The adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for decentralized, off-grid electricity is witnessing rapid growth in India. Bareilly, receives abundant sunlight and holds immense potential for solar-based applications. Off-Grid Solar Energy Systems in Bareilly present an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for meeting the electricity needs of urban households.

This detailed article covers the working, advantages, components, costs, subsidies, sizing and installation process of setting up an off-grid solar system on your residential premises in Bareilly.

Introduction

The city of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh suffers from frequent power cuts, especially in rural areas. An off-grid solar system is an ideal solution for reliable backup power. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about installing an off-grid solar system in Bareilly- costs, sizing considerations, top suppliers in the city, available government subsidies, and answers to common questions.

What is An Off-Grid Solar System?

An off-grid solar system is designed to work independently of the electricity grid. It consists of solar panels, batteries, charge controllers and inverters.

The solar panels charge the batteries during the day. The stored energy in the batteries is used to power electrical appliances and lights at night or during a power cut via the inverter. There is no need for any approval from the electricity board since it works separately from the grid.

Off-grid systems are suitable for the following situations:

• Locations with frequent or long power cuts (more than 2 hours per day)
• Areas still without grid connectivity like remote villages
• As a reliable backup source during power failures

In urban Bareilly, off-grid systems are gaining popularity among homeowners as uninterrupted power backup.

Off-Grid Solar System Components

The major components of an off-grid solar system are:

• Solar Panels – Made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Mono- and poly-crystalline silicon panels are most common.
• Charge Controller – Regulates the voltage and current from the solar panels charging the battery. Prevents overcharging and protects the battery.
• Inverter – Converts the DC output of the solar panels/batteries into 230V AC that can run home appliances.
• Batteries – Store the electricity generated from the solar panels during the daytime for use at night. Lead-acid batteries are widely used. Lithium-ion batteries have higher performance.
• Balance of System – Includes circuit breakers, junction boxes, cables and other accessories vital for installation and operation.

Off-Grid Solar System Working

Here is how an off-grid solar system works:

1. Solar panels mount on the roof to absorb sunlight and generate DC electricity
2. The charge controller regulates the power from the panels to charge the batteries
3. The batteries store electricity produced by the solar panels during the day
4. The inverter converts the DC output of the batteries into AC power
5. The AC power runs lights, fans, TVs, and other home appliances

During a power cut from the grid, the system taps into the battery bank to supply essential backup power via the inverter.

Cost of Off-Grid Solar System in Bareilly

The total cost of an off-grid solar system includes the products, transportation, installation charges and taxes. Let’s look at indicative pricing for different capacities:

The Estimate cost of an off-grid solar system in Bareilly for residential, commercial, or industrial use:

Residential Use

• A basic 1kW off-grid solar system for a home costs around Rs 65,000-85,000
• A complete off-grid solar system with batteries for backup can cost Rs 1.3-2 lakhs for a 2kW system and Rs 1.9-2.15 lakhs for a 3kW system

Commercial Use

• A 10kW off-grid solar system costs Rs 6-7 lakhs
• A 50kW system costs Rs 22-28 lakhs
• A 100kW system costs Rs 45-55 lakhs
• A 500kW system costs Rs 2-2.4 crores

The cost varies based on the type of solar panels, batteries, inverters and overall system design. High efficiency mono PERC solar panels and lithium batteries increase costs but also improve performance.

Industrial Use

Pricing information specific for industrial off-grid systems in Bareilly was not provided in the search results. However, costs can be extrapolated from the commercial solar system costs above, with larger systems above 500kW likely priced on a custom basis depending on the specific power needs and components used.

Off-grid solar system costs in Bareilly range from Rs 65,000 for a basic 1kW residential system to over Rs 2 crores for a large commercial 500kW system. Quotes from solar installers should be obtained for more accurate pricing based on specific requirements.

The battery configuration (single vs double) determines the number of hours of backup power available. More batteries equals longer hours of power but higher cost.

MPPT inverters are about 15% more efficient than PWM inverters. So while MPPT inverters cost more upfront they can provide better savings in the long term.

Apart from system capacity, the final pricing depends on:

• Choice of solar panels and battery brands
• Product certifications and warranties
• Additional installation complexity

Reputed suppliers like Prefuel Energy provide 5 years warranty on the solar panels and 2 years warranty on the inverter and batteries.

