How to Save Electricity With Solar
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10 Ways to Save Electricity This Summer

April 17, 2020 No Comments

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.

Solar EPC Company
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Selecting the Right Solar EPC Company

March 31, 2020 No Comments

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.

Before Installing Solar Panels
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9 Things to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels

March 27, 2020 No Comments

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:

  1. 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!
  2. 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.

  • 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.

Installing Solar Panels
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Is it Worth Installing Solar Panels?

March 24, 2020 No Comments

We all get a sense of fright while scanning through the electricity bill. In fact, at back-of-the-mind, we all hope the digits to be magically lesser in numbers than the previous ones. But that never happens, and our hopes only go the despair!

Well, everyone wants to reduce down the money they spent on electricity. However, only a few get into action and opt for alternative solutions. And those who are using the alternative solutions are definitely the ones who are harnessing the power of solar energy, to its fullest.

‘Is it worth installing a solar panel?’ might cross your mind, and can perhaps leave you bewildered. Here we are- to help you sort out with your queries and to help you understand the ‘power’ and ‘worth’ of solar energy.

Solar power can be harnessed and converted to usable energy using photovoltaic or solar thermal collectors. Although solar energy only accounts for a small amount of overall global energy use, the cost of installing solar panels is so affordable which means that more and more people from different regions can take advantage of solar energy.

The main benefit of solar energy is that it does not produce any pollutants and is one of the cleanest sources of energy. It is a renewable source of energy, requires low maintenance and is easy to install.

Related Read: 5 Benefits of Solar Energy to the Environment

Is it worth installing a solar system compared to electricity?

Hydroelectric and thermal power plants are the main source of electricity in India. Perhaps, the production comes at the cost of consuming a lot of non-renewable energy like- coal, gas, oil, etc. If solar panels are compared to the conventional way of producing electricity, they have a great advantage over the former. They can give a long time energy solution for many of our daily requirements. Research says that a rooftop solar panel reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lowers electricity costs. And we couldn’t agree more!

Below listed are the features of having solar panels installed at home. The features- that will explain how installing solar panels can be light and easy in your pocket!

1. Drastic reduction in electricity bill

As the benefits of putting solar panels today will carry forward to the next 25 years, any solar investment in your home will immediately increase the valuation of your home. With IRR’s of 9% and above from smaller systems to 20% on bigger systems, the payback periods on your investments could be from 5 years to 9 years.

2. Guaranteed performance:

Solar panel manufacturers include 20-to-25 years warranty (also known as a performance guarantee) with their solar panels. The industry standard ensures 80% performance after 25 years.

The real lifespan of solar panels is much longer – your solar panels will likely generate a good amount of electricity 30-40 years down the line.

3. Reduce the heat trap to your home:

A study published in Solar Journal found out that the direct roof is 5 degrees Fahrenheit cooler under solar panels than under an open terrace.

How much does the solar panel system cost?

The cost of buying a solar panel depends on the company you choose to buy from. Moreover, installation cost varies from company to company.

While less-pricey solar panels might feel like the easiest way to save some cash, your total 20-year savings will often be higher if you invest in good-quality equipment. It’s worth taking some time to review all of your equipment options and find the right combination of price and quality for your home. Don’t forget to research the solar incentives and rebates available where you live; they can reduce your net cost by 50 % or even more. 

Bottom line:

Solar panels are one of the best return-on-investment one can choose to opt for. It is a well-thought-of plan to save your money, loads of money!

Contact us today to get a free solar panel installation quote or call us at +91 772-199-4477.

 

Grid Connected Solar PV
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Grid Connected Solar PV System: An Overview

February 28, 2020 No Comments

Solar PV technology is used for generating electricity from solar energy. A grid connected solar Photovoltaic system is simply a solar energy panel system that is connected to the main power supply (called the “grid”). The user of this system uses electricity from both the solar panel system as well as the electrical grid. This enables the user to draw energy from grid during emergencies such as on a cloudy day or during the night. Similarly, during power cut, when power supply is shut, electricity can be drawn from the solar panel system!

