MW

=100% of your Sanctioned Load

Cumulative capacity of all solar systems installed in your area shall not exceed 15% of Local Distribution transformer capacity in your area.

Ownership options:

Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Third party ownership (RESCOmodel)

Billing Mechanism:

Annual settlement

Any net electricity injected in the grid shall be paid at rates decided by UPERC.

Reconciliation rate for excess power fed in the system at the end of settlement period is increased to Rs. 2 / unit from Rs. 0.5 / unit.

Additional Info:

Exemption from wheeling & cross subsidy surcharge if applicable

Banking of 100% energy in every financial year shall be permitted, subject to verification by the officials of the concerned State Distribution Company as per banking provisions of UPERC

Interstate sale of solar power shall be exempted from any cross subsidy surcharge and wheeling charges/transmission charges applicable inside the state.

The land ceiling of 5.058 hectare has been removed exclusively for setting up of solar power plants. Plus 100% exemption from stamp duty. Also, complete exemption from electricity duty for at least next 10 year

100% waiver on transmission charges outside the states.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-

40% Accelerated Depreciation

Custom Duty concessions and Excise Duty Exemptions on solar equipment

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

7. MADHYA PRADESH

NET METER-

Capacity Size: Up to 1000 kWp

230 V (single Phase) : upto 3 kWp max.

415V (Three phase): Above 3 to 112 kWp max

11 kV HT : Above 112 to 300 kWp

33 kV HT: Above 300 kWp

Cumulative capacity of all solar systems installed in your area shall not exceed 30% of distribution transformer capacity in your area.

Ownership options:

Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Third party ownership (RESCO model)

Billing Mechanism:

Annual (April to March)

Any unadjusted electricity credits shall be paid as per the rates notified by MPERC.

Additional Info:

Exempted from banking, wheeling, cross-subsidy surcharges & electricity duty, no liability of property tax.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-

40% Accelerated Depreciation

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

8.ANDHRA PRADESH

NET METER-

Capacity Size <= 1 MWp

Upto 56 kW, LT Level

Above 56 kW to 1 MW, HT 11/33 kV

Cumulative capacity of all solar systems installed in your area shall not exceed 60% of Local Distribution transformer capacity at LT level and 100% at HT level.

Ownership Options:

Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Third party ownership (RESCOmodel)

Billing Mechanism:

Half yearly

Any unadjusted electricity credits shall be paid as per the rates notified by APERC.

Additional Information: No Distribution losses and charges

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-

40% Accelerated Depreciation

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

9.CHHATISGARH

NET METER-

Capacity Size: 50 kWp to 1 MW

Conditions:

<=100% of your Sanctioned Load

Cumulative capacity of all solar systems installed in your area shall not exceed 40% of distribution transformer capacity in your area.

Ownership options:

Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Third party ownership (RESCO model)

Billing Mechanism:

Annual (April to March)

Any unadjusted electricity credits shall be paid as per the rates notified by CSERC.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-

40% Accelerated Depreciation

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

10.TELANGANA

NET METER-

Capacity <= 1 MWp

240 V (single Phase) : upto 5 kWp max.

415V (Three phase): Above 5 to 75 kWp max

High Tension (HT) : Above 75 kWp

= 80% of your Sanctioned Load

Cumulative capacity of all solar systems installed in your area shall not exceed 50% of Local Distribution transformer capacity at LT level

Ownership options:

Existing consumers of Discom with 3 Phase connections

Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Third party ownership (RESCO model)

Billing Mechanism:

Half yearly (June & December)

Any unadjusted electricity credits shall be paid as per the rates notified by TSERC.

Additional Information:

No Distribution losses and charges, Electricity duty, Cross subsidy surcharge

Eligibility to participate under REC mechanism

GROSS METERING-

Tariff applicable for units generated under Gross Metering at 11 kV and below would be average cost of service of the DISCOM as determined by TSERC.

No Distribution losses and charges, Electricity duty, Cross subsidy surcharge.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-

40% Accelerated Depreciation

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

11.TAMIL NADU

NET METER-

Capacity Size:

Min 1 kWp

Max size is linked with shadow free area and annual estimated consumption

Upto 10 kW, 240V- single phase

Above 10 kW and upto 15 kW, 240 V/ 415 V-Three phase

Above 15 kW and upto 100 kW, 415 V-Three phase

Above 100 kW, 11 kV-Three phase (HT)

= 100% of your Sanctioned Load1

Cumulative capacity of all solar systems installed in your area shall not exceed 30% of distribution transformer capacity2 in your area.

