Knowledge Center
FAQ
Solar panel is a device that converts sunlight into electricity.
Solar Panels are made up of crystalline silicon cells that generate electricity in the presence of sunlight.
Solar panels absorb sunlight that falls on the photovoltaic cells. The chemical composition of the cells generates direct current (DC). This is converted to usable alternating current (AC) with the help of inverter technology.
Generally, one needs 15 to 16 solar panels to completely cover the electrical power needs of a house. A 5 kWp solar system with about 15-16 panels, generates approximately 600 Units monthly, which meets the average consumption of a family. Moreover, it depends on the size of the house and electricity consumption rate and pattern of the residents.
Solar panels last for about 25 to 30 years. However, this doesn't mean that they stop producing electricity after 25 years – it just means that energy production is reduced by 80 % of the panel’s actual capacity; and might not be sufficient to meet the energy requirement of the place.
You can save up to 70–90% of your monthly electricity bill. And your bills and come down to zero from the first month itself. It majorly depends on the electricity consumption rate of your home or business. Solar energy gives an alternate option to reduce electricity bills. Currently in India, the average residential tariff is Rs.7/unit whereas if we use solar electricity, the cost comes down to Rs.2.50/unit, which is lowered by 1/3.
The price or cost of a solar panel depends on the power rating and the type of solar panel. Generally, a solar panel in India costs between Rs.22-26 INR per watt.
There are mainly three types of Solar panels used for commercial purposes.
1. Mono-crystalline solar panel
2. Polycrystalline or Multi crystalline solar panel
3. Bi-facial solar panel.
Other panels like thin-film and flexible solar panels also exist. But they yield very less electricity and are meant for specific applications only.
Mono-crystalline solar panels have Solar Cells that are made from a single crystal of silicon, which is formed into bars and cut into wafers. As we know the cell is composed of a single crystal, so electrons that generate a flow of electricity have more room to move. This makes mono-crystalline panels more efficient than all the other solar panels.
Polycrystalline solar panels, just like mono, are also made from silicon. However, instead of using a single crystal of silicon, entire silicon with several fragments is melted together to make the solar wafers or Solar Cells. Polycrystalline solar panels are also known as ‘multi-crystalline panels’. There are many crystals in each cell, which enable less freedom for the electrons to move. As a result, polycrystalline solar panels are relatively less efficient than Mono panels.
Thin-film solar panels are a totally different technology as compared to Mono-crystalline solar panels and Poly-crystalline solar panels. A thin-film solar panel can be identified as a solid black, frameless panel. These are least efficient of all the crystalline solar panels.
Mono-crystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency of 20-22 %, when compared to other types of solar panels, that is, it converts more than 20 to 22% of sunlight into electricity.
A mono-crystalline solar panel can be identified from the Solar Cells which appear as a single flat color (usually black) and are made from a single crystal of silicon.
Mono-crystalline solar panels are the most efficient of all the solar panels. Mono-crystalline solar panels in India, cost between Rs.24 - 26 rupees (INR) per watt.
Polycrystalline solar panels have less efficiency as compared to mono-crystalline solar panels. Polycrystalline solar panels in India, cost between Rs.22-24 (INR) per watt.
Yes, there is a subsidy on purchase of Solar Panels. All the subsidies are subject to government norms and amends.
Note: Please note that the subsidy availability and eligibility varies at the state level and the central level (MNRE) too. Kindly refer to your respective state policy or call us to know more on your state or central subsidy eligibility at : 1800 108 8800 (between 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. IST)
Solar panels use direct sunlight to generate electricity. Unless, there is reflected or even partial light from the clouds, solar panels will still work. However, the efficiency of electricity generation capacity goes down.
No! Solar panels are not dangerous. They can't explode when you drop solar panels nor they can set your house or office on fire even if exposed to high sunlight. However, loose connections and other carelessness have led to fire incidents in certain solar farms.
No! Solar panels do not work at night. They require sunlight to generate electricity.
Mono-crystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency amongst all the panels. Mono-crystalline solar panels convert more than 22% of sunlight into electricity. They are space-efficient and occupy less amount of space. However, they are more expensive than Polycrystalline Solar panels. On other hand, Polycrystalline solar panels give marginal efficiency in effective price and productivity. Thus, they are preferred commercially.
Some advantages of using solar energy are as listed below.
