Category: Solar panel

Performance Of Solar Panels In Different Seasons

by vemcoblogs -

Your solar panels work best when the sun is shining the brightest, making summer the favorite season. But this doesn’t mean you cannot optimize the generation during non-peak months. By being aware of the factors affecting energy generation, you should be able to boost your solar panel efficiency even during winter. This requires some tweaks in your solar panel installation.

Factors affecting solar energy production:

Temperature:

If your solar panels get too heated up, the photons will dislodge too many electrons from the atoms and get them all ‘excited’. This reduces your voltage and hence also your electricity generation. Overheating clearly is bad for your solar panel efficiency. With every degree above 25 degrees Celsius, the efficiency will drop by about 0.25%. To optimize output, try to maintain the temperature at 25 degrees Celsius.

Shading:

If a shade falls on just one part of your solar panel installation, you might think that the rest of the panel will work fine and still generate electricity. But that’s not how they work. Cells are connected in series and any obstruction in any part of the panel will affect the flow of electricity overall. So before installing solar panels, top solar companies in Mumbai and beyond will try to avoid the shaded areas as much as possible.

Rooftop (terrace) orientation:

To get maximum exposure to direct sunlight, your solar panels must be mounted at the perfect angle. Since the sun changes its position throughout the day, this angle must change as well. This however can’t be done manually and requires automatic technologies that the hi-tech solar EPC companies in Mumbai and the rest of the country are offering these days.

Cleanliness of solar panels:

Dust, dirt, or water droplets can block the exposure of the solar panel surface to sunlight. This can adversely affect solar panel efficiency. Thus solar panels must be wiped clean at least once a month to ensure maximum output.

Location:

Solar panel installation in Mumbai will be different from that in Srinagar or Shimla. The insolation or the amount of energy falling on every cm2 per minute will vary from one location to another. This naturally will have an impact on the energy generated by the solar panels in different locations.

Effects of Rain, Storm, and Cold Weather on Solar Panels:

A high-quality solar panel installation can withstand extreme weather like monsoon rains and storms. The glass layering on the panel doesn’t let the water stand and also protects the solar panels against too much surface heating. However, lightning strikes can damage your panels due to a sudden rise in voltage. Winters are a time when the electricity generation is somewhat reduced, but you can nonetheless use battery backups to store the electricity.

The Importance of Annual Energy Production:

When installing solar panels at home or at your business, taking the annual energy production into consideration is important. Energy production varies from season to season and month to month. So while some days, your panels may not produce enough electricity owing to seasonal or weather-related factors, the overall annual production must be taken into account, while evaluating solar as an alternative energy source.

Need more information about the feasibility of installing solar panels in your facility? Give us a call at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMCO is the leading name when it comes to solar panel installation, solar EPC, and maintenance services.

Optimizing The Solar Performance Using IOT Technology

by vemcoblogs -

The Internet of Things (IoT) as the name indicates connects inanimate objects, rather than people, and enables them to communicate with each other via the internet. This is a great technology for temperature control, security, garbage disposal, and now also your solar rooftop system. It bypasses any form of human intervention and directly enables smart devices to communicate with each other and share data on a real-time basis. When it comes to preventative maintenance, IoT can also act as an Early Warning System to prevent any breakdown of the devices. In this blog, we talk about how this revolutionary technology is going to transform the solar industry, especially by optimizing the performance of solar panel systems.

Implementing IoT-Powered Solar Energy Systems:

First things first, let’s talk about what IoT-powered solar energy systems do and how they work:

  • Smart gadgets with sensors gather real-time data and relay it to the power grid for analysis and storage.
  • The sensors also analyze the overall health of the solar system and provide insights to improve the relevant parameters.
  • The energy use pattern is collected and recorded by the IoT-based solar energy systems.
  • By detecting motion around the panels, the sensors can also help prevent theft and physical damage to the solar power system.
  • Finally, operators using IoT-based solar power systems can manage the energy demand better and companies can leverage data to distribute energy strategically.

Benefits of IoT in generating renewable energy:

A host of benefits entail from using IoT in generating renewable energy as discussed below:

Automation of processes:

A lot of processes can be automated simply by gathering the right kind of data. This could begin with tasks as simple as the panels of your solar rooftop system being shifted to the perfect angle to allow the maximum amount of sunlight to hit the surface.

Cost-effectiveness:

Power companies can monitor the usage pattern of households and establishments by using IoT-powered monitoring systems. This will allow them to utilize resources more efficiently to meet peak demand, manage supply based on consumer needs, and effectively eliminate or reduce the wastage of energy.