Sizing An Off-Grid Solar System in Bareilly

Sizing an off-grid solar system means calculating the right capacity as per your household’s electricity requirement.

Follow this 4-step process:

Step 1 – Determine total load, that is the wattage rating of all appliances and lights that need to run on solar power. Common loads:

Step 2 – Estimate the daily usage hours for each appliance and multiply it by the wattage to arrive at Watt-hours (Wh) consumption.

For example, 5 fans x 70 watts x 6 hours = 2,100 Wh. Add up the Wh for all loads per day.

Step 3 – With the total Wh needed per day, assume 4 hours of peak sun to allow for cloudy days. Choose a solar panel size that can deliver the required Wh in 4 sunlight hours.

For example, if the total load is 8,000 Wh per day then the solar array should be = 8,000 Wh / 4hrs = 2,000 watts (2kW)

Step 4 – Finally, size the battery bank to store enough energy to power the loads for 1-3 days in case of low sunlight. A general thumb rule is to have at least 3 days of autonomoy.

Correctly sizing a solar system will ensure it can meet your household electricity needs reliably.

Top Off-Grid Solar Suppliers in Bareilly

Some of the leading solar system integrators in Bareilly is Prefuel Energy, your one stop shop for all solar needs.

Prefuel energy an Off-Grid Solar Suppliers in Bareilly offers turnkey design, supply, installation and maintenance of solar power systems in Bareilly. You can compare multiple quotes from these solar integrators before deciding. Some also have product display centers where you can view solar equipment models before purchase.

Apart from overall experience, check for these aspects when selecting a solar installer:

• Years in business
• Installations track record
• Technical expertise of design team
• Product quality and certifications
• Responsiveness and customer ratings
• Warranties and after-sales service

Government Subsidies for Off-Grid Solar in Bareilly

The government of Uttar Pradesh, through various policies and programs, offers subsidies for off-grid solar projects in Bareilly and other parts of the state. These subsidies aim to encourage the adoption of solar energy, particularly in rural and remote areas, by making solar installations more affordable for residential, commercial, and industrial users.

Residential Use

For residential installations, the government provides a subsidy scheme that significantly reduces the cost of setting up off-grid solar systems. The subsidy is structured as follows:

• For systems up to 3kW: A subsidy of 40% of the benchmark cost is provided.
• For additional capacity up to 10kW: Beyond the initial 3kW, an additional capacity up to 10kW is subsidized at 20% of the benchmark cost[4].

This subsidy is based on the benchmark costs set by the government and is aimed at promoting the use of solar energy in residential settings. The process for availing of the subsidy involves submitting necessary documents such as electricity bills, ID proof, and installation reports. The subsidy amount is then transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account within approximately 3 months[4].

Commercial and Industrial Use

While specific subsidy details for commercial and industrial off-grid solar installations in Bareilly were not directly mentioned, the government’s broader initiatives to support solar energy imply that subsidies and incentives may also be available for these sectors. These could be part of larger state or national policies aimed at increasing renewable energy capacity.

Programs and Policies

• Remote Village Electrification Programme: This program focuses on electrifying villages and majras where grid connectivity is not feasible. It offers a 90% grant in aid through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), with the remaining cost borne by the state government or beneficiary.
• Mini-Grid Policy 2016: Aimed at ensuring power supply in rural areas through mini-grid power plants based on renewable energy. This policy provides subsidies for projects installed in villages identified by the government, encouraging private developers to set up mini-grid projects.

The government of Uttar Pradesh offers substantial subsidies for off-grid solar installations in Bareilly, particularly for residential use. These subsidies make solar energy more accessible and affordable, aligning with broader goals to increase renewable energy usage across the state.

For accurate and up-to-date information on subsidies for commercial and industrial installations, potential applicants should consult directly with relevant government agencies or authorized solar energy service providers.

Why Opt for a Solar Off-Grid System at Home?

