Category: Uncategorized

The world is increasingly aware of the need for sustainable energy solutions, and the transportation sector is no exception. Solar-powered public transportation will pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to the industry’s pollutants using conventional fossil fuels. This article will dive deep into a case study on transportation in India in the use case of solar-powered public transportation.

Need for Solar Energy Transportation in India

It is evident that solar-powered vehicles are the most suitable solutions to promote sustainable living in the cities. Why is eco-friendly public transit important? 

Reduced Air Pollution and Fossil Fuel Reliance

India is home to some of the most polluted cities, with air pollution levels reaching dangerous levels. The main contributor to the industry’s pollutants is heavy dependence on fossil fuels. One of the significant benefits of solar energy transportation is reduced reliance on fossil fuels, improved air quality, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. 

Government Initiatives for Clean Energy

In reflection on the challenges faced in the past decades, the government of India has set ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy. In 2010, the government launched the National Solar Mission, aiming to increase the solar capacity of the country by 100 GW by 2022.

Solar-Powered Public Transportation in India

The Indian Government has implemented various policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of solar energy transportation. Besides the National Solar Mission Scheme 2010, other initiatives include the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 to increase the number of Electric Vehicle adoptions to 6 million Indian users by 2023.

Here are some of the developments in solar energy transportation in India.

Solar Buses

A significant advance in using solar for transport is electric buses, which are powered exclusively by 100% green energy. India launched its first solar-powered AC bus service in Kerala, Kannur. The air-conditioner in the bus is connected to solar power rather than the engine. Hence, it reduces additional fuel consumption.

Now, India has around 4000 electric buses in operation, and the Indian government aims to electrify 30% of all buses by 2030, which will be effective through solar energy transportation.

Solar Trains

Yet another development in eco-transit for public transportation was solar trains. The first solar-powered diesel electrical multiple unit (DEMU) train was launched at Safdarjung railway station in Delhi, which runs from Sarai Rohilla, Delhi, to Farukh Nagar, Haryana. The train has a total of 16 solar panels fitted in across six coaches, each producing 300 wp. This initiative is expected to expand to more cities with plans to convert more trains to solar transportation in the future.

Benefits of Solar-powered Public Transportation

The most noticeable benefits of solar energy transportation are reduced carbon emissions. Using solar energy to power buses and trains leads to significantly less pollution compared to their fossil fuel counterparts. This, in turn, helps create a sustainable climate and enhances air quality.

Other benefits include,

• Cost Savings: While the initial installation investment may be higher, it eventually offers cost-saving on your monthly utility bills in the long run.
• Energy Independence: It makes public transportation more self-sufficient as it relies less on external energy sources. In addition, it also protects them from fluctuations in fuel prices.
• Improved Public Health: The reduced air pollutants from solar systems directly impact public health, such as respiratory illness, as they reduce the emission of harmful gasses.

Challenges of Solar-powered Public Transportation

One of the primary concerns of homeowners while implementing solar-powered public transportation is the high installation cost. Solar panel systems and batteries can be expensive, limiting their adoption to only a few cities. However, recent advancements in solar technology can eventually reduce costs.

Other concerns associated with the solar energy transportation are,

Dependence on Weather Conditions

Solar energy transportation depends on weather conditions, which means cloudy or rainy days can adversely impact the efficiency of solar panels, thus affecting the performance of a solar bus or train. This can be prevented using a combination of battery-powered solar vehicles.

Limited Range and Capacity

Another challenge associated with solar-powered vehicles is limited range and capacity. It cannot carry as many passengers compared to conventional vehicles that run on fossil fuels. It can be a significant limitation for large population regions when long distances need to be covered.

In the short term, for a country like India, where air pollution is a major concern, solar energy transportation has the potential to revolutionise eco-friendly transportation in India. As the advances are enhanced, we can expect more cities around India and the world to adopt solar energy transportation.

Solar panels do more than just give your home electricity from the sun. They help the environment by using clean energy and reducing pollution. Additionally, they make sure your home still has power even if there is an outage. You will be able to reduce your expenses as well since solar power savings will cut down your electricity bills.

