Looking for the best investment this Diwali? Embrace the long-term benefits of solar power. This Diwali season, then, is a perfect time for you to illuminate your home in more ways than one. Just as you light diyas to bring warmth and brightness to your surroundings, installing solar panels helps you harness the power of the sun. And with generous government subsidies, investing in solar panels is more affordable than ever before this festive season.

We understand that venturing into the world of solar energy can feel overwhelming, especially with various myths and misconceptions in the mix. This blog aims to shed light on the actual advantages of solar energy. We'll walk you through how solar energy is a wise and sustainable investment for the future because it can lower your carbon footprint in addition to saving you money.

Solar energy is termed as the radiation produced by the sun's light and heat. When sunlight is harnessed to generate electricity, it is called solar power. This is done with the help of solar panels, which are made of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity. These solar panels are installed on rooftops or the ground, such as large open farms, to power homes, business entities, and communities.

Improved air quality for better well-being

One of the most lasting advantages of solar power
is that it's completely eco-friendly. Unlike fossil fuels,
it does not emit any harmful greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, during use. Solar
energy is an exceptionally clean energy source.
Right from the moment of installation to everyday use, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you're helping maintain clean air quality and reducing
the risk of major health issues. With solar energy, you're making a healthy choice for you and your family.

Up to 50% savings for your household

Another advantage of solar panels is that they free you from the hassles of load-shedding, and promote savings benefits for the whole family. Suppose your solar rooftop is looped back into the electricity grid, you can even sell the extra unused power generated by your solar panels to the state electricity department. Even if it's not being consumed by the premises, your solar electricity does not get wasted. For instance, a typical residential rooftop solar panel can save consumers up to Rs 50,000 per KW a year or around Rs 12.5 lakh annually. That's a considerable amount of money that you could be saving each year! So, have you considered installing solar panels in your home yet?

Low maintenance, longer life

Solar panels are designed to withstand any weather condition, whether heavy downpour, snow, or gusty winds, they provide long-lasting performance year-round. Even if the panels are installed in hard-to-reach places, the angled design will ensure that water, snow, or other material slides off, keeping them operational. The best part? Solar panels have an impressive lifespan of 25 to 30 years, and maintenance is required only two to four times
a year. Taking care of them is a breeze; all you need to do is spray lukewarm water on them and ensure no obstructions block the sunlight from reaching the panels. So, why wait? Get started with solar panels today
and enjoy the benefits of renewable energy for decades.

Here’s how Tata Power installed a 10.8 MW rooftop solar power system for the Kerala Government's agency - ANERT 

Requirements

1. With 7,750+ distinct locations spread across the state, Tata Power was needed to supply, install, and commission individual systems under battery-based off-grid systems and grid-connected systems. This included requirements from remote locations, sometimes with inaccessible road infrastructure.

2. Given the diversity of roofs, each solar array had to be custom-designed for optimum efficiency. Engineers at Tata Power Solar also had to ensure the setup was placed in an area where coconut trees didn’t shadow the solar panels.

3. Kerala, being a coastal state, is subject to high-speed winds and cyclones. The systems had to be designed with the climatic conditions in mind.

Impact created

10.8MW of solar power was distributed across rooftop systems with sturdy solar arrays capable of withstanding
a wind speed of up to 160 Kmph. Here are some benefits of installing solar panels enjoyed by the families
and the Kerala Government: 

1. Savings for all: Everyone switched to a more dependable and cost-saving method of generating power with less dependency on the DISCOM. While the families were saving on their electricity bills, the state reduced its load on the distribution system.

2. Employment generation: The installation project gave ample employment opportunities for the local people who trained themselves for installation and equipment servicing. This helped the state bolster their local economy.

3. Powering for the generations: Most of the people who benefitted from this project were senior people, whose families may be settled outside the village or country. The solar system helped them enjoy amenities like lights, fans, and television along with access to communication devices, which enabled stronger connections with their families across the world.

How to calculate your electricity consumption

The initial cost of rooftop solar depends on how much energy one wants to generate. But here's how you can calculate your solar power cost with the solar calculator

Types of rooftop solar panels

There are three types of rooftop solar panels - grid-based, off-grid and hybrid

Grid-based solar

One where the solar panel system works along with the electricity grid. This means that you will always have power either from the solar system or from the grid.

Off-grid system

Reliant on the sun and the energy stored in batteries to keep the power flow steady throughout the day. Even in the depths of winter when there is no or little sunlight, an off-grid system helps with electricity.

Hybrid solar panel system

Intelligently switches between using solar power, battery storage and grid power. The system stores renewable energy produced by its rooftop solar panels and during power outage, provides power to manage your needs

Bottom Line

Utilizing solar energy contributes significantly to a cleaner, greener future, perfectly complementing the growth and optimism of the festive season. Let solar power illuminate your house and your journey toward sustainability.