1. Solar power is pollution free and causes no greenhouse gases emissions post installation.
2. It leads to reduced dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels.
3. We get renewable, clean power that is available on each day of the year; even on dark cloudy days.
4. Yields return on investment unlike paying for utility bills.
5. Virtually, no investment-check or maintenance is needed as solar panels last over 30 years.
6. Excess power can be sold back to the power company on the inter-tied grid.
7. One can live without being grid dependent, if all the power generated is enough for the home / building.
8. Solar systems can be installed almost anywhere; in a field or on top of a building.
9. The solar power can be stored in batteries for use at night.
10. Solar energy can be used to heat water, power homes and buildings, and even power cars.
11. Efficiency is always improving so the same size solar that is available today will become more efficient tomorrow.
12. Aesthetics are improving making solar energy more versatile as compared to older models; i.e. printing, solar shingles, etc.
A typical residential solar system installation takes about 40 hours of installation time on the roof and about 10 hours inside the house. The PIXON team has dedicated and experienced staff hence, the complete installation will be completed in lesser time. All the commercial, industrial or institutional installations take time based on the size of the solar system being installed.
PIXON is a 100% employee-owned company and it takes pride in being the manufacturer as well the installer of the solar modules. This means you have a consistent trusted experience with one company, all ensured to provide you with the best product as well as system warranty, maintenance and servicing. Our installation crew is skilled and certified, friendly, professional, and well-groomed.
Putting it simply – the sooner you get solar, the sooner you will enjoy its benefits! If you wait for some unproven technology down the road, you will have missed the opportunity to generate your own power now. Solar is like saving for retirement – the sooner you start doing it, the better.
The solar panels yield optimal financial viability for a really sunny location with a south-facing roof. The ideal roof orientation is 196 degrees on the compass (known as ‘solar south’), but an installation of +/- 50 degrees (155 -245) is also fine. Within this range, power output stays within 7-8 % of maximum, that is, east to west facing roofs also satisfy the solar electricity generation and financial viability.
For example: A 7*12 roof that is due east or due west still achieves 77% of a system’s potential performance. More important than angle, generally, is shading. The solar panels should not experience shading from 9 am to 3 pm, year-round. Technological improvements such as micro-inverters can compensate for shading issues to some extent.
Every kW (kilowatt) of the solar array takes about 75 square feet. So a typical 3kW array (twelve panels) will take a roof area about 11*20 inches (two rows of six).
That varies from home to home (or business to business) based on energy usage, solar exposure, and the size of the building, along with few other factors.
Today, almost all inverters come with built-in monitoring, that varies a little based on manufacturers. Also, by reconciling your production with your electric bill, you can get a good idea on what your household’s electric load is and how much of a difference the photovoltaic system is making to your bills.
Yes! Several studies demonstrate that solar homes add to property valuation and sell more quickly.
The true answer is – it depends. Most municipalities will not increase your property tax values due to a solar installation, but it’s worth checking with your town (or city) legislatures to be sure.
Solar power inverters are pretty quiet. They emit sound about as much as a refrigerator. They are generally installed in utility rooms or basements alongside existing mechanical systems, rather than in living spaces. Thus, the sound factor is hindered and doesn’t really bother the people using or living in the premises.
Solar electricity is identical to grid power. So, you will never notice that the house is running on solar power. What you will see, of course, is a lesser or almost zero electricity bill to pay!
Solar panels sold today don’t ever stop generating. While some of the wirings may need upgrading in future years, the panels remain useful for over 40 years. However, the generation capacity does reduce from the original over the years after the warranty period.
The solar panels produce a lot of energy during the day when the sunlight availability is at its peak. The house most likely won’t use all this solar-generated power. The excess solar power is fed back to the grid. At night, the extra units are taken back by home from the grid. It works like a banking system.
An electric meter on your property is used to record how much energy your home or business uses every month. When you switch to solar energy, you’ll have a new electric meter replacing the old one. It works both ways, that is, it shows how many electricity units you consume from the grid when your solar panels aren’t generating electricity (like at night). It also shows how much energy your solar panels generated during the day. While you pay only for the extra units you consume than what your solar system generates. This is known as net-metering.
Solar panels are easier to maintain than your property, appliances, and maybe even your cell phone. That’s because solar panels have zero moving parts to break. The most you’ll have to do to maintain your solar panels, is to make sure they’re free of dust, pollen, leaves, animal drooping and other debris. Anything that obstructs your panels will make them less efficient in energy production.
Solar panels can actually protect your roof from damage and may even keep your home cooler. Check out all the different solar mounting options you can choose from. Each method aims to do as little damage to your roof as possible. However, your roof must be fit and tested to bear the load of the panels.
