What To Know Before Installing Solar Project

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.

5 Reasons Why It Is Worth Investing In Solar For Companies

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.

Can You Remove and Reinstall Solar Panels?

When might you want to remove and reinstall your solar panels? The most common instances would be when you are fixing the roof or the solar power system, or conducting maintenance on the roof or other equipment located in the area.

Common Solar Panel Installation Problems - And How to Avoid Them

 

Fixing the Roof

Even some of the smallest roof repairs may require you to remove and reinstall part or all of your solar panels. This can make repairing the roof simpler, without risking damage to your panels. If you need to replace sections of the roof and require these to be removed prior, hiring a solar professional to do it would be a practical move.

Fixing a Solar Panel System

When repairing parts of your solar power system, removing the panels can provide additional space for a more thorough analysis of the whole system. Also, it is often safer to carry out repair work on the roof after removing the solar panels, in order to avoid compromising their safety.

Other Reasons

Other times that you might need to remove and reinstall solar panels could be when you need to repair anything in and around the rooftop. For example, fixing satellite dishes and electrical wires which are usually located on the roof may necessitate this, as may events like relocating your solar power system.

Should I Attempt to Remove and Reinstall the Solar Panels By Myself?

Do keep in mind that it can be quite risky to do so without the appropriate tools and expertise. Certain special equipment is required for the task and taking apart the panels without proper knowledge can nullify any warranties and contracts on the product. Also, removing and reinstalling solar panels entail a complex permission process that is best dealt with by a solar expert.

Time and Cost to Remove and Reinstall Solar Panels

The total time and cost of removing and reinstalling solar panels depend mainly on the solar expert you choose for the job, though they should be able to quote a base price to begin with. This can be over and above the actual costs of repairing the roof or solar power system; so be sure to factor that in. 

The repair work can take another day or more, depending on the extent of work that needs to be done. So, the entire project can take about three days to complete. Of course, major repairs may need more time.

Certain other factors may include the condition of the roof, the panels and the hardware, as well as the weather and site location itself. 

Removing and reinstalling solar panels is a complex task that requires substantial knowhow. VEMCO Solar, a solar energy company in Mumbai, offers end-to-end solutions and has enlisted channel partners with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, for solar PV rooftop, small power plant system integrators, and installation. Guided by the knowledge gained by VEMC over 72 years, our aim is to provide ample support to you at every step of the way. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. Please feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445.

What Is Solar O&M And Why Do You Need It?

In any industry, operations and maintenance (O&M) are a crucial part of keeping the system running properly and efficiently. The solar industry is no exception and solar operations and maintenance (O&M) services or programs are required in order to maintain a standard level of performance for a solar energy system.

Advantages of module level power electronics in O&M for commercial systems  | Solar Power Portal

Regular servicing helps you to optimize the productivity you get from your solar power plants while reducing costs for maintenance and repair. Compared to most other power generating systems, solar power stations are simple to maintain. However, you need to make sure that you invest in high-quality O&M which is carried out professionally. This is one of the most important ways to make sure that your solar power plant stays in good condition, does not experience unnecessary breakdowns, and runs at peak performance levels.

There are three main aspects to solar O&M — preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, and condition-based maintenance.

Preventative maintenance (PM)

Preventative maintenance, as the name suggests, includes regular inspection and servicing of your equipment in order to avoid the system from malfunctioning, which can cause unnecessary losses in production. This kind of maintenance takes place before your solar power system has witnessed any sort of breakdown, and the upfront costs associated with it are usually low to moderate.

Corrective maintenance (CM)

Corrective maintenance pertains to corrective action required to be taken after your equipment has already experienced a breakdown. Although this strategy may not appear to cost much on the surface, there is a higher risk of component failure and potentially higher costs on the backend. That can otherwise be avoided more easily with proactive, preventative and condition-based maintenance.

Condition-based maintenance (CBM)

Condition-based maintenance is when your solar power systems are monitored using real-time data. This strategy places a high priority on optimizing operations and maintaining peak performance levels, and can even be done by third-party providers and integrators. However, it comes at a higher cost than the other two strategies of maintenance, but these may actually pay off because your system runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

So, it is safe to say that no matter which strategy you employ, solar O&M is a crucial aspect of your solar power system to ensure that it continues to operate at optimal levels at all times. Timely maintenance significantly reduces the possibility of breakdown and production loss. O&M providers like VEMC can offer planned maintenance schedules to optimize equipment performance and minimise downtimes. Additionally, creating an elaborate breakdown impact analysis of solar plant sites is necessary in order to prepare a priority matrix for spare management and better maintenance.

For more information on our products, feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445. We would be happy to assist you in finding the best match, based on your requirements. As a leading solar power plant company in India, VEMC provides seamless end-to-end services to its clients. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

How Solar, Wind, and Hydropower can Outclass Coal Energy

For a very long time in modern human history, coal dominated the energy market as the cheapest, most easily available, and readily combustible source of energy. Coal energy was in fact the force behind the Industrial Revolution and continued to power factories, trains, and smelting furnaces, even into the twenty-first century.