Here are the top benefits of switching to a standalone solar power system for your residence in Bareilly:

• Overcomes hindrances of unreliable grid supply and power cuts
• Saves high electricity bills with free solar energy during daytime
• Clean, noise-free renewable energy with no emissions
• Lower maintenance costs than diesel gensets
• Utilizes Lucknow’s high annual solar radiation effectively
• Scalable system that can support increased electric loads
• Provides energy autonomy and self-reliance

Working Mechanism of Off-Grid Solar Systems

Off-grid solar PV systems are designed to generate, store and supply electricity independently of the main utility grid. They consist of:

• Solar PV Panels – Convert sunlight into electricity
• Charge Controller – Regulates energy flow into batteries
• Inverter – Converts DC output into usable AC power
• Battery Bank – Stores energy to use when solar panels are not producing

During daytime, the solar panels directly power the connected appliances and devices while simultaneously charging the batteries. After sunset, the stored energy in batteries is utilized via the inverter to provide uninterrupted power.

Ideal Setup Components for a Bareilly

The right configuration of solar system components should be selected based on your home’s daily power consumption, load usage patterns, shade, space and budget.

For a typical 3BHK household in Bareilly with 5 members and average electricity usage, the recommended off-grid solar system setup would consist of:

• 2 kWp Solar PV Panels
• 2 kVA Hybrid Inverter
• 16 kWh Lithium-ion Battery Bank
• Solar Charge Controller and Wiring

This appropriately sized system can generate 8-10 kWh of electricity per day, adequate for running all basic home appliances like lights, fans, TV, fridge, phone charging, etc.

Lithium-ion batteries are preferred as they have a longer lifespan and better performance than lead-acid batteries in terms of capacity retention and low maintenance.

These benefits can reduce the effective cost of your home solar power plant by 50% or more.

Why Prefuel Energy for Off-Grid Solar in Bareilly

Site Evaluation and Load Calculation

Proper site evaluation and electricity load calculation by a solar installer should be done before designing an optimal off-grid solar system for your Bareilly residence.

The site visit will assess:

• Shadow analysis to identify obstruction-free roof area for panel installation
• Load requirements of all household electrical points and appliances
• Average daily energy consumption patterns
• Feasibility of battery bank and inverter placement

Based on the site analysis and energy usage evaluation, the right solar system sizing will be proposed to support your home’s power requirements.

Customizable System Capacity

A key benefit of standalone solar systems is their modular nature which allows flexible expansion of capacity whenever needed.

You can start small with a 1 kWp system for basic loads and incrementally add more panels, batteries and inverters to scale up the system as your energy needs increase.

Proper provisions and space should be kept for future upgrades during initial installation.

Expert Support for Design, Approvals, Installation

Prefuel Energy has highly recommended to engage professional solar installers in Bareilly to handle the end-to-end process. Reputed companies like Prefuel Energy will provide:

• Technical design and blueprint as per your needs
• Selection of appropriate components and capacity
• Securing necessary clearances and net metering approvals
• Civil work, structural support and electrical connections
• Commissioning and integration with your power system
• Testing, maintenance and after-sales support

This will ensure your home’s solar system is safely and optimally designed, installed and maintained for maximum ROI.

Best Practices for Off-Grid Solar Setup

Here are some tips to follow for maximum efficiency when installing your rooftop solar power system in Bareilly:

• Select high quality branded components with guarantees and warranties
• Ensure panels are south-facing with no shade or obstruction
• Allow sufficient airflow behind solar panels for cooling
• Use lightning arrestors and earthing for safety
• Keep batteries and inverter in ventilated, insulated enclosures
• Optimize the angle of panel tilt to around 30 degrees
• Clean panels periodically and trim overgrown vegetation
• Check connections, fuses, terminals periodically for faults
• Upgrade capacity by adding panels and batteries as needed

Key Takeaways on Residential Off-Grid Solar in Bareilly:

• Abundant solar potential makes Bareilly highly suited for off-grid systems
• 2-3 kWp roof-mounted systems work well for average households
• Lithium-ion batteries have better performance than lead-acid
• 50% cost reduction through subsidies and tax benefits
• Professional installers should handle design, approval and commissioning
• Modular and scalable systems support future expansion
• Reliable clean energy source with 25+ years lifespan

With falling prices and supportive policies, solar off-grid systems are a smart investment for Bareilly homes seeking energy independence, cost savings and sustainable power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I hope this guide gives you a detailed overview of important considerations for installing an off-grid solar power system in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Off-grid solar delivers reliable, low-maintenance electricity supply and shields you from grid power cuts.

Size the system properly as per your requirement. Purchase quality certified products from reputed solar companies in Bareilly. Claim available government incentives to make it even more affordable. Use this guide to make the right purchase decision.