Solar Systems have been in India since quite some time now. But for a long time, it was not economically feasible for most Indians to take benefit from. There has been a drop in the prices of solar PV in the last few years, due to significant implementations made by Government of India. Since then, solar PV technology has become quite a lucrative option for saving electricity!

Related Read: 5 Financial Benefits of Solar Energy

How do Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Systems work?

Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Systems are often rooftop based and are integrated into buildings.

The grid connected solar system generally has four basic components:

  • the solar photovoltaic panels
  • the loads like TV, fan, A.C. etc
  • a solar inverter,
  • and a grid/ main power supply.

In a building, before connecting solar panels, the grid is the only source of power & all the ‘loads’ of the building are drawing electricity from it.

The working of the solar PV system can be explained through five different scenarios:

1. When solar generation is equal to the load requirement–

The loads are completely run by solar power. Though, the grid is available but its power is not utilised.

2. When solar generation is more than the ‘load’ requirement–

The generated solar power will support the existing load first & the excess will be sent back to the grid. This is called as ‘export to the GRID’.

3. When solar generation is less as compared to the load’s requirement–

All solar power will get self-consumed by the loads. Meanwhile, the grid will join to support the excess load demand.

4. When solar generation is not taking place–

Typically during night time, when no solar energy can be produced, the grid can supply electricity to meet the load’s requirements. This is called as ‘import from the GRID’.    

5. In absence of the GRID–

During a power cut, the solar inverter shuts down. This is for the safety of the staff working on the grid for maintenance.

Once, a solar PV system is installed on the rooftop of a building, the power required by the ‘loads’ is supplied by the solar panels or in some cases from panels as well as the grid, as explained above.

Related Read: What is Solar Panel and How Does it Work?

Make sure that your roofs are strong enough to hold panel’s weight:

Typically solar panels are quite light, but once you have decided the place to install solar PV, you need to make sure that the roof can handle the solar PV system. If you have old asbestos sheets, you may want to change them with long-lasting tin sheets. Your roof should be sturdy enough to hold the panels. If your roof is quite high and is windy, you need to ensure the setup with your installer and confirm if the installation is safe enough.

So what is the maintenance required for such a system?

As batteries gets eliminated, the maintenance required for such systems is quite low. The major maintenance activity would be to clean the solar panels regularly, so that dust doesn’t accumulate on them.

Some electrical components may get some wear and tear and might need fixes. Usually, it is recommended to go for high quality components so that you can just fit and forget the system and it keeps generating electricity for you.

To give a rough idea, maintenance cost is typically assumed to be 0.5% annually.

Bottom line:

The option of Solar PV Rooftop “Grid Connected” system looks quite lucrative for places with a fairly regular and continuous supply of electricity. A majority of such places in the country are cities with higher tariffs and reliable electricity supply. It can be a great option to not only reduce the electricity bills, but also to generate power that can be routed to places which have a shortage of electricity.

If you do have one such place in mind where you can install the system, do give a try to solar PV rooftop “Grid Connected” system!

Contact us today to get a free solar panel installation quote or call us at +91 772-199-4477.

Solar Pros and Cons
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What are the Pros and Cons of Solar Energy?

January 24, 2020 No Comments

If you are considering going for solar installation, you have probably seen tons of spammy ads claiming the best quality solar to your doorstep convincing why should you opt for solar panels at your place. 

To make the right decision for your property, you need to see the pros and cons of opting the solar pv installation at your place. Read what all the advantages and disadvantages of going to rooftop solar energy production.

Pros/Advantages of opting Solar Panel:

Lower your electricity bill.

Today, solar energy is more affordable than any other renewable source of energy. It offers a long term lower energy cost where solar panel provides a comfortable and hassle-free source of energy to your house. Let the solar energy power your home by generating electricity with the help of PV cells. Solar energy enables you to cut the monthly electricity by 60 percent and return the excessive energy to the grid, which can result in credit-return from grid company.

