According to a study conducted by the US Department of Energy, it is estimated that solar energy would account for electric supply in the United States by up to 40% by 2035 and may increase by 40% by 2050. With such an estimate it is clear that countries are planning large-scale operational units. Also, due to rooftop solar panels benefits residential, commercial, and industrial sectors are all turning towards solar energy. Also, with the solar rooftop price list, you may also decide to get one.
5 Rooftop Solar Panels Benefits
Being a sustainable power resource for electricity generation on a small as well as large scale, rooftop solar panels benefits are mentioned here.
1. Cost Efficient
It is the most significant advantage of this system for cost-cutting in utility bills. Tariff rates for solar rooftop systems are between 17% and 27%, which are lower than industrial and commercial tariff rates. These installations are also achieving grid parity in residential sectors. With less electricity required to be purchased from grid buildings in industrial and commercial sectors, benefits and save money on energy costs.
2. Increased Energy Access
In regions with insufficient and unreliable electricity supply people are relying more on alternatives like diesel generators. Such alternatives are hazardous to both humans and the environment plus their operating cost is too high. Thus, solar rooftop systems serve as a reliable and cost-effective source of electricity without polluting the environment and harming living beings. Also, the energy resource is sustainable and predictable.
3. Low Maintenance Cost
Very little maintenance is required for these solar panels. You can clean them yourself or there will be a regular maintenance checkup by the manufacturer. Also, if maintained properly, panels will effectively work for over 20 years and most manufacturers provide a warranty for the same period. It means you are all covered.
4. Reduced Carbon Footprint
Electricity is generated from sunlight which means no fuel is used, those results in no emission of harmful gases into the environment. This reduces carbon footprint. There is no sound from inverters which means no noise pollution. Overall, it is the best source of reducing carbon footprint.
5. Secure Investment
The possibility of electricity price fluctuations is common in every country, and this results in the difficult management of expenses. Power generated by solar rooftop panels is easily calculated, and you can calculate the estimated generation from your solar panels for the upcoming 10 years. Also, the payback period on the installation of solar panel systems is between 5 and 10 years but benefits drawn from them last for more than 25 years.
Also Read: 3 Leading Types Of Solar PV System
Rooftop Solar Systems Explained
Rooftop solar panels benefits are understandable after you understand rooftop solar system. A series of solar panels installed on rooftops of residential, industrial, institutional, and commercial buildings are known as rooftop solar systems. Energy from the sun in the form of photons is used by these systems to generate electricity. Power generated by these panels is alternating current (AC) which is then converted into direct current (DC) with a connected inverter. Conversion is necessary because most appliances and devices use alternating currents.
Also See: A Framework For Building a Sustainable Mobility System
Components of a Rooftop Solar System
1. ACDB: It is the alternating current distribution board that distributes power from the inverter to the load. This small protection device is installed between the solar inverter and the home load.
2. Alternating current (AC) wire: This wire is used to connect the inverter to the grid and further with the home power load.
3. DCDB: It is used for combining all inputs coming from solar panel strings or arrays and deriving one common output for multiple array inputs. It also protects solar inverters from damage from power fluctuations. It protects solar panels from the direct current side and this small protection device is installed between the solar panel and inverter.
4. Direct current (DC) wire: These are PVC coated wires in 2 configurations that are a cable tray of 3 kW or more and another less than 3 kW.
5. Earthing Kit (1 to 3 kW): It is done via 2 earthing: 1st is for the inverter and 2nd is for LA (Local Earth). Over 3 kW is held together by 3 earthing rods.
6. Lightning arrester (LA): This device is used to protect solar panels and household appliances as well as other electrical components of rooftop solar panel systems from sudden power surges caused by lightning strikes. It is compatible with both off-grid and on-grid solar systems.
7. MC4 connectors: They are small single-contact connectors mostly used for interconnecting solar panels. They are one of the factors that contribute to rooftop solar panels’ benefits.
8. Mounting stand: It can be made from aluminum or galvanized iron and is used for securing solar panels at a specified angle for maximum absorption of sunlight throughout the day.
9. Solar batteries: Energy generated by panels is stored in batteries for later use.
10. Solar inverters: A device that converts direct current (DC) generated by panels to alternating current (AC) for further use.
11. Solar panels: These are the main components of all solar panel systems that absorb and convert solar energy into electricity. They are of 3 types, polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and thin film PV panels.
Also See: Connecting Solar Panels in Series Vs Parallel
Benefits of Solar Rooftops in Real Estate
Rooftop solar panels system in newly built or already built societies is becoming a factor of attraction for new customers. The benefits of solar rooftops in real estate are:
- Buyers eagerly support social and environmental causes.
