Blogs & Knowledge

How to Clean Solar Panels? A Step-by-Step Guide on Rooftop Solar Panel Cleaning

How to Clean Solar Panels? A Step-by-Step Guide on Rooftop Solar Panel Cleaning

Sunvinci ExpertsNovember 2, 2023

Regular cleaning of solar panels is essential to prevent a loss of up to 30% in power output by year two and to avoid voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.

Best Practices:

  • Hire professionals under an AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) for safe, effective cleaning.
  • If doing it yourself, use a long-handled soft nylon-bristle brush, low-pressure RO or deionized water, and mild, non-acidic detergent.
  • Clean when panels are cool (dawn or dusk).

What to Avoid:

  • High-pressure water
  • Harsh chemicals
  • Sprinklers
  • Abrasive tools
  • Washing panels while hot

Frequency:

In dusty/polluted areas, clean once a month or every 15 days; in cleaner areas, quarterly is sufficient.

Main Do’s and Don’ts:

  • Do: Use soft brushes and low-mineral water at low pressure.
  • Don't: Climb on panels, use hard water, or clean while panels are hot.

Conclusion:

Professional AMC is recommended, but if DIY, follow the above steps closely to protect efficiency and warranty.

What is a Solar Rooftop Power Plant?

What is a Solar Rooftop Power Plant?

Sunvinci ExpertsNovember 1, 2023

Solar Rooftop power plants (photovoltaic power plants) use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, and can power homes, societies, commercial buildings, and industries.

Main Types:

  • On-grid: Connected to the utility grid.
  • Off-grid: Connected to lithium batteries, not the grid.
  • Hybrid: Connected to the grid and batteries.

Rooftop solar systems are more cost-effective and preferred for homes and housing societies than ground-mounted plants.

Benefits:

  • Reduces electricity bills
  • Offers good ROI (quick payback period)
  • Helps make India more energy independent
  • Cuts air pollution

Drawbacks:

The main challenge is the initial investment cost, but government subsidies and solar loans have made solar more affordable.

Government Subsidy:

Available for on-grid rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (max Rs. 78,000 for homes).

Indicative Cost After Subsidy for Homes:

Approx. ₹90,000–₹5.62 lakh depending on system size (2 kW to 10 kW), city, and product variant.

Conclusion:

On-grid rooftop solar is the best option for most residential and commercial installations in India due to cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance.

Are Solar Systems Hard to Maintain?

Are Solar Systems Hard to Maintain?

Sunvinci ExpertsOctober 31, 2023

Not at all — but regular maintenance is very important to keep your solar panels working efficiently and lasting longer. If ignored, dirty or poorly maintained panels can lose up to 30% of their power output in just a few months.

How Often Should You Clean Solar Panels?

Solar panels need cleaning from time to time because dust, dirt, bird droppings, and leaves can block sunlight and reduce performance. You can rinse them with clean water occasionally, but it’s best to let trained professionals handle regular cleaning using proper tools and soft brushes.

Pro Tip: Never use harsh materials or chemicals on your panels — it can damage the surface.

What Does Regular Maintenance Include?

  1. Panel Cleaning: Professionals clean the panels gently using special brushes and solutions to remove tough stains or dirt without scratching the surface.
  2. Mechanical & Electrical Health Check: Loose connections or wiring issues can affect system performance. Regular inspections help prevent faults and keep your system running safely.
  3. Performance Monitoring: Keep an eye on how your solar system is performing. Many installers offer a mobile app for live monitoring, so you can check power generation anytime and catch issues early.

Keeping your solar system clean and well-maintained ensures maximum efficiency, safety, and long-term savings. 🌞

Understanding On-Grid Solar Systems

Understanding On-Grid Solar Systems

Sunvinci ExpertsOctober 30, 2023

On-grid solar systems are the most popular type of solar power plants — directly connected to the electricity grid through a bi-directional net meter. This setup enables seamless power exchange between your solar panels and the utility grid.

