[null]

Originally Posted by DDIS_RE650

...Planning for solar in a phased manner...

If planning to scale up (add more panels) in a phased manner, a better option is to go for micro inverters. It would be more expensive, but has its own advantages as well. Maybe you should evaluate this option as well.


BTW, I am passively exploring (once in a blue moon) the option of applying for solar rooftop scheme. But what I notice is the price quoted by govt empanelled providers (you can get the net metering setup done only through them + get the govt subsidy) is still hovering around the 3L range (without subsidy) for a 3KW setup. I was expecting this to cost us around 1.25-1.5L max (after subsidy) for a 3KW setup since the panel price per KW is down to 25-28rs/watt (25-28K/KW).

Anyone here who has taken the domestic roof top solar panel setup scheme from Karnataka in recent times? Please share your experience & the cost incurred.

Thanks.

[inder]

@DDIS_RE650 This quote is for how many KW Solar ? I could not make out from the specifications. I too have 2 electricity connections and thinking of doing solar in a phased manner like you,hence curious. By the way I was quoted 2.25 lakhs for a 3KVA system.Excluding subsidy.

[DDIS_RE650]

Originally Posted by inder

@DDIS_RE650 This quote is for how many KW Solar ? I could not make out from the specifications. I too have 2 electricity connections and thinking of doing solar in a phased manner like you,hence curious. By the way I was quoted 2.25 lakhs for a 3KVA system.Excluding subsidy.

This is for 7.8KW, 14 panels each rated 560 Watt and excluding subsidy. If we account for subsidy the net cost should 2.97 lakhs.

[inder]

Then thats a very reasonable quote which you got I guess

[DDIS_RE650]

Originally Posted by DDIS_RE650

Please guide me with your expertise on the selection of Solar Panels and inverter. Based on research, I feel Topcon bifacial is the most efficient in 2024. Among inverters, shall I go with "DEYE"?

For panel cleaning, please advise if it is worth installing auto-sprinklers or if I should stick to the pressure washer. I have a Bosch Auatek140 pressure washer but it is too bulky to carry to the 4th floor. Please suggest a lightweight pressure washer for panel cleaning.

Experts, your valuable input is much appreciated. Please help on the following summarized queries:
1: Are Adani Topcon Bifacial among the best, if not please advise on any other make?
2: Among inverters (Growatt, Deye and Goodwee) please help me to choose one.
3: For cleaning, do we need to install auto-sprinkler? If any pressure washer to be used please advise a budget friendly and light weight as I have already Bosch Advance Aquatek for heavy use.

[vj_v3]

Originally Posted by DDIS_RE650

Experts, your valuable input is much appreciated. Please help on the following summarized queries:
1: Are Adani Topcon Bifacial among the best, if not please advise on any other make?
2: Among inverters (Growatt, Deye and Goodwee) please help me to choose one.
3: For cleaning, do we need to install auto-sprinkler? If any pressure washer to be used please advise a budget friendly and light weight as I have already Bosch Advance Aquatek for heavy use.

Topcon is apparently best efficiency but I heard about some cell issues in Indian weather conditions. Now it is not clear if these were one of cases or a prevalent issue. The proven N type bifacials are also 550Wp now, so there is not too much benefit with the topcon if you want to play safe.


You can't go wrong with any of those brands. You mentioned RMS but they should be MPPT. I don't think anyone is making the less efficient RMS type. I read about govt including hybrid inverters in mnre guidelines 2 days ago but I am still not sure. For double the price, it will be easy more perfect to get a hybrid inverter if possible. They will run as regular grid tied inverter and you can add additional wiring and battery to complete the setup later. Ps: I still doubt hybrid is possible but check mnre guidelines that came out 2 days ago and see if you find wording.

The sprinkler will do basic cleaning everyday but you will still have to scrub and wash everymonth. More so in winter since the sprinkler cannot clear debris accumulation at the bottom of the panel, bird droppings, and hard muck which need a pressure washer and brush with soft brissles. I would recommend to keep the panel structure at a reachable height for easier cleaning. Ideally leave a gap between every few panels.

[GTE]

A sprinkler on a timer is good for dust, however bird droppings etc will need pressure washing. Oversizing panels compared to inverter capability is a good way to go. I use enphase micro inverters which I find is far superior to the string inverter I had earlier.

[DriverLess]

Watched this video on Solar, which is part promotion of https://www.solarsquare.in. But more than technology, they also seem to be addressing getting subsidy, permits, structure design etc. Does anyone have feedback / firsthand experience with them?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1GBqATZBRA

[pacman2881]

Guys, I am looking to install a solar system in my house at chennai.
I am getting conflicting inputs on whether TNEB allows Hybrid installations. One installer tells me it is not an issue. Another says it may be rejected / I will be fined at some point. I am unclear what is the truth. Any inputs will be very helpful.