Seamless grid management:

Utility companies can place their sensors at various locations across the grid to get a fair idea of consumption. With this the companies can also take critical decisions about switching the load, configuring the network, and controlling voltage effectively.

Enhanced safety:

With IoT, companies can ensure better safety of the grid and an uninterrupted supply of electricity to consumers. Sensors, for instance, can alert companies in case of power outages. Likewise, they can also get instant information on damaged lines, electrocutions, and fires.

Clearly, the Internet of Things is the next technological revolution in the field of solar energy and has immense potential to transform how our solar rooftop systems function. For any further information on IoT in solar energy, solar panel installations, or maintenance, feel free to get in touch at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company with more than 72 years of industry experience.

Here are a Few Ways to Make Your Solar Installation Absolutely Safe & Secure

by vemcoblogs -
Safe And Secure Solar Installation

Solar energy is the future and a lot of homes are opting for it hoping to cut back on their electricity bills and receiving an uninterrupted power supply. But solar power installation must be done with a number of safety prerequisites in mind. The best solar company will take into account all factors like your building infrastructure like space or roofing and electrical connections before installation.

From the Electrical Point of View:

Before getting in touch with a solar energy company, track and keep a record of your monthly bills and the power drawn by your electrical appliances. You can do this using the energy calculator apps online. Usually, the monthly consumption in a typical urban household is 1-5 kW. Depending on your electricity needs, choose a solar power system of the right size. Standard solar panels have a 250 Wp (Watt peak) configuration, while larger panels can go up to 300 Wp depending upon the requirement.

Make sure the installer is connecting all the electrical wiring carefully and without leaving any glitches behind. A qualified engineer must supervise the process of routing the cables and it must be ensured that the cable is not damaged. Never touch the electrical wiring or contacts without proper protection gear or insulation.

The PV cells generate electricity by converting the sun’s energy, and the inverter converts the Direct Current (DC) from the panel into Alternating Current (AC). In case the components are “live” with electricity generated from the sun, they can cause an arc-flash electricity shock leading to severe injury or death. Make sure the system is properly earthed to prevent any such situations.

Make sure your solar power company is doing enough to protect your cables, say by using a flexible metal conduit when wiring through walls or if they are exposed to sun and rain outdoors.

Identify the Roof Structure, Type, and Material of the Roof:

Before you go for solar power installation, ensure that your roof offers ample space, has the right structure, and is made of robust material. Otherwise, mounting a heavy solar panel system can cause serious damage to your roof and accidental injuries to your family. Roof space is one of the primary factors to consider in metros, and is given the highest importance for instance by solar EPC companies in Mumbai.

The best roof for installing solar panels is a composite asphalt shingle roof. But by and large, solar panels are viable on most roof types except for wood shake roofs. The roof must ideally face south but in a country like India, as long as you have space for the panels, you’re good to go. Most places receive ample sunlight during the day irrespective of the direction of the roof.

When it comes to the ideal roof design for solar panels, the only rule is ‘simpler the better’. Roofs with lots of tiers, pipes, chimneys, and skylights can complicate the installation effort manifold.

If your roof is old or dilapidated, make sure you replace it before the installation. The old roof may not just be dangerous, it will cost double to dismount and then remount the panels when you eventually plan to replace it.

VEMC is a leading solar installation company. For solar panel installation in Mumbai, or for any information on solar power installation, feel free to get in touch at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in.

What To Know Before Installing Solar Project

by vemcoblogs -
Installing Solar Project

Solar energy is being received with enormous excitement across the country. Many homeowners are even able to save almost 100% of their electricity bills thanks to their solar panels. No wonder the installation of PV systems has grown exponentially from just 5 MW in 2010-11 to a whopping 5000 MW in 2019-20. However, the installation of a solar project on your roof has certain prerequisites which must be met to ensure it works at the optimum capacity. In this blog, we take you through all the critical ones.

Can your roof support solar panels?

First things first, make sure your roof can provide the physical strength and stability to install solar panels and mounting structures which are typically quite heavy. Do not install the system unless your roof is firm. The possibility of your roof collapsing under the weight of the structure could cause serious injuries or even loss of life.

Is your roof the right shape and type?

The type of roofing you have also determined the possibility of installing a solar project. A tin roof with a sharp slope can pose serious challenges while installing the mounting structures and even then these might not remain stable. A terrace on the other hand can offer a great deal of convenience. Likewise, how much space is available on the rooftop is also crucial to consider.

Which direction does the slope of your roof face?

To generate the maximum amount of electricity, solar panels must face the sun for as long as possible. This makes the direction of the slope of your roof quite significant. The best placement for your panels according to most professionals is either south or west.

