Installing solar panels on the roof should be an easy decision – says who?
When somebody is investing in something that’s supposed to last for 25 years and requires a hefty upfront investment, the decision should be an informed one.
Now, if you’re already scrolling through this guide, clearly, you’re yet indecisive about whether or not you should install solar panels on the roof. That’s exactly what we will help you with.
We will walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of rooftop solar panels. This quick guide will offer all worthwhile insights and you’ll be able to make a decision at the end.
So, let’s get you started.
Top 5 advantages of installing solar panels on roof
Installing a rooftop solar system is increasingly becoming a norm amongst homeowners – and rightly so! There are some praiseworthy advantages of installing solar panels at home.
We’ve unfurled them one by one for you.
1. Electricity bills reduce
Did you know that a 1 KW solar system can produce roughly 1400 units of electricity every year? It means, on average, you’ll get approximately 116 units of solar electricity every month.
Now, imagine you install a 3 KW rooftop solar system. On average, it will yield about 348 units of electricity every month. These 348 units from your solar system are free.
If you consumed 500 units of electricity, you’ll have to pay the discom for just 152 units. Needless to say, you will save thousands of rupees every month on your electricity bill.
2. The temperature inside the house becomes cooler
When you have solar panels on the roof, they absorb most of the light. Besides, they also shade the area where they’re mounted. As a result, the temperature inside the house stays cooler.
If you look at it, your energy consumption will reduce further since you’ll have to use lesser cooling appliances during the summer season.
3. Increases the sales value of the property
One of the strangest rumors you’ll ever hear about rooftop solar panels is that they reduce the sales value of the property as they look ugly on rooftops.
When your vendor is right and uses state-of-the-art mounting structures, the rooftop will look a lot better than before.
The property’s worth increases, not just because the roof looks beautiful, but also because solar panels come with the guarantee of reduced electricity bills.
Hence, properties with solar panels on roofs sell at a much higher price.
4. Doesn’t require frequent maintenance
If somebody said they had to shell out a lot of money in maintaining the solar system after installation, they either chose a poor-quality module and inverter or their vendor wasn’t attentive.
In reality, solar panels aren’t high maintenance at all. Simple dusting and cleaning keep them in good shape.
Your vendor can take care of the wiring and offer specialized cleaning to remove debris due to leaves and bird droppings once every month or two months.
It doesn’t really take a lot of effort to keep the solar panels in their best condition.
5. Reduces carbon footprint
Installing rooftop solar panels can literally save the planet from the pit of pollution. How? Statistics suggest that installing a 3 KW solar system alone reduces carbon emissions by such large amounts that it’s equivalent to planting 45 trees.
Top 2 limitations of installing solar panels on roof
We wouldn’t really say that installing solar panels on roofs has disadvantages, but there are some limitations.
Let’s walk you through them.
#1. Upfront installation cost is high
Yes, they save a lot of money and reduce carbon footprint, but they require upfront investment too.
Although there’s no one fixed price for all panels because of the variation in modules, the technology used to make the module, inverters, and even mounting structures. Still, there’s a range:
- A 1 KW solar system costs between Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 70,000
- A 2 KW solar system costs between Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 1,40,000
- A 3 KW solar system costs between Rs. 1,35,000 to Rs. 2,10,000
- A 5 KW solar system costs between Rs Rs. 2,25,000 to Rs. 3,50,000
- A 10 KW solar system costs between Rs. 4,50,000 to Rs. 7,00,000
Naturally, this is hefty money. That’s a certain limitation.
#2. Rooftop space constraint
Every 1 KW system requires 100 sq. ft of shadow-free area. If you want to install a 3 KW solar system, you would need a minimum of 300 sq. feet of shadow-free rooftop space. Not everybody has that kind of space.
Should the limitations stop you from installing solar panels on the roof?
That’s the real question, isn’t it? Money and space matter the most!
But, these limitations can be overcome in a lot of ways.
- Reputable solar vendors who believe in the cause of sustainable energy will offer financing options ranging from quick loan approvals to interest-free EMI options.
- The government offers subsidies on the installation of polycrystalline solar panels up to 10 KW.
- If rooftop space is limited, you can choose monocrystalline solar panels instead of polycrystalline. They have higher efficiency and require less space for installation.
In fact, PM Modi launched a National Solar Portal on the 30th of July, 2022. Consumers can apply for the subsidy themselves. The subsidy offered under the National scheme is available at fixed prices too.
Conclusion:
Solar system installation sure needs money and space, but there are many options to counterfeit these limitations.
In our opinion, since the investment breaks even in 3 to 5 months and you continue getting free solar electricity for at least 2 decades after that, limitations shouldn’t stop you from installing solar panels on the roof.
Solar energy is the future: switching to solar will benefit your pockets and save the environment too.
