Techno-Economical Assessment of Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems in India

This study assesses the use of rooftop photovoltaic systems in India and the conditions and types of consumers that will benefit from it. It discusses the technological advancements, efficiency, parameters for installation, battery selection, economic benefits, environmental profile, and government initiatives for the installers. The study concludes that solar power will play an important role in the future development of India.

RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING PRACTICE
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Most regions in India have very high potential for the production of energy from the solar
system. The realization of this particular potential is an alternative to the over reliance on the
fossil energy that is imported. This practice will further lower the emission of carbon IVoxide
gas into the atmosphere. It important to note that with the introduction of the photovoltaic (PV) a
lot has not changed since there is still laxity to have it completely adopted. This has been
undermined by the context of properly subsidized prices of electricity, high cost of installation of
equipment, shortage of information, training and experience of handling the PV
technology(Byrne et al 2015).”Polar directions Inc.” company has put specific measures in the
manufacturing and use of the Rooftops in many regions in the country.
In the last decade, the development and research on the photovoltaic energy has been supported
by both the state government and the central government. This particular study presents a
techno-economical assessment of the use of the recently enacted laws that supports renewable
energy in the country. The assessment further shows under what conditions and types of
consumers will much profit are realized in the use of PV technology as per the context of the
law.
The analysis has been supported by a participatory approach of planning that focuses on the
attention of the stakeholders. The results of the project and the economic analysis will assist in
the provision of the relevant recommendations that are aimed at increasing the level of adoption
of PV in the entire region.

INTRODUCTION
Energy planning system plays a very crucial role for the incorporation and promotion of the
renewable energies into the matrices of nation. It also plays a major role in the development of
solutions for the access of energy at all levels locally.Their importance have been shown by a
wide variety of countries including China and India. In the recent years, the topic has played very
significant role in many countries since different policies of the public on environmental and
social inclusion are being implemented.
The most common laws and strategies are meant to promote use of RE.Renewable energy (RE)
refers to the energy that is generated from sources that are considered natural and that are
constantly being replenished. Such energy may include the following; geothermal heat, wind,
water, tide and other forms of biomass. Such kind of energy cannot be exhausted and are
constantly renewed. In this particular study, focus has been put on one of such sources which are
the solar energy. This kind of energy is tapped using a rooftop photovoltaic power station which
is commonly known as rooftop PV system(Harberts et al 2013).
A rooftop PV system refers to a photovoltaic system that has solar panels for generating
electricity mounted on the rooftop of a residential structure. Some of the commonly known
components of such systems include mounting systems, cable, photovoltaic modules, electric
accessories and solar inverters. The systems of rooftop mounts are normally small compared to
ground mounted systems of photovoltaic in the stations. In the residential places, the capacity of
the rooftop PV system ranges between 5 to 20 kilowatts. There has been tremendous growth of
the photovoltaic market in the United States in the previous decade. This is a robust technology

that has potential since it is both geographically dispersed and scalable. The commonly available
articles have explained how the PV production has increased by over 48% each year for two
years hence becoming the world’s fastest growing technology for energy.
METHODS AND DISCUSSION
The research was extensively done on areas that were considered potential for the use of PV
rooftops. A proper guideline that led to generation of specific answers was generated as indicated
in the survey table.
Area of study Location Description Power demand in KW
Residential one Lala estates Single family <190
Residential two Nomad structures Single family >170 and <500
Residential three King palace buildings Single family >500 and <701
Residential four Residential flats Single family >701 and <1400
Commercial industry Industrial area Business blocks >1401
Commercial industry Industrial area Commercial blocks 2000 -18000
Commercial industry Industrial area Business center 10500-19000
Table 1:survey table for research.
Technological advancement in solar PV rooftop system
How solar panel works
When photons hit a solar cell, they collide and knock electrons loose from their atoms. Electrical
circuit is created if conductors are attached to the positive and negative points of the cell. Flow of
electrons through such circuit’s leads to the generation of the electricity. Several cells make up a

solar panel that are normally wired together to form array of solar. The amount of energy
generated is dependent on the number of panels that have been deployed(Cinnamon et al 2014).
Generation of electricity
PV solar panels usually produce a type of electricity called DC. In the dc generation, the
electrons flow in one direction in the circuit. The electrons flow from the negative side of the
battery to the positive side. In the system of AC electricity, the electrons are pulled and pushed
periodically reversing direction(Jakubiec & Reinhart 2013).
Figure 1:operation of solar panel extracted from (Byrne et al 2015).
On the back of any solar panel is a gadget called inverter. Inverters normally work to convert DC
which is known to be unusable form of electricity to alternating current that is considered good.
The generated AC flows from the panels of solar through wires and cables into the designated
meter. The net meter will measure the power drawn from the grid and also the excess solar panel