How efficient is your installation location? How much energy do you use?

The amount of power generated also depends upon the installation location. You would obviously want the sun to strike your panels for the most part of the day. But this also depends upon your energy needs from the solar panel. In case you rely almost completely on your solar panels for electricity, choose your location carefully. The technician should be able to help you find the right spot for the panels, and in case of prior installation, can also help move the installation to a different location.

How do you connect to the grid?

A number of things need to be taken into consideration with regard to your connection with the grid. These include the following:

  1. How long will it take to get the connection?
  2. Are you liable to pay any fee?
  3. Will your supplier enter into a net metering agreement for surplus energy that you feed back to the grid?

Solar installation at home or business could create a lot of confusion and dilemmas. The best way to get all your queries addressed is to contact the experts. VEMC is one of the top solar company in Mumbai that can make your life much simpler when it comes to your solar installation. Before you install or move your PV system, get in touch with our experts at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in.

Solar Power Returns Are Better Than The Bank

by vemcoblogs -

Whenever you invest in a new source of energy, one of the most critical things you look out for is the returns you get. Energy inevitably involves finances and any savings you make on it are as good as earnings. A cursory look at our history tells us that the costs of energy never go down and on the contrary are always on the ascendant. The fact that your finances are intricately tied to your energy needs makes it all the more important to make the right decisions when it comes to choosing the source of your energy.

When it comes to solar power, you can actually calculate these returns to great levels of precision. In fact, these returns are actually so healthy that they can even exceed the interest yielded by your bank deposits. In this blog, we take you through a full-fledged calculation to prove how solar power returns are even better than your bank investment. 

Let’s do some simple math!

In India, the average rate of return on a fixed deposit across banks these days is 6%. The figure is obviously subject to changes in government policies from time to time, depending upon a number of macroeconomic factors. However, if you were to deposit an amount of Rs. 100,000 in a fixed deposit today, you would receive somewhere around Rs. 511 per month summing up to Rs. 6136 per year.

Now if you invest the same Rs. 100,000 in a solar plant, it will produce electricity of around 8 units per day at a place with adequate sunlight. The prevalent rate of electricity in India is Rs. 6 per unit (this is a very modest estimation as the rates are always growing by the day). This means you produce electricity worth Rs. 48 (8×6) per day and Rs. 1440 (48×30) per month. The total worth of electricity you will produce in a full year would be Rs. 17,520 (48×365). Solar power returns, therefore, are almost thrice the amount you will be receiving as interest on a fixed deposit of the exact same amount!

Solar means independence

Energy dependence is a major issue in our society and even politics today. Energy is basically the very lifeblood of our modern economy. With growing research & development in the field of solar power, we could have a unique opportunity to rid ourselves of our dependence on fossils and other conventional sources of energy. Solar being a perpetual source of energy, especially in a tropical country like India, energy independence won’t be such a far-fetched dream after all, if we are able to make the most of this abundant source. This also entails a lot of benefits for not just human societies but also the environment at large. Quite clearly, solar power is on many levels the fuel for the future!
For further information on solar payback or solar O&M, feel free to call us at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is one of the top solar companies in Mumbai. It is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company with a rich industry experience of 72 years.

5 Reasons Why It Is Worth Investing In Solar For Companies

by vemcoblogs -

Solar power is becoming increasingly popular among companies in India. With the country becoming a proponent of solar energy globally, India’s total installed solar energy capacity has increased 19.3 times in the last 8 years. Many organisations are considering investing in solar energy and with good reason. For them, it’s a win-win situation. Energy costs make up for a large proportion of expenses for businesses, both big and small, and hence, cost-efficiency is always a critical goal. There is also the need to be socially responsible and include sustainability in brand ethos. Solar energy helps them meet most of these goals.

So, if you are considering making the switch to solar energy, it could be absolutely worth it.

5 reasons why solar energy is worth investing in

1. Reduced overhead expenses – Going the solar route can help companies save huge on energy costs. Since most of the things in a workspace, such as computers and electrical equipment, run on power, solar energy can help reduce dependency on erratic energy sources. The fluctuating prices of non-renewable fuels too will not affect you. You can let solar energy take over the majority of your existing energy sources. This way, you have more control over the quantity and cost of energy. 

2. Dependable power supply – Power outages are not uncommon in India and unreliable power supply can create interruptions in business. With solar power, you can expect a reliable and stable power supply. India’s total land area gets about 5,000 trillion kWh with most parts receiving around 4-7 kWh per sq. m. per day. Hence, with solar panels in place, you can generate sufficient solar energy to run your operations. 