- It easily attracts customers.
- Pre-installed rooftop systems save application costs and lower protection costs.
Also Read: How to Calculate Solar Panel Wattage?
Solar Rooftop Calculator
Details provided by you and information gathered via tools during site surveys help in determining the shadow analysis. Along with the load profile of your residence or office. However, you can get an estimate of your total savings with solar rooftop systems. The inputs required for the solar rooftop calculator to calculate your savings are as follows.
1. In case you know your electricity bill:
- Amount of monthly electricity bills
- Number of people at home
- Whether you have a UPS backup
- Appliances you use regularly (dishwasher, induction/stove, geysers, air conditioning, microwave oven, other if in use)
2. If you know your appliances:
- Essential loads: Lights, TV, Kitchen appliances, Desktop/laptop, servers, IT peripherals, copiers, printers, or fax machines
- Non-essential loads: Air conditioners, water pumps, dishwasher, water heaters, electric iron, washing machine, and other kitchen appliances.
- To determine rooftop solar panels benefits for your house, you need to select from both categories and their watts in the slot provided (if not mentioned in the above categories). Also, extra power in percentage to be entered, if required in the future, and then press calculate. After this, let’s learn about solar rooftop price list.
Also See: Solar Power per Square Meter Calculator
Solar Rooftop Price List
If you plan to get a rooftop solar system, you can get a 1-kilowatt solar panel system for residential use in the price range of $612 to $1,156. This includes components and installation charges but excludes batteries. It is an estimated cost and prices may vary. Whereas a 5 KW system installation price range is $3,061 to $5,782
Note: Prices are subject to change as per market regulations. Charges may vary from location, manufacturer, and brand.
Types of Rooftop Solar Systems
Basically, there are three types of rooftop solar system, namely on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid systems. Here is a brief explanation of these.
1. On-Grid Solar System
This system is integrated with the main grid supply. It enables power supply from the grid only when the power supply from the rooftop system is insufficient. There is no battery bank attached, and the system is connected to the public electricity grid, thus solar power generated by the rooftop system is fed into the grid. With these homeowners can earn revenue from unused electricity supplied to the public grid.
2. Off-Grid Solar System
It is not connected to the public grid system and is backed up by a battery bank. This rooftop system is designed such that it fulfills household electricity requirements by optimum power generation along with charging the battery. The additional cost of a battery bank makes this system a bit more expensive than off-grid. But all the power generated by solar panels is used by the owner. However, battery bank gives you rooftop solar panel benefits too.
3. Hybrid Solar System
It is a combination of an on-grid and off-grid rooftop solar system because it is connected to the utility grid as well as backed by a battery bank. With this, the owner gets the benefit of both systems when battery backup and exhausted power supply from the grid can be used. Also, with any unused generated power owners can earn as it would be fed into the utility grid. After this, let’s learn about solar rooftop benefits.
Also See: What are 4 Types of Solar Panel?
Things to Consider Before Enjoying Solar Rooftop Benefits
After getting to know about solar rooftop benefits you may want to have one too. Take a look at things to consider when purchasing a solar rooftop system.
1. Certifications: This is an essential factor, and you should get a universally and regionally certified solar panel system only. A reputable brand will offer you a certified highly efficient solar panel system, but self-awareness is necessary.
2. Cost: Talking about solar panel systems and thinking about cost-cutting is not a good idea. A significant price difference requires attention in terms of installation requirements, warranty periods, efficiency, and quality of raw materials. Inferior quality material may be cheap and save you money initially, but overall efficiency and reliability will be affected.
Note: Although we do not recommend that you should purchase an expensive one.
3. Inverter Efficiency: A highly efficient inverter is like a guard for your solar panel system. It will provide greater power output with increased savings. The efficiency of inverters determines the required time period to recover your installation costs. Also, it will protect your appliances from voltage surges.
4. Types of Panels: You know monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most commonly available solar panels in the market. Both have differences in terms of efficiency and cost. Monocrystalline is highly efficient and costly but will take up less space. On the other hand, polycrystalline solar panels are affordable but slightly less efficient and will take up a bit more space as you will need more panels to cater to the energy requirements of your house.
After learning about rooftop solar panels benefits, I know you are considering getting one for your house or office. Why not? After all, it is the best possible solution for your electricity requirements with a savings option in the long run. If you are in the real estate industry the benefits of solar rooftops in real estate are nothing less because it will increase demand for your estate which is always a better way to attract customers.
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