Solar power is a renewable resource, which means there’s so much of it freely available. We would never have to dig for coal or refine other toxic energy sources just to keep the lights on. Solar energy reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions (which contribute to climate change). Since it doesn’t cause any pollution, it also means we’ll have less harmful pollutants in our air, land, and water.
Though the capital cost of a PV System is higher than a DG System, a DG System accounts for a high fuel cost and maintenance cost. While a PV System doesn’t require any fuel and its maintenance is very minimal and easy. In addition, a Solar PV System is a clean, silent and environmental friendly option for a backup system.
Yes. Solar energy is used for diverse applications and purposes. You can generate electricity (photovoltaic) or heat (solar thermal) from solar energy. Solar energy in the form of heat can be used in: solar water-heaters, cookers, calculators, etc. Solar energy (in the form of photovoltaic) can be used to produce electricity in areas without access to the energy grid, to distill water in regions with limited clean water supplies and to power satellites in space. Solar energy can also be integrated into the materials used for buildings.
There are a variety of types of technologies associated with solar power. These technologies can be divided into two groups.
1. Solar Thermal Technologies – Use the sun’s heat. Example: solar concentrator power systems, flat plate solar collectors, and passive solar heating.
2. Solar Photovoltaics – Use the sun’s light or radiation. The photons of radiation are used to generate electricity through the photo-electric effect by using photovoltaic (also known as PV, that is, solar panels and or solar modules).
With a multitude of solar installers available, defining the parameters for choosing the right one is a tough decision. Even though the price seems to be the sole lucrative parameter, industry experts wouldn't suggest the same. Right from solar panels, and inverters to the services offered by your installer - like mounting the structure and other necessary civil work, everything has to be seamless.
This is where a brand scores over the local installers. While it is a pain to pay a little extra, but your solar system is going to last for more than 25 years. So, it is perfectly fine to bear that extra cost for warranty benefits and any assistance you might need in the future. Look for companies that have been around for a long time and prefer using branded products, if you don't want to end up probing for the original manufacturers to avail that warranty clause.
Solar Modules is a device that converts sunlight into electricity.
Solar Modules are made up of crystalline silicon cells that generate electricity in the presence of sunlight.
Solar Modules absorb sunlight that falls on the photovoltaic cells. The chemical composition of the cells generates direct current (DC). This is converted to usable alternating current (AC) with the help of inverter technology.
It depends on the size of the house and electricity consumption rate and the usage pattern of the residents. Generally, 1kW system requires 3 panels (assuming Poly DCR 72 cells) which generates approximately 120 units per month. You can check your electricity bill and calculate your requirement or use our solar calculator.
Solar Modules last for about 25 to 30 years. However, this doesn't mean that they stop producing electricity after 25 years – it just means that energy production is reduced by 80% of the panel’s actual capacity; and might not be sufficient to meet the energy requirement of the place.
You can save up to 70–90% of your monthly electricity bill. And your bills come down to zero from the first month itself. It majorly depends on the electricity consumption rate of your home or business.
Solar energy gives an alternate option to reduce electricity bills. In 2021, the average residential tariff in India is Rs.7.50/unit whereas if we use solar electricity, the cost comes down to Rs.2.50/unit, which is lowered by 1/3.in India, the average residential tariff is Rs.7/unit whereas if we use solar electricity, the cost comes down to Rs.2.50/unit, which is lowered by 1/3.
The price or cost of a Solar Modules depends on the power-rating and the type of Solar Modules. Generally, a Solar Modules in India costs between Rs.22-26 INR per watt.
There are mainly three types of Solar Modules used for commercial purposes. Mono-crystalline Solar Modules Polycrystalline or Multi crystalline Solar Modules Bi-facial Solar Modules. Other panels like thin-film and flexible Solar Modules also exist. But they yield very less electricity and are meant for specific applications only.
Monocrystalline Solar Modules have Solar Cells that are made from a single crystal of silicon, which is formed into bars and cut into wafers. As we know the cell is composed of a single crystal, so electrons that generate a flow of electricity have more room to move. This makes Monocrystalline panels more efficient than all the other Solar Modules.
Polycrystalline Solar Modules, just like mono, are also made from silicon. However, instead of using a single crystal of silicon, entire silicon with several fragments is melted together to make the solar wafers or Solar Cells.
