Galaxy Solar Energy Pvt. Ltd. is making people of rural areas aware about Renewable Energy Sources abundantly available in nature. Through this expo…
Bandhan Conference 2020
Galaxy Solar Energy Pvt. Ltd. is making people of rural areas aware about Renewable Energy Sources abundantly available in nature. Through this expo…
Bandhan Cultural events 2020
Galaxy Solar Energy Pvt. Ltd. is making people of rural areas aware about Renewable Energy Sources abundantly available in nature. Through this expo…
Long-term Benefits Of Residential Solar Panel Installation
People are well aware of the role that solar energy is now playing in their lives. Be it on the foreground of saving electricity or saving money, the benefits have driven many people to switch to residential solar panels. Whatever might the reason be, harvesting solar energy for your home will bring several advantages that you simply cannot refuse!
If you haven’t made the wise decision to ‘go solar’; here are the top 10 reasons that will motivate you to make the switch from traditional electricity to solar power.
Cost efficient:
Being able to tap free energy from the sun- means paying less or no utility bill. As solar energy can be generated mostly in the middle of the day, it is generally offsetting the maximum peak electricity rates. This is the main driving factor behind its nature of maximizing your savings. The government has policies and provides incentives to homeowners opting to use renewable energy. You’re also likely to receive a bill credit for excess energy generated.
Secure investment:
Solar panels use energy from the sun to generate free, renewable energy for residential solar system owners. Solar panels use energy from the sun to generate free, renewable energy for residential solar system owners. Hence investing in a solar PV system, you’re able to harness the most abundantly found energy- sun’s energy, which is completely free for everyone. The sun is the most generous source of energy on Earth. Each hour, it radiates enough energy to fulfill Earth’s power needs for an entire year. Solar panels can still produce electricity on days when it’s cloudy, and can still be profitable investments for many people in states, which are not known for their bright sunshine in India.
Increases your home value:
Just like home renovation, solar panels are kind of upgrades. So, purchasing a solar energy system will likely increase your home’s value. Appraisers are increasingly considering solar installations while valuing homes at the time of a sale. Nowadays, even the homebuyers are becoming more educated about solar, and demand for properties equipped with solar panel systems.
Reduces carbon footprint:
Solar energy has the least negative impact on the environment compared to any other energy source. Furthermore it does not produce greenhouse gases and does not pollute the water. It also requires very little water for its maintenance, unlike nuclear power plants. This contributes to reducing the carbon footprint.
Related Read: What is Solar Panel and How Does it Work?
Low maintenance cost:
A residential solar panel installation requires little to no maintenance. Subsequently over the course of its 25-30 of years the average life, there are few costs associated with the system throughout its lifetime. Examples of these costs could be monitoring issues, wire maintenance, cleaning of the panels, etc. Residential Solar Panel Installation
Multiple application of solar power:
Above all solar power have plethora of applications. One of the most commonly solar-driven devices are, the solar water heater used in residential homes for heating the water. When it comes to generating electricity; the batteries in the solar system store energy captured in daytime and supply power throughout the day. The use of solar appliances is one of the best ways to cut expenditure on energy.
Conclusion:
Going solar by opting for residential solar panels are a great way to invest in yourself as well as your family. Solar energy is a non-perishable one, the long term benefits serve the best of it- from one generation to another.
5 Maintenance Tips for Your Solar Panels
We are aware of the fact that solar panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity. But the question that ponders is- do solar panels require maintenance? If yes, then how many times? The ground rule to harness maximum solar energy is by keeping the solar panels- clean. Proper maintenance ensures that they perform effectively throughout their lifespan.
Fortunately, Solar Rooftop System have very low maintenance costs. Unlike other machinery, solar panels do not have moving parts that need lubrication or a process that involves getting rid of the rust.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind for maintaining your solar panels efficiently:
1. Time-to-time inspection:
Solar rooftop panels are placed in high locations. These are prone to damage or accumulation of waste particles flowing in the air. Keep inspecting your solar panels frequently. Clean up the dirt or pollen accumulated to ensure that there is no loss of power.
Inspect your solar panels during uncertain climatic changes. Certainly, this will help you to secure the loss or damage that has occurred.
2. Cleaning & taking care of your solar panels:
- To maximize the effectiveness of your solar panels, firstly you need to keep them free of dust, dirt, leaves, and snow.
- Since these panels are made of glass, you don’t need to shop for specialized solar panel care or cleaning tools. You can use a soft cloth to wipe the panels.
