The document discusses the advantages of roof-top solar power plants over large power plants and diesel generators. Roof-top solar has lower transmission and distribution losses since power is used on-site. It also improves local air quality and enhances the user's image as a green citizen. However, each roof-top system is different and must be evaluated for load capacity, shadows, and ability to feed power back to the grid. Current policy in India provides subsidies up to 90% and accelerated depreciation to support roof-top solar.
1. Roof-Top Solar Power Plants
The Way Ahead
by Gautam Mohanka
Ph.: 011 – 4973004-4973009 ; Fax: 011-29221196
www.gautampolymers.com
www.gautampolymers.com Ph.: +91-11-49730004 - 09; Fax: 011-29221196
E-mail: solar@gautampolymers.com
E-mail: solar@gautampolymers.com
2. Why Roof-Top Solar
• Coal availability – a huge issue
• Land Acquisition – a socio-political issue
• No T&D losses of 30% as in Large Power Plants
• No Grid Congestion losses - Use where Generated
• Solar PV more suitable for decentralized technology
www.gautampolymers.com Ph.: +91-11-49730004 - 09; Fax: 011-29221196
E-mail: solar@gautampolymers.com
3. Roof-Top Advantage
• Lower overall cost than Diesel Gen-sets
– Payback period of less than 5 years
– Lifetime of more than 25 years
• Improves Local Area Air Quality – Good for Employee /
Residents morale & health
• Much lesser day-to-day management headache
• Enhances user image as Green Citizen
www.gautampolymers.com Ph.: +91-11-49730004 - 09; Fax: 011-29221196
E-mail: solar@gautampolymers.com
4. Different Ball-game
• Rooftop not same as Smaller MW project
• Substitute for Diesel Consumption
• Every Rooftop is different
• Must check for
– Load Bearing Strength of the building
– Shadow from Neighbouring buildings
– Hindrances from Elements such as Water Tanks, etc
– Ability to use Power Generated if Feeding back to- Grid 011-29221196
Ph.: +91-11-49730004 09; Fax:
www.gautampolymers.com
E-mail: solar@gautampolymers.com
5. Policy Support
• Current Policy support:
– 30% to 90% capital Subsidy
– 80% Accelerated Depreciation
• Renewable Energy Certificate
– Currently only available for larger than 250 KW projects
– Not full clarity on provision for Deemed injection
– Might be allowed for 100 KWp & Off-grid also
• Feed-in-Tariff not allowed currently
www.gautampolymers.com Ph.: +91-11-49730004 - 09; Fax: 011-29221196
E-mail: solar@gautampolymers.com