It is a common misconception that solar panels are only meant for government owned power stations or for rich people’s bungalow roofing. The falling cost and easy availability of photovoltaic cells means that now, almost anyone can install these panels on their roof and get themselves a solar system house. Most electricity providers like Tata, Adani etc offer home solar rooftop solutions, and other players like Mahindra Solarize, Havells etc have also stepped into this competitive arena.
Generally, the provider offers you two options: a grid-tied solution and an off-grid solution. The grid-tied solution lets you use solar power throughout the day - as well as sending excess power to the local grid for others to use - while at night, you use the grid like anyone else. If you go for an off-grid solution, you will have an independent solar system house with no need for an electrical connection. The solar panels will be hooked up to a battery system and can power your home at night as well.
How much space do you need to allocate to your home solar rooftop? This depends on your electrical usage. If you use only 300-400 units per month, which is typical for homes with no air conditioning, then you just need 500 square feet of roof space. You will get around 12 solar modules (and 8 batteries, if you choose off-grid) and generate up to 5000 units p.a. However if you have a larger home, and live in a hot place with multiple air conditioners running for several hours a day, you will need up to 1200 square feet of space for a 32-module setup. You will generate up to 14,000 units per year - more than enough to run 3 large ACs, two fridges, a water pump, three or four water heaters and any other luxury you have at home.
There are several benefits of having hundreds of thousands, if not millions of solar system houses across the country. One, the homeowner saves on electric bills. Two, they have uninterrupted access to electricity in regions where it might not be constantly available. Three, the burden on the local grid reduces and there is less load-shedding. Four, less coal is burnt and we can collectively slow down the effects of climate change. So, if you own an individual house, be sure to get a home solar rooftop installed as soon as you can!