that are put back onto the grid. After electricity goes through the net meter, it is now safe for use
and can effectively power all the appliances
Efficiency of PV rooftop systems
The total efficiency of such systems depends on the kind or type of the inverter and battery used
in the whole system .Solar PV is considered to be the basic building block of a PV system. It is
made up of a semiconductor material that assists in the absorption of sunlight so as to generate
electricity. The generation of electricity is through photoelectric effect. The generation of
electricity can only be achieved using specific wavelength of sunlight. The generation is
effective on sunny days as opposed to the cloudy days
Parameters for installation and structure
Although a solar panel can generate electricity through scattered sunlight or direct sunlight, other
factors that affect the availability of sunlight is very important, this will to some extend affect the
location of the PV system being installed. The orientation of the solar panel should be towards
the south. Also a 45 degree west or east can also work. The installation place should be free from
the obstruction by trees or adjoining buildings. The solar panel structure normally weighs 15kg
for very square meter and the roof should be able to handle this(Hong et al 2013).
Battery selection for PV
Atypical rooftop PV system normally possess a set of batteries and also inverter alongside other
modules of the cells of the PV.The total efficiency of such systems depends on the kind or type
of the inverter and battery used in the whole system. It very crucial to have the most effective

means of installing solar PV systems. The lead acid batteries that are commonly known as deep
cycle batteries are used(Jakubiec & Reinhart 2013).
These batteries last for over five years. They are designed to provide energy for a longer period
and can possibly discharge up to 85% of their total capacity continuously. Batteries that are
sealed and are also free from maintenance are normally considered for solar PV systems. The
position of the batteries should be in such a way that they are accessible for maintenance and
also properly ventilated and protected from harsh environmental conditions(Reichelstein &
Yorston 2013).
Economic benefits of PV
 The use of system of net metering allows for the sharing of excess electricity
 The resale values of the homes using PV increases with the installation such systems
 Tax credit is obtained from the state government and federal government
 Electricity bills are greatly lowered.
Environmental profile of PV rooftops
An evaluation of the solar power energy for the possible potential to lower the emissions of
carbon into the atmosphere potentially requires careful consideration. The use of PV may require
that the position of the roof in relation to the solar energy source is balanced. The roof should be
free from obstruction of trees and other buildings. The angle of inclination should allow for
direct solar intake(Koo et al 2014).
Government Initiatives for the installers

Several driving forces and government initiatives for the solar energy development in India
includes the following: In the initial stages, the central government organized functions for the
renewable energy investors. The topic of such functions was basically named summit for re-
investment. This can be seen as the starting point of change for the solar energy since it
connected developers, producers, investors alongside other concerned together. This kind of
energy campaign has increasingly organized the support of social and political atmosphere for
the sector of solar. This has subsequently brought harmony between stakeholders and also
favouring international investors and locals.
Smart policies
The effort by the government to reduce emission of carbon compounds in the air has been seen
as a very important land mark for power. It provides a more reliable support politically for the
future of solar and other renewable energy sources. The ministry of power have been requested
to increase financial allocation for solar to at least 10.5% so as to ensure that by 2022 the value is
at 100GW.The developers can effectively benefit from 10 years exemption from the tax of
corporate in the period of the first 15 years of the life of project. This has been termed as the tax
holidays(Mejia & Kleissl 2013).
Innovative financing
The PV systems have always been funded through loans. This is common with the larger
corporate projects. The conditions at which the loans can be obtained will always vary and also
depends on several factors. These factors include cash flows of the project, the financial
statement of the companies, quality of the components of the PV system, the credit worthiness of

the company and availability of the grants. It also important to note that most of the banks
require minimum amount of loans for every project.
Factors that lead to the reduction of the prices of technology
The use of PV rooftops technology is increasingly becoming very popular. This has been
attributed to the following factors.
 Installation of PV is easier
 Solar energy is readily available hence the raw material is cheap
 Other sources of energy are facing depletion and the authorities have been working
towards embracing this technology.
Subsidies and incentives
Residential
area
Cost per
KW/h
Subsidy
Residential
one
0.07864 0.0189
Residential
two
0.09562 0.0274
Residential
three
0.07562 0.01773
Residential
four
0.05632 0.0145
Nonresidential 0.09845 0.0734
TABLE 2:Subsidies

