With DERC announcing regulations for net metering of renewable energy, there is a hope that more people will wake up to the advantages of using solar energy in homes, say experts
We really do need some examples and encouragement to get habitual to good things. So far not many of us believed in the energy of sun in domestic chores. Cooking with solar power is the only thing some of us got used to. While solar power plants are being used in commercial set-ups including industries, colleges and hotels, solar power for home use is still not very common. But now that Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has announced regulations for net metering of renewable energy, giving Delhiites a chance to become renewable energy suppliers, lets hope that more people from the city will generate renewable energy in their premises. If for nothing else, surely to reduce their electricity bills. The new regulations will allow people to supply solar power they will generate at homes to the grid and receive energy credits or adjust the units supplied against their electricity bills.
“The move by the DERC to finally set a new regulation of net-metering solar power is a very welcome change for Delhiites. It is not only a successful way to monitor the amount of energy harnessed but also a step towards conserving power and using it in times of need. The best part of the move is that it is not limited and that there is no cap on any user who chooses to utilise the potential of generating solar power unlike the cap in Tamill Nadu. This move will encourage more number of people to use solar panels, thus generation of more power. The new regulation also gives users an option to either supply the power directly to the grid or partially use it for domestic use. Till date, most people were using solar power as a backup but this move can actually make people aware of advantages of solar power for homes,” says Anand Prabhu Patanjali from Renewable Energy Campaign, Greenpeace India.
Setting up solar power plant at home comes with many advantages. If you are using domestic solar energy then you can operate various large and small appliances without worrying about the electricity bill.
Getting started
The most common type of home solar power system features photovoltaic (PV) panels that convert sunlight into electricity. These panels are typically mounted on the roof and angled to face the sun. The sun provides the ‘fuel’ to generate power for the home’s electrical system and components. Electricity generated this way produces no harmful emissions and this reduces the home’s carbon footprint. The other advantage of setting up solar panel at home is that it reduces your dependency electric power grid to provide your electricity. Setting up a home-made solar panel is that you will only have to pay for the cost of installation. After that, you will no longer need to pay for anything else. Some people believe that a home-made solar panel will only provide electricity while the sun is out. Not many know that you are also storing the energy that you are using. “The way individuals can contribute to energy conservation is by reducing their own carbon footprint and setting up a solar panel at homes is an easy way to reduce your own consumption and save on your electricity bill,” says environmentalist Vandana Shiva. In case one is not looking forward to setting up a solar plant at home and still contribute to renewable energy supply, Shiva suggests that “RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations) can set up biogas plants to generate power, that will not only prevent the pollution of rivers like Yamuna and Ganga (where sewage is the major pollutant) but also contribute electricity to the grids.”
Success studies
In February this year, over 70 individuals, who were constructing new houses in Kozhikode city, approached the Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (Anert) for subsidised installation of solar power plants. According to officials with the Anert, individuals from cities are more interested in installing solar power panels as the consumption of electricity is high in cities owing to the influence of climatic conditions. last year, there were reports that more houses in Indore were opting for solar panels for homes. These reports indicate that the trend and popularity of solar panels for homes is not just limited to bigger cities, even tier II and III cities, where use of electrical appliances like air conditioners that consume larger units of electricity is common, are investing in solar panels. Most hotels in the city, too, are switching to in-house solar panels. Hotels like ITC Maurya and The Imperial are pioneering in this direction. ITC Maurya has installed Fresnel Paraboloid Solar Concentrating Reflector which has specially protected glass reflectors, built-in safety controls and requires minimum operator intervention and maintenance. The Imperial has installed solar water heating system to heat the water which saves fuel as well as reduces carbon emission.
Cost factor
Apart from initial high installation cost, the biggest disadvantage of solar panel in a city like Delhi is that excessively high outdoor temperatures can reduce efficiency of the system. Climate, environment and location can limit or enhance the viability of a solar energy system. Solar energy systems depend upon access to the sun’s energy. Therefore, disadvantageous locations for solar energy systems include areas that receive intermittent light, heavy shade or sun blockage from natural features. Alternatively, homes located in areas that receive regular, consistent sunlight generally benefit from the installation of solar energy systems. Solar panels require considerable maintenance as they are fragile and can be easily damaged, so extra expenses are incurred as insurance costs.
Cook up a storm
You would need a darkened or blackened pot with a lid for solar cooking. This can be a pot such as a cast iron Dutch oven, a black enameled roasting pan such as a chicken or turkey roaster or any pot that you might blacken on the outside with a non-toxic, weatherproof paint. Dark surfaces become very hot. Then you will need to obtain a clear transparent covering such as a large glass bowl or a durable plastic oven cooking bag. This will will also allow the rays of the sun to be able to penetrate to the darkened cooking pot and food. Next you will need a material that will reflect extra sunlight towards the cooking apparatus so as to concentrate the suns rays. This is usually accomplished in the form of some type of reflecting surface such as mirrors, aluminum foil and buffed tin or sheet metal. With the help of a reflecting surface you can increase the temperatures and to cook the food more rapidly.