Solar 101

contentshare2
Jul 16
11 min read

Updated: Sep 23

Basics of Solar Energy - Answering all your questions

1) How does solar technology work?

Sunlight hits the solar panels.
This light knocks electrons loose and creates electricity – this is called the photovoltaic (PV) effect.
The electricity flows as DC (Direct Current).
An inverter changes DC into AC (Alternating Current) – the kind we use at home.

💡Think of it like this: DC = a toy car driving straight. AC = a swing going back and forth. The inverter is like a translator between the two!

Now your appliances can use this clean energy!

2) Can I run my whole house on solar power?

Yes, you can! Here’s what you need:

Space for the sunglight: You need enough rooftop or ground space that gets sunlight most of the day.
Grid connection: If your system doesn’t generate enough electricity, you can use:
- Power from the electric grid (regular electricity),
- Or batteries that store extra solar power.

Tip : You can use a Solar calculator to check what system size fits your home and space.

3) Can I run my whole house on solar power?

Yes, you can! Here’s what you need:

Space for the sunglight: You need enough rooftop or ground space that gets sunlight most of the day.
Grid connection: If your system doesn’t generate enough electricity, you can use:
- Power from the electric grid (regular electricity),
- Or batteries that store extra solar power.

Tip : You can use a Solar calculator to check what system size fits your home and space.

4) Do I need batteries?

If you are connected to the grid:
- No need for batteries if power cuts aren’t common.
- During the day: appliances run on solar.
- At night: power comes from the grid.
If you are off-grid (no electricity connection):
- Yes, batteries are recommended to store power for nighttime and heavy use.

5) Are there subsidies for solar systems?

Short answer: Yes, in many places!

If you're in India, here's how it works:

The central government gives you money back (called a subsidy) for installing rooftop solar.
In most states, you can get 40% of the system cost as subsidy.
In special states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Lakshadweep — you can get up to 70% subsidy!

📝 Always check your state’s latest policy or ask your installer to help with subsidy paperwork.

6) Are there tax benefits in India?

Yes - especially for solar businesses and developers!

Here’s what they get:

✅ No income tax for first 10 years (a tax holiday!).
📉 Accelerated depreciation of 40% in the first year.
🚫No Excise duty and custom duty
🛡️Anti-dumping duty & sales tax safeguard to protect Indian manufacturers from cheap imports

These policies reduce costs, increase profits, and support India’s goal to grow solar energy fast!

7) Is solar power safe?

Yes, it’s very safe to use!

The electricity from solar panels is just like the power you get from the electricity board — it just comes from the sun instead of a power plant.
Most safety issues come during:
- Installation
- Manufacturing
- Recycling

But if the system is installed properly and safety checks are done, these risks are very small and manageable.

💡 Regular checks + working with a good installer = You’re all set.

8) How long do solar panels last?

Most solar panels come with a 25-year warranty, but many keep working well even after that.
Some panels from the 1980s are still going strong today!
Most things are made to break down — unlike them solar panels are built to be reliable.
Other parts like inverters and batteries might need a replacement every 10–15 years.

⚙️ Panels = long-term players.

Inverters & batteries = may need a swap mid-way.

9) What are my options for paying?

There are 3 main ways to pay for your solar setup:

1. Buy it outright (one-time payment)

You pay for the full system once.
After that, you only pay for small maintenance costs.
The system lasts 25+ years — so it's a good long-term saving.

2. Finance it (loan/EMI option)

You make a down payment.
Then pay the rest in monthly instalments (like an EMI).
Good if you want solar now, but don’t want to pay everything upfront.

3. Pay-per-unit (like a mobile bill)

You only pay for the solar electricity you use — at a lower price than normal electricity.
Mostly used for larger systems or business setups.
Available in areas where solar service companies offer this model.

10) What’s the payback period?

Usually between 6 to 10 years — depending on:
- How much electricity you use
- Whether you bought the system or financed it
- Whether you got any subsidies

📉 In India, after subsidy, the average cost drops to ₹42,000–₹49,000, from the usual ₹60,000–₹70,000 for a 1 kW system.

Let’s say you're buying a solar system upfront (not on EMI or lease). Here's how the costs usually work in India:

Without any subsidy, the average cost of a 1 kW solar system is around ₹60,000 to ₹70,000.
But if you apply for a 30% government subsidy, your cost comes down to about ₹42,000 to ₹49,000.

So basically:

✅ Subsidy = Government helps pay part of your bill.

✅ You save around ₹18,000 to ₹21,000 just by using that 30% subsidy.

