FAQ

1) What is a Solar Rooftop System?

In a solar rooftop system, the solar panels are installed on the roof of any residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings. This can be of two types (i) Solar Rooftop System with storage facility using battery, and (ii) Grid Connected Solar Rooftop System.

2) Why should I Install Solar Plant?

  • The source of energy is free
  • Reduces Electricity Bill
  • Lasts a very long time, over 25 years
  • Free of cost energy after payback period of plant
  • No pollution, renewable source of energy unlike fossil fuel
  • Low maintenance

3) What type of Solar System is Tata Power-DDL Promoting?

Tata Power-DDL is facilitating their consumers to install online grid connected rooftop solar system by carrying out Technical Feasibility assessment as per DERC Guidelines for Net Metering.

4) What is Online Grid Connected Solar Rooftop System?

In grid connected rooftop or small SPV system, the DC power generated from SPV panel is converted to AC power using power conditioning unit and is fed to the grid. These systems generate power during the daytime which is utilized fully by powering captive loads and feed excess power to the grid as long as the grid is available. In case, where solar power is not sufficient due to cloud cover etc., the captive loads are served by drawing power from the grid.

5) What is the optimal solar capacity to be installed as per Net Metering Guidelines?

As per the DERC guidelines, maximum solar plant capacity should be the Sanctioned Load of the connection. If a consumer wants to install plant beyond this capacity, he/she needs to pay the additional SLD charges as per DERC Guidelines.

6) How much roof area is required to set up the grid connected rooftop solar system?

About 10 sq.m or 120 sq. ft. area is required to set up 1 kWp grid connected rooftop solar system.

7) What is the average cost of grid connected rooftop solar systems?

The average cost of grid connected rooftop solar systems is about Rs. 55 per watt or Rs. 5.5crore per MWp capacity.

8) What is Net-Metering?

The grid connected rooftop system can work on net metering basis wherein the beneficiary pays to the utility on net meter reading basis only.

9) What is the process for adjustment of solar energy for ToD Customers?

The electricity consumption in any time block (e.g., peak hours, off-peak hours, etc.) shall be first compensated with the electricity generation in the similar time blocks in the same billing cycle. For the purpose of carrying forward of surplus or setting off of energy credits, the energy units shall be moderated as per the relevant rebate/surcharge percentage of ToD Tariff.

10) What are the different business models available that can facilitate the promotion of grid connected rooftop solar systems?

There can be many possible business models but there are two main financial models available: