Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Gwalior (India)

Abstract

The growing demand for clean energy and the need to mitigate environmental degradation have accelerated the adoption of solar energy systems worldwide. This study investigates the technical, economic, and environmental viability of installing a 71-panel rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system in CP Colony, Morar, Gwalior, India. Detailed load assessments, site surveys, and system sizing were conducted, resulting in a calculated daily load of approximately 267.89 kWh and an annual consumption of 85,996.31 kWh. The PV system design utilized 450 Wp panels with 85% system efficiency, estimating an energy generation of 6.44 lakh INR per year. Economic evaluation indicated a total installation cost of ?17.07 lakh, which, after a 30% government subsidy, resulted in a net cost of ?11.95 lakh, yielding a payback period of under 2 years. Environmental analysis revealed a considerable reduction in carbon emissions, highlighting the sustainability benefits of the solar installation. Performance variability due to shading, maintenance, and orientation was also examined. Despite some technical and financial challenges, the system proved to be a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for localized energy generation. The study underscores the importance of policy incentives, system optimization, and public awareness to drive wider adoption of rooftop PV systems in urban India

Introduction

1. Background & Significance

With rising energy demand and the need to address climate change, solar energy is gaining momentum. Gwalior, due to its high solar potential and roof space availability, is an ideal location for deploying solar rooftop systems. This study investigates the technical feasibility, economic viability, and environmental benefits of implementing such a system in the city.

2. Objectives

• Analyze current energy consumption and infrastructure in Gwalior.

• Evaluate rooftop suitability for solar panel installation.

• Determine financial aspects including return on investment (ROI).

• Assess environmental impact through emissions reduction.

• Review relevant policies and engage key stakeholders.

3. Site Survey & System Type

A physical survey of buildings was conducted in April 2025 to measure rooftop space and check for obstructions. Two types of systems were considered:

• Off-grid system: Independent from the power grid, ideal for remote areas.

• On-grid system: Connected to the power grid, allowing excess power to be sold back (via net metering).

4. Load & Energy Consumption

Detailed load calculation for buildings yielded a total connected load of 15,683W, with annual energy consumption estimated at 85,996.31 kWh.

5. System Design & Estimation

a) System Sizing

• Required system energy: 267,894 Wh/day

• One 450W panel (actual 344.25W usable) generates approx. 3786.75 Wh/day

• 71 solar panels needed to meet daily demand

b) Cost Estimation

• Total Cost: ?17,07,000

• Subsidy (30%): ?5,12,100

• Net Cost: ?11,94,900

c) Savings & Payback

• Annual electricity cost savings: ?6,44,973

• Payback period: ~1.85 years (under 2 years)

6. Energy Generation & System Performance

• Combined daily generation: ~267.90 kWh

• Solar panels effectively utilized local solar radiation

• Resulted in significant energy cost savings and increased self-sufficiency

7. Environmental Impact

• Marked reduction in CO? emissions

• Contributes to better air quality and climate change mitigation

8. Challenges & Recommendations

Benefits:

• Lower electricity bills

• Positive environmental impact

• Short payback period

Challenges:

• High initial investment

• Maintenance needs

• Variability due to shading or poor orientation

Recommendations:

• Raise public awareness of solar benefits

• Offer more financial incentives and tax breaks

• Simplify permitting and grid connection processes

• Encourage net metering policies

• Promote R&D for better efficiency and lower costs

Conclusion

The performance evaluation of the 16 solar plate solar roof plants in CP Colony, Morar, Gwalior, demonstrated their significant energy generation capacity, efficient solar resource utilization, and positive economic and environmental impact. While challenges exist, the benefits and lessons learned from this study provide valuable insights for policymakers, residents, and businesses interested in implementing solar rooftop PV systems. Continued efforts to overcome challenges and optimize system performance will contribute to the widespread adoption of solar energy and the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future in CP Colony, Morar, Gwalior, and beyond. some hypothetical numeric data examples that could be included in the results section of your thesis on the energy, economic, and environmental performance of a solar rooftop photovoltaic system in CP Colony, Morar, Gwalior.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Abhishek Singh, Amit Agrawal. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.