Installation Checklist
Shading
The performance of PV panels is affected by the shading effect of surrounding trees and buildings, passing clouds basically anything that casts a shadow on to the panels. The sun light converted into energy by the PV panels shall depend on the amount and duration of the shadow falling on it. Lesser the shadow, more the energy!
Direction
Solar panels need to face true south direction for maximum power generation. The reason behind it is that when sun moves from east to west, you get maximum exposure when you face southwards. Irrespective of which part of year it is, inclination will always be towards south. Hence for the optimum harnessing of sunlight, the solar PV panels should ideally face south.
Tilt
The angle at which the solar panels are fixed is according to your location’s latitude. In general, the angle of tilt will lie between 9 to 12 degrees in southern part of India and 25 to 30 in north India. The angle decreases as the altitude of installation increases to nullify the impact of high speed winds on the installation.
Structures
Material and workmanship play an important role in the installation of a solar rooftop solution. A mounting structure is a critical component of a rooftop solar power system and ideally should be developed or approved by a structural engineer. The weight of the PV system and the mounting structure need to be designed taking into account the wind loads at the location in accordance with the wind-speed zone. However, readymade and modular mounting structures pre-certified for certain wind speeds are readily available in the market and may be incorporated into the design. Galvanized iron (GI) or aluminium are the most common materials used for mounting PV panels. In case of GI structures, the quality of galvanization is crucial for ensuring a rust-free life.
Warranty
A solar power generation system is believed to have a lifetime of approx. 25 years. The solar panels, typically, have a performance warranty of 25 years, even though other components of the solar power generation system may have different/lesser performance warranties.
Cleaning
India is a country where dust tends to accumulate very quickly on the panels hampering optimum generation. Solar Panels have to be cleaned at least once every week, would be even better if you can manage to do it daily.
Maintenance
A solar rooftop power system will deliver the full return on investment only if it runs as smoothly as possible. This means periodic inspection of the individual components of the system. A timely intervention can prevent the threat of diminished output or downtime or a safety hazard.
Permits, Approvals & Subsidies
In case of rooftop Grid-Tie solar power system, the owner must complete all the necessary requirements for getting net-meter installed. This may require additional time and fees depending on the local electricity utility. For battery based systems, no permits are required. However, in case there are subsidy schemes offered by local government, additional documentation may be required for subsidy. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announces subsidy and its disbursement procedure.