Ownership options:

Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Third party ownership (RESCOmodel)

Billing Mechanism:

Annual (April to March)

Additional Information:

Exemption from wheeling & cross subsidy surcharge

Electricity generated by the rooftop solar system shall not be more than 90% of the electricity consumption at the end of the settlement period.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-

40% Accelerated Depreciation

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

12.KARNATAKA

NET METER-

Capacity Size: Min 1 kWp Max 1 MWp

HT Consumers : upto 1 MWp

LT Consumers (Single Phase) : upto 5 kWp

LT Consumers (Three Phase): Above 5 kWp to 50 kWp

= 150% of your Sanctioned Load.

Ownership options:

Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Third party ownership (RESCO model)

Billing Mechanism:

Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Third party ownership (RESCO model)

Additional Information:

Exempted from wheeling, banking, cross subsidy charges if applicable

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-

40% Accelerated Depreciation

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

13.PUNJAB

NET METER-

Capacity Size: Min 1 kWp / Max 1 MWp

230V (Single phase) : 7 kWp max.

415V (Three phase): 100 kWp max.

=11kV : 1 MWp max

=80% of your Sanctioned Load

Cumulative capacity of all solar systems installed in your area shall not exceed 30% of Local Distribution transformer capacity in your area.

Ownership options:

Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Third party ownership (RESCO model)

Billing Mechanism:

Annual (Oct to Sep)

The settlement of net energy including any banked energy shall be done at the end of each settlement period based on 90% of the consumption. At the beginning of each settlement period, cumulative carried over injected energy shall be reset to zero.

Additinal Information:

Exemption from wheeling charges and cross subsidy surcharge

Electricity generated by the rooftop solar system shall not be more than 90% of the electricity consumption at the end of the settlement period.

Exemption from open excess charges

The applicant shall pay application fee of Rs. 50/KVA alongwith the application to PSPCL. No parallel operation charges shall be leviable on these projects

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-

40% Accelerated Depreciation

Custom Duty concessions and Excise Duty Exemptions on solar equipment

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

14.JAMMU & KASHMIR

NET METER:

Capacity Size: Min 1 kWp / Max 1 MWp

230V (Single phase) : 5 kWp max.

415V (Three phase): 5 to 100 kWp max

HT/ EHT : Above 100 kWp max

= 50% of your Sanctioned Load

Cumulative capacity of all solar systems installed in your area shall not exceed 20% of distribution transformer capacity in your area.

Ownership options:

Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Third party ownership (RESCO model)

Billing Mechanism: Annual (April to March)

Additional Info: Exempted from various IntraState Open Access charges

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-

40% Accelerated Depreciation

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

15.KERELA

NET METER-

Capacity Size: Min 1 kWp / Max 1 MWp

Cumulative capacity of all solar systems installed in your area shall not exceed 30% of distribution transformer capacity in your area for LT systems and 80% for HT systems.

Ownership options:

Self ownership (CAPEX model)

Third party ownership (RESCO model)

Billing Mechanism:

Annual (April to March)

Any unadjusted electricity credits shall be paid at rates as approved by KSERC.

Additional Info: Exempted from banking, cross subsidy charges, electricity duty

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE-

40% Accelerated Depreciation

10 year Tax holiday on solar projects

Loans available for up to Rs.15 Crore for renewable energy projects under Priority sector lending

Refs: State Gov Websites/ Mysun Website

[ecoguru]

CLIMATE CHANGE - DECODED?

https://saranshsharma.me/unheard-climate-change-problems.html

Originally published by saransh sharma.

We all have problrms.

The problem with human mind is that it runs away from truth. Climate change generally refers to all of the various long-term changes in our climate, including sea level rise, extreme weather, and ocean acidification.

"Potential truth of this century is climate change."

We are not aware of what is happening outside. Confined in our silos we are living a wonderful life, Aware, knowing of climate changes talking endlessly but not doing anything.