3. Ease of maintenance – Installing solar panels in your workspaces can be an efficient and one-time investment. They are made from durable materials and can be long lasting. You can rely on expert solar panel EPC companies, such as VEMC, to help assess your energy requirements, check the available installation area, confirm the budget, and install the solar panels accordingly. 

4. Long-term savings – Solar energy helps save costs in the long run. You will need to make a one-time investment for the installation. Post that, you can start enjoying the returns on your investment. The maintenance costs are not exorbitant either. 

5. Sustainable and ideal for CSR – Investing in solar energy can help save the environment. You will be able to invest in a clean energy source, cause less pollution, and reduce your dependency on fossil fuels. Solar power also makes for a good investment to meet your corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. This can help you stand out to your customers and investors as a green company with low carbon footprint. 

VEMC is a well-established solar EPC company in Mumbai and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. VEMCO Solar is a market leader in solar solutions — be it solar panel installation, procurement, commissioning, net metering, or electrical connections. If you are looking for solar panel installation in Mumbai or solar O&M, please reach out to us at +91 98199 07445, and we will be happy to provide you with customized support and services.

Why powering your industry with solar energy will be the best investment decision you can make?

by vemcoblogs -

As we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and other conventional sources of energy, solar energy is emerging as a leading renewable source. India being a tropical country has enormous potential to tap solar energy. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India receives a total of 5000 trillion kwH per year and most parts receive 4-7 kwH per square meter per day.

This can contribute significantly to most sectors of our economy, and a diverse range of industries can benefit from it.

Here are 9 reasons why solar energy can be your best ever investment decision.

1. Reduced electricity bills

You can reduce or completely remove your dependence on the power grid by switching to solar. This can be all the more beneficial in the wake of fluctuating power tariffs and will entail healthy savings for your business. 

2. Renewable energy

Solar being a renewable source of energy, your business will be doing its bit to remove the pressure from non-renewable conventional sources of energy like coal and petroleum. 

3. Increased value of energy-efficiency

The efficiency of solar panels at present is about 15-20% but it can go significantly higher upto 42% in some cases. Overall, with the improvement in the material of the PV panels, and greater research and development, solar energy is bound to become more efficient every passing year.

4. Reduced Carbon emissions

By reducing your reliance on fossils, solar allows you to become an eco-friendly business. This is becoming increasingly crucial not just for the planet but for your own company as well. It will enable you to save on some critical carbon tax going forward and also meet your CSR goals effectively.

5. Easier monitoring of your ROI

After investing in a solar power system, you would want to ensure it is working optimally and getting you healthy returns. Monitoring the output of your solar panels is very easy. A number of companies are already providing services to analyse data related to your solar energy supply and also point out any discrepancies or slack in performance. 

6. Low maintenance costs

Solar panels are by and large a one-time investment. These are hassle-free installations made from durable materials with a life-span of around 25 years and very low maintenance costs.

7. Self-consumption of electricity

The electricity generated by solar panels is utilised on site which keeps the transmission losses at a bare minimum, and reduces or excludes the dependence on the utility grid.

8. Company image

As consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about climate change, they are preferring brands known for having the least impact on the environment. Switching to solar will be an evidence of your commitment towards reducing emissions, making you a favourite among eco-conscious consumers.

9. Stay ahead of the game

Lastly, survival of businesses depends upon how quickly they are able to adapt to changing times and reinvent themselves. By phasing the conventional energy out, and adopting the energy of the future, you can stay ahead in your industry and beyond!

VEMC is a leading solar EPC company in Mumbai and has unmatched technical expertise in the field of solar O&M. For installation and support, call at 022 43436655 or mail us at marketing@vemc.co.in. 

How significant is it to evaluate the right financial model for solar power system?

by vemcoblogs -

Making the shift to solar power can be beneficial for your business, especially, cost-saving in the long run. However, before you can go green, there are a lot of technicalities to take care of.

When you’re considering shifting to solar power, you’ll find two models in the market: the capital expenditure (CAPEX) model and the operating expenditure (OPEX) model.

In this blog, we will be discussing the two models in detail to help you reach an informed decision.

The CAPEX Model

In this type of financial model, the client approaches VEMC to install a solar pump system on the premises owned by the client. After the commission of the system, the ownership gets transferred to the client and VEMC’s scope ends. Hence, in this type of model, the client pays for the installation of the plant, and the ownership too rests with the client.