Increases your property value.

Recent estate statistics show that the house which has solar connection have more property value than other homes. It can be beneficial when it comes to selling or leasing your property to someone; you can demand a better amount for your property with the solar connection.

Related Read: How Installing Solar Panels Boost Home Value

Environmental friendly.

Solar installation emits lesser carbon footprints compared to the traditional method of electricity from fossil fuels. As the solar panels carry a long life, it can help make your surroundings less polluted.

Independent energy.

Solar energy is everywhere the sunshine reaches. Anyone can use this energy without polluting the environment. Many areas lack the proper infrastructure, which results in sudden power loss at any point in time. Thanks to solar installation, you can now produce and consume solar energy as your electricity. It gives you a state of independence from hefty electricity bills.

Related Read: 5 Financial Benefits of Solar Energy

Cons/Advantages of going solar:

Understanding the pricing of solar is complicated:

Some people may find it difficult in the pricing factor for solar installation, which changes their perspective about going solar. There are many solar installation providers available in the market which can make the customer confuse about which one to choose. Prices may vary from provider to provider, but the customer needs to choose which is offering the best service at the right price.

Solar panels aren’t ideal if you are constantly moving.

A solar installation is a great investment, but it can take some time to reach the break-even point. The average payback time for any solar installation can go up to 8 years. It is not suitable for those who expect a quick return on investment. It would be an unworthy investment for a young homeowner who keeps shifting to different houses. There is a risk of damaging the solar panel while moving.

Solar requires a high capital cost.

The initial cost of purchasing any solar installation can cost you reasonably high. It includes solar panel, solar inverter, wires for connection, batteries for storage (optional) and installation cost. Solar technologies are constantly evolving, which means the price of solar technology can either go up or go down in the near future.

Weather dependency.

Although the solar panel can work during a rainy and cloudy day, the efficiency of solar panels can drop at such time. A solar installation is dependent only on the sun. A few rainy or cloudy days can affect the energy consumption of your house.

You can consider these points while going for solar. We hope we gave you some clarity while making your decision to go solar.  Contact us today to get a free solar panel installation quote or call us at +91 772-199-4477.

solar panel financial benefits
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5 Financial Benefits of Solar Energy

January 10, 2020 One Comment

India has ample sunlight throughout the year. It means we can use solar energy for our electricity production. 

Solar energy is one of the safe, inexpensive and eco-friendly source of energy. Currently, around 1.4 million homes have a solar installation in India. Solar power can harness various financial benefits for your residential, commercial and industrial property. To list here are five financial benefits of solar energy.

1. Solar power is cheaper than the electricity grid.

Thermal energy production comes more costly contrarily than rooftop solar energy which offers a one-time investment for your property. Since solar technology has moved very far in India, it is sufficient enough to meet one’s daily consumption of electricity. A person can save money with the production of solar electricity at home. With the constant rise in the price of electricity, it is a better option available to consumers for their electricity needs. Developing countries like India offer a good amount of Return on Investment with better financial security to the homeowners.

Related Read: 7 Reasons Why Solar Panel is Good for Your Home

2. Increase in property value:

In addition to huge saving benefits, getting a solar installation can offer a benefit of an increase in property value. Therefore, while selling, leasing, or renting the property can give you the advantage of claiming a better cost in return. Solar installation can last long up to 30 years where a person can enjoy saving benefits on hefty electricity bills.

3. Energy Independence:

Even though India today may be called as sufficient energy developer but in reality, the lack of proper infrastructure can result in a power shortage in many remote as well as urban areas in the country. Solar installation can offer an independent structure of energy to your property without spending tons of money on traditional power grid lines.

