#rooftop solar

[reasonsforhope]

"As solar panels heat up beyond 25°C, their efficiency decreases markedly. Green roofs moderate rooftop temperatures. So we wanted to find out: could green roofs help with the problem of heat reducing the output of solar panels?

Our research compared a “biosolar” green roof — one that combines a solar system with a green roof — and a comparable conventional roof with an equivalent solar system. We measured the impacts on biodiversity and solar output, as well as how the plants coped with having panels installed above them.

The green roof supported much more biodiversity, as one might expect. By reducing average maximum temperatures by about 8°C, it increased solar generation by as much as 107% during peak periods. And while some plant species outperformed others, the vegetation flourished.

These results show we don’t have to choose between a green roof or a solar roof: we can combine the two and reap double the rewards...

How did the panels affect the plants?

In the open areas, we observed minimal changes in the vegetation cover over the study period compared to the initial planted community.

Plant growth was fastest and healthiest in the areas immediately around the solar panels. Several species doubled in coverage. We selected fast-growing vegetation for this section to achieve full coverage of the green roof beds as soon as possible.

The vegetation changed the most in the areas directly below and surrounding the solar panels. The Baby Sun Rose, Aptenia cordifolia, emerged as the dominant plant. It occupied most of the space beneath and surrounding the solar panels, despite having been planted in relatively low densities.

This was surprising: it was not expected the plants would prefer the shaded areas under the panels to the open areas. This shows that shading by solar panels will not prevent the growth of full and healthy roof gardens.

What were the biodiversity impacts?

We used environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys to compare biodiversity on the green roof and conventional roof. Water run-off samples were collected from both roofs and processed on site using portable citizen scientist eDNA sampling equipment to detect traces of DNA shed by the species on the roof.

The eDNA surveys detected a diverse range of species. These included some species (such as algae and fungi) that are not easily detected using other survey methods. The results confirmed the presence of bird species recorded by the cameras but also showed other visiting bird species went undetected by the cameras.

Overall, the green roof supported four times as many species of birds, over seven times as many arthropods such as insects, spiders and millipedes, and twice as many snail and slug species as the conventional roof. There was many times the diversity of microorganisms such as algae and fungi.

Encouragingly, the green roof attracted species unexpected in the city. They included blue-banded bees (Amegilla cingulata) and metallic shield bugs (Scutiphora pedicellata).

How did the green roof alter temperatures?

The green roof reduced surface temperatures by up to 9.63°C for the solar panels and 6.93°C for the roof surfaces. An 8°C reduction in average peak temperature on the green roof would result in substantial heating and cooling energy savings inside the building.

This lowering of temperatures increased the maximum output of the solar panels by 21-107%, depending on the month. Performance modelling indicates an extensive green roof in central Sydney can, on average, produce 4.5% more electricity at any given light level.

These results show we don’t have to choose between a green roof or a solar roof. We can combine them to take advantage of the many benefits of biosolar green roofs.

Biosolar roofs can help get cities to net zero

The next step is to design green roofs and their plantings specifically to enhance biodiversity. Green roofs and other green infrastructure may alter urban wildlife’s activities and could eventually attract non-urban species.

Our green roof also decreased stormwater runoff, removed a range of run-off pollutants and insulated the building from extremes of temperature. A relatively inexpensive system provides all of these services with moderate maintenance and, best of all, zero energy inputs.

Clearly, biosolar green roofs could make major contributions to net-zero cities. And all that’s needed is space that currently has no other use."

-via GoodGoodGood, May 12, 2024

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - December 8-14

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles for 50% off this month!

1. Rooftop Solar Keeps Getting More Accessible Across Incomes

“The long-term trend is that the median income for a household with rooftop solar is getting closer almost every year to that of the median income for owner-occupied households.”

2. Endangered seabirds return to Pacific island after century-long absence

“"No native species were harmed during the removal of invasive rats from Kamaka Island,” Esposito said. […] The team also collected and planted native sedges and grasses while removing invasive trees to enhance nesting conditions.”

3. First-of-its-kind crew welfare measure adopted at Pacific fisheries summit

“The new measure establishes minimum standards on board, including access to clean food and water, medical care, and sleeping quarters. It stipulates that workers have “unfettered access” to their identity documents […] and “unmonitored access to communication devices to seek assistance.””

