FAQs

Here’s a chance to get rid of your apprehensions and take that one step towards doing your bit for a sustainable future. Find everything you need to know about how solar energy works.

What is the cost of installing a solar panel system for my home/business?

The cost of a solar panel system varies based on the size of the system, the equipment used, and the location. A rough estimate can be provided after a site visit and evaluation of energy consumption

How long will it take for me to recoup my investment in a solar panel system?

The payback period for a solar panel system depends on various factors such as the cost of electricity, system size, and incentives. On average, it can range anywhere from 5 to 15 years.

Do I need to own a home to go solar?

No, you don’t necessarily need to own a home to go solar. Renters and commercial property owners can also benefit from solar energy through power purchase agreements (PPAs) or community solar projects.

How much electricity can I generate from my solar panel system?

The amount of electricity that can be generated from a solar panel system depends on the size of the system, location, and angle/orientation of the panels. A professional solar developer can provide a more accurate estimate after a site visit.

Are solar panel systems reliable? Will I have power during outages?

Solar panel systems are reliable and have a long lifespan. However, they are dependent on the grid for power during outages unless you have backup batteries installed.

Do I need to maintain my solar panel system? How often?

Solar panel systems require very little maintenance and can last for 25-30 years

How much area is required to install a rooftop solar system?

1 kWp solar system requires approximately 10 sq. m (or 100 sq. ft) of shadow free area. Therefore, one 1 MWp (1000 kWp) solar system would require 10,000 sq. m / 1,00,000 sq. ft / 3 acres of shadow free area.

How many solar panels do I need?

Power generation capacity is denoted in kilowatts (kW). We analyse your past energy use pattern and design a system that can generate as much energy as you consume on a yearly basis. Solar panels come in 330 to 400 watts. A 10kW system will have 30 modules of 335Wp. Calculate your own power plant size with our solar power calculator

Does solar power system work in rainy season?

Solar panels work at the peak of their capacity on summer days. They give lower output when the sky is cloudy in the monsoon. However, net metering takes care of the low generation in Monsoon by exporting excess electricity to the grid. We analyse your year round energy use pattern and design your solar power system in order to give you practically zero energy charges whenever possible.

Does solar power system work during a power cut?

Being tied to the grid means you can still draw power from the utility, and if you have net metering, you can also send power back to it as well. During a power outage, your solar power system is automatically shut off as a safety measure to prevent what is called “islanding”. Grid tied systems can be equipped with smart electricity storage technology and batteries to provide both anti – islanding and backup during power cuts.

Can my building sustain the weight of solar panels?

The weight of solar panels and mounting structures is distributed over a large area of the roof. Also most of the modern buildings are designed to sustain adequate buffer of extra loads. Weight of solar power systems is well within these limits. For antique and historical buildings, our structural engineering team designs special mounting structure with speciality high strength lightweight materials.

How much area is required to install a rooftop solar system?

1 kWp solar system requires approximately 10 sq. m (or 100 sq. ft) of shadow free area. Therefore, one 1 MWp (1000 kWp) solar system would require 10,000 sq. m / 1,00,000 sq. ft / 3 acres of shadow free area.

What maintenance is required for a solar power plant?

Solar photovoltaic panels have no moving parts, and therefore require little maintenance, which will include module cleaning with water every 2-4 weeks and preventive electrical maintenance every 3 months.

Will a roof mounted system damage my roof's warranty?

It will not, as the roofs aren’t tampered. Just as screws are used to fix the roof sheets, we use screws to fix the modules.

Is it possible to mount solar panels without drilling holes in the rooftop?

Yes, if the roof sheets belong to the standing seam segment, then solar panels can be installed without penetrating the roof. If not, then penetration is necessary, although precautions are taken to prevent leakage. Installation on RCC roofs does not require any penetration.

Can individual flats have solar power?

Housing society members can agree upon the use of common terrace space for solar power plants powering apartments. Model by laws of co-operative housing societies have provisions for obtaining written approval from housing society. Multiple flat owners can club their orders to avail economies of scale benefits.

What do you mean by Open Access Power?

Open access power is a regulatory mechanism that allows a grid-connected bulk consumer with a contract demand of 1000 kVA or above to meet a part of or their entire electricity requirements via alternate energy sources.

Which power procurement models can be used in Open Access?

Typically, two procurement models are used: third-party PPAs and captive or group captive models.

Third-Party PPAs – In this model, a third-party investor or Solar developer invests in an Open Access project and sells the power to corporates via a PPA, eliminating upfront investment and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) responsibilities is at the developers end. However, the corporate buyer is liable to pay the Open Access charges incurred from the wheeling of power from the generated site to the buyer’s location.

