Solar Power System for Indian Homes

A REPORT ON ENGINEERING SYSTEMS

Submitted by ParamarUmang R. VachhaniJaydeep S. VachhaniParth M. ZalaPushpraj M. HiraparaRohil B. Sherdiwala Raj P. 130070109040 130070109056 130070109057 130070109062 130070109021 130070109052

In
Electrical Engineering Department

Birla VishvakarmaMahavidhyalaya, VallabhVidyangar Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad December, 2013

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Birla VishvakarmaMahavidhyalaya, VallabhVidyangar Electrical Engineering Department December, 2013

CERTIFICATE
Date: This is to certify that the Report entitled Solar Power System for Indian Homes has been carried out by Sherdiwala Raj P, Paramar Umang R., Vachhani Jaydeep S., Vachhani Parth M, Zala Pushpraj M. and Hirapara Rohil B. in FYBE, Electrical Engineering (1st Semester) of Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad during the academic year 2013-14.

Academic Guide: Prof. J. K. Chauhan Electrical Engineering, B.V.M

Prof. (Dr.) B.R.Parekh Head of Department, Electrical Engineering, B.V.M

Acknowledgement
The submission of the Report gives us an opportunity to convey our gratitude to all those who have helpedus in completion of our research and providing valuable guidance throughout the work. With immense pleasure, we would like to present this Report on the research work related to . We would first like to acknowledge to our research guide Prof. J.K.Chauhan Electrical Engineering Department, BVM College, Vallabh Vidhyanagar who has given us invaluable support and has helped us through his invaluable suggestions throughout the duration of the research and has been an unending source of inspiration for us. Our sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. B.R.Parekh, Head, Electrical Engineering Department, BVM College, Vallabh Vidhyanagar for their continual kind words of encouragement and motivations throughout the research work and for providing us all kind of required guidance. At last we would like to extend our deepest thanks to the college authorities &CharutarVidyaMandal (CVM) &VallabhVidhya Nagar G.I.D.C. for showing trust in our abilities and providing us with an atmosphere to work in. We were allowed to usage of all facilities and infrastructure available in the department of BVMEngineeringCollege.

Abstract

This report illustrates howSolar Power System In India work, and shows the major power plant of gujarat and India. It also shows its cost, other power system using Solar energy and its advantages and Disadvatages. Solar Power plants convert the suns energy intosolar electricity. The sun is the largest source ofenergy in the form of heat and light energy. SolarPower has a huge potential to make a majorimpact on the electricity requirement in homesand industries. Solar Power systems used in homes generally arebased on heating air or liquid in residential solarpanels. Liquid based solar energy home systemsheat an antifreeze solution or water inside hydronic collector. Air based Solar Power systemsheat up air inside an air collector. Sunlight iscollected by the system and heat is transferreddirect to the building or storage system.When the Solar Power system doesnt provide thenecessary heating, a back up system is alsoinstalled in order to provide the extra heating.

Table of Content Title Page Certificate Acknowledgement Abstract.

PageNo. 1 2 3 4

Chapter-1: What is Solar Power 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Solar Power System 1.2.1 Gried Tied Solar Power System 1.2.2Stand alone solar power system 1.2.3 Hybride Solar Power System 1.3 Solar Power Home 1.4 Solar Power Cost 1.5 Solar Power Light 1.6 Advantage of Solar Power 1.7 Disadvantage of Solar Power 1.8 Future Of Solar Power Chapter-2:Solar Power Plant In India 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Working Of The Solar Power Plant 2.3 Solar Plant In Gujarat 13 13 14 7 7 8 8 9 10 10 10 11 12 12

2.3.1 Subsidy By Indian Government

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Chapter-3:Major Solar Power Project In India 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Solar Power Capacity Of India 3.3 Solar Appliance In India 15 15 16

References

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CHAPTER : 1 What is Solar Power? 1.1 Introduction

Solar Power plants convert the suns energy intosolar electricity. The sun is the largest source ofenergy in the form of heat and light energy. SolarPower has a huge potential to make a majorimpact on the electricity requirement in homesand industries. That the sun supplies as muchenergy onto the earth in a single day that equalsthe annual energy requirement is enough to judgethe amount of solar energy that goes untapped.

