Home solar system installation is an intricate process that requires expertise. Further, choosing appropriate solar panels and vendors is essential to get a subsidy for home solar system installation from the Indian government.
Mistakes in the installation process can create interruptions in power generation and subsidy availability. Here are the mistakes to avoid in the residential solar installation process.
9 Mistakes to Avoid in Home Solar System Installation
Here are mistakes that you should avoid during the home solar system installation process:
1) Inaccurate Energy Calculation
Energy or power requirement calculation is the primary factor that determines the required solar panel installation capacity. An inaccurate energy calculation will result in the installation of insufficient or surplus capacity.
Insufficient capacity creates challenges in generating adequate electricity for your household appliances. On the other hand, a surplus capacity will make you incur higher costs. You need to calculate your energy requirements based on the electricity units consumed each month.
For instance, a 1 kW solar panel can generate approximately 120-150 units per month while a 3 kW system can generate around 360-450 units per month. As a result, if your energy requirement is around 300 units, you need to install a 3 kW solar panel over a 1 kW solar panel.
2) Placing Solar Panels in Shady Regions
Avoiding shady regions for placing solar panels on rooftops is essential to optimise solar power generation. Solar panels are made of multiple solar cells connected in series. As a result, if one cell stops functioning, the entire solar panel seizes to function.
Solar cells do not stay operational in shady regions as they require abundant and constant sunlight to generate solar power. Placing solar panels in shady regions results in lower to zero solar power and electricity generation during the daytime.
3) Installing Off-grid or Hybrid Solar Systems
The Indian government is boosting home solar panel installation with a subsidy of up to Rs. 78,000 in 2024. However, the central government provides subsidies to households for installing on-grid solar systems. As a result, if you want a solar subsidy, you do not need to install off-grid and hybrid solar systems. An on-grid solar system is connected to the grid to export and import solar energy generated by solar panels.
However, if there is no electricity supply in your area, you have no option other than to install an off-grid solar system. A hybrid solar system is the best solution in a location that has an electricity supply but is subject to frequent power cuts.
4) Ignoring Maintenance Service Details
Solar panels are exposed to harsh weather conditions, heat and temperature. As a result, they are prone to damage, dust and dirt which require cleaning at least once or twice a month. Solar installers often offer free-of-cost maintenance services for cleaning solar systems at regular intervals.
It is advisable that you avoid choosing solar installers who do not offer maintenance and after-sales services. This can help in uninterrupted solar power generation for your household appliances. Plus, you need to keep all the warranty papers of solar products and maintenance contracts safe. It will help you
5) Placing Solar Modules in Incorrect Angle and Direction
The angle and direction of placing solar modules on your home rooftop is an important factor that you need to be careful about. Placing solar panels in an incorrect direction obstructs solar power generation for your home. The angle of the solar panel should enable it to get the sunlight perpendicular. The best direction in India for solar panel installation is South.
6) Considering Non-DCR and Non-ALMM-listed Modules
You can reduce the total solar panel installation cost with subsidies from the central government of India. However, to avail subsidies you need to adhere to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy or MNRE guidelines on solar modules.
You need to avoid installing non-DCR (domestic content requirement) solar modules. These are imported solar modules that the government of India do not consider for providing subsidies. Installing DCR or Indian-manufactured solar modules helps you get subsidies seamlessly.
In addition, you need to avoid choosing solar panels that are not enlisted on the ALMM list. The Approved list of models and manufacturers or ALMM list presents the names of solar modules that are eligible for subsidy. You can find the ALMM list here to make informed decisions.
7) Lack of Proper Planning
Planning is a crucial factor in the solar panel installation process. A lack of proper planning results in challenges for homeowners in the future. You need to plan out where to install and the design of the mounting structure beforehand.
Besides considering the present solar energy needs, you need to consider additional energy needs for the future.
For instance, your power requirements will likely increase in the future. As a result, you will inevitably require more rooftop space to install additional solar panels for solar power generation. You need to avoid making solar panel installation plans based on your present needs alone and consider your future needs.
8) Prioritising DIY
Solar panel installation requires experience and expertise. As a result, you need to avoid prioritising DIY or ‘do it yourself’ methods of solar panel installation. Consult industry professionals and experts for smooth solar panel installation and uninterrupted power generation.
For your convenience, you can contact renowned companies like Das Energie Private Limited to hire industry professionals. You can get charge-free solar quotations from their partnered solar installers near your location. Solar installers partnered with Das Energie are experienced industry professionals who help you avoid challenging DIY solar installation processes.
9) Connecting with Non-DISCOM-empanelled Vendors
MNRE mandates the installation of domestic solar systems with DISCOM-empanelled vendors as eligibility criteria for subsidies of Rs. 30,000, Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 78,000 for 1 kW, 2 kW, 3 kW or more. You need to avoid choosing non-DISCOM-empanelled vendors for your home solar system installation to avail subsidies.
You need to choose DISCOM-empanelled solar vendors for your home solar system installation. If you apply for solar panel installation with Das Energie, you will get quotations from your nearby DISCOM-registered installers and thereafter, can select one who will provide the best deal for you.
Key Takeaway
Avoiding things like installing non-DCR and non-ALMM-listed modules can help you avail a maximum subsidy of Rs. 78,000 from the Indian government. Further, avoid shady regions on the rooftop for home solar system installation.