rooftop solar

Agro-Photovoltaics or Agro-PV or Agri-PV is a rooftop innovation that brings together solar power generation and urban farming in one integrated system. Instead of choosing between panels or plants, Agro-PV makes rooftops work smarter—producing both clean electricity and fresh nutrition. By doing so, it turns unused roof space into a productive, climate-positive asset. How it Works Solar panels are mounted on elevated structures, allowing sunlight and airflow to reach the plants below. Walkways are incorporated for easy maintenance, while the design ensures that crops receive balanced light and shade. This dual setup not only creates food and energy but also keeps the rooftop cooler, improving comfort and boosting solar efficiency. Key Benefits 1. Dual Purpose Use: Generate electricity and grow fresh produce from the same roof. 2. Cooling Advantage: Plants reduce rooftop heat, cut AC demand, and enhance panel performance. 3. No Roof Damage: Crops are grown on raised platforms, removing the need for extra waterproofing. 4. Livable & Green: Creates shaded sit-outs, fosters biodiversity, and improves rooftop aesthetics. 5. Water Wise: Solar panels double up as rainwater catchment systems, supporting harvesting. Why it Matters for India With over 1.5 billion people and rising demand for food and energy, Agro-PV offers a scalable urban solution. Rooftops across homes, apartments, schools, and offices can be transformed into self-reliant systems that contribute to both climate action and community well-being. “Clean energy and clean nutrition—right from your roof. A step toward a greener, healthier nation.”

Off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are designed to operate independently of the utility grid, making them the perfect solution for rooftops in areas with unreliable or poor-quality power supply. By combining solar panels with battery storage, these systems ensure a continuous supply of clean energy—day and night, throughout the year—without depending on the grid. How It Works A. Solar Panels (PV Array): Mounted on the rooftop, they convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. B. Charger: Directs DC power from the panels into the battery bank. C. Lithium Batteries: Store excess solar energy during the day for use at night or during cloudy periods. D. Inverter: Converts DC power into alternating current (AC) for household appliances. During the day, solar power directly runs your loads while also charging the batteries. After sunset, the stored energy powers your home seamlessly—ensuring uninterrupted electricity. Why Choose Rooftop Off-Grid Solar? 1. Energy Independence: No reliance on grid electricity or power cuts. 2. Resilient & Reliable: Works in remote locations or urban areas with erratic supply. 3. Smart Design: Load analysis, proper battery sizing (C-rating), and efficient wiring ensure reliable performance. 4. Sustainable Power: 100% solar-based, reducing dependence on diesel generators and minimizing carbon footprint. Ideal For 1. Homes and farmhouses in areas with frequent power cuts. 2. Rooftops in villages or towns without reliable grid connections. 3. Institutions, offices, and small businesses seeking self-reliant energy solutions. Off-grid rooftop solar systems are rugged, functional, and future-ready, giving you the freedom to generate, store, and use your own clean energy—anytime, anywhere. “Your roof, your power—independent, reliable, and sustainable.”

An on-grid solar power system is a solar energy solution that is directly connected to the utility grid. It is designed primarily to reduce electricity bills by offsetting grid consumption but does not provide power during outages. The system begins with solar panel installation, typically on rooftops, where panels capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. This DC output is then fed into an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) suitable for powering household or business appliances. In addition to conversion, the inverter also ensures that the system’s output is synchronized with the grid’s voltage and frequency. The generated energy is first used to meet the immediate electrical load of the premises. When solar production exceeds consumption, the surplus energy is exported to the utility grid. Conversely, when demand is higher than solar generation, the shortfall is automatically imported from the grid. This balance between export and import is managed seamlessly by the system. Energy flow is tracked through a net meter, which records both imported and exported electricity. At the end of each billing cycle, the utility company calculates the difference. If exported energy exceeds imported energy, the consumer is compensated at a specified rate (for example, ₹3.86 per unit without subsidy, as in the case of BESCOM). If consumption from the grid is higher, the consumer pays only for the net difference at the prevailing tariff. Despite its benefits, an on-grid solar system has some limitations. It does not include energy storage and therefore offers no backup power during outages. Additionally, grid availability is essential for operation, as the inverter is programmed to shut down during power cuts to prevent 'islanding,' a safety mechanism that protects utility workers and infrastructure. In conclusion, an on-grid solar power system is an effective and efficient way to reduce electricity bills and contribute to cleaner energy use. However, it remains dependent on the utility grid and is not suitable for areas that experience frequent power interruptions or where grid independence is a priority.

A hybrid solar power system combines the benefits of both on-grid and off-grid solar configurations, offering flexibility and reliability. Here's how the system functions: Sunshine Hours Operation: During daylight, solar energy is used to power the electrical loads directly. Excess Energy Management: If the solar energy generated exceeds the energy required by the loads, the surplus charges the batteries. Any additional energy beyond the battery's capacity can be exported to the utility grid, provided the grid is available. While grid availability (e.g., BESCOM) is necessary for exporting energy, it is not needed for running the loads or charging the batteries. Supplemental Energy Sources: If solar energy is insufficient to power the loads, the system can draw the remaining energy either from the grid or from the batteries. This is programmable, allowing for customization of energy sourcing. If the grid is available, it can provide the additional power; if not, the batteries supply the difference. The system can be configured to draw a specified percentage from the battery and the remainder from the grid. Non-Sunshine Hours Operation: During non-sunshine periods, the system can be programmed to draw energy either from the grid or the battery, based on user settings. Grid Independence: When the grid is unavailable during non-sunshine hours, the entire power demand is met by the batteries. Energy Trading with the Grid: Excess energy generated and exported to the grid can be traded with the utility company. At the end of the billing cycle, if the net exported energy is positive, the utility company compensates the consumer at the prevailing tariff. Conversely, if net energy has been imported, the consumer pays the utility company according to the applicable rates. This hybrid configuration is highly versatile, allowing users to tailor their energy usage, prioritize battery use, manage energy flow, and optimize savings through potential energy exports. It offers the resilience of off-grid systems combined with the added advantage of grid connectivity for energy trading and backup.