Solar Made Simple

Result - System which will not produce enough power as promised

How can you guard yourself?

• Ensure promised capacity with below formula:
  Total Capacity of plant =Power rating of each panel x No. of panels
  Power rating is provided behind the panel itself
• Result should be equal or greater than promised capacity

Result - Panels that will certainly underperform

How can you guard yourself?

• Guard against panels with easily visible cracks and bends
• Ask your EPC to replace low grade panels, if found

Result - Under-performing panels

How can you guard yourself?

• The brand name and specification will be provided on the panel itself
• Do further research on panels that are unheard of

Result - Higher price per kW for a marginal increase in output

How can you guard yourself?

• Efficiency ranges of 15-16% are acceptable
• As of 2016 , efficiency > than 20% is considered very high and these are also very costly
• You do not have to go for such high efficiencies unless you have serious space constraints

Result - Significant generation loss

How can you guard yourself?

• Make sure inverters have a minimum 95% efficiency
• Go for brands that have quite a number of sales and are proven to work well in your region

Result - Inverters exposed to dust, water and high temperatures may have numerous breakdowns

How can you guard yourself?

• Indoor inverters should have enough air circulation
• Inverters should have high temperature tolerance
• They should not be exposed to severe dust and water conditions

Result - Without local service support , inverters might take a long time to be repaired

How can you guard yourself?

• Ensure that local service support is available
• Local service support will ensure that inverter repairs are quickly done
• Also see if the manufacturer provides spares

Result - Inverter performance rapidly deteriorates when exposed to extreme temperatures

How can you guard yourself?

• Make sure inverters have high temperature tolerance
• In hot regions, make sure inverter temperature tolerance is a minimum of 60°C

Result - Under-achievement of expected generation

How can you guard yourself?

• Review generation projections and ask EPCs for the methods for arriving at the same
• Ensure that they have not computed savings based on exaggerated generation estimates
• Ask for real life case studies of generation in your area

Result - Investment decision based on wrong projections

How can you guard yourself?

• Ensure that savings are computed based on realistic electricity rates, current and future

Result - Risking additional financial burden

How can you guard yourself?

• Cross-check component datasheets to check the warranty period
• Avoid panels without performance warranty upto 25 years and inverters upto 5 years
• Assess benefits of extended warranties, especially for inverters

Result - Forgoing warranty benefits for no fault of yours

How can you guard yourself?

• Beware that warranties are not upheld by manufacturer in case of improper installation or poor handling
• Always go for EPCs which have credible experience in installations

Result - The warranty is worthless

How can you guard yourself?

• Beware of manufacturers who could go out of business before warranty expiry
• Review manufacturers' reputation and client list

Result - Additional costs in shipping, repairs, reinstallments, etc

How can you guard yourself?

• Read the warranty terms in detail at least for key components
• Check with EPC on aspects which will not be covered by warranties and discuss mitigation methods

Result - EPCs shaking off liability for poor generation

How can you guard yourself?

• Ensure the EPC does not just promise high generation, but also covers it in the contract
• Negotiate for a minimum of 80% as Performance Guarantee
• Penalty Clauses for failures to meet guarantees should be mentioned in EPC contract

Result - Delays in completion that in return affects profits

How can you guard yourself?

• Make sure your EPC commits to timelines on paper and includes penalties for non-compliance

Result - Forgoing incentives that belong to you!

How can you guard yourself?

• Get upfront clarity on ownership of all benefits from installation

Result - Paying up more than budgeted

How can you guard yourself?

• Go through the contract in details, even if takes a toll on your time
• Have a special sitting with your EPC only to discuss the aspects of exceptions and exclusions
• Make it clear to the EPC that you will only pay for what is mentioned in the contract