Sir! Solar Mein Itna Chalta Hai!” When to Reject a Site: The Truth About Shadow Analysis
Sir! Solar Mein Itna Chalta Hai!” When to Reject a Site: The Truth About Shadow Analysis
Site Assessment & Shadow Analysis – An important step before Rooftop Solar PV Installation.
According to MNRE, approximate 10 sq. meters “Shadow Free” area is required for 1 kWp Rooftop Solar PV Installation. The term “Shadow Free” is very important and in this blog we will be discussing about “Site Assessment and Shadow Analysis for Rooftop Solar PV Installation”.
Shadow is one of the factors that will affect the performance of Solar PV system.
Your Solar PV System Array should be designed such that Shadow will not fall on the Solar PV Panels. Shadow can be from parapet walls, tanks, structures, trees, inter row shadow and other objects.
There are many objects , like parapet walls, water tanks , O/D units of AC’s, Dish of antennas, Mummty etc. which can cause shadow. As, shown in the picture above, the objects that are situated at the South Direction of the building will cause shadow on the Solar PV System. So, the system should be designed such that it avoids the shadow of these objects.
Ideally, Solar PV Rooftop System should be designed such that no shadow falls on array, on the day with longest shadow (i.e. usually from 9am to 3pm, on December 21 in Northern Hemisphere). For Shadow analysis from nearby objects and inter rows of solar array, “Solar Path Finder” should be used at the time of Site Assessment.
The thumb rule says, that we should leave at least 1.5 to 2 times the Height of object (placed in South of the building), to avoid the Shadow effect on the PV modules. The same goes with Inter Row Spacing of the Solar PV Array, at least 1.5 to 2 times the Height of the Structure should be left in between the two rows, to avoid the Shadow effect.
Now all you need is to cross check the layout design of the Rooftop Solar PV System, as provided by the installer or need to clarify this with the installer, that what distance they had left to reduce the losses due to shadow.
If it is less than 1.5 to 2 times the Object Height, and if he says “Sir! Solar Mein Itna Chalta Hai!!”, then you surely needs to change your installer.
We’ll be talking on more such issues in our future blogs.
Suggested Articles
Solar PV Fault Diagnosis During Power Interruptions
A complete guide to identifying faults in solar PV systems during power generation interruptions, including troubleshooting techniques, root cause analysis, and corrective maintenance.
Battery Bank Installation in Solar Projects: Site Selection & Best Practices
Battery banks are essential for energy storage in solar projects. This guide explains site selection, installation procedures, safety measures, and best practices for solar battery systems.
Solar Panel Efficiency and Temperature: What You Need to Know
The stronger the sun, the higher the temperature and more energy your solar panels produce, right? No.
Researchers Propose New Way to Make Nuclear Power Plants Safer
Researchers propose innovative methods to enhance the safety of nuclear power plants, aiming to reduce risks and improve operational security.
India’s Solar Capacity Growth Slows Down in Q1 2023
India’s solar capacity growth slowed in Q1 2023. Explore the factors behind the slowdown and its impact on the country’s renewable energy progress.
Solar Power Park Scheme: Central Government Expands Clean Energy Initiative
The Union government plans to launch the second phase of a dedicated program to develop solar parks across the country that will aim to plug loopholes and overcome slow progress.
How to Maintain Solar Power System for Homes, Industries & Commercial Buildings
A solar power generating system converts sunlight into electricity for residential, industrial, and commercial use. This blog explains the components, working, and benefits of solar systems, helping you understand how to harness solar energy efficiently and sustainably.
End of Rooftop Solar Subsidy for Industrial & Commercial Consumers: What You Need to Know
The rooftop solar subsidy for industrial and commercial consumers is coming to an end. This guide explains the implications for businesses, updated policies, and strategies to adopt solar power without relying on subsidies.