4. Greyhound racing is increasingly rare worldwide. New Zealand now plans to outlaw the practice

“New Zealand’s government rushed through a law to prevent dogs from being killed while the industry winds down, unless a veterinarian deems it unavoidable. This will prevent owners from euthanizing dogs for economic reasons, Peters said.”

5. Possible Win-Win for Wildlife Management and Food Security

“Wild-harvested meat donation programs can help improve food insecurity while also helping manage overabundance of wildlife species like white-tailed deer[…. In one program,] hunters donated 600,000 meals. But that’s only 5.7% of the amount of venison that food donation facilities could use, according to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. The researchers say this suggests there’s room for scaling up these programs.”

6. Poll of American Farmers Shows Strong, Widespread Support for Increased Farm Bill Conservation Funding

“The polling, which surveyed over 500 farmers and ranchers across the country, found broad support for continuing and increasing funding for climate-smart agriculture conservation programs.”

7. Long-distance friendships enhance trust in conservation efforts

“Relative to a person with no long-distance friends, having even just one friend in another village led to a 15% increase in conservation activities such as beach cleanups, reporting illegal fishing practices and educating others about sustainable resource management.”

8. Two major Sunshine State airports make switch to 100 pct renewables

“Power for operations ranging from lighting and air conditioning to escalators and charging stations will be provided from renewable energy projects [...] at the beginning of 2025, ensuring clean energy operations for the more than 8 million passenger journeys averaged each year.”

9. Expansion of federally subsidized public housing may offer a path out of LA's homelessness crisis

“[… A] half-cent sales tax [was] recently approved by L.A. County voters expected to generate $1 billion per year to address homelessness. […] “Metros with higher concentrations of federally financed public housing tend to have lower rates of unsheltered homelessness," Schachner said.”

10. $20 Million Available to Advance Habitat Restoration Priorities of Tribes and Underserved Communities

“Through this funding, NOAA will help support community-driven habitat restoration and build the capacity of tribes and underserved communities to more fully participate in restoration activities.”

December 1-7 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Inside Climate News:

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

US solar industry explodes past pivot point with incredible exponential growth

P.S. Good news! Rising solar industry means Russian and Trump's defeat! No need for fossil fuel imports: Russians, Muslim terrorists and Trump have no money...and the civilized free world has far less problems...

[macmanx]

In recent years, customer complaints about rooftop solar have increased. Across the country, prosecutors are investigating high-pressure sales tactics and misleading financing arrangements. Some customers say they were victims of fraud and forgery. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently warned solar customers about hidden fees and deceptive statements about the financial benefits of solar. But what if you want solar now? Here are some things to consider.

[starseedpatriot]

Holy Shit! If you see a door to door solar salesman, grab your shotgun!

[thoughtportal]

In 2015, two geographers noticed solar panels popping up on houses in their small US state of Connecticut. Curious, they set out to see if they could figure out what predicted who had them. Would they be in richer homes? Or in areas with higher population density?

Early adopters of solar panels tend to be people who are interested in innovative technology, who find an installer they trust, and who think having solar panels will benefit them. But once an early adopter made their choice, the geographers found, a cluster would spring up around them. Having solar panels on a house near you, where you could see them and talk to a real live person who had them, it turned out, was the biggest predictor of whether you’d get them yourself. 

Why? Because it brought down the “cost” of information. You didn’t have to go somewhere or find a new person to talk to; they were right there beside you and ready and eager to bend your ear with all the information you needed to make the same choice they had. 

[bumblebeeappletree]

Can Solar Rooftops Power the World? Growing the world’s renewable energy capacity has always been a delicate balancing act, and one of the many plates we have to spin during that act is land use. Utility-scale solar and wind parks are rapidly expanding in size and prevalence all over the world. But it’s not just NIMBYism that complicates the creation of clean energy — it’s serious environmental and social concerns, too. When are the negative impacts of siting these massive projects worth the benefits? When are they not? Could rooftop solar single-handedly provide us all the energy we need while avoiding legal hassles and ecological consequences? Do we have enough space for solar?

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[reasonsforhope]

"Passed in February [2024], a massive subsidy program to help Indian households install rooftop solar panels in their homes and apartments aims to provide 30 gigawatt hours of solar power to the nation’s inventory.

The scheme, called PM-Surya Ghar, will provide free electricity to 10 million homes according to estimates, and the designing of a national portal—a sort of Healthcare.gov for solar panels—will streamline the process of installation and payment.

