Solar panels have become quite popular in India in recent years as a means to reduce electricity bills and increase sustainability. As you look to install solar panels on your home, you should know some key things.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about solar panels – how they work, types of solar panels, costs, subsidies, installation process, maintenance, and frequently asked questions.
What Are Solar Panels?
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are made up of solar cells, which are specially fabricated to convert solar radiation into direct current electricity. This electricity can then be used to power electrical devices or fed into the electricity grid.
Solar panels offer a clean, renewable way to generate electricity without creating any air or noise pollution. As sunlight is free and abundant (especially in tropical countries like India), solar panels can drastically reduce your electricity bills once installed.
Also – Know All About Solar Panels before Buying Yours!
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels work through the photovoltaic effect ? where sunlight is directly converted into electricity. Here are the step-by-step workings:
- Sunlight hits the solar panels during daylight hours
- The solar cells within the panel absorb the sunlight
- The absorbed sunlight knocks electrons loose in the silicon atoms of the cells
- The flow of these electrons generates an electric current
- Metal conductors then draw away this electric current in the panel to be used as electricity
So, in simple terms, solar panels directly transform solar radiation from the sun into useful electricity for your home usage.
Types of Solar Panels
There are three main types of solar panels used in India:
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels: Made from a single block of silicon, these are the most efficient panels (with efficiency up to 20%). They have a distinctive all-black appearance.
- Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Made from fragments of silicon blocks, less efficient than monocrystalline. They have a speckled blue color and rectangular cells.
- Thin-Film Solar Panels: Made by depositing silicon layers on glass or stainless steel. Lower efficiency but lower price. They have a flexible structure.
Of these, monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon panels are most common in homes. Thin-film panels are less durable for rooftop installation.
Also Read – Types of Solar Panels and their Features
Solar Panel Prices in India
Here is an indicator of latest solar panel price per watt in India:
Monocrystalline Solar Panels: Rs. 35 to Rs. 45 per watt
Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Rs. 25 to Rs. 35 per watt
So, if you are installing a typical 1 kW (1000 Watt) solar panel system, it may cost you:
Monocrystalline: 1000 x Rs. 40 = Rs. 40,000
Polycrystalline: 1000 x Rs. 30 = Rs. 30,000
Prices depend on the brand, model, certifications, testing standards, and seller location. Reputed tier 1 solar module brands like Loom Solar, Tata Power Solar, and Adani will be slightly pricier but offer better product warranties.
Also Read- Supreme Brands of Solar Panels And Their Unique Features
Subsidy on Solar Panels
The Indian government offers various incentives on rooftop solar installations to drive adoption. These solar subsidies differ across states, but here are some top schemes:
- Central Financial Assistance of 30% on benchmark costs
- Some states like Delhi, UP, and Gujarat also offer additional subsidies
- Rural households can claim remote village electrification subsidies
Before you purchase solar panels, do check with your discom and state nodal agency about the eligibility of these solar subsidies. This will help reduce your overall system cost significantly.