Solar System Size vs. Power & Cost (India)

☀️ System Size	⚡ Daily Power Output	🏠 Can Power	💰 Approx. Cost (No Subsidy)	💸 With 30% Subsidy
1 kW	4–5 units/day	Lights, fans, TV, small fridge	₹60K–₹70K	₹42K–₹49K
2 kW	8–10 units/day	Add fridge, more fans/lights	₹1.2L–₹1.4L	₹84K–₹98K
3 kW	12–15 units/day	1 BHK full load + washing machine	₹1.8L–₹2.1L	₹1.26L–₹1.47L
5 kW	20–25 units/day	2-3 BHK full home (AC, kitchen)	₹3L–₹3.5L	₹2.1L–₹2.45L
10 kW	40–50 units/day	Large homes or small offices

11) Does solar actually save money?

Yes — especially over time!

After the payback period (usually 6–10 years), your electricity is basically free.
Monthly savings depend on:
- How much power you use
- Size of your system
- Your electricity tariff
If you used to pay ₹2,000/month for electricity, solar can cut that in half or more.

🧼 Keep your system clean and well-maintained = more savings over time.

12) How much electricity does a solar system generate?

A 1 kW system in India produces about 4–5 units (kWh) per day.
That’s 120–150 units/month, depending on:
- Location
- Panel angle
- Sunlight hours

☀️ System Size	⚡ Monthly Output (avg.)
1 kW	120–150 units
2 kW	240–300 units
3 kW	360–450 units
5 kW	600–750 units

🧠 1 unit = 1 kWh

Enough to run a ceiling fan for ~20 hours, or an LED bulb for ~100 hours!

13) What Size Solar System Do I Need?

It depends on 3 key things:

Your electricity use Check your monthly electricity bill.
- If you use 300 units/month → You’ll need a 2.5–3 kW system.
- If it’s 500 units/month → You’ll need around 4–5 kW.

Your roof space Each 1 kW needs around 80–100 sq ft of shadow-free roof space.

Your budget & goals

Want to reduce the bill slightly? Even 1–2 kW helps.
Want to power everything? Go for full-sized system.
Want to go fully off-grid? You’ll need batteries + a larger system.

🧮 Quick Guide:

💡 Monthly Usage	⚡ System Size	📦 Roof Space Needed
100–150 units	1 kW	~100 sq ft
200–300 units	2–3 kW	200–300 sq ft
400–600 units	4–5 kW	400–500 sq ft

Tip: Use a solar calculator or ask your installer to do a site check. They'll check shadows, angle, and how much power you really need.

14) Do Solar Panels Work in Monsoons and Winters?

Yes, solar doesn’t stop - just slow down a bit when the clouds roll in.

During monsoons or cloudy days, panels produce 50–70% of what they would on a sunny day.
In fact, cold weather can sometimes help panels perform better, as they work efficiently in cooler temperatures.
Even if monsoons reduce performance, your total yearly output and annual savings stay strong.

📊 Average Monthly Solar Output in India (Example)

📅 Month	⚡ Power Output (as % of peak)
January-February	80–90%
March–June	100% (Peak generation)
July–August	60–70% (Monsoon)
November	85–90%
December	75–85%

Even if monsoons reduce performance, your annual savings stay strong.

📊 Average Monthly Solar Performance in India

📅 Month	⚡ Northern India	⚡ Southern India
January	75–85%	85–90%
February	85–95%	90–95%
March	95–100%	95–100%
April	100%	100%
May	100%	95–100%
June	95–100%	90–95%
July	60–70% (Monsoon)	65–75% (Monsoon)
August	60–70% (Monsoon)	70–80% (Monsoon)
September	75–85%	85–90%
October	85–90%	90–95%
November	80–85%	85–90%
December	70–80%	80–85%

🌤️ March & April are often the best-performing months due to strong sunlight and not-too-hot temperatures.

Why the Difference in Solar Performance?
- Southern India: More consistent sunlight year-round due to being closer to the equator.
- Northern India: Experiences more seasonal changes, such as shorter winter days and more fog, which can reduce solar output in winter.
Bottom line: Regardless of location, a well-placed system performs well year-round.

Is India in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere?
- India is in the Northern Hemisphere.
- The equator divides the Earth, and India lies entirely north of it (like the USA, China, and most of Europe).
- In the Northern Hemisphere, solar panels should be facing south to get the most sunlight.
- This is because the sun is mostly in the southern part of the sky (even though India is close to the equator).

💡Tip : South-facing Panels = Max energy in India.

15) How to Maintain Your Solar System for 25 Years?

Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC)
- Schedule regular check-ups as part of your AMC to ensure your system’s electrical and mechanical stability.
- Ensure your installer provides warranties on both structural and electrical components, at least for the first few years. You can also opt for a long-term AMC later.
Panel Cleaning
- Clean your solar panels every week to keep them generating power efficiently.
- Cleaning tips:
  - Water + gentle soap is enough — no special cleaning products needed.
  - Use room temperature water with a hose or a pail.
  - Avoid high-pressure water sprayers to prevent panel damage.
  - Bird droppings and solid stains should be cleaned promptly.
  - Soft brushes or sponges work best — avoid harsh bristles or scrubbers.
  - Avoid harsh chemicals like laundry detergent, which may damage panels.