Act and change is the need of the hour.

Existence is telling us something everyday through unspoken words and silence as Mark Twain said

"Climate is what you expect; weather is what you get.”

Man spends his life in securing material things for himself and family. What about our home,our source of life which is this amazing green Planet which is giving us everything What are we leaving behind? We have exploited our home unconsciously .

We are pushing the climate system across dangerous tipping points. Beyond such points things like ice sheet collapse become self-sustaining and unstoppable, committing our children and children’s children to massive problems.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Virtually all of us are now convinced that global warming poses clear and present danger to civilization.

Building an infrastructure that sustains a healthy, safe, and efficient society is, in part, a scientific and engineering challenge which dates back to the 1800s when the Industrial Revolution spurred rapid urban growth. That growth created new social and environmental problems.

At the dawn of the Industrial Revolution 250 years ago, CO2 levels in the atmosphere were approximately 280 parts per million (ppm).

Carbon dioxide levels in the air have now passed 400 parts per million (ppm).

Some scientific conclusions or theories have been so thoroughly examined and tested, and supported by so many independent observations and results, that their likelihood of subsequently being found to be wrong is vanishingly small. Such conclusions and theories are then regarded as settled facts. This is the case for the conclusions that the Earth system is warming and that much of this warming is very likely due to human activities.

Globally, some 90% of glaciers are shrinking in size.

Antarctic ice sheet is now losing 159 billion tonnes of ice each year—twice as much as when it was last surveyed.

The vast amount of overall human-caused warming—more than 90%—goes into heating the oceans.

During the last 5,000 years, the Earth on average cooled about 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit–until the last 100 years, when it warmed about 1.3 degrees F.

In short, primarily because of human-caused greenhouse gases, the global temperature is changing 50 times faster than it did during the time when modern civilization and agriculture developed, a time when humans figured out where the climate conditions—and rivers and sea levels—

Global warming generally refers to the observed warming of the planet due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change generally refers to all of the various long-term changes in our climate, including sea level rise, extreme weather, and ocean acidification.

A new study by British and Canadian researchers shows that the global temperature rise of the past 15 years has been greatly underestimated. The reason is the data gaps in the weather station network, especially in the Arctic. If you fill these data gaps using satellite measurements, the warming trend is more than doubled in the widely used HadCRUT4 data, and the much-discussed “warming pause” has virtually disappeared.

(I would like to discuss in the next post how using blockchain we can reduce the data gaps and provide security and inter-personal support across community without trusting each other but relying on data. Blockchain’s highly resilient architecture and distributed nature make it an interesting platform to deliver this nervous system for society.)

Climate change shifts precipitation patterns, causing semi-arid regions to become parched.

Russia was hit by the most lethal heat wave in human history, killing at least 55,000 people.

Russia lost 40% of its wheat crop and banned grain exports for 18 months, which contributed to soaring food prices globally, which in turn set the stage for unrest in the Middle East and around the world.

Pakistan was hit by the costliest natural disaster in its history, a deluge that put more than one fifth of the country underwater, affecting some 20 million people.

Amazon experienced its second 100-year drought in 5 years, killing a large number of rain forest trees and causing tremendous emissions of carbon dioxide

Greenland saw “the strongest ridge of high pressure ever recorded at middle levels of the atmosphere, anywhere on the globe.

Carbon based lifeforms most of the natural and non-natural products release carbon in the environment and it amounts for CO2 in the air for longer duration as compared to CH4.

Like for an instance Graviky pioneered the idea of recycling air pollution in 2013. By capturing air pollution and turning it into ink. They have developed KAALINK, a retrofit technology which captures carbon emissions from vehicles and chimneys before it enters the atmosphere. The captured pollutants are then recycled into inks, which they call AIR-INK.

We have to go inwards first to understand ourselves and then only we can understand what is happening outside our world. It’s time to move forward with outdoor experiments and broader research programs.

[ecoguru]

5 QUICK TIPS TO CELEBRATE AN ECO-FRIENDLY DIWALI

1. Buy local. Even the smallest amounts can make a poor feed his family & bring him prosperity. 2. Try to avoid bursting crackers. It contributes to child labour, & also endanger birds & animals in your vicinity. 3. Discourage others from buying firecrackers. Remind them that everybody deserves a clean evironment. 4. Share homemade sweets. It's free of preservatives, & carries the love from the hands of your dear ones. 5. Light up your house with a wide variety of festive solar lights available in the market!