Fig.1 How solar works

1.2 Solar Power Systems

Solar Power can be used to supply electricity tohomes, commercial settings and RVs. There arevarious types of Solar Power systems. In an RV, itwould be ideal to use a stand-alone solarenergysystem. This type of system has lesser number ofsolar panels and batteries, making themeconomical. The function of the batteries is tocollect solar energy during daytime. The systemhas an inverter that transforms the DC currentinto AC current that can be used by theappliances.

1.2.1 Grid-Tied Solar Power System

You can also choose the grid tied Solar Powersystem, where you can enjoy the benefit of thesavings offered by solar energy and thedependability offered by the utilitys power. Youmay also receive rebates or tax rebates in theform of incentives when you buy Solar Powersystems.It is essential that the grid-tied system has aninverter that transforms DC current into puresinewave AC current in order to optimally mesh-in with the utility grid. During nighttime and oncloudy days when solar energy is not available,you can rely upon the utility grid. Hence, generallythese types of Solar Power systems dont havebatteries for storing energy. But, you can usebatteries in these systems in order to ensure thatyou are not without power in case there is powerfailure at the grid.

Fig.2 Grid-Tied Solar Power System

1.2.2 Stand-Alone Solar Power System

Fig.3Stand-Alone Solar Power System

When you want to beentirely free of the utility grid, you can install acompletely standalone Solar Power system. Sucha system is quite environment-friendly, whereasother systems are based upon fossil fuels, directlyorindirectly. In its construction, the stand-alonesystem is highly sophisticated. There are severalinverters, at least two, ensuring sufficient amountof current for running larger appliances such asair conditioners. in addition, several batteries arerequired for storing energy. So far, a stand-lonesolar energy system was generally found in placeswhere utility grid system was not able to each.

Fig.4 Stand-Alone Solar Power System 1

1.2.3 Hybrid Solar Power Systems

There are hybrid Solar Power systems, wheresolar energy is used in conjunction with a backupgenerator. Compared to stand-alone solar energysystems, hybrid systems have lesser number ofsolar panels. The generators can be relied uponwhen there is unavailability of sunlight, as duringcloudy conditions and at night time.With all these different types of Solar Powersystems, you can choose the one that is ideal foryour requirement.

Fig.5 Hybrid Solar Power Systems

1.3 Solar Power Home

Solar Power systems used in homes generally arebased on heating air or liquid in residential solarpanels. Liquid based solar energy home systemsheat an antifreeze solution or water inside hydronic collector. Air based Solar Power systemsheat up air inside an air collector. Sunlight iscollected by the system and heat is transferreddirect to the building or storage system.When the Solar Power system doesnt provide thenecessary heating, a back up system is alsoinstalled in order to provide the extra heating.Usually, where the energy is required for storage-based systems, liquid solar energy systems areused. Such systems are ideal for boilers,absorption coolers and heat pumps, and radiantheating systems. While both the air and fluidsystems can be used for enhancing forced airsystems.

1.4 Solar Power Cost

The cost of power generated from coal andnatural gas can range from Rs. 2 to 3 per KWh.The cost of wind power falls between Rs. 3 and3.2 per KWh. However, as of 2009, the cost ofSolar Power from photovoltaic cells and solarthermal falls between Rs. 10 and Rs 15 per KWh.

1.5 Solar Power Lights

There are many types of Solar Power lights thatcan be used to illuminate your home andsurrounding and at the same time saving thenatural resources. These lighting systems will notonly save electricity but also cause less pollution,emitting less amount of heat when compared
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toconventional lighting sources like bulbs. Solarlantern lights are extensively used for indoorlighting. All the solar lighting devices used forindoor lighting need to be charged when sunlightis available and used during nighttime.

