How do solar panel work ?

Photovoltaic cells in a solar panel turn sunlight into direct current electricity (DC). Then, an
inverter converts the DC electricity into alternating current electricity (AC), and once this process
has taken place, the electricity is used, fed into the grid or stored in a battery.

Are solar panels expensive?

The cost depends on the number of panels and how/where they are installed, but generally,
solar power is becoming more affordable every year. Solar power is the crucial future production
method in the move to clean energy, and as economies of scale drive prices down, its
importance will only increase.

INFERENCE

Electricity is becoming expensive with each passing day and more people are getting interested
in using solar energy to meet their electricity needs. Power cuts and dependence on DG sets is
making people look for more and better sources. Solar PV panels provide a very good
alternative. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India is also
promoting solar PV systems under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission in the country.
They also provide a subsidy to people buying solar panels under this scheme. There are a lot of
people keen to buy solar panels in India so we thought of doing a research on the solar panel
price in India in 2019.

 The modules having higher Watt power capacity are cheaper per Wp as compared to
modules with lower Watt power capacity. The efficiency of solar panels is also better for
modules of higher Watt power as compared to modules of lower Watt power.
 There is not much difference in price between imported and Indian solar panels. But if you
are looking for a subsidy, then the only option that you have is to go for Made in India panels.
 If you are living in an area where power cuts are less frequent and you want to implement
solar PV system to reduce your electricity bills then the best solution would be to go for
a Grid Connected Solar PV System. It will cost you anywhere between 50,000-70,000 per
kWp (cost varies based on the type of inverter and panels you choose). To get a step by step
procedure to install the same, check our post: How to get a “Grid Connected” Solar PV
Rooftop System in India – a step by step procedure.
 If you are living in an area where there are frequent power cuts, then the best solution for
you would be to go for an “Off Grid” Solar PV System. Off Grid Solar PV system will include
batteries, which are an expensive part of the system and these would need replacement
every few years (4-7 years). A typical Off Grid Solar PV System would cost about Rs 1 lakh.
 There are two types of Solar PV Cells: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. The difference
between the two is that Monocrystalline is made of single silicon crystal whereas Multi-
crystalline PV is made up of multiple crystals. A monocrystalline is more efficient in
converting solar energy into electricity per sq meter area than a multi-crystalline PV. Thus
the space required for the same amount of wattage is less in monocrystalline PV panel. Thus
it is costlier than a Multi-crystalline PV. The modules available in India are mostly
“Polycrystalline”.
 Typical efficiency of panels available in India is between 13-19%. Please note that lower the
efficiency, more panels you would need to get the same amount of electricity and it will
occupy more rooftop area.