Things to remember before installing Solar Panels in Housing Societies

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Conservation of energy is extremely important in today’s world, when there is a huge strain on the earth’s fast-depleting natural resources.  It is very heartening to note that many people are doing their best to conserve energy and trying to lower the use of it.  The use of Solar Panels is in vogue today.  People have begun to show interest in installing them, either in their homes or in Housing Societies. 

What is a Solar Panel and how does it work?

Solar energy comes from the sun.  Panels convert this clean, renewable energy or sunlight that contains particles of energy called photons into electricity that can be used to motor electrical appliances.

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells and contain many individual solar cells; the positive charges come from a material called boron and the negative charges are generated from silicon and phosphorous. 

After the sunlight hits the different layers of the Solar Panel, an electric field is created, which is called the photoelectric effect.  This action creates the current that produces electricity.  This is then passed through an inverter that produces an alternating current, which is then used by individuals or Housing Societies.

In summer, Solar Panels produce more electricity due to warm temperatures and strong sunlight.  India which is considered a very hot country most of the year-round should not have any problems with generating electricity out of Solar Panels and is well suited to install them.

What are the advantages of using Solar Panels or Solar Power?

• As long as the sun is shining, there is a guaranteed, stable and constant supply of electricity throughout the day.  It is an energy source that is renewable and is available every day.  Unlike other sources of energy, there is never a lack of solar energy
• They do not require much space when compared to other renewable technologies and can be installed anywhere, from rooftops in cities to countryside farms
• They require very little or no maintenance at all, just a little bit of cleaning of debris and dirt, on occasions.  A couple of times a year is good enough and specialized companies are offering this kind of cleaning service.  Solar Panels usually come with many years of warranty.  There is no fear of wear and tear because the only part that needs to be replaced is the Inverter
• While generating electricity, Solar Panels do not generate any noise at all.  They are silent workers and are not at all intrusive.  They go about doing their work very quietly
• Solar Panels are made up of silicon sheets and that makes them extremely safe.  There is no danger of any leakage or the emission of fumes and toxins
• Since consumers will be using some of the electricity that is generated by Solar Panels, their electricity bills will definitely come down.  How much money will be saved will largely depend on the size of the Solar Panel and the consumers’ usage of electricity.
• With continuous improvements and advancement in the field of Nanotechnology and Quantum Physics, technology in the Solar  Power industry can only get better and more effective in the future

What do Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) need to remember before installing Solar Panels in their Housing Societies?

Get the approval from the Residents

Even though this is a mandatory step that RWAs need to take before arriving at any major decision that affects their Housing Society, this move cannot be undermined.  They might not get a 100% go-ahead for installing Solar Panels, but as long as the majority of the residents approve and if this is in keeping with the bye-laws of the Housing Society, it is good enough.  The cost of installing a Solar Panel is high and the residents should be okay with sharing this cost equally amongst them.

An Audit for the buildings

Solar Panels are installed on the rooftop of buildings to keep away from any shade falling on them and to have direct sunlight.  To enable this to happen, the buildings should be strong enough to support the Solar Panels.  A building audit should be conducted before any installation takes place, irrespective of whether the structure is old or new.  If your building is more than 10 years old, this step definitely cannot be missed.

An Audit for Energy

Depending on the usage of energy in the Housing Society, the production of Solar Panels gets affected.  It is very important to know how much energy is required amongst all the residents.  Since this involves taking an audit of all the apartments on the property, it is not a simple, quick or easy task.  It is not enough to note the uses only but also the misuses, so that these can be curbed and a true value for money can be got from the Solar Panel installations.

Choosing the type of Solar Energy

There are two kinds of solar energy – one that uses cells on the Solar Panel to convert sunlight into electricity and the other that heat the air and water inside for usage.  This is called Thermal Technology.  Depending on the size of the Housing Society and the usage, a suitable decision can be made that will be value for money.

Choose the right vendor for installing the Solar Panels

Review and check on customer feedback from other Housing Societies and then decide on the right vendor/installer for installing the Solar Panels for your property.  It would also be judicious to find out their processes, their working pattern and to check if they are following all the government rules for installations.  At this point, it would also be good to clear any questions/concerns that RWAs might have because installing Solar Panels is going to be an expensive step and there is no going back on this, once the go-ahead is given.

You can find locally rated vendors for installing Solar Panels on the website www.greencleanindia.com .  Most of the vendors listed here have been rated by other Housing Societies, who have used their services earlier.

In Conclusion

There are many steps to go through before deciding whether to install Solar Panels in your Housing Society.  There are disadvantages too, no doubts about that, but the advantages far outweigh the negatives. 

Green Clean India (www.greencleanindia.com) is an initiative to exhibit the collective power of Housing Societies, by providing a common platform across the country to interact and exchange thoughts that best suit community living. For details on how we can help you make lifestyle changes, do contact us at +919717938018 or write to us at wecare@greencleanindia.com