In 1839, a French Scientist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect. Photo means "light" and voltaic means "electricity" in Latin, photovoltaic means electricity from light.
What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is the light, and heat radiated from the Sun. On earth, to have the existence of human life, along with, oxygen and water - heat & light become essential and the source to these is sun. The nuclear fusion reaction happening on the sun has been the reason for the heat & light it has been generating for millions of years.
Sunlight takes about 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach the earth's surface, the distance is about 149.22 million Kms. The photons emitted from the surface of the sun travel this long distance to reach earth. So, the actual location of the sun that you can see is about 8 mins and 20 seconds earlier.
How is Solar Energy Produced?
The solar panels help generation of solar energy; however, it can’t be used in its raw form as the panels tend to produce the DC – direct current- a flat linear output and a tendency of lots of transmission losses. Also, all household equipment use AC- alternating current, a sinusoidal wave.
In this scenario, the conversion of DC to AC is very important, for which an inverter is needed. Further, based on the need of requirement, we can then add as many components as possible including rooftop solar panels to generate electricity. Also know about it's benefits, advantages & disadvantages, and more here: https://www.loomsolar.com/blogs/collections/what-is-solar-energy
What is Solar Panel?
Solar Rooftop Solution for Ruler & Urban Area to get electricity 24x7 anywhere or reduce monthly electricity bill. pic.twitter.com/HeRbm1JlhO
Solar Panels (सोलर पैनल) are an arrangement of solar cells mounted in a frame and covered with glass. It is also known as Solar PV Modules, Solar Plates or सौर ऊर्जा which converts directly sunlight into electricity. It is a clean and renewable source of energy which reduces carbon emission, reduces electricity bill for a homeowner, and has a life expectancy of 25-30 years.
The solar panels generate DC power during the day whenever adequate solar radiation is available. This DC power is maximized by a MPPT Charge Controller unit. Part of it is directly fed to an AC load though a charge controller (DC to DC converter) and an inverter, while the remaining power is fed through the charge controller to the battery bank and stored. It is withdrawn from the battery bank when required (usually when adequate solar radiation is not available in the day light hours) and fed to the DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter is in turn connected to an inverter and the resulting AC power is connected to the load. Read more here: https://www.loomsolar.com/blogs/collections/how-do-solar-panels-work
Types of Solar Panels
There are two types of solar panels available in India, such as:
Monocrystalline Solar Panel Made of pure Silicon cells, that generates higher power, Made of Mono Perk cells with size 156 mm and 156 mm, it looks blackish in color.
Polycrystalline Solar Panel A traditional solar panel that is commonly used, less expensive, and Lowers power generation.
Mono PERC vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panel
Mono PERC Panels
Poly Crystalline panels
High efficiency 19-22%
Less efficiency 14-17%
Design & Looks
Made of single silicon cells – all cells are black in color
Made of multiple silicon cells – looks blueish in color
Occupies less rooftop space
Takes more space
Performs 30% better even in low light & same space
Low efficiency in cloudy weather
Relatively low price
Less Degrade in Long Time
Max. Degrade in Long Time
Solar Panel Price in India 2021
The cost of solar panels depends on the capacity of solar panel, technology variant and manufacturer. The solar panel price will always varies with what capacity & technology of panel you are buying. You can install 10 watt, 20 watt, 40 watt, 50 watt, 75 watt, 100 watt, 180 watt, 440 watt solar and shark bi-facial solar panel. The price range of best quality solar panel varies from ₹ 40 - ₹ 85 per watt. From 1st October 2021, the solar panel's price will increase by nearly 10% due to change in GST rate from 5% to 12%.
Here are the latest solar PV panel prices after rising GST in 2021 for Indian brands from 10 watt – 440 watts.
Solar Panel Ratings
Price Per Watt
Loom Solar 10 watt - 12-volt solar panel
Loom Solar 20 watt - 12-volt solar panel
Loom Solar 40 watt - 12-volt solar panel
Loom Solar 50 watt Mono PERC Panel
Loom Solar 75 watt Mono PERC Panel
Loom Solar 100 watt Mono PERC Panel
Loom Solar 125 watt Mono PERC Panel
Loom Solar 190 watt Mono PERC Panel
Loom Solar Shark 440 watt Mono PERC Panel
Shark Bi-Facial 440 - 530 watt Mono PERC Panel
Prices mentioned above are the best price available for each product across all shops and online stores
Price may vary store to store and from place to place based on tax rates
Prices shown above are with original bills and manufacturer warranty
Features of a Solar Panel
There are broadly 5 features in a solar panel available in Indian Markets.
#1. Cell Technology – Mono Crystalline Solar cells are purest raw material to make Solar PV Module, The Power generation is higher for Mono Perk Crystalline cells in sunny, cloudy and monsoon weather.
#2. Module Size – Smaller Solar panels will occupy less space on the rooftop, Hence, a smaller size solar panel will cost more
#3. Frame thickness – After Solar Cells, Frame thickness is the second raw material which impacts the build quality of a solar panel. A Solar panel may have 30 mm – 45 mm Frame thickness made of the Aluminum structure.
#4. Connecting wires - Solar panels are connected in either Series or parallel connecting for making an array, An Array is a form in which multiple solar panels are connected, Hence, It is important the solar should come with at least 1-meter wire and with IP 68 Junction box that makes it water and dustproof.
#5. Unbreakable Glass- A solar pane will have solar cells, Aluminum frame and transparent glass, The Foldable solar panel which will have foldable glass has fewer chances to break.
How to Install Solar Panels?
Solar panels should be installed by professional installers. Any mistake in installing solar panel will lead to lesser efficiency and loss in power generation.