The program was cooked up because India had fallen woefully behind on its planned installations for rooftop solar. In many parts of the subcontinent, the sun is absolutely brutal and relentless, but by 2022, Indian rooftop solar power generation topped out at 11 gigawatts, which was 29 gigawatts under a national target set a decade ago.

Part of the challenge, Euronews reports, is that approval from various agencies and departments—as many as 21 different signatures in some cases—was needed to place a solar array on your house. Aside from this bureaucratic nightmare, the cost of installation was often higher than $5,000; more than half the average yearly income for a working Indian urbanite.

Under PM-Surya Ghar, subsidies for a 2-kilowatt solar array will cover as much as 60% of the installation costs, falling to 40% for arrays 3 kilowatts or higher. Loans set at around 7% interest rates will help families in need get started. 750 billion Indian rupees, or $9 billion has been set aside for the project.

Even in New Delhi, which can be covered in clouds and smog for days, solar users report saving hundreds during summer time on their electricity costs, with one apartment shaving $700 every month off energy bills.

PM-Surya Ghar is also seen as having the potential to cause a boom in the Indian solar market. Companies no longer have to go running around for planning and permitting requirements, and the government subsidies ensure their customer base can grow beyond the limits of household income."

-Good News Network, April 10, 2024

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Inside Climate News:

The growth of customer-owned solar and batteries can help to reduce wear and tear on the grid and save ratepayers money.

How much money? A new paper from University of Texas at Austin researchers shows savings of about 40 percent.

The lead author, Nick Laws, has experience translating his area of research into terms that regular people can understand. If he’s at a backyard picnic, he said, he’ll begin by pointing at overhead power lines.

“If you look at these wires and poles around us, they’re actually, in most cases, very old,” he said. “A lot of times the hardware on the grid is near the end of life.”

The paper is the culmination of his doctoral dissertation, completed in December, about extending the life of grid hardware by reducing the stress caused by periods of high electricity demand and long-term growth in demand. He and his colleagues looked at how best to encourage companies and individuals to invest in energy systems that help to diminish demand on the grid.

The utility-speak term for these systems is “non-wires alternatives,” which can include rooftop solar, community solar and battery storage.

It also includes electric vehicle charging systems, but only if the equipment is connected to the grid in a way that allows a grid operator to pause charging or draw electricity from the car’s batteries at times of high demand.

Another important resource is demand response, which usually applies to factories and other major electricity users who agree to reduce their power use at times of high demand.

Laws’ paper simulates the effects of electricity demand on a neighborhood-size part of the grid over 20 years.

His model found that the costs of providing electricity would be $7.2 million per year if there was no battery storage or other customer-owned resources to reduce demand. This takes into account many variables, including high market prices of electricity during times of strong demand and the need to buy new equipment such as wires and transformers.

Next, he looked at the costs if there were optimal incentives to get households and businesses to invest in demand-reducing tools. He estimated the costs, including the incentives, at about $4.2 million per year.

The savings, which would be passed on to consumers through their utility bills, is about $3 million, which is about 40 percent.

“It lowers the cost for everybody,” Laws said.

I want to call attention to my use of the term “optimal incentives” above because that’s a vital part of the analysis. Much of the paper considers how to calculate incentives, which would involve the utility or grid operator paying customers for using equipment that reduces electricity demand. The price would vary based on how valuable that reduction is.

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

"Capacity is still available to us. In rural networks, a lot of solar stations have taken up capacity, while cities and suburban areas have free capacity available. [..] I think the most active households have already done it last year, but this year we are looking forward to continuing to a somewhat smaller extent, but we also see the possibility that a full 80 MW could still come. On the other hand, with stations [..] possibly up to 200 MW of total capacity that could be connected to our network," Kirkovalds said(..)

P.S. The "natural gas war" started by the Russians against Europe actually helps the development of solar and wind energy in Latvia. Solar and wind power is our domestic energy resource, independent of the speculative whims of the Kremlin or OPEC. The Kremlin, driven by its aggressive stupidity, has actually significantly accelerated the decline of the fossil fuel industry. The Baltic region has enough local renewable energy resources to completely eliminate the need for fossil fuel imports for electricity production...