During the day, your solar panels may generate more electricity than you use. The excess power is sent to the grid, earning you credits on your electricity bill. At night or on cloudy days, you can draw power back from the grid — ensuring a continuous power supply. The net meter keeps track of all imports and exports, helping you pay only for the net energy you consume.

Key Components of an On-Grid Solar Power System:

Component Function
Solar PanelsCapture sunlight and produce DC electricity
Solar InverterConverts DC into usable AC power
Mounting StructuresHold panels securely at the right angle
Grid ConnectionActs as a virtual battery for energy exchange
Net MeterMeasures power sent to and received from the grid
AccessoriesIncludes connectors, combiner boxes, arrestors, and trays

Why Choose On-Grid Solar?

It’s cost-effective, efficient, and requires no battery storage — perfect for homes and businesses with stable grid access. Generate your own clean energy and lower your electricity bills while contributing to a greener planet!

How to Apply for the Rooftop Solar Subsidy (PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana)

How to Apply for the Rooftop Solar Subsidy (PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana)

Sunvinci ExpertsOctober 29, 2023

Want to save on your electricity bills with solar power? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to apply for the Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:

  1. Visit the official portal: Go to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana website and click on “Apply for Rooftop Solar.”
  2. Register your account: Choose your state, district, and DISCOM, then enter your Customer Account Number (found on your electricity bill).
  3. Fill in your details: Provide your personal information and upload a copy of your latest electricity bill.
  4. Upload documents: Attach your Proof of Identity, Proof of Property Ownership, and electricity bill.
  5. Add bank details: Enter your bank account number and upload a cancelled cheque so the subsidy can be transferred later.
  6. Select an approved vendor: Pick a DISCOM-approved solar company (like Sunvinci Energy) to install your rooftop solar system.
  7. Net meter installation: After your solar system is installed, your DISCOM will set up a bi-directional net meter to track energy flow.
  8. Get commissioning certificate: Once your system is live, the DISCOM will issue a Solar Commissioning Certificate.
  9. Claim your subsidy: Log in to the portal again and upload your Commissioning Certificate to apply for the subsidy.
  10. Receive payment: The subsidy amount will be credited directly to your bank account within about 30 days.
Top Benefits of Installing Rooftop Solar Systems

Top Benefits of Installing Rooftop Solar Systems

Sunvinci ExpertsOctober 28, 2023

Switching to solar power isn’t just great for your pocket — it’s also a smart step toward a cleaner planet. Installing a rooftop solar system can cut your electricity bills, help you save lakhs over time, and even reduce air pollution.

1. Big Savings on Electricity Bills

With rooftop solar, you can reduce your electricity bills by up to 90% — or even bring them down to zero! Though the initial installation cost may seem high, you can recover it in just 3–5 years. After that, you enjoy free solar power from your rooftop for decades.

2. Save Lakhs Over the System’s Life

A 3 kW solar system in a city like Nagpur costs about ₹1.32 lakh after subsidy (as of August 2025). Over 25 years, it can help you save around ₹16.5 lakh on electricity bills!

Note: Actual cost and savings may vary depending on your DISCOM, solar panel type, inverter, roof design, and local weather conditions. These numbers are indicative and may change over time.

3. Cleaner Air and a Greener Planet

Rooftop solar systems also help reduce carbon emissions. For example, a 1 kW solar system is equivalent to planting 39 full-grown trees, removing over 25,000 kg of CO₂ from the air in 25 years!

Solar System Size Equivalent Trees Planted CO₂ Offset in 25 Years
1 kW3925,872 kg
2 kW7851,744 kg
3 kW11877,616 kg
4 kW1571,03,488 kg
5 kW1961,29,360 kg
10 kW3922,58,720 kg

Just imagine — if every home in India goes solar, we’ll have cleaner air and a much greener future for everyone. 🌱

What Are the Main Components of an On-Grid Solar System?

What Are the Main Components of an On-Grid Solar System?