The standard solar panel installation cost is between ₹10 to ₹15 per watt depending upon location, the distance between panel and inverter and weather installation is off the on-grid solar system or off-grid solar system. We have installed solar panels in over 50,000 homes across India. Here is the list of solar panel installation story with unique applications.
Maintenance of Solar Panels
Solar panels are low maintenance products; however, it is important to clean solar panels on a regular basis to clear off the dust particles that get accumulated on it. A Cleaner solar panel might generate up to 25% more power. The cost of maintaining solar panels is near to zero (0) or a few hundred rupees a year. Most solar panels have silicon cells laminated and framed which ensures long life and less maintenance. Cleaning and washing solar panels are a must for longevity and retaining efficiency.
Keep Solar panels out of the shade
The best way to clean the solar panel is by using soft cloths, shampoo, or detergent
Clean in a way that it may not scratch the glass
Top 10 Solar Panel Companies in India
India is the world’s 3 biggest market of solar modules with as much as 150 solar panel manufacturers in the country with 10 GW Manufacturing capacity and a Home of 35 GW Installation of solar panels by 2020, Here is the list of Top 10 solar companies selected based upon Manufacturing Capacity, Bankability, Sales Revenue, Brand Value and Year of Service in the industry.
In a Solar system, Solar panel is the main component, the best solar panel is decided based upon the performance of a solar system, Build Quality, Serviceability, Power Generation Output, per watt price, here is the list of Best Solar Panels with reviews.
Indian government is giving up to 40% subsidy on grid connected rooftop solar. A solar subsidy is not applicable to the solar system installed with a battery (Off Grid Solar System). Indian Government has allocated 4GW (4000MW) capacity of the grid-connected solar system for the rooftop solar sector in 2020. Here is the state-wise government subsidy scheme, procedure, eligibility criteria for the installer and homeowner, etc.
In this post, we are going to talk about how one can have a successful solar business. This is specifically for our dealers and partners and others who want to make the most of the growth rate in the solar industry.
#1. How many KW Solar Panels do I need for my home?
The selection of solar panel depends on two factors:
a) In Case of Power Failures - The solar panels require is 3 times of battery Capacity, so for example, you have 2 battery of 150 Ah in your home, you should install 3* 150 Ah = 450 watts of solar panels.
b) In case of Saving Electricity Bill: Look at your power bills and check how much units you consumed during a month, let's assume, 300 units (kWH) in a month, so solar panels requirement will be
Solar Panel Requirement = Total power consumption in a month (kWH) / 30 days *4 units power generation per kW. So, in this case, it should be 300/30 *4 = 2.5 kW, i.e. 2500 watts.
#2. Does Solar Panel Work During the night, Monsoon?
Solar panels will produce comparatively less energy during monsoon. More sunlight better your solar panel works. Shades, clouds, and monsoon do affect the performance of solar panels. Amount of electricity is directly related to the amount of sunlight that falls on solar panels.
#3. What is the Average Lifespan of a Solar Panel?
Most of the solar panels come with 25 years warranty in India. However, the lifespan of a solar panel can go up to 30 years depending upon brand and quality.
#4. How much 1 kW solar panel power generates and how much space it takes in the installation?
1 kW = 1000 watts, 1 kW solar panel generates on an average 4 kWh in a day depending upon weather conditions, in a sunny day it might generate up to 5 Units, while in winter or cloudy weather, the power generation could be lower up to 3 units a day.
1 kWH = 1 unit = 1000 watt
A solar panel has a standard length of 2 meters and a width of 1meter. Installation of 1 kW solar panel requires 2 solar modules, the space taken by 1 kW solar panels shall be
1000 watts panel will save around ₹1000 per month on average. More the number of panels more electricity you can produce and which will result in more savings. A 1kVa on-grid system can save around ₹1500 per month.
#6. Can the solar panel be installed without Inverter and battery for day uses?
Solar panel is a source of DC electricity, the appliances such as Fan, Television, lights that we use in our home is AC, 230 volts (alternating current) electricity, The DC power could be used directly with solar panels while using AC electricity, It is must use Inverters.
#7. Can I run a ceiling fan directly from solar panels during day time?
Solar generates a direct form of electricity, to use a fan on solar, an inverter is a must, a Fan cannot be used directly from solar panels.
#8. How the efficiency of the solar panel is calculated?
The efficiency of the solar panel is the way to calculate the density of solar module. For example, you have a solar panel that is 1 meter long and 1 meter wide produces 1000 watts, this would be called 100% efficiency of solar panels.
The Formula for calculating solar panel efficiency is
1000 watt / sq. meter is sunlight available at your home
Here is the example to calculate Loom Solar 400 watt solar panel efficiency (400 watts) / (2 meter length) * (1 meter width) * (1000 watt / sq. meter) = 20%
i.e. the efficiency of 400 watt solar panel is 20%.
#9. Where can I buy Solar Panels in India?
There are multiple ways to buy solar panels in India, such as Inverter and solar shops near you and online store such as Loom Solar, Amazon, Flipkart, etc.
#10. How to make a solar panel?
We all know by now, that a solar panel is a device that absorbs sunlight and converts this energy into usable electricity. As the price of a solar panel goes down and efficiencies improve, it is attracting masses all over the world to go off the grid. Once you incur the cost of a solar system and its installation, you can practically generate free electricity over the next 25-30 years. But how is this solar panel made, what materials are involved, how different parts are put together to result in a device that is capable of providing you with free electricity? Read more: https://www.loomsolar.com/blogs/collections/how-are-solar-panels-made-in-india