Question 1

Why are warehouses ideal for solar installation?

Accepted Answer

Warehouses have India's most solar-friendly roof profile: large, flat, unobstructed rooftops with minimal shading. A 1 lakh sq.ft warehouse can host 500-800kW of solar. The high roof-to-built-up-area ratio means more solar capacity per rupee of EPC cost compared to other building types.

Question 2

How much solar does a cold storage facility need?

Accepted Answer

Cold storage compressors are the dominant load, running 18-22 hours per day. A 1,000 MT cold storage typically needs 300-800kW connected load. Solar covers the daytime compressor load (8-10 hours) directly, reducing grid consumption by 30-40%. Battery plus solar covers gap periods between solar generation and compressor cycles.

Question 3

What is the solar ROI for a logistics warehouse in India?

Accepted Answer

A 500kW rooftop system on a logistics warehouse at HT tariff Rs8/unit saves Rs50-65L per year. EPC cost: Rs1.9-2.2Cr. After 40% depreciation benefit, net effective cost is Rs1.7-1.97Cr. Payback: 3.5-4.5 years. IRR: 22-28%.

Question 4

Can warehouses claim 40% accelerated depreciation on solar?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Warehousing companies, logistics firms, and cold storage operators registered as companies qualify for 40% accelerated depreciation under Section 32 of the Income Tax Act. This reduces the net effective cost of a Rs2 crore solar plant by Rs20 lakh in the first year at 25% tax rate.

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