Polycrystalline Solar Modules are also known as ‘multi-crystalline panels’. There are many crystals in each cell, which enable less freedom for the electrons to move. As a result, Polycrystalline Solar Modules are relatively less efficient than Monocrystalline panels.
Thin-film Solar Modules are a totally different technology as compared to Mono-crystalline Solar Modules and Poly-crystalline Solar Modules. A thin-film Solar Modules can be identified as a solid black, frameless panel. These are least efficient of all the crystalline Solar Modules.
Mono-crystalline Solar Modules have the highest efficiency of 20-22 %, when compared to other types of Solar Modules, that is, it converts more than 20 to 22% of sunlight into electricity.
A Mono-Crystalline Solar Modules can be identified from the Solar Cells which appear as a single flat color (usually black) and are made from a single crystal of silicon.
Mono-Crystalline Solar Modules are the most efficient of all the Solar Modules. Mono-crystalline Solar Modules in India, cost between Rs.24 - 26 rupees (INR) per watt.
Polycrystalline Solar Modules have less efficiency as compared to mono-crystalline Solar Modules. Polycrystalline Solar Modules in India, cost between Rs.22-24 (INR) per watt.
Yes, there is a subsidy on the purchase of Solar Modules. All the subsidies are subject to government norms and amends. As of now, the subsidies you get for solar PV system installation in Gujarat
Solar Modules use direct sunlight to generate electricity. Unless, there is reflected or even partial light from the clouds, Solar Modules will still work. However, the efficiency of electricity generation capacity goes down.
No! Solar Modules do not work at night. They require sunlight to generate electricity. But the energy stored during peak sunlight hours can be used during nighttime.
Mono-Crystalline Solar Modules have the highest efficiency amongst all the panels. Mono-Crystalline Solar Modules convert more than 22% of sunlight into electricity. They are space-efficient and occupy less amount of space. However, they are more expensive than Polycrystalline Solar Modules. On other hand, Polycrystalline Solar Modules give marginal efficiency in effective price and productivity. Thus, they are preferred commercially.
- Solar power is pollution free and causes no greenhouse gases emissions post installation.
- It leads to reduced dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels.
- We get renewable, clean power that is available on each day of the year; even on dark cloudy days.
- Yields return on investment unlike paying for utility bills.
- Virtually, no investment-check or maintenance is needed as Solar Modules last over 30 years.
- Excess power can be sold back to the power company on the inter-tied grid.
- One can live without being grid dependent, if all the power generated is enough for the home / building.
- Solar Systems can be installed almost anywhere; in a field or on top of a building.
- The Solar power can be stored in batteries for use at night.
- Solar Energy can be used to heat water, power homes and buildings, and even power cars.
- Efficiency is always improving so the same size solar that is available today will become more efficient tomorrow.
- Aesthetics are improving making solar energy more versatile as compared to older models; i.e. printing, solar shingles, etc.
A typical residential solar system installation takes about 40 hours of installation time on the roof and about 10 hours inside the house. The PIXON team typically sends two technicians, so most of the job is completed in 2-3 days. Read more about it here. All the commercial, industrial or institutional installations take time based on the size of the solar system being installed.
PIXON takes pride in being the manufacturer as well as the installer of solar modules. This means you have a consistent trusted experience with one company, all ensured to provide you with the best product as well as system warranty, maintenance, and servicing. Our installation crew is skilled and certified.
Putting it simply – the sooner you get solar, the sooner you will enjoy its benefits! If you wait for some unproven technology down the road, you will have missed the opportunity to generate your own power now. Solar is like saving for retirement – the sooner you start doing it, the better.
Solar Modules need to face true south direction for maximum power generation. The reason behind it is that when the sun transits from east to west, it leans towards the south direction. Irrespective of which part of the year it is, the inclination will always be towards the south. Hence for the optimum harnessing of sunlight, the solar PV panels should ideally face south.
For example, a 7*12 roof that is due east or due west still achieves 77% of a system’s potential performance. More important than angle, generally, is shading. The Solar Modules should not experience shading from 9 am to 3 pm, year-round. Technological improvements such as micro-inverters can compensate for shading issues to some extent.
Every kW (kilowatt) of the solar array takes about 100 square feet. So a typical 3kW array (twelve panels) will take a roof area of about 11*20 inches (two rows of six).
Today, almost all inverters come with built-in monitoring, which varies a little based on manufacturers. Also, by reconciling your production with your electric bill, you can get a good idea of what your household’s electric load is and how much of a difference the photovoltaic system is making to your bills.