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Avoid using detergent-based cleansers. They can leave streaks and smudges that may decrease the light that passes through.
- Rubbing alcohol partly mixed in water can take care of any oily residue or other stubborn dirt.
3. Ensuring ample sunlight is available:
Solar Rooftop System is installed in a location where they receive maximum sun exposure. However, trees & buildings can grow over the years around this location, which then affects the pattern of sun and shade. To make your solar panels to lasts longer it is very necessary to make sure that they are located with the best possible sunlight orientation.
4. Examining the components on a regular basis:
During cleaning, you should take a look around at all your wiring, components, and mounting rack. Check for any signs of water damage, leaks, or drainage issues around the panels.
Look for missing bolts, broken glass, and frayed wiring. An early inspection can prevent serious issues that turn into costly repairs. You should contact your solar contractor immediately if you notice any similar issues. Don’t try to repair it yourself as your solar system can be best repaired by a trained professional.
5. Keeping a check on energy usage:
Installing an energy monitor is your most direct way to make sure your entire system is performing effectively. These monitoring systems usually provide output data on the website or the app of your smartphone. You can check the production totals of each solar panel. This comes handy in spotting any “dead” panels that aren’t producing electricity. This can be due to a problem with the panel itself or with the connection between the panel and the inverter.
Report an unexpected loss in electricity production to your Solar Panel Installer. Schedule an inspection immediately.
Conclusion:
Using these preventative maintenance tips will go a long way towards the longevity and efficiency of your solar system. Going solar is always a great option as it is clean electricity, saves your electricity bill, and in most cases, it hardly costs you a penny for maintenance.
How to Choose the Best Solar PV Installer
Selecting the right solar PV installer can be critical; because you are not only choosing a company for the installation but also the lifetime maintenance for your solar system. Compiled are a few things to look into when it comes to select the best solar panel installer as per your needs.
In-house installation service:
It is preferred to choose a company that combines sales, design, and installation into one seamless experience. The Solar PV installer should visit your home and provide you with proper information regarding the suitability of solar panels for your home. If the installer doesn’t take the responsibility to take the time and evaluate your specific needs, chances are high that the solar panel installation through their company will not be a feasible option.
The expertise of the company:
A good way to make a solid choice is to check the company’s certifications and expertise. Find out more about their previous work experience in setting up systems and the different projects that they might have taken up till date.
Getting a certification from a reputed board requires training in solar installation and clearing a written test. A trained certified installer will always have a satisfactory amount of knowledge about the job.
Go through the quotations well before selecting:
Now this is imperative! Before you go ahead, get quotes from at least 3 installers. The quotations should be fulfilling all your specific needs. The next step is to compare the quotes and go through the contents of the pricing. The cost of solar panels has reduced loads over the past few years, and depending on the size of your system you can easily get a customised offer.
Related read: 5 Financial Benefits of Solar Energy
Warranties:
One needs to be aware of what kind of warranty the equipment comes with. The average warranty offered for the solar panels is around twenty years. If the warranty is for a shorter period of time than the average, then you can assume that the quality of the panels is not that good. Most Solar PV installers additionally offer a workmanship warranty, which lasts for a year.
Going through solar installer’s reviews and testimonials:
Online reviews can give you a good idea of the company’s previous accomplishments. Take your time to read the experiences people had with the company, and whether they understood their precise needs and provided the service, accordingly.
Ask your acquaintances who are already using the solar system at home about their experience with their respective solar installer. They can help you select the most reliable solar installer.
Conclusion:
Do not hesitate to ask all sorts of questions and queries you might have regarding the installation of Rooftop solar system and about solar PV installer. Also, follow these tips to make a well-informed decision before you sign on that dotted line.
Need any more reasons to go for solar? Contact us today to get a free solar panel installation quote or call us at +91 772-199-4477 or visit https://galaxysolarenergy.com.
Solar Rooftop Systems: All You Need To Know
India is home to more than a billion people with huge energy needs. But, when it comes to renewables, the country has set some ambitious targets over the next decade. Do you know ‘Indian renewable energy sector is the fourth most attractive renewable energy market in the world?’ And we feel proud of it! However, harnessing the energy present in nature to meet everyone’s demands is quite a challenge. Because, knowing the benefits of harnessing solar power is not enough. You need to know more about the ‘Solar Rooftop System’, its types and its respective functionality.
