How to invest in renewables and generate solar electricity without a roof?
There can be quite a bit of mess involved in the installation of solar roof panels. The high cost of setup and inadequate or shaded roofs make solar energy inaccessible for many people. So, here we have some innovative ways to generate electricity with no roof panels.
Our lives have become more convenient and comfortable because of the availability of energy. Solar power has been the most sustainable and beneficial energy source in the world among multiple energy sources. This makes solar energy even more compelling since it can be used for a wide range of purposes. It is eco-friendly and saves considerable money in the long run, making solar power a win-win situation. And if you are living in a country like India which receives abundant solar radiation whole year long, missing out using solar energy almost seems like a sin!!Solar Energy: An Overview
Generally, solar energy works by converting light energy from the sun into electricity. Flat solar panels can be attached to a structure's roof or arrayed across open spaces to create photovoltaic (PV) energy. Thermal solar uses a series of mirrors to focus the sun's energy on a single point, turning water into steam, which then turns a turbine. The use of photovoltaic solar panels is much more common in consumer and business applications.
The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, allows individuals to make a significant portion of their energy consumption carbon-free and environmentally friendly. Aside from this, solar power offers other benefits such as higher energy efficiency, one-time installation of solar panels, and improved power grid security against unexpected power outages. Furthermore, once your solar panels are installed, they will last for approximately 20 years with little maintenance required, and they can even serve as an emergency backup power source.
Although solar energy offers numerous benefits, its adoption rate has stagnated over the years, and current energy production is nowhere near its maximum capacity. So, it is necessary to come up with new strategies to attract new potential buyers by identifying and working on:Why aren't more people adopting solar energy?
There are several factors contributing to the slow adoption of solar power systems, including:
A major weakness of this ownership model is that it expects power creators to also be power consumers. Solar products are traditionally marketed to individuals who invest in solar and use the power produced. As natural as this may seem, it gives way to operational dependence on individual capacities, including usage thresholds, space available, access to finance, as well as the policies governing that region.
Investing in solar biscuits, an innovation in the financial industry may help eliminate consumers' hesitation about solar power and encourage more adoption of greener habits. Let's take a closer look at what solar biscuits are and how they work: What is a Solar Biscuit?
A solar biscuit, also known as Digital Solar, is a portion of a solar plant hosted online that investors can purchase. Investors can then receive "power dividends" from their biscuit assets when a business or individual uses them to generate electricity. You can offset carbon emissions by encouraging the adoption of solar energy through this novel method of green financial investment.
The best way to understand digital solar (SundayGrids) is to buy one or more biscuits. Biscuits are symbolic representations of pieces of solar farms installed elsewhere by other businesses or individuals. When you purchase a biscuit, you become the owner of the solar panel, and when it generates power, the business pays you for it. Having more biscuits means generating more solar power, which leads to more revenue. You can lease it to tenants for a fixed amount, similar to owning a rental property.
It's like using a cloud storage service (like Google Drive or DropBox) to access and subscribe to a part of a solar array located elsewhere to reduce your electricity bills using offsets from those arrays. Digital solar allows you to subscribe to a portion of solar biscuits without installing anything.Why Biscuits?
Solar biscuits simplify clean energy by removing installation, operation, and maintenance burdens from utilities, as well as improving flexibility and scalability. Their framework converts solar assets into transferable power dividends (calculated by combining a fraction of the system cost with the wattage cost) with a predetermined rate of return. It makes solar biscuits a truly universal form of equity since users are not dependent on any specific configuration.
The main advantage of solar biscuits is that they are cheaper than rooftop solar panels. In the case of a monthly electricity bill of Rs 6,000, the actual monthly payment will be about Rs 300, depending on how many biscuits you purchase. Everyone should have access to solar energy, regardless of where they live or what kind of homes they own. Solar energy is more than a luxury for those with independent houses and sprawling roofs. Digital solar will enable us to make that leap. There are 10 watts of capacity in each biscuit and it costs Rs 600.
