Frequently Asked Questions with Answers

1. What is a photovoltaic (PV) system?

“Photovoltaic” is composite of two words. “Photo” means Light. “Voltaic” means producing Electricity. The term “photovoltaic” taken from Greek. Phos meaning “Light” and the name of Italian Physicist-Volta, after whom the volt (and consequently voltage) are named. The term “Photovoltaic” means producing electricity in the presence of Light. When sunlight is used, the relevant term is “Solar photovoltaic. A photovoltaic (PV) cell is also called as a Solar cell, which is a basic building block, is a device that converts sunlight into electricity.

Many cells put together are known as a module, and many modules assembled together to form an array. A PV system will consist of an array of modules generating DC electricity, an inverter (which converts D.C energy into A.C. energy) can be stored in battery storage banks or fed into the Electricity Grid.

2. Are the solar PV panels fragile?

Solar PV panels manufactured as per National and International standards are robust and can withstand the normal stresses subjected to nature.

3. What are the components of a photovoltaic (PV) system?

A PV system is made up of different components. These include PV modules (groups of PV cells), which are commonly called PV panels; one or more batteries; a charge regulator or controller for a stand-alone system; an inverter for a utility- grid-connected system and when alternating current (ac) rather than direct current (dc) is required; wiring; and mounting hardware or a framework.

4. What is an inverter?

Majority of electrical equipment used for domestic/commercial/ Industrial purposes are of AC system. So, it is necessary to convert solar power generated at DC system to AC system. An inverter will convert DC to AC system.

5. What is a “grid-tied” PV system?

Connecting your solar system directly into the utility (BESCOM grid).

1. What are the different types of rooftop solar PV systems?

1. Grid-Connected – These systems have no storage other than the grid itself.Any excess electricity generated from the solar system is fed back into the grid. At night or during times of intense cloud cover, the installation draws power from the grid.
2. Hybrid (Grid-tied with Storage) – These systems are grid-connected, but also have some storage capacity by way of a small battery bank. They provide some measure of continuity when the grid goes down at the same time as there is not sufficient solar input.
3. Off-grid – These systems are suited to remote locations where a grid connection is not available/when there will be no continuous power supply in the grid. The battery bank is sized to provide a certain number of days of storage in the installation and the installation draws power from the storage batteries during the night or during days of intense cloud cover.

6. Can I use Solar PV system to power my home?

Solar PV system can be used to power your entire home’s electrical systems, including lights, cooling systems, and appliances.

7. What is net metering?

Net-meter (bi-directional meter) is having provision to record energy imported from the grid to meet the load and energy exported to the grid after self- consumption. Both energy import and export records in the net-meter. The difference between Export and Import readings is the actual energy consumed/delivered.The net meter records surplus energy exported to BESCOM grid. When your system generates less energy than your consuming load, the meter records energy imported from BESCOM grid.

8. What guarantees will I receive?

The SRTPV Panels will be normally having 25 years of guaranteed life and Inverter with a guaranteed period of 5 years and same is to be guaranteed by installing agencies.

BESCOM will sign a Power Purchase Agreement with Solar rooftop PV generator which will be in force for 25 years.

9. How much space on my roof do I need for a solar PV installation?

The grid-connected SRTPV system of 1 kW peak power capacity requires approximately about 70 sq. ft. the shadow-free area on the rooftop.

10. How much electricity does a PV system generate?

For every kW peak SRTPV system installed on a South facing roof, the system will generate 4 to 6 units per day. However, the energy generation depends upon the weather conditions and reduces by around 10% for an East or West facing roof.

11.How much does a Solar PV system cost?

The cost of the SRTPV system depends on the make of the Grid-tied system used, Type of Roof, the height of building etc. However, the approximate cost of Grid-tied SRTPV systems varies between Rs.60,000 to Rs. 90,000 per kWp. The cost of Hybrid Systems is more as they include the cost of Battery and other Control & protection systems.

12.  Whether all consumers are eligible to install solar rooftop systems to avail net metering facility?

Yes. All registered metered consumers coming under the jurisdiction of ESCOM area are eligible for installation of the solar RTPV system.

13. Do I need plan permission from the Local Authorities?

Not required.

14. Do I need to inform Power Utility (BESCOM)?

Yes. For grid connection, prior approval is required.
For off-grid SRTPV systems installation, no permission is required.

15. Is there any prescribed application?

Yes. The consumer can download the application form for installation of Solar RTPV system from BESCOM website www.bescom.org

16. How much time will it take to give permission?

Subject to feasibility, permission will be issued normally within 7 working days from the date of registration of application.

17. Who is the nodal point of contact?

The nodal point of contact for SRTPV programme shall be the AEE(Ele), O&M, Sub-division, BESCOM.

18. Are there any grants/subsidy available?

Yes. Ministry of New Renewable Energy (MNRE), Ministry of Power, GoI will grant subsidy. For further assistance please visit www.mnre.gov.in

19. How the billing and payments are made?

1. The consumer shall receive monthly a net import/export bill indicating either net export to the grid or net import from the grid.
2. In case of net import bill, the consumer shall settle the same as per existing norms. If it is a net export bill (after self-consumption), net credit amount payable will be deposited by BESCOM into consumer’s bank account, provided by the consumer at the stage of submission of application.

The credit if any, shall be settled within 30 days from the date of meter reading and credited to the bank account through NEFT.

20. What is a Green House Effect?

Gases such as Carbon dioxide, water vapor, Nitrous oxide, and Ozone trap the Sun’s heat and do not let it escape. As a result, during the day the Earth’s surface gets Warm. But when Earth cools down in the night, the heat is released back into the Air. However, some heat still remains trapped in the lower atmosphere, keeping our planet Warm. This natural process is called Green House effect.

21. What is Grid Parity?

Grid parity exists when an alternative energy source generates electricity at a cost matching the price of energy from that of Electricity Supply Companies.

22. With increase in electricity prices of about 5% to 6% by the Electricity supply

Companies every year and with the reducing trend in Cost of Solar Generation. Every year, Grid parity will be achieved sooner than expected.