1. Types of solar rooftops:
Stand-alone solar rooftops:
These kinds of solar panels are not connected to the grid; instead, they work on diesel generator or batteries.
The solar power generated from the rooftop solar system charges the battery which is then used to power various applications. This system is suitable for a place that faces frequent power cut and breakdowns.
Grid-tied solar rooftops:
The on-grid system has slightly different functionality. In this case, the rooftop solar system is integrated with the main grid supply. This system allows power to be used from the grid supply only when the rooftop solar system is unable to supply the required power.
Related Read: Grid Connected Solar PV System: An Overview
Hybrid rooftops:
A hybrid solar system gives the advantages of both- grid-tied system and on-grid system. This system is connected to the grid as well as the batteries that store power. Hybrid solar solutions supply continuous power and are suitable for locations where the restricted power consumption is less than the generated energy.
2. Materials used in making solar panels?
Solar panels are usually made using key components like silicon, metal, and glass. And the standard panels are either made from monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon.
3. Solar rooftops are eco-friendly:
While generating energy, the solar panels of the rooftop do not release any kind of harmful greenhouse gases; thus, marking them as a ‘green’ energy.
4. The cost:
Costing of a solar rooftop system completely depends on the size, type, location and quality of the product. The cost of 1kWp solar rooftop PV project could be around Rs.50,000 (including installation but excluding the cost of batteries).
Note: kWp stands for kilowatt ‘peak’ of a system. It is the peak power of a solar PV system.
5. Subsidy offered by the Government:
According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the Central Government pays 30% of the benchmarked installation cost for rooftop PV systems.
Other benefits offered by the government for installing a rooftop PV system:
In addition to the subsidy, people can avail various other benefits by installing a rooftop solar system:
- Those planning to install rooftop PV systems can avail priority sector loans of up to 10 lakhs from nationalized banks. This loan shall fall under the category of home loan or home improvement loan.
- Consumers will be eligible for generation-based incentives and will receive Rs. 2 per unit of electricity generated.
6. Net Metering
Net Metering is a system that gives solar energy owners credits for the power that they add to the grid. Sometimes solar panels might generate excess power. In this case, the surplus power is sent back to the grid for later use.
Related Read: What is Net Metering and How it Works?
Bottom Line:
Installing solar panels for electricity is always a great idea. The electricity you generate from solar energy is green and clean. Moreover, harnessing the power of solar decreases the carbon emissions, this ultimately reduces the dependency on the fossil fuels.
Contact us today to get a free solar panel installation quote or call us at +91 772-199-4477
10 Ways to Save Electricity This Summer
The summer has already approached, and as the mercury rises, the electricity bills of our houses are also bound to shoot high. The weather outside is growing hotter, and your home air conditioning system is your only refuge. And, we all know AC and cooler can run up your energy bills high unless you adopt a few smart energy-saving habits. Another way to combat this is- by reducing your electricity consumption. And here’s how our 10 easy ways can help you save electricity this summer.
1. Go Solar:
With around 360 days of sunshine every year, India has one of the best conditions in the world to harness solar energy. Installing a solar rooftop system is a great way to generate clean and renewable electricity. It can be installed on the rooftop, which is a one-time investment plan. So, if you wish to cut your energy savings by more than 75%, then this is one of the best options to consider.
Related Read: 5 Benefits of Solar Energy to the Environment
2. Turn off unnecessary appliances:
Turning off home appliances is not really an “energy saver” technique as you might think it to be. Many modern electronics use standby power when not in use — like modern TVs, computers, and telephone charges. When you’re done charging your phone or watching TV, unplug those devices completely.
3. Use Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs:
We assume you must have seen a lot of advertisements for CFL light bulbs before. But have you thought of using it? Well, if not then we suggest you do so. CFL light bulbs use 75% less electricity than their incandescent counterparts. CFL light bulbs cost more upfront, but the financial payback is 100% worth it.
4. Plant shrubs and trees in your surrounding:
Planting trees and shrubs next to your home can further boost your home’s insulation. By strategically placing the plants a few feet away from your house, you can shield your family against both cold and hot temperatures.
5. Insulate your home properly:
During summers, you need to ensure that you keep hot air out and cool air in. Take some time to inspect your home for air leaks and poor insulation; also, cover your windows with light-coloured cotton curtains. This helps as it is one of the best ways to make sure your AC units aren’t working overtime.