16) How to Keep Your Solar System Running 25 Years+

Sign an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC)
- Get regular check-ups (electrical & mechanical) built into your AMC.
- Ensure that your installer provides, at least 2–3 years of structural + electrical warranties, with an option to extend.
Weekly Cleaning Is Key
- Water + gentle soap is all you need—no fancy chemicals.
- Use room-temperature water (with a hose or pipe)
- Avoid hot water and high-pressure sprayers (to prevent panel damage).
- Use soft brushes or sponges only. Harsh bristles or scrubbers = micro-cracks.
- Bird droppings/stains? Wipe them off ASAP .
Quick Safety Check
- After storms or high winds, glance at mounting hardware and wiring.
- If something looks loose, call your installer—don’t DIY acrobatics on the roof.

Tip: Treat your panels better than your phone—no harsh chemicals, no rough scrubbing, and they’ll keep powering you for decades.

17) How efficient are solar panels?

The average efficiency of solar panels has improved:
- Old panels: ~15% efficiency.
- Current panels: Now above 20% efficiency, thanks to advancements in photovoltaic technology.
Power rating boost: Typical panel power rose from 250 W to 370 W, so you get power per square foot.

18) What is the Funsolar Portal & How Does It Work?

The Funsolar Portal is your shortcut to going solar — without the confusion.

It connects you to verified solar installers and finance providers in your area.
You can compare quotes from different companies in one place.
Once you see your options, you get to choose who to contact and move forward with.

19) How do I choose the right installer or financier?

Talk to a few before deciding — compare quotes, timelines, and equipment.
Don’t just go with the cheapest. Look at warranties, service quality, and experience.
Ask questions. If they can’t explain solar simply, they shouldn’t be installing it.

20) How should I position solar panels?

In India (Northern Hemisphere), panels should face south to catch the most sunlight.
Avoid shaded areas — trees, water tanks, etc.
A tilted angle based on your location gives better output than laying them flat.

☝️ South-facing = power-boosting.

21) What are the typical installation timelines?

Site Assessment & System Design (1–3 weeks)
- Installer checks your site, roof angle, shadow areas, and electricity use.
Approvals & Inspections (2–6 weeks)
- Some cities need official clearance before installation.
Installation (3–5 days)
- Once materials arrive and approvals are done, the system can be installed in under a week.

22) What Should I Watch Out for During Installation?

Installing solar isn’t just about placing panels — it’s about getting it done right. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

✅ Before installation starts:

Talk to multiple contractors to compare not just price, but warranties, service, and clarity.
Read the fine print if you’re financing — especially if you may move homes within 25 years.
Check all materials when they arrive: galvanised steel mounts, tested panels, and verified components.

⚠️ During installation:

Don’t allow roof work to begin before the materials arrive.
Make sure panels face south (in India) and are properly angled.
Watch for roof damage or cracks before or after drilling.
Confirm the team follows safety protocols (harnesses, grounding, etc.).

🧪 After installation:

Insist on a full safety test with the installer present.
Ask for easy access or a method to detect micro-cracks in panels.
Lock in an airtight warranty and keep all documents saved.

23) How does solar fight climate change?

When you use solar, you reduce the need for electricity from coal and gas.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, producing 1,000 kWh from solar saves over:
- 1,400 pounds of CO₂
- 8 pounds of sulphur dioxide
- 5 pounds of nitrogen oxides

24) What’s the long-term impact?

A single solar panel over 28 years can cut down over 100 tons of CO₂.
The U.S. solar industry has already reduced carbon emissions equal to planting 2 billion trees.
Solar also reduces dependence on fossil fuels, which pollute air and water.

25) What about solar panel manufacturing pollution?

Making panels does produce emissions, especially in the early years.
But compared to coal or gas, solar still emits 20x less CO₂ over its lifetime.
Most panels become carbon neutral within 3 years of operation.

⚖️ Yes, they have a carbon cost — but it’s small, and they pay it off fast.

26) Can solar panels be recycled?

Yes — and they should be. Here’s how it works:

Panels are made of glass, metal, silicon, and plastic — most of which can be recovered.
Recycling helps reduce waste, recover materials, and lower environmental impact.

27) What does the recycling process look like?

There are two main methods:

Method 1: Chemical Separation

Panels are shredded into small pieces.
A rotating screw separates solids and liquids.
Acid and peroxide remove leftover film.

Then either:

(A) Glass and film are separated by vibration → 90% glass reused
(B) Metals and semiconductors are chemically extracted → 95% reused

Method 2: Thermal Processing

Panels are disassembled (glass, aluminum, and internal parts).
Heated to 500°C to burn off plastic layers.