Do you have more tips to share? Kindly let us know !

[ecoguru]

SOLAR ROOFTOP - EXPLAINED

Q- What is a Solar Rooftop System?

A- A rooftop photovoltaic power station, or rooftop PV system, is a solar photovoltaic system that has its electricity-generating solar panels mounted on the rooftop of a residential or commercial building or structure. The various components of such a system include photovoltaic modules, mounting systems, cables, solar inverters and other electrical accessories.

Rooftop mounted systems are small compared to ground-mounted photovoltaic power stations with capacities in the megawatt (MW) range. Rooftop PV systems on residential buildings typically feature a capacity of about 5 to 20 kilowatts (kW), while those mounted on commercial buildings often reach 100 kilowatts or more. 

Q- How does installation take place?

A- The urban environment provides a large amount of empty rooftop spaces. Estimating rooftop solar insolation is a multi stage process, as radiation absorption values in rooftop solar panels are impacted by the following:

Time of the year

Latitude

Weather conditions

Roof slope

Roof aspect

Shading from adjacent buildings and vegetation

A feasibility study shall be carried out by the ECOEASE team prior to providing you with the project’s estimated budget.

Q- Difference between grid connected (ON GRID) vs Standalone system (OFF GRID)? what is HYBRID system?

A-  On grid rooftop solar system means your solar power plant is connected to the local grid. Here, the capacity of solar plant is usually somewhat less than the average consumption. Hence, the meagre balance power requirement can be automatically taken from the grid. This system is usually preferred in cities and towns, where there is usually no shortage of continous power supply from the grid. On grid system requires less investment, but you shall have to pay discounted local electricity bills. It also makes you dependent on the grid to some extent.

Standalone or off grid rooftop solar system means the solar system is not connected to the grid. Instead, a larger capacity solar system is installed. Hence, excess energy produced during the day is stored in a battery, which is used during the night or during cloudy days. This system makes you completely independent of monthly electricity bills, but requires more capital investment than on-grid system.

Rooftop photovoltaic power station (either on-grid or off-grid) can be used combined with other power components like diesel generators, wind turbines, etc. These solar hybrid systems are capable of providing a continuous source of power.

Q- What is a smart meter?

A- Grid-connected systems generally use a billing process called “net metering” or “net billing.” In this process, any energy generated by the solar modules that your home does not use immediately is sent to the utility grid. However, when the solar electric system is producing less power than is needed, you can draw additional power from the grid. If your system is connected to the grid through a single electric meter, your meter can actually run backwards as you contribute excess energy to the utility

Such electricity is sold to the servicing electric utility for use elsewhere in the grid. This arrangement provides payback for the investment of the installer. Many consumers from across the world are switching to this mechanism owing to the revenue yielded. A public utility commission usually sets the rate that the utility pays for this electricity, which could be at the retail rate or the lower wholesale rate, greatly affecting solar power payback and installation demand.

In short, simply means more savings for you.

Q- How much area is required for a 1 kW rooftop Solar PV system? 

A- 1 kW rooftop system generally requires 12 sq. metres (130 square feet) of flat, shadow-free area (preferably south-facing). Actual sizing, however, depends also on local factors of solar radiation and weather conditions and shape of the roof.

Q- What are the subsidies/capital support available from the Government? 

A- Subsidies are available from multiple channels for setting up Rooftop PV projects.

Subsidy/Support from Central Government through MNRE:

-Capital Subsidy at the rate upto 30% of the benchmark cost for general category states.

- Capital Subsidy upto 70% of the benchmark cost for special category states i.e. North & NorthEastern States including Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

For residential, institutional (hospitals, educational institutes, social sector etc. ONLY.

Commercial and Industrial sectors will not be eligible for the above mentioned subsidies. 

Government Institutions including Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) shall not be eligible for subsidy; instead they will be given achievement-linked incentives/awards.

Subsidy/Support from State Government through State Nodal Agencies (SNAs):

Subsidy support is also available in various states. The percentage of subsidy varies according to the state policies. Click on www.mnre.gov.in for additional info.

