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Fuels such as gas and oil are sources of non-renewable energy, called so since they cannot be replenished. On the other hand, wind and sun constitute clean, renewable forms of energy. These are relatively inexpensive, and most importantly, non-polluting. The choice, therefore, seems already made. For homes, between wind and solar energies, it is easier to harness the latter. But before you get yourself a solar plant and go off the grid, here's some basic advice from solar energy expert Sanyam Indurkhya that you should pay heed to.
- A solar plant consists of a panel, battery and an inverter.
- A 1KW solar plant will produce 4-5 units of electricity daily. Which means, you can save up to 1,000 INR per month, at an average rate of 6 INR per unit.
- A 1KW plant is assembled with an A-Grade panel costing 50,000 INR; two batteries of 25,000 INR and an inverter of 12,000 INR. (A normal electrical inverter costs you more than the solar plant!) This investment of 1 Lakh INR will serve you efficiently and give handsome returns for 25 to 30 years. However, warranty on the battery is for five years and that on the inverter is two years.
- These plants can be connected to lights, fans and TVs (LCD and LED both), all having a combined load of 700 to 800 Watt. High energy-consuming appliances such as ACs, refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines and heater cannot be connected to the plant.
- The solar panels should be on the terrace at an angle of 25-30 degrees facing the sun. They require about 120 square feet of space. The inverter and the battery are installed inside the home.
- The solar panels and batteries should be of A-Grade quality and approved by Ministry of Non-Renewable Energy (MNRE). Tata, Shivam, Moser Baer and BHEL are some names to consider when setting up a solar plant.
- Solar batteries are easy to use, and need to be cleaned with water and dried with a cloth once a month. You need to change the water in the batteries every six months.
Capacity | Units per day | Units per year | Money saved per day |
1 KW | 4.5 | 1642.5 | 27 |
2 KW | 9 | 3285 | 54 |
3 KW | 14 | 5110 | 84 |
5 KW | 23 | 8395 | 642 |
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Ibiyemi abiodun
2017-05-24 22:53:51Can you build a solar plant for me in lagos Nigeria?.
Hi Ibiyemi, We have posted your query to the expert. Will keep you posted. Thanks for writing in. Team Home Tips.
Hi Ibiyemi Abiodun, The expert (Sanyam Indurkhya) confirmed that they can build a solar pant in Lagos, Nigeria. You can contact him on saitechsystems471@gmail.com or +91-0755-4271166. Team Home Tips.