Key factors to consider while designing solar rooftop PV system

Renewable Energy – specifically solar energy has become buzzword these days as Government has set up an ambitious target of achieving 40 GW by year 2022. Government has taken initiatives and running various program to educate people about rooftop solar system. Still, as a layman it may be challenging for you to identify and choose right kind and right size of solar power solution for residential or commercial requirement.

First myth about solar rooftop system in people’s mind is that it is a product and they can buy it is as a commodity. At macro level it seems logical, but in reality solar rooftop PV system is a solution – not a product. Because, each individual home, business, factory, institute, hospital or any entity has different power needs and consumption pattern. It is essential for you to know what factors you should keep in mind when you are getting your solar power system designed.

You need to know about different components of solar rooftop PV system as those should be selected according to the type of system (On-Grid, Off-Grid or Hybrid), site location (longitude-latitude, direction, shadow free area, roof size etc.) and applications (lighting load, type of equipments, number of hours, day vs night usage). The key components for solar PV system are solar PV panels, charge controller, inverter, battery designed specifically for solar charging, complimentary energy sources like DG capacity and loads (appliances).

With 80% annual growth rate in solar market – many solar companies have entered in the market and providing solar solution on CAPEX and OPEX model. In this race, customers are selecting their solar energy company based on lowest price, available brand choices and subsidy options only. As mentioned earlier, once you have identified the size and type of system while evaluating various components it is vital to know about customer’s needs, near and far shadow analysis, analysis of different losses, expected generation result based on various simulation software like PVSyst and PVSol.

To learn about these solar PV simulation software, you can always refer to NISE – (An autonomous institute under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India). They are organising 3 day skill development program on Solar PV System Design using PVSyst and PVSol software.

So if you are:

• an Engineer
• Solar Entrepreneur
• Scientist
• Researchers
• Engineering college faculty
• MNRE channel partners; or curious to know how to design solar PV rooftop system design

you should join this workshop to learn about these simulation software.

• find quick estimation of production for an early study of your installation
• detailed study, sizing and hourly simulation using meteo data and components management database.