Solar power: how it works, benefits, and their use in Indian homes!
We’ve all been there when someone we know goes on to install huge solar panels on the roof to harness the power of the Sun as electricity. The government of India is also actively tapping into solar power increasingly in India to generate electricity.
Let us understand the basics, and see if it really good? Also, figure out how it can be used in an apartment set-up in India?
1. What is solar power? How does it work?
- In simple words – Solar energy refers to capturing the energy from the Sun and subsequently converting it into electricity.
- According to Wikipedia: “Solar power is the conversion of renewable energy from sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics, indirectly using concentrated solar power, or a combination. Photovoltaic cells convert light into an electric current using the photovoltaic effect.”
- Fossil fuels like diesel and petrol emit huge amounts of carbon dioxide. Combustion of oil, coal, and natural gases for energy and transportation causes the major damage
- Solar power does not produce CO2 emissions
- Solar thermal uses the heat of the sun and inverts that heat into chemical fuels or electricity that can be used
- With apartments and homes equipped with solar panels, we completely abandon the use of oil, coal, and natural gas
- What’s stopping most homeowners from going solar? Answer: Steep prices for the technology that goes into solar panels. However, in the long run, it saves money and reduces the adverse impacts on Earth’s natural resources!
The best part: Sunlight is free!
2. Benefits of Solar power
- Clean and sustainable source of energy
- It is not harmful to the environment
- Doesn’t leave a Carbon footprint* (Carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane that we generate by our actions)
- You are saving and protecting mother nature
- Once you move to solar power, you don’t have to worry about power cuts. Sun will keep providing the required energy to run your household
- With solar panels up on your roof, you’ve technically reached an energy-independent status. Solar cells installed to function as a small power plant
- Your solar power system will start saving money
- The advantages of solar power will be better visible in the long run. The longer you have your solar power system, the more you reap the benefits of solar power and support the environment
- Another way is solar thermal panels which use the sun to heat up water
- An effective way to both reduce your carbon footprint and bring in a green and sustainable future
3. Solar power in apartments
Individual flat owners cannot set up personal solar energy systems to reduce their energy bills. However, solar power can surely supply electricity to the common areas in apartments.
With the terrace area being a shared asset among all the members of an apartment society, solar panels can be installed here to generate savings. Everyone would normally agree and helps every owner equally.
4. Why is solar power gaining importance in India?
1. Saves money
2. Costs of solar panels have gone down over the years
3. Electricity costs are continually increasing
4. Newer inverter technologies are giving better long-term warranties
5. Apartment societies who have done it are already reaping benefits, it’s working extremely well for them!
In Hyderabad, gated communities are increasingly adopting solar energy systems. For instance, many houses in Bhanu Enclave, Yapral have installed solar panels and solar water heating systems for their daily needs.
“Overall, becoming a carbon-neutral country would involve changes in our behavior, but these are modest compared with the changes that will be forced upon us if we do nothing.”
– Caroline Lucas
To know more about “Importance Of Natural And Cross Ventilation: A Perspective For Homebuyers In India!” Click here!
