Electricity all day and night has become a basic need. Still, power cuts can disturb daily life. We rely on it for lights, fans, and even small devices like smartphones. Many homes solve this problem with an inverter and battery, but it also increases the overall cost.
Moreover, you can’t use many electrical appliances directly on the inverter. Here, Solar panels seem like the best of both worlds to ensure lower electricity bills and Power during a blackout. But many people with smaller or older homes worry about rooftop suitability and the risks involved.
Well, there are very few scenarios when installing a solar panel is not a feasible option. If you have come this far, it means that you are so sure about getting solar panels but are worried about the side aspects. No need to worry anymore, as we will go through all the key points, even the smallest ones, to ensure that you can get the solar panel of your choice.
Let’s begin with a practical checklist curated for Indian homes.
- Rooftop Direction and Sunlight
The most critical factor while installing a solar panel is checking the direction of your roof, as solar panels need sunlight to work. Solar panels offer the best output when they face south, as this direction gets the most sunlight. But it is not a hard rule to follow, as east and west-facing rooftops also work well during summers. The only issue with east and west-facing solar panels is their effectiveness, which takes a hit by almost 5 to 10%. Solar panels installed facing north don’t get much sunlight, and production is way lower than south.
- Ensure Enough Sunlight
Solar panels need direct sunlight to produce electricity, and if your roof is covered by shade for most of the day, then it is going to cause trouble with power generation. There can be many reasons that you have shade over your solar panels, like:
- Nearby buildings
- Tall trees
- Water tanks
- Mobile towers
- Antennas
If your roof is mostly shaded by these things, then installing a solar panel is not a feasible option because it will take years to get your investment return from solar panels. Even if there is a small shadow on a single solar panel, the effectiveness will drop. Your rooftop should be getting 5 to 6 hours of daily sunlight for best performance.
- Check the Available Roof Space
Most Indian homes have plenty of roof space for solar panels, but it is not likely for everyone living in big cities. If you want to install a large solar panel on a small roof, then considering the numbers is necessary:
- A 1 kW solar system needs at least 100 square feet of space
- Most people get a 3KW system, which needs 300 square feet of clear rooftop.
- The space for solar panels should be free from obstacles like water tanks or ventilation structures.
The first thing to do is to map the space and check if it is enough for the desired solar panel system. Meanwhile, you should reconsider that you are not planning to construct any new room or storage area on the roof. Many times, people install solar panels, but when they want to construct anything on their roof, they have to uninstall the solar panels and set them up again. This small mistake can make you waste a hefty amount.
- Strength of the Roof Structure
Solar panels are lightweight and don’t add any weight to your roof, but having a strong roof is necessary. You may wonder why? Well, there are multiple things that your solar panel includes:
- Solar panels
- Mounting structures
- Wiring and inverter equipment
Indians homes have concrete rooftops that are strong enough, but if you have an old house, then it is wise to check the structure before installation.
- Roof Condition and Age
One of the most important factors in determining rooftop suitability for solar panels is roof condition and its age. If there are visible cracks, water leakage, or structural damage, it is better to get it repaired before installation. Solar panels are designed to last for 20-25 years, and having a roof in good condition can ensure a hassle-free experience. Installing solar panels on a weak roof may cause problems later.
- Angle and Tilt of the Roof
Solar panels are installed at a tilt angle, and the ideal tilt angle is close to the latitude of the location. However, some professionals use mounting frames to create the perfect angles on the flat roof to get the most sunlight. Having a flat rooftop is common in India, and it is likely suitable for solar panel installation.
- Space for Future Maintenance
While installing the solar panels, there is a need for plenty of extra space on the roof so the experts can do the work easily. The same goes for maintenance, inspection, and cleaning. Dust, bird droppings, and pollution can reduce the efficiency. Your rooftop should have plenty of space for people to walk around the panels safely, and this alone makes cleaning and maintenance easier.
Solar panels usually need cleaning every two to four weeks, and if you don’t have sufficient space, then you will be hiring professionals to do the work. This thing alone can increase your expenses.
- Local Regulation and Permission
Local regulation and permission are a must in this checklist because rooftop solar systems require approval for net metering in many Indian states. Net metering allows you to send extra electricity back to the grid and receive credits on your electricity bills. The electricity distribution company usually provides guidelines for the solar installation, and your solar installer can help in completing the approval process.
Final Words
Rooftop solar panels are becoming the smart choice for most Indian homes as the electricity cost is getting higher, and it is also a great initiative toward the environment. Checking the above key factors before installing a solar system ensures that you have a smooth experience. Meanwhile, paying attention to your budget, long-term investment, loan EMI, and additional factors will definitely give peace of mind.
