1) Explain Net-metering process
Application for Net-metering is submitted prior to commencing installation. After site visit is done by Utility Company representative, a conditional approval is granted for same. Once Installation is finished, Utility Company representative visits the location and changes the Meter. The agreement is then executed between Consumer and Utility Company in a pre-specified format.
2)How are Key Design Factors calculated?
Key design considerations below
a)
CUF – calculated considering local geography and
weather conditions. For western Maharashtra this is
17.0% (conservatively)
b) Plant Availability – calculated using estimated
power-cut hours during day time (between 9 am to
5 pm)
c) Production Decline – for Silicon based
Photovoltaic Module, the production declines by
certain percentage each year. The production
decline profile considered is as Warrantied by the
Manufacturer. Warranty document will be provided
with the system
3)What is performance assurance for the system?
a) Performance is assured by the virtue of sourcing
equipment from industry leading manufacturers
only, with extensive track record (as outlined in
Summary of this Proposal).
b) Final plant output depends upon weather and
grid supply situation (for grid-connected systems).
c) By the way of plant performance logging, underperformance
of the plant can be identified, and we
can extend our support to correct same from time
to time.
4)What key factors are considered by TROPICS to ensure safe operation of the Solar PV System?
a) Use of right size of cables, to ensure maximum
system efficiency, and prevent short-circuits
b) Use of right size of Miniature Circuit Breaker
(MCB) to protect system from surge in Current.
c) Use of right size of Residual Current Circuit
Breaker (RCCB) to protect User from electrical shock
and fire.
d) Use of right size of Surge Prostection Device (SPD)
on both AC and DC sides, to protect system from
electrical surges created due to grid instability and
lightening.
e) Use of proper Earthing & Lightening protection
equipment.
5)What is the maintenance required?
For majority of cases we offer Grid-tied systems. These do not have any battery storage. Therefore, only maintenance required is periodic cleaning of PV modules to ensure optimum performance of the system
6)What is Grid-connected system?
Traditionally Solar Photovoltaic systems have
worked by storing the energy generated using
batteries. This is required since solar output varies
throughout the day.
However, recent developments have popularized
used of Grid-tied systems. These are directly
connected to the existing grid supply; hence no
battery is used. They work in conjunction with the
grid. Any demand in excess of available solar power
is instantaneously met by grid supply. The Solar
inverter ensures that priority is always given to
power coming from PV modules.
7)What do you mean by Net Metering?
Net metering is an agreement between the local
electricity provider (ex. MSEDCL) and the customer.
It allows customer to export power generated by
Solar PV system to be fed in to the grid supply in
exchange of credit of equivalent number of units.
This credit can be utilized by the customer through
consumption of electricity anytime during the
financial year.
Possibility of this depends on the respective state
policy.
Note that there is no sale of power involved on daily
basis.
8)What happens when it rains?
The output of the Solar PV system varies each day
and as per season. During monsoon it will give your
lower production as compared to summers.
We take that in to account during system design
along with various other factors that affect system
output.
9)Is there any Subsidy available?
Subsidy is available to select category of people and institutions. This keeps on changing as per directives of MNRE. The qualification criteria and amount should be checked at the time of application.
10)Is there loan or finance available?
Yes. We can help you avail loan for financing your roof-top Solar project. This is however subject to due diligence by bank.