Let's revisit Mr. Patel's scenario for financing his rooftop solar installation and how it can pay for itself over time:
Mr. Patel's Scenario:
- Location: Gwalior, India
- Solar Panel System Size: 5 kW
- Installation Cost: INR 2,85,000 (including subsidy)
- Annual Electricity Consumption: 10,000 kWh
- Average Electricity Tariff Rate: INR 8 per kWh
Financing Options:
- Upfront Payment:
- Mr. Patel decides to pay the full installation cost of INR 2,85,000 upfront.
Loan Financing:
- Mr. Patel opts for a solar loan with a fixed interest rate over a certain term (let's assume 5 years) to cover the installation cost.
Calculations:
1. Upfront Payment:
- Mr. Patel pays INR 2,85,000 upfront for the solar panel installation.
- Over the years, he saves on electricity bills due to solar energy generation.
2. Loan Financing:
- Let's assume Mr. Patel secures a loan for the full installation cost of INR 2,85,000 at an interest rate of 8% per annum for 5 years.
Monthly Loan Payment:
- Using a loan calculator, the monthly loan payment for a 5-year term at 8% interest rate is approximately INR 5,818.
Electricity Savings:
- With a 5 kW solar panel system, Mr. Patel can generate approximately 9,125 kWh of electricity annually.
Annual Electricity Savings:
- Mr. Patel's annual electricity bill savings can be calculated based on the electricity tariff rate of INR 8 per kWh and the annual solar energy generation.
- Annual Electricity Savings = 9,125 kWh/year × INR 8/kWh = INR 73,000.
Analysis:
1. Upfront Payment:
- Mr. Patel pays INR 2,85,000 upfront for the solar installation.
- Over the years, he enjoys electricity bill savings of INR 73,000 annually.
- Therefore, Mr. Patel's rooftop solar installation will pay for itself in approximately 3.9 years (2,85,000 / 73,000).
2. Loan Financing:
- Mr. Patel makes monthly loan payments of INR 5,818 for 5 years, totaling INR 3,49,080 over the loan term.
- Additionally, he saves INR 73,000 annually on electricity bills.
- Despite the loan payments, Mr. Patel still experiences net savings on his electricity bills.
- Mr. Patel's rooftop solar installation will pay for itself during the loan term, and he continues to benefit from electricity bill savings beyond that.
Conclusion:
- Financing a rooftop solar installation can pay for itself over time through electricity bill savings.
- Whether paying upfront or through loan financing, Mr. Patel benefits from reduced electricity expenses and eventually achieves a return on his investment.
- Investing in solar energy not only contributes to sustainability but also offers financial benefits in the long run.