Yes! Several studies demonstrate that solar homes add to property valuation and sell more quickly.
The true answer is – it depends. Most municipalities will not increase your property tax values due to a solar installation, but it’s worth checking with your town (or city) legislatures to be sure.
Solar electricity is identical to grid power. So, you will never notice that the house is running on solar power. What you will see, of course, is a lesser or almost zero electricity bill to pay!
Solar Modules sold today don’t ever stop generating. While some of the wirings may need upgrading in future years, the panels remain useful for over 40 years. However, the generation capacity does reduce from the original over the years after the warranty-period.
The Solar Modules produce a lot of energy during the day when the sunlight availability is at its peak. The house most likely won’t use all this solar-generated power. The excess solar power is fed back to the grid. At night, the extra units are taken back home from the grid. It works like a banking system.
An electric meter on your property is used to record how much energy your home or business uses every month. When you switch to solar energy, you’ll have a new electric meter replacing the old one. It works both ways, that is, it shows how many electricity units you consume from the grid when your Solar Modules aren’t generating electricity (like at night). It also shows how much energy your Solar Modules generated during the day. While you pay only for the extra units you consume than what your solar system generates. This is known as net metering.
Solar Modules are easier to maintain than your property, appliances, and maybe even your cell phone. That’s because Solar Modules have zero moving parts. The most you’ll have to do to maintain your Solar Modules is to make sure they’re free of dust, pollen, leaves, animal drooping and other debris. Anything that obstructs your panels will make them less efficient in energy production. You can read here in detail about how to clean your Solar Modules.
In the solar industry, the EVA films are the most commonly used encapsulations for Solar Cells. With the help of a lamination machine, the cells are laminated between films of EVA in a vacuum compressor.
The EVA layer is an encapsulating layer put on both sides of the solar cell. This protects Solar Cells and thus, increases the longevity of solar modules.
EVA films protect the weathering of Solar Cells to external agents (dirt and humidity), enhance durability and provide proper electrical insulation. It has excellent light transmission capability and matches the refractive index of the glass.
Thus, it makes the panel very durable for high temperature, high humidity, and other harsh weather conditions.
The EVA films are used in solar panels to insulate the Solar Cells. Thus, preventing moisture and dirt from penetrating the solar PV panels. It also softens the impact of shocks and vibrations and therefore protects the solar photovoltaic cells and its circuits.
The Solar Cells are laminated between films of EVA, in a vacuum environment with help of heat (up to 150°C), and compression of the lamination machine. The heat melts the EVA and compression infuses it to the solar photovoltaic cells.
EVA is a copolymer of Ethylene-vinyl acetate. It is rubber or plastic based on its VA content in it.
If the VA content is in the range of 4-5 %, the EVA composite has polythene properties and characteristics. The VA content ranging between 5-30% gives it the properties of thermoplastic. If the VA content is near to 40% or anything greater than it acquires EVA rubber properties.
Yes. EVA is a waterproof material.
Yes. EVA plastic is a biodegradable material.
The biodegradable Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate polymers.
EVA is an elastomeric polymer that produces materials, which are “rubber-like” in softness and flexibility. The material has good clarity and gloss, low-temperature toughness, stress crack resistance, hot-melt adhesive waterproof properties, and resistance to UV radiation.
EVA is flexible, has good clarity, and is resistant to ultraviolet radiation. Some other characteristics of EVA include:
- Fast Curing: Yields increased module manufacturing efficiency and productivity by shortening lamination time.
- High Reflectivity: Delivers solar cell efficiency improvements via enhanced reflectivity on the backside EVA film.
- Enhanced UV: Improves solar module efficiency by increasing the UV range transmittance rate.
- Durability: Quality EVA film is known for its excellent durability, also in difficult weather circumstances, such as high temperature and high humidity.
- Bonding: Under the right circumstances, EVA film will have excellent adhesive bonding to solar glass (NOT standard glass, solar glass has a rough surface). Also EVA bonds very well to the back sheet.
- Excellent transparency: EVA is known for its excellent transparency. This means that the optical transmission is acceptable and doesn’t block too much of the sunshine trying to reach the Solar Cells.
- EVA is 30% lighter than PVC – This gives the film a better yield and reduces shipping costs.
The advantages of using EVA Films are as follows:
- Durable bonding strength with both glass and backsheet
- Conformable and flexible for ease of lamination
- Excellent UV and damp-heat stability
- Very low shrinkage rate
- High light transmission
- Suitable for crystalline, PERC, and thin-film PV modules