Captive / Group Captive Model – In the captive model, the corporate buyer makes an upfront capital investment in the Open Access project. The buyer owns, operates, and maintains the power generating asset. Open access charges are also applicable but unpredictable charges, such as the cross-subsidy surcharge and additional surcharge, are waived off. In addition, the buyer (i.e., the owner of the power generating asset) is also eligible to claim tax benefits through accelerated depreciation. Another variant of the captive model is the group captive model, wherein the Open Access project is developed for collective usage by many corporate buyers. The model is considered group captive if at least one of the corporate buyers holds a minimum of 26% of equity in the project and consumes at least 51% of the power generated.

How can a corporate buyer avail the Open Access benefits of a group captive project without completely owning the project?

The corporate buyer must hold at least 26% of the equity while the developer arranges for the rest 74%. A Long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) can be signed on mutually agreed terms between the developer and the buyer. In such a project, the O&M responsibilities are usually passed on to the developer

Is it possible for a corporate buyer to terminate the PPA in a group captive model?

Given the regulatory requirement for the lead captive buyer to own a minimum of 26 percent of the power generating plant, ownership must be transferred to another captive buyer or back to the primary investor if the PPA terminates or expires. Parties typically agree to a put/call option structure to transfer the shares upon expiry/termination of the PPA. If either the captive generator or the buyer is a non-resident or foreign-owned and controlled entity, then subscription/purchase of equity shares as well as subsequent transfer must comply with the Reserve Bank of India’s pricing guidelines.

Are Solar Carports easy to maintain?

In many ways, they are much easier. Many standard carports use polycarbonate sheets and other roofing materials that trap dirt and debris. Solar Carports utilize the latest in glass technology. The structure is extremely strong and resistant to many climatic and environmental conditions. In addition, the coefficient properties of the glass prevent debris and dirt from adhering to the surface. Rain or a simple hosing is normally enough to clean

What is a solar carport?

A solar carport is a stand-alone structure that provides shelter for cars. Each carport is individually designed to suit its environment, but they are generally a lightweight structure that supports a roof covering of solar panels that generate electricity from the sun’s rays.

What are the primary advantages of a solar carport?

There are two primary benefits of solar car ports. The first is the power that is generated from the sun; a carport utilises the sun’s energy that would otherwise go to waste by catching the rays and converting them to electricity. These can be ideal for businesses with roof spaces filled with plant, vents or skylights, where solar would be very difficult to install. The energy that is generated can either be used on site or may be sold to the National Grid. The second advantage is the benefit to car users; a carport allows car drivers to park their car out of the elements, be that rain or sun, ensuring that visitors can get in and out of their cars in the dry or stop their cars overheating in the sun.

Can a solar carport generate enough energy to charge a car?

A single carport will not generate enough energy to charge a car. However, users of carports do equate the two low carbon technologies. Owners of solar carports should consider onsite consumption as a whole, and the various power consumption loads, with EV charging being additional to these.

What carport designs are available?

Solar carports can be designed to suit the environment in which they will sit. A carport can be designed to cover any number of car parking spaces, in any format. Carports can be made from a variety of materials, such as galvanised steel and hardwood timber and they can be finished in a variety of colours. Greensphere will ensure that all design is carried out by a qualified design engineer.

What permissions do I need to install a solar carport?

A solar carport will generally require planning permission from the local authority, which may be achieved under delegated authority. Similar to connecting a solar PV system, a solar carport will also need permission from the local distribution network operator, who will be able to say whether and on what terms the generation may be connected to the local grid.

Are carports a good investment?

The simple answer is yes. Costing only a little more than a standard carport, the inclusion of up to 4kwp of solar per bay will provide a welcome contribution to your energy or investment needs. In the ever-changing world of energy prices, it means that the price you have ‘locked in’ is the price of every energy unit that is produced by your carport.

How do you monitor and maintain the performance of the solar assets?

The monitoring and maintenance of the assets might involve regular inspections and performance testing, as well as proactive maintenance and repairs to ensure the assets are operating at their best. The developer might use data analytics and other tools to track performance and identify any issues early on.

How do you ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards?

Compliance with industry regulations and standards is important for the safe and efficient operation of the assets, as well as for ensuring a return on investment for the client. The developer might have a dedicated team or processes in place to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.

How do you handle unexpected events, such as natural disasters, that might affect the performance of the assets?

The developer might have a contingency plan in place to handle unexpected events, such as natural disasters, that could affect the performance of the assets. This might include emergency response protocols, backup power systems, and insurance coverage to minimize the impact on the assets and the client’s investment

How do you communicate with your clients and keep them informed of any updates or developments related to their assets?

Communication with clients is key to ensuring the success of a solar asset management project, and the developer might have a clear process for keeping clients informed of any updates or developments related to their assets. This might include regular status reports, email updates, and access to online portals to view performance data.