However, today there is a huge concern to shift our energy demands from fossil fuels such as coal to renewable energy like solar, wind, and hydropower. This is due to the growing awareness about environmental issues and also the exhausting fossil reserves across the world. In the developed world, the transition is already evident, with shrinking demand for coal in the electricity sector. More and more power plants are switching over to solar and wind farms as the main source of energy to generate electricity. In the US, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that the demand for coal in the electricity sector shrank from 28% in 2018 to 22% in 2019 (source).

As declining reserves of coal impact supply and leads to increased prices, renewable energy will be seen as a more cost-effective source of energy. This will draw the commercial sector further towards renewable energy as it will not just make them more compliant with their environmental legislation but also help them cut their energy bills and improve their margins.

India has set itself a target of producing 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022, out of which 100 GW will come from solar energy, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from biomass, and 5 GW from hydropower (source). Increasing reliance on non-fossil energy is especially important for India to keep threats from climate change under check while its economy grows at a steady pace.

Critics take an interesting line of attack at renewable energy: The sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow. This seems like a valid criticism but overlooks the stupendous growth of research and innovation in renewable energy (especially solar energy), backed by generous funding. This has greatly enhanced the storage systems so that the energy is used as and when needed. This has also placed renewable energy on the trajectory of increasing efficiency and declining equipment costs.

As fossils fade away into the background of the energy conundrum, renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, and hydropower will form the dominating portfolio for our energy needs of the future.

For more information on various types of solar services, feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445. We would be happy to assist you in finding the best match, based on your requirements. As one of India’s best solar companies with 73 years of market experience, VEMC provides end-to-end Solar EPC services to its clients. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. Our sub-brand VEMCO Solar is one of the leading solar EPC companies — be it solar plant erection, procurement, commissioning, net metering, or electrical connections.

Future Of Solar Energy Looks Brighter Than Sunshine

Solar energy is clean, renewable, and can provide for a significant proportion of our energy requirements with the help of the latest technologies. According to International Energy Agency, it is, in fact, the cheapest form of electricity in history!

What’s the current state of solar?

According to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, India has achieved 5th position globally, in solar power deployment, and the solar tariff in India is very competitive and has achieved grid parity. The country’s solar power capacity has increased by more than 11 times in the last five years, from 2.6 GW in March 2014 to 30 GW in July 2019. 

If we succeed in improving production further, the energy systems like solar farms and CSP (concentrating solar power) plants would not only be considered as valuable energy resources, but also help create more energy than fossil fuels. It will also help reduce carbon emissions significantly.

Solar energy storage

The success of future energy systems depends on solar energy storage as it can store excess solar power onsite, which can be utilised later, when the sun isn’t shining. However, these systems have expensive lithium-ion batteries, which makes them heavy on the pocket. So, if the cost can be brought down and efficiency can be increased, the installation of these battery storages will become more commonplace in the future.

Floating solar farms

India is about to start work on the world’s largest floating solar energy project at Omkareshwar dam on the Narmada river. The project is expected to produce 600 MW solar energy starting 2022-23. A 100 MW floating plant is expected to become operational in Telengana soon. Spread over 450 acres, the project will have 4.5 lakh photovoltaic panels, and will be scalable in the future. 

Floating solar farms can help preserve land for agricultural and terrestrial ecosystems. It will also help countries that lack adequate land build utility-scale solar farms.

The future of solar panels: The Tesla Solar Roof

Going solar can reduce your electricity bill considerably. While rooftop solar installations are extremely beneficial, many may not like the way in which it changes the look of their homes. To solve this issue, companies like Tesla, are working on making the future solar panels more aesthetically pleasing, so that it could blend in with its surroundings.

Landowners and developers

Increased demand for solar energy can be a great opportunity for land owners, who can lease out their land for solar projects, in exchange for money. This would be a win-win situation for both property owners and solar project developers.

Solar energy is one of the most inexpensive and sustainable forms of power on the planet. With advancements in technology and encouraging government policies, we are all hopeful about a brighter future for the solar industry. That would also mean lesser pollution, reduced use of fossil fuels, lesser carbon emission, and a cleaner future for all of us. If you are keen on leveraging the advantages of solar energy, just contact us on +91 98199 07445. VEMCO Solar (Check out our solar story) offers end-to-end solutions and has empanelled channel partners with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, for solar PV rooftop, small power plant system integrators and installation. Guided by the knowledge gained by VEMC over 72 years, our aim is to be by your side at every step of the way. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. Depending on your requirement, we provide off-grid, on-grid and hybrid solar system solutions as well.

What is the Importance of a Solar Panel Mounting Structure?

The demand for solar power is increasing worldwide as more and more countries are capitalizing on the benefits of this form of sustainable energy. For a solar power plant to operate successfully, the installation must be done right and the mounting structure plays a crucial role in that. This structure is support that holds the solar panels on roofs, building facades, or on the ground. If anything goes wrong with the structure, it would affect the entire solar project (which is ideally expected to be working for at least 20-25 years).

