Over the past decade, the cost of adopting solar energy has dropped drastically, making it more accessible than ever. These falling costs, along with the favourable policy environment created by the Indian government, are major reasons why businesses across the country are choosing solar energy over traditional power.

For small to medium-sized businesses, installing a 1 MW solar plant has become a popular option, as it typically generates enough power to cover their energy needs.

But before we dive into the details of a 1 MW system, let’s look at why businesses across India are increasingly choosing solar energy.

1. Cost Saving
Solar energy systems are one-time investments that can help businesses save big on their monthly electricity expenses. Moreover, this independent energy generation will act as a buffer against future tariff hikes.

2. Short Payback Period

A business can recover its capital investment in a solar energy system within just 3-5 years through monthly savings on electricity costs. After this breakeven period, the business benefits from almost free, clean energy for many years to come.

3. Low Maintenance
Solar plants hardly require any maintenance apart from regular cleaning sessions. Moreover, most systems are equipped with remote monitoring systems that provide complete system reports and manual troubleshooting capabilities.

4. Improved Brand Image
The average consumer is environmentally conscious in his/her decision-making. Various stakeholders are also gravitating towards brands with a good sustainability portfolio. Thus, switching to clean energy generation goes a long way in helping businesses establish a greener reputation in the market.

5. Durability
A solar power plant is a fixed-cost asset with an average lifespan between 25-30 years. Through this resource, a business gets free clean energy generation for a long time.

6. Lower Carbon Footprint
Thermal-based energy is not only expensive but also incredibly harmful to the environment. Solar is a locally available, clean energy resource that will allow a business to reduce its power-based carbon emissions.

The cost of a solar energy system depends on multiple factors like the type of panel used, the brand of solar equipment, the location, the type of installation, roof orientation, etc.

The cost will also vary between the type of system one installs. For example, an off-grid system that is independent of the utility grid requires a battery backup system which increases the overall cost.

However, if we consider an average range then it would fall between ₹45-50/Wp. So, the 1 MW system would have an approximate cost of ₹4.5-5 crores.

In ideal conditions, a 1kW plant generates 4 units in a day. Thus, a 1000kW or 1 MW plant would generate:
4 x 1000 = 4,000 units in a day
4x 1000 x 30= 1,20,000 units in a month

However, it is crucial to note that solar generation can be affected by elements like weather, the orientation of panels, the quality of equipment, location, maintenance, etc.

A solar power plant might generate up to 6 units in a day in sunny weather and as little as 1 unit on rainy days. Thus, it is difficult to approximate the exact generation of a solar power plant.

There is no government subsidy for 1 MW capacity. But the Indian government does provide other benefits such as 40% accelerated depreciation on their solar asset in a year, to commercial and industrial consumers. This allows individuals to depreciate their solar power plant at a higher rate and claim tax benefits.

Along with the tax benefit, owners of a 1 MW solar plant can also avail net metering facilities in many Indian states. Consumers can export the excess energy back to the grid and get compensated for it.

Solar power plants with this capacity are suitable for producing large quantities of power. Due to their size, they are generally installed as ground-mounted systems. Approximately 2.5 hectares (approx. 6 acres) of shadow-free land space is required to set up a 1 MW solar plant.

But. if a business does not have access to this amount of space, they can opt for a solar roof like Ornate InRoof, which provides better area utilization. and can be scaled up to 10 MW capacity.

Ornate InRoof is a roof made of solar panels. The fully leak-proof structure accommodates 26% more panels and eliminates the need for sheet roofing.

Traditional rooftop solar energy systems require approximately 120sqft of area for 1kW installation. The InRoof achieves the same capacity in an area of 65-70sqft and allows consumers to harness the full potential of their roof space.

Be it a new building construction or old roof repair, the sleek-looking InRoof can be an excellent way to use underutilized spaces such as home or office roofs, factory sheds, parking lots, pergolas, etc.

Ornate Solar recently commissioned a cutting-edge 1.45 MW InRoof system for leading steel tube manufacturer APL Apollo. Deployed at the company’s new facility in Malur, Karnataka, the InRoof spans across an area of 87,000 sq. ft.. This advanced solar solution is expected to produce around 2,202 MWh of clean energy each year and reduce CO2 emissions by over 45,000 tons.

1. A Special climate-resistant seal guarantees 100% protection against water ingress.
2. InRoof is fully customizable and can be adapted to all roof types and designs
3. The structure comes with one of the longest warranties in the industry.

Ornate Solar has successfully completed the installation of a 1 MWp rooftop solar project at VVDN Technologies, a global provider of end-to-end engineering, manufacturing, and digital solutions, located in Manesar, Haryana.

Spanning 78,181 Sq. ft. and equipped with fully automatic cleaning robots, this project is a perfect blend of innovation and sustainability!

Ornate Solar is India’s leading solar company with 10 years of experience. By partnering with the best-in-class global solar brands, we bring the most reputed solar panels, inverters, and solar accessories to you and make your shift to solar cost-effective and easy.

We have also developed India’s first Integrated InRoof system- which turns solar panels into the roof and eliminates the need for sheet roofing.

We deliver across India.

For more information, please give us a call at 011 4353 6666.