Here’s a chance to get rid of your apprehensions and take that one step towards doing your bit for a sustainable future. Find everything you need to know about how solar energy works.

What is the cost of installing a solar panel system for my home/business?

The cost of a solar panel system varies based on the size of the system, the equipment used, and the location. A rough estimate can be provided after a site visit and evaluation of energy consumption

How long will it take for me to recoup my investment in a solar panel system?

The payback period for a solar panel system depends on various factors such as the cost of electricity, system size, and incentives. On average, it can range anywhere from 5 to 15 years.

Do I need to own a home to go solar?

No, you don’t necessarily need to own a home to go solar. Renters and commercial property owners can also benefit from solar energy through power purchase agreements (PPAs) or community solar projects.

How much electricity can I generate from my solar panel system?

The amount of electricity that can be generated from a solar panel system depends on the size of the system, location, and angle/orientation of the panels. A professional solar developer can provide a more accurate estimate after a site visit.

Are solar panel systems reliable? Will I have power during outages?

Solar panel systems are reliable and have a long lifespan. However, they are dependent on the grid for power during outages unless you have backup batteries installed.

Do I need to maintain my solar panel system? How often?

Solar panel systems require very little maintenance and can last for 25-30 years

How much area is required to install a rooftop solar system?

1 kWp solar system requires approximately 10 sq. m (or 100 sq. ft) of shadow free area. Therefore, one 1 MWp (1000 kWp) solar system would require 10,000 sq. m / 1,00,000 sq. ft / 3 acres of shadow free area.

How many solar panels do I need?

Power generation capacity is denoted in kilowatts (kW). We analyse your past energy use pattern and design a system that can generate as much energy as you consume on a yearly basis. Solar panels come in 330 to 400 watts. A 10kW system will have 30 modules of 335Wp. Calculate your own power plant size with our solar power calculator

Does solar power system work in rainy season?

Solar panels work at the peak of their capacity on summer days. They give lower output when the sky is cloudy in the monsoon. However, net metering takes care of the low generation in Monsoon by exporting excess electricity to the grid. We analyse your year round energy use pattern and design your solar power system in order to give you practically zero energy charges whenever possible.

Does solar power system work during a power cut?

Being tied to the grid means you can still draw power from the utility, and if you have net metering, you can also send power back to it as well. During a power outage, your solar power system is automatically shut off as a safety measure to prevent what is called “islanding”. Grid tied systems can be equipped with smart electricity storage technology and batteries to provide both anti – islanding and backup during power cuts.

Can my building sustain the weight of solar panels?

The weight of solar panels and mounting structures is distributed over a large area of the roof. Also most of the modern buildings are designed to sustain adequate buffer of extra loads. Weight of solar power systems is well within these limits. For antique and historical buildings, our structural engineering team designs special mounting structure with speciality high strength lightweight materials.

How much area is required to install a rooftop solar system?

1 kWp solar system requires approximately 10 sq. m (or 100 sq. ft) of shadow free area. Therefore, one 1 MWp (1000 kWp) solar system would require 10,000 sq. m / 1,00,000 sq. ft / 3 acres of shadow free area.

What maintenance is required for a solar power plant?

Solar photovoltaic panels have no moving parts, and therefore require little maintenance, which will include module cleaning with water every 2-4 weeks and preventive electrical maintenance every 3 months.

Will a roof mounted system damage my roof's warranty?

It will not, as the roofs aren’t tampered. Just as screws are used to fix the roof sheets, we use screws to fix the modules.

Is it possible to mount solar panels without drilling holes in the rooftop?

Yes, if the roof sheets belong to the standing seam segment, then solar panels can be installed without penetrating the roof. If not, then penetration is necessary, although precautions are taken to prevent leakage. Installation on RCC roofs does not require any penetration.

Can individual flats have solar power?

Housing society members can agree upon the use of common terrace space for solar power plants powering apartments. Model by laws of co-operative housing societies have provisions for obtaining written approval from housing society. Multiple flat owners can club their orders to avail economies of scale benefits.

What do you mean by Open Access Power?

Open access power is a regulatory mechanism that allows a grid-connected bulk consumer with a contract demand of 1000 kVA or above to meet a part of or their entire electricity requirements via alternate energy sources.

Which power procurement models can be used in Open Access?

Typically, two procurement models are used: third-party PPAs and captive or group captive models.

Third-Party PPAs – In this model, a third-party investor or Solar developer invests in an Open Access project and sells the power to corporates via a PPA, eliminating upfront investment and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) responsibilities is at the developers end. However, the corporate buyer is liable to pay the Open Access charges incurred from the wheeling of power from the generated site to the buyer’s location.