Some of the advantages of this model are:

  • The client gets to have complete ownership of the plant and its operation
  • Based on the capacity of the solar plant, the client can save sizeable margins on electricity
  • The client can earn several subsidies and taxes from government bodies, for example, the central finance assistantship (CFA)
  • The client can be partially immune to rising utility electricity prices
  • Industrial and commercial clients can get accelerated depreciation benefits as well

The OPEX Model

In the OPEX model, the investor invests in the project and the client only pays for the power he consumes. The amount of consumption is agreed upon in a contract known as the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

What is PPA financing?

The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) covers the contractual terms of the solar plant and the individual roles of the parties involved. There are usually three parties involved in such a contract – the investor, the installer, and the end client. VEMC is usually the installer for most of the clients. The investor invests in the solar plant and the client buys all or part of the power they want to consume at a rate that can be fixed or changed with time. VEMC installs the plant as per the investor and client’s approval and takes ownership of the plant’s annual maintenance. The client can terminate the agreement after payment of a certain amount or buy the plant directly from the investor.

Choosing the right financial model for your solar investment will depend on your budget and purpose. If you have the resources to take all the responsibility for the installation and maintenance of the plant, CAPEX will be a good choice. But if you don’t have dedicated personnel to look after the systems, OPEX can be a good option for you.

VEMC is a well-established solar EPC company in Mumbai and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. VEMCO Solar is a market leader in solar solutions — be it solar panel installation, procurement, commissioning, net metering, or electrical connections. If you are looking for solar panel installation in Mumbai or solar O&M, please reach out to us at +91 98199 07445, and we will be happy to provide you with customized support and services.

Bird droppings and nesting on solar panels causes loss of efficiency by 2%. Ways to avoid it.

by vemcoblogs -

Solar panels are an effective and environment-friendly choice for your commercial spaces, to cut down on harmful pollution. It not only helps the planet, but also enables energy efficiency in a sustainable way. However, since the panels are located outdoors, they may attract various outside elements such as birds. Many people are unsure about whether solar panels hurt birds or vice versa.

In this blog, we discuss in detail about the relation between birds and solar panels.

Solar panels and birds

It’s common knowledge that birds may find a good nesting ground in your solar panels and may soil your gutters and panels. What should you do about it? And how should you save the birds as well as your solar panels? Let’s learn more.

Do solar panels benefit birds?

This may come as a surprise but solar panels benefit birds. Currently, some of the primary sources of electricity are oil, coal, and natural gas. They cause carbon pollution in the air and form a layer in the atmosphere that traps heat. Apart from various issues around global warming, it also leads to birds having to find alternate homes. Hence, solar panels are beneficial to birds as they provide them and their young ones with warmth and shelter.

Do solar panels attract birds?

Yes, just like windows, solar panels have reflective surfaces, and such surfaces usually attract birds.

Do solar panels kill birds?

Solar panels don’t kill birds directly. The reflective surfaces of solar panels often resemble water when birds are flying above. The appearance of moving water makes them dive, which eventually hurts them and sometimes, kills them.

Do birds harm solar panels?

Solar panels usually have space between the panels and the roof that allow wiring and ventilation. The shade in these spaces is ideal for birds to take shelter.

Birds usually build nests here as well as leave droppings, broken eggs, etc., under the space available. When these accumulate, they reduce the airflow needed to prevent solar panels from overheating. They can also flow into the gutter, leading to blockages and foul odour. It can also collect on top or under the panels and it’s best to get them cleaned as soon as possible.

Damages from small critters

Critters such as squirrels also enjoy nesting under solar panels and may cause harm by chewing on exposed wires. This could lead to solar panels running inefficiently.

Another serious concern is that nesting materials such as leaves, debris, and chewed wires may also lead to fire hazards.

How to protect your solar panels from birds?

There are several options to look at:

  • Wire Mesh – Building a wire mesh along the edges of the solar panel can help stop birds from nesting under the system. This can also prevent the accumulation of debris.
  • Roof Spikes – They don’t necessarily hurt birds but make it difficult for them to nest.
  • Plastic Predators – Decoys are a great way to ward off birds since they can’t differentiate between artificial and real birds. Like scarecrows, an owl with a swivel head can be very effective in scaring birds away.

Importance of Solar O&M

These various factors can affect the output of your solar panels. Proper operation and maintenance can enhance the lifespan of these systems. The frequency and degree of maintenance of solar systems depend on the installation type, system configuration and location of the setup. You can choose from various types of services such as performance monitoring, preventive maintenance, and corrective maintenance.

VEMC, one of the top solar companies in Mumbai, provides solar panel installation in Mumbai. VEMC provides solar O&M services as well. For more information on our products and help selecting the right ones for you, contact us at +91 98199 07445. With over 72 years of industry experience, VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.