Many companies have cropped up to sell solar PV products to middle class households, and they claim to reduce energy bills by 80%. Middle class societies partially believe their claim, since the bills are rising and opts for those. Though the Government of India supports reduction of carbon emission, without subsidy the whole project becomes infeasible.
One solar 150 watt module comprising a panel, inverter and battery costs Rs 30,000 only. Though the panel has a warranty period of seven years but other two have only 2 years of warranty, as shown in their specifications.
Observation
The solar PV system was installed after getting assurance from company that the bill would come down. There is a big question – in a middle class home following energy consuming equipments that are commonly used.
To know the effect of SPV power monthly electricity consumption was taken from state power company bill, for last six months before and after installation of PV unit.
In absence of any meter, the injected power could not be calculated but estimated from the electrical load assessment.
So net savings achieved in nine months was 172 kWh. The net financial savings is equivalent to Rs 1,487 in last nine months, the expected pay back boiled to 15 yrs before the battery was damaged. Since the battery got damaged, the project became unviable. In present market condition, a new battery costs Rs. 12,000.
Conclusion
Middle class families opting for 150watt solar PV set have to consider all factors like battery life, weather condition life of inverter etc., since suppliers do not provide energy meters along with the kits. Moreover, there is no govt subsidy in this capacity solar panels.
Dr. Shivaji Biswas is a BEE accredited energy auditor. He is an Ex –Director of National Productivity Council, Kolkata. Also, he is the Proprietor of DS Cube Energy and Enviro Consultants.
