VEMC-Blogs

Tag: solar consultants

The Importance of Tilt Angle in Solar Module Placement

by vemcoblogs -
Tilt Angle in Solar Module Placement

Solar energy continues to advance as a clean and efficient power source at a blistering rate, and understanding the factors that contribute to solar panel performance becomes critical. One of the overlooked yet important aspects of solar panel installation is its tilt angle. The angle at which solar panels are placed determines factors such as sunlight absorption, energy consumption and maintenance efforts. In this blog, we’ll explain how the correct tilt angle during solar installation can be a decisive factor in maximising solar energy efficiency and output.

Maximising Solar Exposure: How Tilt Angle Affects Sunlight Absorption throughout the Day

Solar panels convert sunlight into energy but how much energy is converted depends upon the amount of sunlight throughout the day. If the panels are flat or not tilted appropriately, it can miss out on absorbing significant portions of sunlight. Solar consultants at VEMC have emphasised the importance of the importance of optimising the tilt angle to ensure that panels capture the maximum amount of sunlight during the day.

For an ideal tilt angle, position the solar panels directly towards the sun’s rays for the majority of daylight hours, thereby increasing the energy collected and stored.

Seasonal Adjustments: Importance of Adjusting Tilt Angle for Different Seasons

The sun’s position change throughout the day and throughout the year. Hence, adjusting the tilt angle accordingly can affect the solar energy production. For instance, in summer, the sun is higher in the sky, requiring a lower tilt angle. While, in winters, the sun is relatively low in the sky, requiring a higher lilt angle, i.e., the solar panels to be steeper to capture more sunlight. 

Geographical Considerations: How Latitude Influences Optimal Tilt Angle

Another critical consideration during solar installation is the geographical aspect. The optimal tilt angle varies according to the latitude and the site; hence, one-size-fits-all won’t work for solar panels. The closer you are to the equator, the lower the tilt angle should be, as the sun is nearly overhead most of the year. In contrast, if you’re located farther from the equator, a steeper tilt is required to align the panels with the sun’s lower trajectory.

Impact on Energy Output: Correlation between Tilt Angle and Overall Energy Production

Solar panel installation experts at VEMC suggest that getting the right tilt angle during initial setup holds the key to higher energy output. Energy efficiency can decrease by 0.54% indoors and 0.76% outdoors when the tilt angle is increased from 0 degrees to 15 degrees. 

Businesses and homeowners can make the most of solar panel installation by understanding the correlation between tilt angle and overall energy output. 

Minimising Dirt Accumulation: How Proper Tilt Reduces Dirt Buildup and Maintenance

Besides high energy output, tilt angle also plays an important role in minimising dirt accumulation. An improperly angled tilt angle is likely to collect more dirt, leaves and debris which significantly impacts sola panel efficiency. However, with correctly installed solar panels at the right tilt angle, natural elements like rain can wash away the dirt, reducing the maintenance cost. Moreover, solar consultants often recommend steeper angles in areas with heavy rainfall or dust, as it facilitates better cleaning and reduces maintenance efforts.

Practical Guidelines: Recommended Tilt Angles for Various Regions and Applications

When it comes to determining the ideal tilt angle for your solar installation, the key factor is your geographic location.

  • Equatorial regions (low latitudes): A tilt angle of 10-20 degrees can be effective for capturing sunlight year-round in areas near the equator, where the sunrays are more directly overhead.
  • Temperate regions (middle latitudes): A tilt angle of 30-40 degrees could work well in these regions, as it maximises exposure to the sun, which travels lower in the sky compared to equatorial zones. 
  • High-latitude regions: A steeper tilt of 45-60 degrees can be quite beneficial in high-latitude areas where the sun remains lower on the horizon throughout the year. These angles help capture the lower-angled sunlight more efficiently during the shorter days of winter.

VEMC has been a leader in solar energy space for over two decades now. For expert advice on the best tilt angle and solar installation practices, feel free to connect with us on +91 98199 07445 or 022 43436655, or via email at marketing@vemc.co.in.