[shivaenterprises]

Understanding On-Grid Solar Systems: A Complete Guide

India, with its abundant sunlight, is witnessing a transformative shift toward renewable energy sources. Among these, solar energy has emerged as a frontrunner, with increasing adoption driven by environmental awareness and cost savings. For households and businesses alike, on-grid solar systems present a powerful solution to meet energy needs efficiently. This guide explores everything you need to know about on-grid solar systems, from how they work to the benefits they offer.

Solar Energy in India

India has achieved significant milestones in harnessing solar power, thanks to ambitious government initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. The country's solar power capacity has reached over 70 GW (as of 2024), with rooftop solar systems playing a vital role. With abundant sunshine for most of the year, investing in solar energy is both a sustainable and economical choice for Indian consumers.

What is On-Grid Solar?

An on-grid solar system, also known as a grid-tied system, is connected directly to the local electricity grid. Unlike off-grid systems, it does not rely on battery storage. This type of solar plant is ideal for urban households, businesses, and industrial units that aim to reduce electricity costs while contributing to a greener environment.

How Does It Work? The Complete Flow

Solar Panels Capture Sunlight: Photovoltaic (PV) panels absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.

Inverter Converts Electricity: The DC power is sent to an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) for household use.

Grid Connection: Any excess power generated is fed back into the local grid, and you receive credit for this through net metering.

Electricity Usage: When your solar system produces less power than required, you can draw electricity from the grid, ensuring an uninterrupted supply.

This seamless flow ensures maximum efficiency and consistent power availability.

Components of an On-Grid Solar System

Solar Panels: The heart of the system, capturing sunlight to generate power.

Inverter: Converts DC to AC power for practical use.

Net Meter: Tracks energy sent to and drawn from the grid.

Mounting Structures: Supports and secures the panels in optimal positions.

Cables and Wiring: Ensures efficient power transmission.

Benefits of On-Grid Solar Systems

Cost Savings: Reduces electricity bills significantly by offsetting grid consumption.

Minimal Maintenance: No need for batteries, lowering maintenance costs.

Environmental Impact: Reduces carbon footprint by promoting clean energy.

Government Incentives: Benefit from subsidies and tax rebates.

Scalability: Easily expandable to meet increasing energy demands.

Installation Process

Site Assessment: A solar panels installation company evaluates your rooftop or ground space for feasibility.

System Design: The system is customized to match your energy requirements and site conditions.

Procurement and Installation: Solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) teams ensure proper setup.

Testing and Commissioning: The system is tested for efficiency and connected to the grid.

Net Metering Setup: Enables credit for surplus energy fed back to the grid.

Subsidy on On-Grid Solar

The Indian government offers attractive subsidies for rooftop solar installations to encourage adoption. Here’s a snapshot of the subsidy benefits:

Subsidy amounts vary by state and capacity, making on-grid solar systems a lucrative investment for homeowners and businesses.

Conclusion

With its potential for energy savings and environmental benefits, an on-grid solar power plant is a smart choice for anyone looking to optimize their electricity usage. From substantial savings on utility bills to government-backed incentives, the advantages of switching to solar are undeniable. Collaborate with a trusted solar panels installation company or solar EPC provider to start your journey toward a sustainable and cost-effective energy solution.

[evolveenergygroup]

Rooftop Solar Power Plants by Evolve Energy Group | Sustainable Energy Solutions

Explore efficient rooftop solar power plants with Evolve Energy Group. Harness renewable energy, reduce costs, and promote sustainability for homes and businesses across India.

[rishikakraftsolar]

Learn how to keep your rooftop solar power system running at peak performance with expert maintenance tips. From cleaning your panels to monitoring system health, these practical steps will ensure long-lasting efficiency and savings. Keep your solar investment in top shape and maximize its lifespan with simple yet effective care strategies. Find out more in this comprehensive guide.

[rooftopsolarbyorb]

3kW Rooftop Solar System: Price, Subsidy, and Installation

As energy costs rise and environmental concerns grow, rooftop solar systems have become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. The 3kW solar system, in particular, has gained traction as an affordable and efficient option for residential power generation. This compact yet powerful setup has the potential to significantly reduce electricity bills while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

This article delves into the world of 3kW rooftop solar systems, exploring their pricing, available subsidies, and installation process in India. By the end, you will have a clearer picture of whether a 3kW solar system fits your energy needs and budget.

Understanding 3kW Solar Systems

What is a 3kW Solar System?

A 3kW solar system is a compact yet powerful rooftop solar setup designed to generate electricity for residential use. This system can produce 3000 watts of power per hour, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized homes. The 3kW solar system is particularly suitable for households with 2-3 occupants, as it can effectively meet their daily energy needs.

