solar rooftop

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.”

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.