In line with the rest of the country, Goa too is making earnest efforts to go green. Earlier this week, power minister Nilesh Cabral stated that the government is considering replacing traditional clay tiles on Goan houses with solar tiles. The government would soon implement the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model of solar power generation, in which roof space is utilised for outfitting of solar panels that help generate cheaper power. Under the RESCO model, once people formally make their roof available to the Electricity Department, we will conduct an inspection and facilitate replacement of traditional roof tiles with solar tiles.
Goa current power scenario
-This new measure is expected to save around 40 percent of the energy. The state aims to generate at least 13 megawatts of energy using solar power. Presently, GOa buys around 1000 megawatt power per day from the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Maharashtra, and consumes around 650 megawatts out of it.
How do solar panels work?
A solar panel works by allowing particles of light (photons) to facilitate the free flow of electrons, thereby generating the flow of electricity. It consists of many photovoltaic cells which are basically a kind of sandwich-like structure made up of slices of semiconducting material, usually silicon. Silicon is mounted beneath non-reflective glass to produce PV panels that collect photons from the sun and convert them into DC (direct current) electric power. This DC power then flows into an inverter which transforms it into AC (alternating current) electric power.
Is the idea of a solar powered home viable?
-A number of solar power experts who spoke to The Goan stated that it is indeed possible to have completely solar-powered homes, but it involves costs.Typical efficiency of panels available in India is between 13-19%. Different panel sizes are available at different price points, and it should cost around Rs 50,000 to 1 lakh to power a 3 bedroom house with solar energy.
-The cost of a rooftop solar is approximately Rs 1,00,000 per kWp inclusive of installation charges. In case you are using a battery for backup, then another Rs 25,000 will be added to this cost. However, there are some incentives which can reduce this cost. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) promotes the installation of PV systems and for this, it offers a subsidy to users. A subsidy of up to 30% is offered for installation of rooftop solar panels in residential, institutional and social buildings
I have installed solar panels in my house, and I use them mainly as a backup when the main supply fails. My experience with solar energy has been good, and I certainly think it is viable and desirable to make your house fully solar-powered.
— Eleanor Viegas, Betalbatim
It is indeed a good and practical idea to power a house using solar power. In the course of our business, we have provided solar panels to private villas apart from residential complexes and commercial establishments. If you are to power a three-bedroom house, it would need an estimated 3.5 lakh rupees, but the government provides 50 percent subsidy on solar panels. Considering this the total cost should come around 1,75000. On the positive side, this investment can ensure zero electricity bill. You could actually export electricity back to the grid under the government’s net metering policy during the day, and use power from the grid at night.
— Anish Sousa, businessman, Panaji
The Goa State solar policy is the best in the country and it is highly feasible for Goans to install a solar rooftop plants on their roofs as the government gives you 50 pc subsidy and also purchase extra generated units at Rs 2.93 per unit. We have done many installations for clients who are now getting negative bills.
—Dilip Nayak,
CEO, Rainbow Solar Power Solutions, Vasco
