For Rachna Mathur and her husband Girish, getting a 3.5-kW solar power system installed at their home in March 2014 was a way of doing their bit for the environment. But, the family has a word of caution for those who planning to install solar panels on their roof-tops.
“Do not go for small companies or cheap products as there are hundreds of options available. They would die out in no time. It is best to ask your discom or buy from a known brand. Most of them are Chinese, but there are a couple of good options. German and US made panels can also be opted for. The life of solar PV system is for 25 years,” said Ms. Mathur who lives in the DDA flats at Sarita Vihar. She also runs an NGO, Sambhav.
This Diwali, the Mathur family was all smiles when the entire locality faced a power cut. “Ours was the only house that remained lit for a good one hour,” she said. Her husband, meanwhile, said their bills had come down by almost 50 per cent.
“It took us around Rs. 4 lakh to install the system, but it is worth it. We can run 14 tubelights, eight fans and two exhaust fans,” he said.