Ideally, 250-300 biscuits would be reserved for a residential building to offset its monthly bill of around Rs 2,000.Some of the prominent SundayGrids alternatives in India are as follows:
1.SustVest
With SustVest, retail investors can invest in fractional ownership of renewable energy projects such as solar or electric vehicles. In contrast to other companies, Sustvest allows investors to invest in fractional ownership of clean energy assets like solar or electric vehicles with a ticket size as low as $5,000. Investments are used to power residential complexes, factories, and schools. Bills are sent to your customers for the clean power produced by your asset every month. Your wallet is credited with the monthly income generated by your asset. You can earn up to 15% returns on your investment or exit after a predetermined lock-in period.2. Pyse
Pyse is a green-only alternative investment platform similar to Sustvest. The Pyse platform has been in the market for quite some time now and has a constant flow of deals. Investors can expect returns of around 11-13% with this platform while also contributing to a more environmentally friendly world. There is also a minimum investment of Rs.5000 (as with Sustvest).3. Grip Invest
Grips Invest is a popular platform for listing equipment and asset leasing investment opportunities. There are a lot of deals on this platform related to EV charging stations, battery-powered vehicles, etc. Aside from these green assets, they have a constant flow of asset-based financings for renowned brands. With Grip Invest, investors can expect an average return of 12-13% with a minimum investment of Rs.20000.The Best Ways to Get Solar Power Without Installing Panels on Your Roof
Energy needs are constantly increasing in the modern era, and non-renewable sources of energy are projected to run out faster than they can be replenished. Solar power is one renewable energy source that will never run out as long as we live under the sun, so there is a growing need for renewable energy sources. Although solar panels are the most common method of harnessing solar power, not everyone has access to them due to a variety of reasons. One of the biggest costs is the initial installation of solar panels. Some people don't install solar panels because they live in a rented space that does not allow it, or they don't want to deal with the hassle of taking them down when they move.
Solar energy may also not be feasible on some roofs due to obstructions from taller objects such as roofs or buildings or because one only needs solar power on the go. Solar power can still be accessed by everyone without having to install panels on their roofs thanks to brilliant technological advancements. We will take you through some of the ways for getting solar power without installing panels on your roof.1. Ground-Mounted Solar Power:
In ground-mounted solar power, the panels are mounted directly on the ground. Panels are fixed to poles that can be adjusted to fit the land. Solar panels are positioned to receive as much sunlight as possible. 2. Solar Power Adapters/Converters:
A solar power converter allows you to purchase solar energy from a certified solar farm in your state. India has several large solar farms. It measures your energy usage and converts it into solar energy equivalent to what you use. Solar energy can be obtained this way without owning a solar grid. 3. Solar Cookers:
Solar cookers are a practical way to demonstrate how solar energy can be used to power a wide range of devices. For solar cookers, solar panels are mounted around the cooker or the utensil that needs to be heated. Solar panels absorb direct sunlight and heat the cooker. 4. Connection to Solar Grids:
Several solar grids are being built by the Government for public and private entities. If you want to invest in solar energy, you can connect to the solar grid and obtain energy just like normal electricity. There is no hassle involved in this method and it is pocket-friendly. 5. Solar Energy Plug:
A solar power plug is an interesting substitute for solar panels that are not on the roof. It is a portable plug that provides an outlet for electronic devices. The plug must be mounted in an area that receives adequate sunlight, such as on a wall, a window, etc. The attached devices are powered by the device's ability to absorb sunlight. 6. Solar Backpacks:
The solar power backpack is a great addition to the list of alternatives. Solar panels are attached to the front of these backpacks, allowing them to store energy for travel. Energy stored in the battery can be used to charge devices. Moreover, the backpack is waterproof and sturdy, making it ideal for long treks. 7. Solar Power Lights:
A solar light does not require solar panels to be mounted on the roof or wall. The lights are powered by solar panels that charge up during the day and last up to 12 hours. Electricity shortages and frequent power outages make these lights popular in areas with limited electricity. 8. Solar Chargers:
Solar chargers for mobile devices and tablets are common these days. Solar panels are attached to the construction, and there is an outlet for charging devices. 9. Portable Solar Generators:
Solar generators convert solar energy into electricity when there is a power outage or a shortage of electricity. The portable nature is one of the biggest advantages of this generator.10. Solar Devices that Charge with Sunlight:
The advancement of technology has led to many basic smart devices having an inbuilt battery that can be charged using sunlight. The device charges when you walk under the sun with it. It has a 12-hour battery life. 11. Solar Bikes and Watches:
It is also possible to use solar energy to power solar bikes and watches. Stationary solar panels on solar bikes charge the bike while it is stationary. The motor in the bike uses energy and does not require pedaling. Solar watches are also available on the market that is recharged by panels behind the crystal at night. Final Words
With numerous inventions in the solar power sector, it has become simpler and more affordable to obtain the benefits of solar power without panels. There is a growing use of solar energy in rural areas of India aimed at improving their quality of life. Also, in light of the high price of electricity, now is a great time to install solar panels in your home and start generating renewable electricity.