So, let’s take a look at the factors to be kept in mind.

Angle 

Paying attention to the orientation and placement of solar panels is vital. For a fixed roof-mounted solar energy system, the angle should be equal to the latitude of the installation site. Generally, pitch angles between 30 and 45 degrees are suitable for most locations. That helps ensure that the panels produce maximum energy while they are being exposed to the highest intensity of sunlight for a long period of time.

Direction

Since there is maximum sunlight in the south, it is advised that you place your solar panels facing south. While east and west work well too, north is one direction that might not work well.

Location

Given that different parts of the earth receive sunlight for different lengths of time, you must check your latitudinal and longitudinal location. One of the simplest ways to locate the latitude and longitude of your location would be to open Google Maps and right-click on the place.

Shade Area

Solar panels work best when there is no shade cast upon them. So, ensure that there are no shadow areas or trees, or structures that can cast a shadow, around. In fact, even if a single solar panel in the solar array is covered by a shade, the output of the whole system will be compromised.

Surface of Installation

Ahead of installing the solar panels, make sure that the surface is smooth and sturdy, and can carry the weight of the whole solar panel system. 

Solar panel supplier

Although a mounting structure looks like easy work, it involves certain technicalities. Therefore, it’s advised to purchase the mounting structure from a solar panel manufacturer. 

Check out the pros of buying a mounting structure from a solar panel supplier:

Customized stand: A solar company can customize a stand according to specific requirements such as the structure of the stand, positioning of holes, and customizing the weight, height, and length.

Installation service: When you buy a mounting structure from a solar company, they not only provide you with installation service but also make sure that the installation is safe and secure. They also test it for you.

Consultation: The representative from a solar company has the required knowledge about installations and check the latitudinal and longitudinal location, direction, and angle, ensuring better performance of the solar panels. They can also guide a customer with everything they need to know.

Don’t get confused by the wide range of mounting structures available in the market. Preferably, consult an expert who will be able to guide you, based on your requirements. Should you have any queries, feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445. We, at VEMCO Solar, would be happy to assist you switch to solar effortlessly.

With 72 years of market experience, VEMC provides end-to-end EPC services to its clients. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. Our sub-brand VEMCO Solar is a market leader in solar solutions — be it solar plant erection, procurement, commissioning, net metering, or electrical connections. We would be glad to include you in our family.

How To Reduce Unexpected Long-Term O&M Costs With A Smart Solar Solution

Once a solar power plant is installed, the next aspect to be considered is operations and maintenance (O&M) management. It is a crucial aspect of any solar project since it mitigates the risks of unexpected costs and must never be overlooked. Efficient O&M ensures the generation of maximum power, while also providing a sizeable return on investment. No matter the scale of your photovoltaic (PV) module usage, you will always need an effective and efficient O&M solution. And you can do this by taking the SMART goals approach.

What is a SMART solar solution?

In management practices, SMART is an oft-used acronym for better guidance towards your set goals. SMART stands for:

  • Specific: Making sure that your objectives are well-defined and clear.
  • Measurable: Chosen criteria must be measurable to ensure the tracking of progress. 
  • Achievable: Keep your goals attainable. Impossible goals can lead to demoralization.
  • Realistic: Keep your objectives realistic, relevant, and within reach.
  • Timely: A clearly defined timeline is necessary along with target dates.

The SMART systematic approach towards making your goals clear and reachable will help reduce long-term O&M costs.

What are the steps to reduce unexpected costs?

  1. Preventative focus: In order to keep the equipment used in solar panels in top condition, it is necessary to conduct advanced analytics and condition monitoring testing. This reduces the possibility of any problems arising in the future, thus saving the time and money spent on remedial measures.
  2. Timely maintenance: Just as we abide by the user manual for maintaining other pieces of equipment, doing the same for solar solutions is always a good idea. Timely maintenance greatly reduces the possibility of errors and production loss. O&M providers like VEMC can offer planned maintenance schedules to maximise equipment performance and minimise downtimes.
  3. Spare management: Creating a detailed breakdown impact analysis of solar plant sites is necessary to prepare a priority matrix for spare management and better maintenance.
  4. Remedial maintenance: One of the main aspects of O&M is, of course, remedial maintenance. Any solar plant must have proper planning in place for repairs or replacement. This not only ensures immediate solutions but also helps avoid costly system failures.
  5. Safety: With the handling of large equipment comes the problem of ensuring the safety of everyone working around it. An experienced O&M provider will be equipped with skilled employees who perform their jobs with utmost care. They will also provide their maintenance personnel with the safety equipment needed to perform their jobs in a secure manner.

That said, it’s absolutely necessary to have an O&M plan in place for your solar plant to alleviate long-term costs. At VEMCO Solar, our valued clients are provided with customized plans to fit all their needs. VEMCO Solar offers end-to-end solutions and has empanelled channel partners with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, for solar PV rooftop, small power plant system integrators, and installation. Guided by the knowledge gained by VEMC over 72 years, our aim is to be by your side at every step of the way. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. Please feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445.