4. Government Incentives:

Those who wish to go for solar panel installation can avail the sector loan of amount 10 lakhs from nationalized banks. The current policy of the Ministry of New and Renewable, the central government offers 30 per cent of the installation cost for the rooftop PV system. Both the central and state government provides a subsidy to the people installing rooftop PV system because it encourages people to adopt the renewable sources of energy for their homes and cut their electricity bills into half the amount. Some states which come under special categories such as Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir get a subsidy of 70 per cent for installation cost. These schemes are available only for residential, institutional and social sectors.

5. Tax benefits:

Investors in the solar installation are eligible for accelerated tax depreciation during their financial year in which the installation has taken place. Besides these benefits, income from solar energy can be exempted from tax for the next 10 consecutive years. This provision can vary from state to state.

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.

5 Solar Installation Myths Debunked
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5 Solar Installation Myths Debunked

December 17, 2019 2 Comments

Solar Panel offers a great solution for those who are frustrated with the high-priced electricity bills at your place. It is a clean form of energy which reduces the carbon footprints in the atmosphere around your place. Many misconceptions are there in the market reality regarding the solar installation, but we are here to bust such myths with some scientific facts and research proofs.

Myth 1: Solar is only for rich people.

Fact: Majority of the people are in the impression that solar panel comes into the luxury segment. It isn’t true because according to the report in Economic Times, India is the cheapest producer of Solar Panels in the world. The Indian Government has realized the potential of solar panels and has already begun the production of solar panels in most of the states in India. 

Myth 2: Installing solar means cutting off from the power grid.

Fact: There is a convenience of installing an off-grid solar energy system. Usually, most of the solar panels are in the grid system. It allows a consumer to use solar energy produced by the solar panel in the day-time, and when the sun is down, the house can withdraw the energy from the grid. With the help of net metering policy in your respective state, you can use the electricity from the grid for your requirement and pay for what you use.

Myth 3: Solar panels require too much maintenance.

Fact: House solar panel can last a very long time – usually it works up to 30 years, and most of them are typically covered with long warranties. Maintaining a solar installation is not that hectic if you have a quality service provider. Dust and debris can degrade the solar efficiency up to 35 per cent; therefore, it is better to keep it maintained.

Myth 4: Solar energy system requires too much land.

Fact: Renewable energy like solar doesn’t move around. Its footprints are smaller as they are mostly mounted on rooftops.. Around 1KW of solar installation requires 100 square feet or lesser. 

Myth 5: Cloudy weather can be a problem.

Fact: Solar energy is all about energy from the sun. It can be accessible to everywhere the sunshine is reaching the earth’s surface. Sometimes bad weather can be a problem, but that doesn’t mean your house won’t get any power supply. As your home is a part of a grid, you get an uninterrupted power supply in case of failure. Solar energy works all around the year. It is a reliable source of energy for all electricity production. Indian weather is more of a humid where the sunshine is available all around the year.  

Related Read: What is Solar Panel and How Does it Work?

If you are concerned about some myths about solar installation, then we’ve busted them for you. It is the best investment you can do to your property where you can save a lot from hefty energy bills. 

Galaxy Solar Energy provides you with quality solar installation service at an affordable price and as per your property requirement. Contact us today to get a free solar panel installation quote or call us at +91 772-199-4477 or visit https://galaxysolarenergy.com.

Net Metering
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What is Net Metering and How it Works?

December 12, 2019 No Comments

The concept of Net Metering holds importance because it works as an incentive for both – the supplier and the consumer. Through this process, Grid receives surplus power generated by the consumer. Other consumers connected to the grid receive this excess power for their consumption. This process of sending the excess energy to the power grid is commonly referred to as Net Metering all over the globe. The solar panel owners first consume the electricity that is being produced by the solar panel. Excess energy produced is then pushed back to the power grid. Other houses connected to the grid, use this power for their consumption.

With the constant rise in energy prices, it is a wise decision to switch to Solar Rooftop panel at your home, office or anywhere the sunlight falls. The net metering system was initiated in India as a course of action to make distributed renewable energy more accessible and economical for consumers across India. It works by considering the difference between the export of power generated by the consumer’s rooftop panel, and the import of power from distribution companies. Consumers then compensated for the surplus power generated at a price determined by their respective state net metering policy. The Net Metering system is the most common solar metering system in India. In this metering system, the distribution panel and solar inverter are mounted together for converting the DC to the AC. Additional to that a bi-directional meter to measure the exported and imported electricity.