How installing solar panels can save electricity bills

Here are a few benefits of solar energy savings:

•     Reduce or Eliminate Your Electricity Costs: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity and power your home. By generating your own electricity, you rely less on the grid. Therefore, solar savings help reduce electricity bills. In some cases, your solar panels can produce enough power to cover all of your electricity needs.
•     Net Metering: Net metering is a system that allows solar panel owners to send excess electricity they generate back to the grid in exchange for credits on their electricity bill. During sunny days when your panels produce more electricity than your home needs, the surplus is fed back into the grid. This means you pay less for the electricity you use.
•     Safe From Rising Electricity Rates: Electricity prices tend to increase over time due to various factors like inflation and rising demand. However, when you have solar panels installed, you are protected from these rising costs. Since you are generating your own electricity, you are less dependent on buying electricity from the grid. Instead, your energy costs stay at a predictable rate determined by the initial investment in your solar panels.
•     Benefits Provided By Government: Governments often offer incentives to encourage homeowners to adopt solar energy. These incentives can include tax credits, rebates, and grants. These government benefits can significantly reduce the upfront cost of installing solar panels. Therefore, besides making solar savings, you can buy it at an affordable rate.

How Much Do You Save by Installing Solar Panels in Kerala?

We have provided a chart to help you understand how much you can save with solar panel installation in Kerala. 

Solar Panels Capacity	Monthly Savings*	Annual Savings*
1kW	₹ 600 – 800	₹ 7,200 – 9,600
2kW	₹ 1,200 – 1,600	₹ 14,400 – 19,200
3kW	₹ 1,800 – 2,400	₹ 21,600 – 28,800
4kW	₹ 2,400 – 3,200	₹ 28,800 – 38,400
5kW	₹ 3,000 – 4,000	₹ 36,000 – 48,000
6kW	₹ 3,600 – 4,800	₹ 43,200 – 57,600

 *The amounts mentioned here are estimates and can vary based on various factors. To get an accurate estimate, connect with our experts. 

Subsidies On Solar Panel Installation in Kerala

India is one of the global leaders in solar power generation. To further promote the renewable and sustainable energy sector, the governments of India and Kerala are providing various subsidies on the solar panel price in Kerala.

 

The Kerala Government is offering subsidies for residential solar grid-connected systems (without batteries). The amount ranges between 20-40%, depending on the system size of the solar panel in Kerala. 

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II. It is done to encourage the installation of grid-connected rooftop solar systems. The central government will provide financial aid to house owners and house societies so that they can afford the solar power system. According to PM – Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: 

Rooftop Solar System Capacity	Applicable Subsidy (₹)
up to 2 kW	30,000/- per kW
For additional capacity up to 3 kW	18,000/- per kW
Systems larger than 3 kW	78,000 (total)
Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) / Group Housing Societies (GHS)	Rs. 18,000 per kW for common facilities, including EV charging, up to 500 kW capacity (@3 kW per house.

 What is the Process Of Rooftop Solar Panel Installation?

•     Initial Assessment: Before the installation, a thorough assessment of the rooftop is done. Factors such as the roof’s orientation, tilt angle, shading, structural integrity, and available space are checked. Additionally, the energy requirements of the property are assessed to determine the appropriate size and capacity.
•     Customised plan: Once the assessment is complete, the experts prepare a customised solar system plan based on your specific requirements.
•     Permitting and Approvals: Before installation, necessary permits and approvals must be obtained from local authorities. You can find all the related information on Kerala’s Department Of Electrical Inspectorate
•     Installation: During installation, the mounting structure is first attached to the rooftop. It serves as the foundation for the solar panels and is designed to withstand the weight of the panels and environmental factors such as wind and snow loads. The solar panels are then installed on the mounting rails or racks. Care is taken to ensure that panels are positioned to maximise exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
•     Electrical Wiring and Connection: Electrical wiring is routed from the panels to the inverter. It converts the direct current (DC) generated by the panels into alternating current (AC), which is suitable for use in the property’s electrical system. Safety measures are followed to prevent electrical hazards.
•     Testing: Once the installation is complete, the entire solar system undergoes thorough testing to ensure that it is functioning. If any issues are found, adjustments may be made.
•     Grid Connection and Interconnection: If the system is functioning, it is connected to the utility grid. A bi-directional metre or other grid interconnection equipment is used for this purpose. It will ensure that the excess electricity generated by the solar panels is exported to the grid for credits.

Installing a rooftop solar system can help you save on utility bills significantly in the long run. Besides this benefit, the government is providing subsidies for the installation of grid-connected rooftop solar systems. It will also allow you to reduce pollution and embrace sustainable living. If you are using solar energy in Kerala, check the National Portal for Rooftop Solar to apply for subsidies.

Did you know the bifacial solar panel market share is expected to triple by 2030? So what exactly are they, and why are they gaining huge popularity?