On average, a 3kW solar system can generate between 12-15 units (kWh) of electricity per day, depending on various factors such as location, weather conditions, and panel efficiency. This translates to approximately 360-450 monthly units or 4,320-5,400 units annually. Such output is sufficient to power essential household appliances and contribute significantly to reducing reliance on the conventional power grid.

Components of a 3kW Solar System

A typical 3kW solar system consists of several key components that work together to harness solar energy and convert it into usable electricity:

Solar Panels: The system usually comprises 8-11 solar panels, depending on their wattage and efficiency. These panels capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.

Solar Inverter: This crucial component converts the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used to power household appliances. For a 3kW system, a single-phase inverter is typically sufficient.

Mounting Structure: This framework securely attaches the solar panels to the rooftop, ensuring optimal orientation for maximum sunlight exposure.

Junction Boxes: These contain essential protective devices such as MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) and SPDs (Surge Protection Devices) to safeguard the system from electrical faults.

Cables and Connectors: High-quality wiring and connectors ensure efficient power transmission throughout the system.

Earthing System: This safety feature protects against electrical shocks and lightning strikes.

Batteries (Optional): In off-grid or hybrid systems, batteries store excess energy during periods of low sunlight or power outages.

Energy Output and Appliances Supported

A 3kW solar system can support a wide range of household appliances, making it a versatile choice for many homeowners. Lighting, cooling, refrigeration, entertainment devices, kitchen appliances, and more can be powered efficiently. However, efficient energy management is key to maximizing the system’s benefits.

Pricing of 3kW Solar Systems in India

The cost of a 3kW rooftop solar system in India varies depending on several factors. Understanding these factors and the average price range can help homeowners make informed decisions about their solar investments.

Factors Affecting the Price

Location: Installation costs may vary based on regional factors.

Panel Quality and Inverter Type: High-efficiency panels and microinverters might increase costs but provide long-term savings.

Installation Complexity: Roof type and accessibility can influence overall costs.

Brand Reputation: Leading brands like Orb Energy may have slightly higher prices but offer reliability, high performance, and support.

Average Cost Range

The price of a 3kW solar system in India typically falls within the range of ₹1,80,000 to ₹2,85,000. However, it's important to note that this is an approximate figure and can vary based on the factors mentioned above.

Government Subsidies and Incentives

The Indian government has implemented various initiatives to promote the adoption of rooftop solar systems, making them more accessible and affordable for residential consumers. These incentives aim to reduce the upfront costs of solar panel installation and encourage the transition to clean energy sources.

Central Government Subsidies

For a 3kW solar system, homeowners can avail of a 40% subsidy, amounting to ₹78,000, under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE). Orb Energy also facilitates collateral-free financing, which eliminates the need for bank loans, making solar adoption even more accessible for homeowners.

State-Specific Subsidies

In addition to the central government subsidies, several states in India offer incentives to further promote solar adoption. These state-specific subsidies can vary in terms of amount and eligibility criteria. For instance, states like Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh have implemented additional financial support programs for rooftop solar installations.

It's important to note that state subsidies are often time-bound and subject to the availability of funds. Homeowners interested in installing a 3kW solar system should check with their local DISCOM or state renewable energy department for the most up-to-date information on available incentives.

How to Apply for Solar Subsidies

The process has been simplified through the National Portal for Rooftop Solar. Orb Energy guides its customers through each step of the subsidy application process, ensuring a hassle-free experience from installation to commissioning.

Installation Process and Financing Options

Installing a 3kW solar system requires careful planning and expertise. Orb Energy provides end-to-end services, from consultation to installation and financing options. The company’s unique offering of collateral-free financing sets it apart from other solar providers, as homeowners can get their systems installed without relying on third-party loans. This makes solar energy even more affordable and accessible for a wider range of customers.

Conclusion

The adoption of 3kW rooftop solar systems offers homeowners the opportunity to reduce their electricity bills and contribute to a greener planet. With Orb Energy’s advanced PERC technology, customized solutions, and unique financing options, going solar has never been easier.

By taking advantage of government subsidies and the expert services offered by Orb Energy, you can install a 3kW rooftop solar system that meets your energy needs while staying within your budget. Why not take the first step today? Get a free quote from Orb Energy and start your journey toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.