6. Install a smart thermostat:
Before you plan to install a thermostat, let’s first understand what it is. A thermostat is a device that tries to maintain the temperature of your room. And by installing a “smart” thermostat, you can program your climate control system to regulate inside temperatures only when necessary. This way, you can save money by automating the air conditioner.
7. Seal all the leaks of windows and doorways:
Now, if we assume that you are using a thermostat in your home, you might want to take note of an important thing here. If your home is not properly sealed then your thermostat is regulating the temperature of the entire world, like literally. And the worst part is- you’re paying for it. Be sure to seal all the leaks, this includes- around the windows, doors, vents, and any other entrances into your home.
8. Air-dry your clothes:
Using dryers do no harm, but surely adds up a lot to the electricity bill. Looking at an environmental side of it- Dryers are responsible for emitting tons of carbon dioxide annually. Use a clothesline or portable rack to air-dry wet laundry instead of using dryers that run on electricity.
9. Keep your vents and windows open:
In the summer, open your windows early in the morning (between 5.00 to 8.00 am), and later in the evening (between 7.00 to 10.00 pm). You can also create a breeze inside your home by opening your windows at opposite ends; this will ensure cross ventilation.
10. Put more clothes in the washing machine:
When using larger appliances, do the best to use them by loading them to its fullest capacity. This means, when you are doing washing clothes, don’t add only 3-4 clothes at once; try to add more clothes in the single wash.
Bottom line:
Let the summer be a hot one, but make sure it doesn’t cost heavy on your pockets. Apply these summer energy saving tips for your home as this will help to beat the heat without burning your pockets! Contact us today to get a free solar panel installation quote or call us at +91 772-199-4477.
Selecting the Right Solar EPC Company
Solar Energy has been the ‘talk of the town’ in recent years. Recently it has gained huge attention from various organizations & individuals across the country. If you are lately thinking to buy one, then you might want to know more about- ‘what EPC is’ and ‘how to select the solar according to my need.’
EPC: Engineering, Procurement and Civil Construction.
EPC companies are those who provide a one-stop solution for all solar needs. In simple terms, you don’t have to run around and go to multiple vendors to assemble numerous components of a solar plant.
Getting your work done from EPC companies is of great importance. This is crucial when it is a large-scale project. Now that you know what EPC is, let’s understand what these companies do. To list down, here are some activities they do in broader terms.
Engineering – This activity involves- running the workability test and doing site evaluation. Furthermore, it also involves technology selection and outlining the site feasibility for interconnections.
Procurement – This activity involves- obtaining required resources for the project like- clearance and commissioning, equipment, etc. In addition, it also looks after the installation under a specified time frame and budget given by the client.
Construction – This activity involves- supervision & monitoring services, preparing plans related to the installation of a solar power plant, construction support, and project planning & operations management. Further, it also includes the preparation of a detailed proposal with an action plan and estimate.
These three essential components of EPC ensures the feasibility & lifespan of the project.
Below stated are the guidelines that will help you select the right Solar EPC company:
It is recommended to get a run through to check the quality standards of the products offered. It is essential to ensure whether the installer offers warranties and guarantees.
1. A good solar EPC company should have sound knowledge about the equipment and the components that they are offering. In addition to this, they should have an in-depth understanding of the technical details of the products, utility setup, and engineering from the project team & management team. Have a thorough discussion about the maintenance policy post-installation
2. An EPC should be well recognized one and should get all the paperwork done for you. They should be capable enough to get a licence granted by the government for you (as a client). At the same time, you should check the flexibility and credibility of the solar EPC by its experience of working under different conditions – geographic, terrains and timeframes.
3. An EPC company can be judged based on- the number of projects executed successfully, the number of years they have served in the industry, their relations with vendors, and the best clients they have worked with, in the recent past.
4. As it is equally important, make sure that the installer is fully aware of the statutory requirements and the state’s solar policy requirements.
5. It is essential to be 100% sure about the EPC provider you choose; as installing a solar panel system is a huge and one-time investment. The lifespan of a good solar system is approximately 25 years. Therefore, ask for the company’s portfolio and a list of recent projects. You can also ask them for 2-3 references for you to contact.
Related Read: 9 Things to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels
Conclusion:
To sum it up, it is advisable to select an experienced and reputable solar pv installer. This way, you can ensure that you receive- a high quality, well-performing solar system with best after service for maintenance throughout the lifetime of the system.