In the ever-evolving solar energy landscape, the search for energy-efficient power generation has led to the development of bifacial solar panels. The unique ability of these bifacial solar panels is to capture sunlight from the front and rear sides. This article will cover all about the bifacial solar panels, from their working, installation, and potential to their advantages, limitations, and transformative impact.

What are Bifacial Solar Panels?

Bifacial solar panel modules are designed to generate power from both sides of the panel. Traditional opaque-back sheeted panels are monofacial and expose only the front side of the panel, whereas bifacial panels expose both the front and rear sides of the solar cell.

Most bifacial solar designs use monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells and have contacts/busbars on both sides of their cells. The constant across all these solar designs is that they generate power from both sides.

Types of Bifacial Solar Panels

Bifacial solar panels can come in different sizes and shapes, ranging from large commercial panels to small residential panels. They can be used with a frame or frameless. The two most widely used bifacial modules are glass-glass and glass-back sheets.

In the glass-back sheet model, only one side of the cells consists of contacts/ busbars, and the back of the cells has a sheet of glass or transparent Tedlar Polyester Tedlar (TPT). Meanwhile, the glass-glass modules have contacts/ busbars printed on both sides of the cells. These panels can be frameless and are more energy-efficient than glass-back sheet panels.

Efficiency of Bifacial Solar Panels

Generally, bifacial solar panels generate higher energy efficiency than monofacial panels. The average efficiency of an N-type solar panel is over 22%, whereas the P-type solar panel is between 18-20%. Bifacial module manufacturers claim that the efficiency of these bifacial solar panels can further be increased by 30% when installed on highly reflective surfaces like TPO roofs or the ground with light-coloured gravel.

Working of Bifacial Solar

Bifacial solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells that are mounted on the front and rear sides of the panel. The process begins when the sunlight hits the front side of the panel; the PV cells absorb the light and generate the electric current. The panel’s glass layer allows light to pass through and reflect off the surface beneath the panel, such as the rooftop or the ground. Now, the reflected light hits the rear side of the panel, which also contains bifacial PV cells, generating additional electric current.

Bifacial Solar Panel Price in India

Bifacial solar panels are gaining popularity due to their affordability and energy efficiency. They can generate more energy than monofacial solar panels. In India, a bifacial solar panel costs INR 21,750.

Bifacial Solar Panel Installation Process

The installation process of bifacial solar panels is similar to that of monofacial panels. The only difference is that the panels are installed on elevated racking systems, allowing sunlight to hit both sides of the pane.

Here are some common installation methods for bifacial solar panels:

1. Ground-mounted: With this method, the panels are mounted on the ground using a racking system that keeps the solar panel at a certain height and angle above the ground, allowing light to reflect on both the front and rear sides of the panel.
2. Rooftop: This method installs bifacial solar panels on rooftops using either a strong balance or anchored racking system. The angle and orientation of the panels should be optimised to receive the maximum amount of sunlight and allow light to reflect on both sides of the panel.
3. Floating: Using this method, bifacial solar panels can also be installed on water bodies such as reservoirs or lakes. This offers increased energy output by capturing sunlight from both sides and reflecting off the water’s surface.

Benefits of Bifacial Solar Panel

The most significant advantage of bifacial solar modules is their increased efficiency. Studies have shown that they produce over 20-30% more energy than traditional solar energy panels.

Here are some of the key advantages of using bifacial solar panels,

1. Durability: Bifacial solar panels are also more durable and productive, even under harsh weather conditions.
2. Cost-effective: These panels contribute to the most cost-effective solar energy generation over the panel’s lifespan.
3. Versatility: Bifacial solar panels can be installed in various configurations and locations for both commercial and residential applications.
4. Increase ROI: Although the initial installation costs of bifacial solar panels are expensive, their higher energy output and durability can be a better return on investment.
5. Environmental benefits: These panels are clean, renewable energy that reduces your carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a sustainable future.

Limitations of Bifacial Solar Panel

Bifacial solar panel modules have some limitations, including:

1. Higher cost: Bifacial PV modules are more expensive than monofacial modules. Due to their high cost, they are not usually recommended for residential clients.
2. Limites availability: Bifacial solar panels are not as widely available as traditional panels, which can limit the options for installers and buyers.
3. Installation complexity: These modules require special installation techniques and mounting methods to capture light from both ends, which might require additional expertise and planning. They are also more sensitive to shading and require careful placement.

Bifacial solar panels represent a paradigm shift in the solar energy landscape, generating higher energy efficiency and a more sustainable future. As technology advances, the adoption of bifacial solar panels is expected to grow across commercial, industrial, and residential applications.