Basic Working Principles of PICO

by vemcoblogs -

As energy costs rise globally and the energy crunch mars business processes, big and small, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd. (KBL) have found an ingenious solution for your small-time electricity needs. PICO is a cost-effective reverse-operated pump that can generate up to 10 kW of electricity and can be used to power villages, households and remote farms. VEMC is one of the leading solar consultants and in this blog, we tell you all you need to know about KBLs latest innovation, the PICO hydropower generator.

What powers PICO?

PICO hydropower turbine simply harnesses the natural flow of water to generate electricity. This can provide electricity to remote villages, isolated farms, tourist places, chemical and petrochemical plants etc. Since PICO is completely dependent upon water flow from small streams or rivulets, there is no input of fossils like coal or diesel. This makes PICO a highly sustainable and eco-friendly source of alternative energy.

Key components of PICO

  1. Runner: It converts the kinetic energy of moving water into mechanical energy by rotating when water flows through it.
  2. Inlet pipe: The water enters into the turbine through the inlet pipe. It ensures that the turbine receives a steady flow of water to keep the mechanism going.
  3. Nozzle: It regulates the flow of water to the runner and ensures optimum efficiency by directing the maximum amount of water to the runner.
  4. Turbine housing: The turbine is protected and enclosed by it. It is specifically designed to resist the force of flowing water.
  5. Shaft: This connects the runner to the generator, and thus transmits the mechanical energy of the runner.
  6. Generator: The mechanical energy transmitted by the shaft is converted into electrical energy by the generator. It consists of coils that rotate in a magnetic field and produce electricity.
  7. Governor: The role of a governor is to control the turbine speed and regulate the output of electricity.
  8. Outlet pipe: This discharges the water that has been used to generate electricity back into the stream or river while ensuring minimum environmental impact.
  9. Support structure: This includes mounting points and other associated structures that ensure the stability of the PICO system.

Suitable applications of PICO

As mentioned already, PICO generates up to 10 kW of electricity. This makes it most suitable for meeting small-scale demands or filling in for short-term disruptions or outages. However, the most outstanding feature of PICO is its compact size and portability. This makes it highly suitable for off-grid locations deep into the interiors with minimum connectivity such as remote villages and farms. PICO can therefore be a game-changer when it comes to improving the socio-economic standards of remote rural and agrarian communities, especially in the context of a developing country like India.

For more on the remarkable PICO system, feel free to get in touch with us by calling on 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are one of the leading solar consultants in the country and take immense pride in our innovative endeavours to transform this industry.

8 Steps to Successfully Adopt Renewable Energy Solutions

by vemcoblogs -
Renewable Energy Solutions
solar consultants

Renewable energy is fast emerging as the most favoured source of energy globally. Globally 29 per cent of electricity generation in 2020 came from renewables, whether hydel power projects, windmills or solar installations. 

At VEMC we have unmatched expertise in solar panel installation. If you’re looking for sound advice on transitioning to solar energy, we are also one of the most competent solar consultants out there.

Benefits of renewable energy

  • Renewable energy is non-polluting in nature. There is a serious clamour across the world to reduce reliance on fossils which generate CO2, to clean renewable energy. This is especially true in the global warming context that has become humanity’s number one global worry.
  • Renewable energy is more affordable with stable prices. In a world where fossil reserves are increasingly dwindling and their prices rising uncontrollably, renewable energy provides hope. Renewable energy is also much more immune to geopolitical shocks and supply-chain bottlenecks in case of war, political upheaval or natural disasters.
  • Renewable energy means employment, inclusion and sustainability. The generation and distribution of renewable energy create plenty of jobs. As the industry evolves, more and more entrepreneurs are expected to be attracted to it. This will include a lot of women and local communities, thus creating a more democratic, egalitarian and inclusive world. 

8 steps to adopt renewable energy

As a leading solar energy company, VEMC can help you transition from your conventional source of energy to renewable energy without much serious hassle. All you need is a clear roadmap ahead, which can be summed in these 8 steps below:

1. Assess

In this preliminary step, you may find yourself asking questions about the total monthly consumption or patterns of consumption (since renewables like wind and solar produce more energy at certain hours of the day). Be on top of all the figures in ample detail before making the big leap.

