Banishing The General Myths About Solar Power

If you are looking for ways in which you can be ‘energy smart’ with renewable energy sources that could lessen the effects of global warming on our environment, opt for solar energy. It is a truly sustainable source and has gained popularity across the globe. While solar panels are becoming a popular choice for many, some are still sceptical about it. We are here to help you find out the truth behind some of the common myths.

Solar energy is too expensive

Over the last 10 years, investment in solar energy has been increasing, and the price of solar electricity has dropped by 89%. In India for example, in July 2020, solar power tariff was INR 2.36 per unit, in an auction of 2 GW capacities by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. Significant technological advancements and increased adoption of solar energy has, over time, made production more efficient, reliable, and scalable. That has eventually made it cheaper than energy produced from coal. 

Solar panel installation is too complex and demands a lot of maintenance

The installation of solar panels is as simple as installing any other household appliance, and can be completed in a week by a reliable manufacturer. The panels would need a periodic light cleaning to get rid of the debris, leaves or dust that might obstruct the sun’s rays. A battery-based system might need more cleaning and are relatively more expensive than a system without batteries. 

Solar panels do not work in all weather conditions

It’s a very common misconception that solar panels produce little or no energy during winter. Solar panels can withstand harsh weather conditions and are, in fact, extremely efficient in colder temperatures. For solar panels to generate electricity, you only need one thing — sunshine. Solar energy systems and solar panels are not powered by heat but light. So, regardless of the temperature, solar panels will continue to produce energy as long as they receive sunlight. However, the output will be slightly lower during winter than summer. 

Do the prices of solar panels depend on the size of your home?

The installation of a home solar plant will depend largely on the energy consumption pattern of the household rather than the size of a house. Accordingly, the number of solar panels required will have to be calculated. Based on the number of panels, space availability, and your choice between off-grid and grid-connected power plants, the price will be ascertained.

If we can use clean coal, why invest in solar energy?

Solar power is one of the cleanest forms of renewable energy. Unlike fossil fuels, generating electricity from the sun’s rays does not harm the environment. No harmful substances are released and there are no carbon emissions or pollutants. On the other hand, there is no such thing as ‘clean coal’, and both coal mining and coal-fired power plants affect the environment adversely. 

Hope we managed to debunk some of the common myths about solar energy. It’s time to choose clean and sustainable forms of energy and solar is one of the best options

Do you have other questions around solar energy? Feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445. 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. 

5 Solar Panel Technologies Shaping the Future Of Solar Power

Solar is already the world’s fastest-growing energy technology. It is cost-efficient and scalable and now, with new solar panel technologies, the future looks bright for renewable energy as it promises to improve efficiency and lower costs further.

Here are five solar technologies that are likely to impact the solar industry.

Floating Solar Farms 

Floating solar farms, also known as floatovoltaics, are a new and efficient way of solar plant installations on ponds, lakes, and man-made dam reservoirs instead of being fixed on the ground. They not only offer greater efficiency but also cost less to install than traditional land-based solar panels. Floatovoltaics can help generate large amounts of electricity without taking up valuable real estate, produce clean solar power, and prevent noxious algae production (which reduces water treatment costs), among other things. Also, the power production of floatovoltaics is high because floating solar panels are surrounded by water bodies which act as natural coolants improving efficiency rates and minimising energy waste.

BIPV Solar Technology

BIPV (building-integrated photovoltaics) systems comprise photovoltaic (PV) materials that can be integrated into the structure of a building such as roofs, skylights, canopies, curtain walls, or facades, during the initial construction. BIPV solar technology has two purposes — while it serves as the outer layer of a building/structure and generates electricity for onsite use, it also exports electricity to the power grid so that it can be utilised later. BIPV installations significantly reduce operational carbon emissions of buildings, produce on-site clean electricity without additional land area, enhance the visual appearance of buildings, and reduce electricity consumption.

Solar Skin

Conscious homeowners, who feel that solar panels interfere with their home’s aesthetic appeal, can now go green with solar skins. This PV technology uses selective light filtration so that the sunlight is filtered and reached the solar cells beneath. Not only homes, solar skins can work well for businesses and offices too – they are customisable and display anything you want, be it a type of roof or logos, advertisements, and flags. With a rail-less racking system and fine finish, solar skins are aesthetically pleasing.

Solar Fabric

Solar fabric technology combines flexible solar panels with fabric to create a canopy that generates electricity when exposed to light. When PV cells are embedded into your t-shirts, stoles, winter coats, or other garments, it will not just keep you warm, but also power your phone and supply energy for other needs while you’re on the move. With development and advancement of solar fabric technology, it will help save on installation costs and solar panel mounting.

PVNB Technology

The PVNB (photovoltaic solar noise barriers) are technologies that aim to lower noise levels, shield sensitive receptors from noise generated by road traffic and produce clean and sustainable energy. This technology can help with soundproofing (especially areas near railway and road infrastructure), light transmission, resisting weathering and UV rays, and generating energy sustainably.  Would you like to know how you can use solar energy to your advantage? We, at VEMCO Solar would be glad to assist you. Be it solar plant erection, procurement, commissioning, net metering, electrical connections, or anything related to solar, we will be the right partners for you! 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. Please feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445.