Sun Through the Roof

Suneel Deambi · Shirish S Garud

Mar 2022 · The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

About this ebook

Sun Through the Roof introduces its readers to grid-connected rooftop solar systems for the residential sector. Against the backdrop of rising tariffs coupled with fluctuating voltage and continuing shortage of electricity – and the noise and fumes from diesel-powered generators to make up for such poor-quality supply – the book hopes to convince its readers of the many benefits of generating electricity through rooftop solar systems while, at the same time, making readers aware of some of the drawbacks of those systems.

In keeping with the objectives of the ‘Concerned Citizen’ series, Sun Through the Roof seeks to answer many of the frequently asked questions about rooftop solar systems and also to provide essential information and insights to those who are considering that option not only to reduce their electricity bills but also to do their bit for the environment and sustainable development.

Here are the kind of questions answered in the book:

•         Will I have continuous supply if I install a rooftop solar system?

•         What should be the right-capacity (kilowatts) system for me?

•         Do I get any subsidy from the government (state or central)?

•         How much will I earn by selling surplus electricity?

•         What is the difference between net metering and gross metering?

                     

Contents:  

Foreword / Electricity: capacity and consumption  / Cleaner sources of energy  / Two forms of solar energy: light and heat  / Electricity from sunlight: use-as-you-go or store and use later?  / Electricity for consumption or for saving money?  / How does a solar cell work?  / The technology of a solar cell  / Producing a silicon wafer  / Solar modules and arrays  / A complete and functional system to tap solar energy  / Technical aspects  / Modules: performance and cost  / Choosing the right inverter / Support structures  / Solar trees / Balance of system / Monitoring and maintenance  / Testing and quality assurance / Financial aspects / Progress of rooftop solar energy in India / A guided tour of a solar rooftop system / Summary of tasks / Site-specific survey / Installing a solar rooftop system: Q & A / Business models for solar rooftop systems / Net versus gross metering: current (2021) regulations / Solar electricity for housing societies / Other possible citizen-centric uses of solar electricity / Solar energy for the countryside / The game-changing National Solar Mission / Conclusions  / Bibliography

 

Audience: Adults who are concerned about topical issues but lack the understanding to make sense of what they read or watch in the mass media

Shelving: Environmental Science: Renewable Energy

About the author

Dr Suneel Deambi possesses about 30 years of practical experience in solar PV (photovoltaics). He has previously worked in several prestigious organizations including the National Physical Laboratory, TERI, Dept of Scientific and Industrial Research, IIT Delhi, and Indira Gandhi National Open University. He is a prolific writer on the energy–environment nexus and science in society and has published four books on different facets of PV technology and applications, of which the most recent is My Days in Kashmir. He continues to work on solar projects as well as on capacity building initiatives for renewable energy.

Shirish S Garud is Senior Fellow, TERI, New Delhi, with more than 30 years of experience in renewable energy, especially solar and wind, energy planning, and policy. Shirish is a member of the Technical Committee of the Bureau of Indian Standards for solar thermal and wind energy and was instrumental in commercializing the solar selective coating technology developed by National Aeronautical Laboratories, Bengaluru. He has executed a range of projects including transfer of clean energy technology in Ethiopia and Kenya, a master plan for integrated energy management for the Government of Bhutan, and off-grid solar systems in Benin, Cameroon, Tanzania, and Uganda.