What is a Solar System

A Solar System is a system which converts light energy into electrical energy, stores this electrical
energy and also consumes this stored energy.

Why Solar energy

Unlike Petrol, Solar energy from the Sun is free of cost and you don’t pay taxes on it. The prices of
fuel will always increase, but as production of solar panels increase the price of these panels shall
decrease. You can store the converted solar energy in a BATTERY. A solar system can be assembled
in any OUTDOOR WORKSHOP. Solar Energy is a Green Energy, it’s a Renewable Source of Energy and
it’s good for our planet. And as long as the sun shines your system will be powered.

Red wires- positive

Black wires-negative
The Red wire between the Inverter and Plug Point is Live, Black is Neutral and Green is

Ground or Earthing. Do not interchange the polarity and stick to the colour coding of the

wires- Red, Black & Green.

The following few factors are to be considered in an apartment complex

where solar is being considered:
 
1. Roof-top Area Availability
 
The amount of shadow-free area that can be utilised for installing solar panels is one crucial
factor which determines the maximum system size possible. Some apartments have a huge
water tank, antennas, skylights which reduces the usable space for solar PV installation. 
 
In some of the apartments/gated communities, the feasible areas would be the club-house
buildings, car parking areas and other utility areas.
 
2. The ESCOM(electricity supply commission) policy prevailing in the State for Solar
Installation
 
The policy can determine what is the maximum solar PV capacity that can be connected to
the grid through the bi-directional meter.
 
In Kerela, as on date, the policy allows connecting a maximum solar PV system equal to the
sanctioned load of the meter. This means that if the common area sanctioned load is 60 kW,
the maximum solar that can be installed would be 60 kWp.
 
In case of multiple meters for common area roofs, the best solution is to install maximum
solar on each meter on a net-metering basis.
 
3. Common area meter consumptions:
 
Going forward, selling Energy(in excess than what we consume) back to the ESCOMs would
be less attractive compared to self-consuming the energy. This means that it is wise to
install a solar plant that can net out the electricity consumption from the ESCOM than
sending power back. Say if the electricity consumption per month from the ESCOM(without
any solar installation) is around 6000 units, it is advised to install a solar power plant that
can generate 6000 units maximum.
 
4. Budgeting and Approvals
 
Last but not the least, the budget plays a key role in communities in taking up a solar project
for the common area. Generally, approvals from the AGM(Annual General Meetings) is a
must for the solar projects to take off. For this, the association or the team assigned by the
association has to come up with ROI calculations for the investment that they have to make.
 
These are the major factors to be considered at the start, other factors like technical
feasibility, financing for the projects etc. also play a key role in the system to get the system
commissioned.

Physical Size
Length and Width – Although length and width varies slightly, most companies are
manufacturing solar panels in standard sizes.  The most typical size used for residential
installations is 65 inches by 39 inches, while the common size for commercial applications is
77 inches by 39 inches.
Depth – The depth of solar panels range between 1.4 inches to 1.8 inches, although we are seeing
more manufacturers move to a 1.8 inch depth.

eight – Residential solar panels weigh about 40 pounds while the slightly wider commercial panels
weigh closer to 50 pounds.

Number of Solar Cells

  60 cell modules are the industry standard for residential applications, but slightly larger
commercial panels are generally 72 cells.  SunPower, the leader in solar panel efficiency,
utilizes 96 cell panels. 

How to install solar panels step by step: what is involved in the solar

panel installation process?

1. Engineering site visit: the first step to getting your solar system installed

2. Permits and documents: the logistical paperwork required for your solar panel
installation

3. Ordering equipment: choosing the panels and inverters and getting your solar
panel installation scheduled

4. Solar panel installation

5. Approval and interconnection