Q&A GUIDLINE FOR INVESTING A ROOFTOP SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEMS

1. How should I begin and is there any Government Agency to get required information

Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) is the responsible institute to develop the renewable energy sector in Sri Lanka SEA is established under the Act No.35, 2007. Anybody can collect information by calling to +94 11 2677445 or visiting our office, 1st floor, Block 05, BMICH, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07 or visiting the web page.

2. How do I get the correct information on feasibility of doing roof top solar systems: monthly income, cost , payback period, types of solar systems etc?

To get this information visit the SEA web page and log on to Battle for Solar Energy.

3. How do I contact the right person and what am I supposed to do next?

It is advised to contact only the SEA registered PV companies.
Check out SEA’s registered solar PV service provider Directory at SEA web Battle For Solar Energy.

4. Check out the credibility of registered PV Service Providers.

  • Check the past experience on installed PV projects.
  • Compare the No. of solar PV units / projects that they have installed.
  • What is the total capacity of PV systems installed?
  • How long have they been in the PV business?
  • Visit and eye see few households that have installed PV systems from the service provider.
  • Word of mouth references can be helpful.

5. Get 3 to 5 quotations from the Registered PV Service Providers

Do not base your decision on the choice of Registered PV Service Provider on the lowest price offer. Here are some tips on what to ask for:
  • Check out the office and business address. They must have a brick-and-mortar business and not a home operated business.
  • Look at the quality of materials especially the main components i.e. PV modules and the inverter. They must have compiled with the IEC or TUV certification.
  • Check the warranty period of the main components. For PV modules, manufacturing defect warranty is typically for 10 years. While the performance warranty is typically for 25 years. The end of 25 years, THe degradation of performance should not exceed 20 % for inverters, manufacturing defect warranty is typically between 5 to 10 years.
  • Compare the overall system warranty period. Minimum of 24 months is preferred and often this is subjected to further negotiation with the Service Provider.
  • Ask for the expected energy generation from your PV system on monthly and annual basis. Energy generation is measured in kWh (1 MWh = 1,000 kWh).
  • Estimate monthly payment that you may receive for expected generation from the CEB / LECO based on the tariff system.

6. Beware of misleading information

Some marketing people may provide misleading information, e.g.
  • Overpromising of high returns from PV systems.
  • Saying that PV system does not need any maintenance service at all. PV systems do require periodical maintenance service. It is recommended to check the overall cabling and cleaning of PV modules annualy as the performance of a PV system is directly affected when dust is precipitated on the surfaces and due to shading. Make sure that surrounding trees have not overgrown.

7. Application Process

Collect the application for installing a roof top solar system from your Area Engineer's office of the CEB or LECO. Depend on your utility provider, submit the duly filed application form to them (more information can be found in CEB or LECO ).

8. How long does it take to install the PV System?

The installation can be completed within 1 - 2 weeks, subjected to weather conditions.

9. What is the life time of a PV panel

Life time of a typical solar PV panel is 25 years and life time of a typical inverter is between 5 to 10 years.

10. Contract and Payment

Always ask for a customer’s draft contract. The Registered PV Service Provider is recommended to use the standard contract prepared by SEA.
  • Contract should only be signed with Registered PV Service Provider company and not any marketing agent or individuals.
  • Be sure you understand the contract before you sign it. Any changes should be agreed and informed by both parties.

11. Monitor the progress of the Installation Work

  • Check regularly on the progress of the installation work.
  • Ensure your PV system is labeled accordingly, what to do and what not to do/touch, the single line diagram. Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manual should be handed over to you at the end of the installation.

12. Releasing of final Payment after Inspection

  • Before releasing the final payment, make sure that you are satisfied with the completed work. Inspect the installations based on your basic knowledge. (Tips: What you need to do for maintenance?. who to contact it your system is not performing as expected or if payment from utility gets delayed?, etc).

13. Don't misplace the agreements & documents related to your PV installation system

  • Make sure to keep a separated file for this purpose. This includes the contract, any written changes, all bills and invoices, receipts of payments and all correspondence with your Registered PV Service Provider and CEB / LECO. This should also include photos of the installation work in progress.

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