2. Explore options

Your palette of options will be shaped by your budget, technical feasibility, availability of renewable energy nearby and logistical constraints. 

3. Set clear goals

Be sure of what you wish to achieve by switching to renewable energy. Whether you want to reduce your energy costs, ensure compliance or have a stable energy source, all these questions make a difference in your choice of the right renewable energy source.

4. Financial considerations

Ask yourself what amount of resources you can afford to set aside for the switch and whether there are any government incentives involved.

5. Collaborate 

Get in touch with the leading people, companies and consultants in the field and seek their expertise for a smooth transition. VEMC is the best solar company when it comes to handling end-to-end projects for their clients.

6. Implement

Mobile your human, financial and technological resources to execute the installation with the help of the experts.

How Solar Panels Produce Electricity

by vemcoblogs -

Solar energy is one of the most promising sources of electricity owing to a number of inherent factors. Unlike conventional sources of energy like fossil fuels, solar radiation is abundantly received in most regions of the world. Electricity generation by solar requires little to no inputs of raw material and perfectly fits the bill for clean energy. But what is the science behind tapping solar energy? How exactly do solar panels produce electricity and how efficient is solar energy really? In this blog, we simplify the working principles behind solar electricity and elucidate your understanding of this magnificent fuel for the future.

Solar panels are made up of a number of Photovoltaic (PV) cells (named so because they convert solar energy into electric energy). The PV cells are made up of semiconductor materials such as silicon that absorb solar radiation and release a number of electrons, which then travel freely in the cell. To create an electric field when sunlight hits the panel, a positively and a negatively charged semiconductor is sandwiched together. The electric field directs the flow of the loose electrons towards the conductors lining the cell, which then flow through the wires as Direct Current (DC). 

The DC then reaches the inverter that converts it into the most commonly used Alternating Current (AC). Finally, a wire carries the AC from the inverter to an electric panel which acts as a junction for distributing the current throughout the building.

One PV cell typically generates two watts of electricity. However, when a large number of PV cells are connected together on a solar array (PV panel), hundreds or even thousands of kilowatts of electricity can be generated. A PV panel is made up of solar cells arranged in the configuration of 32, 36, 48, 60, 72, or 96 cells. The larger the assembly, the greater will the electricity produced be! The standard panel size for commercial use is 77 x 39 inches, while that for residential purposes is 65 x 39 inches. 

The energy efficiency of most PV panels ranges from 15% to 20% at present. This is affected by varying solar radiation received at different geographical locations. Sunlight also varies according to the time of the day and seasons of the year. Besides, obstruction, shade and unclean panels can also reduce production significantly.

The principle behind solar energy is quite simple. However, there’s still ample scope for advancements in order to boost production capacity and enhance efficiency. This demands generous funding in the field to promote research and innovation. 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 having 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.

4 Tips on Increasing Solar Panel Efficiency

by vemcoblogs -

As the demand for sustainable energy grows, solar power stands out as the most favoured choice for the future. However, as solar systems require significant investment due to the high cost of semiconductors and allied components, it is important that maximum possible energy is generated from each square foot of a photovoltaic panel. Solar Operations and Maintenance (O&M) companies play a huge role in ensuring the highest efficiency of the solar power systems but some simple tips based on a common understanding of solar energy can go a long way in enhancing your output.

Well, the science behind solar energy is very simple — the higher the exposure of solar cells to sunlight, the greater will the output be. It is around this fundamental principle that most of these efficiency-enhancing tips revolve:

