How well is India tapping its rooftop solar potential?
- India’s installed rooftop solar (RTS) capacity increased by 2.99 GW in 2023-2024, the highest growth in a year.
- As of March 31, the total installed RTS capacity in India was 11.87 GW, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
RTS programme
- India launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission in January 2010.
- Its main objective was to produce 20 GW of solar energy (including RTS) in three phases
- In 2015, the government revised this target to 100 GW by 2022.
- In December 2022, India had an installed RTS capacity of 7.5 GW and extended the deadline for the 40-GW target to 2026.
- India’s overall RTS potential is approximately 796 GW.
- To meet India’s target of installing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity, with a solar component of 280 GW, by 2030, RTS alone needs to contribute about 100 GW by 2030.
How are States faring
- In 2024, the RTS capacities of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan had taken big strides while some others were behind the curve.
- Rajasthan boasts of the highest RTS potential in the country. Its efforts to streamline approvals, provide financial incentives, and promote RTS through public–private partnerships have spurred this growth.
- However, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, among others, are yet to fully explore their RTS potential.
- Their challenges include bureaucratic hurdles, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of public awareness.
‘Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’
- It is a flagship initiative to fit one crore households with RTS systems and help them get up to 300 units of free electricity every month.
- An average system size of 2 kW for targeted households will result in a total RTS capacity addition of 20 GW.
- The scheme also encourages the adoption of advanced solar technologies, energy storage solutions, and smart grid infrastructure.
How can RTS grow?
- Creating awareness is key to getting consumers on board.
- In addition, RTS needs to be economically viable for households.
- While government subsidies are helping, multiple low-cost financing options are required.
- The number of banks and non-bank financial companies providing RTS loans has increased of late.
- Access to low-cost RTS loans should be as easy as getting a bike or car loan.
- Promoting R&D in solar technology, energy storage solutions, and smart-grid infrastructure can lower costs, improve performance, and enhance the reliability of RTS systems.
- Investments in training programmes, (like the ‘Suryamitra’ solar PV technician programme initiated in 2015), vocational courses, and skill development initiatives will help build a skilled workforce.
- As the scheme’s implementation enters full swing, net-metering regulations, grid-integration standards, and building codes should be reviewed and updated to help address emerging challenges and facilitate smooth implementation.