Renergy 2013: What it costs to go Solar today..!

 At the Renergy 2013 expo at  Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, Chennai there was lot of interest in home rooftop solar photovoltaic systems.

The Renergy 2013 conference in Chennai features an exhibition of solar products that is drawing massive crowds. Several of the visitors are from the deep south of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States.

In some towns of Tamil Nadu, which has a 'solar policy', there is a power cut that lasts many hours. The solar option looks really bright to these suffering millions who include small & medium industries (SME) who are having to scale down production or shut shop.

This is the line-up on solar photovoltaic systems.

What you need?:

 Roof or / open space of nearly 100 square feet to 120 square feet to place the panels on metal frames.

How much power can it produce?

 Nearly 8 points of light loads such as lights &  fans, including a television, but not air-conditioners.

What are the components of the system?

Solar photovoltaic panels on the roof, an inverter that supports 3 KW, suitable battery for solar charging. A solar battery costs nearly Rs. 11,000.

How long will the system work?

The manufacturers warranty the panels for 5 years, and their life is estimated to be minimum 25 years, with a power production ability of 85% from the 20th year, output being higher in the earlier period.

Is there a subsidy?

The Centre provides a 30% subsidy through the manufacturer, while Tamil Nadu has announced a 20% subsidy over that.

How much does it cost?

The range for a 1 KW system quoted at the expo by various solutions providers is between Rs. 1.20 lakhs to Rs. 1.8 lakhs.

Small solar systems of Rs. 45,000 promise to run 3 lights, a couple of fans and a TV.

Newer products in the sub Rs.25,000 range and an intermediate system at Rs. 75,000 are soon to be announced.

Green House Schemes..!

Tamil Nadu, which has a stall by its Energy Development Agency at the fair, so far seems more focused on government - run streetlighting and green home schemes, than on consumer-level subsidies.

The manufacturers are clear that without a transparent subsidy scheme that help consumers shift to solar - without the need to approach government departments to avail the subsidy - it may not make major impact.

Other sidelights of the fair are small panels of 3 watts, 5 watts and so on, at a price point of Rs. 60 per watt. So, if you have a Direct Current bulb, such as an LED, you can get a light running for a total cost of Rs. 300 for the panel, and Rs. 400 or / so for the bulb.

There are AC-DC fans also which can be plugged into a solar panel, or run off the mains. These go for nearly Rs. 4,200.

Have the Centre & the States done enough to popularise solar?

The answer is no. Until they have proper net-metering (the surplus you produce from your panels go to the electricity grid &  you get a net balance in your favour including actual cash), this is nowhere near the revolution it can actually be.

What is also interesting that the manufacturers say the panels are assembled in India, but the circuits are imported from China, Taiwan and also from Japan.

Src: Hindu

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