  1. Avoid shade: Due to the installation of intricate groupings of solar cells in a panel, even if a small part of the panel is covered by shade, the whole module will have less energy conversion. Shade is therefore a major inhibitor of solar energy and must be minimised as much as possible. This requires careful placement of the solar panels, away from a permanent high-rising object like a chimney or a vent. Tall trees around the facility must be well-trimmed to ensure their shadow doesn’t fall on the panels at any time of the day.
  2. Careful orientation: Solar panels must be oriented in the direction where they receive maximum sunlight throughout the day. This completely depends on the geographical location of the installation. India being a country in the northern hemisphere, the solar panels are always made to face the south to receive maximum sunlight. In the US, both south and west are the favoured directions and have been known to produce the maximum output.
  3. Proper upkeep: Solar panels can get covered in dust, dirt and bird droppings in a very short span of time. As they are mostly installed on rooftops, it might get a little difficult to clean the panels regularly. This could reduce the efficiency of the panels as some or whole of their surface area is screened from the sunlight. Providing convenient access to the panels and cleaning them regularly is therefore important.
  4. Weather: Hotter days ironically generate lesser energy due to increase in current and drop in voltage. While controlling the weather is beyond our ability, we can surely be mindful about buying panels with the lowest temperature coefficient, which refers to the amount by which the output of a panel reduces after temperature rises beyond 25⁰C.

For assistance to decide on the solar panel that suits your needs the best, feel free to contact us on +91 9819907445. 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 services to its clients. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and is one of the leading solar EPC companies in India.

6 Things to Ask Solar Consultant

by vemcoblogs -

It is really important to let your guards down and learn everything about solar panels before you plan to get one for your residential or commercial space. Well, having a direct chat with solar consultants might be your guide over here. As they are associated with this field for a pretty long time, you can expect to get quality responses to all your queries. So, let’s learn about the 6 things that you should primarily ask your consultant, especially from Vijay Engineering and Machinery Company (VEMC).

1.Don’t forget to ask about the Financial Options:

Can you benefit from that tax credit? Does the solar energy consultant have any lease option or competitive loan by his side for the clients? Most companies will push for the Power Purchase Agreement. It will make your solar contractor the electric company. It means you are not going to own the system and just need to pay for the power it produces for your place. But, the solar contractor has every right to raise the rates. That’s why another loan or leasing program with a 0 down and 0 increase guarantee is always important for most customers.

2. Ask to check their design centre:

If you want, the consultant can sees the company’s design centre or operation office. Avoid letting them meet you at your place. You need to know more about the company and its precise workflow because you proceed further and get panels from their sides. When you have experienced groups like Vijay Engineering and Machinery Company (VEMC), you don’t have to worry much. With 72 years of experience, you can expect only the best from this source!

3. Ask for expansion of solar energy system in future:

This is another interesting point for you to jot down whenever you are dealing with the solar panel consultant for your queries. Ask them if they can expand the current solar system later if the need arises. With some countries becoming less dependent on fossil fuel, the consumers need to know if they can create a larger system in the near future for accommodating the power needed for their devices.

4. Ask more about the panels:

You should ask the consultant about the solar panels they are planning to install at your place. Always remember that not all panels are the same. Some are more durable and efficient than others. Experienced companies like Vijay Engineering and Machinery Company (VEMC) are able to produce around 75% more energy over the course of their working period. So, always research the panels through one third-party source to ensure that the products will last long.

5. Ask about the benefits of working with them:

There must be some benefits involved while working with a local solar contractor over a national brand. So, do ask about those benefits before you get yourself involved with their solar panels. Vijay Engineering and Machinery Company (VEMC) is one ISO 9001:2015 certified firm and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering items, allied equipment, and all the necessary services. This company is CRISIL MSE-1 rated. They are known to present strategic expansion and consistency throughout for providing excellence in service, quality of product, and leadership. So, working with this team will save you a lot of money and time!

6. Ask if moving towards solar panel is a good call for you:

Well, the answer to such a question can be a complex one. It depends on multiple physical factors. How much are you currently paying on your electric bill? How much shade does your roof actually get? Why are you looking for solar panels? Is it because of the financial benefits or anything else? Make sure to get these questions answered first before you can opt for the solar panels.

Get help from Vijay Engineering and Machinery Company (VEMC):

If you are currently eyeing the most affordable solar panel system cost and panels that are designed to last long, then Vijay Engineering and Machinery Company (VEMC) is your name. VEMC Solar presents end-to-end solutions, starting from selecting the right set-up kin to the final selection of best Opex or Capex models. So, you can trust this team for getting all your solar panel queries answered.