1.6 Advantages Of Solar Power

Solar Power is becoming increasingly practicalevery day. From being an expensive source ofelectricity, solar energy has turned into aneconomical power source in the long-run. Inaddition to these savings, you are also going tosave the monthly electrical bills as there are norecurrent bills to be paid.The amount of electricity generated from solarenergy depends upon the available sunlight.However, with new advances in technology it ispossible to generate sufficient amount ofelectricity even in cloudy conditions.The biggest advantage of using Solar Power isthat it is an inexhaustible source of energy. Onceyou have installed the system, you dont have toworry that you would ever be without electricitybecause the sun is always going to be there.However, at times the amount of electricitygenerated may be lesser and you would have todepend upon the utility grid. But, there are goingto be times when you would be able to sell theexcess electricity.The next advantage of using solar energy is thatit doesnt emit any pollution into thenvironment. Solar panels dont release anyemissions into the atmosphere while generatingelectricity. This is not something that can beexpected from electricity generated from thermalsources and hydroelectric source. Additionally,there are efforts on way to recycle solar panels.Solar Power is flexible in its setup. When youwant to power your entire home, a large numberof solar panels can be mounted on the roof, andwhen you require solar energy to power thegarden lights or something that requires lesselectricity, a smaller number of solar panels arerequired. Installing Solar Power systems can betimesaving because it doesnt require runninglong wiring.Solar Power can also be used for running a widerange of devices. It is suitable for running homes,industries and even for powering satellite. Even,solar powered cars have been developed, andefforts are on way to make these vehicles moreeconomical. solar energy technology is alsodeveloping at a fast rate, making it more practical and economical.Nowadays, even government is offering rebateand tax exemptions to those who install SolarPower in their home. This makes it possible forhomeowners to install these systems ataffordable prices. In the most remote locations,solar energy is the ideal source of electricity. Infact, it is more economical to install solar panelsin such areas than running power lines.A big advantage of solar energy systems is that aproperly installed system doesnt require muchmaintenance. When compared to other powersources, this is a big advantage because youcannot bear the heavy cost of power systemmaintenance.

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1.7 Disadvantages of Solar Power

There is one disadvantage to Solar Powersystems regarding reliability and consistency. Aregular supply of sunlight is essential to keepgenerating electricity. Although, once the sungoes down, the solar energy level drops very fast.This makes it important to have a power storagedevice in the form of batteries so that you canhave uninterrupted supply of electricity. If thereare no batteries, there is going to be no electricitywithout sunlight.The majority of disadvantages about Solar Powerare more economical in nature. Even after lots oftechnological development, the solar panels usedto produce electricity are quite expensive. A singlesolar panel can generate only a small amount ofpower. This means a large number of solar panelsare required to generate enough amount ofelectricity to power houses and industries.It is also required that the panels are angledproperly through the day in order to align with thedirect sunlight. Hence, it is essential toimplement a mechanical adjustment system so asto turn the panels according to the angle ofsunlight.

1.8 Future of Solar Power

Even though some critics argue that the future ofSolar Power is based upon its reduction in cost, itis imminent that coal and fossil fuels are soongoing to get depleted. Some utilities havereported that they cannot increase their rates inorder to supply Solar Power to their customers astheir customers stick to them due to theavailability of low-cost electricity. But, solarenergy beats these traditional sources of powerwhen it comes to consideration for the planet andsustainability of the environment.As per some experts grid parity, which is thepoint when solar energy is going to costequivalent to traditional electricity, is going totake a decade more in some areas, and less inother areas. But, one thing is for certain thatSolar Power is going to be the mainstay forelectricity and other power requirements in a fewyears from now.

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CHAPTER:2 Solar Power Plant In India 2.1 Introduction

The first Solar Power Plant in India is the Kolarplant in Karnataka that generates 3 MW of solarpower. The plant is situated in the village ofYalesandra around 100 Km from the IT capital ofIndia, Bangalore.It is a Photovoltaic Cell plant that was built in aperiod of just under a year by Titan EnergySystems. It will be run by Karnataka PowerCorporation Ltd. (KPCL), the state run powergrid. This Rs. 590-million plant is going togenerate around 4 million units of electricity in ayear.

