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The word Photovoltaic is composed of two terms: Photo -
Photon which means "light" and Voltaic from "Volt" which is
the unit used to measure electric potential at a given
point.
Photovoltaic system uses cells to convert sunlight into
electricity.
A Photovoltaic system consists of multiple components,
including cells, mechanical and electrical connections and
mountings and means of regulating and/or modifying the
electrical output.
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A Photovoltaic system may be categorized as:
Grid-connected Photovoltaic system
Off-grid (stand-alone) Photovoltaic system
Hybrid Photovoltaic system
Grid-connected Photovoltaic system use Photovoltaic modules
- converting sunlight into electric power, an inverter to
convert direct current into alternating current,
sub-construction consisting of the mounting system, cabling
and components used for electrical protection, and a meter
to record the quantity of electric power fed into the grid.
Off-grid (stand-alone) Photovoltaic system use charge
controllers instead of inverters and have a storage battery
for supplying the electric energy when there is no sunlight
e.g. during night .
Hybrid Photovoltaic system is the Photovoltaic system
supported by an additional power source for example, wind or
diesel generator or the main grid.
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- Modules: The function of modules is to turn
sunlight to DC electricity.
- Inverters: The basic function of an inverter
is to convert the DC electricity produced from
solar modules to AC electricity
- Charge controller: A charge controller
limits the rate at which electric current is
added to or drawn from electric batteries. It
prevents overcharging and may prevent against
over voltage.
- Circuit breaker: A circuit breaker in a
solar photovoltaic system protects an electrical
circuit from damage caused by overload or short
circuit.
- Battery : If the current is not fed into the
grid, a well-designed battery bank is required
for storing power generated.
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MOSERBAER SOLAR LTD (MBSL). Max series
Crystalline silicon Photovoltaic modules weigh about 18.7 kg
(11.3 kg per m2 ) each. Amorphous silicon thin film
Photovoltaic modules weigh 100 kg (17.5 kg per m2 ) each.
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There is typically little or no maintenance
required. Only a periodic inspection is required to ensure
that the Photovoltaic modules remain clear of leaves, dirt,
bird droppings, etc. The modules may be cleaned with water.
Other than that there is no maintenance required, unless
there is any technical failure.
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Photovoltaic systems are designed to withstand all weather
conditions. Lightning, winds up to 80 miles per hour, snow
and extreme temperatures are all things your solar system
can handle. However, extreme conditions will temporarily
reduce its energy production.
The modules are certified and tested to withstand hurricane
force winds, and rainstorms. Falling stone, tree or hail
does not damage the modules in most cases.
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As a rule of thumb, a rooftop Photovoltaic system requires
12-15** square metre of unshaded space per KW of capacity
installed.
A solar farm using crystalline silicon modules shall require
about 5 acres** of land per MW installed, while the
corresponding requirement is 9 acres** if amorphous silicon
thin film modules are being used.
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“Watt” is the unit used to measure power and a kilowatt is
equal to 1000 watts.
kWp stands for kilowatt peak, which is the maximum power
that a solar panel will produce under ideal conditions.
Colloquially known as “units”, kWh stands for kilowatt hour,
and is the measure of energy consumed (power*time ).
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Yes, with the Government Feed In Tariff, we can get paid
for generation power using solar modules. A Feed In Tariff
(FIT) is a Government incentive scheme to encourage uptake
of Micro-generation.
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Photovoltaic system not only uses the direct component of
the light, but also produces electricity when the sky is
overcast. Photovoltaic system will tend to generate more
electricity on bright days than when skies are overcast. It
is a common misconception that Photovoltaic system only
operates in direct sunshine and is therefore not suitable
for use in temperate climates. This is not correct:
Photovoltaic system makes use of diffuse solar radiation as
well as direct sunlight.
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The efficiency of a solar module relates to how effectively
it can convert the sun’s light. Given that the sunlight is
free ,a module can simply be made larger to offset a lower
efficiency. Only when suitable roof area is available at a
premium cost does it make sense to choose high efficiency
modules.
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MOSERBAER SOLAR LTD.(MBSL) solar Photovoltaic modules come
with a 25 year power output warranty. On the electronic
components and accessories (inverters, batteries,
controllers), the warranties vary as per specifications. But
this doesn't mean that Photovoltaic modules don't produce
energy after 25 years. Most Photovoltaic modules installed
more than 25 years ago, still produce energy today.
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Moser Baer Solar Ltd. (MBSL) branded modules are MNRE
compliant, and certified for use the world over. Moser Baer
is the first solar company in the world to have been awarded
a 5-star rating for quality systems by TÜV Rheinland.
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In most parts of India, a 1 KW system can generate 1250-1500
units (KWh) of electricity in a year. So, for a household
using an average of 300 units a month (annual consumption of
3600 KWh), such a system can take care of roughly
one-third** of the annual energy requirement.
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Compared to non-renewable sources such as coal, gas, oil,
and nuclear, the advantages are:
- Generates free energy from the sun
- Has no moving parts to break down thus requiring
minimal maintenance
- Non-polluting energy reduces emissions: Has no
direct impact on the environment
- Photovoltaic cells are modular, you can start with a
small system and expand as your needs increase
- System have a long life & durability. Cells last
25-30 years
- Grid-Tie Photovoltaic system allow you to sell
excess electricity back to the utility
- Can be installed and operated anywhere including
areas of difficult access and remote locations
- Helps to be independent of foreign oil
- Photovoltaic system makes no noise and give off no
exhaust
- Allows the use of electricity in remote areas where
it would be expensive or impossible to run power lines
- Rebates and incentives available. Several subsidies/
schemes from the Union government, plus state and local
incentives
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Yes, MBSL manufactures amorphous silicon
thin film Photovoltaic modules.
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Amorphous silicon thin film modules have
been proven to perform better at high temperatures. The
benefits include:
- 5 – 10% higher output in hot climates.
- 5 – 7% increased output in diffuse light conditions,
leading to increased duration of power generation every
day.
- An additional advantage of 3 – 4% due to reduced
Light Induced Degradation (LID) in hot climates.
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The cost of the system depends on many
factors like the size, location and requirement. A grid tied
system costs between Rs 170/Wp to Rs. 190 /Wp**. Large solar
farms cost Rs 9 Crore/MW to Rs 12 crore/MW**. The costs for
battery-backed systems depend on the size of the battery
bank.
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- Capital Subsidy
A capital subsidy of 30 % is provided, facilitated by
MNRE, to lighten the burden of financing the initial
project cost to enable financial closure of viable
business proposition.
- Interest Subsidy
5 % interest bearing loan is given after due diligence
of credit appraisal by FIs, NBFC, Micro finance
institutions.
Boundary conditions for support to off-grid solar PV
applications which are yearly revised by the government:
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There are many National and state solar policies
which provide subsidy on solar investment. You can
visit the
http://www.mnre.gov.in/ for further information.
Please click here to contact us and our trained
staff will help design a customized system suited to
your specific needs.
** The above is indicative only and is provided as a
means to educate consumers on solar. The actual
design, cost, generation etc will vary depending on
several factors such as location, type of technology
chosen, type of design etc.