 

Let us explain to you how the Net Metering works:

Your Solar Installation will generate the most power during the daytime. This is the time when your home uses less amount of power. Other homes connected to the grid use this excess energy.. In return, You receive a credit for the power that you share with the grid. In fact, your Bi-directional meter will show reverse reading to reflect your contribution.

Related Read: 7 Reasons Why Solar Panel is Good for Your Home

During the evening, panels create no power and your home consumes a considerable amount of power. At this time, your home will need to get the energy from the power grid lines. The installed Bi-directional (Net) meter moves forward again, counting the amount of electricity in which your home is consuming. At the end of the month, you receive a credit if you contribute more energy to the grid than your consumption.

This scenario is more common in the case of warmer months, for instance in summer where the longer days and higher solar insolation levels let your solar installation for producing more power. For those months where your home consumes more electricity from the power grid than you contribute, you will only pay the net difference amount between what you contribute to the power grid and what your house has consumed. This is how the Net Metering system works.

Interested in reducing your electricity bills?

Let us give you the right solution for your home. Contact us today to get a free solar panel installation quote.

Understanding the Two Solar Business Models: CAPEX & RESCO
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Understanding the Two Solar Business Models: CAPEX & RESCO

November 27, 2019 One Comment

Solar Energy is one of the most reliable sources of renewable energy available to us today. The world is currently racing to make this technology widespread, especially with the ever-looming threat of global warming. Renewable energy, which has minimal to none carbon footprint, is essential to make our world and our environment a better and healthier place to be in.

The government of India is encouraging every Indian to opt for clean and green solar energy. To promote convenient adoption and use of solar energy, public and private sectors have been informed by the Ministry of Finance to offer a loan at the minimal interest rate for encouraging Solar Ideology to every home, business, office, and other places. It is vital for the customer and investor that they choose the right business model to minimize the risk and maximize the Return on Investment.

There are two Solar Business Models in India, and both models have their pros and cons. It all depends on your objectives. An in-depth analysis is very important to find out which solar business model is suitable for your business. As per the project size, investment amount, and different financial needs, two solar business models are followed in India.

1. CAPEX Model.

It is the most common model form of the solar power plant business model in India. In this model, the customer generally hires a solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) company that provides the installation of the entire solar power system and hand over access to the consumer. One of the major advantages of this model is that the customer is eligible to claim the accelerated depreciation to gain tax savings from the government.CAPEX Business Model

Highlights:

  • Allows Residential, Industrial, and Commercial to own the system.
  • The customer sets up the rooftop solar project with the intent to reduce his power costs.
  • The customer bears the entire capital expenditure of the project.
  • The customer gets benefit by selling the surplus power generated to the DISCOM.
  • The gains from tariff savings accrue to the roof and solar power plant owner.
  • Commercial & Institutional clients can also claim the accelerated depreciation.
  • EPC also performs the annual operation and maintained (O&M) of the plant on mutually agreed cost per annum. 

       

2. RESCO Model.

Renewable Energy Service Company is an energy service company which provides energy to the customer from renewable energy sources usually from Solar Photovoltaic, Wind Power or Hydropower. RESCO about pays as you consume electricity. Since it is operated and maintained by the RESCO, it carries a longer production run than the CAPEX model.Highlights:

  • Solar Power Plant is owned by the RESCO and ENERCO (Energy Company).
  • The customer service does not own any rights on the solar energy system.
  • Customers have to sign the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with an actual investor at a mutually agreed tariff and tenure.
  • The customer only pays for electricity consumed as per units for power basis.
  • RESCO developer is responsible for its annual operation and maintenance.
  • RESCO gets the benefit by selling surplus power generated to the DISCOM.

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