Tag: Solar Panels

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.

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.

Does Colour Play a Role in the Way Solar Panels Function?

by vemcoblogs -

Solar panels are designed to absorb incoming solar radiation and use it to generate electricity. It is recommended that we shift our electricity needs from other non-renewable sources to solar energy as it is renewable, relatively safe for the environment, and cheaper to maintain. With the help of solar software, which has increased the effectiveness and usefulness of solar electricity, solar power is now widely used in utilities, businesses, homes, and other applications. It is interesting to note that majority of solar panels are dark blue and black in colour. However, coloured solar panels are also gaining in popularity. So, which colour solar panel is the best for you to buy?

Choosing the right solar panels for your project

Comparing two types of coloured solar panels

First, let’s compare the two most common types of solar panels- black monocrystalline and blue polycrystalline. Black coloured panels are more energy-efficient than blue coloured panels. This means that they require fewer solar cells to absorb larger amounts of solar energy. The advantages of this would be increased solar power generation and conservation of space. Black solar panels also come with a 25-year guarantee and so are well worth the investment. Blue solar panels on the other hand are priced lower and have a relatively low maintenance cost. It therefore can be said that monocrystalline (black) panels are more efficient than polycrystalline (blue) panels, however, this efficiency comes with higher costs. Furthermore, considering environmental factors, blue-coloured solar panels create less waste and generate a lower carbon footprint.

Other colours of solar panels

Other colours of solar panels are available mainly for aesthetic reasons. For example, green-coloured solar panels are recommended for areas surrounded by greenery as they can blend into the surroundings well. Similarly, some buildings may require solar panels of a colour similar to the colour of a building as black or blue panels could be distracting against a building of a contrasting colour. It is true that coloured solar panels come with higher prices and are less efficient. However, solar technology is rapidly growing, and efforts are being made to increase its efficiency and make its availability cheaper.

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.

How Effectively Do Solar Panels Work On A Cloudy Day?

by vemcoblogs -
Fickle British weather poses threat to future electricity supplies | Financial Times

Solar panels essentially receive sunlight to convert into electricity which can be consumed. This is why they are usually installed in such a way that lets them receive maximum sunshine. However, what happens on days that are particularly cloudy? Do the solar panels still work when there is a significant cloud cover? This is a pertinent question that has a bearing on the functionality of your home or business’s solar power system. To answer it, yes, solar panels do work even when it’s cloudy. Let’s explore this further.

What effect does cloud coverage have on solar output? Factors like the quality of the solar panels and the density of the clouds determine this. Some solar panels work well in reflected light, which implies they can capture a broader spectrum of sunlight and can generate enough power even on overcast days. Usually, solar panels tend to work at 80% of maximum output when it’s cloudy. It takes extremely dense clouds that block the sun’s ray’s completely to prevent solar panels from working.

Let’s also take into account the fact that in big cities where rain and cloud prevail for much of the year, solar panel installations continue to be a rising trend. A major reason for this is the high cost of electricity in such places, and switching to solar panels can reduce electricity bills drastically. It is also an indication that solar panels can run well despite cloudy conditions.

Another factor is a phenomenon that takes place when the sun emerges from a cloud, which causes its light to become magnified due to refraction, thereby resulting in stronger solar radiation even on a cloudy day.

Besides, the main element in producing solar energy is daylight rather than sunlight. Photovoltaic (PV) panels can use either direct or indirect sunlight to capture solar energy to convert into photovoltaic energy, which subsequently gets converted into electricity. On cloudy days, the solar panels may not work at peak efficiency as on sunny days, but you can make up for the difference in solar output with storage solutions like solar net metering. With this, the required electricity can be drawn from the electrical grid even on cloudy days.

All in all, cloud cover is not a matter of concern when it comes to investing in solar energy. This is mainly because on cloudy days there is only a small dip in solar output which lasts a very brief period of time.

VEMC is a well-established solar services company that provides end-to-end project management services to its clients. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. For inquiries, contact us at +919819907445.

Solar Panels And EV Stations: How Solar-Powered EV Charging Stations Are Becoming the Prevalent Alternative

by vemcoblogs -
Solar Panels And EV Stations

What is an EV charging station?

Electric vehicles (EVs) powered by renewable energy are steadily emerging as the sustainable alternative to fuel-powered vehicles. With more and more electric vehicles on the road, there also comes the need to be able to charge them.

From where do EV stations source their energy?

EVs are charged in a charging station, which is also referred to as an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) or an EV charger. An EVSE is a device that provides the electrical power to charge all kinds of electric vehicles. Now, although the source of power for EVs may be clean, the same might not be true for that of charging stations! In fact, natural gas is the most common source of power for charging stations. It is very affordable and widely available. However, all electricity is not necessarily generated by only fossil fuels. Charging stations are connected to the ‘grid’ or power supply, so although the EV produces zero emissions, the energy it draws from charging stations usually is not. But, even charging stations have can take the route of using clean, renewable energy.

How are EV stations and solar panels connected?

One of the most sustainable solutions to powering EV charging stations is through solar energy. Solar-powered stations for electric vehicles are one of the best ways to cut down on depending on fossil fuels.

To switch to solar for your charging station, you first need to determine the number of solar panels you would require to set up. For this, first consider how much you drive on average. For example, if you drive 300 km in one month, that would be about 10 km per day. Now, take a look at the energy requirement in kilowatt per hour (kWh) of your electric vehicle. Then, estimate how much direct sunlight you receive in your area. This will give you an idea of how much solar energy you would need, and how many solar panels you would need to set up to generate enough of it.

What is the future of solar-powered EV charging stations?

With the effects of global warming becoming an alarming concern, solar-powered EVs and charging stations are fast being hailed as the better alternative. A recent report found solar rooftop photovoltaic energy from solar panels to be an economic and feasible solution for EV charging, while also offering a cleaner source of energy.

Solar rooftop photovoltaic systems provide a plethora of benefits in EV charging. Thanks to their modular design, they can be installed easily. They are also a cost-efficient solution compared to charging from the grid. They minimize carbon emissions and also soften the blow from surging demands of EV charging power on the grid. A net metering solution can solve the issue of a disparity between solar energy generation and consumption.

VEMCO Solar, a solar energy company in Mumbai, provides end-to-end solutions. With over 72 years of industry expertise, we offer specialized support in this space. 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, and we will be happy to assist you with your solar power requirements.