2.2 Working of the Solar Plant

There are more than 13,000 solar panels in thisplant that is spread across 15 acres. This plantwill absorb suns radiation, convert it intoelectricity and will transmit it to the control room.In the control room, the Direct Current or DC willbe converted to Alternating Current or AC using adozen of inverters of capacity 250 KW.The generated electricity is transmitted to thesub-station at Boddikote and then it is sent tothe power grid. The solar power generated fromthe plant is eco-friendly and clean. However theinitial cost of installing the Solar Power Plantcomes to Rs. 15 crore for each MW. The solarpanels used in the power plant are made fromsilica from Suniva Inc., the US-based leader intechnology. This takes the cost ofgeneration of solar power to more than Rs. 16 aunit.In order to minimize the loss due to distributionand transmission, KPCL is going to supply theelectricity generated to the hundreds of pumpsetsbeing installed in the farms located close to thepower plant that dont receive any irrigation.This Solar Power Plant is of great help to thefarmers in the area, as they receive electricityduring daytime that can be used for irrigation andother agricultural activities. The plant is given anoperating life of 25 years, with 10% and 20%degradation levels after 10 and 20 years. Duringcloudy conditions, with reduced level of sunlight,the solar panels absorb the heat from the sunusing thermal process.Based upon the intensity of sunlight throughdifferent seasons, the power generated from thesolar panels varies from 4,000 to 18,000 units ina day. And, because India falls in the tropical belt,it receives sunlight for major part of the calendar.Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. is alsodeveloping a couple of 3 MW Solar Power Plant inBegalum and Raichur districts in northernKarnataka.

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2.3 Solar Plant in Gujarat

Similar developments are also taking place inGujarat, where the largest Solar Power Plant isbeing built. This is going to be a 3,000 MW powerplant being built in conjunction with the William J.Clinton Foundation.

2.3.1 Subsidy by Indian Government

The Indian government is further planning to offera subsidy of 55% on installation of solar power inresidential and commercial settings. It is alsoplanning to power more than 10,000 villages withsolar energy by the year 2012.

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CHAPTER:3 Major Solar Power Projects in India

3.1 Introduction
India is located within the equatorial belt andreceives plentiful solar radiation. Most parts ofthe country receive 250 to 300 days of brightdays in a year. The government and privatesectors are currently busy with the developmentof a large number of Solar Power Projects inIndia.The government recently came out with solarpower projects of $19 billion that will generate 20GW of power by the year 2020. According to thisplan, solar energy will power equipments andapplications in all government installations,hospitals and equipments. India recently alsolaunched its National Solar Mission that aims togenerate 1,000 MW of energy by the year 2013.

3.2 Solar Power Capacity of India

Even though the percentage of power generatedthrough solar energy in India is just a tiny fractionof its overall power production, it shares thenumber one spot in solar power generationcapacity along with the United States. Solarenergy technology is still in its developmentalstage when it comes to becoming competitivewith energy generated from fossil fuels andnuclear energy.Several solar power projects are being setup inIndia in order to increase the utilization of thehuge amount of solar energy available in thecountry. The Indian Government has undertaken awide range of strategies in order to ensure themaximum use of the available solar radiation.Planned Solar Power Projects in IndiaThe 2010-11 budget consists of Rs. 10 Billionbeing directed towards the establishment ofdifferent solar energy projects. This is an increaseof almost Rs. 4 billion over the money allocatedfor the projects last year. Majority of the budgetis going to be spent on the Jawaharlal NehruNational Solar Mission and the Clean EnergyFund.One of the major Solar Power Projects in India isan ambitious project undertaken by thegovernment where it plans to generate 20 GW ofpower from solar energy by the year 2020. Itfurther plans to increase this production to 200GW by the year 2050. This project plans toincrease the installed solar power capacity by agigantic level by the year 2030 so as tosignificantly bring down the cost of electricitygeneration from solar power, almost at par withthe power generated from fossil fuels.The government has also incorporated a reductionof 5% in customs duty on solar panels. Inaddition, the excised duty on solar PV panels hasalso been eliminated. This is going to help privatesector companies in the solar energy market toreduce
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their solar panel installation costs by up to20%. In addition, the government also proposed$1 a metric ton of duty both domestic andimported coal.

3.3 Solar Appliances in India

At present the number of solar appliances andSolar Power Projects in India is as per following.There are over 340,000 home illuminationsystems, 55,000 solar road lights, over 1,500 ofsolar PV energy producing plants, 575,000 solarcookers, 560,000 solar lamps, 6,800 solar PVpumps and solar water heaters with an equivalentof 140 Sq. Km. of collecting area.

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Reference 1. www.solarpower.org.in 2. www.wikipedia 3. www.solar panels in india for home electicity

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