9 Things to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels
Have you lately thought of installing a solar panel? Be it for saving money on your electricity consumption or upgrading your place’s value or reducing the carbon footprint- going solar is the need of the hour. And we appreciate this thoughtful decision of yours!
While installing solar panels is a lucrative option, there are some factors to be considered before installing the solar panel at your home or workplace!
As you research for the best solar panel companies in your region, review these factors first, to estimate your energy generation and potential for saving.
1. Whether your roof is suitable and ready for the installation:
One of the best things about solar panels is its durability. Most panels come with a warranty of 20-25 years! It means that if your roof is not in good condition or needs to be revamped, then get that done before installing solar panels. It can be very challenging and costly to remove and reinstall panels to make way for roof work to get done.
2. The duration for which you plan to stay in that particular residence:
Solar is a long term investment that also has long term benefits. So, if you’re planning to shift from your current residence or workplace sooner in the future, then consider installing the panels in your new home or workplace.
Related Read: Is it Worth Installing Solar Panels?
3. Suitability of your house for the installation:
So, how to know whether your home is well-suitable for solar? Here are two key indicators to look for:
- Less number of huge trees surrounding the house: More number of trees around the house means more shade, which can cause hindrance for the panels to harness the solar energy. If your home is next to a skyscraper or a dense forest, you might need to consider the option of shifting to a new house before going solar!
- Roof direction:
- If you live in the northern hemisphere, the sun is in the south of the sky. Therefore, to fetch the maximum exposure of the sun, the solar panels are suggested to be placed on a south-facing roof.
- Likewise, in the southern hemisphere, solar panels are best placed on a north-facing roof.
- However, if you don’t use much energy in the middle of the day- as with most homes, and need it the evening, then a west-facing solar array might be more useful.
- If you prefer more solar electricity generation in the mornings, an east-facing direction would be preferable.
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You might be surprised to know that- east and west-facing solar panels generate less energy throughout the entire day than those facing towards north and south.
4. Which kind of solar makes should you buy?
The two dominant solar technologies to pick from are:
- Photovoltaic: This technology uses arrays of cells to turn sunlight into electricity, and
- Thermal: This technology uses sunlight to heat water or air for domestic purposes.
If your home uses a lot of energy for heating, or you live somewhere where heating fuel is expensive relative to electricity, a solar thermal investment could be a suitable and viable option.
5. Lease or buy?
Every household will need to run its cost-benefit analysis before deciding whether to buy or lease the solar panels. Buying your own system might cost more upfront, but it does reap benefits in the future. When you own the system, it can keep working for you long after it pays off the cost of the purchase.
On the other hand, leasing lets you access cheaper electricity with little or no money down, but the benefits are limited. If you lease, the company you contract with owns the system, and you pay them a certain rate for the electricity; when the lease is up, they might take the system away.
Make sure you compare the total lifecycle cost of the lease and weigh the savings against the benefits you would get from ownership.
6. How to fight with nature’s sudden surprises?
No one can foresee natural disasters like- lightning storms, hurricanes, hail, etc. In such situations, there is a potential risk for some solar power equipment to get damaged during these events. Although some insurance will cover these types of events, it is important to consider this factor, especially if you live in an area where such type of weather is a common phenomenon.
7. Choosing the right contractor:
A solar power system is both home improvement and an electrical project. This is why when you start your search for the right contractor, you need to validate that they have a good reputation in the market and are reliable and flexible to work with.
Look for a contractor that can be around for help in the long term. While there is minimum maintenance required; if something goes wrong, you would want your contractor to be easily available to get it fixed under warranty.
Related Read: 7 Reasons Why Solar Panel is Good for Your Home
8. Warranties do matter:
Warranties are an important aspect to consider; as it helps to protect your solar panels and other related equipment. If anything happens to your solar panels, having a warranty helps you to keep the manufacturer accountable — without any additional cost to you. There are also some incentive programs (available in different states) that require you to have a warranty for your solar equipment.
If you don’t have a warranty, fixing minor faults will be a pain for sure!
9. Maintenance is a priority:
Keeping your solar panels working and your roof in good condition is imperative. It’s a good idea to ask your contractor about the maintenance procedures before the installation begins. If you are unable to meet those solar system maintenance requirements, there is a good chance your equipment will not last as long as you want it to.
Bottom Line:
Choose the solar panel that is best suited for your home instead of opting for the popular ones! Look for various options and follow the above-given suggestions before finalizing your choice.
Contact us today to get a free solar panel installation quote or call us at +91 772-199-4477.