In grid connected rooftop or small solar photovoltaic (SPV) system, the DC power generated from solar panel is converted to AC power using power conditioning unit/Inverter and is fed to the grid.

Solar PV Modules/Solar Panels – The Solar PV modules/Solar Panels convert solar energy to DC (direct current) electrical energy. Multiple panels are connected together to form arrays as per the desired capacity of the system. Inverter – Inverter converts variable DC output of Solar PV panels into AC power. Inverter also synchronizes with the grid so that generated power from the module can be injected into the grid. • Module mounting structure – The module mounting structure, is the support structure that holds the Solar PV panels in place for full system life and is exposed to all weather conditions. These are normally fixed at particular angle and orientation in case of solar rooftop system. Generation Meter & Bi-direction Meter – Generation Meter is used to record the generation. Bi-direction (or Net-Meters) are used to keep track of the electricity that solar PV system injects to utility grid and the electricity that is drawn from the utility grid. Balance of System – These consist of cables, junction boxes, earthing system, fuses, lightning protection system, etc.

A 1 kW rooftop system generally requires 8 sq. metres of shadow-free area. However, actual area requirement may vary depending on the efficiency of solar module, and their placement etc.

Solar modules (and cells within) need uninterrupted sunlight to produce maximum electrical energy. With the shadow even on a part of the module, the generation reduces to a great extent thereby wasting installed system capacity. Also, prolonged (regular, though intermittent) shadow on some cells or modules reduces their life substantially and these become useless much before their standard life of over 25 years.

On a clear sunny day, 1 kWp solar power plant can generate 4 units in a day

• Plant Location • Quality of equipment used • No. of sunshine hours • Workmanship • PV module tilt angle and orientation • Module Cleaning • O&M activities etc.

No. On exposure to sunlight and outside environment, the solar module lose their generation capacity and this is called degradation.

• Saving on electricity bill by the consumer. • Utilization of available vacant roof space. • Long term energy and ecological security by reduction in carbon emission.