Captive / Group Captive Model – In the captive model, the corporate buyer makes an upfront capital investment in the Open Access project. The buyer owns, operates, and maintains the power generating asset. Open access charges are also applicable but unpredictable charges, such as the cross-subsidy surcharge and additional surcharge, are waived off. In addition, the buyer (i.e., the owner of the power generating asset) is also eligible to claim tax benefits through accelerated depreciation. Another variant of the captive model is the group captive model, wherein the Open Access project is developed for collective usage by many corporate buyers. The model is considered group captive if at least one of the corporate buyers holds a minimum of 26% of equity in the project and consumes at least 51% of the power generated.

How can a corporate buyer avail the Open Access benefits of a group captive project without completely owning the project?

The corporate buyer must hold at least 26% of the equity while the developer arranges for the rest 74%. A Long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) can be signed on mutually agreed terms between the developer and the buyer. In such a project, the O&M responsibilities are usually passed on to the developer

Is it possible for a corporate buyer to terminate the PPA in a group captive model?

Given the regulatory requirement for the lead captive buyer to own a minimum of 26 percent of the power generating plant, ownership must be transferred to another captive buyer or back to the primary investor if the PPA terminates or expires. Parties typically agree to a put/call option structure to transfer the shares upon expiry/termination of the PPA. If either the captive generator or the buyer is a non-resident or foreign-owned and controlled entity, then subscription/purchase of equity shares as well as subsequent transfer must comply with the Reserve Bank of India’s pricing guidelines.

Are Solar Carports easy to maintain?

In many ways, they are much easier. Many standard carports use polycarbonate sheets and other roofing materials that trap dirt and debris. Solar Carports utilize the latest in glass technology. The structure is extremely strong and resistant to many climatic and environmental conditions. In addition, the coefficient properties of the glass prevent debris and dirt from adhering to the surface. Rain or a simple hosing is normally enough to clean

What is a solar carport?

A solar carport is a stand-alone structure that provides shelter for cars. Each carport is individually designed to suit its environment, but they are generally a lightweight structure that supports a roof covering of solar panels that generate electricity from the sun’s rays.

What are the primary advantages of a solar carport?

There are two primary benefits of solar car ports. The first is the power that is generated from the sun; a carport utilises the sun’s energy that would otherwise go to waste by catching the rays and converting them to electricity. These can be ideal for businesses with roof spaces filled with plant, vents or skylights, where solar would be very difficult to install. The energy that is generated can either be used on site or may be sold to the National Grid. The second advantage is the benefit to car users; a carport allows car drivers to park their car out of the elements, be that rain or sun, ensuring that visitors can get in and out of their cars in the dry or stop their cars overheating in the sun.

Can a solar carport generate enough energy to charge a car?

A single carport will not generate enough energy to charge a car. However, users of carports do equate the two low carbon technologies. Owners of solar carports should consider onsite consumption as a whole, and the various power consumption loads, with EV charging being additional to these.

What carport designs are available?

Solar carports can be designed to suit the environment in which they will sit. A carport can be designed to cover any number of car parking spaces, in any format. Carports can be made from a variety of materials, such as galvanised steel and hardwood timber and they can be finished in a variety of colours. Greensphere will ensure that all design is carried out by a qualified design engineer.

What permissions do I need to install a solar carport?

A solar carport will generally require planning permission from the local authority, which may be achieved under delegated authority. Similar to connecting a solar PV system, a solar carport will also need permission from the local distribution network operator, who will be able to say whether and on what terms the generation may be connected to the local grid.

Are carports a good investment?

The simple answer is yes. Costing only a little more than a standard carport, the inclusion of up to 4kwp of solar per bay will provide a welcome contribution to your energy or investment needs. In the ever-changing world of energy prices, it means that the price you have ‘locked in’ is the price of every energy unit that is produced by your carport.

How do you monitor and maintain the performance of the solar assets?

The monitoring and maintenance of the assets might involve regular inspections and performance testing, as well as proactive maintenance and repairs to ensure the assets are operating at their best. The developer might use data analytics and other tools to track performance and identify any issues early on.

How do you ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards?

Compliance with industry regulations and standards is important for the safe and efficient operation of the assets, as well as for ensuring a return on investment for the client. The developer might have a dedicated team or processes in place to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.

How do you handle unexpected events, such as natural disasters, that might affect the performance of the assets?

The developer might have a contingency plan in place to handle unexpected events, such as natural disasters, that could affect the performance of the assets. This might include emergency response protocols, backup power systems, and insurance coverage to minimize the impact on the assets and the client’s investment

How do you communicate with your clients and keep them informed of any updates or developments related to their assets?

Communication with clients is key to ensuring the success of a solar asset management project, and the developer might have a clear process for keeping clients informed of any updates or developments related to their assets. This might include regular status reports, email updates, and access to online portals to view performance data.