Alternative renewable energy sources.
Biomass energy is created through burning of decaying organic matter like oilseed rape. Though
this particular energy source is considered cheap and easy to produce or generate, it is associated
with pollution of the environment. The nuclear power is subject to depletion and therefore may
not last longer as compared to the solar power. Nuclear power sources have remained very much
controversial owing to the high levels of risk that bare involved in its production. The installation
cost has since remained high due to the very expensive safety measures required. The wind
power industries have been growing especially in some countries like UK.The increased value of
this energy can be attributed to large offshore wind farms. The potential for producing electricity
is economically competitive and huge. It important to note that sites for building wind farms are
increasingly becoming difficult to find and faces local opposition. The best option may be to
build turbines in the sea but again this will be a very expensive undertaking. Tidal and
Hydroelectric power converts the motion of water in the seas and rivers through construction of
the dams and forcing water to power the turbines(Singh & Banerjee 2015). This can be very
perfect for islands although the production and installation can be very costly, impede sewage
flow and also unsightly.
CONCLUSION
The government of India has given a lot of emphasis on the promotion of the energy generated
from solar. Currently the country is ranked among the top ten countries in the world for
investment in the solar power. This has been considered alongside capacity addition and creation

of job opportunities. After successful implementation, solar power can provide a better economic
scenario in nearly all the states of India. From the above discussion, it is possible to conclude
that the solar power will finally take an important role in the future development of the country
due to the major initiatives and dedication by the government.Inspite of having several
difficulties and challenges, the government should come up with better policies that are
conducive to reach solar target in the reality.

REFERENCES
Byrne, J., Taminiau, J., Kurdgelashvili, L., & Kim, K. N. (2015). A review of the solar city
concept and methods to assess rooftop solar electric potential, with an illustrative application to
the city of Seoul. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 41, 830-844.
Cinnamon, B., Levy, E. E., Baker, D. E., & Au, A. A. (2014). U.S. Patent No. 8,813,460.
Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Harberts, J. H., Faust, A., Klinkman, J. E., Katt, R. P., & Raffler, D. W. (2013). U.S. Patent No.
8,413,944. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Hong, T., Koo, C., Park, J., & Park, H. S. (2014). A GIS (geographic information system)-based
optimization model for estimating the electricity generation of the rooftop PV (photovoltaic)
system. Energy, 65, 190-199.C Distributed Volt/VAr control by PV inverters. IEEE Transactions
on power systems, 28(3), 3429-3439.
Jakubiec, J. A., & Reinhart, C. F. (2013). A method for predicting city-wide electricity gains
from photovoltaic panels based on LiDAR and GIS data combined with hourly Daysim
simulations. Solar Energy, 93, 127-143.
Koo, C., Hong, T., Park, H. S., & Yun, G. (2014). Framework for the analysis of the potential of
the rooftop photovoltaic system to achieve the net‐zero energy solar buildings. Progress in
Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 22(4), 462-478.
Mejia, F. A., & Kleissl, J. (2013). Soiling losses for solar photovoltaic systems in
California. Solar Energy, 95, 357-363.

Reichelstein, S., & Yorston, M. (2013). The prospects for cost competitive solar PV
power. Energy Policy, 55, 117-127.
Singh, R., & Banerjee, R. (2015). Estimation of rooftop solar photovoltaic potential of a
city. Solar Energy, 115, 589-602.
APPENDIX
Area of study Location Description Power demand in KW
Residential one Lala estates Single family <190
Residential two Nomad structures Single family >170 and <500
Residential three King palace buildings Single family >500 and <701
Residential four Residential flats Single family >701 and <1400
Commercial industry Industrial area Business blocks >1401
Commercial industry Industrial area Commercial blocks 2000 -18000
Commercial industry Industrial area Business center 10500-19000

Table 1:survey table for research.
Residential
area
Cost per
KW/h
Subsidy
Residential
one
0.07864 0.0189
Residential
two
0.09562 0.0274
Residential
three
0.07562 0.01773
Residential
four
0.05632 0.0145
Nonresidential 0.09845 0.0734
TABLE 2:Subsidies