Sunvinci ExpertsOctober 27, 2023

An on-grid solar system connects directly to your electricity grid and helps power your home using sunlight. Let’s understand how each part works together to generate clean, affordable energy.

1. Solar Panels

Solar panels are the most visible part of the system — they sit on your rooftop, usually facing south, to capture maximum sunlight. When sunlight hits the panels, it’s converted into direct current (DC) electricity. But since homes use alternating current (AC), the system needs a solar inverter to make this power usable.

2. Solar Inverter

The inverter is the heart of your solar system. It converts DC power from the panels into AC power — the kind your home appliances use. Without the inverter, the electricity generated by your solar panels wouldn’t be compatible with your household power system.

3. Solar Mounting Structures

These are the strong metal frames that hold the panels in place. They keep the panels at the right angle and ensure they stay secure even during heavy winds or rain. High-quality mounting structures are made from hot-dip galvanized steel, which prevents rust and ensures they last 25+ years.

4. Solar Accessories

Accessories might look small but they’re essential for safety and efficiency. They include AC & DC Cables, DC Combiner Box, AC Combiner Box, Earthing Wires & Strips, and MC4 Connectors.

5. Bi-Directional (Net) Meter

A net meter measures both the electricity you use from the grid and the excess electricity you send back. At the end of the month, your electricity bill shows the net balance — you pay only for what you’ve consumed beyond what you’ve supplied.

Every component — from solar panels to the net meter — works together to create an efficient, safe, and long-lasting solar system. Once installed, it can help you cut electricity costs, reduce pollution, and enjoy energy independence for decades.

How Does an On-Grid Solar System Work?

How Does an On-Grid Solar System Work?

Sunvinci ExpertsOctober 26, 2023

Let’s see how sunlight actually turns into usable electricity for your home.

  1. Capturing Solar Energy: Solar panels on your roof capture sunlight using photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
  2. Converting DC to AC Power: Since our homes use alternating current (AC), the solar inverter converts the DC electricity from the panels into AC power.
  3. Power Flow Through the Net Meter: After conversion, the electricity passes through a bi-directional (net) meter. This special meter keeps track of both the electricity your system sends to the grid and the electricity your home imports from the grid.
  4. Using Solar Power at Home: During the day, your home appliances — lights, fans, TV, fridge, etc. — use the solar electricity produced by your system.
  5. Sending Extra Power to the Grid: When your solar system produces more power than your home needs, the extra electricity automatically flows back to the grid.
  6. Using Grid Power at Night: At night or on cloudy days, when your panels aren’t generating enough power, the system automatically imports electricity from the grid.

An on-grid solar system works like a smart power manager — using sunlight when it’s available, sharing extra power with the grid, and drawing from the grid only when needed. This keeps your home powered 24/7, while helping you save big on electricity bills and support clean energy.

Types of Solar Inverters

Types of Solar Inverters

Sunvinci ExpertsOctober 25, 2023

The two most common solar inverters in India are String Inverters and Micro-Inverters.

1. String Inverters

  • Converts DC power from a series of solar panels into AC power.
  • Pros: Lower cost upfront, simple setup for large, uniform roofs.
  • Cons: If one panel has a problem, the whole string’s output can drop by up to 50%. Less efficient when panels are partially shaded. Difficult to monitor individual panels.

2. Micro-Inverters

  • Each panel has its own small inverter (about the size of an iPad).
  • Pros: High efficiency, even if some panels are shaded. Flexible design; easy to add or change panels. Individual panel monitoring for easy troubleshooting.
  • Cons: Higher upfront cost.

Quick Comparison

Feature String Inverter Micro-Inverter
Efficiency under shadeLowerHigh
System design flexibilityLimitedFlexible
MonitoringCentralizedPanel-level
CostLowerHigher
Damage impactWhole string affectedOnly damaged panel affected

Summary:

  • String inverters: Good for large, shade-free roofs; cheaper upfront.
  • Micro-inverters: Best for irregular or shaded roofs; more efficient but costlier.