Q- What are the other fiscal incentives are available for Solar Rooftop Systems?

A- There are provisions of concessional import duty/ excise duty exemption, accelerated depreciation and tax holiday for setting up grid connected rooftop power plants.

Q- Finally, where can i buy the best quality solar rooftop system at affordable prices?

A- You guessed it right. Discover the ease of buying every clean energy solution  with us at ECOEASE India. Click on https://www.ecoease.in/Customised-quote-pid-491387.html Now!

Or drop us a mail on [email protected] & we shall get in touch with you shortly. Alternatively, you may also download the free ecoease android app for smartphones from the google playstore.

[ecoguru]

SOLAR WATER HEATERS

Q- What is Solar Water Heater?

A- Solar Water Heater is a device which provides hot water for bathing, washing, cleaning, etc. using solar energy. It is generally installed at the terrace or where sunlight is available and heats water during day time which is stored in an insulated storage tank for use when required including mornings.

Q- What type of solar water systems are available?

A- There are 2 common types of solar water heaters available in the market; evacuated tube collectors (ETC) & flat plate collectors (FPC)

Each system has it’s pros & cons. While the ETC system is more economical, the FPC systems boasts of superior heating technology at a higher cost.

If you’re under a tight budget, it’s always safe to buy an solar ETC system.

Q- How many litres of capacity is correct for me?

A- most companies would provide you with varying capacities, but we suggest you to refer the following points before deciding the required capacity. Note that capacities are also dependent on number of attached bathrooms and number of storeys in the building.

100 lpd: 2 persons           approx cost 20000

150 lpd: 3-4 persons        approx cost 25000

200 lpd: 4-6 persons        approx cost 35000

250 lpd: ~7 persons         approx cost 40000

300 lpd: ~8 persons         approx cost 45k onwards

500 lpd onwards- click on get a quote on www.ecoease.in

Q- What is the approximate cost of Solar Water Heater?

A- Cost of Solar Water Heater depends on size and type of system installed. Smallest size of a system is 100 liter per day, which means that it can deliver 100 litres of hot water in a day at 60 c. A 150 lpd capacity system is sufficient for a family of 3-4 members and it may cost rs. 15,000 to rs.22,000 in plains depending on the type of system. In hilly & N-E region, the cost may be 15% to 20% more.

The system cost only includes hot water tank and does not include the cost of cold water tank, and its stand which is required if overhead tank is not installed in a house/ building. Cost of hot water insulated pipe line may be extra if number of bathrooms is more than one. additional cost towards all these components may increase by 10 to 20%. The cost, however, does not increase linearly with increase in capacity; rather it comes down proportionately as we go for higher capacity system.

Q- Is there any subsidy available from government?

A- No, the subsidy scheme has been discontinued w.e.f 12.08.2014 onwards.

Q- What happens on cloudy/rainy day? Do i still get hot water?

A- On cloudy days also, if it is for a day or two, you still get warm water as water gets heated due to diffused radiation available in the atmosphere. The system, however, is either connected to an electric geyser in the house or an electrical back-up is provided in the storage tank of the system which is switched on when water is not sufficiently hot. so, you get hot water all the time even on rainy days.

Q- How do i assure that a good quality system is installed at my house?

A- Ministry has laid down some minimum technical requirements for installation of solar water heating systems in the field. These have been made mandatory for manufacturers and suppliers and are available on mnre website: www.mnre.gov.in. These requirements are have been prepared in such a way that even a lay man can also check them and ensure that those are being adhered to by the manufacturers/suppliers. In case any manufacturer is found not sticking to these requirements, he may be blacklisted if informed to the ministry.

Q- Are there any maintenance requirements?

A- Domestic solar water heating system do not need significant maintenance requirements. occasional leakages in the plumbing could be easily repaired by common plumbers. In case quality of water is hard, scale deposition in the collectors may result over the years. this may require de-scaling with acids for which it is best to contact the suppliers. broken glass may also have to be replaced by the suppliers. If outside exposed surfaces are painted, the paint may have to be redone every 2-3 years to prevent corrosion of the surfaces.

-With inputs from the ministry of new & renewable energy india and wikipedia.