I am thinking of splitting it into an on grid and off grid system if it is going to be an issue but that may increase my costs and I might end up with redundant capacity.

[DDIS_RE650]

Originally Posted by DDIS_RE650

This is for 7.8KW, 14 panels each rated 560 Watt and excluding subsidy. If we account for subsidy the net cost should 2.97 lakhs.

My solar plant is in operation since 9th Aug 2024. During rainy season with avg (30% cloud and 70% sunny), total output is 1.17MWH in span of 43 days. If we maintain the panel, then I assume during summer - Feb to Jun avg- 47-48 units can be generated. So far the peak generation is 44.5 units.
We are using : Adani Top con Bi-facial 560watt - total 14 panels and Deye 6KW inverter.

[prithm]

Originally Posted by pacman2881

Guys, I am looking to install a solar system in my house at chennai.
I am getting conflicting inputs on whether TNEB allows Hybrid installations. One installer tells me it is not an issue. Another says it may be rejected / I will be fined at some point. I am unclear what is the truth. Any inputs will be very helpful.

I am thinking of splitting it into an on grid and off grid system if it is going to be an issue but that may increase my costs and I might end up with redundant capacity.

This issue is still not clarified by TNEB (TANGEDCO) yet. If you are in immediate plans of installing the plant, better to fall back on safe On-Grid inverter for the moment.

There is a good reason why they are not preferring Hybrid inverters since we have faced natural calamities which saw several places facing blackout for many days & leakage from hybrid inverter solar plants have posed a severe threat to linemen.

One general rule of thumb, visit your nearest EB office and find the solar people there. There will be a small team doing all paperwork, ask them if they saw any hybrid inverter applications anytime recently. You will get better idea if you are lucky to find a technical enthusiasts in that Team to clarify your doubts.

[prithm]

Looks like bad luck does not want to cut me a slack. Got a pretty Lichtenberg burn (yellow circle) on the underside of a panel with an accompanying beauty rust spot (orange circle).

Not sure if Lord Indra was happy with the installation that he decided to send a micro lightning to kiss the panel (even though a lightning arrestor is just couple of feet away) or micro meteorite decided to land.

[PrasadS]

We're going Solar at our new house in Rural Maharashtra. House blueprint is being prepared and we've not yet started talks with any solar provider. I had a couple of queries before starting talks with the vendors.

Dad wants to go off-grid but I'm suggesting On-Grid as we'll be staying there just occasionally. Load-shedding is frequent and almost 2 to 3 hours in our parts. Since we'll be visiting occasionally, the everyday power use will be for CCTV cameras and the evening lights when we are not there.

1: I've heard in On-Grid the surpluss is creditied to our accounts, is it possible to take the surplus from one area and use it to payoff the bill in Mumbai if the Electricity Board is the same? (MSEB) Both accounts will be under dad's name.

2: I'm pushing for more than 3KWh as I'm planning a small hydroponics setup there. It'll give me more reasons to visit regularly and might even get an EV to reduce travel expenses
If the pilot is successful, might scale up the farm project.

So what should the minimum power/setup i should go for considering the above 2 requirements?

[whitewing]

I read about this startup - https://www.sundaygrids.com/ this provides an alternate means to offset grid usage. Does any one have feedback on this?

Basically, they take your money and setup a solar grid in some location, say an apartment complex, and the apartment complex purchases the generated power at a contracted price for a fixed term of 15 odd years.
During this time the setup & maintenance costs are borne by the startup.
For the investors, the money generated (after deductions) from the power generation is provided as credits. These credits are tax free and can be used to pay electricity bills (1credit=1rupee) and at ev charging stations. They seem to list quite a few state ESCOMs and already have a few running projects.

Overall looked like a interesting approach to enable folks not having real estate to setup power panels or do not want to invest time and effort for maintenance. Of course the operator would take a cut, implying the ROI would be lesser than that of a private rooftop installation.

[DIY410]

Originally Posted by PrasadS

Dad wants to go off-grid but I'm suggesting On-Grid as we'll be staying there just occasionally. Load-shedding is frequent and almost 2 to 3 hours in our parts. Since we'll be visiting occasionally, the everyday power use will be for CCTV cameras and the evening lights when we are not there.

In rural areas where power cuts are more, each time there is a power cut, the On-Grid inverter would shut down the output. So your dad is correct to go for off grid. Your CCTV cameras, routers etc will need back up. So you will be spending money on battery and another inverter.